{It really matches the woman I saw in the video 1}

Cheng Shuangyi arrived, but Shen Qi left.

In the spacious American walnut-paneled private room, aside from Gu Wei, nobody was surprised by this turn of events. Instead, they were even more convinced that Cheng Shuangyi held a special significance in Shen Qi’s life, which only made Shen Qi’s discomfort more palpable.

They cautiously inquired about Cheng Shuangyi’s preference for red wine, and a prominent bottle of Médoc Lafite appeared prominently on the coffee table.

“Where’s Shen Qi?”

Cheng Shuangyi didn’t want her trip to be in vain. After waiting for what felt like an eternity, she figured that since she had taken the initiative to show up, there was no reason for Shen Qi to avoid her.

She wore a flowing wave-patterned gown in a vibrant red, making her stand out in the crowd. A rose gold Cartier bracelet adorned her ankle, sparkling with small diamonds.

As she perched on the armrest of the sofa, her legs swayed lightly, but there was a hint of impatience on her face.

“He said he went out for some fresh air. Miss Cheng, please have a seat and wait a moment,” the group quickly assured her, wiping the rim of their glasses with their shirt cuffs. They enthusiastically poured red wine for Cheng Shuangyi, not forgetting to emphasize, “With your beauty, Miss Cheng, it won’t be long before Mr. Shen returns.”

Cheng Shuangyi couldn’t help but feel that Shen Qi was being particularly aloof today. She had already made several attempts to reach out to him, even accommodating the troublesome kid twice. Logically, Shen Qi couldn’t possibly be unaware of her efforts.

He was holding back from seeing her so much that Cheng Shuangyi couldn’t help but worry he might be hurting himself.

Yet, she naively believed that Shen Qi was still the same Shen Qi, seemingly abstinent on the surface but secretly wild at heart.

Seated in the center of the private room, she observed the attentive men around her, noticing that the only one who seemed disengaged was Gu Wei, the very person who had initially contacted her.

Cheng Shuangyi lightly swirled her wine glass, disappointed to find that the Lafite was likely from 1990 rather than 1982. Suddenly, she turned to Gu Wei, who was lost in thought, and asked, “Gu Zong, why do you seem distracted when Shen Qi isn’t here?”

Gu Wei offered a hollow response, his mind still preoccupied with the woman in the video that Shen Qi kept replaying. “You know me; I always hope for the best for you two…”

But whether they could reconcile had become uncertain.

Maintaining a calm demeanor, Gu Wei fawned over the second young lady of the Cheng family while mentally strategizing how to avoid putting all his eggs in one basket. As for the group of foolish men, he had no intention of revealing anything too soon.

After all, compared to Shen Qi’s need to please the crowd, it was far more beneficial for him to cultivate a relationship with her.

Cheng Shuangyi attempted to comfort him, her tone resolute and her dark eyes exuding a touch of haughty indifference. “Shen Qi will come back.”

Deep down, she was annoyed with Gu Wei’s facade of righteousness; who knew what schemes he had in mind?

If Shen Qi didn’t return tonight, Gu Wei’s attitude toward her would likely flip 180 degrees. Among this group, he was the most opportunistic.

However, not long after Cheng Shuangyi’s words left her lips, the bartender informed them that Shen Qi had already left, landing a harsh slap in the face for the ever-confident Cheng Shuangyi.

Of course, she wasn’t going to let this embarrassing situation reflect on her own choices—

The young lady immediately threw a tantrum. “If he was going to leave, why did you call me here?!”

In her frustration, she nearly forgot that it was her suggestion of a special relationship with Shen Qi that led them to arrange this supposed reunion.

Fuming with indignation, Cheng Shuangyi vented her frustrations about the night, feeling especially humiliated. Here she was, reducing herself to a woman who had to chase after him, while he left without a care, striding out the door. Aside from Gu Wei, who subtly smirked, none of the others had anticipated this outcome.

As for the arrogant second young lady of the Cheng family, they naturally recognized her relationship with Shen Qi as something that couldn’t be offended.

Gu Wei, seeing through her, said, “I’ll have a driver take you home, Miss Cheng.”

“No need!”

Before leaving, Cheng Shuangyi didn’t forget to ridicule the bar’s amenities. “I won’t be coming to a place of this standard ever again!”

After saying that, she strode out of the bar.