Chapter 1101: There Is Still Hope

Ye Zhenzhen helplessly parked the car in the airport parking lot and boredly scrolled through her phone.

She had come today specifically to pick up that blind date partner she couldn't wriggle out of...

As expected, it was David. In the original drama, he dated Ye Zhenzhen, but due to various reasons, it ended badly.

Just like in the original drama, upon meeting again, the two engaged in a messy chat catching up on old times as they drove toward David's house.

"Originally, I planned to tidy myself up properly after returning before contacting you, but I never expected the blind date partner introduced to me would be you. How have you been lately?"

"As you can see, not good at all."

"Oh, right, I saw your post on Wang Wang Youquan a few days ago. It looked like you'd found some great master; good heavens, able to run and able to photograph, so multi-talented. Is he your boyfriend? That shouldn't be the case. If you have a boyfriend, why are you still being forced to come out on a blind date? Did some cliché novel plot happen where his family conditions aren't great, and your parents disapprove?"

"You really can spin wild fantasies; if you know it's cliché, why say it?"

"Reality is often even more absurd; who can say for sure, don't you agree?" David said, sitting in the passenger seat and looking at Ye Zhenzhen's lovely profile.

"Not for sure," Ye Zhenzhen smiled. "That's my upstairs neighbor; we met by chance once before. He works in private equity, managing over six billion in assets—a true financial tycoon of Shanghai Beach. He's quite amiable, gets along well with us, and since he's relatively free, he seems to have achieved success and fame, showing a hint of retiring from the martial world; anyway, he's just enjoying life. There happened to be a half-marathon event, so I invited him to join."

"Over six billion? Does he make the decisions himself?"

"What do you think? His family conditions are just that good. If we're really talking about matching social status, although the requirements for the female side aren't that high, our family's conditions are barely adequate too. His actual assets might not exceed ours, but the resources he controls are beyond what our family can compare to. The entry threshold for his private equity fund is ten million."

"That powerful? Then your luck is too good; a tycoon was hiding right where you live?"

"He once said something that I think makes perfect sense."

"What?"

"Fate is wonderfully inexplicable." A smile curved Ye Zhenzhen's lips.

"It truly is wonderful; who could have thought the blind date partner praised as unique in heaven and unmatched on earth would be you." David laughed heartily, then added, "But he definitely wasn't the first to say that; I've heard it before."

"Who cares; anyway, I heard it from him."

David said, "But I think he probably isn't as good at sports as I am; I'm a serious outdoor enthusiast. A boss as big as him probably doesn't have much time for exercise; he should be busy with social engagements outdoors, indulging in dissipation instead."

"Then you're mistaken; he knows Wu Gong. Someone like you, he could take on several alone. Moreover, he gets up early every morning to run and exercise; basically, he runs fifteen or sixteen kilometers every single morning. Ever since we added each other on WeChat, he has remained at the top of the Wang Wang Youquan rankings without dropping once. Every morning, the first thing the other Misses on the 22nd floor and I do is check WeChat Sports."

"In Yu Chuhui's words, seeing someone so wealthy yet so diligent and persistent makes her feel she cannot slack off. Taking a look every day gives her the strength to endure her humiliating job."

"Does it need to be that exaggerated?"

"You don't believe it?" Just as they waited at a red light, Ye Zhenzhen picked up her phone, opened WeChat, and found the sports ranking. "Here, take a look. Let me tell you, don't sit in a well and gaze at the sky, and definitely don't underestimate Guan Guan Guan Guan Xiaoqiao or the heroes under heaven. Within the strong there are always stronger hands; one mountain still towers above another; do you understand?"

David tapped into the contact profile note 'Scum Man' and scrolled through the past step count information. The daily step count was at least over twenty thousand, and on the highest day, it actually reached over forty thousand; he must have walked thirty or forty kilometers that day.

"Can he not afford a car?"

"One S8 and one Panamera."

"Such a big boss, yet he buys a Panamera? That car is no good; it's neither high nor low. A four-door Porsche; can that even be called a Porsche? This person's taste isn't very good, and he's reluctant to spend money."

Noticing Ye Zhenzhen was slightly unhappy, David also realized it wasn't good for him to slander someone behind their back. He immediately changed the subject and asked, "What's the story with you labeling him 'Scum Man'?"

"Literal meaning."

"No way? You two..."

Ye Zhenzhen glanced at him sideways: "Where did your mind go? It's just that he is a scum man. Wealthy, young, in good shape, and working in finance—he's in the dye vat of dye vats; how pure do you think he can be?"

"That's true too; isn't that just how things are now?" David nodded, then sighed and said, "Don't look at me with that kind of expression; I'm very pure."

"Who are you trying to fool?"

"Just think about it; I'm a backpacker, devoted to the outdoors, looking ragged every single day; where would I find the time or energy to be impure?"

"That makes some sense."

"Right?" David changed the subject. "It seems you've adapted very well during this time back in the country."

"What's there to adapt to? It's just that development has been so fast in recent years, changing with each passing day, giving one a feeling of great changes; everything else is fine..."

The two chatted and laughed like this, not feeling much estrangement, possessing quite the vibe of old friends meeting again.

But Ye Zhenzhen felt it was somewhat meaningless.

Everyone has a scale in their heart and always unconsciously makes comparisons; she was no exception.

While chatting with David, she couldn't help but use Wang Yan as a standard to compare against David. The result was naturally terrible; she discovered that David, who once made her feel a slight flutter in her heart, now seemed to evoke no feeling at all and appeared quite childish and ridiculous.

She wasn't a fool; she had already sensed David's intentions. Furthermore, within their conversation, she clearly felt David belittling Wang Yan, which made her feel somewhat disappointed in him.

But in reality, who doesn't talk about others behind their backs, and who isn't talked about? Discussing people behind their backs is truly a common occurrence. It's just that apart from being a scum man, Wang Yan is excellent in every other aspect; using him as a standard truly makes things difficult for others. Ye Zhenzhen had been getting along quite well with Wang Yan recently; as long as she didn't bias her heart toward David and viewed things objectively, naturally, no matter how she looked at David, he fell short...

After wandering outside all day and eating dinner out, Wang Yan strolled back to the Ode to Joy residential compound.

As soon as he arrived downstairs and entered, he saw Ye Zhenzhen dressed in sports attire talking to two men in the lobby downstairs. The sound of the door opening drew everyone's attention, allowing Wang Yan to see who the visitors were.

The visitors were precisely Lihu Qixing and the one called Little Huang. Last Saturday, or rather two days ago, Lucy had already mentioned Lihu Qixing's discharge from the hospital. But being discharged didn't mean he was fully recovered; Lihu Qixing's face still bore some spreading yellowish bruises.

Wang Yan smiled and asked, "What's the meaning of this? Have you come to fight at my door?"

As he spoke, he casually crossed his legs and sat on the lobby sofa, pulling out a Huazi cigarette and lighting it.

Seeing this made Lihu Qixing and that Little Huang grind their teeth in hatred; he was acting too pretentiously. Ye Zhenzhen, however, was quick-witted; seeing the look Wang Yan gave her, she quietly stepped back one pace. It wasn't that she feared getting hurt, but rather she was making room for them, giving them space to perform.

Lihu Qixing was alright; he hadn't lost his courage just because he was brutally beaten last time. Perhaps before coming, he had already anticipated possibly encountering Wang Yan and had mentally prepared himself.

"I'm here to find Lucy, not you," Lihu Qixing said, standing there. "But since we've met, I think I should still apologize to you. What I did before was wrong, and you beat me so badly; I think we're even now."

"Are you putting on a show for me here?"

Wang Yan took a drag of his cigarette and blew the smoke straight at Lihu Qixing; the smoke dispersed in mid-air but still startled Lihu Qixing, causing him to instinctively flinch, which showed he had been on guard the whole time.

Snorting with laughter, he flicked ash into the ashtray and said to Lihu Qixing, whose face looked terrible, "You came while injured, wanting Lucy to feel your sincerity, right? Now that you've met me, you hypocritically admit you were wrong, hoping to convey through Zhenzhen to Lucy to display your magnanimity?"

"You're quite interesting. You say you want to apologize to me, yet there isn't a single word of apology; you just say you were wrong, then say I beat you quite badly, and claim we're even?"

"What else do you want?" Lihu Qixing's voice involuntarily grew louder.

"It's not about what I want; it's about what you want. That dog of a father of yours called to threaten me; it's been nearly half a month, and I haven't seen his retaliation. Instead, you come to my door, hypocritically talking about apologizing, trying to step on me to showcase yourself."

"Didn't your parents teach you manners? I haven't said anything, nor have I cursed you; on what grounds do you curse my father?"

"Being unreasonable and evading the main point. You don't mention a single word about that dog of a father of yours threatening and intimidating me, yet you dwell on me cursing your father? The words you used to curse me at the boxing gym still ring in my ears; back then, I didn't say a single dirty word, so how have you learned to speak of manners now? It seems you do know.

"No need for you to act as You You Xiaozi here; I cursed your father directly.... That was your father on the phone, right? If you can't remember, no matter; the voice should be familiar at least. Fortunately, I recorded it at the time; come, listen to your father's concern for you."

Wang Yan took out his phone, fiddled with it for a while, turned the volume to maximum, and played the recording aloud in the main hall.

"... You dog thing, trying to scare your daddy? Have you lived in luxury so long you actually think you're somebody? Do you even deserve it? Just you wait and see who dies first."

"I'll f*** your..."

Amid Li Xun's furious shouts, the call recording cut off abruptly.

"Your father lacks refinement too; in that regard, you've inherited the family trait perfectly—both of you look human but act like dogs." Wang Yan mocked, then looked at Lihu Qixing, whose eyes were red with rage, teeth gritted, and fists clenched tight. "Didn't you say you weren't convinced last time? This main hall is spacious enough, and bare-knuckle fighting is quite thrilling. Come on, don't hold back; bring out that arrogant air of yours, you rich second generation."

It was still Little Huang who was sensible; seeing Lihu Qixing clench his fists without making a move or saying a word, he knew Li was stuck in a dilemma, unable to advance or retreat.

He pulled Lihu Qixing away immediately. "Let's go; don't bother with him. Let's see how long he can stay arrogant."

"If you're a coward, just say you're a coward. Admitting cowardice isn't shameful; being a coward but daring not to admit it is what makes people look down on you."

Wang Yan smiled mockingly, but received no response.

Because Lihu Qixing simply didn't have the guts to lash out. In fact, had he dared make even a single attacking move, Gao Di would have broken one of his legs today. This man's heart was too filthy; he was adept at playing petty tricks.

Ye Zhenzhen peeked out from the doorway, then turned to look at Wang Yan, who was sitting on the sofa smoking. "They're gone. Such cowards."

"Right? When bullying the vast number of powerless, penniless workers, each one acts more impressive than the last, but when it comes to a real confrontation, they're utterly incapable."

"You're the most impressive of all."

"I'll take that as a compliment."

Ye Zhenzhen pursed her lips, then changed the subject. "How about an exciting night run?"

"How exciting? The kind of excitement found in a small grove of trees?"

"Pfah."

Wang Yan laughed. "Look at you; you had to add the word 'exciting,' inviting so much speculation."

Just then, Lucy pushed open the door from the elevator side and happened to see the two of them chatting and laughing.

"Lucy, those two colleagues of yours from the gym last time came by; Wang Yan mocked them until they left."

"I came down specifically to chase them away. Since there's no issue, I'll head back up. You two chat." Lucy nodded, offered a polite smile, and turned to leave decisively.

"Nothing to chat about; when words don't match, half a sentence is too many. This man isn't serious, Lucy, so be careful. I'm leaving first. See you, hmph~" Ye Zhenzhen flicked her high ponytail, cast a disdainful glance at Wang Yan, and departed with an air of tsundere pride.

Wang Yan smiled, pressed his cigarette butt into the ashtray to extinguish it, stood up, and joined Lucy in waiting for the elevator.

"No fight broke out, right?"

"If he had that kind of courage, I'd actually look up to him a bit."

"That's true. After you beat him up, it's crystal clear whether he's a tiger or a dog." Lucy looked at Wang Yan, who was leaning against the wall, and said, "I noticed you've been getting quite close to the one in 2203?"

"Oh, jealous? Have you already gotten into character? I'm quite gratified."

"Get lost; I was just asking."

"Rest assured, I'm a man with universal love."

"A scumbag is a scumbag; no need to dress it up so nicely."

"No, no, no. A scumbag doesn't take responsibility, but I will." Wang Yan looked at her with a gentle smile until she shyly averted her gaze, then he asked with a laugh, "Any news yet? How did the investigation go?"

"Nothing so far; we're still making contact. But you need to be careful. Lihu Qixing hasn't committed any crime. If you really push him from the clouds down to the abyss, even a dog will jump over the wall when cornered, and he's not even a real dog."

"Then we'll just send him to keep his father company. If I can't beat him, can't I outrun him?"

"That's true; you really have endless energy."

Chatting and laughing, the two stepped into the elevator. Lucy smiled at Wang Yan. "See you tomorrow."

"Go ahead."

Wang Yan nodded with a smile.

The elevator doors closed, then opened again upon reaching the 23rd floor...

He Minhong was very unhappy—unhappy with Yu Chuhui's attitude toward her mother, the content of her speech, and her tone; in short, she was dissatisfied with everything. She complained a few words to Zhu Zhe, but seeing that Zhu Zhe showed little reaction and didn't share her indignation, she didn't say much more. Returning to her own room, she began typing furiously, intending to write a long post condemning Yu Chuhui.

But just as she was about to send it, she hesitated. She thought of Wang Yan, so she exited the memo where she had been drafting the text and looked at the pile of books stacked on her small desk.

Instead, she scrolled through WeChat, found the contact noted as 'Brother Yan,' opened the chat interface, and began typing furiously.

"Brother Yan, are you home? I've finished reading the books you brought last time. I'll bring them up and get a few new ones."

A few seconds later, the reply came: "Come up."

So He Minhong moved quickly, turned around, hugged a stack of books, and left her room.

"Going upstairs? Here, let me open the door for you."

"Sister Zhu, I'm going up to return books to Brother Yan and pick up a few new ones to read."

Zhu Zhe smiled warmly as she opened the door, then took a key and placed it into the pocket of He Minhong's pajamas. "I've put the room key in your pocket."

"Thank you, Sister Zhu."

"Go on, go on."

He Minhong huffed and puffed as she went upstairs, only to find Wang Yan's door already open. She walked in and closed the door behind her.

"Brother Yan, I'm here."

"You know the procedure: put back where you took from."

Wang Yan waved his hand lazily. He was curled up on the sofa reading, with soft, soothing music playing; it was extremely peaceful.

"Oh~" He Minhong replied, then wandered among the several rows of large bookshelves, returning the books she had borrowed to their original places while also selecting new ones.

After all that, she hugged the few newly selected books, walked slowly to the single sofa opposite Wang Yan, sat down, and blinked her big eyes at him.

Finding it amusing, Wang Yan put down his book and said, "If you have something to say, just say it directly."

"Brother Yan, you know Yu Chuhui's mother came. But in the last two days, she's been constantly scolding her mother, trying to control her, preventing her from contacting family members, and shouting at her."

"Get to the point; what are you trying to express?"

"I just feel what Yu Chuhui is doing is wrong. You know some of the details regarding her mother's situation, Brother Yan. Tell me, by manipulating her mother, going against her will, and controlling her choices, how is she different from those who bullied her mother? Yes, she doesn't beat her mother like her father did, but the words she says are extremely hurtful, and she shouts and yells. She thinks this is for her mother's good, but is what she thinks is suitable actually what her mother needs?

Can everything be done under the guise of 'for someone else's good'? Doesn't she know how to think from another's perspective? If she were in her mother's shoes and her daughter treated her this way, wouldn't she be heartbroken? Her mother raised her with great hardship; is this how she repays her mother?

She brought her mother over; it was even my suggestion earlier. But I never expected that once her mother arrived, she would treat her this way. Truly unfilial.

He Minhong spoke with righteous indignation, his tone lofty and solemn.

But in Wang Yan's view, this was utterly ironic. He Minhong was now criticizing Yu Chuhui, yet as the plot would later unfold, she herself would nearly destroy her own family; the contrast between before and after was indeed stark.

"So you just criticized Yu Chuhui like that?"

"I intended to criticize her; look, I've already written it out. But when it came time to send it, I hesitated. Yu Chuhui has a sharp tongue and a fiery temper; she ignites at the slightest spark. Since I had just finished my book, I came up to talk to you about it instead."

Wang Yan nodded with a smile. Fortunately, there was still hope. Compared to her conduct in the original story, not directly editing and sending the text, but instead seeking his validation, marked significant progress.

Of course, this was also because he had previously spoken some hard truths to He Minhong, and during these days when she came to borrow books, their casual exchanges had drawn them closer. Whether He Minhong had truly taken his words to heart was unknown, but at least she now regarded him as someone who would listen to her ramblings; thus, many things still held room for change.

In the original story, she had first complained to Zhu Zhe, but Zhu Zhe offered no response. Naturally, Zhu Zhe was not like He Minhong, who only processed what she wished to believe; Zhu Zhe saw things more comprehensively, understood better, and possessed greater empathy. He Minhong simply lacked such intellect.

Presumably, today was no different: having received no support from Zhu Zhe, and coincidentally encountering him, Wang Mou, her mood had eased somewhat. Otherwise, by now she would likely have already clashed with Yu Chuhui...