Chapter 162

After changing shoes and taking off her coat, Wang Mou didn't say a word—he just grabbed his spear and mounted up… He never sought Yang Zixi for romance; it was that simple. To be honest, that girl at the bar who'd dumped him back then was even more exciting than Yang Zixi…

After a flurry of moans and sighs, Yang Zixi lay contentedly in Wang Mou's arms.

She was conflicted now, because she realized Wang Yan's shadow had grown larger and larger in her heart, until the man she thought she loved—Wu Di—had faded away. Especially two days ago, when she saw the 9/11 footage, it deepened further—she decided she'd be perfectly content spending her whole life as Wang Yan's little bee.

Wang Yan had met too many people; he'd watched Yang Zixi's changes all along. This situation arose from multiple factors, but the main one was still that Wang Mou was rich. Second, Wang Mou had won her body and heart—after all, the most direct path to a woman's heart was a powerful something.

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In short, he had her completely under control.

Wang Yan toyed with the small hill-like mound, remembering how this woman had once insisted on opening a flower shop, and asked: "How's your flower shop coming along?"

"Still looking for a location—I haven't found anything suitable. Too far away, I won't go. Too close to home, the rent's too high…"

When she mentioned the high rent, Yang Zixi pressed herself harder into Wang Yan's arms. A shop inside the Second Ring Road, plus renovation costs—how much would that be? Her two million still had to cover clothes, shoes, and bags.

And even if she found a place, she wouldn't settle for some tiny spot—it had to be big enough. Otherwise, she'd rather not open at all; she couldn't afford the shame.

Today, she'd taken advantage of Wang Yan's good mood and dared to broach the subject—after all, she'd already been turned down once before; otherwise, she wouldn't have dared speak up.

Her little scheme was obvious to anyone, let alone Wang Yan.

But times have changed. Before, he feared spoiling Yang Zixi's appetite—if he gave in too easily, she'd cause trouble. Now, he had her completely under control. During their time together, she'd learned what she could and couldn't ask for, so it didn't matter anymore. After all, the shop would be registered under his name; spending a bit of money to make her happy was fine.

"Go look for a place inside the Second Ring Road. If you find something suitable, call me."

"R-really? Really, darling?"

"You handle the renovation yourself."

Hearing this, Yang Zixi let out a joyful cry, then clung to Wang Yan and started biting him.

Wang Yan disliked this—he pushed her head into the pillow…

"Ding… ding… ding…"

After Wang Xiao Brother spat out another load, Wang Yan's phone on the bedside table rang—coincidentally.

Yang Zixi, rinsing her mouth in the bathroom, quickly wiped her lips and returned to bed, feigning nonchalance.

Glancing at the caller ID, then at Yang Zixi's perked-up ears, Wang Yan answered: "Hello?"

"You're such a busy man—still remember me?"

"Mm, okay."

Without Wang Yan speaking, Yang Zixi silently handed him his clothes.

As he dressed, Wang Yan said: "Get some rest early. I'm leaving."

Yang Zixi opened her mouth but said nothing. She walked silently with him to the door and helped him put on his shoes and coat.

Wang Yan didn't care what she thought—he finished packing, didn't even look at Yang Zixi, and walked out the door.

Hearing the "bang" of the door closing, Yang Zixi finally couldn't hold back—she screamed wildly and flung herself onto the soft bed.

She'd heard it—again, that seductive, slutty voice. She didn't get why that bitch was so special; one call and Wang Yan rushed over like a dog.

The more she thought about it, the worse she felt. As usual, she needed to vent, to self-regulate. She couldn't get angry—her skin would suffer, she'd get ugly, and she knew Wang Yan would kick her out without hesitation.

She picked up the phone, thought for a moment, then called Lin Xia…

The call? Obviously from Wu Mei.

Wang Yan's role as a male escort wasn't exactly licking boots—it was just play. He had nothing better to do; sleeping with anyone was the same. Besides, Wu Mei's performance was far better than Yang Zixi's, and her stamina stronger.

For one thing, Wu Mei was in her early thirties—her prime. Wang Mou genuinely preferred this age group. Besides, years of experience had made her a master at pleasing men.

Add to that her daily workouts, yoga, skincare routines—she knew even more positions. No less skilled than a young girl, yet she carried an extra allure… In short, Wang Mou and Wang Xiao Brother both felt deeply satisfied—truly, from within, outwardly.

Wang Yan drove to the agreed-upon bar and found Wu Mei drinking at the counter.

Seeing Wang Yan sit beside her, Wu Mei said: "You're here. Drink whatever you like—I'm treating you tonight."

Wang Yan ordered a bottle of beer, poured himself a glass, and asked: "Drinking alone again?"

"Not really. I just like the feeling of being slightly drunk. Come on, drink."

This was pure nonsense—he knew exactly what Wu Mei did for a living. She went out drinking with men every day, yet claimed to like being "slightly drunk"? But he didn't care. Even if he heard it, he wouldn't offer advice. As long as the ride was comfortable, that was enough. Her personal life? None of his business.

He laughed, drank a toast with her, then set down his cup: "It's been a while since you came looking for me. What's the occasion tonight?"

Wu Mei's crimson lips parted, and she gave Wang Mou a sultry sideways glance: "I just missed you. Is that not allowed?"

Wang Yan laughed, pulled her close, and signaled ownership to the man approaching with a bottle: "You're so charming—of course you'd think of me. It's proof of my strength."

As he spoke, his hand wandered, pinching the soft flesh near her armpit, just below her breast.

"Naughty."

Wu Mei shot him a look, pushed him away, and drank her own glass.

Lately, working daily with Wu Di, her fondness for that little man had grown. She was confident in herself, understood men well—she knew Wu Di's gaze held desire.

Two days ago, after being stirred by Yang Zixi, they'd gotten drunk together, confessed their hearts, and learned more about each other. The more she saw Wu Di, the more she liked him. She'd tease him, and he'd make her laugh—like she'd felt in her own youthful days.

Tonight, they'd planned to watch a movie at the drive-in. But some damn "crazy guy" called and dragged him away. She was annoyed—Wu Di had broken plans with her more than once.

Add to that her heavy work stress and the constant itch from that little man… So she came to Wang Mou—the man she remembered vividly, unforgettable—needing to get thoroughly satisfied, to release, to feel good.

And quality intimacy—whether physical or emotional—benefits women. Why not?

Meanwhile, Wang Yan drank and chatted with Wu Mei; Yang Zixi, meanwhile, drove her little sports car to the bar where Lin Xia sang.

Seeing Yang Zixi arrive, Lin Xia, who'd been drinking and chatting with Shao Huayang, excused herself, went to the bar, grabbed two bottles, and sat across from Yang Zixi: "Oh? You look so down. What's wrong, little rich girl?"

"I look down? If I'm down, then no one in the world is happy. I'm thrilled."

"Sure, sure—who's the one with lips pouted so hard you could hang soy sauce on them?"

Yang Zixi didn't argue. She nodded toward Shao Huayang nearby: "So, finally got over your crush on that scumbag Cheng Feng?"

"Don't talk nonsense—he's just an ordinary friend. He always comes here to drink, supports me, we've gotten to know each other over time, and we talk well." Lin Xia forced a bright smile: "My feelings for Crazy Guy are eternal. Unlike you… Besides, what's wrong with Crazy Guy? Why do you call him a scumbag?"

She was just nosy. That day at the hospital, Wu Di had mysteriously called Cheng Feng out—she'd secretly followed. Besides, she'd been the one to tip off Wu Di. Yet Wu Di hadn't told her what happened—clearly hiding something from her.

So she'd overheard the argument between Cheng Feng and Wu Di.

When she heard it was because Cheng Feng liked Shen Bing, and that was why he broke up with Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng, no one knew how heartbroken she was. Why didn't the man who had been by her side for so long, Cheng Feng, love her, yet he fell in love at first sight with Shen Bing, someone he'd never even met?

These past few days, she'd go visit Cheng Feng whenever she had free time, and take care of Cheng Sheng'en, always wearing a smile. No one to confide in, no one to comfort her—she didn't even know how she'd made it through. But anyway, she had made it…

She still loved Cheng Feng, even though he had never loved her in his heart…

"You're not yourself." Yang Zixi had known Lin Xia for so long, she understood her too well—seeing her like this meant something was wrong: "Did you have a fight with that bastard? Or is there something else I don't know about? Tell me, so I can have some fun."

Lin Xia drank a glass of wine and rolled her eyes at her: "What's wrong? I'm fine with Crazy Man—we're great. I won't give you the chance to watch the show. And by the way, I'm telling you, stop calling Crazy Man a bastard, or else…"

She thought about ways to threaten Yang Zixi, but realized it was pointless—Yang Zixi owned property inside the Second Ring Road and parked a luxury sports car by the roadside; she couldn't threaten her at all. In the end, she could only stick out her chin and say: "Or else I won't talk to you, leaving you with no one to chat with, no one to show off to."

She thought Cheng Feng liking Shen Bing was wrong. In the past, Yang Zixi had looked down on Cheng Feng, calling him a bastard—that was fine, since she'd thought that was just him being wild and loving freedom. But now it was different, because even she thought Cheng Feng really did seem like a bastard—that was an actual insult.

The Crazy Man she adored was just a little crazy—how could he possibly be a bastard? That bold, unrestrained, reckless pursuit of his heart's desire was exactly what she admired about Cheng Feng. It was just that this one love happened to be for Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng. Hmm… it wasn't that big a deal.

Yang Zixi really fell for this tactic—after all, she had only half a sister left. Besides, she wasn't stupid; she had enough emotional intelligence. If the other person didn't want to talk, why force it?

"How boring. Alright, alright, I'm not teasing you anymore." Yang Zixi pouted: "I've got good news for you."

"What?"

"I'm opening a flower shop."

Lin Xia stared blankly: "Sis, you've been saying that for half a month already—haven't opened yet?"

"Oh come on, I was just getting my driver's license. Besides, this time is different."

"It's just a flower shop—what's different about it?"

Yang Zixi grinned, propping her chin on her hand: "He's buying me a commercial storefront to open the shop—in the Second Ring Road…"

Lin Xia rolled her eyes dramatically: "Wow, really? I'm so jealous of you."

Although Lin Xia knew Yang Zixi would definitely show off, she hadn't expected her to go this far—a commercial property inside the Second Ring Road? That had to cost tens of millions.

Her eyes darted, and she hit on the key point: "Is it in your name?"

Instantly caught off guard, Yang Zixi raised her cup and drank, ignoring Lin Xia.

Seeing her reaction, Lin Xia knew: "The apartment you live in, and that sports car—it's not in your name either, is it…"

Yang Zixi glared at her angrily: "You're just jealous! Jealous that I live better than you! Hmph, you want a nice apartment? You want a luxury sports car? Can you even do it?"

"Jealous of you?" Lin Xia said in disbelief. But she knew if she kept arguing, it would never end, so she spread her hands: "Fine, you win—I'm jealous of you."

Yang Zixi pointed two fingers at Lin Xia, delighted: "Haha, you finally admitted it!"

"Yes, yes, I admit it." Lin Xia shot her an annoyed look and cleverly changed the subject: "Hey, by the way, you don't know this, but Shi Shi Xiaomeng works at your man's company."

"So what? What's it to me?" Yang Zixi boredly picked at her nails: "How do you know? Did Wu Di tell you?"

"You knew?"

"How could I know so much? He doesn't tell me about company stuff, and I don't ask. You know I hate all that. It was Wu Di—I ran into him for coffee once, and he said Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng knew him, they'd even had drinks together before. So him working at his company? No surprise."

"The world really is small."

Yang Zixi sneered: "It was never big to begin with."

She meant Sister Andi—how she'd known Cheng Feng, that bastard. They'd hung out together before, so obviously they were cut from the same cloth—not good people. Lin Xia wouldn't let her say it, whatever…

"Hey, tell me about him. I'm really curious now."

Lin Xia wasn't dumb—she'd been quietly investigating, recently even arranged to hang out with Shen Bing, casually probing for info, and combined with what she'd heard at the hospital, she could piece together the full picture.

The key person here was Wang Yan. If Wang Yan hadn't stepped in to help Shi Shi Shi Xiaomeng during his hard times, who knew what might've happened. Even more coincidental—Wang Yan was also supporting Yang Zixi, so she was quite curious about Wang Yan.

"What are you planning?" Yang Zixi eyed her warily: "Are you… trying to…?"

"Oh come on, where do you get that idea? Do you think I'm like you? Seriously, I only love Crazy Man." Lin Xia rolled her eyes: "I'm just curious. None of the people at our company have ever mentioned anyone so generous. Besides, I'm just envious of your luck. Come on, tell me…"

As she spoke, Lin Xia grabbed Yang Zixi's arm on the table and shook it back and forth.

Hearing Lin Xia envy her, Yang Zixi giggled: "Alright, alright, stop shaking. Since you're sincerely asking, I'll generously tell you."

"But first, let me be clear—I'm not lucky. I'm beautiful, I've got a great figure, and I talk well."

"Yes, yes, our Zixi was famous in college—a blossom of the school, no, wait—a blossom of the entire campus. You outshone everyone, your fragrance floated for miles…"

Flattered, Yang Zixi smiled and sipped her wine: "Alright, I know you mean it. Enough already—save the rest for later."

"Are you going to tell me or not?"

"I'm telling you, why the rush? Seriously." Yang Zixi rolled her eyes, cleared her throat: "Listen, he…"

Meanwhile, at their usual spot, Cheng Feng and Wu Di were drinking in silence.

Cheng Feng clinked his cup against Wu Di's, gloomy: "Wu Di, I'll admit I'm a bastard, a scumbag, not even human—but I really like Shen Bing. No, no, I really love Shen Bing."

He truly couldn't hold it in anymore—only came out to drink with Wu Di because he felt so suffocated. Since Shen Bing refused his invitation to return to the kindergarten, he'd been figuring out how to contact her openly, even build some connection. But a week had passed, and he still had no plan.

Wu Di, who had known Cheng Feng for years and understood him deeply, realized Cheng Feng had fallen truly in love. In the past, Cheng Feng had never been this devoted—so many women had come and gone, yet none had kept him thinking this long.

But… Shi Shi Xiaomeng…

Thinking of this, Wu Di asked: "What about Shi Shi Xiaomeng? What did you think of him?"

"I naturally thought of him as my brother…"

Cheng Feng answered instinctively, but his voice grew quieter under Wu Di's gaze.

They stared at each other, neither speaking.

"Shi Shi Xiaomeng… I'm sorry to him." Finally, Cheng Feng gave in, drank some wine: "But Wu Di, I really love Shen Bing. You don't know—since I confessed, I haven't slept a single night. Only when I'm utterly exhausted by day can I doze off. Wu Di, I miss Shen Bing—I can't control it."

He wasn't lying—he truly couldn't bear missing Shen Bing. Even when he went out to hook up with others to forget her, he found himself utterly uninterested, almost impotent. All he could see in his mind was Shen Bing's shadow. He wanted to pretend the woman in his arms was Shen Bing, but it wasn't her—in his eyes, she was miles away. He couldn't fool himself.

He hadn't noticed before, but now, looking closely, Wu Di saw Cheng Feng clearly looked like a man who'd indulged too much: "Have you seen Shen Bing since then?"

"I won't lie to you, Wu Di." Cheng Feng hesitated: "Didn't I tell you before, I wanted Shen Bing to go back to work at the kindergarten?"

"Mm, what happened after?"

"I went to the director and asked her not to mention me—just rehire Shen Bing. But Shen Bing refused."

Wu Di shook his head: "I could guess it was you behind it—let alone Shi Shi Xiaomeng, who's far smarter than me."

"Don't laugh at me," Cheng Feng nodded: "After that, I went to Shi Shi Xiaomeng's building, followed Shen Bing to her workplace. Now, all that keeps me going is stealing two glances at her from afar every day."

As he spoke, Cheng Feng tilted his head back and gazed into the distance, his eyes seeming to pierce through layer upon layer of obstruction and span across space, to see that beautiful Miss with the pure, innocent smile, playing games enthusiastically with the little children in the big courtyard. And then it was as if he also saw the day they first met — that breathtaking glimpse that struck the depths of his heart when she was smiling and helping an old lady across the road.

Cheng Feng's face was full of tenderness, the corners of his mouth curving up…

Doing so really wasn't right. Wu Di meant to say something, but seeing that pig-like look on Cheng Feng's face, he swallowed it back in the end and didn't say more. Things had already reached this point; no matter how much he said it would be useless — they could never go back to the way things were.

Besides, it wasn't as if he didn't understand Cheng Feng. Even if he said something, whether the other man would listen, whether he'd take it seriously, was another question entirely. Saying too much would also easily give rise to a rift, and in the end they couldn't even remain friends, which would be the opposite of good.

So he simply didn't say anything — he couldn't control it anyway.

Thinking this, Wu Di silently drank his wine and ate his dishes on his own, and didn't go disturb Cheng Feng, who was over there thinking god-knows-what. Lest he disturb a pleasant dream and suffer an unjust grievance for nothing.

After a while, Cheng Feng came back to himself and surreptitiously wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth. He really was craving it — if he hadn't felt the drool at his lips, he wouldn't have sobered up for a while yet. He carefully glanced at Wu Di opposite him, saw that he hadn't noticed, then raised his glass: "Sigh, I zoned out just now. Come on, Wang Wang Laowu, drink up."

Wu Di rolled his eyes and clinked glasses with Cheng Feng. He'd actually seen everything clearly just now. He'd already tried to overestimate as much as possible, but he still couldn't imagine Cheng Feng missing Shen Bing to this extent.

Just as Wu Di understood Cheng Feng, Cheng Feng also had an understanding of Wu Di. Although he was more self-centered and didn't pay too much attention to the friends around him, after playing together for so many years, the necessary understanding was still there.

So Cheng Feng also knew that Wu Di had opinions about this matter, and not small ones at that — he just wasn't saying them. Hmm… it was also possible that after saying it once at the hospital last time, Wu Di was somewhat disappointed in him and didn't want to say it again. Cheng Feng had a clear count of all this — after all, the one who was completely, entirely in the wrong was him.

Setting down his wine glass, Cheng Feng no longer talked about his own affairs, and turned instead to ask about Wu Di: "Wang Wang Laowu, we haven't really been in touch lately. How have you been?"