Chapter 25: Continuing the Ambiguity

The next day, Wang Yan sent Gu Jia a message expressing his thanks, then stopped flirting.

You can't flirt too hard with this kind of thing—randomly teasing leads to the opposite effect; you mustn't act rashly.

In the following days, Wang Yan didn't contact Gu Jia or the others, sticking to his routine and focusing on his own affairs.

At the same time, he kept a close eye on Gu Jia and Xu Huanshan's movements, since the plot didn't specify exact timing—he knew something would happen, but not when.

As in the original drama, with the help of Mrs. Wang, they paid another sum of money to successfully enroll Xu Ziyan in a premium kindergarten.

She also got a glimpse of Mrs. Wang's lifestyle and began her ascent into the circle of wealthy socialites.

In these matters, Wang Yan had virtually no influence on her.

He didn't want to meddle in that group of women's endless, stupid drama—it was just pointless.

To be honest, he disliked almost everyone in the circle of wealthy socialites and most characters in the entire plot—no need to name names specifically, it's meaningless.

They hadn't provoked him; he couldn't just harass them because he disliked them—it wasn't worth the effort.

In real life, there were too many people he disliked—he couldn't possibly deal with them all; better to just ignore them.

That day, Wang Yan received a phone call.

The caller said Gu Jia had gone to Mu Zi's mother's house.

These were two little brothers Wang Yan had recently brought under control—thanks to a combination of force and money, the process had been flawless. Neither was any good, and Wang Yan had collected dirt on them that would land them each at least ten to eight years in prison; he'd thoroughly broken them and assigned them specifically to tailing.

After hanging up, Wang Yan didn't hesitate—he got in his car and drove to stake out the location.

Soon after, Gu Jia emerged, slightly disheveled, carrying Xu Ziyan.

Today, Xu Huanshan threw a tantrum and got into a fight with Manager Wan. She went to host a banquet to apologize, hoping Wan wouldn't hold a grudge against Xu Huanshan and that they could all get along for the sake of business. But that old bastard Wan had long had ill intentions—he took advantage of her, groped her all over. Naturally, she stormed off in anger.

Their fireworks company had been counting on this deal to stay afloat. Now it was ruined, they could barely pay salaries, and didn't even know how to recover.

When she got home, she found her son hadn't returned and Xu Huanshan wasn't home either—she immediately knew he'd gone to play soccer. She went to look for Xu Ziyan and discovered he'd been locked in a dark room and abused by Mu Zi's mother and the others. Women are weak by nature, but mothers become fierce—she couldn't tolerate this. She took on all of them at once and gave them a beating.

On the way, Gu Jia thought about what had happened today and couldn't help feeling sorrowful—her eyes turned red.

As she thought, she recalled Xu Huanshan, their past Haishishan Alliance, their romantic love story. Then the scene shifted to today's humiliation—her husband and child had been bullied, yet he was out playing soccer like nothing had happened. Gu Jia silently cursed Xu Huanshan.

As she thought, she remembered Wang Yan from their meal a few days ago.

If it had been Wang Yan, none of today's things would have happened.

She couldn't help recalling the earlier ambiguity—the warmth and breadth of Wang Yan's chest, the defined muscles she could feel even through his clothes.

Wang Yan seized the opportunity, pretending to drive past Gu Jia and her son.

He looked back, then stopped and reversed.

Gu Jia, puzzled by the car, saw the window roll down to reveal Wang Yan's smiling face.

Seeing Wang Yan, Gu Jia's face flushed hotly—she'd just been lost in thought.

Wang Yan opened his door and stepped out, greeting Gu Jia: "Gu Jia, why are you walking alone with the kid?"

He opened the car door. "Get in, I'll take you home."

As Gu Jia approached with the child, Wang Yan noticed her red eyes and messy hair. "What happened? Your eyes are all red—did you cry?"

Gu Jia didn't look at him. As she settled into the car with Xu Ziyan, she explained: "The wind was strong earlier—something got in my eyes."

Seeing she clearly didn't want to talk, Wang Yan didn't press.

He closed the door, stepped on the gas, and headed toward Junyue Fu.

On the way, Wang Yan drove while asking: "Where's Lao Xu? Why isn't he with you?"

The alcohol wasn't wasted—they called each other brothers. He called Xu Huanshan Lao Xu; Xu Huanshan called him Lao Wang.

Gu Jia hadn't even processed it yet—mentioning Xu Huanshan made her angry. Her husband and child had been bullied, and it was all because of him. After causing the mess and throwing a tantrum, he acted like nothing had happened and went out to play soccer with his friends.

But how could she possibly tell Wang Yan this? She could only manage to say: "He's at the company—been busy lately."

Wang Yan smiled inwardly, grunted, and fell silent, focusing on driving—Gu Jia clearly had no interest in chatting right now.

The two sat in silence; the car was utterly quiet.

Sitting in the back, Gu Jia watched Wang Yan's focused driving through the rearview mirror, recalling the thoughts she'd just had—her heart stirred.

After their meal a few days ago, even if no one else mentioned it, Xu Ziyan kept complaining about wanting to play with Uncle Wang—he adored this uncle who respected him.

Even Xu Huanshan, after sobering up the next day, kept talking about Lao Wang.

She didn't need to mention it—she couldn't help thinking of Wang Yan from time to time.

Now, after today's events and Wang Yan's timely appearance, he was firmly established in Gu Jia's heart.

The place where Gu Jia got in the car was close to Junyue Fu—they arrived quickly.

Wang Yan drove into the underground garage, took Xu Ziyan from Gu Jia's arms as he slept.

During the transfer, Wang Yan brushed against Gu Jia's hand—she hissed sharply.

Wang Yan heard the sound. "What's wrong? Let me see."

He held Xu Ziyan with one hand and reached for Gu Jia's hand. She instinctively tried to pull away, but she was no match for his speed—he grabbed it firmly. She gave a token tug, then gave up.

Wang Yan examined her hand—some areas were scraped and bleeding, others bruised. He rolled up her sleeve and found more scratches.

It made sense—Gu Jia was alone against several women; no matter how much she trained, she was still an ordinary woman, not a professional fighter. How could her injuries be just scrapes? Xu Huanshan had only noticed the hand wounds—he was truly heartless.

Wang Yan asked casually: "How'd you get these?"

Before Gu Jia could struggle to make up a lie, he added: "Forget it, don't bother fabricating. If you don't want to say, don't."

Gu Jia smiled shyly, said nothing, and simply gazed tenderly at Wang Yan.

"Come on, come to my place—I'll get some medicine for you. If it leaves scars, it'll be bad—better to treat it now."

Before Gu Jia could refuse, Wang Yan firmly picked up Xu Ziyan and turned to leave.

Gu Jia opened her mouth to say something, but ultimately said nothing, following Wang Yan into the elevator.

On the 18th floor, Wang Yan opened his door, carried the child to his bed, and laid him down to sleep comfortably.

He poured Gu Jia a glass of water, told her to look around, and went to find the medicine.

Gu Jia had already seen the renovations; that novelty would fade after one look. This time, she was examining the interior decorations.

A few days ago at Mrs. Wang's house, she saw that water lily painting and was truly stunned.

This time, seeing a whole house full of calligraphy and paintings in Wang Yan's home, she felt intense curiosity—after all, last time she'd only glanced hurriedly; now she examined them carefully.

Wang Yan found the medicine and came out to see Gu Jia staring at a landscape painting on the wall.

"Do you have any expertise in these things?" Wang Yan asked.

"Ah, no, I just looked out of curiosity."

Gu Jia said: "Wang Yan, you've hung all these around the house—are you really fond of them?"

He, Wang Mou, wasn't the type to pretend knowledge: "It's fine. I just think these things look natural and comfortable hanging in a home. I actually know nothing about them—it's just a hobby, a bit of cultured pretense."

Gu Jia was surprised by Wang Yan's honesty: "Then these things must be expensive?"

"About a few hundred thousand per piece—they're all works by relatively unknown artists," Wang Yan replied. These were all things the system had told him; no famous names or masterpieces.

"Enough about those things—your injury matters more."

Wang Yan urged: "Hurry up, let me treat it for you."

The two sat on cushions in the living room, and Wang Yan began treating Gu Jia's wound.

No miraculous medicine—just ordinary household supplies. Nothing serious; a bit of ointment was enough.

Watching Wang Yan carefully apply the ointment, feeling the warmth of his hands touching her skin, Gu Jia couldn't help but start daydreaming again.

She quickly shook her head, searching for something to say, and brought up Mrs. Wang.

She said: "Mrs. Wang—you know, the one living on the top floor?"

Seeing Wang Yan nod, Gu Jia continued: "A couple days ago, I went to her place about Ziyan's school enrollment—I saw Monet's Water Lilies there."

Wang Yan didn't look up, still tending to the wound, and replied without hesitation: "Fake. I don't know paintings. I've only heard of Monet—I never bothered to learn."

"But I know more about your Mrs. Wang."

This was what Wang Yan had uncovered during his investigation—he'd researched nearly every character in the drama.

Hearing this, Gu Jia murmured, "Oh?" and waited for him to continue.

"Too much to list—I'll keep it simple. Mrs. Wang's family mainly does real estate—modest scale, maybe ten to twenty billion."

"They have some other random businesses too, but nothing systematic, no future. I won't mention them."

"Mrs. Wang's husband is named Wang Hongyuan—a notorious playboy. He has… well, plenty of outside women."

He gave her a look: "Mrs. Wang's faded with age—you understand."

Gu Jia instantly understood.

Mrs. Wang was the legal wife, the main household, rich in money—but still dependent on her husband. Forget cash flow or funding chains. Even if she could afford it, she knew the principle: antique art appreciates. But if you had that money, why buy worthless paintings? Invest in real estate—returns are far better.

If her husband found out she was doing this, he'd surely kick her out.

Thinking of Wang Yan's earlier ambiguous glance, Gu Jia's face flushed red; she dared not look at him.

Gu Jia's current appearance was somewhat alluring.

Wang Yan's odd behavior, Gu Jia sensed too—but she dared not speak up; the two simply played along.

After a long while, they finally finished treating the external wounds.

"Alright, that's enough. Judging by how you look, your body's probably worse."

Wang Yan said: "I can't handle those—I'll have Lao Xu treat them when you get home."

Ignoring Gu Jia's flushed face, Wang Yan packed up the medicine: "Bring Ziyan over to visit sometime—I really like this kid."

"I won't keep you—Lao Xu will worry. Go home quickly."

Gu Jia hugged the child and fled in disarray.

Back home, Gu Jia brushed off the nanny's concerns with casual replies, her face still flushed.

After settling Ziyan, Gu Jia hurriedly took a bath. She had no energy left to dwell on today's humiliation—she needed to calm down properly.

After the bath, she applied ointment to her own body, and then Xu Huanshan returned.

Seeing Gu Jia alone on the balcony, gazing at the view, Xu Huanshan sat beside her: "What's wrong? Something on your mind?"

Gu Jia didn't look at him—she feared revealing her guilt: "Nothing. Just enjoying the view."

Xu Huanshan took her hand, about to speak, but felt its texture was off—not smooth as usual.

He lifted it to his eyes and saw the treated wounds: "How did this happen?"

Gu Jia explained: "Nothing, just slipped and fell. Already treated."

Xu Huanshan didn't suspect—only reminded her to be careful, then asked about Manager Wan.

Gu Jia was somewhat disappointed by his reaction. Two men—and such a gap.

Perhaps her self-reconstruction was complete, or perhaps the guilt from her ambiguity with Wang Yan—she didn't hold it against Xu Huanshan. Instead, she comforted him, affirmed his views, and agreed to follow his wishes.

After chatting a while, they went to bed.

Xu Huanshan wanted to be intimate, but Gu Jia refused, citing the smell of medicine and physical discomfort.

He said nothing more—he'd played soccer all evening and was tired. His request was just post-exercise arousal.

After Gu Jia left, Wang Yan received a WeChat call from Wang Manni—she needed comfort.

Wang Yan, still needing to extinguish the lingering heat from the earlier atmosphere, welcomed it gladly. Old Wang was always direct—he didn't waste time. He immediately asked for her address, got in his car, and headed out to "let loose."

At this moment, Wang Manni felt utterly helpless—she'd been framed by Linda and had no way out. At home, she tossed and turned, wondering how to fix this—such a scandal would ruin her reputation; she'd never survive in this world again.

How could she ever approach elite people again? How would she find a wealthy prince who loved only her?

After endless thought, she found no solution. She needed to vent—desperately. And so, she thought of the powerful man who brought her immense pleasure: Wang Yan.

Nervously, she called Wang Yan. She'd been flirting with him since their last encounter, but he'd always ignored her. She wasn't sure he'd answer this time.

To her surprise, Wang Yan answered—and after she explained her intent, he agreed.

After hanging up, Wang Manni hurriedly began tidying her apartment.

Not long after, Wang Yan arrived and parked the car.

Following the address, he found Wang Manni's rental apartment, knocked once, and the door opened.

He shut the door, said nothing, and picked Wang Manni up by the waist.

Long after, once satisfied, Wang Yan leaned against the bed and smoked.

Wang Manni chattered on her own, pouring out to Wang Yan everything that had happened during this time.

This matter had no impact whatsoever on Wang Yan's arrangements, so he paid it no mind. He told her exactly as Zhong Xiaoqin had said: find the people who had accumulated points at the corresponding time, then trace them down.

Wang Manni felt as if a thunderclap had split the sky, and everything suddenly became clear.

Having found a solution, her heart's knots unraveled, and she thanked Wang Yan profusely.