Chapter 89: A Little Too Naive

In the past, Fan Shengmei may have truly considered being with Wang Baichuan, but since learning the truth that the car was rented, she would never entertain such a thought. No matter what kind of person she was herself, she looked down on Wang Baichuan—deeply, from the bottom of her heart—with an innate sense of superiority.

After being scrutinized by a man she had never regarded as worthy, Fan Shengmei felt somewhat humiliated. I can look down on you—but how dare you look down on me?

How could a mountain rooster ever match a phoenix? How could a toad dare dream of eating a swan?

To Fan Shengmei, Wang Baichuan was nothing but a mountain rooster, nothing but a toad.

Honestly, Fan Shengmei might even need to reflect: as a phoenix, a swan, where exactly had she failed to give Wang Baichuan this confidence?

But these matters were irrelevant—Wang Baichuan would likely never reappear in her life again. In this vast, neon-drenched metropolis, this glittering, intoxicating city of sin, how many people even recognized her? She comforted herself, restored her mood disrupted by Wang Baichuan, and became once more the seductive urban beauty.

A girl's sensitivity made Qiu Yingying notice Fan Shengmei's odd behavior. After asking once and being skillfully dodged, Qiu Yingying mentioned it to Guan Juer, then dropped the whole matter—she had no time for such trivialities.

After hearing from Qiu Yingying, the perceptive Guan Juer, amid her passionate romance with Zhao Qiping, took a moment to observe. She too noticed Fan Shengmei's oddness, but said nothing—instead, on the commute to work, she told Sister Andi.

"Sister Andi, Yingying told me a couple days ago that Sister Fan seemed off—I've observed, and it's true. She and Wang Classmate seem to have had a falling-out; they haven't contacted each other lately."

"Alright, I know. I'll keep an eye out." After hearing it, Andi—who understood the full context and knew exactly what kind of person Fan Shengmei was—immediately grasped what was going on.

Honestly, her feelings toward Fan Shengmei were still conflicted. In her interactions, Fan Shengmei was somewhat slick, but she would actively help when needed—like with the gossip incident, or as described by Qiu Yingying and Guan Juer. Yet after seeing her other face, Andi couldn't say she disliked her, but she did harbor quiet reservations, making it hard for her to grow close to Fan Shengmei.

Andi dropped the subject of Fan Shengmei and said, "How's things with Dr. Zhao? Yingying said you came home very late the day before yesterday?"

Guan Juer's face instantly flushed red: "Yingying, you big mouth—I won't let you off this time."

"Yingying's just concerned. She saw you came home looking off and thought you'd been mistreated—wanted Wang Yan to help you get revenge."

Andi defended Qiu Yingying. She hadn't expected Guan Juer, so refined and gentle like a jade maiden, to have progressed this far with Dr. Zhao in just a month. But remembering how quickly things had moved between her and Wang Yan, she let it go—when feelings are right, expressing love this way is normal. Besides, she trusted Zhao Qiping. Though he sometimes acted impulsively, it was just to relieve work stress—he was fundamentally responsible.

Seeing Guan Juer's face burn with embarrassment, Andi laughed: "Alright, alright, no more. Let's get together sometime—how about dinner at my place? Dr. Zhao's been nagging for ages, saying he wants to taste Wang Da's cooking."

"Won't that be too much trouble for Wang Dage?"

"No problem—you don't know, when Yingying told me, he was thrilled. He even called Dr. Zhao, saying something like…"

"Oh, Sister Andi, stop! I know Wang Dage is good to me…"

Andi shrugged, stopped teasing Guan Juer, and focused on driving.

Soon, they arrived at the company building. After getting out, Guan Juer paused, then turned back and tapped on the car door. When the window rolled down, she leaned in and said: "Sister Andi, I'm not sure if I should say this, but Sister Fan seems especially fond of going to places full of the rich and powerful—every time she comes back, she's ecstatic."

Andi shook her head with a smile: "Alright, I understand. Bye." Watching Guan Juer enter the office building, Andi started the car and merged back into the traffic.

At noon, at a restaurant near Andi's company.

Watching the distracted Andi across from him, Wang Yan shook his head in silence. He knew without thinking—this was either about Fan Shengmei or Qu Xiaoxiao. Andi had gone soft—no longer direct. Dammit, if you've got something to say, just say it! Why make me ask?

Wang Yan picked up his chopsticks and said calmly: "Get to the point. Then let's eat."

"It's about Little Fan. I didn't tell you before…" Hearing this, Andi recounted the whole story: "I don't know if I should help her. What do you think?"

"You think inviting her to the party pushed her deeper in?" Seeing Andi nod, Wang Yan continued: "When you were hesitating, you'd already wavered. Fan Shengmei is an adult with her own thoughts—she must answer for every choice she makes."

Hearing this, Andi picked up a bite of food and ate silently. After a long pause, she said to Wang Yan: "There's a party tonight—will you go?" She had decided: she'd take Fan Shengmei to the party, as a token of gratitude to a neighbor who had once helped her.

Wang Yan wasn't surprised by Andi's choice. She wouldn't realize the condescending charity lurking deep in her heart.

Wang Yan shook his head: "I won't go. It's pointless." Such parties, called charity events, were no different in essence from the circles Qu Xiaoxiao and her friends ran—both aimed at expanding networks, then privately exchanging resources and favors for mutual gain. In Shanghai's business circles, he was just an unknown nobody with nothing worth offering. Those above him didn't care; those below him he didn't need. Why bother?

Andi nodded and shifted the conversation to other topics.

After lunch, back at the company, Andi called Fan Shengmei and invited her to accompany her to the party that evening.

Fan Shengmei's oddness wasn't about Wang Baichuan—it was because, for the past few days, the men who used to swarm around her constantly had vanished, making her wonder if she was still beautiful. She worried, at thirty, about her fading beauty and uncertain future.

Upon receiving Andi's call and hearing it was a high-society party, she nearly jumped for joy. As soon as work ended, she chatted and laughed with Andi, who came to pick her up, and returned home happily. Andi, watching her, saw no trace of the oddness Guan Juer had described—and secretly felt a pang of pity for Wang Baichuan.

As in the drama, Fan Shengmei spent hours preparing: a bright red, form-fitting dress that accentuated her slender curves, tempting anyone to imagine the alluring body hidden beneath the crimson fabric—how seductive, how wanton.

Seeing Fan Shengmei like this, Andi offered a polite, appropriate smile. She said nothing, went downstairs, started the car, and drove her to a luxury hotel.

Fan Shengmei had never been to such an upscale place before. She pulled out her phone and took photos, planning to show them off to her friends and coworkers later.

This scene was witnessed by Qu Lianjie, Qu Xiaoxiao's older brother, not far away.

That bright red dress, combined with her careful, performative photography—Qu Lianjie, an experienced player, understood it perfectly. He could read her like a book. And he wanted nothing more than to glimpse the alluring body hidden beneath the red fabric.

Without needing words, the two began chatting and laughing naturally…

Andi found a corner to sit alone. She found the whole thing pointless—she wouldn't have brought Fan Shengmei here if not for her.

After a while, Tan Zongming approached: "Andi, came alone? Wang Yan didn't come with you?"

"He thought it was pointless. I brought a neighbor—wanted to cheer her up." She glanced over at Fan Shengmei, laughing with Qu Lianjie.

Following Andi's gaze, Tan Zongming instantly recognized what kind of person Fan Shengmei was—and said nothing.

Before Tan Zongming could speak, Andi noticed Bao Yifan, wrapped in a coat, scanning the room. "Who's that guy?"

"Him?" Tan Zongming pointed. Seeing Andi nod, he continued: "That's Bao Yifan, the young boss of the Bao Group—the one you mentioned before who refused to join you. What? Now you're thinking of collaboration?"

"No. I just think he's overly flashy."

Bao Yifan, chatting merrily with others, noticed the exchange and walked over with his booming voice: "Hey, Boss Tan! I've been looking all over for you—this corner's so quiet!"

Noticing Tan Zongming's scrutiny, Bao Yifan explained: "A bit of a cold—sorry." He glanced at the man beside him, who promptly removed the coat.

"Haha, I thought so, young boss Bao—your health matters most."

"Nah, it's nothing. Thanks for your concern, Boss Tan." Bao Yifan waved dismissively, gestured toward Andi, and asked: "This is…"

"Oh, let me introduce." Tan Zongming suddenly understood. He turned to Andi: "This is Bao Yifan, young boss of the Bao Group. And this is our group's CFO, Andi."

"Andi? I've heard so much about you from Boss Tan…" Bao Yifan flattered her, then handed out his business card: "Pleasure to meet you, Young Lady Andi. Here's my card."

Andi politely responded, accepted the card, exchanged a greeting with Tan Zongming, then turned and called Fan Shengmei—who was still chatting merrily—and left.

"Interesting."

Seeing Bao Yifan stare meaningfully after Andi's back, Tan Zongming explained: "Don't mind him—Andi just returned from abroad and isn't yet familiar with local customs. This is her first time at a party like this."

"Why would I? I've heard so many lies they've become truth—occasionally hearing someone speak plainly feels refreshing. Frankly, I like her personality."

Tan Zongming said coolly: "Young boss Bao, I must remind you."

"I'm all ears."

"She has a boyfriend—and they'll be marrying soon. I hope you'll keep that in mind."

Shrugging his shoulders, Bao Yifan laughed: "Director Tan, you're joking—I'm only interested in business matters, and Sister Andi seems to have some prejudice against me."

"I hope so. Excuse me."

"Alright." Watching Tan Zongming's figure recede, Bao Yifan's lips curled slightly…

Sister Andi and Fan Shengmei walked out the main door, laughing and chatting, then got into the car the doorman had brought around. As Andi bent to fasten her seatbelt, about to drive off, she looked up—and saw Bao Yifan walking toward her with a confident smile.

Bao Yifan walked up and tapped on the car window.

Andi glanced at Fan Shengmei, then reluctantly rolled down the window, gazing at Bao Yifan coolly.

Bao Yifan, thinking himself charming, handed her a business card: "My other card."

Andi took the card but said nothing.

Seeing this, Bao Yifan bent down to match her eye level: "Want to grab a coffee? It's still early to go home."

"Sorry, I have a boyfriend." With that, Andi rolled up the window, started the car, and sped off.

Watching the car disappear, Bao Yifan muttered: "Interesting…"

Inside the car, Andi and Fan Shengmei discussed Bao Yifan just now. Fan Shengmei openly expressed her longing for men like him; Andi listened quietly, focused on driving.

But they hadn't driven far when Andi noticed a car following them—she assumed it was the guy flirting with Fan Shengmei.

Fan Shengmei also thought it was Qu Lianjie, secretly delighted by her own charm, smiling faintly without speaking. But when she turned back, her joy vanished—it was that diamond-studded Wang Laowu.

Knowing it was Bao Yifan, Andi grew annoyed and pulled over to the roadside.

She got out and walked up to Bao Yifan, who had just stepped out of his car: "I already said—I have a boyfriend. Please stop bothering me. If you want to cooperate, contact my secretary. That's all. Goodbye."

Without waiting for Bao Yifan to speak, she turned, got back in the car, and drove off.

Bao Yifan's smile remained on his face as he murmured softly: "I like her even more…"

He'd wanted to partner with Shengxuan long before—how could he not know Andi's situation? Aside from the Tang Guoqiang and He Yunli incidents, everything else was crystal clear. When he first saw her file, he'd already begun researching her. Today's little show only made him more determined. After all, what's unattainable is always better—far superior to the common, vulgar women who come at his beck and call.

Running a group enterprise worth tens of billions didn't just bring Bao Yifan the profits—it gave him the power to determine the fates of tens of thousands of ordinary people, and the corresponding social influence that fueled his boundless confidence. To him, apart from a few women, none were beyond his reach. So what if she had a boyfriend? He'd known since childhood not to make enemies at home—but only those worthy counted as enemies. What was that Wang Yan? Ran some pathetic internet startup, owned a few properties—barely fit to polish his shoes, let alone stand in line to do it. Did he even qualify?

Continuing on, Fan Shengmei tactfully comforted Andi.

She actually thought Wang Laowu was far better than Wang Yan—but kept that thought to herself. Still, she subtly defended him, reasoning that such a powerful man was just an employee like Andi; alienating him might not be wise.

Andi half-listened to Fan Shengmei's chatter as they returned to Happy Song.

In the elevator, she warned Fan Shengmei not to tell Wang Yan, then smoothed her expression and smiled as she walked home.

Wang Yan noticed none of this—after all, the plot's direction had already been thrown into chaos by him. He knew Andi had met Bao Yifan at a banquet, but there were so many banquets, and the original drama gave no specific time—how could he possibly know which one?

Since Andi didn't say anything, it was fine.

…………

The next evening.

In the underground parking lot, after parking, Wang Yan, Andi, Guan Juer, and Zhao Qiping laughed and chatted as they unloaded items from the trunk.

Yesterday, Andi and Guan Juer had mentioned finding time; today, both were free, so they went together. Since they were all heading home the same way, Andi picked up Guan Juer, and Wang Yan didn't let Zhao Qiping drive—he simply picked him up along the way. They grabbed a few bottles of wine at a bar, then headed to the market, buying plenty of ingredients according to their tastes.

As everyone carried their bags, a yellow Polo pulled into the parking spot beside them. Qu Xiaoxiao's short legs stepped out in ten-centimeter heels, "tap-tap."

Seeing the group, she sized them up; as she passed Zhao Qiping, her eyes visibly brightened: "Oh? Andi, having a dinner party?"

Andi nodded politely: "Yes." She didn't invite her—she figured Qu Xiaoxiao had enough sense to know better.

"Then who's this handsome guy? I've never seen him before?" Qu Xiaoxiao's gaze flicked toward Zhao Qiping, standing beside Guan Juer.

Zhao Qiping, recognizing a familiar face, didn't wait for an introduction. Noticing her looking at him, he said: "Hello, I'm Zhao Qiping, Guan Juer's boyfriend."

Guan Juer wrapped her arm possessively around Zhao Qiping's, lifting her chin to look at Qu Xiaoxiao.

"Oh, Guan Juer's boyfriend? I'm Qu Xiaoxiao, her neighbor." Qu Xiaoxiao ignored Guan Juer's gesture, studied Zhao Qiping carefully, then smiled: "Hmm, handsome man and beautiful woman—perfect match. Oh, the elevator's here—let's go up."

As they entered the elevator, Qu Xiaoxiao said: "Handsome Zhao, you look so distinguished—what do you do for work?"

Zhao Qiping finally caught on—this woman wasn't welcome. He replied coolly: "Doctor."

"Really? I love doctors—white-clad angels saving lives. Such a great job." Qu Xiaoxiao ignored Guan Juer's hostility and Andi's warning. She was confident she could handle Guan Juer; she'd already sized up Andi after a few days' contact—she could disarm her with a few words. "So, Doctor Zhao, handsome Zhao, which hospital do you work at? We're practically acquaintances now—if I ever have any issues, I can ask you directly."

"If you have issues, any hospital will do—they're all professional doctors. Miss Qu, the elevator's here."

"Alright then. Here's my card." Qu Xiaoxiao sighed, glancing at the closing elevator doors, then pulled out a business card: "I'll treat you and Little Guan to dinner sometime. Bye."

Watching the elevator doors close, Zhao Qiping frowned: "What just happened?"

Guan Juer looked at Andi; Andi looked at Wang Yan. Wang Yan, who'd been silent, shrugged: "Nothing. Just a second-generation rich kid. A bit… self-absorbed? She's probably into you, Doctor Zhao—you've got charm." As he spoke, the elevator doors opened again; Wang Yan picked up his bags and walked out.

Zhao Qiping held the elevator button, keeping the doors open, and looked at Guan Juer: "Don't joke like that. I'm completely devoted to Little Guan—mutual affection, perfect harmony, loyal and unwavering."

Guan Juer's nervousness eased: "Ugh, you're so mushy."

Laughing and teasing, they entered the apartment, put things away. Zhao Qiping marveled at the abundance of books in the home, the self-contained world within. Then he accompanied Guan Juer downstairs again to see her living space. Guan Juer didn't have Fan Shengmei's pretensions—she had what she had. Zhao Qiping wasn't superficial—he looked, accepted, and moved on.

He came from an intellectual family, well-off, with a decent income. He owned property in Shanghai and didn't live with his parents.

He'd previously suggested Guan Juer move in with him, but she refused. One reason: it was a bit far from her workplace. Another: she liked these friends too much—she didn't want to drift apart. Most importantly: though things had progressed, she still felt it was moving too fast, and she was a little embarrassed.

After putting things away, the two returned upstairs and helped Andi prepare ingredients. Wang Da handled the wok, the atmosphere warm and natural.

Zhao Qiping winning over Guan Juer didn't surprise Wang Yan at all—the quieter the girl, the more impulsive she could be. Once she committed, she didn't care about anything else. Besides, Zhao Qiping had his own charm—they clicked, knew how to please, and it all unfolded naturally. Nowadays, relationships don't work like this: dating for half a year without even holding hands? The other person would just say: "I'm out." What's the point of dating anyway? After all, the desperate, groveling backup guy who gets a whole night's joy from one sentence is rare.

Wang Yan moved fast—frying, stir-frying, boiling, grilling—his wok spun like a whirlwind. Soon, he'd prepared a full table of dishes: large plates, few portions, many varieties.

They were all too familiar with each other—the meal was filled with joy.

…………

After seeing off the drunk Zhao Qiping, Wang Yan, Andi, and Guan Juer walked back slowly.

Guan Juer grumbled: "Sister Andi, Brother Wang, what was Qu Xiaoxiao thinking?"

"It's fine, Little Guan," Wang Yan said, hands behind his back. "Do you lack confidence in yourself—or in Doctor Zhao?"

"Neither. But Qu Xiaoxiao has a history—I'm afraid her antics will affect us."

Andi thought for a moment: "Little Guan, don't worry. I'll go talk to Qu Xiaoxiao later—see what she's after."

Wang Yan said nothing more, listening as Andi comforted the insecure Guan Juer, his mind returning to the phone call during dinner—Andi had glanced at it twice, then hung up.

What the hell, throwing all this in my face at once—those two bitches really don't know how to read the room.

Qu Xiaoxiao has been too free lately, and together with Sister Andi she's been scheming. Because he went and brought trouble on himself by insisting on opening some shoddy little company, he had no time to deal with her, so he let it slide. And now she's getting this big-headed? She's actually got the nerve to study Zhao Qiping right in front of him? Bao Yifan doesn't even bear mentioning—he's digging his own grave.

Wang Yan got home and began plotting how to deal with those two.

Andi didn't go upstairs. After seeing off the slightly tipsy Guan Juer to her room and exchanging a greeting with Fan Shengmei, who had just gotten back from a date, she went out and knocked on the door of 2203.

Qu Xiaoxiao opened the door with a face mask on, saw Andi at the doorstep, and said helplessly, "Come in." She naturally knew why—besides Dr. Zhao, what else could it be?

Finding a place to sit after entering, Andi frowned and said, "Xiao Qu, what do you mean by this?"

"What do you mean what? Andi, I don't understand what you're saying."

"Xiao Qu, don't play dumb. You have a prior record, and I don't really trust you."

"Ah, alright. Dr. Zhao is so handsome, you know I have no resistance to handsome guys. I did have some thoughts, sure." Noticing Andi's brow furrow even more, Qu Xiaoxiao quickly added, "But he's Xiao Guan's boyfriend, and we all live on the same floor, so I couldn't bring myself to actually make a move."

Andi stared into Qu Xiaoxiao's eyes without speaking, and Qu Xiaoxiao met her gaze with a clear conscience.

"Fine, I'll trust you for now. Get some rest, I'm leaving."

After a token attempt at urging her to stay, Qu Xiaoxiao saw Andi off, then hummed a little tune smugly as she went to wash up…

Back upstairs, seeing Wang Yan sitting there reading, Andi sat down beside him: "I just asked Xiao Qu. She said she does have thoughts, but she's too embarrassed to make a move. What do you think?"

"If nothing unexpected happens, by tomorrow Dr. Zhao's detailed information will be dug up by her. After all, a lot of doctors' info is public—one search online and you've got it. She also has certain connections and resources, so she might already know where Dr. Zhao works. The day after tomorrow she'll go to the hospital to find Dr. Zhao and come up with some excuse to ask him out."

"Xiao Qu wouldn't… right?" Andi was also a little unsure now.

"Just wait and see, won't you?" Wang Yan said lightly. "Oh, right, I might have to go out for a few days. Something I need to handle—about a week."

Nodding, Andi didn't say more. She was a wise woman—if Wang Yan said "something," then it was "something."

"A whole week without seeing you—today I'll try to make up for the next few days in advance." Saying this, Wang Yan scooped Andi up in his arms and headed for the bathroom…