The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife-Chapter 515 - 518. Don’t know what name is good

Watching Gu Jiajia’s retreating figure, Duan Ling had a headache. He actually didn’t want to hurt Gu Jiajia, but he genuinely felt no romantic affection towards her. Even if she forced herself to be with him, she wouldn’t be happy. Given that, it was better to reject her from the beginning. Although such a decision seemed irresponsible, it was still better than forcing two people who didn’t love each other to be together and spend a lifetime constantly arguing. Moreover, Haohao’s attitude towards Gu Jiajia was another factor.

Haohao was his son and, unless something unexpected happened, his only son. He couldn’t ignore Haohao’s feelings. Considering various factors, Duan Ling felt he could only apologize to Gu Jiajia.

However, although he couldn’t offer her love, he could support her in other ways, such as backing her career. He could invest in TV dramas and movies to let Gu Jiajia take the leading roles. He believed that with work, Gu Jiajia would let go of the matter eventually.

That was what Duan Ling thought and did. But when Gu Jiajia received a call from her agent saying that there was a major IP TV drama hoping to have her as the leading actress, after the initial excitement, she gradually calmed down. She had auditioned for this drama before and was rejected. Why were they approaching her again now?

Gu Jiajia felt it strange, so she asked her agent, who said, "It was requested by the investors."

"Who are the investors?" Gu Jiajia had a suspicion in her heart.

"Tianling International. Originally, the largest investor wasn’t them. Tianling invested a few days ago, and their only condition was to have you as the leading actress. Hey, Jiajia, what’s your connection with the CEO of Tianling International?" the investor asked curiously.

Gu Jiajia’s face darkened. As she expected, Duan Ling wanted to compensate her in this way, huh? Did he really think that investing in a TV drama and giving her the leading role would dismiss her? The world wasn’t so cheap.

If Duan Ling thought that would be the end of it, he was greatly underestimating her, Gu Jiajia.

"I refuse to be the lead actress in this drama," Gu Jiajia declared.

The agent was stunned and looked at her incredulously. "Jiajia, are you joking with me?"

"I’m not joking."

"The lead role in this TV drama is something many actresses are vying for. Didn’t you also want to act in it before? Now that you have the chance, why are you refusing?" The agent couldn’t understand her. Gu Jiajia was an ambitious woman, ruthless enough to do whatever it took for her goals. She had done well in Shengxuan before, and now, when such a great opportunity was offered to her, she was rejecting it. The agent thought Gu Jiajia must have lost her mind.

"You said it yourself, I was rejected at the audition before, which means I’m not suited for the role. If I take it up, it would only harm my reputation, and the loss outweighs the gain," Gu Jiajia refused with a noble excuse, almost convincing the agent.

"No, Jiajia, you’re lying. Tell me, is it because the investor is Tianling International?" the agent hit the nail on the head.

Gu Jiajia’s expression froze but soon returned to normal. "No, it’s just that I simply feel this role isn’t suitable for me. Didn’t you say there was a script where I could play the third female lead? I want to try that." Duan Ling was trying to use this to compensate her, but she would not bend to his will. She was curious to see if Duan Ling had any other tricks up his sleeve.

Hearing this, the agent furrowed his brow. "That script only has a third female lead, nowhere as influential as this. If you play the lead in this drama, your fame will rise significantly, which is very beneficial for your future career. Don’t talk about suitability; acting skills can be honed. What you lack is experience, and this is a great opportunity. I don’t want you to give up just because you’re being capricious."

"But I really don’t want to act in this TV drama." If this had happened before she slept with Duan Ling, she would have gladly accepted his help, but now the situation had changed. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝚠𝕖𝐛𝗻𝗼𝐯𝕖𝚕.𝚌𝗼𝗺

"Jiajia, this chance is once in a lifetime; you can’t give up. If you give up now, the company will immediately arrange for another actress, and you won’t even get a supporting role," the agent earnestly advised, unable to understand it. Gu Jiajia had done quite a few things to climb up before. Now that such a great opportunity was in front of her, why was she being so sentimental?

"I’ve said enough. I won’t act in this TV drama." Gu Jiajia’s expression was resolute.

"No, you absolutely cannot give up this opportunity, Gu Jiajia. When the company brought you over from Shengxuan, you signed a contract agreeing to comply with the company’s arrangements. Your current behavior could seriously be considered a breach of contract, and you would have to pay a penalty." The agent lost her temper too; I tried to reason with you gently, but you wouldn’t listen until I put it this way—it’s the only way you’ll understand your place, isn’t it?

Gu Jiajia’s eyes darkened as she looked at her agent, "What do you mean by that?"

Realizing her words were too harsh, the agent softened her tone, "Jiajia, I’m your agent; we are in this together. I can only do well if you do well, so whatever I do is for your own good."

Gu Jiajia naturally understood. When she was in Shengxuan, the company had placed her under Linda, who focused primarily on Yu Xiaoxuan. If there were good resources, they went to Yu Xiaoxuan first, and only if she didn’t want them would Gu Jiajia get a chance. Later, by flattering Yu Xiaoxuan, she gradually got more resources, but she still couldn’t surpass Yu Xiaoxuan. As long as Yu Xiaoxuan and Han Yi stayed married, her resources would never exceed Yu Xiaoxuan’s, which was one of the reasons she didn’t hesitate to switch companies.

After arriving at this new company, they assigned her a dedicated agent, though not as well-known as Linda, yet capable. Thanks to her agent and the company’s efforts, her popularity had indeed improved significantly, even reducing the negative impact of her previous job switch to a minimum.

"I know you are looking out for me, but I have my reasons for not taking the role. The role of the lead actress in this drama simply does not fit me; I can’t handle it. Instead of making a bad film and being criticized by the audience, I’d rather pick a good script. Who knows, it might make me a star," Gu Jiajia tried to persuade her agent.

Yet, the agent really didn’t want to miss this opportunity, "Jiajia, what you said makes sense, but this opportunity is truly rare. I want you to think it over carefully. How about this? I’ll talk to the company and get you three days to think this through. Take this time to clear your head and then give me your answer. I will cancel your existing engagements for these three days."

Gu Jiajia’s expression changed slightly; this was essentially a veiled threat, but she also knew that arguing with her agent was not a wise decision, especially since she wasn’t a top actress and had no power to make choices.

"I understand. Since that’s the case, I’ll go home now and call you once I’ve made up my mind."

"Jiajia, remember, a woman’s youth lasts only a few years. You must seize any opportunity that can take you to greater heights. Don’t be capricious just because you’re young. After all, this is the entertainment industry, and there’s never a shortage of new talent. If you don’t want to be replaced, you need to bring out your strengths. I don’t know what your relationship with Shengxuan’s president is, or why he would invest in a drama and let you play the lead actress, but no matter what, this is a good thing for you."

"I understand," Gu Jiajia said flatly.

The agent sighed. Managing Gu Jiajia was exhausting; she exhibited all kinds of "princess syndrome," was difficult to serve, and liked to behave like a big star. To clean up after her, the agent often had to apologize to others. It was beyond the agent’s understanding why the company had actively recruited her from Shengxuan, even offering her the treatment of a third-tier star.

Duan Ling knew right away that Gu Jiajia had refused the lead role. After thinking it over, he gave her a call. Gu Jiajia didn’t reject the call but said nothing after picking up.

Listening to her breathing on the other end, Duan Ling spoke first, "Jiajia, it’s me."

Gu Jiajia didn’t respond.

"Jiajia, I heard you turned down the lead role, and I want to know why. Don’t you really like the lead female role in that drama? Or are you refusing because I’m the one investing in the drama?"

"Yes, I refused because you are investing in it," Gu Jiajia honestly admitted.

"Jiajia, this opportunity is rare for you; you shouldn’t be so capricious," Duan Ling frowned, unconsciously lecturing her in the tone of a brother-in-law.

"Duan Ling, don’t think I don’t know. You’re just trying to ease your sense of guilt. I’m telling you, I won’t accept it unless you marry me. I won’t accept any other terms," Gu Jiajia said coldly.

Duan Ling’s frown deepened, "Jiajia, I have already explained this to you. Apart from marriage, I can give you any form of compensation. Why must you make things difficult for yourself?"

"I just can’t get along with myself. Since you’re unwilling to marry me, then you and I have nothing to do with each other. You don’t need to meddle in my affairs."

"You’re Jiamin’s younger sister, which makes you my sister too. How could I not meddle in your affairs?"

"Heh." Gu Jiajia sneered coldly, "Duan Ling, do you feel guilty when you say that? Considering me as your sister, then let me ask, who would sleep with their sister?"

Duan Ling stiffened, "Jiajia, must you speak to me like this?"

"You forced me into it. I didn’t want to either. Since you don’t want to marry me, don’t do anything further. It will only make it harder for me to let go of you and sink deeper," Gu Jiajia said before hanging up the phone.

Duan Ling looked at the dark screen of his phone, feeling very irritable. This Gu Jiajia was completely different from the lively, obedient, and empathetic girl he used to know. It gave rise to a bizarre feeling in his heart, as if he had been deceived.

Shaking his head, Duan Ling pushed the thoughts from his mind and continued reviewing the documents in his hands. These were details of several education funds he had chosen for Haohao. He wanted to buy Haohao an education fund as a gift. That way, when Haohao became an adult, he would have a little nest egg. Although Haohao wasn’t lacking these, it was his way of showing love for his son, his heartfelt sentiment.

Moreover, he had bought several properties in Beijing, which would be transferred to Haohao’s name when he came of age. Those were also gifts he had prepared for Haohao. Although Haohao was only seven years old, and it was too early to think about these matters, it was better to be prepared.

Having selected the education funds, he began choosing a wedding gift for Pei Yinong. Although Pei Yinong’s groom was not him, they had once been in love, and Pei Yinong had given him a sensible child like Haohao. Considering everything, Pei Yinong had found her own happiness, and he should offer his blessings, even though Pei Yinong might not need them.

That evening, just as Duan Ling was about to go to bed, he suddenly received a call from a bar, saying that Gu Jiajia was drunk and needed picking up. Duan Ling had no choice but to change his clothes and head out.

When Duan Ling arrived at the bar, Gu Jiajia was lying unconscious on the bar counter. He patted her face, "Jiajia."

Gu Jiajia didn’t respond. Duan Ling turned to the bartender, "How much has she drunk?"

The bartender pointed to several empty bottles of wine at the side, totaling three or four, all red wine. Had Gu Jiajia been drinking wine as if it were grape juice?

Seeing that Gu Jiajia did not respond, Duan Ling decided to carry her away. The bartender stopped him, "Sir, this lady hasn’t paid her bill yet."

Duan Ling put Gu Jiajia down again, settled the bill, hoisted her up, and left. Throughout the journey, Gu Jiajia was asleep and did not wake up at all. Duan Ling took her home.

After finally getting her home and settling her down, Duan Ling was sweating profusely. He covered her with a blanket and was about to leave when Gu Jiajia grabbed his hand, "Don’t go."

Duan Ling thought she had woken up and looked at her, but her eyes were tightly closed; she was clearly still asleep.

"Duan Ling, why don’t you want to love me?" Gu Jiajia murmured softly, "Do you know how heartbroken I am? From the first time I saw you, I fell in love with you, but I never dared to say it, because you are my brother-in-law."

A tear hung from the corner of her eye, her eyes closed. Duan Ling was unsure whether she was lucid or speaking drunk, He tried to pry her hand away but was unsuccessful. All he heard was Gu Jiajia continuing, "Seeing how considerate and caring you are to my sister, the companionship and waiting, do you know how much I envy her? I wish I could replace her, be the one in your arms, even if it’s me who is sick and running out of days. Brother-in-law, I love you. I want to be with you. But you don’t love me." She sobbed softly.

Duan Ling sighed inwardly, sat down beside the bed, and gently patted Gu Jiajia’s back, "Jiajia, wake up."

Gu Jiajia seemed as if she hadn’t heard his words, sobbing softly with her eyes closed, "I once wondered if you were too deeply in love with my sister, that’s why you couldn’t see my existence. Later, I realized that it wasn’t my sister you loved, but Pei Yinong. Do you know how heartbroken I am? My heart feels as if it’s being pierced by a knife, bleeding profusely, yet you can’t see any of this, you can’t see my existence, my true feelings. In your eyes, there’s only Pei Yinong, only her."

At some point, she had released the hand she was clutching onto Duan Ling, curling herself up into a fetal position, much like an infant in a mother’s womb.

Duan Ling stared fixedly at Gu Jiajia, observing the tears at the corner of her eyes. After a long time, he finally spoke softly, "Jiajia, I know you are sober now. There are some things I don’t know if I should have told you, but since it’s come to this today, I might as well tell you. Pei Yinong and I were lovers in college. Back then, your sister was my classmate. Pei and I had been together for many years. If it weren’t for your sister’s illness, Pei and I would have gotten married after her graduation. But at that moment, your sister fell ill, she came to me, her only wish was for me to stay with her till the end. I agreed, Jiajia, that was the most regrettable decision I’ve ever made. I didn’t understand then, that decision actually hurt two women who deeply loved me. Neither your sister nor Yinong ultimately found happiness."

Although Gu Jiamin did pass away with a smile, she had once told him before departing, that her biggest regret in life was never having received his love, always struggling in unrequited love.

Moreover, Pei Yinong had directly left his world, never giving him the slightest thought.

"Jiajia, because I can’t love you, I also can’t accept your love. About that night, I can only say sorry to you. Whether you call me shameless or despicable, I’ll accept it as long as it makes you happy, you can curse me however you want. If you don’t want to see me, I won’t appear before you again."

There was no reaction from Gu Jiajia, aside from the tears at the corner of her eyes, she seemed as if she had fallen asleep. Duan Ling waited for a while, and when she did not speak, decided to leave, "Jiajia, take good care of yourself, I’ll be going now."

He was just about to get up when the previously unresponsive Gu Jiajia suddenly hugged him from behind, "Do you have to be this cruel to me? Not even willing to glance at me more, do I really disgust you that much?" Gu Jiajia cried out.

Duan Ling sighed, "Jiajia, I don’t despise you, it’s just that we really aren’t suitable. A forced relationship is not sweet, why force it?"

"And what about you? You love Pei Yinong, also unrequitedly, why aren’t you willing to let go?"

"I have let go. In this life, I don’t ask to be with her, I just want her to be happy. Seeing her happy, I am happy too, Jiajia, let go as well."

"You always tell me to let go, yet you’re not willing to try to love me," Duan Ling, can’t you show me a little bit of kindness, even if it’s just trying to love me, just once?" She pleaded humbly, abandoning her dignity and pride. She hadn’t been truly drunk tonight, it was just a ploy to have a chance to speak her heart out to Duan Ling.

"Jiajia, don’t be like this, you’re demeaning yourself."

"I don’t care, I just want you to love me, Duan Ling, I’m begging you, don’t be so cruel to me, I can’t live without you." Gu Jiajia cried heartbrokenly.

However, Duan Ling did not soften his heart, "Jiajia, I’m sorry, I can’t do it." He pried open Gu Jiajia’s hands, stood up, and left, disregarding the desperate cries that followed.

"Duan Ling, I hate you." Gu Jiajia screamed at the empty room, her eyes filled with immense hatred.

**************

After Fu Hengyi returned to the army, the task of picking up Anan fell upon Shen Qinglan again.

"Mommy, Teacher Xiao Xie said tomorrow he’s taking us out to play," Anan couldn’t wait to share this news with Shen Qinglan right after coming out from the kindergarten.

Shen Qinglan had already received the text message from Teacher Xiao Xie, naturally knowing that the class was organizing a trip for the children to visit the science museum tomorrow.

"Where is Teacher Xiao Xie taking you?" Shen Qinglan asked gently.

"Going to the Science Museum," Teacher Xiao Xie said there are big dinosaurs. We can see the big dinosaurs tomorrow. Teacher Xiao Xie said the big dinosaurs are really big, mom, have you ever seen a big dinosaur?" Anan looked up at Shen Qinglan, and Shen Qinglan shook her head, "No, mom hasn’t seen one either."

"It’s okay, mom, tomorrow I’ll go take a look first, and then come back and tell you what the big dinosaur looks like, is that okay?"

"Okay."

"Mom, can I go buy snacks today? I want to share them with my friends tomorrow."

"Did Teacher Xiao Xie say you can bring snacks?" Shen Qinglan asked him.

Anan nodded his head, "Yes, Teacher Xiao Xie said we can bring our favorite snacks to eat together with everyone at noon tomorrow. Mom, I want to go buy them now, is that okay?"

"Of course, then mom will take you to the supermarket later, and you can choose."

Anan grinned, "Thank you, mom, I love you the most." Having his request granted, Anan’s sweet words came out as if they cost him nothing. Shen Qinglan shook her head with a laugh and took her son to the supermarket to shop.

When the mother and son came out of the supermarket, Shen Qinglan was already carrying a big bag of items, all chosen by Anan.

The next morning, Anan woke up by himself and ran to knock on Shen Qinglan’s bedroom door, urging her to get up. Shen Qinglan had already changed into her clothes and was about to go downstairs.

"Mom, hurry up, otherwise I’m going to be late," Anan urged as he saw Shen Qinglan come out.

Shen Qinglan smiled helplessly, "It’s still early. You go have your breakfast first. Mom will pack your backpack. Once you’re done eating, we can go directly."

"Okay, mom, please hurry." Anan obediently went downstairs.

Anan’s little backpack couldn’t fit all of the snacks, so Shen Qinglan prepared another food box for him, putting only some biscuits and a bottle of milk in his small backpack. The fruits and such were all packed in the food box.

"Mom, this is for you." In the car, Anan handed breakfast to Shen Qinglan. Shen Qinglan originally planned to drop Anan off at school and then come back to have breakfast, but unexpectedly, the little guy had prepared breakfast for her. She was moved and kissed her son’s little face, "Thank you, sweetheart."

Because today they not only had to visit the Science Museum but also the zoo, the gathering was very early. When Shen Qinglan took Anan to school, several buses were already parked at the school entrance. And Teacher Xiao Xie was standing at the door waiting for them.

"Bye, mom." Anan waved to Shen Qinglan, and Shen Qinglan nodded her head. She waited until Anan went inside with Teacher Xiao Xie before she left.

After dropping Anan off at school, Shen Qinglan went to the mall; she wanted to buy some things for Fang Tong. Fang Tong’s son had just turned a month old, and since she had time today, she decided to pay her a visit.

Fang Tong was at home with her baby; her maternity leave had not yet ended, and since she had a cesarean section, the incision also needed time to heal. Shen Junze grandly gave her another month off, so Fang Tong could wait until her son was one hundred days old before returning to work.

"Qinglan, what brings you here today?" Fang Tong was very surprised to see Shen Qinglan.

"I finally had some free time today, so I came to see you. How have you been lately?" Shen Qinglan asked gently.

Fang Tong gave a slight smile, "What could be wrong with me? My family treats me like a national treasure, and all I do everyday is eat and sleep. I think my face has even gotten rounder,"

Shen Qinglan examined her carefully, "Your complexion looks good; it seems you’ve been well taken care of. How’s Yangyang?" Yangyang is the nickname of Fang Tong’s son, whose full name is Li Zirui.

"He’s still sleeping. This little guy sleeps even more than me. If he’s not eating, he’s sleeping, just like a little piglet." Mentioning her son brought a smile to Fang Tong’s face. Although she was complaining, her eyes were filled with doting love.

"At this stage, what child doesn’t love to sleep? Anan also eats, then sleeps, then eats again. It’s a stage for growing by sleeping."

"My little one spends just about every moment sleeping except for when he’s breastfeeding. I’ve never seen a baby who sleeps so much. Anan and Guoguo weren’t this sleepy."

As they talked, they had already walked into the children’s room. Shen Qinglan unconsciously lightened her footsteps, worried about waking the child. The little one, having not seen for a few days, seemed to have grown a bit and was sleeping soundly, totally unaware that anyone had come in.

Unlike when Yu Xiaoxuan had Guoguo, Fang Tong had plenty of breast milk, so Yangyang was breastfed from birth and seemed to grow even faster than Guoguo did initially.

Shen Qinglan watched for a while then came out and chatted with Fang Tong in the living room, "Is it just you and the child at home?" After being there for half a day and not seeing anyone else, Shen Qinglan couldn’t help but ask.

"Li Bo Ming went to work after I pushed him out, and my dad is home alone, so I sent my mom home first. The housekeeper went out to buy groceries." Fang Tong explained. Ever since the child was born, Li Bo Ming had almost been revolving around her and the baby, even letting go of his company matters. Fang Tong couldn’t stand it and had sent him off to work.

"You haven’t seen someone so nagging. He’s been following me around all day, either getting me to wear clothes or to drink soup. My weight is almost reaching my pregnancy weight. I really worry that once I go back to work, I will become a big fat woman." Fang Tong couldn’t help complaining about Li Bo Ming.

Shen Qinglan chuckled, "He’s doing that because he cherishes you." She looked at the smile on Fang Tong’s face, her own eyes also filled with a smile, her friends all seemed to be finding their happiness, and life was gradually becoming complete.

"Qinglan, do you plan to have a second child?" Fang Tong suddenly asked.

Shen Qinglan was momentarily stunned, then smiled, "It’s not something I can have just because I want to."

Fang Tong immediately understood, "Mr. Fu doesn’t agree, does he?"

Shen Qinglan nodded helplessly, and Fang Tong couldn’t help but laugh out loud, "Your Mr. Fu really treasures you, not wanting you to suffer the slightest hardship."

Shen Qinglan, of course, knew that Hengyi treasured her, but she also knew how much Hengyi wanted a daughter, which is why she wanted to have another child, to fulfill Hengyi’s dream. Although having another child might not necessarily result in a daughter, at least it was a hope, wasn’t it?

"Qinglan, you could actually try this." Fang Tong leaned in and whispered a few words into Shen Qinglan’s ear. Shen Qinglan’s ears turned slightly red as she softly asked, "Could this method work?"

"You could give it a try. Mr. Fu loves you so much, just a little stretch of your hand and he would surrender, surely he wouldn’t notice this," Fang Tong said confidently.

Shen Qinglan looked thoughtful, the method might indeed work, hmm, she’d try it next time.

It wasn’t until the housekeeper returned that Shen Qinglan left, but she didn’t go home. Instead, she went to find Pei Yinong, who was doing the final arrangements for her new house, asking Shen Qinglan to give her some advice.

"Qinglan, what do you think about placing this ornament here?" Pei Yinong asked, holding a black swan crystal ornament in her hand.

Qinglan nodded, "It’s fine, but you already have quite a few ornaments at home, why did you buy another one?" She remembered that Pei Yinong’s new study room had a similar ornament.

"It wasn’t me who bought it, it was a wedding gift from Chen Wanqiao for me and Chenxi," Pei Yinong said, her face showing no displeasure.

Qinglan raised her eyebrows slightly, "She gave it to Chenxi?"

"No, it’s for me." Pei Yinong also didn’t expect Chen Wanqiao to ask her out just to give her a gift. Honestly, she had no animosity towards Chen Wanqiao, the woman who admired Jiang Chenxi. She found her to be a straightforward and honorable woman.

Qinglan had met Chen Wanqiao a few times, but had never really interacted with her. Her only impression of her was that she was quiet and unassertive. Such a woman actually makes a good wife, which was probably why Mrs. Jiang liked her so much and tried desperately to match her with Jiang Chenxi. Unfortunately, although the goddess had intentions, the king did not.

"She indeed is a nice girl," Qinglan commented, and Pei Yinong nodded, "I actually admire her, haha, it’s funny to say that I admire my love rival."

Qinglan could understand that feeling since Mr. Fu also had many admirers. Although there were undesirable ones, like Li Xitong, there were also admirable ones like Jiang Wenjing.

"Qinglan, Chen Wanqiao is getting married next March. What should I gift her? After all, she has already blessed me. It seems inappropriate not to give something in return," Pei Yinong was worried, she wanted to reciprocate but couldn’t think of anything suitable.

"There’s no rush, her wedding is months away. You can think it over slowly or maybe find something suitable while you are traveling."

Pei Yinong thought about it and agreed; there was no need to worry about a wedding next March.

"By the way, I need to buy a tablecloth later; do you want to come with me?"

"Sure."

***********

At Chen Wanqiao’s home.

Chen Wanqiao was cooking in the kitchen while Zhong Lei assisted. "Wanqiao, let’s go to a concert tonight, I’ve bought two tickets."

"Sounds good," Chen Wanqiao replied. She tilted her head, her hair always getting in her mouth, "Zhong Lei, can you help me get a hair tie from the bedroom? This hair is a bit annoying."

"Sure, where is it?" Zhong Lei washed his hands.

"It should be on the washstand in the bathroom, I left it there last night," she casually said.

Zhong Lei went to look for it but couldn’t find it, and shouted from the kitchen, "Wanqiao, are you sure? I don’t see it."

"Isn’t it there? Then open the second drawer to the right of my dressing table, there are new ones there," said Chen Wanqiao.

In the bedroom, Zhong Lei opened the drawer, found the hair tie, and was about to close it but then noticed a piece of paper, apparently a receipt. He picked it up for a glance—it was a receipt for a black swan crystal ornament worth four nines. Zhong Lei remembered seeing a similar pair at the mall with Chen Wanqiao.

He glanced around the room, not seeing any ornaments, his expression slightly darkened. After a while, he nonchalantly put the receipt back in its place, grabbed the hair tie, and walked out of the room.

"Tie my hair for me," Chen Wanqiao said as Zhong Lei came out.

Zhong Lei did so, then continued helping her out.

During dinner, Zhong Lei suddenly asked, "The couple we met at the mall last time, they are your friends getting married, right?"

Chen Wanqiao paused with her chopsticks, "Yes, why?"

"They invited you to their wedding, didn’t they? You ought to bring them a wedding gift. Have you decided on the gift yet?" Zhong Lei casually remarked.

Chen Wanqiao was startled, not expecting Zhong Lei to suddenly bring it up, her eyes slightly uneasy, "It’s not necessary to prepare anything special; just giving a red envelope is more straightforward."

"I think your friend dresses well and seems to have a good family background. It would be better to bring a gift," Zhong Lei said.

"No need, we’re not that close," Chen Wanqiao replied.

Zhong Lei smiled, "That’s true, if you’re not close, there’s no need for a gift. A red envelope will suffice. By the way, do you remember the pair of black swan ornaments we saw at the mall?"

Chen Wanqiao nodded, "What about them?"

"I was thinking, we still need a pair of ornaments for our new house, and you liked them. How about we just buy them?"

"Let it be, they’re too expensive. Spending ten thousand yuan on an ornament is not worthwhile, and it’s not something essential," Chen Wanqiao refused.

Zhong Lei casually remarked, "If you really like them, we should buy them. It’s just ten thousand yuan, we can earn it back."

"There’s no need to spend unnecessary money. I liked it at the moment but after a few days, the feeling faded. Now, I probably wouldn’t want it anymore."

Zhong Lei looked at her steadily for a moment, withdrew his gaze, and smiled, "If you don’t like them anymore, that’s settled. We can buy something better when we see it next time."

Chen Wanqiao nodded and lowered her head to continue eating, but she was somewhat absent-minded. She didn’t understand if Zhong Lei’s mention of Jiang Chenxi’s wedding and the black swan ornaments had another underlying meaning.

But Zhong Lei didn’t know about her past or her relationship with Jiang Chenxi. It must have been a casual mention. Maybe she was just being too sensitive. Besides, she had no relationship with Jiang Chenxi in the first place, even if Zhong Lei knew, there was nothing to worry about. With that thought, Chen Wanqiao gradually relaxed.