Wen Zhi frowned slightly.
Was this really something worth being surprised about?
She spoke matter-of-factly, calm and rational.
"Even couples who fall in love and marry don't always make it to the end. Let alone us—we didn't even start with feelings. We're more like partners sharing a life. In the future, there are bound to be things we can't work through. Separating… is always a possibility."
Instead of anger, Mo Tingyan looked wounded.
"Zhi-zhi," he said with exaggerated grievance, "are you saying you've already had enough of me? That's terribly irresponsible. I'm such a great man—I'll compromise, I'll give in, I'll listen to you in everything."
He leaned closer, utterly shameless.
"And if there's something we can't work through, then it must be your problem. You fix it. We'll just tolerate each other and grow old together, alright?"
Wen Zhi: "..."
This man was full of problems—and yet he really dared to say that with a straight face.
As for growing old together…
Who could say what the future held?
She'd just take it one step at a time.
That night, Wen Zhi didn't sleep well.
She worried that her father and that man surnamed Jin might call the police because of Mo Tingyan's actions—or worse, retaliate in private.
Whether openly or in the shadows, she didn't want Mo Tingyan getting into trouble because of her again.
And there was another major headache—
Mo Tingjue.
Based on what she knew about him, now that he had discovered her relationship with Mo Tingyan, there was no way he would let things rest quietly.
Yet, unexpectedly—
An entire week passed.
There was no movement from Wen Renhao's side.
And Mo Tingjue seemed to vanish into thin air.
That day, Wen Zhi posted another short video she'd filmed with Mo Tingyan.
It went viral again.
Her follower count soared, small discussions popped up online—
But the Mo Tingjue she had been on guard against never appeared.
It felt… off.
This wasn't his style.
Still, since no one stirred trouble, she gladly enjoyed the peace—while reminding herself to stay alert at all times, just in case history tried to repeat itself.
Thursday afternoon, Wen Zhi finished her flight early.
She waited at the intersection as usual. The moment she got into Mo Tingyan's car, her phone rang.
When she saw the caller ID, her eyes lit up slightly.
She put on her earphones and answered. Before she could speak, a bright, cheerful voice burst through—
"Darling! Miss me?"
Wen Zhi laughed softly.
"I did. I missed you a lot."
Mo Tingyan, who was driving, frowned slightly and glanced at her.
She didn't look back, so his gaze dropped to the phone resting on her lap.
The contact name read: [QiaoQiao]
A woman?
He stayed silent, observing.
Then he heard Wen Zhi ask, "Isn't it the middle of the night where you are? Why are you calling now?"
"I'm back in the country!" the voice said excitedly. "Didn't tell you on purpose—I wanted to surprise you! What time do you get off work today? Your big sister is flipping your card tonight. Come pick me up!"
Wen Zhi smiled. "Alright. I'm free tonight. I'll come over."
After hanging up, she turned to Mo Tingyan.
"I'm not going home with you tonight. My best friend just got back from overseas—I'm going to her place."
Since it wasn't a man, Mo Tingyan relaxed instantly.
"Send me the address. I'll drop you off."
She gave him the location. As he drove, he asked casually,
"We've been married this long—how come I've never heard you mention this best friend? How did you meet? I can ask that, right? Not too private?"
Wen Zhi nodded.
"That's fine. Her name is Lian Qiao. We were college roommates—got along really well."
She didn't say more, but the truth was—
They were complete opposites.
Wen Zhi was quiet, reserved, preferred solitude.
Lian Qiao was lively, outspoken, and bright.
At first, Wen Zhi had deliberately kept her distance.
Later… when Wen Zhi went through one of the darkest periods of her life—when everyone pointed fingers and whispered—
Only Lian Qiao stood by her side.
She explained for her.
Defended her.
Comforted her.
That was when Wen Zhi realized—
Some people really were like little suns.
Warm, kind, and dazzling.
Over time, they became inseparable.
Mo Tingyan raised an eyebrow.
He was genuinely curious—what kind of woman could get along so well with his wife?
He dropped Wen Zhi off downstairs and drove away.
The moment Wen Zhi stepped inside, Lian Qiao threw herself into her arms, screaming with joy.
She dragged Wen Zhi into the room, gave her gifts, and chattered nonstop about all the fun things she'd experienced over the past six months.
If it were anyone else, Wen Zhi would've found it noisy.
But with Lian Qiao, she listened patiently—contentedly.
Midway through, Lian Qiao suddenly checked the time.
"Come on, come on—change clothes! You're coming to a banquet with me tonight!"
Wen Zhi froze.
Clinging to her arm, Lian Qiao pleaded excitedly,
"I know you hate these kinds of events, but I really need you tonight. Ying'an—the company that works with our family—was just acquired by Mingguang Group."
Wen Zhi's eyelid twitched.
"They invited some partners to a banquet. My dad pulled a ton of strings just to get one invitation—but he got held up and can't make it back. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to attend a real upper-class banquet."
She continued quickly,
"He sent me to broaden my horizons and deliver a contract to a Mr. Qin. It's my first time attending something this high-end—I'm terrified. Please come with me and give me courage?"
Wen Zhi: "..."
Looking at her best friend clasping her hands pitifully—
What choice did she have?
Fine.
She agreed.
Still—
Mingguang Group again.
Recently, those four words had been appearing far too often.
Jiang Hang was acquired by Mingguang.
Someone mentioned Mingguang at a class reunion.
Now even Lian Qiao's family business—aviation parts—was connected to Mingguang.
Just how big was this company's appetite?
Lian Qiao dragged her into the walk-in closet to pick a dress, but Wen Zhi refused.
"I'm just there to give you moral support. No need to dress up."
Lian Qiao looked her up and down—
White shirt, wide-leg trousers, crisp and cool.
"Alright," she conceded. "You look handsome enough."
As Lian Qiao changed, Wen Zhi sent Mo Tingyan a message:
[QiaoQiao asked me to accompany her to an event. I might be home late.]
He replied instantly—with a speechless emoji.
Then another message followed:
[We agreed you'd come home and make dumplings tonight… My Zhi-zhi is so heartless. You forget your husband the moment your bestie shows up.]
Wen Zhi: "..."
Mo Tingyan:
[Be home before nine, okay? If there are no dumplings, then I'll eat meat.]
She turned her head and laughed softly.
What a rogue.
Lian Qiao emerged in a golden cocktail dress, smiling radiantly.
"Let's go, darling. Off to—Mingguang Hotel."
At the same time—
Mo Tingyan sat alone on the couch, staring at the empty house.
Boring.
After a moment's thought, he dialed Jiang Nanzhong.
"Where's the banquet tonight?" he asked coolly.
On the other end, Jiang Nanzhong sounded confused.
"At your Mingguang Hotel, obviously. Didn't you say you weren't coming? Why ask?"
Mo Tingyan scoffed lightly.
"Got stood up. I'm bored. Might as well go take a look