Before noon, Zhou Yuwen and Zheng Yanyan left early with Su Qing driving. Shen Yu and Lu Lin took the back seat, leaving the front passenger seat conspicuously open.
Zheng Yanyan imdiately sensed sothing was off. Sure enough, Su Qing smiled and said, “Zhou Yuwen, why don’t you sit up front and guide
while I drive?”
Zhou Yuwen teased, “Do you still need guidance? On the highway earlier, even Zhong Kui’s hook couldn’t catch you.”
Su Qing laughed at his comnt, but Zhou Yuwen still got into the front seat.
This arrangent clearly annoyed Zheng Yanyan, though she couldn’t openly object. Muttering under her breath, she said, “Why not just let Zhou Yuwen drive?”
Su Qing, ever shaless, replied, “Oh, we’re almost there. It’s not worth switching. Don’t be so petty, Yanyan. You can drive after lunch.”
Left with no choice, Zheng Yanyan kept quiet, though she sulked inwardly.
Since the incident with Tao Tian, Zheng Yanyan had matured, no longer prone to childish tantrums. But listening to Su Qing’s overly playful tone with Zhou Yuwen grated on her nerves. Su Qing, who had driven recklessly earlier, was now acting timid with Zhou Yuwen in the car, asking questions like, “Is this how I turn the wheel? Should I use the turn signal?”
Exasperated, Zhou Yuwen quipped, “No need for signals. Just stick your hand out the window and wave. That’ll do.”
Su Qing burst into laughter.
Her deliberate antics were obvious to everyone, including Zheng Yanyan, who couldn’t hold back. “Can you even drive? If you can’t, pull over and let soone competent take over. Even a pig would do better!”
“Oh? Are you saying you’re better than ?”
“Of course, I am!”
Shen Yu couldn’t help but laugh, covering her mouth.
Realizing she’d walked into a trap, Zheng Yanyan grew indignant. “Zhou Yuwen! She just called
a pig!”
Zhou Yuwen sighed, deciding the two couldn’t be left together any longer. “Su Qing, pull over. I’ll drive.”
“No need. I’ve got this,” Su Qing protested.
“If I let this continue, the car will crash,” Zhou Yuwen said, shaking his head.
Reluctantly, Su Qing stopped the car and moved to switch seats. However, Zheng Yanyan wasn’t about to let her sit up front and forced her to the back.
“What are you looking at? Back to your seat!” Zheng Yanyan snapped, not giving Su Qing an inch.
Even Su Qing’s attempt to protest was shut down when Zhou Yuwen said, “Just sit in the back.”
With Zheng Yanyan in the passenger seat, peace returned. Zhou Yuwen drove calmly, one hand on the wheel, exuding a carefree confidence as he chauffeured four vibrant young won.
Though Zhou Yuwen didn’t initially intend to touch Zheng Yanyan’s thigh, her need to show affection in front of Su Qing led her to place his hand on her leg. She even shot Su Qing a triumphant look, which Su Qing ignored with disdain.
Su Qing then turned the conversation to the private dining restaurant, describing her favorite dish, fish roe with fish bladders. Despite being a Su-style dish known for its sweetness, this one had a spicy twist and was a staple for Su Qing in her previous life.
Leaning forward from the back seat, Su Qing said, “Zhou Yuwen, rember how I used to order this dish every ti we ca here?”
This comnt visibly unsettled Zheng Yanyan.
Zhou Yuwen frowned, finding Su Qing’s remark excessive. “What nonsense are you spouting? When did I ever co here with you?”
“Didn’t we?” Su Qing feigned innocence, muttering to herself, “Maybe it was a dream. I had a long dream where we got married, Zhou Yuwen.”
Ignoring her, Zhou Yuwen gently squeezed Zheng Yanyan’s thigh, silently reassuring her not to overthink.
Despite this, Zheng Yanyan felt a pang of insecurity. Once a proud and confident girl, she now clung tightly to Zhou Yuwen, saying nothing.
After a 40-minute drive, they arrived at the restaurant. The group ordered eight dishes, including Su Qing’s beloved fish roe with fish bladders.
Curious, Shen Yu asked Su Qing, “Have you really been here before?”
“Of course,” Su Qing replied, casting a aningful glance at Zhou Yuwen.
Zhou Yuwen ignored her, instead helping Zheng Yanyan rinse her utensils. “You all chat. I’m going to the restroom,” he said.
“I’ll go with you,” Zheng Yanyan quickly added.
Surprised, Zhou Yuwen asked, “You’re coming with
to the restroom?”
“Of course,” she insisted, unwilling to leave him alone with Su Qing.
Shrugging, Zhou Yuwen agreed, and they left together.
While washing his hands, Zheng Yanyan hugged him from behind, pouting unhappily.
Turning to embrace her, Zhou Yuwen asked, “What’s wrong?”
“I regret coming here with Su Qing. She’s doing this on purpose to irritate ,” Zheng Yanyan complained.
“How about we avoid her tomorrow?” Zhou Yuwen suggested.
Her eyes lit up. “Really?”
“Of course. She’s not my girlfriend—you are. Your feelings co first.”
Hearing this, Zheng Yanyan bead.
She then hesitated before asking, “But how does she know about this dish? Did you two really co here before?”
“Of course not,” Zhou Yuwen reassured her. “We were in high school when we dated. Why would we co here?”
“True,” she nodded, wrapping her arms around his waist. “That Su Qing really drives
crazy.”
“Alright, alright. We’ll ditch her this afternoon.”
Satisfied, Zheng Yanyan followed Zhou Yuwen back to the private room.
Lunch passed smoothly, though Su Qing, unable to resist, tried teasing Zhou Yuwen under the table with her socked foot. Unfortunately for her, Lu Lin noticed.
“Is there a puppy under the table?” Lu Lin asked, peeking down.
Startled, Su Qing quickly withdrew her foot.
“A puppy? How could there be one?” Shen Yu asked, oblivious, while Zheng Yanyan looked equally puzzled. Only Su Qing’s guilty expression betrayed her.
Zhou Yuwen sighed silently, fed up with her antics.
After the al, Zhou Yuwen pulled Su Qing aside. She initially thought he wanted so private ti and felt delighted. Instead, Zhou Yuwen said, “This afternoon, Yanyan and I will go sightseeing alone. You stick with Shen Yu and Lu Lin.”
“What? Why?” Su Qing protested.
“Because you keep picking on her,” Zhou Yuwen replied. “She’s much younger than you. Can’t you cut her so slack?”
“She’s not younger—we’re the sa age!” Su Qing argued indignantly.
Zhou Yuwen dismissed her protests. “I’ve told you a hundred tis not to bring up the past, yet you insist on it. You’re doing it on purpose.”
“I was just telling the truth! We used to co here all the ti!”
“That was before the divorce,” Zhou Yuwen retorted sharply.
Hearing this, Su Qing fell silent, unable to respond.
“You’re acting like you want everyone to know you’re my wife so Yanyan will leave . Is that what you want?”
“I am your wife! And you—”
“Not anymore,” Zhou Yuwen cut her off.
Su Qing pouted but softened when Zhou Yuwen added, “Behave. I’ll spend ti with you these three days.”
“Really?” she asked eagerly.
“When have I ever lied to you?”
Satisfied, Su Qing let the matter drop, telling herself not to bother with Zheng Yanyan. After all, their relationship wouldn’t last.
“I swear, you’re favoring the concubine over the wife,” Su Qing quipped.
“Who’s the concubine, and who’s the wife? Do you even know?” Zhou Yuwen countered.
“So, I’m the concubine now?” Su Qing pressed.
“Do you consider yourself a third party?” Zhou Yuwen asked pointedly.
When Su Qing found herself at a loss for words, the brief conversation ended quickly. Soon enough, Zheng Yanyan appeared, her sharp eyes imdiately noticing Su Qing and Zhou Yuwen together. She hurried over and grabbed Zhou Yuwen’s arm.
“What were you two talking about?” she asked.
Normally, Su Qing would have responded with a sarcastic jab, but recalling Zhou Yuwen’s earlier warning, she only let out a soft humph and turned to leave.
Zheng Yanyan glanced at Zhou Yuwen, waiting for an explanation.
“Nothing much,” Zhou Yuwen said casually. “I just told her to stop talking nonsense. We’ve been broken up for ages, yet she keeps acting like she’s on top of the world in front of you.”
Considering Su Qing’s expression as she left, Zheng Yanyan believed him. She giggled softly and asked, “Really?”
“Of course,” Zhou Yuwen replied confidently.
“You’re just trying to make
happy,” she said, pouting.
“Why would I? If she weren’t your roommate, I wouldn’t even bother with her,” Zhou Yuwen said.
This made Zheng Yanyan even happier. “Fine then. Next week, I’m moving in with you. That way, we won’t be roommates anymore, and we can both ignore her!”
It seed Zheng Yanyan was serious about moving in with Zhou Yuwen. Though he found the idea a bit inappropriate, he didn’t argue when she insisted.
After placating her, the group headed to Zhouzhuang for the afternoon. Zhou Yuwen’s initial plan was to spend ti with Zheng Yanyan alone, but she revealed their plans to Lu Lin, determined to bring her along to irritate Su Qing.
Ironically, Su Qing already knew about their plans but was still annoyed.
The only one left in the dark was Shen Yu. When she noticed Zhou Yuwen and Zheng Yanyan were missing, she turned to Su Qing, puzzled. “Where did Yanyan and the others go?”
Su Qing, watching Shen Yu’s clueless expression, sighed in exasperation. In her previous life, this girl had been much sharper.
Away from Su Qing, Zheng Yanyan was in high spirits, pulling Lu Lin along as she skipped across Zhouzhuang’s bridges. She couldn’t stop giggling at the thought of Su Qing’s frustration at not being able to find them.
“Why drag
along? Go enjoy your ti with Zhou Yuwen,” Lu Lin complained.
“Two people are boring. I always have ti with Zhou Yuwen, but how often do we get to hang out like this?” Zheng Yanyan said cheerfully, hugging Lu Lin’s slim waist.
“Besides,” she continued, “Su Qing has a terrible personality. I doubt you’d enjoy spending ti with her. How could I leave my only good friend behind?”
Lu Lin didn’t mind either way, but Zheng Yanyan truly cherished their friendship. Linking arms with Lu Lin, she said, “Co on, let’s take so photos!”
Zhou Yuwen, naturally, beca the designated photographer and errand boy. If Zheng Yanyan spotted sothing interesting, like hair clips or accessories, she’d call for him to pay.
Generous as always, Zheng Yanyan also bought gifts for Lu Lin.
Lu Lin hesitated. “It’s not right to have your boyfriend buy
things.”
“Don’t worry about it. What’s mine is yours. Just enjoy it!” Zheng Yanyan said.
“Alright,” Lu Lin replied nonchalantly.
Following them from behind, Zhou Yuwen didn’t mind. To him, they were both his won, and playing the role of a provider didn’t bother him.
“They may make
walk all day now,” he thought, “but tonight, they’ll be the ones who can’t walk straight.”
Won’s energy for shopping seed boundless. By the ti they finished browsing souvenirs and moved to tea shops, Zhou Yuwen was already tired. He chose to sit outside while Zheng Yanyan explored the shops.
Zhouzhuang, one of the top ten ancient towns, was famous for its Jiangnan-style bridges, flowing water, and antique architecture. Unfortunately, comrcialization had transford its traditional charm, with modern crafts sold in ancient-looking buildings.
While Zhou Yuwen rested, Lu Lin joined him, uninterested in shopping.
“You’re so energetic in bed, but now you’re all worn out?” she teased.
“That depends on who I’m with. With you, I’m always full of energy,” Zhou Yuwen joked.
“Liar,” Lu Lin said, rolling her eyes.
Zhou Yuwen laughed and opened his arms. “Co here, baby, give
a hug.”
Glancing toward the shop where Zheng Yanyan was shopping, Lu Lin hesitated. “Are you crazy?”
“Just answer —yes or no?”
With a resigned eye-roll, Lu Lin stepped forward and gave him a quick hug.
“Good girl,” Zhou Yuwen said with a grin.
Though she pretended to scoff, Lu Lin couldn’t help feeling a bit happy inside. She then asked, “What’s the deal with you and Su Qing? She wasn’t always this blatant about liking you.”
“She’s always been a bit eccentric,” Zhou Yuwen replied.
“That doesn’t explain it. Did you sleep with her again?” Lu Lin asked suspiciously.
“You’re overthinking it. Between you and Yanyan, I barely have ti to breathe. Where would I find the ti for her?” Zhou Yuwen said.
Lu Lin didn’t seem convinced, her gaze skeptical.
Annoyed, Zhou Yuwen smacked her on the butt. “Still don’t believe ?”
Lu Lin chuckled.
Just then, Zheng Yanyan returned, holding a cup she had just bought. “Hubby, look! Isn’t this cup pretty?”
“Yeah, it’s beautiful. How much was it?” Zhou Yuwen asked.
“Fifty,” she said with a grin, showing him five fingers.
“Great deal,” Zhou Yuwen replied.
Giggling, Zheng Yanyan seed very pleased.
For the next two hours, the trio wandered Zhouzhuang. Initially, Zhou Yuwen and Zheng Yanyan walked hand-in-hand, with Lu Lin trailing behind.
“Don’t walk so far away!” Zheng Yanyan called out.
“It’s fine. I don’t want to ruin your lovey-dovey ti,” Lu Lin replied.
“Next ti, bring your boyfriend along,” Zheng Yanyan suggested.
“He’s busy,” Lu Lin said flatly.
With a sigh, Zheng Yanyan joked, “Want to borrow my boyfriend’s hand?”
“Really?” Lu Lin teased, pretending to reach out.
“Of course! Go ahead!” Zheng Yanyan said earnestly.
Though Lu Lin declined, Zheng Yanyan seed delighted at the gesture. “Fine, if you won’t take it, I will,” she said, holding Zhou Yuwen’s hand tightly as they continued.
In this mont, Zheng Yanyan felt blissfully happy. With her boyfriend by her side and her best friend nearby, she believed life couldn’t get better.
What she didn’t know was that while Zhou Yuwen’s right arm was wrapped around her, his left hand had sneaked behind to hold Lu Lin’s.
Smiling slightly, Lu Lin took his hand without hesitation.
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