Chapter 25: I Hope You Win

When the sound of knocking came, Mu Yunshen finally let go of Su Wan. Her face was already flushed red, and as soon as he released her, she immediately stood up, covering her mouth with her hand.

Mu Yunshen looked on with satisfaction just as Pi Zi’s voice came from outside, “Brother Shen, someone’s here to see you.”

His tone was somber, and Mu Yunshen’s smile vanished at once.

“Let them in,” he said.

Pi Zi entered, leading someone with him. When Mu Yunshen caught sight of the visitor, his gaze darkened, and he turned to Pi Zi, “Take your sister-in-law out first.”

In less than half an hour, “Sister Su” had become “sister-in-law.” Pi Zi caught the hint and led Su Wan out.

At that moment, Su Wan’s thoughts were still with Mu Yunshen. Had she looked up to see the person standing opposite her, perhaps everything that happened that day would have turned out differently.

But she did not. After giving Mu Yunshen one last glance, she obediently walked out.

Pi Zi grinned at her, “Sister-in-law, let me take you home.”

“That’s not necessary. I have a friend waiting for me,” Su Wan suddenly remembered the person waiting downstairs. “I’ll go back on my own.”

“Alright then. Brother Shen needs someone to look after him anyway, and who knows where Li Man has run off to…” Pi Zi replied.

Su Wan nodded and turned to leave.

Just as she was about to step into the elevator, a voice called out, “Miss Su.”

Su Wan turned her head and saw Li Man watching her. “Can we talk?”

—

The two stood on the balcony. Li Man lit a cigarette, took a drag, and slowly exhaled.

“The first time I met Brother Shen was on my first day at the club. I didn’t know how to adapt and almost angered a guest to the point of disaster. He was the one who pulled me out, even at the risk of offending the customer for my sake.”

“Looking at him then, he was truly dazzling. Not the kind of handsomeness that comes from good looks, but a hero’s charm that radiates from within.”

“Later, I learned he was the club owner. To avoid causing him more trouble, I threw myself into training—drinking, entertaining guests—until finally, I became the one he trusted most.”

Li Man looked at Su Wan, her gaze steady. “That’s why he asked me to help you out that night. I thought it was just to avoid offending a guest, but I never imagined… it was actually for you.”

There was a wistfulness in her eyes, and Su Wan turned away, murmuring softly, “You like him.”

“Everyone at Golden Flow knows that.” Li Man gave a small laugh. “He knows too, of course. But he’s never looked my way, not even once. He’s capable of the gentlest care, yet he’ll never give you the slightest hope. Tell me, isn’t this man heartless? Utterly infuriating?”

“But he’s not like that with everyone. For instance, you now. And before you—Gu Yan.”

“Gu Yan?” Su Wan’s brows knitted slightly.

“Oh, right. You haven’t met her yet. But you will, sooner or later. I hope you… win.”

With that enigmatic remark, Li Man turned and walked away, leaving Su Wan’s words stuck in her throat.

On the way back, Su Wan kept turning the name Gu Yan over in her mind.

Wen Shaoran glanced at her. “What’s wrong? Didn’t go well?”

His voice jolted her back to reality, reminding her that her own matters still weren’t settled. She looked at Wen Shaoran. “Whatever you want, I’ll give it to you. Our engagement… is off.”