In the office of "Nuan Yao Media," shortly after Shen Jingbing had left, Lin Ran and Wu Zhishang prepared to head out as well.
Downstairs, Wu Zhishang went to unlock a shared bike.
"Seriously, Old Wu? You’re the boss of two companies now, and you’re still riding a shared bike?"
Wu Zhishang scratched his head and chuckled. Though he had begun carrying himself with the air of someone in authority around others, with Lin Ran, he still acted like an old friend—Lin Ran would always be "Brother Lin" to him.
"It’s just more convenient and avoids traffic!" He pointed to the red Ferrari parked nearby in a designated spot.
"Brother Lin, this car is cool, but it attracts too much attention from women. It’s a bit flashy, and lately, I’ve been struggling to handle it."
Lin Ran was taken aback. "Damn, Old Wu, you’ve become the very thing you used to hate."
Wu Zhishang retorted, "I’ve kept myself clean, don’t spout nonsense. Watch out, or I’ll sue you for slander."
Just then, a voice cut in.
"See? I told you this loser couldn’t possibly afford a Ferrari. That car’s obviously rented. Didn’t I say so? Look at how smoothly he’s scanning that bike—pure habit."Both turned to see the meticulously dressed Zhao Miaomiao and the disdainful Lv Jian.
At the sight of them, Lin Ran frowned, while Wu Zhishang’s expression darkened.
Zhao Miaomiao walked up to Wu Zhishang and gently took his hand.
"Zhishang, it’s been half a month since we last saw each other. Have you missed me?"
Wu Zhishang wanted to say yes, but he didn’t dare soften. Forcing a casual tone, he replied, "No, I haven’t."
Lv Jian chimed in, "Wu Zhishang, Miaomiao loves you so much. Why can’t you be more understanding? There’s really nothing between us. If this bothers you, I’ll disappear forever."
Wu Zhishang stayed silent. Lin Ran didn’t offer any advice—he’d already said all there was to say. Whatever Wu Zhishang decided, Lin Ran would support him.
"Zhao Miaomiao, I’ve made myself clear. We’re breaking up. If you didn’t hear me the first time, I’ll say it again—I don’t want you anymore."
Wu Zhishang tried to leave, but Zhao Miaomiao clung to his hand.
"Zhishang, give me one more chance. Let’s not break up, okay? You’re the only one I’ve ever loved. Lv Jian is just a friend."
Zhao Miaomiao had spent days thinking it over, still unable to grasp why Wu Zhishang had broken up with her. Today, she’d mustered the courage to explain herself.
If a girl could humble herself to come to you, didn’t that prove she cared?
That time at the hotel, she and Lv Jian had been completely innocent—just friends comforting each other. She didn’t understand why Wu Zhishang had made such a big deal out of it.
Before Wu Zhishang could respond, Lv Jian’s eyes welled up. "Wu Zhishang, Miaomiao, the two of you should be together. I swear I’ll never appear again. I’m leaving today."
Zhao Miaomiao was startled. "Where are you going?"
Lv Jian sighed dramatically. "Where does the wanderer call home? Somewhere out there, a place will finally let me rest." With that, he sobbed and turned to leave.
Zhao Miaomiao immediately released Wu Zhishang’s hand. Staring after Lv Jian, she lowered her head and muttered to Wu Zhishang,
"I… I have to go…"
"Go ahead. Don’t come back."
Wu Zhishang cursed himself—he’d almost fallen for it again.
Zhao Miaomiao insisted, "I’m just worried he’ll do something stupid. He has depression. I’ll be back soon."
Wu Zhishang asked coldly, "So if we got back together, would you run to him every time he has an episode?"
Zhao Miaomiao had no answer. She’d never considered that.Follow current novels on NovᴇlFirenᴇt
"Wu Zhishang, stop being unreasonable. We’re just—"
"Besties, right? Got it. Go on, then."
Zhao Miaomiao hesitated, but seeing Lv Jian’s retreating figure, she finally ran after him.
"Ha! So I really do mean less to her than that guy." Wu Zhishang laughed bitterly.
Lin Ran patted his shoulder. "You deserve better. Like that Chen Qingtian, for instance."
"If I couldn’t even keep Zhao Miaomiao, how could I ever get someone like Chen Qingtian?" Wu Zhishang shook his head self-deprecatingly.
Lin Ran disagreed. "Not necessarily. I think she’s pretty interested in you."
"We’re just friends. And honestly, she has ulterior motives."
"How so?" Lin Ran looked puzzled.
Wu Zhishang paused. "Brother Lin, I don’t want to hide things from you, but this is… complicated. I’ll explain when I can, okay?"
"Alright." Lin Ran showed his trust without pressing further.
Wu Zhishang felt guilty, but he had to prioritize Lin Ran’s well-being—especially against potential threats.
Chen Qingtian might seem interested in him, but all her probing was about Lin Ran. That set off alarms in Wu Zhishang’s mind.
No matter how impressive Chen Qingtian was, she wasn’t worth his brother’s happiness.
Just as the two were about to part ways, Zhao Miaomiao returned—dragging Lv Jian along by the hand.
What now?
"What’s this about?" Lin Ran asked first.
Zhao Miaomiao pulled Lv Jian forward. "Lv Jian, tell him. What’s really between us?"
Her chest burned with frustration. After catching up to Lv Jian, she’d tried to cheer him up, only for him to snap that she didn’t care about him at all. That set her off.
Because of you, my boyfriend wants to break up, and now you’re pulling this?
So she’d hauled him back. Lv Jian had tried to resist, but she wouldn’t let go.
He couldn’t understand why Zhao Miaomiao was so hung up on Wu Zhishang.
Before Lv Jian could speak, Wu Zhishang cut in. "I don’t need proof of your relationship. I don’t care. Keep being ‘besties’ in bed—sounds perfect."
The blatant taunt enraged Lv Jian.
"You two pretentious losers! Last time, you rented that car to fool us. And that steakhouse stunt? I checked—you never deposited a million. It was all an act!"
"And the Pangu Hotel? I looked into it. The owner’s some mysterious big shot—no way it’s this clown next to you. Admit it, you just wanted to show off in front of Miaomiao!"
Lin Ran: ??? Hey, insult who you want, but why the splash damage?
That was it. He pulled out his phone and sent a quick message.
Zhao Miaomiao was stunned. She turned to Wu Zhishang and Lin Ran. "Is this true?"
Wu Zhishang shrugged. "Believe what you want."
After a long silence, Zhao Miaomiao slowly smiled—a cold, mocking one.
"So you really are just nobodies. Wu Zhishang, I lowered myself to beg for you back, and this is how you treat me? That rented car must’ve cost you a fortune. Pathetic."
With Wu Zhishang’s tacit admission, her last hope shattered, and her true colors emerged.
She’d been willing to give him a chance before—his past behavior had been acceptable.
But "deception"? That was unforgivable.