Her phone rang again – Yin Feng.

She answered: “Hello?”

This time, his end was especially quiet, his voice still gentle: “Have you left yet?”

You Mingxu, for reasons unknown even to herself, replied coolly: “Not yet.”

Yin Feng said: “That’s good. I’m sorry, but some friends from my circle showed up unexpectedly. I haven’t connected with them since my incident, hadn’t let them visit…”

You Mingxu: “I understand.” She patted the driver’s shoulder, signaling him to stop.

After a pause, Yin Feng said: “I’ll find you tomorrow.”

You Mingxu smiled silently and said: “If that’s all, I’m hanging up.”

“Mm, goodbye.” He hung up first.

You Mingxu lowered her phone, stared at it for two seconds, then tucked it back in her pocket and told the driver: “Turn around, let’s go somewhere else.”

As they drove back, two convertibles approached from the opposite direction – one golden yellow, one deep blue. Each car carried three or four people, both men and women. The men were impeccably dressed, and refined in appearance. Each car had two women, all exquisitely made up of perfect figures. Despite the winter cold, under their fur coats, they wore dresses, flashing glimpses of snow-white skin. They chatted and laughed boisterously, completely ignoring You Mingxu’s passing car as they headed toward Yin Feng’s house.

“My must be celebrities or rich kids – wealthy folks for sure!” The driver couldn’t help muttering, glancing back at the alluring young woman.

You Mingxu also looked back, watching the two cars stop at Yin Feng’s gate, which slowly opened to let them in.

She turned forward, sat silently for a moment, and just as they were about to exit the complex, she spoke: “Driver, let me out here.”

The driver asked in confusion: “Why aren’t we leaving now?”

She said: “I’m going to kill someone.”

The driver froze, deciding not to ask any more questions.

When You Mingxu reached the main gate, her heart was completely still. The feeling was familiar – she suddenly recalled that night when he was still You Yingjun when she caught a woman climbing into his bed. Back then, he had been innocent. But the seeds of her pain and irritation were planted that night. She learned what kind of person he had been, yet faced with the later You Yingjun, she still chose to take the risk.

But now, he wasn’t You Yingjun anymore.

Tonight, when he called to put her off, his voice was calm and gentle, matter-of-fact.

You Mingxu pressed the doorbell.

The door opened quickly, and Lao Jiu was startled to see her. Before he could react, You Mingxu had already slipped inside, saying with a faint smile: “He invited me.”

Yin Feng had previously instructed that You Mingxu was to have unrestricted access at any time. While Lao Jiu hesitated, You Mingxu had already walked ahead. After consideration, Lao Jiu decided not to interfere and returned to watering the flowers.

Passing through the garden, she saw Champion still trimming flower branches. You Mingxu thought how this former internet genius now showed no trace of his past.

Usually, Champion barely glanced at her, but today he looked up, first at her, then at the noisy terrace, and let out a “heh heh heh” laugh. His sardonic manner was emphasized by the “snip” of his scissors cutting off a beautiful flower. He expected a show.

You Mingxu gave him a cold look and walked on.

At the bottom of the stairs, a figure emerged to block her path.

You Mingxu looked at Tu Ya: “Move.”

Tu Ya’s face was tense and slightly red, his hands clenched at his sides, silent but unyielding.

You Mingxu: “Tu Ya, this is between him and me.”

Tu Ya shook his head: “Don’t go up. He’s just playing the social game, entertaining guests, not taking any of it seriously. He still hasn’t remembered, so…”

You Mingxu said: “I choose to take it seriously. Are you going to fight me?”

After a long silence, Tu Ya finally stepped aside. His heart was heavy, he bit his lip and retreated to his room to drink alone.

You Mingxu climbed the stairs.

On the third floor, she faced an open kitchen where Chef Wei Lan stood in his most proper chef’s attire, complete with tall hat. Hearing footsteps, he turned.

Wei Lan, whose parents’ business dispute led to loan shark debt, had endured inhuman abuse from his family. At just 23, he had committed manslaughter. After serving 8 years, he was now 33.

The handsome young man met her eyes with embarrassment, quickly saying: “Please wait, I’ll notify Master Yin.”

You Mingxu: “Stay where you are.”

Wei Lan froze, forced to watch helplessly as You Mingxu ascended to the terrace, then lowered his head.

—

Unlike the soft music playing during You Mingxu’s last visit, today the terrace echoed with happy, psychedelic tunes, the fireplace crackling. Several men held wine glasses, leaning against the terrace railing in conversation, each with a woman by his side. Wine, fine food, and women – that made things interesting.

Yin Feng had one beside him too.

They discussed recent cultural market trends, film investment, fine wines, books, and tea. Naturally, they were curious about Yin Feng’s year-and-a-half “disappearance.” But Yin Feng had always been eccentric – call him aloof, yet he navigated capital markets and made fortunes like any shrewd businessman; call him profit-driven, yet he could withdraw from the market for long periods, immersed in writing, oblivious to all else. So his secluded writing retreat wasn’t particularly surprising.

Yin Feng chatted enthusiastically with these industry friends. Though long separated, he could effortlessly bridge any gap when he chose, making conversation flow naturally and intimately.

One man gestured at the woman beside Yin Feng, smiling: “She’s a new artist signed to Zhao’s company, but hasn’t debuted yet. Says she’s your biggest fan. Lisa now’s your chance to meet your idol. Quick, offer Master Yin a drink. If his books get adapted for TV, getting you a role would be nothing – every production company respects Master Yin’s wishes.”

Yin Feng studied the woman beside him.

Lisa was only twenty-two or twenty-three, petite and fair, beautiful with long, sleek black hair. She’d removed her coat to reveal a smoke-gray gown, her fragrance intoxicating, like the girl next door.

She obediently raised her wine glass to Yin Feng, her voice soft and sweet: “Master Yin, would you honor me with a drink?”

In Yin Feng’s perception, he hadn’t been with a woman for a very long time. The girl before him was undoubtedly his preferred type, or she wouldn’t have been brought here today. Delicate, petite, docile, and eager to please.

Yin Feng rested one hand on the terrace railing, regarding her coolly as he took the glass, drained it in one gulp, and returned it to her hand.

Lisa’s eyes flashed with triumph.

The others were well accustomed to such scenes. Everyone knew Yin Feng rarely got serious with women, but given his long seclusion and the current situation, perhaps there was a chance.

The conversation continued, with Lisa remaining by Yin Feng’s side. A man like this – famous writer, handsome, wealthy, with influence in film and television – was too good an opportunity to miss. And judging by his manner, he seemed somewhat interested in her.