They said goodbye in the parking lot.

Wu Naijuan checked the rearview mirror to see if anyone was following her.

Originally, being stalked was a terrifying feeling, but Li Zhizhong did it so subtly, always appearing at the most appropriate moments. Once or twice, he even waited for her to see him first.

Like the most nimble, well-matched dance partner, advancing and retreating just right, never stepping on her toes.

Right at that moment, Wu Naijuan couldn’t help herself – she turned the car around and drove to the suburbs, to Li Zhizhong’s house.

She certainly remembered that residence full of Southeast Asian charm.

At dusk, as the sun set, she discovered there was an osmanthus tree by his front door. The tiny white rice-like flowers emitted an incredible intense fragrance. After basking in the sun all afternoon, the heat had steamed the floral scent higher and farther, permeating everywhere.

Wu Naijuan felt nothing but bewilderment.

She leaned on the steering wheel for a while, her ears hearing a rational voice whisper: “Wu Naijuan, leave. Perhaps he’s already moved away, and now three generations of a family of eight live here.”

If she didn’t leave soon, she would be the one needing a psychiatrist.

Just as she was about to turn the car around, lights suddenly came on inside the house.

Wu Naijuan felt anxious.

She saw his silhouette move from the study to the living room, pick up a stack of newspapers, then return to the study.

Then the curtains were drawn, leaving only cream-colored lamplight.

He was still in the city, he hadn’t left yet.

He was alone at home, without a female companion.

Wu Naijuan slowly drove away.

Stopping at a traffic light entering the city district, she glanced sideways and noticed a sports car parked beside her, the driver craning his neck to look at her.

When their eyes met, he looked away embarrassedly.

Wu Naijuan suddenly realized she had a voyeuristic problem – ah, first quietly watching Li Jialiang from the side, then taking turns with Li Zhizhong.

Her forehead was covered in cold sweat – wasn’t this a psychological abnormality?

The red light had changed, and cars behind her were honking to urge her forward. Only then did Wu Naijuan wake up and hurriedly drive away.

Her state of mind couldn’t calm down for a long time.

But the next day, she still had to get up and work and live as usual.

Li Jialiang called: “Naijuan, I’m working at the hospital. I’ll see you later today.”

Wu Naijuan felt relieved – she hadn’t planned to accept this airtight style of pursuit.

She arranged to have tea with Ma Liwen.

“Just the two of us – is something wrong?”

“Can’t we eat together if nothing’s wrong? How about this afternoon?”

“I’ll come pick you up.”

This was Ma Liwen’s virtue – without ulterior motives, he was also willing to take care of women.

Wu Naijuan knew some men who, having agreed late at night to drive guests home for their hosts, would have the nerve to say halfway through the drive: “Miss So-and-so, would it be okay if you got out here? It’s easy to hail a taxi.”

So when Wu Naijuan earned her salary, the first thing she did was buy a car – not depending on others for anything, avoiding hurt feelings.

Ma Liwen was a smart man. As soon as he picked up Wu Naijuan, he asked: “Did Bihao ask you to negotiate with me?”

Wu Naijuan smiled without speaking.

“When a married couple needs outsiders to relay messages, their relationship is already precarious.”

“Mr. Ma, I’m not an outsider.”

“True, Naijuan, you’re like a good sister in my family.”

“Brother Ma, you should put Bihao first.”

Ma Liwen sighed: “Naijuan, in front of Bihao, I’ve always been crawling on my belly. Haven’t you seen that?”

Wu Naijuan remained silent.

“I’m already flat on the ground, and she’s still not satisfied. Everyone has a bottom line. I can’t not take care of my children – I must have contact with my ex-wife, must contribute money and effort. If she can’t accept that, there’s nothing I can do.”

Wu Naijuan smiled bitterly.

“Naijuan, if it were you instead of Bihao, you’d be able to tolerate and understand, and then I’d be even more grateful.”

Wu Naijuan said softly, “I would never get involved with a man who has an ex-wife and children.”

Ma Liwen was caught between laughter and tears.

“Could you live without Bihao?”

“I’ve always had work.”

“Bihao is a virtuous helper who’s made many connections for you.”

“That’s true, I’ve always been grateful to her.”

“Accommodate her a bit more. You’ve already had one ex-wife – that’s enough. Whether economically or emotionally, you can’t afford a second time.”

“You’re right.”

They bought McDonald’s burgers and coffee to eat in the car.

Ma Liwen complained: “Being human is troublesome.”

Wu Naijuan laughed: “You need to simplify the complex.”

Ma Liwen sighed deeply: “The children are already boarding abroad, only returning during holidays.”

“How long has it been since you two took a vacation?”

“That kind of extra expense requires Bihao to write checks – save when possible.”

“She’s not stingy.”

Ma Liwen smiled bitterly: “People change, Naijuan. Lately she’s been talking more.”

“I’ll try to persuade her.”

“No, Naijuan. She’s also had enough. Every month’s expenses, she bears most of the burden.”

Wu Naijuan smiled: “She wants to maintain such a high standard of living – cooks, nannies, servants galore – naturally, she has to pay the price.”

“Naijuan, it’s rare that you’re so fair.”

“As far as I know, Bihao wants to be a mother.”

“I’m not a good father. I’m already scared.”

“Sigh.”

Between them, many knots couldn’t be untied.

“Naijuan, have you noticed that a divorced person is like a piece of fabric cut wrong – it can never be made into a garment again?”

Wu Naijuan had a bit of a headache.

“Time’s up, I’ll drive you back to the office.”

Returning to the company, Wu Naijuan looked for painkillers to take.

She didn’t understand how golden wedding anniversaries could still exist in the world. Marriage was so difficult to maintain – the Ma couple had irreconcilable differences between them.

Wang Bihao’s call came: “What did he say?”

“He has his difficulties.”

Wu Naijuan rubbed her temples.

“That means he’s unwilling to change the status quo.”

“Bihao, I still have a meeting. I’ll contact you after work.”

“I understand.”

Wu Naijuan emerged from the meeting room two hours later. Quitting time had arrived, and her headache had intensified, making her restless.

She left work early, returned home, and used an ice pack to compress her entire face.

The phone rang. She didn’t answer, but the answering machine recorded this message: “Dr. Li Jialiang leaving a message for Miss Wu Naijuan: An accident occurred during surgery, requiring extended time for remedial action. Will contact later.”

What arduous work this was – standing in the operating room for over ten hours, and if a patient couldn’t be saved, he’d certainly be so upset he couldn’t sleep for several nights.

Wu Naijuan sighed softly.

So in his spare time, he went to the community center to help elderly people and children with completely different pure physical labor: playing ball, swimming, and gymnastics.

She turned on her side and fell asleep.

She dreamed of a hand gently lifting the ice pack from her forehead. This hand was broad and moist, with rather short fingers – not an artist’s hands, but strong, reliable, and powerful. She naturally grasped this hand.

“Zhizhong, you’re still following me after all.”

“I saw your adoring gaze and didn’t want to leave. How I wish I were the person in your heart.”

“That wasn’t a loving look. You misunderstood – that was a lonely, masterless gaze seeking emotional support.”

Knock knock knock – someone was at the door.

“Zhizhong, why can’t we ever have a proper conversation to the end?”

Wu Naijuan opened her eyes, her limbs not obeying her.

Finally getting up to open the door, she found Ma Liwen standing outside, his face ashen.

“What’s wrong with you?”

He took the ice pack from Wu Naijuan’s hand, applied it to his head, and unceremoniously lay down on her long sofa like a dead fish.

“She’s gone.”

“Who’s gone? Gone where?”

“Bihao has already taken a plane to London. I checked – the flight took off thirty minutes ago.”

“What are you saying? I just spoke with her on the phone not long ago.”

“Money makes things easy – there’s always a first-class ticket waiting for her.”

“This makes me so angry – she didn’t even discuss it with me.”

Ma Liwen said, “I thought you knew all along.”

“She didn’t say she would leave immediately.”

“Naijuan, I did my best, and I believe she did her best, too. Let it be.”

“How can we let it be? Chase after her, beg her to come back.”

Ma Liwen asked: “Do you have any strong liquor? I don’t drink that perfume-like red and green wine.”

Wu Naijuan gave him a large glass of whiskey with ice.

He gulped several mouthfuls: “I’m not some hot-blooded, impulsive young fellow – how could I chase after her?”

He spoke the truth. His face and shoulders sagged, his belly loose, like he was wearing a life preserver.

“She had her lawyer notify me, giving me three months to sign separation papers and move out of the current address.”

Never expected Wang Bihao’s executive ability to be so superb.

“Naijuan, knowing you has been my honor.”

He had finished speaking.

“What do you plan to do?”

“Pull myself together properly, find a house and move, call the children back to attend public school, and go to a gym to get my former physique back.”

“I’m happy just hearing about it.”

He sighed deeply, his complexion still not improved.

As if wanting to salvage something at Wu Naijuan’s place, he finally had no choice but to leave.

As soon as he left, the phone rang.

“Sorry, no time to say goodbye.”

“Bihao, where are you?”

“On the plane, already feeling relaxed.”

“Then there’s no hope.”

“Come visit me when you have time – the world is but a small place.”

“Goodbye, take care.”

Wu Naijuan felt dejected – this was the most failed case in her counseling history.

From now on, the Ma household was dissolved, and she had lost another good place to go.

Professor Chen’s place no longer had room for her as a student, and now even Wang Bihao’s refuge was lost. One blow after another – truly unbearable.

Wu Naijuan sat there in a daze.

The doorbell rang again.

The visitor was Dr. Li Jialiang.

His complexion looked even worse than Ma Liwen’s – something had gone wrong in the operating room.

Li Jialiang saw the ice pack and immediately took it to place on his head.

Wu Naijuan quickly said, “Let me get you a fresh frozen one.”

She hurried to the freezer to get him a new one.

He also lay on that sofa, moaning.

“What happened? Tell me about it.”

“The patient couldn’t be saved.”

Wu Naijuan had already guessed.

“A fifteen-year-old girl.”

“Don’t be sad – she’s gone to play the piano for God.”

Li Jialiang choked back sobs and sighed, the atmosphere heavy as iron.

Wu Naijuan also poured him a large glass of whiskey with ice.

Dr. Li took a big sip: “Sigh.”

Whether it was Wu Naijuan’s success or failure, men kept coming to lie down and sigh to her.

She also had a strenuous job and needed entertainment – in her spare time, she hoped to see a smiling face.

Li Jialiang couldn’t make her feel relaxed.

Dr. Li then said, “I still have to go back for the night shift.”

“It’s been a long time since you went to the community center.”

“I’ll go on Wednesday at noon.”

“See you then.”

“I’ll come pick you up tomorrow morning.”

“No need to stick to these formalities.”

Wu Naijuan extended her finger to gently caress his lips, but he was exhausted physically and mentally, only gently grasping Wu Naijuan’s hand.

He took his leave.

Wu Naijuan stood on the balcony, looking at the sea view until she was tired.

The next day was the big day for announcing promotions.

Colleagues were restless with anticipation.

Some had secretly received news and were already looking for newer, larger residences early in the morning. Some had already booked banquets to celebrate with supervisors. Some had bought flowers and candy, first storing them in the storage room, ready to present them at any time.

Wu Naijuan knew her chances of promotion were slim. She didn’t follow conventional procedures – doing well didn’t count for points. More importantly, you had to know how to handle people, maintain harmony above and below, arrange everything comfortably, entertain guests on schedule and according to occasions, benefiting everyone.

Wu Naijuan couldn’t do any of these things.

She was an orphan who didn’t understand interpersonal relationships.

Everyone bustled about gathering information, while Wu Naijuan sat alone in her office working on materials.

Someone coughed.

She looked up: “Oh, Director Jiang.”

She offered her seat.

“Naijuan, I’m retiring in January.”

“I heard.”

“My replacement is a woman people call the metropolitan conscience – domineering, self-righteous, and arrogant.”

Wu Naijuan smiled: “I’m also a woman.”

“You’re a marriageable young lady.”

Wu Naijuan remained silent.

“Your performance has been excellent. I’ve decided to promote you one level higher – it’ll be more convenient for work. If someone deliberately makes things difficult, your voice will be louder too.”

Wu Naijuan was deeply moved, momentarily not knowing what to say.

“I’ve accumulated a lot of vacation time and could leave early, but suddenly I’m reluctant to leave the office.”

“Director Jiang, apply for delayed retirement.”

“I applied, but it wasn’t approved – they need to let young people move up.”

Wu Naijuan said, “Then getting freedom earlier is also good.”

He suddenly stared at Wu Naijuan: “It’s those eyes of yours – people who come for help all say Miss Wu’s eyes see through all mechanisms.”

Wu Naijuan couldn’t help laughing.

Director Jiang sighed: “I’m a law-abiding person, but every morning when I see your slender figure appear, my heart is always joyful. When you’re in meetings, I’m especially energetic and speak more concisely.”

Wu Naijuan was stunned.

Too unexpected – she hadn’t thought Director Jiang would have other feelings for her.

Three years as colleagues, he had never said anything extra to her or made improper advances. He was a man worthy of respect.

Too sudden.

She saw this middle-aged man smile slightly: “You never expected – for three years you’ve been my cardiac stimulant.”

Wu Naijuan was speechless.

“My son graduated from university this year, only a few years younger than you. I know my place – admiring you from afar already makes me content.”

Wu Naijuan felt embarrassed to look at him directly.

He stood up: “Naijuan, I wish you a bright future.”

Wu Naijuan quickly said, “Thank you.”

Director Jiang quietly left her room.

This good man in his fifties had always remained silent and patient, only telling her his feelings today.

Wu Naijuan had never paid him proper attention. He liked playing bridge with weekend colleagues – she never joined. She had her social circle. After work was after work, she didn’t mix with these people anymore.

She didn’t know he had special feelings for her.

Wu Naijuan had focused all her attention on Li Jialiang’s handsome physique.

At this moment, colleagues swarmed in: “Congratulations, congratulations, Naijuan, treat us to dinner.”

Someone immediately presented flowers, others took photos – all making Wu Naijuan feel ashamed.

Wu Naijuan opened her purse, took out all her cash, and handed it to Tan Xin: “It’s on me – add more if needed, subtract if there’s extra. Let’s all be happy.”

Tan Xin took the cash: “Everyone follow me.”

When everyone left, the room immediately returned to quiet.

Wei Hua remained.

“Only you got promoted.” Her tone wasn’t very friendly.

Wu Naijuan said: “I was lucky.”

Wei Hua said, “The new director is my cousin.” Ah, she was here to intimidate.

Wu Naijuan replied: “How wonderful.”

“She conducts business fairly.” The sarcasm was heavy.

“Certainly, certainly.” Wu Naijuan nodded submissively.

Wei Hua snorted and left.

Wu Naijuan breathed a sigh of relief.