When had Wen Liang suddenly learned to speak like a normal person?

Not just “I miss you so much,” but embracing her and repeating “But I still miss you so much.”

Chen Die couldn’t take it.

Wen Liang with a fever had become someone unfamiliar to her, showing vulnerability in front of her for the first time.

Could he be vulnerable too?

He had lent her his suit jacket while having a fever, then brought her here to change clothes. Chen Die felt that leaving him there seemed genuinely unkind.

Thinking about this, Chen Die sat beneath the industry conference stage and quietly took out her phone to send Wen Liang a message.

[Chen Die: Tell me if you feel worse, I’ll take you to the hospital.]

After waiting a while with no reply from Wen Liang, she figured he must be asleep.

Chen Die put her phone back in her handbag, looked up at the stage where Ye Chuqing was standing at the microphone thanking the guests.

“I have to say, this Miss Ye truly has a different air about her—poised and not at all nervous,” Fang Ruan whispered in her ear. “She’d be top-tier even in the entertainment industry. She’d be a hit.”

Chen Die glanced at her and smiled. “That’s your professional bias talking. She’s a chairperson, not entering the entertainment industry.”

“True, but I just think it’s strange how the gap between rich young ladies can be so vast. Ye Chuqing is so proper, while that Chen Shuyuan person only knows how to backstab people.”

Fang Ruan didn’t know about the other history between Chen Die and Chen Shuyuan, but she disliked her because of the horse-falling incident.

Chen Die smiled without saying more.

The film industry conference didn’t end until ten that night. Winter nights were especially cold. Chen Die wrapped herself in a thick coat as she got into the car to return to the hotel.

It wasn’t until she woke up the next day that she received Wen Liang’s reply.

[Wen Liang: I’m fine now.]

Chen Die rolled over in bed. It was rare to have a day off, so she stretched lazily and replied.

[Chen Die: Has your fever gone down? You should get some more medicine, I saw the medicine cabinet was empty.]

[Wen Liang: Already bought medicine.]

Chen Die raised an eyebrow but didn’t reply further.

She hadn’t expected Wen Liang to be so proactive about buying medicine.

Wen Liang hadn’t gone out specifically to buy medicine; he had just picked up a box of fever reducers on his way.

Wen Huaiyuan had suffered an attack of migraine last night and was admitted to the hospital early this morning.

Wen Liang got the fever medication from the pharmacy and took the elevator up to the inpatient area.

Wen Huaiyuan’s health had been deteriorating over the years. He had just been discharged recently, and despite having a family doctor at home, he had only stayed at home for three or four months before being hospitalized again.

Wen Liang handed the medicine to Zhu Qicong behind him and pushed open the door.

Only Wen Huaiyuan and Fu Wanmei were in the hospital room.

Wen Liang removed his coat, draping it over his arm, and stood by the bedside. “What did the doctor say?”

“The indicators aren’t optimistic. They suggest staying in the hospital,” Fu Wanmei said.

Wen Huaiyuan said, “My body has too many problems. Who knows how much time I have left.”

Fu Wanmei immediately frowned and patted his arm gently. “Don’t say such unlucky things. Qianqian hasn’t even graduated from university yet. How could you leave us?”

Wen Liang stood to the side, his expression unchanged, showing no trace of concern, like a stranger to this family.

Wen Huaiyuan coughed a few times, then turned to look at Wen Liang. “Now that you’ve already separated from that Chen girl, you should start thinking about your marriage.”

“I have no such plans,” Wen Liang said.

His response was within Wen Huaiyuan’s expectations.

“Liang, your Aunt Fu has a friend whose daughter returned from studying abroad the year before last. She doesn’t completely rely on her family and has her own business. She’s also quite good-looking. You might as well meet her.”

Wen Liang raised an eyebrow.

Whatever friend’s daughter Fu Wanmei was introducing, he knew without thinking that she didn’t have good intentions.

The old man’s health was getting worse, and he might unexpectedly pass away any day. Wen Liang was now the largest shareholder of Wen Yuan. Once Wen Huaiyuan died, Fu Wanmei would lose her support.

The shares she and Wen Qian held couldn’t compete with Wen Liang’s at all.

Wen Liang curved his lips, answering casually, “We’ll see.”

“The Ye family’s businesses complement Wen Yuan’s perfectly, which would benefit Wen Yuan’s future development,” Wen Huaiyuan’s voice was weak. “You’re 28 this year. When that Chen girl was around, I didn’t bring this up with you, but now you need to seriously consider marriage.”

This matter was brought up by Fu Wanmei, and at Wen Huaiyuan’s age, he couldn’t possibly understand her underlying motives.

Wen Liang had no interest in arguing. He just responded indifferently and soon rose to leave.

From the hospital to the company, he took the elevator to the top floor.

As soon as he exited the elevator, his assistant hurried over and said softly, “Mr. Wen, Miss Ye is visiting and waiting for you in the conference hall.”

Wen Liang looked up. “Who?”

“Miss Ye Chuqing.”

Wen Liang paused, recalling what Wen Huaiyuan had just mentioned to him.

“I see.”

He was about to walk toward the conference hall when Zhu Qicong called out from behind. “President Wen.”

“What is it?”

Zhu Qicong hesitated, then suggested, “Maybe you should explain to Miss Chen beforehand. If there’s a misunderstanding, Miss Chen might be upset.”

Wen Liang’s eyes narrowed slightly as he dismissed it with a “No need” and walked into the conference hall.

Ye Chuqing had arrived at the Wen Yuan Group at nine in the morning and had been waiting until almost ten. Several times she had wanted to leave, but each time she looked at the photo her mother had sent yesterday and persevered.

Only for handsome men could she wait, but if she discovered it was a photo scam, Ye Chuqing would strangle this inconsiderate bastard with her own hands.

Footsteps echoed in the corridor, and then the door was pushed open.

Ye Chuqing was on the verge of erupting in anger when she turned around in her stiletto heels.

A face is identical to the one in the photo.

No, even more handsome in person.

This man’s face was indeed not one you’d find among the young idols in the entertainment industry. His features were as sharp as if carved with a knife, and the scar at the edge of his eyebrow wasn’t out of place at all; rather, it added an indescribable quality to his presence.

It was as if every single detail perfectly matched Ye Chuqing’s aesthetic preferences.

She immediately changed from mentally cursing Wen Liang a second ago to greeting him with a smile, walking over, and extending her hand. “Hello, President Wen. I’m Ye Chuqing. My mother arranged for us to meet.”

Wen Liang shook her hand briefly, took out a cigarette from a pack, then tossed the pack onto the conference table nearby, and sat lazily on the armrest of a chair. “What do you want?”

“Didn’t your parents tell you?” Ye Chuqing tilted her head. “They hope we could get to know each other.”

“What the hell does that have to do with me?”

Ye Chuqing was shocked.

Since birth, she had been raised as a lady, and after entering society, she had always been praised for her poise. She had met countless talented young men but had never encountered anyone like this.

Having studied abroad, she had heard little of Wen Liang’s reputation.

Ye Chuqing felt like she was experiencing what happens in those old-fashioned romance novels when the male protagonist sees a natural, unpretentious female lead.

How unique!

She was smitten!

At first, she was just a beauty chaser whose eyes lit up at the sight of a handsome man.

But quickly realizing her expression might be frightening, Ye Chuqing cleared her throat several times to regain her composure.

She smiled sweetly. “President Wen, are you free for lunch today? I’d like to treat you.”

Wen Liang exhaled a cloud of smoke, with a hint of a smile. He flicked some ash from his cigarette. “Do you know Fu Wanmei?”

“She’s something like my aunt.”

Having reached her current position, Ye Chuqing was no fool. Seeing his demeanor, she knew the relationship between this stepmother and stepson wasn’t good, so she added, “Though I haven’t been back in the country long, I could count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen her.”

Wen Liang gestured to a chair, indicating she should sit.

“Do you know why Fu Wanmei wanted you to meet me?”

Ye Chuqing was a smart person, familiar with the schemes between stepmothers and their stepchildren in wealthy families.

“To use me to tie you down, then win me over, so she and her son can benefit in the end?”

Wen Liang said, “More or less.”

“Do you think I’m that stupid? What benefit would I get from helping her?” Ye Chuqing laughed, her snow-white fingers tapping lightly on the table. “I could use this opportunity to ensure your stepmother gets nothing, turning the tables on her scheme.”

Since he and this Ye Chuqing were being matched by their elders, and Fu Wanmei had agreed to it, this matter certainly wasn’t simple.

In their eyes, if it succeeded, it would be a marriage alliance, with the purpose being the mutually understood terms of interest, and the beneficiaries would naturally be the initial promoters.

Wen Liang was not inclined to think about what Fu Wanmei was plotting. In any case, nothing would happen between him and the woman in front of him.

He also didn’t have the patience to explain the underlying causes to a strange woman.

He said indifferently, “You’re meeting me for the first time, and you’re already planning to turn the tables?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“Because I’ve taken a liking to you,” Ye Chuqing was straightforward. “To put it poetically, it’s love at first sight. I think we could give it a try.”

Wen Liang didn’t respond.

He sat improperly on the chair’s armrest, appearing lazy and casual, his long legs spread out, cigarette in mouth, the blue-white smoke obscuring half his face.

The ash at the end of his cigarette grew long before falling to the ground.

After a while, Wen Liang finally took the cigarette from his mouth. “Unfortunately, I haven’t taken a liking to you.”

He straightened up, opened the conference hall door, and left. Immediately, Zhu Qicong stood at the doorway and nodded. “Miss Ye, shall I call a car to take you back?”

The last bit of Ye Chuqing’s upbringing was only enough for her to respond through gritted teeth, “No, thank you.”

Chen Die was scheduled to fly to another city in a few days for campus promotional activities.

Her skin hadn’t been in great condition lately—it was quite dry, and stage makeup required heavy foundation, making the problem worse after several consecutive days.

Taking advantage of this rare free day, Chen Die had scheduled an afternoon beauty and body treatment.

She had visited this beauty salon during her university days. Private rooms could be booked, ensuring good privacy, making it perfect for Chen Die’s current needs.

After having lunch at the hotel restaurant, she set off for the beauty salon.

“Would you like to use the care products you previously stored with us?” the beautician asked gently, standing at the counter.

“Yes, and I’d like a neck and shoulder massage too,” Chen Die raised her hand to lightly pinch her neck. “My neck hasn’t been feeling great lately.”

“Wearing high heels for extended periods affects the spine, which in turn affects the shoulders and neck,” the beautician smiled, placing all the care products in a wooden basket and leading her to a private treatment room.

“Please change your clothes first. I’ll go prepare.”

Chen Die changed into the salon’s uniform bathrobe. Since the beautician hadn’t returned yet, she expertly put on the headband, tying up all the loose hair at her temples.

After lying on the massage bed, the beautician returned with her equipment.

Her touch was gentle, including the facial acupressure points massage, and Chen Die gradually felt drowsy.

Her thoughts drifted back to last night.

Wen Liang embraced her, his body temperature burning hot, his arms tightly encircling her waist.

I miss you so much.

Had he always been capable of saying such things?

These four words impacted Chen Die far more than any “I’m pursuing you” or “Come home with me” ever could.

It was normal for Wen Liang to want her back by his side. After so many years, perhaps it was a habit, or perhaps he couldn’t find or was too lazy to find someone else who matched him.

But “I miss you so much” was different.

That phrase was built on an emotional foundation.

But Chen Die dared not think about what kind of emotion it might be, afraid she was once again reading too much into things.

During her last semester of high school, she had stayed in the dormitory.

As an arts student, she had been busy preparing for arts exams, and by the last semester of her senior year, accumulated coursework had piled up significantly, forcing her to use every available moment to study and practice problems.

Countless monthly tests, joint exams, and mock exams.

It had taken her a month to adapt to life without seeing Wen Liang regularly.

Later, after a joint exam between eight schools where Chen Die had performed poorly.

That night, after the dormitory lights were turned off, Chen Die suddenly couldn’t stop thinking about Wen Liang.

It felt like because she had suffered a setback in the exam, she desperately wanted to find some comfort from Wen Liang.

She secretly took out her phone from under her pillow and turned it on—the school didn’t allow phones, so she always hid it under her pillow, occasionally giving in to the urge to send Wen Liang a few messages.

[Chen Die: Brother Wen Liang, what are you doing?]

That time, Wen Liang had replied quickly.

[Wen Liang: What’s wrong?]

[Chen Die: I think I’m not feeling well. Could you come to school to pick me up?]

[Wen Liang: What’s not feeling well?]

Chen Die lay on her bed, the blanket pulled over her head as she used her phone, carefully assessing whether she actually felt unwell, and then replied:

[Chen Die: Dizzy.]

[Wen Liang: I’ll have my assistant come pick you up. Tell your teacher, and go downstairs in ten minutes.]

Chen Die looked at his message, eventually pursed her lips, turned the phone face down, and buried her face deep in the crook of her arm, unhappy but with nowhere to vent.

After lying there for half a minute, she had no choice but to light up the screen again.

[Chen Die: Never mind, I just remembered I have a quiz tomorrow morning. I’ll go to the infirmary myself.]

From that time on, the emotion of longing between them seemed to be a one-sided arrow from Chen Die to Wen Liang.

But after so many years, Wen Liang had told her, “I miss you so much.”

In the end, she fell asleep without figuring out what Wen Liang meant by that statement yesterday. When she woke up again, the facial treatment was over, and the beautician asked her to turn over for the neck and shoulder massage.

“For future events, I recommend bringing a pair of flat shoes to change into immediately after the event ends. Standing in high heels for extended periods indeed easily causes back and shoulder pain,” the beautician said.

Chen Die briefly discussed a few issues with the beautician, and soon the neck and shoulder massage was complete.

Her shoulders felt much better after the massage.

The beauty salon had recently opened a rest area offering snacks and several sauna rooms.

Chen Die, wearing the large bathrobe, went to pour herself a glass of water. Just as she was looking for a quiet corner to rest and relax for a while, a voice suddenly rang out from behind—

“Is he sick in the head?!”

“I’ve never seen such an arrogant man. So what if he’s good-looking? He doesn’t understand basic manners. Has no one ever punched him in his entire life??”

“With that attitude, he should just stay single forever!!!”

The voice sounded familiar.

This eavesdropping scene also felt somewhat familiar.

It could even be connected to the blind date topic she had overheard yesterday.

Chen Die turned around and indeed saw Ye Chuqing cursing vehemently into her phone.

Chen Die: “…”

She was quite curious about who could make someone as seemingly proper and capable as Ye Chuqing this angry.

But unlike Ye Chuqing, she didn’t have the ability to strike up conversations with unfamiliar people. Despite having briefly met the night before, she didn’t plan to go over and say hello.

Chen Die poured another glass of water, found a seat, and sat down. After the massage, her entire body felt lazily comfortable.

But Ye Chuqing’s voice still carried clearly to her ears.

“Really, some men look good until they open their mouths, and then they die.”

“He actually said he didn’t like me. Go to hell! I used every ounce of my self-control not to kick him.”

…

Chen Die couldn’t help but want to laugh while listening.

Today’s Ye Chuqing seemed much more approachable than yesterday.

She squinted, resting, and gradually the voice behind her faded. Ye Chuqing must have ended her call.

Shortly after, someone tapped her shoulder.

Chen Die turned around.

Ye Chuqing smiled when she saw her face. “It really is you! I thought you looked familiar.”

Chen Die smiled back. “I saw you earlier too, but you were on the phone, so I didn’t want to interrupt.”

“Ah.” Ye Chuqing paused, seemingly just realizing how loud she had been on the phone, and smiled apologetically. “I’m sorry, must have disturbed you. How embarrassing.”

“It’s fine, it was actually quite entertaining,” Chen Die said.

Seeing that she had indeed heard everything, Ye Chuqing had nothing to be ashamed of. She pulled out the chair next to Chen Die, sat down, and sighed. “I’m absolutely furious.”

“By the way, have you ever been in a relationship?” Ye Chuqing asked, completely in a casual chatting mode.

Chen Die found this question difficult to answer.

Ex-boyfriend? Strictly speaking, she could maybe count one.

But what she had with Wen Liang back then probably couldn’t be called dating.

“I guess—I’ve been in one relationship,” she said.

“Just one?” Ye Chuqing was surprised, the emphasis not on the word “guess.”

“Yes.”

Ye Chuqing said, “I thought beautiful women like us would have started dating in middle school.”

“…I didn’t date until college.”

Ye Chuqing nodded. “And now?”

“Single.”

“Me too.” She sighed, counting on her fingers. “I’ve been single for half a year now. Finally found someone I liked, and he turns out to be an idiot.”

Chen Die couldn’t help but laugh.

Ye Chuqing sighed again, waved her hand, and didn’t pursue the topic further.

The two chatted casually for a while before Ye Chuqing was quickly called away by a phone call. Chen Die rested until evening, when people started arriving in greater numbers, and is then also got up to leave.

Days passed, and it truly became winter.

Chen Die had been traveling around the country for promotions and finally returned to Yancheng to rest on New Year’s Eve. Tomorrow would be the release date for “Hairpin Flower.”

The Spring Festival period had many competitive films being released simultaneously, mainly comedies. For a drama with a somewhat tragic ending like “Hairpin Flower,” it was difficult to predict whether it would achieve good results.

Out of humanitarian considerations, the film crew had not arranged any promotional tasks for New Year’s Eve, allowing everyone to return home for reunion.

But Chen Die had nowhere to reunite, so she returned alone to the apartment she had rented after first leaving the West Suburb.

In the past few months, she had spent far more days in hotels than in this apartment, which now felt cold and empty.

Chen Die bought a bouquet from a flower shop and placed it in a vase.

The “Hairpin Flower” promotional team had done an excellent job, connecting every offline promotional activity with online campaigns. With her face and figure, Chen Die had generated non-superficial trending topics.

Topics like: #ChenDie Legs#, #ChenDie Red Formal Dress#, #ChenDie Weight#

She had gained a batch of fans who appreciated her looks.

Now she was more easily recognized on the streets, so she couldn’t go out to eat on New Year’s Eve. She took out the instant noodles she had bought last time from the cabinet and boiled some water to make them.

Chen Die found a movie to play on her stand, planning to watch while waiting for her noodles to cook.

Just as she sat down, the doorbell rang.

Chen Die went to open the door and was surprised to see Wen Liang standing outside. “Why are you here?”

Wen Liang was carrying a large bag of items. He walked directly in, went to the table, and set it down. He glanced at the coffee table and scoffed lightly. “So you’re just eating instant noodles on New Year’s Eve?”

Although it sounded pitiful, Wen Liang himself had never had any concept of New Year’s Eve as a holiday.

“Yes, I didn’t feel like going out to buy food.”

“I brought some.” Wen Liang took out the food containers from the bag one by one.

Chen Die stood to the side without moving. After taking out all the containers, Wen Liang looked back at her, acting like the host as he beckoned her. “Come and sit down.”

“…”

Chen Die moved over in small steps.

Outside, the sound of firecrackers was continuous, and fireworks filled the sky, bright as day.

“You never specifically celebrated New Year’s Eve before,” Chen Die said, pulling out the chair opposite him and sitting down.

“I wanted to celebrate this year.” Wen Liang took out a bottle of red wine from the box and gestured to Chen Die. “Want some?”

Chen Die liked to drink, especially today.

“Yes.”

Wen Liang poured two glasses. “Are you going to see the movie tomorrow?”

“Which one?”

“Hairpin Flower.”

“No,” Chen Die refused without hesitation. “I don’t dare. What if I didn’t act well and someone recognizes me in the theater? I might get criticized to my face.”

Wen Liang asked, “You think you didn’t act well?”

Well, that wasn’t it…

“What if? How would I know what others think?” Chen Die said.

Wen Liang laughed softly.

They didn’t talk further. Chen Die didn’t ask again why Wen Liang had come. She was somewhat aware of Wen Liang’s family situation. They just sat face to face and ate dinner together.

After eating, Wen Liang collected the containers and put them back in the bag. Chen Die took the two wine glasses to the kitchen and rinsed them.

When she returned, Wen Liang had already turned on the TV like he owned the place, sprawling with his legs spread out on the sofa.

At this time, the TV was naturally broadcasting the Spring Festival Gala.

Festive, lively, and somewhat vulgar.

Chen Die walked over and kicked the edge of the sofa. “Why aren’t you leaving yet?”

“I feed you and then you kick me out. Have you no conscience?”

…Why did that sound like it had so many implications?

Wen Liang picked up his cigarette pack and asked, “Can I smoke?”

“If you want to smoke, go outside. Don’t stink up my apartment.”

Wen Liang clicked his tongue, threw the cigarette pack back on the coffee table, but it didn’t land securely and slipped to the floor. He bent down to pick it up and suddenly noticed a red spot on her heel.

“What happened to your foot?”

“Hmm?” She had gotten so used to the pain that she barely noticed it anymore. “I’ve been standing in high heels too long lately. It got rubbed.”

Wen Liang frowned, glanced at the coffee table, and saw a tube of ointment with a heel design on it.

“Is this for the wound?”

“Yes.”

Fang Ruan was like a treasure box, giving Chen Die many scar removal and moisturizing creams during this period.

Wen Liang unscrewed the tube of ointment, and without asking, grabbed Chen Die’s wrist and pulled her onto the sofa. Before she could react, he lifted her leg onto his thigh.

“Hey hey hey—!”

Chen Die was startled and quickly tried to pull her leg back.

Wen Liang had already applied the ointment, which felt cool against her skin.

Chen Die paused.

“…I can do it myself,” she said.

Wen Liang didn’t listen. He bent his head—his hair hadn’t been cut for a while, and the bangs on his forehead were a bit long. The yellowish light cast down, creating a circle of shadow as he carefully applied the ointment.

Chen Die looked at him, feeling momentarily dazed.

Suddenly, she felt that today’s Wen Liang seemed… gentle.

After applying the ointment, Wen Liang looked up, not at Chen Die but toward the window.

In their ears was the sound of the New Year’s Eve Gala from the TV, noisy and festive. From the corner of her eye, the screen was a sea of red.

“It’s snowing,” Wen Liang said.

Chen Die turned her head.

Outside, it had indeed begun to snow—Yancheng’s first snow of the year.