Chapter 4, Empty Joy

Even He Tingyan, who had always been silent, couldn't help but glance at her a couple more times. The young man spoke in his usual indifferent tone, yet there was a subtle concern in his words: "Your dark circles are about to fall to the ground"

He Chen smiled and said, "Although Miss Meng is merely a third-rate actress, her acting skills are truly admirable. It is indeed a pity that she does not continue to make films"

Meng Yunjie looked at He Chen timidly, speaking in a low voice: "He Chen had a batch of goods that encountered problems before, and because of this, he had a dispute with Old He. Recently, he even threatened me with my nude photos to make me help him. He is very clear about Old He's schedule. Not long after I uncovered these matters, Old He had an accident. Who else could it be if not him?"

He Chen was initially a bit annoyed, but when he saw the two blushes quickly rising on her face, he instantly became interested. Even though they were already married, she still blushed so easily, which made him unable to resist teasing her further: "Are you sure we want to go eat vegetarian food? If not, shall we have something meaty?"

Ajue continued to drive, focusing intently on the road ahead: "He looks like someone who is settling scores after autumn; Dr. Wen will probably have a hard time after returning. As for the divorce..."

Referred to as "Second Uncle" by him, the man suddenly stood up, walked closer to the two, and patted He Yuan on the shoulder: "It was only because you were unwell earlier that the Third Brother took your place; in terms of seniority and knowledge, you are not lacking in any way."

It was still He Chen who spoke first: "What are the chances of Ting Yan being discharged?"

Beikang Hospital is well-known among the people of Qingzhou, as it is a famous mental hospital where all the residents are... The boss looked at He Chen in terror and awkwardly forced out a laugh: "Miss really loves to joke."

The child's face instantly filled with a smile: "Uncle is amazing!"

He Chen withdrew his gaze and said, "I will leave first"

Gu Mingchen has smiled very little in the past two years, usually just giving a faint smile when interacting with others. However, tonight he seems to be in a very good mood, being extremely polite to everyone he speaks to: "Xiao Wan is originally half my mother's daughter; otherwise, how could my mother care for her and not for me? Look, I've been here for such a long time, and no one has even asked if I've eaten."

He Yuan has already submitted a discharge application. I will only make a statement about the condition based on the facts, and in the end, I must also respect the child's wishes. She frowned after saying a few words, "Do not smoke in my presence."

Gu Mingchen noticed her distraction, his gaze dimming slightly. He gently gathered her into his arms, his hand resting on the back of the chair: "Children are quite troublesome; Xiaowan and I are doing just fine together"

He Chen consistently presented himself as a gentleman in front of the elderly, slightly nodding his head: "I, He, have caused Dr. Wen quite a bit of trouble, and inviting her to dinner is a form of gratitude. Dr. Wen has put in considerable effort during this time."

Everyone was taken aback. He Chenmo said no more, raised his hand to check the time: "It is almost time to send my father on his way"

Is A-Jue not coming along?

Wen Wan remained silent from beginning to end; she did not know what to say and did not want the lies to snowball further.

A-Jue glanced at him through the rearview mirror and fell silent

The boss took them to the private room and brewed tea before stepping out

Wen Wan was always seen in embarrassing situations by this person, and she had no intention of arguing with him: "Ting Yan's condition is not serious; he just needs to talk to a psychologist more often."

The two of them went to the office together. Every time Wen Wan faced He Chen alone, it seemed she had a lot to say, yet felt there was nothing to say. Just like after last night, she felt she should say something to He Chen, but after organizing her thoughts for a long time in her mind, she still couldn't find any suitable words

He Chen saw through her thoughts at a glance, lightly averted his gaze, and said a trivial remark to ease the atmosphere: "This tea tastes great, give it a try"

He Tingyan stared at her for a few seconds, then suddenly irritably swatted her hand away. Wen Wan still felt somewhat unaccustomed to the child's capriciousness. She turned to leave but suddenly remembered something. She took something out of her pocket, holding it mysteriously in her palm: "Extend your hand."

Zhou Erlan glanced at Wen Wan, but in the end, he held back and said nothing: "I have been so busy these days that I haven't even seen a shadow."

Dr. Wen has to eat anyway, so why not join the gentleman? The gentleman is in a very bad mood today

He Chen looked at her with a hint of amusement in his eyes, stared at her for a few seconds, and suddenly said: "After the divorce, why not be with me"

Wen Wan felt rather disinterested after he said that, as if her little thoughts were of no concern to him at all

Wen Wan did not know how to communicate with this person, so she simply decided not to continue the topic. She suddenly remembered Mrs. Chen's request from last night, which she originally did not need to ask about. With someone like He Chen, introducing anyone to him felt like pushing them into a pit of fire.

He Yuan was suddenly mentioned, seeming somewhat surprised. After a moment of shock, he shook his head: "Second Uncle, Third Brother knows the company better than I do; he is more suitable."

A-Jue did not speak, but merely glanced at the expression on He Chen's face at that moment

Meng Yunjie turned pale, her shoulders trembling: "I am speaking the truth, do not think you can threaten me again, I am not afraid"

Meng Yunjie bit her lower lip tightly, her eyes glaring fiercely at He Chen, but after stammering for a long time, she still couldn't articulate the reason.

Wen Wan shook her head: "I am curious that you won't tell me the truth, and besides, curiosity is not a good habit"

He Chen gazed at her thoughtfully, his expression strange and unrestrained, as if he were openly observing prey. This made Wen Wan particularly anxious, and coupled with the earlier bizarre atmosphere, she felt that being with He Chen was quite dangerous

A'Jue rarely smiles, ruffling the little one's fluffy head, but he gave He Chen a strange glance: "I am not a cold-blooded monster"

In the end, He Chen chose a private dining restaurant, and Wen Wan was directly half-embraced by him as they got out of the car. Seeing that she was still reluctant, the man finally darkened his face: "Why are you acting like a young girl? If you keep pretending, it will be over the top."

Dr. Wen is very concerned about Mr. He

He Chen was not angry despite being scolded, unbuttoned his suit jacket, and casually draped his arm over the back of the other chair: "I have never put much effort into pursuing any woman before, so I may have been abrupt. I am very interested in you."

He stared at A Jue with a frown and said, "Have you become addicted to taking care of the child?"

His words were both round and full, implying that if He Chen were to refuse to relinquish power, it would be a sign of suspicion and guilt

Wen Wan felt somewhat awkward. Over the past two years, Zhou Erlan had frequently brought up the topic of children, occasionally hinting at it indirectly. Yet, she and Gu Mingchen had ended up in such a situation. If the word 'divorce' were to be spoken, the outcome was uncertain.

Wen Wan smiled particularly brightly and gently said, "I am from Beikang Hospital"

Wen Wan bit her lip and avoided his gaze, awkwardly forcing out a sentence: "It's none of your business"

He Tingyan remained silent, his gaze returning to the book in his hands

Wen Wan spat out all the tea he had drunk.

Every time He Feng returns, he always brings a large bag of these candies for him, and he would often use these candies to comfort him when he cried. However, since his father's passing, no one has cared whether he cries or not, and these candies have become increasingly scarce, almost impossible to find in the market

But now... why do I feel that he seems quite depressed

Wen Wan was suddenly choked, a breath stuck in her chest and unable to come out

Wen Wan's hand was frozen in mid-air, and only then did she hesitantly extend her hand, feigning ease as she patted his shoulder: "If you miss me, just give me a call. Didn't I give you my number?"

This person, would you not introduce him? Zhou Erlan kept staring at He Chen, clearly more concerned about who this unfamiliar man accompanying her daughter-in-law was.

Wen Wan was so angry that she could hardly breathe, and her face felt intensely hot. She suddenly stood up and sat by the window, and before she could even shout the words "get out of the car," A Jue had already driven the car out at the first opportunity

Everyone's gaze converged on He Chen's face, and even Wen Wan felt a bit nervous. What the second uncle of the He family said was somewhat unreasonable; it clearly seemed like an attempt to take advantage of the situation.

He Chen has a rather casual attitude towards matters between men and women. In his perception, a woman would absolutely never be seen a second time. Therefore, when it was initially apparent that he was interested in Wen Wan, A Jue merely thought he had encountered another woman to his liking.

Wen Wan naturally could not refuse. If she insisted on leaving with He Chen at this moment, it would raise suspicions. Considering Zhou Erlan's physical condition, she still nodded in agreement: "Alright"

As soon as He Chen's words left his mouth, there was an uproar below; no one expected him to admit it so easily. Wen Wan was also taken aback by his response. Did he really not fear being branded with the crime of treason? Or was it possible that everything was indeed true?

"Mother." She walked over and greeted people appropriately. The several ladies who were with Zhou Erlan had all met her before and would occasionally have tea and play mahjong together. Wen Wan politely exchanged pleasantries and obediently stood beside Zhou Erlan, "How come you are here today—"

Until Gu Mingchen appeared, he pushed the door open and, upon seeing Wen Wan, he was clearly taken aback. Zhou Erlan pointed to the seat beside her and said, "Come over, why are you just standing there?"

Wen Wan took a deep breath and retrieved a brand new glass ashtray from the bottom of the drawer, placing it in front of him. He Chen's smile deepened as he extinguished the remaining half of his cigarette directly in the pristine ashtray, saying: "So, he has never been to your office before"

He Chen was also unsure if he was listening, his eyes slightly lowered

Wen Wan's mind went blank for a moment, and then she froze, unsure of how to respond

Wen Wan was taken aback, absentmindedly raising her hand to touch her eye sockets He Tingyan observed her reaction and couldn't help but tease, "Last night, it wouldn't have been with my third uncle, would it?"

Her demeanor just now certainly did not suggest that everything was fine, but He Chen did not press further; he merely focused on the watch on her wrist. Wen Wan noticed his gaze and suspiciously shifted her arm, cleverly concealing the watch within her sleeve

He Chen's expression was not very pleasant either, but he endured it, placing his hand on the car window behind her in a seemingly ambiguous manner, leaning in closely to her ear: "Doctor Wen, are you trying to imply that someone like me should eat vegetarian and chant Buddha for forgiveness?" This posture appeared suggestive, yet his words were filled with coldness

On the way back, one must walk a long flight of steps. The car stopped at the entrance of the cemetery, and Wen Wan walked alone when suddenly someone approached to speak. Wen Wan recognized him; he was a subordinate of He Chen, and she had just heard others call him Feng Jue.

He smiled again after speaking: "You won't lose by following me"

She did not continue speaking, stopping just short of elaborating, fearing that the few people beside her might catch on and gossip. She could only sigh and say, "All of you aunts have grandchildren, yet I still have not received any news at all."

As if sensing her gaze, he furrowed his brow and looked over, then coldly stared for a moment before withdrawing his gaze after a few seconds

He Chen raised an eyebrow, and after a few seconds of contemplation, he expressed his surprise: "Miss Meng indeed has the courage to speak out despite the risk of her photos being exposed, which is commendable. I wonder if there are any more difficult reasons behind this, or perhaps more enticing benefits?"

After Gu Mingchen got into the car, he appeared to be deep in thought. Wen Wan pondered for a moment and tentatively suggested, "Did Mom find out something? Perhaps we should tell her early. The tighter we keep it a secret, the more she will know in the future..."

He Chen looked at her mockingly and said, "I will send you back after dinner. If you cause any more trouble, I will take you back myself."

Wen Wan was being scrutinized by him, and the anger in her heart flared even more. She directly said to that person: "What kind of gaze is that? I am his doctor"

Not many people would call her by that name, and when Wen Wan looked, it turned out to be Zhou Erlan. For some reason, her heart skipped a beat, and she suddenly felt as if she had been caught in an affair

Wen Wansong let out a sigh of relief, but who would have thought that the man at the door suddenly turned back again

When she looked at He Chen again, she felt increasingly unfamiliar with him

It seems that the one speaking is also a prominent figure from the He family, who, sitting majestically in the chair, raised his chin slightly

Dr. Wen seemed somewhat strange; a person who is rarely distracted was particularly absent-minded today. The nurse had to repeat herself several times before receiving a response from her

Wen Wan has a calm demeanor, able to remain composed even in front of a group of elderly ladies. The atmosphere at the gathering is quite pleasant; aside from Zhou Erlan, who hardly speaks, the other three are engaged in a lively debate over the wins and losses from the previous mahjong game. The five individuals in the room have truly not experienced a lull in conversation.

Zhou Erlan looked at him again with concern: "Mingchen, Mother really likes Xiaowan"

He Chen, however, still smiled like a modest gentleman: "Since you all have not yet dined, I shall not disturb you. Doctor Wen, I will give you a ride since it is on my way."

A-Jue understood this remark; the "refusal" clearly did not refer to giving her a ride home. He turned around in surprise and asked, "Does Dr. Wen not think highly of you?"

Wen Wan wanted to congratulate Chen, but he would definitely not agree. Last time in the car, he was so angered by her, and today he has been wearing a stern expression all day. Just now, when she glanced over, it seemed as if he did not recognize her.

After Gu Yunshan's passing, the elderly lady's greatest pastime became playing mahjong, with her wins and losses clearly reflected on her face, easily discernible at a glance. At this moment, the elderly lady's expression was somewhat sour, and Gu Mingchen assumed she was unhappy because she had lost money in the afternoon

Wen Wan felt a chill run through her body at the mere thought of the superficial implications of those words. A man like He Chen did not seem like someone who would develop genuine feelings. The scene at the He family today was almost indelibly etched in her mind; a person who is abandoned by everyone cannot be entirely misunderstood.

As they were walking out, someone happened to come in. Wen Wan did not look closely, but as they brushed past each other, she heard someone call her name: "Xiao Wan?"

The man's tone was as if he were discussing the weather, and she was choked to the point of coughing several times, covering her mouth in disbelief as she looked at him: "Shouldn't you go to our hospital for observation?"

The two of them walked out of the private room together. A-Jue was playing puzzles with the boss's child. Upon seeing them come out, he immediately stood up, and the boss also approached: "Is San Ge leaving?"

He Chen noticed that she was staring at him in a daze and slightly leaned forward: "What are you thinking about?"

Wen Wan heard someone calling her name and looked up to see Mrs. Chen. Her family is in the clothing business, which is not large in scale, but they have very high standards, even being particularly selective about their social circle

He Chen raised his eyes to look at her and smiled, "It seems that it is indeed the case"

As for He Chen's expression that could freeze a person to death, Wen Wan felt it would be better not to provoke bad luck actively

"If you don't mind, you can call me in the future; we agreed to be friends." She couldn't help but say this, probably because He Tingyan made her feel too much sympathy.

Wen Wan asked with a mindset of rejection, not really considering what to eat. At that moment, being stared at by the other party, her tongue became somewhat tied: "How about vegetarian food?"

Zhou Erlan usually engages in many activities, but she rarely dines out. Even the most upscale restaurants appear unsanitary in her eyes. Therefore, it is somewhat surprising for Wen Wan to encounter her here

It sounds as if He Chen having a meal with her would improve her mood

However, that man was clearly far stronger than her capacity to endure. Under the accusations of the crowd, he remained utterly unperturbed, even managing to smile slightly at the corners of his mouth as he slowly approached Meng Yunjie

The boss was clearly taken aback by this remark: "Third brother, what is bothering you?"

As I caught a glimpse of the warm evening light, I was suddenly startled, my hand recoiling as if it had touched some dreadful virus, my face filled with disgust, and the anger I had felt moments before vanished without a trace

He Tingyan clearly saw what was in his palm, and his eyes immediately widened in shock

He Chen did not take these words seriously. After Wen Wan rejected him, he did not show the slightest bit of displeasure or disappointment. Instead, he politely finished the meal with her and even insisted on escorting her home

Meng Yunjie was so angry that she trembled, yet she could not utter a single word of defense under He Chen's gaze

Wen Wan thought for a moment and said, "He is just a sixteen-year-old child"

A man stepped out from behind Uncle Zhong. He spoke with great momentum, though his voice still carried a slight tremor: "He Lao San, don't get too complacent. Do you really think we have no evidence? Feng Ge left without leaving anything for his wife and children, yet everything ended up in your hands. Everyone knows that you and he were at odds. If that is not enough, there are also witnesses."

He has something to do

But at that moment, facing this man, how could she possibly speak up?

A-Jue had no expression on his face, reached out and pinched the child's chubby little face, and then magically took out a piece of chocolate from his pocket

Uncertain how much time had passed, the door to the hospital room was gently pushed open, and even the slightest sound disturbed the two individuals. Wen Wan turned around and saw He Chen standing at the door with a cold expression, looking at the two of them. There was something swirling in his eyes, yet it was impossible to decipher.

Gu Mingchen let out a deep sigh and then surprisingly said, "Before we go to handle the formalities tomorrow, could you accompany me to a place?"

Wen Wan knew that this rogue was definitely capable of such deeds, yet she steeled herself and followed him inside. The boss was clearly very familiar with He Chen and immediately came forward: "Third Brother."

This child rarely shows strong emotions, except when facing He Chen, when he becomes irritable and angry; usually, he is cold and indifferent to everyone. Wen Wan recalled leaving the cemetery with He Chen yesterday, which probably displeased him again, and she did not want to explain. She lowered her gaze and continued taking notes: "Your second uncle has already submitted a discharge application to the hospital, and the procedures will be completed soon"

Wen Wan was taken aback by his abrupt words, and in the next moment, she was suddenly enveloped in a strong embrace. His shoulders were quite slender, his clothes carried a strong scent of disinfectant, and the skin on his neck felt somewhat cold, making it very uncomfortable to lean against.

During the entire process, Wen Wan noticed that He Chen remained very calm, not engaging in conversation with others, nor glancing at anyone else. In contrast, He Tingyan had been quietly conversing with He Yuan, walking slightly ahead of Wen Wan, and they deliberately lowered their voices, making it impossible for her to hear the content of their discussion.

The burial proceeded smoothly, with no further disturbances. The sky was overcast, shrouded in a layer of mist, as if it were about to rain. The wind in the cemetery was strong, making one feel chilly all over

He Chen nodded and said, "As per the usual practice, let's take a look."

Wen Wan couldn't help but break into a cold sweat for He Chen, as the atmosphere grew increasingly tense. He Chen exchanged glances with the other person for a moment, shrugged nonchalantly, and said: "I don't think it's that great"

She instinctively grabbed again, and as a result, a low, muffled groan came from above her head. He Chen's eyes darkened, and he whispered through gritted teeth in her ear: "Try touching again and see what happens"

Miss Meng's words are all true; however, what you just said sounds like a personal opinion, merely a conjecture. Where is the evidence?" He Chen smiled at Meng Yunjie, but there was no warmth in his eyes. "If there is none, do not waste any more time.

Wen Wan hurriedly picked up her teacup in a pretentious manner. She had just taken a sip when she heard He Chen say in an extremely calm tone: "Aren't you curious about what you saw at the funeral today?"

Just as she took a small step, the car door suddenly swung open, and that person reached out and pulled her back. Wen Wan, caught off guard, fell into his arms, and her hand seemed to have pressed against something it shouldn't have.

Wen Wan thought to herself, this is indeed an unwelcome request

Wen Wan had never dined with any man other than Gu Mingchen, and He Chen was the first. Moreover, in such a cramped space, there were surprisingly only her and He Chen.

He Chen looked at her in confusion, while Wen Wan awkwardly touched her nose, feeling that if she were to speak her mind, she would truly be choked to death by the other party

Wen Wan recalled her interactions with He Chen during this period, and each encounter left her utterly speechless. Clearly, they were two completely unrelated individuals, yet all sorts of absurd events occurred.

I do not know what you like, so I specifically asked your second uncle. He said that you loved to eat this when you were a child, and fortunately, I found it

He Chen was too lazy to pay her any attention, closing his eyes and saying: "I wasn't even tempted when I changed your clothes, as long as you don't come at me, it's just unnecessary worry."

A-Jue feigned surprise: "Isn't it for your own good?"

Wen Wan knew that he was either being perfunctory towards Zhou Erlan or was simply unaccustomed to such intimate gestures. Just as she looked up, her gaze collided with his pair of dark and profound eyes. He gazed at her intently, surprisingly with a hint of deep affection.

He Chen raised his eyebrows in surprise

Wen Wan never expected such convoluted reasoning; her expression went blank for a second. She then recalled the scene from today when he was forced to relinquish power at the mourning hall, realizing that she had probably once again touched upon his sore spot

A stir began to arise within the crowd, accompanied by low whispers, yet not a single person dared to step forward and initiate a provocation

He Tingyan did not respond to her, but held her tightly in his arms. Wen Wan tried several times but was unable to break free.

Wen Wan has probably come to a conclusion about whether He Tingyan was deliberately sent here. However, the matters concerning the He family appear too complicated for her to involve herself in, especially now that there is also He Yuan involved.

The two individuals had absolutely no common topics to discuss. At this moment, Wen Wan deeply regretted agreeing to A Jue's proposal. Moreover, upon calming down and analyzing the situation, she suddenly felt that A Jue's words were somewhat problematic.

He Tingyan furrowed his brows and stared at her in silence

What was said implied that if Wen Wan did not agree, it would make her seem utterly reprehensible. She had no choice but to honestly say: "Mr. He may not necessarily want to be with me..."

When a person is vulnerable, even a small amount of warmth can be magnified, so what He Tingyan feels at this moment is certainly not the impact brought by a piece of candy. Wen Wan naturally understands his state of mind. She sits by his bed, and suddenly feels a bit sour in her heart: "Even if you have lost your loved ones, you must live positively and optimistically, believing that your father would prefer to see a happy you. Some burdens are not meant for someone your age to bear"

It is appropriate to treat him to a meal as a gesture of gratitude for his previous assistance to you

Ajue furrowed his brows and suddenly stopped, saying: "I have an uninvited request. I wonder if Dr. Wen could invite Mr. He to dinner later?"

Indeed, Mrs. Liu smiled and interjected: "It has been such a long time since we last saw Mingchen; it is always Xiaowan accompanying your mother. Those who do not know might think that Xiaowan is the biological daughter."

He lifted the eyelid slightly, but in the end, he did not have the courage to look at his mother again. He merely comforted her by saying: "I understand, it is chilly outside, you should go in quickly"

That old lady Gu is quite impressive

Wen Wan helplessly laughed and said: "Child, having too strong a sense of vigilance is not a good thing"

"Do you have a request for me?" He Chen immediately noticed it. Although he had not known Wen Wan for long, he had already grasped about eighty to ninety percent of her character.

... to act as a matchmaker for He Chen

"Alright then," that person smiled, as if suddenly seeing Wen Wan, and ambiguously blinked, "Third Brother has changed his taste? I haven't seen you bring this kind before."

A-Jue acted as if he had not heard anything, his gaze unwavering. However, He Chen kindly responded to her, "Why are you so angry? I am the one who has been slighted."

Wen Wan watched him for a long time, and in the end, she still dismissed this foolish thought: "It's nothing."

The answer was somewhat unexpected, and Zhou Erlan still furrowed her brows as she scrutinized He Chen, uncertain whether to believe him or not

He Chen nodded and said, "It is the truth; I did not say it was false"

Wen Wan stared at him in astonishment

Zhou Erlan felt even more displeased seeing He Chen like that, but with friends around, she would not address the matter at hand, no matter how unhappy she was.

Ajue is usually taciturn, and Wen Wan thought he was not good at socializing. Little did she know that he is equally adept at understanding others' psychology. Just like at this moment, every word he speaks is very skillful

This watch holds a different significance for her

After Er Bo finished speaking, he glanced at He Chen and said: "Third, proving your innocence is not difficult. Just agree to my conditions. After all, you are brothers, and I believe you have no objections to whoever manages the He family. How about we return the power of the He family to you once everything is clarified?"

He Tingyan gazed deeply at her, his lips twitching slightly, and he spoke: "I will miss you."

The boss is very perceptive to people's expressions and immediately came over, saying: "Please come inside, the private room has a good environment and is quiet"

Gu Mingchen's movements froze, and his heart was instantly in turmoil. He certainly knew how much Zhou Erlan liked Wen Wan, having known it for a long time. Zhou Erlan had almost raised Wen Wan according to the image of the perfect daughter-in-law in her mind.

She had not yet had the chance to respond when Gu Mingchen spoke up. He slightly lowered his head, his arm resting firmly across her shoulder, as if he intended to crush her: "Family member of the patient? Which one?"

This is basic etiquette; his remarks were made without any hint of being open to misinterpretation.

As Meng Yunjie finished speaking, the surrounding crowd erupted in righteous indignation, shouting: "Hand over the power!"

She has never encountered that thing of a man in her life! ... The first time actually was ...

Gu Mingchen reached out and rubbed his brow: "I know, you should rest early"

Then someone cooperatively stepped forward, a young woman dressed in a black suit quietly stood behind He Chen, her face devoid of any makeup, looking particularly haggard. Her eyes were red-rimmed, and her complexion was pale, truly a pitiable sight. When she spoke, her voice trembled, timid and helpless: "I can testify"

Wen Wan noticed that his fingers gripping the steering wheel were tense, the joints slightly turning pale. She suddenly felt a bit anxious, and her fingers instinctively curled up.

Wen Wan sighed and bent down to touch the soft swirl of hair on the top of his head. This child can be quite difficult at times; he had been clamoring to go home, yet now that he has the opportunity to be discharged, he shows a reluctant expression, leaving even her somewhat perplexed

In the evening, after sharing a room with the patient, he placed the fountain pen in the pocket of his white coat and smiled as he approached the bedside: "What's wrong? Are you unhappy about going home?"

Wen Wan did not think too much and directly stated the truth: "This is Mr. He, a family member of the patient"

Ah, being young is indeed good, just look at these two in love. Someone couldn't help but chime in. In fact, not long ago, the news about Gu Mingchen and Wu Di made headlines and was known by everyone. However, people's thinking nowadays is strange; they tend to regard a man's infidelity as a minor issue. If He Chen and she had shown any signs just now, the situation would probably have been viewed differently.

However, last night, it was unclear whether Zhou Erlan was intentionally testing her and He Chen, as she added fuel to the fire by saying: "After all, it's just a small favor. You can help by asking, and it would be best to arrange a meeting. If you speak up, that Mr. He will definitely agree, as he wants to thank you, right?"

When he said this, he unexpectedly glanced at Wen Wan, and then rested his arm on the back of the chair behind her. This posture appeared ambiguous, and to outsiders, it seemed that the young couple had a very good relationship

Wen Wan glanced at him; the man held a cigarette in his hand, and the grayish-white smoke rings slightly blurred his features, yet it was still possible to clearly capture his pair of deep-set eyes, filled with calculation and depth.

The situation seemed to have changed in an instant, yet Wen Wan discovered that there was still a group of people stubbornly clinging to those rumors: "Where there’s smoke, there’s fire; since the matter has developed to this point without a conclusion, it would be better to hand the company over to the second-in-command."

That was a type of candy that He Tingyan had only as a child. The packaging was not particularly exquisite, but the flavor was very unique. Most importantly, that flavor always reminded him of his father

He Chen raised an eyebrow at her, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth: "Gu Mingchen doesn't smoke?"

The carriage fell into a dead silence again, occasionally illuminated by the headlights of the car opposite sweeping across the back seat. A-Jue could always see that cold face covered in frost, heavy as stagnant water. However, he did not expect that after a while, a cold voice would come from the back seat: "She just rejected me."

After the car driven by A Jue had traveled a certain distance, he turned back to glance at the man in the back seat. He Chen had been slightly turned to the side, gazing out at the scenery through the window. He had always been one to keep his emotions hidden, making it difficult to discern his mood at this moment.

She became increasingly restless, forcefully tapping on the back of the seat in front of her: "I want to get off the bus"

Wen Wan understood He Chen's meaning; it was simply that she had been divorced, and that he could take an interest in her was already a stroke of good fortune for her. Without a second thought, she straightforwardly rejected him: "I'm sorry, but I am not interested in you at all"

He Tianyan looked at her with impatience

Gu Mingchen sat down next to Wen Wan, but did not look at her again; he merely glanced at Zhou Erlan from the side and asked, "Bad luck with the cards?"

Wen Wan did not expect that a funeral would end up like this. Previously, she only felt that He Chen was unpredictable and difficult to fathom. Now, seeing his situation in the He family, she was surprised by how... She could not quite articulate the feelings in her heart; in any case, it was not particularly pleasant. Seeing him in a precarious situation, she surprisingly felt a twinge of sympathy.

Although Zhou Erlan did not believe that Wen Wan would act recklessly, if there were too many temptations, even the most self-disciplined person might inevitably make mistakes. Considering this, she looked at He Chen with a bit more vigilance and hostility.

Gu Mingchen drove first to take Zhou Erlan home. Throughout the journey, Zhou Erlan sensed that the atmosphere between them was off. At that moment, she found an opportunity to quietly pull him aside: "After all, you were in the wrong first. I can see that Xiao Wan is not the kind of person who would act recklessly. If you treat her poorly, she will start to think about others."

Zhou Erlan, at this age, has a certain level of discernment when it comes to people. This man is not as simple and gentle as he appears. Moreover, when he looks at Wen Wan, his gaze is not quite right. He is also very tactful; at this moment, he is clearly trying to help smooth things over and provide Wen Wan with a way out.

Wen Wan politely nodded and turned slightly to see He Chen walking a few steps behind. Unable to help herself, she still asked, "Is He Chen alright?"

His last sentence was extremely ambiguous, spoken in a low and hoarse tone, deliberately biting the ending sound. Wen Wan felt her face heat up from his teasing, took a deep breath, struggled to rise from his embrace, and muttered resentfully, "Rogue"

He Tingyan then looked at her again: "I thought you were lying to me."

"Wen Wan." Gu Mingchen suddenly interrupted her, his gaze complex and difficult to decipher

He Jiao merely cast a cool glance at A Jue's attempts to make small talk.

Zhou Erlan was amused by him and playfully pushed him, saying: "I knew you would be glib. If you don't have time to accompany me, you must make sure to spend time with Xiao Wan."

Miss Meng is Mr. He’s wife, and what she says can never be false

He Chen directly interrupted him: "When did you become so gossipy? Why bother yourself with whether others are getting divorced or not!"

He Chen has already bypassed her, coldly getting into the car directly

He Tianyan, no matter how awkward he is, still possesses the competitive spirit typical of a child his age. He pouted, spread his hands, raised his chin, and glared at Wen Wan, saying: "I am not a child!"

"What, are you afraid of me?" Wen Wan narrowed her eyes and provocatively said, "If you're afraid, then just forget it. You're such a big child, yet I didn't expect you to be so timid—"

Gu Mingchen smiled and said, "You also said I am busy, always at the company"

Wen Wan was being watched by several elderly ladies, and with Gu Mingchen standing by with his arms crossed, enjoying the spectacle, she ultimately had no choice but to agree

She does not want to bring trouble upon herself, so she can only do her best to help He Tingyan; anything beyond her capabilities is not something she should consider

Wen Wan secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Just as she was about to bid farewell to Zhou Erlan, she heard the latter say: "Ming Chen will come to pick me up later, you will walk with me." This statement was already a command, delivered in a tone that brooked no argument.

A slight twitch was evident at the corner of A Jue's mouth

He Chen coldly observed everything without stopping A Jue, merely stepping aside to stand at the very center in front of the people. He calmly gazed at the crowd of people in the room, his eyes sharp and compelling: "If you want me to relinquish my power, then let's see how capable you all are. Show me the evidence."

He Chenmei's heart skipped a beat, and after a moment of restraint, he said: "I was impulsive at that time. Upon careful consideration, she is not suitable. Do not interfere in her matters in the future"

He Chen approached her as if he had discovered something amusing, staring at her and saying, "It's not like you haven't seen it before, why such a big reaction? Are you planning to get out of the car and walk back by yourself now?"

Wen Wan was uncertain whether to take the initiative to greet him; even someone as dull as she was could clearly sense that the He family had divided into several factions. Currently, she was always with He Tingyan, which, at first glance, seemed to place her on the same side as He Yuan and He Tingyan.

Wen Wan originally did not intend to have dinner with him, but since there was a misunderstanding, she chose not to explain and simply prepared to walk away in the other direction. He Tingyan was going to stay overnight at the He family, so she could return home and sleep peacefully, feeling quite at ease.

Who knows what the man was saying halfway through, He Chen raised his eyebrows, seemingly quite interested: "What are you going to treat me to? Let's hear it."

Speaking of which, I have a niece who is no longer young, but she is too picky. Men with good conditions are as rare as endangered species, um, Xiaowan

It was a rare occasion for her to go out for dinner with friends, yet she unexpectedly ran into Wen Wan dining with such a tall and handsome man, which somewhat undermined her pride, and her expression naturally did not look very pleasant.

Not sure if it is Wen Wan's illusion, but when A Jue said this, He Chen's expression was quite unpleasant. For some reason, she thought of He Tingyan again, and she did not know whether the rumors circulating in the outside world were true or not

He Chen scoffed while crossing his arms: "Who is the real rogue? It was you who touched me, twice."

Wen Wan was amused by his appearance, and she gently placed the item in his palm: "Here you go."

He Chen looked at Wen Wan with a smile that was neither fully a smile nor a frown. After she finished speaking, he reached out and pulled her closer, his palm pressing against the smooth nape of her neck as he squeezed it firmly, asking, "Are you happy now?"

Wen Wan became even more certain that a man like He Chen is very dangerous. Perhaps he can easily make one’s heart flutter at times, but he is by no means a good man. Therefore, he is very adept at knowing the limits, just as he said, "After the divorce, be with me," which at least leaves a great deal of room for the future

Everyone's attention was focused on Wen Wan, especially Zhou Erlan, who stared at her with wide eyes, as if she would erupt on the spot if Wen Wan said "no"

That day outside the police station, the situation had become somewhat tense. Wen Wan had not seen Gu Mingchen for several days, and this time his complexion seemed even worse than before. He had a light stubble on his chin, which was something this man used to pay great attention to.

He pointed with two fingers, implying something.

He Chen sneered: "Self-conceited."

Wen Wan rolled her eyes inwardly; she was merely offering a polite greeting

He Tingyan looked at Wen Wan with a gaze that carried a hint of emotion. He remained silent for a while before finally speaking in a hushed voice: "Why are you... so good to me?"

Wen Wan came to her senses and realized that the two of them were too close together. She hurriedly leaned back against the chair and coughed softly, saying, "Um, do you have some time?"

He said, turning to the restaurant owner, "This bill for Mrs. Gu will be on me"

Meng Yunjie seemed genuinely afraid of him, taking a step back: "What are you doing?"

Wen Wan looked at her in confusion, and then she heard the other person laugh and say: "The one who just had a meal with you, the family member of the patient, I think he is quite good, has a nice temperament. Are you familiar with him? Could you help introduce us?"

Before Wen Wan, she was truly understanding, and in her circle of friends, she was indeed the pride of Zhou Erlan. Everyone says that a good daughter-in-law is raised and taught by oneself, and that daughter-in-law is impeccable in every aspect, whether it be knowledge or demeanor.

Wen Wan has thin skin; how can he be like this, as if nothing has happened? After he said that, her face flushed again.

Doctor Wen

Even though the crowd remained indignant, they did not dare to delay the important matters. After He Tingyan offered incense, his subordinates had already begun their preparations. Wen Wan scanned the crowd until she spotted He Chen, who was gazing coldly at the black-and-white portrait of the old man He from a distance.