The phone rang. It was Yin Feng again.
She answered, "Hello?"
This time, his end was unusually quiet, his voice still gentle: "Have you set off yet?"
You Mingxu didn’t know what came over her, replying lightly, "Not yet."
Yin Feng said, "That’s good. Sorry, some friends from my circle showed up unexpectedly. It’s been a long time since I contacted them after the incident, and I never let them visit…"
You Mingxu said, "Got it." She patted the driver’s shoulder, signaling him to stop.
Yin Feng paused for a moment and said, "I’ll find you tomorrow."
You Mingxu smiled silently and said, "If there’s nothing else, I’m hanging up."
"Mm, goodbye." He hung up first.
You Mingxu put down her phone, stared at it for two seconds, stuffed it back into her pocket, and told the driver, "Turn around, we’re going somewhere else."
The car turned back the way it came. Just as it left the street, two convertible sports cars drove toward them—one golden yellow, the other deep blue. Each car carried three or four people, men and women. The men were all well-dressed and refined-looking. There were two women in each car, all exquisitely made up with great figures. Despite the winter chill, they wore dresses under their fur coats, revealing glimpses of fair skin. They were laughing and chatting boisterously, completely oblivious to You Mingxu’s passing car, heading straight for Yin Feng’s house.
"Wow, are they celebrities? Or rich second-generation heirs? They must be loaded!" the driver couldn’t help muttering, glancing back at the vibrant, attractive girls.
You Mingxu also looked back and saw the two cars stop at Yin Feng’s gate. The large iron gate slowly opened, and the cars drove in.
She turned around and sat in silence for a while. As the car was about to leave the neighborhood, she spoke up, "Driver, just drop me off here."
The driver asked, puzzled, "Why aren’t we going anymore?"
She said, "I’m going to kill someone."
The driver was stunned and didn’t ask anything more.
As You Mingxu walked up to the gate, her heart was eerily calm. The feeling was familiar—she suddenly remembered that night when he was still You Yingjun and she caught a woman climbing into his bed. But back then, he was innocent. Yet, the seeds of hidden pain and irritation were sown at that moment. She had learned what kind of person he originally was, but facing the later You Yingjun, she still chose to take the risk.
But now, he was no longer You Yingjun.
Tonight, when he called to put her off, his voice was calm, gentle, and matter-of-fact.
You Mingxu pressed the doorbell.
Soon, the door opened. Lao Jiu saw it was her and was taken aback. Before he could react, You Mingxu squeezed past him, smiling faintly, "He invited me."
Yin Feng had previously instructed that You Mingxu was to be allowed in unimpeded at any time. In Lao Jiu’s moment of hesitation, You Mingxu had already moved past him. Lao Jiu thought about it and decided not to interfere, going back to watering the plants.
Passing through the garden, she saw Guan Jun trimming the branches as usual. You Mingxu thought, "The former internet prodigy shows no trace of his past self now."
In the past, Guan Jun hardly ever looked her in the eye, but today he glanced up at her, then toward the lively terrace, and let out a low, mocking chuckle. With a weird expression, he snipped off a beautiful branch with a "snip" of his shears, clearly looking forward to some drama.
You Mingxu gave him a cold look and walked on.
Just as she reached the building, a figure darted out and blocked her way.You Mingxu looked at Tuya. "Step aside."
Tuya's face was tense and slightly flushed, his fists clenched at his sides. He remained silent and didn't move.
You Mingxu said, "Tuya, this is between him and me."
Tuya shook his head. "Don't go. He's just putting on an act for the occasion, entertaining them. He doesn't take any of it seriously. He still hasn't remembered, so..."
You Mingxu replied, "But I choose to take it seriously. Are you planning to fight me?"
Tuya remained silent for a long moment before finally stepping aside. His heart heavy with frustration, he gritted his teeth and retreated to his room to drown his sorrows in drink.
You Mingxu ascended the stairs.
On the third floor, she encountered an open kitchen counter where the chef Wei Lan stood. Dressed in immaculate chef's attire with a tall hat, he turned at the sound of her approach.
Wei Lan—at age 23, his family had fallen victim to brutal loan sharks due to business disputes involving his parents. In the ensuing conflict, he committed manslaughter. After serving eight years in prison, he was now 33.
The handsome young man's eyes flickered with awkwardness at the sight of her. He immediately said, "Wait a moment, I'll inform Teacher Yin."
You Mingxu commanded, "Stay where you are."
Wei Lan froze, forced to watch helplessly as You Mingxu stepped onto the terrace before lowering his head.
—
Unlike the soft music playing during You Mingxu's last visit, the terrace now pulsed with upbeat, psychedelic tunes. A fireplace crackled vigorously. Several men leaned against the terrace railing, glasses in hand, chatting with girls by their sides. With alcohol, delicacies, and women, the atmosphere was lively.
Yin Feng had one by his side too.
They were discussing recent trends in the cultural market, film and television investments, fine wines, notable books, and premium teas. Naturally, they were also curious about Yin Feng's year-and-a-half "disappearance." But Yin Feng had always been eccentric—aloof yet navigating capital and markets with ease, amassing fortunes rivaling savvy businessmen; yet seemingly detached, he could withdraw from the industry for long stretches, immersing himself in writing with obsessive devotion, disregarding everything else. So his seclusion to write a book wasn't surprising.
Yin Feng chatted with these industry friends with keen interest. Though they hadn't met in a while, if Yin Feng wished, he could effortlessly dissolve any barriers, making their conversation lively and intimate.
One man pointed at the girl beside Yin Feng and said with a laugh, "This is a newly signed artist from Boss Zhao's company, not debuted yet. She says she admires Teacher Yin the most. Lisa, we brought you today to meet your idol. Hurry and offer Teacher Yin a drink. If his new book gets adapted into a series, securing you a role would be a mere word from him. Every production team would honor Teacher Yin's influence."
Yin Feng studied the woman beside him.
Lisa was around twenty-two or twenty-three, fair-skinned and petite with delicate, clear features. Her long, black hair fell soft and smooth. Having removed her coat, she revealed a smoke-gray dress, her fragrance enveloping her like a girl next door.
Obediently, she picked up a glass and offered it to Yin Feng, her voice sweet and soft. "Teacher Yin, would you honor me with a drink?"
In Yin Feng's perception, it had been a long time since he'd been close to a woman. And this girl was undoubtedly his preferred type—otherwise, she wouldn't have been brought today. Petite and exquisite, seemingly fragile, docile and adept at pleasing.
Yin Feng rested one hand on the terrace railing, gazing at her indifferently. He took the glass, drained it in one go, and placed it back in her hand.
A glint flashed in Lisa's eyes.The few men and women nearby were already accustomed to such scenes. However, everyone also knew that Yin Feng wouldn't easily get serious with women. But since he had been in seclusion for so long, judging by the current situation, there might be some potential.
The conversation continued, with Lisa remaining by Yin Feng's side. Such a man—a renowned genius, handsome, wealthy, and capable of investing in and influencing film productions—how could she let such a golden opportunity slip? Moreover, from his demeanor, it seemed he had taken a bit of a liking to her.
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