Shine on Me

Siliang looked a bit awkward and forced a laugh, saying, "Oh, I see."

I didn’t respond further.

The wedding banquet was in full swing, yet around me, it felt eerily silent. Though everyone was talking, their voices seemed distant, and the quiet was so profound I could almost hear my own heartbeat.

Ye Rong asked Zhuang Xu with a hint of familiarity, "Why did you come over? Shouldn’t you be accompanying the groom and his party to toast?"

Siliang and the others instinctively turned their gazes toward Zhuang Xu, but he seemed not to hear, quietly taking a sip of wine without a word.

The table fell into silence for a while before Siliang finally spoke up. "I think their relatives can handle the drinking just fine. Probably don’t need Zhuang Xu for that. By the way, Zhuang Xu, Zhuohui mentioned he saw you near Rongzi Tower the other day."

Zhuohui chimed in, "Yeah, I forgot to ask you yesterday. Were you at Rongzi Tower last week? I was there for work and thought I saw someone who looked like you. I was about to call out, but you disappeared in a blink. Was that you? What were you doing there?"

"I work there now."

His cool voice rang out, so close it felt like it reverberated in my chest.

Zhuohui was startled. "When did you change jobs?"

"You—" Ye Rong blurted out at the same time, then immediately pressed her lips together.

"A month ago."

"You’re really tight-lipped. Changed companies and didn’t even mention it. But A Bank is already top-tier—where did you move to?"

"Still at A Bank, just a different department."

"Which department?" another classmate pressed.

"Investment Banking Division."

The classmates froze, their expressions a mix of shock and disbelief.

A Bank was a global full-service foreign bank, divided into commercial banking and investment banking. Commercial banking handled traditional deposits and loans—Zhuang Xu had previously visited our company, likely working in commercial banking’s loan division. Investment banking was a completely different beast, dealing with IPOs, mergers, and restructurings.

Even getting into the commercial banking division of such a world-class bank was incredibly difficult, let alone their investment banking arm. Only the most exceptional talents made it in. And yet, he had transitioned to A Bank’s investment banking division in just half a year...

But if he was in investment banking, wouldn’t he have to frequently entertain clients? Did that suit Zhuang Xu’s personality?

The thought had barely surfaced before I ruthlessly suppressed it. What did it have to do with me? It was laughable that I’d even consider it. Besides, though Zhuang Xu was proud and aloof, he had always been well-liked. Back in school, everyone from teachers to classmates adored him—even Jiang Rui held him in high regard. With others, he wasn’t nearly as cold as he was with me.

It seemed his icy, distant side was reserved exclusively for me...

Zhuohui was still marveling. "I knew you were brilliant and hardworking—bound to rise fast—but this is next-level. In investment banking, your monthly salary must’ve at least doubled, right? I heard the year-end bonuses are six figures. At this rate, you’ll hit a million annual salary in a few years."

"That’s nothing," Zhuang Xu replied with faint derision.

I couldn’t help but glance his way.

And just like that, our eyes met.

For a moment, I was stunned, suddenly reminded of the look he’d given me after graduation when I learned he’d joined A Bank...

As if he’d been waiting to see my reaction.

Only now, it was even more inscrutable, veiled behind a layer of frost.At the table, only Xiaofeng wasn't too interested in the ongoing conversation. She was busy interrogating Lin Yusen about our "love story."

"So you and Watermelon had an office romance! If you were her boss, you must be in a similar field, right? MBA?"

"No." Lin Yusen's response came a beat slower, his tone dropping. "I studied medicine."

"What? That's a huge difference. So why aren't you a doctor?"

Why was she so nosy! I quickly turned to cut her off.

"Why do you ask so many questions?"

Xiaofeng cooed, "Can't I just ask? Your possessiveness is showing, Watermelon. I never knew you could be so jealous. I'm just curious why someone who studied medicine isn't a doctor."

She just wouldn't stop!

I glared at her. "What's so strange about that? Haven't you met a polymath before?"

Lin Yusen suddenly chuckled. "She's never seen someone boast like you." Then, as if to comfort me, he added, "It's fine."

It wasn't fine at all. Usually so composed, yet even I could hear the hint of loss in his voice just now.

I changed the subject. "The fish soup is pretty good. Have you tried it?"

He looked at me, the corners of his lips quirking slightly. "Not yet."

He showed no intention of serving himself, so I naturally turned the lazy Susan, ladled a bowl for him, then one for Xiaofeng, and casually one for myself.

Setting down the ladle, I paused briefly before turning back and lowering my head to sip the soup, inevitably catching Zhuang Xu in my peripheral vision.

He happened to pick up his wine glass and downed it in one go.

The conversation at the table continued, mostly among the male classmates.

"You'd fit right in at an investment bank. You're already used to 80-hour workweeks, unlike me—just coasting along."

"At least you know you're coasting." Siliang, who had been quiet for a while, chimed in with a reproachful tone toward Zhuohui. Her gaze at Zhuang Xu was somewhat complicated. "Didn't expect you to rise so fast. You'll probably be able to buy a place in Shanghai soon, right?"

Xiaofeng mumbled between sips of soup, "Didn't your family buy Zhuohui a place as soon as he moved to Shanghai? Once you get the keys, you'll get married, right?"

Zhuohui chuckled sheepishly. Siliang fell silent, turning to talk to Ye Rong, who had suddenly gone quiet.

Another male classmate cut in, "Hey Zhuang Xu, I bought a couple of stocks recently. Mind taking a look when you have time? Don't pull that 'no insider trading' card like in college. I heard about that stock you bought senior year—hit the limit up the next day."

Zhuohui added, "Yeah, too bad you cashed out immediately."

Zhuang Xu kept his head down as he poured himself more wine. "My current job doesn't allow such investments. I closed my account long ago."

"I get that, but just some advice—"

His words were cut off by a sudden commotion as the bride and groom approached with glasses in hand for toasts.

The groom immediately pleaded for mercy. "Thanks for coming, everyone. We're all friends here, so let's toast together instead of one by one."

Seeing how flushed he was from drinking, no one objected. Everyone stood, offered congratulations, and raised their glasses.

The wine-filled glasses clinked together mid-air.Somehow, Zhuang Xu didn't seem to have a firm grip on his wine glass. When it clinked against another, it tipped toward me. I couldn't dodge in time, and the red wine inside splashed all over the white sleeve of my sweater, quickly spreading into a large stain.

Siliang let out an "Ah," and everyone stopped what they were doing.

"Sorry." Zhuang Xu turned slightly to look at me. Though his words were apologetic, his expression couldn't even be called perfunctory. His gaze was filled with coldness.

"...It's fine." I took the tissue Lin Yusen handed me and wiped haphazardly a few times.

"Xiguang, are you okay?" the senior asked.

"I'm fine." I picked up my glass and raised it to them again. "A happy union lasting a hundred years."

"My apologies for not holding the glass steady just now. I'll punish myself with three drinks." Zhuang Xu also turned back to apologize to the newlyweds. Then he grabbed the bottle of red wine, poured a full glass, and downed it in one go.

He lowered his head, filled it again, and drank another.

Then the third.

Only after he finished all three glasses did everyone seem to snap out of it, hurriedly finishing their own drinks.

Lin Yusen smiled faintly and slowly drank his.

"...Thank you, thank you. Everyone, enjoy the meal," the groom called out as he led the bride to the next table.

I took another tissue to wipe my hand—it still felt a bit sticky. "I'm going to the restroom," I said to Lin Yusen.

He didn't respond.

For a moment, the silence around us felt oddly heavy. Sitting down, I hadn’t noticed, but now, standing between two equally tall men, I suddenly felt a strange sense of pressure.

I looked up, and only then did Lin Yusen return his gaze to me. "Go ahead," he said slowly.

Water rushed through my fingers.

The sounds of the wedding banquet outside drifted faintly in. I looked at my reflection in the mirror—maybe because I had stayed up too late yesterday, I suddenly felt exhausted...

I could probably leave soon. Though it was a bit early, using the excuse of the long trip back to Suzhou would make sense.

Yeah, I’ll say goodbye to the senior when I get back.

Having made up my mind, I turned off the faucet and stepped out of the restroom.

The path back to the banquet hall led through a long corridor. I walked slowly with my head down, my mind blank, until a pair of black dress shoes abruptly appeared in my line of sight, blocking my way.

I looked up.

The handsome groomsman from the wedding stood before me.

Why was he here? Did he need to use the restroom too?

Should I greet him? Or just walk past without a word?

I didn’t expect him to speak first.

"What’s your phone number?"

My steps faltered. After several seconds, I said, "It’s still the same."

"Mine too," he said, his gaze cold and heavy. "Remember to send me your bank account number."

Of course... Was he going to pay me back for the ruined clothes?

Why wasn’t I surprised at all.

"...No need."

"Right." He nodded, a hint of mockery in his tone. "I haven’t congratulated you yet. A perfect match."

You and Ye Rong are the real perfect match.

"Same to you. Congratulations."

Silence fell.

I took a step, about to walk past him, when he suddenly scoffed.

"Nie Xiguang, why were you looking at me like that just now?" He lifted his eyes to meet mine, his gaze full of derision. "Indecisive? Or can’t forget your old feelings for me?"

I was instantly overwhelmed with embarrassment.What was he trying to prove? That I still couldn't let go of him, that I still had feelings for him?

Yes...

I did!

I raised my head, forcing myself to meet his gaze without flinching. "Yesterday, Ye Rong apologized to me. I was surprised—I thought she'd pretend that incident never happened for the rest of her life, refusing to admit any wrongdoing. But since she apologized, I realized I still owed her an answer."

I stared at him unblinkingly. "Back then, she asked me, 'Don't you like Zhuang Xu anymore?' I think I can answer her now."

"I don't like him anymore," I said, enunciating each word clearly.

"Please tell her for me—tell her not to worry. Other people's happiness... I don't care for it."