"So this is your wife?" The words had barely settled. when Zhang Weiyu moved. His hand closed around the woman's wrist Firm and Certain. "Come with me."
He didn't explain and didn't glance back.
He pulled her away toward the corner of the hall.
For a moment Zhou Yiran didn't move.
She Didn't speak. She didn't know how to react. She just watched them leave.
"…Interesting," she murmured under her breath.
But her thoughts didn't stay that calm.
Who is she…? (....)
Her gaze lingered in the direction they disappeared.
He didn't hesitate. (....)
Not even for a second. (.....)
He just… took her away. (.....)
Her fingers tightened slightly around the glass.
That wasn't how he treats strangers. (...)
A pause. Her eyes narrowed just a fraction.
So… she's someone close. (.....)
Closer than she expected.
How close?(....)
The question lingered longer than she liked.
Someone he trusts?(.....)
Or… someone he can't ignore?(.....)
She exhaled softly, masking everything behind a composed expression.
"…Now that's something worth knowing."(....)
Across the hall, whispers began to rise.
"Who is she…?" "Did you see that?" "He just took her away .."
"Right in front of everyone," another added, lowering her voice but not enough. "Without a word."
"That's not normal," someone murmured. "Not for him."
Near the center, a group of older guests exchanged looks.
"Mr. Zhang isn't careless with his image," one said thoughtfully.
"Exactly," another replied. "Which means… that woman matters."
"Or she knows something," a third added quietly.
At the side, the Liang family stood together, their attention fixed on the corner where Zhang Weiyu had taken the woman.
"…Well," one of them chuckled softly, "this is getting interesting."
"Do you recognize her?" another asked.
A pause.Then...
"…I've seen her before," the elder Liang said slowly. "But not in places like this."
"Meaning?"
"Meaning she doesn't usually show herself."
A faint smile appeared on his lips.
"…Which makes this even more unusual."
"And Zhang Weiyu knows her."
"That much is obvious."
"Then why hide it?"
"Because it's not something meant to be public."
A beat.
"…Or not something simple."
Nearby, a younger member of the Liang family leaned slightly forward.
"Do you think this will affect the partnership?"
The elder scoffed lightly.
"If it's just a woman? No."
"And if it's not?"
The elder didn't answer immediately.
His eyes remained on the scene.
"…Then we'll see a different side of him tonight."
On the other side of the hall, Zhou Yiran's family wasn't any calmer.
"What is he doing?" one relative whispered sharply.
"This is inappropriate," another added. "In the middle of our event?"
Zhou Yiran's mother kept her expression composed, but her eyes were tense.
"…Don't react," she said quietly. "Not yet."
"But everyone is watching."
"I know."
"Then we should step in.."
"No."
The answer was firm.
A pause followed.
"…We wait."
Zhou Yiran's father finally spoke, voice low and controlled.
"He's not a man who acts without reason."
"And this?" someone pressed.
"…This has a reason."
"Do you know what it is?"
A brief silence.
"…Not yet."
A younger cousin leaned closer, whispering nervously,
"Do you think… that woman is someone from his past?"
"That's the only explanation," another replied quickly.
"Then what about Yiran?"
Their voices lowered further.
"…She's standing alone."
"…That doesn't look good."
Back with the Liang family....
"…Look at her," one said, nodding subtly toward Zhou Yiran.
"She's not reacting."
"Not even a little."
"That's control."
"Or shock."
"…No," the elder Liang said quietly.
"That's awareness."
A faint smile returned.
"She's not as simple as they thought."
Near the dessert table, Zhou Yiran's so-called friends weren't quiet either.
"Well… that was unexpected."
"Unexpected?" one scoffed softly. "That was embarrassing."
"For her," another added, glancing toward Zhou Yiran.
"…Imagine your husband walking off with another woman like that."
"And she's just standing there."
"No reaction at all."
"Maybe she's used to it."
A quiet laugh followed.
"Or maybe she doesn't have a choice."
But one of them didn't laugh.
She watched Zhou Yiran more carefully.
"…No," she said slowly.
"She's thinking."
"About what?"
"…About who that woman is."
And across the hall Zhou Yiran stood exactly where they left her but no longer unaware.
Because now everyone was watching.
And she knew it.
Corner – Away from the Crowd____
Zhang Weiyu let go of her wrist the moment they were out of direct attention.
His voice dropped.
Cold.
"You shouldn't be here."
The woman smiled faintly, rubbing her wrist like it amused her more than bothered her.
"That's quite the welcome."
"I asked a question."
"And I chose to ignore it."
His gaze sharpened.
"Who sent you?"
She tilted her head slightly.
"Do I look like someone who needs to be sent?"
"You look like trouble."
"And yet," she stepped a little closer, "you still pulled me aside first."
Silence. Her eyes scanned his face slowly.
"You've changed."
"You haven't."
"That sounds like a complaint."
"It's an observation."
She smiled again.
"You got married."
"Yes."
"And didn't tell me."
"I don't report my life to you."
"Ouch."
She placed a hand lightly over her chest in mock offense.
"That hurts, Weiyu."
"Don't call me that here."
"Why?" she leaned in slightly, voice softer, "Afraid she'll hear?"
His expression didn't change.
"She's not the problem."
"Oh?" her brows lifted slightly. "Then what is?"
"You."
A pause. Then she laughed Quiet and amused.
"I missed this."
"I didn't."
"Still sharp," she said. "Still cold."
"And you're still avoiding answers."
"And you're still asking the wrong questions."
His gaze hardened slightly.
"Then give me the right one."
She leaned closer almost whispering.."Why now?"
A pause. His eyes flickered just slightly.
But he didn't answer.
She straightened and Smile returning.
"See? Not so easy."
"…Why are you here?" he repeated.
Her expression softened but only on the surface. "To see something."
"What?"
Her gaze shifted past him and back toward the hall.
"…You."
A beat. Then she added lightly."And her."
Back to the Hall_____
They returned like nothing had happened.
Like there was no tension and conversation.
Zhou Yiran was still standing there.
Exactly where they left her.
Her gaze moved between them once then settled.
Zhang Weiyu stopped beside her.
"This is… my friend."
And in that split second
Something in her thoughts turned cold.
…A friend?oh really? (....)
Her fingers tightened slightly at her side.
That's what you're calling her?(....)
Her gaze flickered between them once more.
You took her away without a word… left me standing here… and now (.....)
A faint, almost invisible scoff crossed her mind.
"Friend." (...)
Right.
Her lips curved slowly into a polite smile.
So that's the explanation you chose.
Do you think I'm stupid…? (....)
But none of it showed on her face.
Zhou Yiran looked at the woman.
Then back at him.
Then She smiled.
"Zhou Yiran."
A beat ."Mrs. Zhang."
The woman's eyes flickered Just for a second. Then she smiled back.
"…I know."
Zhou Yiran's brows lifted faintly. "Oh?"
"I've heard about you."
"Have you?" Zhou Yiran's tone stayed light. "I can't say the same."
"Not surprising."
"Why not?"
The woman tilted her head.
"Because I prefer staying out of sight."
"Yet here you are."
"Tonight is an exception."
"For what?"
"For curiosity."
Zhou Yiran took a slow sip from her glass.
"And did you find what you were looking for?"
The woman's gaze lingered on her.
"…I'm still deciding."
Zhang Weiyu glanced at them both.
Then said "I'll be back."
He didn't asked just said without explanation
Again. He walked away.
Zhou Yiran watched him go this time.
"…He leaves a lot," she said casually.
The woman chuckled softly. "He always has."
"You seem to know him well."
"I do."
"How well?"
"Well enough."
"That's not an answer."
"That's intentional."
Zhou Yiran smiled faintly.
"I figured."
Elsewhere – Zhang Weiyu & Xu Shen_____
Xu Shen stepped closer the moment Zhang Weiyu approached. "Sir."
" what's Report."
"No sign of the intruder."
"Nothing?"
"Nothing confirmed."
"That means something was missed."
"We've doubled security."
"Not enough."
Xu Shen hesitated.
Zhang Weiyu noticed. "Say it."
Xu Shen glanced toward the woman. "…She wasn't expected."
"I know."
"She shouldn't be here."
A pause. Zhang Weiyu's gaze darkened slightly. "…I know."
"You think it's connected?"
"I don't believe in coincidences."
"Then this is intentional."
"It always is."
Xu Shen lowered his voice. "Should I investigate her?"
"No."
Xu Shen looked surprised. "…No?"
Zhang Weiyu's eyes remained on her across the hall. "I'll handle her."
Back to Zhou Yiran & The Woman_____
"You're very calm," the woman said.
"Should I not be?"
"Most people would be… curious."
"I am."
"But you're not asking the right questions."
"And what would those be?"
The woman stepped a little closer.
"Like… who I am."
Zhou Yiran met her gaze directly.
"If you wanted me to know, you would've said it already."
A pause then small smile.
"…Smart."
"I try."
Inside Zhou Yiran's thoughts sharpened.
He reacted first. (....)
He didn't deny her.(....)
He didn't explain her.(....)
Her gaze narrowed slightly and she's too comfortable. Then a colder thought formed.
…Is she connected? (....)
…To my death? (....)
"You're thinking too much," the woman said suddenly.
Zhou Yiran blinked once.
"Am I?"
"It shows."
"Then maybe you're worth thinking about."
"Maybe I am."
"Or maybe you're just trouble."
The woman smiled again.
"Those two things aren't mutually exclusive."
A pause then hen She leaned in slightly.
Her Voices was lower. "You should stay close to him."
Zhou Yiran's eyes didn't move. "Why?"
The woman straightened.
Smile returning.
"…You'll understand soon."
Silence settled between them.
But it wasn't empty anymore.
Across the hall____
Zhang Weiyu was already watching them.
And for the first time Zhou Yiran didn't feel like she was just part of the situation.
She felt like She had just stepped into something much bigger.
Zhou Yiran stood facing Lina, expression calm, posture composed as if nothing had shifted but everything had.
"You're watching too carefully," Lina said lightly.
"Am I?" Zhou Yiran replied.
"Yes."
"Then maybe you're worth watching."
A faint smile touched Lina's lips.
"…Maybe I am."
"Enough." Zhang Weiyu's voice cut in.
Both women turned.
He had returned.
His gaze went to Lina first. "You're still here."
Lina tilted her head slightly. "You say that like I should leave."
"You should."
"And miss this?" she glanced around the hall casually. "Not likely."
Silence.
Then Zhou Yiran spoke, almost lazily.
"Stay or leave… does it matter?"
Both of them looked at her.
She met their gaze without hesitation.
"Guests come and go," she added. "Some just leave a stronger impression."
Lina's smile deepened.
"I like her."
"I didn't ask," Zhang Weiyu replied.
"I wasn't asking for permission."
Before anything else could be said
A staff member approached.
"Dinner is ready."
The moment broke but not the tension.
Dining Hall___
The long table filled gradually.
Voices returned.
Laughter resumed.
Everything looked normal again.
Zhang Weiyu sat beside Zhou Yiran Controlled and Unreadable.
As if nothing had happened.
Lina sat further down the table.
Not close But not far enough.
Dinner began.
Plates moved.
Glasses clinked.
Conversations overlapped.
"…Mr. Zhang, about the new project"
"Later."
"…Of course."
Zhou Yiran picked up her fork quietly.
"You're distracted," she said without looking at him.
"I'm eating."
"That's not what I meant."
Silence.
Then.."Focus on your own plate."
She gave a small, humorless smile.
"…You first."
Across the table Lina rested her chin lightly on her hand, watching not openly.
Zhang Weiyu noticed.
Of course he did.
His gaze shifted once.
Then again.
Zhou Yiran caught it every time.
…Again. (....)
Her grip on the fork tightened slightly.
You're not even hiding it. (....)
"…Something wrong with the food?" she asked calmly.
"No."
"Then why do you keep looking elsewhere?"
A pause.
"…Habit."
"Bad one."
He didn't respond.
A moment later he took a sip of water then another bite and suddenly he choked.
A sharp cough broke through the table.
Several heads turned.
"Mr. Zhang—?"
Before anyone else could react Lina's voice cut through." Weiyu!"
Evryone at dinning table Silence.
The name hung in the air.
Too familiar.
Too natural.
Everyone heard it and noticed.
Zhou Yiran's hand paused mid-air.
Slowly She set her fork down.
Zhang Weiyu steadied himself quickly.
One breath Then another.
Control returned.
But the damage Was done.
Whispers started again.
"Weiyu…?" "She called him that…" "Since when?"
Zhou Yiran finally looked up.
At Lina.
Then at Zhang Weiyu.
Her expression didn't change.
But her voice Was precise.
"If you can't eat properly, don't eat " she said calmly,
"you two should wait until everyone leaves."
A pause.
Her gaze lingered just slightly.
"Then you two can continue."
Silence followed.
Thicker than before.
Zhang Weiyu wiped his hand slowly.
Then.."Focus on your food."
He didn't explain anything to anyone.
Zhou Yiran let out a soft breath.
"…Of course."
Across the table Lina smiled faintly.
She was not embarrassed or apologetic.
She Almost Amused.
Dinner resumed.
But not really.
People talked.
But listened elsewhere.
Watched elsewhere.
Zhou Yiran didn't look at him again.
Not once.
And Zhang Weiyu Didn't stop noticing Lina.
Outside – End of the Night____
The party ended.
Guests began to leave.
Goodbyes exchanged.
Polite smiles returned.
"Hey sis!"
Zhou Yiran turned. Zhou Chen was already walking toward her, hands in his pockets, expression somewhere between annoyed and relieved.
"You're finally free," he said.
"From what?" she asked.
"From pretending you enjoy these things."
She raised a brow. "I do enjoy them."
"Liar."
"I'm serious."
"You looked like you were calculating everyone's weaknesses."
"…That's called observing."
"That's called scary."
A small pause then he glanced at her more carefully. "…You okay?"
"I'm fine."
"You don't look fine."
"You don't look smart."
"Wow," he blinked. "You came back just to insult me?"
"I never left."
"Emotionally, you did."
She almost smiled.
Almost.
"…I said I'm fine."
He studied her for a second longer.
He Didn't push further. he didn't fully believe it either.
"…If something's bothering you," he said more quietly, "you tell me first. Not last."
Zhou Yiran's gaze softened just a little.
"…When have I ever told you anything first?"
"Never."
"Exactly."
"That doesn't mean you shouldn't start."
She shook her head lightly.
"Focus on your studies."
"Don't change the topic."
"I'm not."
"You are."
A pause then she nudged his arm slightly.
"Go help your parents."
"You're dismissing me."
"I am."
"That's rude."
"You'll survive."
He clicked his tongue, but a faint smile appeared anyway.
"…Fine. But I'm not done with this."
"I know."
"And I will ask again."
"I know that too."
"…You're very calm about it."
"I've had practice."
He sighed. "…You really haven't changed."
"No," she said quietly. "I haven't."
"Zhou Chen."
A new voice cut in.
Zhou Chen turned. And immediately straightened a little. "Mr. Zhang."
Zhang Weiyu stood beside Zhou Yiran now, expression unreadable as ever.
Zhou Chen crossed his arms slightly, looking him up and down.
"…You look very serious."
Zhang Weiyu didn't react. "That's my face."
"That's unfortunate."
A pause Zhou Yiran glanced between them.
"…Behave," she muttered.
"I am behaving," Zhou Chen said. "I'm just observing."
"Like your sister?" Zhang Weiyu replied flatly.
Zhou Chen blinked.
"…Okay, that was unexpected."
"She learned from somewhere," Zhang Weiyu added.
Zhou Yiran gave him a look. "…Don't involve me."
"I'm giving you credit."
"I don't want it."
Zhou Chen smirked slightly. "…So this is how you talk at home too?"
"Yes."
"That's… boring."
"It's efficient."
"It's scary," Zhou Chen corrected.
"Still efficient."
A small pause then Zhou Chen leaned slightly closer to Zhou Yiran.
"…Are you sure you're okay with this?"
Zhang Weiyu heard it.
Of course he did.
Zhou Yiran didn't look at either of them.
"I said I'm fine."
Zhou Chen didn't move.
"…You're saying it again."
"And I'll say it again if needed."
"…You're stubborn."
"So are you."
Zhang Weiyu finally spoke.
"She'll tell you when she wants to."
Zhou Chen looked at him.
"…And if she doesn't?"
"Then you wait."
"That's not reassuring."
"It's realistic."
Zhou Chen sighed.
"…You're both difficult."
"No," Zhou Yiran said calmly. "You're just impatient."
"That too."
A brief silence settled Between them.
Then Zhou Chen stepped back.
"Fine. I'll let you go."
"Good decision."
"Don't sound so happy."
"I am."
He glanced once more between them then added quietly,
"…Take care of her."
Zhang Weiyu didn't answer immediately.
Then .."I am."
Zhou Chen held his gaze for a second longer
As if trying to read something deeper Athen nodded slightly.
"…I'll be watching."
"Go," Zhou Yiran said.
"Yeah, yeah."
He turned then paused and Looked back at her..
"…And seriously. Don't walk like that. It's suspicious."
"…Get lost."
He grinned.
And finally left.
Silence returned.
But not the same as before.
Because now Someone else had noticed.
Zhou Yiran stepped outside first.
The night air was cooler.
Behind her Footsteps.
Zhang Weiyu approached. "Let's go."
She didn't answer.
Just walked toward the car.
Before they could reach it
"Leaving already?"
Lina.
She stepped closer, as if she had every right to. "I need a ride."
"No," Zhang Weiyu said immediately.
But Too late.
She had already opened the car door.
And Sat inside.
"It's on your way," Lina added lightly.
A pause. Zhou Yiran watched the entire thing. From beginning To end.
She Was not surprised.
She didn't reacted.
"…I see."
The words were soft.
Almost to herself.
Xu Shen stepped forward slightly.
"Miss Zhou.."
"I'll go ahead."
She didn't look at Zhang Weiyu.
Not even once.
She turned and walked away.
Xu Shen hesitated Then followed.
Zhang Weiyu remained where he was.
His gaze shifted to her.
She was Walking away without stopping.
Without waiting.
Inside the car Lina watched him.
"…You're letting her go?"
He didn't answer.