In the rain curtain, a black Mercedes-Benz G-Class parked by the roadside with hazard lights flashing.The car still carried the lingering scent of cedar, though now overshadowed by thicker tobacco smoke.
Shi Ze, who had stayed up late partying yet risen early, claimed he needed a cigarette to sober up.Sitting in the driver's seat, he glanced at Yan Wangshu in the back through the rearview mirror, his Beijing-accented drawl casual: "Brother Yan, my new venue on the Bund is almost renovated. Get your people to support the opening, yeah?"
Yan Wangshu didn't look up: "Finished wreaking havoc in Beijing, now here to disrupt Shanghai?"
"What nonsense! I told my old man I'm here to build a career with you." Shi Ze exhaled smoke. "Heard you were returning today, braved this storm specially to pick you up from the airport. Can't you see my sincerity?"
Yan Wangshu ignored his plea: "Drive after finishing that cigarette. I have an afternoon meeting."
Shi Ze grinned, glancing back. Yan Wangshu had already stubbed out his cigarette and partially raised the window.Taking a deep drag, Shi Ze frowned: "Just a sec."
Suddenly, he snorted laughter: "What junk car thinks it can pick up beauties!"Getting no response from Yan Wangshu as usual, Shi Ze kept talking.
Raindrops splashed onto Yan Wangshu's dark sleeve through the window. His long fingers adjusted the window higher, then unexpectedly lowered it completely.
The heavy rain drummed against his hand.Through the downpour, the silhouette of a girl in a white spaghetti-strap dress overlapped with memories from two years ago in Jasmine Garden. Though her current dress was longer, the rain-soaked hem looked equally disheveled.
Shi Ze commented on the failed pickup attempt: "See? Beauties don't just hop into any car."The girl walked briskly, white skirt fluttering. Her rain-dampened hair clung to her arms as wind threatened to snatch her umbrella.
"Rain's getting heavier. She looks pitiful," Shi Ze remarked, stubbing out his cigarette.Yan Wangshu nodded slightly, echoing the sentiment internally.
Tapping the car door twice, Yan Wangshu suggested: "Test your theory then."Shi Ze half-turned, confused: "Huh?"
Without looking away from the window, Yan Wangshu teased: "Didn't you say she'd only ride nice cars?"Provoked, Shi Ze accelerated alongside the walking girl and honked: "Need a ride, beauty?"
Wen Ran barely glanced over, quickening her pace.Undeterred, Shi Ze persisted: "Just trying to help in this downpour—"
"No thanks," she coldly interrupted.When he continued, Wen Ran stopped abruptly. As the car crawled forward, her defensive gaze unexpectedly met Yan Wangshu's through the window.
Her umbrella slipped, drenching her shoulder. Regaining composure, she chased the accelerating car, splashing through puddles until it stopped.
Breathless, she addressed Yan Wangshu: "Could you give me a ride?"Raindrops trailed down her slender arms.
Shi Ze turned with a smirk: "Beauty, this is my car."Ignoring him, Wen Ran locked eyes with Yan Wangshu: "We're heading the same way."
Baffled, Shi Ze muttered curses.As she entered, the mingled scents of tobacco and cedar enveloped her. Studying Yan Wangshu—his casual posture, rapidly tapping fingers on a privacy-screen tablet—she noted his simple attire devoid of jewelry, disappointment flickering.
Meeting her gaze, Yan Wangshu arched an eyebrow.Under that pressure, she flinched until Shi Ze interjected: "How exactly are we 'same way', beauty?"
"I live at Lanyu Feng, near Tanyuan," she offered.Yan Wangshu resided at Tanyuan. The filigree incense box she sought lay there too—the reason she'd rented nearby.
"Not the same route," Yan Wangshu dismissed, eyes returning to his tablet.Shi Ze checked the rearview mirror, already considering drop-off points.
Undeterred, Wen Ran pressed: "Aren't you returning to Tanyuan?""Not directly."
Nodding, she tried again: "Could I treat you to dinner then? As thanks."Yan Wangshu shut his tablet, staring bluntly: "Me specifically?"
"Just you," she confirmed.Shi Ze scoffed: "Beauty, I'm the driver here!"
"I'll pay fare," she retorted.
"Your real agenda?" Yan Wangshu probed.Hesitating, she ventured: "I want... to visit your home."
The bold statement hung.Yan Wangshu chuckled—she hadn't changed since their first encounter. Such directness from her felt intriguing rather than offensive.
Elaborating softly: "To see your collection."Her slightly widened eyes and pleading tone resembled a stray kitten's entreaty.
Yan Wangshu's throat tightened, voice cooling: "What else?""Exchange contacts?" She fumbled for her phone.
Shi Ze burst out laughing: "First time hitting on someone?"Flustered, Wen Ran explained: "We've met! Two years ago in the US—"
A ringing phone interrupted. Shi Ze answered: "Your sister's calling.""Put it on speaker."
A woman's voice announced: "Yu Ling's niece did join BNile early this year."Hearing her mentor's company, Wen Ran tensed.
Yan Wangshu paused: "Your move?""That's your department's call."
"Have HR send her a forced leave notice.""Without discussion? Her twelve-year record's spotless."
"Six months to disclose, she didn't." Yan Wangshu leaned back. "Cutting losses beats doubting loyalty."
"Done. Dinner tonight?""Your pick," he agreed, glancing at Wen Ran before hanging up.
Realizing Yan Wangshu was "Carlisle's" executive who'd coldly sidelined a veteran designer, Wen Ran panicked. As a protégé of Carlisle's rival founder, her position felt precarious.
Meeting Yan Wangshu's scrutiny, she shrunk against the window.Noticing her grip on her skirt, he resumed work.
The rain gradually lightened, and the view became clearer, revealing layers upon layers of high-rise buildings with striking architectural designs.The number of traffic lights increased along the road, and the flow of vehicles grew heavier.
Shi Ze pressed the brake at a red light and asked, "Miss, what's your name?"
Wen Ran replied, "Wen Ran."
"You're not a local from Hucheng, are you?"
"No."
"Why did you come to Hucheng?"
"For work."
"Ah." Shi Ze released the brake and slowly accelerated. "What do you do?"
Wen Ran glanced at the man beside her. "Jewelry designer."
After she answered, Yan Wangshu remained focused on his tablet, showing no reaction.
"Brother Yan," Shi Ze called out, "she's in the same field as you."
Yan Wangshu turned his head, meeting Wen Ran's lingering gaze. He raised an eyebrow. "What a coincidence."
Wen Ran hummed in acknowledgment, then awkwardly turned to look out the car window. "Yeah. Coincidence."
She had never been in such a situation before and now truly felt like a "little spy."
No!
She wasn't a spy.
She was just afraid of being mistaken for one.
Wen Ran shifted uncomfortably, leaning forward slightly. In a soft voice, she said, "The rain has stopped. You can drop me off at the next intersection. I'll take a taxi myself and won't disturb you further."
Shi Ze replied, "It's no trouble. Weren't we just talking about having dinner together?"
"N-no, really." Wen Ran quickly refused. "I just remembered… I have something to take care of today."
Shi Ze was puzzled by her sudden change in attitude. He glanced into the rearview mirror. "Brother Yan, is it okay if I drop her off at the next intersection?"