Xiang Weilai smiled, like a gentle spring breeze. He stood up, a bit unsteady from drinking. It was obvious he had a lot to drink today. He walked up to Shen Bin, raised his hand, and patted Shen Bin on the shoulder. At some point, that young boy had grown into a man just like Shen Bin. He lightly patted his shoulder, smiled faintly, and said nothing. Sometimes, actions speak louder than words—a gentle gesture can represent everything.

Meanwhile, outside, Ye Ling seized the opportunity to pull Zhao Guodong aside to talk. Liu Nan was curious but didn’t interfere, just watched from the side. As for Liu Hui, she seemed nervous, fidgeting with her fingers. Liu Nan glanced at her, sensing something, and said nothing more.

What Ye Ling thought was a simple matter turned out different when she confided in Zhao Guodong, who immediately disagreed.

"No, no, I can’t speak about this. The situation between those two isn’t as it appears. It’s all Yang Hui’er being unrealistic; she chased after Sui Gang to be here. She followed him here, and you know Sui Gang; he cares about his image. Given how Yang Hui’er came all the way for him, Sui Gang felt obliged to date her, but I don’t think he actually likes her. Now you want me to ask him when he’ll get married? Sui Gang would go ballistic on me!"

Ye Ling understood immediately—Sui Gang must have confided in Zhao Guodong, otherwise how would he know all this!

She was shocked by this revelation.

"If this is how Sui Gang truly feels, he should clarify things with Yang Hui’er. They’re not getting any younger; they can’t go on like this forever. Had I known he felt this way, I would’ve discussed it with Sui Gang earlier. Look at Yang Hui’er now, waiting to marry him. But if, as you say, he never intended to marry her, then why bother dating? Isn’t this making things even worse?"

"Don’t worry unnecessarily. Why should Yang Hui’er blame Sui Gang? She knew he didn’t like her from the start. She was the one who pursued him here. Sui Gang felt apologetic because she did so much for him, which is why he agreed to date her. This whole situation is of Yang Hui’er’s own making. How can she fault Sui Gang?" Zhao Guodong didn’t think Sui Gang had done anything wrong to Yang Hui’er.

Ye Ling lightly slapped the back of Zhao Guodong’s head, "Do you think this matter is as simple as you make it out to be? If Sui Gang feels this way, he should have explained it clearly to Yang Hui’er. Otherwise, letting her continue with such thoughts and hopes, waiting for Sui Gang, isn’t this ruining her life? As she gets older, if Sui Gang ends up marrying someone else, what will people say about him then? Even if he doesn’t consider Yang Hui’er, he should think of himself."

"Why are you hitting my head again?" Zhao Guodong grumbled in discontent.

"I’m going easy on you. Since you’re friends, you should find a chance to clarify things with Sui Gang. Let him decide—in one way or another, they either marry soon or he should honestly talk to Yang Hui’er. They shouldn’t keep pretending they’re dating when they’re not. What kind of situation is this?" Ye Ling felt like she lived in a different age where she wasn’t as open-minded as they were.

Zhao Guodong wanted to say more, but under Ye Ling’s glare, he silently relented. Liu Nan, watching in the distance, didn’t get angry but merely chuckled at the sight of Ye Ling smacking Zhao Guodong.

Yang Hui was puzzled, "Liu Nan, aren’t you upset about Ye Ling and Zhao Guodong being so close?"

Liu Nan turned to her and, after a moment, replied, "Why should I be upset? Ye Ling and Zhao Guodong grew up together. Zhao Guodong even liked her once. Their relationship now is like family. If I get jealous or upset about that, wouldn’t I just be making myself unhappy?"

"Don’t overthink it, I didn’t mean anything by it. I just didn’t understand what I saw." Yang Hui knew explaining was futile; Liu Nan seemed to have a grudge against her for some reason she couldn’t comprehend.

Yang Hui suspected it was possibly because Liu Nan saw through her motives. Unlike Ye Ling, Liu Nan grew up in a big city, held a high social position, and met all types of people; she could see through others easily. Perhaps that’s why Liu Nan seemed distant toward her interactions with Ye Ling.

Liu Nan smiled at her and said, "I’m not overthinking." 𝑓𝑟ℯ𝘦𝓌𝘦𝘣𝑛𝑜𝓋𝑒𝓁.𝑐ℴ𝓂

But she said nothing more.

Meanwhile, Ye Ling had already pulled Zhao Guodong back over. Zhao Guodong felt a bit embarrassed, having been seen by his wife in such a predicament. He scratched his head and quickly ran ahead to join Wang Ping and Zhang Linong, while Sui Gang had an arm around Zhang Linong’s shoulder and the other on Wang Ping’s, chatting animatedly. Zhao Guodong’s playful tackle from behind almost sent them crashing to the ground.

The scene suddenly became lively. Liu Nan linked her arm with Ye Ling’s, "See? They’re still like kids. How can I not keep an eye on him?"

"I think you should keep a good eye on him. Sometimes he has the mind of a child," Ye Ling couldn’t yet discuss what Zhao Guodong had just told her, especially with Yang Hui nearby.

They weren’t in a rush to leave and walked slowly while waiting for Shen Bin, who didn’t take long to come out.

Only then did everyone part ways and head home.

On the road, Ye Ling recounted the evening events. Shen Bin listened intently, pursing his lips, "This situation should be sorted sooner rather than later. I’ll find some time to talk to Sui Gang tomorrow. Otherwise, with Zhao Guodong’s personality, this could be dragged out for ages."

Ye Ling nodded, "What worries me most is Yang Hui. On the surface, she seems stable, but the more composed someone appears, the more weighty their thoughts usually are. I’m afraid if this really spreads, Yang Hui won’t be able to handle it."

If something were to happen, wouldn’t it damage the friendships forged over the years?

"That’s exactly my concern too. You might not know the situation here as well. Everyone seems to think Sui Gang cares for Yang Hui’er, though he doesn’t show much. But Yang Hui’er’s actions have led people to assume this. Just these occurrences reveal how deep Yang Hui’er’s intentions run."