Chapter 65: Midnight, Thick Soup

Zhou Qingfei felt as if her heart had been struck by a heavy hammer.

To have climbed to her current position, she had naturally become acutely attuned to the subtleties of human emotion—especially those of Shen Ruizhang. Perhaps she wasn't as intimately familiar with his thoughts as a parasite in his belly, but few knew him as well as she did. Otherwise, she would not have so easily ensnared Shen Ruizhang in her grasp upon returning to the country, even when she was still a married woman.

Even after so many things had happened, she had always felt she had an unshakable hold on his heart.

But lately, she was afraid.

Shen Ruizhang's heart was no longer entirely with her. Every night in the Shen family villa, he would stand silently in the living room, his gaze fixed on some distant corner. Sometimes, the corners of his lips would curve in a faint smile, but more often, his eyes were so cold they frightened her.

Zhou Qingfei bit her lip and, in front of Jiang Yunzou, grasped Shen Ruizhang's hand with a hint of desperation, forcing a smile. "Since leaving the Shen family, Miss Jiang, you have only grown more outstanding."

"In the past, you were merely a secretary, a small-time agent in Ruizhang’s company—such a waste of your talents. I recall, at a banquet, someone made things difficult for you, and it was Ruizhang who stood up for you. Now, though, you’re more than capable of handling anything on your own."

At first blush, her words sounded like praise, but the subtle implication was that Jiang Yunzou had once deliberately concealed her abilities, feigning helplessness to attract her uncle's concern.

Jiang Yunzou looked at her, responding with studied indifference, "What else could I do but rely on myself? My uncle can't protect me forever. After all I've been through, I've learned to stand on my own."

Suddenly, Zhou Qingfei gasped in pain—Shen Ruizhang's grip on her hand had tightened abruptly, threatening to crush her bones.

"Ruizhang, you’re hurting me." Tears welled in her eyes, but Shen Ruizhang acted as if he hadn’t heard, staring dazedly at Jiang Yunzou. His lips parted and closed a few times before he managed to speak.

"Zhouzhou, that time... you suffered, didn’t you? Madam has been talking about you these days. If you have the time, perhaps you could..."

"My uncle hasn’t visited her in some time, has he? I actually saw her just the day before yesterday."

"So, as her own son, you’re less attentive than I am, an outsider?"

The faint note of irony in her smile left Shen Ruizhang flustered. Only when Jiang Yunzou raised her glass and smiled at him did he scramble to say, "It's different here than at home. You shouldn't drink so much. I'll drive you back later."

"That won’t be necessary, Mr. Shen. I brought medication for the alcohol—and a driver."

With that, she turned and left, her steps decisive.

Shen Ruizhang stood there devastated, staring after her, unable to move.

...

This year’s Golden Olive Award for Best Art Direction goes to—“Together Through Wind and Rain.”

It was Jiang Yunzou’s short film.

Lifting the hem of her gown, she made her way to the stage. This time, she skipped her acceptance speech; she’d already spoken when she received the Best Director award.

Her film sweeping through the competition and dominating the ceremony was entirely unexpected. She had thought a mere nomination would be an achievement; she never imagined that the subtlety and grace of the East could transcend cultural divides. It gave her a new confidence.

She handed the trophy to her assistant and sat back down, exhaling a long breath. Suddenly, the dress felt too tight. To look poised, she’d cinched her waist so firmly that now, the strain was making her ears ring.

"Xiao Zhang, take me to change into my backup gown."

Thankfully, she’d brought a spare.

But, to her surprise, Xiao Zhang—usually steady and reliable—looked flustered.

"Director Jiang... that dress... the brand took it back. There was a miscommunication; their company doesn’t allow alternates. I was afraid you’d be angry, so I—"

Jiang Yunzou pressed her hand to her forehead. "Very well. Your bonus for this month is gone."

Suddenly, Shen Ruizhang approached. "Zhouzhou, congratulations. You don’t look well—are you too tired?"

Before Jiang Yunzou could reply, Xiao Zhang, desperate to salvage her bonus, quickly interjected, "President Shen, our Director Jiang needs to change gowns. This one's too tight. Do you have a spare?"

She’d noticed it clearly: President Shen attended with a female companion—there must be a backup dress.

Sure enough, Shen Ruizhang frowned, "Why didn’t you say so earlier? I have one in the car. Go change. Assistant Li, take Zhouzhou over."

Jiang Yunzou had no desire to suffer any longer and stood up to leave. But Zhou Qingfei panicked.

"Ruizhang, that’s the gown I’m supposed to wear for my award later."

Jiang Yunzou looked at Shen Ruizhang, waiting for his decision.

Shen Ruizhang pressed his brow, his tone impatient. "What award?"

Zhou Qingfei’s face went pale. She was supposed to win Best Actress, but at the last moment, a more famous actress took it from her.

Shen Ruizhang continued, "The gown was rented for the Shen Corporation. If you didn’t win, let someone who did wear it. The brand will be delighted."

Assistant Li, quick on the uptake, said, "Miss Jiang, this way, please."

Jiang Yunzou lifted her skirt and walked into the glare of the flashes outside, while Zhou Qingfei’s gaze darkened as she watched her, her chest heaving with emotion.

After the ceremony, Zhou Qingfei went to the restroom. Through two doors, a hand reached out and passed her a small bottle of pills.

"Is there no problem?"

"It’s not the first time, is it? Don’t you trust me?"

Zhou Qingfei gritted her teeth and took the bottle.

...

That night, at the Shen villa.

Shen Ruizhang was still working, but his mind was elsewhere.

A newly signed artist had caused a scandal with an ill-advised comment, prompting fans to abandon her en masse. The internet was awash in criticism; PR efforts were useless. The trending topics that should have been buried kept resurfacing.

The new PR team was completely at a loss.

At moments like this, Shen Ruizhang missed Jiang Yunzou acutely. If she were still here, things would never have come to this!

The girl who had followed him since childhood, pampered and protected by all, had ultimately been lost by his own hand.

The study door opened silently. Zhou Qingfei entered, carrying a bowl of soup.

"I just made you some black-bone chicken soup. Drink it while it’s hot. You hardly ate anything tonight. Even the strongest man couldn’t endure this pace."

"Just set it down."

"Ruizhang," Zhou Qingfei, dressed in white, her voice gentle, "I know your thoughts are with Jiang Yunzou. After all, you watched over her for so many years. Seeing her do so well today, you must be proud."

"Girls always grow up eventually."

"Next month, at Captain Will’s cruise banquet, we could invite her as well. She would be happy, and it might clear up some misunderstandings between us."

At last, the tension eased from Shen Ruizhang’s lips. He nodded at Zhou Qingfei. "Alright, you arrange it."

"Don’t forget to drink your soup."

"Mm."

That night, the cool breeze swept through, but Shen Ruizhang felt unbearably hot. After a cold shower, he lay in bed, his body stretched out like a sun-baked tomcat on the eaves.

Zhou Qingfei entered lightly dressed, cautiously checking on him.

"Ruizhang, how are you feeling?"

Before she could finish, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her down onto the bed.