Jiang Chenyu's eyes had been on Gu Nuannuan from the moment they returned to the Jiang family's old house. Her carefree attitude, her sharp wit, and her ability to handle delicate situations with ease were not lost on him. She seemed both naive and astute, playing her role as his wife with surprising skill.
Gu Nuannuan, oblivious to his gaze, turned around with a bright smile. "Jiang Chenyu, today's matter—you helped me, and I helped you. So, we're even." Her words were simple, yet they carried an air of finality. Having said her piece, she happily bounded up the stairs two steps at a time, leaving Jiang Chenyu watching her retreating figure until she disappeared from view.
As soon as Gu Nuannuan was out of sight, Gao Rouer's eyes fixated on Jiang Chenyu. She couldn't ignore the fact that his eyes had been filled with someone else's presence—a sight that twisted her heart with jealousy. Gritting her teeth, she reached out and tugged gently at the corner of Jiang Chenyu's sleeve, her voice turning soft and pitiful. "Chenyu, you're finally back."
Jiang Chenyu's cold response was quick. "Did you drink today?"
Gao Rouer misinterpreted his indifference, assuming he was displeased with the idea of her drinking. She shook her head frantically. "No, I didn't. If you don't like me drinking, I promise I won't do it again."
Jiang Chenyu barely acknowledged her. His eyes once again drifted toward the empty staircase where Gu Nuannuan had disappeared. Finally, he turned and said, "Come outside. Let's talk."
Hope surged in Gao Rouer as she followed him out to the balcony. There, Jiang Chenyu brewed a pot of tea and placed a cup in front of her with polite precision. His sudden formality only heightened her anxiety. She could feel that something was wrong.
"Chenyu, what is it? What do you want to tell me?" she asked, her voice trembling.
His response was cold, detached. "Don't waste your time on me. I've only ever felt gratitude toward you. If we were ever meant to be together, it would've happened a long time ago."
His words cut like a knife, devoid of any softness. He didn't care if they hurt, and his blunt delivery made it clear that he wasn't interested in sparing her feelings. "You're at the age where you should be considering marriage. If someone good comes along, you should give him a chance."
Gao Rouer's eyes filled with tears, but Jiang Chenyu didn't flinch. He poured himself a cup of tea, continuing as if her emotions were inconsequential. "You know my situation. I'm married now. If you keep coming to my house to find me, it won't do any good for you, me, or her. If something important comes up in the future, call the house landline."
The mention of *her*—Gu Nuannuan—made Gao Rouer clench her fists so hard that her knuckles turned white. Her voice broke as she asked, "Is it Gu Nuannuan?"
Jiang Chenyu's gaze remained indifferent, offering no response.
Gao Rouer couldn't hold back her tears any longer. Desperation clouded her judgment as she reached out to grab his hand. "Chenyu, you can't be serious. You told me you liked me! How could you only feel gratitude? You saved my father's company, acquired the Sena Group for me, and even left for Yenan Villa on your wedding night to come see me!"
Jiang Chenyu's expression didn't change as he coldly corrected her. "I never told you that I liked you. All of this—your interpretation—is self-deception."
His words were harsh, but his voice remained calm. "I saved your father's company because I owed him a debt of gratitude. The acquisition of Sena was planned over a year ago, and it had nothing to do with you. As for leaving on my wedding night, that wasn't because of you either."
Gao Rouer's sobs grew louder as she shook her head in disbelief. "No, Chenyu, that night—you admitted you liked me! You love me!"
Jiang Chenyu stood firm, his expression cold. "I never talk to drunk people seriously."
The truth was, Gao Rouer had been drunk that night. Jiang Chenyu hadn't indulged her fantasies or silently agreed with her delusions. He was simply too exhausted to argue with someone who wasn't in their right mind. Now, watching her tear-streaked face and smudged makeup, he felt no sympathy.
Finishing his tea, Jiang Chenyu rose to his feet, signaling that their conversation was over. "It's hot outside. You should go home early."
Without another word, he left her standing there and returned to the living room. As he ascended the stairs, he glanced out the window and saw Gao Rouer still on the balcony, crying bitterly. But his heart remained unmoved. He had already made his choice.