Years had passed since their last encounter, fading their connection to a distant memory. Wen Zhujou thought she'd nearly forgotten him. Nearly.
Their final exchange had been less than pleasant. She never imagined he'd show any kindness upon seeing her in an embarrassing state. Her first instinct was disbelief—maybe he had mistaken her for someone else. Yet, perhaps Tang Yan had matured over the years, his grudges dissolved into courteous indifference.
"Here's your jacket," Wen Zhujou finally offered, holding it out tentatively.
Tang Yan didn't accept it, his gaze barely flicking over her hand. "I'm the owner of this bar," he stated coolly.
Wen Zhujou's hand froze mid-air, uncertain if he was casually introducing himself or showing off his success. Her mind wandered briefly to Zhong Lili's teasing comment about him being the "top card" of nightlife. She found herself involuntarily examining him closer.
He had changed—the rebellious youth she once knew had grown into a strikingly handsome man. His sharp features were softened by casual arrogance, yet his dark eyes remained cool and distant.
"Surname's Tang," he clarified flatly, jolting her from her thoughts.
Did he... not recognize her?
"Is something wrong?" she asked calmly.
"Apologies for tonight's inconvenience," he drawled in a lazy tone. "All your expenses tonight are waived."
His polite words carried no warmth, reminiscent of the dismissive tone he'd used years ago. "No need," Wen Zhujou replied politely.
Tang Yan visibly relaxed. "If there's nothing else, I'll excuse myself."
As he turned to leave, Wen Zhujou blurted out, "Tang—"
He looked back sharply. Their eyes locked awkwardly, silence thickening. Her brain malfunctioned, impulsively completing, "Top Card."
Silence.
Wait.
Did she really just call him...
Tang Yan's eyebrow twitched subtly. Wen Zhujou fought desperately to maintain a neutral expression, offering the jacket again. "Your coat," she mumbled, wishing the ground would swallow her.
He tilted his head, a playful smirk emerging. "Top Card Tang? Sorry, we're strictly professional here."
She blinked. "Oh? That's a shame."
His face momentarily froze before regaining his composure, unreadable again. She smiled politely, insisting once more, "Your jacket."
Instead of taking it, Tang Yan studied her face, amusement flickering in his eyes. "Aren't you thrilled to wear my clothes? I'm quite popular, after all. Keep it as a souvenir."
Speechless, Wen Zhujou watched him walk away, his arrogance oddly charming yet infuriating.
"Did he really say that?" Zhong Lili laughed uncontrollably. "That's hilarious!"
"Exactly his meaning," Wen Zhujou replied dryly.
Zhong teased, "Maybe he thought you came here to admire him."
"Weren't we here to 'enjoy the view'?" Wen Zhujou countered sarcastically, rolling her eyes.
Their laughter faded as Tang Yan attracted another woman's attention at the bar. The interaction was intimate, playful. Wen Zhujou forced herself to look away, ignoring the strange tightening in her chest.
Later, leaving the bar, Zhong hooked arms with her. "Next time, let's pick somewhere livelier. Xiang Lang's back next month; he loves clubs."
"Sure," Wen Zhujou agreed absently, stealing a final glance at Tang Yan. He sat unbothered, as indifferent as ever.
Yet the memory of their final goodbye returned vividly: a rainy night, his hair soaked, eyes dimmed in defeat. "Wen Zhujou," he'd whispered bitterly, "I'm not that worthless."
"Don't worry," he'd smiled, pride broken. "I won't bother you again."
She blinked, shaking off the lingering ache. Tonight's encounter was just an accident. They were strangers now—nothing more.
But deep inside, Wen Zhujou knew better.