Chapter 34: A pair of strong arms wrapped around her.

Wen Ying was not in a good state.

Her condition had been unstable for some time, and while she had pushed herself to prepare for this banquet, Lu Jinchuan’s arrival with Su Nian had completely disrupted her rhythm.

Her body began to burn with fever. She took two pills from her bag and mechanically swallowed them, trying to suppress the sharp pain in her lower abdomen.

It was only after some time that she noticed the second missed call from He Xicheng.

"Brother Cheng?"

"Where are you?"

Wen Ying looked at her own pale, sickly reflection in the mirror. "Outside. I'll be back soon."

"Come to the entrance. We’re having a dinner later, though... your husband and Miss Su are here too. You don't have to come if you don't want to."

Wen Ying thought for a moment. Since she had returned to this industry, she would inevitably cross paths with Su Nian. All she could do was focus on her own goals.

"It’s fine, I’m coming."

Wen Ying touched up her makeup, satisfied that she looked presentable, and headed out.

Mr. Xu was also attending this dinner, so they had chosen a discreet, private restaurant. They had booked a large private room, with a screen separating the two tables.

Lu Jinchuan and Su Nian were sitting across from them. Wen Ying finally had the opportunity to speak with Mr. Xu. He Xicheng whispered something into Mr. Xu’s ear.

Mr. Xu’s expression shifted as he looked at Wen Ying. "So you are..."

Restrained by the need for confidentiality, his demeanor changed quickly, and he couldn't help but remark, "No wonder President He thinks so highly of Miss Wen. It was my oversight."

Wen Ying smiled faintly. "It is my honor to make your acquaintance, Mr. Xu."

As Wen Ying and Mr. Xu chatted pleasantly, Lu Jinchuan and his group noticed them.

Su Nian cast a few glances in their direction. She was puzzled—what could Wen Ying possibly have to talk about with Mr. Xu?

"Desperate to save face, putting on quite a show," Cheng Mu laughed, glancing at Su Nian. "She doesn't understand the policies, the technology, or the core business of Feixi, yet she's still trying to strike up a conversation with Mr. Xu."

Su Nian curled her lips slightly, offering no opinion. She understood what Cheng Mu meant—that Wen Ying was imitating her, trying to mirror her rapport with Mr. Xu.

She didn't care much about what Wen Ying did. She whispered to Lu Jinchuan, "It’s a pity Mr. He Jiang couldn't make it today."

Lu Jinchuan’s thin lips curved slightly. "As long as you want to, there will be opportunities."

Understanding his implication, Su Nian smiled sweetly.

Nearby, Huo Jinran felt a sense of unease. He looked deeply at Wen Ying before turning to Lu Jinchuan. "Don't you feel like Wen Ying has been acting very strange lately?"

Lu Jinchuan rubbed his thumb against his teacup, his mind flashing back to recent anomalies.

Wen Ying didn't like going home anymore. She stopped cooking for him. She didn't call or text him anymore.

However, he believed this situation wouldn't last long. Some people acted out because they were spoiled, but Wen Ying was different. She had always been sensible and would eventually return as if nothing had happened.

"Does it matter?" he asked nonchalantly.

Huo Jinran paused, saying nothing more.

At the table, the food had been ordered. Mr. Xu continued to chat in low tones with Wen Ying until someone looked at her and asked, "Zhou Yu—President Zhou is Miss Wen’s brother, isn't he?"

Wen Ying looked up. "...Yes."

"That explains it. I heard that President Zhou has been getting quite close to the daughter of the Jiang family lately. Chairman Jiang has even entrusted President Zhou with important business operations for his company. It’s practically training him as a future son-in-law. Does this mean we’ll be drinking at President Zhou’s wedding soon?"

Wen Ying didn't know how to respond. Zhou Yu was no longer the person who shared everything with her; she now had to learn about his life through the words of others.

"I... I’m not really sure."

"You don't know about your own brother's affairs? Miss Wen, you’re covering for President Zhou, aren't you?"

Wen Ying subconsciously felt an aversion to discussing Zhou Yu. She pressed her palm against her aching lower abdomen and whispered to He Xicheng beside her, "I'm going to the restroom."

Noticing her poor complexion, He Xicheng asked with concern, "Are you alright?"

Wen Ying shook her head. "I'm fine."

She pulled back her chair and walked out. Her ears were ringing. She had been forcing herself to stay upright despite the fever, and now she felt lightheaded and unsteady on her feet.

As she passed a certain spot, her legs gave out. She tilted to the side, stumbling and accidentally knocking over a teapot on a nearby table.

A pair of strong arms caught her.

Immediately after, a chorus of startled gasps erupted.