Tang Shu offered a friendly smile. “I’ve heard so much about you. It feels like fate that we’re finally meeting today. Why don’t we grab a bite together?”

I don’t know if I’d been reading way too many romance novels… but I could swear there was a hidden bite behind her words. Instantly, my brain started running a dozen clichéd storylines: The untouchable White Moonlight declares war on the evil side-character.

Before we even sat down, I had already produced a full forty-episode drama series in my head. Halfway through the meal, though, Tang Shu suddenly let out a soft laugh.

“You two… aren’t actually together, are you?”

I almost choked on my food. Operating purely on instinct, I snapped my head toward Lin Sichen.

He gave a calm, measured nod. “How could you tell?”

Tang Shu rested her chin in her hand, nonchalantly breaking it down. “I’m a lawyer—my job is reading people. The way Miss Jiang looks at you is packed with nothing but ‘professional obligation.’ There isn’t a shred of romance in her eyes.”

Lin Sichen turned to look at me, his gaze darkening slightly. I immediately looked away.

Tang Shu glanced back at him. “As for you… you’re the same as always. I can never read you.”

Lin Sichen gave another subtle nod. “Grandma wanted me to get a girlfriend so she could recover in peace. So… it is what you see.”

Well. Everything was out in the open now.

I leaned in, cautiously testing the waters. “So… should I excuse myself?”

Tang Shu caught my arm, pulling me back into my seat. “Where are you going? I have no intention of eating alone with a single man.”

Me: “…”

I had to hand it to her—Tang Shu was the quintessential White Moonlight. Drop-dead gorgeous, razor-sharp, and effortlessly elegant without trying too hard. By the end of the meal, I almost felt like Lin Sichen was the one outmatched. We even exchanged WeChat info and made plans to go out drinking together sometime.

On the drive home, I sang Tang Shu’s praises the entire way. Lin Sichen, on the other hand…

I started to wonder: Did I accidentally ruin their precious “alone time”? Deciding to make amends and make my boundaries crystal clear, I offered a considerate suggestion: “Moving forward… maybe I shouldn’t bring you lunch anymore?”

After all, it wouldn’t look great if Tang Shu saw us. I naturally assumed he’d appreciate how sensible, tactful, and understanding I was being.

He didn’t. His expression turned even colder.

“Suit yourself,” he clipped.

Me: Speechless. Still, when dealing with a high-paying client, client satisfaction comes first. I immediately put on a bright, professional smile. “Understood!”

Tang Shu was also present for his grandmother’s eightieth birthday bash. Seeing how warmly the old lady treated her—just like a real granddaughter—I quietly took a few steps back.

Before I could fully slip away, though, his grandmother called me over. And then… she slid a priceless heirloom jade bracelet onto my wrist.

I froze in place, hit by a massive wave of guilt. “Grandma… I really can’t accept this!”

I was just a fake girlfriend! I stole a glance at Tang Shu. She was wearing a quiet, amused smile, completely unbothered.

Lin Sichen stepped into my line of sight, blocking my view of her. “If Grandma gave it to you, just keep it.”

…Fine. I’d hold onto it for now and return it later.

The party was packed with high-society guests, everyone vying for a chance to toast Lin Sichen.

Tang Shu and I hoisted him into his car. Instantly, the memory of Six-Year-Old Lin Sichen flashed in my mind. After a quick two-second tactical analysis… I made a brilliant strategic move:

“Tang Shu, something super urgent came up! Please drive him back! His keys are in his pocket, I’m heading out first!”

Before she could process it, I flagged down a taxi and made my grand escape. I had served up the absolute perfect romantic opportunity on a silver platter.

That evening, I caught a movie and took a long walk. The movie was so boring I ended up nodding off in the theater, dreaming that Lin Sichen was clinging to me and calling me “big sister.” …Talk about a lingering nightmare.

I figured he was probably being tenderly taken care of by Tang Shu right about now. He was bound to be on his best behavior in front of her. The two of them… were probably well on their way to a grand reunion.

Smack! I swatted my own forehead. Why was I wasting brain cells thinking about him?

It wasn’t until the credits rolled and I checked my phone that I realized: Lin Sichen had left over a dozen missed calls.

…Huh? Just to say thank you, did he really need to blow up my phone like that?

My phone rang again. I picked up, keeping my tone light and breezy. “You really don’t need to thank me—”

Before I could finish, his voice cut across the line, raspy and sharp. “Jiang Yuan, where are you?”

I paused. “Uh… I’m at my best friend’s place. Something came up tonight, so I won’t be coming home.”

“Fine…”

His voice was hoarse, clearly still heavy with alcohol. Curiosity got the better of me. “Where’s Tang Shu?”

“Tang Shu? How should I know where she is?”

Me: …What???

Didn’t she drive him home?!

“Oh… never mind. I just meant she drove you back tonight, right?” (I created that golden opportunity for you, get it?!)

He simply replied, “Yeah.”

Suspiciously calm. I figured he was probably just secretly thrilled inside.

“Well, I’m gonna hang up then.”

“Wait.”

His tone carried a subtle rush before settling back down. “Jiang Yuan… remember to come home tomorrow.”

I held the phone to my ear, a massive question mark popping up over my head.

The next morning, before I even had the chance to head back, the entire elite circle erupted over a bombshell scandal: