Chapter 18: A Meeting with Zhou Ran

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Ning Chu’s phone was flooded with messages, each one asking if the divorce was true. Some speculated whether she had been abandoned by Tantai Chao, while others offered their help if needed. Ning Chu didn’t reply; there were too many messages, and she hadn’t even checked them all. She decided to rest for a few days. The aftereffects of her recent trip still lingered, and she didn’t want to do anything except rest.

Before long, the old butler from the Tantai household called her. “Miss Ning Chu, the head of the family said it’s alright. If… if anything happens in the future, you can also seek the head’s help.”

Ning Chu replied, “I understand. Thank you.” She felt that was just a formality. Now that they were divorced, who would show up for her? As the saying goes online, the best ex is one who never appears before you again. So Ning Chu thought she would probably never cross paths with Tantai Chao again.

Tantai Chao was always busy and wouldn’t have time to attend any frivolous events. Without the bond of marriage, Ning Chu felt it was nearly impossible to run into him—and honestly, it was better that way.

People in their circle knew what was happening outside as well. Chaoyang Group had issued a statement about the situation, phrased very gracefully—an amicable separation, wishing each other well.

Although shareholders discussed it briefly, the divorce hadn’t affected Chaoyang Group’s stock price. After all, divorces were common; many wives of big business tycoons weren’t their original spouses anymore.

On Tantai Chao’s side, some elders in the family had inquired about the divorce, but their only concern was that it didn’t interfere with his work.

When Tantai Chao suddenly got married, it surprised them too, especially since Ning Chu wasn’t exactly from a family of equal standing. But as long as it didn’t affect the Chaoyang Group’s elders, they didn’t really care.

Now with the divorce, it was the same. As long as it didn’t shake their fundamental interests, they were indifferent to who Tantai Chao’s wife was.

As for Tantai Chao’s parents... they had died years ago in a plane crash during an overseas trip. So, in truth, no one really managed Tantai Chao.

Meanwhile, Chen Yixin arrived home quickly and immediately asked her family about the Ning family, since her own home wasn’t far from theirs.

“Where is Ning Chu now? Is she back?”

The servant replied, “Not sure. It seems Miss Ning Chu hasn’t returned. She might be staying somewhere else.”

“Oh, by the way, Miss, before Miss Ning Chu’s divorce, a mother and daughter apparently came to the Ning household. Rumor has it they are Mr. Ning’s illegitimate daughter and mistress. People say behind the scenes that this is why Miss Ning Chu divorced.”

Chen Yixin was shocked. “What! Mr. Ning has an illegitimate daughter?”

“That’s what people say privately.”

Chen Yixin sneered, “I knew it. It must be that illegitimate daughter trying to climb up the ladder, right? Mr. Ning made Ning Chu divorce so his mistress’s daughter could take her place? Disgusting man!” A look of disdain flashed across her eyes.

Mr. Ning was really that kind of person? Mrs. Ning used to be so proud, and her mother always said the Ning family had a good reputation. Now... haha...

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“Help me find out where Ning Chu is living now.”

“Yes, Miss.”

“And also, check on the mistress’s daughter situation for me.”

“Yes.”

Ning Chu didn’t care about all the gossip swirling in their circles. At that moment, she was discussing with Zhang Yan and her asset manager the future of her assets.

Living off her savings was not an option; Ning Chu decided to take action.

But after hours of discussion, she hadn’t made any decisions. “I’ll think it over and let you know once I’ve made up my mind.”

“All right, Miss Ning Chu, take your time.”

The asset manager soon left. Ning Chu, seeing her complexion had improved, immediately called Zhou Ran. “I’m free now, let me treat you to hotpot.”

Zhou Ran exclaimed, “Seven tonight! I’m definitely not working late!”

Ning Chu said, “You book the place; I’m easy. Just send me the address.”

“Okay!” Zhou Ran quickly booked a spot and sent it over.

That evening, Ning Chu was driven to the destination. She wore simple clothes with her hair casually tied up.

They arrived at a shopping center; Zhou Ran’s reservation was on the fifth floor.

Ning Chu rarely went to such places. As she walked, people kept turning their heads to look at her. When she entered the elevator, the chatter suddenly quieted.

She didn’t mind. She was used to being the center of attention, after all, always the most unique presence in any crowd.

Soon, she reached the fifth floor and found the hotpot restaurant Zhou Ran had booked, Yiyi Hotpot. Zhou Ran was sitting on a small stool near the entrance.

Ning Chu approached. “Why aren’t you going in?”

Zhou Ran said, “It’s not our turn yet. There are about two tables ahead of us. We’ll wait a bit.”

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Ning Chu sat beside her, sitting upright with an elegant posture. The entrance of the hotpot restaurant seemed to shine brighter with her presence. Passersby couldn’t help but glance over.

“Do we still have to wait?” Ning Chu asked curiously.

The girls nearby unconsciously listened. “Wow, such a beautiful voice! She’s gorgeous and speaks so nicely! And she smells so nice,” one leaned in to sniff.

She even thought the restaurant was unwise to make such a stunning beauty wait.

Zhou Ran explained, “That’s how the queue works. Not sure why, but there are more people today. Next time we’ll go somewhere else—no waiting.”

Ning Chu shook her head. “It’s fine, it’s kind of refreshing.” Usually, she reserved private rooms and was seated immediately without waiting.

Soon it was their turn. Their seats were in the main hall, with people around and a wall to the right.

Zhou Ran looked at the menu. “You probably can’t handle too much spice, right? I remember you used to eat pretty mild food.”

Ning Chu said, “I can eat a little now.” She was now able to tolerate a bit of chili.

Zhou Ran said, “Then we’ll order a four-section pot: spicy, mushroom, tomato, and a plain broth.”

Ning Chu replied, “You know better, go ahead.”

Zhou Ran said, “Then I won’t hold back.”

After ordering, the soup bases arrived quickly, along with some dishes. Zhou Ran stood up. “Come on, I’ll show you how to mix the dipping sauce.”

It was Ning Chu’s first time mixing dipping sauce in a restaurant. It felt fresh and different from having the chef do it directly. The place was busy, and she noticed everyone’s sauces looked different.

Zhou Ran said, “You can follow the recipe the restaurant gives. I like spicy, so I put in more chili.”

Ning Chu said, “Okay.” She didn’t dare add chili since she wasn’t used to spicy food yet. Her nose was already filled with the hotpot aroma, which was quite strong here.

After preparing the sauces, they returned to the table. Zhou Ran watched the soup boiling. “Follow me—when it bubbles up and down like this, it’s ready. Put things in for about four or five seconds. Some need to cook longer...”