021 Acknowledging Her as Mother

"Why?" Shen Hong's voice greeted Gu Yan the moment she stepped into room 521.

"Oh? Why is President Shen here?" Wei Hao asked, completely oblivious to the tense atmosphere. Shen Hong ignored him, his eyes fixed on Gu Yan, who wore an expression of indifference. "It wasn't necessary," she said, not looking at him. She might have once harbored fantasies of reconciliation, but after that night, she had completely given up. Even a stranger would not remain indifferent if they saw someone suffering from a stomach ailment, let alone a legal wife. There was only one conclusion to draw: he did not love her.

"You two know each other?" Wei Hao finally realized as Shen Hong, fuming, slammed the door behind him on his way out.

"We're not close."

The air was thick with the smell of smoke and alcohol, and the music was cranked to a deafening volume. Men and women twisted their bodies frantically on the dance floor. Glamorous women mingled among the men, laughing and using suggestive language to tease those who had lost control of themselves. Women nestled seductively in men's arms, whispering sweet nothings, while the men drank and flirted. This was the pinnacle of the city's nightlife: the bar.

Under the dim lights, the bartender swayed gently, elegantly crafting a colorful cocktail. A man in a suit sat at the bar, downing drink after drink.

"Well, well! Our Mr. Shen actually has moments of loneliness. Do you need me to find you a few girls?" This was the scene Luo Xiaomeng encountered when she walked in. It wasn't that she wanted to kick someone while they were down, but she simply couldn't contain her irritation.

Shen Hong glanced at her and continued to drink.

"Speak. Why did you look for me?"

"Tell me about her." Perhaps it was the alcohol, but his voice sounded hoarse.

"Hah!" Luo Xiaomeng couldn't help but scoff. "Should I be happy for Yan? Her ex-husband is actually drowning his sorrows in a bar because of her."

"Tell me about her." He ignored her tone, repeating the phrase stubbornly. He didn't understand; she was the one who had asked for the divorce, so why did the whole world seem to think it was his fault?

"You're asking the wrong person." Perhaps startled by his tone, Luo Xiaomeng dropped the sarcasm. "To be honest, I owe Yan an apology. I have no right to call myself her friend. Three years ago, when she was at her lowest, we—her so-called friends—were not the ones by her side. He would know, but I doubt he would tell you."

Shen Hong set his glass down. "Who?"

"Zheng Yingqi. At the time, Cai Meiyuan was in Korea, Xu Xian was in a coma from serious injuries, and Yilin and I were actually blaming Yan from the start. I don't know what happened to her during those days, but eventually, she just vanished without a word."

Watching Shen Hong’s contemplative expression, Luo Xiaomeng continued, "You clearly had feelings for Yan. Even as her bridesmaid, I could deeply feel the happiness between you two. Why did your attitude change after the wedding? I know Yan; she loved you. And I know even better what immense pressure she was under to marry you. With so many eyes on her, I think Yan wanted to hold on more than anyone, just to show those waiting for a joke how happy you were. If you think she divorced you for money, then I feel sorry for her. Think about it—Zheng Yingqi was better than you in every way. Why would Yan choose to marry you? It’s not too late. A broken mirror can be mended. Think it over; I don't want you to live with regrets."

After Luo Xiaomeng left, Shen Hong remained at the bar, drinking. *'Why did your attitude change after the wedding?'* He wanted to know the answer to that as well. Was whether or not she was a virgin really that important to him? Shen Hong searched his soul, but he still couldn't find a reason.