031 The Child’s Profound Filial Devotion

“Why?”

The moment Gu Yan stepped through the door of Room 521, Shen Hong’s voice reached her.

“Huh? President Shen, what are you doing here?” Wei Hao asked, utterly oblivious to the tension in the room.

Shen Hong ignored him. His eyes remained fixed on Gu Yan’s impassive face.

“There was no need.”

She did not look at him as she spoke. Perhaps she had once still harbored fantasies of mending their broken relationship, but after what had happened that night, she had given up completely. Even if a stranger suffered a relapse of a stomach ailment right in front of you, you could not remain unmoved—let alone if that person was your legal wife.

There could only be one explanation: he did not love her.

“Do you two know each other?” Wei Hao finally realized what was going on as Shen Hong angrily slammed the door and left.

“We’re not close.”

The air was thick with the mingled scents of tobacco and alcohol. Music blared at full volume, almost deafening. Men and women writhed wildly on the dance floor, twisting their waists and hips. Glamorous women laughed and joked among groups of men, teasing those unable to restrain themselves with provocative words. Women nestled seductively in men’s arms, whispering and giggling, while the men drank and dallied with them.

This was the bar—the most vibrant corner of the city’s nightlife.

Beneath the dim lights, the bartender swayed gently as he mixed a multicolored cocktail with exquisite elegance. A man in a suit sat at the counter, downing one glass of liquor after another.

“Well, well! Our illustrious Young Master Shen gets lonely too? Shall I find a few girls for you?”

This was what Luo Xiaomeng saw when she arrived. It was not that she took pleasure in kicking a man when he was down; she was simply too angry to let the opportunity pass.

Shen Hong glanced at her and continued drinking.

“Tell me. Why did you come?”

“Tell me about her.”

Perhaps he had drunk too much. His voice was hoarse.

“Ha!” Luo Xiaomeng could not resist mocking him. “Should I congratulate Xiao Yan? Her ex-husband is drinking himself senseless in a bar over her.”

“Tell me about her.”

He ignored her tone and merely repeated himself. He could not understand it. She had been the one to ask for the divorce, so why did the whole world seem to believe that he was the one at fault?

“You’ve come to the wrong person.” Perhaps his tone had frightened her, because Luo Xiaomeng stopped teasing him. “To be honest, I owe Xiao Yan an apology too. I have no right to call myself her friend. Three years ago, when she was at her lowest, it wasn’t any of us so-called friends who stayed by her side. He should know what happened, but I doubt he’ll tell you.”

At those words, Shen Hong set down his glass.

“Who was it?”

“Zheng Yingqi. Back then, Cai Meiyuan was in Korea, Xu Xian was seriously injured and unconscious, and Yilin and I were actually blaming Xiao Yan at first too. I don’t know what happened to her during that period. All I know is that, in the end, she disappeared without a word.”

Seeing the thoughtful look on Shen Hong’s face, Luo Xiaomeng continued.

“You clearly have feelings for Xiao Yan. Even as her bridesmaid, I could deeply sense how happy the two of you were on your wedding day. So why did your attitude change after you got married? I know Xiao Yan. She loves you. And I know even better how much pressure she endured to marry you. With so many eyes watching, I think she wanted more than anyone to hold on, just so those waiting to see you fail would have to watch you live happily together.

“If you think she divorced you for money, then I truly pity her. Think about it. Zheng Yingqi is better than you in every way, so why would Xiao Yan choose to marry you? It isn’t too late yet. There is still hope of repairing what was broken. Think carefully. I don’t want you to regret this.”

After Luo Xiaomeng left, Shen Hong remained seated at the counter, drinking.

“Why did your attitude change after we got married?”

He wanted to know the answer too.

Was her virginity truly that important to him?

Shen Hong searched his conscience, but still could not find an answer.