036 The Promise

"Why?" Shen Hong’s voice rang out the moment Gu Yan stepped into Room 521.

"Oh? Why is President Shen here?" Wei Hao asked, utterly oblivious to the tense atmosphere. Shen Hong ignored him, his eyes fixed on Gu Yan’s indifferent face.

"It’s unnecessary," she said, not even glancing at him. Once, she might have harbored fantasies of mending their broken relationship, but after that night, her heart had died completely. Even if a stranger were to suffer a stomach ailment in front of you, you could not remain indifferent, let alone when it was your lawful wife. There was only one conclusion to draw: he did not love her.

"Do you two know each other?" Only after Shen Hong slammed the door on his way out did Wei Hao finally realize what was happening.

"We aren't close."

The air was thick with the stench of cigarettes and alcohol, and music blared at a volume loud enough to deafen. Men and women writhed wildly on the dance floor, while women dressed in cold, striking outfits giggled amidst the men, using flirtatious banter to tease those who had lost all restraint. Women nestled coyly in men’s arms, whispering sweet nothings as the men drank and dallied. This was the pinnacle of the city’s nightlife: the bar.

Under the dim lights, the bartender swayed gently, elegantly mixing 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 what Luo Xiaomeng saw when she walked in. It wasn't that she wanted to kick a man while he was down; she was simply too furious to hold back.

Shen Hong glanced at her and continued to drink.

"Speak. Why did you call me?"

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

"Ha!" Luo Xiaomeng couldn't help but sneer. "Should I be happy for Little Yan? Her ex-husband is actually drowning his sorrows in a bar over her."

"Tell me about her." He ignored her tone, repeating the same demand. He couldn't understand why, even though she was the one who had initiated the divorce, the whole world seemed to think it was his fault.

"You’re asking the wrong person." Perhaps startled by his tone, Luo Xiaomeng dropped the mockery. "To be honest, I owe Little Yan an apology; I’m hardly qualified to call myself her friend. Three years ago, when she was at her lowest, it wasn't us—her so-called friends—who were by her side. He would know, but I doubt he’ll tell you."

Shen Hong set his glass down. "Who is it?"

"Zheng Yingqi. Back then, Cai Meiyuan was in South Korea, Xu Xian was in a coma from severe injuries, and Yilin and I were actually blaming Little Yan from the start. I don’t know what happened to her during those days, but in the end, she just vanished without a word."

Watching Shen Hong’s thoughtful expression, Luo Xiaomeng continued, "You clearly had feelings for her. Even I, as her bridesmaid, could feel how happy you two were when you married. Why did your attitude change after the wedding? I know Little Yan, and I know she loved you. I know better than anyone how much pressure she was under to marry you. With so many eyes on her, I think she wanted to make it work more than anyone—she wanted to show those waiting for a spectacle just how happy you were. If you think she divorced you for money, then I pity her. Think about it: Zheng Yingqi is better than you in every way. Why would she choose you? It’s not too late—mending a broken mirror isn't impossible. Think it over. I don't want you to live with regrets."

After Luo Xiaomeng left, Shen Hong remained at the bar. *Why did your attitude change after the wedding?* He wanted to know the answer to that, too. Was it really so important to him whether she was a virgin? Shen Hong searched his soul, but he still could not find the answer.