“Where are you? I’m coming over.”
Yan Yuchuan was Xie Tang’s first love.
Xie Tang truly adored him, even altering her life plans for him.
Now in her senior year’s winter break, Xie Tang had originally planned to pursue graduate studies but instead came to Shanghai to work.
Xie Yuping, her father, wanted her to gain real-world experience and didn’t arrange a job for her. However, Xie Tang’s prestigious university degree made finding a promising job in Shanghai easy. She was already interning while preparing her thesis.
From what Xie Qian knew, Xie Tang and Yan Yuchuan’s relationship was strong. During the winter break, when Xie Qian came to Shanghai with Tianjiao’s film crew, he’d dined with them. Yan Yuchuan, acting as the “future brother-in-law,” had treated them.
Back then, both Yan Yuchuan and Xie Tang radiated vitality, their eyes full of deep affection for each other.
Two young, vibrant, and in-love individuals were brimming with confidence about their future.
Even if Xie Tang wasn’t Xie Yuping’s daughter, even without property in Shanghai, two top-tier university graduates could carve out a life there through hard work. United in heart and effort, a house or car would come in time.
This was Xie Tang’s confidence, and Yan Yuchuan’s too.
In fact, Yan Yuchuan was deeply moved that Xie Tang followed him to Shanghai. Just days ago, over dinner with Xie Qian, a slightly drunk Yan Yuchuan had said that once his job was secured, he’d take Xie Tang to Beijing—to formally visit her parents.
Xie Tang had smiled so sweetly then.
Xie Qian, however, felt a faint headache.
Half of Yan Yuchuan’s confidence stemmed from Xie Tang’s deliberate concealment.
Yan Yuchuan had no idea about Xie Tang’s family background or who Xie Yuping was.
Xie Qian had warned Xie Tang, but she hadn’t taken it seriously—or rather, she’d heard him but hadn’t found the right moment to come clean.
Every time she tried, something interrupted her.
Xie Tang wanted to see her boyfriend shine, not have his spark dimmed by reality.
She’d wait a bit longer.
Once Yan Yuchuan’s job was official, she’d tell him.
Before visiting her parents, Xie Tang would definitely confess… But plans never keep up with changes. Before she could, the “bomb” in their relationship exploded!
Xie Qian had foreseen this. When the “bomb” in Xie Tang and Yan Yuchuan’s relationship went off, he wasn’t surprised at all.
Most people cling to a fluke, thinking low-probability crises won’t hit them. When they do, they realize “low probability” becomes 100% once it happens.
Of course, Xie Qian wouldn’t kick his cousin while she was down. After confirming her location, he said he’d head over immediately.
He texted Gong Sheng, then called Wen Ying from the taxi.
“What time’s dinner at Aunt Wu’s?”
“Six-thirty. Aunt Wu wants us there early. Are you free?”
Wen Ying’s voice carried a hopeful lilt, clearly eager to visit Wu Chunqin.
Xie Qian didn’t like taking his frustrations out on others, but he couldn’t help feeling annoyed at Yan Yuchuan. *Of all 365 days, you pick today to break up?!*
“I’m not sure yet. I’ve got something to handle.”
“Oh…”
Even over the phone, Xie Qian could picture Wen Ying’s disappointed look—drooping round eyes, the epitome of pitiful.
“You and Wang Shuang go ahead. If I wrap up early, I’ll join.”
He couldn’t resist adding that, and sure enough, Wen Ying’s voice brightened. “Great!”
For some reason, despite the mess with Xie Tang, talking to Wen Ying lifted Xie Qian’s mood.
It’s just a breakup!
Without Yan Yuchuan, Xie Tang could find a Zhang Yuchuan or Li Yuchuan. Outstanding people, man or woman, never lacked suitors.
His aunt had hinted multiple times, asking why Xie Tang moved to Shanghai. Xie Qian had covered for her. Now that Yan Yuchuan had ended things, he no longer had to dodge his aunt’s questions!
While blaming Yan Yuchuan for hurting Xie Tang, Xie Qian was also puzzled. Yan Yuchuan came from modest means but was exceptional himself, his confidence and charisma part of why Xie Tang fell for him.
A guy lacking confidence wouldn’t catch Xie Tang’s eye.
So, even if Xie Tang’s family background came to light, Yan Yuchuan might struggle or hesitate, but breaking up outright seemed extreme!
When Xie Qian arrived at the address Xie Tang gave, he didn’t see her first but Peng Guoqing, a nervous Beijing playboy. Some of Xie Qian’s questions were answered: this had to involve Peng Guoqing!
“Why are you here?”
The last time Xie Qian saw Peng Guoqing was at a party, where he’d sported purple hair, bouncing around like an eggplant sprite. Hearing Xie Qian was “exiled” to Chengdu, Peng had offered to lend him money—money Xie Qian didn’t need, especially after Xie Jinghu exposed that Xie Qian had “stolen” two billion to buy land. With that kind of cash, Peng’s offer was laughable.
The nickname “Xie Two Billion” had been spread by Peng Guoqing and his crew.
Now, Peng Guoqing wasn’t a purple eggplant but a green cucumber, his hair dyed a vibrant green.
Classic Peng Guoqing aesthetic.
Xie Qian could never appreciate such avant-garde taste… Purple was bad enough, but who dyes their hair green?!
Facing Xie Qian’s question, Peng clasped his hands nervously. “Just hanging out with some friends…”
It’d been a while since seeing Xie Qian.
After the two-billion land deal, Peng knew how formidable Xie Qian was. Now, he seemed even more impressive!
Peng couldn’t pinpoint why, but Xie Qian felt different—more imposing.
Despite being older, Peng felt restrained, no longer daring to tease or joke as before.
And there was guilt—
As Peng rubbed his hands like a fly, Xie Qian’s gaze sharpened. “Does Tang-jie’s situation have anything to do with you?”
Peng jumped back, his green hair trembling. “Not my fault! It’s Tai Xiao Wu—Tai Xiao Wu, you remember him? He’s had a crush on Tang-jie forever. Saw her and her boyfriend arm-in-arm shopping, and he lost it.”
Lost it.
Couldn’t hold back.
Exploded on the spot.
That explosion blew up Xie Tang and Yan Yuchuan’s relationship.
Peng felt guilty because he didn’t stop Tai Xiao Wu and even egged him on.
But Peng felt wronged too.
Who knew Xie Tang was playing the “rich girl hides her identity to date a poor guy” trope?!
Tai Xiao Wu.
Xie Qian knew him, of course.
But Tai Xiao Wu hadn’t even taken the college entrance exam yet and had been crushing on Xie Tang?!
Xie Qian had no time to deal with Peng now. He was more worried about Xie Tang.
They were at a mall. After Yan Yuchuan broke up with her, Xie Tang sat dazed in a café. The other playboys who’d joined Tai Xiao Wu’s antics had fled, but Peng, to his credit, stayed nearby, watching over Xie Tang out of concern.
With Xie Qian here, Peng was both relieved and worried.
Relieved that Xie Tang would be fine with Xie Qian around.
Worried that once Xie Tang explained, his fluorescent green head might get twisted off by Xie Qian!
