Five years after my wife's death, she came back!

Meng Shuyan wore a red backless dress. Her features were striking, and her heavy makeup made her look so beautiful that it was almost overwhelming.

Looking at the woman in front of him, Meng Shuyan noticed that Shi Ying was dressed up carefully today, unlike her shy demeanor when they last met. Her light and natural makeup accentuated her elegant temperament.

Especially her eyes, so clear and innocent, they evoked a protective instinct in one's heart.

With a smile, Meng Shuyan raised the wine glass in her hand: "I didn't expect to see Miss Shi here. I haven't been able to see you since the misunderstanding last time, and I haven't had a chance to apologize to you."

Shi Ying thought for a moment, and realized that the only times the two of them had met face-to-face were when they almost had a car accident outside the villa and another time in the office, but she probably hadn't seen her face.

Shi Ying politely replied, "It's alright, it's been a long time."

Meng Shuyan walked to her side and looked at the night view outside with her: "It is still necessary to apologize. Last time I misunderstood that you and Brother Chen Yan had something going on, which is why I acted impulsively."

She sighed, "I've known Shen Yan for twenty years, and our families have always had a good relationship. I always thought that our families would be united by marriage when we grew up."

Shi Ying frowned. If he wanted to pursue Shang Chenyan, he should go by himself. Why did he have to talk to her?

Unconsciously, Shi Ying tightened her grip on the cup in her hand, and saw her expressionless face reflected in the French windows.

"But later, Shen Yan got married. His wife was his college classmate, and the two have a very good relationship." Meng Shuyan seemed a little sad. "I have always been unwilling to accept it. I thought I would still have a chance after his wife left, but it has been five years and he still can't let go of his wife. Uncle Shang and Aunt Cheng can't do anything about it, so I can only accept my fate."

As Meng Shuyan spoke, he looked Shi Ying up and down and said, "But speaking of which, Miss Shi is indeed married to Brother Shen Yan's wife..."

"What is it?" She stopped halfway through her sentence, and Shi Ying asked instinctively.

Meng Shuyan quickly shook her head: "It's nothing, it's nothing. I just felt that Miss Shi looked familiar. Maybe we've met somewhere before."

Shi Ying's breathing became erratic for a few beats. This wasn't the first time someone had linked her to Shang Chenyan's wife.

Judging from Shang Nian's attitude and Pei Yanchuan's shock at seeing her, it seems that she really has some connection with Shang Chenyan's wife.

However, both Shang Nian and Pei Yanchuan denied that they looked like her.

So, who exactly is his wife? And what is her relationship with him?

Meng Shuyan took in her expression. This kind of inexperienced girl's thoughts were written all over her face, so she didn't need to put in much effort.

"Miss Shi, I'm going over to talk to a friend. Would you like to join us?" Meng Shuyan asked, taking a sip of champagne.

"No, I need to go to the restroom."

"Okay, I'm off then." Meng Shuyan smiled brightly and swayed away as she left.

The window sill was separated from the lobby by a corridor. Apart from the occasional waiter passing by, no one came to disturb her. Shi Ying looked absentmindedly at the flickering lights of the night.

Forget it, who Shang Chenyan's wife is has absolutely nothing to do with her mission.

But why does she feel so choked up?

"Why are you here all alone?"

A familiar voice sounded behind her. Shi Ying looked up and saw the man's figure gradually approaching through the French windows.

She didn't turn around.

Shang Chenyan stood behind her, his tall figure completely obscuring the girl's slender back.

He casually placed his hands on the railing, and their shadows were reflected in the French windows. Shi Ying felt as if he were holding her in his arms.

Even though he hadn't touched her, she felt a heat on her back coming from his body. She only needed to step back a little bit to press herself against his chest.

"Are you done talking?"

"Hmm." The man's voice was deep and resonant, like rich velvet, sending shivers down one's spine.

Shi Ying swallowed hard. "Is the auction about to start? Let's go over there."

"No rush." ​​Shang Chenyan raised his chin, gesturing for her to look outside.

Shi Ying didn't understand. The night sky was pitch black, without any stars. What was there to see?

Just as she was about to speak, a dazzling firework exploded overhead with a "bang," instantly illuminating the entire night sky as bright as day.

"I almost forgot there was a fireworks show tonight, thankfully I didn't miss it."

Shang Chenyan glanced at her, the dazzling light from the fireworks illuminating her face and highlighting her beautiful profile.

He remembered every New Year they had spent together, and how she would drag him to watch the midnight fireworks.

He liked to embrace her from behind and gently kiss her cheek as the fireworks went off.

With his hands gripping the railing, Shang Chenyan slowly tightened his grip, suppressing his inner impulse.

The fireworks were fleeting, and the onlookers gradually dispersed. The auction would begin in ten minutes.

Shi Ying lowered her head and urged, "Let's go."

Shang Chenyan then released her and turned to lead her toward the hall.

They were standing at the end of the corridor, which had several balconies separated by curtains. Once the curtains were drawn, the view inside was obscured.

As Shi Ying passed a terrace, she vaguely heard a sound. Curious, she turned her head to look and saw that a gentle breeze had blown up a corner of the curtains, revealing two people entwined inside.

Shi Ying was stunned.

Shang Chenyan also heard the noise. He quickly pulled Shi Ying and turned to go to another window.

Just a wall away, there was that filthy sound.

Shi Ying stood blankly against the wall, her lips trembling as she murmured, "This is a public place..."

Shang Chenyan scoffed: "Some people in this circle just love seeking thrills."

Especially at banquets like this, some men don't bring their wives but instead bring their mistresses to roam around.

Shi Ying was extremely embarrassed. The windowsill was not closed, and the partition wall was just for show. The panting and colliding sounds were forcefully forced into her ears one after another.

Shang Chenyan saw that her earlobes were so red they were almost bleeding.

When she came to her senses, she realized that Shang Chenyan was standing in front of her, very close to her, and she felt as if he was pinning her against a wall.

Shi Ying asked softly, "Why don't we just leave? Why are we hiding? It's not like we're having an affair..."

Shang Chenyan chuckled softly: "Sorry, I was afraid they would find out about us. It's better to avoid trouble."

"Let's leave now, quietly."

Surrounded by the man's hot breath and those sounds, Shi Ying felt dizzy and extremely uncomfortable, and all she wanted to do was leave as soon as possible.

But as soon as she moved, Shang Chenyan grabbed her arm.

Shi Ying looked up at him.

The man's eyes held a complex mix of emotions. He bent down, inching closer to the girl, their breaths almost mingling.

"Can we not move?"

"Wh...what?"

Shang Chenyan's Adam's apple bobbed, and his deep voice was filled with tenderness: "Niannian will miss you terribly."

Shi Ying looked away, staring at her toes: "I can video chat with her, and I'll visit her often."

"And what about me?" Shang Chenyan stared at her intently for a moment, his thin lips parting slightly, "I'll miss you too."