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Perhaps because of my situation, Miao Miao was still reluctant to pay much attention to Wang Nan. Wang Nan spoke a lot, and I was the one responding. Occasionally, he would glance at me through the rearview mirror with a look of grievance, which made it hard for me to stay angry with him.
I tugged at Miao Miao's sleeve, signaling her to behave and not cause a scene. Only then did she clear her throat and ask Wang Nan where he wanted to go. Wang Nan enthusiastically introduced the place to Miao Miao.
He said that she would definitely like it, as the chef would prepare all her favorite dishes; it was a place he specifically chose for her.
Miao Miao still didn’t engage much with Wang Nan, but when I looked over, I could clearly see the smile in her eyes even when she pressed her lips together in silence. Looking at Wang Nan, he was driving with a spring in his step, a faint smile on his lips. The two of them fell silent again, leaving me to sit quietly beside them.
Miao Miao claimed to be against marriage, but in reality, she was quite cautious about relationships. Even with someone like Wang Nan, who had an impressive reputation, she had repeatedly considered and declined his proposals.
Previously, I thought Miao Miao was just playing hard to get with Wang Nan. Now I realize it was merely a small act of self-protection regarding her happiness.
After getting out of the car, they both tacitly avoided discussing what had just happened. When we reached the entrance of the private room, Miao Miao naturally linked her arm with Wang Nan’s, as if there had been no argument between them. She flashed a bright smile as the door opened and began greeting everyone one by one.
“Zhang Ju, Li, long time no see! I’ve been hearing our Wang Nan talk about you two a lot lately. He says you take such good care of him that I’ve scolded him at home for being too pampered by you both.”
The two men praised Miao Miao’s compliment with wide smiles, saying that Wang Nan had found himself a good wife. As Wang Nan helped me take a seat, his pride was evident from the corner of his mouth: “She’s just a little girl; what does she know?”
Miao Miao smiled and wasn’t annoyed at all. Sitting between Wang Nan and me, she nudged me with her elbow and began introducing everyone present.
The Zhang Ju and Li she mentioned both brought young female companions along; it was obvious they were not legal wives. Besides those two, there was also Lu Ming, whom I hadn’t seen in a long time. It seemed intentional on Miao Miao’s part; after introducing Zhang Ju and Li, she skipped over Lu Ming and moved on to the next person.
Lu Ming didn’t say much either; he didn’t even spare me a glance.
Previously, I had avoided drinking alcohol for contraceptive reasons, but now in such an occasion, it was inevitable to have a few drinks. The others probably didn’t make things difficult for me since I came with Miao Miao; they exchanged simple pleasantries before shifting their focus back to Wang Nan and Miao Miao.
These people were experienced; they were all ten or twenty years older than Wang Nan. Surrounded by charming young companions, they couldn’t stop praising Miao Miao and urged Wang Nan to settle down with her soon—it would surely elevate his status. Miao Miao just smiled while Wang Nan deflected their comments. The two of them skillfully avoided discussing marriage in front of everyone without creating any awkwardness—an accomplishment in itself.
I sat next to Miao Miao, who occasionally served me food. When Zhang Ju saw this, he teased Miao Miao for being considerate. Miao Miao put down her chopsticks and laughed, "Zhang Ju, you only see how I treat my sister kindly at the dining table, but you haven't seen how she treats me well when we get off the table."
Zhang Ju seemed intrigued: "Oh, Miao Miao, do tell."
Miao Miao beamed as she praised me so much that I almost didn't recognize myself in her words. Zhang Ju, however, was quite pleased and raised his glass to toast me. I was startled and quickly held the bottom of my cup, standing up to say, "I should be toasting Zhang Ju instead."
After downing a glass of wine, Miao Miao spoke up: "I heard there's a vacancy in the finance department at Zhang Ju's place. Just so happens my sister is about to be unemployed; Zhang Ju might want to consider her."
As soon as Miao Miao finished speaking, I felt awkward and didn't know where to look. When she mentioned my unemployment, she completely disregarded Boss Lu Ming's presence and was openly seeking my next opportunity right in front of him. Knowing Miao Miao as I did, I was sure this was intentional.
"Oh? Miss Zhuang, where were you working before?"
Before I could respond, Miao Miao sighed: "Ah, Zhang Ju, don't mention it. It was me who helped Zhuang Jun find that job before; who knew it would turn out poorly and delay my sister's career? I'm feeling quite guilty now. My sister is such a good assistant, yet some people can't stand to see her succeed. Well, I'll just find another opportunity for her. Good wine doesn't fear a deep alley; my sister said she wants to find a job herself, but how can I rest easy knowing she's out there? I'm afraid she won't meet someone as good as Zhang Ju."
Miao Miao went on to criticize Lu Ming sharply while he was still sitting there. I glanced over at him anxiously and noticed his expression was quite poor, so I tugged at Miao Miao's sleeve to signal her to stop.
"Haha, since Miao Miao has spoken so highly of her sister, I really should consider it," Zhang Ju laughed but didn't immediately say yes or no. After years of navigating society, he wouldn't make any definitive statements in public without leaving himself some room. I understood Zhang Ju's approach and knew that Miao Miao meant well; I just worried about putting Wang Nan in an awkward position. Stealing glances at Wang Nan while Miao Miao spoke, I saw him watching her with a doting gaze that showed no signs of anger.
This realization eased my worries; it seemed unnecessary. Having been with Wang Nan for several years, Miao Miao had always been there to help him gain advantages. She knew how to handle things; I just feared that my presence might cause any unpleasantness.
The atmosphere remained pleasant until around one or two in the morning. I had already drunk quite a bit and noticed that Miao Miao wasn't much better off than me. Wang Nan was supporting her carefully while also turning back to check on me. I shook my head to indicate that I was fine, but taking even one step felt like the ground was shaking beneath me; I nearly lost my balance. Fortunately, a pair of hands steadied me and prevented me from making a fool of myself. Gratefully glancing back slightly, I saw Lu Ming's face and immediately lost the urge to thank him as I struggled to free myself from his grip.
Zhang Ju stumbled out with the help of his younger sister, his flushed face coming closer as he cheerfully said, "I was thinking of sending off the beautiful sister of Miao Miao; who knew Lu Zong would beat me to it? Lu Zong's sharp gaze is no joke! Haha! Then I'll let Lu Zong take the gentlemanly route today."
I had noticed earlier that Lu Ming had also drunk quite a bit, yet he walked far more steadily than I did. However, being supported by him made me feel uncomfortable; I wanted to break free when he leaned in close and whispered in my ear sternly: "Don't move."
"Let go, I'm going to find Miao Miao." The alcohol clouded my mind, and I slurred my words in protest, but my voice lacked any power, soft and fluffy like I had just chewed on two pieces of cotton candy.
"You can't even walk, so what are you going to find Mu Miaomiao for? Don't worry, Wang Nan will take good care of her."
Lu Ming's words did nothing to reassure me. I wasn't worried about Miao Miao; she was with Wang Nan, and I felt completely at ease about that. My concern was for myself. How could I possibly be alone with Lu Ming again? I couldn't trust that he wouldn't confine me for a week under the guise of looking out for me.
No matter how dizzy I felt, it couldn't compare to the terror of being with Lu Ming. I struggled desperately to break free from him, but I had no strength. As he helped me upstairs, I noticed the doorplate that looked like a hotel room. Doubt crept in, and I shouted for him to get lost.
Lu Ming ignored me completely. He took the room card handed over by someone nearby, swiped it open, and brought me inside. He tossed me onto the bed, and my body sank into the mattress. After he emerged from the bathroom, he helped me into the washroom. He picked me up and set me down at the edge of the bathtub, leaning my back against the wall before squatting down to look at me from a lower angle.
I lowered my gaze and saw his flushed face, whether from drunkenness or exhaustion, I couldn't tell.
"Just take off your clothes and wash yourself. The towels and bathrobe are over there. Once you're done, remember to come out; don't wait until the water gets cold. I'm going to call Wang Nan and let him explain the situation to your family. Just stay put and don't make a fuss."
I couldn't listen to Lu Ming's words anymore; irritation surged within me as I waved my hand to shoo him away. After several failed attempts to get through to me, he finally made the call.
The details after that were hazy. The next morning, I woke up with a splitting headache and a mouth as dry as if I hadn't had water in days. The first thing on my mind was to drink some water. Looking around, I couldn't find any but spotted Wang Yue sitting on the small soft sofa.
I blinked in disbelief, thinking I must be dreaming. How could she be here?
"You got drunk yesterday. Lu Ge called me to help take care of you. Last night, I was the one who helped you wash up and change your clothes. This morning, Lu Ge sent me over again to wait for you to wake up and ask what you want to eat."
What a relief.
I really couldn't recall much after being in the bathroom. If Wang Yue hadn't been there when I woke up, I wouldn't know what thoughts would have crossed my mind upon seeing myself in a bathrobe. Would I have been bold enough to think that Lu Ming would indiscriminately choose me? But everyone was drunk; who knew how to control their rationality then?
I really dodged a bullet. I was afraid I would do something like what Wang Xu did, not just for Wang Xu, but because I find such behavior disgusting and don't want it to happen to me.
I only heard a sigh from Wang Yue beside me; her expression was icy. Regardless, I had to thank her first. This situation was quite troublesome for her, and she had every right to be unhappy.
"Thank you so much for your help yesterday and today. I'm really sorry for the trouble."
I honestly didn't think my words were funny, but Wang Yue laughed. "Actually, do you particularly dislike me?"
"What?"
"You weren't happy when I helped you bathe and changed your clothes yesterday, were you?"
"I don't understand what you're talking about."
"Weren't you trying to get Lu Ge to notice you yesterday? Were you really so drunk that you couldn't do anything and needed someone else to take care of you?" Wang Yue nearly shouted this.
I truly didn't understand the source of her anger.
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