C8 No Wonder It Felt Familiar

Wen Mian's smile barely formed before it vanished completely when another person walked in... Gu Zhijian? Wasn't he supposed to be in France? How did he suddenly show up here? Seeing that familiar yet distant face, memories of their time together flashed through Wen Mian's mind like a movie reel—scenes that couldn't be erased. From when Mo Qian, Gu Zhijian, and he were kids playing together every day, to Gu Zhijian's sudden departure, and his own year-long slump. It all felt like it happened just yesterday.

His eyes were already brimming with tears, yet they refused to fall. Gu Zhijian was still the same, exuding an aura that was hard for others to contend with. But to Wen Mian, the smile on Gu Zhijian's lips was glaringly harsh.

"Hello, I'm Mo Qian, the person in charge of the Dark Night Royal Palace. I heard about the incident in the private room earlier. It's our oversight, and I apologize for that. Please let us know if there's anything you need, and I won't refuse any request."

Mo Qian approached the man with a smile, extending his hand. The man hesitated for a moment before reluctantly shaking Mo Qian's hand.

"So, you're the Mo family's son. I've heard that Elder Mo has entrusted Endless Night and the Dark Night Royal Palace to you. I expected you to manage it well, but it seems that's not the case."

The words were as blunt as ever, even with Mo Qian present. Though the tone was slightly softened, there was still no intention of letting things slide.

Mo Qian took the lead, guiding Gu Zhijian to a seat, and with a smile, remarked to the man, “I certainly don’t have my father’s charisma, so please excuse any shortcomings.”

The Mo family had a solid reputation in A City. Mo Qian’s father had built his empire from scratch, establishing a strong foundation in A City over the years. Most of the city’s bars and nightclubs were under the Mo family’s umbrella. So, even if Mo Qian didn’t know the other party’s background, he wasn’t one to be easily taken advantage of.

“Since you’re aware you lack Elder Mo’s charisma, shouldn’t you be eager to learn?” A cold voice broke the silence, coming from Yih Qianbo, who had been sitting quietly until now.

After speaking, his gaze drifted to Wen Mian, who had been fixated on Gu Zhijian since he entered, not moving an inch.

“Today was meant for discussing a collaboration with Director Yih, but I didn’t expect such an incident to occur. I apologize for any inconvenience, Director Yih,” the man said, shifting his focus to Yih Qianbo with a respectful tone and a broad smile.

Mo Qian turned to look at Yih Qianbo, squinting slightly as he assessed him before smiling and saying, “So it’s Director Yih. I must apologize for not recognizing you sooner. Had I known you were visiting the Dark Night Royal Palace, I would have personally come to accompany you.”

Wen Mian's thoughts were constantly drawn to Gu Zhijian; the two had been locked in eye contact since they entered the room. It wasn't until the words "Director Yih" were mentioned that Wen Mian snapped back to reality.

Yih Qianbo, who controls half of A City's industries? The same Yih Qianbo who repeatedly turned down her father's business proposals? No wonder he seemed familiar... it was him.

Even if not all industries in A City are under the Yih family's name, many have partnerships with them. A single word from Yih Qianbo could elevate you to great heights or plunge you into the depths. In A City, you could offend anyone, but never Yih Qianbo.

"Mr. Mo, you're too kind."

Mo Qian's politeness was met with a lukewarm response, making the atmosphere a bit awkward for a moment.

"I had planned to meet Director Yih after returning to the country, but it seems fate had other plans. It's a pleasure to meet you today. Hello, Director Yih, I'm Gu Zhijian, the newly appointed Deputy Mayor of A City. I look forward to collaborating on the government and your company's joint projects."

As Gu Zhijian finished speaking, everyone in the room was stunned, except for Yih Qianbo, who remained indifferent.

The new Deputy Mayor? Gu Zhijian? So... he's not leaving?

With that thought, Wen Mian felt a sharp pain in her chest.

"Ah, Mayor Gu, a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to working together."

Gu Zhijian leaned forward, his hand still suspended in mid-air. But Yih Qianbo simply responded with a nonchalant remark, showing no intention of shaking Gu Zhijian's hand. Gu Zhijian, seemingly unfazed, just smiled, withdrew his hand, and returned to his seat.

Having once left without a word, why come back now?

Wen Mian gritted her teeth, took a deep breath, and said calmly, "I didn't expect Director Yih to grace us with his presence. I apologize for not being more attentive today. Since this gentleman says that drinking this glass will settle everything, then... consider this my apology to all of you."

With that, she furrowed her brow, picked up the glass mixed with three types of liquor, and downed it in one go.

Gu Zhijian's hand, which was about to grab Wen Mian's sleeve, remained suspended.

Even after all these years, seeing her like this still pained him.

As the strong liquor hit her stomach, it felt like a storm churning inside. Wen Mian fought the urge to burst, clenching her mouth with a frown, and dashed out of the room.

Gu Zhijian was about to get up and follow her, but Mo Qian held him back, shaking his head.

Why did he come back? What could he possibly fix now? The beauty and youth of the past are gone forever.

When Gu Zhijian left without a word, it cast a shadow over her entire year. She often wondered if, had he stayed, it would have been him standing beside her at the engagement ceremony yesterday.

Now he's back in A City, burdened with responsibilities, but he can't reclaim her heart, which has long drifted away. Wen Mian splashed water on her face repeatedly, looking up to see her own disheveled reflection in the mirror. She didn't really want that drink; she just needed to clear her mind, to shift her gaze away from Gu Zhijian.

The dizziness almost made her lose her balance, forcing her to brace herself against the sink.

"Who would've thought Manager Wen had so many admirers? Enough to make anyone jealous."

The gentle voice reached her ears, and she turned to see Yih Qianbo standing straight at the door, looking as composed as if he hadn't touched a drop of alcohol. She wasn't in the mood for conversation, especially with him. Closing her eyes briefly, she grabbed a few tissues from the box to dab away the lingering water on her face.

"Director Yih, this is the ladies' room," she said, ready to leave...

But Yih Qianbo didn't give her the chance. He raised his arm, blocking her path.

His captivating eyes locked onto hers, a knowing smile playing at the corners of his lips. He advanced toward her, step by step.

Wen Mian held her breath, her mind momentarily blank, instinctively retreating with each of Yih Qianbo's steps. She backed up until she was cornered by the sink, with nowhere left to go...