Chapter Forty-One: An Unexpected Encounter with an Acquaintance

The cameraman was utterly confused—what could be so interesting here? The viewers who had just flooded into the livestream were equally curious.

[Neither of them has any tasks today. Is it that Wen Shao is taking Song Wanning out for some fun?]
[Is there anything especially fun at the resort?]
[I think there is. My relative told me that before the yacht party starts, there’s a beach gathering.]
[Really? Who’s attending this party? Sounds very grand.]
[Are you silly? Anyone who can host a yacht party isn’t just any regular person.]
[I heard today is the Wen family’s eldest daughter’s birthday. It’s trending online. Maybe the yacht party is organized by the Wen family.]
[If it’s the Wen family, then Wen Shao bringing Song Wanning along first must mean he’s recognized her and wants her to meet his family?]
[Recognized her? Don’t kid yourself. As much as I love this couple, it’s only for the show. Song Wanning will always be a decorative vase unworthy of Wen Jingxing.]
…

The comments in the livestream ranged from speculation to gossip, but Song Wanning saw none of this. Her mood was excellent at the moment.

Just after she woke up, Wen Jingxing had asked her if she had any plans for the day. When he found out she intended to sleep through it, he immediately suggested taking her out for some fun, insisting she shouldn’t laze the day away.

At first, the idea didn’t interest her much—until Wen Jingxing mentioned there would be plenty of good food, and she agreed at once.

They had barely walked a few steps when a low-key black sedan pulled up before them. Song Wanning didn’t recognize the car’s brand, but its sharp, fluid lines marked it as a luxury vehicle.

“What’s this?” she asked.

“It’s a bit far. We’ll need to drive,” Wen Jingxing replied.

“Alright,” Song Wanning nodded and climbed in first.

Wen Jingxing followed, and then the two cameramen. Once everyone was seated, Song Wanning realized something was off.

Why was Wen Jingxing sitting right next to her?

No matter how spacious the car was, the back seat could only accommodate three. So Song Wanning found herself pressed arm to arm with Wen Jingxing.

Her cameraman took the passenger seat, while a young man she didn’t know sat behind the wheel.

Cheng Mu gripped the steering wheel tighter, inwardly breaking out in a cold sweat for Song Wanning.

Wen Jingxing had always disliked being close to others. Now, to fit four people, he was squeezed in with Song Wanning. Cheng Mu couldn’t help but recall how his boss had once disliked Song Wanning—no matter how convincing the couple dynamic was for the show, was it all just an act?

“Boss, maybe I should go first and let you drive?” Cheng Mu ventured.

But Wen Jingxing’s expression changed, “You know my driving isn’t good.”

Cheng Mu was stunned. Boss, you can even drift—how can you say your driving is bad?

Even he, slow as he was, realized something was up. He immediately nodded, “Yes! That was my oversight. I’ll make sure to get you and the missus there safely!”

But he’d spoken too quickly and slipped up!

He glanced nervously back, relieved to find Song Wanning showed no reaction.

Wen Jingxing also glanced at her, and seeing her unconcerned, a faint, handsome smile played at his lips.

[Oh my god! This couple is definitely for real!]
[I don’t believe this pairing is fake. It’s these genuine, unguarded smiles that are most convincing!]

In truth, Song Wanning was simply preoccupied with thoughts of what she might eat later; she hadn’t even heard Cheng Mu’s slip.

The car drove far along winding forest roads—so far that Song Wanning thought they’d left the resort. But when she asked, she learned they were still within its grounds.

Gradually, the scenery opened up.

Song Wanning looked ahead and saw the sea!

Her eyes lit up with interest.

“Do you like the sea?” Wen Jingxing asked.

She nodded enthusiastically, “Of course, I love it.”

In her previous life, she had adored the sea, and often praised its grandeur to people in the palace and at court.

But some found its endlessness terrifying, and some had never even seen the sea.

The thought of going out on the water that evening made her even happier. As soon as she got out, she skipped ahead.

Wen Jingxing hurried after her, “Slow down. The gathering hasn’t started yet—we’ll go later.”

Both were already dressed for the occasion—no need to change.

Wen Jingxing wore a white shirt and trousers, with a thin, dark jacket over it.

Song Wanning wore a pale green floral dress, its hem just covering her knees, a white open-front long-sleeved blouse draped over her shoulders, and a pair of thong sandals on her feet.

She wasn’t used to the shoes—they pinched a bit—but the original owner had only brought this pair.

As soon as they arrived, Song Wanning was drawn to a hat vendor. On display was a straw hat adorned with several bright sunflowers and countless small blossoms. She was instantly smitten.

She pointed, “That hat is so pretty.”

“Want to buy it?” Wen Jingxing immediately spotted the eye-catching hat and thought it suited her perfectly.

She nodded, “Yes,” then shook her head, “But I have no money.”

She mimed rummaging in her skirt for cash.

“Just go buy it. Tell them to put it on my tab,” Wen Jingxing waved her on. There were already other girls eyeing the same hat and bargaining with the vendor.

Delighted, Song Wanning didn’t hesitate. She could always pay Wen Jingxing back after the show.

She rushed over. “Boss, how much for this hat?”

The vendor looked up and recognized her. “Oh, Miss Song!”

He peered behind her, “Where’s Mr. Wen?” he asked, full of curiosity.

She pointed casually, “He’s waiting for me over there.”

“Oh, I see! Since Miss Song wants it, I’ll give you a deal—just 299.”

Now she realized why the others weren’t buying it. The hat was lovely because of the fresh flowers.

But once the flowers wilted, it would become nothing more than an ordinary straw hat—not worth the extra money.

The vendor rattled on about its value, but Song Wanning didn’t follow half of it. “No need for the sales pitch. 299 is fine. Just put it on Wen Jingxing’s tab.”

The vendor’s eyes lit up. “Alright, I’ll wrap it up for you.”

“No need, I’ll wear it now.”

Just as she reached to take the hat, someone suddenly swung a stick at her hand.

Luckily, Song Wanning reacted quickly and dodged in time.

A sharp, haughty voice rang out, “I want that hat!”

Song Wanning looked up and saw a familiar face.