Chapter Fifty: Pointing at the Mulberry Tree While Cursing the Locust

Wen Jingxing did not name the person, but everyone present knew exactly who he was talking about. The atmosphere froze momentarily with embarrassment, and Jian An'an's face alternated between pale and flushed. Li Weiwei cast a strange look at Wen Jingxing, her first thought being whether he had lost his mind—how could he be speaking up for Song Wannin?

Last night, she had heard from Wen Yi that Wen Jingxing had been holding a very cute girl in his arms. She had asked Wen Jingxing about it, and he had confidently told her that this was his future sister-in-law. Yet, after searching the venue for a long time, Li Weiwei hadn’t been able to find the woman. The surveillance cameras happened to malfunction at the most inconvenient moment, and Wen Yi suspected Wen Jingxing had done it on purpose.

Li Weiwei didn’t need to confirm with Wen Jingxing—the cameraman had already recounted everything that had happened last night. So naturally, she knew the girl was Song Wannin. She found it odd, thinking to herself that these two used to dislike each other, so why did Wen Jingxing’s attitude seem to have shifted now? And just now, when trouble arose, Song Wannin immediately hid behind Wen Jingxing. That instinctive move made their relationship seem anything but simple.

Li Weiwei did not tell Wen Yi that the woman was Song Wannin, letting the silly girl guess on her own. On a yacht this size, the cameras couldn’t possibly have failed, which only meant Wen Jingxing had arranged it and didn’t want Wen Yi, who couldn’t keep her mouth shut, to know. Though she didn’t understand Wen Jingxing’s motives, Li Weiwei felt guilty towards him, so she tried to help wherever she could.

Li Weiwei nodded seriously, saying, “Young Master Wen is right, it’s all my fault.” In the live broadcast chat, everyone was laughing.

[Is Young Master Wen personally stepping in to deal with these little minions?!]
[Young Master Wen is truly cultured—his words have such depth!]
[I never thought his tongue could be so sharp!]

When Song Wannin spoke, there were still dissenting voices in the chat, but once Wen Jingxing spoke, almost everyone united, eagerly watching for drama. In this world, people always judge by appearances. Wen Jingxing was the object of countless hearts and also the chairman of the Huo Group. When a big shot speaks, even the most twisted logic sounds right. Even Shen Yue, who wanted to help, found her words dissolving before she could utter them.

Jian An'an looked utterly defeated, and Jin Jian felt equally uncomfortable. Yet no one at the scene spoke up, not even the director, who went along with Wen Jingxing’s words. Since he hadn’t named names, their feelings were as unpleasant as swallowing a fly.

Li Weiwei, acting as if nothing had happened, said to the group, “Alright, since everyone’s finished eating, let’s begin today’s card draw task.” She placed the identity cards on the table.

Nan Yan looked a bit haggard, as if she hadn’t slept well and was low on energy. Even when everyone was bickering earlier, she hadn’t paid attention. Only when Li Weiwei called out loudly did she snap to attention.

Beside her, Yun Ze seemed refreshed, forming a stark contrast to Nan Yan. Song Wannin glanced over curiously, only for Yun Ze to notice and return her gaze. Neither spoke; after a brief look, they both went to draw cards.

Song Wannin mused to herself, finding it odd that she had only been absent yesterday—had something happened? She tried to recall the storyline, counting on her fingers, and silently thought, “Oh no.” From the plot development, it seemed Nan Yan had long rejected Yun Ze, which made him increasingly dissatisfied and controlling, even trying to dictate what she could or couldn’t think about. Unable to bear it, Nan Yan had argued fiercely with Yun Ze, but instead of relenting, he became even more overbearing. Could this have happened yesterday?

Yun Ze truly liked Nan Yan, but his affection was excessive, expressed with the wrong methods. He believed this would keep her close, but no normal person could accept it.

Originally heading to draw her card, Song Wannin turned and approached Nan Yan, saying, “You look unwell. Why don’t you sit here? I’ll get it for you.” Nan Yan didn’t hesitate and nodded in agreement.

Yun Ze’s expression changed immediately. “No need, I’ll help Nan Yan myself.”

“I don’t need you. Let Wannin do it,” Nan Yan replied, turning away and refusing to look at Yun Ze.

The moment Song Wannin stepped into their space, Nan Yan felt a huge relief. Despite seeming to interact with others daily since arriving here, Yun Ze often kept her isolated. People would speak to Yun Ze first, and then Yun Ze would relay everything to Nan Yan. Nan Yan couldn’t understand why some staff and onlookers saw Yun Ze’s attention as loving care. This was real life, not a novel—when confronted by someone possessive, you should call the police!

Yet Yun Ze always managed to maintain perfect boundaries, so no one sensed his control. Song Wannin, acting as if she hadn’t understood Yun Ze’s protest, went to the card table.

“I’ll draw an identity card for Nan Yan first,” she said.

Li Weiwei nodded to show she understood. Then Song Wannin drew a card for herself and turned it over. It read: “Street Vendor.”

“Oh?” Song Wannin murmured softly, amused by her luck at getting this identity.

Yun Ze followed her, drawing a card with a dark expression, then stayed close behind. Once they were away from the crowd, Yun Ze asked, “Did you notice anything?”

Song Wannin looked puzzled. “Notice what? That you really like Nan Yan and want to impress her?”

Yun Ze paused, surprised she hadn’t noticed. But her earnest expression seemed genuine, so he collected himself and said, “Since you know, why did you take my chance?”

“Because Nan Yan looked unwell. She’s my friend, and I wanted to help her. Besides, if it’s a chance, who says it belongs to you? Opportunities go to those who can seize them,” Song Wannin replied playfully, handing the card to Nan Yan.

Nan Yan managed a smile. “Wannin, thank you.”

Yun Ze felt a pang hearing this. He had helped Nan Yan countless times, yet never received a single thank you. Song Wannin helped her once and got thanked immediately. After what she said last night, he wondered if his actions truly were wrong.

He just liked Nan Yan too much, so much that he didn’t want her to interact with anyone else, wanting to keep her safe in the palm of his hand. Living in his own world, Yun Ze reflected for the first time.

Wen Jingxing glanced at Nan Yan, then at Song Wannin. “Why didn’t you help me? You said this morning I looked unwell.”

Song Wannin was speechless. What was he trying to stir up now?