Chapter 20: The Old Drunkard’s Intent Lies Not in the Wine

After finishing up the design drafts, Wen Jiu placed them in the drawer, intending to discuss some details with Xu Xinying the following day.

Wen Jiu arrived at the entrance of her apartment complex and took the elevator upstairs. As soon as she stepped out, she saw Gu Zehuai walking beside the old Madam Gu, apparently escorting her downstairs. Before Wen Jiu could greet them, the old lady spotted her, her eyes instantly lighting up.

“Jiu Jiu, you’re back! Why are you working so late? Have you had dinner yet?”

Wen Jiu obediently called out, “Grandma,” then replied, “Grandma, I just got off work. I haven’t eaten yet, but I will soon.”

The old lady nodded. “Then I won’t keep you. Next time, let me come visit you and play, alright?”

“Of course, Grandma. You’re never a bother. Come visit me any time.”

After exchanging a few words, Gu Zehuai accompanied the old lady into the elevator. Inside, she still smiled warmly, waving at Wen Jiu, while Gu Zehuai nodded politely in her direction. Wen Jiu waved back, noticing his gesture and offering him a gentle smile in return.

Inside the elevator, the old lady, clearly aware of their little interaction, looked at Gu Zehuai with a sigh of exasperation. “You silly boy, I’m worried for you, you know. Don’t think I haven’t noticed.”

Gu Zehuai feigned ignorance, eyes downcast, replying, “Grandma, I really don’t understand what you’re talking about.”

The old lady pretended to be annoyed, huffing and falling silent.

After seeing her safely into the car, Gu Zehuai turned and headed home. Meanwhile, as soon as the elevator doors closed, Wen Jiu unlocked her door and went inside. She boiled some frozen dumplings for a quick dinner.

The next day, Wen Jiu sent several messages to Xu Xinying, who replied that it was hard to explain everything over the phone and came directly to Jingyan Design Company.

Invited into Wen Jiu’s office, Xu Xinying answered a few detailed questions.

“Miss Xu, may I ask if this cheongsam dress is for your own use or…?”

“No, it's a gift for an elder,” Xu Xinying replied.

Understanding, Wen Jiu went over some further details and styles, which Xu Xinying nodded to without saying much more, as if reluctant to continue the conversation.

Wen Jiu noticed and quickly wrapped up her explanation with concise efficiency.

After a moment, Xu Xinying spoke again, seemingly casually, “Miss Wen, may I ask how you met Zehuai?”

Wen Jiu finally understood why Xu Xinying had seemed distracted—the true intent behind her visit was not about the dress at all.

Realizing this, Wen Jiu had no intention of revealing anything further. She answered coolly, “Sorry, Miss Xu, that’s outside the scope of my work. I’m afraid I cannot disclose anything.”

Xu Xinying accepted her response, picked up her bag, and left the office as if nothing had happened. Yet once inside the elevator, she gripped her bag tighter.

Xu Xinying admitted to herself that seeing Gu Zehuai dining with another woman had provoked her jealousy. After all, aside from herself, there had never been another woman around him. She was surprised to find Wen Jiu in the office when she arrived. Once Wen Jiu accepted the order, she couldn’t sit still and insisted on discussing things face to face.

She simply wanted to see what kind of woman could make Gu Zehuai take Gu Yulin and her out to play and to dinner. If she hadn’t made that mistake years ago, Gu Zehuai would have been hers long ago.

Composing herself, Xu Xinying stepped out of the elevator with graceful poise, as if the woman consumed by jealousy moments before was someone else entirely.

Wen Jiu continued working on her design drafts in the office, completely unaffected by the earlier encounter. If she knew Xu Xinying had made her out to be a rival, she would probably be amused to the point of laughter. It was just a simple meal, yet Xu Xinying had spun an entire drama in her mind.