Discovery

<Wang Yan> didn't speak, just glanced at them, smiled slightly, shook his head, and left.

No one stopped him this time because they didn't understand what <Wang Yan> was smiling about, and his gaze earlier was a bit frightening.

<Wang Yan> didn't waste time arguing with them pointlessly. It was meaningless. As he'd said before, it was <Gu Jia>'s birthday, and he didn't want to cause trouble.

Of course, that didn't mean <Wang Yan> would generously pretend nothing happened. He wasn't petty, but he definitely had a temper. His cultivation was only a little higher; he wasn't at the level of a bald monk offering his own body to feed an eagle. It was good enough that he didn't harm them, and they still had the nerve to come looking for trouble. For these few insignificant individuals, it would be an insult to his father and mother if he didn't deal with them, every single one.

But things had to be done one by one. The immediate priority was <Lin Youyou>'s matter. There was plenty of time; he wasn't in a hurry. He'd play with these four nobodies later, after everything else was settled.

<Zhong Xiaoqin>, <Zhong Xiaoyang>, and <Wang Manni> had too little experience and insight. Even though <Zhong Xiaoyang> was slightly better than the other two, he wasn't much stronger. They only felt that <Wang Yan>'s gaze was terrifying, sending chills down their spines.

<Liang Zhengxian> was different. His family was considered wealthy in Hong Kong, and coupled with Hong Kong's unique environment, he was no stranger to <Wang Yan>'s kind of look. He could sense the dismissiveness and disregard for life in <Wang Yan>'s eyes, something not possessed by ordinary individuals. He immediately knew he had stirred up trouble and made a mental note of <Wang Yan>, planning to investigate him thoroughly upon returning. If <Wang Yan> was just trying to show off to him and his companions, he vowed to make <Wang Yan> beg for food.

<Xu Ziyan> had been listening for a while and understood what "uncultured" meant. Given <Wang Yan>'s influence on <Xu Ziyan>, even his own parents wouldn't have been as effective, let alone a godmother.

"Dad, wait for me. I don't want to play with them."

Children always distinguish clearly between love and hate. After <Xu Ziyan> said this to his father, he pouted, looked at them unhappily, shook his head like <Wang Yan>, and turned to follow <Wang Yan>.

<Wang Yan> was called to a halt and turned around to see <Xu Ziyan> shaking his head. He was learning fast, which amused <Wang Yan> greatly. He wondered what on earth <Xu Ziyan> was shaking his head so seriously about.

The remaining four were left utterly bewildered by <Xu Ziyan>'s actions.

<Wang Yan> didn't have the time to care about their reactions. He and <Xu Ziyan> held hands and went to another spot to continue counting ants.

<Zhong Xiaoqin> and <Wang Manni> were good sisters to <Gu Jia>. Considering it was <Gu Jia>'s birthday party, it wouldn't look good to make a scene, so they decided to let it go.

<Zhong Xiaoyang> had no particular connection. <Liang Zhengxian>, who was clearly superior to him, had been put in his place, so he felt much better. He simply dismissed <Wang Yan> as a lunatic.

<Liang Zhengxian> was waiting to investigate thoroughly and make <Wang Yan> beg for food.

No matter what, <Xu Ziyan> had grown up under <Zhong Xiaoqin>'s watch, and she had feelings for him. <Xu Ziyan> acting like that towards her and calling such a lunatic "Dad" – how could she be happy?

Angrily, she pulled <Wang Manni>, and the two of them, along with the two men, went to find <Gu Jia>, who was chatting with someone.

With a displeased tone, she pointed at <Wang Yan>, who was squatting and counting ants with <Xu Ziyan>, and said, " <Gu Jia>, who is that person? Why is Ziyan calling him Dad?"

<Gu Jia> followed <Zhong Xiaoqin>'s finger and saw <Wang Yan> and <Xu Ziyan> engrossed in such a childish game. She couldn't help but chuckle. Then, she remembered <Zhong Xiaoqin>'s clearly unhappy tone and stopped laughing with some embarrassment. "He's <Wang Yan>. He lives upstairs. Ziyan likes him a lot, so he recognized him as his godfather. What's wrong? Why are you asking about him?"

Why would <Wang Yan> bring an unrelated woman home? Wouldn't that just cause him trouble? Neither <Wang Manni> nor <Daisy> knew where he lived. <Wang Manni>, listening nearby, was also hearing for the first time that <Wang Yan> lived in <Junyue Mansion>, and she was quite surprised.

She had been to <Gu Jia>'s home, and it was beyond her imagination. She knew how much <Gu Jia>'s apartment cost. According to <Gu Jia>, the higher the floor, the more expensive it was. So, how much was <Wang Yan>'s place worth? Compared to <Liang Zhengxian>'s displays of high-end living, which were impressive given his declared stance against marriage, a fifty-million-dollar apartment was far more impactful. She regretted her earlier actions somewhat.

<Zhong Xiaoqin> was also surprised after <Gu Jia> finished speaking, but that didn't stop her from complaining to <Gu Jia> and criticizing <Wang Yan>. Then, her mouth, like a torn cotton pants, chattered on, recounting the entire incident to <Gu Jia>. After finishing, she couldn't resist adding her commentary: "<Gu Jia>, how can he be so rude? He's so uncultured." She was now truly convinced <Wang Yan> was uncultured.

After <Zhong Xiaoqin> finished her rambling, <Gu Jia> suddenly understood what was going on.

Having interacted with <Wang Yan> for a while, she had some understanding of him. He was a wealthy, single man. It was normal for something to happen between him and a beautiful woman, wasn't it? Although <Gu Jia> was a little unhappy about this, she knew it clearly.

<Misia> was downstairs from them, and <Wang Yan> might visit regularly. <Wang Manni> was not unattractive, and <Gu Jia>, knowing her character well, figured there was definitely something going on between her and <Wang Yan>.

It was obvious that <Liang Zhengxian> was acting on behalf of <Wang Manni> and provoking <Wang Yan>, while they were now standing by, watching the show. <Wang Yan> clearly didn't want to engage with them. Although not shaking hands was a bit rude, he had still answered. The inconsiderate <Liang Zhengxian>, relying on his status, insisted on blocking him to save face, and then got rebuffed. Who could he blame?

<Gu Jia> was also a bit displeased with the collective attack on <Wang Yan> by the four of them. But she couldn't do anything. On one hand were her girlfriends, and on the other was a hint of romance. It was difficult for her.

She could only try to mediate: "Xiaoqin, Manni, and the two gentlemen. I apologize here, and consider it an apology on behalf of <Wang Yan>."

"It's my birthday today. Let's all be happy and not make things too ugly. Give me some face, okay?"

Since <Gu Jia> had said this, if they continued to cause trouble, they wouldn't even be friends anymore. Although the two men didn't care, they had to consider the reactions of the women around them. Therefore, except for <Zhong Xiaoqin>, who was still a bit indignant, no one said much more.

Soon, it was evening. <Gu Jia> gave a speech at the front, thanking the guests, reminiscing about hardships, and so on. Afterward, <Xu Huanshan> took the stage to express his love with insincere sweet nothings.

<Wang Yan> sat at the very back, watching them show off their affection.

He wondered if <Gu Jia>, who was full of happiness at this moment, would write something like Reflections on <<Xu Huanshan>'s Infidelity> after she found out about <Xu Huanshan>'s affair.

After a period of speeches, the banquet officially began. <Wang Yan> ate a little something quickly.

Seeing that the time was about right, he wiped his mouth, stood up, walked to the front, and found <Gu Jia>, who was chatting with her good sisters.

Seeing <Wang Yan> approach, the four-person group wished they could glare him to death, but <Wang Yan> paid them no mind.

<Wang Yan> stepped forward and said to <Gu Jia>, "<Gu Jia>, I'll be leaving now. You all have fun."

<Gu Jia> knew it was already good that <Wang Yan> could come. It could be said that none of the people present were worth <Wang Yan>'s time to socialize with. Moreover, after the unpleasantness earlier, she didn't try to keep him.

Don't drink and drive. <Wang Yan> had a bit to drink, so he called a designated driver and went straight back to <Junyue Mansion>.

After <Gu Jia>'s birthday was over, life returned to normal.

<Liang Zhengxian> immediately started inquiring about <Wang Yan> upon returning that day. In modern society, gathering information was incredibly easy. <Wang Yan>'s affairs were all out in the open. Without much effort, <Liang Zhengxian> easily gathered detailed information.

After reading all of this, especially learning about the caliber of <Wang Yan>'s business partners, he understood. He knew he had misjudged the situation and had messed with a tough opponent. However, he wasn't intimidated; his family was not to be trifled with either.

After waiting a few days and not receiving any retaliation from <Wang Yan>, he stopped taking <Wang Yan> seriously. He continued to flirt with <Wang Manni>, always enjoying her alluring body.

He figured <Wang Yan> was just saying that for show. After all, in real society, everyone prioritized harmony for profit. There was no need to be at loggerheads over a minor friction. He assumed <Wang Yan>, after learning of his influence, had calmly abandoned any thoughts of revenge. Of course, he wouldn't rule out backstabbing or secretly tripping him up; he'd just keep an eye on him from now on.

<Zhong Xiaoyang> and <Zhong Xiaoqin> had no further interactions with <Wang Yan>. The two of them were busy being lovey-dovey and forgot about <Wang Yan> within a couple of days.

Only <Wang Manni> would occasionally fantasize when she was alone about what it would be like to live in a fifty-million-dollar mansion and enjoy life as Mrs. Wang.

<Wang Yan> didn't care what those people thought; it wasn't their time yet.

<Xu Huanshan> had mostly wrapped up his previous orders and had nothing much to do lately, so he had been staying in Shanghai. When he had free time, he would accompany clients. <Gu Jia> wasn't very interested in <Xu Huanshan>'s business now; she was busy with the procedures for setting up her tea plantation. She didn't know that <Xu Huanshan> was quite idle recently and didn't suspect anything.

After a few days, Wang Yan had a good grasp of Xu Huanshan's schedule and decided to make his move.

That afternoon, after picking up Xu Ziyan from school, Wang Yan drove him out for a good meal. He usually spent his free time searching for delicious places and would take Xu Ziyan out for a feast when he had the chance.

This time, the place was a bit far, and they didn't get back until quite late.

Gu Jia knew where Wang Yan and Xu Ziyan were going, so she didn't need to rush back and stayed busy at the dessert shop. If Xu Huanshan was also busy, Wang Yan would pick her up on his way home. Today was no different.

Based on his observations of Xu Huanshan's movements during this period, Wang Yan deliberately drove a bit slower on his way back, picking up Gu Jia a little later than usual.

Gu Jia sat in the passenger seat, chatting and laughing with Wang Yan, while Xu Ziyan dozed in the back.

Wang Yan, while keeping Gu Jia's attention, unconsciously slowed down the car and headed towards the hotel where Xu Huanshan and Lin Youyou were staying.

Wang Yan was truly impressed by Xu Huanshan's audacity, or perhaps it was his inexperience with his first affair. There were two routes from Gu Jia's dessert shop to Junyue Mansion, both of similar distance. Wang Yan usually chose one based on the situation, not always sticking to the same one. That hotel happened to be on one of those routes, standing there conspicuously.

Wang Yan drove slowly along this road, leaving it to fate. If he encountered Xu Huanshan, great. If not, he'd try a different approach tomorrow, having already figured out his movements perfectly. There was no escape.

As the protagonist, Wang Yan had the system and destiny on his side. His luck was bound to be strong. As he drove past, Xu Huanshan happened to be just leaving the hotel.

With his sharp eyes and inherent carefulness, Wang Yan spotted Xu Huanshan immediately.

He turned to Gu Jia beside him and said, "Hey, Gu Jia, isn't that Old Xu over there?"

Hearing this, Gu Jia looked in the direction Wang Yan indicated and indeed saw Xu Huanshan standing at the hotel entrance looking at his phone. Considering Xu Huanshan's recent strange behavior, Gu Jia's sharp intuition suggested the possibility of infidelity.

She immediately took out her phone, suppressing her unease, and called Xu Huanshan, "Honey, where are you? When will you be back?"

Xu Huanshan answered, "Wife, I'm at a restaurant. Just finished drinking with a client. I'll be back soon."

Drinking at a hotel? While hotels do have dining facilities, it was obvious Xu Huanshan didn't mean that. Gu Jia said she understood and hung up.

Sitting in the passenger seat, Gu Jia fell silent, tears streaming down her face. It was true what they said about women being made of water; the tears came so quickly. Perhaps the emotions had been building up during the phone call?

Wang Yan couldn't stand seeing women cry hysterically. He handed her the tissue box from the car. "Gu Jia, don't overthink it. This hotel has dining services too. Maybe they just ate here."

His words only made Gu Jia cry harder. Fortunately, fearing she might disturb Xu Ziyan, who was asleep in the back, she didn't sob loudly, just let out quiet, heaving breaths.

Wang Yan was at a loss. He pulled over, leaned over, and patted Gu Jia's shoulder to comfort her.

Seeing Wang Yan lean towards her, Gu Jia grabbed his arm and leaned her head on his shoulder, crying. This made Wang Yan incredibly uncomfortable. The car was small, and Gu Jia was pulling him towards her, making his posture awkward.

They stayed like that for a while, twisted and uncomfortable, until Gu Jia finally finished crying.

He restarted the car and sped towards Junyue Mansion. Wang Yan said to Gu Jia, "Tidy yourself up. We'll be home soon."

A moment later, the car pulled into the underground garage, and Gu Jia took a deep breath to compose herself.

Wang Yan carried the child, and the three of them took the elevator.

In the elevator, Gu Jia pondered for a moment before saying to Wang Yan, "Wang Yan, will you accompany me tomorrow to find out?"

At this moment, Wang Yan was the only person Gu Jia could think of. Her female friends and social circle acquaintances were all useless. Not only had Wang Yan witnessed and heard this with her, but their prolonged interactions had already sparked a connection between them.

Gu Jia subconsciously saw Wang Yan as a source of support, otherwise, why would her relationship with Xu Huanshan have lost its passion? It showed that women ultimately feared being alone and vulnerable.

Women ultimately needed to be cherished. Even the strongest woman would be helpless in such a situation. Seeing the plea in Gu Jia's eyes, Wang Yan nodded without another word.

Xu Huanshan hadn't returned yet, and Wang Yan didn't know where he'd gone.

Wang Yan put the child on the bed and left, not saying anything more to Gu Jia. What else was there to say? They would catch him in the act tomorrow.

After Wang Yan left, Gu Jia tucked the child in, as Xu Ziyan was a restless sleeper.

She walked out and looked around the home they had built from nothing.

"Is it going to fall apart?"

Gu Jia's heart was filled with mixed emotions. Meeting Xu Huanshan, getting to know him, falling in love, getting married, and having a child – their life had been getting better and better. Scenes flashed through Gu Jia's mind.

Shaking her head, Gu Jia went to take a bath. She wanted to clear her head and wash away any lingering traces. Thinking of Xu Huanshan being intimate with another woman and then coming back to be affectionate with her made her feel utterly dirty. Regardless of the reasons, Xu Huanshan's actions were irresponsible towards their marriage and a betrayal of his wife and child, which was unforgivable.

While Gu Jia was bathing, Xu Huanshan returned.

Seeing Xu Huanshan walk in, Gu Jia feigned ignorance and asked, "You're back? Where did you guys eat?"

Xu Huanshan didn't think much of it. Gu Jia sometimes asked such questions, and he unthinkingly concocted a lie. "At that place..."

Hearing the place he named, Gu Jia was completely convinced he was having an affair.

She didn't say much more. "Oh, I see. You should go wash up too, you smell of alcohol."

Noticing Gu Jia's clearly off state, her eyes still a little red, Xu Huanshan said, "Wife, you don't seem right. Why are your eyes red?"

"Oh, it's nothing. Some water got into my eyes, and I was just rubbing them."

Saying that, Gu Jia urged him, "Hurry up and get cleaned up, you smell terrible."

After they had both cleaned up, they lay in bed with their own thoughts, making small talk.

Xu Huanshan's energy had been mostly spent with Lin Youyou, and he was tired. He fell asleep shortly after.

Gu Jia listened to Xu Huanshan's breathing, unable to sleep.

She thought about Xu Huanshan's good qualities, the happy times their family of three had shared, how to face this situation, and how to resolve it. Her mind was a chaotic mess of thoughts.

She drifted in and out of sleep until dawn.

Thanks to Brother Xiao Feng Liang Liang for the monthly ticket support.

Daily thanks to all the other good brothers who support this younger brother.

Also, Brother Old Qian, you probably don't have any more monthly tickets? If not, at least leave a recommendation ticket so this younger brother knows you're with me.