Volume 1, Chapter 18: The Red Flag Becomes a Multicolored Banner

Si Tang looked in surprise at Meng Linchuan, who had appeared out of nowhere. "Meng Linchuan, why are you here?"

Meng Linchuan looked at Si Tang, his face breaking into a bright smile. "I just told you, I’m out for a night ride, and it just so happens that your place is the finish line."

He emphasized the words "your place," casting a provocative glance toward Gu Yubai.

Gu Yubai’s expression darkened further. His brows knitted together, and his eyes grew cold and sinister. "Do you two live together?"

His voice was icy, the words seemingly squeezed out through gritted teeth.

Si Tang retorted immediately, her tone sharp. "What business is that of yours?"

She made no effort to hide her disdain for Gu Yubai, her eyes brimming with disgust.

Incensed by her attitude, Gu Yubai took a step forward, reaching out to grab her arm. Consumed by anger, he had completely forgotten the danger from moments ago, as well as Meng Linchuan’s presence.

However, Meng Linchuan moved faster, stepping in front of Si Tang. His tall frame acted like a wall, shielding her firmly behind him.

He glared at Gu Yubai, his eyes as sharp as blades. "Mr. Gu, if I recall correctly, you and Si Tang have been divorced for four years. Are you looking to remarry now?"

His tone was casual, yet every word struck home.

"But if memory serves, didn't you have a rumored girlfriend?" He paused, a mocking curve playing on his lips. "Or is this a common ailment among the wealthy—wanting the red flag at home to stay unfurled while the colored flags flutter outside?"

His voice deepened, carrying a hint of a warning.

"But considering our Tangtang used to be the red flag and has now become a 'colored flag' in your eyes, don't you think that’s a bit disrespectful to her?"

Each word was like a sharp knife, piercing deep into Gu Yubai’s heart.

Gu Yubai’s face turned leaden. He gritted his teeth, struggling to suppress the fury boiling within him.

"This is between Si Tang and me. It has nothing to do with you," he hissed, his eyes full of warning.

Meng Linchuan met his gaze without a hint of fear, his tone growing sterner.

"Si Tang has been divorced from you for so many years—her affairs have had nothing to do with you for a long time!" He spoke with firm, unquestionable conviction.

He turned to Si Tang, his gaze softening. "Let me walk you home."

Si Tang bit her lip. A whirlwind of emotions stirred within her, but in the end, she chose to turn away. She didn't look at Gu Yubai again, as if he were nothing more than an insignificant stranger.

***

Watching Si Tang’s resolute retreating figure, Gu Yubai’s heart plummeted. It felt as if an invisible hand had gripped his chest, leaving him struggling to breathe. A sense of panic, unlike anything he had ever known, washed over him.

Almost instinctively, he blurted out, "Don't you care about Zhouzhou anymore?"

His voice trembled slightly, betraying a fear of hearing the answer he dreaded most.

Si Tang paused, her slender silhouette looking frail under the streetlights. She didn't turn back, her voice calm and devoid of emotion. "When you sent back the divorce papers, you said that Gu Zhouzhou would have nothing to do with me from then on."

She paused, a trace of mockery coloring her tone. "It seems you’ve forgotten. He has you as a father now, and that new mother of his, Su Yujin. I think whether I’m in his life or not doesn't matter to him."

With that, she didn't linger and walked quickly toward Meng Linchuan.

Every word was like a dagger thrust into Gu Yubai’s heart. He stood rooted to the spot, his face pale, as if all his strength had been drained away. He watched her go, his heart heavy with pain.

Meng Linchuan climbed back onto his motorcycle, his long legs skimming the ground as he trailed slowly beside Si Tang with a relaxed smile. He tilted his head toward her from time to time, teasing, "Get on, let me give you a lift."

Si Tang rolled her eyes at him. "We’re just a few steps from my building; why would I get on?"

She quickened her pace, wanting to avoid any further entanglement with Gu Yubai.

Meng Linchuan didn't mind, continuing to follow her with a grin. "How about I take you for a spin? The city is beautiful at night."

He spoke lightly, trying to use the relaxed atmosphere to dispel the gloom in Si Tang’s heart.

Si Tang shook her head. "It’s getting late. I’d better go back and rest. There’s a lot to do tomorrow."

Seeing her resolve, Meng Linchuan didn't press her, simply walking silently by her side until she reached her building.

From a distance, Gu Yubai watched the scene, a bitter taste spreading through him. Seeing the intimacy between Si Tang and Meng Linchuan made him green with envy. He got back into his car and slammed the door shut with a dull thud, as if venting his rage and frustration.

He drove to a patch of shadow outside the residential complex where the streetlights couldn't reach. The darkness swallowed both him and his car, mirroring his somber mood.

***

Like a stalker, he stared fixedly at the complex gate, unblinking, terrified of missing a single detail. He couldn't believe Si Tang would let Meng Linchuan spend the night. The thought spiraled in his mind, driving him to distraction as the flames of jealousy burned within his chest.

He had to see Meng Linchuan leave to feel at ease. Only then could he suppress the frantic jealousy and anxiety clawing at him.

Seconds turned into minutes, pricking at his nerves like needles. Restlessly, he lit a cigarette and took a deep drag, but the nicotine failed to soothe his agitation.

Amidst the swirling smoke, the complex gate remained shut, silent. His heart sank further, his panic growing.

Suddenly, his phone rang, shattering the silence of the car. He glanced at the caller ID—it was Su Yujin. He hesitated before answering.

"Hello," he said, his voice deep and raspy with exhaustion.

"Yubai, when are you coming home?" Su Yujin’s voice was sweet and gentle, laced with a playful, spoiled tone.

"Yeah, soon," he replied dismissively, his eyes still locked on the gate.

"Hurry back, then. I made your favorite lotus root and pork rib soup. I’m waiting for you to eat," she said, oblivious to his state of mind.

"Alright," he replied curtly, then hung up.

He didn't want to talk to Su Yujin; his mind was entirely occupied by Si Tang and Meng Linchuan. Tossing his phone aside, he rubbed his hair in frustration.