Chapter 33: Single and Available

At the sound of Wen Jin’s words, Wen You’s expression shifted.

Her eyes darkened as she stared at Wen Jin, while nearby, Wen Tao was already being restrained by the security guards who had rushed to the scene.

"Wen Jin, watch your language," Sheng Yang’s voice cut through the air.

He stood beside Wen You, his gaze sweeping downward to the shards of glass scattered by Wen Jin’s feet. Yet, a moment later, he looked up, his eyes narrowing as he saw Ning Lang shielding Wen Jin in his arms.

His brow furrowed slightly. "If you’re injured, go get it treated. Are you planning to frame Wen You again once it gets infected?"

Wen Tao’s attack had been too sudden; even with Ning Lang’s quick reaction, Wen Jin had been splattered with quite a few shards. Even through her trousers, she felt a stinging pain.

She looked up at Sheng Yang, took a deep breath, and said slowly, "I think you’d be better off thinking about how to handle Wen Tao. This is intentional assault."

When Wen Tao had charged at her, his objective had been clear. Wen Jin curled her lips into a mocking smile.

"But then again, you should be quite experienced when it comes to harboring criminals."

With that, she pushed away Ning Lang’s hand and limped toward the emergency room. It had been fine while she was still, but now that she was moving, the pain in her lower leg throbbed incessantly.

Ning Lang watched her retreating figure, then turned his gaze to Sheng Yang. He curled his lips. "What a coincidence, meeting here."

"However—" He tilted his chin toward Wen Jin’s direction, his tone pointed. "She’s right. Wen Tao committed intentional assault, and I can testify to that."

Sheng Yang did not miss the slight hint of provocation in his eyes. His gaze narrowed, and his expression turned cold. He could tell that Ning Lang clearly had designs on Wen Jin.

Beside them, Wen You’s face remained grim. She instinctively turned to Sheng Yang. "Sheng Yang, my uncle—"

Before she could finish, Sheng Yang interrupted, his voice frigid. "Wen You, don't forget, our engagement is just a contract."

"I am not the PR department for your Wen family to clean up messes."

The implication was clear: the trouble the Wen family had caused had nothing to do with him. Having said that, he turned and walked away, ignoring Wen You’s reaction.

She was left standing there alone.

***

The medical examination results were not yet ready. After having the wounds on her leg treated in the emergency room, Wen Jin went to the garden. She disliked the stifling smell of disinfectant and decided to wait outside for the results. Still, her mood had undeniably been affected by the incident.

"Thinking about the meaning of life, or what to have for lunch?" A smiling voice came from behind her.

Ning Lang stood behind her, holding a cup of milk tea he had bought from somewhere.

"Don't they say that for young women in this country, there's nothing a cup of milk tea can’t solve?" He raised an eyebrow and pulled out a second cup. "If one doesn't work, then two will."

Wen Jin hesitated, then took one of the cups and whispered, "Thank you."

"You're welcome." Ning Lang was very generous. "Actually, the second one was half-price."

Wen Jin: "..."

Seeing Wen Jin’s expression finally relax a little, Ning Lang spoke up. "I went and found out the truth about Wen Tao."

He sat down beside her, let out a scoff, and his eyes filled with disdain. "He’s sick."

Although Wen Tao hadn't been seriously hurt during his fight with Wen Chaosheng, the hospital’s routine check-up had revealed that he had terminal stomach cancer. Yet, Wen Tao insisted on blaming Wen Chaosheng. He believed that if they hadn't fought—leading to his hospitalization—he never would have discovered the illness. Consequently, he had vented his rage on Wen Jin.

After finishing his explanation, Ning Lang rubbed his nose and sighed. "It’s human nature to lose one’s mind when suddenly faced with such devastating news."

Not that Wen Tao was worth any sympathy.

He turned to Wen Jin. "So, what are you doing at the hospital?"

"A check-up," Wen Jin answered simply, not wanting to say more.

Ning Lang nodded. He looked at her and suddenly said, "I think you should treat me to a meal."

After all, it was Ning Lang’s help that had resolved the issue with Wen Chaosheng. Wen Jin didn't see anything wrong with that. "I should."

Ning Lang was about to say more when his phone rang. He glanced at the screen, his expression cooling slightly, but he had to tell Wen Jin, "I have something to take care of. Remember to send me the restaurant address."

He turned and left without waiting for her reply, his retreating figure looking rather hurried.

"So reluctant to see him go?" A light, mocking tone cut in. Sheng Yang’s eyes were cold.

The moment Wen Jin saw him, her expression tensed once more. She stood up and took two steps back, maintaining a safe distance.

Sheng Yang watched her defensiveness with cold eyes. "You’re all smiles with Ning Lang, but you’re so terrified when you see me?"

She had been so intimate with Ning Lang just moments ago, yet she was guarded the moment she saw him. Sheng Yang didn't even realize how unsightly his own expression was. He only felt that Wen Jin was truly something else.

His gaze flicked to the milk tea in her hand, and he reached for it. "What’s so good about this cheap, processed junk? Throw it away."

Wen Jin turned her body, blocking his hand, her demeanor resistant. She did not want even the slightest contact with Sheng Yang now.

Perhaps her expression was too obvious.

Sheng Yang’s hand froze in mid-air. His downward gaze shifted several times, finally gathering into the intensity of an oncoming storm. He stared at her face, his voice flat yet unusually hard. "Do you really think you’re so great now that you’ve latched onto Ning Lang?"

Wen Jin didn't want to get into a dispute with him over Ning Lang. She said, "This has nothing to do with Ning Lang. Naturally, I have nothing to do with you, either."

"Nothing to do with me?" Sheng Yang looked down at her, the darkness in his eyes deepening. "Did you forget who was begging for my help just a few days ago?"

It hadn't even been two days, and she was claiming they had no connection?

Sheng Yang let out a cold laugh.

It would have been better if he hadn't mentioned Wen Chaosheng. Wen Jin tightened her grip on the milk tea cup. She reminded him, "As you said, that was a few days ago."

Besides, Sheng Yang hadn't actually helped her. He had only been there to watch her humiliation, to toy with her just as he had in the past. And now, he was trying to use that to maintain a position of superiority and control over her.

What right did he have?

Wen Jin closed her eyes. When she opened them again, only calmness remained. "Sheng Yang, the best ending for us is to never see each other again."

Never see each other again, no matter where it might be.

She said, "Just like before."

Just like those years they were together, when Sheng Yang had always found ways to avoid her.

She turned and walked away, leaving Sheng Yang standing there alone.

At some point, it seemed that Wen Jin had become the one to walk away first. Clearly, in the past, it had always been Wen Jin watching Sheng Yang’s back.

***

After returning with her medical reports, Qiaoqiao was incensed to hear what had happened.

She ranted, "I think Sheng Yang is sick in the head! 'So~ ter~ri~fied~ when~ you~ see~ me~'—"

"Isn't that obvious?" Qiaoqiao rolled her eyes. "Who wouldn't be scared of him? He’s the big movie star who likes to get amnesia!"

Wen Jin was amused by her. She was busy packing her suitcase with gifts for her aunt. She would be returning to Yangcheng the day after tomorrow, and she felt a little lighter in her heart.

Qiaoqiao, however, was not satisfied. She took a photo of the medical report with Wen Jin's phone and posted it to her social media moments.

Caption: "In good health, single and looking~ (Those who get amnesia easily and are physically weak need not apply.)"

After posting, she tossed the phone aside and hugged Wen Jin, wailing, "Who will be my gossip partner after you leave!"

The post caused an immediate stir. A friend handed the phone to Zhao Yimo, who choked on his drink.

The next second, he saw a new comment pop up: "I am very healthy, especially my brain."

The commenter was Ning Lang.

Zhao Yimo held back a laugh, nearly bursting; this was a naked jab at Sheng Yang!