The rain had been relentless for days. With Shen Chi Yan paving her path, Lin Qiu Tong's acting career suddenly seemed worry-free.
She secured a contract with Xinghuang Entertainment, and the company's official Weibo account wasted no time broadcasting the news. Celebrities quickly jumped on the bandwagon, resharing the announcement. Overnight, Lin Qiu Tong became Xinghuang's newest rising star, creating a massive online buzz.
Song Qi Nian, however, wasn't faring as well. The kick Shen Chi Yan had delivered to her waist weeks ago continued to haunt her with persistent pain.
The rainy season brought her particular misery. Whenever the weather turned damp and cold, her waist would protest violently. Some days, the pain was so intense she could barely straighten her back. Work became a daily torture—sitting was agony, standing was worse, and every movement felt like a battle.
Shen Chi Yan had been constantly traveling with Li Nanxun. On the rare occasions he appeared in the office, his visits were brief and cold. He looked right through Song Qi Nian, as if she were nothing more than a piece of furniture.
Her assistant role had become surprisingly light. Despite drawing a hefty salary, she found herself with little to do. She channeled her free time into drawing comics. Fortunately, her comic series had gained significant traction since being serialized, and the editor's growing appreciation had begun to restore her confidence.
Her phone buzzed, breaking the silence.
A WeChat message from Li Nanxun appeared: "Assistant Song, there's a document on the CEO's desk. Please deliver it to Yushan Hall."
The assignment brought an unexpected spark of joy. At least now she felt like she was earning her pay.
The CEO's office was typically locked when unoccupied. But as Shen Chi Yan's assistant, she and Li Nanxun had unrestricted access.
While searching for the document, Song Qi Nian's hand accidentally brushed against the computer mouse on the desk.
The screen flickered to life. Her eyes darted to it involuntarily, and she went completely still.
This screensaver…
It was eerily similar to the baby's breath painting she'd created back in her university days.
"Buzz, buzz…"
Another phone vibration.
"Have you found it?"
"Yes, I found it!"
Pushing the strange screensaver from her mind, Song Qi Nian grabbed the document and rushed out of the office.
By the time she reached Yushan Hall, her waist was screaming in pain again. She'd taken a painkiller that morning—why was it already wearing off?
She pulled out her phone and messaged Li Nanxun:
"Secretary Li, I've delivered it. Where are you?"
Li Nanxun arrived shortly after. Once she handed over the document, she couldn't help asking, "Is President Shen doing okay?"
"Yesterday's business partner was tough. President Shen ended up drinking quite a bit."
Song Qi Nian nodded. Li Nanxun caught her pale complexion, seemed about to speak, then thought better of it. He gave a quick nod and headed upstairs with the document.
She exhaled softly. Just as she was preparing to leave, Lin Qiu Tong burst in.
Lin looked surprised to see her. After a momentary hesitation, she smiled. "Miss Song, long time no see. Are you here to see Ah Yan too?"
"Too?"
Did Lin Qiu Tong mean she was here for Shen Chi Yan too?
"Ah Yan called me. He was drunk and insisted I pick him up. I was nearby, so I came quickly. The rain helped me get here faster."
Noting Song Qi Nian's pale face, Lin Qiu Tong added deliberately, "If I'd known he'd called you to pick him up, I wouldn't have come."
Song Qi Nian's fists clenched. Her chest tightened, mixing with her waist pain into a suffocating agony. Her husband had gotten drunk and called his "white moonlight" to rescue him, completely ignoring his wife.
She could break down in front of anyone, but not Lin Qiu Tong. Forcing a light smile, she used sign language: "I'll leave him in your capable hands, Miss Lin."
She didn't care if Lin Qiu Tong understood. As she turned to leave, Lin stopped her.
"Wait..."
Lin smiled coldly. "Miss Song, though your father left me in a vegetative state for three years, Ah Yan told me you regularly donated blood to me during that time."
Song Qi Nian froze, her face growing even paler.
"I know Ah Yan well. You've suffered, but I repay kindness and grudges equally. Your father's in prison for his crimes. Since you donated blood to me, I'll offer advice."
Lin's smile sharpened. "Divorce Ah Yan quickly if you want peace. He doesn't love you. You're only holding onto him through the Old Madam's protection. Eventually, he'll break free, and you'll be destroyed."
She continued, "The Old Madam might protect you now, but she'll choose Ah Yan over you. Your parents' reputation taints his life. I, however, will elevate him."
Lin walked upstairs arrogantly, leaving Song Qi Nian trembling.
This wasn't advice. It was an attack, a declaration of war.
Deep down, Song Qi Nian knew Lin spoke the truth. Shen Chi Yan's lack of love was enough to defeat her.
But she couldn't divorce him yet. She still loved him, and as long as he didn't initiate divorce, neither would she.
If they divorced, her chances of seeing her father would only decrease further. More critically, she needed to remain in the Shen family long enough to uncover the truth about the kidnapping three years ago and clear her father's name.
With that resolve, Song Qi Nian left Yushan Hall.
The rainy rush hour made finding a cab nearly impossible. She waited at the intersection for what felt like an eternity, unable to secure a ride.
Then she saw them: Lin Qiu Tong supporting a visibly intoxicated Shen Chi Yan as they exited the building. He was leaning heavily against her, barely able to walk.
Lin Qiu Tong held his arm and waist, guiding him down the stairs with exaggerated care. "Be careful, Ah Yan," she murmured sweetly.
At the bottom of the stairs, she deliberately pressed close to his chest, mimicking an intimate embrace.
Song Qi Nian's chest tightened. She quickly looked away.
Gao Kunlun pulled the car up. Li Nanxun helped Shen Chi Yan into the back seat and took the front passenger seat. Lin Qiu Tong sat beside Shen Chi Yan.
As the car began moving, Lin Qiu Tong spotted Song Qi Nian. With calculated surprise, she called out, "Oh, Miss Song? Still waiting for a cab? It's impossible at this hour. Why don't we give you a ride?"
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