A Question That Breaks the Silence

After the initial greetings, the private room suddenly fell into silence.

Only the sizzling sound of the boiling broth in the copper pot filled the air.

The aroma of the soup base rose with the steam.

Qin Huairen’s stomach, which had just gotten over hunger, began to growl again.

Only then did it truly sink in—she was eating hotpot with Wen Yuzhi’s secretary and, unexpectedly, Wen Yuzhi’s personal doctor.

Before returning to Jingzhou, she had planned to keep her distance from everything related to Wen Yuzhi.

Yet things had gone the opposite way.

Perhaps since that night at the school anniversary, Pandora’s box had been quietly opened.

Qin Huairen’s emotions were complicated.

At that moment, Lu Shiyu asked, “How did you two suddenly end up eating hotpot together?”

Yan Qing wasn’t sure if Qin Huairen wanted to tell the truth, so she looked at her, leaving the choice to her.

Qin Huairen took the initiative.

“A friend of mine wants to collaborate with media, so I asked Yan Qing for help.

And I had previously promised to treat her to a meal.”

No one else knew, but Qin Huairen was very clear—when she mentioned eating together before, it was just casual, like saying “sometime,” “in a few days,” or “next week.”

Usually, it never actually happened.

And Yan Qing was Wen Yuzhi’s secretary.

Back in school, because of Qin Huairen’s opposing relationship with Wen Yuzhi, Yan Qing had always kept her distance.

But after they reunited, Qin Huairen noticed Yan Qing had changed.

Like tonight—Yan Qing kept bringing up this meal, as if she really wanted it to happen.

And so, it happened.

Qin Huairen couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off.

Yan Qing’s enthusiasm—was it instructed by Wen Yuzhi?

Some kind of apology?

“Hey—did you hear me?”

Lu Shiyu waved her hand in front of Qin Huairen, smiling.

“What are you thinking about so seriously?”

Qin Huairen snapped out of it.

Why was she thinking about Wen Yuzhi again?

She had always been curious—whenever she didn’t understand something, she wanted to analyze it thoroughly.

She pulled her thoughts back.

“What did you just say?”

Lu Shiyu poured water for both of them.

“You two chat.

I’m just here to eat.

I’ll finish quickly and leave.”

Qin Huairen smiled.

“No rush, you’re already here.”

The pot began to boil vigorously.

Yan Qing quickly organized things.

“It’s ready to eat.

Huairen, what do you like? I’ll put it in for you.”

“I’ll do it myself.”

Lu Shiyu agreed, “Exactly, take what you want. That’s freedom.”

Qin Huairen was so hungry her stomach nearly growled.

Since she was the one treating, she didn’t bother being polite.

She picked up slices of meat, dipped them into the boiling broth, and after a few seconds, placed them into her sauce bowl.

Taking her first bite, she raised her brows slightly.

The taste… wasn’t as good as she expected.

Taste buds were strange.

She had eaten hotpot so many times, always mixing her own sauce.

Each time wasn’t exactly the same, but it always tasted good.

Yet recently—at Swan Lake, the dipping sauce Wen Yuzhi made based on the chef’s instructions…

And last time at the hotel, the one Yan Qing brought—it was probably also made by Wen Yuzhi.

Those had been truly delicious.

Why hadn’t she memorized the recipe?

As she ate, she silently scolded herself.

“Don’t get spoiled.

We’re not rich.

We won’t always eat at expensive places like this.

And Swan Lake? Don’t even think about going again.”

She reminded herself—memorizing the recipe was useless anyway.

At home, she wouldn’t even have so many ingredients.

As long as there was hotpot and meat to eat, that was already a good life.

Within minutes, she comforted herself and happily continued eating.

Since she was already here, she might as well enjoy it fully.

Suddenly, Yan Qing’s phone vibrated.

She had set it to silent, holding it in her left hand.

It was from Wen Yuzhi: Not discussing business?

Yan Qing felt immense pressure.

A simple meal felt like torture.

She glanced at Qin Huairen—who was happily eating, clearly in a good mood.

Yan Qing cleared her throat and began explaining about media options.

For sports events, the most direct match was Jingzhou Sports Channel—accurate audience targeting, but high cost.

If they wanted something cost-effective with decent exposure, then the Health Channel was better.

“Sports is about fitness, and health is the most popular topic right now.”

Yan Qing opened her phone to show contacts, but as soon as Wen Yuzhi’s message popped up, she quickly withdrew her hand, startling Qin Huairen.

“There’s paper and pen here. Write it down for me.”

Qin Huairen handed them over.

Yan Qing awkwardly lied, “My hand just cramped.”

She wrote down the media names, contacts, phone numbers, and addresses.

“I also have their WeChat, but it’s better to call first.

After discussing, you can add them. What do you think?”

Qin Huairen thanked her.

“Good thing I have you.

You know so many people—it solved my problem so quickly.

You should eat too.

Finish early and head back—it’s snowing heavily today.”

Yan Qing nodded, but inside she was suffering.

This wasn’t a meal—it was an execution.

Qin Huairen kept eating, and at her speed, the dinner would end before Lu Shiyu even left.

But with Lu Shiyu present, it wasn’t appropriate to talk about Wen Yuzhi.

“By the way, Huairen,” Yan Qing started another topic.

“I’ll tell you their personalities and preferences. It’ll make communication easier.”

Qin Huairen, being serious by nature, began taking notes carefully.

Lu Shiyu observed quietly while eating.

In less than half an hour, she became even more certain of her understanding of Qin Huairen.

Qin Huairen was meticulous and perceptive.

When Yan Qing withdrew her phone, she immediately realized it might not be convenient for her to show it.

She understood boundaries—since she was asking for help, she followed whatever Yan Qing said without questioning further.

Her attitude was also proper—everything Yan Qing mentioned, she carefully noted down.

But everything had two sides.

Qin Huairen was more sensitive than most—like a small crab hiding in its shell.

At the slightest disturbance, she would retreat into her own world.

For Wen Yuzhi and Qin Huairen to reach this point, it couldn’t have been caused by just one or two incidents.

People like Qin Huairen, who were empathetic, often suppressed themselves and compromised for others.

Lu Shiyu couldn’t imagine how many times Wen Yuzhi must have hurt her.

People with strong endurance only break when pushed too far—and when they do, it’s uncontrollable.

After listening for a while, Lu Shiyu finally interrupted.

“How much more are you going to say?

You’re not eating, and you’re not letting her eat either.”

Yan Qing glared at her.

If not for you showing up, we’d be done already!

“Huairen, you eat first. Don’t worry—I’ll help your friend too.”

Yan Qing remained enthusiastic.

“I’ll try to get the best results for the lowest cost.”

Qin Huairen’s wrist was already sore from writing.

“This is enough, really.

The rest can be handled by them.

They should put in the effort themselves.”

Yan Qing’s phone vibrated again.

She was almost scared of it now.

This time, it was Lu Shiyu.

She finally relaxed a little.

Lu Shiyu messaged: That’s enough. You’re too enthusiastic.

Any more and you’ll scare her away.

Yan Qing replied: I don’t have any ulterior motive.

Why are you still here? Didn’t you say you’d leave after eating?

Lu Shiyu: I’m hungry.

Yan Qing: We still have things to talk about. When are you leaving?

Lu Shiyu: If it’s not meant to be hidden, it doesn’t need hiding.

Yan Qing went silent.

What hiding?

Wen Yuzhi was literally behind her.

After drinking some water, Lu Shiyu suddenly asked aloud,

“Yan Qing, on Lantern Festival, did you drive Wen Yuzhi home?”

Yan Qing nodded, confused.

“Why?”

Lu Shiyu lowered her voice slightly—but just enough for Qin Huairen to hear.

“The Wen family arranged a blind date for her.”

A blind date…

Yan Qing vividly remembered the last time—when Wen Yuzhi flipped the table.

Not long after graduation, both families had arranged a marriage alliance.

Wen Yuzhi only found out at the last moment.

During the meeting, she overturned the table.

Yan Qing hadn’t seen it happen, but she heard the crash and the sound of shattered porcelain.

Then the argument.

When Wen Yuzhi came out, her hands were covered in blood.

Even now, recalling it made Yan Qing’s eyes turn red.

Qin Huairen handed her a tissue.

Yan Qing couldn’t hold back.

“Damn it, the Wen family has no heart.

She’s done everything for them, and they still want to trade her marriage for利益.

Who is it this time?”

Qin Huairen felt a strange heaviness in her chest.

She had never heard of this before.

Lu Shiyu added, “This time, it’s the Su family.”

Yan Qing froze.

“Su Muchuan?”

“Why that reaction?” Lu Shiyu laughed.

Yan Qing wiped her tears.

“Well… if it’s him, it’s not bad.”

She began listing his qualities—tall, handsome, well-educated, successful on his own…

Before she could finish, her phone vibrated again.

Wen Yuzhi: Shut up.

Yan Qing immediately changed her tone.

“But our President Wen is outstanding too…”

She went on praising Wen Yuzhi.

Lu Shiyu quietly laughed.

Yan Qing still hadn’t realized who Wen Yuzhi truly cared about.

“Right, Huairen?”

Yan Qing sought agreement.

“Yes.”

“President Wen is excellent—”

“I meant Su Muchuan.”

Qin Huairen set down her chopsticks.

“He’s indeed outstanding.

And Wen Yuzhi is too.

They’re well matched.”

The atmosphere shifted.

Qin Huairen continued calmly analyzing—marriage alliances, social status, compatibility.

Her words were logical.

But inside, something felt stuck in her chest.

Unclear, uncomfortable.

“Wen Yuzhi is destined for a political marriage.

Then she should choose the best option.

For now, Su Muchuan is the best choice.”

Yan Qing couldn’t refute her.

Lu Shiyu smiled slightly.

“You seem to know Su Muchuan quite well.”

Qin Huairen nodded.

She had researched the Su family extensively.

“But strong insight isn’t always a good thing,” Lu Shiyu said meaningfully.

“You’re too tired.

Try following your own heart instead.”

Qin Huairen smiled faintly.

“I’m fine. I’m living more freely now.”

“Really?”

Lu Shiyu’s tone was gentle.

“I feel like… you’re not happy.”

Qin Huairen’s guard rose instantly.

“What do you mean?”

“You’re a conflicted person.”

Lu Shiyu smiled.

“But that’s normal.

People who feel deeply are easily hurt.”

Qin Huairen felt exposed.

She regretted saying too much.

Still, she forced a casual tone.

“The past is the past.

I just want to earn money and live well.”

Yan Qing quickly agreed.

“Exactly.”

Lu Shiyu checked the time.

Yan Qing thought—finally, she’s leaving.

But Lu Shiyu said,

“One more question.”

“What?” Yan Qing asked eagerly.

“I’m not asking you.”

She looked at Qin Huairen.

“Will you definitely get married?”

Qin Huairen froze.

“That’s none of your business.”

Yan Qing tried to stop things but accidentally kicked Qin Huairen under the table.

“You can just say it directly. No need to kick me.”

Awkward silence.

Finally, Lu Shiyu stood up.

“Sorry if I overstepped.”

Qin Huairen replied half-jokingly,

“I thought you did it on purpose.”

Lu Shiyu smiled.

“Then let me finish what I didn’t say.”

She looked at Qin Huairen seriously.

“I don’t think you’re someone who must get married.

So why are you so certain Wen Yuzhi will?”

Qin Huairen countered,

“Then why are you so certain she won’t?”

“She told me.”

Lu Shiyu smiled.

“Seems like you don’t understand each other that well.”

Qin Huairen’s expression turned cold.

“You seem to understand us better than we do.”

“Of course.”

“Then ask her.”

“Go ahead.”

Qin Huairen picked up her phone.

“Whatever your intention is, this is between me and her.

No one else should interfere.”

She dialed.

And the ringtone rang—from the room next door.