Xiaowan immediately switched to battle mode. She crossed her arms, lifted her chin, and said, “What do you mean by ‘thinking about it now’? Do I seem like someone with such poor initiative? You’re too late—our fight’s already over, okay?”
“You—!” Ye Chen’s eyes widened in anger as he pointed at Lin Xiaowan’s nose and roared, “I knew it! Lin Xiaowan, you’re nothing but a fickle, faithless woman! Chen Xin treats you so well, and yet here you are sneaking out to meet your ex. Have you no shame? I’m telling Chen Xin about this right now!”
Xiaowan toyed with the glass in her hand, her tone leisurely. “Go ahead. Waiter, I’d like to order.”
Ye Chen grew even angrier. “You still have the nerve to eat?”
“Oh, I can’t help it,” Xiaowan said coquettishly, pretending to sound weak. “I just had such an intense round with my ex, I’m starving now.” Then she turned to the waiter who was approaching. “I’ll have 20 grilled specialty oysters, 20 portions of foie gras, and 20 servings of truffle-seared wagyu beef—make it all to-go, thanks.”
Ye Chen was about to scold her for ordering so much, but before he could, Xiaowan pointed at him and added, “Oh, and this gentleman will cover the bill.”
“Damn it!” Ye Chen slammed the table. “Are you crazy? Why should I pay for you? Go ask your ex to cover it!”
But then Xiaowan suddenly clutched her chest, looking at him with a panicked expression. She asked carefully, “Leng, do you not love me anymore? I was just a little hungry and wanted to eat a bit more—are you really unwilling?”
“Love your mom!” Ye Chen was completely confused. “Lin Xiaowan, what kind of trick are you pulling now? Pay for yourself! I’m not your sugar daddy. Goodbye!”
As soon as he stood up, Xiaowan suddenly covered her face and started sobbing. Ye Chen had been speaking loudly, so he’d already attracted some attention. Now that Xiaowan was crying, every pair of eyes in the restaurant turned their way.
Xiaowan, the despicable woman, was crying beautifully, tears streaming down her face while speaking clearly: “During our time together, I sacrificed so much for you. I even aborted 18 of our children for your sake! And now, I just want a little foie gras after coming out of the hospital yesterday, but you’re forcing me to eat stale bread at home instead. Ye Chen, doesn’t your conscience hurt?”
“Hurt your sister’s conscience!” Ye Chen was going mad. “Eighteen kids? Were you having abortions straight out of the womb?!”
Xiaowan glanced at him, her tears flowing even more dramatically.
The male customers around them couldn’t stand to see such a beautiful woman crying so miserably. Even the restaurant manager brought over some foie gras and a hot drink for Xiaowan. “Don’t worry, Miss Lin. This is on the house. Please eat well, and then leave the man who can’t make you happy. Honestly, I think it’s a shame you and Hayden broke up—he’s so much better than certain people.”
The manager then shot Ye Chen a look full of condemnation.
Ye Chen exploded. “Damn it! What’s with that look? I’m a member here! Is this how you treat your members?!”
The manager’s expression didn’t change. “Yes, you are a member, Mr. Gu, but our restaurant does not welcome men who disrespect women. If we had known how you treat your girlfriend, we would never have accepted your membership in the first place.”
“She’s not my girlfriend! This woman is full of lies and venom! Don’t let her fool you!” Ye Chen was desperate, his frustration mounting.
But no one believed him. Meanwhile, Xiaowan added fuel to the fire, wiping her tears while taking small bites of the foie gras. She sobbed, “It’s so delicious. Darling, please don’t be mad anymore, okay? I promise to do all the housework when we get home. Just…please don’t hit me again. The last time you hit me, it caused me to lose the baby…”
“I’ll kill you right now!” Ye Chen lost all reason and charged at Xiaowan, but a nearby male customer stepped in to block him.
The man, a middle-aged Caucasian, frowned at Ye Chen and said, “That’s enough, sir! You’re going too far! Waiter, what did this poor lady just order? I’ll cover her bill!”
He handed his card to the waiter and then offered Xiaowan his business card, speaking gently. “Hello, miss. This is my card. If you need help with anything, feel free to contact me. I suggest you leave this man right now. Once you’re done eating, I’ll take you somewhere safe, all right?”
Xiaowan, wiping her tears with a pitiful expression, reached for the card, but Ye Chen angrily grabbed her wrist and yanked her to his side. He glared at the man and shouted, “Damn it! She’s already aborted eighteen kids—you don’t care? Are your standards that low?”
The man responded calmly, “I think it’s her good fortune not to have children with someone like you. A woman who’s endured hardships is even more beautiful to me.”
“Stop acting so high and mighty!” Ye Chen pointed at Xiaowan. “You’re just into her because she’s pretty, aren’t you?”
He then dragged Xiaowan toward the exit. “Are you trying to turn Chen Xin into a laughingstock? Come on, let’s go!”
Xiaowan pouted and whined, “But, Leng, I’m not full yet.”
Grinding his teeth, Ye Chen threw a card at the waiter and shouted, “Fine! Those eighteen kids were mine. I’ll pay for it! Tell that guy to take his card back!”
Twenty minutes later, Xiaowan stood outside the restaurant with a bag full of luxury takeout. Still teary-eyed, she thanked the waiter.
The young male waiter, captivated by her delicate beauty, hesitated before handing her a complimentary slice of cake. “This is for you. Don’t cry over a jerk anymore.”
Xiaowan nodded lightly and said, “I’ll try my best. But right now, I really love him.”
She turned to Ye Chen, who looked like he’d swallowed a fly, and gave him a loving, tearful gaze.
Ye Chen, annoyed, yanked her toward the parking lot, muttering, “Lin Xiaowan, have some shame! You’re even flirting with the waiter!”
The moment they left the restaurant, Xiaowan’s sorrowful demeanor vanished. She smirked and said leisurely, “Shame? I aborted eighteen of your kids—how could I possibly have any left?”
“Shut up!” Ye Chen barked. “I’ve already paid for your food. Stop spreading nonsense, okay?”
He let go of her and walked to his car. Just as he took out his keys, Xiaowan approached, running her hand over the hood. “Wow, a Bugatti. Nice. Wait a minute… it looks familiar.”
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Ye Chen snorted. “Stop bluffing. This car is super rare. I, Ye Chen, only drive the best—something you’d never come across.”
“Yeah, it’s a great car,” Xiaowan replied, leaning against it. She blinked at him. “So, how much is the monthly payment?”
“Payment, my ass! You think I need a loan to buy a car?” Ye Chen yelled, furious.
“Who knows?” Xiaowan teased. “You were stingy about buying me snacks earlier, so I naturally assumed you’re broke.”
“I don’t owe you snacks!” Ye Chen snapped. “And those weren’t snacks—they were gourmet meals! Why don’t you ask me to buy the whole restaurant for you?”
“Really? That would be great!” Xiaowan said, eyes sparkling. “Go ahead and buy it.”
“Buy your mom!” Ye Chen fumed as he opened the car door. Before he could get in, Xiaowan shoved him aside, jumped into the driver’s seat, and snatched the keys from his hand.
“Hey!” Ye Chen shouted, standing up straight. “Get out of my car right now!”
Ignoring him, Xiaowan locked the doors and started the engine. She gave him the finger before driving off.
“Lin Xiaowan!” Ye Chen yelled as he ran after her. “How am I supposed to get home now that you’ve taken my car?!”
Xiaowan reluctantly stopped the car a few meters away and tossed her own car keys at him. “Here, take my Ferrari. By the way, I’m a terrible driver. If I crash your car, I’m not paying for it!”
With that, she sped off, leaving Ye Chen fuming behind her. “Lin Xiaowan! If you scratch my car, we’re not done!”
“Feigning ignorance!” Xiao Wan angrily pushed him away. Just as she was about to play with the dog, the door was banged on loudly. Ye Chen’s voice came from outside, full of irritation: “Lin Xiaowan! Give me back my keys!”
Xiao Wan walked over, cracked the door open, and shook her head at him. “It’s just a Bugatti. You’re so rich—if I break it, you can just buy another one. Honestly, you’re so stingy.”
“Stingy my ass! It’s not just the car—all my keys are with you! How the hell am I supposed to get into my house if you don’t give them back?”
“Get your butler to open the door for you, then.” Xiao Wan’s eyes suddenly sparkled mischievously. “Wait—you said all your keys are with me? Does that include the key to your safe?”
Ye Chen stormed inside, furious. “What are you trying to do? Hand over my keys now!”
Xiao Wan grabbed her bag and darted off. “Nope! I’m going to make 180 copies of your keys and leave them at your company’s doorstep, so everyone can come rob you. Ha-ha-ha!”
“You—”
Ye Chen lunged after her, but Chen Xin quickly intercepted him. With an exasperated expression, he turned to Xiao Wan. “Alright, just give him back his keys. It’s late—let him go home peacefully.”
Xiao Wan pouted, pulled the keys out of her bag, and tossed them to Ye Chen. “Fine, here.”
Ye Chen snorted, checked that the keys were all there, then nodded at Chen Xin. “I’m leaving.”
“Okay, take care,” Chen Xin said apologetically.
After Ye Chen left, Chen Xin looked at Xiao Wan helplessly. “You—do you really find it that fun to mess with him?”
“I don’t want to, but, as the saying goes, ‘He who teases first is at fault.’ He provoked me today, so I was just defending myself,” Xiao Wan said, wrapping her arms around Chen Xin. “Oh, right. You mentioned earlier that Ye Chen has a racing team. Does he compete often?”
“Yeah, mostly street races against a buddy of his in N City. Nothing too official.”
Xiao Wan’s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “Do you know the name of this friend?”
“I’ve only recently moved to the U.S., so I’m not too sure. I just know his family runs a chain of hotels. Why are you asking?”
“No reason, just curious,” Xiao Wan replied, shaking her head. But deep down, she thought, No wonder Ye Chen’s car looked so familiar—I must have seen it before.
Chen Xin didn’t give it much thought and was about to suggest they head to bed when Ye Chen suddenly stormed back in, his face livid as if he were ready to devour Xiao Wan.
“Lin Xiaowan! Who the hell let you paint in my car with nail polish? Do you think you’re Van Gogh? Clean it up right now, or I swear I’ll skin you alive today!”
Chen Xin quickly stood in his way, trying to calm him down. “Let me see your car first.”
Ye Chen angrily pointed outside. “See for yourself! If you look at her ‘masterpiece’ and still side with her, I’ll cut ties with you for good!”
Chen Xin hurried to Ye Chen’s car. When Xiao Wan drove it back earlier, he hadn’t noticed anything unusual. But now, upon closer inspection, he saw that the once sleek black crocodile leather interior—steering wheel, seats, floor mats—was splattered messily with gold glitter nail polish.
Chen Xin finally understood why Ye Chen had called her Van Gogh. Her exaggerated, impressionistic “art” actually made the car’s interior resemble The Starry Night.
Knowing how much Ye Chen cherished this car, Chen Xin could imagine his blood boiling when he saw the golden chaos inside.
Chen Xin massaged his temples, stepped out of the car, and said, “Alright, bro, how about this: I’ll pay to have your interior completely redone. Deal?”
“No deal! She cleans it herself—today!” Ye Chen yelled, glaring at Xiao Wan.
Xiao Wan looked aggrieved. “I only wanted to add some color because it was too dull. Do you know I used up an entire bottle of Chanel nail polish for you? It’s expensive—you could at least say thank you.”
“Thank your sister!” Ye Chen shouted, nearly hopping mad. “Do you know how long it took to customize that interior?”
Xiao Wan pouted. “Such a hideous design—free or not, I wouldn’t want it.”
“Lin! Xiao! Wan!” Ye Chen gritted his teeth, rolling up his sleeves to teach her a lesson. Xiao Wan quickly hid behind Chen Xin, looking pitiful. “Save me, Little Cutie, he’s going to hit me!”
Chen Xin felt his headache worsen as he shielded Xiao Wan. “Alright, Ye Chen, calm down. Xiao Wan was indeed wrong this time. I… I’ll apologize on her behalf. Okay?”
“No! She has to apologize herself!” Ye Chen demanded, completely unwilling to compromise. “And clean my car, or we’re done being friends!”
Chen Xin looked at Xiao Wan hesitantly. “Xiao Wan, maybe this once, you could apologize? He really loves his car. Imagine if someone messed with your harp—how would you feel?”
Xiao Wan glared at him for a few seconds, then stomped her foot in frustration and dashed into the house.
Chen Xin thought she was angry and was about to follow her when she returned, holding a large bottle of nail polish remover. She climbed into Ye Chen’s car and started scrubbing the steering wheel angrily.
Finally, Ye Chen felt a little appeased. He walked over and pointed out flaws. “Don’t just clean the front—there’s polish on the back too. Can’t you see? Clean it all!”
Xiao Wan turned to glare at him. “I admit it was wrong to mess with your car. But don’t act like you didn’t make any mistakes today. Do you have the guts to tell Chen Xin everything you said to me at the restaurant?”
Ye Chen opened his mouth but faltered. “I…”
“From the day we met, you’ve disliked me. That’s fine—I don’t expect you to like me. But do you really have to call me a gold digger and insult me repeatedly? You’re Chen Xin’s best friend, and even if you don’t like his girlfriend, could you not be so blatant about it? Today, I met with Haydn for an important reason, but the moment you saw us, you accused me of rekindling an old flame, of trying to seduce him. I’ve had my fair share of exes, but I’ve always taken every relationship seriously. Could you stop judging me with such prejudice? If not, can’t we at least agree to stay out of each other’s way?”
As Xiao Wan scrubbed furiously at the polish, she rubbed her reddened eyes. She had always been sharp-tongued and witty, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t hurt by Ye Chen’s relentless disdain.
Ye Chen was stunned speechless. After a long pause, he suddenly climbed into the car, pulled her out by the arm, and said with a complicated expression, “Forget it. Don’t clean anymore.”
He slammed the car door, revved the engine, and drove off.
Xiao Wan rubbed her sore arm and turned to Chen Xin. “Sorry. I’ll stop being so mean from now on.”
Chen Xin hugged her tightly. “Actually, I could’ve handled things better too. You and Ye Chen are both important to me, but you’re so alike—both sharp and unyielding. I never know how to mediate between you two. I’m sorry.”
Xiao Wan sniffled and leaned into his embrace. “It’s okay. I’ll try to avoid him from now on.”
“Yeah, that’s probably for the best,” Chen Xin said, kissing her forehead.
“Little Cutie, you don’t think of me like Ye Chen does, do you? Or like Harold, who thought I was only with you for money—hey, why are you laughing?”
Chen Xin couldn’t help smiling. “Do you care about what I think of you?”
“Of course I—” Xiao Wan stopped mid-sentence, her face flushing. She stammered, “Who—who said that? I was just asking! Don’t think you’re so important! I told you, I’ll dump you in four months!”
She turned and ran toward the villa. Chen Xin quickly chased after her, hugging her from behind. “I’ll never think of you that way. You’re the best girl in my heart.”
Xiao Wan looked up at him with teary eyes, then gave him a light kiss on the cheek.
Chen Xin smiled. “It’s late. Let’s go to bed.”
“Alright. But starting tonight, I don’t want to sleep with you anymore,” Xiao Wan suddenly announced.
Chen Xin stumbled. “Why?”
“Because it’s getting hot. Sharing a bed is too warm,” she teased. “From now on, I’ll sleep in the guest room.”
“But…”
“No buts! We’re just sleeping anyway. Don’t overthink it,” Xiao Wan said playfully, running inside.
Chen Xin stood frozen, realizing his plan to woo her with charm might backfire. Was he shooting himself in the foot?
Meanwhile, Ye Chen drove to a high-end strip club in N City instead of heading home. The club’s owner, a burly Black man, greeted him with a warm hug and ushered him to the best seat.
“Got some fresh girls in—pick any you like,” the owner said, gesturing to the stage.
Ye Chen seemed uninterested and ordered a stiff drink instead. After downing it, he sighed.
The owner patted him. “What’s got you down? Business trouble?”
“No.” Ye Chen ran a hand through his hair. “I just… almost made a woman I hate cry. And it’s annoying.”
“Bro, this is dangerous territory!” the owner exclaimed. “Do you know why I gave up all the girls here and married my wife? Because she cried when she caught me cheating! It’s a slippery slope!”
Ye Chen cursed, grabbed a girl from the stage, and stormed off, leaving the owner shaking his head. “Dangerous. Very dangerous indeed.”