Feng Feng didn't particularly care about Zhang Shuang's affairs. Even when they were dating, she had never proactively asked about him and Zhang Shuang. Her sudden inquiry now must have a hidden reason.
Feng Feng shook her head, "It's nothing. I ran into her a while ago when we were having dinner. You were both in New York, so I casually asked."
Li Yue said, "I don't contact her much. After I found a place, we had dinner once, and I haven't seen her much since then."
Feng Feng said, "Really? I thought she'd come after you when she knew you broke up."
Li Yue was amused by Feng Feng's words and didn't hide anything from her. "She did pursue me, but I'm not interested in her anymore. We're not compatible, and we won't get back together."
Zhang Shuang often asked him out for various reasons, especially after she learned about his breakup. She had even wanted to spend his birthday with him this time.
Although Zhang Shuang never mentioned getting back together, how could someone as smart as Li Yue not sense her intentions? When Zhang Shuang offered to celebrate his birthday, Li Yue had subtly told her that they were impossible.
After so many years, Li Yue's feelings for Zhang Shuang had long since faded. He had genuinely liked her when they were studying. Now, he only saw her as an old classmate. Zhang Shuang had too much pride and was too sensitive. Being with someone like her was too draining, both emotionally and rationally. She wasn't the optimal choice.
After a few more words, the waiter began serving the dishes. This restaurant served Nanjiang cuisine, and the taste was quite authentic.
After understanding Li Yue's thoughts on Zhang Shuang, Feng Feng told him the truth, "I have something to tell you."
Her tone was serious, and Li Yue also became serious, putting away his smile. "Go ahead."
Feng Feng asked, "When did Zhang Shuang start working in New York?"
Li Yue replied, "A little over a week after I started my job."
Feng Feng asked, "Have you ever thought about how she found a job in such a short time? You know the market here well. You either need a background studying in the US or work experience. What did she rely on?"
Li Yue's expression grew serious, and his right eyelid twitched. A bad premonition suddenly arose in his heart.
Then, Feng Feng said, "Zhang Shuang knows Shen Su, and Shen Su introduced her to this job."
This time, Li Yue's face became even more grim. Shen Su wouldn't introduce a job to Zhang Shuang for no reason. The only explanation was that they had reached some kind of deal.
Li Yue's mind raced. He quickly recalled Zhang Shuang's frequent contact with him when they were in Nanjiang.
Before that, they hadn't been in contact for over two years. When they broke up, Zhang Shuang was very emotional and had said words like, "I never want to see you again in my life."
Li Yue was silent for a long time before finally saying, "Zhang Shuang contacted me before, and that was arranged by him too."
Feng Feng nodded, "It should be."
Li Yue sneered, lifting the corner of his mouth, "Honestly, it's a bit surprising."
This kind of behavior, at first glance, seemed childish and rather unethical. Did Shen Su think that Feng Feng would get angry and cause trouble because he contacted Zhang Shuang? If so, he understood Feng Feng too little. "He thinks too narrowly of you."
Feng Feng didn't respond to that. She simply said to Li Yue, "You are also innocent in this matter. I'm sorry."
Li Yue shook his head, "There's nothing to be sorry about. We broke up not because of Zhang Shuang. My time with her has ended, and we won't get back together."
Feng Feng's main purpose in meeting Li Yue today, besides celebrating his birthday, was to clarify this matter with him. Of course, if he wanted to get back with Zhang Shuang, she wouldn't have said anything, as it would seem like she was trying to sow discord.
After this topic concluded, Feng Feng took out the gift she had bought from her bag and pushed it towards Li Yue.
When Li Yue saw the watch's packaging box, his eyes lit up, and he smiled with pleasant surprise. "You still remembered I liked this."
Feng Feng said, "I promised you before that I would spend a birthday with you."
This was a promise they made during their relationship, and bringing it up now caused no awkwardness. Li Yue smiled generously and accepted the gift. "Thank you, I'm very happy."
After dinner, Feng Feng and Li Yue walked outside for another half hour. Around ten o'clock, Li Yue drove Feng Feng back to the hotel and they parted ways.
During the time Feng Feng and Li Yue were out together, it was a great torment for Shen Su. During this period, he had contacted Zhang Shuang once, trying to get her to interfere. Unfortunately, Zhang Shuang was unsuccessful because Li Yue didn't reply to her messages and refused to take her calls.
Shen Su had also tried to send Feng Feng a few WeChat messages in the meantime, not asking about Li Yue, but talking about his California trip plans. However, Feng Feng hadn't replied to any of them.
Both of them were not answering calls or replying to messages. With a man and a woman alone together, and having had intimate contact countless times before, who knew what would happen late at night?
For several hours, Shen Su was restless. Every few minutes, he would open the door and look outside to see if Feng Feng had returned, like a resentful husband waiting for his unfaithful wife to come home. He had been in many relationships, but he had never been this anxious before.
At ten o'clock, Shen Su opened the door again and went out. This time, he finally saw Feng Feng. She had her hands in her pockets, her bag slung over her shoulder, and was walking towards him.
Shen Su stopped in his tracks, waiting for her to approach, his gaze so intense it seemed like it could burn a hole through her.
Feng Feng sensed Shen Su's abnormality, but she remained calm. Her cool gaze swept over him, and she didn't even bother to speak to him proactively, as if he were an insignificant person.
Shen Su couldn't stand it and strode towards Feng Feng, blocking her path. "I sent you messages, why didn't you reply?"
Feng Feng said, "I was busy and didn't have time to look at my phone."
As soon as she finished speaking, she heard Shen Su let out a short, mocking laugh. Then, he grabbed her chin and stared at her lips, "Busy with what? Flirting with Li Yue?"
His words were unpleasant, more like an accusation than a question, and more like an insult. Feng Feng didn't indulge him and coldly slapped the back of his hand. "I'm not obligated to report to you. Take your hand off, and don't get angry at me for no reason."
"Heh, I'm getting angry for no reason." Shen Su's voice became sharper. "I think Ms. Feng is angry because I hit the nail on the head."
Feng Feng didn't explain. She calmly met his furious gaze. "If that's how you want to think, I can't help it."
This sentence was like pouring fuel on the fire for Shen Su.
He directly put his arm around Feng Feng's waist and forcefully pulled her into his room, giving her no chance to resist, and quickly closed the door.
Feng Feng had considerable strength, but compared to Shen Su, she was no match. Her struggles were in vain, and she was eventually pinned against the door by Shen Su, her jacket quickly pulled down halfway.