When Wen Xueshan realized what she was doing, she had already raised her palm high.
If Wei Yumeng hadn't stopped her, that slap would have landed squarely on Mu Linjing's face.
"You actually want to hit me?" Mu Linjing could hardly believe it.
Clearly, Wen Xueshan had started the trouble, but now it seemed like she was the one who deserved to be hit.
But Wen Xueshan's own reaction was strange. She looked at her hand, still somewhat disoriented.
This wasn't how it was supposed to happen... it wasn't supposed to be like this...
Wei Yumeng sensed the strangeness and gestured for Mu Linjing to stay quiet and observe Wen Xueshan.
Only then did Mu Linjing feel the abnormality of the situation.
After a long pause, Wen Xueshan finally came to her senses. Without offering any explanation, she turned and left.
"What's wrong with this woman?" Mu Linjing found it utterly baffling.
Wei Yumeng, however, frowned. She had seen it clearly.
Wen Xueshan's reaction to her own action was one of surprise, even tinged with a hint of confusion and bewilderment.
In fact, if one thought back to their past arguments, physical altercations were not uncommon between them.
But why would Wen Xueshan wear such an expression?
Moreover, hadn't Wen Xueshan been the one to initiate the confrontation in the first place?
Even though Wei Yumeng felt something was amiss, she couldn't pinpoint the exact reason.
Wei Yumeng rubbed her temples, feeling a headache coming on. Perhaps Wen Xueshan was simply overwhelmed by the current situation, and her depression hadn't fully healed, leading to this outburst.
For instance, she might not have intended to argue, but her emotions got the better of her, and she ended up quarreling with Mu Linjing.
Upon further reflection, Wei Yumeng shook her head, feeling that this explanation was rather far-fetched.
Mu Linjing, still shaken, said, "Yumeng, I think I should stay with you more for the next few days. With her unpredictable behavior, who knows what she might do next. It's not a big deal if she hit me, but I can't let her bully you."
Wei Yumeng looked at Mu Linjing helplessly, "It's alright, don't worry, I won't let her bully me."
Mu Linjing, however, remained indignant, wishing she could just lock Wei Yumeng up at home for protection.
Wen Xueshan left the shop, her emotions still unsettled.
Thinking back to what had just happened, she felt a sense of unfamiliarity.
She had always harbored a secret deep within her heart, and she had sacrificed a great deal to reach her current position.
She had even been confident that everything was still under her control.
But why... why had she only just realized that she had truly changed?
She had actually lashed out for a man she didn't truly love...
At Zhan Corporation, Zhan Mohan received a call from the bodyguard responsible for protecting Wei Yumeng.
"You're saying Yumeng encountered Wen Xueshan?" Zhan Mohan frowned.
"That's right. Madam and Wen Xueshan had a fierce argument, but the end of the situation was strange. Wen Xueshan left on her own."
"Where did she go?" Zhan Mohan continued to inquire.
"Currently, she has no specific destination and is just wandering the streets, appearing preoccupied." The bodyguard was also unsure. "By the way, Mr. Zhan, there's another thing. According to our investigation, Wen Xueshan was originally supposed to meet someone else there, but unexpectedly ran into Madam. I will send you the photos of the person Wen Xueshan was to meet."
Soon, Zhan Mohan received the information from the bodyguard. The photos clearly captured the man in the hat lurking in the corner.
Zhan Mohan had not stopped his investigation into this matter these past few days, and now everything seemed to be connecting.
He had also seen this hat-wearing man during his investigation; he was undoubtedly a key figure in this incident.
Although this suspicion might be difficult for Wei Yumeng to accept, it was the most logical conclusion he could draw given the current circumstances.
He now knew the mastermind behind the fabricated relationship between Qiu Zhun and Wei Yumeng, and their motive for doing so.
Zhan Mohan rubbed his temples. Getting the person to reveal themselves wouldn't be easy.
Wen Xueshan returned home as evening approached.
She hadn't expected to wander the streets for so long, completely disregarding her own health.
Yet, in the end, the doubts in her heart remained unanswered.
"Xueshan, why did you go out for so long? Why didn't you tell me? How are you feeling now?"
Qiu Zhun looked at Wen Xueshan with concern. If Wei Yumeng hadn't called earlier to say she had seen Wen Xueshan, he would have almost called the police.
He had originally planned to work from home and take care of Wen Xueshan.
However, a major issue arose at the company today, requiring his personal attention.
He was still worried about Wen Xueshan being alone at home, but Wen Xueshan had urged him to go to work, so he left.
Wen Xueshan's expression was somewhat blank as she looked at Qiu Zhun, lost in thought.
Earlier, Wei Yumeng had called Qiu Zhun, explaining that Wen Xueshan was still bothered by the incident and he should offer more explanations.
Qiu Zhun simply assumed that Wen Xueshan was upset because of that matter.
"Xueshan, I know you met Mrs. Zhan today, right? I also know you always try to be considerate of me, which is why you pretend not to care, but deep down, you still care about that matter, don't you?"
Qiu Zhun felt a pang of heartache. In his eyes, Wen Xueshan was merely trying to manage his emotions.
It was precisely because she cared that she would lash out at outsiders with her inner sadness and dissatisfaction.
Wen Xueshan remained silent, just looking at him.
"Xueshan, I know that no matter what I say now, I won't be able to completely convince you to believe me about the past. But there's one thing I hope you will always believe: my feelings for you. We've been through so many misunderstandings and conflicts, and so many twists and turns to be together. If it weren't for true love, we wouldn't have reached this point. I don't ask for your complete forgiveness; I just need you to believe in my heart for you."
As he spoke, Qiu Zhun took Wen Xueshan's hand and placed it over his heart, "Can you feel it? My heart beats only for you now."
However, Wen Xueshan recoiled as if she had touched something burning hot.
A hint of panic and fear flashed across her face, and she dared not meet Qiu Zhun's eyes.
The atmosphere at that moment didn't feel like Qiu Zhun had done anything wrong to her; it felt more as if... she had done something wrong to Qiu Zhun.