He Wenjie had already obtained the background information on that woman beforehand. She was Zhuang Yan's legally wedded wife, rumored to come from a very wealthy family with three generations of ancestors working in the banking system. After browsing the computer for a while and feeling that the time was right, He Wenjie closed the browser and asked a coach to accompany him to the tennis court for a hit.
He hadn't been playing long when Zhuang Yan and his wife also walked over, accompanied by another coach. Their coach took the initiative to invite He Wenjie to play together, mentioning that Zhuang Yan and his wife had also just started practicing recently, and since both sides were at a similar level, it would be a good opportunity to have a friendly match.
He Wenjie did not expose their ruse. As they played and chatted, they gradually grew familiar with one another. When they finished, they agreed to have lunch together before parting ways. Zhuang Yan was clever; during the meal, he focused purely on building rapport, undoubtedly playing a long game to catch a big fish.
He Wenjie played along with their act, acting as the mantis stalking the cicada, unaware of theoriole behind, waiting to see who would have the last laugh.
After more than a month of hitting a wall with job interviews, Yang Tao's mood plummeted. One night after intimacy, Yang Tao asked, "Wenjie, are you willing to marry me?"
"Of course I am."
"Then let's go register our marriage tomorrow."
"What's wrong with you today? Why the sudden thought of getting married?"
"I've been to interviews at so many hotels these past few days, and not a single one wants me. They all think I'm too old. Do you think I'm really getting old? I'm afraid that in a few years, I won't even look as pretty as I do now. Will you look down on me then?"
"How could I ever look down on you? I'm the one who's worried someone might sweep you off your feet and leave me behind."
"You're so talented, what qualifications do I have to be picky? My mom has been nagging in my ear lately, telling us to get married, and she keeps dragging me to look at apartments."
"Looking at apartments was my idea. I wanted to ask Mom where she'd like to live, and when the time comes, I'll buy two units—one for us as our bridal home, and the other for Mom. My plan was to wait until the apartment is fully renovated, and then we'd register our marriage."
"I don't want an apartment. Aren't we living quite well right now? By the time the place is renovated, it'll take at least a year. Will you still love me then?"
"Of course I'll always love you, darling. You must be in a bad mood because of the interviews these past couple of days. Why don't I treat you and Mom to a trip abroad to clear your minds?"
"Really? Are you coming with us?"
"I can't get away right now; the fitness club is almost finished renovating and I have to oversee it. Besides, I've prepared two gifts for you."
"Gifts? What kind of gifts?"
"They're not ready yet, but you'll know once they are. You've worked for so many years and never taken a trip to unwind, so I'll buy plane tickets for you and Mom to go abroad and look around. By the time you get back, my first gift will be just about ready."
"All right, then I'll listen to you. Tomorrow I'll discuss with my mom where we should go."
The next day, Yang Tao went happily to Xue Sumei's place. When she returned, He Wenjie asked, "Have you figured out where to go?"
"We're not going. My mom can't get away."
"Is something up with Mom?"
"My sister is pregnant, and Mom is worried about her, so she's making my sister move back in with her."
"Is that so? That's wonderful news, we'll have to celebrate."
"We definitely have to. Mom said my brother-in-law has his day off the day after tomorrow, and invited us over to her place for dinner."
"Great, then tomorrow the two of us will go to the mall and see what we can buy for your sister."
"Isn't it a bit early to buy things now?"
"We can get some nutritional supplements for pregnant women, as well as some maternity radiation-shielding suits."
"Mm, what you said makes sense. It's settled then."
"I'm a bit hungry. Have you had dinner yet?"
"I haven't eaten either. Don't bother eating just yet; my best friend just called me and said we're getting together, you should come too."
"A gathering for you besties? I won't intrude."
"It's fine, there'll be guys there too. Aside from the two of us girls, Jiao Yang is coming. We've been together for so long and I've never introduced you to them, they've all been clamoring to meet you. Do you not want to meet my friends? And you've never introduced me to your friends either—are you just messing around with me, or do you not want me involved in your life?"
"In Beijing, apart from you, the only friends I know are the ones your brother-in-law knows. Where else would I have other friends?"
"Then why won't you see my friends? I've said long ago that I wanted to introduce you, and every time you make excuses to brush it off."
Earlier, Yang Tao had invited He Wenjie to her gatherings several times, but he had always found excuses to decline. It wasn't that he didn't want to integrate into Yang Tao's social circle; rather, he needed to avoid Lan Weiwei. In his plan to ruin Zhuang Yan, Lan Weiwei was a crucial piece. But judging by Yang Tao's attitude today, this gathering was unavoidable, so he would just have to make some adjustments to his original plan.
"It's not that I don't want to see your friends, it's just that having me there might cramp your conversation. Since you've misunderstood, I'll accompany you."
Seeing He Wenjie compromise, Yang Tao's attitude instantly flipped, and she pulled him along with a beaming smile.
"Have you guys decided where to eat?"
"We usually hang out at a café near Lan Weiwei's company."
"Have they all arrived yet?"
"Not yet, I think they're on their way."
"How about this? Since it's my first time having a meal with everyone, I'll treat. Let's pick a nicer place—consider it an apology for all the times I flaked. What do you think?"
"Where are you planning to host it then?"
"I'll send you the address. I went to this place with someone else a while ago, and the food is quite good." In reality, it was a spot chosen by someone who had made money off a stock he recommended and wanted to treat him to dinner. For someone who understood reciprocity, He Wenjie was quite willing to stay in touch; every few days, he would recommend a stock—always a trending market leader—keeping the gains controlled between ten and twenty percent. After all, he still had a long time to live in this world, and having extra connections might come in handy someday.
By the time Yang Tao called the others, Lan Weiwei and the rest had already arrived at the café. Hearing that He Wenjie was treating to make amends, they happily set off toward the address Yang Tao provided.
Shortly after He Wenjie and Yang Tao arrived, Lan Weiwei, Niuniu, and Jiao Yang all hurried over. Yang Tao went downstairs to greet them. "Taozi, your guy sure is generous! This place can't be cheap."
"I have no idea either, Wenjie picked it. He said the food here is good."
"I was actually trying to lose weight, but opportunities to eat here don't come often. Hey, Taozi, you and your hubby are absolute roadblocks on my weight-loss journey."
"I specially went online to check when I was on my way here, and people say the average spend per person here is over ten thousand. Taozi, when I saw your car before, I knew your guy had money, but today he's completely redefined it for me."
Yang Tao was equally shocked. "Averages over ten thousand per person? No way! Wenjie just said the food was good, I had no idea it was so expensive. Oh well, expensive is expensive—it's all going into our bellies anyway, so we aren't losing out."
"Look at that, the mindset of a wealthy Mrs. is just different."