After the divorce, my ex-husband came to me crying and wanted to remarry? | HO

Married 2 years. He never even saw me. Now he’s crying, sending flowers, and chasing me across cities. Sorry ex — the ‘country bumpkin’ just upgraded to unforgettable.

Part 1

The papers were signed, notarized, and filed. Two years of marriage, dissolved in less than twenty minutes.

How ridiculous.

From the wedding to the divorce, Joe Baek Shin never met me once. Not once. He probably doesn’t even know what I look like, his ex-wife. Miss Jiang from the countryside. That’s what they all called me. That’s what he called me, if he called me anything at all.

Grandpa Joe sat across from me in the study, his old hands trembling around a white envelope. “I’m truly sorry,” he said. “The money on this card—consider it the Joe family’s compensation.”

The envelope sat between us like a tombstone.

“No need.” I stood up, smoothing the front of my dress. “Please tell him for me—thank him for the past two years of care. Tell him… I said goodbye.”

The old man’s eyes glistened. “Brother.”

I almost smiled. He’d always called me that, even after the wedding. Never granddaughter-in-law. Never family. Just Brother, like I was one of the boys.

“It’s good you divorced.” My eldest brother appeared in the doorway, arms already open. “Your brothers are here to take you home.”

“What’s so good about divorce?” The second brother pushed past him, scowling. “I don’t know what Grandpa was thinking. Marrying you to Joe Baek Shin, that guy who treated you like air. If you ask me—you might as well marry me. I think marrying me is also an option.”

“You two, stop joking around.” I stepped into the hallway, letting the old house swallow me one last time. “How can you marry your own brother?”

“We’re not born of the same parents.” The eldest shrugged. “Of course you can marry.”

“Even though you were both adopted by Grandpa.” The second brother wrapped an arm around my shoulder. “In my heart, you are both my biological brothers.”

“Okay, let’s not talk about this for now.” I pulled away, reaching for my coat. “You are the world’s most famous neurosurgeon. People looking for you must be going crazy. I’ve been gone for two years. I don’t know if anyone still remembers me—Dr. Jiang.”

The name still felt strange on my tongue. Fresh. Like stepping into someone else’s skin.

—

The penthouse elevator opened onto marble floors and silence. Assistant Wu stood by the floor-to-ceiling windows, his tablet clutched to his chest like a shield.

“President,” he said. “Madam has already left with the divorce certificate.”

Joe Baek Shin didn’t look up from his laptop. “How much did she ask for?”

“Not a cent.” Wu hesitated. “She didn’t even take the compensation Grandpa gave her.”

Something flickered across the president’s face—irritation, perhaps. Or guilt. It was hard to tell with him. “Give her the house in the west end. I don’t want to see headlines tomorrow about me, Joe Baek Shin’s ex-wife, starving on the streets.”

“The west end house. Understood.”

“Is there anything else?”

Wu cleared his throat. “The Dr. Jiang you’ve been looking for—for two years—she’s suddenly reappeared.”

Baek Shin’s fingers stopped moving. “Go investigate immediately. This time, no matter what, find her for me.”

—

Part 2

Jinan Hospital rose from the medical district like a glass monument to ambition. Underfunded, understaffed, and perpetually overlooked—but it was mine.

“I heard the new deputy director—” A nurse’s voice carried down the corridor. “Being appointed deputy director straight away, must be due to connections. In medicine, it’s not like other industries.”

“Here she comes.” Another voice, barely a whisper. “She’s here. I see her.”

Pause.

“She’s a super big beauty.”

I pushed through the double doors, white coat already buttoned. “What’s the patient’s condition?”

The ER attending scrambled to catch up. “Car accident. Severe brain hemorrhage, intracranial pressure causing brain herniation. If we don’t operate immediately, they’ll die.”

“Arrange the surgery.”

“We should send them to a higher-level hospital.” The attending shook his head. “Our hospital can’t perform this type of surgery.”

“I can do it.”

“Can you really do it?” A man’s voice, sharp with panic. The patient’s brother, by the looks of him—cheap suit, expensive watch, desperate eyes. “Absolutely not. You’re too young. Totally unreliable.”

“I’m from Jinan Hospital,” I said. “The deputy director of neurosurgery. Dr. Jiang.”

“What Dr. Jiang?” The sister-in-law stepped forward, blocking the gurney. “We’ve never heard of her. Sister-in-law, let’s go to a big hospital. Find a renowned doctor.”

“We can’t transfer the patient.” I kept my voice level. “Your husband can’t wait that long.”

“Sister-in-law, she’s so young. She surely has no experience.”

“Exactly.” The brother squared his shoulders. “I can’t entrust my husband’s life to you. Without anyone vouching, you want us to transfer?”

“I will vouch for her.”

The voice came from behind me—low, familiar in a way that made my stomach drop.

I turned.

Joe Baek Shin stood in the doorway of the ER, his designer coat catching the fluorescent light. Behind him, a dozen orderlies froze mid-stride. Even the monitors seemed to quiet.

“Who are you?” The brother blinked.

Baek Shin stepped forward, his eyes fixed on me. Not through me. At me. For the first time in two years, Joe Baek Shin was looking at his wife.

“I am the CEO of Joe Corporation,” he said. “Joe Baek Shin. Do you think I’m not qualified to vouch for her?”

—

Part 3

The surgery lasted eleven hours. Eleven hours of precision, of blood and bone and the kind of focus that burns through time like acid. When I finally stepped out, my scrubs were soaked through.

“Doctor.” The sister-in-law grabbed my arm. “How is my husband?”

“The surgery was very successful.” I pulled off my mask. “The patient has already passed the critical stage.”

“Thank you. Thank you.”

“We are truly grateful.”

I nodded, already turning toward the elevators.

“Let’s go.” Baek Shin fell into step beside me. “Dr. Jiang, I’d like to treat you to a meal.”

I stopped. “I wonder, Mr. Joe—just say what you need directly. I’m quite busy.”

He hesitated—a crack in the armor. “I need your help with something.” He pulled a file from his briefcase. “This is the patient’s case file. Her name is Jiang Yaya. She’s very important to me.”

I didn’t take the file. “Joe Baek Shin, no wonder you’ve been married for two years and never showed up. Turns out you were hiding a secret lover.”

“She’s not—” He exhaled sharply. “I’ve seen many doctors. I don’t want to give up. Dr. Jiang, as long as you can save Yaya, I’ll give you anything you want.”

“Anything?”

“Anything.”

I opened the file. Jiang Yaya. Twenty-three. Brain tumor, inoperable by conventional standards. The kind of case that medical journals wrote about and then quietly buried.

“Jiang Cheng died for me,” Baek Shin said quietly. “And Yaya is Jiang Cheng’s only sister.”

“Although I really don’t want to deal with you—” I closed the file. “As a doctor, I can’t just stand by and watch a patient die. Where is the patient?”

“At a private hospital under Joe Corporation. I’ll take you there now.”

“It’s not at Jinan Hospital?”

“Jinan Hospital’s facilities are quite ordinary. The success rate at a private hospital will be higher.”

I handed the file back. “I’m very sorry, but I cannot perform surgery for Miss Jiang.”

“Money is not an issue.”

“It’s not about money.”

“Then what do you want?”

“Mr. Joe, you don’t understand medical law. I don’t blame you—but I need to tell you, if you want me to perform surgery, you must transfer the patient here.”

His jaw tightened. “To Jinan Hospital.”

“To the facilities that are ‘quite ordinary,’ yes. Only then can I operate.”

“Dr. Jiang—”

“I need to get back to work.” I stepped into the elevator. “Mr. Joe, you should make plans, too.”

The doors slid closed on his face.

The money on this card—consider it the Joe family’s compensation.

Two years. Not a single glance. Not a single word. And now he wanted my help?

Let him wait.

—

Part 4

“Dr. Jiang, you performed three surgeries today.” The night nurse handed me a cup of coffee. “Working with you is almost too much for us.”

“Dr. Jiang, I apologize for underestimating you before.” The ER attending from this morning shuffled his feet. “Now, you should know how amazing Dr. Jiang is.”

“All right, everyone worked hard today.” I raised my coffee in a toast. “I’ll treat you all to a big dinner tonight.”

Cheers. Whistles. The kind of camaraderie I’d missed during two years of being Mrs. Joe Baek Shin—a ghost in a penthouse I’d never been invited to furnish.

“Why is Mr. Joe here again?” The nurse leaned toward the window. Third floor, overlooking the parking lot. Sure enough—a black sedan, engine running, headlights off.

“I guess he’s here to see Dr. Jiang again.” Another nurse sighed. “Only Dr. Jiang can make the high and mighty Mr. Joe ask for favors.”

“You all go ahead and get busy. We’ll gather tonight.”

“Okay, bye-bye.”

I waited until they’d cleared the corridor, then stepped into the stairwell. Five flights down. Through the lobby. Past the security desk.

Baek Shin was waiting by my car.

“I’ve already transferred Yaya as you requested,” he said. “She’s in the hospital now.”

“Joe Baek Shin, we’ve been married for two years and you never even saw me. Now, you’ve come looking for me multiple times for your mistress.” I unlocked my door. “It seems you’re not entirely heartless. Just that your heart belongs to someone else.”

He caught my arm. “You—”

“What? When will you come with me to see Yaya?”

“I won’t disregard a patient.” I pulled free. “Since she’s been transferred here, I can go right now.”

—

The private room on the fourth floor smelled like lilies. Jiang Yaya sat propped against pillows, her black hair spilling over a hospital gown that cost more than my first car.

“Baek Shin.” Her eyes widened when she saw me. “She is—”

“She is your attending physician, Dr. Jiang.”

“I didn’t expect you to be so young.” Yaya’s gaze flicked to Baek Shin, then back to me. “And to have Baek Shin agree for you to operate—”

“Ability has nothing to do with age.” I pulled up her chart. “And besides, I didn’t ask him to agree.”

“I’m not trying to flatter Baek Shin.” Yaya’s voice wavered. “I was just too scared.”

“You’ve seen my medical records?” I asked. “There’s nothing major wrong.”

“Really?” Yaya looked at Baek Shin, then back at me. “But the private hospital gave me a critical condition notice.”

“I never joke.” I set the chart down. “Dr. Jiang, you should have had the surgery done sooner. In this country, I’m not the only one who can perform this kind of surgery.”

“Other doctors might be able to,” Baek Shin said, “but I don’t want her to take even the slightest risk.”

“Ah, Baek Shin. Baek Shin.” I smiled—the kind of smile that doesn’t reach your eyes. “Since you care so much about your little darling, then I won’t let you suffer a major financial loss.”

“What do you mean?”

“I promise to operate on Miss Jiang—but I have conditions.”

“No problem.”

“I’m setting up a new laboratory. It requires a lot of funding.”

“Joe Corporation will provide it.”

“As for Jinan Hospital—it also needs the latest surgical equipment.”

“Joe Corporation can provide everything.” He stepped closer. “These issues, even if you don’t mention them, I would do them anyway.”

“Mr. Joe really goes all out for Miss Jiang, doesn’t he?”

“Because she’s very important.”

“Since she’s so important—” I turned to face him fully. “Then Mr. Joe should donate a building. The hospital here is just lacking an inpatient department.”

Yaya’s mouth fell open. “Dr. Jiang—”

“Dr. Jiang, you really are thinking about this hospital of yours so meticulously.” Baek Shin’s voice had gone cold. “Mr. Joe doesn’t seem too willing.”

“I’ll donate whatever you require.” He pulled out his phone. “Just say it all at once, okay?”

“Since Mr. Joe is so eager for his little darling, and so forthright—then I’m very satisfied, too.”

“So when will the surgery begin?”

“When your equipment arrives, my surgery can then begin.”

“The equipment will arrive first thing tomorrow morning.” He pocketed his phone. “Dr. Jiang, Yaya’s life depends on you. Do you have confidence?”

“If I said I wasn’t confident—” I walked to the door. “Mr. Joe, would you now want to take her away?”

“I absolutely won’t allow Yaya to die on the operating table.” His voice was steel. “Please.”

“Don’t worry.” I paused at the threshold. “I’ll do my best.”

Behind me, I heard Yaya’s soft whisper: “Baek Shin… she doesn’t like us, does she?”

He didn’t answer.

—

Part 5

The surgery took fourteen hours.

Fourteen hours of micro-sutures and tumor margins, of navigating the kind of arterial web that made other surgeons break into cold sweats. When I finally closed the incision, my hands were steady. They always were.

“Dr. Jiang—” The attending anesthesiologist peered over my shoulder. “The surgery was successful.”

“The patient needs to be transferred to the ICU.” I stepped back from the table. “Family members, please go with the nurse to complete the procedures.”

Baek Shin hadn’t moved from the observation window. All night, he’d stood there—watching. Not Yaya. Me.

“You can go in now,” I said.

“I’ll wait until she’s settled.”

“Suit yourself.”

“Dr. Jiang.”

I stopped.

“Thank you for your hard work.”

“It’s not the work that’s hard.” I peeled off my gloves. “It’s my fate.”

“What does that mean?”

I turned to face him—really face him, for the first time since the divorce papers were signed. He looked tired. Dark circles under his eyes, jaw shadowed with stubble, tie loosened at the collar. The great Joe Baek Shin, undone by a woman he couldn’t control.

“It means—” I dropped my gloves in the biohazard bin. “Mr. Joe, please behave yourself.”

“Dr. Jiang.” He caught my wrist. “Why do I feel, from the very first time we met, you seem to have a big problem with me? Don’t think just because you saved Yaya, you can be so reckless. My patience has its limits.”

“My patience is also quite poor.” I pulled free. “I hope this is our last meeting.”

Behind me, I heard him exhale—sharp, frustrated, the sound of a man who wasn’t used to being dismissed.

“President.” Assistant Wu appeared in the corridor. “Miss Yaya has been taken care of.”

“Do you feel like Dr. Jiang really dislikes me?”

Wu hesitated. “Probably not? Maybe Dr. Jiang just doesn’t want to see you.”

“What are you talking about?” Baek Shin’s voice rose. “That’s definitely not right. How could any woman dislike me?”

“Dr. Jiang is definitely playing hard to get.”

“Playing hard to get?”

I smiled to myself as I walked away.

Let him wonder.

—

Part 6

Three days later, Yaya was sitting up, eating solid food, and asking too many questions.

“How are you?” I asked, checking her vitals. “Feeling unwell anywhere today?”

“No, I feel pretty good.”

“That’s good. Stay a few more days and you can go home to recuperate.”

“Dr. Jiang, I’m especially grateful you saved—”

“You don’t need to thank me.” I made a note on her chart. “Baek Shin paid the medical fees. I’m just doing my job for the money.”

“Miss Jiang—can you let go now?”

She was clutching my sleeve. “I know Baek Shin went through a lot to save me and sacrificed a lot. But no matter what, you are my savior. I want to talk to you.”

“What do you want to say?”

“Dr. Jiang—do you have a boyfriend?” Yaya’s eyes darted to the door, then back to me. “What do you think of Baek Shin?”

“Miss Jiang, you’ve beaten around the bush for so long just to ask me this.” I closed her chart. “Don’t worry. I’m not interested in Baek Shin.”

“That’s not what I meant—”

“What are you talking about?” Baek Shin walked in, carrying a paper bag. “Yaya, I’m asking Dr. Jiang what kind of person she likes. Thinking I can introduce someone to her later.”

“Dr. Jiang is so outstanding.” Yaya forced a laugh. “Does she need introductions?”

“You’re right, Baek Shin.” I tucked the chart under my arm. “So, Dr. Jiang—what kind of people do you dislike? If I ever need to introduce someone in the future, I can avoid them.”

“I don’t like people with the surname Joe.”

Baek Shin’s expression flickered. “What did people named Joe ever do to you?”

“A fortune teller once told me my horoscope clashes with anyone named Joe.” I walked to the door. “Otherwise, it wouldn’t have led to getting married for two years and divorcing without ever—”

I stopped myself.

Without ever meeting my husband.

Yaya’s eyes went wide. “Dr. Jiang, do you have some kind of misunderstanding about Baek Shin?”

“No misunderstanding.” I pushed through the door. “I just simply don’t like people named Joe.”

The door swung shut behind me.

The money on this card—consider it the Joe family’s compensation.

Two years. Not a single glance. Not a single word.

And now he was standing in my hospital, asking me to save his mistress, acting like I was the one with the problem.

Let him wonder.

Let him suffer.

—

Part 7

“Did you hear something?” Yaya’s voice carried through the door. “Baek Shin did get divorced—but it wasn’t his fault. His ex-wife was a country bumpkin with crude manners and behavior. They were completely incompatible. A divorce was inevitable.”

“I see.” Baek Shin’s voice, muffled. “Please don’t have any misunderstandings about Baek Shin because of this.”

“Mr. Joe, you also think that of your ex-wife?”

“She and I really weren’t compatible. Divorcing was the best choice.”

I walked back in.

“I truly pity Mr. Joe’s ex-wife.” I picked up Yaya’s IV line, checking the flow rate. “What a shame.”

Baek Shin’s eyes narrowed. “Are you angry?”

“Keep your voice down.”

“Why would I be angry?”

“Because I’m married.”

Baek Shin went still.

“I’m not interested.” I adjusted the drip. “What you should really be concerned about is Miss Jiang and Yaya’s relationship. Why bring her up?”

“Mr. Joe is really protective, isn’t he? Can’t even say a word casually?”

“Don’t try to change the subject.” He stepped closer. “You—why do you dislike me?”

“I’m just feeling sorry for Mr. Joe’s ex-wife.” I met his gaze. “It feels unfair. After all, they’re already divorced, and she’s still being talked about behind her back.”

“I was also forced to marry into it back then.” Baek Shin’s jaw tightened. “Yaya even defended me, stood up for me. It’s not that I meant anything else. But now that you mention it—I think she was quite a decent person. A good person. However, we weren’t compatible.”

“This is the first time I’ve heard someone describe their ex-wife as a good person.” I hung the IV bag back on its pole. “Mr. Joe, you don’t need to tell me all this. I have absolutely no interest in your personal affairs.”

“Playing hard to get too much gets old.” His voice dropped. “I’ve already given you chances. Don’t you dare get ahead of yourself.”

“Mr. Joe—” I walked past him, close enough to smell his cologne. “If you have time, you should get your head checked. Otherwise, I can find someone to examine you right now. Having a mental issue is a serious matter.”

“My head is fine.” He grabbed my arm. “You—”

“Find out immediately.” He released me, pulling out his phone. “Dr. Jiang’s activities over the past few years. I need to confirm if we’ve ever met before.”

—

The text came at 2 AM.

Tian Xiaoxiao: One. Didn’t you go on vacation?

Me: You have the nerve to say that. As your best friend, you got divorced and you didn’t even tell me. I cut my vacation short and came back to back you up.

Tian Xiaoxiao: Let’s go. I’m starving. Let’s get something to eat.

Me: Let’s go.

Tian Xiaoxiao: Oh, right. Two years of your youth. Didn’t the Joe family compensate you?

I stared at the screen for a long time.

Me: They did. I didn’t take it. We don’t owe each other anything.

Tian Xiaoxiao: But that bastard, Baek Shin—you let him off that easy? Let me tell you, I’ve never liked him. Someone like him, you should have ruthlessly taken him for everything he’s got. You just wait. In a few days, I’ll find someone to beat him up and get revenge for you.

Me: Oh, really? I’d like to see what you’re really capable of.

The elevator doors opened.

Joe Baek Shin was standing in the hallway, right outside my apartment.

“Jiang—” His eyes moved from me to Tian Xiaoxiao. “Jiang Wan. Joe Baek Shin. What are you doing here?”

Tian Xiaoxiao stepped in front of me. “Tell me, what did Dr. Jiang get off cheaply for? What did she get in return?”

“One—” I pulled her back. “He operated on Miss Jiang and you want me to ask him for more compensation. Is that why you said that?”

“Oh, right. Right. Right.”

“Oh, so you mean what I gave was too little.”

“That’s not what I meant.” Baek Shin’s gaze pinned me in place. “She was just saying that casually. Don’t take it so seriously.”

“You’re the daughter from the Jiang family?” I asked.

He blinked. “You know me?”

“Very good. I’ll remember you.” I stepped into the elevator. “I’m telling you—your fate with that Baek Shin is quite something. Living in the same complex, same building, and even the same floor.”

“Same floor?” Baek Shin’s head snapped toward me. “You live across the hall?”

The elevator doors closed.

Tian Xiaoxiao burst out laughing. “I certainly don’t expect this kind of fate. What I want to know right now is what Baek Shin will do if he finds out you’re his ex-wife.”

“He won’t find out.”

“What will he do when he does?”

“I don’t know.” The elevator reached the ground floor. “And I don’t care.”

“You’re lying.” Tian Xiaoxiao grabbed my arm. “You totally care. You moved across the hall from him on purpose, didn’t you?”

“No.”

“Liar.”

“I moved across the hall because the rent was cheap.”

“You’re a world-famous neurosurgeon. You can afford any rent in the city.”

I didn’t answer.

Because she was right.

I’d moved across the hall from Joe Baek Shin on purpose.

Not to win him back. Not to punish him.

Just to see if he’d ever notice.

Two years, and he never looked at me once.

Let him wonder now.

—

Part 8

The next morning, Tian Xiaoxiao’s father called.

“One—” Her voice was shaking. “That bastard, Baek Shin—he’s suspended the cooperation with my dad’s company.”

“No way.” I grabbed my keys. “Baek Shin isn’t that childish, is he?”

“It’s true. I spoke with my dad. Joe Corporation is our family’s biggest client. Now he’s cut off our cooperation. My family will face bankruptcy.” A sob. “Right now, I’m downstairs at Baek Shin’s company begging to see him, but Baek Shin refuses to see me.”

“Don’t worry.” I was already out the door. “I’m coming over right now.”

—

Joe Corporation’s lobby was all chrome and intimidation. Tian Xiaoxiao stood by the security desk, her face blotchy with tears.

“Let me handle this.” I walked to the receptionist. “I’m from the Jiang family. I need to see President Joe about something. Could you make an exception?”

“You can’t go in without an appointment.”

“Tell him—” I leaned over the desk. “Dr. Jiang is here. He’ll see me.”

The receptionist hesitated, then picked up the phone.

“President, that Miss Jiang from the Jiang family and Dr. Jiang are downstairs. They said they want to see you.”

Pause.

“What do you think? Tell them to leave. I don’t have time.”

Another pause.

“Wait a moment.”

—

Upstairs, Baek Shin’s office was all glass and leather. He stood by the window, his back to us, his silhouette sharp against the morning light.

“The matter I asked you to investigate last time—how is the investigation progressing?” He didn’t turn around. “I checked your last five years of travel records. I found that you and Dr. Jiang had no overlap. However, strangely enough—two years ago, Dr. Jiang’s records go dark. Her whereabouts for those two years are hard to trace.”

Assistant Wu shuffled his feet. “What do you think? Should we ask Young Master Mu Rong Sai to help investigate?”

“Forget it.” Baek Shin turned. “She’s just a doctor.”

I stepped forward. “Assistant Wu. We want to see President Joe.”

“The president won’t see you, ladies. You should still leave.”

“Why?” Tian Xiaoxiao’s voice cracked. “Even though One might have offended him before, he wouldn’t go as far as to make the Jiang family bankrupt. He wouldn’t even deny us a chance to apologize, would he?”

“It’s not because of Miss Tian.”

“Then what is the reason?”

“It’s Miss Jiang—” Wu glanced at Baek Shin. “She directly asked for and took away Joe Corporation’s cooperation. The Jiang family just happened to be a scapegoat.”

“Tell Baek Shin—” I pulled Tian Xiaoxiao toward the elevator. “Even though Miss Jiang’s condition has improved, who knows when it might relapse. He’ll eventually come begging to me. I advise him now not to trouble the Jiang family.”

The elevator doors opened.

“What the president decides won’t change. You two should leave.”

“Baek Shin is just a bastard.” Tian Xiaoxiao wiped her eyes. “He’s so petty. He wants my family to go bankrupt.”

“It’s okay.” I pressed the button for the lobby. “It’s okay. You go back first. I’ve thought of a way. I’ll go tell Grandfather Joe. Grandfather Joe’s words will surely work.”

“Will it work?”

“Yes, it will. Hurry up and go. Don’t cry.”

—

The old Joe mansion hadn’t changed. Same gardens, same gates, same portrait of Grandfather Joe’s late wife hanging in the foyer.

“Hello, Grandpa.” I stepped into the study, and the old man’s face lit up. “This is Tian Xiaoxiao. How have you been lately? I wanted to come see you.”

“Okay, come over. Grandpa’s waiting for you to have dinner.”

“Okay. Okay. Okay.”

An hour later, the front door opened again.

“Sir—” The butler’s voice drifted in. “Young Master is back.”

Baek Shin.

“Why is he back, too?” I set down my teacup.

Grandfather Joe patted my hand. “About this matter—I didn’t tell you in advance. That boy, Baek Shin, is back, too. You won’t blame Grandpa, will you?”

“Of course not.” I forced a smile. “The three of us having dinner together—that kind of scene makes me happy just thinking about it.”

“It’s so sudden.” Tian Xiaoxiao kicked me under the table. “We weren’t prepared at all.”

“Let’s just have a good meal together.”

Baek Shin appeared in the doorway.

His eyes found mine immediately.

“Already here?” He walked past me without stopping. “Uncle Wu, why are you here alone? Where’s that kid?”

“The young master just received a call from the Zhang family. They said it was urgent, so he’ll come to see you later. If the young master wants to leave, I can’t stop him.”

“What urgent business could that brat possibly have?” Grandfather Joe slammed his hand on the table. “Couldn’t he have eaten before leaving?”

“Grandpa, don’t be angry.” I touched his arm. “Your health is more important.”

“That brat—” The old man shook his head. “He’s just trying to anger me to death.”

Baek Shin’s phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen, then at me.

“Excuse me.” He walked out of the room.

Through the window, I watched him get into a black sedan. The car pulled away, tires crunching on gravel.

“He’s not coming back, is he?” I asked.

Grandfather Joe sighed. “That boy—he’s always been like this. Running after that Yaya girl, leaving everything else behind.”

“Even his wife?” The words slipped out before I could stop them.

The old man looked at me—really looked at me, the way he used to before the wedding.

“Especially his wife.”

—

Part 9

The next morning, I ran into him in the elevator.

“What a coincidence.” Baek Shin stepped inside, buttoning his coat. “You actually live here, too. No wonder I ran into you at the old mansion last time.”

He lived across the hall.

What kind of twisted fate was this?

“Mr. Joe—” The elevator stopped at the ground floor. “Tian Xiaoxiao was in the wrong earlier. I apologize to you on her behalf. I hope you won’t let this matter affect your relationship with the Jiang family.”

“Dr. Jiang is truly adaptable.” He walked beside me through the lobby. “You hated me before, and now you’re starting to beg me.”

“Mr. Joe is a magnanimous person.” I smiled—that flat, empty smile I’d perfected over two years of being ignored. “You surely wouldn’t actually hold a grudge against Tian Xiaoxiao, right?”

“Your friend, Miss Jiang—” He stopped by his car. “She’s truly capable. She went to my grandfather last night. Someone like her doesn’t need to grovel and beg me.”

The doorman opened my car door. “Uncle Wu always calls me Miss Jiang. This Jiang is not that Jiang.”

“So Joe Baek Shin thought—” I got into the driver’s seat. “When I went to see Grandpa, it was Jiang Tian.”

“Your family’s scheme might fall through.” He leaned down, his hand on my door. “I won’t give up because of Grandpa’s decision. On the contrary, I’ll dislike them even more. The Jiangs who use my grandfather.”

“So, Mr. Joe—” I started the engine. “There’s no way you’ll let the Jiang family off the hook. Is that right?”

“Yes.”

“Actually, yesterday—”

My phone rang. Tian Xiaoxiao.

“Xiaoxiao, what’s wrong?”

“Jiang Wan—” She was crying. “The Joe family has completely cut ties with the Jiang family. I know I’m not much use, but I still want to do something for my family. Help me pick out a wedding dress.”

“A wedding dress?”

“I plan to use my own wedding to bring another investment to the family.”

“Don’t use yourself as a bargaining chip.” I pulled out of the parking lot. “There will definitely be a way.”

“Is there really a way?”

“We’ll take all of these.” A woman’s voice, behind me. “Mom, why are you casually using Baek Shin’s card? What will he think of me?”

“Silly girl.” An older woman’s voice. “Baek Shin, for you—he could break the contract with the Jiang family and give us the contract. He wouldn’t care about this card.”

I turned.

Yaya.

Standing in a bridal boutique, holding up a white dress.

“What are those two doing over there?” The mother pointed at us. “Get out. We’re booking the place to try on clothes.”

“Hey—” Tian Xiaoxiao stepped forward. “Why are you like this?”

“What a coincidence.” Yaya’s smile was sharp. “Dr. Jiang. It really is a coincidence.”

“No wonder Joe Baek Shin wouldn’t budge.” I pulled Tian Xiaoxiao toward the door. “So that’s why he gave the contract to you.”

“Baek Shin isn’t an outsider.” Yaya’s mother laughed. “He divorced for Yaya. A mere contract is nothing.”

“Who do you think you are—” Tian Xiaoxiao lunged.

I caught her arm.

“Hey—” Yaya’s mother stepped between us. “Have you no shame? Joe Baek Shin is a real bastard. To think I thought I was the one who offended him.”

“Stop badmouthing Baek Shin.” Yaya’s voice rose. “Baek Shin did it all for me.”

“For you?” Tian Xiaoxiao wrenched free of my grip. “I’m telling you, I’m going to scold you today. Seduced someone else’s husband—you’re not much of a good person, either. You and Joe Baek Shin are simply rotten fish matching rotten shrimp. I’m telling you, I won’t stop scolding you today.”

“Miss Jiang—” Yaya’s face had gone pale. “I don’t mean anything else by this. I’m actually looking out for you. Baek Shin is cold. He dislikes dealing with people he doesn’t know. Constantly going to him will only make him detest you. If you need anything, you can come to me. I can help relay messages.”

“I don’t need to.” I pulled Tian Xiaoxiao out the door. “I don’t want any involvement with him.”

“Jiang Wan—” Tian Xiaoxiao stumbled after me. “Why didn’t you let me scold them properly just now? Did you see her face? That mistress face—scheming her way up, and she kept saying, ‘Oh, I’ll plead with Baek Shin for you.’ What is this nonsense?”

“That’s enough.” I unlocked the car. “You don’t need to waste your breath on them. Since we know the truth, there’s no need to waste time on Joe Baek Shin. I’ve thought of a way. You go back first and wait for my news.”

“Hello,” I said into my phone. “Big brother. I’d like to ask you for a favor.”

—

Part 10

The charity gala was held at the Grand Metropolitan Hotel—all crystal chandeliers and champagne flutes and the kind of wealth that makes you feel like you’re drowning in diamonds.

“BQ Magazine must have a lot of pull.” Tian Xiaoxiao adjusted my gown. “They even managed to invite Joe Baek Shin. What an achievement.”

“Who is the woman next to him?” I asked.

Yaya.

In a gold dress, her hand on Baek Shin’s arm, her smile wide enough to catch the flash of every camera in the room.

“Is she Joe Baek Shin’s girlfriend?”

“Hello, Mr. Joe.” The editor-in-chief rushed forward. “I’m the editor-in-chief of BQ. My name is Lee. Your presence makes the entire venue shine. And this gentleman is—”

“You’re too kind, Editor Lee.” Baek Shin’s gaze swept the room. “This is my sister.”

Sister.

The word landed like a slap.

“The banquet is about to begin. I’ve reserved the best seats in the front row for you.”

“Thank you.”

“That’s Yu Shan.” Tian Xiaoxiao elbowed me. “The one who supposedly started from scratch and made the Forbes rich list in just a few years. Yu Shan—that’s him.”

I turned.

Yu Shan was walking toward us, tall and lean, his tuxedo tailored to perfection. Beside him—

“That’s his female companion.” Tian Xiaoxiao squinted. “Is she a rising star? She’s so beautiful.”

“I know her.” I stepped forward. “That’s my patient’s sister.”

“We don’t usually see important figures like these—but they’re all here today.”

“Mr. Yu.” Editor Lee appeared at his elbow. “Welcome. We’re honored by your presence. I’ll show you in.”

“Okay.” Yu Shan’s eyes met mine. “Thank you for your trouble.”

“Mr. Yu, do you know Mr. Joe?”

“Of course, I know him.” Yu Shan smiled—slow, deliberate, the smile of a man who knew exactly what he was doing. “Joe Baek Shin—in all of Jean City, who doesn’t know him?”

“Likewise.” Baek Shin stepped between us. “I’ve heard of your name, Mr. Yu, for a long time.”

Why does it feel like there’s gunpowder in the air?

“And a sour smell, too.” Tian Xiaoxiao whispered. “Something’s not right. Being squeezed between two titans like this—I feel so suffocated.”

“Brother,” Yaya tugged Baek Shin’s sleeve. “Let’s go inside first. The charity auction is about to start.”

“Yes, yes, yes.” Editor Lee clapped his hands. “It’s about to begin. I’ll show everyone in. Please follow me.”

—

The auction hall was massive—tiered seating, velvet ropes, a stage that cost more than my entire department’s annual budget.

“I’m not sure when the piece I sponsored will be up for auction.”

“Mr. Thompson hasn’t had new works on the market for a long time.” Tian Xiaoxiao leaned over. “Your painting will definitely be the grand finale.”

“But you just donated his work. Are you sure it’s okay?”

“He’s my mentor.” I smiled. “Is he going to beat me up? Besides, he already gave that painting to me.”

“You’re right.” Tian Xiaoxiao raised her paddle. “You’re his last disciple, and he’s always doted on you the most.”

“The auction officially begins.” The auctioneer stepped to the podium. “Our first item is a diamond necklace. Starting bid—eight hundred thousand dollars.”

“Do you like it?” Baek Shin’s voice, two rows behind me.

“I’ve never been interested in diamonds.”

“Do you like it?”

“Actually, just looking is fine.”

“Congratulations, Mr. Joe—” The auctioneer’s gavel fell. “For winning at eight million dollars.”

Eight million dollars.

For a necklace.

The money on this card—consider it the Joe family’s compensation.

“The next item—” The auctioneer gestured to a display case. “A pair of imperial green jade earrings. Starting bid, five million dollars.”

“Ten million.” Yu Shan’s paddle went up.

“Brother—” The woman beside him touched his arm. “Don’t you like that?”

“Your brother may not have much else—but he’s got money.”

“These earrings are indeed nice.” I heard myself say. “But over ten million—they’re not worth it.”

“Mr. Yu is spending generously.” Baek Shin’s paddle rose. “Twenty million.”

“Mr. Joe, do you genuinely like these earrings—or are you trying to take what I love?”

“Auctions are always for the highest bidder.” Baek Shin’s voice was cold. “Don’t you know the rules? Besides, what I bid for is none of your business.”

“Thirty million.”

“Forty million.”

“Fifty million.”

“Sixty million.”

“Brother—” The woman beside Yu Shan pulled his arm down. “This thing is nice, but it’s not worth this price. Buying it for sixty million would make you a fool.”

“Don’t you like it?” He asked.

“Forget it.” She shook her head. “I don’t really like it. It’s just a pair of earrings. I don’t really need them.”

“Sold for sixty million dollars.” The gavel fell. “Congratulations, Mr. Joe, on acquiring a pair of imperial green jade earrings.”

“Mr. Joe truly lives up to his reputation.” The whispers rippled through the crowd. “He didn’t even blink. Spending sixty million on a pair of earrings.”

“Excuse me, miss.” A server appeared beside me. “These earrings are for that lady.”

I turned.

Baek Shin was holding the display case.

Sixty million dollars.

And he was holding it out to me.

Not to Yaya.

To me.

“Oh my god—” Tian Xiaoxiao grabbed my arm. “Sixty million dollars’ worth of stuff. She didn’t even touch it, and he just gave it away. Wait, that’s not right. This woman is Yu Shan’s companion. Why would Mr. Joe give it to her and not his own companion?”

“Mr. Joe—” I didn’t move. “What does this mean?”

“It’s just a cheap little trinket.” His voice was steady. “You saved Yaya. Her life is much more important than these.”

“I’ve already received the reward I deserve.” I turned back to the stage. “So these earrings are not necessary.”

“Dr. Jiang.” His voice dropped. “You’ve rejected me again. Are you trying to truly make me angry?”

“Mr. Joe—” I faced him. “What do you mean by that? We don’t seem to be very close. So please, don’t say anything that could be misunderstood or do anything that could be misunderstood.”

Not very close.

His expression flickered—something raw, something almost wounded.

“Not very close?” He set the earrings on the table beside me. “Fine. Very well.”

The whispers swelled.

“This woman is so bold. She actually angered Joe Baek Shin.”

“I wonder what her relationship with Joe Baek Shin is. He personally gave her a gift in public, and she even dared to reject him publicly.”

“No one in the whole city dares to offend Joe Baek Shin. This woman is probably in for a lot of trouble.”

“Brother—” Yaya pulled Baek Shin back to his seat. “Why does it feel like Mr. Joe is trying too hard? Because she saved me—he’s giving her such a valuable gift. Baek Shin, is that really why?”

“Why do I feel like I understand you less and less?”

“Joe Baek Shin.” Yaya’s voice was barely audible. “You’ve lost control. It looks like this isn’t the first time you’ve lost control. Come on, tell me—who is she?”

“She’s Yaya’s doctor.” Baek Shin sat down. “I don’t know why, but every time she sees me, she’s very hostile.”

“She saved my life. She’s hostile to you?”

“All right—” He pulled out his phone. “Help me look into it. I have a feeling her identity isn’t that simple.”

“Something seems to have happened.” The auctioneer’s voice cut through the murmur. “Everyone, please calm down. The next item up for auction is an authentic piece by Mr. Thompson.”

“Mr. Thompson stopped auctioning his paintings a long time ago.”

“This can’t be his work.”

“Exactly. They dare to auction a fake painting? Do they really think we’re all fools?”

“Please, everyone, calm down.” The auctioneer wiped his brow. “This painting by Mr. Thompson was sponsored by an anonymous person. They guaranteed that it is an authentic piece.”

“She says it’s authentic, so it’s authentic—who would believe that?”

“Exactly. Who is this anonymous person? If they’re so bold, step forward. Let them provide proof.”

“I sponsored the painting.” I stood up.

“It’s her again.” Yaya’s voice cut through the crowd. “The woman Joe Baek Shin gave the earrings to.”

“Dr. Jiang—” The editor-in-chief approached me. “While your intention to do charity is good, doing it this way is somewhat inappropriate. Deceiving everyone with a fake will cause public outrage. Hurry up and admit your mistake.”

“Jiang Wan—” Yaya’s smile was venomous. “I was just wondering how to embarrass you, and you actually handed yourself over on a silver platter.”

“The painting’s authenticity hasn’t even been authenticated yet—and you want me to admit I’m wrong?”

“Denying it is useless.” Yaya stepped closer. “Here are quite a few fans of old Mr. Thompson who know old Mr. Thompson’s paintings best. What’s the point of your denial?”

“Since everyone doubts the authenticity of this painting—” I walked to the podium. “Then let’s have an appraiser come. The truth will be revealed.”

“I’ve already contacted an appraiser.” Baek Shin stood up. “Master Wu will be here shortly.”

The doors opened.

“Master Wu is here.”

—

Part 11

Master Wu was old—eighty, at least—with hands that trembled and eyes that didn’t miss a thing.

“Master Wu, you’ve arrived.” Yaya rushed forward. “Please take a look at this painting. You are the most authoritative.”

“Hmm.” Master Wu bent over the canvas.

“Heaven help us.” The editor-in-chief wrung his hands. “Yu Shan, this new prominent figure is reliable. After all, at the time, it was he who provided the guarantee.”

“I’m just afraid Mr. Yu has also been deceived by this young lady. Kept in the dark.”

“Once the appraisal result is out—” Yaya’s smile widened. “You won’t be able to argue your way out. Dr. Jiang, I advise you now to apologize publicly at once. Perhaps everyone will forgive you. If this escalates, it will get ugly.”

“Master Wu—” The editor-in-chief hovered. “A fake painting—does it take this long to examine? Has the appraisal result come out yet?”

“Master Wu—” Yaya stepped forward. “This painting, it’s fake, right?”

“Dr. Jiang—” Yaya faced me. “Now, what else do you have to deny?”

“The appraisal result is out.” Master Wu straightened.

“Noisy.”

Yaya blinked. “Master Wu, as for the authenticity of this painting—I believe in your heart you already have the answer. Don’t you?”

“This work should be authentic.”

Silence.

“Impossible.” Yaya’s voice cracked. “This is absolutely impossible.”

“Miss—” Master Wu’s eyes were sharp. “Are you questioning my abilities?”

“I don’t mean that. It’s just that the means of forgery are so sophisticated now. She’s just a doctor. Old Mr. Thompson’s new work is priceless. It’s impossible for her to have it.”

“Why is it impossible?”

The doors opened again.

Yu Shan walked down the center aisle.

“Ah—” The editor-in-chief stumbled backward. “This is Yu—old Mr. Thompson’s head disciple. Why is he here, too?”

“It’s probably about the fake painting again.”

“This has gotten out of hand.”

“Regarding this matter—” Yaya’s voice was triumphant. “If we pursue it, selling old Mr. Thompson’s painting as a genuine one—this woman will face legal trouble. Go to jail.”

“Dr. Jiang—” Baek Shin stepped toward me. “At this point, are you still going to play tough and feign innocence?”

“What happened?” Yu Shan reached me. “You didn’t tell me. Do you still even consider me, your senior disciple brother, as someone to be respected? Haven’t I told you—no matter what you encounter, don’t try to carry it all by yourself. My master and I will always be your support.”

“Senior brother, please don’t be angry.” I touched his arm. “I didn’t want to bother you—and besides, it’s just a small matter. I can handle it myself.”

“My junior sister sincerely wants to do charity, which is why she donated it as an auction item.” Yu Shan faced the crowd. “I never expected that she would be slandered like this.”

“So—” The editor-in-chief’s mouth fell open. “She is old Mr. Thompson’s closed-door disciple?”

“I’ve long heard that old Mr. Thompson took in a closed-door disciple. They say she’s exceptionally talented. Old Mr. Thompson was grooming her as a successor.”

“I just didn’t expect to actually meet her in person today.”

“Yeah, I didn’t expect the other party to be a woman.”

“Even more unexpected—she’s such a beautiful woman.”

“It’s a misunderstanding.” The editor-in-chief rushed forward. “This is all just a misunderstanding. Please, both of you, don’t take it to heart.”

“Just one word—’misunderstanding’—can make it seem like nothing happened?” Yu Shan’s voice was cold. “Mu Rong Sai, who was right and who was wrong—should probably be settled, shouldn’t it? It seemed like just now, it was you who was yelling the loudest.”

“That’s not—”

“How about this?” Yu Shan smiled. “How about you, for the fuss just now, apologize to my junior sister and admit your mistake?”

The editor-in-chief’s face went white.

“Since you won’t apologize—” Yu Shan turned to the security guards. “Then this lady should be kicked out.”

“Kick her out.” Tian Xiaoxiao clapped. “Kick her out.”

“I apologize.” The editor-in-chief bowed. “I can apologize. I’m sorry, Dr. Jiang. I was just too worried about you. I was really worried that you were deceiving people with a fake painting. I got nervous for a moment and didn’t think too much about it. I’m sorry.”

“All right—” The auctioneer cleared his throat. “Now that the misunderstanding is cleared up, our auction will continue. Everyone, please return to your seats.”

“I’ve noted down today’s grievance.” Yaya’s eyes burned into me. “I remember it all. Next, we’ll continue the auction. Dr. Jiang, from now on, I won’t go easy on you. I won’t hold back.”

“This genuine work by old Mr. Thompson—” Baek Shin was staring at me. “By a world-renowned doctor and also old Mr. Thompson’s closed-door disciple. Dr. Jiang—what else are you hiding? How many more secrets do you have?”

“I don’t know.” Mu Rong Sai appeared beside him, grinning. “She doesn’t just have many secrets. She also has quite a few protectors.”

“Shut up.”

“All right, all right, just kidding.” Mu Rong Sai nudged him. “What’s her name? Dr. Jiang?”

“I didn’t find it?”

“There’s something you can’t find?”

“Okay, don’t worry. I’ll definitely investigate her thoroughly for you. Digging up everything.”

“I’m counting on you.”

—

Part 12

The after-party was worse than the auction.

More champagne. More cameras. More whispers trailing behind me like a silk train I couldn’t shake.

“After the auction ends, there’s only the banquet left. It’s all socializing.” Yu Shan appeared at my elbow. “If you want to go back, just call me anytime. I’ll take you back.”

“You go ahead and tend to your business.” I smiled. “I’ll be fine.”

“I never expected this city still has such beautiful women.” A man stepped in front of me—young, handsome, with the kind of expensive smile that usually preceded a lawsuit. “Then let me introduce myself. Miss, I am Xiao Yi. Let’s be friends.”

“Sorry.” I stepped around him. “I don’t like making friends.”

“Since I’m giving you face, but you refuse—” He grabbed my arm. “Then I’ll just proceed in my own way.”

“Please step aside.”

“What?” He pulled me toward the exit. “Do you think I’m just playing with women in this garden without being prepared? When it comes to playing with women, I’ve never once failed.”

“Let go of me.”

“Got some fire, do you?” He laughed. “Fine. Let’s see if you’re still so feisty when we’re in bed later.”

“Let me go.”

“So full of spirit.” He pressed a glass to my lips. “Now drink it obediently. When you get drunk later, get into bed with me—you’ll be even more open.”

The liquid burned my throat.

“Let go.” I shoved him. “Let me go.”

“Oh, oh, oh—” His face twisted. “Which blind idiot—”

“Xiao Yi.” A hand closed around the man’s wrist. “Either you leave on your own, or I’ll escort you out myself. Young Master Xiao—choose one.”

“I’ll leave.” He dropped my arm. “I’ll leave.”

“Thank you.” I leaned against the wall, the room spinning. “A damsel in distress saved.”

“My name is Xiao Yi.” He smiled. “Xiao Yi.”

“See you next time.”

“Tsk tsk tsk—” Mu Rong Sai appeared beside him. “Coming out in such a hurry to play the hero saving the damsel, and you couldn’t even save her. She just ran off with someone else.”

“What?”

“Cut it out. She didn’t run off with me.”

“Then why don’t you try to find a way to help me?”

—

The lobby was empty.

I made it to the elevator, pressed the button for my floor, and watched the doors slide closed.

Then they slid open again.

Joe Baek Shin stepped inside.

“Baek Shin isn’t home.” He leaned against the wall. “Standing by the elevator—what are you looking at me for? He wouldn’t possibly be waiting for me on purpose, would he?”

“I’m not waiting for you.”

“Stay away from Xiao Yi from now on.” His voice was flat. “He’s a playboy. He’s not suitable for you at all.”

“Mr. Joe—” I faced him. “Are you threatening me?”

“What else?”

“Right here, there’s a third person.” I gestured to the empty elevator. “Mr. Joe, what makes you think Mr. Xiao isn’t a good person? I think he’s quite nice. Besides, who I spend time with is my own business. What business is it of yours?”

The elevator stopped.

The lights went out.

“Great.” I pressed the emergency button. “It’s one thing with you Xiao and Wang Yu, but you have to provoke Xiao Yi, too? You should mind your own business first.”

Nothing.

“Hello?” I pressed again. “How unlucky can I get? First, I run into Joe Baek Shin. Then the building loses power.”

Silence.

“Mr. Joe—” I felt along the wall. “Mr. Joe, think of a solution quickly. I don’t want to spend tonight staying here.”

Still silence.

“Joe Baek Shin—” I turned. “What’s wrong with you? Call the property management quickly. Oh, right. Call them.”

I pulled out my phone.

Dead battery.

“Call them.” His voice came from the corner—tight, strained. “My phone’s dead, too.”

“Gently—” I moved toward him. “Joe Baek Shin, are you okay?”

“Don’t come closer.”

“Joe Baek Shin—” I stopped. “You’re not afraid of the dark, are you?”

“Shut up.”

He was.

The great Joe Baek Shin, CEO of Joe Corporation, master of the universe—afraid of the dark.

“This won’t do.” I found his arm in the darkness. “We have to find a way out. Otherwise, Joe Baek Shin like this will definitely get into trouble.”

“Don’t touch me.”

“Joe Baek Shin—listen to me.” I took his hand. “Do this with me. Take a deep breath. In.”

“I said—”

“In.” I squeezed his fingers. “Out. Good. Again. Out. Calm yourself down.”

His hand was shaking.

“My phone is dead.” I let go. “What about your phone? If you don’t tell me, I’ll find it myself.”

“Where are you touching?”

“I don’t know. Where is your phone?”

“My pocket.”

I reached into his pocket.

“Not that pocket.”

“Sorry.” I found the phone. “Dead. How come your phone is dead, too? Joe Baek Shin—what’s going on with you? Tell me. What’s wrong?”

“It has nothing to do with you.”

“My good intentions are wasted on you.” I stepped back. “And I was just worried about him.”

“Where are you going?”

“Away from you.”

“You—” His voice cracked. “Why are you so far away from me?”

“You can’t control me.”

“Come closer to me.”

“I won’t.”

“Come closer to me.”

“No.”

“Come closer—” A breath. “And I will tell you the reason.”

The elevator was silent.

“Come a little closer.”

I stepped forward.

“I am afraid of the dark.”

I started laughing.

“You’re really afraid of the dark?”

“It’s not funny.”

“The great Mr. Joe is afraid of the dark.” I couldn’t stop. “If this gets out, how many people would drop their jaws in surprise?”

“You wouldn’t dare.”

“Why are you being so fierce? Let me tell you—right now, in front of me, you’re just like a helpless little kitten. I’ve already got your secret.”

“What are you going to do?”

“Hey—” I leaned against the wall. “I was just kidding. Even though I dislike you—I’m not the kind of person who takes advantage of others.”

“Finally admitted it.” His voice was quieter now. “You dislike me.”

“That’s right. I do dislike you.”

“So—” A pause. “What did I do wrong? Did I offend you?”

“Where you offended me? There are plenty of places.”

“Name one.”

“For example—” I took a breath. “The Jiang family matter. You clearly decided long ago to end the cooperation with the Jiang family. So why did you put on an act as if I and Tian Xiaoxiao had offended you?”

“Mu Rong Sai told you?”

“Your information is quite up-to-date, isn’t it? That’s right. I intend to terminate all cooperation with the Jiang family.”

“Mr. Joe really does anything for Miss Jiang. He’s capable of anything.”

“Aren’t you the same?” His voice was closer now. “Outside, you are the renowned Dr. Jiang. And you are old Mr. Thompson’s star pupil. The various roles you hold—each one of them, an ordinary person would struggle a lifetime to achieve. You seem unfazed by it all.”

“Life is long.”

“What I know is more than just this.”

“But what business is it of yours?”

“Dr. Jiang—” He was right in front of me now. I could feel his breath on my face. “On you—how many more secrets do you have?”

The lights flickered.

Then came back on.

Assistant Wu stood in the elevator doorway, his mouth open.

“President—” He blinked. “Excuse me. The breaker just lost power. Understood.”

He looked at me. Looked at Baek Shin.

“Was I not coming at a good time?” He stepped back. “Sorry to intrude.”

“Thanks.” I walked past him. “Assistant Wu.”

“Dr. Jiang—” He hurried after me. “Mr. Joe’s door is across the hall. You’re at the wrong door.”

“No, I’m not.”

I unlocked my apartment.

Behind me, I heard Wu say, “Dr. Jiang, this is what the president asked me to bring you. Eat it while it’s hot.”

I turned.

He was holding a white paper bag.

“I never thought that one day I would be able to drink porridge made by Joe Baek Shin.” I took the bag. “This is spooky.”

The door closed.

Through the peephole, I watched Baek Shin walk to his apartment across the hall.

He stopped.

Looked back at my door.

For a long moment, he just stood there—the great Joe Baek Shin, afraid of the dark—staring at the place where his wife had been living for two years without him knowing.

Then he went inside.

And I ate his porridge in the dark.

—

To be continued in Part 2…