The next morning, Xing Zheng sent Shen Su a WeChat message, asking him to meet at Ru Feng Club after work.
At six in the evening, Shen Su arrived at the private room and met Xing Zheng. Gu Song was also sitting beside them.
Seeing Xing Zheng's conflicted expression, a mixture of playfulness and seriousness, Shen Su raised his eyebrows. Based on his understanding of Xing Zheng, when he wore that expression, nothing good ever followed.
Shen Su: "What's up?"
Not going home to accompany his wife and children on a workday, but instead inviting them out for drinks, that alone was suspicious.
Xing Zheng fiddled with his wine glass and asked with a casual smile, "Have you been looking for women recently?"
Shen Su was taken aback by the question. "Don't tell me you asked me out just to ask this."
Xing Zheng: "Of course not. I asked you out to introduce you to a girlfriend."
This time, not only Shen Su but also Gu Song was surprised. He looked at Xing Zheng with curiosity. "Have you changed careers to become a matchmaker?"
Having known each other for many years, he had never seen Xing Zheng introduce someone to a partner. Xing Zheng had never been one to meddle in others' affairs.
After Shen Su recovered from his surprise, he also asked, "Why so sudden?"
Xing Zheng: "It's not sudden. I think the other party suits your taste. How about it, want to meet her?"
Shen Su replied almost without hesitation, "Not interested."
Xing Zheng narrowed his eyes and scrutinized him. This answer was completely out of character for Shen Su.
Shen Su was a notorious player. In the past, if anyone introduced him to a woman, as long as she was good-looking, he would generally meet her. He would never refuse so decisively.
The way he refused just now made it seem like he was remaining chaste for someone.
Xing Zheng never dreamed that one day he would use that word to describe Shen Su.
With that thought, Xing Zheng chuckled. "Why aren't you interested? After breaking up with Ji Tong, you don't like women anymore?"
Shen Su: "..."
Xing Zheng: "So, you have someone in your heart."
After laying the groundwork, Xing Zheng smoothly brought up what he wanted to say. "Are you still thinking about Feng Feng?"
Shen Su wasn't surprised that Xing Zheng had guessed this. His mind worked faster than anyone's, and he knew Shen Su very well.
Since he had been found out, Shen Su didn't deny it. He nodded under Xing Zheng's gaze. "That's right."
Shen Su had expected Xing Zheng to advise him, perhaps telling him not to harbor improper intentions.
However, Xing Zheng said nothing. He even smiled and said, "You're serious, aren't you? This is the first time I've seen you so completely captivated by a woman."
Shen Su: "..."
Gu Song felt that every word Xing Zheng said today was strange and confusing. He couldn't help but ask, "What exactly are you trying to say?"
Xing Zheng answered a question with another. "I heard Li Yue went to work in New York. He'll likely be developing his career there for the next few years."
Shen Su: "Yes, I know."
Xing Zheng raised an eyebrow. "How do you know?"
Shen Su: "Feng Feng went to the airport to see him off yesterday and we chatted for a bit."
"What did I miss?" Xing Zheng smiled playfully. "Are you and Feng Feng at a stage where you can stop and chat now?"
Shen Su: "She and I aren't enemies."
Xing Zheng: "Are you planning to pursue her?"
Shen Su avoided the question. He thought Xing Zheng would "condemn" him for this matter, but unexpectedly, Xing Zheng said, "Li Yue has gone to New York. This is your once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Strike while the iron is hot."
At these words, Shen Su and Gu Song were both stunned, utterly disbelieving that these words came from Xing Zheng's mouth.
Shen Su frowned and confirmed, "Are you encouraging me to steal someone else's girlfriend?"
Xing Zheng: "Isn't that what you're thinking?" Shen Su: "I remember you were very against me doing this before."
Xing Zheng: "You said it was before. I've changed my mind now. Since you haven't been able to forget her for so long, why not go and win her over? Li Yue is no longer in Nanjiang anyway, and long-distance relationships are unreliable."
Shen Su considered Xing Zheng's words, then exchanged a look with Gu Song. After their eyes met, Shen Su said to Xing Zheng, "Li Yue's job was arranged by me."
This time, it was Xing Zheng's turn to be surprised. He put down his glass. "You arranged it?"
Gu Song chimed in, "You can't entirely blame Shen Su. If Li Yue hadn't applied, how could Shen Su have arranged it for him? It's mainly because Li Yue is too ambitious."
Gu Song's words resolved Xing Zheng's confusion. He quickly pieced together the entire situation.
Afterward, Xing Zheng looked at Shen Su with a smile again. "You've played this game very well."
Shen Su remained silent.
Xing Zheng praised him again. "After that high fever, your IQ seems to have come back too."
Shen Su: "..."
It wasn't entirely Xing Zheng's fault for saying that. It was mainly because Shen Su's previous actions were indeed very confusing. Ever since Wen Zhouyuan appeared, he hadn't been normal. Not only was he jealous, but he even went to Wen Zhouyuan to make a scene. Feng Feng, with her personality, would naturally think he was childish.
It was commendable that he could now calm down, re-evaluate the situation, and find effective solutions.
However, this was contingent on Feng Feng still having some feelings for him.
Furthermore, Li Yue's ambition had also given him an opportunity to seize the moment.
Shen Su and Gu Song were carefully considering Xing Zheng's words. Shen Su, with his quick mind, immediately thought of something due to Xing Zheng's unusual attitude today. "Did Lin Mei say something to you?"
Given Feng Feng and Lin Mei's relationship, if there was a rift between Feng Feng and Li Yue, she would definitely tell Lin Mei first.
Gu Song also realized this, and they both looked at Xing Zheng.
Xing Zheng didn't reveal too much to Shen Su, only saying, "With Li Yue gone, this long-distance relationship probably won't last long."
Gu Song: "Isn't that obvious? Their relationship wasn't very stable to begin with. They've only been together for a short time. Li Yue is in his mid-twenties, full of vigor. How could he remain faithful? Moreover, there's also Zhang..."
At this point, Gu Song suddenly realized something was wrong and quickly shut his mouth.
Xing Zheng didn't know about Zhang Shuang's matter. If he let it slip, it might cause trouble.
"There's also what?" Although Gu Song quickly closed his mouth, Xing Zheng still heard it and immediately sensed something was amiss. "Are you two hiding something from me?"
Gu Song immediately looked at Shen Su. After careful consideration, Shen Su decided to tell Xing Zheng the truth. "You remember Li Yue's ex-girlfriend, right?"
Xing Zheng nodded. "I remember. The one who broke up with him because she went abroad to study."
Shen Su said, "Gu Song contacted her before."
Xing Zheng narrowed his eyes, almost guessing his next move. "You plan to have this ex-girlfriend look for Li Yue?"
After asking, Xing Zheng suddenly remembered something. "Was it you who arranged for Li Yue to contact his ex-girlfriend before?"
Gu Song said, "I arranged it before. He didn't even know about it back then."