Xiao Churan was full of curiosity about the day’s events.


First, why was Ye Chen’s BMW 520 so much faster than Wang Tengfei’s BMW 540?


Then, there was that painting worth tens of thousands of yuan!


And lastly, why did Ye Chen seem to know people from the underworld, and why did they show him so much respect?


On the way home, Ye Chen explained everything to her. He told her the BMW 520 he drove was a modified test vehicle from the dealership, designed to make potential buyers feel the car had more power.


Xiao Churan wasn’t very knowledgeable about cars and, after some confusion, accepted this explanation.


As for the painting, Ye Chen had already explained that it was sold to him cheaply by a friend out of goodwill, and he then passed it on to Wang Daokun as a gesture of friendship.


But the situation with the scar-faced thug was trickier to explain.


After some thought, Ye Chen told her the thug’s boss was a relative of one of his friends, and it was only out of respect for his friend that the thug had shown him such deference.


Although Xiao Churan felt this explanation didn’t quite add up, she saw Ye Chen’s confidence and didn’t press further.


On the other hand, Dong Ruoling, who had been silently observing, found Ye Chen increasingly mysterious. She resolved to keep an eye on him to uncover what secrets he might be hiding.


Meanwhile, Wang Tengfei’s situation had taken a nosedive.


After being beaten unconscious, he was rushed to the hospital. At the same time, his father was not only fired by the Imperial Group but was also found guilty of corruption. The company’s legal department had reported him, and he was promptly arrested by the police.


The Wang family was effectively ruined.


But they weren’t well-known in Jinling, so few paid attention to their downfall.


What truly captured the public’s interest was the identity of the mysterious tycoon from the viral video and the person who had reserved the entire rooftop garden at the Shangri-La Hotel.


Everyone was eager to know: who were they? Were they the same person?


Soon, the day of Ye Chen and Xiao Churan’s wedding anniversary arrived.


Having promised a surprise, Ye Chen insisted Xiao Churan change into a formal, elegant white evening gown before leaving.


Xiao Churan reluctantly agreed, muttering, “It’s just dinner. Why make such a big deal out of it? Even though it’s our wedding anniversary, we don’t need to go overboard, do we?”


Ye Chen smiled. “It’s our third anniversary, and it deserves to be special. I’ve planned the evening carefully—you’ll love it.”


He had been meticulous in keeping the plan a secret, so Xiao Churan remained unaware of the surprise awaiting her.


Touched, Xiao Churan smiled softly. Their past anniversaries had been simple affairs at home, yet Ye Chen always managed to prepare thoughtful little gifts despite his lack of money.


This year, however, his mysterious demeanor intrigued her. She couldn’t help but wonder what he had planned.


Dressed and ready, the two hailed a cab and headed to the Shangri-La Hotel.


As they stepped out of the cab, Ye Chen turned to Xiao Churan, his gaze tender. “Churan, tonight we’ll celebrate our anniversary here. What do you think?”


Xiao Churan was taken aback. She asked hesitantly, “You’re not joking, are you?”


Ye Chen chuckled. “Of course not! A few days ago, I made a reservation. If you don’t believe me, we can confirm it inside.”


Xiao Churan shook her head. “No need. I trust you.”


However, she couldn’t help but ask, “You didn’t book the rooftop garden, did you? I heard it’s reserved for some big shot tonight.”


Ye Chen quickly explained, “No, I booked a table near the rooftop garden. From there, we can see what’s happening inside and maybe catch a glimpse of the big shot. Wouldn’t that be fun?”


Xiao Churan laughed. “Not everyone is as curious as you.”


The two entered the hotel.


Just as they were about to head upstairs, a surprised voice called out from behind: “Oh my! Xiao Churan? What are you doing here?”


Xiao Churan turned to see a young couple approaching.


The man was dressed in an expensive suit, clearly a wealthy heir, while the woman was covered head to toe in designer brands, her makeup meticulously applied. Despite her glamorous appearance, her demeanor was arrogant and overly coquettish.


Xiao Churan immediately recognized the woman—it was Zhao Liqing, her former college roommate.


Although they had shared a dorm room, the two had never been close.


Zhao Liqing had always been jealous of Xiao Churan’s beauty and popularity, believing herself more deserving of the “campus belle” title.


Yet in truth, Zhao Liqing was far from Xiao Churan’s equal in looks, demeanor, or charisma.


However, Zhao Liqing had one “advantage”: she was skilled at manipulating men. Rumors abounded that her university expenses were entirely covered by her various “sponsors.”


Suppressing her discomfort, Xiao Churan forced a polite smile. “Liqing, long time no see. My husband and I are here for dinner. How about you?”


Zhao Liqing feigned surprise. “What a coincidence! My husband and I are here for dinner too!”


Feigning curiosity, she continued, “By the way, which table did you reserve? A standard, deluxe, or luxury suite?”


Xiao Churan, unsure of Ye Chen’s arrangements, replied honestly, “I’m not sure. My husband made the reservation.”


Only then did Zhao Liqing notice Ye Chen. Covering her mouth with a laugh, she said, “Oh, so this is your famous live-in husband, Ye Chen? Back in college, he had quite the reputation as a freeloader!”


Her words, dripping with mockery, cut deeply.


Xiao Churan’s face flushed with embarrassment.


Feigning regret, Zhao Liqing quickly added, “Oh dear, forgive me. I tend to speak without thinking. Don’t take it to heart, okay?”


Ye Chen frowned. This Zhao Liqing was clearly not here with good intentions.