Chapter 29 The Tarot Cards suggest someone wants to take his place. ...

After Liang Yizhi got out of the car, only Gu Yinyan and Wu You were left inside. The silence made Wu You want to jump out of the car and escape.

She calmly spoke first, taking the initiative, "Um... thank you for your trouble, I live a bit far away."

However, Gu Yinyan did not respond to her polite words, but instead asked:

"Does she usually exaggerate this much when she lies to you?"

His words hit the nail on the head, and Wu You immediately blushed, a faint blush spreading from the base of her neck. She stammered, "Hahaha...you're really joking..."

The traffic light ahead was red, so Gu Yinyan braked and came to a steady stop before the stop line.

"You have something to say to me?"

At that moment, Wu You just wanted to crawl under the car seat.

She anticipated that her and Liang Yizhi's excuses would be clumsy, but she didn't expect Gu Yinyan to say it so bluntly.

She decided to put aside her pride and said bluntly, "Alright. Since you've already guessed it, I'll be frank. I just want to get to know you better, like making friends."

"I didn't mean anything by it, don't be scared."

Gu Yinyan said, "No."

Hearing his answer, Wu You finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Recalling her first meeting with Gu Yinyan, Wu You asked, "You and Yizhi are quite close, aren't you? You gave her a huge bouquet of flowers back then, and I thought you were her new boyfriend."

"However, Yizhi and Xie Yun had only broken up not long ago, and I thought she would be depressed for a while, but she seemed to be in pretty good shape."

Gu Yinyan said softly, "What is he?"

Wu You was startled by the sudden cold tone and paused for a second: "Huh?"

"There's nothing to miss about a man who has cheated on his wife."

"Yes...that's true."

There weren't many cars at night, so Gu Yinyan stepped on the gas and sped along the road.

Wu You admitted that her chat plan was a failure. Their conversation was dry and mostly revolved around Liang Yizhi and the band, which was the only connection between the two of them.

Upon arriving at their destination and getting out of the car, Wu You pushed open the door and found that Gu Yinyan had also gotten out. He went around to the back of the car and took out the zither for her.

Wu You accepted the gift and politely thanked him, saying, "Thank you for your hard work tonight. You even went out of your way to give me a ride so late at night."

She mustered her courage and asked the person opposite her, "We're friends, so I was wondering if I could add you on WeChat? Maybe next time I'll treat you to a meal to thank you—"

"Miss Wu."

Gu Yinyan suddenly called her name, and Wu You was struck by that magnetic voice, her heart trembling.

Gu Yinyan spoke up, crisp and clear: "I don't like all that beating around the bush, so I'll just say it straight. Don't waste your time on me."

His refusal was brief and straightforward, so quick that Wu You didn't even understand what had happened.

Wu You gripped the straps tightly with both hands: "Can't I even add you on WeChat?"

There's no need for that.

Gu Yinyan's meaning is very clear.

She looked down, staring at her toes. Without needing to ask further, she fully grasped the blatant misunderstanding conveyed in that tone.

After meeting Gu Yinyan tonight, she had assumed he was a gentle and considerate person, and that even if there was no chance, he would at least not refuse her request to add him as a contact.

I never expected him to be so tough; beneath his humble exterior lay a cold heart.

Wu You apologized to him: "I'm sorry, I was too abrupt."

“I want to ask one last question,” Wu You said, “Do you have someone you like? Yi Zhi never told me, so I assumed…”

Wu You looked up.

Gu Yinyan stood opposite her, his hair gently swaying in one direction in the wind, his eyes beneath the hair clear and bright like a mirror.

Golden leaves hung overhead as he stood beneath the tree, a scene as beautiful as a painting.

Wu You suddenly had a very strong feeling.

She was neither the creator of the painting nor a character in the painting; she was just an ordinary bystander.

Looking into those enigmatic eyes, she suddenly had her answer.

She heard the person in the painting whisper to her:

"Keep it a secret for me."

-

The next day, I went to the orchestra.

Liang Yizhi was distracted. When the morning rehearsal ended, she couldn't contain herself any longer and finally grabbed Wu You to ask:

"How did your conversation with Gu Yinyan go yesterday?"

Wu You put down the bow: "Thanks to you, I had forgotten about it, but now I remember it again."

"How so?"

"Of course, they saw right away that we were just wingmen and rejected me outright."

Liang Yizhi apologized, "I'm sorry, I made it too obvious."

Gu Yinyan had indeed figured it out. That's why he was unhappy last night and didn't want to say goodbye to her.

Wu You didn't seem to care: "It's nothing, I just wanted to let you know. He knows you so well, he can tell what you're planning the moment you move your hand. How could we possibly hide it from him?"

Liang Yizhi thought so too.

From childhood to adulthood, she would tell Gu Yinyan everything about her. Even if Gu Yinyan wasn't a mind reader, he was practically a psychic in her brain.

This feeling is really unpleasant.

Wu You added, "You two seem to have a good relationship. I've noticed that he's been appearing around you quite often since Xie Yun left."

“Yes,” Liang Yizhi readily admitted. “He is very thoughtful and reliable, so I rely on him as a friend quite a bit.”

"Since he's such a nice person and so handsome, and you've known each other for so long, why aren't you together?"

Liang Yizhi was taken aback.

Over the years, she had never imagined what it would be like to be with Gu Yinyan and become a couple.

The thought of Gu Yinyan hugging or kissing her was incredibly bizarre and would give her goosebumps.

In Liang Yizhi's understanding of interpersonal relationships, this is simply unethical.

Liang Yizhi said, "He's like family to me, and he knows my parents too. I treat him like an older brother, like an elder. How could I possibly be with him?"

"And what about him? Doesn't he like you either?"

"You don't like it, do you?"

"How can you be so sure?" Wu You asked again.

Liang Yizhi hesitated: "If you like someone, shouldn't you be completely focused on her, think she looks good in everything she wears, like everything she does, and be unable to resist praising her and wanting to give her everything you have?"

In her memory, Gu Yinyan had never praised her.

She changed into a new dress and bought new earrings, but he never noticed and never brought it up.

If Liang Yizhi deliberately showed off, Gu Yinyan would simply remain oblivious and coldly ask, "So?"

She would sulk for half a day because of this, then console herself, "Why flirt with a blind man?" She would simply hum a couple of times and ignore him.

Gu Yinyan hadn't given her anything. It was just the usual gifts during holidays, and he was always there for her whenever she needed him.

That's all.

Isn't this just the relationship between friends?

Liang Yizhi firmly believed this.

"Besides, if we were going to be together, we would have been together already... Who would stay friends for so long?"

She shrugged: "Anyway, I don't like dishonest people. If it were me, I would actively pursue the person I like."

Wu You understood, but didn't agree. She raised her eyebrows and nodded her chin.

Liang Yizhi was dissatisfied with her reaction: "...Why aren't you saying anything?"

"No."

"It's clearly there. Tell me, what are you thinking?"

"There's nothing there, hehe. Hey, hey, stop touching me! Stop scratching me—"

The two joked and laughed, ate another meal, and passed the lunch break before continuing their afternoon rehearsal.

After rehearsal, Liang Yizhi went home, changed her clothes, put on makeup, and went straight to HOOK.

Upon entering HOOK, Liang Yizhi saw He Xintu standing behind the bar, chatting with the other bartenders. He seemed to have noticed the figure coming in through the door, his gaze sweeping across the people opposite him to the farthest point in the distance.

Liang Yizhi waved, and saw him smile and greet the others before they dispersed.

Liang Yizhi walked towards him.

He Xintu smiled as he watched her approach: "You look beautiful today."

"Don't start praising me right away," Liang Yizhi said, touching her neck.

He Xintu's gaze traveled up her fair arm: "You're wearing a necklace today? It suits you very well."

Liang Yizhi touched the pendant on her collarbone and smiled.

She doesn't usually wear much jewelry besides earrings. Today, however, she dressed up nicely to match her outfit, thinking it was her first formal meeting with her friends.

Having one's little secret seen through and receiving praise is naturally a pleasant thing. Liang Yizhi smiled, in a very good mood.

He Xintu pointed upstairs and said, "There are private rooms here, but I was worried that you might find it too quiet, so I reserved a corner spot upstairs in advance. It's away from the crowd, so it won't be too noisy, and it still has a nice atmosphere."

Liang Yizhi nodded: "No problem, Mr. He has put in a lot of effort."

Not long after, He Man and Jiang Huai also arrived.

As soon as Jiang Huai sat down, he exclaimed, "This is a great spot! It faces the resident band and offers a view of the terrace!"

"You're really good at flattering people," He Man retorted. "Boss He isn't here right now, he can't hear you."

Jiang Huai: "I wasn't saying this to him, you're being too nosy!"

Liang Yizhi placed her hand between the two of them: "Alright, alright, the music is already loud enough, any more noise will only make things worse."

She asked Jiang Huai, "Where is Gu Yinyan?"

"No rush. I have some things to take care of at the company, I'll probably be half an hour late."

He Xintu walked over with the wine list: "Long time no see?"

"Boss He, it's great to see you again." Jiang Huai stood up. "Thank you for helping with the matter that Liang Yizhi asked me to do! I'll have my colleagues help you promote your bar more."

Jiang Huai had a high opinion of He Xintu. Firstly, the man was good-looking, and secondly, he was chivalrous and always ready to help those in need. When men make friends, what they value most is this kind of spirit and this rare sense of loyalty.

Despite having just met He Xintu, he already treated him like one of his brothers.

He Xintu, in contrast, appeared much calmer and more composed. He said, "It's alright, we can talk about it after we've had a drink."

He recommended several drinks and brought them some newly arrived items, this time also including complimentary fruit and desserts.

The waiter brought over the drinks, and He Xintu followed. He took off his apron and sat on the upholstered armrest near Liang Yizhi.

He Xintu said, "I'm really sorry, I always ask you to be the ones to sample my new products."

Jiang Huai: "Then we're the ones who profit, Boss He. As long as you don't drink me into the hospital, I'll drink as much as you want."

He Man muttered to herself, "Limp."

He Man wore a very bright red cardigan today, which was extremely eye-catching even in the dim lighting here.

She didn't usually like wearing such bright colors. Liang Yizhi then asked:

"When did you buy this red cardigan? I've never seen you wear such a bright color before."

"Doesn't it look good?" He Man turned around excitedly and tugged at her clothes to show her.

"I've been feeling like I'm having a run of bad luck lately, so I checked my horoscope today, and it said my lucky color for the day is red," He Man said. "I don't usually wear it, but I didn't expect this color to actually make my skin look so fair, isn't it great?"

Liang Yizhi nodded: "It looks good."

He Xintu asked from the side, "You all study astrology?"

He Man said, "Besides astrology, I've recently taken a liking to tarot. Maybe it's because as people grow older, they become more and more superstitious and tend to place their spiritual hopes on mysterious forces."

He Xintu then looked at Liang Yizhi: "Do you believe it?"

Liang Yizhi replied, "I really believe it. It's better to believe it exists than not to believe it doesn't."

She doesn't know much about astrology or tarot; most of her knowledge comes from stereotypes instilled in her by He Man. Sometimes she finds it quite interesting to listen to as anecdotes.

He Man said, "I'm planning to find a tarot reading shop to help me with my career fortune, but I haven't found a reliable one yet."

Upon hearing this, He Xintu's lips curled slightly.

“No need to look anymore,” He Xintu said. “I happen to have time tonight, I’ll calculate it for you.”

Jiang Huai exclaimed in shock, "You know how to do this?"

"Want to give it a try?"

Liang Yizhi was also surprised.

If she had previously been curious about He Xintu, then after those words, the sense of novelty He Xintu evoked in her increased once again.

He Xintu turned around and went back to the bar outside, where he retrieved a deck of cards.

He Man said, "Wow, Mr. He, you're amazing! Your bar can now offer special services!"

Jiang Huai: "...Can't you speak properly? If you can't speak properly, go to the side."

"However, this thing should be viewed scientifically, and we shouldn't mythologize it. My knowledge is limited, and what I see may not be accurate. Just take it as a joke."

He Xintu skillfully shuffled the cards and asked He Man, "What is your question? Be more specific."

"I want to see what my future career prospects are." He Man rubbed her hands together expectantly, leaning forward. "To be honest, I'm a little reluctant to be a model lately. I'm thinking about whether I should find a regular job. My life is too unstable right now."

He Xintu nodded: "Then let's see if you have any new job opportunities in the next three months."

He gave them a heads-up, stating that Tarot was just something he analyzed, and that the actual situation still depended on human effort. He cautioned them not to become complacent because of his predictions.

He Xintu shuffled the cards and pushed them across the table with one hand.

He said, "Silently say your question, then draw a set of three cards."

He Man clasped her hands together devoutly. It was her first time having her tarot read offline, and she was extremely excited.

She silently repeated her question several times and then randomly picked three cards.

He Xintu placed the cards in front of him and turned them over.

"Um……"

He Xintu stared at the cards on the table in deep thought: "If you ask me, I think what you need right now is not a job change, but a rest."

He Man asked, puzzled, "Why do you say that?"

"Judging from the cards, it seems you're currently in a period of stagnation, and there's a significant imbalance in your interpersonal relationships at work." He Xintu placed his finger on the reversed Two of Cups in the center. "You probably have some kind of conflict with your company or client."

"Wow, you're so accurate!" He Man looked at him with admiration. "My contract expired, and I'm currently negotiating a renewal with my agency, but we can't reach an agreement. Besides, they don't really want to sign me; they just see that I have a lot of brand resources, so they don't want to let me go."

The underlying conflict between He Man and her management company has been brewing for a long time, not something that developed overnight. From the beginning when the company didn't value her and exploited her, to now when they're unwilling to let go of their "grown child," they've used many tactics.

They prepared ill-fitting clothes for her, refused to provide her with a car or assistant, and tried every possible way to make her life difficult.

He Man originally thought that at least her agent still cared about her, but who would have thought that at this critical juncture, the other party would suddenly turn against her.

He Xintu pushed the third Four of Pentacles on the table to comfort her: "Don't be too discouraged. At least for now, if you persevere, you can still achieve material stability, which will guarantee your financial situation. But in the long run, there won't be any greater improvement."

"Why don't you negotiate with your agency and ask for a break to regroup and think things through? Maybe when you're in better shape, your motivation for work will come back."

He Man thought it was a good suggestion. She had been feeling exhausted lately, both physically and mentally. She was a straightforward person and didn't like playing mind games with the company, so she thought it would be better to give herself a rest.

Jiang Huai: "Master! Master! You are amazing!"

Once He Xintu unleashed this wave of mystical skills, the other three instantly became respectful towards him, and the way they looked at him changed completely.

Gu Yinyan arrived half an hour late.

He asked them in the group chat which direction they were sitting, but no one replied.

Gu Yinyan didn't see anyone on the first floor, so he went up to the second floor with ease.

Just as we reached the last step, we saw four people huddled together in a corner, chatting animatedly.

He Man chatted and laughed as she fiddled with the cards on the table. Liang Yizhi took a card from her hand and examined it closely. Jiang Huai, on the other hand, was frantically gesturing to the people next to him.

The only stranger sat on the armrest of the sofa, with his back to him, so his expression was not visible.

Gu Yinyan looked at the owner of that figure from behind.

His frivolous curly hair, which clearly required a lot of effort, shimmered with chaotic light and shadow under the flickering lamplight, giving him the urge to straighten it strand by strand.

He took a step and silently walked towards that corner.

It seems someone is looking to take his place.