After being disturbed by Xia Zhi's antics, Xiang Wan gave up on going out and returned to her bedroom, lying on the bed and staring at the ceiling, lost in thought.

The situation is becoming increasingly complicated. First, Liu Zixi has already gotten together with Nangong Chen, and regardless of the reason, her position in Nangong Chen's heart has undoubtedly risen considerably. Second, Xia Zhi's sudden request for her help clearly indicates that she has been dragged into this mess. If Nangong Jue finds out about these things, her position in the Nangong family will likely be in jeopardy. Finally, the most troublesome Nangong Yu has obtained leverage over her, and we don't know what his intentions are. If this matter is exposed, she won't escape unscathed either.

Oh dear! What a run of bad luck. I had the upper hand all along, but now I've found myself in a passive position. Xiang Wan rubbed her temples, feeling a bit of a headache.

"This system knew you'd get yourself into trouble while playing around. Is this fun?"

Although 007 didn't change its tone, Xiang Wan could almost feel its disdainful expression.

"Ugh, this is so annoying!"

"Cheer up, a whole bunch of people are on your side, aren't they?"

"Sigh, the main characters are all together now, what am I going to do?"

"Aren't you trying to win someone's heart? Go ahead and do it. What's the point of sighing here?"

"Yes, Xiaoqi is right, thanks!"

"cut!"

Occasionally chatting with the system, Xiang Wan finally felt that she was not alone; the feeling of fighting alone was truly unbearable.

With renewed vigor, Xiang Wan began working on the next step of the plan.

Just before Nangong Chen was about to leave work, Xiang Wan instructed Li Sao to make a pot of chicken soup, which she then packed in a thermos and took to the president's office at Nangong Group.

When I pushed the door open, I saw Nangong Chen tidying up the table.

"Achen, you don't look too well today, so I made you some soup. Try it!"

Without waiting for Nangong Chen's reply, Xiang Wan poured the soup into a bowl and continued, "Zixi used to love chicken soup the most, saying it was the happiest thing in the world. I thought back then that I must make the most delicious soup so that Zixi could drink it every day for the rest of her life. But I'm not good at cooking, and no matter how much I practiced, I couldn't make the soup delicious. After trying countless times, I gave up."

Ah Chen, do you know, I've always dreamed of one day sitting at a table with my partner, chatting, talking about the little things that happened that day, venting our accumulated frustrations, bickering over trivial matters, then smiling at each other, and living each day in an ordinary way, just like my parents.

I once thought that the husband I needed didn't have to be rich and powerful; as long as he truly loved me and our family, that would be enough. But God let me meet you. If, when we're old and gray, we can still sit together watching the moon and see our children busy at work, that would surely be the happiest thing in the world.

Xiang Wan's face was full of anticipation, her gentle smile overflowing with happiness, which attracted Nangong Chen's attention.

He didn't know when it started, but Nangong Chen grew tired of facing the cold, empty room every day. Although it had everything, it lacked warmth. Since marrying Xiang Wan, someone would be waiting for him every day when he returned home, someone would care about his day, someone would ask if he was feeling unwell. He wasn't unmoved, but seeing Liu Zixi's hopeful eyes, he still cruelly abandoned the warm home that belonged to him and her. What exactly did he like about Liu Zixi? Nangong Chen was starting to doubt himself. He liked having someone waiting for him as soon as he turned around, liked having someone care about him, liked having someone ask where he had been and what he had done, liked bickering with her, liked listening to her dream about the future.

I once thought that marrying her would mean a long and happy life with Zixi, but was that really the right thing to do? She's just an ordinary woman; she deserves her own lover and family. And her lover... if it's someone else...

Nangong Chen dared not think any further, took the chicken soup, and buried his head in it to drink.

The chicken soup tasted really good, just like the one my mom used to make a long, long time ago…

With a clatter, the soup bowl fell onto the table, splashing soup all over it. Nangong Chen's expression turned somewhat grim, and he remained stiff and motionless.

"How could you be so careless? Don't move, let me wipe it for you."

Xiang Wan took out a tissue from her bag and wiped Nangong Chen's suit jacket on his chest.

"Look at you, you're such a grown-up, and you still can't take care of yourself. Did you get burned? If you did, say so right away, or it will get blisters and that won't be good."

"Xiao Wan!" Nangong Chen suddenly grabbed Xiang Wan's wrist as she wiped his clothes, his eyes glazed over.

"Um?"

Xiang Wan looked up in confusion, only to be pulled into Nangong Chen's arms.

"Xiao Wan, I'm sorry!"

Unable to see Nangong Chen's expression, Xiang Wan stood still.

"Silly girl, it's just a little chicken soup spilled, it's okay, I'm just glad you're alright."

"Sorry, I was thinking about something just now."

"It's okay, if you like it, I'll bring you more next time."

"Xiao Wan, actually, my mom is really good at making chicken soup."

"That must be the most delicious thing in the world."

"…Um."

It was rare for Nangong Chen to show his emotions like this, and Xiang Wan guessed that he must have been thinking of his biological mother. A child can remember a taste for the rest of their life. The soup was made by Aunt Li, and Xiang Wan knew exactly how it tasted. It must have been the atmosphere just now that reminded Nangong Chen of his mother, whom he hadn't mentioned in a long time, and thus he remembered this taste. Sometimes, what you eat isn't the most important thing; what matters most is who you eat it with.

This was the right move; at least, Xiang Wan pried open a corner of Nangong Chen's heart. Once a crack appears, it's not far from being fully opened.

"Achen, as long as you're willing, I'll always be with you!"

These words were spoken on behalf of the original owner. Since the original owner couldn't speak, Xiang Wan spoke for her, lived as she originally was, won Nangong Chen's heart for her, and repaid him for all the sins he had inflicted upon her!

Nangong Chen's body trembled, and after a long while, he whispered, "Okay!"

The warmth of the moment spread throughout the office, gradually easing Nangong Chen's tense heart.

"Ring~~~"

Nangong Chen's phone rang. Xiang Wan took a step back, shook her head, and began tidying up the table.

As he picked up the phone, Nangong Chen's gaze remained fixed on Xiang Wan.

"Hello?"

Upon hearing the other party's response, Nangong Chen frowned and turned his back to Xiang Wan.

"I have something to do today, so I won't be able to go. You should get some rest."

Xiang Wan threw the tissues she had used to wipe the table into the trash can and turned to leave, but Nangong Chen grabbed her wrist.

The person on the other end of the phone was still talking. Xiang Wan chuckled and shook her head, then helped Nangong Chen's hand away, opened the door, and went out.

I'll call you back later!

Nangong Chen quickly hung up the phone and pushed open the door to chase after Xiang Wan. Just then, he saw the elevator doors slowly closing, and with the doors closing, he saw Xiang Wan smiling and saying goodbye to him.

That night, Nangong Chen neither went home nor returned the phone call, and sat in his office all night.