Vivian froze for a second, then followed her gaze.
There, under the dim streetlight, stood Simon Min—arms crossed, leaning casually against a tree. The faint light traced the long, graceful lines of his body.
“I’ll get going then,” Sister Liang said, patting Vivian’s shoulder. “Men like that don’t come by often—cherish him!”
A blush rose up Vivian’s neck. She walked toward Simon Min, her dark eyes glimmering. “Mr. Min, what are you doing here?”
“It’s late. I didn’t want you walking home alone,” Simon said, straightening and taking her hand. “Let’s go.”
Warmth rippled through her chest. She couldn’t help stealing glances at his cool, elegant profile. The sharp contours of his face looked even more striking under the lights, and her heart fluttered. For a few fleeting seconds, the air itself seemed to grow warmer.
The man lowered his gaze, their eyes met, and Vivian quickly looked away, cheeks burning.
“Mr. Min, when should I return this outfit?” she asked hastily, changing the subject.
“I’ll bring it back tomorrow.”
“Oh, that’s not necessary. Just give me the address—I can deliver it myself.”
“You’re my fiancée. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about.”
“Mr. Min?” Vivian blinked in surprise, flustered. “We already said—that was just for show. It doesn’t count…”
Simon turned to her, lips curved in a faint smile, but he said nothing. The deep, unreadable look in his eyes seemed casual, almost teasing, yet somehow stirred something in her heart.
A small ache of disappointment welled up inside her.
But why was she disappointed? Because he was joking? Because he didn’t really see her as his fiancée?
Vivian shook her head quickly, trying to dispel the thought. They were only friends, housemates—nothing more.
Besides… if Mr. Min ever found out that she’d once slept with a man she’d never even met, what would he think?
Would he still accept her?
The thought made her chest tighten.
If only none of that had ever happened.
But then again—if it hadn’t, she would never have met Simon Min.
In the soft summer breeze, she simply let him hold her hand as they got into a taxi and headed home.

Later that night, at the Wen family home.
Summer Wen lay in Helen Zhao’s lap, sobbing bitterly, while George Wen paced back and forth.
“It’s all Vivian Wen’s fault! She’s jealous because Dad kicked her out. She doesn’t want me to have a good life!” Summer cried, twisting the truth completely as she recounted what had happened at the banquet—conveniently leaving out the fact that she was the thief and instead claiming that Vivian had framed her.
“George,” Helen Zhao said sharply, fanning the flames, “Summer may not be your biological daughter, but you can’t let Vivian treat her like this. Vivian has money but refuses to help the Wen family when we’re struggling. Now she’s ruining Summer’s career on purpose—”
“Enough!” George Wen snapped, anger surging. He flung his hand and stormed off to his room.
That unfilial daughter—he would settle the score with her sooner or later!
After he left, a cold smile curved Helen Zhao’s lips.
“Mom, what should I do now?” Summer sobbed.
“Tell me the truth,” Helen asked sternly. “Did you provoke Vivian first?”
Summer bit her lip. “I… I only wanted to stand up for you!”
Helen jabbed a finger hard against her forehead. “How many times have I told you—stop being reckless! If you want to deal with Vivian Wen, you need to plan carefully. Make her fall into your trap without even realizing it. And never, ever let her catch you red-handed.”
“But I can’t stand it! Working in the same company as her—it’s unbearable! I just wanted her gone, but who knew…” Summer muttered angrily.
Helen sighed. “How could someone as clever as me have such a foolish daughter? We’ve underestimated Vivian Wen. She’s not easy to handle. From now on, think before you act. Discuss things with me first.”
Summer nodded pitifully, sniffling. “Mom… does this mean I’ll never get back into the entertainment industry?”
Helen’s sharp eyes darkened. “Of course not. I’ll find a way.”
Late that night, after George Wen had fallen asleep, Helen Zhao stepped onto the balcony and dialed a number.
“Hello, it’s me. Summer’s been terminated by Huasheng Entertainment. I need you to do something… Don’t forget what you promised me. This should be easy for you… Good. I’ll be waiting for your news.”