Chapter 10: Whispers in the Wind

Lin Yue spent the following morning lost in thought. Zhang Wei's confession about Yuan Ling had been sincere, but the unease in his eyes lingered in her mind. He promised no more secrets, she reminded herself. And yet, her heart wasn't entirely at peace.

As if sensing her turmoil, Mei called, her voice filled with excitement. "I've got tickets to an art exhibition tonight. You're coming with me. No excuses!"

Lin Yue hesitated but finally agreed. "Fine, but you're buying me bubble tea after."

"Deal," Mei laughed.

Meanwhile, Zhang Wei was in his office, pacing. He couldn't shake the nagging feeling that Yuan Ling's sudden reappearance was more than a coincidence. She had always been calculated, and her interest in Lin Yue couldn't be benign.

"Mr. Zhang," his assistant interrupted, "there's someone here to see you."

"Who is it?" he asked, already dreading the answer.

"Miss Yuan Ling," the assistant replied.

Zhang Wei's jaw clenched. "Send her in."

Yuan Ling sauntered into the office, her heels clicking against the marble floor. She exuded confidence, her crimson dress a stark contrast to the muted tones of the room.

"Zhang Wei," she said, her smile sharp, "you've been avoiding me."

"Because I have nothing to say to you," he replied coldly.

Her smile didn't waver. "Oh, but I think you do. Your new… interest. Lin Yue, was it? She's intriguing. A bit ordinary, but there's something about her."

"Leave her out of this, Ling," Zhang Wei warned, his voice low.

"Why so defensive?" Yuan Ling teased, leaning against his desk. "I'm just curious. Does she know the real you? The side of you that's willing to break rules, take risks, do whatever it takes to win?"

"That side of me doesn't exist anymore," he said firmly.

Her laughter was soft but cutting. "People don't change, Zhang Wei. They just bury their true selves under pretty lies."

"Get out," he said, his tone final.

But as Yuan Ling left, her parting words sent a chill down his spine. "I wonder if Lin Yue will agree with you once she knows everything."

That evening, Lin Yue and Mei arrived at the art exhibition. The gallery was buzzing with energy, the walls adorned with vibrant paintings and sculptures.

"This is amazing," Lin Yue said, marveling at a piece that depicted a stormy sea.

Mei grinned. "I knew you'd love it."

As they moved through the gallery, Lin Yue's eyes caught on a familiar figure. Her breath hitched. It was Zhang Wei—and he wasn't alone.

He was standing with Yuan Ling, their conversation seemingly intense. Yuan Ling's laughter rang out, drawing the attention of those around them.

"Who's that?" Mei asked, noticing Lin Yue's sudden stillness.

"That's Yuan Ling," Lin Yue murmured.

Mei's eyebrows shot up. "The ex? What's she doing with Zhang Wei?"

"I don't know," Lin Yue said, her chest tightening.

Before she could decide what to do, Zhang Wei's gaze landed on her. His eyes widened in surprise, and he immediately excused himself from Yuan Ling to approach Lin Yue.

"Lin Yue," he said, his voice a mix of relief and concern. "I didn't expect to see you here."

"Clearly," she replied, her tone sharper than she intended.

"Can we talk?" he asked, glancing at Mei.

Mei gave Lin Yue an encouraging nod. "I'll go check out the other room."

As soon as Mei was out of earshot, Lin Yue crossed her arms. "So, what's going on, Zhang Wei?"

"Yuan Ling showed up at my office today," he admitted. "She said she wanted to talk, but it was just more of her usual games."

"And now you're here with her?" Lin Yue asked, her voice tinged with hurt.

"She showed up uninvited," Zhang Wei said quickly. "I didn't know she'd be here."

Lin Yue studied his face, searching for any sign of deceit. "Why didn't you tell me she came to your office?"

"I didn't want to upset you," he said honestly. "I was going to tell you, but I didn't think she'd push this far."

Lin Yue sighed, her emotions warring within her. "Zhang Wei, I can handle the truth. What I can't handle is being kept in the dark."

"You're right," he said, his expression remorseful. "I'll do better. I promise."

Before Lin Yue could respond, Yuan Ling approached them, her smile as sharp as ever.

"Ah, Lin Yue," she said smoothly. "We finally meet. Zhang Wei's mentioned you… briefly."

Lin Yue forced a polite smile. "I've heard about you too."

"Good things, I hope," Yuan Ling said, her tone dripping with faux sweetness.

"Depends on your definition of good," Lin Yue shot back, surprising herself with her boldness.

Zhang Wei stepped in, his voice firm. "That's enough, Ling. Leave."

Yuan Ling's smile faltered for a fraction of a second before she composed herself. "As you wish," she said, her gaze flicking to Lin Yue. "It was lovely meeting you."

As she walked away, Zhang Wei turned to Lin Yue. "I'm sorry about that."

Lin Yue shook her head. "I just want to know—can I trust you, Zhang Wei?"

His answer was immediate and unwavering. "Yes. You have my word."

Question for Readers:

"Do you think Lin Yue should fully trust Zhang Wei at this point, or should she stay cautious?"