Over the next few days, Shen Yunmian threw herself entirely into work, to the point of nearly forgetting to eat and sleep.
She tried to numb herself with an overwhelming workload, refusing to think about that night's humiliation, refusing to think about Yu Sheng's cold, mocking face.
But once something cracks, it can never truly be restored.
She became even more silent than before, her presence colder and more intimidating. Everyone in the company felt on edge.
Even Secretary Li became extra cautious when reporting to her.
At times, she would zone out, her gaze fixed into empty space, her fingers unconsciously rubbing the back of her hand.
"On the bottom…"
"Lie still and let me do as I please…"
Yu Sheng's words echoed in her mind from time to time, each repetition bringing a shuddering sense of humiliation—and an extremely subtle, inexplicable stirring she herself couldn't understand.
She despised that feeling, seeing it as a betrayal of her own will.
How could she possibly feel anything other than rejection toward such humiliation, such a loss of control?
She must be going crazy!
She shook her head hard, trying to drive those chaotic thoughts away, forcing herself to focus on the financial reports in front of her.
That afternoon, as usual, Secretary Li brought in a summary of executive personnel changes that required her review.
Shen Yunmian skimmed through it quickly, but her gaze suddenly paused on one page.
[Yu Corporation Personnel Appointment: Ms. Su Qingyu is appointed as Special Assistant to the President, fully assisting President Yu in managing company operations, overseeing the Project Investment Department and Strategic Development Department, and reporting directly to President Yu.]
Su Qingyu?
The name felt somewhat familiar.
She quickly remembered—her university classmate, well-known back then, winner of a gold prize in a business planning competition, exceptionally talented, someone who had left a deep impression on her.
How did she end up at Yu Corporation?
And in one leap, become Yu Sheng's special assistant, with such extensive authority?
A subtle sense of unease crept into Shen Yunmian's mind.
Yu Sheng had first taken over and restructured Qiyun Film decisively, and now she had poached a talent Shen Yunmian herself had once noticed and entrusted her with significant responsibility… Was all of this really just coincidence?
Or was Yu Sheng's ambition far greater than merely learning to run Yu Corporation?
She suddenly recalled what Yu Sheng had said to her mother in the office that day: "My projects, who I use and who I don't use, is up to me. No one gets to overstep."
At the time, she had thought Yu Sheng was simply defending her authority. Now, it seemed there might have been a deeper meaning behind those words—a line being drawn, even a faint sense of opposition.
That thought made Shen Yunmian's heart sink.
She immediately picked up the internal phone and dialed Secretary Li's extension. "Secretary Li, look into the background and hiring process of Yu Corporation's newly appointed special assistant, Su Qingyu, as well as all of Yu Group's recent project movements. The more detailed, the better."
After hanging up, Shen Yunmian walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking down at the city below.
The Yu Corporation building stood not far away in the bustling commercial district, facing her own Shen headquarters from a distance.
For a moment, she had the illusion that the building had become a fortified stronghold.
And Yu Sheng was standing at its peak, confronting her coldly from afar.
Between them, it felt as though only open confrontation on a battlefield remained.
Just as Shen Yunmian was trying to sort through her chaotic thoughts, her grandmother called.
"Yunmian, I haven't been feeling too well these past few days. You and Sheng Sheng haven't come back to the old house for dinner in a while. Come tonight—just family, nothing fancy."
Shen Yunmian's heart tightened. "Grandma, what's wrong? Is it serious? I'll arrange a doctor right away—"
"It's nothing, just old issues," her grandmother interrupted. "I just miss you both. Bring Sheng Sheng along—you must bring her. Grandma wants to see her."
At that point, Shen Yunmian couldn't refuse.
She knew her grandmother wanted to take this opportunity to ease the tension between them, and she also knew Yu Sheng would most likely be unwilling.
Still, she braced herself and called Yu Sheng.
As expected, the moment Yu Sheng heard it was about going back to the Shen family residence, her tone turned cold. "I'm busy."
"Grandma isn't feeling well. She wants to see you," Shen Yunmian said, lowering her stance. "Just treat it as visiting her. After dinner, I'll take you back. I won't delay your time."
There was a brief silence on the other end.
Yu Sheng had always held a certain respect and affection for Grandma Shen. She couldn't refuse the old lady's request.
In the end, she reluctantly agreed. "Just this once. I'm leaving right after dinner."
That evening, at the Shen family residence.
The atmosphere was just as expected—subtle, even awkward.
The long dining table was filled with exquisite dishes, yet the meal was unusually quiet.
Grandma Shen sat at the head, occasionally asking Shen Yunmian about work, and then showing concern for Yu Sheng's health and career.
Several times, Shen Yunmian tried to steer the conversation toward Yu Sheng or ask about her new project.
But Yu Sheng's responses were extremely indifferent.
"Not bad."
"Pretty good."
"Busy."
Or she would simply act as if she hadn't heard, focusing on her food, occasionally chatting with Grandma, completely ignoring Shen Yunmian.
Zhou Yaqin, still resentful from being embarrassed by Shen Yunmian last time, grew increasingly irritated at Yu Sheng's aloof attitude and couldn't help but speak in a sarcastic tone, "Of course, President Yu is a busy person now, managing such a big company. Truly impressive, those methods of yours…"
"Mom." Shen Yunmian cut her off in a low voice, shooting her a warning look.
Grandma also frowned slightly and tapped the table. "Eat properly. No talking during meals—have you all forgotten?"
Only then did Zhou Yaqin reluctantly fall silent, though she still shot Yu Sheng an annoyed glare.
Yu Sheng, however, acted as if she hadn't heard a thing, as if watching a farce that had nothing to do with her.
Shen Yunmian took it all in, feeling a tightness in her chest.
She drank a few glasses of wine in silence, the buzz gradually rising, making her suppressed bitterness and helplessness even more pronounced.
This tasteless family dinner finally came to an end.
Seeing how stiff the atmosphere was, Grandma sighed inwardly but still held onto a last bit of hope. "It's getting late. Yunmian, Sheng Sheng, don't go back tonight. Stay at the old house."
Yu Sheng immediately refused. "No need, Grandma. I have a meeting early tomorrow. It's more convenient to go back to Jingshui."
Zhou Yaqin seized the opportunity, raising her voice. "See, Mom? I told you! Now that her wings have grown strong, she doesn't even want to step into our Shen family home anymore. She even dares to reject your goodwill!"
Yu Sheng's expression turned cold, and she stood up directly. "Grandma, if you think me not staying is being inconsiderate, then I'll leave now so I don't get in anyone's way."
Though she addressed Grandma, her icy gaze swept over Zhou Yaqin and Shen Yunmian.
Seeing the conflict about to escalate again, Grandma, despite her disappointment, hurriedly smoothed things over. "Alright, alright, no need to stay. That's not what I meant. Jingshui is closer to your work, more convenient." She shot Zhou Yaqin a glare, then said gently to Yu Sheng, "Then let Yunmian take you back, alright?"
"No need, I've already called a car." Yu Sheng picked up her bag, her tone distant.
"That won't do, it's not safe this late!" Grandma insisted, signaling Shen Yunmian with her eyes.
Shen Yunmian stood up. "I'll have the driver take you."
Yu Sheng couldn't be bothered to argue over something so trivial and gave no response, taking the lead to walk out.
In the end, it was still Shen Yunmian's driver who drove, with the two of them seated together in the back.
The entire ride passed in silence.
Yu Sheng kept her gaze fixed out the window, as if Shen Yunmian beside her were nothing but air.
The car didn't head toward Jingshui, but instead returned to Jiuxi Bay.
The moment Yu Sheng realized the route was wrong, she frowned. "Stop the car! I'm going back to Jingshui!"
Shen Yunmian rubbed her aching temple, her voice slightly slurred from the alcohol. "It's too late. Tomorrow morning I'll have the driver take you to the company. Tonight… just stay in Jiuxi…"
There was a faint, almost imperceptible pleading in her tone.
Yu Sheng didn't buy it at all, her attitude was firm. "Stop the car! Shen Yunmian, can't you understand human language?"
Seeing the two about to argue again, the driver didn't dare say a word. He could only slow down, completely at a loss.
Shen Yunmian looked at Yu Sheng's cold, resolute profile. A deep sense of helplessness mixed with drunken impulse surged within her. Helpless, she told the driver, "We're not going to Jiuxi Bay. Go to Jingshui."
The driver froze for a second, then quickly replied, "Yes, President Shen."
Yu Sheng shot her a somewhat surprised glance, then returned to her indifference, saying nothing more.
The car turned around and headed toward Jingshui.
When they arrived downstairs at the apartment, Yu Sheng got out without hesitation.
Shen Yunmian followed, the night wind making the alcohol surge stronger in her system, her head growing even heavier.
She staggered forward a few steps and followed Yu Sheng into the elevator. Before Yu Sheng could react, the doors had already closed, and soon they arrived at the apartment door.
Yu Sheng stepped out and went straight to unlock the door, completely ignoring Shen Yunmian.
After opening it, she walked inside, intending to shut the annoying person outside.
Seeing Yu Sheng's completely unhesitating back, all the suppressed unwillingness and pain in Shen Yunmian finally shattered her restraint.
Just before the door could close, she wrapped her arms around Yu Sheng from behind.
"Yu Sheng…" She buried her face in the crook of Yu Sheng's neck, her breath heavy with alcohol, her voice filled with desperate pleading. "Don't be like this, okay? I can change, I really can. Don't treat me like this…"
Yu Sheng's body stiffened instantly. "Shen Yunmian! Let go of me—what drunken nonsense are you doing!"
Her struggle and scolding only seemed to stimulate Shen Yunmian further; her grip tightened instead.
Alcohol magnified her emotions and shattered the self-control she had always prided herself on.
"I won't let go!" Like a drowning person clinging to the last piece of driftwood, she pleaded incoherently, "Yu Sheng… Sheng Sheng, don't treat me like this. I can't take it… it hurts so much…"
Her warm breath brushed against Yu Sheng's ear, sending a wave of goosebumps over her skin—disgust and anger rising together.
"Disgusting. Let go!" Yu Sheng tried to break free from the suffocating embrace.
The two struggled at the doorway, the commotion not small.
Fortunately, it was late at night, and no one passed by.
Shen Yunmian was too drunk to stand steadily. With a push from Yu Sheng, she stumbled, dragging Yu Sheng down with her. They fell beside the soft decorative sofa.
Shen Yunmian ended up underneath, letting out a muffled groan, yet she still refused to release her hold around Yu Sheng's waist.
Yu Sheng propped herself up and looked down at her.
Shen Yunmian lay on the carpet, her long hair disheveled, cheeks flushed an unnatural red from alcohol and emotion. Those eyes that were always cold and restrained now shimmered with moisture, even tears forming at the corners.
This completely out-of-control, fragile appearance was something Yu Sheng had never seen before.
For a brief moment, she was dazed.
Looking up at her, Shen Yunmian, her voice hoarse, used all her strength to say the words she could never have uttered while sober:
"…I can let you be on top…"
Her voice trembled uncontrollably, filled with immense shame and a resolve that seemed to throw everything away.
"Don't push me away… please… okay?"
After saying that, it was as if all her courage had been used up. She closed her eyes, her long lashes trembling violently, her body curling slightly from tension and fear of the unknown.
Completely defenseless. Completely surrendered.
Time seemed to freeze in that moment.
Yu Sheng hovered above her, looking at this Shen Yunmian who had cast aside all dignity, even using such a ridiculous way to beg for reconciliation. The impact on her was indescribable.
She could hardly believe what she had just heard.
That Shen Yunmian—proud to her bones, always in control of everything—had actually said something like that?
After the shock, what surged up instead was an even stronger sense of absurdity…
Look at this—how ridiculous.
Even now, Shen Yunmian still didn't understand why their marriage had fallen apart.
To maintain this absurd marriage—or rather, out of possessiveness and unwillingness to let go—she was willing to go this far.
But this wasn't love at all. It was just another form of selfishness and obsession.
Yu Sheng let out a soft laugh, the sound especially clear and piercing in the quiet space.
She slowly stood up, looking down at Shen Yunmian, who still had her eyes tightly shut.
Her tone was cold and cruel. "Shen Yunmian, do you really think I'm still interested in you?"
Shen Yunmian's body trembled violently. Her eyes flew open, staring at Yu Sheng in disbelief.
There was no expression on Yu Sheng's face—only extreme indifference and disdain. "Just looking at your face makes me lose my appetite. Everything I've done is for the divorce, to completely cut ties with you. And the reason you refuse to divorce is only because I was the one who dumped you first—your pride and self-respect can't accept it."
"Since you insist on clinging here shamelessly, then I'll go stay at a hotel."
With that, she didn't spare Shen Yunmian another glance. She walked straight out and pressed the elevator button.
The elevator doors slowly opened, then slowly closed, completely separating the two worlds.
Shen Yunmian remained lying there, staring blankly at the ceiling, like a lifeless porcelain doll.
Yu Sheng's final words had completely crushed the last of her hope.
So, in Yu Sheng's eyes, she had become that disgusting.
That night, Shen Yunmian sat on the sofa without moving, as if trying to merge into the endless darkness.
Despair, like the coldest tide, completely drowned her.
—
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