Wen Ran didn't understand - since she was the one wanting to get out of the car, why weren't they asking her but Yan Wangshu instead? But she didn't speak up, just looked at Yan Wangshu with puzzled obedience, waiting for his instruction.
Yan Wangshu kept his gaze on the tablet, his tone indifferent: "Drop her off at Fuyang Intersection."
Hearing this, Wen Ran slowly exhaled in relief.
"Got it!" Shi Ze replied cheerfully. "Wen Ran, Fuyang Intersection is easy to hail taxis. Just a dozen minutes from your place."
Wen Ran licked her lips: "Thank you."
The car fell silent except for Shi Ze's attempts at conversation. He mentioned his bar under renovation near the Bund, promising amazing night views and inviting Wen Ran to visit after completion. Wen Ran responded politely.
At Fuyang Intersection, the car gradually stopped.
Wen Ran grabbed her still-damp umbrella, said "thank you" and immediately exited. She rushed to open the trunk and retrieve her luggage.
Shi Ze leaned out from the driver's seat: "Wen Ran, didn't you want my Yan-ge's contact info?"
How could Wen Ran dare ask now? She shook her head with a stiff smile: "I think... it's unnecessary."
Standing roadside, the car showed no signs of leaving. With closed windows obscuring the interior, Wen Ran mentally urged: Just go already!
After a few seconds, Shi Ze emerged waving his phone: "I'm Shi Ze - 'bestow' Shi, 'grace' Ze. Since we're fated, add my contact. I'll invite you when the bar opens."
After brief hesitation, Wen Ran scanned his QR code and thanked him again.
As the car left, Wen Ran exhaled deeply: Finally gone.
She quickly hailed a taxi. Upon entering, she gave her neighborhood name and checked her phone. Shi Ze's profile showed a dark-toned anime avatar resembling him, with username 'Z'. Wen Ran set his Remarks as 'Shi Ze' and restricted her Moments visibility.
Finishing setup, she politely asked: "Driver, what's the approximate fare from airport to my pickup location?"
The driver paused: "About 80 yuan."
"Thanks."
She sent Shi Ze a 100 yuan red envelope.
Browsing Shi Ze's Moments: Updates on bar renovations, photos of him in camouflage doing wilderness survival, equestrian activities, archery, shooting ranges, Muay Thai, surfing... Notably, he'd reposted a promotional video for a large security company. Following clues, Wen Ran discovered Shi Ze was the heir of Zhong'an Security Group.
The driver suddenly chatted warmly: "Young lady, from out of town?"
Wen Ran answered without guard: "Yes."
"First time in Shanghai?"
"Yes."
The local driver enthusiastically recommended Shanghai's food and attractions in soft Shanghainese tones.
At a red light, Shi Ze glanced at his phone and laughed: "What's this about?"
He turned holding his phone: "Yan-ge look, Wen Ran sent me a red envelope."
Yan Wangshu looked up.
Her WeChat name was 'RanRan', avatar a youthful selfie with thick bangs and bright smile - clearly an old photo from her teenage years.
Seeing Shi Ze's teasing expression, Yan Wangshu mocked: "Probably car fare."
"She really treats me as a driver?" Shi Ze clicked his tongue without real displeasure. "Should I accept? If not, maybe ask her to dinner?"
"Go ahead. See if she agrees."
"I know my limits."
Shi Ze placed his phone on the center console as the light changed. "Leaving it here. Really not adding her?"
Getting no response, Shi Ze pressed: "I specially got this for you."
Yan Wangshu sneered: "How thoughtful."
Shi Ze continued: "She knows you well - knew you live in 'Tanyuan'! Got in the car because of you, right? Didn't she say she's seen you before?"
Yan Wangshu hummed acknowledgement.
"You were unusually considerate today. Remember her too?"
"Hmm."
When the taxi reached 'Lanyu Feng' neighborhood, over an hour had passed despite Shi Ze's claim of 15-minute ride. Wen Ran realized the "friendly" driver had taken detours.
Unfamiliar territory made confrontation unwise. She took the receipt and paid.
Self-reproach: Shouldn't have revealed being new to Shanghai.
'Lanyu Feng' was decent high-rise complex with good greenery and artificial lake. The pre-cleaned apartment matched video tours - minimalist decor, basic appliances.
The master bedroom's small balcony offered post-rain view of villa district a kilometer away - 'Tanyuan', where the floral silk sachet resided.
Halfway through unpacking, Zhai Xinyi video-called. After hearing Wen Ran's encounter, Zhai scolded: "Fool!"
Lying on bed, Wen Ran sighed: "I know."
Zhai adjusted her facial mask: "How dare provoke Yan Wangshu? 'Fool' doesn't cover it!"
Wen Ran pouted: "He's like...the walking silk sachet! I thought connecting with him might let me see it sooner."
After hanging up, drowsy Wen Ran napped until dusk. Hunger drove her to the Bund's signature restaurant.
By the window, she photographed nightscape for Moments. Post-dinner, scrolling through entertainment accounts, she paused at Yan Wangshu's name.
The gossip video showed glamorous actress Yan Ran glancing back "lovingly" at Yan Wangshu during red carpet. Identified as "Carle Chief Marketing Officer Yan Wangshu", his model-like appearance overshadowed corporate title.
Camera alternated between star and executive.
Yan Wangshu's necklace caught Wen Ran's attention - originally feminine design modified with masculine Cuban chain. The octagonal pendant featured central sapphire surrounded by diamonds and smaller sapphires - priceless early 20th-century French piece.
Under flashes, Yan Wangshu displayed silver ring and sapphire pinky ring, creating striking harmony with his Eurasian features - sophisticated, handsome, and alluring.
Further searches revealed Yan Wangshu's frequent public appearances with actress Yan Ran, fans considering them a pair.