Volume One Chapter 67: If You're Going to Bet, Bet Big

"Wow..."
The sarcastic remark that was about to leave her lips was abruptly swallowed the moment she stepped inside.
Xu Yiyi gazed around in astonishment, showering compliments as she walked, "Look at this grand open-plan living room, look at these floor-to-ceiling windows..."
By comparison, the staff apartment she'd just been allocated was hardly worth mentioning.
She toured the master bedroom and the guest room, then returned, tilting her chin as she interrogated Sang Wan, "This guest room..."
Sang Wan nodded readily, "It's yours!"
"Then I'm staying here tonight—anyway, I don't have class tomorrow morning..."
Xu Yiyi was more than satisfied with Sang Wan's answer.
And then she remembered this apartment belonged to Lou Ye.
Even though no one else was home, Xu Yiyi lowered her voice as she asked, "So, you and Lou Ye..."
"I've already made things clear to him."
"??? Made what clear?"
"I told him, I see him as a little brother."
"...And how did he take it?"
"He..."
Images of Lou Ye's dark eyes, suddenly closing in on her, flashed through her mind.
There was a bright light shining in his gaze.
It was as if he wanted to see right through her eyes and into her heart.
Just thinking of it made Sang Wan feel inexplicably uneasy.
She averted her eyes, forcing a casual tone, "He agreed. He even started calling me 'sister'."
???
Xu Yiyi's brow furrowed in confusion.
Since college, she'd always suspected Lou Ye's intentions toward Sang Wan were less than innocent.
Even back then, when Sang Wan was already officially with Lu Jinnian.
But Lou Ye had never overstepped with words or actions.
Then, after Sang Wan's divorce, he reappeared in her life, strong and insistent.
Even people like her and Yang Yan, mere hangers-on, were swept up in the tide.
She simply didn't believe Lou Ye wanted nothing from Sang Wan.
"Are you sure you didn't mishear? He called you 'sister'?"
Xu Yiyi's eyes were full of doubt.
Uh...
Sang Wan's gaze flickered.
Sister. Older sister.
Only a single word different, but the meaning was the same.
Right?
Sang Wan nodded, "I'm sure."
Xu Yiyi: !!!
Or perhaps, she really had misjudged after all?

Maybe Lou Ye was just a simple guy with too much money?
Forget it, doesn't matter!
Xu Yiyi waved her hand grandly, "No matter the reason, the important thing is, we're both doing better and better. Today is a day of double happiness."
Sang Wan looked over at her.
Xu Yiyi beamed, "The department head called me at noon, asked me to submit an extra form. If all goes well, my professional title will be confirmed next week."
"??? So soon?"
Sang Wan's face was bright with delight.
Xu Yiyi shook her head with pride, "When the results come out, I promise I'll treat you to the ultimate experience with the most gorgeous, perkiest service staff in town."
Sang Wan: ...
Her phone chimed. Xu Yiyi picked up the call, and after a moment, handed her phone over with an odd expression.
After years together, Sang Wan knew Lu Jinnian was the sort who never rested until he got what he wanted.
She snatched the phone, exasperated, "Hello?"
"Sang Wan..."
Lu Jinnian's voice was low and steady, "I've had the housekeeper clean the apartment in the east end of the city. The code is your birthday. You can move in whenever you like. I've told the lawyer to transfer the property to your name—he'll handle it tomorrow, Monday."
Back then, when she wanted nothing but a place to stay, he refused.
Now, he's desperate to give her one.
But she... didn't want it anymore.
"Lu Jinnian, I don't know what game you're playing, or what you want from me, but I won't fall for it again!"
Sang Wan spoke coldly, "I'll say it again: we're divorced. Please learn to establish clear boundaries like strangers, and stop calling me or my friends!"
She hung up without hesitation and handed the phone back to Xu Yiyi. "Why haven't you blocked his number yet?"
"Block him? Not a chance..."
Xu Yiyi sneered, "Back then, you and Lu Jinnian made me believe in childhood sweethearts and everlasting love. I keep his number just to see how shameless he can get—and, in the near future, whether he'll regret it!"
So far, she hadn't seen a trace of regret from Lu Jinnian.
But in the span of just a week—an apartment, a housekeeper...
Xu Yiyi figured, regret wasn't far off now.
"Dearest, look ahead, don't look back!"
Xu Yiyi encouraged her with a determined look, "I hope one day I'll see you on the arm of a tall, rich, and handsome man at the pinnacle of life, while that bastard ex-husband grovels at your feet in tears."
Sang Wan: ...
With Xu Yiyi's help, Sang Wan didn't have to move her things bit by bit like an ant.
They went to the supermarket together and bought some household essentials.
For their first meal in the new home, as always, they had hotpot, their favorite.
They ate and talked, the meal dragging on for a long time.
After cleaning up, each went to shower off the lingering scent of hotpot.
When Sang Wan returned to the living room, she stared at the empty space and suddenly remembered something important.
She'd moved house.
So... could she bring 2S home now?
She checked the time—it was only nine o'clock.
Still early.

Sang Wan sent Lou Ye a message.
[Lou Ye, could you ask the driver to bring 2S over tomorrow?]
[No.]
[??? Why not?]
[I've grown attached.]
[...But 2S is my cat.]
No reply came.
Just as Sang Wan was getting anxious, Lou Ye sent another message.
[Just kidding.]
[Sis, animals can get stressed in a new environment. If I bring him over tomorrow and he gets anxious, then you go off to work, and something happens to the cat, could you live with that?]
[Let's do Friday. I'll bring him after work, so you can be home all weekend to help him adjust. What do you think?]
Sang Wan thought Lou Ye's plan was very considerate.
[Alright, it's settled!]
She tossed her phone aside, put her hands on her hips, and paced the living room several times.
The food dispenser could go by the floor-to-ceiling window, so the cat could eat while gazing at blue skies, white clouds, and sunsets.
The litter box would be on the balcony, keeping the indoor air fresh.
The cat toys could be pilfered from Lou Ye's place.
She'd just need to buy a small cat tree.
That should... just about do it.
Though it couldn't compare with the lavish terrace at Lou Ye's house, 2S was the kitten she'd rescued herself—surely it wouldn't mind... would it?
Xu Yiyi emerged from the guest room, just in time to see Sang Wan lost in thought in the corner.
She couldn't help but laugh, "What are you muttering about over there by yourself?"
"I've arranged with Lou Ye to bring 2S back this weekend."
Sang Wan pointed to the corner, "Auntie, do you want to sponsor a cat tree for your nephew?"
Not a bad idea—but...
Her mind was full of the photos Sang Wan had sent her before.
Xu Yiyi remembered the two-hundred-square-meter semi-open terrace at Lou Ye's house vividly.
Whether or not Lou Ye had ulterior motives toward Sang Wan was yet to be seen,
but when it came to 2S, he treated that cat like his own.
Xu Yiyi looked at Sang Wan, unconvinced, "Are you sure you can actually bring him back?"
"Of course."
Sang Wan showed her the chat, "Fifty cents, want to bet?"
"Bet? Let's make it big! I bet a whole dollar you can't bring him back!"
Sang Wan: ...Could you go any higher?