Jiang Qifeng placed the chicken soup on the table and turned to He Hanchuan, jerking his chin toward the door. "Step outside. We need to talk." As if he’d been expecting Jiang Qifeng to lose his patience, a faint smile touched He Hanchuan’s lips. "You can say whatever you need to right here." Xiang Wan had no idea what they needed to discuss, but seeing Jiang Qifeng’s brow furrow, she couldn’t help but interject. "Mr. He, if you two have things to talk about, I can step outside." She moved to throw back the covers, but just as her fingers brushed against the quilt, a lighter flew through the air and struck the back of her hand. The impact wasn’t heavy, but it stung sharply. He Hanchuan glanced at her, his brow twitching. "Did I tell you to move? Stay put." Seeing the red welt forming on the back of Xiang Wan’s hand, Jiang Qifeng’s expression hardened, and his voice turned sharp and accusatory. "He Hanchuan, keeping her by your side like this—what do you think Xiao Ran will say?" At the mention of Jiang Qingran’s name, a sharp pang shot through Xiang Wan’s chest. He Hanchuan toyed with the ring on his finger, his gaze lifting to meet the other man’s. "Then what would you suggest, Mr. Jiang?" "Make her leave B City." A murderous glint flashed in He Hanchuan’s narrow eyes, vanishing as quickly as it appeared. "Her work ethic is excellent, and she never complains. Technically, I have no reason to fire her." "The Dream Clubhouse is a palace. You can find any talent you want. Are you telling me you're short one hostess?" Rage flared in Jiang Qifeng, and with a sweep of his hand, he knocked over a chair. "Fine. How about this? I'll poach this employee from you, Mr. He. How does that sound?" So predictable. He Hanchuan smoothed the lapels of his bespoke suit, his expression maddeningly casual. "Normally, since we go way back, if you asked me for someone, I'd have no reason to refuse. But what can I do? With her… I'm not finished playing yet." "What more do you want to play at? In her... condition, what's left for you to play with?" "I'm sorry…" Tossed back and forth like a piece of property, a bitter taste filled Xiang Wan's mouth. She took a deep breath and looked at Jiang Qifeng. "Mr. Jiang, I have no intention of leaving my job right now. Thank you for the offer." "Xiang Wan!" Jiang Qifeng stared at her in disbelief. "Do you have any idea what you're saying?" Of course, she knew Jiang Qifeng was only trying to help. But Jiang Qingran had already dragged her through hell, and she wanted nothing more to do with the Jiang family—no more debts, no more favors. "I know exactly what I'm saying. It was my fault for upsetting you last night, Mr. Jiang. That's why you won't let this go. So how about this? As long as it calms your anger, I'll do anything you ask. Even if it means going back and kneeling." Jiang Qifeng stared at her, his face an icy mask. A lump formed in his throat, choking him. He didn't understand how she had become like this. "Xiang Wan, you think *I'm* the one who won't let you go?" Xiang Wan lowered her head, unable to meet his gaze. Jiang Qifeng let out a bitter laugh. "So I've been meddling this whole time. Fine, Miss Xiang. Take care of yourself." The moment the ward door slammed shut, Xiang Wan, for some reason, let out a sigh of relief. But the sigh had barely escaped her before a bone-chilling voice sounded from above. "Rekindling old flames now, are we? I see you haven't wasted the last two years, Xiang Wan." She looked up, confused, only to hear him sneer. "But every last one of them wants to tear you limb from limb. Seducing Jiang Qifeng is a death wish." She finally understood. A chill spread from her chest, seeping deep into her bones. After a long moment, she whispered, "Don't worry, Mr. He. I have no desire to be a part of your world anymore."