Chapter 55: This Plot Feels Familiar!
Staring at Li Zhiyan across the room, Yu Yunfei made up his mind. He had to get this kid drunk, or there was no way his plans with Gu Wanzhou could progress.
If he didn't act now, his chances of rekindling the spark with his ex-wife would slip away.
"Hello, Uncle. I'm Li Zhiyan, Sisi's classmate," Zhiyan greeted with a polite smile, his tone neither servile nor overbearing.
He was well aware that being confrontational wouldn't work. After all, Gu Wanzhou and Yu Yunfei shared years of history. If he made any rash moves, it might backfire and push Wanzhou further away. Mature women had their own ways of judging people, and he couldn't afford to be careless.
No, his plan was to subtly sabotage Yu Yunfei's chances while painting him in an unfavorable light. Slowly but surely, he'd ensure Wanzhou's former husband lost any footing in her life.
After all, Gu Wanzhou wasn't just anyone—she was his Gu Wanzhou.
---
Yu Yunfei stepped inside, his eyes quickly scanning the living room. From a distance, he caught a glimpse of Wanzhou working in the kitchen.
Her figure was as stunning as ever, a vision of grace and allure. She had only grown more elegant over the years, like fine wine aging to perfection.
This is my chance, Yu thought, a wicked smile curling his lips. He had no intention of leaving without rekindling the flames.
"Wanzhou, it's been a long time."
"Don't call me that."
Her sharp tone and steely gaze froze him in his tracks.
"We're divorced, Yu Yunfei. Don't forget that," she said coolly, turning back to her cooking.
The reminder stung, but Yu forced a sheepish smile. "Ah, sorry, force of habit."
Trying to save face, he pulled out his phone and dialed his daughter.
"Sisi, I'm home. Are you coming back soon?"
"Sorry, Dad. I'm hiking right now, and I'm pretty far from home. I probably won't make it until tonight," came Sisi's reply.
Yu's face fell. He had hoped to use their daughter as a bridge to mend things with Wanzhou. But with Sisi out of the picture, his plans had to shift.
"That's fine. Enjoy your trip," he said, feigning understanding. "Your mom and I will just have some quality time together."
He raised his voice deliberately, ensuring Wanzhou could hear every word. If Sisi wanted them to reconcile, he'd happily play along.
But for now, his immediate problem was the boy.
This kid had to go.
---
"Wanzhou, let me help you with the cooking," Yu offered, trying to appear considerate.
Before Wanzhou could respond, Zhiyan interjected, "I'll help Auntie. You should take a break, Uncle Yu. You've had a long trip."
Without waiting for permission, Zhiyan stepped into the kitchen, effectively blocking Yu's path.
Yu could only watch helplessly as the two disappeared into the kitchen. His frustration mounted, especially as he noticed how naturally the two moved together.
The sight ignited an inexplicable unease in him.
What's with their dynamic? It almost feels like… no, that's impossible.
He shook his head to dismiss the thought. Wanzhou is forty-one. That kid is just eighteen. There's no way…
---
In the kitchen, Wanzhou glanced at Zhiyan, a small smile tugging at her lips.
"Happy now, little one? Auntie didn't let him come near me," she teased, her tone light.
Zhiyan nodded solemnly. "That's how it should be, Auntie Gu."
His deadpan response made her laugh. This kid was too much sometimes—his possessiveness was almost cute.
Still, it was because he cared, she reminded herself. But if only his feelings for her weren't so complicated, things wouldn't be this difficult.
---
When the food was finally served, the three sat down at the dining table.
Zhiyan and Wanzhou sat side by side, while Yu sat across from them.
Taking a bite, Yu couldn't help but sigh. "Wanzhou, your cooking is just as amazing as I remember."
He set his chopsticks down and gave her a meaningful look. "You know, Sisi's been wanting us to spend more time together. How about we take her hiking next time I'm back? It'll be a good chance to bond as a family."
Wanzhou didn't respond immediately. She glanced at Zhiyan, sensing his silent disapproval.
Years of being a single parent had softened her toward Zhiyan. She saw so much of herself in him—both of them had endured a lot, and she couldn't bear the thought of hurting him.
"No need. You're busy with work, and I've got my hands full too," she said curtly.
Yu frowned, but he quickly recovered. He had one last trick up his sleeve.
If talking didn't work, actions would. Beneath the table, he slowly extended his foot toward Wanzhou's.
The plan was simple: start with a light touch, then work his way up. He'd ignite her long-buried passion, and with the kid out of the picture, the rest would be history.
But just as his foot was about to make contact, something blocked his path.
"Uncle Yu, why are you touching my shoe?" Zhiyan's voice rang out, loud and clear.
The room fell silent.
---
Wanzhou's chopsticks froze mid-air. Her sharp gaze snapped to Yu, her eyes narrowing.
"Yu Yunfei," she said, her tone icy, "what exactly are you trying to do?"
Yu's face turned red as he stammered for an excuse. "I-I wasn't trying to do anything! Must've been a mistake!"
Zhiyan leaned back in his chair, a faint smirk playing on his lips. He had seen this move coming a mile away—it was straight out of every sleazy movie he'd ever watched.
This wasn't his first rodeo.
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