Night descended.

Su Lang returned home after spending the afternoon gathering information about Divine Doctor Xue’s arrest. From what the lawyer informed him, Doctor Xue wouldn’t be released any time soon. The media was ablaze with stories of “quack doctors causing harm, paying with their lives,” and it seemed everyone knew about it. Divine Doctor Xue had essentially been ostracized by society; even if he were eventually released, he would be shunned.

The plan to have Divine Doctor Xue attend the wedding was completely ruined, yet Su Lang wasn’t too concerned. He hadn’t only invited Divine Doctor Xue. Others, equally notable, would still come in support.

With this thought, Su Lang’s spirits lifted, and he headed home to cook. But after a few steps, he suddenly stopped.

“Step out,” he commanded to the seemingly empty air.

“As expected of the War God, your perception remains sharp,” a man dressed in dark clothing stepped from the shadows, a smile on his face.

“An Ying, it really is you,” Su Lang acknowledged, smiling subtly. Among those he had contacted, this man was one of them.

“An Ying greets the War God,” the man, An Ying, greeted respectfully. He was one of Su Lang’s skilled subordinates, adept at assassination and tracking.

“No need for formalities,” Su Lang waved dismissively.

“War God, your message caused quite a stir. I’ve received secret information that your enemies have sent people to Qingling,” An Ying reported.

“Since I made my presence known, I anticipated this eventuality. That’s why I summoned you,” Su Lang replied with confidence.

“You truly are a master strategist. Please, give your orders,” An Ying responded promptly.

“Those clowns don’t bother me. My main concern is they might target my wife. Protect her from the shadows for me.”

“Understood!”

An Ying accepted the command and vanished back into the darkness.

Arriving home, Su Lang went about cooking while considering the wedding arrangements. Initially, he had hoped to rely on Ma Hongsheng, thinking he could manage the wedding once he recovered. However, with Ma Hongsheng’s situation not promising, Su Lang decided to take matters into his own hands.

Yang Jingwan’s family hadn’t returned yet. After preparing dinner, Su Lang took advantage of the free evening to contact the largest bridal shop in Qingling, setting up an appointment for the next day to try on wedding dresses and suits.

…

In the dormitory.

“Ugh…”

Qin Yunhan rushed to the bathroom, retching for a moment before rinsing her mouth. She returned to the room, glaring at Wang Haoran.

“This remedy really works. I must be healed by the power of love,” Wang Haoran joked theatrically to Qin Yunhan.

“Hmph, you’re such a fool,” Qin Yunhan pouted.

“Alright, honestly, after the whole incident with Xiao Yifeng, I found I was sometimes just fine, but I needed confirmation. That’s why I played a little prank on you,” Wang Haoran explained upon seeing her stern expression. “You’re not mad, right?”

Of course, Qin Yunhan wasn’t mad. She was too relieved that Wang Haoran seemed normal again to care about such a small matter. However, she pretended to be upset, “I sent Zhaozhao home today. You need to come over and tutor me as punishment for tricking me.”

“Alright,” Wang Haoran agreed readily.

Since it was still break time, the two had snuck into the dormitory and, after chatting for a bit, hurried back.

…

Elsewhere, after waiting for a while, Yang Jingwan’s family returned, chatting and laughing. Post-dinner, Su Lang washed the dishes and cleaned the floor, keeping busy until nearly ten. He approached Yang Jingwan’s bedroom and knocked.

“What do you want?” Yang Jingwan answered the door, clearly irritated.

“I’ve scheduled a fitting at the bridal shop. When do you finish work tomorrow? Let’s go together,” Su Lang suggested.

“I finish late tomorrow. I’m not going,” Yang Jingwan replied, trying to close the door.

But Su Lang quickly held it open.

“I’ve made the appointment. Just cooperate this once, or we won’t have a wedding dress and suit for the ceremony,” Su Lang implored earnestly.

Yang Jingwan, not wanting to deal with him, tried to push the door shut. Yet, Su Lang held firm with surprising strength.

“I told you, I’m not interested in trying on wedding dresses. Stop being annoying.”

“If you don’t agree, I’ll stand here all night,” Su Lang said with feigned stubbornness.

“I’ll be honest. I’ve fallen for someone else and… and cheated. Let’s get a divorce,” Yang Jingwan blurted out in frustration.

“Jingwan, stop with the lies. You’re clearly still a virgin,” Su Lang mentioned, not believing her story.

Surprised, Yang Jingwan asked, “How can you tell that? How do you know?”

“From the way you walk. It’s unmistakable,” Su Lang replied with a smug smile.

With Su Lang’s antics, Yang Jingwan’s anger dissipated, and she calmed down.

“We agreed that after the wedding, if you still want a divorce, I’ll consent. But before that, can you cooperate and try on the dress?” Su Lang persuaded gently.

“Alright… alright,” Yang Jingwan reluctantly agreed.

“I’ll pick you up after work tomorrow,” Su Lang said eagerly.

“Don’t bother. If you pick me up, I won’t go,” Yang Jingwan insisted.

Su Lang reluctantly agreed, knowing his electric bike was slow and not wanting her colleagues to see her with him.

“Okay, I’ll meet you directly at the bridal shop,” Su Lang finally conceded.

Yang Jingwan shut the door.

Su Lang shrugged, unfazed. As they say, the storm before the calm. He believed that the worse Yang Jingwan’s attitude was now, the gentler she would be later.

…

“You’re something else, having such a keen sense…”

In the dormitory, Wang Haoran was tutoring Qin Yunhan while curiously listening to the commotion from Yang Jingwan’s side. When Su Lang claimed he could tell if a woman was a virgin by her walking posture, Wang Haoran was bewildered.

However, Wang Haoran’s real interest was in Su Lang’s plan to take Yang Jingwan to the bridal shop. He predicted there might be a clichéd scene where Yang Jingwan liked a pricey dress, the shop staff mocked her, and then Su Lang showed up with a grand gesture.

Of course, this was just speculation, but Wang Haoran decided to check out the bridal shop for himself.

Yang Jingwan’s favorability towards him had reached 75, and she had broached the topic of divorce with Su Lang. With some effort, Wang Haoran hoped to win her over further, making it easier to deal with Su Lang.

“How do I solve this problem?” Qin Yunhan asked, pointing to a math problem.

“It’s simple…” Wang Haoran explained the solution process to her and then encouraged her to try it on her own while he composed a message on his phone.