After My Death, I Became a Heartless Madman - Chapter 36.1

As the year drew to a close, the winter in the Inner City arrived in earnest, yet the temperature was a few degrees higher than during late autumn. Pedestrians on the streets wore light clothing, their vibrant sleeves making one suspect that spring had already arrived.

Spring warm and blooming sounded like a season brimming with hope and love.

Located in the heart of the Inner City, the Garden Hotel was one of the Council’s private assets. A five-story, sail-shaped building served as the VIP area of the hotel, embodying an eco-friendly and livable concept, with towering trees seamlessly connecting to the largest resort in the Inner City.

This hotel was typically reserved for hosting distinguished guests from various countries. As the year came to an end, it also became the premier choice for the elite to hold banquets and social gatherings.

The café on the first floor was open to the public. Song Shizhou took off her black wool coat and casually draped it over the back of her chair.

Su Ziqing had sharp eyes.

“That coat is the latest release from a luxury brand overseas. If I’m not mistaken, it just launched less than a week ago.”

She nodded emphatically and added with equal emphasis,

“Very expensive.”

Hearing this description, Song Shizhou was genuinely shocked and hurriedly smoothed out the wrinkles and folds of the coat with great reverence.

Su Ziqing, proud of her discerning eye, teased in a playful tone,

“Not bad, Song Shizhou.”

“Act first, report later progress at lightning speed. Has Little White Dragon proposed to you yet?”

The sarcastic lilt in her voice was quintessentially Su Ziqing. Despite her dignified and composed name, she was actually the most unruly socialite among Song Shizhou’s friends.

Miss Su wore an understated yet luxurious camel-colored coat, but the neckline revealed a flashy, sequined camisole dress undoubtedly her “battle attire” for the evening’s banquet.

“Not that fast.”

Song Shizhou chuckled.

The café’s heating was turned up high, so Su Ziqing took off her coat. A delicate diamond necklace adorned her neck though the chain was thin, the center stone was duang huge.

Song Shizhou was nearly blinded by the sparkle of the diamond on Su Ziqing’s chest and had to avert her gaze.

She said calmly,

“Who knows? We might break up the next second. How can anyone predict what comes after?”

“Bullshit!”

Su Ziqing exclaimed rudely, drawing the attention of the other patrons in the café.

She glanced around and lowered her voice sheepishly,

“Nonsense.”

“The news is everywhere. Who in the Inner City doesn’t know you two are about to tie the knot? You have no idea how your mom reacted when she heard.”

“Song Lanyi’s eyes rolled back, and she nearly fainted on the spot!”

Song Shizhou laughed.

“How would you know how Song Lanyi reacted?”

Su Ziqing scratched her head awkwardly.

“I’m just guessing.”

After Bai Ruowei’s heartfelt confession during her illness, the tension between them had eased considerably. Miss Bai had mentioned reconciliation multiple times and confessed her feelings repeatedly. Song Shizhou never responded, so Bai Ruowei took it as silent agreement.

Miss Bai was quite pleased with this outcome, ecstatic, in fact. After chasing her for two lifetimes, how could she not be overjoyed to finally have her back in her grasp? Bai Ruowei had been squeezing time out of her busy schedule lately to scout wedding venues. The news had spread, intentionally or not, and nearly everyone Song Shizhou knew in the Inner City had come to ask her:

Is it true you and Miss Bai are about to get married?

Zhao Yiqing somehow managed to add her contact and sent a lengthy apology letter, sincere in both words and sentiment.

Song Shizhou didn’t understand why she was apologizing to her and felt extremely awkward. She replied with several embarrassed responses, thinking Zhao must have added the wrong person.

Even those who had once looked down on her or given her a hard time came to apologize in roundabout ways. Song Nianchu, uncharacteristically, sent her a WeChat message addressing her as “sister.”

Song Shizhou didn’t reply and instead blocked that number as well.

Meanwhile, the Little White Dragon, basking in the joy of love, was radiant once again. Indeed, just the thought of Song Shizhou loving her again filled Bai Ruowei with boundless energy.

Tonight’s banquet was billed as a high-society gathering, but most of the invited guests already knew each other. Rather than a networking event, it was more like a large reunion of acquaintances.

The only difference from previous parties was that Miss Bai would also be attending this time.

As the banquet was about to begin, Qingluan accompanied Song Shizhou to change into an evening gown, a black mermaid dress with a stylish hem that swayed around her calves. Looking at herself in the mirror, Song Shizhou thought she really did resemble a legless mermaid.

Qingluan handed her a rabbit-fur shawl, also black.

“The banquet hall isn’t very warm. Be careful not to catch a chill.”

Song Shizhou took it, feigning nonchalance.

“Miss Bai still has you following me?”

Qingluan froze.

“I’m your assistant. Taking care of your daily needs is my responsibility.”

Seeing her unyielding demeanor, Song Shizhou didn’t press further.

She pushed open the dressing room door, only to find Fengyu standing there for some reason.

Startled, Song Shizhou exclaimed,

“Sister Yu.”

Fengyu nodded.

“I’m here.”

Their noses were almost touching, making Song Shizhou feel awkward. She scratched her head.

“Long time no see, Sister Yu.”

The last time they met, she had insisted there was nothing between her and Bai Ruowei, only to inexplicably reconcile later. Anyone would find it awkward. Song Shizhou hesitated, unsure what to say.

The beautiful mermaid dress swayed with her steps, its long hem trailing on the floor. Fengyu bent down, instinctively reaching to lift it.

But as if remembering something, her hand froze midair.

“Yes, long time no see.”

She paused.

“I heard… you and Miss Bai are about to have good news?”

Song Shizhou hesitated.

“Maybe.”

A long, dark corridor stretched before them. The two walked in silence, one after the other.

The booming sound of stage equipment suddenly echoed, startling Fengyu, who instinctively grabbed Song Shizhou’s hand.

The banquet hadn’t officially started yet. The lazy jazz music was almost hypnotic, the warm fragrance filling the air. Bright lights and crystal chandeliers illuminated every corner.

Song Fengyu stood dazed, covering her eyes.

Su Ziqing rushed over from somewhere.

“Shi Zhou, let’s dance.”

Song Shizhou turned and smiled at her, about to ask if she wanted to join.

But before she could speak, Fengyu quickly answered,

“Okay.”

As the song ended, Su Ziqing took a fruit-flavored cocktail from a waiter and downed it in one go.

They had danced a ballroom number. Song Shizhou didn’t know the male steps, and Su Ziqing had confidently claimed she’d learned them only to step on her feet countless times throughout the dance.

Song Shizhou was wearing a pair of black kitten heels when a dusty footprint landed on the polished leather. Su Ziqing stuck out her tongue, knowing she was at fault, and accompanied her to the dressing room to change shoes.

Amused by her expression, Song Shizhou couldn’t help but tease,

“Weren’t you always the queen of the dance floor? How did you end up dancing so clumsily?”

Su Ziqing’s face flushed pink.

“It’s been a while since I last danced, alright? When they switch to the rumba later, I’ll go up for a solo. Shi Zhou, you have to take pictures of me.”

As they chatted, a pair of hands slid around Song Shizhou’s slender waist, pulling her naturally into an embrace right in front of Su Ziqing.

Miss Bai smiled, her usually cold and proud face adorned with rare makeup. She wore a white mermaid dress, its hem sparkling with Swarovski crystals that shimmered like rippling water under the dazzling chandelier lights of the dressing room so breathtakingly beautiful it defied description.

Without a word, she drew Song Shizhou closer, the hand resting on her waist adorned with a diamond ring that instantly outshone the one around Su Ziqing’s neck.

There were many beauties at the ball, and Su Ziqing had seen her fair share of stunning faces. Yet, upon seeing Miss Bai in full glamour, she couldn’t help but recall an old saying:

How could fireflies compete with the brilliance of the moon?

The scent of laurel drifted against Song Shizhou’s neck, sending a faint, ticklish sensation. She shifted uncomfortably.

“What were you talking about that made you so happy?”

Song Shizhou replied flatly,

“Nothing much. Su Ziqing stepped on my shoes and dirtied them, so I came to change.”

Bai Ruowei hummed in acknowledgment.

Then, quite naturally, she knelt down in front of Song Shizhou.

“Let me help you.”

Su Ziqing was stunned.

Bai Ruowei, kneeling to change someone else’s shoes?

Suddenly, Zhao Yiqing’s little photos seemed utterly insignificant. Gritting her teeth, Su Ziqing watched as Miss Bai, with focused attention, selected a clean pair of black leather shoes, removed the dirty ones, and replaced them with pristine new ones her movements meticulous, as if it were the most ordinary thing in the world.

Is this the sight of the proud willingly lowering themselves? Is this the legendary power of love?

Su Ziqing was so shocked she bolted out the door. But the two inside remained oblivious to her turmoil. Miss Bai carefully fastened one shoe, her slender fingers brushing against Song Shizhou’s ankle, making the latter’s cheeks flush involuntarily.

“I can do it myself.”

Bai Ruowei stood up without pressing further and took a seat beside her.

“Did you see Song Fengyu again earlier?”

Song Shizhou sighed.

“Sister Yu was also on the guest list. Running into her is only natural.”

“I know.”

Bai Ruowei leaned against her shoulder.

“I just find her annoying. It’s like no matter where we go, she’s always there.”

Song Shizhou took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. Bai Ruowei immediately fell silent.

“The banquet is about to start. Aren’t you going?”

Miss Bai smiled.

“I’m waiting to go with you.”

She interlaced their fingers, and hand in hand, they stepped out of the dressing room.

The moment Miss Bai appeared, all eyes in the room were drawn to her. The crowd held their breath, but she remained oblivious, leading Song Shizhou to the lounge area where they casually took a seat. Then, as if absentmindedly, she lifted Song Shizhou’s hand and pressed a light kiss to it.

Envious and jealous glances instantly shot their way. Song Shizhou lowered her head, a faint smile playing on her lips.

“Actually, this banquet… is for you.”

“For me.”

Song Shizhou raised an eyebrow.

Bai Ruowei smiled, her sparkling light green eyes gleaming brightly.

“I want to announce our relationship in front of everyone…”

Song Shizhou subtly withdrew her hand.

She pondered how to respond when Mia happened to walk over.

“Miss Bai, Mr. Bai is on the phone and needs to speak with you.”

Bai Ruowei frowned slightly, visibly impatient.

“I know. I’ll be right there.”

She turned to Song Shizhou.

“I’ll be back soon.”

With lingering glances, Bai Ruowei walked away, though she wasn’t sure why she felt so uneasy. Song Shizhou sat there quietly, yet an inexplicable unease tugged at her heart.

Miss Bai’s instincts were rarely wrong. She casually summoned Qingluan.

“Take good care of Miss Song.”

Qingluan nodded.

Bai Ruowei followed Mia away, hurrying to answer Mr. Bai’s call. Her expensive fishtail gown swayed with every step, leaving ripples in its wake. Even her retreating figure was breathtakingly beautiful.

Song Shizhou swirled the wine in her glass, a faint smile on her lips.

Song Fengyu sat down beside her.

“You’re already prepared.”

Song Shizhou took a sip of wine but said nothing.

Song Fengyu chuckled softly, realizing she might have been too eager.

Due to the banquet, Miss Bai hadn’t brought many attendants. Gu Zhiyu sensed something amiss.

“Why is Song Fengyu sitting there? Did Miss Bai allow it?”

Qingluan blocked her path expressionlessly.

“Quiet.”

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