Jiang Chu Bi’s words were pointed, clearly aiming to use her "seduction" of Xing Zheng as an opportunity to mock her, as if she were easy to bully. "Xu Ying and I have a very good relationship, and I don't have time to think about others. As for Miss Jiang, you were still having an affair with another man before your wedding. Shouldn't you manage yourself first?"
As soon as she said this, Jiang Chu Bi's expression changed instantly. Her previously bright smile faltered. Lin Mei smiled even more radiantly. While she had previously avoided making things too ugly with Jiang Chu Bi, it didn't mean she was someone who could be pushed around.
Jiang Chu Bi, having been hit where it hurt, quickly left. As Lin Mei turned her head, she saw Xu Ying giving her a thumbs-up. She smiled, "What does that mean?"
"It means you're amazing, and I admire you," Xu Ying said. "You were so charming just now."
Normally, Lin Mei was gentle and didn't easily conflict with others; she rarely even spoke loudly. Now, showing such a stark contrast made her image even more vivid. Xu Ying couldn't help but say, "I think I like you even more."
Xu Ying had always been generous in expressing his admiration for Lin Mei, even before. Since coming to the capital, it had become even more pronounced. Lin Mei heard him say "I like you" almost every day. What was initially uncomfortable had become a habit. If he didn't say it for a day, she would feel something was missing from her life. "Xu Ying."
"Hmm?" Her tone was serious, and Xu Ying immediately stopped smiling. Then he heard her say, "If you win today's competition, we'll give it a try."
"Really?" Xu Ying couldn't believe it. "Really, really, did I hear that right?" He rarely showed such a childlike side, grabbing her hand and asking repeatedly, as if afraid she would go back on her word.
His demeanor made Lin Mei laugh. "Yes, really, but you have to win."
Xu Ying confidently told her, "Winning the competition is much easier than getting you to be my girlfriend."
Lin Mei knew he wasn't bragging. She had watched him compete many times, and he had always been the champion. No wonder his friends called him a god. Xu Ying was about to compete soon.
Before the race, he pulled Lin Mei into his arms and whispered close to her face, "Can I exercise my boyfriend's rights in advance?"
Lin Mei replied with an "Mm," and then Xu Ying kissed her cheek. It was a light, slow kiss. Lin Mei had expected him to kiss her lips, but to her surprise, he was so restrained.
As if guessing her thoughts, Xu Ying whispered to her, "We'll kiss on the lips when they give out the awards."
Lin Mei playfully pushed him away, "Hurry up and go compete!"
The affectionate scene between them was witnessed by Jiang Chu Bi. She sneered, thinking that Lin Mei's promiscuous nature meant it was fortunate she had already made Xing Zheng make a decision. Otherwise, their plan would have been ruined by Lin Mei sooner or later. Xing Yan had once described Lin Mei as simple, kind, and shy… did she deserve those words?
This competition was a grand prix sponsored by a car brand under the Jiang family's seven subsidiaries. Top domestic drivers participated, and the competition was fierce. Even so, Xu Ying remained the undisputed champion. After winning, he did not accept media interviews but went straight to Lin Mei's side.
The media followed closely and captured the scene of Xu Ying embracing Lin Mei and kissing her. The sound of cameras shuttering was incessant, and the flashes blinded Lin Mei's eyes. Xu Ying protectively covered her eyes and told the reporters, "Please, no more flash photography. My girlfriend isn't used to it."
Xu Ying had a good relationship with the reporters, and after he spoke, no one used their flashes. Xu Ying then embraced Lin Mei and accepted some media interviews.
The reporters were, of course, aware of the situation between Xu Ying and Lin Mei, as well as the rumors surrounding Lin Mei. When asking questions, they subtly probed.
Xu Ying understood their implications and publicly stated his stance, "My girlfriend is a very good person, and I will always believe in her. As for those groundless rumors, they won't affect my feelings for her."
Hearing Xu Ying's words, Lin Mei felt a pang of sadness. This was what a healthy relationship built on mutual trust should be like. Xu Ying defended her in front of the media, while Xing Zheng would only conspire with Jiang Chu Bi and the media to stab her repeatedly.
Perhaps she should have gotten together with Xu Ying long ago. So what if he was a few years younger? His goodness towards her wouldn't diminish because of his age.
Although Xu Ying had taken Lin Mei to many competitions before, he had never accepted media interviews so openly. This was because, at the time, Lin Mei and he were not truly a couple. However, the situation was different now; they had become a legitimate couple.
With Lin Mei's consent, Xu Ying openly announced their relationship to the media. During the awards ceremony, reporters followed and took many photos and videos of them.
These photos and videos soon appeared online and reached Xing Zheng's eyes. The video clearly showed Xu Ying rushing to Lin Mei immediately after the competition and kissing her. Later, when reporters surrounded them, Xu Ying shielded Lin Mei in his arms…
Shen Su saw the veins bulging on Xing Zheng's lean forearm and nudged Gu Song. Gu Song poured Xing Zheng a drink and said, "Don't upset yourself over nothing. Watch less."
Xing Zheng downed the wine in his glass without a word. Shen Su and Gu Song could only drink with him, and finally, they found a driver to take him back to Zhuhua Villa. Upon entering, he went to the balcony and picked up Lan Lan.
Shen Su and Gu Song both knew very well what this rabbit represented to him.
After a night of heavy drinking, Xing Zheng woke up with a throbbing headache. After a cold shower, Xing Zheng received a call from Li Xun. "I'm getting married on the eleventh. Remember to come."
Li Xun and Ning Rui's wedding plans had been on the agenda for a long time, but due to various unforeseen circumstances, it had been postponed to the eleventh. Xing Zheng and Li Xun had a close relationship and would naturally not miss it. "Mm."
"We've found some more information regarding Runcheng. I'll send it to you later," Li Xun said, getting down to business with Xing Zheng. "Liu Qinye's neighbor insists he's dead."
After that incident, Li Xun had been having Chen Hua inquire about Liu Qinye's affairs. This time, he found Liu Qinye's former residence after demolition. The neighbor said that Liu Qinye had been beaten half to death by loan sharks due to gambling debts and taken away, and he was certainly not alive now. Xing Zheng listened to this with a solemn expression. "Can the neighborhood surveillance be accessed?"
"We've already sent people to check. Liang Yufeng's people are also investigating," Li Xun had already made arrangements. "It might take a long time."
Xing Zheng replied with an "Mm." He had waited so many years; a few more months wouldn't matter.
Li Xun then asked him, "How is Zhao Corporation doing recently?"
Xing Zheng walked into the living room, picked up Lan Lan, and stroked its fur with his long fingers, his lips moving slightly. "All the capital is going into the laboratory."
Li Xun smiled. "Congratulations. Then you can cast your net at any time."
Xing Zheng pinched Lan Lan's ear, lost in thought.