Lin Mei rarely lost her temper, let alone spoke such harsh words. Her statement clearly likened Chen Qi and Chen Jing to rabid dogs.
The file bag struck Chen Jing’s face again. Chen Jing felt the pain and the humiliation.
Chen Jing grabbed the file bag, intending to throw it back, but Chen Qi opened it first. The siblings then began to wrestle for it, scattering the photos onto the floor, allowing everyone to see them clearly.
Upon seeing the photos, Chen Qi’s face changed instantly!
These photos, spanning five years from several years ago to a few weeks ago, documented his dates and hotel stays with various women – clients, people he met online, and even some bank interns…
He had always been very discreet. How did Lin Mei get these photos?!
Chen Dong and Li Min saw the photos on the floor. They both rose and bent down to pick them up, looking at the dates. “These photos…”
“Do you now know what Chen Qi has been up to?” Lin Zhengde said. “Chen Qi started cheating in the first year he was dating our Hua Mei. He’s been messing around all these years, and when he was discovered, he accused my daughter of cheating. I don’t think a person like this deserves my daughter.”
Chen Dong and Li Min had initially believed Chen Qi’s words and had come to the Lin family seeking an explanation. To their surprise, they were met with such explosive evidence, leaving them both mortified.
Chen Dong sternly questioned Chen Qi, “What’s going on with these photos?!”
Chen Qi’s expression was grim, and for a moment, he couldn’t come up with any excuse.
“Dad! Lin Mei, that bitch must have photoshopped them!” Chen Jing once again blamed Lin Mei. “That Ming Zhou isn’t any good either. They must have concocted this plan together. Do they think they can bully us just because they have power and influence?”
Lin Mei looked coldly at Chen Jing, who was spewing blatant lies. “From now on, Chen Qi and I have nothing to do with each other. You can leave now.”
Chen Jing continued to curse, “Bitch! Even if my brother went out with other women, what does it matter? If you hadn’t acted so high and mighty and refused to sleep with him, he wouldn’t have…”
Slap, slap, slap!
As Chen Jing was in a tirade, Lin Mei stepped forward and slapped her three times in quick succession. This was the first time in her life she had ever hit anyone, and she used her full strength. Chen Jing’s nose began to bleed from the blows, and Lin Mei’s own hand felt numb.
“My tolerance does not mean I have no temper. If your mouth is dirty, I don’t mind cleaning it with a toilet brush. Don’t mistake my forbearance for submission,” Lin Mei said, standing before Chen Jing with a fierce expression. Chen Jing had never seen Lin Mei like this and was so intimidated that she couldn’t speak.
The Chen family was in the wrong, and Chen Jing’s nose wouldn’t stop bleeding. The family of four left sheepishly. Lin Mei picked up the photos and threw them into the trash can.
Lin Mei’s demeanor startled not only the Chen family but also Lin Zhengde and Xiao Yue. Their daughter had always been gentle, and they were shocked to see how formidable she was when angered.
Xiao Yue cleared her throat and asked Lin Mei cautiously, “Hua Mei? Are you alright?”
“I’m fine,” Lin Mei smiled at them. “Did I scare you?”
Lin Zhengde and Xiao Yue nodded in succession. “We’ve never seen you lose your temper like that.”
Lin Mei rubbed her temples. “Chen Jing has been speaking ill of me all these years. I didn’t want to bother with her, but she just kept getting worse.”
Xiao Yue: “She deserved it!”
Remembering Chen Jing’s insulting words to Lin Mei, Xiao Yue also felt angry. No mother wanted to hear her precious daughter insulted by an outsider like that.
“Never mind, we’ll just cut ties with them from now on. It’s good to know their true colors,” Lin Zhengde said to Lin Mei. “Stay for dinner, and then go back to rest. Don’t let people who aren’t worth it affect your normal life.”
—
Wan Quan Mountain Villa was particularly lively today, with many distinguished guests and a full house.
It was the thirtieth wedding anniversary of Jiang Fu, a renowned entrepreneur in Nanjiang City, and his wife of thirty years, Qin Yuewan. As one of Nanjiang City’s prominent affluent families, the Jiang family’s celebration attracted many from the social circle. Among the most envied was the legendary romance between the Jiang family’s second daughter, Jiang Chubi, and Xing Zheng.
Even before they arrived, people were inquiring if Jiang Fu and Xing Zheng would be attending. Jiang Fu smiled and said, “They’re on their way. Ah Zheng was delayed by work, but they’ll be here soon.”
Several friends praised Xing Zheng. “Your prospective son-in-law is truly remarkable. He’s only been back in the country for a short while, and he’s already thriving. So many people are hoping to connect with Shuang Mu!”
“It’s all thanks to President Jiang’s discerning eye for choosing a good son-in-law. You must introduce us later.”
Those around spoke of Xing Zheng with admiration, greatly satisfying Jiang Fu’s vanity. After exchanging pleasantries and mutual flattery with these individuals, Jiang Fu saw Xing Sha and Xie Qin Jia approaching and headed towards his future in-laws.
Jiang Fu and Xing Sha were old friends. They clapped each other on the shoulder upon meeting. Xing Sha looked around and asked, “Hasn’t Chubi arrived yet?”
Jiang Fu replied, “She’s on her way. She’s coming with Xing Zheng today.”
Upon hearing Xing Zheng’s name, Xie Qin Jia’s eyebrows furrowed, and a hint of disgust appeared in her eyes. Jiang Fu, noticing this, didn’t comment further.
As a friend of Xing Sha, he was naturally aware of Xie Qin Jia’s grievances towards Xing Zheng. He then changed the subject. “Chubi and Ah Zheng have been engaged for so many years. Now that Ah Zheng is back, and they’re both getting older, it’s time to discuss a date for the wedding.”
“You speak the truth,” Xing Sha agreed with Jiang Fu.
Xie Qin Jia did not participate in their conversation. She tugged at Xing Sha’s suit and said to him, “Don’t forget what I asked you to do.”
—
After taking his medication, Xing Zheng’s demeanor changed subtly. On the way to the hotel, he was tense and hadn't spoken a word.
Having learned from previous experiences, Jiang Chubi dared not provoke him further.
They drove in silence for the entire journey. Before entering the hotel, Jiang Chubi stopped, mustered her courage, and linked her arm through Xing Zheng’s. Xing Zheng didn’t look at her but didn’t pull away either.
Jiang Chubi secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Xing Zheng was still willing to play along with her, so his condition must have passed.
As soon as Xing Zheng and Jiang Chubi entered, they drew everyone’s attention. Jiang Chubi wore a graceful smile, affectionately linking her arm with Xing Zheng’s, displaying their affection.
Many people came to speak with them, primarily engaging Xing Zheng. Xing Zheng responded coldly, forcing Jiang Chubi to smooth things over by saying he wasn’t feeling well that day.
The medication Xing Zheng had taken was causing side effects. After staying in the banquet hall for a while, he felt his head growing heavy and dizzy. He released Jiang Chubi’s arm and walked directly towards the terrace.
Fearing that something might happen to him, Jiang Chubi followed. Xing Zheng didn’t drive her away, and they went to the terrace together. Others assumed it was a young couple seeking some private time.
His head was throbbing intensely. Xing Zheng rubbed his temples as he walked onto the terrace. As soon as he stopped, he saw Xie Qin Jia standing not far away, talking on her phone.
“Lin Mei, are you home yet? I didn’t disturb you, did I? I saw a very suitable prospect here. I’ll arrange for you to meet him after your father’s surgery!”