Feng Rou deflated like a punctured ball, ceasing her resistance and bursting into tears.
Feng Yan released her, saying irritably, "Wake up. You're no longer the high and mighty eldest daughter of the Feng family, and I'm no longer the glorious second young master. We've both had to live by the whims of others for a long time. In the future, because you're Mrs. Xie, there are things you won't feel. You should be clear-headed now."
Feng Rou didn't respond, her crying intensifying.
He couldn't bear to listen any longer. He pulled open the study door and walked out, finding his wife standing at the entrance.
"I'll go comfort my second sister-in-law," his wife said, intending to go in.
Feng Yan stopped her, pulling her along. "Don't disturb her. Let her be alone."
His wife had no choice but to follow him, moving further away from the study. She muttered, "So what if Xie Zhendong is rich? A man like that isn't worth keeping."
"The benefits we received, I haven't told her. Remember, don't let anything slip," Feng Yan cautioned his wife.
Once this was out in the open, as long as Feng Rou understood and accepted it, it would be over. Everyone would get what they needed, and all would be well.
...
Sasha found her way to the Feng residence and announced at the main gate that Feng Rou's daughter-in-law was looking for her.
A Feng family servant sized her up and said, "The third young lady and madam have gone out and are not home. Perhaps you could come back tomorrow."
"Gone out?" Sasha found this too coincidental.
Had Feng Rou recovered so quickly that she could just go out casually?
Why hadn't Feng Rou gone directly to confront Xie Zhendong? She should have caused a scene at Xie's Group or complained to the media.
How could she act as if nothing had happened, even going out with Feng Yan's wife?
The servant confirmed, "The madam and the third young lady left early this morning, saying they had an appointment to play cards with their cousin."
"Gone out?" Sasha asked.
"They should be at their cousin's place," the servant replied.
"I'll come another day." Sasha knew that the cousin's place they were referring to was the Huangfu family's small villa.
When she had been at the Xie residence, she had also met many of Feng Rou's relatives. Feng Rou's eldest cousin was the best married, having wed into the Huangfu family.
Although Feng Rou's cousin's husband didn't hold much power within the Huangfu family, he lived a life of comfort without worry and had plenty of leisure time to mingle in high society circles, possessing some influence of his own.
She then had someone investigate further and located the Huangfu family's small villa.
This place had become a gathering spot where Feng Rou's cousin frequently invited relatives or other ladies for tea, cards, and conversation.
When she arrived at the gate, she noticed the strict security. It was even more imposing than the Xie or Feng residences, and this was merely one of the Huangfu family's less conspicuous small villas.
She had truly witnessed the pinnacle of wealthy families. As she reached out to press the doorbell, even someone as worldly as her felt a tremor of apprehension.
After a moment, a servant in uniform approached the door, glanced at her, and asked, "What can I do for you?"
"Hello, I'm here to see Feng Rou, the third young lady of the Feng family," Sasha said, pointing to herself. "I am Feng Rou's daughter-in-law and need to see her urgently."
The servant acknowledged with an "Oh" and said expressionlessly, "Please wait a moment," before turning and walking back inside.
Sasha watched the servant's retreating back, inwardly cursing, "Snobbish."
...
Yesterday, after learning everything that had happened, Feng Rou had wept alone in the study for a long time. Many things became clear to her.
She wouldn't let Xie Zhendong continue to have his way. To reclaim what was rightfully hers, she had to pull herself together, not wallow in despair or give up.
She thought seriously. Although she had lost much, she was still the third young lady of the Feng family. She still had relatives and friends in high society, and there was still a chance for a comeback.
Once she took over Xie's Group from Xie Zhendong, and after Qi Ning was released from prison, everything belonging to the Xie family would still be theirs, mother and son.
Therefore, she decided not to dwell on Feng Yan's betrayal for now. She would deal with Xie Zhendong first.
This morning, she resolved to pull herself together, chose an outfit that made her look spirited, and put on makeup before appearing before Feng Yan's wife.
Feng Yan's wife was somewhat surprised. "Third sister-in-law, are you alright? You don't hate your brother..."
"Second sister-in-law, second brother explained everything to me yesterday, and I completely understand his difficulties. I don't blame him," Feng Rou said calmly, without any trace of emotion. "I also realized last night that a man like Xie Zhendong isn't worth keeping. It's better to live my own life now that I'm free."
Feng Yan's wife quickly agreed. "Yes, that's the right way to think. You look as good as you did when you were younger when you dress up like this. It's wonderful."
Feng Rou smiled. "Second sister-in-law, you flatter me. I'm already old, my beauty has faded."
"It's the same, it's the same. We're all getting old."
"Second sister-in-law, didn't you say our cousin is having a card game today? When are we going? I'll go with you." Feng Rou brought it up proactively.
Feng Yan's wife immediately agreed. "Of course. But our cousin doesn't know about you and Xie Zhendong yet, so don't tell her for now. We'll find a suitable time to tell her about it later."
"I know, don't worry," Feng Rou said. "Today I just want to get out and relax. I don't want to think about anything else."
"Okay, okay, we'll leave shortly."
Upon arriving at her cousin's place, she sat at the card table, regaining her usual composure and engaging in lively conversation.
Except for her second sister-in-law, who knew what she had been through, everyone else present didn't notice anything amiss.
Feng Yan's wife watched from the side, secretly marveling at how strong Feng Rou had become.
As the group finished a round of cards, a servant whispered something into her cousin's ear.
Her cousin smiled and looked at her. "Third sister-in-law, why has your daughter-in-law come looking for you here? She said it's urgent."
Feng Rou was surprised. It must be Sasha.
The eldest sister-in-law next to her said, "Isn't she just rushing you to go back and help her with the baby? With Qi Ning developing his career abroad, she must rely on you, her mother-in-law, for everything."
Feng Rou smiled. "I've already hired a nanny for her. Who knows why she's come so rashly? I'll go take a look."
As she spoke, she intended to find someone to substitute for her. Her cousin stopped her. "Don't leave. I'll have the servant let her in. Let's see what the matter is."
"Sister, I'll go out and speak with her. That way, we won't disturb everyone's enjoyment of the card game." Feng Rou couldn't sit still and wanted to go to the door to meet Sasha.
Her second sister-in-law, understanding her predicament, quickly chimed in, "Go quickly and see what she needs. Your daughter-in-law isn't exactly the easygoing type. Mrs. Li is free right now; let her take your place."
Mrs. Li, hearing an opportunity to join the table, readily agreed. "Sure, no problem. Go and come back quickly. If you lose, it's on me; if you win, it's yours."
Feng Rou rose, vacated her seat, and calmly walked out to the main gate.