Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Guan Liya snorted angrily. As she turned around to leave, Zhou Mingyan threw herself onto her leg and clasped onto it tightly. “Mistress Qi, I have no other way out! I will change! I promise. If you could help me just this once, I swear I’ll never pester you again! Please, I’m begging you!”
“Let go of me!” Guan Liya was furious. She was disgusted by Zhou Mingyan’s touch, even only her leg. Guan Liya kicked with all her might but Zhou Mingyan would not budge.
Qi Zhongxun instantly called the management office and had them send security to his house.
A security guard arrived in a cart. The instant he saw Zhou Mingyan clinging onto Guan Liya with her life, he immediately went over and pulled Zhou Mingyan away.
“Look out for this woman. Don’t ever let her come in and harass us again,” Qi Zhongxun commanded while pointing at Zhou Mingyan.
“How could you… How could you do this!” Zhou Mingyan’s pale face turned red as she wailed. “We were once a family! How could you pretend we weren’t? You claimed that Qi Chengyue and Cheng Dongge were innocent, but just a few days after the wedding, Cheng Dongge became your son-in-law! Isn’t their relationship developing suspiciously quick? Who would believe your claim that they only started seeing each other after the divorce?! Does Qi Chengyue not feel guilty for cheating on Jian Yi? All I’m doing is asking for a little help, yet you treat me with such indignity!”
Hearing that, blood rushed to Guan Liya’s head. Her eyes were bloodshot. She marched in front of Zhou Mingyan and gave her a tight slap across the face. Immediately after, her hand swung back and slapped her again with the back of her palm.
Zhou Mingyan was held back by the security guard—she could neither dodge nor retaliate.
Both her cheeks turned red from Guan Liya’s slaps.
“Zhou Mingyan, you degenerate! When you’re begging for something, you talk as if you are such a pitiful woman, but once you realize they’re of no use to you, you turn around and spit on them. You’ve always acted this way, so I would never help you! I’m warning you, if you ever throw dirt on my daughter’s name again, we’ll also sue you for defamation! For defamation, you can be sentenced up to three years of imprisonment. If you’d like to add another three years to your three-year assault sentence, by all means, say whatever you want!” Guan Liya threatened. “You reckless b*stard, know your place! You can’t even deal with the Guan family, and now you want to pick a fight with us Qi family too? If you think you haven’t dug a deep enough grave for yourself, then just say the word, no need to beat around the bush!”
Zhou Mingyan was stunned for a few seconds. Then suddenly, she started bawling her eyes out.
Qi Zhongxun glimpsed at her in disdain, then waved her away to the security guard, ordering, “Hurry up and get her out of here!”
…
…
Song Yu and Qi Chengzhi woke up early at dawn but spent a long time getting ready. By the time they reached the old mansion, it was already ten-thirty.
Qi Youxuan was sitting on the sofa with a box of cultured milk in his lap. A plate of Huang Fei Hong spicy peanuts was placed in front of him. His fair, chubby hands reached for two peanuts and tossed them into his mouth. He then took a piece of chili and sipped his cultured milk. He even let out an exaggerated “ahh”, imitating what actors in television programs do when drinking liquor and chewing peanuts.
When Qi Chengzhi and Song Yu arrived, Guan Liya told them about the incident with Zhou Mingyan that morning. She fumed, “How can anyone be so thick-skinned? Ah, she’s driving me mad. I can’t believe we were once a family. Thinking about it makes my hair stand on end.”
When Song Yu was consoling her, Qi Chengyue and Cheng Dongge arrived.
Standing beside Cheng Dongge, Qi Chengyue was well-behaved. Her usual temper was nowhere to be seen. Qi Chenglin could not help but tease her.
Grandmother Qi was overjoyed. She tugged on Cheng Dongge’s arm, refusing to let go. The more she looked at him, the more content she felt. “Oh, this is great! When Chengzhi asked me to introduce a girlfriend to you, I was reluctant to do so. You’re such a great man, I thought, ‘Wwhy can’t I give you to my granddaughter’?”
“…” Qi Chengyue did not know how to react to Grandmother Qi’s words. How could she give him to her?
“Aiyah, now that those ladies are available, I can introduce them to my two grandsons.” Grandmother Qi was ecstatic. She felt like she hit two birds with one stone.
“…” No matter how Qi Chengyue looked at it, Grandmother Qi’s words still did not sound right. “Grandma, do you think the women from those families are livestock? If this buyer doesn’t take up your offer, you just push them to another buyer?”
“Bah! What nonsense are you saying!” Grandmother Qi stood up and headed to the bedroom. She came back holding a stack of photographs.
She split the stack into two and handed them to Qi Chenglin and Qi Chengji. “Have a look. Which lady interests you?”
“Grandma, I’m still young. There’s no need to rush. Just focus on Brother Chenglin.” While saying that, he squeezed his pile of photographs into Qi Chenglin’s hands.
Qi Chenglin felt betrayed as Qi Chengji squeezed the photographs into his hands. He stared at Qi Chengji in silence, then explained, “Grandma, when looking for a mother for Zhongxun, I must choose carefully. These ladies are all too young—they look like they just graduated, not suited to be a mother. Besides, if we let them become mothers right after graduating, wouldn’t you feel sorry for them?”
Grandmother Qi thought about it and realized he made sense. Those ladies were still like children—if she had let them take care of Qi Zhongxuan, she would be letting him suffer again. She could not allow that.
Grandmother Qi suggested pondered on it for a while. “Then should I look for women waiting for their second marriage?” she suggested.
“…” Qi Chenglin was rendered speechless.
“This old lady, can you quit looking for random women every day?” Grandfather Qi glared at her.
Qi Youxuan understood everything. He scooted closer to them with his cultured milk in hand. His eyes, while were as large as grapes, sparkled when he announced, “Grandma, I found another stepmother for myself.”
“What do you mean ‘another’? Did you find one before but things didn’t work out?” Grandmother Qi was subtly hinting at the time Qi Chenglin had a secret lover. Did he think she did not know about it?
Unexpectedly, Qi Youxuan turned toward Song Yu and said, “I did! It’s Aunt Song Yu, but Uncle Chengzhi didn’t allow it.”
“…”
Of course he would not allow it.
“Then who did you find this time?” Grandmother Qi questioned curiously. Whoever Qi Chenglin wanted to marry, she must ensure Qi Youxuan liked her too. Otherwise, it might bring about grievances for the child.
“It’s the bridesmaid from Aunt Song Yu’s wedding.” Qi Youxuan blushed and shifted uneasily in his seat. “After I went to the toilet, she helped me put on my pants! Aunt Song Yu helped me with my pants before too. Both of them didn’t laugh at me. I think she’ll make a good wife and a loving mother like Aunt Song Yu.”
“Yo!” Grandmother Qi remembered Ruan Danchen too but she did not know her name. “I remember that lady. She seemed like a pretty good woman. Ah, Song Yu, help me ask her if she would like to meet Chenglin! It’s not easy to find someone that Youxuan likes too!”
Qi Chengzhi was removing the shells of pistachios. He then placed the peeled nut on his palm and presented it next to Song Yu’s hand to let her eat it.
Song Yu was holding a pistachio nut that Qi Chengzhi had peeled for her. When she heard Grandmother Qi’s words, she almost dropped the nut.
“Grandma, do you remember the time you asked me to introduce a few suitable ladies to Chenglin and Chengji? I asked Danchen the next day, but she said she doesn’t want to be with a rich man. She believes that the story of Cinderella is unrealistic, so she wants to keep a firm footing on the ground and find a man she has chemistry with—one that will love her dearly—and live happily ever after with him,” Song Yu revealed.
“Sigh, it’s rare to find an earnest lady like her.” Grandmother Qi slapped her thigh in frustration. Regretfully, she said, “Ah, why didn’t I chat with her properly during the wedding? I might have been able to change her views. Our family doesn’t lack money, so we don’t have to arrange marriages we can benefit from. She can view us as a normal family. Let’s see if she likes Chenglin or Chengji. Who knows, maybe she’ll have chemistry with one of them!”
“Grandma, I’m not merchandise placed on a shelf that anyone can come and pick up,” Qi Chengji spoke, dejected.
“Ah, do you think you’re so amazing? You’ve been single for so many years. Besides, ladies nowadays don’t like men in the army. You should be grateful if anyone even wants you!” Grandmother Qi rolled her eyes at him.
Just then, Song Yu’s phone rang. It was a call from Manager Xu from her company’s design department.
“Manager Xu,” Song Yu greeted through the phone.
“…”
Whatever Manager Xu said on the phone, it drained the color from Song Yu’s face. Her lips trembled as she reached for Qi Chengzhi and clutched onto his hand tightly.
Qi Chengzhi had not found out what happened, but when he saw Song Yu’s blanched face, he squeezed her hand firmly.
“Alright, thank you for informing me.” Song Yu ended the call. With a pale face, she turned to Qi Chengzhi and said, “Manager Xu was doing over-time at the company with Danchen today. He said the police came and arrested Danchen.”
“Why?” Qi Chengzhi frowned.
“They said she was responsible for the renovation for MU. and that she tried to pass off shoddy materials as high-quality ones. That goes against the contract so Mu Sisi filed a report and wants to take her to court.” Song Yu stood up in haste. “I know Danchen very well. She’s not someone who would do such things. Especially when it came to the MU. project—she took extra precautions as this project will serve as an important stepping stone in her career advancement. She would never spoil her name and ruin her future for that measly amount of profit. If this story gets out, she’ll never be able to continue in this field anymore. Does she think that scanty of money can feed her for life? Only idiots will do this!”
“It must be Mu Sisi pulling the ropes! She can’t get her revenge on me, so she’s taking it out on the people around me.” Song Yu clenched her fists. “How can she be so wicked? How can she treat someone’s future as if it’s a joke? Danchen even told me that she’ll grasp tightly onto this opportunity—it was her chance to make a name for herself in the field.”
“You should calm down a little. First, we should head to the police station and get Ruan Danchen released on bail.” Qi Chengzhi stood up while holding Song Yu’s hand.
Qi Chenglin also stood up. “I just gave Lawyer Song a call. Which station is Ruan Danchen at now? I’ll ask Lawyer Song to head there directly. We’ll meet him there.”
Once Song Yu told him the location, Qi Chenglin repeated it into the phone for Lawyer Song.
After hanging up, Qi Chenglin was going to leave with Song Yu and Qi Chengzhi. Song Yu was busy worrying about Ruan Danchen that she did not notice anything weird about it.
Qi Chengzhi did not say anything either. He merely shot a glance at him.
In a hurry, Song Yu suddenly remembered and said apologetically, “Chengyue, Dongge, we were supposed to celebrate with you today, but something like this suddenly came up. I’m sorry.”
“No worries,” Cheng Dongge assured. He stood at the doorway with Qi Chengyue to send them off. “Saving her comes first.”
“That’s right!” Grandmother Qi followed them to the door as well. “After you bail out the lady, you should bring her out for lunch. After an incident like this, it’s not safe to leave her alone.”
Qi Yunxuan squeezed between their legs, still holding his cultured milk, and said, “Father, I want to go too.”
“Why do you want to go to the police station? Be good and stay at home.” Qi Chenglin said with a frown.
Guan Liya picked up Qi Youxuan. “You wait at home alright? I know you’re a good boy.”
…
…
The three of them took Qi Chenglin’s new Tech8.
Qi Chengzhi and Song Yu sat at the back. Qi Chengzhi was holding Song Yu’s hand to ease her anxiety. At the same time, he took out his phone and called Mu Huaisheng. “Mu Sisi sued Ruan Danchen. Ruan Danchen is now being held in custody at a police station. Did you know about this?”
Mu Huaisheng was shocked. He excused himself and scurried to a corner. “I’m at Mingyang now. We’re looking into domestic OEM brands as we’re planning to open an MU. processing plant in the country. I’m not in B City. What happened?”
“Mu Sisi claims that Ruan Danchen is being dishonest with the renovation materials. Apparently, she tried to pass off shoddy materials as high-quality ones to cheat some money out of it,” Qi Chengzhi said in a deep voice. His voice naturally firm became so deep, it could send chills down people’s spines.
“I’ve seen Ruan Danchen’s design drafts. I was very satisfied with it. I’ve even gone to the factory with her personally to check the materials—there was nothing wrong.” Mu Huaisheng turned his head and took a glimpse at the factory director. “I’ll rush back tonight. I’ll be able to reach B City at midnight. I’ll take care of this.”
“Song Yu trusts your character and she trusts Ruan Danchen. She sees you both as her friends, that’s why she introduced her to you. You can’t let Ruan Danchen get harmed by this incident,” Qi Chengzhi said coldly.
“I know that Ruan Danchen is devoted to her work. Although I’ve only known her for a while, I know she is a virtuous woman. Trust me, I don’t believe she would do something like this,” Mu Huaisheng asserted firmly.
Qi Chengzhi hung up and reiterated Mu Huaisheng’s words.
“Even if they withdraw the lawsuit, Danchen’s life will be ruined if word gets out.” Song Yu held her hand to her forehead. She took a deep breath and exhaled. “I shouldn’t have introduced this project to Danchen. I was trying to help her, but I ended up causing her huge trouble. I made her suffer for nothing. And who knows how she’s doing at the police station.”
Qi Chengzhi let go of her hand. His hand slithered behind her back and around her waist. Then, he held her hand which was placed on her lap while holding her in his embrace.
Song Yu saw his elegant hand encapsulating hers. She felt warm and safe.
“Don’t worry. Ruan Danchen will be fine. You should try to relax. It’s not good for your health,” Qi Chengzhi whispered.
Song Yu nodded. Exhausted, she leaned against his shoulder.
…
…
Ruan Danchen was in a cell with two other women. When she was arrested, they confiscated her phone.
Frantic, she had both hands gripped firmly on the bars. She did not dare to go near the two women.
One of the women appeared drunk. She reeked of alcohol. Ruan Danchen heard that she got drunk and smashed an ATM. She was locked in there to sober up.
There was a puddle of vomit from her in the center emitting a pungent stench. Ruan Danchen felt that the stench must have rubbed off on her by now.
The other woman had her sleeves rolled up to her elbows, revealing her tattoo-covered arms. She was arrested for selling ecstasy in a bar.
When the drunk woman puked, the tattooed woman was disgusted and punched her, making her vomit even more. Being beaten up, she started spitting out white foam. If the police had not stepped in, the drunk woman might have been beaten unconscious.
When the tattooed woman was busy throwing punches, Ruan Danchen saw a long knife scar on her lower back.
Ruan Danchen was petrified. She stuck close to the bars, shrinking into the corner furthest away from the tattooed woman.
“Officer, I have the right to call my lawyer. Please hand me my phone,” Ruan Danchen said when she saw a policeman passed by on patrol.
However, the policeman could not care less. He walked away as if he did not hear her.
“I have the right to call someone to bail me out. Are you going to keep me here forever?” Ruan Danchen was on edge.
“What are you screaming about!” The tattooed woman grabbed her by the cover and flung her to the wall.
Ruan Danchen’s shoulder hit the wall hard. She hissed in pain.
“Did you come here to flaunt that you have a lawyer? Stop posing. You should learn to shut your mouth before I shut it for you!” The tattooed woman held her cheeks with one hand and squeezed hard. Ruan Danchen felt like her entire face was being torn out.
After what felt like an eternity, the tattooed woman finally let go. She shoved Ruan Danchen’s head violently against the wall, making her vision turn black and she could see stars.
Dan Ruanchen slowly slid down from the wall. With her arms around her knees, she sat down in a fetal position. She did not dare look at the tattooed woman. Her forehead was glued to the bars as she continued to space out.
She was clenching her teeth. Her eyes were glowing red. In the end, she could not hold back her tears any longer.
Alone in the cell, she did not know if Manager Xu would find someone to help her.
If Manager Xu did not inform anyone, no one would know she was there. What if she could not get out? She was wrongly accused, but if she could not find evidence to defend herself, Mu Sisi would win the case and throw her in jail. What could she do then?
She had no idea what it was like in prisons. Even when watching television programs, she never chose to watch those kinds of movies. She thought it was too grim and sorrowful. Life was painful enough for her, and if she had watched those movies, she might actually become depressed.
In the cell, Ruan Danchen was terrified. She was afraid she would spend the rest of her life like this. She was drowning in helplessness and despair, and slowly, she was entirely submerged.
She looked down. Her entire body started to shiver as she cried silently.
Enclosed in a jar of grief, she did not notice the sound of the cell door unlocking.
“Ruan Danchen, come on out. Someone bailed you out.” A cold and distant voice was heard above her head.
Ruan Danchen was stunned for a while. She looked up and saw that the door was opened. Hastily, she stood up, rubbed her tears away, and exited the cell.
The moment she saw Song Yu, tears rolled down again. She dashed toward her, crying, “How did you know…”
“The second you were arrested, Manager Xu called me,” Song Yu explained. She did not know what happened in the cell but seeing Ruan Danchen’s chalk-white face, she was heartbroken.
“Song Yu, I didn’t… the things Mu Sisi accused me of, I didn’t do any of it.” Ruan Danchen said while wiping her tears. “This amazing opportunity you gave me, I wouldn’t just throw it away like that. I wouldn’t ruin my future like this. I—”
“I know,” Song Yu said guiltily, “Manager Xu called me and told me everything. I’m sorry for dragging you into this. The one Mu Sisi wants to hurt is me. She accused you to cause me grief. I’m sorry.”
Ruan Danchen shook her head. “I should’ve been more careful. If I was more cautious, she wouldn’t have anything to exploit. I—”
“We contacted Mu Huaisheng—he’s at Mingyang. He’s rushing back immediately. We won’t let Mu Sisi accuse you,” Song Yu promised. She produced a pack of tissue from her bag and gave it to Ruan Danchen.
