After Being Cheated, I Had a Flash Marriage with My Ex's Aunt - Chapter 34

That person certainly has nerves of steel.

It was one thing to secretly photograph a lawyer’s spouse, but to send the evidence directly to the source? That was practically begging to be sued.

Shuyi took a look, her expression shifting into something unreadable. She immediately pulled the car over to the curb, took the phone back, and began scrolling through the photos with intense focus. Her face grew increasingly grim with every swipe.

There were dozens of shots, yet she had been conveniently “erased” or blurred into a ghost-like figure in every single one.

What is this supposed to be? Shuyi thought, a sharp “tsk” of annoyance escaping her.

The framing was deliberately intimate, clearly designed to target Li Sui. It was another reminder that Liang Xiaona was a stain on Li Sui’s romantic history that just wouldn’t wash away.

Li Sui already had a plan forming. Finding the person who took the photos would be a breeze once she called Qiao Zui, but cutting off the weed at the root was a different story. She trusted Shuyi and was more than willing to discuss it with her. If someone actually tried to use these fake photos to manufacture a scandal, Shuyi needed to know the truth beforehand.

Dastardly! Li Sui’s inner self was howling. I’d sooner fall in love with a pile of trash than rekindle things with Liang Xiaona!

Before Li Sui could vent her frustration, Shuyi, her face cold as ice, dialed a number. Her voice was sharp and professional, carrying the weight of someone used to being in command.

“I just sent you some photos.”

“This is a serious matter. I want this person found by today.”

“Make sure those photos don’t leak.”

“Coordinate with Lawyer Wu on the legal procedures. And remember—find out exactly who paid them and who they’re working for.”

The atmosphere in the car turned heavy and solemn. Li Sui sat beside her, holding her breath. She wondered if this was how Shuyi looked at the office—cool, distant, and radiating authority. It was a stark contrast to the gentle “Sister Shuyi” she knew at home, but it was also incredibly attractive.

As Li Sui was secretly admiring her, Shuyi’s voice softened, pulling her back to reality.

“Sui Sui.” Shuyi’s tone was gentler now, though tinged with a subtle, protective tension. “Don’t be afraid. I’ll handle everything. Since they sent these to you, they likely want to use them as leverage. If they contact you privately, remember to carry a recorder and turn it on when necessary.”

Before Li Sui could respond, Shuyi pressed a small object into her hand. It looked like a simple hair clip.

“Wait… is this a recorder?”

Shuyi caught her confusion and leaned in, her voice low and soothing. “It’s a recording device disguised as a hair clip. Let me show you how to use it.”

With Shuyi so close, Li Sui felt her pulse quicken. She found it hard to focus on the technical instructions when her face was starting to flush. The tension in the car had shifted from legal to personal, and Li Sui was struggling to keep her composure.

Shuyi noticed her dazed look. “Did you catch all that?”

“Yes, I… I got it,” Li Sui stammered, nodding quickly. “I know what you mean. If something happens that I can’t handle, I’ll call for help or the police.”

Shuyi, having seen the darker side of human nature in her line of work, found it hard to let down her guard. “We live in a society governed by law, but when people get desperate, they can be capable of anything. Above all else, your safety is the priority. Everything else can be dealt with later.”

She looked directly into Li Sui’s eyes, her voice dropping to a whisper. “I don’t want anything to happen to you. You have to protect yourself.”

Li Sui could feel how much Shuyi truly cared. A soft smile touched her lips. “I will. I’ll keep it in mind.”

She wasn’t exactly a helpless damsel, anyway. If some “blind” fool tried to harass her, the moves she’d learned at the martial arts gym would be more than enough to handle them.

******

The Mall.

“This one, and this one!”

“Wrap them all up. Make sure the packaging is beautiful!”

In a luxury department store, Li Mimi was laden with shopping bags, watching her “pretty sister” flutter around like a butterfly, ordering clerks to package various high-end goods. She felt a wave of exhaustion.

She had agreed to date Cheng Nai for a trial period to get to know her better. She just hadn’t expected that the moment they became “official,” Cheng Nai would drag her to the mall with enough energy to hike five floors of luxury boutiques twice over. Everywhere they went, it was “buy, buy, buy.” And more importantly, everything Cheng Nai bought was for Mimi.

Mimi felt a bit guilty. She had once suspected Cheng Nai was part of a “pig-butchering” scam. It turned out Cheng Nai was just a wealthy heiress with money to burn.

But what struck Mimi more was Cheng Nai’s face. Up close, her features were incredibly delicate, and there was a sense of familiarity in her eyes that Mimi couldn’t quite place. She felt a natural, warm affinity for her.

As Cheng Nai handed over her unlimited black card to the clerk, her eyes caught on a necklace in the display case. “Mimi-jie!” she chirped, waving Mimi over. “Look at this necklace. It’s so pretty!”

Mimi set the bags down on a nearby sofa and walked over. The necklace was stunning—set with emeralds in a lively, four-leaf clover design. It matched Cheng Nai’s vibrant personality perfectly.

“It is beautiful,” Mimi said. “If you like it, let me buy it for you.”

Cheng Nai looked up, startled. “You… you really want to buy it for me?”

Mimi looked at the mountain of luxury goods on the sofa and laughed. “You’ve bought me half the mall. Buying you a necklace is the least I can do.” She turned to the clerk. “Please wrap this up for us.”

“Of course. You have excellent taste, Miss,” the clerk smiled.

“Actually, can I wear it now?” Cheng Nai asked, her voice turning soft and coquettish. “Help me put it on. I want to see how it looks.”

Mimi didn’t say a word. She took the necklace from the clerk. As she unclasped it, Cheng Nai turned around and swept her long hair to one side, revealing a slender, pale neck.

Mimi’s expression shifted slightly as she reached out. Her fingers accidentally brushed against Cheng Nai’s skin as she moved to fasten the clasp. The spot where she touched seemed to ignite, turning a soft pink.

Cheng Nai’s neck shrunk back slightly, and a small sound escaped her. “…That tickles.”

Mimi: “…”

Tickles?

Mimi’s heart did a little jolt. She remembered similar scenes from… well, certain videos she’d watched. She must be sensitive, Mimi thought. She became even more careful, lifting her hands to avoid further skin contact.

Behind them, the two clerks shared a knowing look and whispered to each other.

“They’re both so beautiful.”

“The younger one is definitely blushing.”

“Shh, be quiet, we’re working.”

Cheng Nai and Mimi didn’t hear them. “There, all done,” Mimi said, her gaze drifting elsewhere to hide her own slight awkwardness.

Cheng Nai, her cheeks pink, walked to a mirror to admire the clover necklace. Meanwhile, Mimi pulled out her card and went to the counter.

“Miss Su,” the clerk said with a perfect, practiced smile. “The Matriarch has instructed that any purchase you make in this store is to be billed to the Su family’s private account. Is there anything else you’d like to see?”

Mimi froze. “The Su family owns this store?”

“Yes, Miss.”

Mimi sighed. She knew the Su family had vast holdings, but she hadn’t yet memorized the entire list of properties the matriarch had shown her. “Charge my card anyway,” Mimi insisted.

“But…” The clerk hesitated. “Miss, the transaction is already processed and billed to the Su account.”

Mimi: “…”

Talk about efficiency.

Cheng Nai, seeing the standoff, hurried over with her black card. “Use mine!” she chirped. Fearing she might hurt Mimi’s pride, she added a sweet lie: “I just remembered I have a membership here. Let’s use mine today, and you can buy next time.”

Mimi smiled. “The bill is already settled.”

“Oh… haha, well, that’s good then,” Cheng Nai said, putting her card away.

Mimi could see right through her—Cheng Nai was worried she couldn’t afford it. She shook her head with a soft laugh. “I have more money than you think, little one.”

Cheng Nai reached out and tentatively hooked her finger around Mimi’s. “It’s not about the money,” she said softly. “I’m just really happy. This is the first time I’ve ever received a gift from a girlfriend.”

Mimi looked at her radiant face and felt an unbidden surge of affection. She squeezed Cheng Nai’s hand firmly in her own. “It’s the first time I’ve ever given a gift to a girlfriend, too.”

“Hee hee,” Cheng Nai grinned.

“Xiao Nai,” Mimi said after a moment’s thought. “You don’t need to spend so much money on me. I know you’re wealthy, but I hope we can just focus on learning about each other’s likes and dislikes.”

“But I like giving you gifts,” Cheng Nai said, touching the necklace at her throat. “And I love the one you gave me. I’ll wear it every day.”

Mimi felt a tug of happiness at those words. She pulled out her phone to check the time.

It was almost time for lunch.

When Li Mimi saw the message from Li Sui, her eyebrows shot up. That damn cheater Liang Xiaona actually had the nerve to ask for a meeting? She must have a death wish.

And Li Sui actually brought Bai Shuyi to the scene? That was bold. Mimi couldn’t help but wonder how intense the confrontation was; if she had known, she definitely would have gone to watch the drama unfold.

“What’s wrong?” Cheng Nai asked, curious why Mimi’s expression was changing so rapidly while looking at her phone. “Did something happen?”

Mimi looked up, her gaze softening as she turned to Cheng Nai with a smile. “How about I take you to meet my best friend?”

Li Sui had mentioned she was cooking tonight, so it was the perfect time to drop by for a meal. Cheng Nai’s eyes lit up. “Can I really go?”

In Cheng Nai’s world, when a girlfriend introduces you to her inner circle, it’s a sign of trust and a way of making the relationship public. Her smile didn’t fade for a second.

“Of course,” Mimi said, setting her shopping bags down to reply to Li Sui. “My friend and her wife are both home. They asked what we want to eat. Any favorites, Xiao Nai?”

“I love fish,” Cheng Nai replied shyly. Then, she suddenly looked nervous. “Wait, since it’s the first time I’m meeting your friend, shouldn’t I bring a gift?”

Mimi laughed. “We don’t have that many formalities. We can just pick up some fruit when we get to her neighborhood.”

Cheng Nai shook her head, her face dead serious. “That won’t do. You said she’s your best friend. Come on, let’s go find a proper gift right now.” She hoisted the bags and urged Mimi toward the high-end gift section.

“Alright, alright,” Mimi said, her voice laced with a hint of indulgence.

*****

11:00 AM, Gan-Du

A massive scandal involving the popular “three-character” star Hu Ningning broke on the internet. News of her alleged tax evasion shot into the Top 5 trending topics within minutes. Major entertainment accounts swarmed the topic, and videos began circulating across every social media platform.

Fans tried to defend her, claiming it was a smear campaign aimed at her upcoming drama, but the public outcry was deafening.

Meanwhile, at the Su family’s private airfield, the atmosphere was grim. Under Su Youlan’s watchful eye, Su Tan and Liang Xiaona were boarding a private jet to Qingland. Officially, it was a honeymoon; in reality, the Su family was hiding Su Tan away until her reputation—and the family’s stock price—stabilized.

“Just go and have fun. Don’t worry about anything else,” Su Youlan said, her voice masking a cold finality.

“Auntie…” Su Tan tried to plead with tears, but Youlan turned away. “Go. Enjoy yourselves.”

Liang Xiaona stood by, her face devoid of any joy. She felt the weight of the mocking gazes from the staff. She had tried to ask her mother, Liang Jun, for help earlier, but even Liang Jun had agreed with the Su matriarch: Su Tan was a liability right now, and Xiaona, as her partner, had to share the exile.

She’s discarding me, Xiaona realized. There was no motherly love here—only utility. She vowed to return to Gan-Du one day on her own terms, but for now, she was powerless.

As the jet disappeared into the clouds, Su Youlan’s polite facade vanished. She turned to her assistant. “If Su Tan doesn’t behave, cut off her cards immediately.”

In Su Youlan’s eyes, the family was ripe for the taking. The matriarch was ill, the mother was exhausted, and the new “True Heiress,” Li Mimi, was young and seemingly easy to manipulate.

She looked at her tablet, watching surveillance of Mimi and Cheng Nai shopping. “Just a child,” Youlan sneered. “Her head is full of nothing but romance. She’s no threat.”

******

Li Sui and Shuyi returned from the supermarket and began prepping lunch. Originally, it was meant to be a simple meal, but since Mimi was bringing her “girlfriend” over, they decided to make it a proper spread.

Shuyi was peeling garlic, looking quite satisfied. She had just received word that Xiaona and Su Tan were officially out of the country. Good riddance, she thought. She’d have to remember to give Secretary Li a raise.

She leaned in to see Li Sui’s phone as she looked at a photo of Cheng Nai.

“This is Mimi’s partner, Cheng Nai,” Li Sui said, showing her the screen.

Shuyi glanced at it, then looked back at Li Sui’s face. “Mhm. And?”

“Don’t you think she’s pretty?”

“She’s alright,” Shuyi said flatly. In her head, she added: Not nearly as pretty as my wife.

As they worked in the kitchen, the atmosphere was warm and domestic. Li Sui watched Shuyi expertly handle the ingredients and asked, “Sister Shuyi, could you lend me some of your law books? I want to understand more about the field.”

Shuyi’s eyes brightened. She was more than happy to be a teacher. “Of course. I’ll put some together for you and send you some digital files as well. Ask me anything you don’t understand.”

“But aren’t you busy?” Li Sui asked.

“Not anymore,” Shuyi said meaningfully. “My annual leave is coming up.”

“Oh, for the wedding photos!” Li Sui quickly set a reminder on her phone. Then, she saw another message and gasped. “Sister Shuyi, my Master is coming back! He wants to meet you!”

“Careful, the floor is wet,” Shuyi warned, using a towel to wipe a stray splash near Li Sui’s feet.

Their eyes met, and the air in the kitchen suddenly felt thick with an unspoken, sweet tension. Li Sui leaned closer to her. “Shall we go meet him tomorrow together?”

“Whatever you wish,” Shuyi murmured, her voice tender.

Li Sui watched Shuyi’s back as she returned to the stove. This was the life she had dreamed of—a peaceful home, a loving partner, and a career she enjoyed.

“Sister Shuyi,” Li Sui asked playfully, “if you hadn’t met me at that bar, what kind of person do you think you would have married?”

Shuyi’s movements paused. Her brow furrowed almost imperceptibly as she turned to look at Li Sui.

“What about you, Sui Sui?” Shuyi asked, her voice very quiet. “If you hadn’t discovered Liang Xiaona’s betrayal… would you have married her instead?”

Li Sui blinked, surprised by the intensity of the question. Does she still care that much about my past with Xiaona? Is it a sore spot for her?

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