Divorced from the Cold CEO Who Lived by the Rules - Chapter 37

Lan Boyue looked at Xu Zhen with concern. Xu Zhen quickly composed herself. “I’m fine.”

No matter what, she wouldn’t give up everything she had now for Jiang Ruan. If one side had to compromise and accommodate the other, why did it always have to be Xu Zhen making the sacrifice?

Just because Xu Zhen’s family background wasn’t as good as Jiang Ruan’s?

If this marriage was destined to require one person to abandon everything and yield to the other, it would never be Xu Zhen.

Xu Zhen gazed into the distance calmly. No one should lose themselves blindly for love.

Qin Liaoxing soon finished cooking a table full of dishes. She still remembered Xu Zhen’s tastes and had specially prepared several of her favorite dishes. Lan Boyue smiled warmly, her demeanor gentle. “Even though you need to diet for the camera, now that A’Ruan has upgraded the filming equipment, you don’t have to be so hard on yourself anymore.”

The new product from JX Company was selling extremely well, so popular that it was often sold out.

The factory had been working overtime for days, yet demand still outstripped supply.

With the earlier love triangle scandal and Xu Zhen’s fame, Jiang Ruan didn’t need to spend a dime on advertising.

But updating equipment still took time, so Xu Zhen had to keep dieting.

Pu Shuangquan emerged from the study and snorted upon hearing this. “Working yourself to the bone outside, mistreating your own health, and in the end, you still earn less than a fraction of what A’Ruan makes.”

“Mom, no one will mistake you for mute if you keep quiet,” Qin Liaoxing, ever the rebel, shot back immediately. “And in all your years, has no one ever told you, you have a real talent for saying the most unpleasant things?”

“Oh~ I get it now,” Qin Liaoxing feigned sudden realization. “You’re rich and powerful, so of course you’re surrounded by bootlickers, hardly anyone dares to tell you the truth.”

Qin Liaoxing had a way with words that could drive anyone mad. Pu Shuangquan clenched her teeth, holding back, but finally couldn’t resist kicking out. “Ungrateful child!”

“Ha! Missed me!” Qin Liaoxing dodged with a laugh, nimble and agile, her cocky grin downright infuriating.

Pu Shuangquan felt blood rush to her head, leaving her furious, dizzy, and utterly exasperated.

“Alright, Liaoxing, that’s enough,” Lan Boyue quickly pulled her wife back, afraid she might actually give Pu Shuangquan a stroke. Pu Shuangquan wasn’t as young as she used to be, and her health wasn’t what it once was.

Once her lover intervened, Qin Liaoxing obediently backed off. “Fine, fine. And Mom, stop muttering all the time, let’s eat before the food gets cold.”

“I only said one thing,” Pu Shuangquan grumbled as she sat down. “You retort three times for every word I say. Do you even respect me as your mother?”

“Of course I do,” Qin Liaoxing said innocently. “If I didn’t, why would I bring my wife and kid back to visit?”

“And you have the nerve to bring that up?” Pu Shuangquan fumed at the mention. “Just look at the surname you gave the child! Even if she took Lan Boyue’s surname, it’d be better than Jiang!”

Qin Liaoxing shook her head dismissively. “You’re the one who gave me a random surname too, aren’t you?”

“Take a look yourself do any of our extended family relatives have children with the surname Qin?” Qin Liaoxing squinted at Pu Shuangquan. “Mom, was I picked up from a garbage dump or something?”

Xu Zhen had also wondered about this family’s surname before. Jiang Ruan had only explained the origin of her own surname, but as for Qin Liaoxing’s… Jiang Ruan wasn’t too clear either.

The grievances between the older generation weren’t something Jiang Ruan, as a junior, would know about, so this question had remained hidden in Xu Zhen’s heart.

But today, it seemed she might finally get an answer.

Xu Zhen kept her eyes down but pricked up her ears, afraid to miss a single word.

“If I’d picked you up from a garbage dump, I would’ve strangled you long ago and buried you in the garden as fertilizer for the roses,” Pu Shuangquan said darkly. She’d never seen a brat as troublesome as Qin Liaoxing.

“And you dare say I’m your biological child? You actually wanted to strangle me!” Qin Liaoxing glared furiously. “How heartless can you be?”

Pu Shuangquan’s breathing grew rapid. Lan Boyue couldn’t help but tug at Qin Liaoxing’s sleeve again. With a resigned sigh, Qin Liaoxing lowered her head and indulged her with a promise: “Alright, alright, I’ll stop. Let’s eat.”

With Qin Liaoxing stirring up trouble, Pu Shuangquan was too angry to bother Xu Zhen further.

Thus, Xu Zhen managed to finish lunch in relative peace.

But what was coming would come. After setting down her chopsticks, Pu Shuangquan turned to Xu Zhen again. “Well? Have you made your decision?”

“Decision about what?” Qin Liaoxing cut in. “Are you threatening Qin Qin again?”

“I’d like to see how you’ll explain it to A-Ruan when you drive Qin Qin away and she becomes a divorced Alpha.”

Back then, Jiang Ruan had been bold enough to defy all opposition to give Xu Zhen both status and commitment. Despite her busy schedule, she personally oversaw every detail of the wedding, all to create the most beautiful memories for her.

Jiang Ruan placed such importance on Xu Zhen, no one would believe she didn’t love her.

Moreover, Jiang Ruan had always been somewhat detached since childhood her emotions muted, her responses to others’ feelings lukewarm. But then one day, it was as if the wooden block had finally awakened, and she began to understand how to charm a girl. Qin Liaoxing couldn’t have been happier.

Before that, Qin Liaoxing had assumed Jiang Ruan would remain loveless and end up alone.

Pu Shuangquan was thoroughly annoyed by her daughter’s voice. “Can’t you shut up? No one would mistake you for mute if you stopped talking.”

“I’m just asking. Is that not allowed?” Qin Liaoxing grinned. “So what exactly did you threaten Qin Qin about behind our backs? If you don’t tell me today, I’m not leaving.”

“I’ll follow you around and wake you up in the middle of the night too.”

Pu Shuangquan: “…”

The old lady closed her eyes, genuinely furious.

Xu Zhen felt she could no longer remain silent and spoke up to diffuse the tension. “Grandmother, I still stand by my previous answer. I’m sorry to disappoint you.”

“What answer?” Qin Liaoxing turned her head. Unable to pry an answer from Pu Shuangquan, she pestered Xu Zhen instead. “What did Mom ask you? Tell me, I’ll stand up for you.”

Xu Zhen forced a polite smile. “It’s nothing. Grandmother meant well, but it’s just not suitable for me.”

“My ambitions lie elsewhere.”

Anyone could spout diplomatic words. Qin Liaoxing twisted her neck and turned back. “Mom, you tell me.”

Pu Shuangquan: “…”

She stared expressionlessly at Qin Liaoxing. “Keep talking nonsense and I’ll cut off your allowance!”

Qin Liaoxing remained unfazed. “My wife has money, she’ll support me.”

Lan Boyue smiled awkwardly. “Mom, don’t be angry. I’ll take her next door right away so you can chat with Xun Zhen.”

Before she could finish, Pu Shuangquan had already turned away in fury.

“Mom’s just narrow-minded and short-tempered, always wanting things her way. Don’t take it to heart,” Qin Liaoxing comforted Xun Zhen. “After all, she’s getting on in years…”

“Qin Liaoxing!” Pu Shuangquan couldn’t tolerate her unruly daughter any longer. She grabbed the nearest object and hurled it at her.

Qin Liaoxing took off running, sticking out her tongue childishly as she went, nearly giving the old lady a stroke.

Xun Zhen and Lan Boyue stood awkwardly to the side, unsure how to intervene.

After a dramatic chase scene between Qin Liaoxing and the old lady, the latter finally wore herself out and stopped. “Don’t let me see you for the next month!”

“Gladly! That’s exactly what I want!” Qin Liaoxing shot back.

Just as she was about to provoke the old lady further, Jiang Ruan’s voice suddenly rang out: “Mom, you’re a grown woman must you keep tormenting Grandmother like this?”

The tall Alpha stood silhouetted against the light, disapproval evident in her eyes.

Qin Liaoxing waved a hand dismissively. “She started it…” Sensing her wife was about to push her luck again, Lan Boyue quickly pulled her aside to shut her up.

Seeing the situation had calmed, Jiang Ruan first approached Xun Zhen. “I’ll talk with Grandmother. Wait for me.”

Xun Zhen wanted to ask why she’d returned so suddenly, but now wasn’t the time. She simply nodded. “Alright.” After watching Jiang Ruan and Pu Shuangquan leave, Lan Boyue blinked meaningfully at Xun Zhen.

Xun Zhen caught on quickly, her expression grateful.

Lan Boyue shook her head slightly, she was more than willing to go to such lengths for her daughter’s happiness and future.

Once in the study, Pu Shuangquan didn’t sit down. She kept her back to Jiang Ruan. “What do you want to say? Plead for your wife? Sing her praises?”

“Neither.” Jiang Ruan’s tone was even. “I only ask that you respect her wishes.”

“She has a career she loves and excels at one you may see as humble and insignificant, but even sparrows have the right to spread their wings. Forcing her to abandon everything she takes pride in would be no different from caging a songbird.”

Jiang Ruan could guess Pu Shuangquan’s intentions. The old lady, accustomed to having her way, sought to control everything around her.

She’d been this way with Qin Liaoxing, with Jiang Ruan, and now with Xun Zhen.

“Grandmother, I didn’t marry her to imprison or restrain her.”

Even as she pleaded, Jiang Ruan’s voice remained cool and detached. Pu Shuangquan turned, her piercing gaze cutting straight to the heart. “Do you even realize what you’re saying?”

“Do you know how much a capable partner could help you?”

“Do you have any idea how much I’ve sacrificed for you, how?”

“I know.” Jiang Ruan interrupted calmly. “But Xun Zhen and I are two separate individuals. Her marrying me doesn’t mean she loses herself or must always put me first.”

Jiang Ruan added, “Haven’t you praised her yourself and acknowledged her achievements since then?”

“If she were an Alpha or an Omega, would you still be treating her this way today, Grandmother?”

Pu Shuangquan’s face remained expressionless, all emotions carefully concealed, making it impossible for outsiders to discern her thoughts.

Jiang Ruan stood firm, her expression resolute and stubborn. In her, Pu Shuangquan faintly caught glimpses of Qin Liaoxing’s shadow and even her own. Suddenly, a long-buried memory resurfaced in her mind.

After a long pause, Pu Shuangquan snapped back to reality and barked sharply, “Get out.”

“You and your mother both of you, get out of here. Stay far away, and don’t show your faces for a month!”

Jiang Ruan pressed her lips together but refused to back down. “Then will you still force and threaten her?”

“Scram.” Pu Shuangquan pointed toward the door. “Get out of my sight right now!”

The old woman’s voice was loud enough for Xu Zhen to hear clearly. She had always doted on Jiang Ruan and rarely lost her temper with her, but today, her attitude had completely shifted.

“Don’t take it to heart,” Qin Liaoxing chimed in with her usual nonchalance. “She’ll call us back to keep her company in a couple of days anyway.”

Lan Boyue nodded in agreement. “Mother does care deeply about family, she’s just stubborn with her words.”

Xu Zhen hadn’t spent much time with Pu Shuangquan and thus didn’t fully understand her temperament. But since both Qin Liaoxing and Lan Boyue said so, the slight unease in her heart gradually eased.

Soon, Jiang Ruan emerged from the study. Her first words were to reassure Xu Zhen. “It’s settled.”

“How did you…?” Xu Zhen hesitated, swallowing her initial question and changing it to, “Did you alter your schedule again this afternoon?”

“A minor meeting got canceled,” Jiang Ruan explained. “Grandmother’s just overly concerned, but she means no real harm. Don’t dwell on her words, just do what you want.”

Xu Zhen understood the reasoning, but she still couldn’t grasp Pu Shuangquan’s sudden change.

Before, Pu Shuangquan had never interfered with Xu Zhen’s work or cared about her career. She had never liked Xu Zhen, much less approved of her as a granddaughter-in-law, so their conversations had been few and far between.

“Don’t you have a flight to catch? I’ll take you.”

Xu Zhen checked the time, it was indeed about time and didn’t refuse Jiang Ruan’s offer, letting her drive her to the airport.

Assistant Lu handled the luggage, accompanied by two bodyguards Jiang Ruan had arranged for Xu Zhen. After a smooth boarding and landing, Xu Zhen checked into her hotel only to run into an unexpected face.

“What a coincidence,” Xue Long greeted with a smile. “Here for a shoot too?”

“Yes,” Xu Zhen replied coolly, her interest in conversation minimal. Whether Xue Long’s earlier remarks had been deliberate or not, they had caused her trouble.

She needed to keep her distance otherwise, she’d be the one making tabloid headlines tomorrow.

Xue Long noticed her aloofness, a trace of disappointment flickering across her face. “I thought after working together for years, you’d be happy to see me.”

“I need to drop off my luggage,” Xu Zhen deflected, ignoring Xue Long’s pitiful complaint. “Goodbye.”

The area was crowded, making it easy for passersby to snap photos and post them online. Playing it safe, Xu Zhen immediately walked away from the Alpha.

Her retreating figure showed no hesitation. Xue Long lingered, watching her until she disappeared, the feigned vulnerability in her eyes slowly fading.

What a cold heart.

Xue Long curled the corners of her lips, but she liked it.

Xue Long always seemed to coincidentally bump into Xu Zhen, making it impossible for Xu Zhen not to suspect her motives. If one were to suggest that Xue Long had any improper intentions toward her, Xu Zhen found it highly unlikely.

At most, the Alpha was just acting on a whim, indulging in her hunter’s instincts.

Alphas were the pinnacle species of this world. They had already attained everything they desired, and naturally, with their lives fulfilled in every aspect, they inevitably grew bored and sought excitement.

And Xu Zhen, an innocent Beta, became the target of her post-dinner amusement.

Xu Zhen despised this feeling of being disrespected. They were all human beings, why must they be divided into hierarchies?

Just because she was a Beta, did that mean she deserved to be toyed with?

After settling her luggage, Assistant Lu reminded Xu Zhen, “In three days, I’ll begin handling matters related to your personal studio. You’ll need to set aside time to go through the procedures with me.”

“Understood,” Xu Zhen nodded. “Thank you for your trouble.”

Assistant Lu shook her head slightly. “Also, here’s the contract sent by the production team. Please review it.”

Xu Zhen took it and quickly spotted the names of the copyright holder and production company, Tianxing Media. It was unfamiliar, seemingly an obscure small company.

Xu Zhen felt a twinge of doubt, but Assistant Lu mentioned they had connections and backing, so she naturally assumed it was some rich heir striking out on their own.

This had its pros and cons.

Young heirs lacked experience and could easily make mistakes, leading to disastrous failures. But the advantage was clear since this was likely their first “child,” they would pour all their effort into nurturing it and ensuring its success.

They were gambling, and so was Xu Zhen. They were all gamblers.

“Alright, I’ll look at it later,” Xu Zhen set the contract aside. Assistant Lu said nothing further and withdrew to the adjacent room after finishing her briefing.

Xu Zhen immersed herself in analyzing her new character from the script. The night deepened, and by the time she snapped out of it, it was nearly midnight.

Casually unlocking her phone, she intended to reply to the work messages she had missed earlier when her gaze inadvertently caught a message from Xue Long: “Sorry, I got you involved again.”

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