Forced into a Secret Marriage with the Villain, We Now Have a Child - Chapter 55.2

The elevator chimed, and the doors slid open. “We’re here,” Yu Siyi said softly.

A waiter led them through the opulent hallways of the five-star hotel. This was a place Jian Chun passed every day on her way home, but in all her memories, she had never actually stepped foot inside. The decor was palatial, with gold accents and high ceilings that screamed luxury.

They were led to a grand private suite. Jian Chun tried to maintain an air of calm as the heavy doors opened, only to see a woman already seated at the massive table.

“Jian Chun, you’ve arrived.”

Ling Zheng didn’t even stand up. She remained lounged in her chair, offering a casual greeting. Yu Siyi pulled out a chair for Jian Chun, purposefully choosing a spot as far away from Ling Zheng as possible.

Ling Zheng arched an eyebrow, her smile tinged with dissatisfaction. “It’s just the three of us. Can’t we sit a little closer?”

“All the more reason to keep our distance,” Jian Chun replied dryly.

Ling Zheng let out a dramatic sigh and rotated the lazy susan, sending a bottle of floral wine toward Jian Chun. Jian Chun didn’t reach for her glass, so Yu Siyi took it and filled it for her.

“Thanks,” Jian Chun muttered. She took a sip; it was a strange flavor—floral, sweet, and a bit heady.

“Is this some kind of old classmates’ reunion?” Jian Chun looked at Yu Siyi. She thought Yu Siyi detested Ling Zheng—how did they end up at the same table? Truly, a woman’s heart is as unpredictable as May weather.

“It seems your wife hasn’t told you anything,” Ling Zheng interjected, her eyes dancing with mischief.

Jian Chun ignored the obvious attempt to sow discord and looked directly at Ling Zheng. “You tell me, then.”

Ling Zheng chuckled. “You two are so alike—neither of you gives a person a chance to be tactful.”

“If you’re not going to talk, let’s just eat. Did you order yet?” Jian Chun asked Yu Siyi.

“I did,” Yu Siyi replied warmly. “I even ordered the white-cut chicken you like.”

Jian Chun blinked. This was the first time she’d heard from someone else what her favorite food was. I like white-cut chicken?

Ling Zheng, unable to stand their public display of affection any longer, slapped the table. “Hey! Are you two just here to eat?” She directed her glare at Yu Siyi.

Yu Siyi looked at Jian Chun. Jian Chun looked at Ling Zheng. “Weren’t you the one who invited us to dinner?”

Ling Zheng clicked her tongue and turned back to Yu Siyi. “Do you still not know about me and Feng Xue being together?”

“You and Feng Xue?” Jian Chun’s expression went through a rapid transformation—from surprise to a “just as I thought” kind of delight, and finally to pure schadenfreude.

“We were together,” Ling Zheng clarified.

Jian Chun was stunned. Previously together? So now they weren’t? Was this the “breakup phase” for the original leads of the novel?

“I’ve been feeling… uneasy the last couple of days,” Ling Zheng said, her face turning serious. “She might be nearby. While I’m still clear-headed, ask whatever you want.”

Jian Chun, confused by Ling Zheng’s cryptic words, looked at Yu Siyi for guidance. Yu Siyi reached out and gently smoothed Jian Chun’s hair.

“Can she control everyone?” Yu Siyi asked Ling Zheng.

“No. It seems neither you nor Jian Chun are affected,” Ling Zheng replied. “But I just didn’t feel like dealing with you before.”

Jian Chun: “…” Jian Chun: “??”

“When did you realize you were being controlled?” Yu Siyi continued.

“Years ago. I don’t remember exactly,” Ling Zheng said. “I was too weak back then and didn’t know how to solve it. Every time I ran into her, things just… spiraled.”

“If you knew this, why didn’t you fix it sooner?” Yu Siyi pressed.

Ling Zheng paused. “…I can’t exactly say it’s because she was useful to have around.”

Yu Siyi shook her head, offering a gentle yet mocking smile.

“What are you two talking about?” Jian Chun demanded.

Yu Siyi sighed. “She says she was controlled by Feng Xue and ended up in a messy, whirlwind romance.”

Jian Chun was floored. Feng Xue is that powerful? She stared at Ling Zheng.

Ling Zheng stared back. This was the price of her confession—she wanted Jian Chun to know just how much she had suffered over the years.

“Jian Chun,” Ling Zheng said suddenly, her voice dropping an octave. “After all these years, I still love you. If you ever decide you don’t want to be with Yu Siyi, I’ll be waiting for you.”

The air in the room instantly froze.

Yu Siyi picked up her glass and set it back down. The clack of glass against the tabletop was sharp and deafening in the silence.

Jian Chun jumped and looked over. Yu Siyi’s eyes were filled with mock apology. “Sorry. My hand slipped.”

Jian Chun: “…” Your hand ‘slipped’ at the perfect time, didn’t it?

Jian Chun felt a chill run down her spine. She dreaded Yu Siyi’s “polite” smiles the most. She turned back to Ling Zheng, her eyes flashing with irritation. How could you be so tactless? Trying to climb over the wall right in front of the owner?!