The Ex-Wife Of A Wealthy/Powerful Family Tempts Me To Treat Her Badly/Betray Her - Chapter 53

Chapter 53: Together (The End of the Main Text)

Jiang Yu looked at Rong Wei in disbelief.

Rong Wei was looking at her intently. Her ice-blue pupils should have been cold, but at this moment, they felt exceptionally gentle.

Rong Wei was actively apologizing to her?

Jiang Yu suspected it was her own delusion. Her mind went blank for a moment, and she practically lost the ability to think.

A particularly strange idea came to her mind. She told herself that it was nothing, but the frequency of her heartbeat unintentionally accelerated.

An unusually foreign feeling came over her, making her scalp tingle and feeling as if her head might explode.

Perhaps because time was too pressing, or for some other reason, Jiang Yu didn’t want to think too deeply.

She remained silent, not speaking, and finally, under Rong Wei’s gaze, she directly withdrew her attention and walked straight towards the T-stage.

This small interlude only lasted a few seconds, but Jiang Yu felt it was excessively difficult to endure.

She hadn’t realized she was distracted until she stood on the T-stage and vaguely noticed that the music in her ears had become exceptionally faint, realizing she wasn’t fully present.

Jiang Yu suddenly felt a little scared and pinched herself hard.

A sharp pain radiated from her palm, which brought Jiang Yu back to her senses.

On the other side, Rong Wei quietly watched Jiang Yu on the T-stage.

Today, to fit the style of the clothing, Jiang Yu was wearing uncharacteristically light colors—a pale blue dress, with deep-sea blue high jewelry on her neck and wrist. She looked fresh yet possessed a composed and self-assured demeanor.

Rong Wei watched quietly until all segments concluded, then lowered her eyes to her phone.

In her phone, Rong Shi had sent her a message twenty minutes ago.

【Sister, sister, sister, how did it go?】

【She didn’t ignore you, did she?】

Rong Wei held her phone, stayed silent for a moment, and then typed back: 【I feel okay.】

After all, she had given her two glances and hadn’t simply walked away.

Rong Shi on the other side must have been watching her phone and quickly replied.

【Alright, good luck!】

Rong Wei smiled and sent Rong Shi a WeChat message: 【Okay.】

Jiang Yu hadn’t walked away immediately, which at least proved she didn’t dislike her.

As for the future, they would take it slowly.

Rong Shi nodded, staring at the message from Rong Wei, and suddenly felt a surge of emotion.

Her sister was indeed a smart person, even when it came to matters of the heart.

However, compared to the past, she clearly possessed an imperceptible softness.

Rong Shi rolled over in bed, suddenly excited, wanting to share this news with her two mothers.

But her good moral compass restrained her.

In the end, with her overwhelming emotions unvented, she could only hum twice before throwing her phone aside.

…

Because Jiang Yu’s popularity was quite high recently, the fashion show quickly sparked heated discussion online. Even more astonishingly, the first season’s high-end new products were fully pre-ordered within half an hour after the show ended.

The initially prepared ready-to-wear garments also quickly sold out and entered the pre-sale stage.

Not just Ji Zhou, but Jiang Yu herself was somewhat taken aback.

Leaving the event site and sitting in the car, Jiang Yu smiled and remarked to Ji Zhou, “It’s a blessing in disguise. This big show actually went so smoothly.”

Ji Zhou: “If I could, I would rather you hadn’t had this disaster.”

“I have confidence in my work. Even if not now, there would definitely be opportunities to sell well later.”

Jiang Yu stretched: “Of course, I trust you completely, but less drama is always good.”

“With things here wrapping up, are you flying back soon?”

Jiang Yu paused: “That was the original plan, but now there’s been a temporary change.”

“You know things online haven’t been very peaceful lately. I’m worried Qin Yuanshan might have some more tricks up his sleeve. I’ll stay here for now and won’t leave.”

Ji Zhou knew about Jiang Yu’s family situation. She sighed and nodded: “That’s fine. Speak up anytime if you need anything. I can help too.”

Jiang Yu gave Ji Zhou a grateful look.

During their conversation, they had already arrived at the company. During the day, Jiang Yu and Ji Zhou analyzed the possible improvements and shortcomings of the show.

They returned home around 9:00 p.m.

Stepping away from the busy work, Rong Wei’s figure appeared in Jiang Yu’s mind again.

She shook her head vigorously twice, trying to completely forget the memories related to Rong Wei, but the memories were like a wound-up spring—once touched, they kept revolving.

She sighed softly, unable to figure out why, and finally just let the memories fly chaotically in her mind.

It wasn’t until her phone vibrated that Jiang Yu’s thoughts were interrupted.

【General Manager Jiang, I’ve gathered some information. There seems to be an issue with the land Qin Yuanshan bid on, and it now requires re-bidding. But strangely, some of the other bidders at the time are mysteriously unable to attend the site inspection.】

【In addition, I also investigated some past events. Three years ago, shortly after your mother passed away, General Manager Qin actually had the intention of launching Qin Yan’s career.】

Jiang Yu knew that Qin Yuanshan’s methods weren’t clean, but she hadn’t expected him to be so excessive in private.

At the same time, Jiang Yu’s memory was pulled far back.

The feeling of nausea returned.

Three years ago, after her mother passed away, Qin Yuanshan used the excuse of worrying about her to ask her to stay in the Qin family villa for a period.

Due to her mother’s death, Jiang Yu was in a very poor state at the time. Thinking of her mother’s dying wish for her to return home, she stayed at the Qin house for a while.

It turned out he was operating under the guise of care, with ulterior motives all along.

Unfortunately, Qin Yan suddenly fell seriously ill that year, and the matter was dropped.

Jiang Yu mockingly turned off her phone screen. After washing up, she was about to exercise when an unfamiliar call came through on her phone.

She answered, worried it might be something work-related.

A middle-aged woman’s voice came through the receiver, sounding somewhat hoarse.

“Jiang Yu, hello. I am Lin Yuan, Qin Yuanshan’s wife. There is something I need to inform you about.” The woman spoke directly.

Lin Yuan was Qin Yuanshan’s wife. In Jiang Yu’s impression, she was a gentle and generous woman. Although the mistake was not Jiang Yu’s fault, Lin Yuan couldn’t possibly like the child born from an outside woman.

Over the years, Jiang Yu had minimal contact with Lin Yuan. Logically speaking, Lin Yuan wouldn’t call her out of the blue.

While Jiang Yu was wondering, Lin Yuan’s voice continued.

“Your father, Qin Yuanshan, suffered a sudden cerebral infarction this noon and has been left with very severe after-effects. The doctor said he will likely have to spend the rest of his life in bed.”

Hearing the news, Jiang Yu was momentarily stunned.

It wasn’t sadness. After all, she wasn’t a saint. Qin Yuanshan hadn’t raised her since childhood, and as she grew up, he had only used her for his schemes. Her feeling for him had evolved from disgust to aversion.

She was just surprised, not expecting the illness to come so suddenly.

“The doctor said he’s been too busy recently, and work hasn’t been smooth, which caused a sudden flare-up of stress. I know you’ve been in the country recently, and it’s unlikely you’ll return much in the future. I wanted to ask if you would like to come and see him.”

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yu gave a mocking laugh, then replied: “I understand, thank you, Aunt Lin. Which ward is he in? I’ll head over now.”

Lin Yuan provided the ward number. Jiang Yu changed her clothes and drove to the hospital.

It took forty minutes to get from her home to Lin City Third People’s Hospital.

It was completely dark outside now. The hospital was permeated with the smell of disinfectant. The wards in the inpatient area were quiet, and the atmosphere felt somewhat oppressive.

Jiang Yu searched around and finally stopped outside VIP Ward No. 4.

There was an empty glass pane in the middle of the ward door. Looking up, she saw Lin Yuan, Qin Yan, and some other people Jiang Yu didn’t recognize inside the ward.

Jiang Yu raised her hand, knocked on the door, and then pushed it open.

Lin Yuan was the first to speak to her: “Xiao Yu is here.”

Jiang Yu gently acknowledged her and stepped inside.

Qin Yuanshan was lying quietly on the hospital bed, his eyes open, but his gaze looked exceptionally cloudy. Compared to his former shrewd and capable self, he was like a completely different person.

Aging and pathetic were the only impressions Jiang Yu had of Qin Yuanshan at this moment.

Jiang Yu sighed softly, then said in a deep voice: “Mr. Qin, I’m here to see you for the last time.”

“I hope you have a pleasant life from now on.” Jiang Yu glanced at the IV drip on Qin Yuanshan’s arm and added.

As if he heard what she said, Qin Yuanshan’s eyes widened, and he looked at Jiang Yu with anger.

Jiang Yu’s mockery deepened. She glanced at him indifferently and said no more.

Having said her piece, Jiang Yu turned to leave decisively. Just as she was about to step out of the ward, she heard a voice from the previously silent Qin Yan.

“Jiang Yu, you are heartless and cold-blooded. You don’t deserve to be his daughter.”

Jiang Yu stopped and looked back at Qin Yan.

She wasn’t a difficult person to deal with, and she wouldn’t resort to insults even at this point. Originally, she didn’t want to make things too ugly, but since Qin Yan had opened her mouth like this, there was no need for her to continue restraining herself.

“He only ever had one daughter, and that’s you.”

“All these years, I have never aspired to things that didn’t belong to me.”

“So you shouldn’t ask too much of me either.”

Qin Yan was momentarily stunned, and then her eyes widened even further.

“I came here this time to fulfill my so-called final duty as a daughter.”

“Goodbye forever, Ms. Qin, Madam Lin.”

Behind her, Qin Yan’s sharp sarcasm returned.

But Jiang Yu didn’t linger to listen. She closed the door and left the ward completely.

The weather outside was still nice today. There were no heavy clouds outside the window, and the moonlight was clearly visible.

Jiang Yu stood on the steps, looked up at the sky for a long time, then withdrew her gaze and left the hospital.

Back in her car, she called Lin Yao: “Those pieces of information you have—find someone and release them.”

Qin Yuanshan was indeed wretched.

But since she knew about the things he had done, she couldn’t pretend they hadn’t happened and abet his evil.

She couldn’t be like her mother, who was forcibly taken but suffered for half her life, enduring endless criticism.

Jiang Yu thought expressionlessly.

That night, Lin Chuan Entertainment Company released a statement.

【Our company’s Chairman, Mr. Qin Yuanshan, suffered a sudden cerebral infarction yesterday and lost his capacity for self-care. For the future development of the company, the board will soon be replaced, and the board election will take place three days from now.】

The days in Lin City felt like a sudden shower—light, swiftly carried away by the wind.

Jiang Yu sat on the flight back to Li City, reflecting on her half-month stay in Lin City. It all felt somewhat surreal.

The trending topics, Qin Yuanshan’s paralysis, the arguments, and the divorce with Rong Wei—all these things felt like they happened yesterday.

So much so that Jiang Yu had often dreamt of Rong Wei.

After twelve hours of flying, the plane landed, and Jiang Yu felt a little tired.

Just as she exited the airport, she spotted Lu Linqiao’s figure.

It had been over half a month since they last met.

Jiang Yu missed her good friend a little. Her spirits suddenly lifted. She quickly walked over and gave Lu Linqiao a hug: “Long time no see.”

Lu Linqiao hugged her back enthusiastically.

After the hug, the two separated and walked side by side, chatting: “Let’s go. I booked a spa. Let’s go together, and you can rest too.”

“I booked a Michelin restaurant tonight. We’ll have dinner and a drink, and as you said, we won’t go home until we’re drunk.”

Jiang Yu smiled and replied, “Okay.”

The two arrived at the spa. Lu Linqiao saw that Jiang Yu was too tired and didn’t talk much with her. Jiang Yu drifted off to sleep vaguely and only felt fully energized again when they arrived at the restaurant in the evening.

Jiang Yu looked at the restaurant and instantly sobered up.

Lu Linqiao didn’t know the specifics of her time with Rong Wei, so she naturally wouldn’t know the hotel’s location.

Coincidentally, the Michelin restaurant Lu Linqiao had booked was the restaurant downstairs of that hotel.

Jiang Yu walked into the building, her mood suddenly complex. Strangely, many memories related to Rong Wei flooded her mind.

Lu Linqiao noticed Jiang Yu’s distraction and asked, “What’s wrong?”

Jiang Yu snapped back, shook her head: “Nothing. Let’s go in.”

Lu Linqiao nodded, and the two sat down at their table, chatting while eating.

“How is your father doing?”

Jiang Yu scoffed lightly: “Probably just the way he is.”

“Paralyzed in bed, life probably won’t be too easy. But he has his good daughter taking care of him, so it shouldn’t be too bad.”

Lu Linqiao nodded: “Although it might be a bit inappropriate to say congratulations, I truly want to congratulate you.”

“Congratulations on finally breaking free from the past and being able to embrace a life of your own.”

Jiang Yu’s eyes flashed, and she nodded lightly.

She wasn’t in the best mood. She raised her wine glass, gently touched it against Lu Linqiao’s, and said, “Let’s drink. No more talk about this.”

“Tonight, we’re here for pure relaxation.”

That night, Jiang Yu and Lu Linqiao talked about many random things, from funny personal anecdotes to the story of how they first met.

A lot of time passed. Jiang Yu drank quite a bit, making her feel slightly tipsy and a little dizzy.

Lu Linqiao put down her phone and said, “My driver happens to be nearby. Don’t call yours. Shall I send you home?”

Jiang Yu looked out the window.

Tonight’s moonlight was exceptionally rich and vibrant.

She was silent for a moment, then said, “It’s fine, no need to trouble you. You go back first. I’ll wait for my driver here and then leave.”

Lu Linqiao knew Jiang Yu could handle her alcohol, so she didn’t insist, only saying, “Alright, then text me when you get home.”

After Lu Linqiao left, Jiang Yu sat in her seat for a while, then got up, but almost instinctively got into the elevator.

And, strangely, she took out the room card and swiped it for the top-floor Presidential Suite.

She was already standing at the door of the suite when she fully came to her senses.

Having not been here for over half a month, honestly, everything felt a little unfamiliar to Jiang Yu.

But the scent of rose incense seemed to have never changed.

Jiang Yu took a deep breath, looked at the massive floor-to-ceiling window in front of her, and walked in.

The night view outside the window seemed no different from the past. Some memories that should have been completely forgotten resurfaced in her mind.

It seemed that every corner here bore traces of their intimate entanglement.

Jiang Yu felt she was probably drunk.

She gently patted her head twice, trying to clear the thought.

She didn’t plan to stay here for long and was ready to leave now.

But just then, the light in the central hall suddenly turned on.

Jiang Yu’s heart trembled, and she completely froze in place. It wasn’t until half a minute later, when Rong Wei’s figure appeared in front of the window, that she suddenly sobered up.

Only then did she realize how ridiculous her actions were.

Jiang Yu found that her path ahead was completely blocked by Rong Wei.

The familiar scent of oud wood and incense permeated her nostrils again.

Unlike when she saw her at the show that day, Rong Wei today looked noticeably more comfortable and casual. Perhaps because she had just gotten out of bed, her hair was a little messy.

Rong Wei hadn’t expected Jiang Yu to appear here.

She stared for a moment, unable to guess what Jiang Yu was thinking. After a brief pause, she moved aside, leaving a space for Jiang Yu to leave.

Jiang Yu saw the space clear up in front of her. She took a deep breath, stepped forward, and walked past her.

There was almost no exchange between the two.

Rong Wei just quietly watched Jiang Yu leave.

Just as Jiang Yu was about to exit, she suddenly realized something and spoke: “Jiang Yu, since we’ve met, should we talk?”

“I apologize, I walked into the wrong place. Haven’t we already said everything there is to say between us?” Jiang Yu replied somewhat coldly.

“I should be the one apologizing.”

“That day at the club, I was too presumptuous.”

Even though it was the second time hearing Rong Wei apologize, Jiang Yu was still extremely shocked.

“I admit that at first, I had the intention of teasing you. But later, that thought completely vanished.”

Hearing this, Jiang Yu keenly sensed something.

The question she had been avoiding and dare not contemplate was answered at this moment.

Her face suddenly changed: “What happened has already happened. There’s no point in discussing the past.”

“General Manager Rong shouldn’t be confined by those past events.”

“We should both look forward.”

With that, Jiang Yu turned and left.

Rong Wei looked at Jiang Yu’s retreating back, paused, and swallowed the words subtly expressing her liking for Jiang Yu.

Jiang Yu practically fled, frantically hailing a taxi to go straight home.

…

From that day on, Jiang Yu deliberately avoided Rong Wei, blocking all her contact information again and completely disappearing from her world.

Even the Qi Jiang project was exchanged between Jiang Yu and Lu Linqiao.

For over half a month, Jiang Yu was busy with work. News about Qin Yuanshan only reached Jiang Yu’s ears again during lunch one day.

The company announced the formal dismissal of Qin Yuanshan from his position as chairman. Additionally, for unknown reasons, Qin Yuanshan was personally under police investigation.

As for Qin Yan, although she was active in the Qi Jiang project, her reputation had plummeted due to the previous scandal.

In early September, the temperature in Li City dropped significantly. On a foggy day, the Qi Jiang project reached its end, and the company held a celebration banquet for the main creative team.

Jiang Yu had to go.

In the morning, after her hair and makeup were done, she went to the celebration venue with Lu Linqiao.

Qi Jiang fully committed to its extravagant reputation. The celebration was held at the Mentos Manor, a French manor with exquisite charm and atmosphere, surrounded by a huge lavender field. Unfortunately, the season had passed, and the flowers were somewhat withered.

Perhaps because there was no other urgent work to attend to today,

Jiang Yu was constantly distracted, especially when she went inside the manor, met everyone she needed to greet, and was left alone. The feeling intensified.

She didn’t know why.

Jiang Yu felt restless today, as if something was about to happen.

“Sister Jiang Yu!” In the crowd, Jiang Yu heard someone call her name in Chinese.

She had a strange feeling she had seen this scene somewhere before.

Following the direction of the voice, Rong Shi’s figure appeared at the edge of her vision.

It was strange.

She seemed to memorize Rong Wei and Rong Shi faster than usual.

Jiang Yu smiled and nodded, greeting Rong Shi. A thought popped into her mind, making her feel inexplicably nervous.

“Long time no see. Has your life been smooth recently, Sister Jiang Yu?”

Jiang Yu thought quietly, suddenly feeling a little awkward.

She could tell that Rong Wei and Rong Shi had a good relationship as sisters, and there must be frequent communication and contact in their daily lives.

Although Rong Shi might not know the full picture of her past relationship with Rong Wei, she must know some details.

For instance, they were once legally married, and perhaps Rong Wei had told Rong Shi about the idea she didn’t dare to pursue wholeheartedly.

Jiang Yu suddenly felt her scalp tingle. Although she was prepared, seeing someone related to Rong Wei still made her feel a little uneasy.

She couldn’t avoid it after all.

Jiang Yu smiled and said: “Not bad. The collaboration with the Qi Jiang project was very pleasant.”

“I hope we have a chance to work together in the future,” Rong Shi politely replied.

Jiang Yu forced a smile, looked around, spotted Lu Linqiao, and casually said, “My friend is over there. I’ll go over now.”

Rong Shi smiled and said okay. Jiang Yu escaped that area.

Jiang Yu walked over to Lu Linqiao, escaping one social circle and entering another.

She hadn’t looked closely before, but as she approached, she realized that the bosses and models from other modeling agencies were also here.

There were many young, new-generation models present, and Qin Yan was among them.

It had been some time since they last met. Qin Yan looked significantly thinner and less energetic than before.

Jiang Yu only glanced at her before withdrawing her gaze.

Everyone present was shrewd and well-aware of the online news.

Although they didn’t show it, they discreetly moved away or went to socialize with others.

The atmosphere settled into a particularly awkward state.

Jiang Yu and Lu Linqiao exchanged a look without speaking. After a while, they simply ignored her and left that spot.

But just then, Jiang Yu suddenly felt something strange.

She felt a chill down her spine, as if she was being watched by a poisonous snake. She frowned and looked around. The area was peaceful, with nothing obviously wrong. She simply withdrew her gaze.

At precisely noon, the celebration banquet officially began.

Jiang Yu kept an eye on the venue, relieved when she confirmed Rong Wei hadn’t come.

But in the next second, the crowd suddenly quieted down.

In the center of the dance floor, Jiang Yu heard a familiar voice. Following the sound, Jiang Yu saw Rong Wei’s figure.

She still had her simple, grand style and her familiar cool, gentle demeanor, always standing out in the crowd.

Jiang Yu wore contact lenses, so everything looked exceptionally clear.

She didn’t know if it was her imagination, but she felt that even though they were far apart, Rong Wei’s gaze seemed to fall on her at certain moments.

It was too strange.

Jiang Yu deliberately avoided her gaze, skirted the area where Rong Wei was, and left that spot.

Lu Linqiao had been standing beside Jiang Yu. After Jiang Yu had moved for the fourth time, she suddenly said, “Are you hiding from Rong Wei?”

Jiang Yu stopped, and her voice was a little stiff.

“No, I was just trying to get some exercise.”

Lu Linqiao was silent. After hesitating for a moment, she said directly, “Sweetie, do you like Rong Wei?”

Jiang Yu completely froze.

Lu Linqiao looked quietly at Jiang Yu.

Originally, she hadn’t wanted to say those words.

After all, Jiang Yu and Rong Wei’s relationship started in a less-than-aboveboard way and was full of concealment and deception.

Lu Linqiao also didn’t like Rong Wei’s concealment, but recently, Jiang Yu’s state had become increasingly strange.

Especially after they had dinner that night, Jiang Yu had gone somewhere unknown.

Since then, she had been distraught, like she had lost half her soul.

Lu Linqiao thought that Jiang Yu probably liked Rong Wei more than she realized.

But because of her childhood experiences, she habitually isolated herself, keeping a great distance from people, and was unlikely to actively enter an intimate relationship.

Lu Linqiao’s direct words made it impossible for Jiang Yu to continue lying to herself.

Although Jiang Yu had no prior dating experience, as an adult, she wasn’t completely ignorant.

She admitted that she knew Rong Wei might like her, and she, too, might have some interest in Rong Wei.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t be avoiding Rong Wei like the plague.

Jiang Yu stared intently at Lu Linqiao, a hint of unease crossing her bright face.

Seeing this, Lu Linqiao didn’t say more, just sighed: “I don’t mean anything else. I just want to say, don’t let yourself regret it.”

“Work is back on track, and you don’t have Qin Yuanshan to worry about anymore. You’ve fought for so many years…”

Jiang Yu gently acknowledged her, turned, and found a random spot, leaning against the wall.

But just then, a figure suddenly appeared in front of her.

The person’s features were completely twisted into a knot, looking terrifying. She seemed to be holding something in her hand. People nearby saw it and instinctively screamed.

Jiang Yu was stunned for a moment. When she came to her senses, she realized that Qin Yan was holding a sharp knife.

Jiang Yu suddenly understood what was happening and prepared to dodge.

But Qin Yan rushed toward Jiang Yu like a madwoman.

Her eyes were bloodshot, and her hand was stained with blood, but she seemed not to feel any pain, mumbling: “It’s all your fault, all your fault.”

“If it weren’t for you, Dad wouldn’t be paralyzed in bed, and I wouldn’t have lost so many opportunities.”

“If you won’t let me have peace, I absolutely won’t let you off either!”

“Jiang Yu, let’s go to hell together!”

Her movements were too fast and too sudden.

Jiang Yu’s back was against the wall, and there was no open space nearby, giving her nowhere to hide.

Jiang Yu saw the white flash across her eyes. Her mind raced, trying to figure out how to minimize the injury.

In the end, she instinctively grabbed Qin Yan’s wrist.

Models had a habit of exercising year-round, giving Jiang Yu great hand strength. She frowned, grasping Qin Yan’s wrist.

“You’re crazy, Qin Yan,” Jiang Yu said sharply.

Hearing Jiang Yu’s voice, the emotion in Qin Yan’s eyes became even angrier. She sneered, “I knew this wouldn’t be enough to hurt you. But if your hand is hurt, there’s still this.”

As she spoke, Jiang Yu suddenly saw a white flash before her eyes.

A spiral-shaped blade had popped out of the ring on Qin Yan’s hand, pointed directly at Jiang Yu’s eye, ready to strike fiercely.

Jiang Yu suddenly felt an unprecedented sense of danger.

The incident happened too quickly, and the security personnel at the manor hadn’t reacted yet.

Next to them, Lu Linqiao heard the commotion and ran over, holding a wine bottle.

But their distance was too far; there wasn’t enough time.

Jiang Yu’s heart leaped into her throat. She instinctively used her other hand to shield Qin Yan’s arm.

But for some reason, Qin Yan suddenly exerted immense force and broke free.

The white flash was directly in front of Jiang Yu’s eyes.

Just then, a tall figure suddenly appeared at the edge of Jiang Yu’s vision.

She directly kicked Qin Yan.

Qin Yan saw the person in front of her, and a flash of despair surged in her heart. She looked up at the ceiling, then laughed loudly, and simply, with nothing left to lose, lunged towards Rong Wei.

Without any hesitation, Rong Wei grabbed the blade with her hand.

Dazzling blood streaked across the scene.

The expression in Rong Wei’s eyes grew colder. She was trained in Judo and had a rock-climbing habit, giving her extremely strong upper body strength. The look on Qin Yan’s face grew increasingly distorted.

She finally lost her strength and fell to the ground.

Security personnel arrived belatedly. Rong Wei frowned and said, “What kind of work is this?”

“As for her, hand her over to the police.”

Rong Wei’s voice was very cold, almost chilling.

Jiang Yu recovered from her shock, her gaze fixed on Rong Wei’s hand.

The beautiful hand was covered in red. Blood drops dripped onto the ground.

Jiang Yu suddenly felt immense panic, completely devoid of any post-crisis relief.

She looked at Rong Wei worriedly, meeting her gaze.

Rong Wei’s eyes were full of tenderness, as if nothing had happened. She calmly accepted iodine and gauze from her assistant, treated the wound herself, and then walked towards Jiang Yu.

Jiang Yu’s vision swam.

She couldn’t spare a thought for anything else and urgently said: “We need to go to the hospital.”

“No, a private doctor. Where is your private doctor?”

Rong Wei looked around and thoughtfully said: “The hotel here is quite close to my home.”

“If I call the doctor over now, the timing should be similar to when I get back.”

Jiang Yu barely thought, or rather, she didn’t have a spare thought to use. She just nodded: “I’ll go with you.”

Rong Wei’s eyes deepened. She paused for two seconds, then replied: “Okay.”

…

The incident happened too suddenly. Jiang Yu only came to her senses when she was already sitting in Rong Wei’s car.

The celebration banquet had ended early, and the manor had returned to its initial quietness.

Jiang Yu lowered her eyes, looking worriedly at Rong Wei. The bloodstains had already soaked through the gauze on her hand.

“It’s fine. It doesn’t actually hurt.”

Jiang Yu was watching when Rong Wei’s voice came to her ear.

Jiang Yu suddenly fell silent, not knowing what to say for a moment. In the end, she just looked at Rong Wei dryly and sincerely said: “I’m sorry you got hurt. It’s my fault.”

Rong Wei, however, shook her head carelessly: “It has nothing to do with you. Everything was my own choice. There’s no need to blame yourself for it.”

Jiang Yu swallowed, and after a while, said: “I will take responsibility for you during this time.”

A very light laugh came from Rong Wei. She just looked at Jiang Yu and said no more.

About thirty minutes later, Jiang Yu arrived at Rong Wei’s home.

Standing at the entrance, she suddenly felt a struggle and hesitation. A strange feeling flashed in her mind.

She felt that if she stepped through this door, many subsequent events might gradually fall out of her control.

She stared intently at the entrance, then inadvertently saw Rong Wei’s left hand, took a deep breath, and entered Rong Wei’s home.

She must live here often. A familiar scent of oud wood and incense rushed towards her.

Deep and intense, it felt as if it was about to completely envelop her.

The door closed. Rong Wei spoke first: “Wait for me a moment. I’ll have the doctor treat the wound.”

Jiang Yu nodded stiffly but followed Rong Wei almost instinctively.

Rong Wei chuckled, allowing Jiang Yu to follow her.

The doctor was a silver-haired middle-aged woman. After Rong Wei sat down, she briefly described the situation again, and the treatment of the wound officially began.

As the blood-soaked gauze was peeled from the flesh, Jiang Yu suddenly felt a sharp pang of anxiety.

She silently and discreetly walked over to Rong Wei and held out her arm: “If it hurts, grab my arm.”

Rong Wei smiled. This time, she didn’t refuse and immediately agreed: “Okay.”

The strong smell of alcohol filled the air. The room fell silent for a moment.

While her left hand was being treated, Rong Wei quietly looked at Jiang Yu.

It seemed like a long time since they had spent time together so peacefully.

“Be careful not to get the wound wet. Change the dressing on time. I’ll be back in three days for secondary treatment.”

The doctor worked quickly and efficiently. She soon finished and left Rong Wei’s home.

In the spacious room, only Jiang Yu and Rong Wei remained.

Confirming that everything was truly fine, Jiang Yu relaxed. In her urgency, the awkward emotion surfaced again.

Jiang Yu rubbed the tip of her nose and said, “I’m leaving. General Manager Rong, if you need anything in the future, feel free to message me.”

Rong Wei’s eyes flashed. She stood up: “Wait a moment. I want to show you something.”

Jiang Yu looked up in surprise. She couldn’t find a reason to refuse at the moment, so she agreed.

She followed Rong Wei to a dark gray wall. As she was thinking, Rong Wei lightly touched the wall beside her.

The previously flat wall suddenly slid open, revealing a dry, empty room to Jiang Yu’s eyes.

“Since I was young, I’ve enjoyed collecting specimens. This place was originally my specimen room.”

“But there’s nothing here now,” Jiang Yu replied.

Rong Wei nodded, didn’t answer, just said: “I actually can’t remember how I first developed a liking for collecting specimens.”

“But these things led me to develop a habit of observation—what you call an attitude of superiority.”

Jiang Yu’s gaze paused.

“I donated them to the Natural History Museum. It’s my way of saying goodbye to my past self.”

Jiang Yu looked at Rong Wei again, disbelievingly.

Rong Wei leaned against the wall and continued: “Although I’ve said it once, I still want to tell you now—I’m sorry. I never intended to treat you as a plaything. You are a living person, someone I love. Perhaps I fell in love with you at first sight six years ago.”

Six years ago?

Jiang Yu looked shocked.

Rong Wei continued: “I’m not saying this to absolve myself.”

“I just want to ask you if you can give me a chance to pursue you.”

“If not, I won’t bother you anymore after this.”

This was probably the first time Jiang Yu had heard Rong Wei speak so many words in one go.

She was somewhat taken aback and asked, “Six years ago?”

Rong Wei: “Yes, at the Mese major show.”

“Also, Jiang Nansheng is my friend. The second time I saw you was there.”

Jiang Yu’s breathing hitched. Before she could process what Rong Wei meant by six years ago, Lu Linqiao’s words suddenly flashed in her mind. The constraint in her heart abruptly broke its chains. Finally, she spoke almost instinctively: “Rong Wei, let’s talk.”

Rong Wei’s eyes brightened, and she gazed intently at Jiang Yu.

The two sat down on the sofa together. Jiang Yu slowly began to speak.

“I actually don’t know how to face you. But I believe that if the two of us are to start a relationship, there are some things you need to know.”

Jiang Yu sighed, then mustered her courage and began to tell Rong Wei about her past.

Although Jiang Yu was raised by her mother, their mother-daughter relationship was never very good.

On the surface, her mother was an immoral mistress, but in reality, she was actually coerced by Qin Yuanshan back then.

From childhood, her mother transferred all her hatred onto Jiang Yu. Although she raised Jiang Yu, it was only enough to keep her from starving.

Moreover, because of her poor emotional state, Jiang Yu was often hit by her mother as a child and locked in small, windowless, unlit rooms.

The rooms were dark, and the damp, musty smell of mold filled her nostrils.

Jiang Yu disliked the dark, so much so that she always left a light on in her bedroom as an adult.

Her feelings for her mother were actually very complex.

On the one hand, a part of all her pain originated from her mother; she resented her. On the other hand, she also pitied her mother and often felt that she was the main cause of her suffering.

Love was not pure, and neither was hatred. In the end, the only person tormented was herself.

It was precisely because of this that three years ago, after her mother passed away from a sudden heart attack, Jiang Yu developed a severe psychological disorder and consequently left the modeling scene.

…

Rong Wei’s mood suddenly grew heavier. She said softly: “It’s not your fault.”

Jiang Yu looked up, her eyes wet as she gazed at Rong Wei: “I actually don’t know what I should do anymore.”

Rong Wei didn’t speak. She silently opened her arms and pulled Jiang Yu into an embrace.

The hug was soft and warm. Jiang Yu had never felt this way before.

She completely quieted down, gently raising her hands and placing them on Rong Wei’s back.

With their chests touching, she felt the frequency of their heartbeats.

In the depths of her mind, Jiang Yu felt a voice calling out to her. She chose to follow her instinct and spoke first: “Kiss me.”

Rong Wei stiffened slightly. It took her several tens of seconds to react.

She cautiously leaned in, their noses touching.

Their lips met, moist and soft.

This kiss was gentle, devoid of any excessive desire, and deeply comforting.

Jiang Yu thought that they had never kissed so tenderly and peacefully as they did now.

Outside the window, the moonlight was bright tonight, spilling down and illuminating Jiang Yu and Rong Wei.

Everything was exceptionally gentle and lingering.

Jiang Yu buried herself in Rong Wei’s arms and whispered, “Rong Wei, let’s try.”

“Let’s try to act like a normal couple, try to see if we can accompany each other for the rest of our lives.”