The Infatuated Cannon Fodder Has Completely Moved On - Chapter 8.1

“Has Zhenzhen contacted you?”

After hearing words that were essentially a warning, Cen Shu found it truly difficult to keep smiling. As Jin Zhuhuai’s gaze swept toward her, she forced the corners of her lips upward, revealing a stiff, fake smile.

The streets were quiet in the middle of the night; it was a time when everything should have been asleep.

Various colored lights fell upon the body of the Brabus, flickering like the glint of blades. Cen Shu’s heart gradually grew cold.

Five years ago, when she was still a fit model for the Jin family’s clothing brand, she had heard of the exploits of the three Jin family juniors.

Back then, Jin Yuzhen was still working for the finance channel. In the eyes of the public, she was simply a talented young socialite, and naturally, Jin Yuelan favored her.

When Jin Yuzhen first started pursuing her, Cen Shu was overjoyed, thinking her hardships were finally over and the rewards were coming. However, as she drew closer to the Jin family, the truth beneath the surface slowly emerged.

Jin Yuzhen could never become the heir to the Jin family.

Ning Fang placed great hopes on Ning Sui and had long ago paved a broad, smooth road for her.

Though Jin Zhuhuai had built her own path, she already had a firm grip on the business in Yangon.

Then look at the second Miss Jin: she only knew how to fall in love and had zero career ambition. Aside from money, she had nothing.

Power struggles in wealthy families have always been brutal, and there was no telling what kind of end awaited Jin Yuzhen.

Naturally, Cen Shu could not afford to waste her life on her.

Having spent the last five years together, she understood Jin Yuzhen’s situation all too well.

Take those friends of hers: except for Lu Wenqi, not one of them was any good. If something were to happen to the second Miss Jin in the future, Feng Hui and Cui Man would surely set off fireworks in celebration.

As for her family:

Ning Fang’s ambition was written plainly on her face, and Jin Zhuhuai was seen as the person everyone expected to take over. Only Jin Yuzhen’s future remained blurred.

Later, she even resigned from her job at the finance channel and started collecting artifacts, living a wealthy retiree’s life decades ahead of schedule. She did not have a shred of drive.

Cen Shu would dump her sooner or later.

But not now.

When Jin Zhuhuai did not receive a response for a long while, her tone deepened. “It is not convenient here. Why do we not find another place to talk?”

Cen Shu’s elegant brows knitted slightly. After struggling for less than three seconds, she said submissively, “Okay.”

She understood these so-called rich people too well. Finding another place to talk meant offering her terms, just like those old-fashioned angst novels: “Here is tens of millions; leave her.”

The autumn night wind sounded bleak and cold. The rooftop terrace was decorated with seasonal floral arrangements; as the wind blew past, a crisp, sharp fragrance instantly dispersed.

Jin Zhuhuai invited her to have dinner together.

Cen Shu was not used to the taste of snow crab, so she only touched a plate of steamed eggs with sea urchin.

“I heard that after you returned from Sansi Mountain, Zhenzhen’s attitude changed. I am curious: what happened on Sansi Mountain? Is it convenient to talk about it?” Jin Zhuhuai spoke with a gentle expression and a soft voice, showing no sense of distance.

This was another illusion.

Many people believe that anyone in a high position must possess an overbearing aura. In reality, that is not the case. Truly deep and calculating people often appear humble and poised on the outside, able to talk and laugh with anyone, only to deliver a fatal blow when the other party is completely off guard.

As the cold wind surrounded the terrace and the air filled with the scent of flowers, Cen Shu realized she had no room to resist.

At the same time, she realized that Jin Zhuhuai had invited her here solely for Jin Yuzhen.

“Sansi Mountain, that morning, I posted a set of photos,” Cen Shu stammered. “There was a group photo in there.”

The rest did not need to be said; it was understood.

Jin Zhuhuai set down her utensils and tilted her head in confusion. “But why?”

Cen Shu looked up, stunned.

Jin Zhuhuai let out a long sigh. The look in her eyes as she watched Cen Shu was complicated, with a faint, hidden trace of envy. “Zhenzhen has not been this good to anyone in a long time. Even I do not get that much concern.” How could someone have the heart to trample on her sincerity?

Cen Shu stared back at her blankly, unable to speak for a long time.

It seemed that the bond between Jin Zhuhuai and Jin Yuzhen was deeper than she had anticipated.

She felt a bit panicked, fearing retaliation.

However, from beginning to end, Jin Zhuhuai never used a harsh word or a severe expression. “I understand the situation. Zhenzhen is not someone who looks back. Since Miss Cen does not like her, then do not appear in front of her again. Let us have a clean break.”

Cen Shu remained silent.

If she broke up with Jin Yuzhen, who would build bridges and pave the road for her in the future?

Even though she had finally made a name for herself, in a place like the entertainment industry where there are many people and little opportunity, she would be replaced the moment her momentum failed.

Especially recently, that Nie Feiyin’s momentum was very strong.

But she could not exactly be stubborn with Jin Zhuhuai, could she?

Jin Zhuhuai was definitely not as friendly and approachable as she appeared; moreover, she held a very high status within the Jin Corporation.

Cen Shu secretly made up her mind. “There are many misunderstandings between Zhenzhen and me. Perhaps the fate just was not there, and it is impossible to salvage it now. President Jin, please rest assured: if Zhenzhen does not want to see me, I certainly will not take the initiative to look for her.”

Jin Zhuhuai raised an eyebrow slightly, her smile as light as ripples on water. “I trust Miss Cen’s character.”

That one sentence, loaded with hidden meaning, made Cen Shu’s eyelid twitch wildly.

“I am a woman of my word.”

“Good. I will have someone send Miss Cen back.”

Cen Shu became coy. “There are paparazzi staking out near my home all the time. If I go back now.”

Jin Zhuhuai recalled her profession and expressed understanding.

“Then you can stay here tonight.”

Cen Shu lowered her eyelids, hiding the joy of her success.

As long as there was a chance to spend time together, she had her ways to make Jin Zhuhuai fall for her.

She really needed the endorsement deal from the Jin Corporation.

However, when Jin Zhuhuai pointed at the sofa and told her to make do for the night, she was a bit dazed. “I am sleeping here?”

Jin Zhuhuai said somewhat amusedly, “Otherwise, should I sleep here?”

“That is not what I meant.”

A bad start.

That was how Cen Shu summarized it.

Since becoming famous, no one had dared to make her sleep on a sofa.

The suite was very spacious, and the inner bedroom was fully equipped. Jin Zhuhuai did not come out once the entire night.

Cen Shu stayed up until the early hours before falling asleep. When she woke up, there was no one in the room; Jin Zhuhuai had already left.

She had not even ordered breakfast for her.

Cen Shu felt fuming inside and even more aggrieved.

Having been pampered and protected by Jin Yuzhen for the past few years, she simply could not handle this level of neglect.

She saw the calls from Qiu Tang but did not answer them.

She set her phone to silent, wrapped herself up tightly, and returned home. As soon as she entered the house, she went to take a shower.

She washed for a full hour.

Outside, Qiu Tang was still grumbling and swearing.

Turning off the water and putting on a bathrobe, Cen Shu looked at herself in the mirror. After letting out a long breath, she wrapped her hair and stepped out of the bathroom.

Meeting Qiu Tang’s cold, sharp gaze, she asked, “Did you go to Jin Yuzhen’s shop?”

At this moment, Qiu Tang actually regretted being her manager. With a look of dejection, she said, “Yes. I thought you had gone missing, so I went to ask Second Miss Jin with my head bowed. Who knew Jin Zhuhuai was there too? I have completely lost face.”

Cen Shu immediately raised her voice: “Jin Zhuhuai was there too?”

“No, why are you so excited? It is perfectly normal.” Everyone knew these two sisters shared a deep bond.

Cen Shu’s face turned pale.

Judging by Qiu Tang’s reaction, Jin Zhuhuai probably had not mentioned that they were together last night.

Why did she not say anything?

On the way to the manor, Jin Zhuhuai handled several documents in the car.

Secretary Song asked from the side, “What should we do if Miss Cen tells the Second Miss about last night?”

Jin Zhuhuai smiled. “I let her stay because I wanted Zhenzhen to see what this person is really thinking. After all, it is not quite possible to completely cut ties in a few days with someone she pursued for five years.” But she changed her mind after seeing Jin Yuzhen.

Secretary Song said, “The marketing contracts that the Second Miss negotiated for Miss Cen before have also been terminated. Perhaps this time it is for real.”

Jin Zhuhuai smiled: “Of course I know it is for real. Zhenzhen is upright; one look and you know what she is thinking. But is it really just because of a single photo?”

“I am still investigating,” Secretary Song hesitated before finally saying, “The antique and collectibles line has been set up, but no one has been appointed to manage it yet.”

Jin Zhuhuai said, “Grandmother definitely wants to hand it over to Zhenzhen.”

Secretary Song fell silent.

The fact that Jin Yuelan favored Jin Yuzhen was actually quite easy to understand.

Back when the Jin family went to Yangon to do business, they took the risk of losing everything. At that time, Jin Zhuhuai was already thirteen and it was not ideal for her to stay in Yangon, so she was sent to England to study. Meanwhile, Jin Yuzhen accompanied Jin Yuelan to many mines; one could even say they went through life and death together.

Under such circumstances, how could Jin Yuelan treat them as equals?

Furthermore, Jin Yuzhen was quite talented and had been capable of handling big matters since she was young.

Her father had married into the family and changed his surname to Jin. He was good-looking, but his character was overly weak. After staying in Yangon for half a year, he picked up bad habits. Everyone was at their wit’s end and could not do anything with him; in the end, it was Jin Yuzhen who settled the matter.

When the Jin family returned home in glory, Jin Bing was still in Yangon chewing betel nuts, and to this day, he dares not return.

As an outsider, Secretary Song naturally did not know what method she had used, but based on that courage alone, there was no doubt she would become the successor.

In fact, the eldest uncle and the third uncle of the Jin family were both born to Jin Yuelan’s older sister. There was a layer of separation after all, and they could not even get close to the succession.

The third uncle died in Yangon. Although Jin Hong held a position in the Jin Corporation, he was just a security guard in another sense, with no real power.

This path was not crowded; there were only Jin Zhuhuai and Jin Yuzhen.

Secretary Song remembered something Jin Zhuhuai had said:

“She does not have to fight for anything. I will support her for the rest of her life.”

On this day, Jin Yuzhen stood outside her shop for a long time, only going inside when a customer arrived.

Ye Yun had been her assistant for a few years and was familiar with her temperament. She knew that Jin Yuzhen would occasionally space out or look pensive and was relatively unpredictable, so she did not think much of it, simply assuming she was taking in some fresh air.

The guest was a newcomer to the collectibles circle. Ye Yun had noted her preferences during her first visit and brought over a glass of iced fruit drink.

Jin Yuzhen went to the meditation room to retrieve an appraisal document. The bracelet on her wrist glowed softly; her mood immediately soured, and she wanted to take the bracelet off. But then she remembered that Miss Nie’s hair tie was still in her bag.

She herself did not know why, but her mood calmed down. She had to find a time to return the item.

When she entered the reception room, the bracelet was still on her wrist.

Yun Man stood up. “Boss Jin, your place is so well decorated. It was empty the last time I came, but in just a month, it is completely filled up.”

Jin Yuzhen invited her to sit. “I have almost emptied out everything from the manor. This tea table here, Grandmother specifically had someone custom-make it. I ‘stole’ it and put it here; Grandmother still does not know.”

Yun Man could not help but laugh. “It is all in the family; how can you use the word ‘steal’?”

Jin Yuzhen handed her the appraisal report. “This is the extent of my skill. It is not written very detailed, but that painting is definitely a fake.”

Hearing this, Yun Man’s expression was half-disappointed and half-relieved. “Sigh, in this current market, how can genuine pieces appear so easily? I was overthinking it. Luckily, I did not act impulsively.”

She flipped through the report and sighed inwardly.

She did not know how the label of “ignorant and incompetent” ever got attached to Second Miss Jin.

She was clearly very talented.

Jin Yuzhen said, “The owner was so confident; anyone would have been fooled.”

Yun Man said regretfully, “If I could buy a real one, I would be willing to go bankrupt for it.”

Jin Yuzhen was puzzled. “Is it really that exaggerated?”

“Sigh, that friend of mine is beyond picky. It has to be the most precious thing to even get a smile,” Yun Man clicked her tongue and said with lingering fear, “If I sent a fake over, Teacher Nie would kill me.”

Hearing the surname ‘Nie’, Jin Yuzhen’s eyes widened slightly. “Which Teacher Nie? I have not heard you mention her.”

Yun Man laughed. “Our Teacher Nie keeps a low profile, but she has a daughter you have definitely heard of.”

Jin Yuzhen inconspicuously stroked the bracelet on her wrist. “Nie Feiyin?”

Yun Man said, “I knew you had heard of her.”

Jin Yuzhen paused for a moment. “She is going to be in Lu Wenqi’s production. We just met last night.”

Yun Man was startled by her calmness.

She knew Second Miss Jin was doggedly pursuing Cen Shu, and Nie Feiyin was a competitor of the same age group for Cen Shu.

This suspense drama seemed to be one that Jin Yuzhen had invested money in.

Now that Nie Feiyin was cast as the lead, was she not angry?

Yun Man was speechless for a while.

How strange.

Jin Yuzhen moved the incense burner aside and called Ye Yun in. “Take this away, and this too.” She stuffed the incense tools and other items onto a tray.

They had all just been used by Jin Zhuhuai; a knot had formed in her heart, and she was no longer willing to use them.

Ye Yun had always known her to be someone who loved the new and loathed the old, so she took them away as told. A moment later, she brought in new ones.

Yun Man looked over the appraisal report again, complaining for a while before finally facing reality. “Forget it, maybe the fate just was not there. Boss Jin, I will leave you to your work. I am heading out.”

Jin Yuzhen stood up to see her out.

At the door, Yun Man said a bit awkwardly, “Every production Director Lu films becomes a hit. It is inevitable for actors to want to be in her shows. A-Yin did not target anyone on purpose. I heard Teacher Nie say that she will not be allowed to stay in the industry starting next year.”

Hearing this, Jin Yuzhen instantly understood her meaning.