Jian Zhi’s understanding was once again overturned.
She had always thought Wen Tingyan bought the Large Flat considering her difficulty walking, but it turned out that wasn’t the case…
It turned out this was his and Luo Yucheng’s ideal home.
The Large Flat, European-style lamps, floor-to-ceiling windows, Moroccan carpets, fabric sofas, European dining table…
Every single item was something Luo Yucheng loved…
Outside, Luo Yucheng’s voice continued.
“Oh my god, A Yan, you have so many Venice Dolls in your house!”
“Did you bring back every style of Venice Doll? How did you collect them all?”
Awen’s voice chimed in at this moment, “A Yan always remembered you liked them. Whether he was traveling himself or had friends or clients going to Venice, he never forgot.”
Listening from inside the room, Jian Zhi’s hand on the doorknob trembled slightly, while another conversation echoed in her ears:
“Wen Tingyan, why did you buy so many dolls?”
“I was afraid you’d be bored alone at home. Although the dolls don’t speak, they fill the house, making it feel less empty.”
Heh…
Hehe…
Yes, of course this house wasn’t empty.
This house was her and Wen Tingyan’s marital home, yet Luo Yucheng had always lived here too—how could it be empty?
The dining room, living room, by the windows…
Every corner, at every moment, even when Luo Yucheng wasn’t physically present, memories of her lingered everywhere, her presence permeated every space—how could it be empty?
She even wondered whether when he slept with her, keeping such distance between them, was it because in his imagination Luo Yucheng lay between them?
Finally, she could bear it no longer and opened the door.
She wanted to see whether these people, so brazenly reminiscing about their deep affection, even knew she existed as the lady of the house?
Even if she was going to divorce him, they weren’t divorced yet, were they?
Perhaps her door opening was too loud, as everyone’s attention turned toward her.
Luo Yucheng held a doll in her hand, looking utterly enamored, and waved it at Jian Zhi. “Sister-in-law, I’m so jealous of you having so many dolls. Could you give this one to me?”
“Sure.” Jian Zhi stood at the doorway without hesitation.
Just as Wen Tingyan showed a satisfied expression at her words, Jian Zhi immediately continued, “You can have them all. All the dolls, this house, and this person—take them all.”
When she said “this person,” her gaze was fixed on Wen Tingyan.
Wen Tingyan’s face instantly darkened as he shouted at her, “Jian Zhi!”
Luo Yucheng’s eyes reddened rapidly, as if frightened, and she immediately put the doll back. “Sister-in-law, please don’t be angry. That’s not what I meant. I just… just… It’s really not what you think. You’ve misunderstood me and A Yan… Since you don’t like me coming to your home, then… I’d better leave…”
She covered her face and turned to leave.
How could Wen Tingyan and his lackeys let her go like that?
Not only did Wen Tingyan block Luo Yucheng’s path, but Awen and all the other lackeys gathered around, standing behind Luo Yucheng, glaring at Jian Zhi with indignation as if she were some heinous criminal.
Awen was particularly furious. “Brother Yan, we shouldn’t say much, but seeing Cheng Cheng treated like this makes us uncomfortable too!”
And this is called being reluctant to say anything?
Isn’t this putting Wen Tingyan on the spot? It basically means: between Luo Yucheng and your wife, which one will you choose? If you choose your wife, then there goes your friendship.
Actually, Awen was overthinking it. There was no need to compete for favor like this, because Wen Tingyan would definitely choose Luo Yucheng.
Blocked from leaving, Luo Yucheng burst into tears. When Awen spoke up for her, she cried even harder at him, “Stop talking nonsense! I’m not wronged!”
After saying this, she grabbed Wen Tingyan’s arm, her eyes brimming with tears, “A Yan, I’m not wronged, really. I came specifically to apologize to sister-in-law. I was mentally prepared—whatever sister-in-law says, I’ll accept it. I’m just… just really sad. Not only did I fail to help you, but I made things worse. Sister-in-law is even angrier now… I’m sorry, A Yan…”
The pity on Wen Tingyan’s face was almost overflowing. He turned to Jian Zhi with a frown and said, “Jian Zhi, listen to her! Just listen! Compared to you, Cheng Cheng is so much more sensible!”
Jian Zhi was facing Luo Yucheng and clearly saw the smug smile that flashed across her face. However, the moment Wen Tingyan looked down at her, she immediately resumed her pitiful, wronged expression.
Jian Zhi couldn’t help but admire such acting skills. She sneered in response to Wen Tingyan’s words, “Yeah, so she’s more suited to be Mrs. Wen, isn’t she? Didn’t I say I’d step aside? Why don’t you agree to it then?”
Wen Tingyan was provoked by her words and genuinely angered, “Jian Zhi, you don’t really think I wouldn’t dare, do you? Don’t you know why I won’t agree?”
“A Yan! Please don’t…” Luo Yucheng sobbed, “Are you trying to make me feel like coming back to the country was a mistake? Don’t be angry with sister-in-law. You absolutely must not divorce her, okay?”
Wen Tingyan patted Luo Yucheng’s shoulder and took a deep breath. “Jian Zhi, today, Cheng Cheng specifically went to the supermarket to buy groceries and invited everyone over because she wanted to get along with you and sincerely be friends with you. Just think about what you’ve said—is it appropriate to say such things to a young woman? She’s still single and needs to marry someday. By slandering her like this, how do you expect her to face others in the future?”
“No, no, no, no!” Luo Yucheng immediately chimed in, “It doesn’t matter, A Yan, really. No matter what sister-in-law says, it’s fine. I just don’t want her to misunderstand you or misunderstand us. I don’t want you to argue because of me, especially… especially in front of all these company shareholders…”
Her meaning couldn’t be clearer—and couldn’t be more manipulative. The group of men across from them already showed disdain for Jian Zhi on their faces: unreasonable, inconsiderate, making a scene, not saving face for Wen Tingyan—how could someone like this be worthy of being their boss’s wife?
Awen couldn’t hold back any longer and spoke up again, “Thank goodness we’re all close brothers here, so this family shame stays within the family. Otherwise, it would be utterly humiliating. Some people may not care about A Yan’s reputation, but the rest of us certainly do.”
Jian Zhi detested this Awen and retorted sarcastically, “Oh? So you all know this is shameful too? You know it’s humiliating? Of course it’s humiliating—but I won’t say who exactly is bringing the shame.”
“Who are you saying is shameful?” Awen snapped back angrily.
“Oh, whoever covets another’s husband should feel ashamed, whoever desires someone other than their own wife should feel ashamed. As for who it is, just don’t take it personally if the shoe fits…”
“Jian Zhi!” Wen Tingyan angrily cut her off, seemingly stung by her pointed remark.