Especially those truths Zhou Yue had mocked her with before her death in her previous life—Yan Songyu truly wished she could go back and slap that love-struck version of herself several times!
Somehow, her investigation into Feifei’s matter had been exposed. Jiang Chengli brought the deranged Zhou Yue home, intending to use Zhou Yue’s hand to kill her.
After being pushed down the stairs, she didn’t die immediately. Zhou Yue, as if suddenly lucid, circled her and rambled, “You’re going to die, Yan Songyu.”
“Look at you, the esteemed young lady of Haishi, yet you still lost to me, a migrant worker from a small mountain village.”
“Did you know that when you waited for A Cheng at his doorstep back then, he was in my bed?”
“Did you know those thugs were actually hired by him? And he used the money I earned from washing dishes.”
“And that car that almost hit you—he arranged that too, because he sensed you were wavering.”
“Feifei’s death wasn’t my fault—it was yours. You already had so much, why did you have to steal my A Cheng? I couldn’t accept it! I wanted my daughter to live a privileged life from birth too. You can’t blame me for swapping them—it’s all your fault!”
“Now you’re still trying to harm my Mu Mu? I won’t allow it! Rui Xin belongs to Mu Mu—Feifei can’t compete with her!”
Zhou Yue’s words grew increasingly incoherent. Yan Songyu wanted to refute but only coughed up blood. “You… you all…”
She watched helplessly as Jiang Chengli dragged Zhou Yue away. He had dismissed everyone in the house—no one could save her. In her final moments, she regretted everything: failing to see his true nature, mistakenly marrying a wolf in sheep’s clothing, ruining herself and, worse, her daughter!
The more she thought about it, the angrier she became—seething with rage!
Yan Songyu hated her former foolish self and loathed Jiang Chengli and Zhou Yue even more. Since she couldn’t punish herself… she’d start by punishing Jiang Chengli and Zhou Yue!
Knock knock—
The sound interrupted Yan Songyu’s thoughts. “Come in.”
It was Feng Yu.
He placed a document and an invitation on the desk. “General Wu’s mother’s seventieth birthday is set at Silver Lake Manor. With the Hui Fang collaboration successfully completed, you’ll need to attend this banquet personally.”
“Since when does the general manager handle secretarial duties?” Yan Songyu teased lightly, reviewing the documents before signing them briskly. “The North Village demolition issue will drag on.” Most residents are elderly—reluctant to leave their homeland. I’ll go with you when the time comes.”
“No, I’ll handle it alone,” Feng Yu refused sternly, then seemed to realize his overreaction. After a pause, he explained, “The locals there are stubborn and fierce. It’s dangerous for a woman—I can at least defend myself.”
“Then take more people with you.”
Only when Feng Yu saw she wouldn’t insist did he nod in relief.
“Silver Lake Manor…” Yan Songyu tapped her fingers rhythmically on the desk, murmuring, “Silver Lake Manor is perfect… General Wu was practically Jiang Chengli’s patron, wasn’t he?”
“General Wu did mention Jiang Chengli. They’ve had considerable private dealings—even commissioned a painting together.”
“『Bamboo Shadows and Jade Branches』. Chairman Wu admires bamboo—resilient, elegant yet unassuming, refined and transcendent. How could someone like him be worthy of painting such beauty?”
The hatred she revealed each time never failed to wrench his heart.
Feng Yu crouched beside her, gently prying open her clenched fist that had nearly pierced her palm, then enveloping her slender, elegant hand. “Then we won’t let him paint anymore.”
Yan Songyu met his burning gaze and instinctively withdrew her hand, averting her eyes.
Feng Yu compliantly stepped back a few paces. “I’ll personally take his right hand.”
“No.” Yan Songyu shook her head. “Although the road down from Silver Lake Manor is wide, mountain fog often rolls in at night. A car accident would be perfectly normal.”
“Whether he survives… depends on his fate.”
*
As evening fell, the magnificent crystal chandeliers illuminated the entire banquet hall, making it sparkle. The band sat in one corner, playing soft, cheerful music that added warmth and elegance to the occasion.
Yan Songyu appeared on Jiang Chengli’s arm, wearing a flawless smile. Only Feng Yu could detect the faint trace of disgust in her eyes.
“General Wu, Chairman Wu, good evening!” Yan Songyu seized the opportunity during greetings to withdraw her hand, subtly stepping aside.
“Little General Yan, welcome, welcome!” Chairman Wu enthusiastically shook Yan Songyu’s hand. “Darling, this is Rui Xin’s Little General Yan and her husband Mr. Jiang. Mr. Jiang is a renowned painter. Our recent collaboration with Rui Xin was handled by Little General Yan and completed perfectly. I’m already looking forward to our next cooperation.”
After praising Yan Songyu, Chairman Wu warmly held her hand. “I’ve long heard that Chairman Yan has a worthy successor—like father, like daughter. Little General Yan truly lives up to her reputation. The younger generation shows remarkable promise!”
Yan Songyu smiled. “Chairman Wu, you can just call me Song Yu.”
Meanwhile, Chairman Wu and Jiang Chengli naturally began discussing their shared interest in painting.
Guests mingled in small groups, chatting amiably in the harmonious atmosphere.
Across the crowd, Feng Yu met Yan Songyu’s gaze. He raised his glass from afar, gave a slight nod, then drained his red wine in one go.
Yan Songyu also smiled and took a sip of champagne before turning to Jiang Chengli with a more genuine smile. “Chengli, since you and Chairman Wu share common interests, why don’t you continue chatting? I’ll go greet General Li from Hengfeng.”
…
After finishing her rounds of socializing, Yan Songyu found Feng Yu standing behind her with a wine glass. “General Wu seems quite fond of him.”
She followed his gaze to where General Wu was introducing Jiang Chengli to others and let out a soft scoff. “Birds of a feather flock together. Naturally, he appreciates him.”
Feng Yu raised an eyebrow. Well, they probably did have more to talk about.
“The collaboration between Huifang and Rui Xin was inevitable. How can pretentious artistic pursuits compare to tangible benefits? Yet he thinks it’s his achievement. Seems to me he’s gotten carried away by all the flattery.”
Clink—
Yan Songyu set her glass down on a nearby table, then removed the wedding ring from her middle finger and dropped it on the floor. “Let’s go.”
Feng Yu glanced at the precious diamond ring, a contemptuous smile curling his lips as he ground it beneath his shoe.
Yan Songyu anxiously found Jiang Chengli, who happened to be with General Wu and his wife. She apologized profusely, “General Wu, Chairman Wu, I must beg your pardon for leaving early. Our child has fallen ill—she’s always been attached to me since she was little, and there’s quite an uproar at home.”
As a woman, Chairman Wu understood a mother’s concerns better and quickly reassured her. “The child comes first. I took an immediate liking to you when we met. Sorry we couldn’t host you properly today—I’ll invite you for tea another time.”
“I should be the one hosting you and General Wu. Please don’t refuse.”
“Certainly, certainly.”
Although she had climbed to a high branch, General Wu lacked confidence, so she habitually maintained a humble posture.
“Chengli, you stay here to convey my birthday wishes to Madame Wu on my behalf. I’ll leave the car for you. Feng Yu has finished his business and can drive me back.” With a proper smile, she meaningfully glanced at the connections General Wu had introduced to him. “I’ll head back alone—don’t let this interfere with your affairs.”
Jiang Chengli hesitated briefly, but he truly couldn’t bear to leave, so he nodded. “Then be careful on the road. Remember to notify me once Feifei is alright.”
“Alright.” Yan Songyu gently embraced Jiang Chengli, her breath brushing his ear. “Husband, focus on your socializing without worry. I’ve prepared a ‘surprise’ for you.”