Mianmian was livid. With no other options, she had to grab Jiang Jun’s hand and flee the jewelry store.
Before escaping, she turned back and cursed viciously, “This is your opening day! I hope your shop goes bankrupt soon!”
The owner, however, replied with total confidence, “Don’t worry, I’ll only make this business bigger and better.”
Watching Jiang Jun and Mianmian’s retreating figures, I offered a sincere apology to the owner. “I’m sorry for the disturbance in your shop. Please wrap up ‘The Golden Splendor’ for me; I’ll take the bill.”
The owner looked at me and asked, “Didn’t I say I was giving ‘The Golden Splendor’ to you as a gift?”
I looked at him in shock.
He extended his hand and introduced himself: “I am Luoyang, the designer of ‘The Golden Splendor.’ Consider this a meeting gift. Let’s be friends, Young Mistress Jiang.”
I never expected the shop owner to be Luoyang himself. I knew he was returning to the country to develop his career, but I had no idea he was opening his own store.
However, the gift was far too expensive; there was no way I could accept it. Moreover, since I was a child, I’ve never liked being indebted to others or receiving unearned favors.
I insisted on paying, but Luoyang refused to take my card. Without his cooperation, I couldn’t process the payment.
I ended up taking the jewelry home for the time being, but I immediately went to a nearby bank and withdrew 100,000 yuan in cash. I returned and placed the stack of cash directly on Luoyang’s counter.
Luoyang burst out laughing. He stood up but was laughing so hard he could barely stay upright.
“Is Young Mistress Jiang really this much of a ‘tycoon’?” he teased. “I offered a gift, and you give me cold cash. It seems you don’t think much of me as a friend.”
I looked into his eyes. He was a man of culture and elegance, with a certain spiritual spark in his gaze.
I replied seriously:
“My name is Zhou Li. I love your work. I’m not a tycoon—in fact, I don’t have much money of my own. Currently, all my funds go into investments, which means buying pieces like these. I have collected every set you exhibited abroad. I came here specifically for ‘The Golden Splendor.’ I know it was your graduation piece, and there is only one in the world.”
Luoyang was visibly stunned. He studied me anew.
As we spoke of his work, he became professional, his eyes shining with brilliance. “Miss Zhou—or may I just call you Zhou Li? I didn’t expect you to be so interested in my work. I am honored by your appreciation.”
I nodded. “I see your potential as a rising designer and the latent value of your pieces. I believe that one day, you will surpass your mentor, Arthur Kim, and become a master of jewelry design.”
It was a true meeting of minds—a “High Mountains and Flowing Water” moment.
Visibly moved, Luoyang said, “I didn’t expect to hear these words so soon after returning home. Thank you, Zhou Li. You’ve strengthened my resolve to develop my career here.”
At my insistence, Luoyang finally accepted the 100,000 yuan. However, he promised to design a custom piece specifically for me. He insisted that when it was finished, he would deliver it personally and would not take a penny—considering it a replacement for the “meeting gift.”
I couldn’t refuse again, so I agreed. I was genuinely interested in a custom design from him; such things are rare and precious.
Before leaving, we exchanged contact information. He became only the third person in my contacts, alongside my father and Li Ping.
“Can I add you on WeChat?” he asked.
I paused, looking at my phone. “I don’t have it. I uninstalled it.”
He wasn’t surprised. He smiled and said, “WeChat is just a tool. If you need it, just put it back.”
“Fine,” I replied. “I’ll reinstall it specifically to add you. Let’s call it a convenient way to stay in touch. After all, you’re the master who will surpass Arthur Kim. I wonder if this ‘stepping stone’ of mine will work?”
I rarely indulged in humor, but Luoyang laughed heartily.
“Of course! For your sincerity, you don’t even need to knock. My door is always open to you.”
I realized I felt incredibly comfortable talking to Luoyang. No one had ever made me feel this relaxed. He was perfect as a friend. I felt willing to open my heart to him.
After a few more words, I excused myself so he could get back to business.
I headed back to the Jiang house with my “spoils of war”—The Golden Splendor.
…
When I arrived home, I saw Jiang Jun and Mianmian. Mianmian was actually abusing my dog, Lili, while Jiang Jun stood by and watched!
Fuming with rage, I rushed over to protect Lili. Mianmian was clearly taking her frustration out on the dog. She ignored me, trying to push past me to keep hitting Lili.
She pointed at Lili and cursed, “A dog acts big because of its master! Just a shedding old mutt, and it dares to bark at me!”
Lili was a pet who had been with me for over a decade. She was indeed very old. At that moment, she was covered in bruises, only able to let out pitiful whimpers.
Lili was submissive by nature and didn’t fight back. My heart ached for her, and I hated myself for never teaching her how to bite.
In the past, Lili and I had lived cautiously in the Zhou family just to survive. I was always afraid that if I angered them, we would both be cast out.
But today, as a sacrifice for family interests, my position was irreplaceable. I no longer needed to be afraid! Mianmian was nothing more than a low-tier starlet.
My eyes turned red with fury. I grabbed a nearby stool and hurled it at Mianmian.
When it comes to a real fight, no one is more ruthless than someone who isn’t afraid to die. I was willing to risk everything.
Mianmian screamed as the stool struck her. Jiang Jun was also shocked by my sudden violence and started shouting that I was a psychopath.
I stared at them both, my face cold. “You should look at the master before you beat the dog. Hurting Lili is the same as hurting me!”
Jiang Jun was furious. He didn’t dare get physical with me in public for the sake of his reputation, but this was the Jiang house. He had no such qualms here.
He picked up the stool from the floor and prepared to smash it down on Lili.
“I won’t let you hurt Mianmian,” he snarled. “Since you hurt her, I’m going to kill this dog. I want to see if I’m ‘allowed’ to hit a dog living under my own roof!”
I grabbed his arm, trying to stop him.
At that moment, Lili struggled to her feet. She lunged forward and bit Jiang Jun’s leg.
Howling in pain, Jiang Jun delivered a heavy kick that sent Lili flying against the wall. She fell unconscious, gravely injured.
But Jiang Jun didn’t stop. He walked over and used the stool to beat the unconscious Lili until her skull was crushed.
Blood splattered everywhere.
“AAAHHHH!!!” I let out a piercing scream before everything went black and I fainted.
These monsters deserve to die. Blood for blood—I will avenge Lili!