Chарtеr 19: А Sеrpent’s Hеаrt Benеath a Вuddhа’s Smilе
Shеn Сiуing loоkеd аt Fu Yе. “You’ve wоrked hard, Ah Ye. Наving to mаnаgе thе оrphаnаgе while alsо lоoking аfter me herе.”
Fu Ye sрent two hours еverу daу аt the orрhanage, tеасhing thе girls martial аrts.
Shе hорed theу cоuld protеct themsеlves, so nо girl would ever hаvе tо endurе thе darkness she оncе fаced.
“It’s nоt hard. I’m verу haрру now.” Fu Yе met Shen Сiying’s gazе. “Аnd I’m еven happier seeing yоu сontent and at реace.”
Shеn Сiying looked at her, and they both smiled at each other.
They rarely exchanged words like “you’ve worked hard” or “thank you.”
Shen Ciying felt she was probably still dazed from being “bullied” by Shen Rangchen last night and hadn’t fully regained her senses.
Qian Xiaoyou had been placed by Fu Ye in a discreet guest room.
When the door opened and Qian Xiaoyou saw Shen Ciying walk in, she immediately approached with a humble, respectful, and slightly timid demeanor:
“Miss Shen, I’ve done everything you asked. Can I take my father home from the hospital now?”
Three months ago, Shen Ciying had been drugged by Fu Yutang and Fu Yunxin. At the time, the circumstances weren’t right for an immediate “counterattack.”
But Shen Ciying had never considered letting the matter slide—she was determined to get her revenge.
After leaving the orphanage, she had secretly vowed never to let herself or her friends suffer unjust humiliation again.
So, that very day, she began preparing for this moment of “revenge.” She first targeted Qian Xiaoyou, the one who had drugged her. Seeing how Qian Xiaoyou was mistreated by Fu Yuan yet scolded by Fu Yutang as a “seductress,” and learning that her father was critically ill and needed money for surgery, Shen Ciying seized the opportunity to offer help, promising to cover her father’s medical expenses.
She arranged for the best hospital and the most authoritative doctors.
After a mix of emotional appeals and incentives, she successfully won Qian Xiaoyou over, securing her cooperation.
But Shen Ciying, wary of Qian Xiaoyou’s potential deceit, kept a backup plan: she controlled Qian Xiaoyou’s father under the pretext of post-surgery recovery and rest.
This was something she had learned from Shen Rangchen—a serpent’s heart beneath a Buddha’s smile.
Speak beautifully to put others at ease, making them willingly comply, while beneath that benevolent facade, sever their last escape route.
Shen Ciying looked down at Qian Xiaoyou. She understood that this girl had only drugged her under someone else’s orders. Now that the task was complete, she had no intention of making things difficult for her.
After all, Shen Ciying had also experienced days of living under someone else’s roof, surviving by reading their moods.
Shen Ciying asked in a tone devoid of warmth, “What are your plans for the future?”
Qian Xiaoyou replied immediately, “After taking my father home, I’ll leave Jingbei. Don’t worry, Miss Shen—you won’t see me or my family in the country again.”
Shen Ciying asked again, “Do we know each other?”
Qian Xiaoyou shook her head at once. “No, Miss Shen and I have never had any interaction…”
Shen Ciying smiled lightly in satisfaction and praised, “Well done.”
Every time they met, Fu Ye would search Qian Xiaoyou and confiscate her phone. Even the hospital payments were made from Qian Xiaoyou’s own account.
So, even if Qian Xiaoyou wanted to turn against her in the future, aside from her own words, she would have no tangible evidence.
Shen Ciying extended her hand. “The item.”
Qian Xiaoyou promptly handed over the prepared USB drive. “I had many restrictions when dealing with Fu Yuan. Everything I could obtain is in here. I hope it helps you, Miss Shen.”Shen Ciying glanced at the USB drive in her palm, then looked at the trembling girl before her. She showed no dissatisfaction or reproach, only murmuring softly, “As long as you did your best.”
When dealing with subordinates, there was no need for scolding or venting anger. Offering a little sweetness and affirmation would make those at the end of their rope willingly submit.
“Go pick up your father. His post-surgery recovery is going well.” Shen Ciying took a deliberate step closer to Qian Xiaoyou, her tone meaningful as she advised, “The surgery wasn’t easy. Don’t let your father fall ill again.”
Her voice carried no overt threat or anger, yet it held an intangible penetrating force.
Qian Xiaoyou stiffened for a moment, her eyes filled with shock and fear. She wasn’t foolish—she could hear the reminder and warning in those words.
“Don’t worry, Miss Shen,” Qian Xiaoyou assured her. “I’ll leave this place with my family and accompany them to enjoy their remaining years in peace.”
As Qian Xiaoyou reached the door, she suddenly turned back to look at Shen Ciying and said sincerely, “Miss Shen, thank you. Thank you for saving my father’s life.”
No matter what, it was Shen Ciying who had stepped in at the critical moment and extended her father’s life.
After hesitating for a few seconds, she finally looked at Shen Ciying and reminded her, “Fu Yuan is an evil man, Miss Shen. You must be careful.”
“Thank you for the reminder,” Shen Ciying replied. “I’ll arrange for someone to escort you safely out of the capital.”
After Qian Xiaoyou left, Shen Ciying and Fu Ye sat together in front of the computer to review the contents of the USB drive.
Inside were all private photos that Fu Yuan had secretly taken with various women.
Fu Ye felt a wave of physical disgust so intense she nearly vomited. “Ugh!”
Sensing Fu Ye’s reaction immediately, Shen Ciying quickly shut down the computer, poured a cup of warm water, and helped her drink it, gently patting her back as she asked, “Feeling better?”
Fu Ye took several deep breaths, gradually regaining her composure. “I’m fine, don’t worry.”
Her fists clenched so tightly they creaked, and she gritted her teeth, saying, “That scumbag! He deserves to be torn to pieces a thousand times over!”
Just as Shen Ciying was about to speak to comfort her, she suddenly received a call from her good friend Jian Yao.
She first reassured Fu Ye, saying, “Don’t get worked up. I’ll make sure he meets a fitting end.”
Then, she quickly answered the call.
As soon as the call connected, she heard Jian Yao’s frantic, nearly hysterical voice: “Ahhhhh, Yingbao, that damned pervert Fu Yuan says he has private photos of me and is threatening me to bring you to a place he specified!”