The first thing Wen Zhaoning did after returning home was call her sister, Wen Wanti.
Her sister, Wen Wanti, was attending university in the south of the city. After the Wen family went bankrupt, the former Second Miss was burdened with massive debt, working part-time jobs while studying to earn money.
Wen Zhaoning hadn't seen her sister in a long time.
"Sis, is something wrong?"
"No, I just wanted to ask how you've been lately."
"I'm doing well," Wen Wanti replied in a hushed voice. "I'm tutoring children right now. If there's nothing else, I'll tell you more when I get back tonight."
"Okay, be careful."
"Mhm, I know."
That evening, after finishing her part-time job, Wen Wanti returned to school and called Wen Zhaoning back. The sisters chatted for a long time.
Wen Wanti learned that her sister, Wen Zhaoning, was getting a divorce, and she couldn't hide her excitement. "Sis, you're finally getting divorced! That's great! Lu Hengyu forced you to marry him back then, and I prayed for your divorce every day! I know Lu Hengyu and Dad have been using the Wen Corporation to pressure you all these years. It's good that the Wen Corporation has gone bankrupt now; at least Lu Hengyu has nothing left to threaten you with."
"The Wen Corporation went bankrupt with a mountain of debt. Aren't you worried?"
"I'm not worried at all. We'll just pay off the debt slowly. My only fear is that you've been wronged in this marriage." Wen Wanti, who was always straightforward and not one for sentimentality, couldn't help but get a little choked up at this moment. "Sis, you really should have just left us behind back then and eloped with the one you loved. Who told you to come back after leaving? And now, six years have slipped away."
"It's okay, it's all in the past. Let's not talk about it anymore. Once I get divorced and get back my dowry, the Wen family's debts can be settled, and you won't have to work so hard anymore."
"Okay!"
Wen Zhaoning hung up the phone and leaned against the window, gazing at the night view of the garden. Her heart was filled with anxiety, confusion, and a glimmer of hope for impending freedom.
Six years. Lu Hengyu and this marriage had entangled her for a full six years. Could she truly regain her freedom smoothly?
Wen Zhaoning didn't sleep well that night.
When she woke up the next day, there were dark circles under her eyes. But thinking about facing the Lu family soon, she pulled herself together, applied exquisite makeup, and put on her brightest dress.
As she came down from the second floor, He Huaiqin was already sitting in the living room.
He Huaiqin was dressed in a sharp black suit. Just sitting there, he exuded an oppressive aura and an undeniable authority.
With someone like him on her side, what did she have to be anxious about? Wen Zhaoning's turbulent heart instantly calmed.
He Huaiqin heard footsteps and looked up at her.
She was dressed strikingly today in a bright red V-neck dress that perfectly accentuated her slender waist. Her makeup was also exquisite, with lipstick in a matching shade of bright red that made her look even more radiant and captivating, exuding full confidence.
Very good. Divorce should be faced beautifully and gracefully like this!
The two of them arrived at the Lu family's residence together.
When Lu Hengyu returned home yesterday, he hadn't taken He Huaiqin's words to heart at all. He couldn't believe that someone of He Huaiqin's stature would actually go to bat for Wen Zhaoning's divorce case.
As He Huaiqin and Wen Zhaoning arrived, Lu Hengyu was about to leave with his mother, Zhao Manli. The four of them met right at the entrance.
"Lawyer He, what is the meaning of this? How much is a divorce case worth? You're not actually going to let this woman ruin our relationship, are you?" Lu Hengyu looked at Wen Zhaoning with a dismissive gaze. "Speaking of which, my wife does have some looks. If you like her, just take her and sleep with her. Why make such a big fuss?"
"Hmph, I think they were already dancing their way to bed at Mrs. Shangguan's birthday banquet," Zhao Manli said with a look of disgust.
Wen Zhaoning was angered. "I think your mother and son's language skills are underdeveloped. How can you both spew such venom?"
"Who are you calling dogs? I think you've gotten too bold, actually coming here. Do you really think the Lu family is easy to bully?"
He Huaiqin completely disregarded Lu Hengyu and Zhao Manli.
"Is Mayor Lu in?" he asked indifferently. "It would be best if Mayor Lu could witness the signing of the divorce agreement."
"Are you crazy? My husband is the mayor. Does he have the free time to deal with such a trivial matter? Besides, my son is just dumping a woman; what need is there for a witness?"
"Mayor Lu will want to witness it, especially since I might mention the Shanghai Port project during the signing of the divorce agreement."
Upon hearing about the Shanghai Port project, Lu Hengyu's expression immediately changed.
Others might not know, but he knew best. The Shanghai Port project was the largest project in Shanghai since his father, Lu Qianyong, took office. From construction to completion and then to investment attraction, he and his father had operated in secret, reaping immense profits. If this were to be exposed, not only would his father's current position be lost, but they might both end up in prison!
"Lawyer He, you have business interests in Shanghai Port as well. If anything happens to the port, it will affect you too. How about this, let's sit down and talk properly..."
"Ten minutes," He Huaiqin said, ignoring Lu Hengyu's attempt to appease him. He glanced at his watch and issued an ultimatum: "I want to see Lu Qianyong in ten minutes."
This time, even the form of address had changed.
Lu Hengyu understood that if He Huaiqin didn't have some solid evidence, he wouldn't dare to be so arrogant.
"Who are you threatening?" Zhao Manli, unaware of the situation, still spoke flippantly. "Is my husband someone you can just demand to see?"
"Mom," Lu Hengyu stopped his mother, Zhao Manli, and gave her a meaningful look. "Hurry and call Dad to come back. Something big is about to happen."
Wen Zhaoning didn't know what magic the words "Shanghai Port" held. Regardless, less than ten minutes after He Huaiqin made his statement, Lu Qianyong rushed back, inviting He Huaiqin to his study for a private discussion.
He Huaiqin directly refused. "Today, I am here as Miss Wen's divorce lawyer to accompany her to sign the divorce agreement. I will not discuss any other matters."
After speaking, he handed the divorce agreement, which Wen Zhaoning had prepared in advance, to Lu Hengyu.
"Mr. Lu, please take a look. If there are no problems, sign it now, and then we can register the divorce."
Lu Hengyu took the divorce agreement and scanned it briefly, displeased. "Thirty million? Wen Zhaoning, are you taking advantage of having someone backing you to demand an exorbitant amount? Did you bring this much dowry back then?"
"The houses, cars, shops, cash, and shares I brought with me were worth far more than thirty million. Many of those properties were secretly sold off by you, so it's impossible to calculate everything."
"Then how about the six years you and your daughter ate and drank at the Lu family's expense?"
"For the past six years, Qing Ning and I have paid for all our living expenses with my own money. I have never spent a single cent of yours."
"No, thirty million is too much..."
Lu Hengyu tried to refuse, but He Huaiqin simply shook the document bag in his hand.
"During the construction of the Shanghai Port, besides the port infrastructure projects, there were also significant loopholes in equipment procurement. The kickback rate for the purchase of container cranes alone was as high as 238%. This single instance of corruption far exceeds thirty million, doesn't it, Mayor Lu?" He Huaiqin's voice was not loud, but every word weighed heavily on Lu Qianyong's ears.
To be honest, even Lu Qianyong himself couldn't accurately state the kickback rate for equipment procurement at the time, which showed the destructive power of the document He Huaiqin held.
Lu Qianyong broke out in a cold sweat. He glanced at his son, Lu Hengyu. "Stop the nonsense and sign."
"Why should we give this woman so much money?" Zhao Manli shrieked. "Wen Zhaoning has been married into our Lu family for six years and hasn't even produced a son. Why should she get so much money in the divorce?"
"Shut up!" Lu Qianyong glared fiercely at his wife, Zhao Manli. "What do you know as a woman? Hengyu, hurry up and sign!"
Although Lu Hengyu was reluctant to part with the money, all his unwillingness and struggles had become futile in the face of the document in He Huaiqin's hand.
"Fine, I'll sign."
Lu Hengyu's face was ashen as he wrote his name on the divorce agreement, stroke by stroke.
Wen Zhaoning had already signed the divorce agreement when she arrived. Once Lu Hengyu signed, the agreement was considered complete.
Holding the signed divorce agreement, the past flashed through her mind like a silent film. Finally, it was all over.
"Lawyer He, look, the signatures are all there. Our misunderstanding should be resolved now, right?" Lu Qianyong said with a forced smile, pointing to the document bag in He Huaiqin's hand. "The contents of this document won't be known to anyone besides us, will they?"
He Huaiqin didn't answer Lu Qianyong. He walked over to Wen Zhaoning and asked, "Miss Wen, the divorce is done. Isn't it time to settle the other accounts as well?"
Wen Zhaoning looked into his eyes and immediately understood what he meant.
What He Huaiqin was referring to was Lu Hengyu's domestic violence against her.
"Go ahead," He Huaiqin said, reaching out to gently brush aside Wen Zhaoning's bangs, his fingertip tracing the scar on her forehead. "How he treated you, you give it back to him."
Wen Zhaoning also wanted to return the blow Lu Hengyu had dealt her, but she hesitated at the thought of using violence to counter violence.
"Afraid?" He Huaiqin took her hand and picked up the ashtray from the coffee table. "Don't be scared. If your hand shakes, I'll take the blame. If you don't hit hard enough, I'll help you!"
This statement completely dispelled Wen Zhaoning's last trace of hesitation.
Her eyes sharpened, and with He Huaiqin's support and guidance, she suddenly raised her hand...
"No! Don't! Wen Zhaoning! How dare you!" Lu Hengyu screamed in terror.
It turned out that when the violence was directed at him, he too was afraid. Yet, when he had faced Wen Zhaoning, he had never perceived the fear that violence could inflict.
Only through personal experience can one truly understand.
Bang!
A dull thud.
The ashtray accurately struck the same spot on Lu Hengyu's temple.
Lu Hengyu cried out in pain, and blood immediately gushed out.
Watching Lu Hengyu writhe in pain, Wen Zhaoning felt a sense of catharsis as a long-suppressed anger finally erupted.
"You've gone mad! How dare you injure my son! Call the police! Hurry, call the police!" Zhao Manli shrieked.
The ashtray only lightly grazed Wen Zhaoning's head, but she was already rushing to call the police when it hit her son's head. This woman was truly hypocritical.
"I only touched him lightly. Madam Lu, why are you in such a hurry?" Wen Zhaoning used her own words against her.
"You..." Zhao Manli was flustered and angry, her face turning red. She turned to Lu Qianyong for help. "Husband, our son has been hit, aren't you going to do something?"
Lu Qianyong glanced at the document bag in He Huaiqin's hand. How could he dare to call the police?
The living room was filled with silence, cries, and chaos.
"Remember this," He Huaiqin said, standing behind Wen Zhaoning, enunciating each word. "From now on, no one will be able to touch you again."
At this moment, He Huaiqin not only helped her get revenge but also personally lifted her from the position of "victim," empowering her with the strength to fight back, newfound courage, and inviolable boundaries.
As they left the Lu residence, the tension in Wen Zhaoning's body finally eased. She felt refreshed and invigorated.
She had never even dared to dream that all of this could be resolved so smoothly.
From now on, she would have no ties to the Lu family, and the Wen family's debts could be paid off.
She was finally free!
"Thank you."
Wen Zhaoning turned her head, wanting to share the joy of her newfound freedom with He Huaiqin. However, she met his unfathomably deep gaze.
He looked at her quietly, completely devoid of the protective demeanor he had shown her earlier.
"Don't celebrate too soon," He Huaiqin leaned in, his gaze locking onto the lingering joy in her eyes, and coldly reminded her, "Next, it's time for the transaction between you and me."
Wen Zhaoning was instantly pulled back to stark reality.
Yes, although He Huaiqin had helped her escape her old cage, he had personally forged a new one for her.
"Lawyer He, I'd like to talk to you."
"Want to go back on your word? No discussion."
"I don't want to go back on my word. I just want to discuss the duration of the transaction with you. You said you'd wait until you got tired of sleeping with me, which is too vague. What if you never get tired of sleeping with me? Wouldn't I have to stay by your side until I'm old and gray?"
He Huaiqin gave her a chilling look. "Miss Wen, aren't you being a bit too confident in yourself?"
"I'm just saying 'what if.' Of course, I know you don't want to be tied to me forever. So, let's set a time limit." Wen Zhaoning leaned closer to He Huaiqin and cautiously suggested, "One year. What do you think about one year?"
As soon as she finished speaking, she felt the pressure around He Huaiqin drop sharply.
One year.
He Huaiqin let out a cold snort.
Her pathetic marriage to Lu Hengyu lasted six years, yet she was only willing to stay by his side for one year?
Seeing that He Huaiqin was displeased, Wen Zhaoning quickly asked, "Was I being too confident again? How about... half a year?"
"Wen Zhaoning! Don't push your luck!"
"Then tell me. Give me a specific number. Even a sentence has a term, right?"
A sentence...
Every word she spoke seemed to be dancing on his nerves.
"One year," He Huaiqin said. "The transaction between you and me will be limited to one year."
"Then, besides nighttime, I'm free during the day, right?" Wen Zhaoning planned to earn money to support herself and her child.
"No, it should be said that besides the time in bed, you are free at all other times."
Wen Zhaoning pondered his words, and her face inexplicably turned red.
So, did he mean that he might have such needs during the day as well, not just at night?
Wen Zhaoning already had a premonition of the fiery ordeal that the coming days would bring.
"Let's go," He Huaiqin said.
"Go where?"
"Move. I'm moving in with you tonight," he informed her, looking at Wen Zhaoning.
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