Song Qinghuan directly shoved all the Lu family members out the door, even pointing out the way to the small shop down the alley.
“Walk straight out, turn a few corners, and the first shop you see has a landline you can use. If you’re going to call the police, go ahead—really, I’m not scared of you.”
“I haven’t even threatened to call the authorities yet, Lu Qiming. You, as the younger brother, have improper feelings for your widowed sister-in-law. Aren’t you afraid of being shamed to death if word gets out?”
“If you’re going to be this unreasonable, then I don’t mind taking this all the way—none of you will ever live a peaceful life again!”
Order and moral ethics were always the most important things to the people of Hua, no matter the era.
If Song Qinghuan truly laid bare this secret, their family would become the laughingstock of the entire alley—no, of all of Beijing!
By saying this, she had escalated the Lu family’s shameful behavior to a whole new level.
Li Qing’e and Lu Lin could not even begin to imagine what Old Master Lu and Lu Huaixiao would do to them if they found out how recklessly they had acted outside, dragging the Lu family’s name through the mud.
In an instant, Li Qing’e’s face turned a deep, angry purple.
Lu Qiming beside her looked no better.
Mother and son stared at Song Qinghuan, feeling as if they were looking at a stranger—nothing like the meek girl who had once looked up to Lu Qiming with nothing but adoration.
The thought that Song Qinghuan would no longer trail after him, glowing with joy just from speaking to him, made Lu Qiming feel strangely unsettled.
Both of them noticed the unprecedented hatred in her eyes, and assumed it was simply love turned to spite.
Lu Qiming had already fallen for Wang Siyu; unable to win his heart, they thought she had gone mad and was determined to destroy them all.
How had they never noticed before just how twisted Song Qinghuan’s personality really was?
Lu Qiming squeezed his eyes shut, forcing down his rising disgust and impatience.
For the sake of their past history, he decided to give her one last chance.
He lifted his gaze, his dark eyes fixed intently on her face, his tone sharp with warning.
“I’m asking you one last time—have you truly thought this through? Are you sure you want to call off our engagement?”
“Are you absolutely certain you won’t regret this?”
Song Qinghuan let out a cold laugh at his words, and did not hold back her scathing reply.
“Don’t flatter yourself. In the past, I was blind to what kind of man you really are. I thought you were a good match, so I mistook my admiration for love.”
“But after everything that’s happened—especially after seeing the disgusting things you’ve done with Wang Siyu—I’ve finally sorted out my true feelings.”
“I never loved you. To me, you were nothing more than a familiar older brother.”
“And now? You don’t even deserve that title. You’re worthless to me!”
She spoke without a shred of mercy, her voice as cold as ice. It was clear that every word was filled with genuine loathing.
Lu Qiming was left speechless, his brow furrowed tight. For some reason, his chest ached unbearably, and he fell silent.
Li Qing’e knew better than to make a scene. Song Qinghuan was far too bold now, and there was nothing she could do to stop her.
The Lu family left with their tails between their legs. As they stepped out, Li Qing’e kept her head bowed, fighting back tears. She had never felt so humiliated in her life.
The weather was pleasant that day. Several neighborhood women sat on small stools in the alley entrance, soaking up the sun. When they saw the Lu family file out of the Song home, they immediately guessed they had come to discuss the wedding, and greeted them with well-wishes.
“Congratulations! Qinghuan and Qiming have been engaged for so long—they’re finally tying the knot!”
“We’ve watched Qinghuan grow up right before our eyes. She’s not just beautiful, but so gentle and well-behaved. Whoever marries her is truly blessed!”
The Lu family’s jaws tightened with anger. They could not believe how blind these people were to call Song Qinghuan well-behaved—anyone who saw her throwing a fit would know she was nothing short of a lunatic!
But saying that out loud would only bring more shame upon themselves. They swallowed their rage, forcing awkward smiles and trying to slip away.
The women, however, were far more enthusiastic than they had expected. Aunt Li even stepped forward to take Li Qing’e’s hand, speaking warmly.
“I know you’re overjoyed your son has found such a wonderful wife, but don’t let yourself get too carried away—take care of yourself!”
“You all look like such a blessed family. I’m sure your best days are still ahead!”
The women assumed Li Qing’e’s tearful expression was just pure emotion over her son’s happy news. They had no idea the Lu family had just been thoroughly humiliated and kicked out of the house.
Listening to their congratulations, Li Qing’e could not bring herself to smile. She was burning with resentment, and since she could not take it out on her neighbors, she would take it all out on Wang Siyu instead.
As soon as they turned out of the alley, she snapped her head around and glared at the younger woman.
“You’d better behave yourself from now on. Don’t do anything improper ever again.”
“If you do, don’t blame me for keeping a closer eye on you—or even locking you inside!”
She knew her son—Lu Qiming had always been sensible. He would never do something so shameful as carrying on with his widowed sister-in-law and ruining their family’s reputation.
It was obvious that this wretched woman Wang Siyu had seduced him and dragged him down!
Thinking of all the humiliation she had endured today, Li Qing’e wanted nothing more than to tear her apart. But for the sake of her late eldest son’s name, she could not cast her out—she would simply have to be more vigilant.
The Lu family had once treated Wang Siyu fairly well, sympathizing with her for losing her husband so young. But everything changed the moment Lu Qiming became involved.
He was their only son now—their entire family’s future and status rested on his shoulders. Anyone who stood in the way of his success would have to go.
Li Qing’e’s gaze toward Wang Siyu grew colder. She had always known women like this, who lured men away, were deeply cunning. Only someone as sheltered as Lu Qiming would be fooled into thinking she was innocent and kind.
If her son could not see the truth, she would have to watch over him for him.
In fact, keeping Wang Siyu close by might be better than sending her away—who knew what trouble she would cause if she was out of sight? It was safer to keep her under their thumb.
“I understand, Mother,” Wang Siyu said softly. “Don’t worry. I’ll be more careful with my words from now on, so I don’t give anyone the wrong idea.”