The crowd, initially stunned by Li Chonglou's words, reacted upon hearing them.
"Damn it, he almost fooled us. He's just a live-in son-in-law, how could he know about diamonds if he hasn't even seen good ones to talk nonsense like that!"
"Fu Bin spent hundreds of thousands on a diamond necklace, it's not like he can't afford it. Does anyone really believe that good-for-nothing?"
"This kid really lives up to his reputation as a kept man, able to twist words like that."
"Fu Bin's gift hasn't even been presented yet, and he broke it. This is going to be interesting."
When one person falls, everyone kicks them. In an instant, Li Chonglou became the one spewing falsehoods.
Seeing this, Li Chonglou sneered inwardly.
Indeed, it was true that a nobody's words carried little weight.
Even after all he had done, no one in the Jiang family dared to underestimate him, but to outsiders, he was still a freeloading good-for-nothing.
Even speaking the truth would be perceived as a mere excuse.
This was reality.
Explaining to these people would be futile.
They would only believe what they wanted to believe, blinded by a single leaf.
Utterly foolish.
Li Chonglou had no interest in engaging with these spectators who were enjoying the chaos, nor did he wish to get entangled with Fu Bin.
So, his expression turned cold, and he said, "I don't have time to waste with you. Get lost!"
If it weren't for Jiang Yuxin's birthday today, he would have already slapped Fu Bin away.
Ever since his near-death experience in Yuchen City,
Li Chonglou's mindset had subtly shifted.
If before he was merely cold and sentimental, now he possessed a greater degree of ruthlessness.
This was because he had profoundly realized one thing:
Often, being in the right does not guarantee being in control.
When a scholar encounters a soldier, there are too many times when logic fails.
Indecisiveness or insufficient strength could lead to irreparable tragedies.
If not for his senior sister, he would have been long dead.
Thus, upon his return, he had slapped the executive from Douyin.
People like Fu Bin, no matter how annoying, would meet the same fate.
"I think you're courting death. You broke my diamond and still dare to act so arrogant. You have no shame. I'll see how the Jiang family deals with you!" Fu Bin was surprised that Li Chonglou showed no fear.
His expression contorted, and with a loud bang, he pushed open the door.
He deliberately raised his voice, making sure the busy Jiang family inside could hear.
As expected, many people inside were immediately drawn to the commotion.
At this moment, a voice echoed from the doorway: "What diamond is so precious? If the Jiang family can't afford to compensate, I will!"
This voice did not come from inside, but from outside the courtyard.
In an instant, everyone outside turned their heads towards the entrance.
A tall, slender figure stepped over the threshold, wearing a white evening gown and limited edition heels with the signature red soles, just like Angelina Jolie's.
She was like a star in the sky, exuding an aura of nobility at all times.
Cold, proud, and dazzlingly beautiful.
"Wow, it's Miss Lu Yunxu, the daughter of the richest man and one of Qin Province's Three Beauties!"
"The Jiang family is truly honored today, even the Lu family sent someone to celebrate her birthday. My heavens."
"Anyone who can connect with Miss Lu is essentially reaching the pinnacle of success."
Many recognized her identity, their eyes nearly bulging out.
Even more were captivated, wishing they could rush forward for a close encounter with Lu Yunxu.
However, they were all blocked by the bodyguards behind her.
"Miss Lu!" Fu Bin's eyes lit up upon seeing Lu Yunxu, and with a fawning expression, he strode forward. "You're too kind, Miss Lu. This diamond necklace was originally for Jiang Yuxin."
"But unexpectedly, her useless live-in husband broke it."
"He insisted it was moissanite."
"Since you're here, I'll give Miss Lu face and won't bother with that good-for-nothing."
"No need for compensation, no need for compensation..."
It was indeed moissanite, and although Fu Bin had slandered Li Chonglou, he was also guilty and nervous.
He wouldn't dare let Lu Yunxu demand compensation.
If a simple appraisal were done, he would be finished.
Extorting the Lu family would mean he could no longer find a place for himself in Qin Province.
"Good-for-nothing?" Lu Yunxu's pupils contracted at the words, a sharp glint flashing in her eyes. "Jiang Yuxin is my best friend. Regardless of who her husband is, it's not your place, you lowly creature, to comment."
"Don't you even understand the rule of not offending the host? Didn't your parents teach you?"
"I can teach you how to behave, free of charge, on their behalf."
"Guards, slap him!"
*Slap! Slap!*
The bodyguards who were preventing others from approaching immediately turned and delivered a fierce slap to Fu Bin's face.
Those who worked for the Lu family were no pushovers.
This slap was delivered with full force.
It sent Fu Bin sprawling to the ground, a clear handprint instantly appearing on his face, leaving him utterly bewildered.
"Miss Lu, I am Fu Bin from Rufeng Group. You... you hit me for a mere good-for-nothing?" Fu Bin clutched his face, his eyes wide, his voice trembling.
He had lost face completely today.
He had intended to curry favor with the Lu family, but Lu Yunxu reacted so strongly upon hearing him call Li Chonglou a good-for-nothing.
She had him slapped in public.
How was he supposed to live after this?
"Rufeng Group? Such arrogance!" Lu Yunxu glanced at Li Chonglou secretly. Seeing his impassive expression, her voice grew even colder. "You can't even behave like a proper person, yet you want to do business? Prepare for bankruptcy!"
After speaking, she walked to Li Chonglou's side and said in a voice only they could hear, "Brother Li, shall we go inside?"
She knew Li Chonglou's personality and his dislike for ostentation.
Therefore, even when teaching Fu Bin a lesson, she used Jiang Yuxin as an excuse.
To prevent others from misunderstanding.
Or to provide grounds for gossip.
After all, Li Chonglou was a married man.
*Hiss...*
Almost simultaneously, gasps of shock echoed from the surroundings.
Everyone displayed expressions of utter astonishment.
Lu Yunxu telling Fu Bin to prepare for bankruptcy – what did that mean?
Was the Lu family going to sanction Rufeng Group?
Fu Bin himself was filled with dread, cold sweat pouring down his back, his face ashen.
He hadn't expected Lu Yunxu to be so domineering.
Not only did she have him slapped in public, but she was also threatening to ruin him.
Contemplating the consequences of bankruptcy, Fu Bin's heart sank to the abyss, his entire body turning cold.
With a thud, he fell to his knees and pleaded, "Miss Lu, I was blind and judged you incorrectly."
"Please spare me. From now on, I will never appear before you again."
"Please, don't hold this against me..."
His tearful pleas were a stark contrast to his demeanor when he had been pressuring Li Chonglou, causing the onlookers to turn away.
"Yunxu, what's happening?" Just then, Jiang Yuxin's voice came from inside.
The Jiang family, sensing trouble, had gone to inform her.
Upon hearing that Li Chonglou and Lu Yunxu were having a confrontation with guests at the entrance,
Jiang Yuxin quickly put down what she was doing and rushed over.
"Director Jiang, Director Jiang, please save me." Fu Bin's eyes lit up upon seeing Jiang Yuxin. He turned and grabbed her leg, "I was only trying to stand up for you. That good-for-nothing has wasted three years on you. I was doing it for your own good."
His actions were like those of a dog.
In his view, only Jiang Yuxin could change Lu Yunxu's mind now.