"I've asked my friends in the capital to investigate. Once they find anyone suspicious, they'll track and lock them down," Jiang Chubì told Xíng Zhēng. "Have you had lunch? Let's eat together."
"Thank you," Xíng Zhēng said, thanking Jiang Chubì. The two then headed to the hotel restaurant for lunch.
Along the way, Xíng Zhēng suddenly said to Jiang Chubì, "Find a time to announce the divorce to the media."
"Does Lín Méi want an official title from you?" Jiang Chubì retorted. Xíng Zhēng naturally wouldn't answer, and she knew she wouldn't get one, so she stopped wasting her breath. "I'll contact the media tomorrow."
Their partnership had ended when Zhào Jiānghé and Liú Qínyè were arrested by the police. However, Xíng Zhēng had left in a hurry, and neither party had disclosed any information to the media. They hadn't attended any events together for the past year and a half, so the public was already aware.
The next morning, Lín Méi saw the news of Xíng Zhēng and Jiang Chubì's "divorce" on the entertainment pages. The news was leaked to the media by Jiang Chubì. She didn't mention when they divorced, only giving a polite excuse of "incompatibility" for the reason of their separation. When asked about the future, she said that she and Xíng Zhēng would remain friends.
The public was naturally very regretful about the divorce of such a well-matched "couple." Some old news from back then was also dug up, including the gossip about Lín Méi "seducing" Xíng Zhēng.
Although Zhào Jiānghé had already had it dealt with, he had only handled the content on mainstream media. Some blurry fringe areas still had archives. As soon as the divorce news broke, it was unearthed. As the only woman rumored to be involved with Xíng Zhēng, Lín Méi was naturally targeted by public opinion.
Once the past gossip was dug up, some people accused her of being the mistress who caused Xíng Zhēng and Jiang Chubì's divorce. Rumors quickly spread. Nearly two years later, Lín Méi was once again thrust into the spotlight of public opinion due to Xíng Zhēng and Jiang Chubì's affairs.
Lín Méi sat in front of the sofa, anxious. It all felt like a pre-arranged trap. Jiang Chubì announced her divorce from Xíng Zhēng, so why was she the one becoming the target? Was Jiang Chubì targeting her, or was it Xíng Zhēng...
The scolding and attacks online reminded Lín Méi of that extremely painful memory. Back then, she had been like a fool, taking risks to approach Zhào Jiānghé for him, fantasizing about being able to provide even the slightest help. In the end, she was met with widespread condemnation. She never wanted to recall those days in her life, and now, she was experiencing the same thing again...
The instigator was still him.
He was probably her destined calamity. As soon as she got close to him, she got close to pain.
Lán Lán and Fēng Fēng had both seen the news. They comforted her in their group chat. Fēng Fēng said she had contacted media friends to suppress the trending topic, and Lán Lán had also found people to help, while also not forgetting to curse Xíng Zhēng.
Lín Méi sat on the sofa, lost in thought for a long time. She sent a message in the group chat: "Am I asking for trouble?"
She had intended to say "being cheap," but in the end, she couldn't bring herself to use such words to demean herself. However, the essence remained the same. She was still preoccupied with a man who didn't care about her. With the casual kindness and patience he bestowed, she could set aside her pride. Lán Lán and Fēng Fēng, as her friends, had not blamed her at all.
Lán Lán said, "What does this have to do with you? It's all because that dog man Xíng Zhēng is too scummy!"
Fēng Fēng said, "You are the victim."
Lán Lán said, "Don't get close to dog men, you'll become unhappy."
As Lín Méi was reading the messages in the group chat, the doorbell rang. When she opened the door, she found that Xiāo Shù had arrived.
Lín Méi was surprised. "Mr. Xiāo, when did you get back?"
Xiāo Shù had been on a business trip for the past few days and hadn't mentioned his return to the capital.
"Just arrived," Xiāo Shù walked in and looked at Lín Méi. "I saw the news and came to see you."
Lín Méi didn't consider herself close to Xiāo Shù. Now that he mentioned the news, she felt even more embarrassed. The grievances in her heart welled up, churning, her chest feeling sore, and her eyes turning red. For a long time, she couldn't say a word.
"Don't cry," Xiāo Shù raised his hand, his long fingers wiping away her tears. He gazed at her and said gently, "I believe in your character. I'll handle that defamatory news for you. Don't worry."
"Thank you," Lín Méi thanked Xiāo Shù. She wasn't so pretentious as to refuse such help. "Mr. Xiāo, if there's anything I can help you with, I definitely will..."
"It's a small favor, you don't need to be so polite with me," Xiāo Shù smiled. "If you really want to repay me, then keep Tián Tián company for me."
Lín Méi nodded. Xiāo Shù helped her sit down, then contacted the media, instructing them to suppress the news. Lín Méi listened from the side, biting her lip nervously.
After Xiāo Shù finished his call, he suddenly asked Lín Méi, "Do you have any past grievances with Mr. Xíng and his ex-wife?"
"What's wrong?" Lín Méi heard the unspoken meaning. Xiāo Shù wouldn't ask this for no reason.
"The news was orchestrated by someone," Xiāo Shù said. "Unless the orchestrator relents, it's not easy for the media."
"I understand." They were no longer children. Her relationship with Xiāo Shù was purely professional, and Xiāo Shù had no reason to offend someone for her.
Since it was orchestrated by Xíng Zhēng or Jiang Chubì, she would go find them. With this thought, Lín Méi stood up. Xiāo Shù grabbed her wrist. "Where are you going? Don't be impulsive."
"I'm going to resolve this," Lín Méi told Xiāo Shù. "I'm sorry for making you witness this."
"I've already resolved it. Don't worry," Xiāo Shù told Lín Méi. "The media will do their best."
Lín Méi lowered her head, remaining silent. Xiāo Shù stood up and placed his hands on her shoulders. "Leave it all to me."
"Thank you..."
Perhaps moved by Xiāo Shù's actions, Lín Méi later revealed some details about her interactions with Xíng Zhēng when Xiāo Shù asked, rather than concealing them as she had before. Xiāo Shù learned that they had been together previously and were still entangled.
"Do you love him very much?" Xiāo Shù asked.
Lín Méi fell silent, unable to answer. Xiāo Shù encouraged her, "Find an opportunity to ask him clearly. If he really did this, you might have to make a choice."
Lín Méi understood Xiāo Shù's meaning. He was right; it was not the time to avoid the issue. "Okay, thank you, Mr. Xiāo."
"You're welcome. You should rest well today. I won't disturb you. You don't have to work tomorrow; I'll give you a day to handle this," Xiāo Shù said understandingly.
Lín Méi saw Xiāo Shù off and returned to her bedroom, burying her head in the covers. The more she thought about it, the more wronged she felt. Was Xíng Zhēng pushing her away like this for that woman named "Wēn Kē"?
Because he didn't want to expose her to the public eye, he repeatedly dragged her, already infamous, out to be whipped, using her as a shield.
No wonder he had been so good-tempered that day; it was because he was about to hurt her, so he gave her a sweet treat first.