Xing Zheng watched the video to the end, then met with Jiang Chubbi again. Jiang Chubbi had visited him a few times while he was in the United States, but their last meeting was when he graduated from college. Nearly four years had passed, and both had changed significantly.
Xing Zheng's entire demeanor was different from their last encounter. Back then, he was severely ill, his eyes vacant and spirit broken. Now, he exuded a sense of vigor and confidence. Jiang Chubbi gazed at him for a long time, then smiled and said, "You're in great shape, and getting handsomer."
Xing Zheng paid little attention to her compliment. They sat down to discuss important matters. The two had already reached a preliminary agreement to cooperate, but the specific method of collaboration had not yet been finalized. Now that Jiang Chubbi had secured Chen Qi, the key issue became how to use the video to lure Lin Mei into their trap.
Jiang Chubbi knew Xing Zheng's personality well; even if he liked someone, he wouldn't make the first move. Therefore, before meeting him, she had devised a plan. "I have a proposal that can make her come to you. Would you like to hear it?"
"Tell me," Xing Zheng said, showing rare interest in her words.
"You'll be my fiancé. We'll publicly announce our relationship. When she sees the video, she'll come looking for you," Jiang Chubbi said, her plan unfolding. "Then, all you need to do is let her find out your whereabouts."
Xing Zheng simply said, "Mm." To her surprise, he agreed to Jiang Chubbi's proposal. They had more than just this one matter to attend to. The truth behind the car accident years ago and the missing evidence concerning Zhao Jiang also required their cooperation to investigate. Xing Zheng was most reassured by the fact that Jiang Chubbi harbored no ulterior motives towards him.
Their cooperation agreement was made. The next day, media outlets exposed photos of Xing Zheng and Jiang Chubbi on a "sweet date." Xing Zheng had just returned to the country and was already a figure of great interest to the media. As soon as rumors about his private life surfaced, reporters swarmed the Shuangmu building.
Jiang Chubbi had anticipated this and drove to the Shuangmu building. As soon as she stepped out of the car, she was surrounded by reporters, blocking her path.
The reporters eagerly questioned her about her relationship with Xing Zheng. Facing the media frenzy, Jiang Chubbi remained poised and dignified, showing no airs of a wealthy heiress. She smiled and told the reporters, "Ah Zheng is my fiancé. Thank you for your concern."
"We'll share any good news with you all."
Jiang Chubbi knew exactly what reporters wanted. She gave them what they desired, and they let her go. Later, the video was uploaded to major news portals, and the relationship between Jiang Chubbi and Xing Zheng became common knowledge.
Xing Zheng watched Jiang Chubbi's interview from his office, his handsome face expressionless. Jiang Chubbi, standing beside him, asked, "How do you think my acting was?"
Xing Zheng remained silent. Jiang Chubbi, accustomed to his nature, felt no awkwardness and continued, "I'll go see Chen Qi again in a few days."
"Mm." This time, he finally responded.
Jiang Chubbi was a woman of action. A few days later, she sent him the latest video. Perhaps sensing his impending move, the video was far more explicit this time. Xing Zheng felt Jiang Chubbi's self-abandonment and her obsession with avenging Xing Yan. For a fleeting moment, he found a sense of kinship with her; they were alike.
The next day, Xing Zheng anonymously sent the video to Lin Mei. He was already well aware of all her contact information. After sending the video, there was no immediate response, which was within his expectations.
Xing Zheng did not rush. He checked into a hotel that same day and settled in.
When Lin Mei received the bedroom video, it felt as though her world had collapsed. Her first thought was that it was a fake video, a trick to deceive her. However, after watching it several times, she could no longer deceive herself. The man in the video was indeed Chen Qi.
She had been with Chen Qi for nearly seven years. She believed their relationship was deep and that they were even on the verge of marriage. She had invested a great deal in this relationship, believing Chen Qi felt the same.
People spoke of the seven-year itch, but she thought such a thing wouldn't happen between them. Reality was cruel, delivering an unexpected slap that left her defenseless.
That evening, Lin Mei met Lan Lan and Feng Feng. She drank in silence, her mood somber. Eventually, Lan Lan took her glass away. "What's wrong? Is work not going well? Tell us, and Feng always and I can offer some advice."
Feng Feng added, "Are you under pressure with your performance lately? I can introduce you to some clients."
Lin Mei shook her head. Though she smiled, tears began to fall. This worried Lan Lan and Feng Feng even more. Despite facing immense work pressure, she had never cried before. What was happening today...?
As the two exchanged concerned glances, Lin Mei took out her phone and played a video.
The lewd sounds quickly captured their attention. On the screen, the man intimately involved with a woman was unmistakably Chen Qi!
"Damn it, how dare Chen Qi!" Lan Lan couldn't help but curse.
Feng Feng's expression also darkened. She decisively offered Lin Mei advice, "Break up with him."
"Breaking up is certain, but we can't let him off so easily!" Lan Lan fumed. "He's truly worthless. It was sheer luck that Hua Mei ended up with him! If he doesn't cherish it, and then pulls this stunt, who is he trying to disgust? Cheaters deserve to die! We can't let this slide!"
At that moment, the video's close-up focused on the female protagonist's face. Feng Feng paused the video, her expression growing increasingly serious as she looked at the face. "Do you recognize this woman?"
Lin Mei, of course, did not. She had been busy with work recently and hadn't paid attention to gossip.
However, Lan Lan and Feng Feng both worked in private companies, where gossip spread much faster. Thus, Lan Lan recognized Jiang Chubbi immediately. "Isn't this Xing Zheng's fiancée?"
"Yes, it is." With that confirmation, Feng Feng was sure she hadn't made a mistake.
Lan Lan was even more confused. "Is she crazy or something? Ignoring a feast and choosing to eat garbage? Who is Xing Zheng? If he finds out his fiancée is cheating on him..."
"Right! How could I forget this!" Lan Lan excitedly grabbed Lin Mei, offering her a plan. "Don't let this pair of scoundrels off the hook. We can use a borrowed knife to kill."
Lin Mei, lost in her sorrow, hadn't heard what they were saying and looked at them blankly. "What?"
Lan Lan introduced Jiang Chubbi's identity to Lin Mei, mentioning Xing Zheng's background. "He returned from Wall Street. Someone who could carve out a path for himself there definitely has formidable methods. If he finds out Chen Qi dared to touch his fiancée, he absolutely won't let Chen Qi off!"
Seeing Lin Mei's silence, Lan Lan assumed she was being soft-hearted. "Seven years of youth fed to the dogs. If you can swallow this, I can't swallow it for you!"