Zhou Jinbei didn't know what had happened during this time to cause Chen Jiaojiao to become the way she was now.
In her understanding, Lu Mingzhe was very fond of Chen Jiaojiao and eager to marry her.
Now that they were married, why wasn't he treating her well?
Chen Jiaojiao then recounted what had happened during this period to Zhou Jinbei.
After listening, Zhou Jinbei shook her head repeatedly.
"It's not that I'm blaming you, Jiaojiao, but you really can't blame Lu Mingzhe for this."
"Everyone saw how he treated you before. For you to get involved with Hu Jiasheng without a word, anyone would find it unbearable."
"I know, I'm reaping what I sow."
Chen Jiaojiao stirred her coffee gently.
"I don't resent Lu Mingzhe, truly. Otherwise, I wouldn't have married him."
"Even if he doesn't come home every day, I have no right to say anything. I just want to lament that it's so difficult for women to get what they want."
"The one you love doesn't love you. You insist on loving the one who doesn't love you, which is meaningless."
Zhou Jinbei agreed with this statement.
"So what now? Your life has turned out this way. You can't just spend your days in Nancheng drowning your sorrows in alcohol. You need to find something to do for yourself, don't you think?"
Indeed, Chen Jiaojiao had done a lot of thinking these past few days.
This situation couldn't continue.
She was only 20 years old, and because of a man's abandonment, she had made herself a spectacle.
It was embarrassing.
"I plan to start a business. Here in Nancheng, but I don't have any good ideas yet."
"I've actually been meaning to talk to you. Today is a good opportunity. You can't work for others your whole life, can you? Do you have any suggestions?"
This question struck a chord with Zhou Jinbei.
"Working for others isn't a long-term solution. With my current salary, it would take ages to repay your 500,000 yuan."
"I want to start a business too. If you don't mind, we can do it together."
"That would be wonderful. You have more connections in Nancheng than I do. I'll handle the operations, and you can handle the business development. How does that sound?"
Zhou Jinbei said.
"I can't help you with the funding, though. Even if I invest, it would be without equity."
"Don't worry. I won't ask you to put in any money. Just tell me what you have in mind."
Starting a business should definitely be in an area of one's expertise.
What had Zhou Jinbei been doing for the past 20 years?
Shopping, buying, beauty treatments, and spending.
Only these things could bring back a bit of her confidence.
"How about we open a beauty salon?"
Beauty is an eternal topic for women.
Especially now that Nancheng's economy is improving, every woman cares about her appearance, and maintaining it has become a necessity.
If they did this, the business would surely thrive.
Chen Jiaojiao felt enlightened by her words.
"That's a great idea. Why didn't I think of that before? Doing beauty treatments is much simpler than starting a company. Let's get started as soon as possible."
The two of them had a preliminary agreement.
Afterwards, Zhou Jinbei continued to take care of Ah Zhong's father while also making time to accompany Chen Jiaojiao to run errands.
Soon, they had found a suitable location.
Chen Jiaojiao began applying for various permits and licenses.
She was plunged into an unprecedented period of busyness.
Lu Mingzhe hadn't visited their marital home since they got married, and almost a month had passed in the blink of an eye.
He also hadn't formally taken Chen Jiaojiao to visit his parents. Lu Mingzhe's mother was starting to have opinions.
One day, she called Lu Mingzhe, asking him to bring Chen Jiaojiao home for dinner.
"Your honeymoon phase should be over by now. It's time you made some time to visit us. After all, you're the eldest son. Is this how you forget your mother once you have a wife?"
"Besides, even if I don't mind, Jiaojiao hasn't formally set foot in the Lu family's home since marrying you."
"People will know that your relationship is good and you're busy, so you don't have time. But they might think that we elders don't welcome her."
"You must come back today, no matter what. I've already asked someone to prepare lunch."
Lu Mingzhe was at a loss.
Since they were married, this day would come sooner or later. It was better to face it sooner rather than later.
Besides, he hadn't seen Chen Jiaojiao for so long, and he didn't know how she was doing.
After all, they had gotten married with some resentment. He hoped nothing had gone wrong.
He postponed his scheduled clients and made time to go home.
On the way, out of humanitarian concern, he decided to call and check on her.
Chen Jiaojiao was discussing renovation matters and had arranged to have lunch with a designer.
She answered the phone: "What's up?"
Hearing her voice sounded normal, Lu Mingzhe breathed a sigh of relief.
"What are you doing?"
"The sun must have risen from the west today for you to call and check on me. Is there something you need?"
Lu Mingzhe didn't beat around the bush and stated his purpose directly.
"We have to go back. My mother has issued an ultimatum. No matter what you're busy with, I'm sorry to interrupt."
Chen Jiaojiao understood.
After all, from her parents' perspective, they were a legal couple.
There was no reason to avoid visiting the elders.
"Then come and pick me up. I've been drinking and can't drive."
She gave him the restaurant address, and Lu Mingzhe said he would be there shortly.
Soon, they met at the restaurant.
Lu Mingzhe, while telling her about his parents' interests, calmly led her towards the exit.
As they were about to reach the restaurant entrance, a waiter led a tall, slender man inside.
They came face to face.
Chen Jiaojiao subconsciously raised her eyes to look at him.
Then, in the next second, she reached out and linked her arm with Lu Mingzhe's.
Lu Mingzhe, who was speaking, stiffened when she suddenly took his arm.
He glanced at her, then followed her gaze forward.
No wonder she suddenly became so proactive.
It turned out she had bumped into her old flame.
On such a hot day, Hu Jiasheng was wearing a crisp suit, looking refined and elegant, and suddenly appeared before them.
Their eyes met, and the atmosphere became somewhat awkward.
Chen Jiaojiao held Lu Mingzhe's arm tightly.
She called him "husband" in a sugary tone, then looked at Hu Jiasheng.
"What a coincidence? Mr. Hu is also dining here."
Hu Jiasheng's pupils constricted. He didn't have time to speak.
Chen Jiaojiao pulled Lu Mingzhe forward.
"You two have met before, remember him? Since we've run into each other, allow me to formally introduce you."
"This is my husband, Lu Mingzhe. Husband, this is Hu Jiasheng."
How ironic.
A month ago, when the three of them met, Chen Jiaojiao was standing beside Hu Jiasheng, arm in arm, facing Lu Mingzhe.
In just a month...
Every time she called him "husband," Lu Mingzhe got goosebumps.
But how could he not understand what Chen Jiaojiao meant?
Moreover, he already had reservations about Hu Jiasheng and found him displeasing.
He immediately pulled his arm out of Chen Jiaojiao's grasp and then put it around her waist.
"I remember. Mr. Hu, your former business partner."
"Hello, Mr. Hu, long time no see. I intended to offer you a couple of drinks at the wedding, but you didn't come."
Hu Jiasheng had recovered.
Looking at the loving couple, a perfect match, he gave a faint smile.
"My apologies, I was a bit busy before and couldn't make it to the wedding."
"Since we've met, I'll make up for it today. I wish you both happiness and joy."