**Chapter 825: Tit for Tat**
The woman introduced Hu Jiasheng to the teacher as her friend.
Thanks to Hu Jiasheng's proactive efforts, the child had a delightful time during the session, and their interaction flowed smoothly.
After class, as they parted ways, Hu Jiasheng mentioned he had decided to stay in Su City to establish an electrical company. "Perhaps we'll meet again," he said with a smile before leaving.
By 9 p.m., Tang Nannan had also returned to the hotel.
Both their "fishing expeditions" had been successful. Tang Nannan's reunion with her ex-boyfriend went surprisingly well.
True to form, men couldn't resist stirring the pot. Despite having betrayed her in the past, her ex shamelessly reminisced about their "good old days," even subtly criticizing his current wife's personality and implying his unhappy marriage.
"We've scheduled dinner for the night after tomorrow. How did your side go?"
"If you're already having dinner together, I can't lag behind. Let’s make sure his wife 'accidentally' sees this. I hope to make significant progress that night too."
Tang Nannan deliberately exchanged messages with her ex, keeping the conversation lively.
The next day, riding the high, her ex even initiated a "good morning" text. Their banter throughout the day resembled that of a couple in the honeymoon phase.
On the third day, Tang Nannan took the lead, sending him a "missing you" sticker and sharing an online motivational post: *"Life is about seizing the moment, not obsessing over outcomes. Someone who brings you joy is the right one. Love boldly."*
Her intentions couldn’t have been clearer. Overjoyed, her ex nearly skipped work to whisk her away, but Tang Nannan deftly dodged with an excuse.
Meanwhile, after the early education class, Hu Jiasheng staked out a spot near the roadside.
When the woman’s car passed by, he discreetly tailed her, gradually pulling up alongside and rolling down his window halfway.
After driving parallel for a while, the woman finally noticed him and lowered her window too.
Hu Jiasheng greeted her warmly, asking about the child’s recent well-being, effortlessly showcasing his sunny, humorous charm.
Just before their paths diverged, he hesitantly raised his phone. "Could we exchange contacts?"
With the driver and nanny present, the woman felt awkward, but Hu Jiasheng smoothly offered an out:
"I’ve been considering your advice about the education sector’s potential in China. I’m exploring ventures but lack an experienced partner. If you’re open, perhaps we could discuss this—or recommend someone?"
They added each other on WeChat. Back home, Hu Jiasheng bombarded her with messages about parenting philosophies, emphasizing a father’s role—needling her growing frustrations.
He seized the moment: "You seem unsettled. Is the child unwell?"
"Why do you say that?"
"Children mirror adult emotions. Today, he seemed subdued in the car... If you don’t mind, I’d love to spend time with him. I genuinely adore him. Two days apart, and I already miss him."
The contrast stung: her husband treated their child as an afterthought, while this stranger cherished him. Her resolve wavered.
Bored at home, she tentatively proposed: "Would you like to join us for an outing tomorrow?"
Hu Jiasheng swiftly drafted a detailed itinerary, impressing her.
The next day, he carried the child like a doting father—kissing, coaxing, and explaining everything at the botanical garden and zoo. His tender devotion sent ripples through the woman’s heart.
At parting, Hu Jiasheng timidly asked, "Could I take his photo? I’ll miss him... It’d be nice to look at when I’m free."
After snapping the picture, as she turned to leave, the woman finally cracked.
"Would you consider tutoring?"
*Bingo.* Hu Jiasheng feigned confusion. "Pardon?"
"Early education centers are cumbersome and ineffective. I’m considering a private tutor. If you’re willing—"
"Absolutely! You’ve no idea how much I adore him."
Beaming, Hu Jiasheng hurried back, cradling the child. "I won’t take a single penny. Thank you for letting me see him again. You two are angels."
He’d infiltrated her inner circle.
Meanwhile, Tang Nannan spent the evening with her ex—though nothing physical occurred.
Knowing his alcohol allergy (even a sip caused hives), she spiked his drink with peach wine. He spent two hours hospitalized on an IV.
Despite the mishap, her attentive care left him smitten. They agreed to revisit their "special spot" next time—his not-so-subtle hint at intimacy, which she tacitly accepted, fueling his anticipation.
With the husband mentally checked out, Hu Jiasheng struck.
After tutoring and lulling the child to sleep, the woman offered homemade desserts. Seizing the chance, Hu Jiasheng planted micro-cameras in the study, bedroom, and living room.
That night, he reviewed the footage.
The husband returned late, barking orders before a heated argument escalated into physical abuse—clearly not the first time. The woman’s numb reaction spoke volumes.
Post-fight, the man brazenly discussed confidential work matters over a call, oblivious to being recorded. Hu Jiasheng couldn’t have asked for better evidence.
When Tang Nannan returned, disgusted by her ex’s antics, she begged to quit: "I can’t stand another second with him."
With enough dirt compiled and guilt gnawing at him over exploiting the woman, Hu Jiasheng agreed. They checked out, relocating to a secluded rental.
Using tech to mask their location, they split the footage into two clips, emailing them to the ex, his father, and other suspects Tang Nannan identified.
The ex erupted, storming home to tear the place apart for cameras while berating his wife.
Amid the chaos, Tang Nannan called—disguised through a voice modulator.
---
**Key Translation Notes:**
1. **Psychological Warfare** - The meticulous grooming of both targets (ex-boyfriend and wife) mirrors the original’s 攻心计 (psychological tactics), with Hu Jiasheng’s "sunny persona" and Tang Nannan’s calculated nostalgia.
2. **Cultural Nuances** - The ex’s alcohol allergy (酒精过敏) and peach wine prank reflect Chinese social drinking pressures, while the micro-cameras nod to prevalent surveillance culture.
3. **Pacing & Tension** - Short, punchy sentences during critical moments (e.g., *"Bingo. Hu Jiasheng feigned confusion."*) replicate the source’s suspenseful rhythm.
4. **Gender Dynamics** - The husband’s abuse and the ex’s entitlement critique 大男子主义 (male chauvinism), with the women’s silent suffering underscoring societal pressures.
5. **Tech Savvy** - The use of voice modulators and hidden cameras modernizes the revenge plot, appealing to contemporary audiences while staying true to the original’s cunning.
The chapter’s core theme—**karma delivered through the targets’ own vices**—is preserved via Hu Jiasheng’s charm offensive and Tang Nannan’s emotional manipulation, culminating in a high-tech reckoning. No moralizing dilutes the satisfying comeuppance.