After a solid, restful sleep, Li Yaru chose to selectively forget last night’s little episode and decided to fully relax.
The next two days passed leisurely. Whether it was visiting the Mazu Temple, shopping at luxury boutiques, watching the horse races, or playing those dull dice games in the VIP lounge, Zhuang Qiting accompanied her with infinite patience.
It was worth mentioning that not only did she not lose at the casino this time, she even made a small profit and exchanged it for a fully diamond-set Patek Philippe.
Proudly, she wore her trophy on her wrist, linking arms with Zhuang Qiting and coquettishly saying he brought her luck.
She insisted that next time she came to Macau, he had to come along, making Zhuang Qiting absolutely overjoyed.
When she behaved, she was truly endearing— so much so that even Zhuang Qiting felt something was off.
She seemed like one of those flirty wives who had a little fun outside, then treated her long-suffering husband extra well when she got home.
After returning to Hong Kong Island, the two each had their own matters to attend to. Both were busy people, so in reality, they didn’t spend that much time glued together every day.
Lu Junqiu hadn’t forgotten to find something fun for Li Yaru, to soothe her mood. Every now and then she’d invite her over to hang out, and would casually ask about her recent situation.
Upon learning that Li Yaru had completely abandoned the idea of divorce, the worry in her heart finally eased.
If Li Yaru wanted a divorce, no one would be more anxious than her own family.
Everyone was in the same boat, doing business across the Greater Bay Area, relying on the Zhuang Family as their powerful backer— it made everything easier.
Over the years, any relative even remotely connected to Li Yaru had made a fortune thanks to her. Every holiday, Li Yaru would sit at the head of the table, her status even higher than the Queen Mother.
On this day, Lu Junqiu invited Li Yaru to attend the annual party of her Model Company.
The annual party had a relaxed tone— no boring speeches or ceremonies. It was held at a high-end garden restaurant, with a rock band performing.
A group of stylish, good-looking men and women gathered to eat, drink, and have fun, the atmosphere lively and warm.
Li Yaru specially chose an asymmetrical white lace mini-dress, her long, sexy legs dazzling. She wore matching lace gloves, and the diamond watch on her wrist sparkled, making her look bright and lively.
Lu Junqiu lifted Li Yaru’s wrist, clicking her tongue. “So this is the watch you won? Not bad! How many times have I gone with you, and every time you lost until you were in a bad mood. But this time, with the God of Wealth by your side, it really is different! Luck in wealth, luck in gambling, luck in marriage— all going smoothly!”
Li Yaru snorted, pulling her hand back. “Relax, I’m not thinking about divorce for now. He’s been treating me well lately. Why would I stir up trouble for no reason?”
Lu Junqiu grinned, waggling her eyebrows. “Lately you’re enjoying both husband and lover, no wonder you look so radiant— putting on some weight, even.”
Li Yaru frowned. “Don’t talk nonsense, what lover? Wait, I’ve gained weight?” She touched her face.
Lu Junqiu lowered her voice: “Fan—Zi—zhuo, have you rekindled old feelings with him recently?”
“You’re crazy, I only had one meal with him. The few calls were just to introduce him to some business.”
“You’ve introduced him to so much business, are you trying to keep him as your boytoy…”
“Get lost! Your big sis here would never go back to an ex. I owed him in the past, so now that I have the chance, I’m repaying the favor. Otherwise, just thinking about it makes me uncomfortable.” Li Yaru had a sense of honor—she’d repay anyone who’d helped her, and pay back anyone who’d bullied her.
Lu Junqiu patted her chest. “Good. I was worried you two were back together. I’m telling you, that’s scarier than you flirting with male models—brother-in-law would…” She made a slicing gesture at her neck. “Be careful. Brother-in-law hates Zizhuo the most.”
Li Yaru was startled. “How do you know he hates Fan Zizhuo?” All these years, Zhuang Qiting had never mentioned Zizhuo in front of her, except that one time he brought up old grievances.
“Once, brother-in-law looked at Fan Zizhuo with such a terrifying expression, like he wanted to shoot him right there. It was years ago, but I remember it clearly.” Lu Junqiu shivered at the memory.
Her cousin hadn’t married into an ordinary rich family. In that era, the Zhuang Family was above the law, with both black and white connections, so powerful that even the British-appointed Governor had to show them respect. Taking a life was all too easy. Back then, she often worried she’d suddenly hear news of Fan Zizhuo’s death.
“Really, I’m not lying. Sis, don’t introduce him to any more business. The less trouble, the better.”
Li Yaru recalled Zhuang Qiting’s chilling words in Macau, and her scalp tingled again. It seemed she should even cut back on work calls lately.
The business she’d introduced to Fan Zizhuo would already bring his company 20% more profits this year—her guilt was eased a lot. Enough was enough; she didn’t want to cause trouble for either of them, or herself.
Soothing Zhuang Qiting was terrifying—he could torment her to death.
“Alright, I know my limits. Don’t scare yourself. Zhuang Qiting doesn’t know I’ve been in touch with him, or he’d have kicked up a fuss already.”
“OK, as long as you keep brother-in-law in line. By the way, the thing you asked me to do is handled. I’ve set up a contract signing with Fan Zizhuo for next week. If nothing goes wrong, it’s settled.” Lu Junqiu reported everything.
Li Yaru bumped her arm. “Don’t let anything slip—don’t get me into trouble.”
“Yes, Queen. Want a couple of fresh-faced boys to drink with you?”
Li Yaru was embarrassed, laughing as she told her to buzz off. Lately, Zhuang Qiting had been keeping her well-fed; she had no energy for these silly things.
Lu Junqiu teased her: “You, you’re such a Lord Ye who loves dragons—talk a big game, but when it comes to it, you wouldn’t dare! Brother-in-law is as intimidating as ever.”
Li Yaru: “Get lost, you’re begging for a beating.”
Li Yaru was decisive—once she decided to draw the line, she did just that. Afterward, she didn’t contact Fan Zizhuo again, only instructed her assistant to finalize those collaborations.
On the weekend, she flew to Hu Cheng to attend a preview screening of a New Year Film she’d invested in.
It was her first time investing in a Mainland film, and it was a suspense film. The production team specially invited her to see the rough cut.
She was intrigued, and agreed on the spot, planning to spend a few days in Hu Cheng to enjoy the local flair.
When Lu Junqiu called again, Li Yaru was eating local cuisine on the Bund, sipping Lafite, and had hired a handsome young man from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music to play violin for her.
She enjoyed the moist river breeze, feeling utterly content.
Hearing the melodious music over the phone, Lu Junqiu grew more anxious. “Have the violinist stop. Sis, I have something important to tell you!”
Li Yaru waved the violinist off. After he left, she asked, “What’s wrong?”
“I was supposed to meet Fang Zong this afternoon at my company to sign the contract, but his assistant suddenly told me yesterday that Fang Zong didn’t have time and might need to reschedule, but didn’t say when. Of course I was upset—how can you just reschedule and have your assistant send me a message? I’m not the B party here. So I called him myself to ask when he’d reschedule, but he didn’t pick up, and hasn’t called me back since yesterday.”
Li Yaru frowned. “He’s not the kind of person to be so careless.”
“Exactly!”
“What are you trying to say? Don’t keep me in suspense.”
The other end took a deep breath. “I told you, don’t panic. The more I thought about it, the more something felt off, so I asked around. Turns out, something big happened!”
“Hurry up and say it! You’re killing me!” Li Yaru, who hadn’t been anxious, was now getting nervous.
“He was taken away by people from the Mainland Public Security Bureau, along with people from the Procuratorate. They say he’s suspected of a five-year-old—dark—case… The details are unclear, but Xingding Group is involved. Now everyone in Zhizhuo’s Company is being questioned. I don’t know if he’s out yet. According to everyone, he’s probably in big trouble. I have no idea how things got to this point. The news has just started spreading…”
Li Yaru’s heart suddenly sank. Her scalp prickled and burned. For some reason, she had an inexplicable sixth sense.
It was as if a pair of eyes had been watching her from the shadows all along. From the start, things had never been in her control, though she thought she could control herself.
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