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In the estate, a few German Shepherds ran around joyfully.
The afternoon sunlight filtered through the dense canopy of trees, casting slanted shadows on the tea table.
Director Ning had indulged in gossip to the point he didn’t return home and ended up having lunch at Chairman Xiao’s estate instead.
Previously unanswered questions now found clarity within this drama.
On the tea tray, the floral tea emitted a fragrant aroma.
Director Ning picked up a cup and glanced at Chairman Xiao. “You’ve known all along that Yinchi and Shen Tang knew each other, and you forced them apart, right?”
Chairman Xiao’s stomach was upset from anger; he avoided both red wine and floral tea, asking the butler for a glass of warm water instead.
His silence spoke volumes, and Director Ning understood—it was all true.
“No wonder Yinchi hasn’t dated anyone these years, focusing solely on work.” He sipped his tea, then suddenly recalled, “That explains why Yinchi was so enthusiastic about participating in the project collaboration between Xiao Ning Group and GR Capital, even treating Jiang Chengyu with extra courtesy.”
He wanted to find out from Jiang Chengyu how he treated Shen Tang and whether she was doing well.
“This kid, how foolish.”
He chuckled. “Just like me.”
The underlying implication was clear—criticizing Chairman Xiao for hiding Shen Tang’s background and breaking her relationship with his grandson.
Director Ning poured another cup of tea. “If I’d known it would end up like this, back then, if you’d told me, I would’ve simply let the two kids be together. None of today’s troubles would exist.”
“If only?” Chairman Xiao waved his hand dismissively, exposing him. “Don’t give me that hindsight talk. If Yinchi hadn’t remained single all these years, would you have readily agreed to their relationship?”
Director Ning made a sarcastic chuckle, drinking his tea.
Chairman Xiao took a few sips of warm water, feeling his stomach ache subtly.
Speaking of foresight—if he had known Shen Tang would be so decisive and bold, perhaps back then, he wouldn’t have sent her away, keeping her by his side to raise her.
Among all the younger generation in the Xiao family, she had the most potential to succeed.
Now, many things were beyond his control.
He hadn’t expected Ning Yinchi to remain so devoted, nor did he anticipate M.K.’s involvement.
And the video of Chu Ran pushing Shen Tang—released just after the statement—was neither too early nor too late. Was someone secretly helping him, or was there another motive?
Director Ning asked, “What does Xiao Zhen say now? Surely, she can’t pretend ignorance forever?”
Chairman Xiao shook his head. “Her phone is off.”
His daughter held mixed feelings towards him—love, hate, resentment, and frustration.
Rushed footsteps approached along the garden path, growing louder.
The secretary wiped sweat from his forehead. From morning till now, he hadn’t even had time to drink water, and the heat was unbearable.
“Chairman Xiao,” the secretary clearly lacked confidence.
From the secretary’s expression, Chairman Xiao could tell there was no progress. “Nothing found?”
The secretary nodded. “Still investigating. Time is tight, and we haven’t got any leads yet. Not many people could access the video of Chu Ran pushing Shen Tang.”
Chairman Xiao frowned, as if saying, isn’t that obvious?
The secretary continued reporting, “The person leaking information about M.K.’s Xie Yuncheng and Ning Yinchi couldn’t be traced.”
Chairman Xiao pressed his fingers against his temple. The scattered sunlight fell on him, burning and scorching.
If they couldn’t trace it, then it must be someone from Jiang Chengyu’s circle.
And what evidence Shen Tang currently possessed, he couldn’t fathom. Yet, she chose not to respond to him but instead focused on dealing with Fan Yu.
This strategy left everyone confused.
The secretary dared not speak more, quietly awaiting instructions.
After careful consideration, Chairman Xiao decided, “Are you familiar with the journalist who issued our statement today?”
Secretary: “Yes, he often interviews our group.”
Chairman Xiao: “Have the legal advisor of Xiao Ning Group send a cease-and-desist letter via Xiao Ning’s official Weibo account. Declare that the widely circulated response online allegedly from me is entirely fabricated to grab attention, severely damaging my personal image and Xiao Ning Group’s reputation. After gathering evidence, we will pursue legal action.”
He instructed the secretary, “Release the letter, but don’t actually take legal action.”
“Alright, I understand.” The secretary was mentally prepared. Early in the morning, when Chairman Xiao had him issue the statement through the journalist rather than the official Weibo account or personally responding, he anticipated Chairman Xiao leaving himself an escape route.
Secretary inquired, “What about the journalist?”
Chairman Xiao: “Once this matter passes, give him more interview opportunities. Let him endure some inconvenience for now.”
The secretary hurriedly departed again.
Director Ning chuckled, “Not easy being driven crazy by a young girl in her twenties. Shen Tang’s tactics are inherited from you.”
It all came down to who was tougher.
The estate basked under pleasant weather, while at this moment in Beijing, raindrops pelted the melon vines, lush and fruitful with melons sprouting from every branch.
After reading the cease-and-desist letter from Xiao Ning Group’s official Weibo, Li Jie couldn’t help but curse, “Chairman Xiao, this old fox, stirring the waters, shifting focus, and finally distancing himself cleanly, acting like a victim. He never replied to whose surname your mother is, and now everyone is distracted by your first love and current boyfriend, barely caring about who your mother really is.”
She felt headaches and eye strain, applying some eyedrops.
No wonder Shen Tang wasn’t in a rush to respond to Chairman Xiao’s statement today, choosing instead to deal with Fan Yu first. She had already guessed that Chairman Xiao left himself a backup plan.
Li Jie confirmed again, “Can the evidence you have truly crush Chairman Xiao? Don’t end up failing to hit him and injuring yourself instead.”
“Am I that unreliable?” Shen Tang tidied the table, planning to go home.
She grabbed her car keys, intending to drive herself today.
Li Jie worried about her current state, “It’s dark outside, and the rain is heavy. Let the driver take you.”
Shen Tang: “No need.”
Too tired, unwilling to utter another word, she grabbed her bag and went downstairs.
The last time Beijing saw such heavy rain was half a year ago when she watched a movie with Wen Di and encountered Jiang Chengyu at the cinema.
Unconsciously, her car stopped by the roadside beneath Jingxu Tower.
The building was so tall, she had to tilt her head to look up.
Shen Tang didn’t know why she drove here, much like Jiang Chengyu’s call in the evening—he didn’t know why he called either.
Her phone was turned off, and the windshield wipers retracted. The world quieted, with only her and the sound of rain outside the window.
Two cars emerged from the underground parking lot of the tower, slicing through the curtain of rain into segments, mist rising in the light.
The cars passed one by one in front of her, driving onto the road.
She recognized the license plate of the second car—it was Jiang Chengyu’s ride.
Today was a birthday party for a friend in their circle. The birthday person didn’t dare invite Jiang Chengyu, fearing his bad mood, so Yan Heyu helped politely ask if he wanted to come.
Jiang Chengyu arrived last. Tonight, Lu Zhifei and Tian Qinglu were also present.
He came late; the birthday candles had already been blown out, and everyone was playing cards, drinking, and fooling around.
“Brother Jiang, you must have a piece of cake; it’s specially reserved for you.” The birthday person brought over the cake.
“Thank you.” Jiang Chengyu asked the waiter for red wine and toasted the birthday person.
Holding the cake, he went to find Yan Heyu. Fu Chenglin was still in London, coordinating various matters related to the collaboration project with Xiao Ning Group.
Talking to Yan Heyu was Jiang Chengyu’s reluctant choice due to lack of better options. Yan Heyu understood this perfectly well.
“Weren’t you saying you weren’t coming?” Yan Heyu couldn’t read Jiang Chengyu. At least over the phone, Jiang Chengyu had refused him, saying he had a meeting and couldn’t get away.
Jiang Chengyu set down his glass and started eating the cake, ignoring Yan Heyu’s words.
Yan Heyu smoked beside him, trying to console him. “First love means nothing, it’s not unforgettable for life. Look at me, I only remember...”
He didn’t want to mention Wen Di’s name at all.
“My advice is, for now, don’t easily make a move against Chairman Xiao. First, see what Shen Tang intends to do.”
He blew out smoke. “Shen Tang has kept her education secret for five years, afraid the media would dig up her past relationships. She wants to protect Ning Yinchi, not disturb him. She was ruthless to Chen Nanjin and Fan Yu but left some leeway for Xiao Ning Group, probably because she didn’t want to implicate Xiao Ning’s interests due to her.”
Ultimately, it was all for Ning Yinchi.
“If you really want to do good for Shen Tang, don’t easily step on her landmines.”
Jiang Chengyu pushed aside the cake plate, his appetite filled by Yan Heyu’s few words.
He had the waiter add half a glass of wine to dilute the cake’s sweetness.
A message came in on Yan Heyu’s phone. After reading it, he told Jiang Chengyu, “Xie Yuncheng’s video was released by General Ge, claiming to be a fan of Shen Tang and having a close relationship with M.K.’s Beijing representative. He couldn’t stand seeing Shen Tang misunderstood by so many netizens, so he released the video.”
He sent a screenshot of the message to Jiang Chengyu. “Was General Ge at the dinner that night?”
“Mm.” Jiang Chengyu saved the screenshot. If not for General Ge making things difficult for Shen Tang that night, there wouldn’t have been Xie Yuncheng pretending to be her boyfriend to bail her out.
“When you have time, help me keep an eye on what projects General Ge recently obtained and whose connections they are.”
Yan Heyu raised his eyebrows, understanding vaguely but refraining from asking more. “Alright.”
“Have you seen Shen Tang?” He put away his phone and asked.
“No.”
There was still a glass of red wine on the table, Yan Heyu’s, which he hadn’t drunk. Jiang Chengyu took it.
At this critical juncture, who knows how many paparazzi were lurking. If the media caught him going to Shen Tang, all the blame would fall on her.
Her return to China a few days ago was on Xie Yuncheng’s private jet, and the car she used was registered under Xie Yuncheng.
Yan Heyu glanced sideways, “I heard you’re buying shares in A Sports Brand?”
Jiang Chengyu drank his wine, not denying it.
“No wonder A brand supported Shen Tang at this time.” So it was conditional.
They chatted while drinking. Lu Zhifei sat far away watching them, not approaching Jiang Chengyu. She was preoccupied and had no time for idle chatter.
“You’ve always looked down on me. Why now, while despising me, are you still gravitating towards me?” Tian Qinglu brought some snacks over and sat beside her. “Eat something; it tastes pretty good.”
Lu Zhifei smiled. “How am I gravitating towards you?”
“There’s never a perfect plan.” Tian Qinglu tore open a bag of sunflower seeds. Only the sound of cracking seeds could bring back childhood memories, calming the heart somewhat.
“Don’t worry; I won’t look down on you for resorting to any means to secure marriage with Jiang Chengyu.” Because she could fully empathize.
“Rather than marrying someone you dislike and risking infidelity later, it’s better to choose Jiang Chengyu. Even without feelings, he’s handsome enough. Once married, he surely won’t stray. These two points alone surpass all other arranged marriage candidates around you.”
The behavior of men in this circle was already an open secret.
She bit open a seed shell; the kernel inside was bad, bitter.
Washing it down with red wine, she swallowed it.
Tian Qinglu threw away the seed shell. “Even if it’s bitter, swallow it. No one else needs to know.”
Lu Zhifei glanced at her. “Don’t think everyone is like you.”
Tian Qinglu laughed. “Let’s hope so. Hopefully, you’re luckier than me. Maybe this time Shen Tang completely falls, and Jiang Chengyu gives up on her.”
She clinked glasses with Lu Zhifei. “I heard Jiang Chengyu no longer insists on remaining unmarried. If I were you, I’d be tempted and swayed. Good luck.”
She left the remaining snacks, taking only the bag of sunflower seeds.
Lu Zhifei forcefully placed her glass on the table, not expecting her inner thoughts to be so thoroughly probed by Tian Qinglu.
________________________________________
The next day, the entire internet waited for Shen Tang’s revelations.
Until midnight, not even a rind appeared.
For the next two days, everything remained calm.
Everyone assumed Shen Tang was at a loss against the Xiao family, unable to devise a countermeasure.
“Tang Tang, think carefully before posting. Once sent, it’s hard to retract.” Li Jie’s heart thumped anxiously, fearing further mishaps. They had no way back.
Shen Tang checked her manuscript for typos.
“No need to think. I decided to do this five years ago.”
Without errors, Shen Tang clicked send.
Subsequently, she pinned the post.
This time, she wasn’t cutting a melon but directly providing fresh-squeezed watermelon juice for the spectators, ensuring they wouldn’t choke while eating.
[These past few days, the issue of my birth mother has caused a stir, and many senior colleagues who have worked with my father have been misunderstood. I sincerely apologize for causing you trouble. To avoid further unnecessary harm, I hereby clarify.]
The text part of the post wasn’t crucial; the key was the accompanying pictures.
The first photo, taken twenty-four years ago, was a family portrait when Shen Tang was one year old. In the picture, Xiao Zhen held one-year-old Shen Tang, while Chen Nanjin sat beside them, lighting candles.
The second was a photo of Xiao Zhen and Chen Nanjin’s divorce certificate.
After sending it out, Shen Tang reminded Li Jie, “Have those photos you gave to the marketing accounts been sent?”
Li Jie: “Sent. Just waiting for your post.”
Those unsuitable photos, unfit for her Weibo, showed Chen Nanjin and Xiao Zhen, before finalizing their divorce, already appearing together on set with Fan Yu.
“Shen Tang, this is defaming me!” Fan Yu trembled upon seeing these leaks. These two days, exhausted by Shen Tang, she had no strength left to argue.
“You post a clarification, stating you and Xiao Zhen had already broken up, just hadn’t retrieved the divorce certificate yet! You must post now!”
She shoved the tablet into Chen Nanjin’s hands, glaring at him with bloodshot eyes.
“No need to cover up.” Chen Nanjin pushed away the tablet, continuing to read the script in his hands.
“What do you mean covering up?” Fan Yu tightly gripped his arm. “If you say nothing, I’ll bear the stigma of being the mistress for life. What will others think of Yino!”
Chen Nanjin calmly looked at her. “Do explanations make people believe?”
Fan Yu stared at this unfamiliar man, whom she seemed to never understand. “Better than saying nothing! Public relations have an optimal timing. If you don’t speak now, it proves guilt. Do you find explanations meaningless, or don’t you want to embarrass your daughter Shen Tang?”
She snatched the tablet. “If you don’t speak, I’ll post myself.”
Wrong password.
Twice wrong.
She abruptly looked up. “Did you change the password?”
Chen Nanjin ignored her, using a pen to modify an inappropriate line of dialogue.
Chen Yino stood on the stairs, holding a coffee cup.
She gazed fixedly at her parents. The flood of recent news overwhelmed her, nearly drowning her.
Their passports hadn’t been reissued yet; they were still in the seaside house.
The picturesque scenery, once beautiful, now appeared gray and gloomy.
“Dad.”
Chen Nanjin turned his head. “Awake?”
Chen Yino hooked her finger around the empty cup, dragging her slippers as she walked over.
She placed the cup down, sitting cross-legged with one leg bent, resting her forehead on Chen Nanjin’s shoulder. “Dad, I’m tired.”
Seeing his daughter like this, Chen Nanjin softened. He patted her head. “Rest for a while. There’s no storm that won’t pass.”
He warned Fan Yu, “It’s already like this. Stop letting your team manipulate the narrative to blacken Tang Tang, or you’ll reap what you sow.”
Fan Yu denied vehemently, “When did I ever malign her? Your heart has gone astray!”
She tapped into the trending topics, appearing at the top for the first time in this manner.
Upon returning to China, countless breach of contract penalties awaited.
In this battle with Shen Tang, she lost both her dignity and her daughter’s previously smooth career path.
Her phone vibrated; the secretary messaged her: [The trending topic can’t be removed.]
________________________________________
“Tang Tang, you have a new message.” Li Jie reminded her.
Shen Tang was still writing her manuscript, only now checking her phone.
Zhao Chiyi: [How long will the trending topic stay up?]
Shen Tang: [48 hours.]
She saved her manuscript and dialed a number stored for ten years.
Finally, this decade-long stored number proved useful.
Only this decade was too long. Grandpa and Grandma were gone, and besides money, she had nothing.
“Chairman Xiao, long time no see. Heard it’s drizzling in London today. Is your mood as gloomy as the weather outside?”
“Where did you get those photos and the divorce certificate?” Chairman Xiao pressed his hand against his forehead, nearly exploding.
“Does it matter?” Shen Tang took her wine glass and rose, taking a block of milk ice from the fridge and placing it in the glass.
The milk ice was initially made by her request for Grandpa to freeze for Xie Yuncheng’s use, unused portions shipped over a few days ago by Shen Ge.
This was the only thing Grandpa left her.
“Chairman Xiao, when do you plan to officially acknowledge me on your official Weibo?”
She sipped her wine; the ice hadn’t melted yet.
Chairman Xiao sneered, “Girl, don’t think publishing a photo and divorce certificate proves anything. Are you threatening me with this conversation?”
“Tsk tsk. Planning a reversal?” Shen Tang watched the wine slowly turn murky. “Save your time and energy. If I dared to post, I’ve prepared thoroughly. Even if you reverse ten times, you’ll eventually admit I’m your daughter, Xiao Zhen and Chen Nanjin’s child. Why go through all this trouble?”
Chairman Xiao: “What conditions do you want?”
“Do you think I lack anything?” Shen Tang drank a sip of iced wine. “I have no time to waste with you. Post the acknowledgment in half an hour, or you’ll regret it. By the way, during these ten years, your daughter visited me twice. Last time, she went to Hengdian to visit me on set. Surprised? She admitted it herself. How can you deny it?”
A rustling noise came from the other end of the phone.
It was the sound of crumpled paper.
“I’ll finish this matter and fulfill my six-month contract with Evergreen Entertainment. After half a year, when I retire from the industry, I’ll have a proper chat with you.”
She emphasized the last two words.
Silence on the phone.
Later, a sentence interjected, “Chairman Xiao, please review.”
After reviewing the investigation results brought by the secretary, Chairman Xiao’s face turned pale. He crumpled it into a ball and threw it into the trash. It turned out those photos were indeed secretly obtained by He Chu Yao from his parents and given to Shen Tang. As for how Shen Tang persuaded He Chu Yao, it remained unknown.
And Xiao Zhen—her mind must have been muddled to visit Shen Tang.
“For five years, I made Chen Nanjin and Fan Yu pay the price, ruining my acting career. Everyone thinks it’s not worth it, but I do.”
Shen Tang finished her milk-infused red wine. She never intended to single-handedly affect Xiao Ning Group, nor did she want to. But making him feel uneasy for the rest of his life was sufficient.
“When you regret it, in half a year, I’ll wait for you in Manhattan. Then I’ll treat you to a cup of coffee and discuss your feelings at this very moment.”
“Shen Tang, don’t get carried away; don’t forget your roots.”
“Calm down, post quickly. Otherwise, the consequences will be something Xiao Zhen doesn’t want to see.” Shen Tang hung up.
Chairman Xiao wished he could crush the phone. Xiao Zhen entered the room.
“How dare you come back!”
“What’s stopping me?”
Xiao Zhen crossed her arms, looking at the misty cityscape. “You should quickly respond to Tang Tang. If you don’t respond, I will.”
Chairman Xiao erupted in anger, “You’re insane! Didn’t I tell you not to visit her privately, not to see her? She’s not an easy person to deal with! See? She even implicated you! Why did you visit her!”
“Because I missed her!” Xiao Zhen shouted. “All these years, I missed her! She’s not yours; you obviously don’t care! My feelings for her are the same as yours for me! Do you understand! That excruciating feeling you don’t comprehend!”
Tears and fury roared at Chairman Xiao.
“Take a stance now. I don’t want to drag Chu Yue Li into ridicule.” Although destined to be ridiculed, they needed to salvage the last shred of dignity.
Xiao Yue and Xiao Kuo were innocent.
“Dad, if you insist on this path, once I leave this door, I’ll never have you as a father!”
Chairman Xiao narrowed his eyes, reluctantly letting the secretary handle it as Xiao Zhen said, preserving Chu Yue Li’s face in public. However, Chu Yue Li and Xiao Zhen’s marriage likely reached its end.
[Shen Tang is my granddaughter, born to my daughter Xiao Zhen and Chen Nanjin. Back then, they were young and impulsive; their marriage didn’t last long. Both were still children, lacking parental responsibility. Shen Tang was raised by me and Mr. Shen. Due to my busy group affairs, Mr. Shen bore the brunt. After finishing junior high, I brought her to live and study in London.
Xiao Zhen and Nanjin indeed neglected their child. As elders, we couldn’t watch. Now older, we can’t manage our children anymore, allowing Tang Tang to vent these years of grievances.
Sorry for the chaos these past few days...]
A lengthy formal statement, which Shen Tang didn’t bother reading.
Finally, Chairman Xiao’s signature.
This statement was handwritten by Chairman Xiao and posted via Xiao Ning Group’s official Weibo.
“Shameless, still putting gold on his own face at this moment.” Li Jie sneered.
Shen Tang didn’t care. “As long as the purpose is achieved. Xiao Zhen and Chairman Xiao’s painstaking concealment over the years—their greatest concerns—I’ve made them lose completely.”
Regarding Chairman Xiao adding this part, it suited her intentions perfectly. “Only by him saying this can I, after retiring, freely spend under his name, making him regret.”
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