Chapter 11

His eyes bulged with fury, completely unprepared for He Ming’s audacity to blackmail him after fleeing.

Didn’t he fear that Li Wangjin might go all out and sue him directly?

For a moment, Li Wangjin was seized by the impulse to report the case, but he quickly suppressed it. He realized with bitter resignation that he truly didn’t dare. If he did, the matter would inevitably escalate, utterly ruining his reputation. For someone of his social standing, nothing was more important than saving face.

Moreover, the sum He Ming demanded wasn’t enough to push him into desperate measures, though it meant surrendering half the assets he’d siphoned off over the past decade. He Ming, having collaborated with him for over ten years, knew him all too well.

Li Wangjin had assumed that holding He Ming’s son hostage and stationing extra men around him would guarantee safety. He’d always looked down on He Ming, never imagining this insignificant figure he’d dismissed would deal him such a vicious blow.

Gasping heavily, the bulging veins on his hands writhed like venomous snakes.

Sooner or later, he’d settle this score. He refused to believe He Ming could hide forever.

Dark clouds gathered in his eyes.

The driver, catching a glimpse of his expression in the rearview mirror, startled and slowed the car.

By the time Li Wangjin stepped out, he’d composed himself. He didn’t want to lose his poise in front of Wen Sixian. Before entering the restaurant, he bought a new phone to replace the broken one and compensated the driver with a new device as well.

Despite his efforts to conceal it, Wen Sixian seemed to sense something amiss, her tone growing increasingly gentle and soothing, like a warm breeze dispersing the gloom clinging to his heart.

Li Wangjin couldn’t help but feel grateful he’d brought Wen Sixian back. Had he faced his wife Fang Junrong in this state, he might have given himself away.

Over the meal, the atmosphere between them grew more intimate. Wen Sixian spoke softly about her life since returning to the country, while Li Wangjin mentioned Jiang Yage, suggesting they arrange a family reunion in a few days.

As they chatted, their heads unconsciously drew closer—though Li Wangjin remained oblivious to this. He only found Wen Sixian remarkably empathetic, her words always striking the right chord.

“Director Li.”

A familiar male voice interrupted. Li Wangjin turned to see a sharply dressed middle-aged man—Director Su, with whom he had occasional business dealings.

Instinctively, he put some distance between himself and Wen Sixian, nodding in greeting. “Director Su.”

Su approached, his gaze lingering on Wen Sixian with a meaningful smile. “So this is Director Li’s type, eh?”

Wen Sixian lowered her head, unsure how to respond.

Li Wangjin hurried to explain, “No, she’s just a good friend.”

Su winked knowingly. “I get it. I’ve got several such ‘good friends’ myself.” After discussing some business matters, Su prepared to leave. Before going, he glanced at Wen Sixian again and said, “Director Li, men of our stature naturally have a few romantic companions outside. But we must never lose sight of what truly matters—the wife at home.”

“Besides, Director Fang has been more than generous to you. Think about it—how many people would silently let you squander billions on personal hobbies without a word? You can’t turn your back on her with a clear conscience.”

“And let’s be honest, most women out there are just after your money. They’re only good for a bit of fun.” As he said this, he shot a glance at Wen Sixian, whose eyes reddened at his pointed remark.

Director Su had noticed the interaction between Li Wangjin and this woman, sensing that Li was genuinely taken with her, which prompted his warning. As for the woman’s feelings, he couldn’t care less.

Li Wangjin’s face turned ashen—how did everyone know about the vast sums he’d spent on antiques and paintings?

Reading his expression, Director Su assumed he disliked being called out and dropped the subject. But inwardly, he sneered: *His wife always praises him at home, saying he never strays and remains devoted. Turns out Li Wangjin was just better at hiding it.* At least he himself, even if he had affairs, never considered elevating those women—unlike Li Wangjin, who couldn’t even grasp this basic principle.

Distracted by Director Su’s words, Li Wangjin’s mood plummeted again. After hastily dropping Wen Sixian off at her place, he left without another word. Normally, he would have comforted her when she was upset, but right now, he was in no state to do so.

Fang Junrong, on the other hand, was in high spirits as she checked the over three billion added to her account. The thought of Li Wangjin’s desperate attempts to hide assets—only for most of the money to land in her hands—doubled her satisfaction, knowing his misery was the source.

She had guessed right: under pressure, Li Wangjin had finally transferred two billion to He Ming as hush money. But he also warned that if He Ming grew greedy, he would risk public scandal and even sue to send him to prison.

In the end, that money still found its way to Fang Junrong. She gave He Ming a hundred million as payment. From start to finish, she had never appeared personally—everything was handled by her friend Xu Weiwei’s people. So He Ming never knew she was behind it. After taking the money, he vanished abroad under a new identity.

She had no intention of going after He Ming. He had always been just a pawn. Besides, he wasn’t the type to lay low. If he didn’t keep a low profile after this windfall, who knew what trouble he’d stir up?

Thanks to Wen Sixian’s return to the country, Fang Junrong had gathered even more evidence. It was almost laughable—Li Wangjin seemed to have forgotten that all the properties he’d bought were under *her* name. Yet he had taken Wen Sixian straight to one of them. Was he really that confident in her trust?

As the legal owner, Fang Junrong naturally had the keys. While Wen Sixian was out, she had surveillance installed—covering every corner of the rooms and living areas.

Tucking her phone away, she prepared to head out for afternoon tea.

Her daughter, Li Xinyun, arrived home just then and beamed at the sight of her. “Mom! Are you going out?”

Fang Junrong nodded. “Yes, I have a dinner appointment with Sun Mei from Hengyuan Group.”

Li Xinyun had been kept close by Fang Junrong’s side, so she was quite familiar with the families in their social circle. Her delicate eyebrows furrowed slightly, “That Aunt Sun… isn’t your relationship with her rather strained?”

Fang Junrong nodded, “Although we don’t get along well, she’s invited me, and I can’t very well refuse to give her this face.” Even though she disliked Sun Mei, the woman was a rather important piece in her plans.

Li Xinyun thought this made sense and sighed, “Master, you really have it tough.” She changed the subject cheerfully, “Mom, do you still have any of those Beauty Pills? The effects are amazing—my skin has improved so much after taking them.”

Fang Junrong had recently received the test results—the Beauty Pills had no harmful effects on her body, so she had given some to her daughter to try. She examined Li Xinyun carefully. Her daughter’s skin had already been quite good before, but now it was visibly even better—smooth as jade, without a single visible pore, glowing as if illuminated by sunlight.

She smiled, “I’ve already left a batch on your desk. Remember to take one every day.”

“Got it!” Li Xinyun’s heart soared at the thought of the pills, and she eagerly hurried upstairs.

Fang Junrong chuckled softly, then turned her attention to heading out to meet Sun Mei.

They had arranged to meet at a Western restaurant. Sun Mei, who had reportedly spent her childhood abroad, preferred Western cuisine over Chinese. Fang Junrong had never gotten along well with her. Sun Mei had married Director Su in a family alliance, but it was clear she genuinely loved her husband, while he showed no affection in return, openly indulging in affairs with starlets. Just last week, Fang Junrong had seen tabloid reports of Director Su splurging on a lavish birthday celebration for a popular actress. In stark contrast, Li Wangjin had an impeccable reputation in their circle—a man completely immune to scandal. Given this glaring disparity, Sun Mei naturally harbored endless resentment toward Fang Junrong.

When Fang Junrong arrived at the restaurant, Sun Mei was already there, dressed in a deep red dress and adorned with glittering jewels. Though her attire screamed wealth, it also made her look somewhat dated. She was around the same age as Fang Junrong, but the crow’s feet at the corners of her eyes were unmistakable despite the thick layers of foundation.

Fang Junrong took her seat opposite Sun Mei with a graceful smile. “Sorry I’m a bit late—my daughter delayed me right before I left.”

Sun Mei’s gaze involuntarily landed on Fang Junrong’s face, and her expression darkened. How did Fang Junrong look even younger? Time had been so kind to her, leaving no trace on her face, while no amount of beauty treatments could halt the march of time for Sun Mei.

Bitter envy gnawed at her, but she forced herself to ask nonchalantly, “What foundation are you using? Your makeup looks so flawless.”

Fang Junrong’s smile widened. “It’s too hot, so I couldn’t be bothered with makeup. Besides, we’re old friends—no need for formalities.” She lightly touched her cheek. “What can I say? Natural beauty is just like this.”

Sun Mei: “…”

She was furious! But she had to keep smiling.

Thinking of the reason she had asked Fang Junrong out, she barely managed to suppress the jealousy churning in her heart. Narrowing her eyes slightly, her smile was blatantly gloating. “No matter how well we maintain ourselves, we’re still getting older and have to accept that. Men, after all, prefer younger women. We should understand that.”

Fang Junrong frowned slightly. “Are you talking about your own husband? I’m not worried about my Wangjin. He’s not that kind of man.”

Sun Mei said, “I’ve long gotten used to my husband. I’m talking about yours, Li Wangjin. It’s only because of our friendship that I’m kindly warning you. Let me tell you—Li Wangjin is seeing someone else outside.”

“Look, I even took photos!”

She opened her phone and flipped through the photos one by one for Fang Junrong to see, not missing a single flicker of expression on her face—these photos were actually taken by her husband and given to her. What infuriated her was that Fang Junrong didn’t show the anger or jealousy she had hoped for, denying her the chance to gloat.

“You don’t believe me? You trust him too much, even letting him spend billions casually. Who knows if he’s using that money to support another woman?”

Fang Junrong shook her head. “I trust Wangjin. He would never betray me. Everyone has friends of the opposite sex—there’s no need for you to stir up trouble here.”

She looked at Sun Mei and declared righteously, “I know your own marriage is unhappy, so you want others to be miserable like you. But I won’t fall for it.”

Sun Mei was so angry she nearly choked, glaring at her viciously. “Ungrateful! Just wait until I find more evidence—we’ll see how you react then!”

With that, she grabbed her bag and stormed off.

Fang Junrong watched her retreating figure, the corners of her lips curling slightly—Sun Mei was truly a helpful soul! Once she gathered more evidence, she’d be sure to send a copy to Sun Mei.

After all, she needed someone with a big mouth like Sun Mei to help spread the word about Li Wangjin’s glorious deeds. In this lifetime, Li Wangjin wouldn’t get to play the role of the spotless, virtuous man like he did in the last.