Chapter 46

Let’s rewind to the scene at Zhao Jiusi’s birthday banquet.

When Zheng Yixu pulled Zhao Jiusi away, Lin Ninghua, who had been smiling and preparing to greet them, froze in place.

Then he had to endure a round of sarcastic ridicule from Zhao Louqin. It took every ounce of restraint for Lin Ninghua not to punch him right there. Instead, he turned around and started chatting with others.

Soon after Zhao Louqin and Lin Ninghua finished their “pleasant” conversation, a crowd swarmed toward them, eager to get any information they could about the potential collaboration between their two companies.

Irritated, Lin Ninghua brushed them off, claiming he wasn’t feeling well and didn’t have the energy to entertain guests. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Zheng Yixu quietly leading Zhao Jiusi away—and on impulse, decided to follow them…

What he overheard nearly made him lose control.

“I’m going to divorce your father!”

It was Yixu’s voice—and from the tone, it couldn’t have been more resolute.

In that moment, it felt like the whole world went silent. The sentence echoed in Lin Ninghua’s mind on a loop. A wish he’d harbored for more than a decade was suddenly coming true—so suddenly that he almost thought he was hallucinating.

Zheng Yixu divorcing Zhao Louqin… was it because of him?

Judging by the look of things, Zhao Louqin didn’t know yet.

Ha! All that smugness earlier was for nothing. Zhao Louqin probably had no idea that Yixu had long grown tired of him. Honestly, what could ever come of a relationship that started by stealing someone else’s lover? Only he—Lin Ninghua—was truly right for Yixu!

As for the emotional tug-of-war between Zheng Yixu and Zhao Jiusi that followed, Lin Ninghua didn’t pay much attention. The news that Yixu wanted a divorce was already enough to make him grin from ear to ear.

“Your father and Lin Ninghua are involved. I don’t want to be the collateral damage caught between them. Jiusi, your father cheated on me. That’s the truth.”

Zheng Yixu’s sorrowful voice rang out.

That one sentence shattered Lin Ninghua’s euphoria like a slap to the face.

He and Zhao Louqin were having an affair? What the hell?! Since when?! If anyone should be losing their temper and chasing the other with a knife, it should be him after everything Zhao Louqin had done—not the other way around! How could he possibly be the one accused of cheating?

Okay… if Zheng Yixu had cheated with him, then yes, that would be another story entirely—and frankly, Lin Ninghua would be thrilled.

But this?

Lin Ninghua’s expression twisted several times, growing darker with each passing second—his face practically black as the bottom of a burnt pot. Who wouldn’t be furious to be misunderstood by the person they loved, and accused of sleeping with their rival?

He almost stormed out right then to clear his name.

As for that “evidence” Yixu claimed to have? Lin Ninghua had to see what nonsense was being used to frame him.

What kind of evidence could possibly link him with Zhao Louqin of all people?

But Lin Ninghua was no amateur—he’d weathered many storms in his life.

And very quickly, he realized this was actually an opportunity.

From what he’d overheard between Yixu and Jiusi, it was clear Zheng Yixu was dead serious about the divorce. All it needed now was one final push—just one more spark.

If Yixu really went through with the divorce, Lin Ninghua didn’t care how wrongly accused he was. A little personal sacrifice was a small price to pay.

He thought it through carefully: if Yixu divorced Zhao Louqin, there was no way that man would just let it slide. He’d dig and dig until he found the truth behind it all. When that time came, Zheng Yixu’s “reason” would fall apart.

So now, it was up to him to make that lie stick.

Seeing that Yixu and Jiusi had stopped talking and weren’t continuing the conversation, Lin Ninghua quietly slipped out of the banquet. Once home, he ordered his son to fetch anything—everything—related to Zhao Louqin. If there wasn’t enough evidence, he’d just make some.

And sure enough, just after he’d finished showering, his phone rang. It was Zhao Louqin.

What’s this about tabloids planning to run rumors about the two of them? Perfect! If that’s true, Lin Ninghua was ready to pay the reporters extra—let them write whatever they wanted. The messier, the better.

Did Zhao Louqin think he was stupid? If Lin Ninghua hadn’t accidentally overheard that conversation between Yixu and Jiusi, he might’ve really stood up for Zhao Louqin right now.

But fate clearly favored him tonight.

Lin Ninghua took a moment to prepare, summoning years of bottled-up resentment—and then unleashed it all, his voice trembling with what sounded like genuine emotion:

“Zhao Louqin, you bastard! Are you seriously trying to erase me from your life completely?!”

That one sentence snapped Lin Ninghua out of his sweet fantasy like a slap across the face.

He and Zhao Louqin were having an affair? The hell?! Since when?! If not chopping Zhao Louqin into pieces counted as self-restraint, how could anyone think he was sleeping with him?

Cheating? That had nothing to do with him—seriously! Now, if it were Yixu cheating with him, well… that he wouldn’t mind at all.

Lin Ninghua’s face shifted colors like a storm brewing, turning darker and darker until it looked black as the bottom of a scorched pot. Being misunderstood by the one you love—as having an affair with your love rival, no less—who wouldn’t be pissed?

He nearly marched out right then and there to clear his name.

As for the “evidence” Yixu mentioned? He had to see what kind of crap was being used to frame him.

What kind of so-called proof could possibly tie him to Zhao Louqin?

But Lin Ninghua wasn’t new to drama—he’d been through far worse.

And in no time, he realized something critical: this was the perfect opportunity.

Just from the way Yixu and Zhao Jiusi were talking, it was obvious Yixu was dead serious about divorcing Zhao Louqin. All it needed now was one last push.

And if a little humiliation could help Yixu finally leave Zhao Louqin—then so be it.

Lin Ninghua knew very well: once the divorce happened, Zhao Louqin—true to his personality—would stop at nothing to dig out the truth. At that point, Yixu’s so-called “reasons” would likely fall apart.

So now, the outcome rested on him.

Seeing that Yixu and Jiusi weren’t continuing the conversation, Lin Ninghua quietly slipped out of the banquet. Once home, he ordered his son to bring out anything remotely related to Zhao Louqin. If there was no actual evidence—then he’d make some up.

And sure enough, right after his shower, Zhao Louqin called.

What’s this about the media writing up rumors about him and Zhao Louqin? If that were true, Lin Ninghua would gladly pay the journalists to write more—the messier the better.

Did Zhao Louqin think he was an idiot?

If he hadn’t overheard that accidental conversation between Yixu and Jiusi, he might really have gone and vouched for Zhao Louqin. What a pity—truly. Even fate seemed to be on his side.

Lin Ninghua took a deep breath to summon the right emotions, then let loose years of pent-up resentment. His voice came out trembling, sounding heartbreakingly genuine:

“Zhao Louqin, you bastard! Are you really planning to erase me from your life completely?!”

On the other end, Zhao Louqin was so stunned he forgot to breathe for a moment. Lin Ninghua even thought he heard a laugh—Yixu’s laugh, unmistakably.

Smiling to himself, Lin Ninghua took a deep breath and shouted again, “Zhao Louqin! Zheng Yixu has lost his memory, and you’re still pretending like nothing happened? If you really care about your reputation, then stop messing around with me! If you don’t divorce Zheng Yixu—heh—just wait and see!”

With a dramatic click, he hung up before he could burst out laughing.

Then, he completely lost it.

“Hahahaha! Zhao Louqin, oh Zhao Louqin—looks like you’re finally getting a taste of your own medicine! Hahahaha!” Lin Ninghua was absolutely delighted. He could practically picture the scene on the other end of the line.

Yixu wanted a divorce. Of course he had to help however he could.

———————————Perspective Shift———————————

“Awoo—Yixu, please believe me! Lin Ninghua is setting me up, I swear!” Zhao Louqin was in full panic mode now. He dove into Zheng Yixu’s arms with such force that Yixu staggered back several steps, nearly winded as Zhao Louqin clung to him with a death grip.

“You were stringing him along—you deserve it,” Zheng Yixu said coldly, with zero sympathy for the man in front of him. Already married, yet still wrapped up in some messy entanglement with an old flame? Wanting your spouse to be loyal while you sneak around behind their back?

Sure, Lin Ninghua was technically the third party, but at least he had loved Zhao Louqin for years. And Zhao Louqin? He turned on him like flipping a switch. No wonder Lin Ninghua refused to stay quiet.

“Let go of me!” Yixu snapped. How had he ever fallen for someone like this? Thank goodness he’d come to his senses early—before it was too late. Otherwise, he’d have ended up throwing away his morals, stealing someone else’s husband, and ending up with nothing. He’d be so furious he’d probably die on the spot.

“No! I’m not letting go. Never!” Zhao Louqin clung tighter. “Darling, you have to believe me. I… I… I’m innocent!” He felt like he was about to cry for real. He needed someone—anyone—to step in and prove his innocence, but even jumping into the Pacific wouldn’t wash this clean now.

At this point, even if he told everyone about the real past between Lin Ninghua and Yixu, no one would believe him.

Truly… No Zuo No Die.

Yeah… he might be done with love for good.

Zhao Louqin’s tears were streaming like a broken faucet—no surprise, really. He was a movie king, after all. Crying his heart out on cue? Child’s play.

“Father,” Zhao Jiusi couldn’t take it anymore and lightly tugged his shoulder, “Dad and I are moving out today. You need to take some time to reflect.”

“Father, you can only choose one! Riding the fence never ends well.”

Zhao Jiusi was clearly trying to give his father a way out—an exit with dignity.

If only he’d just cut things off completely with Lin Ninghua, maybe there was still a sliver of hope.

Right now, Dad was obviously furious. If this dragged on, it would only make things worse.

Unfortunately, Zhao Louqin, standing there like a tragic figure in a midsummer snowstorm, was completely missing the heartfelt good intentions behind his son’s words. Instead, he just continued wailing to Zheng Yixu.

Dignity? Pride?

To hell with all that! His whole family was falling apart—what was he supposed to do, smile through it?

Even his precious son didn’t believe him anymore—accusing him of playing both sides. Was there anyone in the world more pitiful than him right now?

He’d messed up. Really messed up.

If only he hadn’t been so jealous of Lin Ninghua, he wouldn’t have refused to help Yixu recover his memories. If he hadn’t done that, Yixu wouldn’t have misunderstood his relationship with Lin Ninghua. Then maybe—just maybe—they wouldn’t be getting divorced now, and he wouldn’t be reduced to this miserable state.

Could someone please hit reset on his life?

He swore—he’d never even look at Lin Ninghua again, never show off again, never take Yixu for granted again. Just give him one more chance!

Zheng Yixu rolled his eyes. “Cling to me one more time—I dare you. I’ll drag you to the courthouse right now.”

Zhao Louqin: TAT

In the end, with great reluctance, he let go.

“Come on, Jiusi,” Zheng Yixu said, ignoring the tiny ache in his heart and forcing himself not to look at Zhao Louqin’s pitifully handsome face.

No matter how good that face looked, it couldn’t change the fact that the man was a scumbag.

Besides—Jiusi’s face wasn’t exactly hard to look at either. ╭(╯^╰)╮

With that, Zheng Yixu took Zhao Jiusi’s hand and walked straight toward the door without looking back.

It was Zhao Jiusi who kept looking back with every step, silently mouthing words to his father. No matter what happened, he was determined to do his part.

After Zheng Yixu led Zhao Jiusi out of the villa, they saw a car parked by the roadside. A fashionable woman was leaning against the door, head down, absorbed in her phone.

“Sun Ai?” Zheng Yixu called out in confusion.

The woman looked up—it was Sun Ai. “I figured it’d be hard for you two to get a ride this late, so I came early to wait. Hop in.”

“Thanks. Really,” Zheng Yixu said with genuine appreciation. Without her, it would have been difficult to get away with Jiusi.

“Yixu… it’s so late, maybe stay till tomorrow…” Zhao Louqin had quickly run outside, not even sparing Sun Ai a glance.

“Go to hell,” Zheng Yixu snapped, slamming the car door shut. “Miss Sun, let’s go.”

Sun Ai met Zhao Louqin’s wary, unfamiliar gaze—and her heart twisted painfully.

Back then, no matter how much she tried to please him, Zhao Louqin never even looked her way. All his attention had been on Zheng Yixu. And now? Even with Yixu leaving him, Zhao Louqin still wouldn’t give up. And yet… when he looked at her now, it was like she was a total stranger.

As if all her years of longing had been one big joke.

Sun Ai forced a bitter smile at him, then got behind the wheel. Whatever guilt she had, she buried it deep and crushed it clean. She stepped on the gas, and the car roared off into the distance.

Zheng Yixu turned away sharply, refusing to look at Zhao Louqin’s anguished face in the rearview mirror. Look at him, trying to play the victim now. If he hadn’t messed up in the first place, none of this would’ve happened!

And so Zhao Louqin stood alone, watching the car disappear into the night, a cold emptiness settling in his chest.

He’d experienced all the highs and lows of life in a single day.

Was there even hope left?

After years of mocking Lin Ninghua, the tables had turned—Lin Ninghua had flipped the script in one move.

Zhao Louqin let out a bitter laugh and turned to go back inside—only to hear the chime of a message notification.

Startled, he quickly checked his phone.

It was from his son, Zhao Jiusi.

Zhao Jiusi: Father, don’t worry. I’ll keep an eye on Dad. Just help me ask the teacher for a few more days off, okay? Even if you two really get divorced, you can still chase after Dad again. Just… please, don’t screw it up this time!凸（艹皿艹）

Zhao Louqin’s shattered little heart suddenly mended just a bit.

In the darkest hour, his son had come through for him—sob sob sob.