Lu Mingcheng’s words sounded undeniably infuriating, yet somehow, Jiang Qiuyi found them oddly satisfying.

She knew Lu Mingcheng was incredibly wealthy, ranking among the top names on the Forbes Rich List, though she had never delved into the specifics.

This was precisely why, back when Lu Mingcheng proposed marriage, people like Zhen Ping and others strongly opposed the idea.

From every angle, Jiang Qiuyi seemed unworthy of Lu Mingcheng.

Even though she was reasonably attractive and not lacking in education, in the eyes of the Lu family and other elite circles, she was simply a girl from an ordinary family—someone who didn’t belong in their world.

Unfortunately, when news of Lu Mingcheng’s and Jiang Qiuyi’s impulsive night together spread, the Lu family had no choice but to agree to their marriage. It was the only way to salvage the Lu Group’s reputation, protect Lu Mingcheng’s public image, and address all other concerns.

Because of this, Jiang Qiuyi had never truly found her footing in the Lu family.

From the moment it was decided she would marry Lu Mingcheng, her parents and relatives repeatedly warned her: she needed to settle down and live quietly with him. No matter what she did or said, she had to tread carefully in the Lu household. It wasn’t a place where she could act recklessly, nor was it a family she could afford to offend.

Recalling all this, Jiang Qiuyi’s thoughts drifted.

Realizing he hadn’t received a response for quite some time, Lu Mingcheng called out. “Qiuyi.”

“Mm.” Jiang Qiuyi snapped out of her thoughts and, after a moment’s hesitation, said. “Thank you.”

Lu Mingcheng was briefly taken aback. After a pause, he replied. “Alright. If there’s anything you need, let Xu Chen handle it. I have some work to attend to.”

“Okay.”

After hanging up, Jiang Qiuyi went back to her room, did her makeup, changed her clothes, and headed out with Xu Chen to check on the store.

Sitting in the car, Jiang Qiuyi couldn’t help but think of Lu Mingcheng.

In truth, during their year of marriage, aside from his lack of affection and attentive care, Lu Mingcheng had given her complete freedom in material aspects.

Yet, fearing the displeasure of the Lu family, she had spent her days walking on eggshells, carefully catering to them.

As Jiang Qiuyi reflected, a sudden doubt crept into her mind about the world of the novel.

She found it hard to believe that Lu Mingcheng would ever drive her out penniless. He didn’t seem like someone that petty.

Leaning against the car window, Jiang Qiuyi sank into deep thought. Could the novel’s world have lied to her?

But then again, many things from the novel had already been proven true.

As Jiang Qiuyi was lost in thought, her phone suddenly buzzed. It was a message from Jian Xia.

Jian Xia: [Ugh, I’m so mad right now.]

Jian Xia: [How can men be so quick to lose their hearts?!]

Jiang Qiuyi: […?]

Jian Xia: [Do you remember Lin Shanshan, the girl who was tied with you as the campus belle at Ningcheng University?]

Jiang Qiuyi: [I vaguely remember. What happened?]

Jian Xia must have been genuinely upset because she sent a long voice message right after:

“She was cheated on by her husband! Remember? He was the one who pursued her so publicly it became the talk of the entire school. He chased her from sophomore year all the way to graduation before she finally said yes. They only got married earlier this year, and now he’s already gotten his mistress pregnant!”

Jian Xia continued. “I’m so furious after hearing this. Men are truly all trash—once they have something, they stop cherishing it. What’s even more ridiculous is that I heard from classmates that the only reason he cheated was because the mistress is his boss’s daughter. Marrying her would save him twenty years of hard work!”

After listening to Jian Xia’s two voice messages, Jiang Qiuyi fell silent.

She thought about it for a moment and asked:

Jiang Qiuyi: [Is this confirmed?]

Jian Xia: [Yeah! I heard from classmates that after Lin Shanshan got married, she shifted her focus to taking care of the family because that scumbag’s mom was sick and needed care. And now, he’s with that other woman and even kicked her out. Lin Shanshan is currently looking for a lawyer to file for divorce.]

Jian Xia: [Ugh, I’m so mad! Scumbag, scumbag!]

Jiang Qiuyi: [What’s Lin Shanshan doing for work now?]

Jian Xia: [She quit her job two months before discovering her husband’s affair to take care of his mom.]

Jiang Qiuyi: [Has she found a lawyer yet?]

Jian Xia: [I don’t think so. Lawyers aren’t cheap, and her family’s financial situation has always been modest. On top of everything else, she probably doesn’t have much savings left.]

Jiang Qiuyi: [Can you find her contact information for me?]

Jian Xia: […What are you planning to do?]

Jiang Qiuyi: [Help her.]

She wasn’t divorced yet, and she had money. Now that she knew about it, lending a hand was the least she could do.

Moreover, upon hearing such a story about a scumbag, Jiang Qiuyi couldn’t help but think of herself a year from now.

Perhaps, in a year, she too would end up like this—homeless and adrift.

That’s why, as long as Lin Shanshan was willing, Jiang Qiuyi was determined to help her win this case. She wanted that scumbag to understand just how severe the consequences of crossing a woman could be.

Jian Xia: [Should I ask around?]

Jiang Qiuyi: [Mm.]

Jian Xia worked efficiently. It didn’t take long before she found Lin Shanshan’s contact information.

Jiang Qiuyi added Lin Shanshan as a contact and, after explaining her intentions, they found common ground and decided to meet and discuss the matter further.

“Assistant Xu.”

Xu Chen was startled and turned to her. “Yes, Madam, what is it?”

Jiang Qiuyi hesitated for a moment before softly asking. “When will Lu Corporation’s resort officially begin construction?”

Xu Chen paused briefly and replied in a low voice. “That’s still confidential at this stage.”

Hearing this, Jiang Qiuyi nodded in understanding. “When the project begins, will Lu Mingcheng personally oversee it?”

Xu Chen thought for a moment before answering. “Madam, the resort project is one of Lu Corporation’s biggest initiatives this year. President Lu has invested a lot of effort and energy into it, so it’s certain he’ll supervise it.”

Worried Jiang Qiuyi might overthink, he quickly added. “But it will likely just be occasional visits—he won’t be there every day.”

Jiang Qiuyi smiled faintly. “I see.”

She nodded and said warmly. “Alright, I understand.”

With Xu Chen’s answer, the doubt that had momentarily crept into Jiang Qiuyi’s mind about the novel’s world vanished completely.

She remembered clearly how the novel described Lu Mingcheng occasionally supervising the resort project—sometimes for two or three days, other times for up to half a month. During this period, he became increasingly impressed with Xu Wanbai, growing more in sync with her, and their relationship deepened.

At the thought, Jiang Qiuyi tightly gripped the supplementary card Lu Mingcheng had given her.

The locations Xu Chen had selected for the storefronts were excellent. Jiang Qiuyi carefully examined them and picked the largest one in the best location.

“This one,” she said decisively, her tone calm and unapologetic. “Assistant Xu, for renovations, Lu Corporation will send someone, right?”

Xu Chen was momentarily stunned but quickly assured her. “Don’t worry, Madam, I’ll handle everything on my end.”

Jiang Qiuyi hummed softly in acknowledgment. “I’ll send you the contact information for the negotiator later. Follow her instructions for design.”

Xu Chen nodded. “No problem.”

Jiang Qiuyi stepped inside to take a look and then asked Xu Chen. “How much would it cost to buy this store?”

Xu Chen didn’t hold back and answered directly. “The price is reasonable. Negotiations should keep it under 50 million.”

The storefront was spacious, nearly 400 square meters.

Its prime location in the bustling city center guaranteed constant foot traffic and a steady stream of potential customers.

Jiang Qiuyi nodded, showing no sign of hesitation or regret.

She took a video of the storefront and shared it in the group chat. After confirming that both Li Miao and Sheng Qingni liked it, she felt reassured.

“Assistant Xu, I’ll leave this to you.” Jiang Qiuyi said calmly. “I have other matters to attend to, so I’ll head out first.”

Xu Chen inclined his head. “I’ll have the driver take you.”

“Alright.”

After leaving the storefront, Jiang Qiuyi headed to the café where she had arranged to meet Lin Shanshan.

When she arrived, Lin Shanshan and Jian Xia were already waiting.

“You’re finally here,” Jian Xia said, smiling at her. “You’re late, you know.”

Jiang Qiuyi chuckled lightly. “Sorry about that.”

She turned her attention to Lin Shanshan, whose complexion didn’t look great. “Jiang Qiuyi.” she introduced herself.

Lin Shanshan shook her hand and said softly. “It’s been a while.”

Jiang Qiuyi nodded and looked at her closely. “Are you unwell?”

Lin Shanshan shook her head and replied in a low voice. “I just haven’t been sleeping well lately.”

Jiang Qiuyi frowned slightly, then said. “I’ll spare you the usual comforting words—you’ve probably heard enough of those by now.”

She met Lin Shanshan’s gaze directly and asked bluntly. “Just tell me—do you still have feelings for him? Do you want justice, even if it means ruining him completely?”

Lin Shanshan clutched her coffee cup, her hands trembling. “No!”

Her voice was hoarse as she said. “I want justice. I want that scumbag and that shameless woman to get what they deserve.”

Jiang Qiuyi paused, lowering her gaze to look at her. “Are you sure? Once you decide, there’s no turning back.”

“Absolutely.” Lin Shanshan pressed her lips together, then suddenly rolled up the sleeves of her sweater.

In an instant, her bare arms were exposed to the two of them.

When Jian Xia saw the scars on Lin Shanshan’s arms, she immediately cursed. “What the hell? Did he do this to you?”

Lin Shanshan nodded tearfully.

“Yes,” she said. “Zhuo Peng is selfish, abusive, and has violent tendencies. Whenever something doesn’t go well for him at work, he drinks, then takes it all out on me—yelling, hitting, venting every bit of his frustration on me…”

Jiang Qiuyi listened, her brows furrowing tightly.

“Did you go to the hospital?”

“Yes.” Lin Shanshan met her eyes. “After I found out everything, I went to the hospital for a full examination.”

Jiang Qiuyi nodded. “That will make things much easier.”

She gently held Lin Shanshan’s hand, her voice soft yet resolute. “You don’t need to feel embarrassed or pressured. As long as you’re willing to trust us, we’ll do everything we can to help you.”

Lin Shanshan, her eyes brimming with tears, looked at her. “Thank you.”

Her lips trembled as she asked, voice quivering. “You’re helping me so much… I don’t even know how to repay you.”

Hearing this, Jiang Qiuyi replied earnestly. “There’s no need to repay me. Just remember, if you ever encounter something like this again, report it to the police immediately—don’t hesitate. And if it happens to someone else, help them if it’s within your power.”

Lin Shanshan nodded, her voice hoarse. “I will!”

After asking all the necessary questions, Jiang Qiuyi had a plan in mind.

She thought about it for a moment and decided to talk to Lu Mingcheng. She wasn’t sure if he’d be interested, but perhaps he’d consider investing in a small struggling company.

Jiang Qiuyi was someone who acted the moment she made up her mind. After having lunch with Jian Xia and Lin Shanshan, the three parted ways.

Once in the car, she instructed the driver to take her to Lu Corporation.

Jiang Qiuyi had only been to Lu Corporation once before, to deliver documents to Lu Mingcheng.

She took the exclusive elevator directly. Aside from the assistants who were close to Lu Mingcheng, no one recognized her.

Thinking about it, Jiang Qiuyi couldn’t help but smile.

As Lu Mingcheng’s wife, her status really seemed to be more about the title than any real meaning.

“Old Liu, pull over for a moment.”

The driver responded. “Of course, Madam.”

Jiang Qiuyi glanced at the Mingyu Plaza in front of her and instructed. “I’m going inside to pick up a few things. Just wait for me in the parking lot, then we can head straight to the company afterward.”

Old Liu nodded. “Understood, Madam. Let me know when you’re done.”

“Alright.”

Jiang Qiuyi thought to herself: Although she and Lu Mingcheng had a superficial relationship, this time she was going to his company to ask for his help. Spending a bit of his money on afternoon tea wouldn’t cost her anything.

While buying the afternoon tea, Jiang Qiuyi deliberately chose the most expensive items.

She ordered over ten sets for the assistant team, had them delivered, and personally took a small bag to give to Lu Mingcheng herself, as a gesture of sincerity.

When Jiang Qiuyi arrived at the lobby of Lu Corporation, it was bustling with people, each absorbed in their tasks.

The lobby was spacious and bright, with a minimalist design that was both understated and luxurious.

Jiang Qiuyi walked directly toward the elevator, but before she could get close, she was stopped.

“Good day, Miss,” the receptionist greeted politely. “May I ask who you’re looking for?”

Jiang Qiuyi paused for a moment but didn’t get angry.

“I’m looking for…” She thought for a moment before answering softly. “I’m looking for Xu Chen.”

The receptionist hesitated, clearly surprised. “Assistant Xu? Do you have an appointment with him?”

Jiang Qiuyi smiled. “No.”

She gestured casually and said. “Please call Xu Chen and tell him my last name is Jiang. He should know who I am.”

The receptionist’s smile faltered for a moment as her gaze fell on the handbag Jiang Qiuyi was carrying.

If she wasn’t mistaken, the handbag the woman was holding was an Hermès Himalaya diamond-encrusted model, starting at a million yuan—a rare find that even the wealthy couldn’t always acquire.

She paused for a moment, making her own assessment. “Alright, please wait a moment. I’ll check on that for you.”

Jiang Qiuyi nodded in response.

While the receptionist was making the call, Jiang Qiuyi’s eyes casually swept over to the open elevator doors.

As she looked, her eyes narrowed when she saw someone walking out—Xu Wanbai.

Next to her was Liu Dong, smiling politely.

Clearly, Xu Wanbai had just left Lu Mingcheng’s office, as Liu Dong wouldn’t have been the one to escort her otherwise.

And anyone whom Liu Dong would escort held a certain standing with Lu Mingcheng.

Jiang Qiuyi wasn’t sure if this was their third meeting.

Either way, regardless of how many times it had been, their interactions were becoming more frequent, and that was a fact.

With this thought, Jiang Qiuyi’s grip on the paper bag tightened.

“Miss.”

The receptionist hung up the phone and looked at her. “Assistant Xu said you can go up now.”

Jiang Qiuyi responded with a sound and walked toward the elevator with a blank expression.

After taking a few steps, she suddenly turned back.

“Miss?”

The receptionist paused for a moment. “Yes, is there anything else I can assist you with?”

Jiang Qiuyi gave a slight smile and pushed the paper bag of desserts toward her, speaking softly. “Could you help me with this? Thank you.”

Inviting Lu Mingcheng to eat desserts? She must’ve lost her mind.

At that moment, Jiang Qiuyi felt that inviting him to eat fart would be more fitting!

=^_^=

Author has something to say: Lu Mingcheng: ???

Xu Wanbai: I have a system, you know

Qiuyi: I have nothing, only money 😀