Chapter 35: Everyone is dizzy

Wang Chenxi, who was having dinner with her friends, kept checking her phone. Every time she saw someone criticizing Wen Ya, she felt a rush of satisfaction.

“Chenxi,” Li Shan leaned over to glance at her phone. “Is this Wen Ya the one who’s always been against you?”

“Yes, she’s always causing trouble for Chenxi,” He Peiyu chimed in, showing her phone to the group. “Look at this news! It says Wen Ya is a two-timer. This person really nailed it.”

Wang Chenxi shook her head, pretending to feel sorry. “She was so determined to marry Gu Chengze, but after the engagement, she didn’t even try to maintain the relationship. She went abroad to study, acting all serious, but secretly, she’s this kind of person—cheating on him and even framing him. She deserves what’s happening now.”

“I think Wen Ya never really liked Gu Chengze. She probably pursued him just to compete with Chenxi. Oh my god, that’s awful!” He Peiyu gasped, covering her mouth in mock horror. The other girls nodded in agreement. “That must be it. Wen Ya’s always been jealous that Chenxi is prettier, smarter, and more popular than her…”

“Oh, stop! Don’t say all that. I’m not that great,” Wang Chenxi said, pretending to be shy and annoyed, though she was secretly thrilled. She glanced at He Peiyu and later handed her an unused phone and computer as a reward.

The young women around Wang Chenxi came from families with less wealth and status than hers. Many of their family businesses depended on the Wang family, so they eagerly flattered her and joined in bashing Wen Ya.

As the group was busy praising Wang Chenxi, her phone suddenly rang. When she checked it, her expression changed instantly.

What caught her attention was the proof of her intense obsession with Gu Chengze during high school. Wang Chenxi scoffed. Who hasn’t been young and reckless? It’s been years since then. Did they really think such a trivial thing could scare her now? As she scrolled further, she found photos of her boyfriend, who was currently dating someone abroad. There were also pictures of her attending wild parties. In the photos, Wang Chenxi was bold—sometimes with one woman and three men, or even one woman and four men. Her hands trembled as she continued scrolling, only to find evidence of her hiring internet trolls to harass Wen Ya.

By now, if she didn’t know who had sent the message, she’d be a fool. She immediately tried calling the number that sent the message, but it was invalid. Wang Chenxi’s expression darkened.

“You go back first. We’ll meet another day,” she said abruptly before leaving quickly.

“Hey! Chenxi, wait for me!” He Peiyu called out, chasing after her.

The group she left behind stopped their flattery. One of the taller women sneered, “If my family’s company didn’t rely on Wang’s, I wouldn’t have bothered shopping with her. She even claimed Wen Ya was jealous of her beauty and intelligence. Please, anyone with eyes can see Wen Ya is far prettier. Intelligence? Wen Ya has a diploma and multiple talents. It’s obvious who’s jealous of whom.”

“Enough,” another girl, who looked sweet, interrupted. “If He Peiyu hears you, she’ll complain. Anyway, everyone’s gone. I’m heading to the SA. Want to join?”

“No, I’m going home to eat.”

The group dispersed, their earlier camaraderie gone.

Wang Chenxi ignored He Peiyu completely, got into her car, slammed the door, and sped off.

He Peiyu stomped her foot, panting. She’d had her eye on a bag for a while and was waiting for Wang Chenxi to buy it for her when she was in a good mood. Missing this chance meant she’d have to wait who knows how long for the next opportunity.

Wang Chenxi tried calling Wen Ya, but all she heard was, “The number you dialed is busy…” After several attempts, she realized she’d been blocked. She nearly threw her phone when another call came in.

“Where are you?” her father’s deep voice demanded.

“Dad, I’m out with friends. Is something wrong?” Wang Chenxi asked cautiously.

“Is something wrong? How dare you ask that? Have you offended someone?” Her father’s voice was low, barely containing his anger.

“No! Dad, did you get some weird messages? You’d believe strangers over your own daughter?” Wang Chenxi’s voice wavered with panic. Had her father seen the photos? But if he had, he wouldn’t be speaking to her like this.

Her father snorted. “It better not be true. Your grandfather just called. He wants your mother and me to bring you to the old house.”

Wang Chenxi slammed on the brakes. Thankfully, the road wasn’t busy, or she’d have caused an accident.

She’d been sent abroad before for causing trouble. Back then, no amount of crying or pleading had helped. She’d only returned after acting out and pretending to change. If her grandfather saw those photos… Wang Chenxi shuddered. She couldn’t imagine the consequences.

When her father didn’t hear a response, he knew something was wrong. “You’d better tell me what’s going on now, so your mother and I can smooth things over with your grandfather. Otherwise… you know how he gets.”

Before she could reply, another call came in—this time from the old house. Wang Chenxi bit her lip. “I just defended Gu Chengze online. Dad, grandpa’s calling. I’ll answer it.”

As expected, she was summoned to the old house.

Wang Chenxi pursed her lips and decided to head to her grandmother’s instead. While her parents were often too busy to care, her grandparents doted on her and would surely protect her.

At the Wang family’s old house, Zhang Sheng was speaking politely to the old man. Soon, Wang Chenxi’s father arrived with his wife, followed by the third son of the Wang family and his son.

“Xiao Sheng, you’re here too,” Wang’s father greeted his future son-in-law warmly.

Unlike the Ji family, the Wang family had a stronger foundation, though not as daring as the Wen and Gu families in exploring new markets. Their business had been shrinking in recent years. It was only after partnering with the Zhang family on a new project that things had improved slightly. This marriage between Wang Chenxi and Zhang Sheng was one of the benefits.

No wonder Wang’s father was so friendly. Apart from the family connection, Zhang Sheng himself was impressive—already a well-known figure in the industry, not far behind Gu Chengze.

“Hello, Uncle, Aunt, and Third Uncle,” Zhang Sheng nodded but didn’t stand up as he usually did, his demeanor slightly cold.

The men, all seasoned in business, hid their thoughts well. Wang’s mother looked displeased but said nothing. Her attitude toward Zhang Sheng, however, was noticeably cooler.

The old man observed their expressions, his face stern. “Where is Chenxi?”

“She’s on her way. I just spoke to her,” Wang’s father replied quickly, then turned to Zhang Sheng. “Xiao Sheng, are you here to discuss something? I thought you had a case today.”

“It’s a minor case. I left it to my team,” Zhang Sheng replied with a faint smile, then fell silent.

The room grew tense, the old man’s silence heavy. For a moment, the only sound was the quiet breathing of those present.

“I’ll call Chenxi and check on her,” Wang’s father said, breaking the awkward silence.

The phone rang for a while before someone answered. Before he could speak, his mother-in-law’s voice came through. “Xiao Xi will stay with me for a few days. Don’t disturb her if it’s not important.”

In a flash, Wang’s father realized that Wang Chenxi must have done something seriously wrong this time. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be too scared to come home. He glanced at the old man and Zhang Sheng. Was Zhang Sheng upset just because Wang Chenxi had defended Gu Chengze online? There had to be more to it.

The mother-in-law’s voice was so loud that several people nearby overheard. The old man’s face turned even redder, clearly furious.

“I’m sorry for the embarrassment,” the old man apologized to Zhang Sheng with a nod. Then, turning to his son and daughter-in-law, he spoke sternly, “Xiao Sheng came today because he had something to ask Chenxi. Since she’s not here, Xiao Sheng, what do you think?”

Zhang Sheng smiled faintly. Even now, this old fox was still pushing the responsibility to him. “I have no thoughts. Since Chenxi isn’t home, I’ll come another day. My parents will join me then. I hope she’ll be here.” With that, he stood up, nodded to Grandpa Wang, and left without even looking at Wang’s parents.

Mother Wang pointed at Zhang Sheng’s retreating figure and finally managed to say, “What kind of attitude is that?”

“What attitude? He’s being polite. If it were me, I’d have gone to his house and caused a scene.” Old Master Wang grabbed a stack of photos and threw them at Wang’s parents. “Look at what your precious daughter has done. Not only has she offended the Zhang family, but also the Wen and Ji families. Who does she think she is? We can barely handle the Zhang family alone, and now she’s provoked the Wen and Ji families?”

Wang’s father and mother were stunned into silence. Wasn’t it just about defending Gu Chengze online? They picked up the photos from the floor and were horrified, especially seeing their daughter’s wild lifestyle abroad. The thought that Zhang Sheng had seen these photos made them wish they could disappear.

“The Zhang family will definitely call off the engagement. Forget that for now. We need to find whoever leaked these photos. We can’t let them be published, or the Wang family’s reputation will be ruined,” Uncle Wang said.

“No need to look. It’s definitely the Ji family’s kid,” Old Master Wang said, narrowing his eyes. “Go to your mother’s place and bring that girl back. I once worked for Old Master Nan, so I still have some connections. I’ll swallow my pride and beg for help.” After saying this, Old Master Wang seemed to age several years in an instant.

Meanwhile, the Gu family was also in chaos. No one expected Ji Ming to have so much evidence, including things even they didn’t know about.

Old Master Gu looked at his sons and grandchildren with deep regret and asked sorrowfully, “Is this true?” No one answered. He grabbed the photos and threw them. “I’m asking you, is this true?”

He knew his eldest son was a womanizer with illegitimate children, but he didn’t expect there to be five of them. And his youngest son, whom he loved the most, had lost money in investments and resorted to shady dealings. The Gu family, a century-old brand built on integrity, was now at risk of collapse if this got out. His heart ached, especially for his beloved grandson, who turned out to be involved in scandalous behavior. It couldn’t be true… Old Master Gu’s vision darkened, and he passed out.

“Grandpa!” Gu Chengze was the first to rush to his side.

“Dad…”

The news of Old Master Gu’s hospitalization was kept secret, but it didn’t escape Ji Ming and Wen Ya.

“He fainted?”

“Yes, but the Wang and Gu families’ online trolls have deleted their posts and changed their tone,” Ji Ming said, handing Wen Ya a cup of tea. Seeing her drink it quickly, he shook his head fondly and poured her another. “But don’t worry, I won’t let those who tried to harm or insult you off so easily.”