Chapter 37: Is Everything Really Okay?

When Wang Chenxi returned to the Wang family’s old house, Zhang Sheng and his parents were already there. They glanced at Wang Chenxi and her mother without greeting them. Zhang Sheng’s mother even flashed a look of disgust.

Wang Chenxi stood beside her grandmother, greeting everyone politely, but no one acknowledged her. Her father and uncle looked at her with disappointment, while her cousin eyed her with disdain. Wang Chenxi almost slapped him—he was no saint either, spending his days drinking and partying.

She knew everyone had seen the photos. Doing something was one thing, but being exposed was another. She felt a pang of shame and sat down quietly, secretly hating Wen Ya. She was sure Wen Ya had sent those photos. If she ever got the chance, she’d make her pay.

“We’re here today to tell Grandpa that Xiao Sheng and Chen Xi might not be a good match. This engagement…” Mother Zhang finally broke the silence.

What did she mean by “not suitable”? It was clearly a mismatch. When the Wang family had asked about their daughter, they’d praised her as smart, obedient, and accomplished. She’d just returned from studying abroad, fluent in multiple languages, talented in singing and dancing, and beautiful to boot.

Zhang Sheng’s mother had always known about his college crush, Xu Qingqing. She’d investigated her and was horrified to find she was Gu Chengze’s mistress. How could such a person marry into the Zhang family? Compared to Xu Qingqing, Wang Chenxi seemed like a fairy. Zhang Sheng had initially resisted but eventually agreed to the engagement. Now, after seeing those photos, Zhang’s mother felt sick.

This situation was even worse than Xu Qingqing’s. At least Xu Qingqing had been loyal to Gu Chengze from start to finish. But this girl from the Wang family? Who knows how many people she’s been with or what she’s done. Whenever Aunt Zhang thought about such a woman marrying her son, she felt dizzy and sick.

“Let’s call off this engagement! Our Chenxi isn’t good enough for Xiao Sheng. Alas, I’m too ashamed to face you,” Old Master Wang said sadly.

In their social circle, it wasn’t uncommon for people to have fun before marriage. But the key was to keep it discreet. Wang Chenxi, however, had been careless and even tried to frame others. Who did she think she could mess with? Ji Ming and Wen Ya weren’t people you could easily offend. Now, she was facing the consequences.

The Zhang family’s decision to cancel the engagement was understandable, and the Wang family didn’t dare defend her. They only hoped the Zhang family would let it go, considering their business ties and the Wang family’s cooperative attitude.

Before coming, the Zhang couple had consulted Zhang Sheng. They decided to cancel the engagement immediately and avoid further conflict. With the Ji Ming and Wen Ya scandal already causing a stir, they didn’t want to draw more attention to themselves.

The engagement was officially called off, and the Zhang family politely declined Old Master Wang’s offer to see them out. They left without further ado.

“I still can’t get over this,” Aunt Zhang fumed. “You can’t judge a book by its cover. She looked so well-behaved, yet she did something so outrageous.”

She considered herself open-minded. For her son’s wife, she only wanted someone with a clean background, good character, and a pleasant personality. But what kind of women had her son been involved with? First, a mistress, and now a promiscuous woman.

“Enough. Don’t you think we have enough to deal with?” Father Zhang was just as angry, if not more, but he held it in for now. “Let Xiao Sheng handle his own relationships from now on.”

“Handle it? Then I’ll have even more to worry about. He used to like that Xu Qingqing, Gu Chengze’s mistress. Do you want a daughter-in-law like that?” Aunt Zhang clutched her chest in frustration. “Times have changed. It’s normal to have relationships before marriage, but have you seen those photos? That’s not just a relationship—it’s promiscuity. What kind of people has our son been involved with? I need to go to the temple tomorrow to cleanse this bad luck.”

Father Zhang sighed helplessly. He felt the same.

After his mother finished venting, Zhang Sheng said, “I have work at the office. I’ll head out first.”

“Look at him. I say a few words, and he leaves. How much can that small firm of his really do?” Aunt Zhang grumbled, watching her son leave.

…

After the Zhang family left, the atmosphere in the Wang household grew even tenser. Wang Chenxi kept her head down, not daring to speak.

“My dear relatives, Xiao Xi knows she’s wrong. Can’t you forgive her this time?” Grandma patted Wang Chenxi’s hand, comforting her.

Old Master Wang glanced at Wang Chenxi and closed his eyes. He felt deeply ashamed after spending the entire afternoon pleading with Old Master Nan for forgiveness. Tomorrow, he’d have to go to the Wen and Ji families to apologize to their younger members. This granddaughter had been spoiled by her in-laws and was unlikely to achieve much. If this continued, she’d only bring disaster to the family.

“Come with me tomorrow to apologize to Ji Ming and Wen Ya at their companies,” he said, then stood and left.

Wang Chenxi looked up, surprised. She had expected a storm of scolding, but it had been so calm.

“Grandma?”

“I told you, as long as Grandma’s here, it’s okay.” Grandma patted her hands. “Come on, let’s go home. We’ll come back tomorrow.”

Mother Wang wanted to stop them but was blocked by Grandma.

Only Father Wang and Uncle Wang San knew the truth. If their father had lost his temper, there might have been room for redemption. But his calmness meant the consequences would be severe.

Neither dared to speak up, especially Father Wang. His daughter had embarrassed the family. If he said anything now, the old man would surely take his anger out on him too.

Meanwhile, Zhang Sheng, back at his law firm, dialed a familiar number.

“Why haven’t you released Wang Chenxi’s photos yet? Once they’re out, her reputation will be ruined.”

“No, that’s too easy for her,” a gentle voice replied. “Besides, you just got engaged. Exposing this would damage your reputation too.”

Hearing her voice, Zhang Sheng’s expression softened. “I don’t care about my reputation. I just want to help you. Where are you now? Can’t you tell me? I… miss you so much.”

“No, I don’t want you to see me like this. I’m ugly now,” the woman sobbed, her voice filled with pain.

Zhang Sheng’s heart ached at her tears. He didn’t press further. Thinking about how the innocent, romantic Yunzhu had been ruined by Wen Ya and Wang Chenxi, he clenched his teeth in anger.

“Yunzhu, don’t worry. I won’t let anyone who hurt you get away.”