Chapter 120: Gao Zheng's Hope

A misdeed may be concealed for a long time by the cunning of a villain, keeping the truth hidden, but paper cannot wrap up fire forever. As long as someone is observant enough, the truth will eventually come to light, and the villain will pay the price they deserve.

Shangguan Xue’er had originally intended to dig into the stories surrounding Xiao Lin to provide material for her novel. She never expected to uncover a shocking secret, yet she remained unaware that her speculation was only a step away from the truth—a discovery that could potentially alter the lives of Xiao Lin and Wang Yuqing forever. Unfortunately, Xue’er did not pursue the matter further. The reason was simple: she had only just met Wang Yuqing and did not know enough about her history with Xiao Lin; to press for answers now would be counterproductive. Thus, she kept this question to herself for the time being, resolving to continue her investigation in secret.

"Xue’er, would you like to sing a song with me?" Haozi suddenly walked over, inviting her like a gentleman, though his shifty eyes and lecherous expression made him look exactly like a giant, evolved rat.

"Sure." Haozi’s interruption broke her train of thought, but she offered a nonchalant smile and joined him in a duet of "Because of Love."

Hearing the song, Wang Yuqing could not help but recall the time she and Xiao Lin had sung together at the karaoke bar. Back then, how could they have imagined that after finally being together, they would break up in just a few short months? Life is truly unpredictable; many things are simply beyond one's control.

After the singing ended, everyone headed home. Xue’er drove Wang Yuqing back, chatting along the way about trivial matters—asking what brands of cosmetics she preferred or what style of clothes she liked—careful not to mention Xiao Lin again. Regardless of the topic, Wang Yuqing remained somewhat melancholy. After a few exchanges, Xue’er realized the gentle girl was in low spirits. Xue’er was a clever woman who understood when to speak and when to remain silent. Seeing Wang Yuqing’s mood, she fell quiet. After dropping her off, she returned home herself, though not before asking for Wang Yuqing’s contact information. Xue’er felt it would be pleasant to be friends with someone like her, and Wang Yuqing was quite fond of this eccentric, beautiful girl.

...

In a luxurious villa in the capital, Gao Zheng was listening to Uncle Xiang’s investigation report. Lin Yuemei and Uncle Xiang had returned from Donghai yesterday afternoon. Lin Yuemei’s business was mostly concluded; she knew it was unrealistic to expect Ma Yunrou to harm Xiao Lin immediately, as it required the right timing. There was no point in her remaining in Donghai, and with the New Year approaching, she needed to return to be with her husband and son. Uncle Xiang had returned at her request to brief Gao Zheng, though the report he provided was "discounted"—Lin Yuemei would never let her son know the full extent of her schemes.

"What? Uncle Xiang? Are you saying Yuqing and Xiao Lin have broken up?" The usually composed Gao Zheng was stunned by the news.

"How is that possible? Uncle Xiang, you couldn't have investigated wrong, could you? How could they break up?" After the initial shock, he shook his head, unable to believe it.

"Young Master, it is true. Xiao Lin broke up with Miss Yuqing because his first love returned. I would never dare to deceive you," Uncle Xiang said with a serious expression.

"A first love? What is her name? Do you have her profile?" Seeing Uncle Xiang’s sincerity, Gao Zheng began to believe him.

"I do, Young Master." Uncle Xiang handed over a document envelope.

Gao Zheng took it with half-belief and examined the contents. A few minutes later, he returned the file.

"Is Xiao Lin’s brain stuck in a door? Breaking up with Yuqing for that ex-girlfriend? Is he insane?" Gao Zheng muttered to himself. He had seen Ma Yunrou’s photo in the file; while she was pretty, she was not as beautiful as Wang Yuqing, and her character was far inferior. He found Xiao Lin’s choice baffling.

"Young Master, who can truly understand matters of the heart? Now that they have broken up, isn't it for the best? Doesn't this give you an opportunity?" Uncle Xiang reminded him.

"Yes, yes. You're right! Haha, Xiao Lin, you truly are a massive fool to give up such a wonderful girl." Uncle Xiang’s reminder woke Gao Zheng as if from a dream; he was ecstatic.

Seeing Gao Zheng’s joy, Uncle Xiang smiled. His mistress certainly knew what she was doing; this would surely lift the young master’s spirits.

"Young Master, when I returned, I saw that Miss Yuqing was heartbroken over the breakup. I recall a saying: the best time to strike is when a woman is most wounded, for only in her most vulnerable moments will she cherish every bit of kindness you show her." This, too, was a line taught by Lin Yuemei.

"Yuqing is very sad?" Gao Zheng asked.

"Yes, Young Master. Since the breakup, Miss Yuqing has become quite haggard."

"That bastard! Xiao Lin, you promised me you would take good care of her!" Hearing this, Gao Zheng roared in anger. He was furious that Xiao Lin had caused Wang Yuqing such pain.

"No, I have to see her. Uncle Xiang, book a ticket now. I’m going to Donghai today!" Gao Zheng commanded.

"Ah? Young Master? Now? But... it is almost the New Year. The Master and Mistress will not agree to let you go," Uncle Xiang said, looking troubled.

"Oh, the New Year comes every year! Yuqing needs someone to look after her right now; I must see her. Go, Uncle Xiang!" Gao Zheng, his heart entirely focused on Wang Yuqing, urged him repeatedly.

"Hmph! Look at your lack of resolve! Are you even my son? You’d skip the New Year for a woman?" A cold snort cut through the air.

Seeing the imposing, middle-aged man, Gao Zheng instinctively shrank back and whispered, "Dad."

Gao Wenbo, a provincial vice-governor, naturally carried the weight of authority from his high position. Having been raised under the strict discipline of his own father, he was furious at his son’s decision to abandon the family celebration for a woman.

"Old Xiang, you may leave. I need to have a talk with this good-for-nothing," Gao Wenbo said.

"Yes, sir," Uncle Xiang replied respectfully before carefully retreating. Once out, however, he headed straight for Lin Yuemei’s room.

Upon hearing that her husband was reprimanding their son, Lin Yuemei immediately set aside her tasks and hurried to the study. Before she even pushed the door open, she heard her husband’s voice.

"Old Gao, if you dare bully my son, I’ll fight you!" Lin Yuemei pushed the door open to find Gao Wenbo scolding their son, who stood with a flushed, stifled face, afraid to talk back.

"Madam, do you have any idea? This brat wants to skip the New Year for a woman!" Gao Wenbo pointed at Gao Zheng, clearly exasperated.

Seeing Lin Yuemei enter, Gao Zheng felt a surge of relief. He feared his father, but he knew his mother would take his side.

"So what? He’s pursuing his own happiness! You were even crazier than him when you were chasing me. Didn't your father beat you half to death over it back then? Honestly, he learned it from you!" Lin Yuemei strode over to her son, shielding him like a tigress protecting her cub.

"Meimei, why bring up the past?" Gao Wenbo looked uncomfortable being addressed this way in front of their son.

"Go on, go do your work. Stop bullying my son here! You’re barely home a few times a year, and instead of showing concern, you just scold him. Is there any father in this world like you?" Lin Yuemei ignored her husband’s authority.

Watching his father’s embarrassment, Gao Zheng couldn't help but chuckle.

"You brat, what are you laughing at? I’m telling you, stay put in this house. If you dare step out that door, I’ll break your legs!" Gao Wenbo glared.

"You try laying a hand on my son! Go on, son, Mom supports you!" Lin Yuemei glared right back.

Gao Wenbo, despite his immense authority in the outside world, found his wife’s stubbornness a massive headache.

"Madam, have you forgotten? The Old Master specifically requested to see his grandson today. If this boy leaves and the Old Master blames us, I can’t handle that," Gao Wenbo said with a bitter smile, reminding her of the family patriarch's plans.

At the mention of the Old Master, Lin Yuemei fell silent; no one in the family dared to defy his orders. After a moment of thought, she turned to Gao Zheng.

"Son, your grandfather wants to see you, so you cannot go. If you are worried, I will send Old Xiang back to Donghai immediately. If anything happens to that girl, he will notify you at once."

Seeing that even his mother had conceded, Gao Zheng knew a trip to Donghai was impossible. He nodded in resignation.

Uncle Xiang had just returned, only to head back to Donghai, but he was used to it—as long as the young master was happy, it was fine. Before leaving, Gao Zheng gave him strict instructions to keep a close watch on Wang Yuqing.

Even though he couldn't go to Donghai, Gao Zheng remained in high spirits; he once again had hope of winning Wang Yuqing’s heart.