《Twilight Indulgence》


 Chapter 1 Losing Her Virginity

    "It hurts... don''t..."


    In the dimly lit luxury suite, a silent war had just concluded.


    In the darkness, a man''s low apology was heard, followed by the sound of a door opening and closing as he left.


    Lu Qiqi lay limply on the bed, staring blankly at the pitch-black ceiling, tears streaming down her cheeks.


    Today was supposed to be her wedding day with Si Qinyu.


    Yet, she had been utterly defiled by a stranger!


    She had tried to see the man''s face just now, but the room was shrouded in darkness, as if it had all been planned in advance. Apart from the sensation that the man was wearing what seemed to be a formal suit for a wedding, she had no way of identifying him.


    After the wedding, she realized she had left her handbag behind and returned to look for it, only to be forcefully dragged into the room and robbed of her innocence.


    How was she going to face Si Qinyu?


    The thought of Si Qinyu''s repeated restraint, even enduring cold showers to the point of falling ill rather than touching her, made Lu Qiqi''s heart ache as if it were being cut by a knife.


    She wished desperately that this was all just a nightmare.


    Slowly, she propped herself up, groping in the darkness to pick up her scattered veil. With trembling hands, she pulled up the dress that had been dragged down to her waist. The physical pain was nothing compared to the agony in her heart.


    This not only meant damage to her personal reputation but could also affect the future of the entire Lu family and the restructuring of the family business. If they were to be severed from the Si family, what would happen to the bank debts?


    Most importantly, she could never face the man who loved her so deeply again.


    In a daze, she walked out of the bedroom, passed through the living room, and quietly opened the door.


    Peering through the doorway, she saw no one outside.


    Lu Qiqi bit her lower lip hard. Although she felt deeply indebted to Si Qinyu, she couldn''t let him know about this now, not him or anyone else!


    A determined glint flashed in her eyes. She wiped away the tears and quickly left.


    The most urgent matter now was to rush back home in the wedding car before Si Qinyu noticed anything amiss.


    I''m sorry, Si Qinyu...


    She would confess everything once the company was on track, and she would initiate a divorce. She wouldn''t deceive him.


    Just as her heart was in extreme turmoil, Lu Qiqi reached the parking lot and was struck dumb by the scene before her, as if she had been struck by lightning.


    The windshield was covered with vibrant, dewy roses, and inside the car, two people were completely engrossed in their passionate play.


    "Oh, darling... hmm... you''re hurting me," the woman moaned seductively.


    And at this moment, her groom, Si Qinyu, was working hard, "This is what you wanted. I can be even more forceful, sweetheart."


    The car swayed gently with their movements, like a small boat floating on water.


    Lu Qiqi stumbled backward, feeling as if her heart had been ripped open, leaving a raw, bleeding wound.


    The beautiful memories of their past now felt like sharp knives, stabbing her relentlessly.


    She couldn''t believe it. This was the man who had willingly gotten soaked in the rain to bring her a late-night snack, the man who remembered her every period and personally made her ginger tea, the man whose social media was filled with snippets of her life...


    The woman''s coquettish moans were filled with pleasure, suggesting that this was likely not the first time something like this had happened.


    He was the one who said he would die without her, but look at him now, living just fine?


    Just a moment ago, she was feeling guilty and ashamed for losing her virginity, but in the blink of an eye, she became the victim!


    Hah, how ironic!


    Fortunately, the shaking didn''t last long. It stopped in less than ten minutes.


    After the wedding car stopped rocking, the two inside were still busy sweetly adjusting each other''s clothes. At this moment, Lu Qiqi, having regained her composure, walked over.


    Perhaps it was because she had just done something wrong, but as soon as she appeared, Si Qinyu immediately noticed her.


    ¡°Qiqi, you''re back. I was just about to go look for you. Why were you gone for so long?¡± Si Qinyu got out of the car, his gentle face covered with a thin layer of sweat.


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.¡¡¡¡His peach blossom eyes seemed to hold a clear spring, pure and elegant.


    It was this gentle and refined appearance, coupled with his hypocritical actions, that made Lu Qiqi deeply misunderstand him. She actually believed that this man loved her.


    Looking at his face now, Lu Qiqi suddenly felt disgusted.


    She glanced past Si Qinyu and looked at the other woman in the car who was still adjusting her bra. ¡°Oh, Manli is here too?¡±


    Shen Manli was there as a bridesmaid.


    No one knew her background better than Lu Qiqi.


    On her eighteenth birthday, Lu Qiqi, who was at a bar for the first time, saw Shen Manli working as a liquor salesgirl and took pity on her. She kindly helped her out and arranged a secretarial position for her at home.


    They say never try to persuade a woman of the night to change her ways. The stench of money had already seeped into her bones. She had no sense of gratitude and was a master at stealing other people''s boyfriends.


    So much for Lu Qiqi treating her as a friend!


    Suddenly feeling the weight of attention, Shen Manli shivered, casting a guilty glance at Si Qinyu before turning to Lu Qiqi, "Mr. Si told me to wait for you, so we could go back together."


    A reasonable excuse.


    Lu Qiqi smiled faintly, lifting her skirt as she walked forward, "I was seeing some people off, sorry to have kept you waiting."


    She acted as if nothing was amiss, and Si Qinyu visibly relaxed.


    But then, as she opened the passenger door and fastened her seatbelt, her gaze casually fell on Si Qinyu''s neck. Her delicate brows furrowed, "How did you get lipstick on your collar? So careless."


    Si Qinyu froze, twisting his head at an awkward angle to see the collar behind his earlobe.


    A smudge of crimson caught his eye, his pupils constricting. Yet, he forced a gentle smile, "It must have happened when we were hugging at the wedding. Qiqi, you know, I have no interest in any woman but you."


    A woman''s knowledge of lipstick shades is comparable to a man''s understanding of car performance.


    A ''man-killer'' red, not her favorite.


    In the past, she might have let it go, but now it felt like a blatant provocation.


    Lu Qiqi deliberately opened the passenger-side sun visor mirror, her fingertip tracing the curve of her full lips. The color, like two petals of a plump tulip, was her usual watermelon red, now faded after the long wedding.


    This seemingly casual action made Shen Manli squirm in her seat, and she quickly changed the subject, "Sister Qiqi, Mr. Si, aren''t you two going on your honeymoon? Maybe I should just take a taxi home!"


    "Sure."


    Lu Qiqi snapped the sun visor shut, agreeing with crisp finality.


    The better he had treated Shen Manli in the past, the more he now loathed himself for having been so blind.


    Send her off? How about sending her to hell?


    It was clearly Shen Manli who had spoken those words, yet she froze for two seconds, sensing the unintentional coldness and detachment in Lu Qiqi''s demeanor.


    Si Qinyu, being rather insensitive, didn''t notice anything unusual. He was on edge, and if Lu Qiqi hadn''t arrived just now, he would have already sent Shen Manli away.


    At this moment, all Si Qinyu wanted was to erase the evidence of his wrongdoing. He cleared his throat and tapped his knuckles restlessly on the steering wheel. "Go back to the Shen family and bring Qiqi''s luggage to the Cloudview Villa."


    With the couple sharing the same intention, Shen Manli felt utterly out of place.


    "I hope you have a good time," she said, forcing a smile as she opened the car door and got out, a feeling like a jar of aged Shanxi vinegar brewing in her heart.


    As soon as Shen Manli left, Si Qinyu felt the blood returning to his body, as if a thousand-pound weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Even his tone became much lighter. "Qiqi, shall we go to the airport now? I have a surprise for you."


    They had booked a hotel in Bali, and if everything went smoothly, they could depart at six o''clock.


    The wedding car slowly drove out of the underground parking garage. A few rose petals fell from the swaying bouquet on the hood. Lu Qiqi felt uneasy thinking about what had just happened between them in the car.


    "I''m tired. Let''s cancel it."


    She closed her eyes in distress, trying her best to empty her mind of all distracting thoughts.

 Chapter 2: Same Bed, Different Dreams

    "How can we? I don''t agree. A wedding only happens once in a lifetime, Qiqi. This is our dream, isn''t it?"


    Hearing Si Qinyu''s anxious tone, Lu Qiqi''s heart grew colder inch by inch. "The company has just been established. This is our chance to turn things around. It''s better not to be too comfortable."


    Si Qinyu glanced sideways. The woman''s black hair was coiled up, and her veil draped down from her temples like morning mist, shrouding her delicate profile in a hazy glow. Her exquisite, oval face was etched with a deep frown, and just by her appearance, one could tell she was deeply troubled. "Qiqi, you''re just too understanding. It makes me feel ashamed of myself. My dear wife, your words are my command. If you don''t want to go, we won''t go. I''ll make it up to you many times over in the future."


    Lu Qiqi''s heart ached as she pressed her legs together. She, too, longed for a carefree life, but whose wedding could be as outrageous as hers?


    Yun Jing Yuan was one of Si Qinyu''s properties, a two-story villa nestled in a courtyard, standing silently in the summer evening breeze.


    Lu Qiqi dragged herself inside, feeling as if her legs were filled with cement. In the living room, her mother-in-law was counting the wedding gift money with a cash-counting machine.


    Stacks of red banknotes covered the two-meter-long and one-meter-wide coffee table.


    The Si family was a century-old, well-established business family. Although Si Qinyu hadn''t inherited the family fortune yet, the Si family''s prestige, coupled with the wedding, could easily rake in a million in funds through this disguised form of fundraising.


    "Qin''er, Qiqi, weren''t you going on a trip?" Fang Lehong looked up in the midst of her ''busy schedule,'' her surprise evident, though the wide grin that threatened to reach her ears was impossible to suppress.


    "Qiqi said the company comes first. You''re so lucky to have such a sensible daughter-in-law!" Si Qinyu sat down beside Fang Lehong, his tone sincere and proud, showing no sign that he had just slept with another woman not long ago.


    Lu Qiqi felt utterly miserable. Exhausted, she went up to the second floor, to their meticulously decorated bridal chamber, filled with the fragrance of flowers and a dazzling, bright red.


    The joy of the wedding was completely lost on her. Lu Qiqi immersed herself in the warm bathwater, her body, as white as sculpted snow, was covered in pinch marks.


    That man... he was truly savage in that regard.


    She scrubbed herself repeatedly, as if trying to peel off a layer of skin, before finally stopping.


    She changed into a long-sleeved nightgown and picked up the hairdryer, starting to dry her towel-dried hair, when she suddenly froze.


    There were bloodstains on the wedding dress; she had to get rid of it!


    Forgetting about her hair, Lu Qiqi rolled up the discarded wedding dress, stuffed it into a garbage bag, and planned to sneak out the back door to dispose of it in the trash can at the corner of the wall, destroying the evidence.


    However, just as she lifted her foot to go downstairs, she heard the blatant sarcasm from the living room, "A girl insisting on managing the company, clamoring about female independence after a few more years of schooling. Once the company goes public, you just hold a board meeting and seize control. Most of the money came from the Si family, the Lu family is all loans, don''t think I don''t know!"If you discover this tale on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.


    Lu Qiqi''s steps came to an abrupt halt. The wooden steps seemed to turn into ice, placing her in the depths of a harsh winter.


    "Mom, you handle these matters. When the time comes, let the Si family''s directors make a fuss, and I''ll play the good cop and smooth things over. Even if she''s unwilling, she can''t blame us. As long as we can make her stay home and be a good wife and mother, I''m willing to do anything."


    "That''s right. If she wants to be a strong woman, let her work for nothing first. When she''s suffered enough, she''ll obediently go home and be a leisurely wife, giving birth to at least two children for our Si family within three years. Does she really think it''s so easy to climb the social ladder?"


    The mother and son''s words echoed in Lu Qiqi''s mind like a curse. She threw away the wedding dress and lay restlessly in bed, already imagining the problems the company would face in the future.


    Verbal attacks, a complete betrayal.


    Her parents had envisioned it optimistically. She would use 30% of the funds to marry into the Si family and establish the ''Lingwei'' company, focusing on overseas trade.


    The Lu family would handle the suppliers, while the Si family would be responsible for the docks and cargo ships. With the Si family''s network overseas, the capital would quickly circulate, and it would also boost the development of the Lu family''s business.


    What they saw as an unbreakable alliance, a friendship between families, the Si family''s calculations were louder than thunder!


    Not only would they get a daughter-in-law for free, but they would also firmly grasp the power.


    And she, Lu Qiqi, would be reduced to a mere breeding tool!


    No, she wouldn''t even be a breeding tool. After all, Si Qinyu and Shen Manli were deeply involved. Perhaps the moment he secured control of the company, he would kick her out! Otherwise, wouldn''t he be exhausted from all this acting?


    The idea of this marriage alliance came from the Si family''s old master, that elderly man. He probably never imagined that his grandson, Si Qinyu, would even use marriage as a calculation to obtain the Si family inheritance!


    What to do...


    Marriage is a gamble, and the future of the Lu family is at stake!


    Lu Qiqi tossed and turned, unable to fall asleep.


    The sky was already dark, and in the blink of an eye, it was the early hours of the morning. Just before drifting into a hazy slumber, a thought sparked in her mind.


    She needed to take a different approach, to find other investors.


    The Si family wanted to swallow up the funds they had worked so hard to secure. Why not take a gamble and knock Si Qinyu off the table first?


    As the first light of dawn broke, a man''s fingertips brushed across her cheek.


    Lu Qiqi felt as though she had only just closed her eyes for a moment. Abruptly, she opened them to see Si Qinyu, propped up on one elbow, now wearing silk pajamas matching her own, gazing down at her with deep affection.


    "Wifey, sleepyhead, it''s nine-thirty already," Si Qinyu said, a smile playing on his lips. His soft features and flirtatious eyes made him look like a jade-faced young lord, captivating to anyone who beheld him.


    Lu Qiqi''s eyes were bloodshot, her body stiff and unmoving.


    What was he playing at, pretending they had slept together all night? Did he think she was dead, unaware that he had only slipped into bed in the latter half of the night?


    "Still not awake, are you?" Si Qinyu gently pinched her nose, his tone full of tender indulgence. "I made you some bird''s nest soup. Drink it while it''s hot, it''ll nourish you."


    Lu Qiqi remained motionless. Si Qinyu, fully embracing the persona of a devoted husband, sat up, picked up the bowl of bird''s nest soup, scooped a spoonful, and blew on it with practiced ease.


    "Come on, piggy, open wide, ah~"


    He brought the spoon to her lips. The crystal-clear bird''s nest soup, to Lu Qiqi, seemed no different from deadly poison.


    "I can do it myself." Her frozen nerves began to thaw. She took the bowl. "I have a business meeting to attend, so I''ll skip breakfast."


    She casually placed the fine bone china bowl of bird''s nest soup on the nightstand, treating Si Qinyu''s affections with robotic indifference, offering no genuine response.


    She entered the bathroom in her slippers. Frowning, Si Qinyu stared at the closed bathroom door, feeling that Lu Qiqi was somewhat different from before.


    Even if eight out of ten sentences she spoke were about work in the past, she would still act a little coy, wrapping her arms around his neck, snuggling into his embrace, and whispering sweet nothings in a soft, melodious voice.


    Could it be a post-wedding stress reaction?


    The sound of running water echoed from the bathroom. Lu Qiqi washed her face, brushed her teeth, applied a facial mask, and moisturized, deliberately killing time. Only when she heard Si Qinyu say from the bedroom, ''Honey, I''m going downstairs,'' did her eyes darken, and she stopped pampering her skin.


    She hadn''t understood the meaning of ''sharing the same bed but dreaming different dreams'' before, but now she understood it all too well.

 Chapter 3 Relief

    She couldn''t bring herself to play the part of a loving wife with Si Qinyu, but she couldn''t just tear down the facade either.


    Since she couldn''t touch Si Qinyu for the time being, she could still use that vixen Shen Manli, who was having an affair, as a punching bag.


    After making several calls, she put on some light makeup, got into her white Audi A6, and drove off.


    Shen Manli arrived late at an apartment building.


    She put her suitcase in the trunk and got into Lu Qiqi''s car. The strong scent of gardenia perfume nearly overwhelmed Lu Qiqi''s sense of smell.


    ''Qiqi, where are we going?'' Shen Manli asked softly. Her form-fitting qipao accentuated her graceful curves, and her flawless makeup could rival that of some online beauty influencers.


    She exuded a natural charm, and even her voice had a captivating lilt. No wonder Si Qinyu was so bewitched by her.


    Lu Qiqi stared straight ahead, skillfully merging into the traffic. ''To discuss a collaboration.''


    Shen Manli tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and tentatively asked, ''Qiqi, weren''t you going on your honeymoon? Did you have a fight with Young Master Yan?''


    "You want me to quarrel with him?"


    "No, I''m just curious."


    Shen Manli smiled awkwardly. Lu Qiqi''s face turned cold, "Curiosity killed the cat."


    The atmosphere in the car was as torturous as counting down the seconds. Shen Manli had felt Lu Qiqi''s attitude towards her take a sharp turn for the worse yesterday, and she couldn''t help but wonder if she had seen something.


    But Lu Qiqi''s fondness for Si Qinyu was obvious to everyone. Could she really swallow this insult?


    Shen Manli remained skeptical. Lu Qiqi rolled down the car window to let the air circulate and dilute the foul smell in the car.


    She stopped the car at a teahouse. "Wait for me in the car."


    Usually, when discussing collaborations, she would let Shen Manli participate, printing contracts and preparing documents.


    But now, she wasn''t stupid enough to leave herself vulnerable. She needed to fatten this snake a little more before it could swallow her whole in the future!


    ...


    The teahouse was quiet and serene. A man sat in a private room furnished with bamboo chairs. His long, slender fingers held a teacup, casually swirling it. He tilted the cup slightly, and the tea overflowed the lid, flowing into the saucer.


    His movements were elegant, his beautiful hands fair, the knuckles tinged with a faint pink.


    Looking at those hands, Lu Qiqi''s mind exploded with a thousand waves. It seemed that a pair of hands like these had held her softness last night, as if they wanted to squeeze her dry.


    The man leaned back in his chair, impeccably dressed in a suit, his shirt buttoned all the way to the top.


    His meticulous attire, the short, neat hair, the full forehead, the prominent nose, the long, delicate eyelashes, and the cool phoenix eyes cast a shadow under his eyelids.


    He carried an air of solemnity, yet possessed the looks of a fair youth. It was hard to imagine that this man, instead of gracing the entertainment world with his exceptional qualities, was the very backbone of the powerful Chu family¡ªChu Linchen. His family''s influence surpassed even that of the Si family, and he was, in name, Si Qinyu''s younger uncle, and Si''s father''s sworn brother.This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    Lu Qiqi hesitated at the door, for he was not the person she had arranged to meet.


    Without sparing her a glance, the man set down his teacup and pushed it across the tea table. His voice, as refreshing as a sweet spring on a summer day, was cool and clear, "Since you''re here, have a seat."


    Lu Qiqi felt a surge of nervousness, but leaving at this point seemed inappropriate. She stammered, "Uncle."


    Since he was Si Qinyu''s uncle, even if only in name, she could address him as such. At the very least, it was a way to establish some rapport, and they had met before.


    After all, Chu Linchen''s reputation for ruthlessness was enough to silence a crying child at night. Her actions were taboo in the business world.


    Chu Linchen poured the remaining tea over a toad-shaped tea pet. "Newly married, yet already out hustling for business. Diligent, I must say. But I wonder if my good-for-nothing nephew knows his new bride is planning to betray the Si family?"


    Lu Qiqi felt a wave of awkwardness and discomfort. She hadn''t expected Chu Linchen to be so blunt. Mustering her courage, she asked, "Shouldn''t Uncle Zhao be here?"


    She had arranged to meet Zhao Juncheng, an old acquaintance of the Lu family who was in the air freight business. She was seeking a partner in her plan to break free from the Si family''s control.


    "Uncle Zhao had some matters to attend to. I also have an appointment with him." The man lifted his gaze, his dark pupils resembling a bottomless abyss.


    Their eyes met, and Lu Qiqi''s face turned as pale as a corpse that had been lying in the morgue for three days and nights. Trembling, she clutched her teacup, unable to feel the warmth of the tea. "Uncle, are you planning to dominate sea, land, and air?"


    "That''s none of your concern." Chu Linchen withdrew his gaze and poured more boiling water into his teacup.


    Steam rose, swirling before him like a spell cast by an immortal.


    Lu Qiqi swore that even when the invigilator during her college entrance exams had stared at her, determined to find fault, she hadn''t felt this nervous.


    Her slender, scallion-like fingers brought the teacup to her lips. It trembled in her grasp. She couldn''t discern the type of tea, her eyes fixed solely on Chu Linchen.


    Why was he here? To stand up for the Si family?


    Or was it to deliberately humiliate her?


    ...


    She gulped down her tea, her heart pounding like a war drum in her chest. Chu Linchen frowned, "Is this the first day you''ve known me? Isn''t Qinyu enough for you to look at?"


    His barbed words abruptly jolted Lu Qiqi out of her wild thoughts. She lowered her head, feeling like a thief caught in the act.


    Chu Linchen looked at her again. The petite woman was dressed in a white chiffon blouse and tailored trousers, her long hair tied up. She looked elegant and serene, but overly timid, trembling like a rain-soaked dove.


    Lu Qiqi was acutely aware of the man''s sharp yet calm gaze, as if it could burn right through her. She tensed her toes, mumbling in a muffled voice to defend herself, "Qinyu and you don''t look alike at all, ha... haha..."


    Chu Linchen''s brows remained furrowed. He wasn''t particularly fond of his nephew, whom he considered a nephew in name only.


    As for this niece-in-law, they had only met briefly a few times.


    However, the word in their circle was that his nominal nephew loved her deeply.


    Strangely, as he observed Lu Qiqi for a moment, he felt a sudden, inexplicable sense of familiarity.


    Where did this feeling come from?


    Chu Linchen pondered, his cold and distinguished face growing even more serious. At that moment, Assistant Chen entered the room, bowing respectfully, "Second Master, the lady from yesterday came looking for you on her own accord."


    The lady from yesterday?


    Lu Qiqi was startled, her mind involuntarily drifting to some inappropriate scenes from the previous day. Chu Linchen, who was known for his indifference to women, was looking for a woman? What kind of woman?


    Upon hearing this, Chu Linchen released all his imposing aura. He stood up, his large hand sweeping across the desk to grab his phone, and with legs that seemed longer than Lu Qiqi''s life, he said, "Let''s go."


    His legs, encased in smoke-gray suit pants, and his polished black leather shoes disappeared from Lu Qiqi''s sight.


    Lu Qiqi felt as if she had discovered a little secret of Chu Linchen''s. Lost in thought for an unknown amount of time, an elderly man in his sixties, wearing a traditional Chinese jacket with a swastika pattern, finally arrived. "Qiqi, what did you want to see me about?" he asked.


    Lu Qiqi, looking as if a succubus had drained half her spirit, stared blankly at the old man and replied mechanically, "Uncle Zhao, I wanted to discuss a partnership with you."


    Seemingly anticipating Lu Qiqi''s intentions, the old man chuckled. "Qiqi, it''s not that Uncle Zhao doesn''t value our old friendship. Everyone in the circle knows about your family''s tight financial situation. Now that the Si family is providing aid, don''t be too greedy. As for angel investors, once your company is up and running, Uncle Zhao will consider the situation then."


    The word "aid" was used quite ingeniously.


    Lu Qiqi understood from the time she was still suckling on a pacifier that these people were all opportunists, driven solely by profit.


    But for Uncle Zhao to so directly lay bare the unpleasant truth, it was the first time Lu Qiqi had encountered such a situation since taking charge.


    What about human relationships and worldly wisdom? Only when you are qualified to talk about fairness will the scales tip in your favor.


    "Thank you, Uncle Zhao."

 Chapter 4: Impersonation

    After thanking Uncle Zhao, Lu Qiqi got up to leave, her heart heavy.


    She understood that escaping the control of the Si family wouldn''t be easy, but she hadn''t expected to fail before she even started.


    Never mind, she would make other plans.


    "Second Master, you were a little rough with me last night," a woman''s delicate and somewhat adorable voice drifted over, causing Lu Qiqi to halt her steps. Turning her head, she saw a graceful woman gently tugging at the corner of Chu Linchen''s jacket, her lively eyes sparkling.


    Chu Linchen''s face was stern, and he subtly shook off the woman''s hand, looking at Assistant Chen beside him, "Are you sure it''s her?"


    Assistant Chen nodded firmly and handed over a photo, "I''ve checked the surveillance footage. It is indeed Miss Qin."


    "You will handle all arrangements for Miss Qin for the time being." Chu Linchen pursed his thin lips, his deep eyes revealing no emotion. After saying this, he left without looking back.


    Perhaps dissatisfied with Lu Qiqi, who was eavesdropping in the corner, he cast a displeased glance her way before leaving.


    Lu Qiqi sensed the man''s hostility, pouted, and turned to leave.


    She had no interest in such tawdry gossip; it was just a coincidence that she overheard.


    Lu Qiqi walked to her car and saw Shen Manli waiting inside. With a cold expression, she got back into the driver''s seat.


    "How did it go, Qiqi? Did the negotiation go well?" It was the first time Shen Manli had been left in the car and not participated in a project negotiation. She immediately leaned forward to inquire, her eyes filled with anxiety.


    Lu Qiqi gently turned the car key, her gaze sweeping over Shen Manli''s anxious face. A faint smile touched her lips, "Not bad."


    "Qiqi..."


    "Huh? The car won''t start. Manli, can you get out and take a look?"


    Shen Manli wanted to take the opportunity to inquire further about the project, but Lu Qiqi interrupted her.


    "Oh, okay." Shen Manli was a bit speechless but still opened the door and got out. She frowned, bent down to check the undercarriage and tires, trying her best to suppress her dissatisfaction.


    Just as she was focused on her task, the roar of an engine suddenly filled her ears, followed by the sound of tires screeching against the ground.


    She abruptly looked up, only to see the car speeding out of the parking space like an arrow released from a bow, leaving only a trail of exhaust to prove it had been there moments before.


    Shen Manli stood frozen, her eyes filled with venomous resentment.


    "Lu Qiqi, sooner or later, I''ll make sure you''re utterly ruined! I''ll make your life a living hell!"


    Through the rearview mirror, Lu Qiqi watched Shen Manli receding into the distance. A faint smile touched her lips, a hint of satisfaction hidden within its coolness.If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.


    ...


    Lu Qiqi sped off, arriving at the entrance of her home with a screech of brakes. The sharp sound of tires against the asphalt pierced the tranquility of the Si residence.


    The car door swung open, and Lu Qiqi emerged, her face stern, her steps carrying an air of unyielding determination.


    As soon as she stepped inside, Fang Lehong approached her, her face slightly pale, her eyes flickering with a barely perceptible calculation. "Qiqi, you''re back. Mom hasn''t been feeling well today. Would you mind staying home with me for the next couple of days?"


    As she spoke, she gently took Lu Qiqi''s hand, her eyes filled with a seemingly tender affection.


    If Lu Qiqi hadn''t already known the true colors of Fang Lehong and Si Qinyu, she would have readily agreed to such a small request. But now, it was out of the question!


    "Mom, if you''re not feeling well, you should see a doctor as soon as possible. It''s not something to be taken lightly. I happen to know a good doctor. Let me contact them and make an appointment for you." Lu Qiqi calmly withdrew her hand, a cold smile playing on her lips.


    She then pretended to be considerate and took out her phone from her bag.


    At that moment, Si Qinyu descended the stairs, his gentle gaze landing on Lu Qiqi. His thin lips parted slightly as he said, "Qiqi, since Mom isn''t feeling well, why don''t you accompany her to the hospital? That way, I''ll feel more at ease."


    His words carried an undeniable tenderness, as if all the arrangements were perfectly natural and reasonable.


    Hearing this, Lu Qiqi''s eyes flickered, a cold laugh brewing in her heart. But her expression remained unchanged. Just as she was about to refuse, Fang Lehong opportunely feigned weakness, coughing lightly, her eyes filled with expectation as she looked at her. "That''s right, Qiqi. If you go with Mom, Mom will feel more reassured."


    Their calculations and pretense only added to the chill in Lu Qiqi''s heart. "Then why doesn''t Qinyu come along too? We can all accompany Mom. In case anything happens, we can make decisions together."


    "Oh, there''s no need for both of you to go. Qin is quite busy. Qiqi''s company is enough for me." Fang Lehong, who was merely making a fuss over nothing, couldn''t bear to waste her precious son''s time and immediately refused.


    "Qiqi, you decide. I trust you," Si Qinyu quickly echoed, the tenderness between his brows painting a picture of deep affection.


    Lu Qiqi''s gaze deepened, her mind calculating the intentions behind Si Qinyu''s actions. A smile slowly bloomed on her face as she readily agreed, "Alright, since Mom and Qin both said so, then I''ll accompany Mom to the hospital. But, Qin, you should still spend more time with Mom when you''re free. No matter how busy work is, you can''t neglect family."


    As she spoke, she deliberately linked arms with Fang Lehong in an intimate gesture and winked, "Mom, am I right?"


    "Yes, yes, yes!"


    Hearing this, Si Qinyu smiled gently. A strange light flashed in his eyes, as if he was quite satisfied with Lu Qiqi''s obedience.


    Just then, Si Qinyu''s phone rang, the ringtone echoing abruptly in the spacious living room, shattering the delicate atmosphere.


    He looked at the two apologetically, nodded slightly, and then answered the call.


    Si Qinyu''s back appeared particularly straight under the light. His deep, magnetic voice traveled through the air, each word clearly audible, "Hello, who is this? ...Yes, okay, I understand. I''ll take care of it immediately."


    His brows gradually furrowed with a look of urgency. He occasionally looked up at Lu Qiqi and Fang Lehong, a flicker of barely perceptible worry flashing in his eyes.


    Although it was only for a moment, Lu Qiqi caught it. If she wasn''t mistaken, this call should be from Shen Manli, whom she had left behind in the car.


    The weather in June is so fickle. It looks like it''s going to rain now. Shen Manli didn''t take anything with her when she got out of the car. She probably borrowed a passerby''s phone to call Si Qinyu.


    "There''s a bit of an emergency at the company. I need to go deal with it immediately. Mom, Qiqi, you two go to the hospital first." Lu Qiqi was still wondering what excuse Si Qinyu would use to go pick up his little lover, but he was surprisingly direct.


    How could she let him have his way that day?


    "Qin, what''s the problem at the company? Is it serious? Do you need my help? If it''s really urgent, you can accompany Mom to the hospital, and I''ll go to the company to handle it." Lu Qiqi looked serious. Si Qinyu was momentarily at a loss for words about what had happened at the company and was stunned.


    "What''s wrong? Is it serious?" Lu Qiqi frowned, her voice laced with concern and urgency.

 Chapter 5 Maximizing Benefits

    Before Si Qinyu could answer, Lu Qiqi stepped forward and wrapped her arm around his, offering solicitously, "Since it''s so serious, I should definitely go with you. I know a thing or two about the company, I can help."


    Lu Qiqi made her conclusion, effectively cutting off Si Qinyu''s words. If he insisted that there was an urgent matter at the company, it was obvious that Lu Qiqi would follow.


    However, his phone kept vibrating in his pocket. At this moment, Si Qinyu was still infatuated with Fang Ke, and he couldn''t bear to let her stand out in the rain and cold. He could only use his eyes to signal his mother to help him out.


    Although Fang Lehong didn''t know what was going on, she was happy to see her son ditch Lu Qiqi. So she stepped in to smooth things over, "Oh, Qiqi, men prioritize their careers. The two of us can go to the hospital. Let Qinyu go to the company himself."


    "That won''t do, Mom. Your health is the most important thing. Qinyu always tells me how he wants to honor you. How could he possibly leave you behind?" Lu Qiqi looked disapproving, while gazing at Si Qinyu with admiration. "Qinyu, am I right?"


    Now, Si Qinyu was in a real bind. A flash of annoyance and gloominess crossed his eyes, but he quickly masked it with tender affection. If Lu Qiqi hadn''t been paying close attention, she wouldn''t have caught it.


    Naturally, he didn''t want to go to the hospital. He shot another dissatisfied look at his mother. Seeing her son''s displeasure, Fang Kehong felt a little intimidated, and inwardly cursed her daughter-in-law for being so tactless.


    But despite her inner curses, she had to satisfy her son''s request. So she suddenly raised her voice, pretending to have just remembered something, "Ah, Qiqi, I''m feeling much better now. And I just remembered I have a beauty appointment. Why don''t we go together?"


    "Alright, but my membership card has expired... I''d better not go. I''ll accompany Qinyu..." Knowing this was Fang Lehong''s excuse, Lu Qiqi pretended not to understand. As expected, Si Qinyu became anxious.


    He took out his phone, tapped a few times, and quickly said, "Honey, I''ve transferred some pocket money to you. Go out with Mom. I really have something to do. I''m leaving now."


    Without waiting for Lu Qiqi to refuse, he gave her a quick peck on the cheek, with a hint of reluctance and affection, "Be good and wait for me to come back."


    Lu Qiqi pretended to be touched and rubbed her cheek, but in reality, she wanted to wipe the place he had touched clean. Watching Si Qinyu''s retreating figure, Lu Qiqi''s eyes were full of mockery.


    With her son gone, Fang Lehong was about to come up with another way to torment her daughter-in-law when she saw Lu Qiqi staring at the door, muttering to herself, looking lost, "Sigh, Qinyu is really busy."


    Satisfied with Lu Qiqi''s obsession with her son, Fang Kehong forgot to make things difficult for her. By the time she realized it, Lu Qiqi had already returned to her room to rest. Not wanting to appear too harsh, Fang Kehong simply went out as planned.Unauthorized reproduction: this story has been taken without approval. Report sightings.


    When Si Qinyu finally reached Shen Manli, he found her drenched like a drowned rat, soaked from head to toe, looking utterly miserable.


    Seeing him arrive, Shen Manli threw herself into his arms as if he were her savior, holding him tightly and sobbing softly.


    "Mr. Si, you''re finally here! I''ve been waiting for you for so long! I''m so cold, so cold."


    "How did you get so drenched? I thought you went out with Lu Qiqi. Why didn''t you come back together?" Si Qinyu asked as he carried her into the car.


    Knowing that Si Qinyu didn''t like to hear complaints or accusations, Shen Manli simply shivered and said in a trembling voice, "No, it''s nothing. It was my own fault. I missed the ride. It has nothing to do with Sister Qiqi."


    "And, and, I''m so touched that you came, wuwuwu..."


    Si Qinyu knew that Lu Qiqi was probably behind this, but Shen Manli''s unexpected restraint, coupled with her current pitiful state, made him feel even more tender towards her.


    At the same time, he felt a surge of dissatisfaction towards Lu Qiqi. He hadn''t expected the woman who always seemed so gentle and tender in front of him to be so dark-hearted, using such underhanded tactics to torment her own friend.


    Meanwhile, Shen Manli didn''t forget to express her feelings to Si Qinyu. She looked at him with a burning gaze, and her soaked clothes clinging to her alluring curves ignited a fire in Si Qinyu''s heart.


    "Mr. Si, I''m so cold, and my clothes are all wet. Could you take me to a hotel to change?" Sensing the heat in his eyes, Shen Manli felt a thrill of triumph and offered a perfectly reasonable excuse and a subtle hint.


    He floored the accelerator and sped to a hotel.


    In the bathroom, they embraced, the hot water cascading down, soaking them both from head to toe. Shen Manli looked up at the spray, a triumphant smile playing on her lips.


    Lu Qiqi, you must have felt so smug when you left me in the rain. But little did you know, the man you love is now spending a passionate night with me.


    The resentment from being abandoned transformed into the exhilarating satisfaction of revenge. Shen Manli pressed herself closer to Si Qinyu, their bodies entwined in a passionate embrace.


    In another room, Lu Qiqi scrolled through her phone, a disdainful smirk playing on her lips as she saw the newly arrived 100,000 yuan. So, this was his way of getting rid of her so he could play the hero and rescue the damsel in distress. Si Qinyu was indeed generous, casually tossing out 100,000 yuan like it was nothing.


    But hey, why refuse money from a scumbag? Lu Qiqi wasn''t one to pretend to be noble. After confirming that Fang Lehong had left and no one was home, she opened her chat with her best friend, Bai Yu, and transferred all the money to her.


    The next second, Bai Yu''s video call popped up.


    ¡°Qiqi, have you been hacked? Why are you suddenly sending me so much money?!¡±


    ¡°Are you stupid? Hackers only ask to borrow money, they don''t send you money,¡± Lu Qiqi chuckled, covering her mouth. ¡°Just take it. Consider it a consultation fee for your legal services.¡±


    ¡°You need a lawyer? You have a whole team of lawyers at your company. Come on, spill the beans, what''s really going on?¡± Bai Yu teased, but Lu Qiqi''s next sentence made her jump up as if she had been injected with adrenaline.


    Lu Qiqi''s face turned serious as she said to the screen, ¡°Xiaoyu, I want a divorce. You have to help me get the most out of it.¡±


    ¡°Divorce! You just got married! What happened? Did Si Qinyu mistreat you? Did he cheat on you? No way¡­¡±


    Bai Yu fired off a series of questions, completely stunned by the news. Her best friend, who had been head over heels in love just recently, was now suddenly ready to cut all ties. It was unbelievable.


    Besides, Si Qinyu had always been known as the model boyfriend, treating Lu Qiqi exceptionally well. Everyone could see that. What on earth did he do to make Lu Qiqi consider divorce so soon after their wedding?


    Bai Yu was like a cha(a type of badger) in a melon field, jumping up and down with impatience, wishing she could crawl into Lu Qiqi''s stomach and be her roundworm(meaning ''someone who knows your every thought'') to find out what was going on between the two.

 Chapter 6: Borrowing Flowers to Offer Buddha

    ¡°Tell me already! Or should I come over right now? Ugh, I have a case to deal with in a bit. Qiqi, dear Qiqi, don''t keep me in suspense,¡± Bai Yu pleaded, clasping her hands together.


    Seeing Bai Yu so agitated, practically ready to jump through the screen and shake her shoulders, Lu Qiqi couldn''t help but laugh, her worries momentarily forgotten.


    ¡°On our wedding day, I saw him and Shen Manli together, and it clearly wasn''t their first time. I can''t tolerate betrayal.¡±


    Lu Qiqi briefly recounted the incident of catching Si Qinyu and Shen Manli together on their wedding day. However, she concealed the fact that she, too, had lost her innocence in a twist of fate. Thinking of this, she gave a self-deprecating smile. It seemed that no matter what, she and Si Qinyu were destined for divorce.


    "He, Si Qinyu, actually dared to cheat? On their wedding night? What a scumbag! I''m going to kill him!" Bai Yu couldn''t believe her ears. She slammed her hand on the table in anger. Ouch, it hurt. This wasn''t a dream.


    "Don''t get too worked up. You know I can''t tolerate betrayal, so divorce is inevitable. Help me maximize my interests." Lu Qiqi had already passed the peak of her anger. She interrupted Bai Yu, urging her to calm down.


    Seeing Lu Qiqi''s expressionless face, as if she had already accepted the reality, Bai Yu felt a surge of heartache in addition to her anger.


    She knew how deep the feelings between Lu Qiqi and Si Qinyu were. Although Lu Qiqi didn''t express her love as directly and passionately as Si Qinyu, she loved him with all her heart.


    She had once looked forward to the wedding, to marriage, so much. Now, her heart must be aching terribly. Bai Yu felt a stinging sensation in her nose, and tears almost welled up, but she quickly suppressed them.


    To avoid making Lu Qiqi recall more painful memories, Bai Yu adopted a professional tone and analyzed the situation seriously: "Qiqi, from a personal standpoint, I support you leaving this unhappy marriage. But from a lawyer''s perspective, I advise against divorce."


    Divorcing now might feel good emotionally, but the economic ties between the Lu and Si families are too complex. It''s very likely that your assets will shrink during the lengthy divorce proceedings.


    "Many wealthy couples are married for the sake of their companies, maintaining a facade of harmony in public while leading separate lives in private. If you''ve already given up on him, I don''t think you need to insist on a divorce. Whether it''s for revenge or for love, you can find a few good-looking younger guys to date and have some fun."


    In a marriage so entangled with interests, pursuing true love is like a dream. Since her best friend''s dream was shattered, she had to protect her best interests.


    Knowing that Bai Yu was looking out for her, Lu Qiqi felt a wave of gratitude but smiled bitterly. "Xiaoyu, if it were just emotional betrayal, I wouldn''t be so resolute. We could have talked it out and parted amicably..."If you spot this narrative on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.


    Even though some time had passed, Lu Qiqi still felt a dull ache in her heart when she recalled the conversation she had overheard that day. Her face turned pale, and she couldn''t help but grip the edge of the table, her knuckles turning white.


    Seeing this, Bai Yu, on the other end of the video call, felt even more heartbroken. She grabbed her phone, ready to leave the law firm to go to Lu Qiqi. But at the door, her assistant nodded slightly and pointed to the conference room, indicating that a client had arrived and the meeting was about to start.


    No matter how important the client was, they couldn''t compare to her best friend at this moment. Bai Yu frowned and said in a low voice, "Tell them I suddenly fell ill. Postpone the meeting."


    "But..." The assistant hesitated, standing still.


    "There are no buts. Listen to me, go now." Bai Yu snapped, her voice laced with fury. The assistant bit her lip, ready to comply, when Lu Qiqi''s voice came through the phone.


    "Xiao Yu, don''t come over yet. I''m really fine. Go to your meeting. Your work can''t afford any problems, you know that. You''re the only one I trust. I''ll need you to step up for me later."


    Hearing that Bai Yu was about to ditch a major client for her sake, Lu Qiqi was both touched and anxious. She quickly interjected, "And I''m actually about to head out. I''m busy here too. Let''s just talk for a few more minutes and then hang up."


    "Really?" Bai Yu was skeptical. She leaned closer to the screen, scrutinizing Lu Qiqi. Only after confirming that she did seem to be in a decent state did she return to her office, signaling to her assistant that the meeting wouldn''t need to be delayed.


    The assistant breathed a sigh of relief, as if granted amnesty.


    Back in the room, since Bai Yu had a meeting to attend, the two women kept their conversation brief. Bai Yu helped her outline a plan.


    "First, you need to take stock of your pre-marital assets. From today onwards, they must not be mixed with the Si family''s. Second, for the assets that have already been mixed, you need to find ways to legally transfer them out gradually. I can give you a few suggestions..."


    "Oh, right. Although legally, Si Qinyu''s infidelity during the marriage won''t make him lose everything in the divorce, you can use legal means to gather more evidence. This will help you secure more benefits, especially since the Si family prides themselves on their reputation. At crucial moments, like when the company goes public, it might prove surprisingly effective."


    Speaking of reputation, Bai Yu felt a surge of irony and disgust.


    Her words flowed rapidly, clear and concise, like a barrage of bullets. She was like a warrior, ready to fight tooth and nail to defend her friend.


    "Okay, I understand." Lu Qiqi carefully committed each point to memory. Her heart, which had been cold for so long, began to feel a faint warmth. No matter what, she had such a good friend who stood by her side, unconditionally supporting and helping her.


    After hanging up, Lu Qiqi washed her face. The cold water jolted her awake. Staring at her reflection in the mirror, she forced a smile.


    "Don''t cry, Lu Qiqi. Keep smiling. Smile as you watch the Si family crumble. Smile until the very end!"


    Sitting at her vanity, Lu Qiqi meticulously drew her eyebrows. Her features were beautiful and delicate, her eyes curved in an innocent, pure expression. This was the mask she would wear.


    Suddenly, her phone vibrated.


    She glanced at the caller ID, and seeing it was Fang Lehong, she casually put the call on speakerphone. Her face showed no respect, yet her voice was incredibly gentle, "Hey, Mom, what''s up?"


    "Qiqi, I ran into Mrs. Chu after my beauty treatment. It seems she sprained her ankle. I saw her heading to the hospital just now. Why don''t you go over and check on her? And maybe ask that friend of yours for help again."


    Fang Lehong''s loving and kind voice came through the phone, but it carried an imperceptible air of command, as if Lu Qiqi were her subordinate, to be dispatched at will.


    Lu Qiqi had mentioned knowing a doctor at this hospital, and since Fang Lehong couldn''t be bothered to go herself, she called Lu Qiqi specifically, asking her to maintain the relationship between the Si and Chu families, hoping to curry more favor with the Chu family for the Si family.