Chapter 19: It’s Likely the Work of That Scoundrel Lu

Listening to Zhang Jingyan’s threat, Lu Tianyu curled his lips into a calm smile: "Do you really think I would fall for the same trick twice?"

Zhang Jingyan feigned composure as well: "Believe what you want."

No matter how composed she tried to be, Lu Tianyu still caught a hint of a slip. "It’s fine; I have the certificate. It’s official."

With that, he didn’t forget to free one hand to pull out his phone and show it to her. "Look, doesn't she look lovely smiling?"

It would have been better if he hadn't mentioned the marriage certificate. Seeing it, Zhang Jingyan’s temper flared instantly: "Oh, sure, I’m smiling happily, but what about you?"

In the photo, Lu Tianyu indeed lacked any sign of a smile.

His demeanor softened instantly. "That’s just the expression I have whenever a photo is taken. I can’t change it overnight."

Zhang Jingyan looked at him. "I recall seeing a photo of you and Rachel in your study, and you looked quite happy in that one."

Which one?

Lu Yu pondered for a moment, then looked aggrieved. "Wife, are you really getting jealous over something from middle school?"

Zhang Jingyan countered, "Why is a photo from middle school still on your desk?"

Lu Tianyu laughed helplessly. "That is the only family portrait I have."

Knowing what she was about to ask, he continued, "As for Jing... Rachel, she was boarding at our house back then, so she was in the photo."

Is that so? A family portrait?

Zhang Jingyan didn't remember it that way; she only remembered the inexplicably grating smiles of the two of them.

Forgetting how ambiguous her own posture with Lu Tianyu had been in the photo, she pressed on: "Then let me ask you, where were you the night we registered our marriage?"

At this question, a flicker of guilt crossed Lu Tianyu’s face. "At the company. There was an urgent matter to handle."

Zhang Jingyan leaned against the wall, as if all the strength in her body had drained away at that moment.

She dropped her arms. "You know what I do, don't you? Gossip and rumors about stars and celebrities—I have it all. And that naturally includes you, CEO Lu. 'LQ Electronics President's Late-Night Tryst with International Opera Star'—the headline isn't great, but the photos were quite sharp."

Lu Tianyu’s eyes were frantic as he tried to explain: "Jingyan, listen to me, it’s not what you think."

Zhang Jingyan’s expression remained calm, though her tone couldn't help but turn biting: "If I were a tabloid reporter, do you know how I’d write that headline? 'Sister-in-law and Brother-in-law's Late-Night Alleyway Tryst: A Sigh-Worthy Display of Affection.'"

Compared to the previous one, it sounded much more literary.

Lu Tianyu narrowed his eyes. "Zhang Jingyan!"

Even though he was angry, he couldn't bring himself to say anything harsh to her.

Zhang Jingyan poked his chest. "By the way, from now on, just call me Reporter Zhang. Otherwise, I really can’t tell who exactly it is you’re calling out."

Taking advantage of his stunned state, she shoved him away. With red-rimmed eyes and a disappointed look at him, she suppressed her reluctance and turned to leave.

***

Disturbed by the incident, Zhang Jingyan lost all enthusiasm for work. She used the excuse of an outdoor assignment to leave the office.

With nothing to do, she went to the Yuanmeng Bookstore, only to find it had closed early. She then dialed Jiang Mengnan’s number.

At that moment, Jiang Mengnan was sitting in the living room playing a game with Lu Yu. For some reason, as soon as he got home, Lu Yu had knocked on her door with his phone in hand. He was using a secondary account to get close to her, hoping she would help him clear a level so he could "steal" her techniques. Jiang Mengnan, naturally unaware of his schemes, had happily agreed.

Halfway through the game, Zhang Jingyan’s call popped up.

"You keep playing, I need to take this," Jiang Mengnan said while watching him. "Jingyan, what’s up?"

They rarely called each other; anything urgent was usually handled in their group chat. A phone call usually meant something was wrong.

Zhang Jingyan got straight to the point: "Want to go grab a drink with me?"

Jiang Mengnan stopped watching and stood up. "What happened? What’s wrong?"

Zhang Jingyan’s nose stung. "Nothing, I just want a drink. Are you free?"

Jiang Mengnan didn't hesitate. "I’m free, of course I am. Where are you? I’ll come to you."

Zhang Jingyan sent her a location.

*I won't call Yun Shu; even if I did, Qi Yihuai wouldn't let her out.*

Jiang Mengnan agreed completely. After sending an "OK" emoji, she turned to Lu Yu. "I’m heading out for a bit."

Lu Yu reached out and grabbed her wrist. "Where are you going? Dinner’s almost ready." He tried to keep her with food, but it was useless.

Jiang Mengnan brushed his hand away. "Your second sister-in-law is in a bad mood, so I’m going to keep her company. I’m guessing that 'Dog Lu' is behind it."

Sensing the grinding teeth in her tone, Lu Yu let her go. "Take the driver. Stay safe."

She had intended to refuse, but then reconsidered. If Zhang Jingyan got drunk, she wouldn't be able to handle it alone. Having a driver would be much more convenient.

Waving goodbye, Jiang Mengnan headed down. "Thanks."

At the elevator, she bumped into Qin Jiu. Upon seeing her, he asked with concern, "Ms. Jiang, are you all right?"

Jiang Mengnan was bewildered. "I'm fine. Why wouldn't I be?"

Qin Jiu scratched his head. "Then why did the young master say you were in danger, abandon his recording, and rush back after borrowing a car?"

This revelation shocked her. He had done all that for her? Thinking of Lu Yiqin, she shook her head. "I guess he was worried Lu Yiqin would try to poach me with a hundred million."

She shrugged and walked past Qin Jiu into the elevator.

"Huh? A hundred million?" Qin Jiu scratched his head, confused.

Thinking he had important matters to report, he didn't dwell on it and rang the doorbell.

It’s unclear how long they talked, but Qin Jiu noticed Lu Yu’s attention beginning to drift. At first, Lu Yu gave orders with sharp, icy focus, but later, he kept picking up his phone to glance at it, only to sigh and put it back down. He looked for all the world like a boy experiencing his first heartbreak.

Qin Jiu rubbed his eyes, wondering if he was hallucinating from working too much overtime. Lu Yu was a popular young idol who had acted in countless romance dramas; with all that experience, he should have been a master of love. How could a master be so unsettled?

Just as he was wondering, Lu Yu’s phone vibrated. Seeing him answer immediately, Qin Jiu heard him say in a voice that was perfectly composed: "Speak."

Three seconds later, Lu Yu lost his cool. "What did you say?"

Having not seen him act this frantic in a long time, Qin Jiu instinctively stood up, waiting nervously for the fallout. In the next second, he heard Lu Yu say, "I’m coming right now. Keep them steady."

Hearing this, Qin Jiu felt a surge of panic. What on earth had happened?