Chapter 7 — Called Off Right on the Spot

Is it you who cannot live without her, or is it the Shen enterprise that cannot function without her?

Man Lin raised her eyes to look directly at me. Miss Hua, must you use such harsh and disagreeable language? I offered a cold smile. When we were fighting over that parking space earlier, the things you said were far worse than anything coming out of my mouth. Zhi Hang Shen finally spoke up, breaking the heavy silence. Hua Qing He, I can give you my word that there has never been any improper boundary crossed between Man Lin and me.

Then do you dare to fire her right this very second?

The teacup in Man Lin's hand slipped, shattering against the floor with a sharp crash. Zhi Hang Shen's expression turned intensely ugly. Do not be so utterly unreasonable and make trouble out of nothing.

See? You do not dare at all.

The elderly patriarch slammed his heavy walking stick against the marble floor. Enough! He glared at me with fierce eyes. Qing He, the Shen family household is not so desperate that it cannot survive without you. Giving you this chance to step down gracefully today is purely out of respect for your father. If you know what is good for you, the engagement will proceed as planned, and Man Man will remain by Zhi Hang Shen's side. But if you lack basic understanding and courtesy, the Shen family is certainly not afraid of calling off the marriage. I gave a single nod. Then let us cancel it. The old patriarch had clearly not anticipated that I would agree so readily. Think this through carefully.

I have thought it through completely.

Zhi Hang Shen abruptly stood up from his seat. Hua Qing He, if you walk out through this door today, do not expect to ever regret it.

What on earth could I possibly regret?

He strode over until he was standing right in front of me. As for your father, I will personally explain everything to him myself. When the time comes, it is far from certain that he will stand on your side. I looked back at him steadily. You are more than welcome to try. The old patriarch let out a cold, mocking laugh. It is fine for young people to have some spirit and temper, but sheer arrogance without knowing the immensity of heaven and earth will only lead to bitter suffering in the end. I turned around on my heel and walked toward the exit. From behind me came Man Lin's soft, derisive whisper. Does Director Shen's fiancee really think she is some extraordinary character? Zhi Hang Shen offered no reply. As I reached the heavy doorway, the head butler stepped forward to block my path. Miss Hua, the master requests that you leave behind the token belonging to the Shen family. I lowered my gaze to the jade bracelet circling my wrist. This was the exact piece my father had explicitly instructed me to wear before coming here today. He had told me that many years ago, the older patriarch of the Shen family had personally brought it to the Hua household as a gift. I slid the cold jade from my wrist and placed it directly into the butler's palm. Hold onto it tightly. Just as the butler received it, the old patriarch's voice rang out from behind. Even if it shatters into pieces, it is hardly worth a few coins anyway. My footsteps paused. The old patriarch continued unbothered. Back then it was merely a trinket I handed over on a whim, yet the Hua family has treated it like some priceless ancestral heirloom for all these years. Waves of loud laughter erupted from the gathered members of the Shen family. I slowly turned back around. Old man, are you entirely certain this was just a minor trinket?

What, are you planning to use a broken piece of cheap jade to extort the Shen family?

Man Lin chimed in with a sarcastic sneer. Miss Hua, a person should really maintain a shred of personal dignity and backbone. I stared fixedly at the jade bracelet resting in the palm. Very well. Since you claim it holds no value whatsoever, then smash it right now. The butler was startled out of his wits. This matter... The old patriarch lost face and snapped harshly, If I told you to break it, then break it! The butler hesitated, slowly raising his hand. I reminded him calmly, Before you smash it, you had better think very carefully. Once the object is destroyed, there are certain words that cannot be taken back later. The old patriarch grew impatient. Smash it! The jade bracelet slipped from the butler's hand, hitting the floor and fracturing into several distinct pieces. The laughter echoing through the grand living room grew even louder and more unrestrained. Only Zhi Hang Shen remained staring fixedly at the scattered shards of jade, his complexion slowly turning pale and shifting dramatically. He bent down, picked up one of the largest fragments, and flipped it over to inspect the inner surface. Carved delicately into the stone was a microscopic line of text: Presented to Qing He of the Hua family, Yong Nian Shen swears a lifelong oath of repayment. The heavy wooden cane dropped from the old patriarch's hand, hitting the ground with a dull thud. Who gave you permission to break that? The butler turned completely ashen with terror. Master, it was you who commanded... The old patriarch swung his arm and delivered a resounding, vicious slap across the man's face. You worthless fool! I stood quietly by the doorway, coldly watching this ridiculous farce unfold before my eyes. Old patriarch, do you still wish to call off the engagement now? Zhi Hang Shen clutched the broken jade fragment tightly in his grip, finally raising his eyes to study me with a cautious, probing gaze for the very first time.

Hua Qing He, who on earth are you really?