Chapter 9 — Called Off Right on the Spot

Do you think bringing an old man here will make the Shen family fear you? She tugged at her coat. Value is built on shared history above all else. The more you make a fuss, the more he will only despise you.

I looked at her. Since you are so certain of your victory, why do you still have to resort to tears? Lin Man’s face grew ice-cold. Because men always fall for this trick.

Then by all means, continue using it. I pulled open the car door.

Lin Man suddenly lunged forward and grabbed my wrist. Xu Qinghe, you need to make things clear tonight. Are you planning to use old Liang to suppress the Shen family? I shook her hand off. Using the momentum of my push, she fell backward, landing heavily on the ground. Ah! Shen Chengying strode over. Lin Man! Lin Man cradled her wrist, her voice cracking with sobs. I only wanted to stop her, but she pushed me. Shen Chengying raised his head to look at me, an uncontainable fury burning in his eyes. Xu Qinghe, you have gone too far. Old Liang frowned. Director Shen, I am standing right here and I saw it very clearly. She fell on her own. Lin Mans crying stopped instantly. Shen Chengying was also stunned. Old Liang continued. There are security cameras right at the entrance of the Shen estate. Would you like to review the footage? Lin Man hurriedly lowered her head. Shen Chengyings expression turned extremely grim. I got into the car, casting one last glance at him before pulling the door shut.

Shen Chengying, you truly do not deserve to know who I am.

The car door slammed shut. As the vehicle began to roll forward, I saw the elder running after old Liang with obsequious flattery, while Shen Chengying remained rooted to the spot, his hand still tightly clutching that shattered piece of jade. Lin Man tried to pull his arm, but for the very first time, he pulled away to avoid her touch. I moved into the guesthouse of the Linzhou Research Institute. The room was exceedingly ordinary, containing only a single bed and a desk, with the pale glow of a streetlamp from the old neighborhood filtering through the window. Just as I finished washing my hands, a knock sounded at the door. Old Liang stood outside, holding a sealed plastic evidence bag.

The shattered jade has been recovered.

Did the Shen family actually agree to hand it over?

The Shen family elder would not dare refuse.

I accepted the sealed bag. The fragments of jade had been pieced back together, the ancient inscription etched upon them still clearly visible. Old Liang asked, Are you truly calling off the engagement?

I am.

Your father has already spoken on the matter. He respects whatever decision you make.

I slipped the sealed bag into my handbag. Old Liang looked at me intently. Qinghe, over the past two years, the Shen Corporation has petitioned the Institute for a great many favors. If you wish to vent your anger, there are numerous ways to do so.

I have no desire to use public office for private vengeance.

Then how do you intend to handle this?

We shall simply proceed according to protocol.

Old Liang nodded. The most difficult thing in this world is precisely to proceed according to protocol. Early the next morning, the moment I stepped down from the guesthouse stairs, I spotted Shen Chengyings car parked outside. He was leaning against the vehicle, evidently having waited there for quite some time. Lin Man was with him as well, her complexion haggard and drawn. I halted my steps. You people are truly like lingering ghosts. Lin Mans eyes were red-rimmed. Miss Xu, I have come here to offer you a formal apology. In her hands, she held a brand-new phone box. I ruined your phone yesterday, and this is to compensate you. I refused to take it. My phone contains the internal communication network of the Research Institute. Smashing it cannot simply be resolved by buying a new one as a replacement. Lin Mans expression shifted dramatically. I did not know. Shen Chengying spoke up. She genuinely did not know. Do not blow things completely out of proportion. I cut him off. Did you come here today simply to continue making excuses for her? Shen Chengying fell silent for a moment. I will cover the repair costs for your car, and I will compensate you for the phone. Lin Man was driving under the influence yesterday, and she was in the wrong. Lin Man stared at him in utter disbelief, her eyes widening. Chengying. Shen Chengying refused to meet her gaze. You should apologize to Miss Xu. Lin Man ground her teeth, thrusting the phone box forward. I am sorry. I looked directly into her eyes. Are you apologizing because you genuinely believe you were wrong, or simply because Shen Chengying forced you to come here?