Chapter 7 — My Arch-Nemesis Cried at My Wedding

Chu Diem remained silent for a long while after hearing me out. Then, she spoke slowly.

"Zhang Niannian, I have known you for twenty years."

"Yes."

"You have always been one to swindle people out of their money, never their hearts."

"Yes."

"How do you plan to bring the curtain down on this act?"

I lay sprawled on the sofa. "I have no idea."

"Why don't you just tell him the truth and be done with it?"

"Absolutely not." I shook my head vigorously. "Truth be told, I am quite fond of the way he looks when he lowers his head and eyes in that submissive manner. If I tell him the truth now, he might just fly into a rage and strangle me. Besides, I have already accepted all the resources he has laid at my feet."

"I haven't even had the chance to look through or spend all the betrothal gifts he brought over yet."

Chu Diem sighed. "You are truly stubborn. It is obvious that you have grown fond of him. You are finished; you have fallen into the trap of love."

"I have not."

"You have." She poked me hard in the forehead. "You clearly feel a spark for him, but you would rather die than admit it."

"I do not!"

"Then why are you blushing?"

"It’s because I'm arguing with you and it’s getting hot in here!"

Chu Diem shot me a scathing look. "The air conditioning is set to eighteen degrees Celsius, yet you claim to be hot. Meanwhile, Lu Yanshen claims he caught a cold in the middle of summer. You two are truly a match made in heaven."

I grabbed a cushion and threw it at her. For the next two months, Lu Yanshen truly began to view himself as my 'concubine.' However, within the business circles of City A, he began to ruthlessly suppress Chu Yuan. The first instance occurred during a bidding process. Chu Yuan's company had submitted a bid, but when Lu Yanshen saw Chu Yuan's name on the list, he used his personal connections to easily cast Chu Yuan's professional credentials aside. A bewildered Chu Yuan called me.

"Niannian, what is wrong with your archenemy? I have no history or grievance with him!"

"He is targeting me."

"Then why target me? We don't even operate in the same industry!"

"...It is a long story."

"Then hurry over and save me! He is attacking me without cause!"

I had no choice but to go and find Lu Yanshen. "Mr. Lu, why are you making things difficult for Chu Yuan?"

"Business is business." He sat behind his desk, not even bothering to look up. "His firm’s credentials are truly insufficient."

"That is a lie, his company is more than qualified."

Only then did he lift his head, his gaze icy. "Niannian, did you come here to plead on his behalf? That only makes me want to crush him further."

"Lu Yanshen, I came here to talk some sense into you."

"I have no interest in reason. I only want you to dump him."

"If you accept your position as the 'primary spouse,' perhaps you could show some leniency and leave him a way out."

"You have been watching too many historical palace dramas," he retorted, rising and walking toward me. "The mere thought that you are his wife and are speaking up for him makes me feel incredibly bitter."

"So you are using public power for private revenge?"

"Exactly." He admitted it with startling ease. "I am indeed seeking personal revenge. He took you from me, so it is only fair that I make him suffer for a bit."

"I am sparing his life already as a courtesy to you, Niannian."

I took a deep breath. "Lu Yanshen, are you still in primary school?"

"If you were to get a divorce, I could act like a primary schooler for you."

"..."

I looked at him, and he looked at me. A hidden chill flickered in his eyes. "Zhang Nian, when will you get that divorce?"

"Soon."

"You say that every time."

"You are just like those deadbeat men who keep mistresses, feeding me empty promises."

He leaned in, looking straight into my eyes, and offered a wickedly charming smile. "What if I tricked you instead?"

"If I tricked you, I would be a dog."

"Right now, you are not even as good as a dog. You are just a homewrecker with no name and no status."

Lu Yanshen gritted his teeth. I held back my laughter until it hurt.

"If you suppress Chu Yuan again, I am truly not getting that divorce."

"Then when will you?"

"That depends on your behavior."

He pressed his lips together, finally choosing to compromise.