Chapter Forty-One

A man and a woman’s voices drifted slowly into Shen Huaijing’s ears.

With a loud crash, Shen Huaijing slammed her phone hard onto the table, causing the cutlery to tremble in its wake.

Her cool, moonlit eyes flashed with icy brilliance as she clenched her fists tightly. “It’s no wonder he and Fu Chen are such close friends—both of them are exactly the same!”

Yu Yunxi had never seen Shen Huaijing so furious. Even when she learned about Mu Jinghuai’s troubles, Shen Huaijing had remained rational and composed.

“In truth, if this matter were exposed, I suspect the shares of Mengze Entertainment would plummet across the board, and Lin Yu wouldn’t fare much better either.” Yu Yunxi analyzed gravely.

“No, it can’t be exposed.” Shen Huaijing swiftly dismissed the idea. Seeing the confusion in Yu Yunxi’s face, she sighed deeply, patiently explaining, “We only have an audio recording, not even any visuals. Do you think if we expose it, it would really affect them? With the Lin family’s influence, they would clear their name in no time.”

Yu Yunxi tugged at her hair in frustration. “Huaijing, do you know? I studied journalism in university. Back then, my dream was to seek justice and fight for the rights of ordinary people. Even though I ended up working at an entertainment magazine after graduation, I never forgot my aspirations.”

“Now you’re asking me to just watch someone be destroyed before my eyes—I can’t do it. It’s just like when I resolutely sought my cousin’s help for Mu Jinghuai.”

Yes, Mu Jinghuai’s situation remained uncertain. She’d called He An for a brief update; though Mu Jinghuai was still struggling, things were marginally better than before.

All of this was thanks to Fu Chen and Lin Yu, but Shen Huaijing harbored no fondness for Wen Manchu. After all, Wen Manchu herself was willing to trade her body for a smooth career.

Only the recipient had changed.

“Actually… Yunxi, you don’t need to burden yourself so much mentally. Wen Manchu has already chosen that path. The difference now is only the person involved.”

Shen Huaijing had little respect for those who traded their bodies for gain.

“But the president of Shengkang Group is infamous for his perversion. There have been rumors that several young models suffered torment at his hands—some went mad, others disappeared altogether.”

Yu Yunxi shuddered at her own words, rubbing her hands together nervously. “I know many people choose this path nowadays, but at least it’s their own decision, not forced upon them. Just like the business marriages in your circle—at their core, they’re exchanges of bodies, too.”

Yu Yunxi’s words pierced Shen Huaijing’s heart like a dagger, tearing away the mask she had so carefully constructed.

She, too, had used her body as currency. How could she look down on Wen Manchu? She was no better.

Shen Huaijing laughed at herself. “Yes, and I even dared to judge her.”

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Yu Yunxi finally realized her words had been ill-chosen—a muddle of chaotic thoughts had spilled from her lips without restraint.

“Huaijing, I didn’t mean it that way. I just think, as women, we should help each other.” Yu Yunxi hurried to explain.

Shen Huaijing took a couple bites of food, uncertain whether the dish was too spicy or her heart too bitter, as a mist gathered in her eyes.

“It’s all right. Yunxi, you’re a good person. But right now, we truly don’t have a better solution. Unless there’s an adversary powerful enough to rival the Lin family, exposing this would only harm us as much as them.”

She dabbed at her tears with a tissue, resigned.

Yu Yunxi, deflated like a punctured balloon, slumped into her chair, staring up at the mottled ceiling.

“So we just sit here and wait for the inevitable?”

“Don’t be too pessimistic. At least we have something in hand—we just need to wait for an opportunity. If someone powerful enough appears, we can act accordingly. If not, we’ll wait until Wen Manchu’s name hits the headlines before exposing the truth.”

Shen Huaijing knew how slim the chances were.

Under absolute power and wealth, people were insignificant—utterly inconsequential.

The two ate in silence, weighed down by their thoughts, finishing hastily before heading home separately.

At Shui Jun Bay.

For the past half-month, Fu Chen had spent nearly all his time at Lin Yiqing’s place, yet he never acted intimately with her—not even sharing a bed, always sleeping on the sofa.

As night approached, Fu Chen remained motionless on the sofa, absorbed in his work.

Lin Yiqing, clad in a seductive red silk nightdress, pretended to pour water in front of him, brushing lightly against his body, her cheeks flushed with embarrassment. In truth, she was conservative, but faced with Fu Chen’s indifference, she had no other recourse.

Fu Chen set down his tablet, looking at Lin Yiqing with mild exasperation. “Yiqing, it’s late. Why aren’t you going to bed?”

Her embarrassment deepened, and she stood awkwardly before him, her hands nervously twisting the lace hem of her dress.

“Ah Chen, will you sleep with me tonight?”

Fu Chen had long since seen through Lin Yiqing’s intentions, but he couldn’t muster any interest, no matter how he tried. Sometimes, Shen Huaijing’s image would unexpectedly intrude on his thoughts.

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For instance, now—Lin Yiqing, alluring in her nightdress, seemed to him like a child playing dress-up in adult clothing.

But Shen Huaijing was different. Even a simple champagne-colored nightgown became irresistibly enticing on her, and countless times Fu Chen found himself unable to restrain his desire.

Fu Chen rubbed his temples, a faint smile on his lips, gently kissing Lin Yiqing’s forehead.

“Yiqing, I have a lot of work and sleep late. I’d just wake you. Go on, be good and sleep first.”

Lin Yiqing was always understanding, but tonight she couldn’t fathom it. If a man loved a woman, surely he’d abandon work at a moment like this. Why was Fu Chen the exception?

Her chest pressed against his arm as she gently rocked his hand, pleading, “Ah Chen, work can wait until tomorrow. Stay with me tonight. You’ve been here half a month and haven’t stepped into my bedroom even once.”

Fu Chen’s deep, enigmatic eyes fixed on her for a long moment. “Yiqing, if you keep this up, I’ll go home tomorrow instead.”

She bit her lower lip in wounded silence, mumbling, “Ah Chen… are you thinking about Shen Huaijing?”

Fu Chen didn’t reply, continuing to sit on the sofa, responding to emails.

Lin Yiqing knew he didn’t want to talk; not wishing to anger him, she obediently retreated to her bedroom.

Fu Chen watched her close the door, then walked to the window and dialed a number.

“Madam Feng, has Shen Huaijing returned home?”

“Good. If anything happens, call me immediately.”

Lin Yiqing opened the door a crack, hearing every word he said. She bit her lip hard, fighting back tears.

Fu Chen, have you really fallen for her? But I can’t lose you. I’ll use my own way to win you back.