Chapter 471
In front of Zhong Boyu, the two people who suddenly heard this news were both somewhat stunned, especially Zuo Jun, “That’s impossible. How can he be the head of the Xu Family? Mr. Zhong, you must have been deceived by his sweet talk. We’re all from Los City, and his wife used to be the eldest young lady of the Lin family in Los City. I even attended their wedding. There’s no way I could mistake him. He must have tricked you. If you don’t believe me, have him come here to confront me. Almost every well-known family in Los City knows about their little scandals.”
Zuo Jun could feel Chou Wen’s murderous gaze on him, but he didn’t care. He was only desperate to prove that he was right, knowing that if he couldn’t, his fate wouldn’t be good. Chou Wen was no easy person.
“What do you mean by that? Are you saying I deceived you, or that my IQ is so low to have been tricked?” Zhong Boyu’s smile suddenly vanished, his expression now serious and cold, frightening Zuo Jun so much that he swallowed back the words he was about to say, with sweat breaking out on his forehead, not knowing how to explain himself.
“Xu Ke grew up with me. How could I not know his family background? Although you told me such an amusing joke, you still need to get off my island. I don’t let people who offend my friends stay here.” After Zhong Boyu finished speaking, he turned around and left without any intention of lingering.
Seeing Zhong Boyu leave, Zuo Jun wanted to reach out to stop him but never gathered the courage to do so. Zuo Jun could only turn his head and pin all his hopes on Chou Wen. After all, they had a business relationship, and who in this world would go against money?
But just as Zuo Jun turned his head, he was slapped hard by Chou Wen.
“Why did you hit me?” Zuo Jun asked with wide eyes, holding his somewhat numb cheek.
“You still have the nerve to ask? If it weren’t for you spreading rumors in front of me, how would I have offended the head of the Xu Family? How would I have lost the cooperation with Zhong Boyu and been kicked off the island? Do you know how much I’ll lose if today’s incident gets out? Money is one thing, but I’ve lost face. It’s all thanks to you, Zuo Jun. Well done. This account will be settled sooner or later,” Chou Wen said, biting his back teeth angrily.
Seeing the storm in Chou Wen’s eyes, Zuo Jun momentarily forgot his grievance and the numbness in his cheek. He hurriedly explained, “Today’s incident is a misunderstanding. What I just said is true. If you don’t believe me, you can come with me to Los City. Anyone you ask there will tell you the same thing. We’re friends. If I deceive anyone, it won’t be you, Chou Wen.”
“There’s no point in telling me that. Save your strength to deal with your family.” Chou Wen flung Zuo Jun’s hand away, gave him a hateful look, and walked away with large strides.
“This matter isn’t over between us.”
Although Chou Wen left, his voice lingered in the wind, reaching Zuo Jun’s ears. Zuo Jun felt his legs weaken, as if the chill in the air seeped into his body.
The ground after the rain was somewhat muddy, but Zuo Jun couldn’t care less. The more he thought, the more scared he felt, until his legs turned into noodles under him, unable to support his weight. He plopped down into the ground, dirt splattering and staining his pants and clothes, but he didn’t care, his mind consumed with just one word: Finished!
This trip not only failed to gain new connections but also made an enemy of Chou Wen. At one moment, Zuo Jun could even envision his impending bankruptcy.
Zuo Jun trembled at the scenarios his mind conjured.
As for Zuo Jun, who hadn’t left by the set time, Zhong Boyu had people bring over a small yacht to set him on, leaving him to fend for himself. Whether he survives would depend on his luck and character.
In another part, Yu Xia had fallen into a feverish sleep, an IV needle in her hand, with clear liquid slowly flowing into her body through the tube, reducing her high temperature.
Standing by the bed, Lin Mengyao occasionally touched Yu Xia’s forehead, her concern unmistakable in her brows and eyes.
“Don’t worry, didn’t the doctor say it’s just a slight fever? She’ll be fine soon with the medicine.” Xu Ke reassured Lin Mengyao, holding her shoulder.
“I know I’m fine, just a bit worried.” Lin Mengyao softly placed her hand over Xu Ke’s and whispered.
“Alright, stop worrying. If Xiaxia found out you were upset about her, she’d feel bad too. Let’s go out for a walk to clear our minds, see if there’s anything good to eat on the island, and bring it back for Xiaxia to eat when she wakes up.” Xu Ke whispered gently by Lin Mengyao’s ear, cautious not to disturb Yu Xia’s rest.
Lin Mengyao looked at Yu Xia, nodded, and left with Xu Ke.
The two walked along the seaside, with the gentle sea breeze ruffling their hair and causing them to squint slightly, savoring the moment quietly.
“Xu Ke?”
At this moment of quiet enjoyment, a familiar voice rang out behind them.
“I thought I was seeing things, but it really is you! Yaoyao, it’s been so long! Did you miss me?” Ariel, wearing a black off-shoulder dress, the skirt not extending beyond her knees, revealed her long and shapely legs. With her striking appearance, she was a bright spectacle on the beach.
Ariel’s smile was bright as she approached to gently shake Lin Mengyao’s arm, as they used to when the three were together in the past. But Lin Mengyao knew their relationships had changed. She used to accept Ariel’s friendliness and coquettishness openly, but now it was no longer bearable.
Lin Mengyao withdrew her arm from Ariel’s embrace, her smile fading completely, with her eyes even showing a hint of hostility.
“Sorry, I’m not comfortable with physical contact with others.” Lin Mengyao clasped Xu Ke’s arm, her voice cool.
Ariel’s smile also dwindled a bit.
“What brings you here?” Xu Ke patted Lin Mengyao’s arm and asked Ariel.
“Why, am I not allowed to be here? I promised you I wouldn’t go to China, but I didn’t agree to stay nowhere but America. I’ve had enough of America and just came out to have some fun, is that not okay?” Ariel said, raising one of her eyebrows at Xu Ke.
“I didn’t say you couldn’t. It’s your freedom. I just didn’t expect to run into you here. It’s a bit surprising. How have you been these days?” Xu Ke asked, pinching Ariel’s cheek.
“Are you concerned about whether I’m doing well? I don’t know if I’m doing well, but I know you’re living comfortably.” Ariel’s voice floated lightly towards Xu Ke, and the grievance reflected in her big eyes made Xu Ke feel an overwhelming surge of guilt.
“I’m not feeling well. Do you still have anything to say? If not, we’ll be leaving. We can catch up another day, right, Xu Ke?” Lin Mengyao’s hand was on the inside of Xu Ke’s arm, pinching hard. Despite his pain tolerance, Xu Ke couldn’t help but grimace, although he quickly returned to his normal expression.
Ariel watched Xu Ke’s lips pressed into a straight line and looked at the place where the two were touching, understanding flitting across her eyes. However, her actions were rather unceremonious. She quickly moved to Xu Ke’s other side, hooking her arm around his and said, “Seeing as we know each other, if you’re not feeling well, I can’t just stand by and do nothing. Let me join you to call a doctor and see what’s wrong with you.” Ariel said with a smile.
Lin Mengyao, momentarily feeling like she had swallowed a fly, only felt her stomach churn as if she were about to vomit, her face turning genuinely pale, which worried Xu Ke.