“Ms. Chen, you must be joking. How can an outsider understand the relationship that does not concern them? Furthermore, you’re not a telepath who can understand the thoughts of others’ minds. Also, Ms. Chen, you’re the focus of this meal.” Lin Xinyan smiled as she easily changed the topic back.
With a smile that did not reach her eyes, Chen Shihan replied, “How am I the focus? Aren’t you the focus?”
Lin Xinyan slowly swallowed the food in her mouth before answering, “Jinghao and I are husband and wife. This man is our uncle, and we’re a family. Only Ms. Chen is a guest here. Aren’t I right?”
Chen Shihan dropped her smile.
Pretending not to notice it, Lin Xinyan continued, “The guest is the most important person in a house. So, Ms. Chen, you’re the focus of today.”
Lin Xinyan was no ruthless woman, but she would not take provoking words silently.
She had known this years ago—the weaker you were, the more others would push their luck with you.
The moment Chen Shihan entered the house, she had been sowing discord between Zong Jinghao and her.
She did not know when the hotel meeting that Chen Shihan mentioned had happened.
At the same time, she was anxious and uncertain.
However, she knew that if she let those emotions show, others would suspect her relationship with Zong Jinghao.
She was more than willing to ask Zong Jinghao about it privately.
She would never question him and show her suspicion while others were around.
Chen Shihan’s expression darkened before her face paled. It was an ugly look on her.
In the end, she jumped to her feet. “What a silver tongue you have!”
Lin Xinyan’s smile remained bright on her face. “Thank you for the praise, Ms. Chen. I was just stating a fact. Why are you angry?”
“Uncle Wen, I’m done.” At that, Chen Shihan grabbed her purse and rushed out of the room.
She felt that Lin Xinyan had embarrassed her.
If she stayed, she would only become a laughingstock for the others.
She had never been in less control than now.
Wen Qing’s expression darkened. “She’s my guest. Why were you sarcastic with her?”
Lin Xinyan opened her mouth to say something, but Zong Jinghao grabbed her hand. “Wait for me in the car.”
He wanted to have some words with Wen Qing.
Lin Xinyan hesitated. It was not that she was reluctant to leave; she was worried about Zong Jinghao.
She did not know why he wanted to speak with Wen Qing. That lack of knowledge made her hesitate.
She feared they would end up arguing.
She wanted Wen Qing and Zong Jinghao to maintain their current relationship.
“I went over the line just now and made Ms. Chen unhappy…”
“Leave first,” Zong Jinghao interrupted.
He knew who was in the wrong.
There was no need for her to apologize to anyone.
She did not do anything wrong, so she did not need to voice her apologies.
Lin Xinyan pursed her lips. She could only do so much; she could not control how this matter would develop.
Standing up, she walked out of the room.
Soon, silence filled the room.
After Zong Jinghao wiped his hand, he threw the serviette onto the table and leaned back on his chair.
He had only had his suspicions about Wen Qing’s attitude earlier, but after the meal, he was sure that his guess was right.
“You have something against her?” Zong Jinghao inquired in a low voice.
He was respectful toward Wen Qing.
He hoped that the people he cared about would be able to live harmoniously.
However, it seemed like something unexpected had happened.
Wen Qing didn’t seem like he hated Lin Xinyan previously…
His body relaxed further.
Instead of answering him, Wen Qing uttered, “Drink with me.”
He called for the server to pour the alcohol into their glasses.
Not planning to embarrass him, Zong Jinghao drank a glass.
After drinking his wine, Wen Qing placed the glass back onto the table. He wanted to be honest with Zong Jinghao.
However, he dared not after noticing Zong Jinghao’s attitude toward Lin Xinyan.
“Shihan’s father and I are colleagues and best friends. When I encountered her at the hotel, I called her to come with me. That’s why I didn’t tell you about it. You seem unhappy. Is it because of this?” Wen Qing intentionally shifted the topic away from Lin Xinyan.
Zong Jinghao was no fool. He knew what Wen Qing was trying to do.
He did not care what Wen Qing’s thoughts were – he had to tell the other man his stance.
After pouring a glass of wine for himself, he raised it and downed it.
When he placed the glass back down, the glass clinked when it came into contact with the table. “My marriage with her… was short. We were quick to divorce. She’s not the best woman I’ve seen, but she’s my favorite.”
He looked up at Wen Qing. “After finding out that she had given birth to two of my children, I was shocked,” Zong Jinghao muttered, leaving out some of the details.
“She’s my wife. I think a man who can’t protect his own woman is nothing but trash. Don’t you think so too?”
Wen Qing knew Zong Jinghao; he knew Zong Jinghao was telling him where his stance was in the matter.
If anything happened between Lin Xinyan and him, Zong Jinghao would choose to stand on Lin Xinyan’s side.
“Jinghao, I’m your uncle. These years…”
“I know,” Zong Jinghao cut him off. He knew Wen Qing would definitely try to guilt-trip him.
Therefore, he interrupted the man and repeated his words, “I know. I’ve never forgotten about it, and I’ve never been suspicious about it. Protecting the one you’re concerned about is a lesson you’ve taught me. I won’t disappoint you.”
In the past, he never suspected him, but now…
Wen Qing’s lips parted, but no words came to him. It was true that he was the one to say that to Zong Jinghao.
“You have to believe that everything I’ve done is for your sake. Your mother is Wen Xian, and I am Wen Qing. We’re from the same mother. You’re her only child. How can I possibly hurt you?” Feeling heartbroken, Wen Qing slammed his palm onto the table. “If not for Cheng Yuxiu back then, your mother might not have died.”
His hatred for Cheng Yuxiu never faded away, even after all these years.
Instead, it buried itself deeper into his heart.
Zong Jinghao narrowed his eyes, catching the focal point of Wen Qing’s words.
Cheng Yuxiu.
Cheng Yuxiu is involved in my changed impression of Lin Xinyan?
Zong Jinghao had found out about Lin Xinyan and Cheng Yuxiu’s relationship. That was why Chen Shihan was present for today’s meal.
This was Wen Qing’s plan.
Is he trying to make me split with Lin Xinyan and get together with Chen Shihan?
Zong Jinghao closed his eyes, finding it ridiculous.
“What’s gone by has gone by. I hope you’ll take care of yourself. It’s late now, so I’ll be heading off.”
Zong Jinghao stood up and left the room.
“Jinghao.”
When Zong Jinghao reached the doorway, Wen Qing stopped him. “Are you angry?”
Zong Jinghao paused, but he did not turn to look at Wen Qing. “Yes. I’m angry. I’m angry that you’re targeting her with an outsider. I have two children. I won’t be able to give them an explanation if their mother gets hurt. You’re a father, too. I’m sure you know how I feel.”
With that said, he left without sparing the other man another glance.
Wen Qing could not find the words to respond to him.
Although he grumbled about his disobedient son, he could tolerate no one bullying his son.
He closed his eyes, realizing the difficulty in trying to separate Zong Jinghao and Lin Xinyan.
Why didn’t Li Jing deal with Lin Xinyan today?
Zong Jinghao wouldn’t have realized anything amiss and tell me these words.
After paying the bill, Wen Qing walked out of the restaurant. A jeep drove over, and the guard opened the door for Wen Qing. “Are we heading back?”
Wen Qing hummed tiredly in response and entered the car.
Twenty minutes later, the car stopped in front of a house. The guard came down and opened the door for Wen Qing. “You can get off work now.”
“What time do I come for you tomorrow morning?” the guard asked.
“As usual.” At that, Wen Qing entered his house, where Li Jing was waiting for him.
She wanted to discuss Lin Xinyan’s matter with Wen Qing.
