The old principal’s face was devoid of its usual smiling demeanor. He trembled like a bird caught in a snare, his whole body shaking uncontrollably.
Zhou Jinbai’s expression remained unchanged throughout, but to the old principal, it was filled with an imposing and terrifying authority.
“I received that diamond conch pearl necklace more than twenty years ago. I was just an ordinary teacher back then, but I’ve always enjoyed sponsoring impoverished students over the years. So, every winter and summer break, my wife and I would visit some remote mountainous areas. I remember very clearly that the necklace was obtained in Anlong Village, Qingxi Town. My wife and I happened to be at the home of a very poor mountain family and encountered Ding Xinrong, who had suffered carbon monoxide poisoning from a closed-door fire. We saved him and successfully helped his son get tuition waived from junior high to university, and the family received monthly minimum living allowances. When my wife and I were about to leave, Ding Xinrong gave us this necklace.
At first, my wife and I refused. We didn’t expect any reward when we helped Ding Xinrong’s family. But after we got on the train, we discovered that the conch pearl necklace had been tucked into our luggage at some point, with a note placed on top.”
After speaking, the old principal asked in an extremely cautious and humble voice, “Mr. Dongfang, may I get up to find that note for you?”
Zhou Jinbai nodded slightly. The old principal then supported himself on the tea table and went into the bedroom, quickly returning with a rusty iron box.
He opened the iron box in front of Zhou Jinbai, revealing neatly arranged envelopes inside.
“These letters are all from students I’ve helped. But no letter left a deep impression on me. Only that note, I only glanced at it, and I will never forget it in this lifetime.”
The old principal muttered to himself, his voice not loud enough for Zhou Jinbai to hear much.
Soon, a piece of rough, yellowed paper appeared in the old principal’s hand.
“Yes, it’s this paper. Mr. Dongfang, please take a look.”
The old principal knelt before Zhou Jinbai again, holding the paper with both hands, awaiting the man who was as majestic as an emperor to examine it.
Zhou Jinbai lowered his gaze and casually picked up the paper with one hand.
[Please accept this necklace, for I am seeking atonement. I know this necklace is priceless and have considered selling it many times, but the mistake I made back then is something I can never forgive myself for. You care about the students of the world and will surely maximize the value of this necklace, thus helping me atone for my sins.]
Zhou Jinbai pondered the paper for a moment, then cast a playful and cold gaze back at the old principal. “Besides this necklace and this note, is there any other clue?”
The old principal nodded vigorously. “Mr. Dongfang, I dare not deceive you. If there is half a lie in what I have said today, may I be struck by lightning and die a terrible death.”
As the saying goes, ‘accompanying a ruler is like accompanying a tiger.’ The old principal’s current mood was akin to a minor county magistrate suddenly encountering an emperor in disguise; a single misstep could lead to the extermination of his entire family.
Zhou Jinbai chuckled, his cold and imposing demeanor vanishing. He even helped the old principal up with both hands.
“Thank you, Principal. There’s no need to tell Xingwan about today’s events, and please help me conceal my true identity.”
After speaking, Zhou Jinbai walked directly outside.
The old principal wanted to see Zhou Jinbai off, but his legs were too weak from fear. He collapsed onto the sofa, panting.
How… how did student Lin get involved with a man like Dongfang Junze!
—
Lin Xingwan returned directly to the company.
As soon as she went upstairs, she saw Liu Mengqin and Bai Xiao emerging from the lounge.
Liu Mengqin’s face was flushed, and she pulled down her suit skirt. Bai Xiao, on the other hand, looked utterly satisfied.
Seeing their appearances, Lin Xingwan immediately understood what they had just done.
Liu Mengqin’s expression became even more awkward upon seeing Lin Xingwan. “I… I just went to get something for Bai Xiao.”
Lin Xingwan nodded, but Liu Mengqin felt her explanation was redundant.
“I’ll get back to work. Call me before you get off, and I’ll pick you up.” Bai Xiao wasn’t as shy as Liu Mengqin. To him, Lin Xingwan was more than a decade younger, like a child. Why would he be shy with a child?
“Hurry up and go. Don’t be an eyesore here and ruin my mood,” Liu Mengqin said, pushing Bai Xiao outside.
Bai Xiao sighed inwardly. This woman was truly heartless.
When they were in the room just now, she had used a soft, sweet voice asking him not to leave.
Now that she had used him, she put on her skirt and pretended not to know him.
However, Bai Xiao still left with a happy heart.
Lin Xingwan said nothing and continued walking towards her office.
Liu Mengqin followed behind Lin Xingwan, watching her sit at her desk and start reading another stack of documents.
She couldn’t help but ask, “Xingwan, haven’t you and Zhou Jinbai made up yet?”
“This morning, we went to the Civil Affairs Bureau to apply for divorce. In a month, we’ll go our separate ways.”
Lin Xingwan said this seemingly with ease, but in reality, every time the word ‘divorce’ was mentioned, her heart felt like it was being pricked by needles.
“Ah? You applied for divorce? So quickly? Aren’t you going to reconsider?” The blush on Liu Mengqin’s face gradually faded, replaced by a look of utter astonishment.
After hesitating for a long time, she spoke again. “Xingwan, although I’m divorced myself, I think you and Zhou Jinbai… you should really reconsider the divorce. I think… Zhou Jinbai is a good man. Apart from disappearing for a few days, he hasn’t done anything wrong to you. Perhaps there’s some hidden reason…”
Lin Xingwan looked up, her gaze indifferent as she looked at Liu Mengqin. “The day I had the car accident, someone sent me photos. The content of the photos showed Zhou Jinbai at a nightclub with a voluptuous woman. At that time, I thought the same as you. I chose to believe him, thinking that after all we’d been through, he would explain. I sat in the cold corridor, texting and calling Zhou Jinbai again and again. Finally, the number that sent me the photos sent another message, telling me to stop calling, that she was annoyed, and that Zhou Jinbai had turned off his phone. When I called again, it was indeed turned off.”
Liu Mengqin was shocked because Xingwan had never told her about this.
“Even so, I still chose to believe him. But his phone was off for so long. Even when it was turned on, he only sent me messages and called. He’d rather change phone cards repeatedly than come out and see me. Do you remember the night I went to see Jia Yanzhen? Jia Yanzhen also reminded me that since I got together with Zhou Jinbai, my luck has been exceptionally good. Even powerful figures like Boss Yang and Master Qin Six have smiled at me, and the Dongfang Group has helped me repeatedly…”
Lin Xingwan took a deep breath. “Just last night, I finally saw Zhou Jinbai. I was still waiting for him to explain, but his evasiveness made me truly disappointed.”
Liu Mengqin suddenly didn’t know how to persuade Lin Xingwan. Although Bai Xiao had also deceived her, he had been apologizing and coaxing her these past few days. Liu Mengqin, having experienced a failed marriage, had chosen to turn a blind eye.
If she wanted to find a perfect man, she wasn’t worthy of him either.
“Oh, right. Someone delivered an invitation to our company, saying it must be delivered to you personally.”
Liu Mengqin seemed to suddenly remember something and took an invitation from a box.
Lin Xingwan opened the invitation and frowned. “What is this Lawrence guy up to? He’s holding a banquet in our Rongcheng and invited many entertainment companies and actors from home and abroad? And I don’t have much interaction with him, so why did he invite me?”
The mere thought of Lawrence’s sycophantic demeanor made Lin Xingwan feel nauseous for no reason.
“He definitely wants revenge. Didn’t you embarrass him at the S University centenary celebration? I heard from people in the industry that Lawrence is very petty and holds grudges. A director once said his work was just exploiting nostalgia, and Lawrence made that director kneel and apologize to him at the work’s awards ceremony. Another time, an actor Lawrence had his eye on signed with another project, but that project hasn’t been released yet, and the actor has been blacklisted.”
After Liu Mengqin finished speaking, Lin Xingwan merely sneered. “If Lawrence wants revenge, wouldn’t it be cowardly of me not to go? I’m not just going, I’m going in style. This represents not only myself but also Top Entertainment and our China. Sister Qin, do you have any good directors in the industry to recommend? After all, the ‘Divine Miracle’ we are filming this time is meant to compete with Lawrence’s ‘Imperial Court.’ We must win this battle!”
Who cares about a global genius director, or a popular novel adaptation? In Lin Xingwan’s eyes, a director with poor character and a plagiarizing author could ruin a work.
“I’ve already found several. I’ll send you a file with some of their past works later, and you can watch them tonight.”
“Okay.”
Lin Xingwan and Liu Mengqin then got busy.
Lin Xingwan, as if deliberately avoiding Zhou Jinbai, worked overtime at the company every night. When she was tired, she rested in her lounge, and when she was hungry, she ordered takeout.
She did not reply to any of Zhou Jinbai’s messages and ignored his calls. Even when Zhou Jinbai came to the company to find her, Lin Xingwan turned him away.
On the morning of the third day after divorcing Zhou Jinbai, Lin Xingwan finally finished watching the works of the directors Liu Mengqin had sent her. She also read the novel ‘Divine Miracle’ from beginning to end.
The fight scenes and ancient Eastern mystical arts described in this book would cost a fortune to present to readers every second.
However, the directors’ understanding of special effects was still insufficient to interpret them accurately.
Just as Lin Xingwan was feeling troubled, the ‘Chinese Paladin’ series she watched as a child suddenly came to mind.
That was the true ancient Eastern mystical arts. The world depicted and the camera techniques used were undoubtedly classics among classics.
If Master He Hongxi were still alive, this film, personally overseen by him, would undoubtedly be an epic masterpiece.
Unfortunately, Master He Hongxi had passed away many years ago…
But!
Lin Xingwan suddenly remembered someone.
That was He Hongxi’s disciple, Guo Gaoming.
She quickly searched for Guo Gaoming’s personal works online, and upon seeing them, Lin Xingwan felt as if she had found a treasure.
Although the plots of Guo Gaoming’s works were cliché, the camera work and special effects gave a mysterious and unique feeling.
This was exactly the feeling described in the book.
Guo Gaoming had given her a business card last time, which she had left at home.
She could go back tonight to find the contact information on it.
With this thought, Lin Xingwan’s mood couldn’t help but brighten.
However, before the workday ended, Lin Xingwan received three bouquets of fiery red roses.
Each rose in these three bouquets was more beautiful and fresher than those sold in the market. Placed in the office, the subtle rose fragrance could be smelled throughout the entire floor.
There was also a card attached to the bouquets, filled with densely written, saccharine words.
Lin Xingwan was addressed as ‘Little Star’ and ‘Wanwan Baby.’ Just looking at it made her eyes sting.
Coincidentally, there were many people in the company that afternoon: Jiang Wenyuan, Yan Yuxi, Ge Xuansi, Ye Zong, Ye Ranran, and others were all present. Seeing these three bouquets of roses, which one person couldn’t possibly carry, everyone’s expression was full of gossip.
Lin Xingwan felt as if she were sitting on pins and needles the entire afternoon.
Jiang Wenyuan and Yan Yuxi even used the guise of chatting to advise Lin Xingwan, saying that couples often quarrel and make up.
“Indeed, men need to be neglected for a few days to become more proactive. I plan to neglect Bai Xiao for a few days too. Although he gives me money since we’ve been together, he’s never bought me flowers like these. Xingwan, these flowers are not cheap. Zhou Jinbai has spent a fortune to win your heart this time,” Liu Mengqin said, looking at the three large bouquets of roses in Lin Xingwan’s office with envy.
“These flowers probably aren’t from Zhou Jinbai,” Lin Xingwan said, knowing his temper after knowing him for a few months.
Zhou Jinbai could be outwardly reserved or openly bold, but he wouldn’t be ostentatious in front of everyone.
Just as Lin Xingwan finished speaking, a deliberately affected, bubbly voice came from the office doorway. “Only Miss Lin truly understands me. Our hearts are so in sync; it must be fate. In twenty-seven days, shall we go get our marriage certificate?”
Jia Yanzhen’s words were better left unsaid. Lin Xingwan, who had a poker face, felt her lips twitch violently.
Liu Mengqin leaned over to Lin Xingwan and whispered, “This man is quite handsome, but he seems a bit dim-witted. Xingwan, who is he?”
“He’s Jia Yanzhen,” Lin Xingwan replied.
Jia Yanzhen?
The Jia Yanzhen who spent over a hundred million to buy the film and television rights of ‘Divine Miracle’ and confessed his love to Xingwan the first time they met? The foolishly rich Jia Yanzhen?
Liu Mengqin examined Jia Yanzhen closely. He was indeed extremely handsome, with an air of nobility and sophistication that made even Jiang Wenyuan, a top figure in the entertainment industry, seem slightly inferior.
Perhaps only Zhou Jinbai could overshadow Jia Yanzhen.
Thinking of Zhou Jinbai, Liu Mengqin sighed.
They were a couple everyone envied, so how did they end up like this?
“Mr. Jia, the weather is getting colder. Please put away your cold jokes for now; I am not resistant to the cold,” Lin Xingwan said, feeling a headache whenever she saw Jia Yanzhen.
“This isn’t a cold joke; I’m serious. Lin Xingwan, the first time we met, I clearly told you I would pursue you. A handsome, wealthy, and likable man like me – you should keep a close eye on me. The women chasing me are lined up all the way to France.”
Jia Yanzhen was very confident in his looks.
Liu Mengqin, standing beside them, was stunned, her eyes wide open.
Good heavens!
Xingwan’s peach blossom luck is too abundant!
She lost Zhou Jinbai, and now she’s gained a top-tier man like Jia Yanzhen!
Although Jia Yanzhen seemed a bit flamboyant, everything he said was the truth. He was rich, handsome, and knew how to be romantic. Such men are rare these days.
Liu Mengqin had just regretted that Zhou Jinbai and Lin Xingwan couldn’t grow old together, but now she felt that Lin Xingwan and Jia Yanzhen might actually be a good match.
“I’m willing to give this opportunity to those women lining up to chase you,” Lin Xingwan said, then issued a dismissal. “If Mr. Jia has nothing else, please leave and don’t disturb my work.”
Jia Yanzhen’s smile froze. He placed his hands on Lin Xingwan’s desk. “Lin Xingwan, don’t be ungrateful. If you’re with me, you can walk sideways in the entire Rongcheng. Your Top Entertainment can become a first-class entertainment company in China, and your life will require no struggle.”
“Thank you, I don’t need it.”
Lin Xingwan packed her things and walked out with her bag.
Jia Yanzhen had no choice but to follow Lin Xingwan, chattering incessantly like a chirping sparrow.
“Oh, Lin Xingwan, I’m a descendant of one of the four great families. So many people fawn over me and try to please me. You don’t even love me, so what do you love? iQiyi?”
“Why aren’t you ignoring me? How about we add each other on WeChat?”
“No need.”
“You don’t even add my WeChat, so what do you add? Pirates of the Caribbean?”
“You don’t even ask me out on dates, so what are you dating? Removing wrinkles with a piano? Let me tell you, Lin Xingwan, I’m much better than Zhou Jinbai. Divorcing him was the wisest decision you could have made. Just obediently come into my arms, and I’ll spoil you so much that you won’t be able to take care of yourself.”
Just as Jia Yanzhen was about to say more, Lin Xingwan, who had been walking, stopped and looked ahead.
Jia Yanzhen couldn’t help but follow Lin Xingwan’s gaze and immediately shut his mouth.
Because by the villa entrance, Zhou Jinbai was leaning against his car, watching them emerge.
The man’s gaze locked onto Lin Xingwan, and he walked towards them.
“I’ll drive you back. Dinner is also ready,” Zhou Jinbai said, walking up to Lin Xingwan and reaching out as if to take her bag, but Lin Xingwan merely stepped back.
“I can drive myself back. I don’t need you to take me. If you have time, please move your things out. I don’t like other people’s belongings in my house.” Lin Xingwan’s expression was unusually cold.
She was a person who clearly distinguished between love and hate. If they broke up, she would absolutely not be friends with her ex.
The best course of action was to never see each other again.
After speaking, Lin Xingwan walked to her car and drove away.
Soon, the car disappeared from sight. When Jia Yanzhen sensed a murderous aura around him, he immediately turned his gaze to Zhou Jinbai.
At some point, Zhou Jinbai’s eyes, filled with endless coldness, were fixed on him. Jia Yanzhen felt a chill run down his spine.
“Stay away from her. She’s not someone you should touch,” Zhou Jinbai’s tone was full of warning, and his entire being exuded an extremely sharp and dangerous aura.
Jia Yanzhen was not to be outdone. He dropped the playful and flippant expression from his face, his peach blossom eyes filled with provocation. “Zhou Jinbai, you provoked me first. If you hadn’t touched that dog Jia Danren, I wouldn’t have come to Rongcheng. Our grievances can never be resolved in this lifetime. Only when you live in pain and torment will I feel satisfied.”
After speaking, Jia Yanzhen got into his luxury sports car. “Zhou Jinbai, the game has just begun.”
With that, he drove away, deliberately revving his engine to create a piercingly loud sound.
—
When Lin Xingwan returned home, she immediately changed the password on her apartment’s smart lock.
The entire house was filled with the aroma of food, and the rooms were clean.
However, Lin Xingwan didn’t touch the food on the dining table. She simply took some fruit from the refrigerator and then found the business card Guo Gaoming had given her and dialed the number.
The call was answered quickly. Guo Gaoming was delighted and readily agreed to Lin Xingwan’s invitation, promising to go to the company tomorrow to sign the contract.
After finishing all this, Lin Xingwan took a hot shower and went to bed.
In a daze, her phone rang.
Lin Xingwan was woken up and checked the time. She had slept for over four hours and it was now past eleven-thirty at night.
Why was Zhou Jinbai calling her so late?
Lin Xingwan didn’t want to answer, but the next second, a message arrived.
[Zhou Jinbai: Open the door, I’m getting my things.]
She had no choice but to open the door for him.
Lin Xingwan got out of bed and opened the door. As soon as she did, a strong smell of alcohol wafted into her nostrils.
Immediately after, Zhou Jinbai, looking drunk, appeared in her line of sight. The man’s handsome face was as cold as ice, his dark eyes narrowed dangerously, and his gaze was unfathomably perilous.
He didn’t speak, just stared at Lin Xingwan.
His gaze was like that of a hunter, making her extremely uncomfortable. Lin Xingwan felt as if she had been completely exposed. She turned and walked back into the house. “I’ve already packed your things. They’re in the box by the coffee table.”
Zhou Jinbai followed Lin Xingwan silently. He glanced at the untouched food on the dining table, his eyes becoming even more dangerous.
This woman was truly testing his limits, bit by bit!
She had forcefully entered his heart and occupied the most important position. Now, she could just let go. Zhou Jinbai could feel her intense aversion to him over the past few days, and he couldn’t stand such a drastic change!
Realizing the person behind her had been silent for a long time, Lin Xingwan turned around just as a strong force pushed her against the wall. The next second, the man’s powerful body pressed down on her, his legs trapping her lower body, and his hands pinning her wrists above her head. He pressed his forehead against hers. “Do you truly detest me this much, hmm?”
Lin Xingwan’s brows were tightly furrowed. How much had this man drunk?
“Don’t touch me with the body that has touched other women. I find it disgusting.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about. You are my first woman, and you will be my last,” Zhou Jinbai said, his tone tinged with a hint of grievance. “Wife, let’s not fight anymore, okay? I don’t like you being distant and cold to me. I’ve been very uncomfortable these past few days.”
“Then please tell me, what exactly were you doing that night at the S University centenary celebration? And why didn’t you come to see me for those few days afterward?” Lin Xingwan asked Zhou Jinbai with a cold smile.
She was a stubborn person. The more he didn’t want to tell her something, the more she wanted to know.
As expected, Zhou Jinbai’s eyes darkened instantly.
They couldn’t reach an agreement, huh?
Then don’t blame him… for using other methods.
Zhou Jinbai directly and dominantly sealed Lin Xingwan’s lips. Lin Xingwan wanted to resist, but this man held her so tightly that she could only squirm wildly.
“Zhou Jinbai, don’t touch me! We’re already divorced!”
“Bastard! Don’t touch me!”
Lin Xingwan was only wearing a thin nightgown, which couldn’t withstand this man’s torment.
Yet, a drunken man had no reason. In just over ten seconds, Lin Xingwan’s nightgown lay fragilely on the floor.
Zhou Jinbai directly carried Lin Xingwan into the bedroom and kicked the door shut.
“Wife, don’t struggle,” Zhou Jinbai said as he took off his shirt, revealing a physique comparable to a male model.
Don’t struggle.
Don’t bother divorcing!
And definitely don’t bother… trying to defy him!
Tonight, he would teach this woman a lesson about what it means to ‘beg him not to leave’!