Zhou Jinbei didn't know what had happened during this time to cause Chen Jiaojiao to become the way she was.
In her understanding, Lu Mingzhe was very fond of Chen Jiaojiao and eager to marry her.
Now that they were married, why wasn't he treating her well?
Chen Jiaojiao then recounted the events of the past period to her.
After listening, Zhou Jinbei repeatedly shook her head.
"It's not that I'm saying this to blame you, Jiaojiao, but Lu Mingzhe really can't be blamed for this matter."
"Everyone saw how he treated you before. It's understandable that anyone would be upset if you secretly got involved with Hu Jiasheng."
"I know, I brought this upon myself."
Chen Jiaojiao stirred her coffee gently.
"I don't blame Lu Mingzhe, really. Otherwise, I wouldn't have married him."
"Even if he doesn't come home every day now, I have no right to complain. I just want to sigh that it's so difficult for women to get what they want."
"The person you love doesn't love you. You insist on loving someone who doesn't love you, which is pointless."
Zhou Jinbei agreed with this statement.
"So what do you do now? Life has become like this, and you can't just spend your days getting drunk in Nancheng. You have to find something to do for yourself."
Indeed, Chen Jiaojiao had thought a lot in the past few days.
This couldn't go on forever.
She was only 20 years old, and because of a man's abandonment, she had made herself look like neither human nor ghost.
It was embarrassing.
"I plan to start a business. Right here in Nancheng. But I don't have any good ideas yet."
"Actually, I've been meaning to talk to you. Today is a good opportunity. You can't work for others your whole life, can you? Do you have any suggestions?"
This question really hit home for Zhou Jinbei.
"Working for others is indeed not a long-term solution. With my current salary, it would take ages to repay your 500,000 yuan."
"I also want to start a business. If you don't mind, we can do it together."
"That would be great. Your network in Nancheng is wider than mine. I'll be responsible for operations, and you'll be responsible for business development. What do you think?"
Zhou Jinbei said.
"I can't help you with the funding. Even if I invest, it will be an equity investment without capital contribution."
"Don't worry. I won't ask you to spend money. Just tell me what you have in mind."
Starting a business definitely requires doing something one is good at.
What had Zhou Jinbei been doing for the past 20 years?
Shopping, buying, beauty treatments, consumption.
Only these things could help her regain some confidence.
"Why don't we open a beauty salon?"
Beauty is an eternal topic for women.
Especially now that Nancheng's economy is getting better and better, every woman cares about her appearance, and beauty treatments have become a necessity in life.
Doing this, the business will surely not be bad.
Chen Jiaojiao was enlightened by her words.
"Good idea. Why didn't I think of that before? Doing beauty treatments is much simpler than starting a company. Let's implement it as soon as possible."
The two had a preliminary intention.
Next, Zhou Jinbei took care of Ah Zhong's father while also making time to accompany her outside.
Soon, the two selected a venue.
Chen Jiaojiao began to apply for various permits.
For a time, she was plunged into unprecedented busyness.
Lu Mingzhe had not been to the marital home since getting married, and nearly a month had passed in the blink of an eye.
He had not officially taken Chen Jiaojiao to visit his parents, and Lu Mingzhe's mother had expressed her displeasure.
That day, she called Lu Mingzhe, asking him to bring Chen Jiaojiao home for dinner.
"Your honeymoon period should be over by now. You should make some time to come back and see us. After all, you are the eldest son. What do you mean by forgetting your mother after getting a wife?"
"Besides, even if I don't mind, Jiaojiao hasn't officially seen the Lu family's door since marrying you."
"We know you have a good relationship and are busy, so you don't have time. Outsiders might think we elders don't welcome her."
"You must come back today, no matter what. I've already asked people to start preparing lunch."
Lu Mingzhe had no choice.
Since they were married, this day would come sooner or later. It was better to face it sooner.
Moreover, he hadn't seen Chen Jiaojiao for so long and didn't know how she was doing.
After all, they got married with resentment. It would be bad if something happened.
He postponed his scheduled clients and took time to go home.
On the way, out of humanitarian consideration, he called to check on her first.
Lu Chen Jiaojiao was discussing renovation matters and had arranged to have lunch with a designer.
She answered the phone, "What is it?"
Hearing her voice was relatively normal, Lu Mingzhe breathed a sigh of relief.
"What are you doing?"
"The sun must have risen from the west today for you to call and care about me. Is there something you need?"
Lu Mingzhe didn't beat around the bush and stated his purpose directly.
"You must come back. My mother has issued an ultimatum. No matter what you're busy with, I'm sorry, but I have to interrupt."
Chen Jiaojiao understood.
After all, in her parents' eyes, they were a legal couple.
There was no reason not to visit elders for so long.
"Then you pick me up. I've been drinking and can't drive."
She gave him the restaurant address, and Lu Mingzhe said he would be there soon.
Soon, the two met at the restaurant.
Lu Mingzhe, while telling her about his parents' interests and hobbies, calmly led her outside.
As they were about to reach the restaurant entrance, a waiter led in a tall, slender man.
They came face to face.
Chen Jiaojiao instinctively looked up.
Then, in the next second, she reached out and linked her arm with Lu Mingzhe's.
Lu Mingzhe, who was talking, suddenly stiffened when she linked her arm with his.
He glanced at her, then followed her gaze forward.
No wonder she was suddenly so proactive.
It turned out she had run into her old flame.
On such a hot day, Hu Jiasheng was wearing a sharp suit, looking refined and elegant, and suddenly appeared before them.
Their eyes met, and the atmosphere became somewhat awkward.
Chen Jiaojiao held Lu Mingzhe's arm tightly.
She called him "husband" in a sweet, cooing voice, then looked at Hu Jiasheng.
"What a coincidence? Mr. Hu is also dining here."
Hu Jiasheng's pupils contracted, and he didn't have time to speak.
Chen Jiaojiao pulled Lu Mingzhe forward a step.
"You two have met before, remember him? It's rare to run into each other, come, let me introduce you formally."
"This is my husband, Lu Mingzhe. Husband, this is Hu Jiasheng."
How ironic.
A month ago, when the three of them met, Chen Jiaojiao was standing beside Hu Jiasheng, holding his arm and facing Lu Mingzhe.
In just one month...
Calling him "husband" repeatedly gave Lu Mingzhe goosebumps.
But how could he not understand Chen Jiaojiao's intention?
Coupled with his existing opinion of Hu Jiasheng, he found him displeasing.
He immediately pulled his arm out of Chen Jiaojiao's hand and instead put his arm around her waist.
"I remember. Mr. Hu, your former business partner."
"Hello, Mr. Hu. Long time no see. I wanted to toast you a couple of times at the wedding, but you didn't come."
Hu Jiasheng had recovered.
Looking at the couple who appeared to be deeply in love and a perfect match, he smiled faintly.
"I apologize, I was a bit busy before and didn't have time to attend the wedding."
"Since we've met, I'll make up for it today. I wish you happiness and joy."