Chapter 35: Chapter 35: Competing for Attention and Getting Jealous
She suddenly realized, why was Chen Xiao with Zhang Yaqing?
These past few days, Luo Qingli had seemed so dependent on him, but now she was getting out of another manâs car holding a bouquet of flowers... Which one is the real her?
Chen Xiaoâs expression remained impassive, but his heart was in turmoil.
Zhang Yaqingâs expression turned playful. "Miss Luo, what a coincidence!" she said, linking her arm affectionately through Chen Xiaoâs.
Luo Qingli gripped the flowers tightly, her phoenix eyes narrowing. "Chen Xiao, why are you here? And with *her*?"
Chen Xiao retorted, "And didnât you just step out of another manâs car?"
Upon reflection, he realized his jealousy was completely out of line. Their marriage was just an agreement, after all, with no real emotional foundation. Besides, his own situation with Qin Lan wasnât exactly clear-cut. What right did he have to judge her?
Anyway, once I help Luo Qingli with three things, weâll have nothing more to do with each other!
Luo Qingli was about to explain. "I..."
"If I remember correctly," Zhang Yaqing cut in, "this must be your ex-boyfriend, Mr. Zhang Yaoyang, right?"
"Miss Zhang has a good memory. I just got back," Zhang Yaoyang smiled. "To be precise, Iâm not only Qingliâs ex-boyfriend, but also her first love!"
Saying this in front of Chen Xiao was a blatant provocation.
Chen Xiao glanced at Luo Qingli.
So her ex-boyfriend was coming back. No wonder she felt the need to report her schedule; she was giving me a heads-up.
"Letâs go," Chen Xiao said irritably to Zhang Yaqing, turning to leave.
"Wait!" Zhang Yaoyang called out to him.
"What is it?" Chen Xiao asked, glancing sideways at him indifferently.
"Nothing much," Zhang Yaoyang sneered. "Just a reminder: a woman as exceptional as Qingli isnât someone just anyone can handle. What doesnât belong to you will never be yours! I never thought a country bumpkin like you would be such a player, either. Living off Qingli while fooling around on the side. Utterly disgusting!"
Chen Xiaoâs gaze darkened. "Let me give you a reminder, too. I have a bad temper, so watch your damn mouth!"
Luo Qingli pressed her lips together, wanting to say something, but all her words were stuck in her throat as she watched them walk inside.
Seeing this, Zhang Yaoyang quickly comforted her, "Qingli, donât be sad over a scumbag like him. Heâs not worth it! By the way, I heard President Lu is hosting a banquet today to personally welcome a mysterious, important guest. This guest is the one who will decide who wins the billion-dollar project!
"Donât worry, Iâll use my connections to help you get in good with President Lu and this important guest."
"Thank you, Senior," Luo Qingli said, nodding as she suppressed her frustration.
She had heard the rumor as well. Lu Wushuang, one of the top new elites in Yuncheng City and the most prominent figure among the three giants, rarely appeared in public. For her to personally welcome someone... one could only imagine how important that person must be.
She hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Senior, please donât bring up the past anymore."
"Back then, I was going through a rebellious phase and deliberately went against my family, which is why I announced we were dating. I also made it clear at the time that I only saw you as a senior and was just using you to make my family angry."
"Iâm married now, and I donât want you bringing this up in front of my husband and causing a misunderstanding. I hope you can understand, Senior!"
Zhang Yaoyangâs face darkened, and he forced a smile. "Okay, I understand."
The news of their "relationship" had spread like wildfire through their social circle back then, largely because Zhang Yaoyang had intentionally circulated it. To his surprise, Luo Qingli had called an end to the melodramatic "romance" just three days later, publicly announcing their breakup. He had been the laughingstock of their circle for a long time afterward. Only the two of them knew the real story. Luo Qingli had simply wanted to anger her family and had asked him to be a prop. In reality, he had never even held her hand.
The more Luo Qingli thought about it, the more confused she became. She tossed the flowers into a nearby trash can.
I just bought these flowers on a whim; they werenât from Zhang Yaoyang. But even if I explained, would Chen Xiao even believe me? Then again, why should I be the only one feeling this way? Chen Xiao is fooling around with Zhang Yaqing, isnât he? And that vixen even dared to put her arm through my husbandâs... The more I think about it, the more furious I get. I have to settle this score!
Meanwhile, the Jingtian Club was already bustling with activity. Numerous elites mingled, chatting and drinking in a relaxed atmosphere. The club boasted a comprehensive range of amenities favored by the upper class: an outdoor swimming pool, card rooms, horseback riding, archery, golf, and more.
After entering, Chen Xiao found a random place to sit.
Zhang Yaqing chuckled. "Mr. Chen, it seems your wife isnât exactly faithful, is she? Still fooling around with her ex-boyfriend even after getting married. Why donât you consider me instead?"
Of course, she knew Luo Qingliâs three-day romance with Zhang Yaoyang was a complete joke. But she wasnât about to tell Chen Xiao that! How else could she take advantage of the situation? She had to fan the flames and drive a wedge between them.
"Our marriage is just an agreement. Once itâs over, weâll have no relationship," Chen Xiao replied, taking a bite of fruit. "I came today to speed up that separation."
Zhang Yaqingâs eyes lit up. She leaned in and whispered mysteriously in his ear, "I heard President Lu is welcoming an important guest today. It couldnât possibly be... you, could it?"
The warm breath tickled his ear.
This intimate scene of them whispering was witnessed by Luo Qingli the moment she walked in. A surge of anger flared in her chest, and she stormed toward them, her face grim and radiating a murderous aura. Zhang Yaqing might be the esteemed lady of the Zhang Family with a high status, but openly seducing her husband was going too far! This was unbearable.
She walked over, fuming, and sat down abruptly in front of them. With a smile that didnât reach her eyes, she asked, "What are you two chatting so happily about?"
Zhang Yaqing giggled, her enchanting eyes dancing with flirtatious charm. "Weâre just discussing some adult matters. Is Miss Luo interested in this sort of thing as well?"
"Heh. I hear Miss Zhang has never been married, nor has she even had a boyfriend," Luo Qingli said lightly. "Does that really qualify you as an adult?"
Zhang Yaqing smirked, unfazed and even a bit provocative. "I have... unique tastes. I like married men. By the way, a virile man like Mr. Chen must be quite impressive, right?"
The audacity of their conversation made everyone nearby prick up their ears. Luo Qingli was the famous Ice Queen, and Zhang Yaqing was known as a dignified lady who was ruthless and decisive. To think they were publicly discussing such a risqué topic...
Luo Qingliâs face turned ashen.
A married man? This woman is really after my husband!
"My husband is certainly impressive," Luo Qingli said, casually tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "But he likes them young. He canât even stand women who are a little older than me. Iâm afraid Miss Zhang is out of luck."
A flicker of annoyance crossed Zhang Yaqingâs pretty face.
She was indeed two years older than Luo Qingli. Calling her old... that was a low blow.
She chuckled. "I use top-tier serums to take care of my skin. Weâre about the same age; who knows which of us will look older first, right?"
"As for men..." Zhang Yaqingâs seductive phoenix eyes held a challenging glint. "I have an immature idea. If I were to steal your... source of vitality, I wonder if you might not age a little faster than me?"
With those words, a dead silence fell over the area. The two jewels of Yuncheng City had always been rivals, but their battles were typically fought in the shadows. Now, they were publicly fighting over a man.