Chapter 455: Hu Huihui (1)
Chapter 455: Hu Huihui (1)
Zong Shimeng felt that calling off the engagement was for the best. Otherwise, there was a risk of a love child being born out of wedlock, which would be embarrassing for everyone involved. However, she couldn't help but feel sad when she thought about the Yu family. "If she insists on breaking off the engagement, the Yu family will cut off her access to their finances," she said, a hint of sorrow in her voice.
For young women like them, if their natal families were not influential or supportive, they would have no one to turn to if they were mistreated by their in-laws. This thought only strengthened her resolve to start a children's clothing business.
Lu Jiaxin, on the other hand, felt that the wealthy and powerful families had limited tricks up their sleeves. "She has a job now and can support herself," she said, offering a different perspective.
Zong Shimeng disagreed. "Mei Tong used to spend thousands or even tens of thousands on a single bag. Now, with a salary of just four to five thousand a month, she won't be able to maintain her previous lifestyle," she explained.
But Lu Jiaxin saw things differently. "It's a trade-off," she said. "If you want a life of luxury and fine dining, you have to obey your family and marry Fu Yan, which means putting up with his extramarital affairs. If you want a comfortable and carefree life, you work hard to support yourself. It's up to Mei Tong to decide which path she wants to take."
However, the fact that Yu Meotong had taken the first step to start working at Wufu Jewelry meant that she had already made her choice. The next step was to overcome the disparity between being a wealthy young lady and a regular office worker, and she would eventually free herself from her family's control.
"Mei Tong's determination this time is probably influenced by you," Zong Shimeng said.
Lu Jiaxin was a bit surprised by this comment. "Influenced by me? I didn't do anything," she said.
Zong Shimeng smiled and replied, "You don't need to do anything special. Just look at how Nie Zhan treats you, and it's clear which path to choose. Jiaxin, sometimes I really admire you. You've accomplished so much, and you speak with such assertiveness."
Although she admired Lu Jiaxin, there was no hint of jealousy, as she recognized that these were Lu Jiaxin's strengths, and there was no one else quite like her in all of Hong Kong City.
After lunch, Lu Jiaxin left, while Zong Shimeng didn't return home immediately. Instead, she went to buy some things for the children.
When she got back, she knew that Hu Zhifeng had returned and was in his room, so she went upstairs carrying the things she had bought. She found him changing his clothes.
Zong Shimeng walked over and helped him with his clothes, asking, "Zhifeng, I remember you had a meal with Su Heyuan. What was your impression of him?"
Hu Zhifeng was a bit taken aback by the sudden question. "He's quite impressive. Why are you asking about him suddenly?"
Zong Shimeng smiled and explained, "Jiaxin told me that Su Heyuan saw Huihui at the Fu Lin Men restaurant and fell in love at first sight. Knowing that she and I are close, he asked her to help introduce us. Jiaxin tried to refuse a few times but eventually gave in and told me about it."
Hu Zhifeng was astonished. "Su Heyuan likes Huihui?"
Seeing the look on her face, Zong Shimeng became a little displeased. "Our Huihui has a good temperament and is filial. She also graduated from Columbia University. Su Heyuan is capable, but he only graduated from middle school, so his foundation is not as solid," she said, defending Hu Huihui's choice.
Hu Zhifeng chuckled. "Of course, our Huihui is wonderful. I just thought that Su Heyuan preferred mature women, so I'm surprised he likes Huihui," he said.
Although Su Heyuan had only completed middle school, he spoke excellent English with a genuine London accent, indicating that he had received a good education despite lacking formal qualifications.
Hearing Hu Zhifeng's praise for Su Heyuan, Zong Shimeng said, "Then let's arrange for Jiaxin and Nie Zhan to go play a round of golf together so that Huihui and Su Heyuan can meet. What do you think?"
Hu Zhifeng didn't seem to be in a rush regarding this matter. "I've only met Su Heyuan twice, and he made a good impression. However, this is a significant decision for a lifetime, so I'll give Ah Zhan a call tomorrow and ask for his opinion," he said.
Zong Shimeng nodded in agreement.
Remembering something, Hu Zhifeng brought up a request from Fu Yan. "Miss Yu wants to call off the engagement. Can you help persuade her to reconsider? After all, you know both sides well, and they've been together for three years," he said.
It was clear to Zong Shimeng that this request came from Fu Yan himself, and she immediately refused. "Last month, Mei Tong saw him being intimate with a young woman. Instead of apologizing, he got angry with her. Zhifeng, it's understandable for a man to entertain and play along during social interactions, but to embarrass his fiancee like that is unacceptable. I can't bring myself to mediate in this situation," she said firmly.
"It was a misunderstanding," Fu Ye explained to me.
Zong Shimeng's eyes flashed with a hint of disgust. "If Mei Tong says it's not just once, it can't always be a misunderstanding, can it? The way he humiliated Mei Tong, isn't her decision to call off the wedding now playing along with his wishes? Then why is she not calling it off anymore?"
Seeing that she refused to help with the persuasion, Hu Zhifeng changed the subject.
The next morning, Hu Zhifeng called Nie Zhan to inquire about Su Heyuan. Having come to Hong Kong with nothing and establishing two companies in four years, he was quite impressed.
Nie Zhan immediately understood what was going on. "His character and dedication to his emotions are commendable. His only shortcoming is his humble family background."
Hu Zhifeng now had a good understanding of the situation and laughed, "It's been a while since we last gathered. Let's play a round of golf on Saturday, and remember to bring your sister-in-law along."
"Sure, I'll bring Su Heyuan along too," Nie Zhan replied.
Nie Zhan then called Lu Jiaxin to inform her about the golf outing with Hu Zhifeng and also teased her about playing matchmaker.
Lu Jiaxin laughed and scolded him, "Don't joke about that. It's Su Heyuan who took a liking to Miss Hu and asked me to put in a good word. I'm not the matchmaker here. Besides, I'm not even married myself."
On Friday, upon meeting with Lu Jiaxin, Yu Meotong's first request was, "Jiaxin, please don't let Nie Zhan fire me, okay?"
Lu Jiaxin's expression turned serious. "What happened?"
"Fu Ye threatened me," Yu Meotong explained. "He said that if I insist on calling off the engagement, he'll have Nie Zhan dismiss me..."
After a brief pause, Yu Meotong held Lu Jiaxin's hand and pleaded, "My mom has frozen my credit cards, and I'm now sharing a small apartment with a colleague. Although life isn't as comfortable as before, I feel at peace and sleep soundly at night. Jiaxin, can you please ask Nie Zhan not to fire me? I really like this job."
Even though the job only paid a monthly salary of a little over 5,000, with her colleagues' money-saving tips, it was enough to support herself. If Nie Zhan fired her, no other jewelry company in Hong Kong would hire her.
Lu Jiaxin reassured her, "Don't worry. As long as you work hard and don't violate any company rules, no one can fire you, not even Nie Zhan."
Yu Meotong's tension eased, and she continued, "Jiaxin, all my friends think I'm making things difficult for myself, and they're asking me not to be stubborn. But I truly enjoy my current life."
Her meals consisted of takeaway boxes costing only about ten yuan each, and her living space was smaller than her previous bathroom. Yet, she no longer had to endure any abuse or tolerate her fiance's philandering ways.
Lu Jiaxin encouraged her, "Mei Tong, you have a talent for jewelry design. As long as you keep working hard, you'll definitely become an outstanding jewelry designer in the future."
"Really?" Yu Meotong asked, seeking reassurance.
"Of course. You need to have confidence in yourself," Lu Jiaxin affirmed.
Yu Meotong hugged her, her voice thick with emotion. "Jiaxin, thank you. You're the first person to support and encourage me."
Lu Jiaxin patted her back and smiled. "Mei Tong, you're amazing. You don't need to rely on your family or a man to live a wonderful life."
Yu Meotong's tears flowed freely. "Thank you so much, Jiaxin."
After Yu Meotong calmed down, Lu Jiaxin gave her 10,000 yuan in cash. When Yu Meotong tried to refuse, Lu Jiaxin explained, "You just started this month, and your first salary won't come until next month. How are you going to get through the rest of the month?"
Yu Meotong shook her head. "I sold my bag for 8,000 yuan. After paying the rent for six months, I still have 3,000 yuan left, which is enough to last me until I get paid."
(End of Chapter)
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