My Lady, To Defeat Scumbags You Must Start Early Chapter 381 - Chapter 381: Chapter 381 – Conspiracy Case (9) and the end of marriage with Song Zhizhi!

Chapter 381: Chapter 381 – Conspiracy Case (9) and the end of marriage with Song Zhizhi!

Translator: 549690339

In the narrow and rigid detention cell.

Song Zhizhi was brutally shackled to the wall by Ye Wenhan, and no matter how she struggled, she couldn't overpower Ye Wenhan's strength.

She glared at Ye Wenhan with fierce rage, her whole body exuding repulsion, full of disgust.

Yet, Ye Wenhan didn't care about Song Zhizhi's emotions. He asked, “What? You don't want me to get close?”

“Get lost!” Song Zhizhi roared in fury.

“Get lost?” Ye Wenhan, with his body harshly pressing Song Zhizhi against the wall, cleared a hand to grasp her chin forcibly, making her look at him. “Song Zhizhi, do you know how long I've been waiting for this day? I dream of ripping your mouth apart, making you wish you were dead, and filled with regret!”

“You think you can make me wish to die, feel regretful like this? Ye Wenhan, aren't you considering me too weak?” Song Zhizhi retorted mockingly.

“It doesn't matter, why are you resisting so much? Look at you, you're so scared your face has turned pale!” Ye Wenhan said this with an incredibly malicious tone, wearing a sickening smile on his face!

“The reason why I resist is that I'm disgusted with you! Just pure disgust! With you merely touching me now, I feel like vomiting!”

“Song Zhizhi!” Ye Wenhan's face turned extremely grim!

“Ye Wenhan, I really despise you!” Song Zhizhi gritted her teeth.

“When have you ever esteemed me? Back when we were in college, why were you with me? To play with me?” Ye Wenhan's face turned ashen. The more he remembered about how he actively pursued and courted Song Zhizhi, only to end up being rejected mercilessly, the galling the experiences…

The more he thought, the angrier he got.

Ye Wenhan shackled Song Zhizhi's body that instant, moved his hand down from her chin to her neck and squeezed violently.

Song Zhizhi' eyes reddened with pain.

She stifled her screams, feeling her breath becoming increasingly ragged.

Ye Wenhan stared fiercely at Song Zhizhi's changing expressions. At that moment, he wished he could kill her. His eyes were filled with murderous intent and ruthless savagery.

In the standoff between them.

Song Zhizhi felt that she might faint the next second, or perhaps the second after.

Finally, Ye Wenhan let go of his grip.

He sneered coldly, “You think I would kill you?”

Song Zhizhi coughed violently.

She instinctively took deep breaths.

Her neck ached in waves of pain!

“I'm not that stupid, knowing that you're done for, to dirty my hands by killing you,” he said.

“Then let me go!” Song Zhizhi roared.

Her voice was already hoarse.

Small men find pettiness in power!

Ye Wenhan, the higher you climb, the harder you're going to fall!

She bit her lip tightly, glaring at Ye Wenhan.

On Ye Wenhan's cruel face, a bloodthirsty smile suddenly appeared.

He suddenly yanked Song Zhizhi's clothes with force.

Ye Wenhan sneered, “Song Zhizhi, what comes next…is the key part!”

Song Zhizhi glared back at him fiercely.

“Since you're so disgusted by me, and since I so want to kill you, do you think it would be satisfying to torture you like this?” Ye Wenhan said deliberately.

His appearance was extremely cruel at that moment.

Song Zhizhi clenched her teeth.

She just stared at Ye Wenhan, looking at every aspect of this man that made her hate him to the bone.

She must have been as blind as a bat to be attracted to a man like Ye Wenhan!

Now, thinking back to her past, recalling what Ye Wenhan had done to her and her family in her previous life!

Feeling all the cruelty from Ye Wenhan at this moment!

For once, just once, she would tear Ye Wenhan into pieces!

She tried her best to appear calm.

She tried her best to display a fearless expression.

She was prepared for the most desperate, miserable, and painful life.

Yet.

She looked at Ye Wenhan.

She watched as this man suddenly pushed her away violently.

He harshly shoved her onto the ground.

Enduring the pain in her body, Song Zhizhi was resolved.

Even if it hurt more, it was better than Ye Wenhan touching her.

She watched Ye Wenhan closely, on guard.

She didn't know what tricks this man was going to pull.

At that moment she saw his face, more bloody and ferocious than ever before.

Ye Wenhan looked exceedingly awful.

He sought to destroy Song Zhizhi, he wished for her to live a life worse than death.

But!

His entire being was trembling with rage, his whole body shuddering.

As a man.

As a man, there was nothing he could not endure more than the current situation!

His wrathful gaze swept over Song Zhizhi on the ground, her eyes filled with terror and scrutiny.

He dreamed of leaving Song Zhizhi in a state of living death!

Song Zhizhi seemed to comprehend something at that moment.

Slowly, she rose from the ground.

She observed the unblemished Ye Wenhan before her, maintaining the greatest distance possible between them in the room, her tone was sarcastic, “Ye Wenhan, so you also have your day…”

“Shut up!” Ye Wenhan cursed loudly.

Hіѕ vоісе rеvеrbеrаtеd іn thе рrоfоund соnfіnеs оf thе ѕрасе.

“Is this karma?”

“Song Zhizhi!” Ye Wenhan gnashed his teeth, “Don't get too smug, I don't care!”

“Is it?” Song Zhizhi laughed, looking very beautiful, “Ye Wenhan, you should know very clearly.”

Ye Wenhan'ѕ face grew ghastly.

He said, “Even if that's the case, what can you do about it? There are countless ways to torture you! It'll be effortless for me to do whatever I want to you!”

Song Zhizhi's face fell, she knew Ye Wenhan was cunning and devious, unmatched by anyone!

“What, aren't you smug anymore?!” Ye Wenhan mocked, “Song Zhizhi, I could crush you as easily as an ant right now! You'd better learn to please me!”

“Ye Wenhan, you should always leave some room for yourself. When the time comes to be slapped in the face, it won't hurt so much.”

“Still trying to scare me now? Do you think Ji Baijian can still help you?” Ye Wenhan exaggeratedly sneered, “Men are all realistic! I can assure you, as soon as you are convicted, Ji Baijian will break ties with you! Believe or not, we shall wait and see!”

“Do you think all the men in the world are as disgusting as you?!”

“Maybe, before you're convicted, Ji Baijian will give up on you!” Ye Wenhan spoke with certainty.

“What are you trying to do?” Song Zhizhi instantly sensed Ye Wenhan's sinister plot.

“Song Zhizhi, in this lifetime, I swear to shatter your reputation, leave you abandoned by all, even desert you cruelly. Look forward to it!” Saying this, Ye Wenhan intended to leave as he swung open the heavy iron doors of the cell.

Just as he opened the door.

He paused.

Song Zhizhi followed the direction of the door to see Jun Minghan, Jun Mingyu followed behind him.

Jun Minghan's expression was icy, Jun Mingyu glanced inside, his gaze met Song Zhizhi's, he paused for a moment.

At that moment, Jun Minghan looked at Ye Wenhan, then at Song Zhizhi.

Song Zhizhi clutched her body tightly, preventing her somewhat tattered clothes from exposure.

Ye Wenhan glanced at Jun Minghan, his complexion changed slightly, seeming somewhat nervous.

Jun Minghan coldly said, “Visiting the prisoner should only be done in designated areas! Mr. Ye, don't break the law while knowing it.”

Ye Wenhan secretly clenched his teeth.

This Jun Minghan, if he hadn't pressured him this way, they wouldn't have had to take such a risk.

He quickly composed his facial expression, “Song Zhizhi refuses to see me, I had no choice but to visit her here, I needed to clarify some matters. In fact… this woman is very deceitful, she said she wouldn't see me but intentionally tricked me here in an attempt to seduce me.”

With this, he gestured for Jun Minghan to look at Song Zhizhi.

Song Zhizhi gritted her teeth.

Jun Minghan looked at her but did not say a word.

Ye Wenhan continued, “Fortunately, I have always been chaste and would never involve myself with others. Even when I was with Song Zhizhi in the past and she hinted numerous times, I remained unmoved, let alone now when she is a criminal. Mr. Jun, I heard that you are personally responsible for this case. Please sentence her severely, she has violated the interests of Yanshang Country!”

“The law has its own justice, there is no need for Mr. Ye to remind.”

“Mr. Jun is right, I apologize for my words.” Ye Wenhan looked calm,”Since Mr. Jun came here, he must have something to discuss with Song Zhizhi. My presence here is inappropriate, I'll take my leave now.”

Jun Minghan slightly nodded.

Ye Wenhan walked past Jun Minghan and Jun Mingyu.

He paused as he left, turning to look at Jun Minghan's back.

This man.

He will fall sooner or later!

After Ye Wenhan left.

Jun Minghan's expression remained severe and stern.

He ordered the officer in charge behind him in a cold voice, “Song Zhizhi's case involves national interests, you can't let people see her casually, let alone directly in the cell!”

“YesSir.” The officer responsible trembled as he hastily agreed.

The people in Jin City Detention Center were long ago bribed by Ye Wenhan, or to be precise, during the time of Ye Taiting, which made Ye Wenhan's visits very convenient! They never thought that the Jun family, who had never visited before, would come today! They didn't even have the chance to notify Ye Wenhan before they had accidentally witnessed this scene.

He was truly afraid of losing his official hat, and being charged with dereliction of duty.

Jun Minghan turned his eyes to Song Zhizhi, “I have some questions for Song Zhizhi, take her to the interrogation room.”

“Yes.” The person in charge responded with utmost respect.

Jun Minghan turned and left straight away, with great authority.

Song Zhizhi clenched her teeth silently.

She raised her eyes slightly, looking at Jun Mingyu next to her.

Jun Mingyu didn't say anything to her either, turned and left. It seemed that he said something to the prison guards when he left, without any further delay.

Therefore.

According to what Ye Wenhan just said, the person in charge of this case was Jun Minghan.

Any prosecutor in the Yanshang Country working on this case could be easily dismissed by Jun Mingyu due to his status, but if Jun Minghan took the initiative to take on the case, Jun Mingyu had no right to speak at all.

And she, perhaps even Ji Baijian wouldn't have thought that Jun Minghan would willingly walk into muddy water.

Logically, he should be more interested in reaping the benefits.

Song Zhizhi was waiting to be taken away by the prison guard.

At that moment, a prison guard handed her a new set of detention clothing, “Change first before coming out!”

Song Zhizhi took the detention clothing.

She had a rough idea that it was instructed by Jun Mingyu just now.

She quickly changed her clothes and followed the prison guards to the interrogation room.

Inside the interrogation room.

Jun Minghan was sitting in the middle, with Jun Mingyu respectfully standing by his side.

Song Zhizhi was brought to the opposite side of Jun Minghan.

The few prison guards stood in the room, looking unusually serious.

Jun Minghan cut to the chase, his tone harsh, “I will be personally handling your case this time. I have reviewed the contents of your case, why aren't you pleading guilty?”

“It wasn't me, I'm not guilty.”

“With all the evidence and witnesses present, do you think you still have the ability to argue?”

“All the evidence and witnesses have been framed.”

“Who is framing you?” Jun Minghan scoffed, “Where is the proof?”

“If I had the proof, I wouldn't still be here.” Song Zhizhi replied.

Jun Minghan disregarded her comment.

He said, “Song Zhizhi, my time is valuable, and I don't want to waste it on you. The case is clear, all the necessary evidence is here, all you need to do is sign and admit your guilt, and we wait for the court's judgement. I will plea for leniency on your behalf.”

“I won't plead guilty.” Song Zhizhi reaffirmed.

Jun Minghan's face darkened a little.

Song Zhizhi said, “I don't need Mr. Jun to plea for me, if there are indeed irrefutable evidence and witnesses and I have none to prove my innocence, I will accept whatever sentence.”

“Sometimes, being too hard-headed isn't necessarily a good thing.”

“Thank you for your reminder, Mr. Jun.”

Jun Minghan stood up, “If that's the case, you may do as you see fit.”

Song Zhizhi looked up at him.

Jun Minghan left with Jun Mingyu.

As he was about to leave, he paused briefly and said without turning back, “Court hearing on October 20th, next Wednesday.”

He left immediately after dropping that line.

Song Zhizhi watched their fading figures.

She just knew.

It would happen very quickly!

The longer these things drag on, the more negative news they generate. From the Jun Family's perspective, they certainly hope to resolve it quickly to suppress public opinion. From Ye Wenhan's standpoint, he would hope for her to be convicted as soon as possible.

A consensus was immediately reached.

Song Zhizhi clenched her teeth.

She stood up and was taken away by the prison guard who had escorted her in.

When she walked into her cell, a prison guard suddenly followed her in.

Song Zhizhi was on edge.

She remembered Ye Wenhan's threat, that any man could…

But at that moment, she heard the prison guard say, “Mr. Jun the Third asked me if Miss Song has any requests to convey to him, I can deliver the message directly.”

Song Zhizhi was taken aback.

She didn't expect that Jun Mingyu's people would be inside.

And considering how she was treated by Ye Wenhan… Maybe it was because Jun Mingyu received a notification, which is why he arrived so promptly.

She said, “Ensure my innocence.”

Anything else.

She didn't dare to say.

No one knows if this prison guard is really one of Jun Mingyu's men.

In her current situation, anything can happen.

And the person she's dealing with is particularly cunning.

“Yes.”

The prison guard replied respectfully.

And left.

Song Zhizhi returned to her own position.

Now, her only hope is really Ji Baijian, only he can help!

Jun Mingyu was sitting in the car with Jun Minghan.

The car was driving to the grandest hall in Jin City.

Jun Minghan said, “There is a charity banquet tonight. Father asked me to remind you to attend on time.”

“Hmm.” Jun Mingyu nodded.

Whenever Jun Minghan speaks to him, he never looks at him.

“Particularly emphasize on your appearance.” Jun Minghan said coldly, “Father has arranged a blind date for you.”

Jun Mingyu looked at Jun Minghan.

Jun Minghan did not offer any explanation.

He arranged directly, “I dropped you off at the Jun Family's apparel hall, there is someone specifically waiting for you there.”

Jun Mingyu leaned back in his seat, looking out of the window.

He couldn't resist.

Even though he's not entirely under control now, there are some things he can't fight against.

And he's no spring chicken, long past marriageable age.

The fact that he has been able to delay until now just indicates his father's lack of regard for him.

Suddenly, he realized that it was just to stop the idle gossip from outside.

Saying what.

Fearing that once he had offspring, a son, he would usurp Jun Minghan's power.

And they will definitely not let him have a child.

He has no further expectations for his life, he was very clear that in this power struggle, it's either you die or I perish, and he didn't even plan on surviving, he just struggled to live till now for a breath of air.

His only fear is to wrong his unknown other half.

Being with him.

Is definitely a tragedy.

The car stopped at the apparel hall, Jun Minghan left him and walked away.

There was someone waiting for him at the entrance.

But he didn't go in immediately. Instead, he picked up his phone, walked aside, and dialed a number.

Ji Baijian picked up.

Jun Mingyu said, “A week later, on October 20, there will be a court hearing.”

Ji Baijian held the phone without speaking.

“Jun Minghan doesn't want to waste time on this. He is set on believing Song Zhizhi will lose this lawsuit,” Jun Mingyu spoke candidly.

“Hmm.” Ji Baijian grunted, signifying he knew.

“Ji Baijian, I'm sorry,” Jun Mingyu said, “I didn't think Jun Minghan would personally take charge of Song Zhizhi's case. I volunteered to be responsible for this case in front of my father and all the other high-ranking ministers from the official families, only to have Jun Minghan step forward in the very first moment, saying he'll be in charge. Considering his high status and power, once he speaks up, it won't be my turn anymore! Luckily, my father, fearing others might think he's overly biased, in order to convince people of his fairness and impartiality, he handed the case over to Jun Minghan to be primarily responsible for it, with me assisting. The reason being that I'm still young, and need to learn more from Jun Minghan.”

“If Jun Minghan so strongly emphasizes on this case, he must have his reasons. Now that he wants to muddy the waters, let him be. It's about time for you to resist,” Ji Baijian said bluntly.

“You are absolutely right.” The corner of Jun Mingyu's mouth lifted into a smile, and then he said, “Don't worry, I will absolutely protect Song Zhizhi's safety during the trial period. I won't let her get hurt in the slightest.”

“Thank you.”

“However…” Jun Mingyu hesitated.

“Just say it.”

“Ye Wenhan visited Song Zhizhi today.”

“I know.”

“Song Zhizhi was… violated by him.”

Ji Baijian clenched his hand tightly.

“But it didn't progress to the final step.” Jun Mingyu explained, reassuringly, “I will never let this kind of thing happen again.”

Ji Baijian had already hung up the phone.

Jun Mingyu sighed.

He did not mean to say it.

Nevertheless, he felt that those who really offended Ji Baijian would likely face a terrible end.

He wanted to see just how terrible it could be!

For Ji Baijian, this man.

He was, in fact, both in love and afraid of him!

Ji Baijian hung up the phone; his face looked quite grim.

Having left the detention center, he went straight back to the Jihong Group headquarters, and parked himself in his office.

Upon returning to Jin City, every single move he made was under surveillance.

He felt as if he could do virtually nothing at all.

And yet, there were many things that needed his attention.

Besides collaborating with Yin Bin in hopes of uncovering solid evidence of Weng Cheng and Ye Wenhan's illicit activities, he also had to work on clearing Song Zhizhi's name.

However, at present, the opposition has both the testimonies and physical evidence.

The suspect directly implicated Song Zhizhi.

Moreover, a whopping sum of 500,000 mysteriously disappeared from Song Zhizhi's account.

Where did it disappear to?!

It's impossible for it to have ended up with the suspect!

The question was: who was behind this sum of money?!

This realization made his expression even more severe.

Remembering what Jun Mingyu had just told him, Ji Baijian could not help but grip his fingers tighter.

Suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

With an immediate shift in his demeanour, Ji Baijian said, “Come in.”

Ji Baili knocked and entered.

Upon entering, he could immediately feel the oppressive aura exuding from his older brother.

Despite the intimidation, he steeled himself and proceeded.

“There is a charity banquet tonight, an annual official dinner that everyone of merit and reputation in Jin City attends. Besides all the influential figures from different industries in Jin City, the Jun Family is also going to send a representative. It's very important for our company. Dad heard that you've returned, so he insists that you go with him tonight. He has something to discuss with you,” he explained.

Ji Baijian looked at Ji Baili with a solemn expression.

Ji Baili responded, “If you won't go, I'll directly refuse on your behalf.”

Comparatively, he was actually more afraid of his older brother than their father.

Though their father was stern, Ji Baili always felt that his older brother was more cunning.

If his older brother set his mind on making one's life miserable, he absolutely would do so without hesitation.

Of course, he did not dare challenge him.

“Go.” Ji Baijian suddenly spoke, “You can accompany me there,” he added.

“Dad didn't say I should go too…”

Ji Baili was silenced with a mere glance from Ji Baijian.

“Yes.” Ji Baili immediately complied.

Ji Baijian said, “Help me confirm if Xin Zaozao will be attending?”

“Huh?” Ji Baili frowned.

“Xin Zaozao,” Ji Baijian repeated.

“Big Brother, I…”

“Ji Baili, keep your work and private life separate. Xin Zaozao is the chairman of Xin Group. You, as the deputy general manager of Jihong Group, will inevitably cross paths with her. Furthermore, you also hold a 5% stake in Xin Group. Do you think you should continue evading her?”

Ji Baili is always left speechless in the face of his brother's words.

It's not that he was actually avoiding Xin Zaozao.

He was just afraid that his… afraid that the sparks he had barely kept hidden would ignite into a wildfire again!

He heard that Mu Cidian was sentenced to imprisonment.

Three years and six months.

When he first heard the news, he was shocked.

Upon learning that Mu Cidian had killed someone for Xin Zaozao, he was convinced he had lost. He had prepared himself for the idea that Mu Cidian and Xin Zaozao would reconcile, but he had least expected Xin Zaozao to directly accuse Mu Cidian and get him sentenced to three years and six months in prison.

How much hatred does Xin Zaozao harbor inside of her?!

How much could she possibly hate Mu Cidian to have taken such extreme measures?

“Ji Baili.” Ji Baijian called out to him, noticing his lack of focus.

With much effort, Ji Baili nodded and said, “I'll call her.”

With that, she picked up the phone and moved aside.

At this moment, Xin Zaozao was discussing the internal structure of the group with Song Lifei. Since Mu Cidian had left all the staff information, she wouldn't waste it!

Based on this information, she wanted to arrange the staff more reasonably, so she talked with Song Lifei for an afternoon.

She looked at the incoming call, her eyes paused for a moment.

Song Lifei had been in human resources for quite some time, reading people and reacting accordingly was his best skill.

He quickly said, “Chairwoman, I'll wait for you outside.”

Xin Zaozao nodded.

Song Lifei left.

Just now, unintentionally, he saw the name “Ji Baili” on the chairwoman's screen.

Working at the Xin Group, one naturally learns all the internal and external gossip. He was well aware of the buzz before the engagement banquet between Ji Baili and Xin Zaozao.

So as soon as Mu Cidian went in, the love rival took advantage of the opportunity.

He wondered if Mu Cidian would drop dead from anger if he found out?!

Song Lifei felt like he might be overthinking.

Mu Cidian's current attitude towards Xin Zaozao was that no one in this world loved Xin Zaozao more than he did, yet he could graciously accept Xin Zaozao being with any man.

Many times, Song Lifei admired Mu Cidian for his breathtaking tolerance!

In the office.

Xin Zaozao took the call.

“Baili.” Xin Zaozao's gentle voice.

Ji Baili's heart skipped a beat.

Actually.

He had already learned to treat Xin Zaozao with a certain level of composure.

Despite his restraint for so long, it seemed that the moment he heard her voice, his feelings started to stir again.

He said, trying to stay as calm as possible, “Are you attending the charity banquet tonight?”

“Ah?” Xin Zaozao was surprised.

She didn't expect Ji Baili to suddenly mention this.

About the charity banquet.

She rummaged through the things on her desk and saw the invitation. It was given to her by Secretary Yan in the morning; she had almost forgotten. She said, “I'll go. I should attend the official's charity banquet.”

“Okay, I was just asking, I didn't mean anything by it.”

“Baili, are you trying to ask me for something? If there's anything I can help with, don't hesitate to tell me.”

“No, my elder brother asked me to inquire if you're coming, he might be looking for you.”

“Ji Baijian?”

“Right.”

“Okay, I'll be there tonight.” Xin Zaozao once again affirmed.

“Okay, I'm hanging up now.”

“See you tonight.”

“See you tonight.”

Xin Zaozao looked at her phone.

For a moment, she was somewhat dazed.

After her engagement banquet with Ji Baili, it didn't seem like much time had passed, but by the time she came to her senses, the two had grown this distant.

She got up and headed to the office door.

Song Lifei was waiting for her at the door.

Xin Zaozao said, “We'll talk about the personnel changes tomorrow. I have something tonight and need to leave in a bit.”

“Okay, I will reorganize what you mentioned today and share with you tomorrow.”

“Thank you.”

“Of course.” Song Lifei respectfully left.

Xin Zaozao glanced at the time, and without delay, she left work to change into her evening gown.

She was pondering that Ji Baijian would definitely want to discuss something about Song Zhizhi with her.

And she really wanted to do her part to help with this issue!

In the evening.

The night was ablaze with neon lights.

The charity banquet was held in the official's special banquet hall, and there were many attendees.

Since it was a charitable donation, the official family wasn't too demanding of the attendees, and those who were invited wouldn't refuse, even enthusiastic, so the banquet was particularly crowded.

Xin Zaozao wore a black evening dress tonight, draped with a white shawl to maintain a modest look. After all, the weather in Jin City had cooled down by October, and a thin evening gown would surely be too cold.

She entered the banquet hall.

The hall was bustling with people coming and going.

The charity donation phase hadn't begun yet, so most people were engaged in their conversations.

Xin Zaozao made a round.

She spotted Ji Baijian.

Even in such a crowd, he stood out easily.

He was tall and upright, emanating a strong aura, and every move he made was elegantly noble.

Her gaze seemed to be instantly captured by Ji Baijian.

Xin Zaozao's eyes subtly shifted.

Ji Baili stood next to Ji Baijian, who was also looking at Xin Zaozao at that moment.

Seeing Xin Zaozao's gaze,

Ji Baili felt like swearing.

It can't be… Xin Zaozao was attracted to his elder brother, right?

One had already been involved with Mu Cidian,

and the other was about to embark on a relationship with Song Zhizhi.

So, the two of them hit it off at once.

Alright.

He admitted that his assumption was a bit far-fetched.

Ji Baili got up from his seat with the glass of red wine in his hand and walked straight towards Xin Zaozao.

Xin Zaozao's eyes subtly shifted once again.

She gently sipped her lips.

“Zaozao, come with me,” Ji Baili took the initiative to say.

Upon being entrusted by others, she had no choice but to be loyal.

Yes.

She was entrusted by his elder brother, hence she had to obey.

Xin Zaozao followed Ji Baili to a secluded corner in the back garden.

They both seemed a bit awkward.

It felt like they hadn't seen each other for a long time and suddenly they didn't know what to say when they met.

It was Xin Zaozao who broke the silence, “Does your brother need something from me?”

“Yes,” Ji Baili quickly reassured her.

“Is it about Song Zhizhi?”

“Yes,” Ji Baili gravely responded, “My sister-in-law is obviously unjustly accused. But unfortunately, their evidence seems solid and we are having a hard time winning the lawsuit. My brother is under constant surveillance right now, and it's inconvenient for him to act. So, he needs your help to investigate some matters.”

“Sure,” Xin Zaozao readily agreed.

Ji Baili whispered the task his brother needed Xin Zaozao to accomplish into her ear.

Both of them spoke in hushed tones.

At that moment,

Something seemed to stir around them.

Ji Baili was taken aback, but quickly made a decision. He pulled Xin Zaozao into his arms.

He lowered his head near Xin Zaozao's face in the moment.

He didn't really kiss her.

But from any angle, especially in the dim light, it looked like they were in an intimate moment.

Xin Zaozao didn't dare to resist.

She could only feel how close they suddenly were.

Ji Baili's heartbeat was also a bit fast at that moment.

Second by second,

Ji Baili observed the movements of that person and only let go of Xin Zaozao when he confirmed that the person had walked away.

After letting her go, they found themselves in an awkward situation again.

Ji Baili said, “I'm sorry, I just thought…”

“I understand,” Xin Zaozao nodded.

After all, Ji Baili had just mentioned that Ji Baijian was under constant surveillance. Ji Baili would naturally fear someone discovering that they were asking her to do something. If they were only expressing their love, the observer wouldn't suspect them.

“Anyway, please help my sister-in-law.”

“Zhizhi is my best friend and has been good to me. I will do my best to help her. You don't need to be so formal with me.”

“My elder brother also said that you're one of the few trustworthy people,” Ji Baili said bluntly.

Xin Zaozao was taken aback.

She felt an inexplicable thrill in her heart.

She did not think that she would gain such trust from Ji Baijian.

Ji Baili suggested, “Let's go in. If we linger too long, it can no longer be considered sneaking about.”

“…” Xin Zaozao's face flushed slightly.

Ji Baili chuckled.

He swallowed down the words he wanted to say at that moment.

He figured, no matter what.

He would talk things out after handling his sister-in-law's issue.

The two walked into the grand banquet hall, one after the other.

Ji Baijian casually peeked around the room, not staying on any one person for too long.

On the other hand, Ye Wenhan was intently observing the two.

His confidant whispered into his ear, “It seems they've rekindled their old flame.”

Ye Wenhan nodded.

He straightened up his body and walked directly towards Ji Baijian.

Ji Baijian also noticed Ye Wenhan approaching.

At the moment, Ji Baijian was standing with his father.

Given the high status of Ye Wenhan, it was natural that he wouldn't talk to Ji Baijian casually. But before he could start an interaction, Ji Yunlei took the initiative and greeted him respectfully, “Mr. Ye, I did not expect that you would personally come.”

Ye Wenhan responded in a noble manner, “When it comes to a charity banquet, it is only natural that one should attend personally. Albeit, my contribution is minuscule compared to the major support required for charitable endeavors from large consortiums like yours.”

Ji Yunlei quickly nodded, no matter how awkward the current situation was, he could still manage to maintain a perfect facade. He said, “Mr. Ye, rest assured, our Jihong Group will provide strong support.”

“That's good. I can relax then.” Ye Wenhan expressed his relief sincerely, gazing at Ji Baijian standing next to Ji Yunlei.

Ji Baijian returned his gaze.

Ye Wenhan said, “Ji Baijian, what a coincidence, our second encounter in one day. The first time was at the detention center, we were all visiting Song Zhizhi.”

Ji Baijian replied calmly, “Indeed. I am surprised that Mr. Ye, who is so busy, still has time to visit my wife. I am truly flattered.”

“Your wife has caused a huge disaster harming the reputation of Yanshang Country. I didn't visit out of concern, but because there are some formalities that need clarification.” Ye Wenhan hastily clarified, then continued, “However, as the helmsman of Commercial Management responsible for all companies and consortium groups in Yanshang Country, I should make some things clear.”

Ji Baijian frowned.

Ji Yunlei showed more respect, “Mr. Ye, please feel free to speak.”

“Song Zhizhi's violent demolition has led to huge economic and reputation losses for Yanshang Country. Being the top consortium group in Yanshang Country, I personally think that you should publicly show your stance on this matter. It is evident that Chief Song did very well in this regard, Chairman Ji, I believe you understand my point,” said Ye Wenhan.

Ji Yunlei's face changed slightly.

Ji Baijian watched Ye Wenhan gloating.

Ye Wenhan said, “Of course, this is just a suggestion. As mentioned, Yanshang Country is a country of laws and also freedom. How you want to act is entirely up to you. I will not interfere. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some matters to attend to and wouldn't want to disturb Chairman Ji any further.”

Ji Yunlei responded respectfully, “Safe journey, Mr. Ye.”

Ye Wenhan nodded slightly and paused before he left, “By the way, I encountered a stray cat at the detention center today.”

Ji Baijian's expression darkened.

Ye Wenhan pointed towards the corner of his mouth, where there was a faint trace that he'd been bitten. “It scratched my mouth. If you didn't know better, you'd think someone had forcibly kissed me.”

Ji Baijian clenched his glass of wine tightly.

Mr. Ji, make sure to get a tetanus shot,” Ji Yunlei reminded him.

“That won't be necessary, although its claws were sharp, the touch was inexplicably satisfying. Somehow, I don't believe it would be harmful,” he said with a profound smile, looking at Ji Baijian, “wouldn't you agree, Ji Baijian?”

“Mr. Ye,” Ji Baijian looked directly at him, “how did it feel… afterwards?”

At that moment, Ye Wenhan's face darkened sharply.

He knew exactly what Ji Baijian was referring to!

He glared at Ji Baijian.

It was because of him!

Him!

That led to his current condition because of that incident!

His rapidly changing expression lost all its previous seriousness at that moment.

Ji Baijian said, “Mr. Ye, some cats, although they seem very nice, are not meant for everyone to touch. This time it just bit Mr. Ye's mouth. Next time, if it wounds other parts of Mr. Ye, it wouldn't be good! Don't you think?!”

Ye Wenhan's face turned extremely ugly.

He spun around abruptly and walked off.

As Ji Baijian watched his retreating figure, he gripped the wine glass tightly!

Looking at his son's behaviour, even an ordinary person could see that Ji Baijian and Ye Wenhan were enemies, let alone an experienced old hand like Ji Yunlei whose expression darkened instantly. He said bluntly, “The reason why Baili asked you to attend the charity event tonight was to discuss the matter of Song Zhizhi.”

Ji Baijian looked at his father.

“I'll not beat around the bush,” Ji Yunlei stated sternly, “Your marriage with Song Zhizhi…ends here.”

Chapter end