Chapter 80: Slaughter Him

Chapter 080: Take Him Down

Lin Cong looked at Chen Yaxin’s curious expression and smiled gently. “Are you really so curious?”

“Of course I am. Fu Ziqing is such a proud woman, and she went to seek out someone herself. That person’s identity must be extraordinary, right?” Chen Yaxin pressed on, and since there were no outsiders here, she didn’t bother to put on her usual aloof facade. She was just like a girl playfully begging for attention.

“Heh—” Lin Cong spoke softly. “His identity is indeed extraordinary, because he is Fu Ziqing’s fiancé.” His voice was calm, as if he were speaking about something entirely unrelated to himself.

“What?” Chen Yaxin couldn’t help but cry out in shock, clearly startled by Lin Cong’s answer. It took her more than ten seconds to recover. “How is that possible? Fu Ziqing actually has a fiancé?” Her eyes were fixed on Lin Cong as she spoke, and there was even a trace of delight on her face…

“Who says Fu Ziqing can’t have a fiancé?” Lin Cong smiled indifferently and stood up, walking toward the sofa.

“Lin Cong, are you joking with me? Is that Chu Fei really Fu Ziqing’s fiancé?” Chen Yaxin followed him.

“Why would I lie about something like this?” Lin Cong replied without turning his head, and brewed a cup of coffee, handing it to Chen Yaxin.

“Thank you.”

A hint of delight appeared on Chen Yaxin’s face as she hurriedly took the cup, her gaze still fixed on Lin Cong. “But aren’t you planning to propose to Fu Ziqing next week? Now that a fiancé has suddenly appeared, what will you do?” At this moment, her eyes grew more expectant, not merely curious but also tense. Ever since the first stirrings of her heart, or strictly speaking, even before she understood anything, she had admired Lin Cong. He wasn’t handsome, but he was her idol, someone she had adored and followed for years. Even a fool could see her feelings, but Lin Cong had always pretended not to notice. Even when she feigned drunkenness and crawled into his bed, Lin Cong never touched her. This taught Chen Yaxin that Lin Cong didn’t like her. Perhaps he did, but he would never marry her.

Yet she wasn’t too upset. Lin Cong was so outstanding, and proud as she was, she felt unworthy of him. So she kept striving, trying to make herself better and more accomplished, just to get closer to him. No one knew how much effort she had put in over the years to achieve her current success. She wasn’t exceptionally clever, but she pushed herself to improve for Lin Cong’s sake, to the point her parents worried about her health.

But she never tried to seduce him again or confess her feelings outright, because she understood Lin Cong too well. Since he wouldn’t accept her, any shameless confession would only ruin their relationship and take away even her chance to stay near him.

Her thoughts now were simple. She didn’t expect to marry Lin Cong, only wanted to quietly remain by his side, assist him, and see him whenever she could. Perhaps someday, by some twist of fate, she might catch his attention and become his secret lover. Though the chance was slim, that was her deepest hope.

Because of their closeness and the ties between their families, Chen Yaxin was the first in the Kirin Society to learn that Lin Cong planned to propose to Fu Ziqing. When she first heard the news, she was indeed sad, but quickly adjusted her mood. Lin Cong was so exceptional; perhaps only someone equally outstanding like Fu Ziqing was worthy of him. She was, after all, just a tagalong.

But now, a faint hope rose in her heart. Fu Ziqing actually had a fiancé—something she’d never known. If this were true, wouldn’t Lin Cong’s plan to propose be at risk of collapse? Though she felt no jealousy toward Fu Ziqing, if Lin Cong failed, she would be happy, for at least for now, he would still belong only to her.

Thus, she cared more than anyone else about Chu Fei’s identity.

“The Lin family never changes its decisions.” Lin Cong looked at Chen Yaxin with a half-smile, as if he could see through her thoughts, but didn’t answer directly.

“But Fu Ziqing already has a fiancé. If the Lin family goes ahead and proposes openly, what will people think?” Chen Yaxin frowned. Women are practical; having seen a glimmer of hope, she wouldn’t let it go. She cared nothing for the Lin family’s reputation, only for the outcome.

“Who says you can’t propose just because there’s a fiancé?” Lin Cong laughed, his voice relaxed and casual, as if he were talking about drinking water or eating.

“But—”

“All right, it’s getting late. I have to go home for lunch with my grandfather. You’d better get back to work. This Xuhui project is your first time leading, so don’t let anything go wrong…” Lin Cong interrupted her, having said all he needed. Besides, the topic wasn’t as light for him as he let on.

“I understand. Don’t worry about Xuhui—I’ll handle it perfectly and won’t let anyone gossip about you.” Chen Yaxin sighed inwardly, but her face was earnest and confident. She knew what Xuhui meant for the Kirin Society. Originally, this project would never have fallen to her. Although she was Lin Cong’s closest, she was far from the most outstanding member; there were many more accomplished than her. But Lin Cong had insisted and made the final decision. In the Kirin Society, Lin Cong’s word was law; no one dared oppose him. Yet if she made a mistake, his reputation would suffer, so she vowed to do her best. This was her best chance to prove her ability to the others, that she was a core member because of her own merit, not just Lin Cong’s shadow.

Though others were polite and respectful on the surface, Chen Yaxin had heard plenty of gossip about her and Lin Cong. She believed Lin Cong had too, but he didn’t care at all.

Most importantly, the Kirin Society wasn’t monolithic. Lin Cong was like an emperor, but his ministers formed their own factions. Chen Yaxin belonged to none; she was only Lin Cong’s close aide. Sometimes, aides had to prove themselves, or others would question the emperor’s judgment.

“Mm, just do your best. But don’t overwork yourself. I’ve noticed you’ve gotten thinner lately.” Lin Cong smiled, and Chen Yaxin’s restraint made him admire her more. If their families weren’t so tangled, he wouldn’t mind taking her as a concubine; having such a capable helper would only benefit him. Unfortunately…

Chen Yaxin shook her head excitedly at his concern. “I’m fine. You should take care of yourself, too.”

After a few more words, Chen Yaxin sashayed away, unable to affect Lin Cong’s marriage plans and focusing on her own responsibilities…

But a woman’s heart is complicated…

Something in her heart had changed…

Lin Cong watched her leave with gentle eyes, seemingly focused on her alluring figure, but in truth, his gaze was unfocused. In his mind, only one name echoed: Chu Fei.

Chu Fei?

Lin Cong suddenly sneered, turning to stand by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the surging waters of the Huangpu River nearby, his lips curled in a colder smile.

So what if you’ve returned?

So what if you’re Fu Ziqing’s fiancé?

Over twenty years ago, even that beast who was feared by all had to swallow his pride and leave Donghai. What waves can you, a bastard, possibly stir up, even if you come back?

Hmph!

Lin Cong let out a disdainful snort, like a high and mighty emperor…

——

When Chu Fei arrived at Red Moon Manor, he was surprised to find not just Blood Fox waiting for him, but also Ji Wenxuan, eldest son of the Ji family.

Both looked at him with complicated expressions.

“What’s up?” Chu Fei asked, puzzled. These two didn’t get along, so why were they sitting together so amicably?

“Chu Fei, you say your piece first. When you’re done, I’ll go next,” Ji Wenxuan said, his expression once more calm and composed. Chu Fei almost rolled his eyes; this guy never forgot to maintain his image.

“Honestly, I don’t have much to say; I’m just feeling agitated…” Chu Fei didn’t hide anything, telling them about Fu Ziqing seeking him out. Blood Fox and Ji Wenxuan were his brothers, utterly trustworthy; there was no reason to conceal anything… He even mentioned the Lin family’s plan to propose at Old Master Fu’s birthday banquet.

Ji Wenxuan’s face grew increasingly animated as he listened, a strange expression.

Blood Fox looked much the same.

“What? Why are you two looking at me like that? Do you think I’m an idiot?” Chu Fei joked. Any man with a fiancé as perfect as Fu Ziqing would be overjoyed, but here he was, frowning—he really did seem foolish.

“You are pretty foolish,” Ji Wenxuan nodded, making Chu Fei nearly curse him. But then Ji Wenxuan’s next words shut him up: “I thought you didn’t know about this, but you’re already ahead of the curve.”

“What do you mean?” Chu Fei looked at Ji Wenxuan, sensing something. “Is this what you wanted to tell me?”

“Yes.” Ji Wenxuan nodded. “Yesterday I was in Donghai having tea with two friends and happened to overhear the news. That’s why I rushed back to find Blood Fox. I hadn’t figured out how to break it to you, but you came on your own.”

Chu Fei grimaced.

Anyone Ji Wenxuan considered a friend wouldn’t be ordinary; ordinary people wouldn’t qualify to drink tea with him. Clearly, the Lin family’s intention to propose to the Fu family was no secret; word had already spread.

Chu Fei didn’t believe this was mere carelessness; someone must have leaked it deliberately—whether from the Lin family or the Fu family, he couldn’t tell.

Why would they deliberately spread the word?

He was pondering this when Blood Fox’s fierce voice suddenly rang in his ear.

“What’s complicated about this? If someone dares to propose to the sister-in-law, I’ll just go and take Lin Cong out of the equation. Problem solved, right?”

Blood Fox curled his lip, his face full of vicious intent…

What a murderous beast.

Chu Fei’s head started to ache…

Ji Wenxuan also looked at Blood Fox with utter disdain, as if he were staring at some clueless idiot…