Chapter 198: Chapter 198: Youâre Not Even Comparable to Shen Yan Lin Zhiyi walked out of the lounge, heavy-hearted.
As soon as she looked up, she heard Gong Shiyan scolding Gong Chen with displeasure.
"Lao San, you were too reckless! Dad cares so much about reputation, werenât you just publicly humiliating him?"
"For the future of the family, sacrificing a bit of face, he would understand," Gong Chen said expressionlessly.
"You... so youâre willing to give up your own reputation too?"
Gong Shiyan was much older than Gong Chen, like an elder brother acting as a father, his tone inevitably heavy.
Lin Zhiyi stood beside them, looking down at her shoe tips.
She felt like an outsider, yet her ears quietly awaited the manâs answer.
*She also couldnât comprehend why Gong Chen made such a big deal.*
The manâs voice was characteristically indifferent, "I donât care either."
Lin Zhiyiâs whole being sank instantly, *so he cared about no one, the family interests were paramount.*
*No surprise, yet her mind still went blank for a moment.*
Even Gong Shiyan drew in a sharp breath.
*No wonder Gong Chen could hold the highest position, he was so heartless and indifferent, who could match him?*
He saw the blood seeping from Gong Chenâs forehead again and hurriedly said, "You should go to the hospital, I can handle things here."
"Hmm."
Gong Chen turned and left.
Lin Zhiyi lowered her head and stepped back to make way for him, but her wrist was suddenly grabbed by him, pulling her along.
She looked up in surprise at the figure before her, struggling, "Uncle, what are you doing? Uncle and my mom..."
"They left," Gong Chen pointed behind her.
Only then did Lin Zhiyi realize that Gong Shiyan and Liu He had quietly disappeared.
She pursed her lips, "I need to help my mom entertain the guests."
Just as she turned, her body was pulled back, and the man trapped her from behind.
He whispered in her ear, "Do you really want to stay at my wedding banquet this much?"
The domineering scent from the man invaded Lin Zhiyiâs nose, the painful sensation from her body being ground upon returned once more.
"Wasnât it Uncleâs idea to make me the bridesmaid?"
Annoyed, she reached to pry off his arm, but he clasped her fingers tightly.
His palm was dry and warm, his fingertips lightly brushed the back of her hand.
"This wedding is only missing a bride, not a bridesmaid."
Lin Zhiyi was momentarily stunned.
"Hmm?" His hot breath fell, as if waiting for something.
Lin Zhiyi turned her face away forcefully, as if a ripple spread out around her.
In the silence between them, guests who were leaving approached.
Flustered, Lin Zhiyi urged, "Let go of me quickly!"
Gong Chen said nothing, leading her past the crowd toward the parking lot.
Once in the car, Chen Jin saw Gong Chenâs wound and immediately started the vehicle.
"Third Young Master, Iâve already informed Li Huan, heâs waiting for you at the hospital."
While driving, Chen Jin noticed Gong Chenâs wound bleeding again and glanced at Lin Zhiyi.
"Miss Lin, the first aid kit is in the cabinet in front of you, could you please help Third Young Master stop the bleeding temporarily?"
Catching Chen Jinâs pleading look, Lin Zhiyi felt it was hard to refuse.
Besides, if Gong Chen hadnât stepped aside earlier, it would have been her who was bleeding now.
Lin Zhiyi nodded, took out the first aid kit, unwrapped the gauze, and turned to Gong Chen.
His wound was on the other side, and with his impressive height, she found it a bit inconvenient to reach over, so she had to lean toward him.
"Uncle, come closer," Lin Zhiyi reminded.
"Like this?"
Gong Chen turned suddenly.
His deep eyes were so close to Lin Zhiyi.
His features were excellently structured, defined and profound, with thick eyelashes both above and below. As he squinted slightly, there was a lustrous sheen in his eyes, abstinent yet dangerous, exuding an intimidating aura that warned outsiders away.
Lin Zhiyi lost focus for a moment before quickly looking up at his wound, wiping away the bloodstains, and pressing a piece of gauze against it.
Even at such close quarters, try as she might to ignore the manâs presence, she couldnât disregard his invasive gaze.
Suppressing her breath, Lin Zhiyi moved back to open the distance between them.
Chen Jin glanced through the rearview mirror with a knowing expression.
Suddenly, a sharp brake was applied, sending Lin Zhiyi tumbling toward Gong Chen, her body crashing into his chest, accidentally kissing the corner of his lips.
"Apologies, Third Young Master, a dog dashed out in front."
Along with Chen Jinâs apology, the carâs partition was also raised.
Lin Zhiyi widened her eyes, her cheeks flushing hot.
Gong Chen looked at her reddened face, glistening like a freshly peeled peach in the sunlight, watery and tender.
freÑweÉnovel.com Just looking at her, it was as if a hook was tugging at his heart.
As she was about to push herself up, the manâs hand pressed down on the back of her head, deepening the kiss.
She pushed against his chest with all her might but was held and turned over, pinned down on the back seat.
The more she moved, the tighter their bodies were pressed together.
*Was it her imagination, or was his kiss especially indulgent?*
There was less restraint than before, more direct and fierce.
Lin Zhiyiâs struggle grew weaker and weaker until she firmly pressed down on his wound.
He hissed, squinting at her.
"Lin Zhiyi, when will you change this temper of yours? Always stubborn or resorting to violence."
"I, of course, canât compare to Song Wanqiu, whoâs so understanding and sweet," Lin Zhiyi panted.
Gong Chen chuckled softly, lowering his eyes to her, "Sarcasm."
Lin Zhiyi, as if caught, avoided his gaze awkwardly.
Gong Chenâs hand slid along her hair, pinched her earlobe, "Your wit doesnât even match Shen Yanâs."
Lin Zhiyi was choked.
*To Gong Chen, she was inferior to Song Wanqiu and Shen Yan; she wasnât as good as anyone. So why couldnât he just leave her alone?*
"Yes, Uncle, youâre right. I deserve to be manipulated and humiliated by you people, but can you keep your distance from me?"
Summoning some unknown strength, Lin Zhiyi gritted her teeth and pushed him away.
Gong Chenâs face turned cold, just about to say something when the car stopped.
Concerned for Gong Chenâs wound, Chen Jin immediately exited the car and knocked on the door, "Third Young Master, weâre here."
At the sound, Lin Zhiyi shoved him away, quickly getting off and heading into the hospital.
Gong Chen followed her out, his expression stern.
Chen Jin pointed in the direction Lin Zhiyi had gone, "Third Young Master, should I go after her?"
"No. Let her be," Gong Chen replied coldly.
...
The office.
Upon seeing the visitor, Li Huan immediately stubbed out his cigarette, opened the window to let out the smoke.
"Sit, Iâll clean your wound for you." His voice sounded slightly weary.
It seemed Li Huan was aware of matters involving Li He and Song Wanqiu.
Seeing that Li Huan was hesitant to speak, Lin Zhiyi tactfully left the office.
Moments later, Chen Jin also exited the office, now holding a bottle of water.
"Miss Lin, Third Young Master asked me to give this to you."
"No need, Iâm not thirsty."
Lin Zhiyi turned around, simply unwilling to take anything from Gong Chen.
Chen Jin pressed his lips together, having overheard some of the conversation between them earlier.
Clenching the bottled water tightly, he couldnât help but say, "Miss Lin, do you really think your so-called evidence could bring about Song Wanqiuâs downfall?"
Lin Zhiyi looked at Chen Jin suspiciously, "What do you mean?"
"Iâm afraid that once you reveal the evidence, your career would be thoroughly ruined, donât you think?"
"Second Young Master asked Third Young Master why he took such risks, donât you really understand?"
"No one would believe evidence made public by anyone but Third Young Master. Yet, he truly didnât need to take such a risk!"
Upon hearing this, Lin Zhiyi pondered as memories surfaced, her heart skipping a beat.
Song Wanqiu was adept at using public opinion; back then, she had the backing of the Song Family, Liu Xinna, Shen Yan, and Old Mr. Gong.
Reborn to Outshine My Ex and His White Moonlight ï¤Chapter 197: Her, You Canât Have Either Rebirth of a Village Girl ï¤Chapter 1123 - 286: Retribution, Recognizing Each Other_3 Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress ï¤Chapter 828 - 825: Prosperous Mountains and Rivers If Lin Zhiyi had exposed the evidence herself, would she have achieved the desired results?
Unlikely.
Now, the Song Family was on the brink of bankruptcy due to Gong Chenâs withdrawal and investment failures, Liu Xinna was dead and the Liu Family crumbled, Shen Yan played pitiful and became genuinely pitiful.
Even Old Mr. Gong was publicly humiliated.
Song Wanqiu now resembled a rotting, stinking flower, void of value, tainting whoever dared approach her.
Lin Zhiyi asked herself honestly, she couldnât have done any of that.
Chen Jin placed the bottled water in her hand, "Third Young Master suffered a concussion when hit, sorry to trouble you."
"Concussion? Itâs that severe!"
"Hmm," Chen Jin nodded.
*He prayed Heaven would forgive his lie, right?*