Chapter 221 - Stupid Grin
It felt like something exploded inside Jin Liwei's head. He actually blanked out for a few moments. It felt like he was sucked out of his body and then slammed back, making him reel from the shock. When he regained some of his senses, he thought that maybe he was hallucinating. Did his baby girl just say...?
"W-what?" He looked and sounded like he turned stupid.
Iris felt shy but seeing his reaction made her feel good. She liked that she could make him speechless. At the same time, she felt excited and could barely handle her racing heart. She forced herself to maintain eye contact with him which made her feel warm and fuzzy and giddy and...what was happening to her? Experiencing all of these feelings at the same time felt a little scary.
"Baby, what did you say?" he asked her again in nervous anticipation.
His whole body was tense. The hammering of his heart was so hard and wild that it showed in the pulse of his neck. It looked like there was a small creature trying to break out of his neck. If he wasn't wearing a shirt, his heartbeat would also be visible on his naked chest. He tightened his arms around her tiny waist.
"I...I think I'm falling in love with you," she said in a whisper, biting her lower lip. "Liwei, I feel so weird. I've never feltâumph!"
Her head was suddenly grabbed and her next words swallowed by a hot open-mouthed kiss. He was so intense, sucking hard and almost biting her lips, her tongue and everything inside her mouth. His tongue bullied her tongue, making her whimper and melt all over him.
All she could do was close her eyes and hold on to him, taking everything he was giving her. It felt like her whole body became alive and sensitive to his every touch, sending delicious electrical currents inside her. She shivered in delight.
The two of them weren't aware that they were moaning and making erotic noises. The living area became off-limits to the rest of the household.
Dom wanted to peek but his ears was pulled and twisted by Yi Mei, dragging him away to lecture him. The cook joined in scolding Dom, waving a spatula in a threatening manner.
Back in the living area, Iris snapped her head to the side, forcefully separating their locked mouths because she couldn't breathe. She gasped and dropped her head to his shoulder, feeling like her entire body just turned into jelly.
Dazed, she could hear Jin Liwei murmuring "I love you" over and over, as his mouth became hungrier for her. He allowed her to breathe, kissing her jaw, neck and shoulders instead.
"Alright, the horny couple over there. That's enough. Have you forgotten that you're not the only ones living here? What if Little Jun sees you? You wanna corrupt a kid that young?" a voice tried to interrupt them but failed.
Iris and Jin Liwei were so into each other that they didn't even notice or hear anything. Perhaps they heard something but their minds automatically treated it as unimportant background noise.
It was Iris who eventually noticed that something was amiss when she felt a dangerous aura coming from one direction. She stiffened and became alert, turning her head to the source of danger and saw her big brother wearing a scary expression.
"B-big Brother!" Iris tried to stand up but Jin Liwei embraced her in a vice-like grip. "Liwei darling, stop. Big Brother is here."
"Hm?" Jin Liwei nibbled on her neck before lifting his head to look at Lu Zihao. "Fifth Brother, you're back." He leaned back on the couch, not letting go of his baby girl on his lap. He was grinning like a stupid idiot.
Lu Zihao looked at them with cold eyes. He returned earlier than usual today, only to be greeted with such a sight as soon as the elevator door opened. Good thing he arrived when they were still wearing their clothes.
His sister looked flushed and embarrassed but still very pleased. Her lips were moist and swollen. She looked so erotic that Lu Zihao wanted to beat up Jin Liwei for turning his precious little sister into a sexy seductress.
As for Jin Liwei, the man was overflowing with happiness. His smile was so wide that it looked unnatural on him. It didn't match his usual cold and indifferent persona.
Lu Zihao had the strongest urge to punch the stupid smile out of the man's face. He took a few deep breaths to calm his murderous intent. It was difficult but he was already coming to terms with his sister's relationship with Jin Liwei. However, that didn't mean that he was fine with seeing them make out in front of him. He wanted to keep his little sister's pure image in his mind.
Iris was able to untangle herself from Jin Liwei. She skipped to Lu Zihao, looking shy but excited. Jin Liwei followed her with a smug expression on his face.
"Big Brother, we have something to tell you." Then she pulled Jin Liwei, clinging on his arm.
They were so sweet to each other that it was nauseating to watch.
Lu Zihao narrowed his eyes, suspicious. He immediately looked at his sister's hands, feeling relieved when he saw no ring.
"What is it?" he asked.
She giggled, making him even more suspicious. Jin Liwei changed their position, wrapping his arms around her waist and hugging her from behind.
To Lu Zihao's eyes, however, Jin Liwei looked like he was putting his hands on Iris' stomach. Lu Zihao's eyes darkened at the implication and he lost control.
"What the hell?! Getting pregnant before marriage?! I taught you to be better than this!" he roared at Iris.
Both Iris and Jin Liwei froze in shock.
Then Lu Zihao turned to Jin Liwei. He looked furious and murderous. "You beast! How dare you knock her up so soon?! At least propose to her and marry her first, you bastard! Come here! Fight me!"
The two hadn't recovered from their shock yet when Lu Zihao bounded to them and grabbed Jin Liwei by the collar.
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Chapter 222 - An Important Even
"W-what? No! Big Brother, wait!" Iris squeezed herself between the two men. "Please let go of Liwei! Stop!"
Lu Zihao was too enraged to listen to her. He continued roaring at Jin Liwei's face and shaking him by the collar.
"Fifth Brother, calm down," Jin Liwei said.
Jin Liwei's shock already wore off, but he wasn't angry at being attacked by his Fifth Brother. Not at all. He was too happy to be angry at the moment. His baby girl just told him that she was falling in love with him! How could he not be happy? So he rooted himself to the floor and stood like a mountain, not retaliating against Lu Zihao.
His stupid grin enraged Lu Zihao even more.
"Big Brother, listen to what I'm going to say first," Iris pleaded, feeling frantic and annoyed at the same time. "You're mistaken! I'm not pregnant! Big Brother, you idiot!"
Lu Zihao stopped but didn't release Jin Liwei's collar yet. "You're not pregnant?"
"I'm not! I already told you!"
"Oh." He finally released Jin Liwei. "Why didn't you say so?"
"I was going to but you just assumed that I'm pregnant and then started attacking Liwei." Iris harrumphed. "Where did you even get the idea that I'm pregnant? We haven't even had full sex yet! How can I get pregnant?"
"Baby, there's no need to tell him that," Jin Liwei interjected but was ignored.
"Oh. Then what were you going to say earlier?" Lu Zihao asked.
"I was going to share with you that I just told Liwei that I think I'm falling in love with him." Iris began to feel shy again after speaking. She glanced at Jin Liwei and smiled.
Of course, the idiot gave her a loving grin.
Lu Zihao wanted to vomit watching the two.
"That's it?" he said.
Iris looked at him and blinked a few times. "What do you mean 'that's it'? Big Brother, this is my first time falling in love. It's an important event!"
Lu Zihao looked at his excited sister. Pain and unwillingness constricted his chest. His little sister would always remain his baby little sister in his eyes. He forced himself to calm down. After calming down, he realized that he was actually feeling dizzy.
'This body is too weak,' he thought, sighing.
The dizziness intensified as if his body was protesting against being called weak.
"Ugh."
"Big Brother?"
Jin Liwei caught him as he staggered.
"What's wrong?" Iris panicked.
She was concerned about her big brother, but the two men were more concerned about her. They didn't want to stress her out. What if she collapsed again?
So Lu Zihao gritted his teeth and fought against the dizziness. Jin Liwei helped him sit down on the couch.
"Little Sister, I'm fine," Lu Zihao said, waving his hand in a dismissive manner, even though he sounded weak.
"Don't worry, baby. Fifth Brother will be fine."
"But he doesn't look fine!"
Jin Liwei tried to calm her, while Lu Zihao focused on breathing. Lu Zihao felt better after a few minutes. He was soaked in sweat and looked pale, though.
Damn this body! Even if he wanted to beat up Jin Liwei, Lu Zihao wouldn't be able to because his body wouldn't allow him. He would most likely be the one knocked out first if they ever foughtâknocked out by his own damn body!
"Calm down, Little Sister," he told Iris. He stood up feeling drained. "I'm fine now. I'm just going to my room to rest. I'm a little tired."
"Are you sure?" she asked.
"Yeah. When I wake up later, I want a feast. We have to celebrate this 'important event' of you falling in love." He was unwilling but he still told her, "Congratulations, Little Sister."
Iris dove into his chest and gave him a tight hug. "Thank you, Big Brother."
Chuckling, Lu Zihao rubbed her head.
Jin Liwei's expression turned ugly seeing them embrace. His jealousy and possessiveness were about to rear their ugly heads again when Lu Zihao raised an eyebrow at him. He closed his eyes and controlled himself, reminding himself that the two treated each other as siblings. Nothing more, nothing less.
Besides, his baby girl loved HIM, Jin Liwei! Haha!
The stupid grin returned to his face. The love-struck Jin Liwei was already thinking that Iris loved him when all she said was "I think I'm falling in love with you" and not "I love you".
Lu Zihao headed to his room to rest. Iris and Jin Liwei informed the cook to prepare a celebratory feast for dinner. Then they continued being lovey-dovey, sending Dom into cheering hysterics.
Later that evening, the entire household had a sumptuous dinner feast.
This was the happiest day of Jin Liwei's life so far. He couldn't wait to have more happy days with his baby girl. His Fifth Brother's earlier misunderstanding reinforced his desire to build a family with her. He could already imagine her pregnant with his child.
But of course, he needed to persuade her to marry him first.
###
Iris and Jin Liwei's week off from work ended on a high note.
He liked to believe that his baby girl recovered well because he showered her with his constant love and pampering. As for him, he was of course brimming with love and happiness.
Too bad that they only had one week off. He wanted to extend it but Iris was adamant in returning to work. His lady's wish was his command, but he made her promise not to push herself too hard in the following days.
First day of their return to work.
His baby girl was still deeply sleeping when he left home before sunrise. He immediately dove back to work as if he didn't leave at all. There were no problems during his absence because Grandpa Lu took care of everything. In fact, the company's performance increased under Grandpa Lu's leadership.
Jin Liwei was still love-struck but he didn't let it affect his work performance. He was even more serious and motivated now because in addition to running his company, he was also pushing his plans to right his wrongs into motion.
He needed to do all of these before he could tell his baby girl the truth to show her his sincerity and resolve in asking for her forgiveness.
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Chapter 223 - Road To Redemption
The country's business world was thrown into disarray when Jin Corporation suddenly announced the termination of all its existing business partnerships with the Fan family. The news came out of nowhere. It became the headlines.
"Jin Corporation Violates Several Active Contracts With the Fans!"
"Jin Corporation Forms a Team of Star Lawyers and Sues the Fans for Breach of Contract!"
"Who's Really Guilty of Breach of Contract: Jin Corporation or the Fans?"
"Jin Corporation Bullying the Fans? An Unjustified Show of Power!"
Business insiders already speculated that there were problems between the Jins and the Fans ever since Jin Corporation rejected the Fans' business proposals this year. However, they didn't expect that Jin Corporation would take such a drastic measure and terminate their existing business partnerships with the Fans.
This was severe violation of their valid contracts. Jin Corporation was clearly in the wrong! Just because they were number one in the country, they could do whatever they wanted? Did they think that they could use their power and influence to emerge from this ordeal unscathed? This was pure bullying!
Many criticized Jin Corporation, feeling sorry for the Fans. They felt that this was a classic case of the strong bullying the weak.
At Jin Liwei's office.
"President, are you sure that you want to go ahead with your plans?" Xu Tian asked in an anxious tone. "I know that you won't change your mind about the Fans but does it have to be this extreme? Our company's stock prices are currently plummeting. Some are even demanding for you to resign from your position as President-CEO. Many are blaming you, President, because when Sir Lu Jianhong temporarily stepped in as company head, the stock prices soared but when you returned, you caused such a serious problem like this."
Jin Liwei cast his assistant a cold gaze causing Xu Tian to shiver inside. "There will be no changes to the plans. Once we get all the evidence, the tables will be turned. Let's see if the public will still sympathize with the Fans then."
"Understood, President," was all Xu Tian could say.
Xu Tian was hoping that Sir Lu Jianhong would intervene. Unfortunately, the business legend had no intention of doing so. He personally heard the President and Sir Lu Jianhong speaking about this issue during a phone call on speaker.
"You're now the head of the company, Liwei my boy! Whatever you decide to do will be your sole responsibility!" Grandpa Lu's voice boomed. "If the company prospers, the credit goes to you! But if it collapses, then it'll be your fault! Whatever happens, I'm not going to intervene! I only stepped in temporarily because of my precious granddaughter Xiulan, not for you! Do you hear me?"
"Yes, Grandpa Lu. I know," Jin Liwei replied.
"Do what you need to do, my boy! My time with Jin Corporation is now done. I'm going to spend my remaining years enjoying the fruits of my labour that I earned during my youth! Ahaha!"
"Don't worry, Grandpa Lu. I'll take care of the company."
"Hmph! Who's worrying about you? By the way, why is my Haohao living with you? I want to know!"
This change of topic showed that Grandpa Lu didn't think of this whole matter with the Fans as something serious.
When the call ended, Jin Liwei continued working as usual, as if unbothered by all the condemnation being thrown at him and his company. His mother already started calling him nonstop, pleading for the Fans. He almost wavered hearing her distress, but he hardened his heart towards her just this once.
'Everything will work out in the end,' he told himself.
Why was he targeting the Fan family first instead of Fan Luo? The answer was simple: to reduce the likelihood of Fan Luo recovering.
Fan Luo was the main culprit but if he only dealt with her, the Fan family would surely do everything to protect her. After all, the Fans were now considered one of the most prominent business families in the country thanks to their connection to his Jin family. They had built their own connections using the Jins. Even without the Jins, the Fans now were already a formidable family by themselves.
Crushing the Fan family first was equal to cutting off Fan Luo's wings. She would be nobody without her family backing her up. Dealing with her then would be easier.
Jin Liwei was now only waiting for enough incriminating evidence to be gathered against the Fans. He hired several private investigators and hackers to gather information, but they were still too slow for his liking.
If this was his baby girl, it would only take her a few hours at most to gather a frighteningly detailed and comprehensive report that would send the Fans straight to hell. Even so, he didn't ask her for help.
She offered, of course. When she heard about the news, she immediately offered to help but he declined. She respected his decision to solve it by himself.
"Let me know if you need help," she told him. "Lover's privilege, remember?"
His heart filled with even more love hearing her. "Thanks, baby."
This was his own battle and his own road to redemption. He needed to do this in order to prove to himself that he was at least worthy of her.
The criticisms and condemnations continued to batter Jin Corporation for several days.
Then a new shocking development occurred.
Evidence of many serious misdeeds by the Fans surfaced. They were leaked to the public first via mass media before they were handed to the police. The Chief of Police even personally handled the case.
The evidence showed that the Fans were involved in many forms of corruption over the years. Some of them included bribery, falsifying financial statements, fraudulent spending, money laundering, selling clients' data to third parties and tax evasion. There were even inconclusive accusations from anonymous sources that the Fans hired hitmen to silence enemies and competitors.
When all of these came out, there was massive uproar. Now everyone knew why Jin Corporation wanted to cut ties with the Fans.
The Fans were a corrupt family!
Jin Corporation's team of star lawyers revved up. They were formed not only to protect the company's interests but also to drive the Fans to the point of no return. The case became even more serious when the government joined in on the investigation because of the tax evasion.
With the government's involvement, the Fans' reputation as criminals was cemented in the eyes of the public. Even if a miracle somehow happened and they were found innocent, they would still be guilty in the eyes of most of the people.
Back in his office, Jin Liwei watched the news. The first step was completed. Now for the next step...
He dialled someone on the phone.
"Hello, Big Bro?" Jin Chonglin's voice answered.
"Break up with Fan Luo now. Make it public."
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Chapter 224 - Just The Beginning
Jin Liwei waited for his brother to digest what he just said. It took a few moments before Jin Chonglin spoke again.
"I understand, Big Bro," he replied. Another pause. "I was wondering why you've been distancing Jin Corporation from the Fans but now I see why." He sighed. "I can't believe all of the things they have done. Are they all true?"
"En."
Jin Chonglin sighed again. "Mom is heartbroken, did you know? It's like when Dad died. She won't eat or go out of her room. I'm worried for Mom, Big Bro."
This time, it was Jin Liwei's turn to sigh. His chest tightened. Their mother, Huang Yuyan, had always been delicate at heart. She almost broke beyond repair when their father died. It was actually Fan Luo and her mother who helped Huang Yuyan recover from her debilitating grief.
And now this happened. Jin Liwei couldn't help but feel guilty towards his mother. Noticing the direction of his thoughts, he hardened his heart. It was better this way. The truth was hard to swallow, but it was better than living in an illusion.
"Mother recovered then. She will recover this time as well," Jin Liwei said. His words were meant to persuade not only Jin Chonglin but also himself. "I'll ask Grandmother to stay with her."
"Good idea. Mom needs someone with her right now."
"En."
The two brothers didn't have much to talk about to each other. It was mostly Jin Liwei instructing his brother on what to do.
"Remember, our Jin family has now severed ties with the Fans. We have nothing to do with them anymore. Whatever happens to them during this time, don't soften your heart and make the mistake of helping them in any way. This is just the beginning," Jin Liwei reminded his brother before the call ended.
Jin Liwei stared at the phone. Making up his mind, he dialled. It rang and rang and rang but nobody answered. He tried calling two more times before giving up.
He sighed and leaned back on his seat. It seemed that his mother was still angry at him. She wouldn't answer any of his calls. He wasn't surprised but it still hurt.
All he could do was endure for now. She would eventually come around. He was her own son after all.
He made another call; this time, to his grandmother. Grandma Li agreed to leave the mountains and return to the old house to accompany Huang Yuyan.
She sniffed in disdain. "I knew that the Fans are no good, but I never imagined that they would be this bad. If your grandfather were still alive, he wouldn't let them get close to our family in the first place. It's beyond me how they could brainwash your mother to this degree. Don't worry, my dear. I'll take care of your mother. Just do what you need to do."
"Thank you, Grandmother."
"Good. Don't forget to send my regards to dear Xiulan. Tell her that Grandma misses her."
"En, I will."
After the call, Jin Liwei returned to directing the Fan family's downfall. Fan Luo was still relatively unscathed at the moment. Next would be her turn and in extension, the Alarm Girls. Just like what he told his brother Jin Chonglin, this was just the beginning.
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###
Before everyone could recover from the shocking exposé of the Fan family's crimes, showbiz was rocked by its own big news.
"Jin Chonglin Breaks Off Engagement to Fan Luo!"
"Big Star Jin Chonglin Gives Official Press Release: 'Our Relationship Was a Big Mistake'"
"Fairy Tale Couple 'LinLuo' Ends Before Reaching Happily Ever After"
"Jin Chonglin Dumps Fiancée, Chooses Family Over Love"
Many of Jin Chonglin's army of fans shipped the couple. They believed that LinLuo was the best couple ever. There was no woman in the world who could match their Prince Lin Lin as perfectly as Princess Luo Luo.
She was just so beautiful, elegant, intelligent and classy. Some thought that it was unfair for her to suffer for the crimes of her family. They refused to believe that she had knowledge about the crimes. To them, she was innocent.
Although they already expected this break up to happen after the crimes of the Fan family were exposed, it was still shocking when Jin Chonglin officially dumped Fan Luo. Their perfect fairy tale was shattered just like that.
While everyone was still talking about the break up, another news rocked them a few hours later.
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"Fan Luo Rushed to the Hospital After Trying to Kill Herself!"
"Heartbroken Fan Luo Cuts Her Wrists After Jin Chonglin Ends Engagement!"
"Jin Chonglin Drives Now Ex-Fiancée to Suicide!"
"The Tragic Fate of an Innocent Princess Condemned for the Crimes of Her Family: Is Jin Chonglin Heartless for Abandoning Her?"
A live interview with one of Fan Luo's aunt-in-laws was aired outside the hospital where she was rushed to. Fan Luo was apparently accompanied by her mother and aunts.
Only the family members who were working at their company were taken into police custody, including her father, brothers, uncles, some aunts and cousins. As for the rest of them, they were only being monitored and forbidden from leaving the country but otherwise, they were free to move as they wished.
The aunt-in-law condemned Jin Chonglin for her niece's attempted suicide and the entire Jin family for their family's misfortune.
"Our Fan family has always loved and treated the Jins like our own family. I don't know why they decided to frame us for all of these crimes! We built our own fortune and reached our high status from our own hard work and dedication! We are innocent! My niece is innocent! How can Little Chonglin do this to her?! Our Luo Luo has been suffering from depression ever since she miscarried Little Chonglin's child! How can he just abandon the mother of his child like this?! He's heartless! The entire Jin family is heartless!"
She sobbed in such a tragic manner that those watching her couldn't help but sympathize with her. Then her eyes rolled back and she fainted...or appeared to faint. She was carried back to the hospital.
Of course, the media lapped all of these up. Cameras flashed everywhere and on-site reporters narrated everything for live broadcast.
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New headlines were released. This time, the shock was even greater especially to Jin Chonglin's army of fans.
"Fan Luo Allegedly Miscarried Jin Chonglin's Baby, Suffers Depression!"
"Jin Chonglin Already a Father to Fan Luo's Miscarried Child!"
"Fan Luo, the Biggest Victim in the War Between the Jins and the Fans!"
This time, the condemnation thrown at Jin Chonglin was even worse than what Jin Liwei received when he terminated the business partnership between Jin Corporation and the Fans.
It even reached a point that some of Jin Chonglin's fans abandoned him, protesting against his heartlessness. They felt enraged on behalf of Fan Luo.
"Justice for Fan Luo! Be a man and apologize, Jin Chonglin!" they shouted in protest.
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Chapter 225 - The Evil Called Fan Luo
"F*ck! This is insane!" Lin Dong cursed.
He was looking at posts on his smartphone of people destroying or burning Jin Chonglin's albums, posters and other products associated with him.
Jin Chonglin sat on his couch, flipping channels on TV. All the news were about him and Fan Luo.
"Chonglin, this is serious. I think you should take a few months break. Better yet, go on a year-long hiatus! Maybe more. Go abroad or something. I'm sure we can arrange a grand comeback for you once all of this is over. You've been working very hard all these years. I think this is a good time to rest up and refresh your energy."
"No way. I'm not taking a break," Jin Chonglin immediately refused his manager's suggestion. "I'm planning to release my next single soon. I already have the melody, I just can't decide on the lyrics yet. But I have a feeling that I'll receive an inspiration soon. I'm not going to wait a year to release this song."
"Chonglinâ"
Jin Chonglin raised a hand to stop him.
Lin Dong shut up. He still wanted to persuade him but seeing Jin Chonglin's expression, he knew that his words wouldn't be able to move him.
Jin Chonglin's eyes were cold yet calm. He looked unaffected by the media sh*tstorm currently going on about him.
"Don't worry," he told his manager. "This is just temporary. Everything will be fine."
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Lin Dong opened his mouth to say something but was interrupted by the sound of his ringing phone. He glanced at the caller and groaned. It was Bright Summit's big boss. Only a big star like Jin Chonglin could summon the big boss like this. He sighed and answered the call.
While his manager was busy reassuring Bright Summit's big boss, Jin Chonglin's eyes darkened and his hands clenched into tight fists. Contrary to his calm appearance, he was actually feeling extreme anxiety.
His heart wavered when he heard Fan Luo attempted to kill herself. He almost ran off to the hospital to see her before remembering what his older brother told him. Even though he didn't love Fan Luo, he still cared about her like a sister, not to mention that they were lovers. He prayed that she would be alright from her attempted suicide.
In addition to this, he was also worried about his career. He loved being a celebrity and was proud to be one of the most famous in the country, and also the few ones who were also popular across Asia. If he lost his place in this industry, it would be a huge blow for him.
"Come on, Big Bro," he murmured under his breath. "I trust in you."
###
The situation continued to worsen.
The media was having a field day at the expense of Jin Chonglin. Although the majority of his army of fans still defended him with all they've got, there were many who became his haters. They felt indignant on behalf of poor Fan Luo who they thought was the biggest victim in this entire affair. He became public enemy number one for all scorned women.
Despite all the outrage, Jin Chonglin retained his silence. People took his silence as an indirect admission to his guilt.
The remaining Fan family members used this opportunity to fuel the fire by giving countless interviews to the media condemning Jin Chonglin. Public outrage reached fever pitch when Fan Luo who was still recovering in the hospital posted on her social media accounts.
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LuoFanFan: "Thank you everyone for your support during the most difficult time of my life. I'm so heartbroken that I don't want to live anymore. Despite all these shocking things he and his family did to me and my family, I still can't stop myself from loving him. Call me crazy, but I still love Big Brother Lin with all my heart. How can I not? He gave me a baby, the greatest gift that I could ever ask for. Baby, please forgive Mommy for losing you. Don't blame Daddy for hurting Mommy. Mommy loves you and Daddy very much. Maybe Mommy will see you soon."
Fan Luo's post made many of the LinLuo shippers cry. It made them angrier at Jin Chonglin for hurting her. Her last sentence also made them afraid that she would try to take her own life again. They cried out to her, showing their support.
She made another post.
LuoFanFan: "Are you happy now? You tried so hard again and again to steal him away from me. You changed your image and followed him to the same company. I know that you seduced him. I could smell the scent of another woman from him whenever he came home to me at night. You've succeeded! He left me for you! I hope you can sleep peacefully at night knowing that you just stole the father of my dead baby."
It was obvious to everyone who Fan Luo was referring to. Without even doing anything, Iris Long was dragged into the scandal. The LinLuo shippers and even a good portion of Jin Chonglin's army of fans bashed Iris online.
Of course the Black Stars wouldn't just stand and do nothing when their boss' name was being dragged through the mud. The infamous Slippers Army descended in droves, led by the notorious iEatSlippers and his loyal sidekick LittlePhoenix, to whack everyone attacking their Boss Iris' name online with their virtual mighty slippers. The unit led by CaptainBlackStar utilized a less troll-like approach but they still defended Iris' name with as much passion as the Slippers Army.
###
Gold Heights Condominium.
Iris narrowed her eyes as she read the hateful accusations against her online using Dom's smartphone. Her eyes turned cold.
'Fan Luo. I've already dismissed you but you just have to bother me again. I honestly don't care about your lies about me but I can't forgive how you implicated my Liwei's brother and his family.'
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Dom and Meimei were huffing in anger and cursing at Fan Luo while reading the online posts and comments on Meimei's smartphone.
"Dom, get my laptop," Iris ordered.
Jin Liwei declined her offer of help, but she couldn't hold it any longer. Even if he didn't ask for it, she would use her lover's privilege to help him, his brother and his family.
"Yes, boss!"
But before he could leave, Meimei exclaimed, "Wait, twin bro! Xiulan, look at this!"
Dom peeked at the phone. His eyes widened. "What the hell?! Oh no. Twin sis, I think I'm gonna faint."
"Hm? What is it?" Iris asked.
Meimei handed her phone to Iris in a hurry and supported Dom to sit on the couch.
Iris read the latest headlines.
"Fan Luo Cheats, Gets Pregnant and Claims Baby to be Jin Chonglin's to Get a Ring on Her Finger!"
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"Evidence Shows Fan Luo Aborted Baby When Jin Chonglin Demanded a DNA Test After Birth"
"Fan Luo Ordered Hits Injuring and Even Killing Women Who Got Close to Jin Chonglin!"
"14 and Counting: the Number of Women Harmed in the Hands of Fan Luo Due to Jealousy"
"Fan Luo is Indeed a Daughter of the Nefarious Fan Family"
"Iris Long's Car Crash 2 Years Ago Masterminded By Fan Luo!"
"Iris Long, the Real Victim of the Evil Called Fan Luo"
The phone dropped to the floor.
Iris gasped as a shrill scream exploded inside her head. Then everything went black.
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Chapter 226 - Struggle For Control
When Iris fainted, Dom and Meimei panicked, alarming the entire household. They thought that she went into coma again. Everyone was frantic. They were about to call an ambulance when Lu Zihao emerged from the elevator.
He immediately ran over to them and gathered Iris in his arms. To everyone's surprise and relief, he managed to wake her up. He was speaking to Iris in Russian which they couldn't understand.
Iris looked dazed at first. Then she began trembling. Her face suddenly contorted into a savage expression and a loud hiss escaped from her lips. "Fan Luo!"
"Little Sister, control your body!" Lu Zihao snapped at her.
"I'm gonna kill you, b*tch!" she screamed at the top of her lungs.
Her voice was filled with such menace that everyone except Lu Zihao felt chills down their spines. Yi Mei, the cook and some of the older maids shivered as they watched their raging Young Miss. They were suddenly reminded of the Young Miss before the car accident.
"Let me go! I need to kill that b*tch!"
Lu Zihao shackled her with his arms while she struggled to escape. He didn't budge a bit even when she resorted to hitting, kicking, and even biting him.
"You will get your revenge, Long Xiulan," he said in a calm tone. "Little Sister, don't let your body control you."
Iris struggled a bit more. Her expression kept on changing, freaking out Yi Mei and the others. Finally, she stopped struggling and plopped like a limp doll on Lu Zihao. She was gasping for breath and drenched in her own sweat.
"Big Brother..."
"You'll be fine. Just keep on breathing."
She obeyed. A few minutes later, she felt a bit better.
"I want Liwei..."
Lu Zihao's eyes darkened and his arms around her tightened.
The home phone rang. Yi Mei went to answer it. After the call, she informed everyone that the condominium's security called because reporters were swarming the building outside.
"It's not safe here anymore," Lu Zihao said, frowning.
Another phone started ringing. It was Iris' phone. Dom went to answer it. "Hello, sir boss! Please come back home! Boss is...wuwuwu!"
"Give me the phone!" Lu Zihao ordered.
Dom handed him the phone, still sobbing.
Lu Zihao spoke to Jin Liwei, explaining to him what happened to Iris.
While he was talking on the phone, Iris was busy struggling within herself. She was focusing on maintaining control of her body. An intense fury that didn't belong to her threatened to overwhelm her at any given moment. Now she could discern the disconnect between her and her body a little more clearly.
'Cooperate with me,' she communicated to her body. 'We are one now. If you need revenge to be at peace, I'll help you obtain it. Just don't fight with me anymore.'
To her surprise, her body immediately calmed down. The fury and desire for revenge was still there but they weren't trying to overwhelm her anymore. She sighed in relief and was now able to relax, but she felt weak and exhausted. Her eyes started to droop.
"So sleepy," she murmured.
Lu Zihao's heart almost stopped when her eyes closed. Did she go into coma again? Then he noticed her deep, steady breathing. She also didn't feel ice-cold or looked pale anymore. He released a breath of relief. She just fell asleep.
###
That same day, Jin Liwei's subordinates arrived at the penthouse to help Iris leave the condominium building and escape from the reporters waiting outside. She was still asleep, so Lu Zihao carried her. Dom also came with them carrying Ice Cream and Popcorn inside carriers.
They were headed to Jin Liwei's mansion at Dragon Palace Home #10. Jin Liwei was already on his way to meet them there.
It seemed that the Long ancestral residence was also surrounded by reporters just like the condo. Jin Liwei's property was the safest place for Iris at the moment. Nobody would expect to find her there.
Yi Mei and the others were left behind. Jiang Ying Yue also stayed because of Little Jun. They were busy packing luggage for their Young Miss, Lu Zihao, Dom and the kittens to send after them later.
Meimei returned to the Long ancestral residence to personally report what happened to Long Tengfei and Yang Jiahui.
Needless to say, Long Tengfei was extremely furious. He wanted to storm into the hospital where Fan Luo was staying and strangle her with his own bare hands. So she was the reason why his daughter almost died in that car crash two years ago! Unforgivable!
The war between the Jins and the Fans became even more complicated when the Longs officially joined the fray.
###
Jin Family's Old Mansion.
Grandma Li knocked on Huang Yuyan's bedroom door. She tried to open it but it was locked.
"Get the key," she instructed a maid.
Moments later, the door was unlocked. Grandma Li strode into the dark bedroom. She saw the lump on the bed that was his daughter-in-law. Sighing, she gestured at the maid to open the curtains while she walked towards the bed.
"Yuyan my dear, you haven't eaten anything today yet. I asked them to prepare rice porridge for you."
A whimper was the only reply she received. Grandma Li sighed once more. She wanted to say a lot of things to her daughter-in-law but she decided to say nothing for now. She would allow Huang Yuyan a few days to come to terms with reality first before giving her a piece of her mind.
"Try to eat the rice porridge later," was all Grandma Li could say before making her way out of the bedroom.
"Why did all of these have to happen?" Huang Yuyan finally spoke in a small and hoarse voice. "The Fans are like our family. I don't know if those accusations about their company are true or not, but my sister and Little Luo Luo are surely innocent! Why do they have to suffer like this? Poor Little Luo Luo. I want to visit her at the hospital but I no longer have a face to show her and her mother after what Chonglin did. I can't believe that my two sons could be so ruthless!"
Grandma Li's patience snapped. "Listen to yourself, Yuyan! Are you a member of our Jin family or the Fans?! How can you side with those criminals and blame your own children?! I'm so disappointed in you!"
Huang Yuyan sobbed hard.
Grandma Li wavered seeing her daughter-in-law's pitiful state. However, her anger was greater. Huang Yuyan's words crossed her bottom line. She felt indignant on behalf of her two grandsons. To her, family was number one. Even if her grandsons were to commit murder, she would continue to love and defend them with her life. She would never abandon them for other people.
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Chapter 227 - The Jins React To The News
"I'm s-sorry..." Huang Yuyan sobbed, covering her wet face with her hands. "I l-love my children the most b-but...I also love my sister and L-little Luo Luo..." She looked up at Grandma Li with pitiful eyes. "Mother...w-what should I do? I'm so confused...I don't know what to d-do..."
Grandma Li sighed. Her daughter-in-law had always been pure at heart, generous in her affection, loving and loyal to the people she trusted. Huang Yuyan's unchanging innocence was what endeared her to everyone when she married into the Jin family. It made all the men in the family, including her own two sons Jin Liwei and Jin Chonglin, to want to protect her like a delicate treasure.
In short, Huang Yuyan was very spoiled by the Jin family. Not in a bad way. It was actually adorable. However, this made her too emotionally dependent on other people. She was already delicate to begin with. If anything happened that was more than she could bear, she would break down like this. She always needed someone to lift her up and support her.
"Yuyan my dearâhm?" Grandma Li saw her assistant in her peripheral vision standing by the door. "What is it?"
It was the man from the helipad who welcomed visitors to Grandma Li's mountain estate. He gave an apologetic bow. "Please forgive this humble one for interrupting the two madams. But I have urgent news that I believe the two madams need to know."
"Alright. Come in and show us," Grandma Li said.
The man bowed in respect before entering the bedroom and handing a tablet to Grandma Li. Huang Yuyan sat up on the bed with great effort from her lying position. She was also curious about what kind of urgent news it was.
Grandma Li gasped in shock. "This...good heavens!"
"Mother...what is it?"
Grandma Li glared at her daughter-in-law, her eyes flashing. She also began trembling in fury.
Huang Yuyan flinched at her mother-in-law's hostile look. Her eyes watered once again. "M-mother...?"
"So this is the kind of girl that you love so much?!" Grandma Li threw the tablet on the bed in front of Huang Yuyan. "You're willing to defend such an evil person to the point that you'll blame your own children?! I have never been so disappointed in you, Yuyan! Read it! Now!"
Huang Yuyan began crying again but still took the tablet with shaking hands and began reading. Then she gasped. The tablet fell from her hands to bounce on the bed. "Th-this...no. There must be some m-mistake... Little Luo Luo is not like this... She would n-never do something like this..."
"Yuyan! Listen to yourself! That evil girl did such wicked things to trap your own son and you're still defending her?! Even Liwei's Xiulan has fallen victim to her! Oh! I can't imagine what Xiulan must be feeling now, poor girl. Her parents, too. This must be so traumatizing for her." Grandma Li touched her forehead in distress before glaring at her daughter-in-law again.
"Xiulan...?" Huang Yuyan didn't read the part about Iris' car accident, so she grabbed the tablet again and began reading. "W-what...? No... H-how could this be? Xiulan...oh no..."
"I've had enough of your denial, Yuyan! Listen to me!" Grandma Li pointed a shaking finger at her daughter-in-law. Her rage was so palpable that the maid and her assistant cowered and retreated a few steps away. "If you still dare to defend that evil girl and her family of criminals, even if my sonâyour husbandâcurses me from heaven, I would stop recognizing you as a member of this family! My heart breaks that my two grandsons have a mother like you who'll choose a criminal over her own children! My Jin family doesn't need a blind, stupid and spineless fool like you!"
Grandma Li stormed off the bedroom. Her assistant and the maid followed behind her, leaving the shocked Huang Yuyan staring after them.
She continued reading on the tablet until she couldn't bear it anymore. Then she broke down and sobbed with all her heart.
"I'm so sorry...."
###
Lin Dong was driving on his way to Jin Chonglin's house when he heard the news about Fan Luo's crimes on the radio. He almost crashed the car in his shock. He hurriedly stopped over at a plaza to park, and then searched the news on his smartphone.
What he read sent chills down his spine. He immediately tried calling Jin Chonglin but the guy wasn't answering. He tried several more times but to no avail. He became worried, so he rushed to Jin Chonglin's house.
When Lin Dong arrived at the house, the living area was a total wreck. He could hear banging sounds coming from upstairs. He ran, following the sounds. He winced at all the wreckage he passed by along the way.
He found Jin Chonglin wreaking havoc inside his bedroom. Jin Chonglin was silent yet his whole body was emanating unbridled fury. Lin Dong hesitated and didn't go near him.
"Chonglin?" he cautiously called out.
Jin Chonglin stopped and gave him a cold glance. "Oh, you're here. Based on your expression, you must've seen the news."
"Yeah."
Jin Chonglin threw his head back and laughed in a mocking way. Lin Dong cringed at the sound.
"This is just great! Now the world knows that I, Jin Chonglin, had been cuckolded! I, the one who was once known as the national playboy! Ahahaha! What a f*cking reversal!"
Lin Dong didn't know what to say, so he just stayed silent.
"I knew it. I f*cking knew it! I've always been very careful about using condoms. I only use my own and never accept the ones in my partner's possession because I heard that some girls tamper with condoms to get pregnant. But because it's Fan Luo, I f*cking proposed to her even when she miscarried. Oh right. She didn't miscarry. She f*cking aborted it because I wanted a DNA test! Ahahaha!" He kicked a chair and it fell to the floor with a loud bang. "F*ck you, Fan Luo! F*ck all of you from the entire Fan family!"
Then he punched hard at the wall, alarming Lin Dong.
"Chonglin, stop! Your hands! You're gonna break your hands!"
Lin Dong grabbed Jin Chonglin's hand and saw that his knuckles were now angry red. They were going to bruise badly later on. Lin Dong felt the hand and sighed in relief when nothing was broken.
Ever since Jin Chonglin announced that he was going to write his own music once again, he returned to playing the guitar and even the piano. His hands should be protected from now on.
Thankfully, Jin Chonglin didn't struggle and stopped punching. Then he dropped to sit on the floor, cradling his head with his hands. "F*ck! Those fourteen women were harmed and some were even killed because of me! Sh*t!"
"No, Chonglin! Don't you dare blame yourself. It's that evil woman who harmed them, not you. It's not your fault! Okay?"
Lin Dong was now worried. It was outside his expectations that Jin Chonglin would feel guilty for the fourteen women harmed by Fan Luo. He didn't want his artist to bear such a heavy emotional burden like this. It might affect him in a detrimental way. Lin Dong must not let that happen.
"Even Iris Long..." Jin Chonglin rubbed his hands over his face, as if trying to erase the surface of his skin. "I didn't even interact with her that much and she was...she spent one whole f*cking year in coma! F*ck! I can't believe all of this..."
'Me neither,' Lin Dong thought.
"I don't think I'll be able to face Iris Long from now on."
Jin Chonglin knew that it wasn't his fault. He wasn't the one who harmed and killed the women, but he still couldn't stop the feeling of guilt from growing within him. It ate at him, making him hate himself for the first time ever for being such a playboy. If only he wasn't such a ladies magnet, perhaps those fourteen women would still be safe and alive.
He hated himself but he hated Fan Luo even more. All the tender feelings he felt for her from watching her grow up since childhood disintegrated, replaced by hatred so intense that he imagined wrapping his hands around her throat and squeezing the life out of her.
"Don't let me see you again, Fan Luo, or I won't be able to control myself," he hissed.
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Chapter 228 - Family
Dragon Palace Home #10.
According to Dom, Iris woke up once in the vehicle while they were on their way to Jin Liwei's property but slept again. Once they arrived at the mansion, Lu Zihao carried her to Jin Liwei's bedroom suite. He and Dom stayed with her until Jin Liwei arrived from Jin Corporation.
The butler and the household staff were already informed beforehand that their master's girlfriend would be arriving. Everyone was curious about who would be their potential future madam. After all, their master left the mansion to live with her a while ago. But when they finally saw her, they didn't expect that she would arrive sleeping in the arms of Master Lu Zihao, one of their master's best friends.
Then they became shocked when some of the younger servants recognized the beautiful sleeping woman as the celebrity Iris Long. Some of the maids and the houseboys were even members of the Black Stars. They felt excited finally seeing their Boss Iris in the flesh, but then they remembered the news that broke out earlier. They felt enraged on her behalf and now understood why their master brought her to his mansion.
Dragon Palace Homes was one of the most fortified exclusive villages in the country with the best security. She would be safe here from prying eyes or anyone who wanted to harm her.
Inside the bedroom, Jin Liwei headed straight to his baby girl who was still sleeping on his bed. He sat beside her and stroked her cheek, a pained expression on his face.
"Dominic, step outside, will you? I need to have an important talk with my Third Brother," Lu Zihao said.
"Okay, Big brother boss and sir boss. Please take care of boss!"
Dom tried taking Ice Cream and Popcorn with him outside, but the two kittens refused to leave Iris. They even started hissing and baring their claws at him in a threatening manner.
"Leave them," Jin Liwei said.
His kids wanted to stay with their Mommy. He would allow them for now, especially since it was their first time in his house. They must be feeling uncomfortable in this new environment.
After Dom left, the kittens quickly greeted Jin Liwei and rubbed themselves against him before curling into two plump fur balls beside their sleeping Mommy.
Jin Liwei kissed his baby girl's forehead before standing up and leaving the bedroom with Lu Zihao. They sat in the suite's lounging area just outside the bedroom. Jin Liwei looked very tense, clenching and unclenching his hands.
"Be careful when you tell her, Third Brother," Lu Zihao spoke first. "Choose your words wisely and be ready to face her wrath. She might even leave you."
Lu Zihao said this because he witnessed the remnant of the original Long Xiulan taking over his little sister's body earlier in the penthouse. Although he felt confident that his little sister was growing stronger in her control of her body, he was still worried that she might become overwhelmed by the intense feelings of the original's remnant. If this happened, she wouldn't be able to differentiate her feelings from the original and might grow to hate Jin Liwei without her control.
Based on his own experience, the original's soul was long gone and wouldn't return to the body. However, there was still a possibility that the two of them might get kicked out of their current bodies if they weren't careful enough in dealing with the remnants of the originals. Since his sister didn't go into coma this time, it appeared that she was able to calm the original's remnant. For now, at least.
Although there was still a big part of Lu Zihao that was against his sister having a lover, he hoped that she would stay with Jin Liwei after learning the truth. He still thought that Jin Liwei was the best protector for his sister and also the most accessible because the two were already lovers. He needed Jin Liwei's power and influence for his sister's protection.
"Like I told you before, whatever she decides to do, I'll side with her no matter what," Lu Zihao added.
Jin Liwei's lips pressed hard together into a thin line but still nodded. Then he looked up at the ceiling and released a shaky breath. "I'm such an idiot."
"Yeah, you're an idiot." Lu Zihao didn't mince his words or try to make Jin Liwei feel better.
Jin Liwei didn't mind. In fact, he welcomed it.
"I thought that Fan Luo only harmed Xiulan back then, that's why I readily covered for her. I wasn't personally close to her but I watched her grow up since childhood. We all thought that she was such a nice girl. I thought that what she did was just a lapse of judgment caused by jealousy between girls vying for my brother. If my brother or any of my family members did what she did, I would also cover for them without question because they're family."
Lu Zihao didn't say anything but his head moved in an imperceptible nod. He also believed that family was number one. The Vetrovs were the number one crime family in the world until their annihilation. Even if a family member killed someone, the family would ensure that the member was protected and wouldn't get caught.
Eternal damnation in exchange for the safety of one's family or a righteous life in exchange of sacrificing one's family? Lu Zihao would choose eternal damnation, hands down. F*ck righteousness! He would rather suffer the torments of hell for eternity rather than see his family suffer. Criminal or not, a family was a family.
Jin Liwei ran his hands through his hair in a rough manner. "I treated Fan Luo like family. F*ck! I've been so blind and stupid. I never expected that she harmed thirteen other women in addition to Xiulan. Four of them even died! If Xiulan wasn't so lucky, she would've also died!"
'She already died,' Lu Zihao commented in his mind.
"It's only now when I ordered a full and thorough investigation on Fan Luo that I discovered that I've been protecting such an evil person. I almost allowed such a psycho to marry my own brother and become an official member of my family. This...I've wronged not only Xiulan but also my brother. I wish I had known earlier. My mother loved Fan Luo and the Fans so much that I just accepted them without thinking too much."
Lu Zihao watched Jin Liwei agonize in self-guilt. In his opinion, the mistake of the Jin family was trusting the Fans in the first place. They treated them like family, not knowing that they just invited a group of poisonous snakes inside their hearts. The Jins lowered their guards, making them prone to dismiss or ignore the Fans' questionable deeds.
And now that the Fans' mask had been shattered and their true nature revealed for everyone to see, the Jins were suffering from guilt because of their close connection to them.
'How stupid,' Lu Zihao thought.
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Chapter 229 - Two Years Ago
Lu Zihao thought it stupid that the Jins were suffering and agonizing over their self-guilt like this. The Fans were undeserving. Why let such trash affect them to this extent?
He didn't care about the relationship and betrayal between the Jins and the Fans. All he cared about was his sister's safety. Now that his sister was connected to the Jins through Jin Liwei, he thought that it was only natural that the Fans were wiped out of the picture to remove any threats to his sister.
However, he kept these thoughts to himself. He was supposed to be Lu Zihao, Jin Liwei's Fifth Brother. So he didn't say anything, giving the impression of silent support and sympathy. If Jin Liwei's self-guilt would make him a better protector to his sister, he wouldn't stop him.
When the talk began to peter out, Lu Zihao left the suite and headed to his own assigned bedroom. Jin Liwei stayed where he was for a few more minutes, trying to deal with his turbulent emotions before returning to the bedroom. He stood by the door and watched his baby girl and their kittens sleep on his bed. Popcorn opened his eyes and meowed at him before returning to sleep.
Then he walked over, climbed on the bed and lay beside his baby girl. He gathered her in his arms and pulled her close to his body, inhaling her sweet scent. His love for her was mixed with the heavy feeling of guilt.
Discovering the gravity of Fan Luo's crimes made him realize how badly he f*cked up. He wouldn't be surprised if his baby girl refused to forgive him at all. However, he still hoped that she would. And if she did, he swore that he would dedicate the rest of his life to her. He wouldn't allow anything bad to happen to her again. He would love her and protect her for as long as he could.
He stroked her cheek and showered light kisses all over her face, saving her slightly open mouth for last. Then he just lay there, gazing at her beautiful sleeping face. Her deep, steady breathing calmed him somewhat but couldn't erase the guilt and anxiety he was feeling.
Sighing, he kissed her temple before looking up at the ceiling. Memories of that fateful night rushed in his mind.
###
Two years ago.
Jin Family's Old House.
It was called the "Old House" but it was actually a mansion built by Jin Liwei's grandfather. It was one of the first fruits of his labour for founding the Jin & Lu Company with his best friend, which later became Jin Corporation.
Tonight, the Old House was decorated with celebratory lanterns and ornaments. Luxury cars kept on arriving with guests stepping out in black tie wear. The women wore elegant evening gowns and cocktail dresses, while the men wore tuxedos.
Everyone was celebrating Huang Yuyan's birthday. She actually didn't want such a grand affair, preferring a simple dinner with family and close friends instead. However, her best friend Fan Yuming was able to persuade her to hold a lavish birthday ball and to invite select important and influential figures in both business and high society.
The Jins and the Fans became even closer at this time because it was confirmed that Jin Chonglin and Fan Luo were now lovers. The two attended the ball together, arousing the envy of the other ladies who were gunning to marry into the Jin family.
Marrying Jin Liwei was equal to becoming the next Madam Jin, but nobody succeeded in even getting his attention, much less in seducing him. There were also already rumours that he was gay. So for these ladies, Jin Chonglin was the easier target. Although marrying him wouldn't make them the next Madam Jin, at least they would still become part of such a wealthy and powerful family.
But now Jin Chonglin was taken by Fan Luo. They congratulated her on her face while calling her a sl*t behind her back. However, they didn't go too far because it seemed that the Fans were now under the Jins' protection. They didn't want to offend them.
Jin Liwei also attended the ball but his cold and intimidating aura prevented others from getting too close to him. He also didn't like getting close to others he deemed unimportant. He stayed with a group of fellow business leaders and conversed with them about...well, business. What else?
After a while, he felt stifled by all the shallow flatteries and cringe-worthy brown-nosing. He excused himself and slipped out of the ball. He headed to a darker and empty part of the garden to breathe in some fresh air.
He stopped when he heard some voices. It was Fan Luo with one of her female cousins.
"I want to stay with Big Brother Lin but he went to the cardroom to play poker with the other men. So boring!" Fan Luo said.
"Don't worry, Luo Luo. Everyone at the ball already saw you together with Big Brother Lin earlier. Now everyone knows that you're his girlfriend. Have you seen the envious looks on those b*tches?"
The two laughed and giggled.
Jin Liwei wasn't interested in listening to such petty female conversation. Fan Luo and her cousin also sounded like were a little drunk. He was about to leave to find another place to relax when their next topic caught his attention.
"Speaking of b*tches, there's a particular annoying one who keeps on following Big Brother Lin around. She's always popping up wherever Big Brother goes. Hmph! Like I don't know that she also wants to seduce my BOYFRIEND like so many of the other sl*ts."
"Oooh. I think I know who you're talking about. Is it that pop singer?"
"Yeah. Iris Long, that's her name." Fan Luo produced some vomiting sounds which sent the two of them into another fit of giggles.
'They're drunk,' Jin Liwei thought. Shrugging, he moved to leave but stopped again after hearing Fan Luo's next words.
"Trying to steal Fan Luo's man is a big crime! Big Brother Lin is mine. We belong together! I'm gonna teach that Iris Long a lesson. I heard the b*tch went clubbing tonight. So I asked someone to mess with her car. Let's see if she can still prance her disgusting a** in front of Big Brother Lin after this."
The cousins laughed like it was the funniest thing ever.
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Chapter 230 - Fateful Decision
Jin Liwei frowned. He didn't expect that this was what Fan Luo was like when drunk. She had always been a sweet and proper young lady. So she also had this kind of side.
Shrugging, he dismissed her words as a careless joke made in a drunken state. He had no more interest in listening to such petty female drivels, so he silently left to find another quiet place to relax.
After some time, he finally returned to his mother's birthday ball. The youthful Huang Yuyan didn't look like his mother but looked like his older sister instead.
Although this was her birthday ball, she was bashful when meeting and talking to her own guests. It was her best friend, Fan Yuming, who actively chatted with everyone. Fan Yuming was Fan Luo's mother. Huang Yuyan treated her like her dearest sister. She allowed Fan Yuming to lead the conversations, as if it was Fan Yuming's party and not hers.
Huang Yuyan's eyes lit up when she saw Jin Liwei. She excused herself from the group and headed towards him.
"Happy Birthday, Mother," he greeted.
To others, his expression looked cold and indifferent as usual, but Huang Yuyan detected the gentleness in her son's eyes and tone.
"Thank you, son. I'm glad you came. I know you're very busy at work."
"En."
He didn't deny it. He was indeed extremely busy at work. Jin Corporation would be launching a new product line in the international market soon. He was flying all around the world personally meeting with business partners and investors.
In addition to this, he was dealing with internal strife within the company because one of the board members was being suspected of selling Jin Corporation secrets to competitors. It was such a headache because the board member was a close friend of his late father's. He already launched an investigation which soured their personal relationship.
Another matter that he was busy with was the new business partnership between Jin Corporation and the Fans. The two companies already had a couple of older partnerships during his father's time. This was the first time that he personally approved a partnership between the two companies as a favour to the Fans for their friendship to his mother.
He had a lot on his plate at the moment, but tonight was his mother's birthday. So even if he had much more important things to do at work than listen to all the shallow pleasantries, he still did his duty as the firstborn son and attended the ball.
"Son, did you congratulate your brother and Little Luo Luo? They're together now," Huang Yuyan gushed. Her excitement was obvious in her sparkling eyes. "I'm so happy. I've always treated Little Luo Luo like my own daughter and now maybe she can be my official daughter in the future. Wouldn't that be wonderful?"
"En."
Then she looked up at him in a teasing manner. "How about you, son? Don't you think it's time for you to find a girlfriend as well? If you like, we can ask your Aunt Yuming to look for some nice young ladiesâ"
"Not interested."
Huang Yuyan pouted but didn't force the issue.
The birthday ball ended as a big success. It was even featured in the news because of all the impressive guests who attended.
The next day, Jin Liwei went back to work at Jin Corporation. His schedule was tight with barely any breaks. He was focused on work and had no time to spare about anything else. His mood wasn't the best at the moment.
After an intense board meeting, he and Xu Tian made their way back to his office at the top floor. Even while walking, they were discussing about the next task he needed to complete by today.
They passed by several departments along the way. A department chief called out to them to ask for approval about something. After signing the approved documents, Jin Liwei's eyes caught the news playing on the wall TV.
"Pop singer Iris Long in critical condition after car crash last night."
The news anchor made a brief introduction about Iris Long and showed some short clips of her latest viral music video. Then the available information about the car crash was reported.
Jin Liwei frowned when he heard that the girl was just 18-years old who crashed her sports car after clubbing. She must be some spoiled kid who was probably drunk out of her mind but still decided to drive by herself. No wonder she crashed.
He didn't immediately recognize Iris Long and dismissed the news out of his mind. He had more important things to do. He returned to his office and buried himself in his work. It was only much later when the name Iris Long registered in his mind.
'Isn't that the girl Fan Luo and her cousin were talking about last night?' he thought, frowning. 'Did Fan Luo actually do what she said about messing with the girl's car? No way. Must be a coincidence.'
He continued working but it continued to bother him. Unable to concentrate, he called Xu Tian from outside the door and instructed him to do a quick background check on the pop singer Iris Long.
Xu Tian was perplexed, but he still obeyed the order. Within a couple of hours, he presented Iris Long's dossier to Jin Liwei. The girl didn't have anything that was difficult to dig out.
Jin Liwei scanned her dossier.
Iris Long. Real name: Long Xiulan. A typical rich, spoiled brat who often used her father's name to throw her weight around. Lots of petty enemies. A wild party girl who attended parties almost every week whether she was invited or not. She was talented but extremely conceited. She was also notorious for chasing famous celebrities, both male and female alike.
One name stood out to Jin Liwei.
Jin Chonglin, his brother.
It seemed that this Long Xiulan sent someone to monitor Jin Chonglin's whereabouts so that she could pop up wherever he went. Jin Liwei's impression of her went from bad to worse.
"A stalker," he concluded.
After reviewing her dossier, he wanted to dismiss the car crash as mere coincidence after hearing Fan Luo's words last night. However, he continued to feel bothered and couldn't concentrate on his work. He called Xu Tian again and instructed him to investigate the car crash.
The police made an early conclusion that the car crash was a result of drunk driving. An 18-year old known for being a party girl driving a sports car after clubbing also gave them a bad impression. Verifying the cause of the crash wasn't their immediate priority.
Jin Liwei's investigation was completed during this window of time.
It was only when Long Tengfei discovered what happened to his daughter that he requested the police to do a full investigation. Hours already passed since the accident occurred when he made the request.
When Jin Liwei received the investigation results, he was stunned. It confirmed that the car crash was indeed connected to Fan Luo. She really did what she said last night.
Before he could carefully think about what to do, Xu Tian's phone chimed.
"Uh...President, it's a reminder for your conference call with our British partner in five minutes. Would you like me to cancel it?"
Jin Liwei frowned. "No. I'll do the conference call."
This was an important call for the launch of their new product line. There was no way he would cancel it. He looked at the investigation results again and made a quick decision.
Fan Luo was his brother's girlfriend. His mother loved her like a daughter. Perhaps the car crash was just a prank gone wrong. Fan Luo must've been drunk when she ordered the tampering of the car. She was a nice girl and wouldn't deliberately kill someone. She must've not expected that the tampering would lead to such a serious car crash.
'Yes, that must be what happened,' Jin Liwei persuaded himself.
Besides, if this went public, it would be a huge scandal involving not only her but also his brother Jin Chonglin. Their families couldn't afford a scandal like this especially now that they were working on a new business partnership. Not to mention that his mother would be heartbroken if this came to light.
'Well, thank goodness the girl didn't die,' he thought.
He turned to Xu Tian and ordered, "Erase all evidence pointing to Fan Luo in this car crash."
Xu Tian hesitated but still obeyed.
Jin Liwei tried to forget about this matter as he returned to running his business empire and maintaining his family's prestige. Cold and ruthless, that was him.
Then everything changed about a year and half later when he met a beautiful young woman reading a Russian book at a hotel lobby.
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