Volume One, Chapter 14: Fu Mingchi’s Pursuit

Naturally, Qianyao Ye had no evidence to present. When everyone looked to her, hoping she would produce proof to pin on Zhaoying Ye and take her to court to crush her arrogance, she could only hold back tears and respond with understanding.

“Please, don’t trouble yourselves on my behalf. Honestly, whether I or my sister wins this competition, I’m truly happy.”

Her words were subtle, seemingly considerate of Zhaoying Ye, yet her eyes betrayed a mixture of resentment and helplessness.

It was as if she was confirming Zhaoying Ye’s plagiarism but, out of familial affection, chose not to pursue it further.

Nearby, Xiao Li could no longer contain himself, frowning deeply with righteous indignation. “Boss, you clearly spent countless sleepless nights and immense effort creating these works. How can she slander you like this?!”

Zhaoying Ye’s face remained calm, her voice steady. “Our goal has been achieved. Why bother with her? It’s just a waste of energy.”

“That’s true, but I wonder how the media will spin this next.”

“No worries. The innocent will remain innocent.”

Though Zhaoying Ye held some evidence, it was insufficient to trip up Qianyao Ye and might even provoke their father, mother, and brother’s biased interference. She needed to wait, gather more proof, and then pull Qianyao Ye down from her pedestal once and for all.

For some reason, the organizers swiftly announced that the Dawn Studio had won the project and would become the company’s new partner.

As the attendees gradually dispersed, Zhaoying Ye had just risen when Mingchi Fu approached her. She was momentarily stunned—this was the first time in three years he called her by her full name.

“Zhaoying Ye!”

Her heart tightened painfully. She looked up at him. “What is it?”

Mingchi hurried to her side, eyes filled with pain and disappointment. “Did you ever consider the consequences of what you’re doing?”

Zhaoying Ye’s expression instantly turned cold, her voice icy with emotional fluctuation. “What do you mean?”

He spoke with righteous indignation. “Your recent work is plagiarized from your sister’s, isn’t it? I’ve been with you for three years—I know your level best. You barely passed your graduation project; there’s no way you could have designed something like this!”

Then, with sorrowful earnestness, he added, “Plagiarism isn’t a trivial matter. Your sister was careless this time, but if there’s evidence next time, you could end up in jail. Do you understand? How could you be so reckless?”

The truth was clear…

Ha. Hearing these words from the boyfriend she’d loved for three years was truly laughable to Zhaoying Ye.

During college, when she was framed by Qianyao Ye, slandered by classmates, insulted, and left helpless, Mingchi had said, “Zhaoying’s design talent is exceptional. No matter what they say, I believe in you.”

So that was his trust in her!

He claimed to believe her, yet deep down had never truly respected her.

Once moved to tears by his words, she now found it all so absurd.

Zhaoying Ye stared at Mingchi, her tone laced with sarcasm. “You really know me inside out, don’t you?”

Mingchi, too emotional to catch her irony, pressed on.

“I’m your boyfriend, so of course I know you. You’d better stop now. This time your sister wasn’t vigilant, but next time might be different. You’ll not only ruin your reputation but also face jail time!”

“Hmph…”

A mocking smile curled on Zhaoying Ye’s lips. “Thanks for the warning, but since I did it, I’m not afraid of being investigated.”

“You—”

“I have to discuss the follow-up with our partner. I’m leaving now.”

Ignoring Mingchi, she turned and walked away, brushing off Qin Lulu’s disdainful glance that silently accused her of ingratitude.

Fuming, Mingchi watched her leave.

Why did he feel Zhaoying was becoming stranger and more distant? Even the marriage he once looked forward to seemed perpetually postponed. Why?

Qin Lulu sensed Mingchi’s thoughts and seized the chance to sow discord.

“Mingchi, haven’t you noticed that since Zhaoying got funding from President Lu, she’s been treating you worse? In just half a month, she’s visited Lu’s venture capital several times alone, never letting anyone follow. Today, President Lu’s gaze toward her was unusual—almost like he was present when she met with DL. Don’t you think she might be...”

Qin Lulu hesitated, but the implication was clear.

“Impossible! Zhaoying loves me so much. How could she be seeing someone else?”

Mingchi interrupted loudly, but the louder he spoke, the more his inner turmoil showed.

“You should go home now.”

Reluctant, Qin Lulu reached for Mingchi’s hand, batting her eyes with a sultry sweetness. “Mingchi…”

He knew exactly what she meant but was too unsettled to respond.

He shrugged off her hand, frowning. “Behave!”

Qin Lulu bit her lip, looking hurt, but Mingchi ignored her. Not daring to anger him, she reluctantly left.

Zhaoying Ye calmed herself before heading with Xiao Li to negotiate the subsequent cooperation details with the organizers.

To her surprise, Jingchen Lu hadn’t left yet. President Yuan of the organizers was talking with him.

When Zhaoying approached, all eyes turned to her. Yuan greeted her with unusual courtesy.

“Miss Ye, this way, please.”

The next steps proceeded smoothly. In a few days, once formalities were complete, they would sign the contract.

As Zhaoying prepared to leave, Yuan suddenly said, “Miss Ye, it’s around mealtime now. Would you join us for dinner?”

It was customary, so she nodded.

Seeing her agree, Yuan quickly invited Jingchen Lu, “President Lu, please honor us with your company.”

Yuan mainly wanted to dine with Lu to foster a better relationship for future cooperation. Lu’s invitations were notoriously hard to secure, but seeing his special attitude toward Zhaoying, Yuan took this opportunity.

Expecting a possible refusal, Yuan and the others watched anxiously as Lu looked calmly at Zhaoying.

Though puzzled, Zhaoying was not naive and quickly replied, “Yes, it’s an honor to have dinner with President Lu.”

“Alright.”

Lu agreed, bringing joy to Yuan and the group. Yet Zhaoying felt somewhat nervous, still uneasy around Lu after recent events.

The group headed to a nearby five-star restaurant, where the atmosphere was excellent.

Zhaoying immersed herself in work discussions with Lu and Yuan, unaware that a familiar white BMW was approaching.