Volume One, Chapter 3: The Betrayal of Her Boyfriend and Assistant

Ye Zhaoying wore a smile on her face, like a rose tainted by poison. She had been driven to a dead end; clinging to her only career and hope, she was ready to fight desperately.

“This isn’t a threat, just a bargaining chip. As long as President Lu agrees to invest, I will delete the photos completely right away.”

The atmosphere inside the car instantly froze. When Lu Jingchen stared like that, it sent chills down one’s spine. But Ye Zhaoying no longer had anything to fear; she met his gaze calmly.

“Ye Zhaoying, you’re quite bold. Aren’t you afraid of burning your own wings?”

Ye Zhaoying’s smile was bitter. “The fire’s already on me. There’s nothing left to fear.”

Lu Jingchen’s eyes settled on her face. After a moment of silence, he finally spoke, “I can invest this one million, but I have conditions.”

Ye Zhaoying’s heart tightened slightly, yet she remained composed. “Go ahead.”

“First, on the first of every month, you must come personally to report to me on the studio’s status and major project progress. Special circumstances can be handled differently. Second, I have almost unavoidable banquets every month; you will be my regular companion to help me fend off drinks.”

As a seasoned businessman, Lu Jingchen knew negotiation tactics well. While Ye Zhaoying pondered, he added calmly, “These are my only two conditions. Whether you accept is up to you.”

At this point, Ye Zhaoying had no other way out. What was there not to agree to?

“I agree.”

Finally securing the investment, Ye Zhaoying exhaled sharply as she left the underground parking lot.

After a few steps, she spotted a tangled, passionate embrace at the mouth of a nearby alley.

It was Fu Mingchi!

The woman beside him had a figure that felt oddly familiar to Ye Zhaoying, though she couldn’t recall exactly who she was.

Even knowing Fu Mingchi had been unfaithful from the recording, witnessing it firsthand was an even harsher blow.

It was like a thunderclap striking the crown of her head—an awakening shock.

Who would have thought that the man who professed endless love and loyalty to her could hold another woman like this?

Burning kisses, desperate entanglement!

What then had these three years meant?

Though she had braced herself, though she had seen it with her own eyes, Ye Zhaoying still refused to believe.

She conjured a desperate wish—that the man in front of her wasn’t Fu Mingchi.

Staring at the two who had started to undress, Ye Zhaoying took out her phone and called Fu Mingchi.

She clearly saw the man stop what he was doing, answering the call with one hand while the other still caressed the woman’s thigh.

Fu Mingchi’s voice came through the line, noticeably breathy.

“Baby, calling so late—missing me already?”

That “baby” made Ye Zhaoying’s skin crawl. How could Fu Mingchi hold another woman in his arms and speak to her so casually?

Her face turned icy as she asked flatly, “Just wanted to know where you are and what you’re doing.”

Perhaps lost in another woman’s warmth, Fu Mingchi failed to detect the unusual tone in her voice and spun his lie effortlessly.

“I’m at home, getting ready for bed.”

Ye Zhaoying sneered inwardly; at this point, there was no point in denial.

“Baby, if you miss me, I’ll come find you tomorrow and bring you something delicious…”

The call ended, and Ye Zhaoying watched as Fu Mingchi eagerly buried his face into the woman’s chest, their whispered flirtations growing louder.

Unable to bear it any longer, Ye Zhaoying turned and hurried away.

If she could, she wished to storm out and expose Fu Mingchi’s true nature face-to-face, then break up with him.

But her studio was still in its infancy. She feared Fu Mingchi’s recklessness might jeopardize it.

So she endured, waiting for the day her studio would mature and flourish.

Besides, if Fu Mingchi deceived her like this, why shouldn’t he pay the price?

Returning home, Ye Zhaoying organized some materials and planned the studio’s next steps before resting.

The next morning, she arrived early at the office. Her assistant, Qin Lulu, came in with documents.

Ye Zhaoying’s gaze rose to notice a faint, suggestive red mark on Qin Lulu’s neck, causing her to hesitate.

Looking closer, Qin Lulu’s figure bore a striking resemblance to the woman entangled with Fu Mingchi the night before.

Realization struck Ye Zhaoying with a jolt.

Noticing her change in expression, Qin Lulu asked with concern, “Boss, are you okay? Do you feel unwell?”

Ye Zhaoying composed herself and, glancing subtly at Qin Lulu’s neck, asked casually, “Lulu, did you get a boyfriend?”

Catching her gaze, Qin Lulu hurriedly pulled her collar up, blushing with a shy, even somewhat proud smile.

“Yes, boss, you caught me.”

Suppressing her irritation, Ye Zhaoying continued, “Who is he? Why haven’t you mentioned him before?”

Qin Lulu smiled bashfully. “We just met recently, through a friend. When things get serious, I’ll introduce him to you.”

Ye Zhaoying found it hard to believe her former college roommate would betray her like this. There had to be some misunderstanding.

She needed to investigate.

Suddenly, the office door opened—Fu Mingchi appeared.

Feigning surprise, Ye Zhaoying stood. “Mingchi, what are you doing here?”

“Baby, you came to work so early, you must have skipped breakfast. I brought you some snacks—cake and hot milk. Eat while it’s warm.”

As Fu Mingchi approached, Ye Zhaoying caught a fleeting, intimate glance exchanged between him and Qin Lulu—quickly averted but unmistakably charged.

Her heart tightened with understanding.

Fu Mingchi smiled warmly as always, leaning close to Ye Zhaoying’s face, stirring her heart.

Yet the thought of his true nature behind her back sent a chill through her.

“Mingchi, you sit for a bit. I’ll just go to the restroom.”

Fu Mingchi didn’t seem to mind. “Go ahead, I’ll wait here.”

Ye Zhaoying left while Qin Lulu pretended to organize papers, not leaving.

Instead of going to the restroom, Ye Zhaoying checked the surveillance.

Seeing Qin Lulu seductively approach Fu Mingchi and shower him with affection stabbed her heart.

So it was true.

Two people so close to her were tangled like this!

She had never imagined such a thing could happen to her.

After about five minutes, Ye Zhaoying returned.

By then, the two had separated, though their clothes were disheveled.

If it took only minutes to be like this, how long had they been secretly seeing each other without her knowing?

Qin Lulu left shortly afterward.

Fu Mingchi smiled, pulling Ye Zhaoying into his arms, attempting to kiss her.

She instinctively dodged.

The thought of his lips having kissed another woman minutes ago made her feel filthy.

Fu Mingchi frowned slightly. “What’s wrong?”

Ye Zhaoying’s tone was flat. “We’re in the office. It’s not appropriate if the staff sees.”

Though displeased, Fu Mingchi knew Ye Zhaoying was sensitive and didn’t press further.

“By the way, the studio has no funds; the longer this drags on, the greater the loss. Why don’t you just close it? I’ll support you.”

Looking at the concerned man before her, Ye Zhaoying recalled the recording and felt an intense bitterness.

“I’ve secured investment. The studio isn’t closing.”

Fu Mingchi was shocked. “What?! You got investment? From who?”

No wonder he reacted so strongly—he never believed in his own abilities and doubted she could find funding beyond him.

“I found Lu Jingchen, president of Lu Ventures. He’s willing to invest in my studio.”

Fu Mingchi’s reaction grew even more intense. “What?! Lu Jingchen! Didn’t he dislike you back in school? How would he invest a million in you?”

“Maybe he keeps business and personal separate. Mingchi, I got the investment. Aren’t you happy for me?” Ye Zhaoying asked, watching his furrowed brow.

Realizing his outburst, Fu Mingchi quickly changed his expression, smiling nervously. “Of course, I’m just worried you might be taken advantage of.”