Chapter 66

Chapter 66

Zhang Xiapi, a junior member of the Zhang family's side branch, had connected with the main Zhang family in B city a few years ago when his father inadvertently helped the third son of the Zhang family.

Although they didn't interact frequently, being favored by the main family had brought them numerous opportunities. With the Zhang family's enterprises spread across various regions, a word from the main family meant courteous treatment from others and business naturally followed.

Over the years, their family prospered locally, leading Zhang Xiapi to somewhat mistakenly feel as if he were part of the main family.

This time, on Elder Zhang's birthday, his father planned to introduce him to the third son of the Zhang family in B city. He would start working in the main family's enterprises, gradually bringing their family's businesses over.

Zhang Xiapi initially thought there wouldn't be much difference between his local area and B city, but upon seeing the Zhang's old residence, he couldn't help but feel intimidated.

Heeding his father's instructions and using an excuse to take the invitation, he mentioned bringing a few friends, a decision his father, who doted on him, didn't question.

As Zhang Xiapi waited for his guests, he saw many prominent B city businessmen arrive, feeling a sense of foreboding while holding the invitation.

With no turning back, he greeted his guests, leading them to a secluded corner and asked with a frown, "Are you sure you won't cause any trouble?"

There were four guests in total, two groups; one consisting of three individuals and the other a single middle-aged woman.

Recently short on money, Zhang Xiapi had been approached by Mr. Xie with a generous offer. Thinking it was just a matter of accompanying some guests to a birthday celebration, he agreed.

Later, when the second wave of visitors arrived, among them was this lady, dressed in luxury. She had approached Xiapi a few days ago, claiming her family business was facing issues and she needed to find partners at the event. She assured she wouldn’t implicate him.

Xiapi figured that if he was going to bring one person, he might as well bring another, so he agreed.

But now, seeing the grandeur of the event, he felt a bit uneasy.

Mr. Xie, smiling slyly, said, "How could we dare to cause trouble at the Zhang family’s event? We're here to seek their favor." He had sought many connections to get this opportunity and was determined to establish ties with the Zhang family.

Wei Sheng, looking at his father's overly humble demeanor, couldn't help but show a mocking smile, contrasting with his father's usual arrogance.

Initially, Wei Sheng didn't want to come but knowing Master Xie, a distinguished guest of Elder Zhang, might be there, he wondered if he too might make an appearance.

Wei Sheng couldn't explain why, but he was curious to see his so-called father humbling himself before the Zhang family, wondering if it might bring him some satisfaction.

Relieved, Xiapi handed over the invitation: "Remember your promise, no mischief."

Mr. Xie gratefully took the invitation and quickly headed towards the entrance with his wife and Wei Sheng.

Xiapi then turned to the last lady. Dressed in luxury brands, adorned with jewelry worth millions, he couldn't help but wonder why someone of her status would seek his help.

Ms. He didn't seem like a bad person, perhaps troubled by business issues, given her pale, distressed appearance. Xiapi repeated his warning, ensuring she wouldn’t cause trouble, before leading her in.

Having already been to the venue once, Xiapi, a member of the Zhang family’s side branch, was recognized by the steward and allowed in without obstruction.

After Xiapi and Ms. He entered, the steward made a call: "Master Zhang, Ms. He has entered with a junior member of your family’s side branch."

He described her outfit and appearance before hanging up, then returned to greeting other guests.

The banquet proceeded smoothly, with Mr. Zhang making a brief appearance halfway through, and the Zhang family mingling with the guests in a lively atmosphere.

Once the crowd dispersed, Mrs. Zhang walked over to Xie Qingfeng, standing beside him with downcast eyes and a low voice: "Mr. Xie, has the person arrived?"

Mrs. Zhang struggled to control her emotions, especially infuriated at the thought of being deceived for so long by that scoundrel Chang Wenxiong and having her son near her all these years without knowing.

She hadn't yet confronted her, and now this woman was trying to harm her first?

With these thoughts, Mrs. Zhang was visibly angry but strived to remain calm.

Xie Qingfeng, with a plate full of food, reassured her: “Don’t worry, the talisman I placed on Mrs. Zhang will protect you. She can't harm you. Later, take a walk alone to the garden; my friend will be there. He's very skilled.”

One man can easily handle a hundred, let alone a defenseless lady.

Having Jing Xi go ahead to the garden was a precaution, but the talisman Xie Qingfeng provided should suffice for safety.

Mrs. Zhang's emotions eased with Xie Qingfeng’s calm voice. She wanted to ask the perpetrator why she was targeted. What had she ever done to deserve this?

Mrs. Zhang quickly set down her plate and told the butler she needed some fresh air, heading to the garden.

As she walked through the door into the quiet, she continued steadily until she reached the agreed spot in the garden. Soon, footsteps approached from behind.

Mrs. Zhang turned to see a solemnly dressed woman in her forties glaring at her under the garden's night lights: “Let's talk.”

Mrs. Zhang frowned and took a step back cautiously: “Talk about what? Do I know you? Who are you?”

The woman laughed mockingly: “You don’t know me. I'm Mrs. He. Over twenty years ago, I had a son, named Chang Ruihe. ‘Chang’ from Chang Wenxiong, and ‘He’ from my surname. Wenxiong only ever loved me, yet you took him from me!”

Mrs. Zhang retorted with sarcasm: “I took him? I didn’t even know about your existence. Had you warned me back then, I would never have chosen a two-timer.”

Having learned the truth from Master Xie, she couldn't believe this woman was still trying to blame everything on her.

“What do you know? If it weren't for you, he might have chosen me. Because of you, I had to hide for years, unable to be with Wenxiong openly! And my son, who called you 'mom' for over two decades, how could you be so heartless to see him imprisoned, his future destroyed? Please, let him go. I'll give up Wenxiong and everything to you!”

“Give up to me? What right do you have to say that? You and Chang Wenxiong used me as a stepping stone. Everything he has is thanks to my family. What you're wearing, isn’t it all because of us? Did Wenxiong send you? Trying to make me feel guilty so I'd be lenient on you? All you make me feel is disgust! A cheating scoundrel and a woman willing to bask in wealth gained through betrayal!”

The more Ms. Zhang thought about it, the angrier she got. She had only despised Chang Wenxiong for deceiving two women, but it turned out both were in cahoots, using her family to achieve what they couldn't on their own.

Mrs. He, realizing that Ms. Zhang knew everything, glared at her with cold laughter, “You think I wanted this? But what choice did I have? When you appeared, Wenxiong left me for you. I begged him to come back, but he refused until he told me he was only using you. I agreed when I found out I was pregnant. My son deserved a life of luxury...”

She had agreed without hesitation, but their plan was foiled just as it was about to succeed. In a couple of years, once Ms. Zhang died, she would have married Wenxiong, and they would have been a family.

Fortunately, there was still time. The divorce papers were signed but not finalized, so if Ms. Zhang died now, everything would still belong to Wenxiong.

He promised to hire the best lawyer for her, claiming she would serve at most ten years in prison. After getting out, they could be a family again.

“All those assets were earned by Wenxiong for our son. Why should he leave with nothing?”

Pretending to be terrified, Ms. Zhang asked, “What... what are you planning to do?”

Mrs. He quickly pulled out a knife, advancing towards Ms. Zhang, “This is all your fault. Once you're gone, everything will be fine…” She lunged forward, aiming the knife at Ms. Zhang's chest.

But as the knife was about to make contact, a bright light burst from Ms. Zhang, knocking Mrs. He away. She fell to the ground, her knife clattering away. In moments, several people surrounded her and subdued her.

Mrs. He struggled to look up, seeing many people gathered around, including Elder Zhang holding Ms. Zhang protectively, glaring at her with several others beside them.

“You all knew… This was a trap?” Mrs. He paled, unable to believe it. She had come secretly; how could they have known?

Master Xie and Jing Xi, who had quietly approached, watched Mrs. He impassively. “For the sake of Wenxiong's wealth, you were willing to take Ms. Zhang's life. Are you sure he’ll keep his promise after you serve your sentence?”

Frowning, Mrs. He responded, “What are you talking about? I don’t understand.” She refused to implicate Wenxiong.

Xie Qingfeng observed her expression: “Too bad you’re so protective of Chang Wenxiong. Right now, he’s probably embracing another woman, laughing at your foolishness. By killing Mrs. Zhang for him, you end up in prison, while he gains the property and rids himself of a problem – a win-win for him.”

“That’s impossible… It can’t be…” Mrs. He’s face distorted in disbelief, her composure shattered.

Mr. Zhang, meanwhile, quickly understood the truth in Xie Qingfeng's words, realizing from Mrs. He’s expression that the master’s claim was accurate. With evidence, Mrs. He and Chang Wenxiong would turn on each other, potentially leading both to prison – a perfect outcome.

Mr. Zhang was elated: "Master Xie, we have people to handle this, and there's surveillance footage too. She won't be able to deny her crimes. It’s a great day today, please come this way!"

Mrs. He’s expression changed upon hearing the name 'Master Xie'.