Chapter 76: Shen Qing and Jian Yao Digging Their Own Graves

Chapter 76: Shen Qing and Jian Yao Digging Their Own Graves

Shen Qing's sharp words and mocking gaze fueled Zhu Meiqing's already simmering anger.

"You little hussy, first you seduced my innocent son to get him to send you abroad. Now you're secretly seeing a rogue behind my son's back. Have you no shame?"

The thought that Lu Bin was so captivated by Shen Qing that he neglected his own mother infuriated Zhu Meiqing. Moreover, Shen Qing's defense of the rogue seemed to be driving a wedge between mother and son, especially since Lu Bin used to bring her flowers but now only gives them to Shen Qing.

Seeing Shen Qing ignore her son while fiercely protecting this rogue only added fuel to her rage.

"Fools and hussies should just disappear!" Zhu Meiqing, in a fit of fury, snatched up a teacup from the table and hurled it at Shen Qing's face, aiming to shatter the beauty that enticed others.

Jian Yao, swift and alert, reached out to grasp Shen Qing's waist, pulling her into his embrace. As he shielded her, he lifted his right leg to kick the flying teacup away.

Bang!

The teacup smashed against Zhu Meiqing's face, causing a sharp pain in her nasal bridge.

Scalding tea splashed onto Zhu Meiqing's face, causing her to scream in pain, "You damned bastard, sooner or later you'll be chopped to pieces on the streets, with no place to bury your remains."

Hearing Zhu Meiqing curse Jian Yao, Shen Qing flew into a rage and stormed out of Jian Yao's embrace, her furious demeanor too intense for him to hold back.

"You're the one who will die a miserable death, you're the one who'll be chopped up on the streets, you're the one with nowhere to be buried," Shen Qing continued her tirade, still not satisfied.

Spotting a large teapot on the rotating table, she grabbed it and doused Zhu Meiqing with the tea. "Let me tell you, I have nothing to do with your son. He's the one who keeps creating problems for me out of his own affection. Instead of scolding me, you should focus on controlling your son."

"If he never shows up in front of me again, I'd be genuinely grateful and overjoyed." Shen Qing was usually level-headed, but Zhu Meiqing's persistent insults towards Brother Yao pushed her past her limit. "If you love your son so much and treat him like a treasure, that's fine, but to me, he means nothing. He's just an annoyance."

"Who wants to study abroad with your son? Who needs his help to go overseas? If I were to study abroad, it would be on my own merit."

Pointing at Zhu Meiqing's nose, Shen Qing continued her rebuke, "You still have the nerve to call Brother Yao a bastard? Look in the mirror and see how twisted both of you are as a mother-son duo."

One is a momma's boy, the other a possessive mother treating her son as a lover and all women as rivals – truly nauseating.

As Shen Qing led Jian Yao out, she said, "Brother Yao, ignore this madwoman. You're the best in the world."

With Shen Qing's words 'you're the best in the world,' Jian Yao felt like he had everything.

He lowered his gaze, watching Shen Qing's furious and indignant expression on his behalf. Suddenly, he felt a sweet spring gush forth from the barren well within him.

His lips curved up slightly. "Alright, don't be angry anymore."

"How can I not be angry? Who is she? She actually dared to curse you…" The mere thought of Zhu Meiqing wishing Jian Yao would be killed in the streets, left unburied, made Shen Qing's heart ache. Her eyes reddened. "What right does she have to curse you? You're so kind-hearted; she shouldn't be cursing you at all."

Shen Qing usually appeared indifferent to any injustice or harm she faced. But when it came to Jian Yao, even the thought of it made her feel terrible.

Seeing her reddened eyes and pouting face as she scolded Zhu Meiqing, Jian Yao gently stroked her head with a tinge of heartache. "There, there, I'm not bothered by it, so don't cry."

"You're still smiling... You're still smiling..." Shen Qing was genuinely aggrieved. "She cursed you, and you're still smiling?"

"I'm sorry."

Jian Yao didn't want to smile either, but Shen Qing's righteous indignation and affection for him had filled him with a sweetness surpassing honey.

Yet, despite her puffed-up glare, everything she said was out of concern for him. Jian Yao's heart melted into a puddle. He couldn't resist pulling Shen Qing into his embrace.

Gently patting the slender back of the young girl, he spoke in a low, tender tone. "Alright, alright, I am angry, but can you please stop crying?"

"I have the urge to flip Zhu Meiqing's table every time you cry," he sighed gently.

Leaning against his embrace, Shen Qing inhaled the blend of his chilly scent and soap. Only then did she grumble, "I wasn't crying."

"Right, right, you weren't," Jian Yao soothed her with a soft voice, comforting her after hearing her muffled tone. Then, he drove away from Shuangxi Teahouse on his motorcycle.

The engine roared in the night as Shen Qing, now calmer, closed her eyes and leaned against Jian Yao's slender, strong back.

In her mind, she slowly pondered over the situation. She had completely severed ties with Zhu Meiqing now.

Given Zhu Meiqing's tendency to climb up and step down on others, this matter wouldn't end easily.

Then there was Gan Haishan, Zhu Meiqing's accomplice. Working at the Business Department of the Public Administration Bureau, he would likely cause trouble for the snack shop in the future.

She needed to come up with a plan to utterly defeat them...

As Shen Qing strategized against Zhu Meiqing and Gan Haishan, Jian Yao also gazed ahead with a cold expression. In some ways, he and Shen Qing were cut from the same cloth.

The hardships of life had honed their determination and resilience, instilling in them a willingness to endure adversity and refuse defeat.

Moreover, both of them were meticulous thinkers. Knowing that tonight's gathering was a trap, they had come prepared.

However, accustomed to dealing with problems independently, they each preferred to handle matters on their own.

Thus, while both were contemplating strategies to deal with Zhu Meiqing and Gan Haishan, they kept their thoughts to themselves, not sharing them with the other.

Rumble...

The dark red motorcycle quickly vanished into the night.

From the second floor of the Double Happiness Tea House, Su Qilan gazed wistfully as Jian Yao rode off with Shen Qing on his motorcycle.

She then turned her head to glance at Young Master Gu, who had been standing by the second-story window since the beginning, his face grave as he stared outside, lost in thought.

"They really have a deep bond," Su Qilan suddenly remarked. "I wonder if Shen Qing would give up studying abroad for Jian Yao?"

Gu Shaoqian, like a statue, turned his head to look at Su Qilan. "Why do you think so?"

Studying abroad is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Even someone as privileged as Gu Shaoqian took pride in his excellent grades that secured him a place in a top foreign university.

"Shen Qing has a soft spot for Jian Yao, and Jian Yao, on the other hand…" Su Qilan paused, looking at Gu Shaoqian with concern. "If Jian Yao fails to enter university and Shen Qing goes overseas for her studies, the gap between them will only widen, leading to an inevitable split."

In a hushed tone, Su Qilan continued, "I'm worried that Shen Qing might make an irrational decision out of her feelings for Jian Yao."

"Shaoqian, with Shen Qing's current status, one wrong choice could ruin her future," fretted Su Qilan. "The best kind of relationship is one that inspires mutual growth, turning both into better individuals."

"If someone is content to wallow in mediocrity and refuses to progress, they're destined to remain stuck in their ways," said Su Qilan, clearly concerned for Shen Qing's well-being. "Why don't you try talking to Shen Qing? Perhaps persuade her to join us abroad?"

Gu Shaoqian looked down at Su Qilan, who met his gaze with tenderness. Her bright eyes held a trace of worry. "Shaoqian, Shen Qing is hostile towards me. It would be better if you spoke to her."

Gently wrapping his arm around Su Qilan's slender shoulders, she leaned into his embrace. "Please talk to her, she'll listen to you."

Would Shen Qing heed Gu Shaoqian's advice?

Gu Shaoqian wasn't entirely sure, but Su Qilan's words stirred something within him.

Initially, Su Qilan had not been granted the opportunity to study abroad. However, it would be a simple matter for Gu Shaoqian to ensure that Su Qilan accompanied him on this journey.

Did Gu Shaoqian himself know what he felt towards Su Qilan?

He had grown accustomed to her presence by his side. He enjoyed the company of a gentle and compliant companion like her.

Although Su Qilan was not as beautiful as Shen Qing, she was skilled in grooming herself and dancing. Occasionally, when facing Gu Shaoqian, a captivating charm would subtly manifest in her demeanor, ensnaring him.

Su Qilan possessed a allure and tenderness that was uncommon among women of her age. Gu Shaoqian was fond of this aspect of her.

Gently planting a kiss on Su Qilan's forehead, he whispered, "Since you've asked me to persuade her, I'll give it a try."

Looking up at Gu Shaoqian with a sweet smile, her gaze turned gloomy when she lowered her head.

It wasn't her who had prompted Gu Shaoqian to let Shen Qing study abroad; she had merely recognized the subtle inklings of interest he had in Shen Qing.

The Second Madam had accurately assessed Su Qilan. Like the Second Madam, Su Qilan was a woman adept at enhancing her allure and understanding what kind of personality and temperament men found appealing.

Up until today, Su Qilan had been successful in her endeavors. At least, Gu Shaoqian had never before kissed her on the forehead as he just did.

Although today's kiss was a reward for Su Qilan, who had asked Gu Shaoqian to persuade Shen Qing to study abroad with them, it mattered little to Su Qilan as long as her goal was achieved.

But... why did the thought of Gu Shaoqian's concern for Shen Qing still weigh heavily on Su Qilan's heart?

In the second floor of Shuangxi Tea House, not only Gu Shaoqian and Su Qilan, but everyone's attention was fixed on Shen Qing and Jian Yao.

They had witnessed Zhu Meiqing losing her temper, seen Shen Qing's fiery reaction in defense of Jian Yao, and also observed Jian Yao's deft handling of Gan Haishan... Lu Hanzong, sitting alone in another private room, let out a somewhat helpless sigh.

It seemed that the connection between Shen Qing and Jian Yao was closer than they had initially imagined.

Yet, Shen Qing favored a wayward troublemaker over someone as capable as Lu Bin. This left Lu Hanzhong feeling deeply displeased.

The son he had nurtured with Zhu Meiqing would become an elite of Hong Kong's high society upon his return from studying abroad.

How could Shen Qing be immune to the charms of such an outstanding and promising prospect like Lu Bin? Instead, her gaze and attention were fixated on the likes of Jian Yao, a delinquent.

This realization caused Lu Hanzhong's face to darken as he pushed open the secret door and walked over to Zhu Meiqing's side.

"Darling, that vile woman is truly unbearable," Zhu Meiqing complained, covering her nose that had been struck. "I can't endure it anymore. I want to get rid of her."

"Refrain from your temper," Lu Hanzong said in a low voice. "There was no need for things to turn out this badly today. If you could have controlled your anger, tonight's dinner might have been enjoyable."

Zhu Meiqing had an admiration for Lu Hanzong rooted in his educational background. This was because at a young age, she had to work for TVB to pay off her gambling-addicted father's debts.

On the other hand, Lu Hanzong was an elite judge who had studied abroad. Thus, in front of him, Zhu Meiqing felt entitled to act recklessly. However, when it came to matters where Lu Hanzong took charge, she felt guilty for messing up and dared not speak up.

Zhu Meiqing shot a glance at Gan Haishan.

Gan Haishan, catching the cue, immediately responded with a smile. "Mr. Lu, it was that punk and his rowdy girlfriend who crossed the line. Mrs. Lu got angry on behalf of her son and momentarily lost her composure – understandable under the circumstances."

Luhansong nodded calmly. "Since things have escalated to this point, there's no need for me to hold back anymore."

Initially, he had thought that Shen Qing was attractive and might rely on her good looks to marry a powerful man in the future.

But upon hearing Shen Qing degrade his son, Lu Bin, to worthlessness for the sake of a good-for-nothing, as a father, Lu Hanzong felt compelled to stand up for his son; otherwise, he would consider himself a failure in his paternal role.

If one were to intervene, it must be done thoroughly, ensuring that Shen Qing never has a chance to regain her footing.

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The next morning, Shen Qing received a call from the court, informing her that the case between her and Sister Ying had been decided.

Initially, Shen Qing thought that Lu Hansong, being the presiding judge, would exploit his position to stall or manipulate the case in favor of Sister Ying.

Of course, it wouldn't have mattered if Sister Ying won. The lawsuit was merely a smokescreen, intended to create the illusion that Shen Qing was at odds with Canja Ying's family, allowing those who sought to use Canja Ying to hide in the shadows.

Thus, if Sister Ying had won, it would have had little impact on either Shen Qing or Sister Ying.

To Shen Qing's great surprise, Lu Hansong had judged the case impartially, and she emerged as the victorious party. Moreover, he ruled that Sister Ying should compensate Shen Qing with HKD 100,000 for the mental distress caused by Canja Ying's pursuit.

Shen Qing had no intention of actually collecting the HKD 100,000 in compensation; it was all for show. As she held the court ruling in her hands, she momentarily questioned whether Lu Hansong's apparent integrity as a fair and just judge was genuine.

"You were lucky your case fell under Brother Lu's jurisdiction. Had you gone before another judge, one whose son and wife you offended, you would certainly have lost."

The female court officer who had handed over the documents to Shen Qing spoke with a tinge of anger, "It's only because our Brother Lu judges cases fairly that you didn't lose this lawsuit."

Upon hearing this, Shen Qing understood.

Lu Hanzong was a man who appeared upright but harbored sinister intentions behind his back.

Her feud with Lu Bin and Zhu Meiqing was actually one-sidedly provoked by them.

Initially, they maintained a facade of civility, but it wasn't until last night that things truly escalated. Yet, by morning, everyone in the court already knew about her conflict with Lu Hanzong's son and wife.

If Lu Hanzong were truly an impartial and selfless judge, why would he publicize this matter within the court?

Shen Qing gave a closer look at the female officer who addressed her as 'sister'. She seemed to be in her mid-twenties and was dressed in the court uniform. As she lowered her head, a faint mark of a kiss could be seen beneath her high collar.

"Yes, I didn't expect Judge Lu to be so impartial and selfless. No wonder you support him."

A well-timed expression of relief spread across Shen Qing's face. Under the woman's look of 'you're so lucky', she suddenly smiled and said, "You're also a beautiful and kind-hearted judge. Thank you. With your beauty and gentleness, the line of men pursuing you must stretch from Mong Kok to Kowloon..."

Though the woman was not a judge, Shen Qing's compliment of 'good judge' still lifted her spirits.

Listening to Shen Qing's sincere compliments about her beauty, kindness, and popularity among suitors, the young female judge couldn't help but feel delighted. After all, few people would not be pleased when praised.

"You're joking, right? I'm still single," the judge laughed, slightly embarrassed. "But I'll have a boyfriend soon."

"Congratulations," Shen Qing replied with a smile, offering a few more words of flattery before departing the courthouse alongside Lawyer Eevee, holding the judgment document.

"Eevee, what's your opinion on Judge Lu?" Shen Qing inquired further.

As Eevee started the car with the key, they commented, "He's probably the fairest and most impartial judge in Temple Street Court. Every case he handles is judged equitably."

Upon hearing this, Shen Qing fell silent.

Indeed, Lu Hanzong was skilled at maintaining a favorable public image, while others, like Zhu Meiqing, dealt with the dirty work.

Although Lu Hanzong found Zhu Meiqing lacking in intelligence, he relished the social cachet that came with her status as a popular TVB hostess.

Moreover, many of the gossip revelations in Zhu Meiqing's "Hong Kong Chronicles" program targeted individuals whom Lu Hanzong and his wife either wanted to undermine or ally with. To sabotage someone, they'd defame them on the show, exposing their scandals for Hong Kong citizens to gossip about.

For those they wished to ally with, they would praise and promote their good deeds on the show, earning the admiration of Hong Kong citizens.

One could say that the media and public opinion were completely under their control.

Zhu Meiqing had initially intended to criticize Shen Qing's snack shop during the program, but Lu Hanzong found such an approach too obvious.

After all, "Hong Kong Storm" had previously featured big shots; Shen Qing, just a mainland girl running a small eatery, was hardly qualified for such a platform.

Moreover, Zhu Meiqing represented Lu Hanzong's reputation in public. He wouldn't allow her to belittle Shen Qing in a public setting, as it would undermine his prestige and dignity.

"Meiqing, this is the list of our upcoming interviewees," the TV station director placed the list before Zhu Meiqing.

"Director, I know how to handle my interviews..." Zhu Meiqing casually took the list from the director and flipped through it nonchalantly.

Upon seeing the lineup, her eyes lit up. "Second Madam? Director, you're actually letting me interview Second Madam?"

"Yes, Second Madam is the goddess every Hong Kong woman aspires to be. Not only will this boost your ratings, but if you seize this opportunity well, more blessings are yet to come."

"Rest assured, Director," Zhu Meiqing said confidently. "Guests who have appeared on my show usually maintain good relationships with me."

Those with strained relationships had long been crushed by the show, without any chance of redemption.

Unbeknownst to Zhu Meiqing, who was now filled with joy and eager to please Second Aunt, Jian Yao had set a trap for her.

In the upcoming interview with Second Aunt, Zhu Meiqing would suffer the same fate as those she had previously seen trampled on by the program, never to regain her footing.

Having obtained the court ruling, Shen Qing arranged for Huoniu and his team to escort Sister Ying to Thailand that very day to reunite with Canja Ying. Meanwhile, she returned home.

Since it was the weekend, Shen Hainan was at home. To Shen Qing's surprise, Gu Shaoqian was also there.

"Back already? Shaoqian came to talk to you about your overseas studies," Shen Yimin said with a grin, approaching Shen Qing. He whispered, aware of her dislike for Young Master Gu, "Let me warn you, don't give Young Master Gu the cold shoulder. He'll be your biggest support in Hong Kong one day."

"My support or yours?" Shen Qing scoffed sarcastically.

Shen Yimin felt a hint of anger but rationalized that Shen Qing was his daughter; if she had a support, wasn't it also his?

He had worked tirelessly to sustain his large family, and finally, he could enjoy the connections and resources his daughter brought. Why shouldn't he take advantage of them?

Shen Qing shot Shen Yimin a disdainful glance before entering the house. Both Shen Hainan and Gu Shaoqian's gazes followed her.

Despite the rumors that Gu Shaoqian was Su Qilan's boyfriend, Shen Hainan seemed more afraid than Su Qilan of Shen Qing befriending Gu Shaoqian.

"I'm warning you, Second Master only came here to talk to you because of Qi Lan," Shen Hainan said harshly. "Don't think for a second that he has any interest in you."

Shen Qing knew that Su Qilan had her ways with people, but she wouldn't let Shen Hainan get away with her remarks so easily. "Which eye of yours saw me thinking that? I just want to keep my distance from them."

"You'd better," Shen Hainan replied, clearly unconvinced by Shen Qing's words.

If all the women in Hong Kong dreamed of becoming Gu Chengfu's concubine, then every unmarried young woman in the city aspired to be Gu Shaoqian's.

"Qi Lan will always be Second Master's one and only girlfriend," Shen Hainan declared.

However, Gu Shaoqian's displeased gaze turned towards her, his tone laced with anger. "Henna, all I want to do today is have a serious discussion with Shen Qing about studying abroad. All you can talk about is my relationship with Qi Lan. Are you her friend or her enemy? Why do you keep causing trouble for her?"

Gu Shaoqian put on a polite facade. "I would like to speak to Shen Qing alone..." He then addressed Shen Yimin. "Uncle, could you please take Henna away?"

"Of course, carry on with your conversation." The title of 'uncle' that Gu Shaoqian used made Shen Yimin's heart sing with joy.

He strode forward, pulled away the reluctant Shen Hainan, and turned to Shen Qing with a word of advice, "Have a good talk with Shaoqian about your plans to study abroad. As the saying goes, at home we rely on parents, but away from home we depend on friends – Shaoqian is a good friend of yours!"

Shen Qing scoffed. This might be a profound truth for others, but it was empty words to her.

For in both her past and present lives, she couldn't rely on her parents. And as for friends, Gu Shaoqian was no friend of hers.

"I recall that the school hasn't announced the destination country or university for the exchange program yet. Why did you come to me about this?" Shen Qing cut straight to the chase. "Why did Su Qilan send you to me again? How did she manage to get you into another scolding?"