Chapter 39: Birds of a Feather Flock Together

Chapter 39: Birds of a Feather Flock Together

After the five items were displayed, the auction hall fell into a deathly silence.

Even the most obtuse person would have realized something by now.

The names of these five items were not randomly chosen by Zheng Rui; there was definitely a deeper meaning in those short lines of text.

As for what Zheng Rui intended to convey, it would depend on whether anyone was willing to provide an explanation.

The guests present turned their heads, their eyes filled with curiosity and gossip, converging on the two main characters from all directions.

And Zheng Xiu and Zhuang Lin realized earlier than others that the names of these five items were no accident!

They were definitely deliberately chosen by Zheng Rui!

But Zheng Rui's introduction was so fast, and there were guests constantly watching them, that they hadn't had time to think of a way to respond before Zheng Rui quickly introduced the remaining three items.

After seeing the names of the last three items, Zheng Xiu and Zhuang Lin felt as if needles were piercing their backs and sitting on thorns.

At the same time, they confirmed one thing—

Zheng Rui had indeed long noticed their abnormalities!

Having Zheng Rui was also a matter of necessity back then.

Grandpa Zheng wanted a grandson, and they, as fake spouses, did it for money and face, resorting to IVF to have Zheng Rui.

When Zheng Rui was young, Zheng Xiu and Zhuang Lin didn't bother to put on a show in front of him.

In their view, Zheng Rui was just a child. What could a child remember?

It wasn't until Zheng Rui grew up that Zhuang Lin and Zheng Xiu, although still not acting in front of Zheng Rui, at least stopped bringing people home when they were at home.

They thought they had hidden things well, but when did Zheng Rui find out about these matters?

Many things were even unclear to both Zhuang Lin and Zheng Xiu themselves.

Moreover, this was a charity auction, and Zheng Rui, in front of so many guests, gave these five items names that invited speculation. What was Zheng Rui trying to do?

Could it be… he really planned to expose them in front of so many people?

Was Zheng Rui crazy?

Zhuang Lin and Zheng Xiu could no longer maintain their polite smiles on their faces.

Secrets buried deep in their hearts were now exposed nakedly in front of everyone. How could they remain calm?

Cold sweat dripped down Zheng Xiu's forehead, and he didn't even care if his voice would be heard by the people next to him. He suddenly asked Zhuang Lin sharply, "It couldn't have been you…"

"Zheng Xiu!" Zhuang Lin's voice was full of anger. She couldn't maintain her false smile either, shaking off the man's arm, her disgust unhidden in her eyes, "I haven't even questioned you yet, and you're accusing me first?"

"I didn't," Zheng Xiu took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down, "I absolutely didn't tell… Zheng Rui."

"I didn't either, I wouldn't be that stupid." Zhuang Lin also calmed down. She would be insane to tell Zheng Rui about this.

Since neither of them had exposed each other's secrets in front of Zheng Rui, there was only one reason why Zheng Rui knew about this—

Zheng Rui had been secretly investigating them all along!

If he really made this public, could she and Zheng Xiu's agreement to marry be kept secret?

That inheritance—

Zhuang Lin's expression changed abruptly, and she pushed Zheng Xiu, "What are you waiting for? Go up there and get that little bastard down!"

If they didn't get him down quickly, were they going to watch him continue to spout nonsense on stage? She didn't want to be laughed at forever!

While Zheng Rui hadn't said too much yet, they might still be able to brush it off later.

If things really became irreparable, they would be finished!

Zheng Xiu came to his senses and hurriedly stood up, ready to go on stage.

Ye Leyao, who had ears everywhere, was always paying attention to Zhuang Lin and Zheng Xiu's reactions behind him.

Seeing Zheng Xiu finally stand up, Ye Leyao couldn't help but shake his head:

"Pity, it's too late."

Sure enough, the moment Ye Leyao's words fell, Zheng Rui on the stage smiled slightly, "I know the names I chose may be incomprehensible to everyone, and even seem strange. Let's think about this: why did my cousin insist on giving my mother such a precious pair of bracelets?"

Zhuang Lin could no longer maintain her previous gentleness and dignity, standing up directly and shouting, "Zheng Rui! Shut up—"

Zheng Rui on the stage didn't stop at all, and the smile on the corner of his mouth even deepened. He looked at the audience below with a smile, as if talking about something extremely interesting, "The answer is simple, of course, because these bracelets are the token of love between my mother and my cousin!"

There was a moment of silence in the auction hall, followed by a burst of discussion.

"What? Did I hear that right?"

"A token of love with Zheng Rui's cousin… does that mean Zhuang Lin cheated?"

"And the names of the other items are like that too…"

"So this couple plays separately?"

"Yes, that's exactly it!"

The guests' voices were agitated, and Ye Leyao was more excited than they were.

"It seems that Zheng Xiu's cousin didn't come today?"

"A bit of a pity."

"But it's alright, there's a little story behind each auction item! Let's listen to Zheng Rui tell us about them!"

Zheng Rui was here today with the sole purpose of ruining Zhuang Lin and Zheng Xiu's reputations, so he would elaborate on the stories behind the auction items as much as possible, not wanting to miss a single detail!

After finishing the first item, Zheng Rui couldn't wait to introduce the second.

"The Aunt's Watch, as the name suggests, was a birthday gift from my aunt to my father in the second month after they confirmed their relationship..."

Pausing for a moment as if in thought, Zheng Xiu's blood ran cold upon hearing this.

How many years ago was that? How could Zheng Rui remember it so clearly?

Impossible, right?

In the next second, Zheng Rui smiled confidently and said, "I remember, I was probably five years old at the time? They gathered that day to celebrate my birthday, but you know, birthday parties, especially family ones, have many people around. My parents' attention wasn't on me, so while celebrating, my father took my aunt into the room."

Zheng Xiu's face turned green, and he rushed onto the stage as quickly as he could.

Yet, Zheng Rui continued, "They played for a long time inside. I remember they went in around noon and didn't come out until the evening banquet was about to start."

Zheng Rui's tone had a hint of regret. "I wonder what they were playing inside, not telling me a thing. But to play for so long, it must have been an incredibly fun and exciting game, right?"

"Zheng Rui!" Zheng Xiu finally rushed onto the stage, his face flushed red from the embarrassing description.

"Are you crazy? Are you trying to drive me mad?!"

Ye Le Yao was almost laughing uncontrollably.

"Zheng Rui is quite the storyteller, painting such vivid pictures!"

Mr. and Mrs. Huo's mouths curled up high.

Who could disagree?

That was an entire afternoon!

Zheng Xiu couldn't let Zheng Rui continue with his nonsense. He directly moved forward to snatch the microphone from Zheng Rui. "Give me the microphone, get off the stage! Don't let you spout nonsense anymore..."

The audience, who were enjoying the spectacle, now wore faintly annoyed expressions when interrupted, and some even looked worried.

"Can this continue...?"

Though impolite, they really wanted to see how this drama would unfold.

Ye Le Yao was equally anxious:

"Hey, shouldn't someone help Zheng Rui? We can't let him lose the microphone."

"What do we watch then if the microphone is taken away?"

Mrs. Huo glanced at Mr. Huo.

After all, Zheng Xiu was an adult, and in a one-on-one situation, Zheng Rui would definitely be at a disadvantage.

Just as they were both contemplating whether to contact security, two bodyguards suddenly emerged from backstage, restraining Zheng Xiu without hesitation as he tried to grab the microphone from Zheng Rui.

Ye Le Yao instantly felt relieved.

"It seems Zheng Rui prepared well in advance. These bodyguards don't look like the auction's security personnel."

Mr. and Mrs. Huo nodded in agreement.

Indeed, they didn't seem like the auction's bodyguards; they were likely private bodyguards hired by Zheng Rui.

Since Zheng Rui had brought bodyguards in advance, they no longer needed to worry.

The previously restless guests also calmed down, adjusting to more comfortable seating positions.

Onstage, the bodyguards ignored Zheng Xiu's struggles and led him off the stage.

Zheng Xiu continued to struggle. "Let go of me, let go—Zheng Rui, I warn you, if you continue to spout nonsense, I—"

Without even looking at Zheng Xiu, Zheng Rui paid no heed to his threats. Instead, he picked up the microphone and asked with a smile, "Dad, what are you going to do? Wasn't what I said the truth? Or did I get the timing wrong?"

"It's precisely because it's the truth that he panicked, hahaha."

Ye Le Yao laughed heartily.

"Remember this: die-hard fans only break down over real girlfriends!"

Zheng Rui continued, "If I really got the timing wrong, then I apologize to Dad first. If half a day isn't satisfactory, shall I change it to half an hour?"

Zheng Xiu shouted angrily, "You—"

"How about ten minutes?" Zheng Rui asked in a negotiating tone.

"You f**king—"

"Alright, alright," Zheng Rui's tone seemed helpless. "Then let's follow your wishes, Dad. One minute, okay? You and my aunt played a game in the room for one minute, alright?"

"Hahahahahahahaha."

Ye Le Yao was almost laughing herself silly.

"As you said he solved the problem in a minute, isn't that more painful than killing him? Just ask any man if they'd want to be told they only last a minute?!"

Qinyao coughed slightly, somewhat awkwardly.

Indeed.

Zheng Xiu was so infuriated by Zheng Rui's words that he nearly fainted.

Zhuang Lin, watching from below the stage, could no longer contain herself when she saw that Zheng Xiu had not only failed to deal with Zheng Rui but was also being escorted away by bodyguards. Without a second thought, she lifted her dress and started toward the stage, but before she could get close, two other bodyguards blocked her path.

Zhuang Lin's expression twisted momentarily. "Get out of the way!"

The bodyguards remained unmoved.

Zhuang Lin trembled with rage. "You..."

The guests, witnessing this scene, struggled to suppress their grinning lips as they averted their gazes.

Onward, onward! The excitement must continue!

Zheng Rui noticed the commotion below the stage and glanced in Zhuang Lin's direction, as if suddenly enlightened. "It seems my parents are a bit anxious. Perhaps I've been introducing things too slowly? Well, I won't waste everyone's time then. I'll try to keep it brief."

Ye Leyao couldn't hold back any longer and burst into laughter.

"What a top-notch understanding. It's not that they're worried about me being too slow; they're afraid I might be too detailed!"

"But never mind them, we enjoy listening!"

A smile played in Qinyao's eyes.

In his view, Ye Leyao was even more skilled at speaking than Zheng Rui.

Zhuang Lin was almost beside herself with anger, yet the bodyguards prevented her from moving.

Looking around at the other guests...

Zhuang Lin grew even angrier.

They sat in their seats, watching the spectacle, without the slightest intention of helping her!

"The next item up for auction is the third piece. This one doesn't have such a long history; it's the diamond ring my father's childhood sweetheart, Qingmei, gave him upon her return to the country last year. According to Qingmei's wishes, she doesn't mind that my father is already married, nor does she care how many people accompany him. This ring symbolizes their invaluable love."

At this point, Ye Leyao's expression twisted momentarily.

"She doesn't mind how many people accompany him... How can someone say something so explosive..."

"Help, if Zheng Xiu were some top Alpha, I could understand, but he's not even good-looking!"

Qinyao agreed that Zheng Xiu wasn't good-looking, but who could explain to him what an Alpha was?

Mr. and Mrs. Huo looked equally puzzled.

Alpha?

Was that a person?

Was it akin to a universal heartthrob?

The expressions of the guests below were even more intriguing. Zheng Rui's previous statement was packed with information, well worth savoring!

"I remember Zheng Xiu's childhood sweetheart... Wasn't she the daughter of the He family?"

"Yes, it's He Na."

"Has the He family come today?"

Being part of the same circle, everyone knew exactly how many people each household had.

Moreover, once people got caught up in gossip, as long as the fire didn't reach them, they exhibited a fearless spirit. Thinking that the He family was present, they naturally turned to look over.

Ye Leyao thought of the same thing and followed suit, instantly laughing uncontrollably.

"Hahahaha! They really came! And the whole family is here!"

"They're green with envy! Mr. He's face is green! Mrs. He's expression is terrible too!"

The He family never expected that while enjoying some juicy gossip, they would actually become embroiled in it themselves.

Mr. and Mrs. He couldn't bear the humiliation and stood up to leave immediately.

He Na rose to chase after them but was brushed off by her father, and her mother slapped her across the face.

"Don't you remember that you're already married?!" Mrs. He seemed particularly enraged, and her voice was unusually loud, allowing Ye Leyao and her group, who were quite far away, to hear clearly.

He Na was stunned by her mother's slap and stood there for a long moment before gathering her dress and following them.

Ye Leyao stared at He Na for a while, finding her somewhat familiar, both in appearance and name.

"He Na... She seems to be He Shi's older sister?"

Hearing He Shi's name, Mr. and Mrs. Huo were taken aback.

Why did that name sound so familiar?

Then they heard Ye Leyao say:

"He Na continued to entangle herself with Zheng Xiu despite knowing he had a family."

"And He Shi abandoned Su Rui for a woman to return to the He family, leaving Su Rui to find my second brother as a father figure for her unborn child... In the end, to take revenge on my second brother, the He family framed our family... But it was Su Rui who initiated contact with my second brother first, and why should our family's issues involve my second brother?"

"Indeed, eyes under brows, nothing but blinks, no sight at all!"

Ye Leyao's critique was sharp:

"To me, they're truly a nest of snakes and rats."

At the mention of Su Rui, Huo Father and Huo Mother instantly recalled.

So this When Shi was Su Rui's ex-boyfriend, the illegitimate son of the He family?

Huo Father and Huo Mother exchanged a glance, their feelings incredibly complicated.

Their family had nearly fallen apart because of Su Rui! And you, When Shi, dare to cause trouble for our family afterward; we haven't even sought retribution yet!

Huo Mother immediately looked sternly at Huo Father, her meaning clear without words.

Huo Father understood her thoughts. He decided that upon returning, he would inform the eldest to halt all cooperation with the He family! Halt it, stop everything!

Meanwhile, Qin Yao thought that names Ye Leyao remembered were often those involved in some sort of scandal.

Regardless of what kind of scandal, they were certainly not good ones. One must avoid these people when discussing cooperation.

Thus, at this moment, Qin Yao and Huo Father and Huo Mother shared the same idea—cut off cooperation with the He family immediately upon return!

The farce below the stage was watched in full by Zheng Rui on stage, his smile deepening, clearly quite satisfied.

But Zheng Xiu and Zhuang Lin below the stage were already on the brink of emotional collapse, further exacerbated by Zheng Rui's agreement with the organizers not to delay too much.

Thus, Zheng Rui spoke up, drawing everyone's attention back: "Next, I'll introduce the fourth item. I think the name of this item is straightforward enough, needing no further explanation from me. I'll only add that when this college student gave my mother a gift, she was still seeing someone else..."

"Zheng Rui—have you gone mad?!"

"You shut up! Don't let you spout nonsense anymore!"

Zhuang Lin could no longer hold back, ignoring the bodyguards restraining her as she rushed toward the stage like a madwoman.

But before she could take more than a few steps, she was firmly held down by the bodyguards behind her.

Zhuang Lin trembled with rage.

In this moment, she finally understood.

Zheng Rui did this deliberately.

Whether it was his sudden friendliness recently or his proactive offer to speak yesterday,

Zheng Rui had long seen through their vanity, knowing they had been putting on a show outside. That's why he set up this trap, waiting for today when she and Zheng Xiu would step into it willingly.

It's over...

Everything was over!

Zhuang Lin no longer cared about her image and cursed loudly, "Little beast! I shouldn't have given birth to you in the first place!"

Zheng Rui listened to her curses, watched her ugliness, and didn't change his expression once.

He merely lowered his head slightly and said with a smile, "Unfortunately, Mom, it's too late for regrets now. You care too much about face. For the sake of face, you and Dad agreed to marry, and again for the sake of face, you had me through IVF. Weren't all these your own choices?"

"Even today, you agreed to let me speak on stage for the sake of your so-called 'face.' Wasn't that your choice as well?"

Zheng Rui smiled broadly. "People must take responsibility for their choices until the end."

"Very well said!"

If not for the timing, Ye Leyao would have applauded.

After Zheng Rui finished speaking, he didn't bother looking at Zhuang Lin's reaction, continuing, "The last item up for auction is also the most anticipated one today: the pair of crocodile leather bags. This was ordered by my father three days ago for a brother and sister. I'm not quite sure why he wanted to give one gift to two people. Perhaps because he thought it would be more fun for three people to play games together..."

"Hahahaha—"

"God, what kind of game could they possibly play together? Hahahaha—"

Ye Leyao was nearly laughing herself mad.

The audience burst into laughter as well.

"I never expected them to be this kind of couple."

"What a shock."

Zheng Xiu was almost spitting blood from anger.

"Zheng Rui! I'm your father!"

"It doesn't matter."

"How could you truly consider Zheng Rui your child if you abandon him after giving birth?"

"Do you think having a child is that simple, just birthing but not raising?"

"The situation we see now is entirely self-inflicted! There's no sympathy due!"

Huoba, Huoma, and Qin Yao all nodded in agreement.

When you bring a child into the world, you must take full responsibility for everything.

And Zheng Rui wasn't even an adult yet. What outrageous things did this couple do to force a minor to expose their scandal in public?

Zheng Rui must have suffered greatly over the years.

Zheng Rui's presentation on the five auction items had now come to an end.

Yet, Zheng Rui’s PowerPoint presentation was far from over.

Suddenly, the lights in the hall dimmed, and the large screen behind Zheng Rui began to scroll through indisputable evidence of Zheng Xiu and Zhuang Lin's infidelities over the years.

Staring at one scandalous photo after another, the guests were stunned into silence.

"There... There are even these kinds of photos?"

"So this is the final nail in the coffin, then?"

"I never would have guessed that they played such elaborate games as a couple."

"I used to envy their relationship, but it turns out it was all an act!"

A guest who had previously praised Zheng Rui suddenly spoke up, "Indeed, Zheng Rui is truly outstanding!"

But this excellence had nothing to do with Zheng Xiu and Zhuang Lin.

Zheng Xiu and Zhuang Lin were left speechless.

Where on earth did Zheng Rui find these photos? Had he lost his mind?

Zhuang Lin felt her vision blur and her breath quicken, collapsing backward.

"Zhuang Lin has fainted!"

The bodyguards reacted faster than the guests, swiftly lifting Zhuang Lin and rushing her out.

Seeing this, Ye Leyao remarked,

"So Zheng Rui even arranged for an ambulance beforehand?"

"He's prepared to an impressive degree."

As the last photo faded from the screen and the lights in the hall illuminated once more, Zheng Rui stood on the stage, his eyes coldly watching the bodyguards carry Zhuang Lin away. Left alone was Zheng Xiu, held by the bodyguards; he couldn't faint if he wanted to, nor could he escape.

He could only watch helplessly as Zheng Rui slowly descended from the stage, smiling at him with an expression that seemed to ask for praise, "Dad, what did you think of my speech just now?"

"Zheng Rui is truly crushing them both emotionally and physically!"

Ye Leyao laughed even louder.

Zheng Xiu's eyes widened in disbelief as he stared at Zheng Rui. After a moment, he raised a trembling finger, "You, you, little beast—"

Before he could finish his sentence, Zheng Xiu finally closed his eyes, apparently overcome by anger and fainting.

With a dismissive wave of his hand, Zheng Rui signaled the bodyguards to take the unconscious Zheng Xiu away, leaving him feeling somewhat uninterested.

As the two protagonists faint and leave the scene one after another, today's juicy spectacle comes to a temporary end for now.

Why is it only temporary?

Of course, it's because the incident has spread online!

It's important to note that after their marriage, Zhuang Lin and Zheng Xiu took no further interest in the Zheng family business. Following the passing of Old Master Zheng, the disposable wealth left to the couple diminished. In an effort to make money, they started an online account to document their marital life, amassing a considerable following in the process!

Today, there were also numerous media reporters present at the auction, and some were even live-streaming surreptitiously.

Before Zheng Rui could conclude his speech, revelations about Zhuang Lin and Zheng Xiu had already made their way onto the internet.

Netizens, eager for gossip, flocked to the scene, but before they could delve into the details, someone posed a piercing question:

"Yè Yuèyáo! Can you tell me why you're always at the center of these things?!"