Chapter 116

Chapter 116

Upon learning that He Xuan intended to divorce, Lu Mingzhu was happy for her friend.

Perhaps because she had studied in the UK, Ming Yue had a more open-minded perspective. Or perhaps because she had witnessed her father's philandering ways, which turned her mother into a bitter woman, she wished more than anyone for her mother to divorce and seek happiness elsewhere.

Ming Yue was quite filial, arranging attractive young men to please her mother.

He Xuan was still in her forties, with decades of life ahead of her!

With the times changing, a bright future lay ahead.

Hearing Lu Mingzhu's support for He Xuan's divorce, He Yun said to Lu Mingzhu's father, "If your wife were still alive, Mingzhu would certainly protect her."

"I wouldn't dare imagine it, I wouldn't dare imagine it," Lu Mingzhu's father waved his hand. "Our situation is different from Ming Hui's. Ming Hui is quite capable in business, but as a husband and father, he is completely unfit."

He had warned Ming Hui and advised him on how to properly treat his wife, daughter, and mistresses, but unfortunately, Ming Hui didn't listen.

If he had even a bit of decency, things wouldn't have come to this.

Hearing this, Lu Mingzhu couldn't help but silently criticize him.

In terms of philandering, the two were on par, but Lu's father had a clear mind and handled matters fairly, fully safeguarding the interests of the main family while not neglecting the concubines, thus being portrayed as a good man in contrast to Ming Hui.

People don't fare well in comparison.

Suddenly, Lu Mingzhu curiously asked He Yun, "Uncle He, do I have a godmother?"

She had never seen He Yun's wife, only knew he had many children.

A man as wealthy and powerful as him certainly didn't lack a wife.

He Yun's hand, pouring tea, paused slightly. He shook his head and said, "I married twice. He Xuan's mother died of illness, and the wife I married later died in childbirth, so I never remarried."

Lu Mingzhu regretted asking the question and quickly comforted him, "You have a house full of children and grandchildren now, which is wonderful."

"Yes, and a clever and quick-witted goddaughter. The huadiao wine you sent yesterday was rich and mellow, excellent," He Yun swiftly changed the subject. "It had a unique flavor."

"That was a thirty-year vintage specially purchased locally, even better than the daughter’s wine my parents set aside for me," Lu Mingzhu said.

Huadiao wine is valued for its aging.

The daughter’s wine was just over eighteen years old.

Back then, age wasn't counted by actual years but by the traditional method where one is considered one year old at birth.

Thus, Lu Mingzhu's nineteen years were counted in this traditional manner.

Mrs. Lu had a habit of drinking yellow wine, but Lu's father wasn't fond of it. As he ordered dishes, he also ordered Fenjiu and said to Lu Mingzhu, "If you want to build a wine collection, you can buy some Fenjiu to store."

Lu Mingzhu nodded, "It's a national treasure, worth collecting."

Its status is even higher than that of Maotai.

When she has time to travel to the mainland, she will buy a lot of Xinghuacun wine.

At present, the four famous domestic wines are Fenjiu, Maotai, Xifengjiu, and Luzhou Laojiao, each with its own unique flavor. In the future, Wuliangye, Dongjiu, Gujing Gongjiu, and Quanxing Daqu will be added.

After discussing various famous wines for a while, He Yun suddenly said, "The issue concerning Chen Nanshan has been resolved."

Lu Mingzhu's face brightened with joy, "Really?"

Father Lu then asked, "What happened? Yesterday, I was so preoccupied with your brother's health that I forgot to ask you."

Lu Mingzhu thought for a moment and then told him about Wang Bohui being pressured into taking a second wife, "Because Chen Nanshan's backer is Nie Congyun, a partner of my godfather, I asked my godfather for help. I didn't expect it to be resolved this quickly."

"I said, as long as we know Chen Nanshan is a traitor, we don't need to do anything." Everything went as He Yun had predicted: "Nie Congyun took action and uncovered the truth. Chen Nanshan's so-called sister was actually a spy trained from childhood, aiming to infiltrate Shanghai by posing as Wang Bohui's second wife. She has been dealt with, and a long list of names has been uncovered, all in the mainland, and handed over to the mainland government for handling."

They won't get involved anymore.

Lu Mingzhu felt a secret relief, "I'll tell Brother Bohui and his wife when I get home."

Thank goodness, Wang Bohui didn't turn out like his father.

After dinner, it was already late in the evening.

When they went out, they saw Ming Hui, Ming Yao, and her mother again, but they didn't notice He Yun and Lu Mingzhu.

Perhaps because he had few children, Ming Hui treated Ming Yao very well, listening to her childish chatter and laughing heartily, walking out like a family of three, completely unaware that He Xuan was planning to divorce him.

Lu Mingzhu didn't feel sorry for him at all; in fact, she was looking forward to it.

Not only that, but Lu Mingzhu also hoped that He Xuan would make him pay during the divorce.

After all, he had built his fortune through his wife but then betrayed her!

Since Lu Mingzhu was heading the same way, He Yun offered to take her home, saving Father Lu the trouble of taking her home and then returning to Happy Valley.

Actually, Lu Mingzhu had two bodyguards with her and had driven herself, but she didn't turn down He Yun's kindness. She got out of the car at the gate and asked before leaving, "Would you like to come in for a cup of tea, Godfather?"

He Yun waved his hand, "I won't come in; you should rest early."

Lu Mingzhu dutifully said goodnight.

Once inside, she found Lu Changsheng sitting on the sofa waiting for her.

"Brother, why aren't you resting at this late hour?" Lu Mingzhu said as she casually placed her jewelry box and handbag on the sofa and sat down, leaning against the soft backrest.

It had been a busy day, and she was feeling a bit tired.

But it wasn't all in vain.

Thinking of the unopened jewelry box, Lu Mingzhu couldn't help but smile.

Lu Changsheng smiled at her too, "I'm moving out tomorrow; just wanted to let you know."

Lu Mingzhu was delighted, "I heard you used dozens of bodyguards today?"

Lu Changsheng understood, "You went to see Dad? Did he tell you?"

"Who else? I can't believe you did that, Second Aunt must be furious." Lu Mingzhu found it increasingly amusing, "After all those years of filial piety to the old lady, it all came to nothing in the end."

Lu Changsheng chuckled, "Do you feel sorry for them?"

"Not at all, I'm not that foolish." Lu Mingzhu rolled her eyes at him and continued, "I'm actually gloating."

Lu Changsheng nodded.

Suddenly, he asked, "Why doesn't the old lady like you? You're so beautiful and clever."

"It's all about favoring boys over girls!" Lu Mingzhu thought.

Lu Changsheng disagreed.

Since his sister didn't know, he decided to ask their father another day. He was sure he'd get the answer he wanted.

Who wouldn't like his sister!

Lu Mingzhu also asked him, "You're living with the old lady, but you're not bringing your kids along? They're your responsibility. You shouldn't always leave them for Dad to take care of."

At the thought of Lu Pingan, Lu Changsheng winced.

"I ran into him at the Land Registry today when we were handling the house transfer procedures. He didn't even acknowledge me, just said hi to the old lady," Lu Changsheng said.

Lu Mingzhu mocked, "The old lady gave him jewelry and antiques. What have you ever given him?"

He hasn't even called you Dad yet!

Lu Changsheng sighed, "I'm taking it slow, not expecting his forgiveness. My first step is to bring Ningning to live with me."

Lu Mingzhu nodded, "That's considerate of you."

Lu Changsheng stretched, "Alright, I'm going back to my room. You should rest early too."

"Good night," Lu Mingzhu said, waving him off.

After Lu Changsheng left the living room, Lu Mingzhu called the Wang family. Upon hearing Mrs. Wang's voice, she said, "Godmother, is sister-in-law around? I need to speak with her."

"She's here," Mrs. Wang said, calling for Liao Wanru.

Liao Wanru realized the task she'd entrusted to Lu Mingzhu was progressing and hurried over to pick up the receiver. "Hello, Mingzhu? Is there news from Macau?"

"Yes, it's all sorted out," Lu Mingzhu explained. "Brother hasn't done you wrong."

Liao Wanru's heart, which had been in suspense, finally settled.

Relieved, with tears welling up, she said hoarsely, "Mingzhu, thank you. You've really gone out of your way."

Lu Mingzhu chuckled, "Sister-in-law, no need to thank me. This time, it's brother who deserves the credit. He uncovered a major traitor who had been aiding and abetting, along with a whole network of spies. Now that they're dealt with, it saves us a lot of future headaches, doesn't it?"

Liao Wanru nodded gently, remembering that Lu Mingzhu couldn't see, and quickly added, "Still, I must thank you. Let me know when you're free to come over. We'll have the tailor take your measurements for some new clothes."

Lu Mingzhu thought for a moment, "I'll come by in a few days!"

"Don't forget," Liao Wanru said before hanging up and rushing off to share the good news with Wang Bohui.

As for the couple, they were overjoyed to the point of tears. Lu Mingzhu returned to her bedroom, showered, and then gleefully opened the jewelry box, quietly admiring her father's lavish gift.

The quality was far superior to the jewelry Lu Zhangling had mortgaged, and there was a generous amount—four complete sets.

Two sets were pigeon blood red, and two were emerald.

Among them, Lu Mingzhu especially loved a pair of ruby earrings. She wore them the next day while shopping with He Xuan, perfectly matching the ruby ring Xie Junyao had given her.

Both were pigeon blood red, their colors perfectly in sync.

The blood-red was gorgeous, very beautiful.

When they met, He Xuan admired the earrings and then mentioned, "Ah Gui mentioned he saw you yesterday, so I thought I'd invite you to dinner."

Ah Gui is the bodyguard arranged for her by Ming Yue.

A devoted young man.

Now he accompanies He Xuan, carrying her bags and constantly showing care and concern, being very considerate and attentive.

And He Xuan looks much younger.

She looks younger than she did a few months ago when Lu Mingzhu last saw her, with moist and plump skin, bright and spirited eyes, resembling someone in her thirties, still charming.

Lu Mingzhu exclaimed, "Sister Xuan, what kind of elixir have you taken? You look so well-nourished."

He Xuan touched her face and smiled, "Same as before, I drink soup with every meal and regularly have bird's nest and fish maw. Maybe it's because I've let go of my worries, feeling more relaxed, and naturally, I've become younger."

She looks in the mirror every day; how could she not notice the changes in herself.

"Since you look younger, you should wear more beautiful clothes." Lu Mingzhu suggested she go to Wan Gu Department Store to buy some stylish clothes.

He Xuan didn't object.

She likes the style of Chanel, and when she and Lu Mingzhu went to the counter, they found Ming Hui accompanying Ming Yao's mother picking lipstick, Ming Yao wearing a very delicate sweater, looking innocent.

In broad daylight, they didn't even try to hide anything.

Lu Mingzhu looked at He Xuan with concern, but He Xuan's expression remained indifferent. She turned to Ah Gui and said, "Let's go, accompany me to pick clothes and choose perfume."

She had no intention of avoiding them.

"Okay." Ah Gui carried the bag in one hand and supported He Xuan with the other.

Ming Hui heard a familiar voice and felt a sense of foreboding. When he looked up, he saw He Xuan sitting there, being attended to by the shop assistant, spraying a bit of perfume on her wrist and extending it to a strikingly handsome young man beside her, "How does it smell?"

The young man lowered his head to smell it, "It smells good, very suitable for you."