Chapter 22: We Are True Love

Lu Jia was originally Zhou Jinsheng's secretary; they grew close while working together daily. Zhou Jinsheng gave Lu Jia many things, but the one thing he could never give her was marriage. Later, blinded by love, Lu Jia defied everyone's objections and gave birth to Zhou Yuheng.

When Zhou Jinsheng's legal wife discovered the affair, she caused a massive scene. At the time, the Zhou family was in the midst of financing and going public, so the elder Mr. Zhou forcibly suppressed the scandal. Zhou Yuheng was internally adopted by the legal wife; in the eyes of outsiders, Zhou Jinsheng and his wife had two sons, while Lu Jia, the biological mother, was relegated to the status of a domestic servant. Seeking revenge, the legal wife kept Lu Jia at the Zhou residence, treating her like a drudge, and that is how she has lived for all these years.

Lu Jia reached out and patted Zhou Yuheng’s hand, saying, "It’s been so many years, why leave now? At the very least, I can see that you’ve grown up well."

"If it weren't for the Zhou family, you probably wouldn't be where you are today."

"Son, trust your mother. Maintaining your marriage with Lin Xilan will surely have its benefits. Your wings aren't strong enough yet, so don't go against them. Once you become powerful, that will be the time to do what you want."

Zhou Yuheng sneered, "You’ve been brainwashing me with this for over a decade. Do you think of me the same way they do—that I’m just a good-for-nothing who can only play with women and engage in extramarital affairs?"

"Is it that you fear I won't survive if I leave the Zhou family, or that I won't be able to provide for you?"

Lu Jia shook her head, tears welling up in her eyes. "No, that's not it. It’s that I’m unwilling to accept this. I’m not reconciled to the fact that they’ve bullied and treated you this way since childhood, only for us to walk away from the Zhou family with nothing."

Zhou Yuheng felt that Lu Jia was being far too obsessed. "What else do you want? If you knew it would come to this, you shouldn't have been with Zhou Jinsheng in the first place."

After saying this, Zhou Yuheng thought of himself, then of Lin Xilan, and of this meaningless marriage. He wanted a divorce even more now, because he did not want to become like Zhou Jinsheng.

Lu Jia held Zhou Yuheng’s hand, pleading earnestly, "Son, don't be foolish. We have suffered so many grievances; we cannot let them go in vain. We must get them back."

Zhou Yuheng finally understood Lu Jia’s mindset. She wasn't truly indifferent to everything; she simply wanted more.

***

Filing for divorce takes time, but Song Qinli could not wait. She felt that Zhou Yuheng was stalling on purpose. Was divorce really that difficult? Because of this, Song Qinli had another fierce argument with Zhou Yuheng. She did not feel she was being unreasonable; she only felt that she was the one bearing all the grievances.

Song Qinli did not expect someone from the Zhou family to reach out to her proactively. The person who came was Zhou Jinsheng’s younger sister, a powerful figure among the Zhou corporation's high-level executives.

Zhou Guanxin poured a cup of tea for Song Qinli. "Miss Song, we’ve met once before. At my father’s birthday banquet, when Zhou Yuheng brought you along."

Song Qinli felt somewhat constrained. "I apologize, but under those circumstances, I was unable to remember."

Zhou Guanxin smiled and patted Song Qinli’s hand. "Silly girl, why are you so nervous? I’m not going to eat you. I just came to have a chat today."

Song Qinli was not stupid; she certainly did not believe Zhou Guanxin’s words. She was impatient and did not understand the art of subtlety. "Ms. Zhou, please just say it. You must have a motive for coming to see me today."

Zhou Guanxin tilted her head, a flash of disdain in her eyes. She thought Song Qinli was a bit dim-witted and not in the same league as Lin Xilan; she couldn't understand how Zhou Yuheng could even take a fancy to such a foolish woman.

"Very well, Miss Song is a straightforward person, so I will be blunt." Zhou Guanxin collected her thoughts and said, "Miss Song, stop waiting. Zhou Yuheng will not divorce, and we won't allow him to. Aren't you afraid of wasting your time?"

Although Song Qinli had just finished arguing with Zhou Yuheng, she was still in love with him, and for her to give up easily was impossible. Song Qinli looked at Zhou Guanxin with hostility. "Are you here as a lobbyist for Lin Xilan?"

Zhou Guanxin sipped her tea. "Naturally. After all, she is the daughter-in-law recognized by the Zhou family, while you—you have no standing, don't you think?"

Song Qinli clenched her hands into fists beneath the table. She wanted to retort but felt powerless. Finally, she could only say, "Ours is true love."

"Ha." Zhou Guanxin laughed. "True love? If it’s true love, why aren't they divorced yet?"

"Because..." Before Song Qinli could finish, Zhou Guanxin cut her off.

"Because of reality. The reality is that Zhou Yuheng is not an ordinary person, and you are not a match for him. Even if it is true love, it is useless. Don't keep true love on your lips. If you don't want to see your reputation ruined, I advise you to be smart."

"Reputation ruined."

These words suddenly hit Song Qinli like a bolt of lightning. It was true—she had only been thinking about love and affection, never considering what would happen if this matter were brought into the light, how she would handle the aftermath, or if she could bear it.

Seeing that Song Qinli remained silent, Zhou Guanxin quietly picked up her teacup and looked out the window, feeling perfectly at peace.