Chapter 8: The Plague God Husband Called

Lin Xilan did not fight back—not because she was afraid, but because if she struck Lin Wei, Jiang Cuiping would suffer the consequences tonight.

Lin Xilan had asked Jiang Cuiping why she wouldn’t get a divorce. Cuiping said she was afraid of losing face, and besides, she had borne Lin Wei a son, so leaving was no longer an option.

“I want to take Xingxing with me.”

Now, Lin Xilan had the means. She didn’t have a fortune, but supporting Lin Xingmian and paying for her education was manageable.

When Lin Wei heard this, he slammed the table. “Don’t even think about it. Who do you think you are?”

To Lin Wei, Lin Xilan’s marriage to Zhou Yuheng was like marrying a cash cow. Because Lin Xilan cared deeply for Lin Xingmian, Lin Wei kept the child close to him to keep Lin Xilan in check.

“I am Zhou Yuheng’s wife.”

This statement carried some weight. Lin Wei was somewhat wary of the Zhou family, which was why he hadn’t truly harmed Lin Xingmian all these years.

Lin Wei settled back into his chair, one leg propped up, picking at his teeth with a toothpick as he spoke.

“Alright then, if you’re Zhou Yuheng’s wife, help me secure the Zhou Corporation’s bid. They’re about to purchase a batch of seasonings, and it’s an open tender. I want to win the contract.”

Lin Wei was also in the food industry, running a small company. He had made some money at first, but competition had intensified over the past two years. His limited abilities and outdated methods made it difficult to earn a profit.

“If you help me get what I want, I’ll consider releasing Lin Xingmian.”

Lin Xilan wasn’t sure if Lin Wei was sincere, but she had no other choice. With Lin Xingmian still in his grasp and Jiang Cuiping being a pushover, even if she took the matter to court, Lin Xilan wouldn’t win custody.

So, for now, her only option was to agree to Lin Wei’s demands.

Lin Xilan looked at Lin Wei and asked, “Are you serious?”

Lin Wei nodded. “Absolutely.”

Clenching her teeth, Lin Xilan agreed. She had to fight for Lin Xingmian’s custody.

“Fine, Lin Wei. But I warn you—if you dare harm Xingxing again, I will destroy you. Don’t forget, I am Zhou Yuheng’s wife. You can test whether I have the power to do this.”

Lin Xilan was much stronger than Lin Xingmian, and as a member of the Zhou family, Lin Wei dared not be too arrogant. He agreed.

“Don’t worry, I won’t. As long as you get me what I want.”

…

On the way back, Lin Xilan drove absentmindedly, pondering how to help Lin Wei win the bid.

During her years at Zhou Corporation, Lin Xilan had learned a great deal. She knew how strict Zhou was about controlling their partners. With Lin Wei’s small workshop, there was no chance of winning a bid—or even submitting a proposal.

She sought advice from Hua Zhan, who suggested targeting Zhou Yuheng himself, since he was currently in charge of the tender.

But given their relationship, Lin Xilan thought the possibility of Zhou Yuheng helping her was nearly zero.

…

Lin Xilan pulled up in front of a barbecue restaurant.

It was only six in the evening, but a long line of university students already stretched outside.

A year ago, Lin Xilan had quietly opened this barbecue joint in the university district. Using her own secret recipe, which was unexpectedly delicious, and leveraging the resources and funds she had acquired as a secretary at Zhou Corporation, she launched the business.

Lin Xilan lacked experience in commerce, so she borrowed Zhou’s business model, adapting it to her small barbecue restaurant, and it unexpectedly flourished.

Yet Lin Xilan was not satisfied—she wanted to make money, lots of it.

She worked at the barbecue place late into the night, only leaving after closing.

Just as she stepped out, her phone rang. It was Zhou Yuheng.

Glancing at the time, she didn’t understand why Zhou Yuheng was calling her so late.

Taking a deep breath, Lin Xilan answered, “Hello, husband. Is something wrong?”