Chapter 45: An Old Lover

Wen Jin did not even know how she managed to leave the Sheng residence.

She only felt an overwhelming sense of oppression.

When Qiao Qiao drove over, Wen Jin was already waiting for her at a café.

The moment she laid eyes on Wen Jin, Qiao Qiao’s eyebrows knitted together tightly.

She asked, “Babe, did those people give you a hard time?”

Wen Jin did not answer. She looked at Qiao Qiao, her lips curling into a bitter smile. “I just feel that Sheng Yang was right; I really am a fool.”

A fool who had been deceived for so many years yet remained utterly clueless.

Just then, a waiter walked over carrying a coffee. The moment he set the cup down, Wen Jin failed to withdraw her hand in time.

It happened to graze against her hand.

Catching her breath sharply, Wen Jin quickly pulled her hand back.

The place where she had been scalded was her ring finger, which bore an old scar.

Wen Jin was not prone to scarring, and the mark had already faded significantly.

Yet it still hurt.

Wen Jin stared blankly at the scar on her finger, lost in thought.

Few people knew that this scar on her hand had been caused by Wen You.

And the reason behind it was Sheng Yang.

Because he had once casually remarked that Wen Jin had pretty hands.

Wen You had seized an opportunity, wanting to ruin them.

Later on, Wen Jin actually told Sheng Yang about this incident.

He had replied with complete indifference, “It’s not a big deal.”

In truth, back then, Wen Jin had merely wanted to keep her distance from Sheng Yang.

Knowing she was unwelcome in this circle, she had tried her best to avoid contact with them.

It was Sheng Yang who, while claiming it was Elder Sheng’s request, repeatedly dragged her out into social settings.

Yet whenever trouble found her, he stood by and watched with folded arms.

Wen Jin pulled her hand back and gathered her wandering thoughts.

Only then did she say to Qiao Qiao, “I’ll be returning to Yangcheng soon. Could you help me arrange one more thing—let me see my father?”

The time for Wen Chaosheng’s release from prison was drawing very near, but Wen Jin simply could not wait.

There were certain matters for which she needed answers immediately.

Qiao Qiao did not think much of it and readily agreed.

A pang of guilt tugged at Wen Jin’s heart; she did not dare tell Qiao Qiao the truth about this matter.

***

Sheng Yang did not stay long at the Sheng residence either before heading straight back to Plum Garden.

Upon his return, he happened to run into the housekeeper coming out with a cardboard box.

Seeing Sheng Yang return, the housekeeper asked, “Mr. Sheng, Miss Wen previously said to throw away these things from the storeroom.”

Sheng Yang paused in his tracks. “The storeroom?”

“Yes, but—”

The housekeeper’s expression turned somewhat awkward. “These were all taken out of your bedroom by Miss Wen. We weren’t sure whether we should throw them away.”

Sheng Yang said, “I believe I’ve made it clear that no one is allowed near my bedroom.”

“Miss Wen said she had your permission.”

The housekeeper answered truthfully. She had indeed thought about stopping Wen You.

However, Wen You claimed Sheng Yang had consented, and besides, she was Sheng Yang’s fiancée.

Seeing Sheng Yang stare at the box without speaking, the housekeeper suddenly grew nervous.

Only then did Sheng Yang speak. “Is Wen You the master of Plum Garden, or am I?”

……Naturally, it was Sheng Yang.

The housekeeper caught his meaning and carried the box back to the storeroom.

Yet she could not help sighing inwardly.

Mr. Sheng and Wen Jin really did have quite a good relationship.

Wen Jin had given him all these items, yet he still couldn’t bear to throw them away.

Watching the housekeeper return the items to the storeroom, Sheng Yang headed upstairs, just as a work-related phone call came in.

Answering the call, he walked back to his own bedroom.

He rarely came back to Plum Garden, but for some reason, he had an overwhelming urge to come here today.

His gaze swept across the room. On the bedside table sat a delicate, miniature figurine.

Its black-and-white body surprisingly complemented the room's interior design.

Wen Jin had given it to him for his twenty-fifth birthday.

Even though it was just a tiny figurine, its price approached five figures.

Yet Sheng Yang had still cared nothing for it, tossing it here the moment he brought it back.

His gaze lingered on it for barely a second before he looked away.

Wen Jin’s eyes shifted away from her phone. Cheng Yao had sent her a message asking how things were being handled.

Wen Jin replied that everything was fine, and he sent no further messages.

Qiao Qiao had already arranged for her to see Wen Chaosheng.

Yet Wen Jin’s mood was still noticeably abnormal.

Qiao Qiao squatted down in front of Wen Jin, cupped her chin, and looked up at her. “What on earth happened? Can you talk to me about it?”

Wen Jin murmured, “I’m just wondering how to transfer my household registration out of the Sheng family.”

For some reason, ever since leaving the Sheng residence, Wen Jin had felt an overwhelming sense of unease.

Qiao Qiao comforted her, “You’re an adult now; you have every right to make your own decisions. You don’t need to worry so much.”

Wen Jin nodded, murmuring softly, “I hope so.”

However, before resolving the issue of her household registration, the most pressing matter Wen Jin needed to deal with was the Wen family.

Wen You came looking for her again the next day.

She must have asked around, as she came directly downstairs to Qiao Qiao’s apartment building to find her.

Wen Jin stopped in front of her, looking at her with a calm expression. “Speak your mind. If this is about Wen Tao, don’t bother.”

Wen You looked at her, lifting her chin slightly. “Sometimes I think you’re smart, but most of the time you’re just an idiot.”

Wen Jin had no time to waste here; she was busy preparing to see Wen Chaosheng.

She retorted, “Did you really think you were someone all that smart in my eyes?”

Wen You’s expression darkened visibly. She blurted out, “Zou Tian already told you. You’re going to go to my uncle’s grave and kowtow three times.”

“Of course, it won’t do you any good to refuse.”

Wen You smiled, the malice in her eyes naked and unmasked. “After all, who made you such a pitiful wretch with neither power nor backing?”

Wen Jin looked at Wen You, meeting the malice in her eyes head-on without the slightest intention of flinching.

The deep, dark currents pooling in her gaze even far surpassed Wen You’s.

Yet Wen You failed to notice.

Just then—

Ning Lang’s teasing voice suddenly rang out. “Did I just accidentally catch Eldest Miss Wen throwing her weight around?”

He approached from the side, carrying a bag of breakfast, and stopped directly in front of Wen Jin, blocking Wen You’s line of sight.

Wen You narrowed her eyes. “Ning Lang, what are you doing here?”

“Can’t you tell?”

Ning Lang rubbed his chin. “I’m pursuing little Wen Jin.”

Wen You’s brow furrowed deeper, but with Ning Lang present, there was nothing more she could say to Wen Jin.

With a cold huff, she simply turned and left.

Watching her car drive into the distance, Ning Lang handed the breakfast he was holding to Wen Jin. “Things at the company have been a bit too hectic these past few days, which is why I haven’t been in touch.

“I heard about Wen Tao’s situation. Do you need me to connect you with a lawyer?”

Wen Jin did not take what he offered, refusing, “I’ve already contacted a lawyer.”

Ever since seeing Qiao Qiao yesterday, Wen Jin had directly scheduled an appointment with legal counsel.

She was going to sue the Wen family for defamation and infringement upon her personal reputation.

Gazing at his own hand, Ning Lang let out a hiss. “Little Wen Jin, are you really that afraid of me?”

Wen Jin did not know how to respond.

Ning Lang sighed helplessly. “Still, I think you should give me a chance. Once you get to know me, you’ll realize—

“I will definitely do a much better job than Sheng Yang.”

***

When Zhao Yimo came to find Sheng Yang, he wore the expression of someone eager to watch a good show.

“The whole mess between the Wen family and Wen Jin has gotten quite lively. Could I get an interview?

“I bet everyone right now is guessing whose side you’re going to take,” he asked with a punchable, grinning face.

“Your fiancée or your old flame—which side do you choose to stand on?”