What is she doing here?
Subconsciously, she chased after the figure, but the white-clad figure disappeared around the corner because of her momentary lapse in concentration. Thinking she might have been mistaken, Wu Xinyu, clutching her books, headed towards the school cafeteria. Upon entering, she immediately spotted the woman in the flowing white dress again. The closer she got, the more certain Wu Xinyu became that the woman before her was Zhang Mengxin, the woman who had triumphed in her past life and was now with Shao Qibin.
She had investigated some of the events from back then, but her findings were limited to the fact that Zhang Mengxin and Shao Qibin had indeed dated for a while, but then Zhang Mengxin disappeared and went south alone. Li Jianmei, on the other hand, had been with Shao Qibin for a period of time.
When the so-called "most beautiful county magistrate's wife" incident broke out, Wu Xinyu was focused on a project with her mentor, basically avoiding all social media, watching TV, going online, and using her phone. Naturally, she was unaware that Zhang Mengxin was already married. Seeing Zhang Mengxin at the school, she assumed she was studying there too. She even subconsciously wondered if Zhang Mengxin's decision to study in T City was because she was following Shao Qibin.
After casually ordering a few dishes and carrying the plates, Wu Xinyu calmly approached Zhang Mengxin's table: "Excuse me, is this seat taken?"
When Zhang Mengxin heard the voice and looked up to see her target, a slight surprise welled up inside her. Actually, when Shao Qile confidently stated that as long as she appeared before Wu Xinyu, Wu Xinyu would come to her without her having to do anything, a doubt had already crossed her mind. Now that Wu Xinyu was truly standing before her, Zhang Mengxin, knowing roughly what kind of military and political background this woman came from, nodded with a smile, but a bitter smile flickered in her heart.
The women surrounding Shao Qibin are all capable; she must have been completely blinded by reason to believe that man could give her the happiness and stability she desired.
After eating a few bites, Wu Xinyu simply put down her chopsticks. Having lived two lives, she wasn't one for beating around the bush: "Zhang Mengxin, I know you."
Hello, may I ask who you are?
"My name is Wu Xinyu. I know you are Mayor Shao Qibin's first love. Why did you leave Shao Qibin back then? I heard that you left voluntarily, and Shao Qibin searched for you for a long time. Are you back now to get back together with Shao Qibin? But he already has a girlfriend."
Zhang Mengxin felt a mix of amusement and a touch of envy. This girl was genuine, straightforward, and unpretentious, asking questions without hesitation. Such frankness was something only well-protected individuals possessed. However, this girl seemed somewhat oblivious to the situation, and she wasn't about to get involved in Shao Qibin's mess.
"I think there's something you've misunderstood." Zhang Mengxin wiped her mouth with a tissue. It seemed this meal wouldn't be going to go well. Should she be glad she'd specifically chosen a corner seat? Otherwise, if someone overheard Wu Xinyu's words, who knows how much they'd make a big deal out of it.
“You don’t need to explain. If you hadn’t come back for Shao Qibin, why would you have come to T University to study…” Wu Xinyu was about to say something when she was stopped by a hand that suddenly reached out and covered her mouth.
"First of all, I'm not a student at this school. Secondly, I'm married now, and my husband is clearly not a mayor. Finally, I think you're the one who likes Shao Qibin but is hesitant because he has a girlfriend. I can tell you with absolute certainty that I will never have anything to do with Shao Qibin again. For a man who can make vows of eternal love to you one second and then coldly watch you suffer a miscarriage and lose your ability to be a mother the next, I think any woman with a modicum of rationality wouldn't make the same mistake again."
Seeing Wu Xinyu stunned by her own words, Zhang Mengxin suddenly felt a little weary. Actually, if it weren't for Shao Qile's equal exchange, Wu Xinyu wouldn't have seemed so unpleasant. No one likes to have their wounds reopened again and again, even if that wound no longer caused Zhang Mengxin pain. She didn't like to expose her flawed youthful arrogance to the light of day.
"My dear friend, I don't care who you are. Speaking from the perspective of a woman who was once bewitched by Shao Qibin, I'm giving you this advice: if you don't want to be hurt badly, you'd better get out of there as soon as possible. Shao Qibin is indeed a very outstanding man, but his heart is too big, too big to hold too much personal affection. One day, if your existence stands in opposition to his career, you will be the next 'Don't Abandon Me'."
After saying that, Zhang Mengxin didn't care what Wu Xinyu thought or reacted to her words. She simply picked up her bag and prepared to leave. She had come to T University today for two reasons. First, the county school intended to invite a professor from T University to give a lecture, and she wanted to come and scout the location. After all, as the county magistrate's wife, she still had some public recognition. Second, she had another purpose: to see Wu Xinyu.
Now that everything is settled, there's no need for her to stay here any longer.
Seeing Zhang Mengxin about to leave, Wu Xinyu instinctively stopped her. She was still somewhat taken aback by the profound message conveyed in Zhang Mengxin's words. Even though she had chosen to withdraw from the competition with Shao Qibin for various reasons, in her heart, Shao Qibin was still like a snow lotus blooming in a sacred pool, possessing his own unique elegance and pride. But now, the sarcasm and resistance in Zhang Mengxin's words revealed another side of Shao Qibin hidden beneath his brilliant exterior, causing a significant shock to Wu Xinyu.
"Excuse me, is there anything else? If not, I have other things to do." Zhang Mengxin immediately noticed the emotional fluctuations in Wu Xinyu's eyes. The disbelief surging in her eyes was so glaring and striking. Back then, she woke up alone in a strange hotel, her body broken and penniless. The stinging pain in her body silently told her that she had lost her most precious child. Lying there alone, she felt that the whole world had suddenly become narrow and dark. At that time, she really thought about dying.
Compared to her, Wu Xinyu was much luckier. Even Shao Qile, that seemingly unassuming woman, who constantly professed her love for Shao Qibin, still went through so much trouble when facing Wu Xinyu. Wasn't it all to help Wu Xinyu sever her ties? There were countless ways to do it, yet she was still chosen to intervene. The intention to protect her was so obvious.
However, she wasn't envious of anything. She had her husband's love and her little one's adoration. Perhaps when the little one grew a bit older, some resentment might arise because she wasn't his biological mother, but she wouldn't complain. She was living her life, and as it was now, it was already very good.
"I'm sorry, you can go ahead and do your work." Wu Xinyu released Zhang Mengxin somewhat dejectedly. What could she say to this woman in front of her? Every question she asked was like stabbing Zhang Mengxin in the heart.
Fang Hanwei had actually noticed the commotion earlier. After Zhang Mengxin left, he saw Wu Xinyu sitting there blankly, not touching her chopsticks, just staring blankly ahead. Worried, he sat down opposite her. But even after sitting there for quite some time, Wu Xinyu hadn't noticed him.
"Xinyu, what happened? Do you know that county magistrate's wife? Did she give you a hard time?" Fang Hanwei knew Zhang Mengxin, the most beautiful county magistrate's wife, but he always maintained a skeptical attitude towards information online. Seeing Wu Xinyu like this, he naturally felt some dislike for Zhang Mengxin.
"What county magistrate's wife? You mean Zhang Mengxin? She's the county magistrate's wife now?" Wu Xinyu was brought back to her senses by Fang Hanwei's voice, only to hear this news. Thinking of Zhang Mengxin's earlier statement that she was already married, her heart skipped a beat. Perhaps, whether she wanted to admit it or not, the deep hatred Zhang Mengxin had casually revealed for Shao Qibin earlier didn't seem fake.
"Didn't you know? There was a huge uproar online a while back. This Zhang Mengxin is supposedly the wife of the county magistrate of Qingkou County. She became quite famous online for saving a mother and child from being hit by a car. I heard she's the magistrate's second wife. Apparently, this magistrate's wife has a good reputation in Qingkou County. Even as a stepmother, she's known for being very good to the magistrate's children from his previous marriage. However, there are also rumors that this magistrate's wife herself is infertile, which is why she cares so much about children who aren't related to her by blood."
Wu Xinyu's face instantly turned pale. Zhang Mengxin was even younger than her, yet she was already married, and to a man who had been married once before and had a child. This reminded her of Zhang Mengxin's own admission that she had lost her ability to be a mother because she was forced to have an abortion.
Wu Xinyu felt as if something was collapsing inside her. Perhaps she needed to think things through alone.
"Senior, I feel a little dizzy, I'll head back now."
"I send you."
Wu Xinyu's mind was in a mess at that moment, and she didn't know what to say. She nodded haphazardly and left the cafeteria. Her absent-minded appearance aroused Fang Hanwei's pity. He escorted Wu Xinyu to her place like a chivalrous protector before turning to leave.
Author's Note: Alright, soon Wu Xinyu's pairing will be completed. Then it's time to focus on Hong Xinran!
50 thorns in my back
Chapter 49: A Thorn in My Back
"Ding! The reborn female supporting character Wu Xinyu's original faith has collapsed, and her feelings for the mission target Shao Qibin have changed rapidly. Friendly reminder: The host can give it a little push to ensure that Wu Xinyu will not rekindle this feeling, and then this mission level can be completed."
Upon hearing the system's task notification tone, Shao Qile's phone rang at that moment. It was Zhang Mengxin calling her!
After exchanging a few words with Zhang Mengxin, Shao Qile hung up the phone. She thought about it and realized that there was a good opportunity recently to give Wu Xinyu a chance to truly sever her ties with her ex and start a new relationship.
This body's birthday is approaching. She plans to hold her birthday party in T City, and she believes Shao Qibin won't object.
"Lele's birthday should be celebrated properly. Just ask Secretary He for anything you need. Who to invite and where to hold it are all up to Lele." During dinner, Shao Qibin overheard Shao Qile mentioning the birthday banquet. Remembering that Shao Qile's birthday celebration last year was in Beijing, and he hadn't been able to go back due to work, he naturally wanted to make her happy this time.
"Ranran will be coming that day, right? I've been in T City for several days now, and I haven't even seen a trace of her yet." Shao Qile had already learned through his own channels that Hong Xinran was currently filming a wrap-up scene. And he had calculated that Hong Xinran should be able to finish her work and return before her birthday party.
This scene would be quite different if Hong Xinran, the female lead, were not present.
"I'll call your sister Ranran. Don't worry, she'll definitely come back for something as important as your birthday." Shao Qibin was essentially giving Hong Xinran's approval.
"Yeah, you're the best, brother!" Shao Qile smiled broadly, looking very happy. "Ranran, Xiaoyu, and Yueyue will all be there, along with Huali and the rest of the group from Beijing. Don't mind if we're noisy, brother! By the way, Ranran probably knows a lot of celebrities, including some of my classmates and friends who are also fans. If possible, we could ask Ranran to invite some of her friends over. What do you think of this idea, brother?"
"As long as you're happy." Shao Qibin looked at Shao Qile, who was resting her chin on her hand, blinking her bright black eyes and looking at him with a charming expression. He subconsciously raised his hand and patted Shao Qile's head.
Meanwhile, after finishing filming her final scenes, Hong Xinran received a call from Shao Qibin. She then had her assistant prepare a gift for Shao Qile and returned to T City. However, this time, upon arriving in T City, Hong Xinran didn't immediately rush to see her boyfriend. Instead, she went home and carefully groomed herself, only going to give her boyfriend a surprise when she felt refreshed.
Just before leaving, the doorbell rang. When he opened the door, it was Zhang Yue.
"How did you know I was back?" Hong Xinran trusted and was quite familiar with Zhang Yue, her friend.
"I saw your car parked in the garage, so I guessed you should be back soon. What, are you going on a date? Did I come at the wrong time?" Zhang Yue said with a teasing smile.
"What are you saying? I'll welcome you anytime you come. Come on in and have something to drink. How about orange juice?" Hong Xinran went into the kitchen and squeezed some fresh juice, one glass for herself and one for Zhang Yue.