Chapter 31: Don’t Touch Her

Li Xinchu’s eyes were brimming with tears, panic written all over her face. The thought of disgrace, of being denounced by everyone—she couldn’t bear to imagine it!

“Huaijing… think of something… I’m begging you…”

“I have no way out!” On Li Jiuwei’s Weibo, she had posted their marriage certificate, the date clearly visible. He and Li Jiuwei were engaged, and in the document, Li Jiuwei accused Jiang Huaijing of cheating first. There was a photo attached, showing him in a clandestine meeting with a woman—only her profile was visible, not very clear.

Trying to find Jiang Huaijing’s lover from a single blurry photo was almost impossible!

Even these scant pieces of evidence were enough to frighten the two. They had no idea how much more proof Li Jiuwei might have; if a full-face photo were released, they would face overwhelming online outrage.

Li Xinchu silently shed tears, her eyes darting quickly as she spoke, “Huaijing, release the proposal video as well. Even if we can’t explain ourselves, we must drag my sister down with us. She can’t expect to stay clean; the blame isn’t all ours, she’s not innocent either.”

To be ruined together was better than being ruined alone!

Jiang Huaijing’s heart stirred—her suggestion was ruthless, but effective.

Jiang Huaijing pressed his lips together. Li Jiuwei, don’t blame me; it’s you who want to destroy us completely.

You are merciless, so don’t expect loyalty from me.

“Xinchu, I won’t let you be hurt. Stay home and rest these next few days. Wait for things to settle down, then come back to me, all right?”

Li Xinchu hesitated, then said, “All right, Huaijing. If my sister insists on canceling the engagement, what about the shares…”

“It doesn’t matter, as long as she isn’t married, there’s hope for us.” Besides, Jiang Huaijing was already talking with other shareholders.

Li Xinchu leaned in and kissed him softly on the lips, murmuring, “My sister is so unreasonable, she cares nothing for the bond we shared growing up!”

“She’s not half as good as you. Don’t mention her again.” Jiang Huaijing’s brows were furrowed with irritation. Noticing this, Li Xinchu was secretly delighted. As always, she gently comforted him, “Huaijing, I only wish for your happiness.”

“You’re still the best.” Jiang Huaijing embraced Li Xinchu, smiling with satisfaction.

The perfect woman was in his arms, yet his thoughts kept wandering to Li Jiuwei.

That restless woman disturbed his peace.

After Li Xinchu left the office, she ran into Yu Ruonan—the troubles of today all stemmed from Yu Ruonan.

Seeing her, Li Xinchu was furious.

Yu Ruonan was already aware of the online scandal. She bowed her head apologetically and sincerely said, “Xinchu, I’m sorry. I truly didn’t know it was you and Huaijing when I released that video…”

“Ruonan, I know you didn’t do it on purpose. We’re good friends; how could you hurt me? It must have been Li Jiuwei setting us up. She’s the one we should blame.”

A fleeting emotion crossed Yu Ruonan’s eyes. She smiled, moved, “Xinchu, you’re so kind. With a friend like you, I’m truly blessed.”

“Sisters don’t need to say these things… Ruonan, I’ll be staying home for a few days to rest. Keep an eye on things at the company for me. If anyone tries to flirt with Huaijing, be sure to let me know.”

Joy surged in Yu Ruonan’s heart. She promised solemnly, “Xinchu, with me there, I’ll keep a close watch for you. I’m still waiting for your wedding feast!”

With those words, Li Xinchu’s expression relaxed. She took Yu Ruonan’s hand affectionately, saying, “One day, I’ll make sure Huaijing gives you a promotion and a raise.”

“Thank you, Xinchu.”

The two exchanged polite pleasantries, each with their own motives. Yu Ruonan felt a ripple of excitement.

Li Xinchu’s absence—what a relief!

Meanwhile, Jiang Huaijing’s video had sparked fierce debate online.

People speculated about the man who proposed to Li Jiuwei—what was his identity?

The drama only grew livelier, and who knew what other scandals might unfold.

Li Jiuwei was in a café, discussing a collaboration. The young man sitting across from her had caught her attention long ago.

He was frequently seen working in the café, but spent his spare time painting. Li Jiuwei had seen his artwork—unique and thoughtful.

Most importantly, he was a patient young man.

“Patient?”

“There was an occasion when a customer complained about slow service. Most people would have panicked, or argued, or even gotten flustered, but you remained calm throughout, patiently guiding the customer’s emotions. I admire that.”

Xu Dong looked at Li Jiuwei in surprise.

That had happened last year, yet she remembered it so clearly.

“So? Are you satisfied with my terms? If you aren’t, you can speak up at any time.”

“No, I’m very satisfied. You’re the most generous and considerate boss I’ve ever met.” Xu Dong meant every word.

Li Jiuwei smiled, “Work hard, and the future will hold endless possibilities.”

“Thank you, boss.”

Ah, he’s already calling her boss—the young man was quick on the uptake.

After signing him on, Li Jiuwei instructed Xu Dong to keep an eye out for talent suitable for her studio, and to recommend them to her whenever possible.

Having finished her business, Li Jiuwei sent Xu Dong off to work.

She leisurely browsed Weibo, and upon seeing Jiang Huaijing's latest move, she sneered.

A desperate struggle, trying to manipulate public opinion to smear her name—if that was what he wanted, she would destroy him in front of all the onlookers.

“Miss Li? What a coincidence.”

Li Jiuwei glanced up, smiling, “Miss Shang, hello.”

Shang Ningning was delighted to see Li Jiuwei again; every time she caught sight of Li Jiuwei’s striking face, she felt it was a pleasure to behold.

“Miss Li, how is the design for my grandmother’s birthday gift coming along?”

“The sample isn’t finished yet, but rest assured, Miss Shang, I promise it will be completed before her birthday, and it will meet all your requirements.” This was the confidence of a jewelry designer.

“I’m looking forward to it,” Shang Ningning said, her eyes sparkling.

—

The online uproar continued.

The first to confront her was Li Jingbai, who stood up for Li Xinchu and Jiang Huaijing, disparaging Li Jiuwei in his remarks.

“You harmed her, but you won’t escape unscathed. Don’t forget, you’re part of the Li family. Our honor is shared; if the internet exposes Xinchu’s identity, two sisters fighting over a man and turning against each other—you think you’ll stay untouched?”

Li Jingbai was furious.

Li Jiuwei watched him quietly, saying nothing. In his agitation, Li Jingbai tried to calm himself.

He was very dissatisfied with Li Jiuwei’s response, but his tone softened, “We’re family. Don’t make things ugly. Let’s each take a step back.”

“In that case—I won’t be part of the Li family!”

“What do you mean by that?” Li Jingbai stared at Li Jiuwei, unable to grasp what she was thinking.

Li Jiuwei’s lips curled slightly, “I mean I’m severing ties with all of you!”

“Don’t talk nonsense! Whether you live or die, you’re a Li. To sever ties—you’re dreaming!” Li Jingbai angrily grabbed her wrist.

Suddenly, a deep voice sounded, tinged with displeasure.

“Don’t touch her.”