LWGP - Chapter 35
Chapter 35: Lao Wang Has Arrived
Wang Jiu answered no fewer than five calls in the car, giving the same reply to all of them—I'm on my way to the old lady's funeral.
The Dean didn't call, but sent a voice message directly. "Yeah, right. I sent you a message an hour ago and you fucking said you were on your way. You're still on your way now. Did you come on horseback?"
Diaochan is on her way on horseback.
Not a bad meme.
The old man was keeping up with the times, very trendy.
"The capital's traffic is bad." Usually, when Wang Jiu threw out this reason, the other party was helpless.
Because the capital's traffic really was bad, especially with the recent frequency of accidents, often causing jams that could give you a heart attack.
The Dean was so anxious his hair was about to fall out. Perhaps someone was with him, because he lowered his voice and said, "You still haven't shown up. You have no idea what those people are saying about you. Dammit, this old man has already fought with them twice. If I weren't afraid of disturbing the old lady's heroic spirit, I'd want to roll up my sleeves and start a brawl."
"Hmm? Such a fiery temper. Did you pass the registration?" Wang Jiu's reply was still calm, gentle, and patient.
The Dean was sullen for a moment, then said, "I failed. The second attempt is tomorrow."
The night Wang Jiu returned to the capital, he was dragged into a dungeon. Good grief, it was so scary it almost gave him prostatitis. In the end, he still died.
He was waiting for Wang Jiu to comfort him, and she did indeed offer comfort: "It's fine. Even if you die again, you still have one last time."
Was that even human?
The Dean was sullen again for a moment. "If I fail again, won't I be laughed to death? I know a lot of people who passed on their first try. Even some local friends from our backwater little county passed."
Wang Jiu continued her gentle comfort: "You won't be. Generally, if you still don't pass on the third try, you'll just die in there for good. You won't get a chance to come out and be laughed at."
The Dean hung up with a snap, no longer asking what on earth Wang Jiu was doing that was taking so long.
Wang Jiu glanced at her phone, but her brow furrowed.
Something was wrong with that old man. Becoming a Registered Player was such an important matter; if he failed, he would definitely ask her for advice. After all, the man cherished his life and had always been able to swallow his pride. Even if she shot him down again, he would have gone into detail.
But he didn't ask, and even hung up.
County, local?
Why bring that up for no reason? Li Meng and the others passed because of her.
The Dean knew that already. For him to say it now, deliberately... was someone using him to investigate her background in her hometown?
"If it were a normal investigation by the state to recruit me, their attitude would be more amicable. That old fox has dealt with plenty of political types and would be able to sense it. He would just tell me the facts, not be so secretive, and he wouldn't be afraid to tell me directly through social channels."
"Unless he sensed that the other party had malicious intentions and was afraid he was already being monitored."
Wang Jiu looked at the approaching funeral home ahead and frowned slightly.
So they've traced her back to her hometown. Did they find anything?
She couldn't just sit and wait for death.
The old lady was no ordinary person. She had made significant contributions to the country, and both her husband's family and her own maiden family were not to be underestimated. That was why the funeral was being held at the Dongshan Funeral Home.
Wang Jiu parked the car outside. Just as she got out, her phone rang.
The phone hadn't stopped ringing all day. Wang Jiu glanced at the name associated with the number, hung up directly, and started walking toward the funeral home.
"She didn't answer?"
Nie Ming, with his suit jacket draped over his left arm, tugged at his tie and said to Yan Yanting in front of him, "Is she ignoring your calls on purpose?"
That was very direct. Seeing Yan Yanting's expression darken, Xu Dong, who was beside them, tried to ease the tension. "Sister-in-law is probably just stuck in traffic. She should be here soon. It's time for lunch now, let's eat first. We have a busy afternoon ahead."
The funeral was combined with a meeting; the afternoon was the main event.
Nie Ming suddenly frowned. "They're already divorced. Calling her sister-in-law isn't appropriate anymore, is it? Otherwise, you'll just embarrass this Miss Jian Ling."
Jian Ling's actual rank and nickname had nothing to do with the number three; he was clearly implying she was a "third party"—a mistress. Her face darkened. "Nie Ming, we were classmates. Aren't you going too far?"
Nie Ming raised an eyebrow. "What, a preemptive strike? Waiting for Yanting to back you up? Got your TV drama script ready?"
"You!!" Jian Ling was furious. Xu Dong and the other classmates saw the scene and felt a major headache coming on. They could only hope Yan Yanting would handle it.
Brothers are brothers. Of course, they're not as important as a wife, but they have to be more important than a mistress.
This group of brothers, of course, couldn't stand seeing a young lady like Jian Ling act so despicably.
Speaking of which, Sister-in-law Ah Jiu was truly beyond reproach.
Most of them were rich young masters who relied on their families, with Nie Ming having the best background of all. Each one of them was arrogant. Yan Yanting, however, had built an empire for himself no less impressive than their fathers', earning their respect for his ability. Of course, his skill in choosing a wife was also worthy of respect.
But... men, oh men. Their nature is so damn vile.
They understood, yet they didn't quite understand.
Then, Yan Yanting said something they understood even less at that moment.
"You've misunderstood. Jian Ling and I have never been boyfriend and girlfriend."
Not boyfriend and girlfriend, then what? Friends with benefits?
Fuck!
Bro, when it comes to being a scumbag, you take the cake!
Jian Ling was stunned, then exploded with rage on the spot. "Yan Yanting, what did you say!"
Yan Yanting was expressionless. "Should I make a recording for you as a backup?"
Jian Ling was so angry she almost shook the exquisite makeup off her face, but Nie Ming suddenly let out a whistle.
"Whoa! The prodigal son returns, more precious than gold? Too bad Ah Jiu isn't here."
The way Nie Ming said "Ah Jiu" was so gentle that anyone with ears would feel a little tingle.
Xu Dong turned to look at him, his gaze pointed and rather gloomy—Bro, are you trying to stir up trouble?
"She was your sister-in-law. Speaking of which, when did you start calling her by her name, Nie Ming? That's not how a brother should act."
Hearing Nie Ming's words, Yan Yanting narrowed his eyes and looked at him, speaking coolly.
The atmosphere was not good!
Xu Dong's scalp tingled. Just as he was about to ease the tension, Jian Ling, who was routinely mocked to death by Nie Ming, found an opening and sneered, "I was wondering, Nie Ming. You used to be all 'sister-in-law this, sister-in-law that.' You never missed a chance to include Wang Jiu in any gathering, and you'd find any excuse to send her nice things. The moment Wang Jiu became single, you immediately changed how you address her. Anyone who didn't know better would think you two were secretly…"
She had never understood it. The Jian family and the Nie family had some dealings, and they all belonged to the same circle. Why did these people hold Wang Jiu, who was just lucky enough to be adopted by Professor Lin, in such high regard?
Wasn't she just some country girl from the boondocks?
Especially pitiful?
Jian Ling, who had a strong sense of class hierarchy since childhood, hadn't finished speaking before Yan Yanting's icy stare fell upon her. She was instantly frightened and awkwardly shut her mouth.
Oh, her sense of class hadn't really changed. Wasn't it only after Yan Yanting became successful that she took an interest in him?
And she was hopelessly infatuated.
Nie Ming's face was grim as he sneered, "I act with integrity and have a clear conscience. I won't admit to things I haven't done. Besides, even if I wanted to, Wang Jiu isn't like you, Miss Jian, desperate to cling to a man. And you, Yan Yanting, is Jian Ling your only mistress? Is she really the only one?"
Holy shit!
Xu Dong's scalp was about to explode. He couldn't help but want to remind these people that they were at the entrance and should be mindful of their image. He hated that he didn't have a handful of random teleportation talismans to just scatter and send them all teleporting away from each other.
But before he could speak, he suddenly caught sight of a few people who had parked outside and were now entering. They seemed to be friends and relatives who had arrived together, three men and one woman. Two of their faces looked somewhat familiar.
He was stunned for a moment, and only after a closer look did he recognize them. Then he felt conflicted.
Although it was logical for them to be at this event—after all, their two schools were close, and the old lady was one of the most respected titans of the medical world. From the perspective of saving lives, she deserved respect from every circle. So even if they weren't closely related, various sectors of society would send representatives to offer condolences. It was just a matter of traffic and time that prevented many from coming, but those who happened to be in the capital made an effort to attend.
His brothers had known Wang Jiu for years and had called her sister-in-law for just as long. Their elders also mostly knew Professor Lin Zi, so it wasn't strange for them to come. But it didn't seem strange for the other party to come either!
After all, the Xiao family was related to the old lady's maiden family, the Lin family, by marriage.
But one thing bothered him—people were arriving at different times. He hadn't even run into his own aunt, so why did this group have to run into them at this exact moment!
Jian Ling, with her back to the entrance, was completely unaware of the newcomers. She just pressed urgently, "Nie Ming, make it clear to me! What woman! What other woman does he have!"
Nie Ming slapped away her outstretched hand with disgust. He had also seen the arrivals and smiled maliciously at Yan Yanting. "Oho, the first love has arrived!"
Yan Yanting turned his head to look, slightly lost in thought.
It was her. Why was she back?
"Damn, Ah Li, who's that up ahead? Isn't that Jian Ling? I heard she was pestering some married guy a while back, made a huge ugly scene, and the couple even ended up divorcing. If you ask me, the wife didn't need to do that, really. These days, what old man doesn't have a mistress on the side? Like my deadbeat dad, he has three illegitimate kids out there. If my mom couldn't stomach it, I'd be begging on the streets right now."
"Sis, why are you looking at me like that? I'm not saying I'm going to be like my dad in the future. I mean, for women who are capable on their own, never stick with an old man and build his career from scratch. It's better to find a really timid, weak, and incompetent young guy, play with him, and then dump him. It's better than being... mmmph, Ah Li, what are you doing!"
Xiao Li clamped a hand over Wang Peng's mouth and said awkwardly to his older brother and sister, "This idiot has been especially talkative ever since he got off the plane."
Fortunately, the two of them didn't seem to mind much. Compared to the second-generation heirs of Xiao Li's generation, the two older siblings were the ones the family had high hopes for and had cultivated accordingly. They were much more composed and wouldn't get involved in such gossip, nor would they avoid Yan Yanting.
Businesspeople couldn't care less about such romantic trifles. As long as Yan Yanting's company was strong and his capital was solid, they could smile and exchange pleasantries.
So, the eldest brother, Xiao Jue, calmly led his younger siblings over.
"That's Xiao Jue. I'm telling you, keep your mouth shut and don't say anything stupid!" Xu Dong was afraid Nie Ming would say something inappropriate. Among their generation, Xiao Jue's abilities were second to none, and he had family capital to back him up, making him much more powerful than the current Yan Yanting. It was best not to offend him.
It was a twist of fate, really. Rumor had it that in his early years, Young Master Xiao was even more of a troublemaker than them and was kicked out of the country by his old man to fend for himself. But later, word was that he got burned playing with women abroad and was nearly killed in Switzerland. After that, he turned over a new leaf, made a stunning comeback, and returned to the country a few years later to inherit the family business, becoming the model young master he was today, Young Master Xiao.
Yan Yanting also reined in his confrontational expression toward Nie Ming and began exchanging pleasantries with Xiao Jue.
Well-dressed capitalists, truly without morals. How delightful.
Wang Peng sighed inwardly, but was about to put on a fake expression to greet the other party, but the problem was...
Jian Ling: "It's you? You're his first love?"
This woman was like a lingering ghost; she never knew how to read the room!
Xiao Jue narrowed his eyes, and Yan Yanting's face darkened.
Nie Ming smiled.
Oho, the brainless, rich, and beautiful mistress never disappoints!
But Xiao Qing, the one being questioned, was very calm. She only glanced at her, then said to Yan Yanting, "Long time no see."
Yan Yanting's expression was complicated, a faint light in his eyes, but in the end, he just said, "Long time no see."
Although nothing was said explicitly, and Xiao Qing's demeanor was very composed, it was obvious there was something between them.
First love? First love!
Wang Peng and Xiao Li's faces darkened. What the hell?
Let's go, let's go! What kind of messed-up situation is this? Sis absolutely cannot get involved!
But before the two of them could urge her.
Nie Ming: "Xiao Qing, long time no see. I bet you're very interested in how Yanting has been doing all these years."
Jian Ling: "Great, Yan Yanting! You were seeing her behind my back?! Xiao Qing, no wonder you suddenly came back to the country, it was for him! You heard he got divorced and came running right back!"
Fuck, these two shit-stirrers!
Xu Dong was about to die of secondhand embarrassment.
Xiao Qing frowned slightly and glanced at Yan Yanting. After some thought, she didn't speak immediately.
When they broke up and she left all those years ago, she was more or less in the wrong. Even if he had made a huge mistake in his marriage now... the one who had the right to hold him accountable was his wife. In a public setting like this, she was willing to grant him some dignity first and let him explain.
However, she didn't expect that before Yan Yanting could speak, Xu Dong was already pulling at Nie Ming. "Nie Ming, let's go eat first. I'm starving."
This was killing him. If he had known, he wouldn't have come with Yan Yanting. What a mess!
Wang Peng and Xiao Li froze in unison, as if struck by lightning.
Wang Peng asked Nie Ming, "Your name is Nie Ming?"
Xiao Li asked Yan Yanting, "The wife you cheated on, divorced, and forced into a backwater little county—is her name Wang Jiu?"
Yan Yanting: "???"
The group immediately saw the two of them give Yan Yanting and Jian Ling a look that said, "You two cheating dogs, you're so screwed, absolutely screwed."
Daring to cuckold Lao Wang... truly a majestic pair of cheating dogs.
Wang Peng felt like awarding them a silk banner.
Right, today is the old lady's funeral, and she's back in the capital. Doesn't that mean she'll be here today too?
It's over, it's over. Those two are definitely screwed!
Perhaps their telepathic powers were too strong, because Nie Ming's face suddenly lit up with joy. He pushed Wang Peng aside and hurried down the steps.
For no other reason than this: Lao Wang had arrived.
Today was a funeral, so everyone was dressed in black, and Lao Wang was no exception.
The funeral home was grand and historic, the final resting place of many illustrious figures. Its plaza was vast, looking out toward the green hills beyond.
Her arrival was like a bouquet of flowers in a black ink painting, walking slowly from the dividing line between the green-tinged sky and the earth where spirits were buried.
Flowers are fragile, easily broken. Once broken, they appear tragic, evoking pity.
Especially with her face so pale, from a distance she looked like a white magnolia wrapped in the least delicate of blacks.
Then, this great white magnolia was intercepted. The person even reached out to touch her face.
Fuck!
Thank you for the chapter!✨
ReplyDelete