Chapter Eighty-Seven: The Distinguished Guest from the Metropolis

Lu Hongmei whispered to Chen Muxue.

Her face was filled with grief and anger. “I know your grandfather adored you most. You promised him you wouldn’t divorce, but he’s been gone for two years now. You don’t have to keep suffering for a promise…”

“Mom, please stop! First of all, I gave my word to Grandpa, and that won’t change!”

Chen Muxue’s face was cold and resolute, refusing to let her mother continue. Then, a hint of longing appeared on her face. “Besides, I think Su Zheng is quite good.”

Wu Chenghao’s expression darkened further upon hearing this.

Seeing Chen Muxue willing to keep herself tied to such a useless man for the sake of a promise to someone who had passed away, he gritted his teeth in hatred. Suddenly, a sinister idea sprouted in his mind…

After leaving the house, Su Zheng went straight out the back door and didn’t run into Zhang Pingbang, who had left earlier.

Although his father-in-law’s words were harsh, Su Zheng paid them no mind. No matter how Chen Jianguo and his wife treated him, at least they’d given him meals over the past two years. More importantly, Muxue had always been loyal and devoted to him; he didn’t want to put her in an impossible position.

Even after leaving the neighborhood, Zhang Pingbang couldn’t shake his anger. He still resented Su Zheng and, as he walked toward his car, suddenly felt a chill in his nose and something liquid trickling down.

He didn’t pay attention at first, but when he touched it, he found it was a thin, clear mucus. His heart sank as Su Zheng’s words flashed through his mind!

Could he really be sick?

A cold sweat broke out on him. Remembering what Su Zheng had said, he pressed his thumb hard an inch below his navel, just as instructed. Instantly, a sharp, burning pain shot through him, and both legs went numb, losing all feeling. With a thud, he collapsed to the ground.

Damn it! That brat was right!

Zhang Pingbang’s face drained of color, sweat beading on his skin as terror gripped him. He tried to push himself up, but his legs were so numb they wouldn’t cooperate.

A security guard from the gate saw him and hurried over, helping him up with effort. Zhang Pingbang stomped his foot hard, feeling a bit better, though his legs still tingled. Ignoring the numbness, he limped as fast as he could back to the Chen family’s home.

“Dad, please don’t be angry anymore.”

Inside the Chen household, Chen Muxue patted Chen Jianguo’s back, soothing him gently.

“Not be angry?!”

Chen Jianguo’s face was livid, his body tense, teeth clenched in fury.

“Do you know how hard it was for me to get rehired at the company? How much I struggled? Now, all my effort’s been ruined by that useless fool. From now on, this house has room for me, but not for him!”

He knew deep down that Su Zheng wasn’t entirely to blame, but couldn’t fault Wu Chenghao either, so all his anger poured onto Su Zheng.

“Uncle, I’ve already called my friends at the Chamber of Commerce. He’ll talk to your company, see what can be done!”

Wu Chenghao walked in from the balcony after finishing his call, comforting Chen Jianguo. “With someone from the Chamber stepping in, that Mr. Zhang will have to show some respect!”

Chen Jianguo shook his head, his face full of despair, clearly not hopeful.

“Chenghao, you’ve helped us so much. We really don’t know how to thank you!” Lu Hongmei was deeply moved, gratitude shining in her eyes as she looked at Wu Chenghao.

“Auntie, I told you, we’re family. No need to be so formal!”

Wu Chenghao smiled faintly, his gaze lingering greedily on Chen Muxue’s neckline as he swallowed with barely concealed desire.

Bang bang bang!

Suddenly, a rapid knocking sounded at the door, accompanied by anxious shouting. “Old Chen, open up! Old Chen!”

Zhang Pingbang?!

The three inside were startled by the voice, surprised beyond measure. Chen Muxue and the Chen couple instinctively glanced at Wu Chenghao, hardly daring to believe a single phone call could be so effective!

Even Wu Chenghao himself was a bit stunned. This… was too fast! He’d barely hung up for a minute!

“Haha, didn’t expect my friend to be so efficient!”

Wu Chenghao laughed, looking smugly at the Chen couple.

“Chenghao, you really saved me this time!” Chen Jianguo’s spirits soared. He sprang up from the sofa, grinning from ear to ear. “Muxue, quick, open the door!”

Chen Muxue hurried over and opened it without delay.

Zhang Pingbang rushed in, scanning the living room. Spotting Chen Jianguo, he strode forward and grabbed his hand, his face full of guilt and panic. “Old Chen, I lost my temper earlier. Let me apologize. Please don’t take it to heart!”

Chen Jianguo stood frozen, mouth agape, utterly shocked.

He didn’t know how to react. He’d expected Zhang Pingbang to forgive him at best—never to apologize himself! What kind of powerful connection had Chenghao called in?

Unable to contain his astonishment, Chen Jianguo turned to Wu Chenghao, admiration plain in his eyes.

Wu Chenghao was just as perplexed. He hadn’t expected his friend to have such influence. Apparently, Zhang Pingbang’s company truly valued the Chamber’s opinion.

Seeing the scene, Wu Chenghao felt a surge of pride and casually waved at Zhang Pingbang. “Mr. Zhang, that’s the way! Let’s talk things out. Since you realize your mistake, I’ll tell my friend not to trouble your company…”

“What business is it of yours?!”

Before Wu Chenghao could finish, Zhang Pingbang cut him off coldly, shooting him a look of contempt. “I’m talking to Old Chen. What does this have to do with you? Who are you to him, anyway?!”

Because of the incident with the fake painting, Zhang Pingbang already disliked Wu Chenghao. This kid, barely grown, pretending to be so important!

Wu Chenghao’s face turned awkward, utterly embarrassed.

Chen Jianguo quickly explained to Zhang Pingbang:

“It’s like this, Mr. Zhang—the person from the Chamber who called you is Wu’s friend!”

“Chamber? I didn’t get any call from the Chamber!”

Zhang Pingbang frowned, confused. “I haven’t received any call!”

Chen Jianguo was stunned by this, then hurriedly asked,

“Then why did you… come back?”

“Oh, I came to apologize—and to see your son-in-law, not… well, to see your distinguished son-in-law!”

Zhang Pingbang explained, his tone now respectful, glancing around the room in search.

Distinguished… son-in-law?!