Chapter 28: Can You Divorce Lian’er?

A clear and crisp male voice interrupted.

Ning Qing's head jerked up, and Nian Che had already walked over to them.

He stood with his hands behind his back, leaning on the table, and his tall nose twitched.

"I said this morning, when I heard you were making bird's nest soup, it was because your sister-in-law was coming," Nian Che teased Ning Qing, then turned to his mother and said, "Mom, if you wanted to see your daughter-in-law, you should have said so. I could have brought her over last night for you to see."

"Che'er, don't talk nonsense," Mother Nian  said, looking back at him. "Che'er is young and impulsive, unlike his brother. He doesn't know how to weigh his words. Don't take offense."

Ning Qing wondered if it was just her imagination, but the woman who had seemed approachable earlier now seemed much more hard-nosed.

Ning Qing's warm heart suddenly cooled.

Meanwhile, Nian Che muttered with a pout, "That's what I said. Why did it have to be so complicated..."

"Nian Che," Nian Mother called his name and surname again.

Nian Che looked over, displeased, and her gentle features became serious.

"I need to talk to Qing Qing about something. Go back to your room first."

"..."

Before anyone could react, the warm atmosphere suddenly turned chilly.

Nian Che didn't move, and Mother Nian ordered the butler, Lao Lu, who was standing to the side, "Lao Lu, escort Second Young Master back to his room."

Ning Qing held the porcelain bowl and gazed at Nian Che.

He felt helpless and glanced at her with concern before he was forced to leave.

Ning Qing pursed her lips, and the fragrance in her mouth suddenly lost its flavor.

At this moment, Mother Nian turned around and smiled calmly. "Qing Qing, I asked you to come today because I want to talk to you about something."

Ning Qing put down her bowl, her eyes bright, but calm.

"What would you like to talk about?"

"Can you divorce Lian'er?"

The spacious garden suddenly fell silent.

Even the air seemed to freeze for a few seconds.

The mother of the Nian Lian still smiled gently, her tone hiding her strength.

''It's like this. I know that you didn't marry Lan'er out of your own will, and you don't have any feelings for him. Lian'er is solitary and doesn't fit in, and it's really unfair for a gentle girl like you to be with him.''

'...'

''Now that you're both still young, there are still more choices after divorce. You can find someone you truly like and be happy for the rest of your life.''

The woman who had just been willing to agree with her was now silent.

Mother Nian reached out her hand. ''Qing Qing, do you think Auntie is right?''

She wanted to take Ning Qing's hand, which was placed on the table, but Ning Qing suddenly withdrew it.

Because the movement was too abrupt, she knocked over the bowl of bird's nest.

The blue porcelain bowl rolled off the table and fell to the ground, and the sound of it shattering was particularly abrupt.

Mother Nian's face didn't look good. ''Qing Qing, you...''

''She doesn't want to.''

Mother Nian was stunned.

Ning Qing didn't know when he arrived, his face full of frost, and he was standing in front of the two.

Ning Qing tightened the hand on her leg.

The next second, her hand was caught by someone.

Surprised, she looked up and saw Nian Lian's face close to hers. His thick and long eyelashes covered his eyes, and his mood was clearly not happy.

Nian Lian pulled her up, and Mother Nian quickly stood up. ''Lian'er, what are you doing?''

'...'

Nian Lian's obscure gaze fell on her, and even Ning Qing knew that his mood was far from pleasant.

Mother Nian maintained her smile. ''Mom knows that there are some things you can't talk about, so I specially brought Qing Qing here today. If you can't say it, Mom will say it for you.''

The several veins on his hand suddenly tightened, and Ning Qing saw a thin layer of ice on his handsome face, and his restrained anger was evident from his tight jaw.

''When did it become someone else's decision about me and her?''

(End of chapter)

 Chapter 27: You are Qing Qing, so beautiful

Nian Lian's parents wanted her to go to the old house?

Ning Qing didn't understand their intention, but when she realized it, she was already in the car heading to the old house.

All the way, Ning Qing's heart was uneasy.

When she arrived at the Nian family's old house and saw the traditional courtyard with its antique charm and smelled the fragrance of agarwood in the air, her nerves tightened like a bowstring.

The butler Lu led her through the courtyard for a long time, and after a while, they arrived at a pavilion.

From a distance, Ning Qing saw the figure of the person sitting at the table.

Lu stopped in his tracks and respectfully said, "Madam, Miss Ning has arrived."

"..."

Ning Qing didn't speak, and Lu reached out and led her up the steps.

Ning Qing approached, staring closely at the slender figure of the woman.

She wore a black ankle-length cheongsam, with a waist like a weak willow in the wind. Her shiny black hair was pulled into a bun behind her head, and a high-quality jade hairpin was inserted into her hair. Her posture was delicate and dignified.

Coincidentally, the woman turned her head, with fine eyebrows and curved eyes, and her well-maintained face gave no indication of her age.

Ning Qing was stunned, this was clearly the appearance of a woman in her twenties or under thirty.

When Nian's mother saw her, her eyes lit up and she came over and took Ning Qing's hand. "Ah, you are Qing Qing? My son has good taste, you are really beautiful."

"..."

"Come, sit down."

She smiled, pulling the stiff Ning Qing to sit down, and then turned to Lu and said, "Old Lu, have the kitchen send over the stewed bird's nest to help Qing Qing replenish her body."

Lu bowed his head and said, "Yes."

Then he stepped back.

Nian Lian's mother smiled uncontrollably, but even when she smiled like this, she was still elegant and dignified.

Time does not defeat beauty.

She saw it in Nian Lian's mother.

Ning Qing remained silent, and Nian's mother asked gently, "Why aren't you speaking? Did I scare you?"

Ning Qing looked at the hand she was holding in hers and shook her head. "No."

"Okay."

Nian Lian's mother face was gentle as she looked up and down at Ning Qing. Her thin and long eyebrows lightly furrowed.

"You're too skinny. How can your body be healthy if you're so thin?"

This sudden concern caught Ning Qing off guard, and she felt a bit awkward.

Since she woke up, she had an extreme aversion to others touching her for some reason.

At this moment, Mother Nian held her hand like this, and she clearly didn't want to, but she had no reason to pull her hand back.

Because she felt a bit of motherly warmth and affection from her.

"When the bird's nest comes later, you have to eat more. And when you go back, take the rest with you and take good care of your body, you know?"

Ning Qing obediently nodded, "Okay."

Mother Nian smiled and patted her hand, "You went to the banquet last night, right? Hey, it's all because of Lian'er's father. He suddenly felt unwell, so we came back early and didn't see you. What a pity."

Ning Qing smiled, "It's okay. How is he now? Is he feeling better?"

Mother Nian's smile remained unchanged, her gentle and beautiful gaze fixed on her, looking very sincere.

"Don't worry, your uncle is already fine. He went to the company this morning."

This title made Ning Qing's heart skip a beat.

Looking back at Mother Nian, the warm and beautiful face maintained the initial smile, as if she had not noticed that she had misspoken.

Ning Qing shook off the unnecessary thoughts and lowered her head, "That's good."

Between the two of them, there was a brief silence.

Just as the bird's nest arrived, Mother Nian released Ning Qing's hand and handed her the porcelain bowl, "Qing Qing, try it."

Ning Qing took it and, under her gentle gaze, pinched the spoon and took a sip. It was slightly sweet and melted in her mouth.

Mother Nian smiled and asked, "How is it?"

"It's very delicious."

"If you like it, that's good."

"Oh, let me see who these two beautiful women are?"

(End of this chapter)

 Chapter 26: Miss Ning, Madam Invites You to the Old Mansion

Outside the hotel, Nian Che was driving, looking for Ning Qing's figure along the way.

Luckily, he didn't have to drive far before he spotted her.

He parked his car on the side of the road and rushed over.

"Sister-in-law!"

Ning Qing was lost in thought when she suddenly felt a tap on her shoulder, nearly causing her to fall. Nian Che quickly grabbed her wrist and smiled, "Sister-in-law, you scared me... what's wrong?"

Ning Qing's face remained cold. In the dim light of the streetlamp, her exquisite features were vivid and her red lips tightly pursed, making her alluring and bewitching.

"Stop following me," she said, shaking off his hand.

Nian Che paused for a second. "My brother asked me to come pick you up..."

"Don't mention him to me!" Ning Qing yelled, causing the surroundings to become even quieter.

Her chest heaved, breathing heavily. Her emotions were in disarray like a tangled mess.

Nian Che stood in front of her, not saying a word.

After a while, the anger and trembling in her chest subsided. Ning Qing took a deep breath and looked up at him.

"Sorry, I'm not in a good mood."

"It's okay," Nian Che said with a gentle tone and a relaxed smile.

"Have you finished being angry? If you have, let me take you home. It's dangerous for a girl to be out alone at night," he said, surprising Ning Qing.

As the second young master of the Nian family, he should have some temper. However, not only was he not angry at her, but he was also considerate of her.

Ning Qing blinked and apologized, "Okay."

"Let's go then."

Nian Che turned and headed towards his car, and after hesitating for a moment, Ning Qing followed him.

After they got in the car, the two of them didn't speak again.

The shadows of the streetlamps flickered by, one after another, and the car was so quiet it was unnerving.

Leaning against the car door, Ning Qing's gaze was cast down with her thoughts fluctuating. Before long, the car stopped.

Nian Che's gaze, reflected in the rearview mirror, saw her absent-minded look.

Ning Qing's profile was stunning, her expression hazy yet fragile.

He hesitated to speak, "Sister-in-law."

Ning Qing startled, her eyes shimmering like a frightened deer in the woods, untainted by the mundane world and dust.

He couldn't find any words of comfort to say.

He only said, "We're here."

Ning Qing murmured in response and got out of the car.

As she closed the door, Nian Che lowered the window and leaned out.

Ning Qing said seriously, "Nian Che, thank you."

He tilted his head, a smile in his eyes, "You're my sister-in-law, you don't have to thank me for this little matter."

"..."

"You go inside, I have to go back and report."

Ning Qing nodded.

Watching the woman enter the estate and disappear from view, Nian Che sighed softly, started the car, and left Yun Jing No.1.

Ning Qing returned to her room, exhausted. Without much thought, she washed up and went to bed.

All night long, she didn't hear the sound of the car engine turning off downstairs.

---

The next morning, when Ning Qing went downstairs and glanced at Nian Lian's room, the door was tightly closed.

Sure enough, he didn't come back last night.

Without much expression, she went to the kitchen, made a simple breakfast, and just finished eating when she heard the sound of a car outside.

Ning Qing took a tissue and wiped her mouth and hands clean, but the person who came in was not who she had expected.

A man in his forties walked in, seeing Ning Qing at the table, and nodded slightly, "Miss Ning."

Ning Qing looked him up and down, a suit and tie, a straight figure, obviously well-trained.

She narrowed her eyes and asked, "Who are you?"

The man's expression was serious, "I'm from the old mansion, you can call me Uncle Lu."

Ning Qing stood up, her thoughts turning a thousand times, and asked the man about his purpose, "Uncle Lu, what brings you here to find me?"

The housekeeper Lu's tone remained unchanged, "Madam requests your presence at the old mansion."

(End of this chapter)

 Chapter 25: Don't get angry, I'll teach them a lesson for you

"Brother Lian!"

Nian Che turned his head with joy and shouted, "Brother, you're here."

Only then did Ning Qing confirm that the person holding her from behind was indeed Nian Lian.

Facing these two people, he just responded with an "en", then lowered his head and buried his face on Ning Qing's side, his dark eyes brewing tenderness.

"Why the long face? Are you unhappy?"

To Ning Qing, this voice sounded like a call from hell, making her shudder.

She didn't answer, and Nian Lian didn't get angry either. He lifted his gaze and glanced at Su Yino and Nian Che, then asked in a low voice, "Did they make you angry?"

"..."

"Be good, don't be angry. I'll teach them a lesson for you."

Ignoring the woman's stiffness in his arms, Nian Lian straightened his upper body, still holding her slender waist with his hands. But his tenderness had vanished, and his face was cold and aggressive.

As his temperatureless gaze swept over, Nian Che raised both hands in surrender. "Brother, I...I didn't do anything. It's all her fault. She wanted to bully sister-in-law!"

Nian Che pointed his finger at Su Yinuo.

That icy gaze shifted to himself.

Su Yinuo's face turned white all of a sudden. "Brother Lian, I didn't..."

"Of course you did! Don't think I didn't see it. When I came over just now, three women talked to my sister-in-law. They were obviously with you."

Su Yinuo's face turned even paler, and she opened her mouth to defend herself. "I didn't do it, Nian Che, you're talking nonsense!"

She turned to Nian Lian, her tender face wrinkled in grievance. "Brother Lian, it really wasn't me. Please believe me."

"..."

Nian Lian's thin lips tightened. Even without saying a word, his aura as a ruler was chilling enough to give everyone present goosebumps.

His eyebrows were tinged with a hint of coldness, and his voice was extremely low.

His hands tightened around her, and she was trapped in his embrace. He asked her, "What do you want to do with them?"

Ning Qing clenched her hands at her sides.

He was giving her the choice, as if he loved her so deeply and doted on her so much.

Ning Qing thought to herself, thankfully it was her. Otherwise, which woman could resist such seductive words?

Nian Che exclaimed, "Stop showing off, stop showing off. Even dogs have gone extinct!"

With a cry, Nian Che covered his face and exclaimed, "Stop it, stop it, all the dogs are dead!"

Watching the intimacy between the two, Su Yinuo's lips trembled.

The girl in his arms was still obedient, and on Nian Lian's cold face, there was a rare hint of a smile.

"Whatever you want," she said.

Suddenly, the woman broke free from his embrace.

She fell to the ground.

Ning Qing hung her head, her face pale, and said, "I don't feel well. I'll go back first."

Turning around, she picked up her skirt and ran out as if she was escaping.

Nian Che cried out a few times, unable to stop her, and turned to look at the man beside him, "Brother, sister-in-law..."

His words were cut off.

Because he noticed the turbulent undercurrents in Nian Lian's eyes.

After a long time, the coldness dissipated from the man's body, returning to his original calm demeanor.

"Nian Che."

Nian Che glanced at him, and Nian Leng slowly said, "Go and send your sister-in-law home."

Nian Che felt relieved, nodding his head. Finally, he looked seriously at Su Yinuo before chasing after Ning Qing.

In this corner, only Nian Lian and Su Yinuo were left.

Su Yinuo's lips trembled as she looked at him, and when her gaze met Nian Lian's, she lowered her head.

"Yinuo."

Her body suddenly shook, and she looked up, forcing a smile, "Brother Lian, I didn't do that kind of thing. You believe me, don't you?"

Nian Lian took long strides and came before her.

He lowered his head and leaned in close.

Su Yinuo's heart pounded rapidly, her eyes blurred, "Brother Lian..."

The man's eyes were deep and dark, calm as if looking into a night sky with no end or like the bottomless depths of the ocean.

There was not a hint of light in his eyes.

"You're not suited to lying," he said.

Su Yinuo suddenly snapped out of it, stuttering as tears filled her eyes.

"Don't do those meaningless things again."

He passed by her without stopping for a moment.

(End of this chapter)

 Chapter 24: She's Just Wasting brother Lian Feelings!

The three turned around and walked away.

Nian Che caught up to her and said, "Little sister-in-law, I finally found you!"

Ning Qing tightened her grip on the wine glass and looked at him without saying a word.

Nian Che lowered himself to look at her beautiful face and there was a hint of worry in his astonishment.

"Little sister-in-law, why is your face so pale? Are you feeling unwell?"

Ning Qing avoided him and put down the wine glass. "It's nothing."

"Don't be polite with me. We're family."

Nian Che's heroic eyebrows were tightly furrowed, and his concern was evident.

"If you really have any problems, just tell me. Otherwise, if my brother finds out, he'll think it's because I didn't take care of you."

Ning Qing knew what Nian Lian's attitude towards her was. Almost everyone around him knew it. Did this Nian Che really not know or was he pretending not to know?

She looked at him for a long time, and there was no trace of disguise on his face except seriousness.

She lowered her eyes, her face showing little expression. "I'm really fine."

"Sister-in-law, you..."

"She have said that I'm fine. Don't stick your hot face to someone else's cold butt."

Su Yino, dressed in a pink dress, jumped out of nowhere and sarcastically mocked her.

Nian Che saw Su Yino and felt uncomfortable.

He had disliked this woman since he was a child. She always followed his brother around, clamoring to marry him.

If he hadn't gone abroad, he would have been nauseated by her wailing for another couple of years and his heart disease would have been triggered.

Nian Che was very disdainful of her.

"I care about my sister-in-law. What does it have to do with you? Go away."

Su Yino was choked by him and said unhappily, "The venue is so big, I'll be wherever I want to be."

"Then please bury yourself in a corner so you don't disgust people."

Su Yino was furious. "Nian Che, can't you be a gentleman and not always go against me?"

"A gentleman is polite to people, but you are not."

Su Yino gritted her teeth in hatred.

In their arguments, she had never beaten him since childhood.

Her angry gaze shifted from his handsome face to Ning Qing.

She sneered coldly and sarcastically: "Sister is really amazing, even able to hide behind people like that."

Ning Qing remained composed, her crimson lips moved slightly, but Nian Che's figure blocked her view.

She froze.

The man's not-so-broad shoulders were in front of her.

Nian Che raised his chin, revealing a hint of pride and disdain in his eyes. "Su Yinuo, if you're jealous, then be jealous. Don't bring it up with my sister-in-law."

The woman widened her eyes as if she had heard something absurd.

"Me... jealous of her?"

She pointed at Ning Qing, feeling amused.

"What is there for me to be jealous of her for?"

Nian Che spoke with a hint of pride, "She's my sister-in-law!"

Su Yinuo sneered, "Is she really worthy of being with brother Lian?"

"If she's not worthy, are you?" Nian Che retorted.

Su Yinuo felt annoyed and clenched her fists.

"Nian Che, only you in the Nian family recognize her. Uncle Nian and Aunt Nian don't even care about her!"

Nian Che smiled but didn't laugh. "Whether they care or not, it's not up to you to decide..."

Su Yinuo didn't let up, "Uncle and Aunt left as soon as they heard that brother Lian was bringing her. Doesn't that prove something?"

Ning Qing listened to the two of them arguing, from initial surprise to gradually becoming calm, and then to confusion.

Nian Che stood up for her, which shook her a little.

But did his parents really dislike her?

Ning Qing looked over Nian Che's shoulder and saw Su Yinuo, who was furious.

The other person stared at her fiercely and resentfully, saying: "Moreover, she's dressed like this, completely wasting brother Lian's affection!"

Affection?

Ning Qing furrowed her eyebrows. "What do you mean?"

Before she could get an answer, a large hand circled her waist.

Ning Qing's body stiffened, feeling warmth from her waist that spread to her entire back.

Warm breath sprayed on her earlobe, and she dared not move. A deep and low voice exploded in her ear.

"What are you talking about?"

(End of this chapter)

...........

Personally speaking I don't like the novel, I don't like the characters and their personality and the plot itself but since I decided to have it translated I must continue it and maybe through time I will eventually like this novel 

 Chapter 23: I hope you can also stand up for yourself in front of that actor from the New Year's gathering

Ning Qing straightened her body and looked at the three women in front of her whom she did not recognize.

She remained calm and composed, her beautiful eyes cold and serene as she asked, "Is there something you need?"

Girl A smiled and said, "Nothing really, we just wanted to see what the wife who has been hidden away for so many years looks like."

Girl B looked Ning Qing up and down, her envy evident as she spoke in a strange tone, "What hidden away? She's just a useless cripple who has been lying in bed for years, and only managed to gain the sympathy of the young master."

The girl with short hair, who had started talking to Ning Qing earlier, sneered and said, "You're all wrong. Miss Ning is not that kind of person."

"She's just someone who can't figure out her own identity and insists on taking the position of the young master's wife," the woman continued with malice.

"I heard she's even a murderer," she added with a vicious look at Ning Qing.

Ning Qing clenched her fists, her face tense.

Girl A asked incredulously, "Young Master Nian married a murderer?"

Girl B confirmed, "Look, she's not denying it. She must have been caught."

"How disgusting," Girl A exclaimed. "Who would have thought that such a person would be capable of killing? Who did she kill?"

Ning Qing's lips were tightly pursed, and the blood drained from her face.

Emotions surged inside her like waves, causing pain and threatening to overwhelm her reason.

"It's her," the girl with short hair spoke slowly, deliberately tormenting Ning Qing's nerves. "It's her..."

"Is that enough?" Ning Qing interrupted their conversation with a cold voice.

"Of course not," the three women replied, with a proud expression that held disdain and contempt for her.

"Do you even remember who you are, with your current status? You've hooked up with the Nian family, and you've forgotten who you are?" they continued.

Ning Qing smirked, lifting her eyelids with a hint of a charming and bewitching look.

"How could I forget who I am?" she said.

"A child from an ordinary family who was not pampered since childhood. In your eyes, I naturally don't match up to the man in your heart."

Girl B sneered, "If you know you don't match up, why don't you pack up and leave the Nian family?"

Ning Qing picked up a glass of champagne from the table and covered her lips with the rim of the glass, her eyes shimmering as she chuckled, "What if I'm not interested?"

The girl with short hair sneered, "Ning Qing, you have some self-awareness. You think young men will like you forever just because of your foxy face?"

"I don't know how long they will like me," Ning Qing replied.

Ning Qing took two steps forward, a strand of hair curling in front of her eyes, adding to her charm. Her cold gaze swept over the faces of the three women, and she suddenly whispered, "But he didn't choose you because of your looks, which means I caught his eye and you didn't."

The girl A was intimidated by her cold demeanor, clutching the other two and backing away.

However, B couldn't swallow this insult and yelled at Ning Qing, "You really are a vulgar person from a lowly family, you have no manners!"

Ning Qing refused to back down, and retorted with a cold face, "You keep calling me vulgar, you really have manners."

This mockery made the other side furious, and one of them grabbed a glass of wine and was about to pour it on Ning Qing.

The girl with short hair stopped her, signaling to her left.

Not far away, Nian Che was searching through the crowd, and when he looked over, he walked straight over.

The women glared at Ning Qing in anger, and the girl with short hair couldn't resist mocking her, "It's easy to be high and mighty in front of us, but I hope you can have the same dignity when facing the young man and that actor."

(End of chapter)

 Chapter 22: Ning Qing, no matter what, don't make a scene tonight

Twenty minutes later, the car stopped outside the venue.

Looking at the long red carpet outside and the elegantly dressed men and women getting out of the luxury cars, Ning Qing's palms started to sweat.

This was her first time facing the public since waking up, and she didn't know what kind of reaction she would receive.

"Master, Madam, we have arrived," said Lu Zhui.

Ning Qing clutched the hem of her dress tightly, feeling nervous and unsure.

Lu Zhui understood her anxiety and got out of the car, gesturing for her to follow.

Ning Qing looked at the man beside her, but his face was blurry in the dimly lit car.

Nian Lian glanced at her and gave a cold smile.

"I never thought that Mrs. Nian would be nervous," he said.

Ning Qing straightened her back. "I'm not."

He lit a cigarette, and the smoke filled the car. Ningqing, who didn't like the smell of smoke, couldn't help but cough.

At that moment, Nian Lian spoke in a deep voice.

"The people who are coming tonight are all powerful and influential figures in Yan Cheng. Our performance represents the entire Nian family, so we cannot make any mistakes."

Ningqing's neck stiffened. "So what?"

Through the smoke, Nian Lian looked at the woman's silhouette. Her fair skin and red lips were alluring.

His eyes were deep, and he blew a smoke ring. After it hit the roof of the car, it dispersed.

"So, Ning Qing, no matter what, don't make a scene tonight."

Ning Qing remained silent.

"I say something, you do it. Don't make me unhappy."

Her gaze faltered, and she turned to look at him.

In the dim light, his face was clear, his expression cold and aloof, like a deity who could decide life and death.

She bit her lip and nodded.

At the entrance, people were chatting and laughing with each other.

Lu Zhui opened the car door for her, and she got out, ready to follow him into the venue, but Nian Lian stood in front of her and stopped her.

He looked down at her and, in her confusion, extended his large hand and held hers.

Ning Qing suddenly shook and blurted out, "Nian Lian..."

He looked straight ahead and didn't glance at her. The plain and indifferent words came out of his mouth.

Only she could hear him.

"Listen."

Ning Qing's heart beat violently. He had already put her hand in his arm and looked like a steady and noble young man, with a smile on his lips that matched the occasion.

"..."

Ning Qing followed his footsteps, treading carefully.

Someone greeted Nian Lian, and he nodded in acknowledgment, catching a glimpse of Ning Qing's tense face.

He turned his head, leaned close to her ear, and threatened, "Smile."

Ning Qing stiffened and pulled out a smile.

Entering the magnificent hall, under the bright lights, people came and went, and there was a lot of toasting and mingling.

A few people noticed Nian Lian and Ning Qing's arrival and their eyes lit up as they gathered around them.

"Oh, the young couple has arrived. Nice to meet you!"

"This is the Lady of the house, truly beautiful like a fairy!"

The man turned to Ning Qing, and his eyes were full of admiration. He reached out his hand.

"No wonder Lady Nian didn't show her face before. It turns out that she is too beautiful, and the young couple didn't want us to see her!"

Ning Qing's whole body was stiff, and she couldn't make any response to such greetings!

The man was also puzzled, "Lady Nian?"

Another big hand reached out and shook his hand.

Nian Lian's handsome face remained calm. "She is angry with me."

With one sentence, the awkwardness of the few people was resolved.

The man nodded knowingly and talked about being targeted by his wife's anger.

After these people left, more and more people came up to them.

Ning Qing laughed until her face was stiff, and her waist was sore, until she finally heard Nian Lian say that he was going to talk to someone.

He whispered to her in a gentle tone, "Don't run around. I'll have Nian Che come find you later."

Ning Qing stiffly smiled and replied obediently, "Okay."

He left with the others, and she lowered her lips, walking towards an empty corner and rubbing her sore legs.

Several shadows loomed over her, blocking the light above her head.

Ning Qing paused, and a sharp and sarcastic female voice sounded from above.

"You're already tired from dealing with just a few people. Are you a cripple?" 

(End of this chapter)

 Chapter 21: Ning Qing, I don't have time for your antics

Ning Qing couldn't hide her surprise. "He asked me to go?"

"Yes," replied Lu Zhe, as he approached and placed the gift box on the table. The logo on the box indicated a luxurious brand, and it was clearly valuable.

"You can take some time to get ready. I'll come to pick you up tonight," he said.

As he turned to leave, Ning Qing blocked his way. Her emotions were turbulent, and her voice was cold. "What does he mean?"

Noticing Ning Qing's suspicious look, Lu Zhe explained, "Madam, please don't misunderstand. It's a special occasion today, and your attendance is required."

Seeing Ning Qing's guard come down, Lu Zhe nodded and walked away.

Ning Qing was confused. After she and Nian Lian parted ways a few days ago, rumors of his affair with Bai Yangyang had spread like wildfire. She had just heard Bai Yangyang admit their relationship with her own mouth...

Was he taking her to the annual meeting to embarrass her?

She pursed her lips and opened the gift box. Her gaze fell on the long white dress inside, made of soft and smooth chiffon. The diamond-studded bodice was delicately embellished, giving the upper body a pure and elegant look without being tacky.

Ning Qing's eyes flashed with amazement, but her expression quickly turned sarcastic as she realized the dress resembled the one Ning Su had worn in the photo.

She raised a powerless smile and lost all interest in the dress.

However, Ning Qing knew better than anyone that Nian Lian would not let her act recklessly. So, in the afternoon, she tidied herself up, took a shower, did her hair and makeup, and waited for Lu Zhe to pick her up.

At exactly six o'clock, Lu Zhe arrived.

He stood below the stairs, listening to the footsteps above and asked, "Madam, are you ready?"

The sound of high heels hitting the ground was sometimes light and sometimes heavy. Lu Zhui frowned and looked up.

Ning Qing wore a black shoulder-baring long dress with a hem that was short in front and long in the back, revealing her slender calves. She wore black high heels and had her shoulder-length hair in a bun, with a strand of curly hair hanging on the side of her face. Her red lips were fiery, her waist was slender, and her posture was graceful.

Lu Zhui had followed Nian Lian for many years and had seen more women than he could count, but he was still captivated by her.

Ning Qing was undoubtedly beautiful.

She was breathtakingly beautiful, without the need for too much embellishment, and could make people fall for her at first sight.

Especially those bright eyes, with their upward tilt at the corners, were somewhat similar to fox eyes. Even a gentle glance from her could electrify a person's body and evoke countless emotions.

As she walked past Lu Zhui, her slender fingers rested on the handrail of the corridor. She made a sound of acknowledgment before Lu Zhui snapped out of his trance and hurriedly lowered his head. "The car is waiting outside."

"Okay."

Without stopping, Ning Qing walked straight towards the outside.

The sun had just set, leaving an orange glow on the ground.

Lu Zhui caught up with her. "Madam, over there is..."

Before he could finish his sentence, Ning Qing had already opened the door.

Inside the car, the man had handsome features that seemed to be carved with a knife, with a lean figure. He wore a black suit with a matching tie, giving off a calm and reserved vibe.

Hearing the sound, Nian Lian turned his head and saw Ning Qing's slightly surprised expression.

His dark eyes swept over her, and his handsome eyebrows furrowed. "What are you wearing?"

Ning Qing's hand was still on the car door, and she looked at him coldly. "Not obvious enough? It's a formal dress."

Nian Lian clenched his fists. The partially bare shoulder stimulated his senses.

"..."

Ning Qing could see his dissatisfaction.

"If you don't like it, I won't go..."

"Get in the car."

Nian Lian expression turned stern, although his actions were the opposite of his emotions. He moved to the side.

Looking back at Ning Qing, his face darkened. "Ning Qing, I don't have time to wait for you to mess around."

Ning Qing's plan failed, so she could only comply with his words and got into the car, heading towards the venue.

(End of this chapter)

Chapter 20: This pitiful acting deserves an award

The sunlight outside the window was mildly scorching. In the living room of Cloud Jing No. 1, a recently popular talk show was playing on the television.

Ning Qing was staring at the screen, her eyes slightly downturned at the corners with long and thick eyelashes that could not hide the chill within.

On the screen, a woman was sobbing and stuttering, struggling for breath, but it did not affect her beauty in the slightest.

"Many people on the internet criticize my character, saying she is a green tea, and even sending me hate messages telling me to die…"

She bit her pink lips, her tears glistening as they streamed down her cheeks. She cried like a pear blossom in the rain, making people feel sorry for her.

"I really don't know what to say. This is just a character I played, and she is not so bad that she cannot be forgiven. I don't know why they have so much malice towards me."

Her co-stars were all at a loss, clearly not knowing what to do.

The host was flustered, handing her a tissue to console her.

The scene was very awkward for a while.

Watching that familiar face, Ning Qing couldn't help but sneer.

The person was none other than Bai Yangyang.

The reason why she was crying was because she played the third female lead in a costume martial arts drama, as the male protagonist's junior sister. Because her character had cruel means, was scheming, jealous, and even threatened and framed the female lead, causing her to miscarry. After the drama was aired, she received widespread criticism and abuse from netizens.

Just now, when the host asked her, "Have you been influenced by this character personally?" she changed from her previous composed self and cried as if she had suffered a great injustice.

If it was because she couldn't stand the insults and criticisms that were related to her character, Ning Qing could understand.

But it was ridiculous that just a moment ago, she seriously said, "She will harm the female lead because she loves the male lead too much," and then suddenly changed her attitude, making it inevitable for people to think that she was acting.

Moreover, just a few days ago, she had acted arrogantly as a third party in front of Ning Qing, the original wife, showing off her power and feeling very proud.

Ning Qing's lips curled into a sarcastic smile.

This pitiful acting deserves an award, even her makeup is ruined from crying.

The woman barely stopped crying, and the host said, "Bai Yangyang was able to make people hate the character of the little junior sister, which proves that her acting skills are excellent."

This praise was not actually flattering, but Bai Yangyang just smirked, neither laughing nor crying.

The female host then took over.

"Yangyang's acting skills have improved rapidly compared to the past two years, and her career has taken a step up, and her love life has also been smooth sailing, right, Yangyang?" 

The suggestive words made everyone present aware of who she was referring to, including Ning Qing who was watching from the television.

There was a hint of surprise that flashed across Bai Yangyang's tear-stained face. This issue was not mentioned during the rehearsal.

"Yangyang?" 

The woman quickly adjusted her state, her smile shy, but unable to conceal her happiness. "It's not too bad, everything is going smoothly."

This ambiguous answer was equivalent to a confirmation.

There was a burst of cheering on the scene.

This was the first time that Bai Yangyang had publicly acknowledged this issue after the rumors, indicating how impactful it was. 

And she dared to behave like this, no doubt she had received someone's permission.

With a snap, the television went off.

Ning Qing threw the remote aside, her face without makeup didn't look too good, even a little nauseous.

She felt a bit down and tugged at her chest, preparing to go upstairs.

It was at this moment that Lu Zhe entered the living room and called out to her, "Madam."

Ning Qing looked down and saw the gift box in his hand.

Her eyebrows furrowed, she asked, "What is it?"

Lu Zhe's face was expressionless, "There is a company banquet at 7 o'clock tonight, the young master asked you to prepare in advance."

(End of this chapter)

 Chapter 19: Nian Lian, your love for my sister is nothing special

At night, on the Yun Jing No.1.

Ning Qing finished her meal and was about to go upstairs when Nian Lian, who rarely came back, appeared.

Ning Qing caught a glimpse of the man at the door, pretended not to see him, turned around, and headed upstairs.

Behind her, footsteps approached step by step.

A sudden force attacked her arm, pulling her body back, almost causing her to fall down the stairs.

Before she could resist, Nian Lian's gloomy face was in front of her.

"You went to find Bai Yangyang?" he asked.

Ning Qing struggled, "Nian Lian, let go of me!"

He became red-eyed, no longer indifferent and calm as he was before.

"Who allowed you to go find her!"

Ning Qing was frightened by him and was at a loss for words.

Then she said coldly, "She went to complain to you so quickly."

Ning Qing and Nian Lian looked at each other, and she saw a hint of spark in his deep eyes, and his perfect facial features slightly twisted.

Her eyebrows lifted, and she smiled, but a deep sense of distance emerged.

"She would take advantage of you. I thought she had some integrity."

This statement was said lightly by her, without any ripples.

Nian Lian looked dark and mysterious, his black eyes burning with unnamed emotions, easily penetrating through the person in front of him.

He warned her word by word, "Ning Qing, don't put your thoughts on her."

Ning Qing gritted her teeth and forced out a warm smile, her slender jade fingers touching his shoulder, gently comforting him.

"I just care about your recent movements, nothing else."

The sudden change made Nian Lian suspicious, and he squinted his eyes.

However, her tenderness did not move him.

His anger when he first learned about her movements faded away, and his deep eyes surged with complex emotions, making it difficult to read him.

"Madam Nian can't control her emotions, which is easy to misunderstand...Are you afraid that your position as my legal wife will be taken away?"

Ning Qing's eyes flashed, and her subtle movements were caught by Nian Lian's eyes.

Suddenly, his expression regained his coldness and impatience, his words mixed with frostiness as he said:

"I forgot, Madam Nian is eager to divorce me, so how could she be concerned about such matters?"

Her hand on his shoulder suddenly stiffened, and Nian Lian noticed it, his lips curving with self-mockery.

Her attempt to deceive him was exposed, and Ning Qing withdrew her hand, her face immediately turning cold.

"Nian Lian, what you do and who you're with is none of my business, but you're carrying the name of a married man while seeking out other women, and at the same time, you want to establish a happy marriage image. Aren't you tired?"

"..."

He pursed his thin lips, emotions rolling in his eyes, staring at her fixedly.

Ning Qing defiantly stared at him.

"You either openly admit that you like those women and divorce me, or you cut off all ties with them outside. I..."

"What if I don't choose?" The man's words froze Ning Qing's mouth.

"..."

"Madam Nian, you are really working hard to get rid of me," he said, examining her expression seriously. Soon, a hint of disappointment crossed his face, but then it was replaced by a calm expression. Ning Qing suddenly felt dizzy.

The force on her arm loosened.

Nian Lian's deep voice exploded in her ear. "Ning Qing, you are amazing."

He turned around and went down the stairs but then turned back.

"I'll say this only once, don't mess around."

The man walked away, leaving Ning Qing feeling helpless and dissatisfied. She felt sorry for her sister Ning Su more than anyone else.

"So, is your deep affection for my sister over?" She sneered.

Nian Lian heard the sarcasm in her words, closed and opened his eyes, his gaze as deep as ink, impossible for anyone to read his mind.

"Everyone in this world is entitled to ridicule my deep affection, except for you."

"Yes." Of course, she knew why.

Ning Qing smiled, her eyes turning red.

"I'm not worthy."

"..."

She took a deep breath, her expression cold and not as before.

"Since that's the case, I also warn you, don't even think about finding other women outside before we get divorced."

She stood at the top of the stairs, chin up, with a determined attitude, proudly declaring war on him.

"If I'm not doing well, you won't be either."

Nian Lian exuded a cold and mysterious aura, a sinister smile lurking in his eyes.

"Okay, then let's torture each other to the end."

(End of chapter)

 Chapter 18: To Climb Up, First Examine Whether You Are Qualified

She laughed arrogantly, with a proud attitude.

"If you don't want to know the details of my relationship with the CEO, then divorce him quickly and voluntarily give up your position to me, so as to avoid an ugly scene later on."

The word "details" was emphasized.

Ning tilted her head and slightly moved, standing up and walking to the side of Bai Yangyang.

The woman felt a bit scared and asked, "What...what do you want to do?"

A bank card appeared in front of her.

"Don't worry, I won't hit you."

Ning said, "There are two million in the account. You can take it first."

Bai Yangyang chuckled and burst into laughter.

"Ha, you're so funny. You don't want to use the two million to get rid of me, do you?"

The person in front of her remained calm.

Bai Yangyang stopped laughing and leaned close to Ning's face, saying word by word, "I really love the CEO. Even if you give me a billion, I won't let go!"

She was very close, and the scent of cosmetics rushed into Ning's nose.

Ning frowned slightly.

Looking at her face, that strange feeling arose again, but she couldn't explain why.

However, she didn't want to investigate it further.

Ning didn't show any signs of being provoked. Her pink lips opened and closed, "You've misunderstood."

Bai Yangyang hated her cold and stunning face and glared at her.

Ning said, "This two million is just your compensation. You've been working hard these days to relieve my husband's pressure. It saves me trouble and effort, and I won't have to find ways to make him happy."

"You..."

Bai Yangyang opened her mouth, staring at Ning incredulously.

"You can keep things as they are."

Ning's smile was flawless, and Bai Yangyang couldn't find any traces of lying.

What was even more frustrating was that she couldn't come up with a retort.

"But..."

"However..."

Ning Qing's calm gaze finally turned icy and chilling, as she leaned down.

"If you want to be the mistress of the Nian family, you'll have to wait until I no longer want to be."

Bai Yangyang couldn't contain herself any longer and revealed her ferocity, "Don't be so arrogant. Without the favor and partiality of Mr. Nian, you won't be comfortable for long!"

Ning Qing's eyelids drooped halfway as a chill poured out from her. She insinuated, "That's something I should be saying to you."

"... "

"If you want to take my place, make sure you're qualified first."

Ning Qing stuffed the bank card into Bai Yangyang's collar.

The gesture was not obscene, but it was humiliating.

She whispered, reminding her, "If you want me to divorce him, the person you should be talking to is him, not me."

With that said, Ning Qing stood up straight and turned away in the face of the woman's angry eyes.

As the door closed, the woman screamed like crazy and something shattered inside the private room.

Ning Qing walked down the hallway step by step.

Then, her footsteps became faster.

She almost ran out of Jingyue's door and held onto the railing on one side, then began to vomit.

The physical vomiting made her so uncomfortable that tears welled up in her eyes, and she trembled all over.

Someone handed her a tissue and water with concern. Ning Qing took them, drank the water, wiped her face clean, and stared blankly at a spot.

It took her a long time to come back to her senses and say thank you to the person beside her before leaving.

Sitting in the car on the way back, Ning Qing was exhausted, thinking about Bai Yangyang's words.

"Don't think too highly of yourself! Mr. Nian is in my bed day and night. If he really has feelings for you, how could he sleep with me?"

"Don't pretend, Mr. Nian doesn't like you at all. He told me himself. You've been married for two years, but he hasn't touched you at all, just because he finds you disgusting!"

Nian Lian, you're nothing more than this.

The reason he did this was simply to disgust her.

During the confrontation with Bai Yangyang, she almost couldn't hold herself together and wanted to escape on the spot.

She tried her best to say those words just to make Bai Yangyang resent her.

Judging from Bai Yangyang's state when she left, she was probably quite angry.

Ning Qing curved the corners of her lips, thinking of something that fell apart.

Through the car window, the city lights fell and shattered in her eyes.

Her face reflected in the gray window.

Calm, gloomy, and numb.

(End of this chapter)

 Chapter 17: Won't the CEO even buy you a wedding ring?

The private room fell silent.

Bai Yangyang's hands were crossed on the table, waiting for Ning Qing to make a decision.

"..."

Ning Qing turned on her heel, lifted the chair, and sat down again.

Bai Yangyang smiled. "That's more like it."

Ning Qing sat up straight, expressionless.

"What do you want to talk about?"

The woman tilted her head, her gray pupils turning. "Let's talk about the relationship between the three of us."

Ning Qing looked at her calmly, without any change in expression.

"Judging by the way you look, your relationship with the CEO is probably not as good as people say."

Bai Yangyang leaned forward, revealing her white chest, which made Ning Qing feel a touch of disgust.

"Do you read entertainment news?"

Ning Qing frowned, feeling impatient. "If you have something to say, please speak directly. I don't want to waste time with you."

Bai Yangyang's smile froze. "Okay, then I won't beat around the bush."

"..."

"I think you should leave the CEO."

"What's your identity to tell me that?" Ning Qing looked at Bai Yangyang with a cold expression, tinged with disgust.

"Lover? Or third party?"

Bai Yangyang's eyes twitched, this wasn't quite what she had imagined.

She had already figured out Ning Qing's background, and she knew that CEO Nian wouldn't let go of her, which was why she had come to find her.

She had originally thought that Ning Qing was a pushover and easy to deal with, but it seemed like that wasn't the case.

She steadied herself, her expression tense, and squeezed out a smile. "Of course I'm the CEO's true love..."

"True love?"

Ning Qing's tone rose, her slender eyebrows filled with sarcasm.

"Even he doesn't know where his true love is, so how can you claim to be his true love?"

Bai Yangyang couldn't bear it anymore and her voice trembled slightly, "Ning Qing, what do you mean?"

Ning Qing's lips were curved with a charming smile that made people envious. "We just had a fight, and in order to anger me, he didn't hesitate to use other women as a shield. Miss Bai, you're thinking too much."

Bai Yangyang's face twisted in anger. Her words were the deepest insult to her.

She stood up and picked up the hot tea on the table and threw it at her.

"Don't be too full of yourself! Mr. Nian is in my bed day and night. If he really has feelings for you, how could he sleep with me?" 

The hot liquid splashed all over Ning Qing's face.

She closed her eyes and remained silent.

Bai Yangyang's smile was full of malice. She touched the expensive necklace around her neck and boasted, "Mr. Nian is so good to me. He always comes to the set to pick me up and brings me gifts."

Her eyes glanced past Ning Qing's hands and she laughed lightly.

"Sister, you've been married to Mr. Nian for so long, hasn't he even bought you a wedding ring?"

The woman's laughter was grating.

Ning Qing's fingers on the table curled up.

She lifted her hand and wiped off the water on her face.

She was not angry, she opened her eyes and said, "I don't like wearing it."

"Do you not like it or do you simply not have one?"

"..."

"Hehe."

Bai Yangyang leaned forward with her hands on the table, her eyes shining brightly.

"Don't pretend. Mr. Nian doesn't like you at all. He's even told me that you've been married for two years and he hasn't even touched you, because he finds you disgusting!"

Ning Qing's heart tightened.

He actually...said something like that to her.

Bai Yangyang looked at Ning Qing's still calm face and pretended to be coy, "I don't think you've ever experienced Mr. Nian's power. He's been so tired these past few days that he couldn't even get out of bed yesterday..."

"Bai Yangyang."

Ning Qing couldn't bear to hear the woman's filthy words.

Bai Yangyang glanced at her, but her expression was innocent. "Mrs. Nian can't handle this? The really explosive stuff is yet to come." 

(End of chapter)

 Chapter 16: Come and see me if you want to know where your husband is

For many days, Nian Lian did not come back.

Ning Qing thought about his words and held onto the slim chance of understanding his meaning, but Nian Lian still didn't come back.

So, the only way she could find out about his recent situation was through the headline on the mobile webpage.

"Mr. Nian, the young master of the Nian family, has not returned to his love nest for several days, and his wife suspects infidelity."

"A pure and innocent third-tier female star is currently in a hot romance, and her mysterious boyfriend has picked her up and dropped her off at hotels several times."

"The female star's mysterious boyfriend is exposed, with a striking resemblance to Mr. Nian, the young master of the Nian family."

Ning Qing scrolled through the screen and finally found a blurry photo.

The woman in the photo had a curvaceous figure and long legs, while the man wore a black suit. Although his profile was blurry, his stunningly handsome face was still visible.

Ha, striking resemblance.

The marketing account was really being tactful. Were they afraid of being shut down by the Nian family?

Ning Qing sneered coldly. She had clearly seen the man's face. If it wasn't Nian Lian, then who else could it be?

She had thought that he had deep feelings for her sister.

It turned out to be just like this.

Ning Qing's fingertips slid down, and she just saw the name of a woman when the page suddenly disappeared.

She refreshed the page several times, but all the information about Nian Lian and that woman had disappeared.

Ning Qing squinted at her phone and muttered to herself, "You acted so quickly, Nian Lian. You're really afraid of damaging your reputation."

This action truly disgusted Ning Qing.

She scrolled through the page absent-mindedly, but lost interest quickly.

Just as she was about to put down her phone, a text message came in.

It was from an unknown number.

"Wanna know where your husband has been recently? Come to Jingyue in an hour and see me."

The signature was plain and simple - Bai Yangyang.

A glimmer of light shone in Ning Qing's beautiful eyes, and suddenly, a smile appeared on her face.

As for pushing her off her position, she wasn't in a hurry. There would always be someone more anxious than her.

Ning Qing's recent depression was swept away, and she calmly went upstairs to put on makeup and change into suitable clothes before taking a taxi to Jingyue.

Jingyue is a high-end private club with strong privacy. Almost all the shady things in the rich circle are done here.

Ning Qing reported Bai Yangyang's name, and the manager led her all the way to a private room.

As soon as she entered, the woman in revealing clothing came up to greet her.

"Sister, you're here. Sit down quickly."

With her enthusiasm came a hint of flattery.

Ning Qing remained silent, following her lead and staring intently at her.

The woman had a full figure, a beautiful face, and was wearing the current most popular clear and innocent girl makeup. No matter what expression she made, she looked innocent and pure.

Ning Qing stared at her eyes, feeling something unusual in her heart, but she did not show it.

She was calm, holding herself upright.

"Speak up, what do you want with me?"

Bai Yangyang poured a cup of tea and pushed it over, her glass lips curling into a fitting smile. "Sister, don't be in such a hurry. I don't have any other intention, I just want to chat with you."

"about What?"

Bai Yangyang hesitated, seemingly organizing her words.

Ning Qing's expression was unpleasant. "If you brought me here just to watch you daydream, I'm sorry, I don't have time."

She stood up and headed for the door.

Bai Yangyang panicked and hurriedly tried to stop her. "Don't you want to know where President Nian has been recently?"

Ning Qing stopped.

Bai Yangyang thought she had found her weak spot and her pretty face was filled with disdain and contempt.

"As an ordinary woman, with a weak body, you were still able to marry into the Nian family. You must have some extraordinary means."

Ning Qing turned around, warning her coldly, "Watch your words."

Bai Yangyang smiled. "Since you're here, you really care about President Nian, right? Do you want to know why your husband has been staying out all night?"

"..."

Bai Yangyang lifted her pointed chin. "I'll tell you, he's been with me the whole time."

(End of this chapter)

 Chapter 15: Anyone can do it, but it can't be Yan Sichen.

The sexy thin lips in the eyes of thousands of women opened and closed in front of her.

The most ordinary words became sharp blades in his hands, torturing her fragile heart.

Ning Qing's hand trembled with force, her nails flying and stinging.

She stubbornly maintained her composure and said, "We are husband and wife, but we only have a superficial relationship. If you force me, it's a crime!"

"..."

Nian Lian looked at her disdainfully for a long time without speaking, seeming to disdain arguing with her on this issue.

Just as Ning Qing was about to say something, a thought-provoking smile appeared on the corner of Nian Lian's lips.

"The dress is nice."

He narrowed his eyes slightly, the smile not reaching the depths of his eyes.

"Who gave it to you?"

"I bought it myself," Ning Qing slowed her breathing.

As her words fell, her breath became erratic.

With his gaze heavy and gloomy, he pressed down on her, making her unable to breathe.

Sweat flowed down her back, and Ning Qing's mind was in complete disarray, thinking that he knew everything.

Suddenly, Nian Lian said, "I just met him and you're already so eager to defend him..."

"I'm not like what you think with Brother Sichen!" Ning Qing blurted out, realizing she had fallen into his trap.

"Brother Sichen," Nian Lian chewed on the words, "you call him so intimately."

The blood drained from Ning Qing's face, and she no longer remained calm.

But Nian Lian was not satisfied, he leaned in, his thin lips close to her ear, slow and torturous.

"No wonder you're so eager to divorce me, it turns out you already have a new man lined up."

Fear rose from the soles of her feet, rushing up to her forehead, wrapped in an unknown sense of grievance and anger.

Ning Qing raised her hand and slapped him.

"Nian Lian, don't use your dirty thoughts to insult me. Not everyone is as disgusting as you!"

The man suddenly grabbed her chin, and Ning Qing winced in pain. His red face was close to hers, his eyes full of violence and mockery.

"You, a married woman, spent a night with him, just the two of you. Tell me, is it my thoughts that are dirty, or is your relationship indecent?"

Ning Qing retorted without admitting defeat: "No matter what my relationship with him is, it's a million times better than you treating me as a substitute!"

"Ning Qing!"

Nian Lian's loud shout made Ning Qing reflexively turn her face and close her eyes.

She thought he was going to hit her, but she waited for a long time and he didn't do anything.

"... "

The heavy breathing sounded in the living room, enough to show how furious he was.

Nian Lian looked at Ning Qing's defensive movement, his eyes stinging, but his mouth merciless.

"As the young lady of the Nian family, do what you should do."

He pushed her away, his handsome face showing a sickly white, his words devoid of any warmth.

"Divorce, don't even think about it."

Ning Qing's eyes turned red, staring at his departing back and asking, "Why?"

Nian Lian stopped in his tracks and turned his head.

With his clear jawline, perfect profile, and unmatched wealth, Ning Qing couldn't understand why he wouldn't let her go, when he could have any woman he wanted.

Could it be because... he loved Ning Su too much?

Ning Qing's heart ached, unable to control her emotions and loudly questioning, "Why do you have to treat me like this?"

In her blurred vision, she seemed to see the man's jaw tighten, then suddenly relax.

"If you want a divorce, it's possible," came Nian Lian's emotionless voice.

Ning Qing's eyes, filled with tears, brightened as if she saw a glimmer of hope.

"But if you're going to find Yan Sichen, it's never going to happen."

Nian Lian's voice was cold and hard, devoid of any emotion.

"... "

In a daze, Ning Qing realized the man had disappeared.

She let go, her palm damp.

Her body, relieved of tension, collapsed to the ground.

(End of this chapter)

 Chapter 14: He said "We are husband and wife."

Ning Qing was shocked.

Fear rushed into her heart, but she tried her best to suppress it.

What was meant to happen would always happen.

She took many deep breaths before straightening her back and stepping into the hall.

However, her so-called courage vanished instantly upon seeing the people in the hall.

On the sofa, Nian Lian was leaning his head on one hand, the other hand resting on his crossed legs. He tapped his slender index finger rhythmically, inexplicably eerie.

His cold eyes shot over to her, and a faint sneer appeared on his thin lips.

"Madame Nian is willing to come back?" he asked, a single sentence sending chills down Ning Qing's spine.

She suppressed her fear and raised her head, falling into the man's indifferent gaze. "I..."

"Brother, don't be so fierce," a light and cheerful voice interrupted them, cutting off their conversation.

Following the voice, Ning Qing looked over and saw a man wearing a blue and white checkered shirt and black trousers. His chestnut hair was slightly curled, and his handsome features bore a striking resemblance to the man on the sofa, albeit with a hint of youthful immaturity.

She was surprised as the man walked up to her.

Nian Che circled around Ning Qing once before immediately smiling and revealing a set of white teeth. "You must be my little sister-in-law, right?"

Ning Qing looked at him warily as he extended his hand to her.

"Hello, sister-in-law, I'm Nian Che. I'm your iced cold face husband younger brother"

Ning Qing pursed her lips and didn't respond.

Ignoring her, Nian Che continued, "I heard earlier that my brother married a sickly wife, but those people are just talking nonsense. My sister-in-law is obviously a great beauty, and even when lying in a sickbed, she's like a sleeping beauty."

"..."

"Isn't that right, sister-in-law?"

Faced with his enthusiasm, Ning Qing finally showed a bit of unease.

Her anxious eyes crossed over his shoulder and met with the man on the couch.

Nian Che followed her gaze and helplessly said, "Hey, why am I here and you two are still all lovey-dovey? Your affection is suffocating..."

"Nian Che."

Nian Lie finally spoke up, his gaze was cold and his tone was still icy.

"Your parents are waiting for you at the old house."

As brothers, Nian Che immediately understood the meaning of his words, which was to drive him away.

He glared at him resentfully and turned back to Ning Qing with a smile on his face, "Little sister-in-law, I have something to attend to, we'll see each other next time."

Ning Qing forced a smile and said, "Goodbye."

As soon as Nian che left, the spacious living room fell into a dead silence.

Nian Lian lifted his eyelids, his pale face was cold to the extreme because of his injury. "Where did you go last night?" he asked.

What should she say? Should she tell him that she was with Yan Sichen?

No, how could this man trust her? And what about Brother Sichen...

Ning Qing tightened her palm and said, "I went back to the Ning family."

"Hmph."

His cold laughter was full of contempt and superiority, as if the person in front of him was just an ant that he could trample and humiliate at will.

"So you've learned to lie."

His voice was cold and penetrating, causing fear to pierce Ning Qing's heart.

Sweat broke out on her back as she shook her head, "I didn't."

"No?" In the narrow depths of Nian Lie's eyes, contempt and sarcasm were visible. "Ning Qing, you were having so much fun outside that you forgot about your husband who injured himself at home?"

The scene from last night was vivid in her mind. Ning Qing's face turned pale and her lips trembled uncontrollably. "It was you...it was you who forced me!"

It wasn't her intention to act like that!

Nian Lian suddenly stood up, his perfectly proportioned body was oppressive even from such a distance, and Ning Qing was intimidated to the point where she couldn't speak a complete sentence.

Her entire body felt as though it was frozen, and as he slowly approached her, she couldn't even move an inch!

Nian Lian had already walked up to her, and his hand, full of coldness, touched her neck.

Ning Qing was so stiff that she couldn't move, and she looked up at him.

He leaned down slightly, his extremely beautiful lips almost touching hers, stopping just a centimeter away.

His words were ambiguous.

"If you need me to remind you, we're husband and wife. Whatever I do to you, it's all appropriate."

(End of chapter)