Chapter 38

Qin Yao took a huge step back in disbelief.

Though still unsure of the full story, Qin Yao had roughly figured out that the pigeon egg ring might have some unpleasant “history” attached to it.

Zhuang Lin clearly didn’t expect Zheng Xiu to kiss it suddenly. Her shyness became genuine, and she whispered, “So many people are watching…”

Zheng Xiu kissed the ring again, unfazed by the crowd, “So what? You’re my precious wife. I can kiss you, can’t I?”

[Ahhhhh—you’re kissing it again?!]

[I can’t take it anymore!]

Ye Leyao was going crazy.

[Aren’t you just trying to show off the pigeon egg ring in front of us? You could just show it off without kissing it!]

[Even during engagements or weddings, the groom only kisses the bride’s hand. I’ve never seen anyone kiss the ring!]

[Why do you have to kiss the ring?!]

No one could answer Ye Leyao’s doubts because Qin Yao and Mama Huo were equally shocked by Zheng Xiu’s puzzling behavior and really wanted to laugh.

Stop kissing, stop kissing; if you keep kissing, they’re really going to burst out laughing!

But Zhuang Lin and Zheng Xiu in front of them didn’t notice their strange expressions at all and continued to show their affection openly.

Zhuang Lin slowly withdrew her hand and gently patted Zheng Xiu’s chest, complaining: “Honey! I’m getting shy!”

Only then did Zheng Xiu adopt a helpless expression, indulgently saying, “Alright, next time I’ll find a place where no one is around to kiss you; how about that?”

Zhuang Lin shyly lowered her head and softly agreed.

Mama Huo: “…”

Qin Yao: “…”

Seriously, can someone save them?

How about you continue kissing the ring instead? Stop playing awkward games with us!

Ye Leyao felt so embarrassed that he wished he could dig his toes into the ground and gouge his eyes out.

[Although I love reading CEO romance novels, I only want to see them in fiction, not in real life. Aaaaaahh——]

[And just now, Zheng Xiu, your gaze was not at all like a CEO! We’re meeting for the first time, we’re not familiar with each other yet, don’t you think you’re crossing the line a bit?]

Ye Leyao felt he desperately needed to wash his eyes.

Then his gaze shifted and landed on the young man, who had been standing not far behind the couple.

Zhuang Lin and Zheng Xiu hadn’t introduced this guy, but it was easy to guess they must be family.

The key point wasn’t that, though; it was the way this guy looked at them——

[Why do I feel something’s off?]

As someone who loves to catch gossip and is skilled at reading people, Ye Leyao could tell what someone was thinking just from small changes in their expression.

[Isn’t this guy Zhuang Lin and Zheng Xiu’s son? Why does he look at them with such a gloating expression?]

Hearing this, Mama Huo and Qin Yao also looked over.

Sure enough, they caught a fleeting expression on the young man’s face.

If Qin Yao had to describe it, it would be excitement mixed with a bit of impatience?

But just as Ye Leyao said, isn’t this guy Zhuang Lin and Zheng Xiu’s son?

Even if he has issues with his parents, shouldn’t he hide them in front of strangers?

At this moment…

Zhuang Lin and Zheng Xiu seemed to finally realize that the three people in front of them were unusually quiet. Zhuang Lin frowned slightly and looked up, noticing that none of them were looking at her and Zheng Xiu. She was a bit dissatisfied but quickly covered it up and followed their gaze to see they were looking at Zheng Rui.

Seeing this, Zhuang Lin’s lips slowly curled up: “Oh, I almost forgot to introduce him. This is my son, Zheng Rui.”

“Xiao Rui,” Zhuang Lin called softly, “Aren’t you going to come over and greet everyone?”

Only then did Zheng Rui slowly step forward, putting on a very obedient smile and greeted them: “Hello, I’m Zheng Rui.”

Ye Leyao blinked.

[Zheng Rui? Why does this name sound so familiar?]

Mama Huo and Qin Yao perked up at the same time.

A name that sounds familiar to Ye Leyao…

Could it mean there’s new gossip to uncover?

Mama Huo and Qin Yao simultaneously glanced at Ye Leyao.

Unfortunately, after saying that, Ye Leyao fell into a long silence.

Mama Huo could only suppress her excitement and continue chatting awkwardly with Zhuang Lin.

Zhuang Lin said: “I originally planned to introduce tonight’s auction items with my husband, but our Xiao Rui insisted on doing it himself, telling us to watch from the audience…”

Mama Huo responded perfunctorily.

Ye Leyao paused at the word “introduce.”

[Introduce the auction items?]

At this moment, Papa Huo finally broke free from his business partner and walked over: “The auction is about to start, let’s continue chatting inside.”

Mama Huo bid farewell to Zhuang Lin and led Ye Leyao, Qin Yao, and Papa Huo away.

Inside the auction hall, Ye Leyao was still deep in thought.

Papa Huo poked Mama Huo’s arm in confusion and whispered: “What’s going on?”

Although he had been chatting with a business partner just now, his attention was on them the whole time! He heard everything Ye Leyao said.

Mama Huo observed Ye Leyao and, making sure he wasn’t looking at them, whispered back: “I’m not sure yet either.”

She didn’t say anything else, suggesting she was still thinking?

Papa Huo nodded and didn’t ask further.

Qin Yao’s seat was right next to Ye Leyao and his family.

The four had just sat down in the front row when Ye Leyao suddenly asked Qin Yao softly: “President Qin, is there a speech at tonight’s auction?”

Looking up and meeting Ye Leyao’s bright eyes, Qin Yao realized he had remembered something.

Qin Yao nodded at Ye Leyao: “Yes, tonight’s auction is for charity, and many items were provided by invited guests. Those who provided items can choose to give a speech if they wish…”

Before he could finish, Ye Leyao thought excitedly:

[I didn’t expect it, it’s really tonight’s auction!]

[Aaaaaahhh, thank goodness I came with Mama Huo, or I would’ve missed out on this big scoop!]

The sudden and intense excitement in his voice made the others’ eardrums suffer again.

But what made them even more curious was, what was this big scoop?

They hadn’t heard Ye Leyao this excited in a long time, making Papa Huo and Mama Huo a bit excited too.

Also, judging from Ye Leyao’s tone, could this big scoop be related to Zhuang Lin’s family?

“Alright, got it; thank you, President Qin.” Ye Leyao quickly ended his conversation with Qin Yao and then pulled out his phone.

Qin Yao sensibly did not disturb Ye Leyao further and quietly waited for him to recall the plot.

Ye Leyao did not disappoint everyone, quickly finding the key plot points.

After reading just a few lines, Ye Leyao couldn’t help but burst into laughter.

[I knew it! I knew I wasn’t wrong about him. Zheng Rui was indeed gloating hahahahaha——]

[But why is he turning against his own family?]

Turning against his own family?

Turning against who?

Could it be Zhuang Lin and Zheng Xiu?

Papa Huo and Mama Huo perked up their ears, unable to help but think.

How did he turn against them?

It couldn’t be through a crime, right?

Just as Papa Huo began to worry, he heard Ye Leyao continue:

[So Zhuang Lin and Zheng Xiu have a marriage of convenience.]

[They got married just to appease their families. After marriage, they don’t interfere with each other and both have lovers outside.]

Papa Huo immediately turned to look at Mama Huo.

Mama Huo was even more shocked.

Really?

Every time Zhuang Lin showed off her affection in front of her, it’s been over twenty years, and now you’re telling me their marriage is a sham?

And they both have lovers outside?

Ye Leyao suddenly realized:

[No wonder Zheng Xiu insisted on kissing Zhuang Lin’s hand just now…]

[So Zheng Xiu doesn’t like Zhuang Lin at all; he was reluctantly kissing the ring to show affection?]

So all the affection Zhuang Lin and Zheng Xiu had shown in front of her before was fake?

Mama Huo felt like her brain was about to overload.

If they don’t like each other, why do they seriously show off their affection?

Every time they meet, they have to seek attention in front of her!

Could it be that Zhuang Lin and Zheng Xiu just wants to save face?

To convince them, he even kissed the ring twice.

It’s really… must have been tough for them!

Mama Huo felt particularly complicated.

Ye Leyao continued to read the plot quickly:

[Zhuang Lin and Zheng Xiu agreed before marriage that they wouldn’t interfere with each other after marriage, but they must maintain the appearance of a loving couple in public, not letting anyone, including their parents, notice anything unusual. Even Zheng Rui was conceived via IVF…]

[But isn’t this tiring? If they’ve long lost their feelings for each other, can’t they just divorce? Why must they torment each other?]

Mama Huo was equally puzzled.

If they’ve lost their feelings, they could divorce. Could it be that Zhuang Lin thinks she would lose face if she divorced?

Although it’s possible, it still seems unreasonable.

Just then, Ye Leyao continued:

[Well, it turns out both of them care about face. Not only does Zhuang Lin care, but Zheng Xiu is also very satisfied with his role as the most gentle and considerate husband.]

[And there’s the issue of inheritance. They haven’t divorced because of the large inheritance left by Mr. Zheng!]

Hearing this, Papa Huo remembered something and quickly whispered to Mama Huo: “When Mr. Zheng passed away ten years ago, he did leave a large inheritance. The conditions for inheriting it were… quite strange.”

What exactly was strange about it?

The information at the time stated that Mr. Zheng’s will clearly stipulated that for Zhuang Lin and Zheng Rui to inherit the fortune, their marriage must remain intact, neither party could have any extramarital affairs, and they would only be eligible to inherit after Zheng Rui turned eighteen.

If they divorced before Zheng Rui came of age or if Mr. Zheng’s lawyer discovered either party had an affair, Zheng Xiu and Zhuang Lin would lose their inheritance rights completely!

With Papa Huo’s reminder, Mama Huo also remembered.

If it’s for the inheritance, then it’s very possible.

Zheng Rui is sixteen this year, two years away from adulthood.

So is Zheng Rui turning against them for the inheritance?

Qin Yao’s thoughts aligned with Papa Huo and Mama Huo.

But why exactly is Zheng Rui doing this?

Even though Zhuang Lin and Zheng Xiu are just a fake couple, their attitude towards Zheng Rui seemed decent just now.

Could it be—

The couple’s good behavior towards Zheng Rui was also an act?

It’s very possible!

The couple is just acting in front of others; once back home, they probably live their own lives and don’t have the energy to care for the child?

Qin Yao guessed correctly.

But what Ye Leyao said next still shocked and incredulously amazed them:

[It’s one thing for you two to act outside, but why drag a child into your act?]

[In front of others, you act so caring towards Zheng Rui, but once the door closes, you drop all pretense and ignore him completely.]

[When Zheng Rui was three and had a high fever, the couple went out partying, leaving him alone at home… If the nanny hadn’t found him in time, Zheng Rui might have ended up brain-damaged.]

[Ignored at home and forced to act outside, Zheng Rui even doubted his sanity for a long time!]

Ye Leyao was very angry after reading this:

[Anyone would have psychological issues in such a situation! In Zheng Rui’s eyes as a child, this couple must have seemed schizophrenic!]

[Fortunately, Zheng Rui was strong enough. At ten, sensing something wrong with himself, he secretly went to see a doctor.]

[So it’s really not Zheng Rui’s fault for turning against them. Good for him! Moreover, Zheng Rui is quite capable, managing to find so many photos of their affairs. Zhuang Lin even had a fling with Zheng Xiu’s cousin!]

Mama Huo and Papa Huo were furious upon hearing this.

The child was only three and had a fever, and the couple went out to play, leaving him alone at home!

Absolutely irresponsible!

If you didn’t want to raise a child, why have one in the first place?

But wait…

What did Ye Leyao just say?

Zhuang Lin even had an affair with Zheng Xiu’s cousin?

Affair photos?

Papa Huo and Mama Huo’s pupils shook.

Could it be those kinds of photos with very little clothing?

Ye Leyao confirmed their suspicions again:

[Fortunately, Zheng Rui was considerate enough to blur the photos to protect everyone’s eyes.]

Papa Huo and Mama Huo were even more shocked.

It really was that!

Papa Huo, Mama Huo, and Qin Yao were all stunned, unable to recover from the shock for a long time.

The auction officially began.

Mama Huo couldn’t help but glance at Zhuang Lin and Zheng Xiu.

The couple, even after sitting down, didn’t forget to maintain their loving couple image. Zhuang Lin’s hand affectionately hooked around Zheng Xiu’s arm, and they occasionally whispered to each other.@@novelbin@@

It really looked like a loving couple.

Provided Mama Huo hadn’t heard Ye Leyao’s long inner monologue just now.

It seemed like tonight would be quite exciting.

After all, at this charity auction, not only were business tycoons present but also many journalists and media.

Even if Zheng Rui’s speech didn’t go smoothly, this fake couple would still be utterly humiliated.

But, as Ye Leyao said, they had it coming.

If they hadn’t cared so much about appearances, if they had treated Zheng Rui well, Zheng Rui wouldn’t have embarrassed them in front of so many people.

The early stages of the auction went very smoothly. The items donated by Mama Huo and Papa Huo to the organizers were successfully auctioned off.

Papa Huo also successfully bid on a painting he had long coveted.

Finally, it was time to auction the items donated by the Zheng family.

Ye Leyao instantly became excited.

[Here it comes!]

Papa Huo and Mama Huo quickly turned to look at Zheng Xiu’s family.

Zheng Rui had already stood up. Zhuang Lin followed suit, even helping Zheng Rui straighten his tie and collar, then softly said, “Go ahead, Xiao Rui, good luck.”

Ye Leyao’s eyes were fixed, catching a glimpse of contempt and excitement in Zheng Rui’s eyes, and he couldn’t help but smile:

[Looks like Zheng Rui is excited too.]

How could he not be excited?

Hearing Ye Leyao’s comment, it was clear Zheng Rui had been preparing for this moment for a long time.

Qin Yao glanced at the excitement in Ye Leyao’s eyes and also smiled.

Under everyone’s gaze, Zheng Rui slowly walked onto the stage.

The just-turned-sixteen-year-old still had some of the inherent slenderness of youth, but his eyes had long lost their innocence, showing determination.

After stepping onto the stage, Zheng Rui took the microphone but didn’t immediately start his speech. Instead, he handed a USB drive to a nearby attendant.

Seeing this, Zhuang Lin was a bit surprised.

Their family’s seats were only two rows behind Ye Leyao and the others, not far away, so Ye Leyao could clearly hear someone nearby praise, “Zhuang Lin, your Xiao Rui is quite well-prepared. Did he make a PPT presentation?”

“Looks like it. Otherwise, he would have started his speech directly,” someone chimed in, then turned to see the surprise in Zhuang Lin’s eyes, “Really? You mean you just found out about this too?”

Zhuang Lin had been waiting for someone to ask her, and she quickly nodded with an expectant look, “This child didn’t tell me either. I’m just finding out now!”

“It just shows that your Xiao Rui is excellent!”

“So well-prepared!”

“I’m really envious of your sensible and outstanding Xiao Rui, unlike my troublesome kid…”

Zhuang Lin and Zheng Xiu couldn’t help but smile, thoroughly enjoying the compliments.

Ye Leyao pressed his lips together:

[Laugh now; try to laugh as much as you can now, because soon you really won’t be able to laugh!]

The lights dimmed, everything was ready, and Zheng Rui finally picked up the microphone to introduce himself to the audience: “Hello everyone, my name is Zheng Rui. My father is Zheng Xiu, and my mother is Zhuang Lin.”

As he finished speaking, the lights shone on Zheng Xiu and Zhuang Lin, and their photos appeared on the big screen.

Ye Leyao couldn’t hold back his laughter:

[I remember when our donated items were auctioned; they didn’t show us on camera! So Zheng Rui specifically requested this?]

[Zheng Rui really knows how to publicly disgrace Zhuang Lin and Zheng Xiu!]

Mama Huo’s mouth also curved upward, nodding slightly.

Yes, just a word to the organizers would get you on camera, but she and Papa Huo didn’t like that kind of attention and declined.

Zhuang Lin and Zheng Xiu clearly didn’t expect to be shown on camera. They were delighted and stood up, giving each other a big hug in front of the camera.

The audience burst into applause.

Zheng Rui on stage also smiled, and it was clear this time his smile was genuine.

Everything was going according to his plan, and he was more relaxed than ever, continuing, “Today, our family has donated five items in total. Next, please allow me some time to introduce them one by one.”

[Phew, here it comes!]

As soon as he finished speaking, a photo of a pair of perfectly colored emerald bracelets appeared on the big screen behind him.

At first glance, there was nothing wrong with the photo.

But the problem was that next to the photo were several large red characters—

Cousin’s Bracelets.

The guests were all puzzled.

“Cousin’s Bracelets?”

“Is that the name?”

“Must be a typo, right?”

Zhuang Lin also looked confused, her brow furrowing slightly.

She murmured softly, “What’s Xiao Rui doing?”

What cousin’s bracelets?

If he couldn’t name them properly, why not just leave them nameless?

If Zheng Rui embarrassed her today…

Zheng Xiu also looked worried, but with so many people present, he had to continue pretending to be concerned and comforted her, “It’s okay; we should trust Xiao Rui.”

At the same time, he reached out and pinched Zhuang Lin hard, reminding her to maintain her expression.

Zhuang Lin snapped back to reality, quickly relaxing her brow and putting on a smile again.

Ye Leyao burst out laughing inwardly:

[Hahahahahaha, so this pair of bracelets was actually a token of affection from Zheng Xiu’s cousin to Zhuang Lin?]

A gift from Zheng Xiu’s cousin?

Papa Huo and Mama Huo couldn’t help but look back and saw Zhuang Lin’s usual smile.

So Zhuang Lin didn’t even remember where these bracelets came from and directly donated them to the organizers?

Mama Huo covered her mouth with her hand.

Sorry, she really couldn’t hold it in.

On stage, Zheng Rui began to introduce: “As you can see, this pair of bracelets is a pair of very high-quality emerald bracelets, with a diameter of fifty-six millimeters. They were given to my mother, Zhuang Lin, by my uncle five years ago.”

[Hahahahahahaha—]

[So it really is that pair of bracelets, hahahahahaha.]

As soon as he finished speaking, Zhuang Lin’s expression drastically changed.

She almost couldn’t maintain her smile.

Only then did she remember the origin of these bracelets. She was somewhat annoyed with herself for taking them out.

And how did Zheng Rui know that these bracelets were given by Zheng Xiu’s cousin?

Zheng Xiu turned to look at Zhuang Lin.

His eyes were also filled with confusion.

Given by his cousin?

When did his cousin ever give Zhuang Lin bracelets?

Zheng Rui’s words seemed fine at first, but the problem was that everyone present was sharp enough to pick up on a hint from his words.

People around started to look over, and Zheng Xiu didn’t dare to ask more questions. Zhuang Lin had to pretend to be calm.

It should be fine; five years ago, how old was Zheng Rui? He probably just overheard it by accident.

On stage, the screen behind Zheng Rui displayed the second auction item.

With the same layout as the first item, even the red font beside the photo was the same size, except this time, the name of the item was—

Auntie’s Watch.

This time, even without Ye Leyao’s inside scoop, Qin Yao, Papa Huo, and Mama Huo all knew the origin of this watch—

It was given by Zhuang Lin’s younger sister!

[Wow, wow, it seems the couple both have a taste for what’s nearby. One hooked the cousin, the other fell for the aunt.]

[Hahahahahaha, Zheng Rui is really a naming genius! Simple and direct; one glance is enough!]

[There’s more, there’s more! I remember the Zheng family donated five items this time!]

Zheng Rui quickly showed the remaining three items to the audience, their names being: Childhood Sweetheart Diamond Ring, Young Male College Student Bracelet, and Double Crocodile Bag.

[The Childhood Sweetheart Diamond Ring probably refers to Zheng Xiu’s childhood friend, right?]

[The Young Male College Student Bracelet… clearly indicates a male college student Zhuang Lin was supporting!]

[And the Double Crocodile Bag…]

Ye Leyao suddenly remembered, and his expression became one of disgust:

[Zheng Xiu really is ugly and a player!]

[An unchaste man is no different from a rotten cucumber!]

Next to him, Qin Yao, Papa Huo, and Mama Huo were puzzled.

What? What’s up with the rotten cucumber?

Could it be that the “double” refers to the number of people? Two plus one?

In the next moment, their expressions also turned extremely disdainful.

Ye Leyao was right; it was indeed a rotten cucumber!

The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!