Heartthrob, Your Image is Crumbling!

Chapter 441: Rival Warlords

"The way I see it, we might as well let the kids tag along and broaden their horizons. My manor has everything, including a few bottles of vintage red wine from Old Gong's private collection. Let the kids come over and have some fun. Oh, by the way, Yuwen, do you know how to play cards?" Sun Juan, a slightly plump woman with a wide, bright red smile, beamed at Zhou Yuwen."I," Zhou Yuwen began, glancing at Liu Jing since he was not very familiar with Sun Juan.

Liu Jing explained, "This is Auntie Sun. Her family is in the building materials business."

"That is right, that is right! If you ever need to renovate a house in the future, just come to me. By the way, you have met my daughter, right? The one with the incredibly flawless skin, exceptionally pretty. Xinrou, come over here! Let me tell you, she just came back from overseas. You young people should definitely get closer." As Sun Juan spoke, she called Tang Xinrou over and grabbed Zhou Yuwen's hand.

At this moment, Sun Juan was thinking to herself, 'My goodness, this young man.'

'It is so good to be young.'

'These little hands are so soft!'

Zhou Yuwen awkwardly pulled his hand back, stammering for a long time without knowing what to say.

Sun Juan's behavioral style was a bit boorish, which her circle of friends already knew, so they did not pay it much mind. Liu Jing, possessing excellent manners, naturally stepped in when Zhou Yuwen was left speechless. She asked, "Yuwen, do you have other things to attend to?"

Zhou Yuwen replied that he probably needed to tidy up the villa.

"Leave things like tidying up the villa to the professionals. Come over to Auntie's place for some red wine, why do you not? Besides, you can keep your younger sister Xinrou company."

"Xinrou is probably older than Yuwen," Liu Jing gently reminded her before Sun Juan could even finish her sentence.

Sun Juan let out an "Oh," gently tapping her own mouth. "Oh dear, look at me. Seeing Yuwen as Xinyi's boyfriend got me all confused. Yuwen is only nineteen, he does not look like it at all."

"Like I was saying, you need to give Xinrou a proper lesson later and share your entrepreneurial experience. Let me tell you, Xinrou is the only girl in our family. In the future, this massive family business will definitely be handed over to her. Since you are so capable, you absolutely must give her some pointers," Sun Juan said with absolute sincerity.

Zhou Yuwen felt momentarily awkward and cast a helpless glance at Liu Jing.

"What is it? Do you have to listen to your mother-in-law for everything? Your mother-in-law is so understanding, it is not like she would forbid you from going, right?" Sun Juan teased with a beaming smile.

Liu Jing found Sun Juan rather amusing. She said, "Yuwen, if you have nothing else to do, just go along with them. You can take the opportunity to check out Auntie Sun's manor."

Zhou Yuwen nodded. "That works."

And so, the matter was settled. Liu Jing, Sun Juan, and the others left first. They sent Zhou Yuwen the location, asking him to bring Jiang Xinyi and Tang Xinrou over shortly.

After seeing Liu Jing's group off, Zhou Yuwen returned to the villa. The several girls were inside, guiding the professional cleaning crew as they tidied up the place.

In reality, the cleaning crew handled the brunt of the work. The girls had naturally split into their own little cliques, gathering in corners to exchange whispers.

Zheng Yanyan was filled with confusion at this moment. Truth be told, the incident with Su Qing had left a rather significant impact on her. They used to argue every single day, but seeing how utterly devastated Su Qing looked when she left surprisingly stirred a sense of worry within Zheng Yanyan. She had already asked Lu Lin about it more than once.

"Lu Lin, do you think Su Qing will really cut off all contact with Zhou Yuwen?"

Lu Lin replied, "Wouldn't that be perfect? You would have one less rival to deal with."

Zheng Yanyan pouted at those words, telling Lu Lin to stop joking around.

"Having one or two fewer rivals does not even matter right now. I am genuinely afraid that Su Qing might just leave without a trace. After all, Su Qing and I are familiar with each other, and we are roommates. Just look at those three across the room."

As Zheng Yanyan spoke, she cast a sidelong glance at Qu Jing, Tao Tian, and Minmin, who were standing in another area.

Both Tao Tian and Qu Jing were busy directing the cleaners on what to do.

Watching this scene unfold, Zheng Yanyan commented that she felt the situation was becoming quite dangerous for herself and Lu Lin.

Lu Lin asked her why she thought so.

Zheng Yanyan explained, "Think about it. The two of us are practically a useless duo who don't know how to do anything. Even if Zhou Yuwen likes us, these feelings won't last long. Then look at them—all they know is how to fawn on him every single day. If this keeps up, we really will not be able to beat them."

"Plus, there are three of them and only two of us. Su Qing might be a bit annoying, but at least she has combat power," Zheng Yanyan said, her heart brimming with uncertainty.

Lu Lin comforted her, "Do not overthink it. Su Qing is just throwing a tantrum right now."

Zheng Yanyan sighed softly and said, "I hope so. Alas, if I really cannot be the main wife, I kind of hope Su Qing ends up with Zhou Yuwen. At the very least, it wouldn't be this exhausting."

They barely exchanged a few more words.

Zhou Yuwen walked inside.

Seeing him enter, the five girls immediately shifted their gazes toward him.

They had distinctly divided themselves into two separate camps.

Zhou Yuwen hesitated for a moment before deciding to approach Tao Tian and Qu Jing first.

Watching this, Zheng Yanyan's expression instantly darkened. She felt the road ahead was even more confusing. Even if they formed a formidable trio, they wouldn't stand a chance against those three scheming sirens.

Qu Jing was naturally delighted when she saw Zhou Yuwen taking the initiative to approach them.

However, Zhou Yuwen merely asked them how the banquet had turned out.

Did they encounter any unexpected issues?

Tao Tian replied that everything was fine.

Zhou Yuwen nodded, stating that as long as everything was fine, that was enough.

"I have some other matters to attend to shortly. Just leave this place to the professional cleaning crew. If you have nothing else to do, you can head home first. Thank you for your hard work today."

Tao Tian and Qu Jing exchanged a glance.

Qu Jing wanted to say something, but Tao Tian held her back.

Tao Tian simply smiled and nodded. "Alright."

Tao Tian briefly mentioned the minor conflict they had earlier with Lu Lin's dorm, framing it simply as the two dormitories exchanging greetings.

She added that Zheng Yanyan seemed a little angry.

"You will probably have to coax her again."

Hearing Tao Tian's words, Zhou Yuwen glanced back at Zheng Yanyan.

Zheng Yanyan, meanwhile, immediately tensed up.

She muttered softly to Lu Lin, "They are definitely badmouthing me."

Lu Lin signaled for Zheng Yanyan to stay quiet for now.

After chatting briefly with Tao Tian, Zhou Yuwen told them they could head back first.

"Zhou Yuwen, we will be going back then." Minmin's gaze toward him always carried a hint of hesitation, as if she wanted to say more but held back.

Zhou Yuwen nodded in acknowledgment.

Only after they left did Zhou Yuwen walk over to Lu Lin and Zheng Yanyan.

Seeing that Tao Tian had actually been sent away by Zhou Yuwen, Zheng Yanyan was instantly overjoyed. She deliberately asked, "Huh? Why did they leave?"

When she said this, Tao Tian and the others had not fully walked out the door yet.

Qu Jing was naturally indignant and wanted to snap back at Zheng Yanyan, but Tao Tian dragged her away.

Zhou Yuwen looked at Zheng Yanyan, who was practically vibrating with inexplicable glee, and said, "What else are they supposed to do when they are done? Stay for dinner?"

Hearing this, Zheng Yanyan giggled heartily. She remarked, "That is true. After all, some people's only role here is to do the manual labor."

Zhou Yuwen felt rather speechless at her comment. He just stood there, silently staring at her.

He stared for so long that Zheng Yanyan eventually became embarrassed.

Only then did Zhou Yuwen speak, "I heard from Tian Tian that you ran over and started a fuss with them again?"

"I did not." The moment Zhou Yuwen finished his sentence, Zheng Yanyan immediately denied it. She insisted, "I was super obedient this time, Hubby, truly. Let me tell you, when Su Qing threw a fit, I did not join in at all. I even helped Lin Lin hold her back. It is true! If you do not believe me, you can ask Lin Lin. Right, Lin Lin?"

Lu Lin nodded and confirmed, "Yanyan really did behave quite well this time."

Zhou Yuwen replied, "Oh, then I suppose I misjudged her."

"Hmph!" Hearing Zhou Yuwen's concession, Zheng Yanyan let out two smug huffs.

Zhou Yuwen was well accustomed to Zheng Yanyan's petty temper. He merely chuckled and asked, "How come I do not see Su Qing?"

At the mention of this, Lu Lin sighed and said, "You are probably going to have to put in some serious effort."

Truth be told, this was a matter that both Lu Lin and Zheng Yanyan were quite curious about.

Namely, the actual relationship between Zhou Yuwen and Jiang Xinyi.

"When you suddenly admitted to your relationship with Jiang Xinyi on stage, Su Qing was genuinely devastated. Thank goodness Yanyan did not join the chaos, otherwise I really would not have known how to control the situation."

"I did not cause a scene because I found the whole thing strange. If you really had something going on with Jiang Xinyi, Hubby, why would you let me come over? Besides, that female dated the counselor no matter how you look at it. Hubby, you must have some hidden difficulties that you cannot speak of, right?"

Since Zheng Yanyan hadn't thrown a tantrum this time, wasn't it a matter of course for her to say a few diplomatic words?

Looking at Zheng Yanyan's obedient, eager-to-please demeanor, Zhou Yuwen genuinely looked at her with new eyes.

He nodded and agreed, "Mhm, you are completely right about that."

"Then, Hubby, what about you and that Jiang Xinyi..."

This was likely the question everyone was dying to ask.

However, at the mention of this issue, Zhou Yuwen could not help but sigh.

It was truly a long story that was difficult to explain in a few words.

"Between Xinyi and me, there is indeed a bit of ambiguity, but it has absolutely not escalated to the level of boyfriend and girlfriend."

"Then what was she doing?"

When it came to women, Zhou Yuwen had always been completely honest, basically never hiding anything.

If there really was a relationship, Zhou Yuwen would definitely have said: 'Sigh, at this point, there is nothing left to say. You girls figure out what you want to do. If you want to stay, I will treat you well with all my heart; if you want to leave, I will not force you to stay.' Since Zhou Yuwen stated that they hadn't reached that level, it must be true.

Zheng Yanyan immediately felt dissatisfied with Jiang Xinyi.

What was this all about?

Was this called using one's position to bully others?

Zhou Yuwen admitted, "I do not know either."

"But I am guessing Sister Xinyi was forced into it too. Because, as you both know, it was not me who initiated the announcement. It was Sister Xinyi's mother pushing the narrative the entire time."

"Hmph, that old witch! She is not young anymore, yet she pulls this kind of ridiculous nonsense!" Hearing that it was Liu Jing's doing, Zheng Yanyan immediately cursed out loud.

Zhou Yuwen could not help but laugh at her outburst. He gently chided, "Hey, that is a bit too far. She is an elder, after all."

"Then she should act like a proper elder! She doesn't even look at how old her daughter is, yet she still wants an older woman to prey on a younger guy!" Zheng Yanyan's hatred for Liu Jing reached its absolute peak at this moment.

If she ever got the chance to interact with Liu Jing next time...

She would definitely teach Liu Jing a lesson on how to behave in a heartbeat.

Zhou Yuwen continuously told Zheng Yanyan to tone it down a bit, but she just stood there huffing indignantly.

Zhou Yuwen explained that Liu Jing had provided an immense amount of help with his business.

"I have to join them for dinner in a bit, so I cannot keep you company. Head back to Lan Ting first, and I will come find you once I am done."

The underlying meaning was that he would stay overnight with Lu Lin and Zheng Yanyan.

Zheng Yanyan was naturally thrilled and completely convinced that there was nothing going on between Zhou Yuwen and Jiang Xinyi.

Thinking about it carefully, Zhou Yuwen and Jiang Xinyi really did not have any opportunities to interact, because his nights were always split between her and Lu Lin.

However, Lu Lin suddenly said, "Go to Tao Tian's place tonight."

"?" Both Zheng Yanyan and Zhou Yuwen were taken aback.

They stared at Lu Lin, completely baffled.

Lu Lin explained, "Yanyan and I should probably head back to the dormitory tonight to check on things. Su Qing's condition was definitely off today. We will help you talk to her."

Hearing this, Zhou Yuwen was at a loss for words for a moment. He found it slightly amusing, yet he was deeply moved.

Zheng Yanyan, on the other hand, was left somewhat speechless.

Yet, she kept her mouth shut.

Lu Lin continued, "Furthermore, since you chased Tao Tian and the others away just now, you should carve out some time to explain things to them."

"You don't need to worry about Yanyan and me. No matter the circumstances, we will always stay by your side." Lu Lin's way of thinking was incredibly clear and pragmatic.

Zhou Yuwen didn't know what to say. After pondering for a moment, he replied, "Actually, there is nothing to worry about when it comes to Su Qing. She is just like that, throwing fits in phases."

"We should still go check on her. Or, I can return to the dormitory tonight while Yanyan stays behind at Lan Ting to keep you company?" Lu Lin suggested, looking toward Zheng Yanyan.

"I..." Zheng Yanyan naturally wanted to be alone with Zhou Yuwen, but having Lu Lin point it out so blatantly made her hesitate.

Zheng Yanyan suddenly felt a little embarrassed again. Human psychology truly was a bizarre thing.

Previously, Zheng Yanyan had always wanted to monopolize Zhou Yuwen. But after becoming completely open and honest with Lu Lin, sneaking around with Zhou Yuwen behind her back suddenly felt a bit like an illicit affair.

Thus, after struggling internally for a long time, Zheng Yanyan finally stammered, "I will go to the dormitory with you. I am quite worried about Su Qing too."

Zhou Yuwen was genuinely surprised to hear this.

However, seeing how understanding and considerate the two girls were, Zhou Yuwen felt truly gratified. He pulled both Zheng Yanyan and Lu Lin into an embrace and said, "I have no idea what good karma I cultivated in my past life to meet good girls like you two. I will leave tonight's troubles in your capable hands then."

Zheng Yanyan was incredibly easy to coax.

Just having Zhou Yuwen hold her and shower her with a little praise was enough to make her incredibly happy.

She even wrapped her arms back around Zhou Yuwen's waist, resting her face against his chest while humming contentedly.

The three of them settled on the plan. Zhou Yuwen checked the time and asked, "Then I will go take care of my business now?"

"Mhm, go ahead."

Leaving Zhou Yuwen's side of things aside for now, let's shift to Qu Jing, who was driving Tao Tian and Minmin away.

Qu Jing was quite dissatisfied with Tao Tian's passive, non-confrontational attitude. She couldn't understand what Tao Tian was so afraid of.

"You were afraid before because you weren't Zhou Yuwen's girlfriend yet. But now, everyone can see how much he dotes on you. Do you honestly want them riding on your head for the rest of your life?" Qu Jing muttered indignantly as she drove.

Tao Tian remained silent.

Tao Tian thought to herself, 'You are just waiting for the perfect chance to trap me, aren't you?'

To outsiders, Tao Tian and Qu Jing appeared to be on the same team.

But considering how severely Tao Tian and Qu Jing had clashed in the past, how could she possibly accept being in the same camp as her?

She was well-equipped and magnanimous enough to be a one-woman team.

As for the words coming out of Qu Jing's mouth, did they even sound like something a sane person would say?

Qu Jing actually wanted her to lead the charge and tear into the others?

Do not even think about it.

So, regardless of whatever Qu Jing complained about, Tao Tian sat there without uttering a single word.

Instead, it was Minmin, sitting in the back seat, who felt her blood boil with excitement upon hearing Qu Jing's grievances.

She chimed in, "Jingjing, you really cannot blame Tian Tian for staying quiet. The main issue is that the opposition is far too strong."

"They have four people on their side, while you only have two on yours. You do not hold the advantage!"

"Just listen to the things that little bitch Zheng Yanyan was saying. She and Lu Lin might even be sneaking into Zhou Yuwen's bed together. How could just you and Tian Tian possibly be a match for them?"

After Minmin finished speaking, Qu Jing fell silent.

The underlying meaning behind Minmin's words was actually perfectly obvious to everyone.

They all knew what she was aiming at, but no one voiced it out loud.

Seeing that the two did not reply, Minmin clung to the back seat and continued, "Besides, Jingjing, Tian Tian is simply too gentle. In the past, didn't Tian Tian always hold down the fort in the rear while the two of us led the charge at the front?"

"Today is a workday, isn't it? Don't you need to go back to work? Where do you live now? Shall I drop you off?" Qu Jing suddenly interjected before Minmin could finish.

"Ah, I..."

This abrupt interruption left Minmin entirely at a loss.

Her workplace was located in the city center. If she stayed over at Tao Tian's place tonight, she would have to ride the subway for an hour and a half the next morning.

Even if she followed Tao Tian home right now, she would still have to rush back via the subway shortly after.

For Qu Jing to actively offer her a ride home should have been a good thing.

However, she truly did not want to endure that boring, dead-end job all by herself.

She also wanted to live the glamorous life of a wealthy socialite, just like Tao Tian and Qu Jing.

She originally intended to get Tao Tian and Qu Jing to lend her a helping hand.

Who would have thought these two would refuse to pick up the conversation?

Qu Jing's tone turned slightly sour. "Tell me where you are going, quickly. Otherwise, I am just going straight home."

Minmin held her tongue for a long time before finally saying, "Then... then just drop me off at the San Mountain Street subway entrance."

Qu Jing gave a dismissive "Oh," stepped on the accelerator, and merged onto the elevated road.

From their current location to San Mountain Street, it would take nearly forty minutes by car.

She finally dropped Minmin off at the subway entrance. Along the way, Minmin repeatedly emphasized that Qu Jing and Tao Tian lacked a numerical advantage, but neither Tao Tian nor Qu Jing paid her any attention.

It remained that way until Minmin reluctantly stepped out of the car.

Only then did Qu Jing display a completely exasperated expression. "The internal strife hasn't even been settled, yet we already have external threats glaring like a tiger watching its prey!"

"Just look at her face! 'You do not hold the advantage'—she was absolutely dying for us to pull her into the fold!"

"And calling Zheng Yanyan a little bitch?"

"Who is she to curse at Zheng Yanyan?"

"What does she think she is?"

Qu Jing fumed indignantly, while Tao Tian had barely spoken a word since getting into the car.

No matter how much Qu Jing cursed now, Tao Tian only found it painfully ironic.

Right now, she was complaining about Minmin glaring like a tiger watching its prey.

Yet, wasn't it just a little while ago that she herself was borrowing Tao Tian's momentum, glaring covetously just like a tiger as well?

"Hey, share your opinion! Can you really not tell what your good best friend is scheming?" Qu Jing demanded, noticing that Tao Tian remained persistently quiet.

She spoke with evident dissatisfaction.

"Share my opinion? Oh, actually, I think what Minmin suggested isn't a bad idea. After all, we really do not hold the numerical advantage," Tao Tian replied with a smile.

"What are you thinking?!" Hearing this, Qu Jing's face immediately contorted with utter disgust. "Even if we needed someone, it would never be her turn!"