The Crybaby Mistress GL - Chapter 52

For now, let us set aside how shocked and upset Xu Fangting had been. The entire box of items was placed back exactly where it had been found. Chen Xin said she would come in the evening to find out what was going on with that child, so Xu Fangting tried not to act too concerned. Later, she went out to shop with other wealthy housewives. With more free time, entertainment came more easily.

When Chen Xin ended the call, the meeting was nearly finished. People were filing out of the conference room. Several managers gave her varied looks. Chen Zheng’s intention to promote Shen Weiguo was so obvious it might as well have been written on his forehead. Some looked on with glee at the internal drama within the Chen family, while others who sided with Chen Xin showed subtle worry in their eyes.

No matter their thoughts, the family affairs of the Chen household were none of their business. They simply watched from the sidelines.

After a while, when most people had left, Chen Zheng and Shen Weiguo finally came out. Seeing that Chen Xin had not returned to the room after leaving, Chen Zheng assumed she was unhappy with his earlier praise of Shen Weiguo. He thought she had left deliberately to make a statement. His expression darkened immediately. He asked, “What did you mean by walking out of the meeting just now?” Even if he had stepped back from managing the company directly, it did not mean he had lost his authority.

Shen Weiguo, walking beside him, kept his head lowered. Chen Xin did not care about her father’s tone. Her mind was entirely focused on Luo Jing. This trivial matter was of no concern to her. She simply said, “It was a phone call. Something urgent came up.”

She then patted Shen Weiguo on the shoulder and said, “You did well this time.”

Chen Zheng narrowed his eyes, trying to see through her thoughts. He never felt he could fully understand his daughter. He continued to talk about Shen Weiguo’s performance. His words made it clear he wanted to promote him.

Chen Xin frowned. “Dad, even if Weiguo is talented, it is not appropriate to move him up so quickly after spending only a short time in one role. If he is doing well, let him handle a few more projects. That way, others will be more willing to accept him.”

The opinions of other employees needed to be considered. If someone appeared to be rising through connections rather than merit, it could cause resentment.

Chen Zheng disagreed. “If he is capable, he should be promoted. He is family. Other senior staff might not want to take orders from someone still holding a low position.” He looked at Chen Xin with a guarded expression. “Do you have another motive?”

Chen Xin sighed inwardly. The older her father got, the more he treated her like an outsider. She felt she could not speak freely with him. “I understand, Dad. I will make the arrangements.”

Only then did Chen Zheng nod in satisfaction. He rarely had long conversations with her and soon turned to speak with Shen Weiguo again. Anyone watching might have thought Shen Weiguo was his son instead. The truth was that Chen Xin and Chen Zheng were not even related by blood.

After they left, Chen Zheng did not ask a single question about Xu Fangting. If she had not shown up at Chen Xin’s place, Chen Xin might never have known that her parents had argued. She could not understand how her father could act as if nothing had happened. After being married for decades, he did not even ask where his wife had gone when she disappeared.

From a distance, Chen Xin saw her father’s car being driven over. Inside was Liu Ruoya, sitting there looking delicate and charming. It was obvious now that the two were being seen in public together. They had practically become a couple.

When Liu Ruoya looked at Chen Xin from inside the car, her gaze carried a hint of triumph. All women could recognize that expression. Unfortunately for her, Chen Xin’s face remained unreadable. Chen Xin simply said, “Auntie, it has been a while.”

The title made Liu Ruoya’s expression freeze. Even Chen Zheng looked uncomfortable. Shen Weiguo wished he could disappear into the nearest storm drain. Chen Xin closed the car door and did not let her disgust show until the car had driven off.

If they liked inappropriate relationships so much, then she would use the proper titles and let them enjoy it in private.

Chen Xin decided to finish her work quickly so she could return home early. She needed to figure out exactly what was going on with Luo Jing.

At that moment, Luo Jing was still at school. Class was nearly over, and she kept her head down, avoiding eye contact with anyone.

When class ended, she hurried to pack up and leave. Lu Ting and his friends no longer walked with her. Even so, she hoped to make it to the school gate alone. Unfortunately, she was not left in peace.

Right after class, Li Cheng and a group of friends approached her. With a cruel smile, Li Cheng said, “Where are you rushing off to, Luo Jing? Is your sugar mommy waiting for you to go home and serve her?”

“Do not say things like that,” Luo Jing replied, her voice trembling. The group had her surrounded. It was starting to feel like bullying. Luo Jing was timid by nature, and when she showed weakness, they only became more aggressive.

“Who is making things up?” one of the girls said. Her smile was unsettling. “I heard being a sugar baby pays really well. Why do you not take us with you? I bet your sponsor gives you lots of spending money.”

Li Cheng added, “You are all so mean. She earned that money by spreading her legs. How can you ask for a share? She works hard for it. Do you not mind how dirty that is?”

The girls burst into laughter. Luo Jing looked desperately toward Lu Ting for help. He and his friends were already leaving through the back door, pretending not to see what was happening.

Unable to endure the mockery, Luo Jing kept her head down and squeezed her way through the wall of girls. She broke into a run toward the school gate.

As she passed students from other classes, she could not bring herself to lift her head. It felt like everyone was laughing at her. That might not have been her imagination. Someone had posted a picture of her on the school forum. The post was anonymous. Her face was fully visible with no attempt to hide her identity. The comments were full of cruel and disgusting words.

She only dared to look at the post once. After that, she never checked it again. It felt like the entire school looked down on her. Being on campus was like walking through a field of needles. She was constantly uncomfortable and had even skipped several days of class.

She had no idea how to tell Chen Xin what was happening. Whenever she tried to call, she heard how busy Chen Xin was and lost the courage to speak up. She just pretended everything was fine, not wanting to burden her.

Feeling exhausted, she returned to the apartment. To her surprise, Chen Xin was already home. She had never come back this early before. Luo Jing immediately kicked off her shoes and ran to her, throwing herself into her arms.

Chen Xin responded to the enthusiastic greeting by wrapping her arms around Luo Jing. As the girl snuggled closer, Chen Xin gently stroked her back. She became even more certain that Luo Jing was hiding something. This level of affection clearly showed she was seeking comfort. Normally, Luo Jing never acted this way.

Luo Jing, happy to see Chen Xin, put her schoolbag on the sofa and said, “I will go make you dinner.”

Chen Xin watched her rush off to the kitchen with a smile. Once Luo Jing turned her back, she picked up the schoolbag and searched through it. She found nothing suspicious and gave up. She walked slowly over to the kitchen and stood nearby, watching Luo Jing busy herself with washing vegetables and boiling water.

“Has anything been going on at school lately?” Chen Xin asked casually.

Luo Jing’s hand froze briefly, then she forced a smile. “Nothing much.”

“Is that so?” Chen Xin replied without expression. “But Mom said you have not been to school for a few days.”

Luo Jing paused again. Chen Xin narrowed her eyes. “What is really going on?”