Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
“Secretary Ma, you’re a cadre from Willow Village, and I’m just a humble educated youth. If you want to deal with me, you don’t need so many excuses or resort to threats. Don’t you understand your reasons for wanting to threaten me?” Ye Ling didn’t even look at Ma Kang as she spoke with a cold tone.
Ma Kang hadn’t anticipated that Ye Ling would remain so composed in his presence and even engage in a rebuttal. This woman was truly remarkable!
“Ye Ling, I’m simply following the rules. What do you mean by this? I’m not the one who broke the rules. Have you ever considered that if the surgery you performed on Chen Si had failed, you’d be in jail right now? If I hadn’t provided you with protection, do you think you’d still be standing here speaking to me?”
“Secretary Ma.” Ye Ling was fed up with Ma Kang’s hypocritical and shameless demeanor, and she couldn’t be bothered to listen to his nonsense any longer. “Your words are pointless. I’m not the key figure in this matter, and the decision isn’t up to me. You may want to threaten me, but have you ever thought that I’m just a woman? Even if I don’t land a good job in the future, I can always find a decent man to marry. My family background isn’t bad either. Do you think I care about being an educated youth or not?”
Although Ye Ling’s words had nothing to do with her true thoughts, she sounded like she was being completely honest. Her tone carried a hint of mockery and indifference as if she genuinely didn’t care about Ma Kang’s intentions.
Ye Ling had finally realized that she couldn’t be too straightforward when dealing with people like Ma Kang. Thus, she changed her approach, pretending to be nonchalant. While it might not intimidate Ma Kang, it would certainly deflate his arrogance.
As expected, Ma Kang was taken aback when Ye Ling displayed her indifferent attitude.
He stared at her, attempting to detect any signs of vulnerability in her expression. Unfortunately, he came up empty.
Ma Kang’s expression stiffened. He opened his mouth, and his thoughts stalled for a couple of seconds before he continued, “But you’re already together with Min Nan, and you’re even living together. Even if you wanted to find another man, no one would want an ‘unclean’ woman like you.”
Ye Ling gave a cold smile, her attitude highly disdainful.
“Is that so? Secretary Ma, not only does Min Nan like me a lot right now, but if I were to be sent back because of the mine incident, he would undoubtedly feel even more guilty. Perhaps his feelings for me would grow even stronger. If he can keep liking me, wouldn’t it be better for me to marry him? After marrying him, I could be a housewife who doesn’t have to worry about anything. Don’t you think that’s a good thing for me?”
Ye Ling tilted her head and smiled. “Of course, men’s hearts are fickle. Maybe Min Nan and I won’t end up together. But think about it. Since I can make Min Nan like me, why couldn’t I make other men fall for me? There are so many men in the world, and I have plenty of options.”
Ye Ling’s words contradicted her true thoughts, and it made her feel somewhat embarrassed. However, upon seeing Ma Kang’s even paler expression, she felt her words had a significant impact.
Ma Kang had realized he had misjudged Ye Ling. This woman wasn’t simple. She was terrifying! How could there be such a manipulative woman in the world? She treated men’s emotions as if they were mere toys!
No wonder Min Nan had fallen for her. This woman was so cunning, she must have bewitched Min Nan!
For a moment, Ma Kang looked at Ye Ling with shock and vigilance.
Inwardly, Ye Ling rolled her eyes.
What are you being vigilant about? I won’t be attracted to you!
Ma Kang’s lips moved, and just as he was about to say something, a woman’s voice suddenly came from the doorway. “Secretary Ma? What brought you to our house?”
Sun Li walked into the house, removed her straw hat, placed her heavy baggage on the ground, and glanced at Ma Kang indifferently before eyeing the table. Ye Ling was such an obedient and considerate girl, yet she hadn’t poured Ma Kang any water.
Sun Li’s reaction was swift, and she instantly deduced that Ma Kang’s visit to her house was likely not for a good reason. Could he be looking for trouble? Sun Li hadn’t held a favorable view of Ma Kang to begin with, and when she noticed Ye Ling’s frosty attitude toward him, she immediately taunted him, “Secretary Ma, you’re nearly fifty years old. Why couldn’t you wait for me to return before talking? Why are you bothering a child like Lingling? Lingling is timid. If you have anything to say, you can tell me. Lingling, go rest inside..”