She thought for a moment, then nodded. "Let them in!"
"Okay." Luo Xin nodded.
Ye Yuning had previously given clear instructions: no one from the Ye Family was to be casually allowed into the studio without her express permission. So now, if anyone from the Ye Family arrived without Ye Yuning’s prior consent, they couldn’t even dream of setting foot inside.
Not long after Luo Xin left, Zheng Cai walked in.
Ye Yuning was startled by her appearance. Why does she look so ghastly? Despite Zheng Cai’s somewhat coarse exterior, she actually cared a great deal about her image. Normally, she always went out dressed to the nines, exuding the distinct air of the nouveau riche. Today, however, she was utterly disheveled.
When Ye Yuning remained silent, Zheng Cai clenched her teeth. "Are you happy seeing me ?"
Seeing Ye Yuning’s glamorous appearance, Zheng Cai felt even worse. She and Ye Tong were practically wallowing in mud, while Ye Yuning, in stark contrast...!
At this moment, Zheng Cai finally had to admit that Ye Yuning... truly had some capabilities of her own. How long had it been since she’d broken away from the Ye family’s influence? Look at this studio—it was so well-decorated! It clearly belonged to someone wealthy. The contrast was even more striking when she thought about the fate of the studio Ye Tong had previously opened.
Ye Yuning raised an eyebrow. "Apologies, but I don’t share your particular pastime."
Taking pleasure in others’ misfortune...! With that kind of time, I’d rather improve myself and focus on making more money!
Zheng Cai’s teeth itched with anger at Ye Yuning’s blatant sarcasm, but she didn’t dare unleash her temper. She knew very well what Ye Yuning represented to her right now. Ye Yuning could clearly see this forced restraint.
"Please get straight to the point," Ye Yuning said. "I’m very busy!"
Zheng Cai pulled out the chair opposite Ye Yuning’s desk and sat down. She sighed. "I know you hate me, and I know I didn’t raise you well all those years, but Yuning...!"
But what? Zheng Cai’s words caught in her throat as she looked at Ye Yuning.
Hearing the word "but," Ye Yuning shot her a cold glare.
Then, Zheng Cai continued, "The truth is, I’m not your biological mother. The fact that I raised you at all should be considered a great kindness. Ask yourself, do you really have grounds to hate me so intensely? It’s very difficult to develop affection for a child who isn’t your own."
A cold glint flashed in Ye Yuning’s eyes. "So? What is Mrs. Ye trying to achieve by playing the sympathy card?"
Zheng Cai pleaded, "Just this once, help the Ye Family get through this crisis! I know you can."
Her tone was filled with desperation. Ye Yuning had never seen Zheng Cai ; it was clear how desperate she had become.
When Ye Yuning remained silent, Zheng Cai humbled herself even further. "I’ve been with him for so many years. Now we might have to divorce because of this. Yuning, just this once, please? I’m begging you, help me too!"
"And I should help you just because you’re begging?" Ye Yuning felt as if she’d heard a joke. What kind of twisted logic is that?
Tears streamed down Zheng Cai’s face. "I married Ye Shilong when I was eighteen. I’ve never worked a day in my life. Without him, I can’t survive!" Orıginal content can be found at 𝘯𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭•𝘧𝘪𝘳𝘦•𝘯𝘦𝘵
Zheng Cai was acutely aware of this. She might usually show off in front of the other wealthy wives, but in reality, all she had to boast about was her husband. Without Ye Shilong, she was nothing. She was accustomed to her life as Mrs. Ye; deprived of it, she would be utterly lost.
Having completely abandoned her pride, Zheng Cai now appeared like a helpless child. "Yuning, I’m begging you!"
"If you help us through this crisis, you’ll have a share in everything the Ye Family owns from now on. I promise I’ll treat you like my own daughter," Zheng Cai choked out, her voice filled with apparent sincerity.
At this moment, she genuinely wished Ye Yuning were her biological daughter. She was filled with regret. When Ye Tong had returned to the Ye Family, she shouldn’t have been so cruel.
Seeing Zheng Cai so utterly humbled, vague memories flickered through Ye Yuning’s mind.
She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and said, "You’ve provoked the Xiao Family. Surely you’re aware of what I can and cannot do?"
Her ’real daughter’? I couldn’t care less! Yet, her tone had noticeably softened.
It wasn’t that she was unwilling to help; she was simply unable to.
Hearing this, Zheng Cai’s voice instinctively rose. "But Qiye is your husband! You don’t need any special capabilities for this. Just put in a few good words for us with him."