Afraid She'll Break Her Legs

The Yun family still had assets and connections, after all—yet that wet-behind-the-ears girl, Yun Huaizhu, had managed to reclaim every share from the company's senior partners in no time at all.

Not only that—over the past few months, she had systematically purged the Yun Corporation's core figures and replaced them with people of her own.

Her methods had bred no small amount of resentment.

Honestly, given the way the Yun Corporation had been developing, cashing out early would have been the smart move. But some people were simply too greedy. They had already tasted power, and even if this symbolic “senior partner” position was worthless by share percentage alone, there would always be those who clung to it, determined to drain Yun Huaizhu dry.

They all looked down on Yun Huaizhu, dismissing her as nothing but a girl barely past twenty. Little did they know, the Yun family's previous head—her mother—had taken power at twenty too.

Yun Jinyu was the person Yun Huaizhu revered most in her life. Her aunt, despite being an A-rank omega, was timid and incompetent, failing at everything she tried. Her grandmother had no choice but to name her mother heir to the family business.

As for why she had initially chosen Yun Jinping as the heir? It was, of course, because her mother was a low-quality omega who hadn't even reached B-rank. Her grandmother, however mediocre, was still above B-rank, yet she had given birth to a defective omega; in the elite circles of the time, that was nothing short of a joke.

So for the sake of the vast family enterprise, her grandmother focused on grooming her aunt. But that woman was simply not cut out for managing a company. Every time she caused even a minor problem, she would hide behind her elder sister, sobbing and sniveling.

Only then did her grandmother realize that if the Yun family were handed to Yun Jinping, it would likely go bankrupt within twenty years at the hands of that useless daughter.

Yun Huaizhu knew her mother was tens of thousands of times more outstanding than she was.

Despite being a low-quality omega, Yun Jinyu had carved out a broad, prosperous path for herself in Jing City at the time. If she hadn't passed away so early, how could she have stood by and watched the Su mother and daughter bully Yun Huaizhu all this time?

Yun Huaizhu still remembered asking Yun Jinyu when she was ten, looking up at her: “Mom, what if I'm not an S-rank omega? What if I'm just an ordinary beta or a defective alpha?”

Back then, the woman had bent down and gently stroked her head. “Zhuzhu, does it really matter whether you differentiate into a high-rank omega? If you're capable, you can command as many people as I do, even as a beta. A person's excellence has nothing to do with gender. Look at me—I had you out of wedlock, yet everyone in our circles still treats me with the utmost respect. No one has ever dared to bring it up.”

Then she had pulled her into a hug and reminded her, as she always did: “So... Zhuzhu, you have to become strong. Strong enough that no one dares to bully you, strong enough to do whatever you want. Only by becoming strong can you protect the people you love. I hope that one day, even if I'm no longer here, you'll live freely and happily in this world, following your own heart.”

...

Yun Huaizhu told Lin Meng the good news: her new company was going public. Lin Meng froze on the spot.

While she'd been busy dealing with Su Yutang, Yun Huaizhu had been away on business trips; while she'd been lying at home scrolling on her phone, Yun Huaizhu had still been on business trips. She hadn't expected Yun Huaizhu to be the type to quietly pull off something huge!

The company Yun Huaizhu's mother had left her had long since become an empty shell, and it was that very shell that helped her fend off the malice of everyone trying to besiege her, buying her time to build her own forces.

She had inherited her mother's mind perfectly; in business dealings and negotiations, she was so smooth that she hardly seemed like a newcomer to the commercial world.

Add in the benefits she'd gained from the Su mother and daughter, and starting fresh in a new industry wasn't difficult.

In this world, as long as there was profit and money to be had, people would make mistakes again and again and suffer no serious consequences.

Yun Huaizhu used to think Yun Jinyu was simply too powerful—like a giant tree that shielded her from every bit of malice thrown her way. Ever since childhood, whatever she wanted, Yun Jinyu would provide, so she had never been particular about money.

But now she understood: money truly mattered. At the very least, to make herself strong, money was indispensable.

Every time Yun Huaizhu finished playing the hypocrite with those people, utter disgust surged up in her. In the end, she abandoned her youthful pride and stepped into that filthy, sordid circle.

In fact, long ago, when Yun Jinyu was still with her, Yun Jinping had wanted to keep her away from the scheming and deceit of the business world. Even if she was to take over the family business, it wouldn't be during her girlhood.

Yun Jinyu hoped her precious pearl could have a happy childhood, a beautiful girlhood, attend a university she liked, make many friends, and spend those brief twenty-odd years in happiness.

Only after she had experienced all the beauty the world had to offer would Yun Jinyu ask whether she wanted the Yun family enterprise.

But those beautiful imaginings existed only in the past, in a mother's hopes and expectations.

She would never again see Yun Huaizhu enjoy such happy times.

It was precisely because Yun Jinyu had raised Yun Huaizhu this way from childhood that Yun Huaizhu had such high self-esteem. If she hadn't learned to yield, hadn't learned to be pragmatic, then “her heart higher than the sky, her fate thinner than paper” would surely describe her.

...

Yun Huaizhu now lay beside Lin Meng.

She knew Lin Meng rarely showed intense emotions toward anyone and was painfully slow to catch on. But she also knew Lin Meng treated her differently from everyone else—only affection could explain that. She understood how Lin Meng thought, so she no longer fixated on that answer.

She only hoped Lin Meng would stay by her side forever—and preferably keep fewer birds of prey around her. Otherwise, one day she feared she truly wouldn't be able to stop herself from breaking Lin Meng's legs and locking her in a basement, so that from then on Lin Meng would have eyes for no one but her.

...

The next morning, Lin Meng woke to find that Yun Huaizhu, who had been sleeping beside her the night before, was gone.

She assumed Yun Huaizhu had rushed off on another business trip without saying goodbye.

She and Yun Huaizhu had gone to bed early last night, so she'd woken up early today. She still had an hour and a half before work; a taxi would get her there in ten minutes.

Today, for once, she had woken up so early. Maybe she should make breakfast herself for a change. It would be a new experience.

Lin Meng put on her slippers and shuffled groggily out of the bedroom. The moment she stepped out, she smelled an aroma that made her mouth water: something like tomato beef brisket, and pan-fried buns too. Could there be soy milk as well?

Lin Meng hurried to the dining table behind the sofa. Sure enough, the dishes she'd smelled were laid out there, along with cut fruit and freshly squeezed orange juice. The table was covered with food that looked as good as it smelled.

Lin Meng stood frozen, unable to believe her eyes. She rubbed them with one hand.

Was she dreaming inside a dream? Had a housekeeping fairy come to her home?

Just as Lin Meng stood dazed before the table, Yun Huaizhu came out of the kitchen carrying a plate. On the small plate was a perfectly fried egg, with a heart drawn on it in ketchup.

Seeing Lin Meng standing by the dining table in her thin pajamas, looking adorably blank, Yun Huaizhu couldn't help but laugh. “Mengmeng-jie, you're awake. Perfect timing—breakfast is ready. Come eat.”

Lin Meng turned to Yun Huaizhu in surprise. “Zhuzhu... you didn't leave?”

Yun Huaizhu set the fried egg in front of Lin Meng, then untied her apron and draped it over a chair. One hand on her hip, the other resting on the chair back, she said, “What, does Mengmeng-jie want me to leave?”

Lin Meng quickly shook her head. “No, no. It's just that you always leave without saying goodbye. I thought you were rushing off on another business trip.”

Yun Huaizhu smiled gently. “Not anymore. The important matters are basically settled. After the company goes public, I'll have more time to spend with you. By the way, I heard your company offers annual leave, right?”

Lin Meng was taken aback. She nodded. “Mm... but I don't know exactly when it's granted.”

Yun Huaizhu continued, “I remember you can apply in advance.”

Lin Meng's heart began to race for no reason. Yun Huaizhu not only knew about her helping Tang Xiaoman with the PowerPoint, but also that their company's annual leave could be applied for in advance. It was as if she had thoroughly familiarized herself with their company's policies.

Other companies had similar rules, sure, but she still felt something was off. Everything seemed so coincidental...

Seeing her thoughtful expression, Yun Huaizhu went on, “I was just asking casually. Mengmeng-jie, don't take it to heart. I was thinking that my free time is rare, and if you happened to be on annual leave, we could travel together and relax.”

Lin Meng was stunned again. She remembered that when Huo Yi had visited last time, she had also asked if she was free this summer and whether she wanted to travel together.

Did both of them like traveling?

At the thought, Lin Meng guiltily lowered her head. “Sorry, Zhuzhu. I don't know when my annual leave is either. As for traveling... I don't dare go to crowded places, so thank you for the offer.”

Her words amounted to a polite refusal. Yun Huaizhu walked up and took her hand. “Mengmeng-jie, you have me. How about the two of us go to Country R together to see the summer fireworks festival? I heard the fireworks there last all night and light up the entire sky.”

At that, a hint of longing appeared in Lin Meng's eyes.

She had heard of the fireworks festival and had even seen videos of those fireworks online; they were truly beautiful.

Ever since the city banned fireworks years ago, she could only watch virtual fireworks online.

Though she didn't like crowds, she loved those brilliant fireworks.

Those beautiful, dazzling fireworks existed only for a moment, yet in that instant they brought joy to everyone. Even though fleeting, they never felt noisy.

She really wanted to go, but was it too extravagant to take annual leave just to see a fireworks festival with Yun Huaizhu?

Seeing her hesitate, Yun Huaizhu lowered her head with a helpless smile, as if disappointed. “It's fine. There's still time. Whenever Mengmeng-jie makes up her mind, just tell me. This summer, I can take you to see those fireworks anytime.”

She gave Lin Meng an out. Lin Meng immediately looked up, eyes sparkling, and nodded. “Mm, okay, thank you, Zhuzhu!”

Yun Huaizhu smiled dotingly. Sometimes she truly had no way with Lin Meng.

...

Yun Huaizhu's cooking was far better than Su Yutang's. The moment Lin Meng thought of the fried egg that had blackened her kitchen that day, she couldn't help but grimace.

Tender tomato beef brisket with hand-pulled noodles—the noodles were chewy and smooth, even better than what restaurants served.

Seeing Lin Meng eat so heartily, Yun Huaizhu sat across from her, propped her chin on one hand, and smiled. “Is it good?”

Lin Meng lifted her face, which had nearly been buried in the bowl, and nodded vigorously. “Delicious, really delicious! I never expected you to cook, Zhuzhu—and so well!”

Although Yun Huaizhu's family background couldn't compare to Su Yutang's or Huo Yi's, she had once been a young miss.

Lin Meng's idea of a young miss was still based on Su Yutang. She had assumed that someone raised in luxury from childhood definitely couldn't cook.

Unexpectedly, Yun Huaizhu had a good personality and cooked so deliciously; she utterly crushed those hard-to-please young misses!

At that, Yun Huaizhu's lips curved upward. “When I was younger and didn't know any better, there was a cooking competition at school. I learned to cook for a month so I could participate.”

Lin Meng's eyes widened in admiration. “You can cook this well after just a month? Zhuzhu, you're amazing!”

At her praise, a half-formed smile appeared on Yun Huaizhu's face. Her brows furrowed slightly. “Actually, no one forced me to participate. My mother didn't require me to win any awards either. Besides telling me to be self-reliant, she said nothing else. I kept thinking about what self-reliance meant. Back then, I thought it meant always fighting for first place in everything. But now I've realized that simply being able to strive to live in this world is already something I find incredible in myself.”

At that, Lin Meng suddenly put down her chopsticks. She walked slowly to Yun Huaizhu and hugged her from the side. “Zhuzhu, you're already very strong. Your company is about to go public. If Auntie could see you now from heaven, she would be comforted. You're already very admirable.”

In this world, only Lin Meng had seen her look so fragile, and only Lin Meng would comfort her like this.

After saying those words, Lin Meng couldn't help but choke up.

Because she always felt compassion for Yun Huaizhu; even a slight, desolate frown from her could pull at her nerves.

Yun Huaizhu, as if seeking comfort, buried herself in Lin Meng's embrace. “Now that I have Mengmeng-jie, I'm no longer alone.”

Hearing Yun Huaizhu describe her as so important, Lin Meng suddenly felt guilty. Yun Huaizhu would surely meet more important people in the future; how could she possibly live up to that?

Just as she was about to pull back to her seat, Yun Huaizhu looked up at her and asked, her tone less than friendly, “Has Mengmeng-jie been getting close to Huo Yi lately?”

Lin Meng didn't know why, but as if eager to distance herself, she quickly shook her head. “No, no. I only happened to meet her once when I helped her mother. After that, the two of us never met again.”

No relationship?

But when Yun Huaizhu scrolled through Lin Meng's chat records through the software, she discovered that recently, aside from chatting most with Tang Xiaoman, Lin Meng had also chatted quite a bit with Huo Yi.

And that dead vixen Huo Yi, knowing full well Lin Meng couldn't drink, kept sending her photos of various cocktails, trying to lure her out for a drink.

Truly shameless!

At the thought, Yun Huaizhu looked up and said to Lin Meng with utter seriousness, “Mengmeng-jie, you've had contact with Su Yutang, so you should know what kind of person she is. Huo Yi grew up with her. Even if Huo Yi seems to respect you and treat you well on the surface, it's nothing but a cruel game of pretend. You must never trust her!”

Hearing how deep Yun Huaizhu's hostility toward Huo Yi ran, Lin Meng was stunned.

Although Huo Yi was a nasty troublemaker in the novel, the plot had already diverged completely from the original. And Huo Yi hadn't harmed anyone by stirring the pot. Wasn't Yun Huaizhu being too extreme?

Of course, anyone who had experienced the things in the novel would be triggered. Although Yun Huaizhu hadn't lived through them, her fear of those two was carved into her heart.

Lin Meng decided to comfort Yun Huaizhu for now. “Mm, Zhuzhu, don't worry. I won't get too close to Yiyi.”

Though Yun Huaizhu heard Lin Meng's assurance, her expression remained as dark as the bottom of a pot. She even raised her voice a notch. “Then why are you still calling her 'Yiyi'?”

Huh?

She couldn't even call her Yiyi in front of Yun Huaizhu now?

After only a moment's thought, Lin Meng quickly corrected herself. “Zhuzhu, don't worry... there's absolutely no way anything could happen between me and Miss Huo. I know her status; how could someone like me ever aspire to her? I think Miss Huo is a very cheerful person who likes making friends everywhere, and I'm just the most ordinary of her hundreds of friends. Maybe in a while, she won't even remember who I am, and we'll just sit at the bottom of each other's WeChat lists.”

Lin Meng's distant words greatly pleased Yun Huaizhu. Her expression gradually cleared, and she leaned back into Lin Meng's embrace. “I know Mengmeng-jie is kind-hearted. I'm not trying to restrict your friendships; I'm just worried you'll be deceived by bad people.”

Lin Meng patted her back reassuringly. “Don't worry. I'm a mature adult; of course I can tell bad people from good.”

Yun Huaizhu couldn't help but snort a laugh at that. After that, she said nothing more.

Right—she and Lin Meng had known each other so long, yet Lin Meng had never voluntarily mentioned her family. She wanted to understand Lin Meng a little more, so she asked, “Mengmeng-jie, where is your hometown? If you have time, I'd like to go with you to meet your mother.”

At that, Lin Meng's face was instantly shrouded in gloom. She frowned tightly. “Um... Zhuzhu, I'm full. It's almost time for work; I'll go change first.”

Yun Huaizhu was taken aback by her unusual reaction.

Someone with Lin Meng's temperament wouldn't leave a question hanging, yet Lin Meng had avoided the one she'd asked. When she had monitored Lin Meng's phone, she didn't recall seeing Lin Meng send any messages to her family. Could Lin Meng have a bad relationship with her family?

After Lin Meng changed and was about to leave, she noticed Yun Huaizhu still hadn't shown any intention of leaving. Just as she was about to ask, Yun Huaizhu beat her to it. “Mengmeng-jie, are you still taking the subway to work today?”

Lin Meng shook her head. “I'll take a taxi.”

Hearing this, Yun Huaizhu quickly said, “I happen to have nothing to do today. Let me drive you to work.”

Lin Meng's mind was still full of the question Yun Huaizhu had raised earlier. She replied perfunctorily, “No need. The taxi takes less than ten minutes.”

Yun Huaizhu could sense that Lin Meng's attitude had clearly cooled. She quickly stepped forward and grasped Lin Meng's arm tightly. “Mengmeng-jie, did my question just now make you uncomfortable? I'm sorry... I didn't mean to. I just want to understand you a little better.”

Lin Meng's eyes widened in surprise at her words. “I'm not blaming you. I just feel it's too much trouble for you to always drive me, and my company isn't far from here. I can go by myself.”

At that, the heart clenched in Yun Huaizhu's chest relaxed by half. She shook Lin Meng's arm coquettishly. “Just let me drive you. Even if it's short, I want to spend those ten minutes with Mengmeng-jie.”

Seeing Yun Huaizhu's soft, pleading expression, Lin Meng's mind suddenly went blank. Before her brain could issue a command, she nodded in agreement.

Yun Huaizhu knew Lin Meng had secrets. Since Lin Meng wasn't willing to tell her, she would investigate on her own. One day, Lin Meng would truly open her heart to her.

On the drive to Lin Meng's work, Yun Huaizhu tentatively asked if she could go with Lin Meng to the restaurant on Saturday.

Lin Meng had never treated her to a meal, yet she had treated an ordinary colleague.

Hearing this request, Lin Meng hesitated for a long time. She felt Yun Huaizhu harbored hidden hostility toward Tang Xiaoman, and Tang Xiaoman didn't seem to like Yun Huaizhu either. If the two of them ran into each other, the meal would be ruined.

Just as Lin Meng was about to say she'd treat Yun Huaizhu another day, Yun Huaizhu pulled up to her company entrance.

Lin Meng wanted to decline politely, but Yun Huaizhu put on that pitiful expression again. With that look, she seemed ready to cry on the spot if Lin Meng refused.

Yun Huaizhu lowered her head and said with utter dejection, “I just want to have a meal with Mengmeng-jie. I promise I absolutely won't clash with that Xiaoman person. I'll be good and stay by your side.”

Lin Meng was speechless.

Seeing Lin Meng's prolonged silence, Yun Huaizhu let out a deep sigh and choked out, “Never mind. Since Mengmeng-jie won't agree, then I'll...”

Just as she said that, Lin Meng finally nodded as if unable to bear it. “Alright.”

At that, Yun Huaizhu's eyes instantly lit up. “Really?”

Lin Meng nodded. “Mm.”

As if overjoyed, Yun Huaizhu stepped forward and hugged Lin Meng. “Mengmeng-jie, you're the best!”

Whether or not Lin Meng agreed, she was going anyway. The only difference this meal would make was whether she sat at Lin Meng's table or the one next to it, watching Lin Meng to keep that Xiaoman person from doing anything out of line.

...

After Lin Meng said goodbye to Yun Huaizhu, Yun Huaizhu stayed parked by the roadside for a minute. Only after she saw Lin Meng's figure fully enter the company building did she start the car and drive away.

Just then, a red Ferrari pulled up in front of the company. Huo Yi's expression at that moment couldn't be called pleasant, but to outsiders, she appeared perfectly normal.

Anyone who hadn't had contact with her couldn't guess what she was thinking.

At that moment, sitting in Huo Yi's passenger seat, a woman in a brown leather skirt saw her expression and teased, “Well, well. Wasn't that Yun Huaizhu's car just now? The person who got out of it is the one the Su family's young miss brought to Grace last time, right? They looked awfully close. Are they a couple?”

Hearing this, Huo Yi turned to the person beside her with an exceedingly amiable smile. “Now, get the hell out of my car.”