Chi Yu has almost no weaknesses.
This doesn't mean she's easygoing. On the contrary, her temper is notoriously bad, with nerves as sensitive as a minefield.
For most matters, she might just respond with a few sharp words and let it go.
But the words "ill-bred" aren't just a mine for her; they're a nuclear bomb.
Anyone foolish enough to trigger this bomb should be prepared for total annihilation.
It wasn't just Wen Rushuang; even a neighbor's young grandson, who once spoke out of turn, had been kicked by Chi Yu right in front of his parents.
Those parents were furious, causing a scene in front of Chi He, demanding an explanation.
Chi He's response was to cut off all business ties with that family. The end result? The arrogant old lady and her son brought the boy to apologize to Chi Yu with utmost humility.
That family had some influence, after all. What was Wen Rushuang in comparison?
Wen Rushuang covered her face, utterly dumbfounded.
She was the only daughter in her family. Though not wealthy, she had never wanted for anything. She had never been hit, not even scolded harshly.
Who would have thought that for a casual remark, she would be humiliated by a younger woman!
Wen Rushuang was livid, her reason clouded. She screamed at Chi Yu, like the madwomen she used to despise, those who couldn't control themselves in public, "You little bitch! How dare you have someone hit me, I'll… Ah!"
Another slap.
This time, Chi Yu didn't even give the order; it was Qi Chao acting on his own.
"Ms. Wen, you should watch your words and actions. This is the Chi household; disrespect towards the young miss won't be tolerated."
Qi Chao, tall and lean, didn't fit the traditional image of a burly bodyguard.
He had a fair and handsome face, dressed in branded casual wear, looking more like a rich heir than a fighter.
But only Wen Rushuang, having taken two of his slaps, knew how powerful his hands were.
Zhao Guifang threw herself at Chi Yu, pleading for Wen Rushuang, "Xiaoyu, Grandma apologizes on your aunt's behalf. Please forgive her."
Chi Yu looked at Zhao Guifang with feigned difficulty. "What? Does Auntie not have a mouth of her own? If it's useless, perhaps it should be cut off."
"No! You can't!" Zhao Guifang screamed in fear, not daring to say more, and quickly turned to make Wen Rushuang apologize.
Wen Rushuang was unwilling, but Zhao Guifang forcefully pressed her down, making her kneel and bang her head against the floor.
After two kowtows, Chi Yu generously waved her hand. "Enough. Let her up. We wouldn't want anyone thinking I'm bullying her."
Zhao Guifang sighed in relief and moved to help Wen Rushuang up.
Wen Rushuang pushed her away, glaring venomously at Chi Yu. "Just you wait! I won't let you get away with this!"
Chi Yu patted her chest, feigning fear.
"My heart isn't in the best shape, Teacher Wen. Don't scare me, or I'll make sure not just you, but your whole family pays for it."
Her arrogance was unmistakable, her gaze dripping with disdain, as if Wen Rushuang was nothing more than an insect underfoot.
After such a scene, dinner was obviously out of the question.
Wen Rushuang felt like she had been through hell, her entire being screaming for revenge.
Zhao Guifang, walking beside her, kept trying to appease her, only to be cursed at for half an hour until they reached the artificial lake near the villa complex.
Seeing that Wen Rushuang had finally tired herself out, Zhao Guifang coaxed her, "I know you've been wronged, but don't blame your aunt. What I did was to save you."
"Save me?!" Wen Rushuang's voice cracked with disbelief.
"It's my fault for not warning you in advance."
Zhao Guifang pulled Wen Rushuang down to a bench, sighing deeply. "Her parents died when she was just a baby. She was raised by her uncle. Calling her 'ill-bred' is like stabbing her right in the heart."
Wen Rushuang's face remained cold. "So what if I hurt her? Did you not hear how she insulted me? She even threatened to kill me."
"She's just a spoiled brat who doesn't know any better. You're an adult. Why lower yourself to her level?"
"A spoiled brat?!"
Wen Rushuang was infuriated by Zhao Guifang's attempt to downplay the situation, yelling at her, "Ill-bred is ill-bred! No matter how you sugarcoat it, it doesn't change the fact that she's an orphaned brat!"
She seemed to forget that Zhao Guifang was the grandmother of the very "brat" she was insulting, her words growing more venomous.
Zhao Guifang's reaction was strange.
She didn't show the slightest sign of being offended. Once Wen Rushuang had calmed down a bit, she spoke with a hint of meaning, "Rushuang, you're being too extreme. What I meant is, she doesn't know anything."
The evening breeze from the lake brought a slight chill, cooling Wen Rushuang's rising anger. She noticed the odd tone in Zhao Guifang's voice and frowned. "What do you mean?"
Zhao Guifang looked around, making sure no one was nearby.
Under Wen Rushuang's scornful gaze, Zhao Guifang leaned in closer, whispering a shocking secret that only the two of them could hear.
Chi Yu had just entered the house when Ning Jin happened to be coming out.
The two faced each other.
Chi Yu's eyebrow arched as she noticed Ning Jin's unusual attire.
Ning Jin had always maintained a pure, innocent image.
She usually wore simple floral dresses when not in school uniform, looking clean and harmless.
But now, she was dressed in a red plaid off-shoulder dress paired with Martin boots, her makeup far more striking than usual, with bright red lipstick and finely lined eyes.
Clearly, she was dressed up for a date.
As for who she was meeting...
Chi Yu smiled at Ning Jin. "Nice dress. It's from D Brand's spring-summer collection, isn't it? Not cheap."
Ning Jin, pretending to be shy, brought her branded bag forward, trying to appear modest, though her act was laughably transparent.
"Jin Yao gave it to me. I said I couldn't accept it, but he threw a tantrum, so I had no choice but to keep it."
She bit her lip, looking troubled and fearful, "Miss, you won't be mad at me, will you?"
Ignoring the overwhelming aura of pretense, Chi Yu was impressed by Young Master Jin's generosity.
A dress, shoes, and a bag — all together, at least a hundred thousand yuan.
Mrs. Jin's claim that she had cut her son's allowance was clearly a lie.
Hmph, what great control.
Ning Jin, emboldened by Zhao Guifang's presence, was no longer as wary of Chi Yu as she usually was.
Her smirk was almost reaching her ears.
Usually, Chi Yu would explode at such provocation.
This time, though, her expression remained unusually calm, but her words were as cutting as ever.
"Why would I be mad? Jin Yao is rich and foolish, and he likes to throw his money around. It's not news. I'll have to remind him to be more careful with his charity."
Ning Jin's face nearly froze, forcing a stiff smile. "I'm meeting him soon; I'll be late..."
"Is it his friends you're meeting?" Chi Yu interrupted.
Ning Jin was caught off guard, puzzled. "What?"