Central Business District (CBD)
The CBD was a neighborhood of the elite, where the wealthy truly lived up to their name. Among its streets, one stood out with a sign reading Ding Cheng Street. The smooth asphalt road was flanked by grand houses with expansive compounds, tall fences, and imposing gates guarding the fortunes within.
Lush trees lined both sides of the street, their shade casting a cool, serene atmosphere. The moment one turned into the street, the soothing breeze from the trees embraced them. The street wasn't overly long, containing only eight houses after Ding Cheng's, which the street was named after. Among these eight, one was part of an estate with six houses, while the others stood independently, each showcasing immense wealth and grandeur.
House Number 448, painted in a soft cream color, stood out with its manicured trees and vibrant flower beds. A sleek black gate added to its aesthetic appeal. Inside, a vast compound greeted visitors with a small water fountain at its center, bordered by interlocked tiles and lush greenery. The main house stood majestically behind the fountain, flanked by smaller buildings for staff on either side.
Every corner of the property exuded elegance, thanks to the diligent staff who ensured the house remained pristine. The mansion seemed divided into two wings, accommodating two wives and their respective children. The spacious design ensured privacy; even if one screamed in one wing, it was unlikely to be heard in the other.
The left wing, accessible from the back, featured a large kitchen and an opulent dining area primarily for show. Past these spaces was a sprawling ground-floor living room with access to the main entrance. A corridor led to bedrooms on the ground floor, while a grand staircase ascended to the upper floor.
Upstairs, two expansive living rooms were lavishly furnished. Between them was a corridor leading to more bedrooms, and each living room opened onto a balcony that overlooked the compound. The air was cool from the AC, mingled with the scent of air fresheners and faint traces of cooking.
Qian, lovingly called "Momma" by her children, adjusted her gold bracelets while admiring herself in the large mirror in her luxurious bedroom. She looked stunning as always, wearing a maroon gown adorned with milk-colored floral embroidery and shimmering stones. A matching scarf draped over her neck complemented her meticulously applied makeup.
After a final spritz of perfume, she grabbed her purse and two phones, preparing to leave. But before stepping out, she picked up a small remote on her bedside table and pressed a button, causing the curtains to automatically close.
As she walked down the corridor, she opened the door to the first room and was surprised to find her daughters, Mei and Yun, seated while a makeup artist worked on their faces.
"So you're still getting your makeup done? Didn't I tell you we don't have time?" Qian asked, her sharp gaze taking in the scene, including Yun's friend, Ru, snapping selfies by the mirror.
"Momma, please, just ten more minutes! We only needed makeup because we don't like the outfits," Mei pleaded.
"Well, go ahead and take your time. The driver is back, and he'll take me to the wedding. It's his absence that made me wait in the first place."
"Momma, please wait! I just need to finish tying my scarf," Yun said, showing that she was almost ready.
"No, I won't. Your Aunt Dai already called. You can follow later."
Ru, realizing Qian was about to leave, greeted her politely. "Good afternoon, Aunty."
"Good afternoon. Take care," Qian replied before descending the marble staircase, her heels clicking elegantly against the polished surface.
She called the housekeeper in the ground-floor living room, informing her of her departure. Then, she dialed the driver, instructing him to bring the car to her wing.
Just as she was about to leave, the gate opened, and two vehicles entered, heading toward the main residence. She was momentarily surprised to see her husband, Shi Lei, return at this hour. Although it wasn't unusual for him to travel for days and suddenly reappear, his arrival was unexpected.
Qian gestured to the driver to wait, then made her way toward Shi Lei's vehicles. She saw him step out of one car while his security team exited the other and followed him inside. Each guard took a position at the entrance.
"Welcome, Madam," the guards greeted her respectfully in their native languages as she approached.
"Where's Yibo?" she asked Joshua, the head of security.
"Madam, we parted ways with him as we entered the city," he replied in pidgin.
Qian nodded and entered her husband's wing, where the opulent living room, designed in ash and white with a royal touch, greeted her. Everything—from the curtains to the furniture—radiated grandeur. She walked past the lavish space to one of the bedrooms, knowing Shi Lei would be there.
Inside, she found him standing by the large window, deep in conversation on the phone. His suit jacket lay neatly on the bed, and he was dressed in a crisp white shirt that accentuated his broad frame.
Hearing the door open, Shi Lei turned, a smile spreading across his face as he extended one arm toward Qian. Into the phone, he said, "Everything's settled, Lincon. My money's in, the goods are delivered, and you've got the security you wanted. Why would you call me about this? You know it's risky."
He chuckled, his laughter breaking the room's silence."You're on your own, Lincon. I've got my money, and that's all I care about."
After ending the call with a laugh, he tossed the phone onto the bed and turned his full attention to Qian. "Ah, my queen, the jewel of all women! This is the first time I've set eyes on you today."
Qian raised an eyebrow. "Oh, so I'm not the one you wanted to see?"
Shi Lei laughed again. "Spare me, Qian. I'm not ready for an argument just after getting home."
"I'm not here to argue either," Qian replied. "I just came to welcome you home and remind you that we had no idea where you were for a whole week since your phone was off."
Shi Lei sighed, removing his shirt and tossing it onto the bed. "Haven't I always taken such trips? My phone was off, so you couldn't reach me."
"And yet, this Lincon person could?" she asked pointedly.
"He's a business partner, Qian. If he couldn't reach me, how would we close the deal?"
Something lodged in Qian's throat at that moment. She knew the question she was about to ask would have no satisfying answer, even if it was voiced aloud. She had asked it too many times to count, and she doubted the walls of this room could hold the weight of her recurring inquiry.
"What kind of business is this, Honey?"
"You're my wife, Qian. Stay in your lane. Don't misuse the privilege you hold as my partner to meddle in matters that don't concern you anymore. The life we lived in the past is different from what we face now."
That was his typical answer, dismissing her concerns and reducing everything she held dear to the word "privilege." It infuriated her, for she knew both of them were aware their bond was deeper than mere convenience. In her mind, her sharp words alone could dismantle his arrogance in an instant, yet she chose to restrain herself, quietly watching him cling to the authority he believed was his right.
She believed her rightful place, alongside their children, was at the top of his priorities, untouchable by anyone. It should have been clear to him that no one could dare challenge their place in his life.
Yet, even now, when he discussed significant matters in their home, he often included his mistress in the conversation. It was a humiliation that made her blood run cold. To Qian, it seemed he should have realized by now how wrong it was to treat them as equals. Surely, he should inform her first and only involve the mistress if necessary. But instead, he repeatedly demonstrated a lack of distinction between them, despite the fact that the mistress had entered their lives long after Qian had endured endless trials alongside him.
What troubled her most was how much he now kept from her—so unlike the transparency they had shared in the past. Qian was convinced there was more to his business dealings than he let on. While she had no concrete evidence, a gnawing suspicion lingered in her heart, leaving her unsettled. Her fear wasn't for herself but for their children. She couldn't bear the thought of their family's name being tainted because of his actions.
"Are you having a party?"
His voice pulled her back to reality. He was in his bathroom, visible through the open sliding door as he adjusted the water in the jacuzzi tub.
She steadied her voice.
"It's for Lian's daughter, my friend."
"Ah, I see. Has she reached the age to marry already?"
His casual question revealed that he had no idea who Lian was. Lian, one of her oldest friends, had built her own fortune after her husband entered politics. Back when they were both struggling, Qian and Lian had sold second-hand goods together. She vividly remembered their children playing together, with Lian's daughter being the same age as their son Peng.
"Where's the wedding?" he asked, now standing by a drawer filled with neatly arranged towels.
"At the Afficient Ballroom," she replied.
"Ah, not far from here. Then again, women's events like these are easy to spot once you step out. Before you leave, will I find food in your section of the house?"
Qian instantly understood his intent. He had likely forgotten where he was supposed to stay that night, given his frequent travels.
"Not sure," she replied with a faint smile. "Our food ran out, but I'm sure the twins' mother, who you should be staying with, has taken care of everything."
He paused at the bathroom door, scrutinizing her expression.
"I apologize, Qian. I often forget these things. Travel safely."
With that, he slid the door closed, leaving her standing there, reeling from the weight of his words. His tone was casual, yet it carried a sting she couldn't shake.
Before she could recover, the handle of the room's door turned. She didn't need to guess who it was—it could only be one person. His mistress walked in, carrying a jug of juice and some water.
"Qian, I didn't know you were here. The kids just told me he arrived."
The mistress' nervous demeanor was evident as she turned to leave. If there was one thing that kept the younger woman in this house, it was her submission and quiet nature. Otherwise, Qian was certain she'd have found a way to get rid of her long ago.
Managing a forced smile, Qian stepped toward the door.
"No worries. I was just leaving after greeting him. Carry on."
"Alright, safe travels, Qian."
"Thank you," Qian replied as she passed her by.
But as Qian glanced back, she saw the mistress heading toward the bathroom with a glass of juice in hand. At that moment, a bitter smile escaped her lips. Shi Lei had forgotten one simple truth: no heart is made of stone or steel. Hers, like all hearts, was flesh and blood, and it could bend or break.
If he believed she would always honor the bond between them, despite the growing indignities, he might have miscalculated. Respect was a two-way street. And if she confirmed the suspicions weighing on her heart, there would be no title—whether husband or father—that could stop her from doing whatever was necessary to protect her dignity and her children's future.
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Shi Lei was the eldest son of his parents, with a significant age gap of nearly ten years between him and his younger brother, Xiao Lei. When their mother became pregnant with Xiao Lei, no one believed it was possible, as she had been deemed unlikely to conceive again.
Their father was a high-ranking government official, so the family frequently moved between the local districts surrounding Beijing. From a young age, Shi Lei had a passion for education and dreamed of achieving great academic success. His ultimate ambition was to surpass his father's achievements, becoming a respected scholar and wealthy professional admired across the nation. This drive made him deeply committed to his studies, excelling in everything related to academics. His determination earned him great pride from his father, who regarded him as a beacon of hope.
In stark contrast, Xiao Lei was more inclined towards business and entrepreneurship. From an early age, he displayed an innate talent for trade, farming, and anything involving buying and selling. The brothers not only differed in ambition but also in personality. Shi Lei was determined, strong-willed, and unyielding, much like their father, while Xiao Lei was more easygoing, patient, and flexible.
Ironically, despite Shi Lei's determination and ambition, fate didn't favor him financially. He secured a government job, fulfilling his aspirations to an extent, but it didn't grant him the wealth he had envisioned. Meanwhile, Xiao Lei's ventures flourished. After finishing high school, he started a small business with limited capital, and through sheer hard work and determination, his wealth grew exponentially.
By this time, both their parents had passed away, and Xiao Lei lived in Shi Lei's home, which he shared with his wife, Qian, and their two children, Peng and Nei.
There was little affection or camaraderie between the brothers. This estrangement stemmed from their mother's constant criticism of Shi Lei's rigid nature during their childhood. Her favoritism toward Xiao Lei had left a lasting mark on Shi Lei's heart, pushing his younger brother into a corner of resentment that was never truly addressed.
Even after Xiao Lei completed high school, Shi Lei offered no support for his brother's entrepreneurial endeavors. Xiao Lei built his fortune entirely on his own. Within a short period, his success surpassed anything Shi Lei could have achieved. As Xiao Lei's wealth grew, he decided to marry and leave his brother's home, as Qian, Shi Lei's wife, had never been kind to him. Her attitude only softened after Xiao Lei began to prosper.
Xiao Lei's bride, Zhao Min, was from Chengdu, a city he frequently visited for business. She was the daughter of a prominent businessman, and their union was swift and without complications. Xiao Lei ensured she was well taken care of, building her a magnificent home. Shi Lei, upon seeing the house, couldn't help but seethe with envy.
In their first year of marriage, Zhao Min experienced unparalleled comfort and happiness. Xiao Lei adored her deeply and possessed the wealth to ensure her every desire was met. His love for her was evident in all he did, and he seemed willing to trade everything for her happiness.
Despite his newfound life, Xiao Lei did not forget Shi Lei, whose career was abruptly halted when he lost his government job. At this point, Xiao Lei began providing for Shi Lei's family, including Qian and their children. This generosity earned Qian's friendship and gratitude, as she also received frequent gifts and assistance from Xiao Lei's wife.
However, fate often has its own designs. All this took place within a year before tragedy struck: Xiao Lei's sudden death brought everything to a standstill. The loss plunged everyone into despair, and the impact of his passing was felt far and wide. Those who knew him swore they had never seen a funeral draw such a massive crowd, with mourners arriving from various cities and even abroad to pay their respects.
Death struck with such gravity that even the reigning king at the time sent his condolences. Zhao Min was consumed by grief. She grew frail, her complexion darkened, and she became unrecognizable. Adding to her torment was her advanced pregnancy. Every time she glanced at the clock, she told her relatives it felt as though time had stopped, for Xiao Lei was gone.
Seven days of mourning passed, and attention turned to Zhao Min's impending childbirth, expected any day. Twenty-eight days after Xiao Lei's passing, labor began. Tragically, the baby boy was stillborn. This new sorrow nearly drove Zhao Min to madness. Even after the inheritance was distributed and her share was given to her, her family had to take her back to Chengdu, where she remained mentally and emotionally broken.
This marked the beginning of Shi Lei's rise to wealth. As Xiao Lei's only brother, much of the estate transferred to him. From that point onward, his fortune flourished rapidly, elevating him to prominence in the public eye—a status he had long desired.
However, his wife, Qian, believed she held secrets that could bring Shi Lei to his knees if revealed.
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As the car passed through the gates of the luxurious ballroom, Qian remained seated inside, listening to the soft wedding song playing on the speakers and the commotion of wedding guests moving about the compound.
On her phone, she searched for her eldest son Peng's contact. With a single tap, the call connected and began ringing.
In a sleek hotel room illuminated by dazzling lights, Peng's phone vibrated loudly on a chair in the corner, the noise echoing across the furniture.
The young man sprawled on the bed opened his eyes abruptly, spotting the vibrating phone. Letting out an annoyed hiss, he turned away.
After a moment, he opened his eyes again, sat up, and glanced at the pockets of his trousers on the floor. Noticing the absence of the cash he'd left there, his annoyance deepened.
Clicking his tongue again, he shook his head. "These girls," he muttered. He realized the girl he'd brought along had likely stolen from him during his sleep. He was determined to teach her a lesson and show her that she'd underestimated him.
Rubbing his temples, he moved toward the still-ringing phone, which displayed "Momma" on the screen. If it wasn't her, it had to be his best friend, Zang—only those two ever persisted in calling him until he picked up.
"Momma," he said, placing the phone to his ear just as the call was about to end.
"Do you think you're above answering my calls, Peng? How many times have I called you?"
He sighed, rolling his eyes. "I just woke up, Momma."
"Where are you?"
He glanced around the room, then remembered his assistant, David, whom he'd left at the office working on some reports. Scratching his head, he said, "I'm at the office. I needed to finish some reports for tomorrow."
"You're at the office at this hour? And you've been sleeping there?"
Scowling, as if she could see him, he ran a hand through his hair. "Momma, I swear I'm at the office. There's so much work, and I must've dozed off."
Lying came effortlessly to him as he tried to wiggle out of the situation.
Qian shook her head on the other end of the line. "Wherever you are, come home right now. Your father is back."
He frowned deeply.
"He's back? So what am I supposed to do about it?"
"I don't understand your question. Your Dad just returned after being away for days, and you're asking what you should do? Everyone else will go to greet him, but you, as the eldest in the family, think you're exempt?"
"Momma, he's tired. I'm sure I'll see him at the office tomorrow anyway."
Frustration gripped Qian. She had long accepted that life doesn't give you everything you want. She knew Peng hadn't turned out the way she had hoped, but she couldn't bear to see him undermine all the effort she had poured into raising him. She hated how he constantly tarnished the image she tried to build for him in front of the world.
For a few moments, she struggled to find the right words. Then, with difficulty, she swallowed her anger.
"If you don't want me to curse you tonight, Peng, you'll do as I say. Be home within the hour."
With that, she ended the call, her frustration simmering beneath the surface.
At that moment, she noticed Mei and Yun approaching. They looked stunning in their matching outfits, glowing under the bright lights outside. It seemed they had parked their car nearby and were walking toward her when they spotted her.
Yun reached the car first and opened the door, with their friend Ru standing behind her.
"Momma, you didn't go inside? Were you waiting for us?"
"I was on a call. You two go in now; I'll join you shortly."
They both nodded in unison and turned to leave.
"Mei," she called out. Mei, the eldest, stopped and turned back to face her.
"You know your Dad is back, don't you?"
"Yes, we saw his car when we left. Joshua also mentioned you were there."
"Good. I'm heading back now. Tell Lian I couldn't come because of an urgent matter, but I'll visit tomorrow. Also, let Aunty Nei know the same. And you two, don't stay out past ten. He'll look for you."
"Understood, Momma. I have to work on my thesis anyway, so we won't stay long."
With that, Mei closed the car door, and the driver started to turn the car around to leave.
As they drove onto the main road, Qian's hand instinctively searched for a number her heart had been aching to call.
The one person who had become her pride and her reason for holding her head high. The one person who embodied resilience in the face of life's unpredictable twists, reminding her of fate's power to shatter and rearrange everything in ways no human could alter.
If it weren't for that unyielding force, she knew she would've reshaped her life with just a single touch.
The phone rang once, twice, before it was answered. His calm, composed voice filled her ear, pulling her back from the lingering frustration Peng's call had left behind.
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛