"Sorry, I don't know you, and we have nothing to talk about!" With such a proud demeanor and such a hurtful tone, Hua Lianxi clenched her fists tightly in an instant, her nails digging deep into her palms as she suppressed the anger in her heart. She stepped aside past Ding Jia, unwilling to have any conversation with her.
"Back then, Hua Zhenzhen shamelessly played the mistress and gave birth to you; I hope you won't repeat her mistakes!" Smirking, Ding Jia turned and shouted loudly at her departing back.
Dragging her tired legs just a few steps, Hua Lianxi suddenly turned around decisively, staring fixedly at the smiling woman. "My mother was not a mistress. If you keep maliciously distorting the facts, I will sue you for defamation!" No matter how much she slandered her, she could endure it, but she could not bear hearing such disdainful insults aimed at her mother.
The bright red lips parted elegantly, and Ding Jia's smile did not fade despite Hua Lianxi's warning. She continued straightforwardly, revealing her real intentions, "Hua Lianxi, Kong Chengyi loves me. I don't want you appearing in his line of sight, much less disturb Grandma's peace. After all, in the future, the only granddaughter-in-law she will have is me!" She wouldn't let Hua Lianxi get close to Kong Chengyi anymore, nor allow her to win Fang Xiufang's favor; the granddaughter-in-law of the Kong family must be her, Ding Jia.
"Who he loves or doesn't love is none of my business. I have nothing to do with the Kong family!" Despite her repeated attempts to escape all connections with Kong Chengyi, despite always avoiding him, why wouldn't they leave her alone?
With a self-mocking smile, Hua Lianxi instantly found this world truly laughable. On what grounds does everyone keep accusing her? Keep slandering her? Is it simply because she was once his commissioned girl? She spent time and played a role—wasn't getting paid a matter of course?
"If you're so unrelated, then stop entangling yourself with Chengyi!" Ding Jia's eyes flashed coldly as she stared angrily at Hua Lianxi's smile, her delicate makeup twisted with malice. "Maybe you don't know, but the appearance he customized for you was nothing but my shadow. After all, it's because he loves me so much that he's looking for my substitute!" She had to erase everything they once had; the whole world must think Hua Lianxi was merely Ding Jia's replica, just a puppet cast in her shadow.
The next moment, Ding Jia covered her lips and laughed, looking charming and radiant. "Hehe, now I'm living with him, and we're trying for a baby. You know, every night we're putting in the effort…"
Suddenly, the deep voice echoed in Hua Lianxi's mind: "Want a boy or a girl?" "A girl is better—just like you." Her already pale face instantly drained of all color. Staggering back a step, she trembled, lips quivering as if to protest that it had nothing to do with her. But her throat burned painfully, forcing her to keep silent with eyes wide open.
"Hua Lianxi, the child will be born soon. We are already a happy family of three—a complete and joyful household. And you must stay far away from us…" In the near future, she would definitely be the lady of the Kong family, and their child would be the beloved young master cherished by all—a well-rounded and sweet family of three.
Her slender fingers curled slightly. Hua Lianxi could not imagine what their child would look like, nor could she endure the sweetness of their family of three. A surge of anger suddenly overwhelmed her mind, and she finally shouted hysterically, unable to hold back, "Ding Jia, I'll say it again—I have nothing to do with Kong Chengyi, nor could I ever be the so-called mistress between you two. Even if you are a family of four, that's not my business. Your life has nothing to do with me, and your child even less so!"
Who would've thought that the girl originally meant to be a purely commissioned 'doll' without any personal feelings would also fall into such a ridiculous play? She, Hua Lianxi, would one day become entangled emotionally with her benefactor and confront the woman who was originally the very person she tried so hard to imitate.
Clutching her chest, Hua Lianxi could barely breathe. Her whole body trembled as she screamed hysterically.
"Hmph, you better remember what you said today! Otherwise, don't blame me for being ruthless!" Satisfied with the response, Ding Jia snorted coldly, turned, and sat back in the car, proud and radiant like a noble queen.
As the car sped away, Hua Lianxi pressed her hands tightly over her mouth, trembling uncontrollably as she struggled to suppress her sobs.
Flipping through documents, suddenly irritated, Kong Chengyi casually put down his pen, sinking wearily back into his chair. Blinking to shake off fatigue, he lowered his head only to notice a nearly emptied pack of cigarettes lying quietly beside the paperwork.
Playing with the lighter in his hand, he flicked a flame and then relaxed his fingers, letting it go out. He repeated this several times, his gaze fixed on the cigarettes while the dense scent lingered at his nose. Although he usually didn't smoke much, recently cigarettes never left his side; unconsciously, he was going through two packs a day—even back at his mountain villa with fresh air, he still smoked.
Rubbing his slightly swollen, tired forehead, he finally pulled out a cigarette. "Flick"—a light broke at the tip as he lit it, took a deep drag, adjusted his posture, and quietly immersed himself back in the documents.
"Knock, knock, knock." A knock sounded, then the heavy door opened, and Ke Jie came in holding a package.
"Boss, just received this delivery—a thank-you letter from the local orphanage. The director called earlier personally to thank you for your donation!" Placing the package in front of Kong Chengyi, Ke Jie wondered how this had escaped his boss's knowledge.
"Orphanage?" He paused writing and took a slow drag of his cigarette, eyes resting on the package with suspicion.
"Yes, the director also called again to thank you. The funds, apparently, have been used for the children's medical projects and new playground equipment, ensuring the kids' physical and mental welfare!" Ke Jie relayed the director's gratitude but noticed Kong Chengyi's brow furrowing. "Boss, you didn't know about this?"
Extinguishing his cigarette in the ashtray, Kong Chengyi tore open the package. Inside was a thank-you letter alongside an itemized statement detailing the use of over twelve million in funds, clearly outlining their allocation.
"Twelve million?" Scanning the papers quickly, he eased back into his chair, thoughtful. His eyes sharpened as he looked at Ke Jie. "This wasn't donated through the company but under my personal name. Find out who donated to the orphanage using my name!" "Got it!" Ke Jie said, puzzled that even Kong Chengyi didn't know. He resolved to trace the source through the orphanage.
Tapping the desk lightly with one hand, a cigarette dangling from the other, Kong Chengyi reclined, his clear eyes fixed on the white ceiling, a vague feeling of something amiss nagging him.
Who donated such a large sum in his name—without his knowledge? It was strange and inexplicable.
Why use his name? And why such a sizable amount? Twelve million—he didn't recall paying that. For most people, ten million is no small sum.
The image of Hua Lianxi's greedy smile asking for money flashed suddenly in his mind. Kong Chengyi stood abruptly, pressing his thin lips together, displeased that she had managed to sneak into his thoughts so effortlessly.
A delicate piano melody floated softly as the lazy afternoon sun crept into the room through fluttering curtains. Hua Lianxi lowered her head at the desk, meticulously sketching a design, a faint smile resting on her lips. Her mood was peaceful and comfortable.
"Bang bang bang…"
A loud knock rattled the door. Startled, she raised her head, stopped writing, and listened attentively, her heart quivering with no thoughts forming.
"Bang bang bang…" The sound continued. She set her pen down, gathered her shawl, held her phone, and slowly walked toward the door.
"Who's there?" Her mind briefly recalled Ran Fang sending Kong Chengyi that night, then halted. Through the thick door, she seemed to see the agitated Kong Chengyi.
"It's me, Kong Chengyi. Open the door—I have something to discuss with you!" Gripping the doorframe, his thin lips pursed, eagle-like eyes locked on the heavy door as if staring directly at Hua Lianxi.
"Sorry, we have nothing to say to each other. Please leave!" Her fingertips whitened as she stepped back several paces, distancing herself from the door. She cast her eyes downward, not wanting to guess what play he was acting this time.
"Are you sure you won't open the door? Aren't you afraid I'll film all your neighbors?" His deep voice carried a hint of iciness. Glancing at the lady next door, who had just opened her door, Kong Chengyi smirked mockingly, ignoring the doorbell to create this effect.
"Who are you? Why are you making such a fuss? You frightened my child…" Seeing Kong Chengyi's tall, handsome figure but locking eyes with his mocking gaze, the lady next door straightened her chest, finally gathering the courage to scold him.
From behind the door, Hua Lianxi faintly heard the voice of the neighbor. Panicked, she suddenly flung the door open, fearing he would keep banging wildly. "Kong Chengyi!"
"Are you sure we're going to talk right here by the door?" Glancing at her, he instantly returned to his usual calm expression, as if the previous frantic banging was someone else.
Apologetically nodding to the neighbor, Hua Lianxi took a deep breath and slowly stepped aside, letting the poised and sharp-featured Kong Chengyi enter her room.
Closing the door, her clear eyes suddenly darkened with a flush of anger. "May I ask what you want? I already told you, if you break into my home again, I'll call the police!" Unable to stop or guess his purpose, she pretended strength by using the police as a threat to deter him.
His eagle-like gaze fell on her soft, close-fitting pink casual pants, clearly taking in her leg lines, while her upper body wore only a thin gray base shirt — making her look slender yet curvaceous, simple but fresh and homey. This was a side of her he had never seen before, whereas the woman he glimpsed during their cohabitation days was always glamorous and luxurious.
Suddenly, Kong Chengyi stepped forward, long arms circling her slender waist, lifting a leg to press her against the door. A smile curved his lips. "Hua Lianxi, how many faces do you have? And which one haven't I seen yet?" Privately, she looked so innocent and simple? Yet during their days living together, he had only seen her extravagantly beautiful side.