CHAPTER 162: CHAPTER 162: FAKING ILLNESS

Fu Bing was not surprised by this answer.

Under the temptation of great profit, who could maintain their principles and remain uninfluenced?

To guard against Lai Shenlan’s potential counterattack, the Lai Family had medicated her to limit her physical abilities and kept her under house arrest for six years. It wasn’t surprising that they had committed other acts as well.

"I find I can’t understand the Lai Family and the Qin Family," Fu Bing mused. "If they simply focused on proper development, utilizing the connections and talent within their clans, they could easily revitalize their families. With their families thriving for generations, why would they need to worry about individual interests not being met?"

Wu Shi looked at her intently and reminded her, "Normal people can’t understand the thoughts of madmen. They’ll probably come looking for you in a couple of days and use public opinion to pressure you."

"Simple. After tonight, I’ll pretend to be sick." A cunning glint flashed in Fu Bing’s eyes. "When it comes to acting, no one can outperform me yet."

Wu Shi instantly understood why she had suddenly made such a grand affair of the party.

Fu Bing greeted the lively crowd, then spoke to Xiaomei and Yang Ningzheng.

"I’m not feeling well, so I’ll go upstairs to rest. Please help me entertain our guests."

Yang Ningzheng noticed her pale complexion and asked, "Should we call a doctor?"

"Doctors are the last thing we lack here. Don’t worry about me; I know what I’m doing."

Yang Ningzheng remained concerned.

Fu Bing made a point of informing Feng Yu before she headed upstairs to rest.

Wu Shi also returned to his room.

「Lai Family.」

Lai Rumu returned home and immediately smashed several vases.

Ni He dismissed the servants and then asked, "What happened? Why are you so angry?"

"It’s still those damn issues with Lai Shenyan and Lai Shenlan! I tried to discuss matters with Qin Sheng, but he kept avoiding me. It was hard enough to get a meeting, and even then, he wouldn’t engage in any real conversation."

Lai Rumu now wished he could strangle Lai Shenyan and Lai Shenlan. He had clearly held the upper hand. Lai Shenyan and Lai Shenlan had been in his grasp for six years, and they hadn’t managed to escape his control. And now, that insignificant Fu Bing had actually let them get away!

Ni He said, "I think you’re overthinking things. So what if Lai Shenyan and Lai Shenlan left the Lai Family? They have no resources and no connections. What can they possibly do? What you really need to do is manage the company well and live your life properly. You get worked up over every little thing; I’m exhausted just watching you."

Lai Rumu retorted angrily, "It’s precisely because you and Dad are incompetent that I have to fight for everything myself! You’re not just foolish; you drag me down at critical moments. If you two had shown even a shred of competence in the past, I wouldn’t have to worry about a thing and could just be waiting to enjoy the fruits of your labor."

Lai Rumu’s eyes were red with fury.

Ni He was stung by Lai Rumu’s words.

"It’s true, your father and I aren’t the sharpest, but we have our own way of thinking. Your second uncle and aunt are very smart; they can lead the Lai Family much better. We could just collect dividends every year without bearing their pressures or their constant busyness. You’ve taken over the Lai Family for years now, and I haven’t seen you enjoy a single relaxed day. Outsiders flatter you with a few nice words, and you actually believe they care about you."

"You know best what kind of life you lead behind the scenes. You call your father and me stupid, but I think you’re the foolish one, wearing yourself out just for that position."

"Get out!" Lai Rumu was so furious he felt like killing someone.

Ni He walked out fearfully. Once outside, she called Liang Siyun.

"Rumu is in a terrible mood and under a lot of pressure. If you have time, please come over and keep him company."

Liang Siyun was both surprised and delighted.

She had thought her ties with the Lai Family were completely severed.

She never expected Lai Rumu’s mother to call her personally.

Liang Siyun meticulously applied her makeup and drove to the Lai Family estate.

The Lai family home was pitch dark.

Liang Siyun felt a sense of unease and called Lai Rumu.

The sound of the phone ringing echoed from inside the house.

Liang Siyun found the switch and turned on the light.

The sudden brightness stung Lai Rumu’s eyes, and he struggled to open them.

"Damn it! Who told you to turn on the light?"

"Rumu, why did you drink so much?"

Lai Rumu stared at Liang Siyun, his gaze unfocused.

Her face was too beautiful. So beautiful it made him jealous! This woman had been by Lai Shenyan’s side for years, constantly in the company of the devilishly handsome Lai Shenyan. Had she truly never loved him?

Lai Rumu watched Liang Siyun approach step by step and asked, as if mesmerized, "Do you love me?"

Liang Siyun nodded without hesitation. "I do! You’ve had too much to drink. Let me help you to bed."

"And then what? Take the opportunity to get pregnant with my child and secure your position?"

Liang Siyun’s face flushed with embarrassment, her intentions laid bare. "Am I that despicable in your eyes? I spent years by Lai Shenyan’s side, helping you monitor him. Where did I fall short?"

"Would you have done it if I hadn’t paid you a substantial amount of money?"

Liang Siyun retorted, "And if I weren’t beautiful, would you have chosen me?"

Lai Rumu was stunned into silence.

Liang Siyun had come to a realization during this period. In the entertainment industry, without powerful backing, she was just a pushover, a ’soft persimmon’ for anyone to squeeze. Anyone could snatch her resources and manipulate her.

Unless one possessed power like Fu Bing, for whom admirers would tailor-make a film, assembling a production team entirely to her specifications.

There’s only one Fu Bing in this world!

No amount of jealousy could make others become her!

Lai Rumu was naturally suspicious. Her constant attempts to appease him only made him believe she was trying to take advantage of him.

Liang Siyun deliberately let her eyes well up with tears. "You use me to your heart’s content without a second thought, yet you don’t want me to use you in return? I tell you I love you, and you refuse to believe me? What does a person have to do for you to finally let down your guard?"

"You’re in business; you should understand that many relationships are maintained by mutual benefit. In my eyes, emotions are also tied to benefits. I chose you because you could offer me more money and property than other men. And you chose me from a throng of women because you thought I was prettier and more obedient than the others. That’s the foundation of our relationship!"

"You use me so blatantly. Why can’t I consider my own interests a little?"

"I’ve had three miscarriages carrying your children and have steadfastly remained by your side. Isn’t that enough? What more proof do you need?"

Lai Rumu was taken aback by her tears and her sharp rebuttal.

He stammered, "I... I didn’t mean anything else..."

"And you call that ’not meaning anything else’?" Liang Siyun pressed on, following his train of thought. "I know you’ve been upset lately, furious that Lai Shenyan got away. I’m also worried he might expose our affair. That would tarnish our reputations and negatively impact your future endeavors. I’ve been trying to discuss this with you, but you completely ignore me."

"I received news that Fu Bing’s doctor has cured Lai Shenlan," Lai Rumu said, his voice laced with dejection. "If Lai Shenlan recovers, my position is in jeopardy."

"Lai Shenlan is just a teenager. What real power could she have?" Liang Siyun asked, puzzled.

"She’s the most intelligent of her generation. If she decides she wants to take over the Lai Family, it would be as easy for her as flipping her hand."

"The Lai Family has always been under your control. How could a mere slip of a girl snatch it away? No matter how smart she is, she’s still just an inexperienced young thing. Fu Bing isn’t foolish; she wouldn’t give Lai Shenlan and Lai Shenyan any truly valuable resources."