Chapter 40: Pretending to be poor, rich second generation (9)

How could she describe the scene before her eyes?

In the dimly lit room, her boyfriend was shedding tears while embracing a blanket, his body trembling uncontrollably.

His expression seemed both ecstatic and pained, as he continuously muttered, “Lingling, am I doing well? Tell me, am I?”

Various disorganized items littered the bedside, and at the head of the bed were tied red cords along with chains as thick as thumbs…

Muru Rongrong felt like she had stumbled into a world she never should have entered. She gasped sharply, feeling more alienated from this man than ever before. The sight of his intense arousal and obsession starkly contrasted with his usual cold demeanor around her!

She couldn’t help but recall something people often said online - that wealthy individuals enjoyed indulging in unconventional fantasies… And there in the room, her boyfriend faced an empty bed, calling out another woman’s name while pouring out his desires!

So quickly! In such a short span of time, he transformed like this! Muru Rongrong wasn’t merely shocked; she realized her entire perception of Pei Jing needed to be reevaluated!

The sound of the door opening finally jolted Pei Jing out of his fantasies. His movements froze; as he looked up and saw it was Mu Rongrong, his face turned from flushed red to pale white, then swiftly to an ashen hue…

“Who allowed you to come here!” As if someone had exposed his most embarrassing side, Pei Jing’s gaze towards Mu Rongrong wasn’t merely filled with anger anymore. In that moment, he wished for her complete disappearance, utterly and irrevocably!

Mu Rongrong quickly regained her composure, realizing that if she didn’t handle this situation well, Pei Jing might never want to see her again. After all, finding someone like him hadn’t been easy; how could she just give up so easily?

With a worried expression, Mu Rongrong said, “I was concerned about you… I’m sorry, I’ll wait outside.” She turned around, hastily ran out of the room, and carefully closed the door behind her.

Then, she sat by the table waiting patiently.

She would give Pei Jing ample time to compose himself. Although catching him in such a compromising situation was awkward, Mu Rongrong did not regret her actions. Her understanding of Pei Jing now went beyond mere surface impressions; she knew where her strengths lay and believed Pei Jing would soon accept her…

Mubai’s unexpected arrival had left Pei Jing in an awkward predicament. Initially struggling to regain composure, it took him considerable effort and time to suppress his emotions.

However, the most pressing concern now wasn’t his physical state but rather how Mubai would react after witnessing this side of him. Few women could accept such behavior from their boyfriend. Whether it led to a breakup or something else, he needed to ensure that Mubai wouldn’t disclose this incident!

Pei Jing changed his clothes, composed himself, and stepped out of the room.

Before he could speak, Mubai preemptively said, “I’ll pretend I saw nothing. I understand it was just…just a small interest. As long as you can forget about that woman in the future, we can still have a good relationship, right?”

Pei Jing didn’t expect Mubai to respond this way and voiced his confusion immediately, “You really…don’t mind?”

“How could I not mind? Of course, I do!” Tears welled up in Mubai’s eyes. “Who wouldn’t be bothered by their boyfriend having feelings for someone else? But I love you, Pei Jing. I know you haven’t let go yet, so I will be there with you, helping you through these difficult times…”

“With me caring for and supporting you, can’t you trust me more? I will never betray you!”

For the first time, Pei Jing truly examined this woman before him. If he had not met Qu Ling, he undoubtedly would have fallen in love with this sincere and devoted person.

From their initial meeting, Pei Jing was impoverished, yet Mu Rongrong never once showed any disdain towards his financial state. Unlike Qu Ling, Mu Rongrong had little concept of material wealth; she never pursued luxury items and dressed modestly and neatly. Pei Jing feared that revealing his true circumstances would disgust her, but to his surprise, Mu Rongrong’s only concern was his feelings for someone else.

How could anyone care so deeply without being profoundly in love?

Why hadn’t fate brought them together earlier?!

Pei Jing couldn’t help feeling a sense of guilt towards Mu Rongrong. He knew she loved him, but now, he must exploit this affection to seek revenge on another woman.

Once he gained control over Qu Ling, he vowed to give Mu Rongrong the best life possible, as a way to repay her unwavering devotion.

“Actually, there’s something I’ve been meaning to tell you,” Pei Jing decided to reveal his true identity. He wanted to bring Mu Rongrong back with him; no one could be more suitable for their engagement.

Mu Rongrong’s heart swelled with joy, knowing her choice was indeed correct! Sneaking a peek at his secret had been risky, but after breaking through his defenses, how could he not accept someone who loved him so deeply?

“I am the young master of the Pei Group. Thank you for taking care of me during this time. Would you blame me for hiding my true identity from you…?” Pei Jing asked hesitantly.

Mu Rongrong pursed her lips and tightly clasped her hands, feeling conflicted. “You’re the young master of the Pei Group? Would you find me unworthy? I’m just an ordinary person, surely not a fitting girlfriend for someone like you…”

Pei Jing couldn’t help but compare Mu Rongrong to Qu Ling once again. If Qu Ling discovered he had deceived her, she would only feel anger and resentment. In contrast, Mu Rongrong immediately thought herself unworthy of him. He sighed inwardly, marveling at how irrational love can be - that he had fallen victim to such a flawed woman…

“Rongrong,” Pei Jing said gently, his eyes softening, “You’re wonderful - the best woman I’ve ever met. There’s no need to say anything about being unworthy.”

Blushing, Mu Rongrong shyly lowered her head.

“I know it might seem too soon to ask, but would you… be willing to get engaged?” Driven by his own desires, Pei Jing posed the question.

“Yes!” Mu Rongrong blurted out immediately, then feeling she responded too hastily, quickly added, “I… I want to be with you, regardless of who you are, I am willing to get engaged.”

Pei Jing smiled joyously, “That’s fantastic! Then tomorrow, tomorrow I’ll bring you to meet my young uncle.”

“Young uncle?”

“My young uncle is the CEO of the Pei Group; he’s my only living relative. Once he approves, we can proceed with the engagement.”

Mu Rongrong felt suddenly anxious, “What if he doesn’t like me?”

“That won’t happen,” Pei Jing confidently replied, shedding his recent gloom and sounding spirited, “You were chosen by me.”

Mù Rongrong softly chuckled.

When Pei Qing received the news that Pei Jing was bringing his girlfriend to meet him, he was taken aback. “Are they already planning to get engaged so soon?”

Tong Ling, satisfied with the steady progression of their story, replied, “They’re truly meant for each other; letting them be together is definitely the right choice.”

”…In the future, would you ever push me away towards another woman?” Pei Qing knew he shouldn’t dwell on such thoughts, but considering Pei Jing’s fate, he couldn’t help fearing if one day his girlfriend might grow weary of him.

He himself was physically disabled, unable to walk without assistance, significantly older than his girlfriend, and not particularly known for humor or charm. With these numerous shortcomings, how long could he maintain her interest?

Pei Qing recognized that his girlfriend had a restless nature, yet he didn’t want to confine her, potentially making her unhappy. But aside from providing financial support, what else could he do to ensure she’d always have him by her side? He began to ponder anxiously…

“A-Qing, you belong to me, why would I ever push you towards someone else?” Tong Ling reassured him gently. “I never let go of those who are mine.”

His girlfriend’s reassurance somewhat eased Pei Qing’s anxiety.

For now, he set aside these concerns and made time to meet with Pei Jing and his fiancée whom he had brought along.

Pei Qing was not entirely unfamiliar with Mu Rongrong, having reviewed her background and knowing her life experiences from childhood onwards. It could be said that Mu Rongrong’s journey to this point was indeed remarkably fortunate. However, upon meeting her in person, he sensed that she possessed her own unique talents.

She appeared harmless and unthreatening, which would likely lower most people’s guard. Combined with her genuine gaze and charming demeanor, it was unsurprising why Pei Jing chose her.

Unfortunately, Pei Qing knew all too well that Mu Rongrong was no different from other women drawn to the prestige of the Pei Group. The person Pei Jing truly sought wasn’t this woman.

“As long as you both are certain about your engagement, I won’t oppose it,” Pei Qing told them. “I will host a grand engagement party as my congratulations, a gesture from your elder.”

Mu Rongrong’s face flushed slightly with excitement, and she reached out to touch her boyfriend’s hand. Before she could, however, Pei Jing gave her an apologetic look.

“Rongrong, could you please wait outside for a moment? I’d like to talk privately with my young uncle first,” Pei Jing said. His true objective was never about the engagement; now that his young uncle had agreed, it was time to claim his reward.

As a compliant girlfriend, Mu Rongrong obediently nodded and stepped out of the room.

Outside, she couldn’t help but observe the private mansion. Indeed, as the CEO of the Pei Group, Pei Jing’s young uncle lived in luxury far beyond what ordinary people could afford. He was exceptionally handsome too, with the only drawback being his disability.

Mu Rongrong sighed regretfully. If not for his disability, he would have been her ideal male lead. Pei Jing… Pei Jing had become too unpredictable, and she still vividly recalled that fateful night, making it difficult for her to face him directly now.

Fortunately, their engagement was imminent. As an ordinary girl, she would soon wear the most beautiful gown, stand in the brightest spotlight, and be the center of everyone’s attention, just like a storybook heroine destined for happiness and joy.

Inside the room, Pei Jing presented his demand to Pei Qing for shares in Qu’s Corporation, “I’ve done as you suggested, young uncle - found a woman I like and confirmed our engagement plans. Shouldn’t it be time now for you to fulfill your promise?”

“If you truly loved her, would you be so eager to bring up this request?” Pei Qing countered.

Pei Jing’s expression immediately darkened, “Young uncle, are you just playing with me? I genuinely have moved on from that woman; I won’t let emotions cloud my judgment again. Please believe me!”

“After the engagement party, what is rightfully yours will be given to you,” Pei Qing assured him. “This way, there will be no lingering doubts.”

Left with no choice, Pei Jing had to patiently await the engagement celebration.

News of the Pei Group’s young master getting engaged spread swiftly, with invitations sent out to numerous influential individuals.

Even Tong Ling received an invitation, suspecting that the male lead secretly mailed it to her. Was he trying to make her feel regretful? Or perhaps aiming to flaunt his success, seeking validation in front of her?

Regardless of Pei Jing’s intentions, Tong Ling was determined not to disappoint him.

In the original plot, Tong Ling attended the banquet accompanied by an older man, and coincidentally, she now had such a figure in her life.

“You mean you want me to be your escort at Pei Jing’s engagement party?” Pei Qing was initially taken aback by Tong Ling’s suggestion. After a brief moment of surprise, his heart filled with uncontrollable joy.

Despite their long relationship, they had never appeared together publicly. Pei Qing yearned to openly stand by Tong Ling’s side, regardless of what role he played, as long as he could be with her.

“But… if Pei Jing sees us together, might he…” Pei Qing expressed some concern.

“At such a significant event, he wouldn’t dare cause any trouble.” Tong Ling understood Pei Jing’s character well: “As the heir of the Pei Group, unless he wants to lose that status, how could he risk confronting you publicly?”

If Tong Ling wasn’t bothered by this possibility, then Pei Qing naturally had nothing to worry about. The purpose of hosting the engagement party was to clearly delineate boundaries between his nephew and his ex-girlfriend. Once Pei Jing’s relationship with Mu Rongrong was established, the situation would become irreversible.

On the day of the engagement banquet,

Tong Ling prepared a special gift to celebrate the protagonists’ successful union according to the plot. As her company’s reputation grew, she gained a notable standing within social circles.

Upon entering the banquet, several individuals approached Tong Ling to greet her and inquire about any new projects she might be considering for development, expressing keen interest in potential collaborations.

Confused by this eagerness from those willing to be “sheared” as metaphorical韭菜 (fresh meat), m577 asked, 【Why? Don’t they suspect anything about your company?】

“With so many investors involved and my partners being major corporations, even if they’re unaware of what I’m specifically working on, they all want a piece of the pie,” Tong Ling explained. “Moreover, with ample funding, the company operates quite efficiently. My partners are highly enthusiastic about development projects; there’s a chance they could genuinely achieve something.”

Even hearing this explanation, m577 found it unconvincing, 【But what if the project fails after hitting the market? What then?】

“Find someone to take over,” Tong Ling shrugged. “Pei Jing seems quite eager for my company, so when the time comes, let him have it. As for any consequences that follow, I won’t be held responsible.”

Once again, m577 was taken aback by Tong Ling’s actions. [“Are you genuinely planning to transfer your shares to Pei Jing? I thought that condition was just a prank on your part!”]

Tong Ling responded with utmost seriousness, “Why would I do something so cruel? He’s finally engaged to the protagonist after much effort; he deserves what’s coming!”

m577 fell silent.

The engagement party prepared by Pei Qing for Pei Jing and Mu Rongrong was indeed grandiose.

Guests were either affluent or influential, the banquet adhered to the highest standards, and the entire venue was adorned with dreamlike beauty. Flowers lined every pathway, a red carpet extended from the entrance deep into the hall, creating an atmosphere of elegance and romance. It was so exquisite that even if it had been a wedding instead of an engagement, no one could find fault with it.

Mu Rongrong, dressed in a pristine white princess gown, stood before the mirror twirling continuously.

With a radiant smile, she gazed at her reflection, feeling at that moment as though she were the most beautiful woman in the world.

Muru Rongrong was aware that her appearance wasn’t particularly outstanding. As a modest girl with an ordinary job, she would likely end up marrying someone like a company employee or an average person, leading a routine life centered around daily necessities.

However, Muru Rongrong didn’t want such a mundane existence. Why couldn’t girls have their dreams too? Now, her dream was about to come true.

She envisioned herself standing elegantly at the center of attention, becoming the most dazzling woman at the event.

“Pei Jing, are you ready?” After admiring her dress and makeup for quite some time, Muru Rongrong lifted her gown’s hem and walked to knock on the door of the men’s dressing room.

“I’m ready.” Pei Jing hadn’t dressed formally in what felt like ages. He slipped into a custom-tailored suit, allowed stylists to perfect his look, and upon gazing into the mirror, finally felt alive again.

This transformation made him resemble the young master of the Pei Group once more—the man who used to be admired and adored, not the recluse hiding away in a rented apartment like a rat unseen by daylight!

Would Qu Ling regret seeing him now? Regret abandoning and leaving him behind?

Anticipation coursed through Pei Jing as he thought about the impending encounter with that woman, causing his body to tremble excitedly.

Mubai Rongrong’s mouth dropped open at her boyfriend’s stunning transformation. All her previous “disdain” vanished as she gazed upon Pei Jing’s handsome appearance.

She had always wondered how someone so attractive in photographs could appear different in person! Thankfully, everything was back to normal now. Her choice hadn’t been wrong; this was the male lead she desired!

“Can I…” Mubai Rongrong glanced at her boyfriend’s arm, longing to link hers with his and announce to everyone that he belonged to her, Mubai Rongrong.

“Let’s follow protocol once we’re on stage. I still have something to take care of here,” Pei Jing replied before hastily leaving the backstage area, heading towards the banquet hall.

He needed to check if Qu Ling had shown up!

Watching Pei Jing’s retreating figure, Mubai Rongrong bit her lip, her expression darkening.

Was she too accommodating, allowing Pei Jing to completely disregard her? If anything went awry today because of him…she would indeed be furious!

Pei Jing spotted Qu Ling amidst the crowd almost immediately.

She remained as beautiful as ever. Despite his resentment towards her, he had to admit that she was incredibly captivating.

His steps involuntarily led him towards Qu Ling. Before he could get close, however, a figure in a wheelchair suddenly approached her.

The man engaged in conversation with Qu Ling, and as their eyes met, sparks seemed to fly between them.

Pei Jing watched as Qu Ling affectionately took the man’s hand. Amidst suggestive glances from onlookers, she guided him away to a secluded corner.

Pei Jing felt his heart being tormented like it was roasting over fire. He couldn’t comprehend how these two ended up together! The thought of his only remaining family betraying him, combined with the possibility that this engagement banquet might be part of some scheme, made his vision swim momentarily before he managed to steady himself.

After recovering from the shock, the anger stemming from dual betrayal finally gave him strength. With renewed determination, Pei Jing strode purposefully towards the couple.