Chapter 97: Why Trust
With You Meng gone to change her outfit, Lu Li finally turned his attention to Chen Ya, who was tied up thoroughly. With just one look, he could tell that both her arms were dislocated. You Meng was indeed a gem, obedient and proficient in her tasks.
Seated on the sofa, facing Chen Ya thrown onto the ground, Lu Liâs expression cooled.
âMs. Chen Ya, is it? Where are your bodyguards?â Lu Li coldly scrutinized the woman before him. âAlso, claiming to be my woman, whatâs your purpose?â
He had thought it was someone from the Dragon Group sent by Ye Chen, but it turned out to be a big fish indeed!
With his cold tone and icy demeanor, Chen Ya felt a tremor in her heart. She knew that in Ye Chenâs narrative, she was just Ye Chenâs aunt, and Ye Chen was on bad terms with Lu Li. His treatment of her was justifiable, but it still left her with a bitter taste in her mouth.
From luxury to simplicity is hard. In her memory, Lu Li was always the one trying to warn her, even at great costs. He appeared indifferent on the surface, but his heart was tender. Now, Lu Liâs coldness, emanating from within, made Chen Ya somewhat uncomfortable.
Biting her lip, she tried to calm herself: âIsnât it said, âIs it not delightful to have friends coming from distant quarters?â Lu Li, I came without bodyguards, hoping it would prove my lack of hostility. Is your current attitude not overly rude?â
âRude?â A hint of chill flashed in Lu Liâs eyes. âPerhaps I shouldnât waste words with you. Maybe it would be more appropriate to send your head directly to Ye Chen.â
He stood up, pulling Chen Xiaoyi and Cao Yingying to leave. Dirty work was You Mengâs favorite; heâd let her take care of it cleanly later.
âWait a moment!â Chen Ya panicked, sensing the seriousness in Lu Liâs words: âIâve come to seek a collaboration with you.â
Lu Liâs current state clearly showed he wasnât inclined to discuss further with her. Without a reasonable explanation, he would indeed follow through on his words. No matter how eloquent she was, it was useless against Lu Li, like a scholar encountering soldiers.
âCollaboration? Letâs hear it!â Lu Li raised an eyebrow.
âI know you and Ye Chen are enemies. Ye Chen is now favored by my father within the Chen family. Heâs ambitiously trying to usurp my position and has even set his sights on me. I need your help. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, right?â
Lu Li remained noncommittal, eyeing the woman before him with interest. He had noticed Ye Chenâs designs on her, a commendable observation.
In the narrative, she was one of the female protagonists, a strong woman who, unfortunately, was led astray by Ye Chenâs constant calling of âAuntie,â losing her vigilance until it was too late. Last lifetime, she was somewhat foolish.
âWhy should I help you? You and Ye Chen share blood ties. Why should I trust you? Your Chen family is already in chaos. Wouldnât it be better to join forces with the Wang and Lin families to thoroughly destroy the Chen family?â
His voice echoed in the living room, Chen Xiaoyi and Cao Yingying watching Chen Ya warily.
âI can offer the Chen familyâs power for your use.â Chen Ya lowered her head, her voice tinged with difficulty. This was her plan, but the butterfly effect had brought too many changes. Cao Yingying was by Lu Liâs side, as was You Meng, and Lu Li had become uncharacteristically cold.
Chen Ya was worried.
It wasnât that she disliked Lu Liâs current demeanor; she just wished he wouldnât show it to her. She couldnât blame him, given her unbreakable blood relation with Ye Chen. His wariness was understandable, but the bitterness was overwhelming.
Lu Li nodded: âThatâs quite appealing, but how can I be sure youâre not here on Ye Chenâs orders, playing a game of deception? You, the renowned underworld queen, known for your versatility, could easily manage that.â
Chen Yaâs face stiffened for a moment, surprised to be seen in such a light by Lu Li.
Feelings of injustice, discomfort, and bitterness surged, leaving her speechless.
âPerhaps⊠this is retribution for my past life!â she thought bitterly. fđđČđđ°eđŻnđŒvđČđ.đođŠ
This misunderstanding mirrored her past actions towards Lu Li â well-intentioned gestures misinterpreted, doubted, and even insulted. Wasnât this all what she had done to Lu Li?
Cao Yingying watched Chen Ya, having no fondness for anyone who had hurt Lu Li. The alliance between Zhang Ziqin and Ye Chen had caused Lu Li distress and aided Ye Chenâs rise. She despised Lu Ya for betraying her own brother. Su Bingqing, Liu Menghan â all had harmed Lu Li, including Chen Ya.
But after Lu Liâs death, they suddenly had a change of heart. What good was that?
You Meng earned Cao Yingyingâs respect for not troubling Lu Li in her previous life and for her decisive end. That woman was extraordinary.
âMaster brother, letâs just kill her. I can make it clean. Even without her, we can deal with Ye Chen,â You Meng, now dressed in her maid outfit, suggested with a cold killing intent that contrasted her cute appearance.
Chen Ya, observing You Mengâs attire, despite her inner turmoil, was taken aback. Was this the same ruthless assassin?
Not only did she call Lu Li âmaster brother,â but she also wore such attire willingly!
Her confession was certain, but it seemed there were conditions to her staying. Yet, it appeared You Meng was more than willing.