Chapter 6: Two-Faced Woman?

The name Shen Jingjue seared itself into Tang Qiao’er’s vision, and her heart jolted. “Should I answer?” Tang Yue asked. “Yes!” Tang Yue unhurriedly pressed the speakerphone button but didn’t speak immediately. “Mr. Tang, is my wife with you?” Shen Jingjue’s voice was hoarse. A surge of anger flared within Tang Qiao’er. The word “wife” grated on her ears. “Mr. Shen, mind your phrasing. I am now your ex-wife.” “Bai Xiaoxiao, you really are with him.” Shen Jingjue’s tone deepened. “And why not? Was I supposed to stay at your house, waiting to be thrown out, person and belongings?” How cutting! On the other end, Shen Jingjue’s face was so dark it looked like it would drip ink. “I advise you not to be so impatient. We haven’t finalized the divorce proceedings, haven’t registered the divorce. Technically, you are still my wife. You should at least consider the reputation of the Shen family and your own.” “You brought Jin Enrou to live at Oceanview Manor while we were still married, forcing me to sign divorce papers. Shen Jingjue, did you consider my reputation when you did all that?” Tang Qiao’er let out a cold laugh. “What goes around comes around. Why should I care about the Shen family’s reputation now? After all, I’ve already handed over the CEO’s wife position to Jin Enrou. Go ask her to save face for you!” Tang Yue raised an eyebrow, taking a delicate sip of tea. This was the real Tang Qiao’er. The docile, obedient little wife who had suffered in the Shen family for three years was merely a persona she had crafted exclusively for Shen Jingjue. While his sister was always perfect, he preferred the audacious, uninhibited wild rose she used to be. Thankfully, she was back. “I don’t have time to argue with you right now.” Shen Jingjue’s voice carried a hint of exhaustion. “Grandpa is ill and in the hospital. He’s been clamoring to see you and refuses to take his medicine.” Tang Qiao’er’s heart tightened abruptly. Even though she and Shen Jingjue had parted ways, during her three years in the Shen family, Grandpa Shen had been unfailingly kind to her. She had left with nothing, willing to abandon everything, but she couldn’t abandon that adorable, childlike old man. “At the Tang Group’s hospital, right? I understand. I’ll be there to see Grandpa shortly.” After hanging up, Tang Qiao’er sighed deeply, her expression troubled. “Qiao’er, I’ll drive you,” Tang Yue said gently. “No need. I’m going to see Grandpa, not to provoke a scene. Your presence would only escalate the conflict.” Tang Qiao’er waved a dismissive hand, her eyes shadowed. “I’ll drive myself.” * Hospital. Shen Jingjue and Han Xian were waiting outside the elder’s ward. Tang Qiao’er approached with a sense of urgency. Though it had only been a few days, she immediately noticed the man had lost weight. Damn it, why was she even concerned? Whether he gained or lost weight, it wasn’t for her. Let him suffer! It wasn’t until the click of her heels reached them that both men looked up, freezing in shock. Especially Shen Jingjue. He could barely recognize the woman who had been his wife for three years. “Secretary Han, how is Grandpa?” Tang Qiao’er didn’t spare a glance for the man named Shen, addressing only Han Xian. “M-Madam, is that really you?” Han Xian was dumbfounded, asking a remarkably foolish question. The woman before him had a delicate, clear face adorned with exquisite makeup, her fiery red lips exuding a hint of allure. A sharp black pantsuit accentuated her slender waist and impossibly long legs. A ruby butterfly brooch on her chest sparkled brilliantly, yet it couldn’t outshine the light in her eyes. Tang Qiao’er realized then that she had been in such a hurry she’d forgotten to transform back into the docile, white-dress-and-sneakers Bai Xiaoxiao. “It’s me, no doubt. What, does my new look offend your eyes?” “Not at all! Your new look is much more beautiful than before! And this transformation… it makes you seem more confident, full of vitality,” Han Xian said truthfully. “Is that so? Perhaps it’s because I’m divorced.” Tang Qiao’er’s lips curved into a slight smile. “I’ve crawled out of the grave and seen the light of day again. Of course, I’m full of life, a final burst of energy.” Shen Jingjue’s handsome face darkened, and irritation surged in his chest. “If you felt it was a grave, why did you stay by my side for three years? I told you more than once that if you wanted to break off the engagement, I could take you to see Grandpa anytime. You didn’t need to serve a three-year sentence.” Tang Qiao’er’s heart ached. This was Second Young Master Shen. What he liked, no one could sway. What he disliked, he wouldn’t spare a second glance, even if you gave your heart and soul. She had fallen madly in love with his cold, aloof, single-mindedness back then, plunging headfirst into this sea of emotion, but she had paid a deeply painful price for it. “I promised Grandpa, and I have a sense of contract. Three years meant three years, not a day or an hour less. But now, Mr. Shen, you are finally free. You can bring any woman you want home, and you won’t have to sneak out to meet your lover under the cover of night.” Tang Qiao’er smiled chillingly, her eyes strikingly sharp. Shen Jingjue’s throat tightened. How could this woman have two faces? Did she think that since they were separated, she could just let herself go? Yet, he had to admit, her sharp, thorny demeanor was far more captivating than her former gentle personality. A ripple of emotion stirred in Shen Jingjue’s usually world-weary peach blossom eyes. “Jingjue Gege!” Tang Qiao’er turned her head coldly, seeing Jin Enrou hurrying towards them, accompanied by Qin Shu. Upon seeing Tang Qiao’er, a flicker of malice crossed Jin Enrou’s eyes, quickly replaced by a delicate, pitiful vulnerability. “Why are you here?” Shen Jingjue asked in surprise. As soon as he spoke, Jin Enrou threw herself into his arms, her slender arms expertly wrapping around his strong waist. “Jingjue Gege, why didn’t you tell me about such a big matter? Do you not consider me yours?” “Yes, Jingjue, you don’t know how worried Rou’er was when she heard Grandpa was in the hospital. She ate some porridge at noon and threw up again…” Qin Shu watched her niece with a pained expression. “Again? Why did she throw up?” Concern welled in Shen Jingjue’s dark eyes. “Rou’er has always had stomach problems. She gets sick when she’s scared or stressed. Many doctors said it wasn’t a big issue, but it just won’t heal,” Qin Shu sighed. “I’ll find more doctors to treat Rou’er. If not in this country, I’ll take her abroad,” Shen Jingjue said softly, his arm circling Jin Enrou’s waist. Tang Qiao’er scoffed inwardly, remembering her own pathetic state when her stomach problems flared up, leaving her sweating profusely as she went to the hospital alone. Although she hadn’t told Shen Jingjue afterward, he had seen her pale, weak face. Had he ever shown a shred of concern? Turns out, it wasn’t that Mr. Shen didn’t understand love. It was just that in his world, she wasn’t worthy of receiving it. Jin Enrou leaned into Shen Jingjue’s embrace, casting a dark, mocking glance at Tang Qiao’er. Wait! This woman… how did she suddenly change so much? She became so beautiful? And that butterfly brooch, wasn’t that the latest work by Alexa, the designer known as the Light of Asia? It was worth five million! How could this country bumpkin afford such a luxurious piece of jewelry? This bitch couldn’t possibly be that rich! It must be fake! “Jingjue, let Rou’er go in with you to see Grandpa. Rou’er cried on the way here, she’s so worried,” Qin Shu urged enthusiastically, completely ignoring the woman who had cared for their family for three years. But Tang Qiao’er remained indifferent. She didn’t care about Shen Jingjue, so why would she care about a potential successor to the Shen family? Just then, the ward door opened, and Grandpa Shen’s secretary walked out. “Mr. Shen asked me to check if his granddaughter-in-law has arrived.” Jin Enrou’s expression stiffened, unable to hide her jealousy. “Uncle Xu, I’m here,” Tang Qiao’er stepped forward anxiously. Because she was worried about Grandpa, she didn’t bother correcting the title. “Madam,” Secretary Xu respectfully gestured. “Mr. Shen invites you and the Second Young Master inside.” Without another word, Tang Qiao’er strode into the ward. Shen Jingjue pursed his thin lips and followed her in. “Jingjue Gege, wait for me…” Jin Enrou tried to follow closely, but Secretary Xu coldly blocked her. “I apologize, but Mr. Shen said he will not see anyone except his grandson and granddaughter-in-law. Please return.”