Chapter 24: A Display of Remarkable Grandeur

(Page 1/3)

There was still a day left before the date set by the arbitration committee. Lin Zhiwei sat before her computer, repeatedly reminding Nanyu of every detail for the day of the hearing.

“Xiao Linzi, why are you so naggy… How many times have you gone over this already?” Nanyu, on the other end of the video call, was practically hopping in agitation. It was hardly such a big deal—just Xue Yuanyuan—did they really need to confirm the plan over and over again? She was even delaying his trip out for bubble tea.

“I’ve already ordered bubble tea delivery for you. Keep still,” Lin Zhiwei replied, scrolling the mouse with an unprecedented air of gravity and seriousness.

At the mention of bubble tea, Nanyu’s face lit up with joy. With that settled, he could continue working, and so he happily sat back in front of the computer, checking the arrangements with renewed focus.

“Xiao Linzi, I have a question.”

“Go on.”

“Why is Xue Yuanyuan so determined to fight to the bitter end this time? You let her off on the terrace last time. Doesn’t she know how to rein herself in?” Nanyu asked.

Lin Zhiwei paused for a few seconds before answering slowly, “The human heart is never satisfied. Hers is resentful.”

She was certain that with Xue Yuanyuan’s current disposition, she would not easily relinquish the many baits in her hands. In her own world, Xue Yuanyuan had always lived in the limelight, only to be outmaneuvered by someone she had always looked down upon. How could she possibly accept that?

But to ensure nothing went awry the next day, Lin Zhiwei forced herself to calmly consider every possible scenario. After all, one careless move could implicate her family—or worse, allow Lin Qiongjiu the pleasure of watching her stumble.

This night, it seemed, was destined to leave many people sleepless…

Ling Ziheng sat in the garden reading, though his mind wandered, chin in hand, as he contemplated what tomorrow might bring.

Liang Qisheng was instructing his subordinates to gather beautiful clothes, shoes, bags, and jewelry, preparing to please his little fairy.

As for Xue Yuanyuan, she was passionately flirting with Zhou Yiran—completely unaware that the next day would shatter all her illusions.

(Page 2/3)

On the morning of the arbitration committee’s disciplinary session, the sunlight streamed in, warm and gentle on her face. Lin Zhiwei rose slowly, unhurried; it seemed today would be a lucky day. She felt refreshed and clear-headed.

Ling Ziheng, ever attentive and meticulous, had prepared a large blue gift box filled not only with clothes, but also with an array of cosmetics and jewelry—a veritable treasure chest.

No wonder the box was so large; layer upon layer, it was stocked with everything a woman might need to adorn herself.

Lin Zhiwei hadn’t worn makeup in years, especially with her new face. She felt out of practice, but fortunately her sister-in-law’s skills in makeup and disguise were unrivaled. She had occasionally observed and learned from her, so she hadn’t lost touch over the years.

Since Ling Ziheng had already chosen the style of dress for her, a fresh and elegant makeup look would suffice. If necessary, she could even shed a few crocodile tears, posing as an innocent damsel—perfection.

She prepared herself methodically, without the slightest hint of panic. When she finally descended the stairs, her parents were already pacing nervously below. Her father rubbed his eyes, barely able to believe this was his daughter.

If, in the past few days, the bare-faced Lin Zhiwei had already been striking, today she was nothing short of bewitching.

The pale blue dress accentuated her porcelain skin; her waist was slender enough to be encircled by a single hand. Though her makeup was light, she’d deliberately extended her eyeliner and added a beauty mark beneath her eye, making her gaze as tender as spring water—captivating and demure, exuding a quiet, refined grace.

“Weiwei, my daughter, you’re so beautiful today…” Her mother was moved nearly to tears.

Lin Zhiwei, suffering in high heels, felt every step was a trial, but she maintained her smile. “Mom, Dad, you’ll have to get used to this…”

“Yes, yes…” Her parents exchanged glances and nodded in agreement.

“Weiwei, Butler Li has the car ready outside,” her father hastened to remind her.

Lin Zhiwei nodded and took steady steps toward the door. “Alright, I’m off. Don’t worry, I’ll return in triumph.” Then, with a flash of her old mischievousness, she made a face at them.

“This child…” Her mother shook her head in exasperation. She barely managed to act ladylike for a minute before her true colors showed through.

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Lin Zhiwei opened the door, about to get in the car, when she noticed a sleek black Maybach parked quietly to the side. It seemed vaguely familiar. As she glanced that way, the car door opened—and the sight nearly blinded her.

A pair of long legs stepped out, followed by a face that could captivate the world…

Ling Ziheng!

Lin Zhiwei’s eyes widened. Was he on his way to walk the Oscars red carpet?

The impeccably tailored black suit highlighted his long legs and trim waist, the proportions nothing short of golden. With glossy black piping, a crisp white shirt, and a deep red tie, his hair was slicked back to emphasize his perfectly chiseled features. His alluring, fox-like eyes were fixed straight on her.

Lin Zhiwei was so stunned by the impact that she momentarily lost all sense of self and place.

“Ride with me,” Ling Ziheng said, stepping out and leaning coolly against the car door, exuding a charismatic chill.

Well then, Movie King, are you shooting a scene from “The Cold CEO Falls for You” today?

Lin Zhiwei blinked, feeling somewhat bewildered. The two of them, side by side… it was a surprisingly harmonious match.

Watching her emerge from the house, Ling Ziheng was no less stunned than she was. When he’d bought the pale blue dress, he’d simply thought it would suit her; he hadn’t expected that, styled by her hand, the effect would be utterly seamless.

Today, she had taken extra care with her makeup, even adding a beauty mark beneath her eye. When she smiled, the mark quivered ever so slightly, making her gaze even more tender and alluring, her beauty almost dewy. She’d curled her long hair and swept it all to the right, pinning the left side with the brooch he’d given her, using it as a hairpin—a touch of unique charm.

Lin Zhiwei forced herself to snap out of her daze. It was just another performance, after all—everyone was expected to dress their best. In that sense, it was no different from walking the red carpet, the only difference being the intensity of the scrutiny. But the spectacle today was truly something to behold!