Chapter 8: Came Specifically to Find You

"Who are you, really?" Zhang Guoguo was neither anxious nor frightened; instead, she saw desire in the fierce eyes before her.

"You needn't concern yourself with my identity. Just do as I say, and I guarantee you'll remain the lofty wife of the richest man."

"I don't understand what nonsense you're spouting. If you don't let go, I'll call for help."

"Go ahead, then. Shout for the media, or better yet, call Luo Minglang, so he can discover that the wife who's been by his side all week is actually a fraud inhabiting his wife's body."

"Who would believe such absurd claims?"

"They’ll believe it because I know all Luo Minglang's secrets—and you don't."

She’d finally coaxed out the truth. Zhang Guoguo smiled, confident and composed. "Now I know who you are. The body you're using isn't yours, is it? Since you're here to bargain, tell me—what do you want?"

"I can see you're decisive and straightforward. I like that in a person." Chen Menglu, slightly surprised, released her grip on Zhang Guoguo’s collar. As she smoothed the creases from her dress, she gazed into Zhang Guoguo’s eyes and spoke slowly, "I want you to stop this wedding. Prevent Gu Yiqiao from marrying An Ruier."

"Why?"

"You don’t need to know why. Just do it. It’s better for both of us—understand?" She finished, smiled faintly, turned to open the door, then looked back at Zhang Guoguo. "The outcome of this wedding will determine how comfortable your future will be. Judge for yourself."

Watching her leave, Zhang Guoguo smiled coolly and took out her lipstick, applying it in front of the mirror.

Luo Minglang’s revelation of his marriage became the headline of gossip media within five minutes. All the guests attending the banquet were already aware, and now they lingered at the entrance, hoping to catch a glimpse of the legendary wife of the richest man.

Today's bride, An Ruier, watched the scene unfold via surveillance cameras, feeling bitter resentment. She was supposed to be the star, yet another woman had stolen her thunder—a feeling that left her uneasy.

She threw her phone aside, dragging her wedding dress as she sat on the sofa in frustration. "First it was Shen Linyue, that wretched woman, who managed to steal my spotlight even in death. Now, after all my efforts to finally become a bride, here comes another so-called wife of the richest man."

Xu Mengdie, noticing her distress, immediately brought over a cup of rose tea. "Ruier, don’t be upset. You're the bride tonight, the leading lady of the whole event. Don’t let irrelevant people get to you. Here, have some rose tea to calm your nerves."

"I don’t want it." With a flick, she pushed the tea away. The hot water scalded Xu Mengdie’s hand, but she endured the pain with a faint smile, picked up the cup, and said, "It’s almost time. You should touch up your makeup and get ready to enter."

"Guoguo." As Zhang Guoguo reached the banquet hall entrance, Luo Minglang beckoned to her. Beside him stood Gu Yiqiao and his parents—her former in-laws—and a crowd of elegantly dressed guests eager for a spectacle.

Her former in-laws, people of absolute authority, had previously treated her as a servant when she lived in the Gu household. Now, their feigned joviality made her uncomfortable.

"Uncle, Aunt, let me introduce my wife, Guoguo," Luo Minglang said.

Gu’s mother’s eyes lit up as she warmly took Zhang Guoguo’s hand. "Minglang really kept his marriage a secret. I never expected he'd find such a beautiful, graceful wife."

Zhang Guoguo said nothing, offering an awkward smile as she looked at Luo Minglang. He understood, and came over to wrap his arm around her waist. "Uncle, Aunt, it's time. Let's go in."

Seated at the main guest table, Zhang Guoguo soon saw Xu Mengdie descending from the second-floor railing.

Her husband was engaged in conversation, his respectful and earnest demeanor revealing that the other party held considerable status. Quietly, she rose and slipped out of the banquet hall. Behind her, the once warm and lively orchestral music shifted into the wedding march.

On the grand terrace, Xu Mengdie stood smoking, arms crossed, coughing lightly. The sound of footsteps behind her made her turn instinctively.

The woman before her had exquisitely delicate features, a tall and elegant figure, a slender neck, and ruby earrings that shone brightly. Her refined, pale gown gave her an almost ethereal presence.

Xu Mengdie recognized her instantly—the wife of the richest man, the one who had stolen An Ruier's spotlight.

She smiled softly at her. "May I have a cigarette?"

The wedding march continued, and the host’s voice occasionally drifted into their ears.

Xu Mengdie handed her a cigarette and lit it for her. To share a smoke with the wife of the richest man felt like a privilege. In her eyes, any opportunity to integrate into high society was worth pursuing, just as she currently obeyed An Ruier’s every command.

Exhaling a deep plume of smoke, Zhang Guoguo noticed the blister on Xu Mengdie’s wrist, a burn from hot water. With a mischievous smile, she looked at Xu Mengdie. "I came here specifically to find you, Miss Xu."