Chapter 971: Talent
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

Perhaps it was her bright smile that influenced the child. Li Rui hesitated before nodding.

Li Lei pulled him to sit by his side, stroking his head and giving him more pieces of the dessert while smiling. Li Rui was not often treated this way by Father. He was flattered and immediately straightened his back, working hard to showcase his best side so that Father and Aunt Ling would take a greater liking to him.

“Xiao Rui is so cute.” Xia Ling praised before wielding her brushes to paint.

The drawing of portraits required patience. It was not only hard on the painter, but on the models as well, for they had to stay still for one to two hours. Xia Ling took into consideration that the child was still young, so she did not have high expectations of him. “Xiao Rui, you can eat some dessert and chat with Father.” Only then would the child be able to stand sitting there and hopefully develop an interest.

The child obeyed happily and chatted with Father while eating the desserts. After a while, his feelings of restriction and timidness disappeared. He would even burst into laughter from time to time. Li Lei pitied the child for having been neglected by his mother and was more patient towards him. He deliberately chose some interesting topics to talk about with him. Time passed quickly.

Xia Ling drew her final stroke on the canvas and announced, “Done.”

Both the young and old rushed to look at it in excitement. Under the light and shadow, beautiful showers clustered. A handsome man was talking with his head turned to the side to a child. His expression was focused yet gentle, as if he treated the child beside him as the world’s most precious treasure. The child was looking up at him, full of admiration and respect.

“Great drawing.” Li Lei complimented his wife. “Turns out I’m so handsome.”

Xia Ling smiled while glaring lightly at him. “You’re just standing under Xiao Rui’s spotlight. Xiao Rui’s such a cute child, how could he admire an ugly person? That’s why I had to draw you a little more handsome.”

The two joked around.

Li Rui listened to them talk while glancing at the painting. He did indeed look incredibly cute in the painting. He was wearing clean clothes inside and holding onto the dainty dessert. The sunlight shone on his face as if the whole world was lit up. However, that was not what moved him most. What touched him most was the expression of Li Lei as he looked at him, so focused and gentle. It made him feel as though he were genuinely loved.

It turns out that Father really did like him…

Warmth rose in Li Rui’s heart. He reached out his hand to touch the painting.

“The painting hasn’t dried yet.” Xia Ling smiled and pulled his hand back. “Xiao Rui, if you like it, I’ll give this painting to you. I’ll get the maids to hang it in your room.”

“Really?” The child raised his head in joy.

“Of course,” Xia Ling said. “Xiao Rui, do you like to paint?”

“Yes!” The child nodded fiercely.

“Then these are yours. I’ll give these painting tools and dyes to you. If you’re interested, you can try painting yourself.” Xia Ling smiled sweetly. “You could become a great painter in the future.”

“Yes!” The child nodded fiercely again before taking the brushes from her solemnly.

In the days that followed, Li Rui did indeed develop an interest in painting. When Shaohui was in class he would be painting by himself. At first, he started painting abstract color blocks, then when he had acquired the art of composition, his painting became more realistic.

Xia Ling went to see him often. She would praise and guide him on his painting.

Glancing at the respecting and trusting gaze of the child, she would feel a little despicable sometimes. No matter how dedicated she was in teaching him, it could not hide the fact that she was simply removing a possible obstacle of Shaohui. Having an artistic brother was much better than an ambitious one.

Because of her guilt, she was even more attentive to the child.

Her guilt was so big she even invited a personal tutor. She would even personally ask after his food and clothes.

Even Xiao Hui would be a little jealous sometimes and would grumble. “Mother has been too good to Xiao Rui.” He was overwhelmed with homework these days, and could not spend time with her as much as Li Rui did. Furthermore, his time spent together with Father was not always pleasant—Sadly, when Father was teaching him the various techniques and he was inconsistent, he would hit him. He was not as gentle and patient as Mother was to Li Rui.

Xia Ling smiled. “Aunt Su Tang is not here, so Mother has to take care of him.”

Shaohui blinked his eyes, speechless. This child was clever. He had known ever since Li Lei had the conversation with him that the adults did not like Li Rui gaining too much practical knowledge. He had already guessed that Xia Ling showing concern for Li Rui was only one facet of it, but the other more frightening facet was to have Li Rui immerse himself in some useless art so that he would not pose as a threat to Shaohui in the future.

However, he also knew that there was nothing he could do about it.

He had taken to heart the good of Father and Mother, but the wrongs that Xiao Rui had faced had long been lingering in his heart. Why was there no perfect solution in this world? The child looked up wistfully at the sky. He has me as his life’s first difficulty.

Xia Ling still continued to take care of Li Rui with all her heart.

Li Rui was now much closer to Xia Ling. Under the cultivation of her and the private tutor, many of his bad habits were fixed. He no longer hit and scolded people, and he could differentiate the atmosphere and was now more patient.

Even Old Master Li was satisfied.

Old Master had indeed wanted a rich playboy, but not one that would throw the Li family’s face. It was fine if he lived his life astray, but he could not be the topic of people’s gossip and make people think that the Li family was not cultivated. In the past, Su Tang’s teaching methods had been too coarse. She had almost turned him into a city commoner, no different than that of a wild child in the mountains. However, Xia Ling was now guiding him towards the path of the arts with dedication. This would allow the child’s wild behavior to be changed into the unrestrained disposition of an artist. It was a charming temperament belonging to those of a rich family.

Old Master Li’s impression of Xia Ling slowly changed. He had thought of her as useless in the beginning, but who was to know that she would actually be well qualified for the role of the matriarch. At least in the component of educating a child, she was far ahead of Su Tang.

This day, Old Master Li was drinking tea in the yard.

Li Rui walked over to him with a painting. “Great-grandfather, great-grandfather, look at the portrait I’ve drawn of you. Is it good?” The child’s eyes shone as he awaited praise.

Old Master Li took the painting and examined it. The sketch was simple. The composition and shading were amateurish, but the drawing seemed to carry a sort of temperament that drew out the character’s traits. Old Master’s charitable and sharp gaze was life-like on the canvas. He was elated to see this and repeated “Good” many times.

Li Rui was happy to receive compliments from him. “Aunt Ling also said it was good! She said it was much better than brother’s paintings!”

Old Master Li lifted him onto his knee and asked cordially, “Aunt Ling really said that?”

“Yes!” The child nodded fiercely. His face was flushed with excitement. “She said that I was especially talented in drawing and few kids can compare to me. She also said brother does not have this kind of talent!”

Chapter 972: Old Master’s Transformation
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

It was not that he belittled his brother. It was just that Brother was too outstanding. Be it in gun fare, fighting, math, physics, and history, he was far beyond. Even though he worshipped his brother, he was, after all, still a little boy, it did not feel good to be constantly being suppressed by him. So now that he was better than his brother at something, how could he not be excited?

It was also because of this that his interest in painting expanded.

Old Master Li understood Xia Ling’s intention. He smiled and said, “Brother has his own specialty and you have your own. This is good. Your Aunt Ling… is good too.”

These days, Li Lei had come to talk to him while he was staying in the villa.

Li Lei had pleaded with him earnestly to accept Xia Ling. He had said, [Grandpa, even if you don’t like Xiao Ling, the fact that she will remain as the Li family’s matriarch for many more years will not change. Compared to being upset for a whole day, why not just be cordial and happy?]

Old Master Li had chased his grandson out from his room.

However, once he had calmed down, he began pondering over his grandson’s words.

Xia Ling was still the jewel of the supper-hidden family. Furthermore, her relationship with his grandson was also amicable, and her status unremovable. Even if there were twists and turns in life, his grandson had already set his mind on life and death with her. It was non-negotiable. For the sake of the family’s harmony, there was no other choice than to accept Xia Ling. But the thing that made Old Master most uncomfortable was—

How could the Li family’s matriarch be so weak?

Xia Ling was not shrewd nor scheming and did not have any skills in strategizing. She simply could not compare to Su Tang, who was really one in a thousand. So how could a matriarch like Xia Ling bring the family any benefits? Although she had a superior family background, Li Lei’s business could not possibly rely on the matriarch’s family for long. That would be a laughing stock for the world!

That was why Old Master always had a barrier in his heart.

It was not until the event of Li Rui learning painting that Old Master Li realized that this grand-daughter-in-law might actually serve some use. Even though she had a simple mind and did not know how to come up with any conspirations or tricks, but she could make the family live together cordially. To an extremely complicated family like this, what was more important than her ability to make his great-grandsons grow up amicably?

In comparison, Su Tang, who might serve as a good subordinate and could become the heart and limbs, was not comparable to Xia Ling in terms of managing the peace of the house and raising the children.

“Forget it…” Old Master Li sighed. “Nobody is perfect. There are so many subordinates in the Li family, it doesn’t lack a profound senior. At least she could raise the children well, there’s only so much you can get.”

“Grandpa, what are you saying?” Li Rui asked, curious.

Old Master snapped out of his daze and stared at the boy who was his great-grandson only by name. He smiled and said dotingly, “Do you like Aunt Ling?”

“Yes!” The child said without hesitation. “Aunt Ling is the best, she is even better than my Mother! She teaches me how to draw, plays with me, buys me new clothes and even reads storybooks to me during bedtime! I like Aunt Ling the most!” A child’s world was just this innocent. He would remember whoever treated him well.

Old Master Li smiled at his words and caressed the child’s head.

It was the first time he felt that Li Lei had married the right person.

Su Tang came again after a few days. She wore a grey dress embroidered with gladiolus flowers with elegance. She stood in front of the glass window in the living room and said to Xia Ling in a low voice, “How is Xiao Rui? It has been a long time, I’m here to see him. You can’t possibly forbid me from seeing him forever.”

Xia Ling did not bother to pretend with her. She called a maid and instructed. “Go find Young Master Rui, tell him his Mother Su Tang has come and see if he wants to see her.” She wore home clothes, a loose crop that was of comfortable soft material and made her look leisurely, completely opposite of Su Tang’s exquisite look. Her face carried a faint color and made it obvious that her life was blissful. The light that blasted out from within her was like that of a flower blossoming casually.

Comparing the two of them, although Su Tang was pretty, she looked too deliberate.

Su Tang looked at her and guessed that she and Li Lei were living blissfully. Jealousy and hatred filled her heart. This kind of life should have been hers in the beginning! She should have been the matriarch in Li Lei’s family! The more she thought about it, the more unreconciled she was. Her heart was like a burning ball of fire. These days, following the distancing of Li Lei, her heart had already lost the arrogance she had once possessed even if her graceful posture still maintained the exquisite lifestyle of her past.

She had become a woman who could not hold back. She said to Xia Ling, “Xiao Rui will definitely want to see me. Don’t pretend to send people to ask for his opinion, how do I know whether it’s real or just an excuse you made up to pacify me?”

Xia Ling scoffed. “I have never met anyone who thought so highly of herself! It’s Xiao Rui’s freedom to decide if he wants to see you. How do you know he wants to? Don’t kid yourself, you almost hit him to death last time. He will hate you forever!” Honestly, children did not actually have any grudges. Their thinking was simple, and even if they had been scared to death when being beaten, once it was over, they would forgive their Mother with just a few coaxes from her.

However, Xia Ling was not planning to give Su Tang this opportunity.

This woman was too unpredictable and was not able to raise the child well. Even if Li Rui were to forgive her and treat her as his kin mother again with respect and trust, there was bound to come a day when he would be abused again! Xia Ling and Li Rui had gotten along well these days, and it would be a lie to say that she did not care for him. Now, Li Rui was truly like her own child. She was taking care of and teaching him dedicatedly. She did not want the child to trust the wrong person and be harmed.

The two women stood in the living room, both refusing to back down.

After a while, the maid returned and looked at Xia Ling respectfully. “Madam, Young Master Rui was in the garden painting butterflies. He has said that he does not want to see his Mother.”

Xia Ling laughed lightly and looked at Su Tang. “Heard that? Please leave.”

Su Tang shook her head in disbelief. “I don’t believe it! You must be lying! You must be!”

“Su Tang!” They heard an old and stable male voice. It was Old Master Li. He had come in by the side door without their knowledge. He had been beside the child who had been painting butterflies and had heard the maid. He had come out to look at the situation. “Xiao Rui indeed said he does not want to see you. He hates to be disturbed when he is painting. Sit here and rest, we’ll see what Xiao Rui says after he finishes painting.” He did not harbor the same dislike towards Su Tang Xia Ling did. He only felt that Su Tang was unable to educate children, yet he still admired her other skills. So, he was still hopeful that their mother-son relationship could be reconciled.

Xia Ling gave one glance to the Old Master.

Who was the master of this house? Why was he letting the guest stay all on his own accord?

Old Master Li understood the meaning of her glance. He sighed. “Xiao Ling, come with me.” His relationship with Xiao Ling had improved recently. However, they were still not considered close, so it was necessary to communicate when they faced any form of disagreement.

Chapter 973: Will of the Matriarch
Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Xia Ling ordered the maids. “Serve Miss Su well.”

She said the word “serve” with a harsher tone, and the maids understood her meaning. They stared deadly at Su Tang and observed her every action, making her unable to perform any antics.

Su Tang was furious, but there was nothing she could do.

Xia Ling followed Old Master to the tiny rest area behind the living room and said in dissatisfaction, “Grandpa, this is between us women, I don’t want you to be involved.” Her words were straightforward, and although she tried her best to be gentle, it still came out rude.

Old Master Li looked at her and said, “No matter what you say, Su Tang is still Xiao Rui’s kin mother. How can there be overnight grudges between mother and son? Since she has admitted her wrong and her bipolar disorder is not acting up anymore, why not let her see Xiao Rui and resolve the misunderstandings?”

Xia Ling did not want the child to be negatively influenced by her. She snorted lightly. “I don’t agree.”

All the maids in the house listened only to Xia Ling’s orders. As long as Xia Ling did not agree, Old Master Li’s words held no weight whatsoever. Old Master Li was furious. He had just thought that this grand-daughter-in-law wasn’t that bad, but it had only been two days and here she was, preventing a hero like Su Tang from seeing her own son just because of her emotions?

If this continued, wouldn’t it be letting down Su Tang?

Noticing that Old Master Li’s expression was stern, Xia Ling told him her concerns. “Grandpa, it is true that I don’t have good feelings toward Su Tang. However, this has nothing to do with why I’m refusing to let her see Xiao Rui. You have seen just how Xiao Rui has turned out under her care from all those years. He did not understand manners nor gratitude. He would even hit and scold people. Don’t you think he was the exact replica of Li Feng? Do you wish to have a second Li Feng in your house?”

Old Master took a deep breath.

Li Feng, this rascal, would always be a knot in his heart.

Speaking objectively, Li Feng was very outstanding. In terms of gun fare, plotting, and the skills to persuade people… They were all of top quality. If the Li family did not have Li Lei, Li Feng would have been the successor without a doubt if it was picked based on skills. Unfortunately, such a brilliant child had to have a cynical personality. He eventually harmed his family and also caused his own death… Old Master Li would dream of him and be often heartbroken over his grandson who had died early. If only he had taken more care of him when he was young and had guided him towards the righteous path. Could there have been a better outcome?

Old Master’s face revealed his pain.

Xia Ling softened her voice and said gently, “I don’t like Su Tang, she doesn’t like me either. Old Master, she is not as broad-minded as you think.”

Old Master came to his senses. He rebutted. “Su Tang has always been very understanding.”

Xia Ling laughed lightly. “Who would be generous toward their enemy? Fine, even if she has not revealed her hateful jealous side in front of you, you have witnessed Xiao Rui’s attitude toward me before. Who taught him that?”

Old Master Li did not speak. Deep in his heart, he really did not wish to see the Su Tang he had always thought highly of bearing such hatred toward Xia Ling. However, ever since he had removed his biases against Xia Ling, there were many things that did not seem right once he stopped to think about them calmly.

Xia Ling said, “Even if you don’t care about me, you have to care about Shaohui. Su Tang hates me, so naturally, she hates Shaohui as well. Xiao Rui’s attitude towards Shaohui was very poor in the past. The two brothers finally have a cordial relationship now. If Su Tang were to draw a wedge between them and make Xiao Rui hate Shaohui, the wall between the two brothers would then be the greatest disaster to our family ten or twenty years later.” It was not that she was knowledgeable in this area, she was only thinking deeper into it because she was concerned about her own son. She looked pleadingly at Old Master and believed that if even she herself could understand these reasons, Old Master would too.

As expected, Old Master was silent for a long time before sighing longly.

“Forget it, forget it. Don’t let Su Tang see Xiao Rui before she has gotten rid of her feelings for Li Lei,” Old Master said. “Once she has a motive, she will be determined to achieve it. Don’t influence the child negatively.”

The corners of Xia Ling’s lips curled up in a smile. It was a victory smile.

She really wanted to give herself a thumbs up. The Old Master who had hated her and sided with Su Tang all this time was finally on her side and helping her block Su Tang. She was satisfied with it even if it had been because of the two children. After all, she did not wish to have a conflict with the grandpa of her loved ones.

The two returned to the living room after their discussion.

Su Tang was sitting on the sofa and sipping tea with an elegant pose. Her back was pencil straight, and the sunlight that fell on her embraced her body like chiffon, attracting the gaze of people unknowingly.

She was such a beauty.

However, Xia Ling did not give her face on purpose. She said while smiling, “Miss Su, we’ve made you wait long. I have discussed things with Grandpa. Xiao Rui has been overwhelmed with classes every day and is too tired. Since he does not wish to see you, then it’s better to not meet. It’s better for men to have their own opinions, no? We have to start respecting his opinion since young, don’t you agree?”

She was full of nonsense!

Su Tang was furious. She suppressed her fury and turned to Old Master Li in disbelief.

It was expected that Xia Ling would not let her see him, but when had Old Master Li started supporting Xia Ling?! A sense of threat rose in her heart. Su Tang put down her teacup and stood up. Feeling wronged and helpless, she shouted, “Old Master!”

Old Master looked at her pitifully. “Ah Tang, since you are in the Li house, you have to abide by the Li family rules. Don’t defy the matriarch and set a good example for others. Xiao Ling has been taking care of your child and he is well, don’t worry. Xiao Ling has her own reasons for not letting you see the child. When she deems it fit for you to meet him, she will arrange for you to meet your child. It won’t be too late. Listen to me, you have to see the big picture.”

She staggered a few steps backward with tears rolling down her cheeks. “Please, don’t do this…”

Old Master Li frowned. This child, why was she not listening? “Ah Da, send Miss Su back,” he instructed a maid. “Take good care of her, okay?”

The maid obeyed and said to Su Tang, “Miss Su, please.”

Su Tang’s face was ashen. Seeing that she could not fight her way past this, she said quietly, “No need to send me off, I’ll leave by myself.” She let two more drops of tears fall. As if resisting many grievances, she lifted her head to look at Old Master Li. “I’ll listen to you, I’m leaving. You… you help me take good care of Xiao Rui. Goodbye.”

After saying that, she left quickly, covering her face and choking on her tears.

Old Master Li stared after her back, feeling sorry. He had once been in control of the Li family, and he understood deeply that sometimes, in order to ensure the whole family benefited, there was a need to sacrifice some people’s benefits, even if it was Su Tang. Being charitable would not support an army, so as an elderly, he must possess cold objectiveness.

Chapter 974: New Song Release
Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Xia Ling rested for a few days at home. Her body was getting better day by day, her skin regaining a moist glow, her eyebrows refined and delicate. Her mood was also getting better. She had restarted her work in the recording studio and was working on the composition of a new song. The first song she recorded was named <Chanting>, which she had sung during the concert when Li Lei had been in critical condition. This was a song that did not have any lyrics, yet it was more moving than any other melody in the world. The indescribable air of inspiration and mysterious atmosphere lingered, carrying with it Zen and divinity, letting people forget their troubles by listening to it.

Once <Chanting> was launched, it received enormous compliments.

The download volume hit a new high overnight, and people were forwarding it everywhere to their circle of friends. Its popularity as an online topic was also soaring. On the streets, everywhere was filled with discussions of the song.

“Have you heard <Chanting>? It’s the new song that Goddess Miss Ling just released. It’s so good!” Girls were introducing the song to their friends in school.

“I heard it!” More girls were replying in excitement. “There’s no other female singer that is better than Xiao Ling! I was at the praying concert last time and I was thinking that it would be amazing if <Chanting> could be recorded as a song. I can’t believe that it’s released so quickly! I want to recommend it to others!”

The fanatic fans had automatically advertised the song.

It was already the superstar’s new song, and it even had a beautiful background love story. This, coupled with many loyal fans who spared no effort in promoting the song, through the word of the mouth… The song was soon spread throughout the whole country. Even in other countries, the melody could be heard.

Even Xia Ling herself was shocked at the number of downloads.

“We’re rich, hehe.” In Phoenix Down Corporation, the big manager Lin Yunan moved behind her and took a look at the number of downloads. He quickly calculated it and smiled while saying, “The fees from the praying concert you held for free last time are coming back every second. The remaining extra money can allow you to squander away for a long time. This year’s best-selling singles award will be none other than this song… Looking at the word of mouth, the best song and the best female singer award won’t be any suspense either.”

Xia Ling could not bother with these awards now. She stared blankly at the numbers on the screen and said with reassurance, “It’s a relief that everyone likes it. It didn’t waste my efforts in recording it and giving it back to them.”

Lin Yunan shrugged. “With your superstar status in this present day, let alone this elaborate song, even if you take out an abandoned song and release it, wouldn’t the bunch of obsessive fans still worship it?” He said while humming “Most lonely without an enemy”, leaving the office leisurely.

As she was invincible in the music scene, her big manager was extremely lonely from being unable to find a worthy opponent.

The song was spread and broadcasted with a stance as if engulfing the world, and within a few days, there were even some mysterious rumors going around—”Did you know? <Chanting> has been blessed. If you sing it while confessing to your crush, your confession will succeed. If you listen to it before your exams, you will pass with certainty!”

“Really? I’ll try!”

“I’ll try too!”

The fans started trying it out in excitement. A few of them really succeeded in their confession or achieved satisfactory results from their exams. Each of them was ecstatic and ran around spreading it. “This song really works! Goddess Xiao Ling is indeed Xia family’s phoenix reincarnation, this song is simply divine! A divine song that has been blessed!”

Soon, more and more people were listening to this song and anticipating it to bring good luck to their lives—before confession, before exams, even before finding jobs, before entering the casino and before all kinds of important events in life…

Xia Ling did not know whether to laugh or cry. How was she to know that this song would have such a use?

It was Xia Moyan who questioned her when he came to visit. “You are the phoenix, this blessing song that you have sung with gratefulness and a rewarding heart has ‘power’. Even though this power does not help any specific person, it is still able to protect those lucky people and let them receive some good luck.”

“So it’s all real?” Xia Ling could not believe it. “I thought it was all just rumors.”

Xia Moyan said lightly, “This is their blessing, and it is your blessing too. The blessing of the phoenix is also a way to accumulate blessings for yourself. Xiao Ling, your life will be more and more smooth from now on.”

Xia Ling was happy. She was glad that she had released this song.

Of course, there were those that did not receive the good luck as well.

Some people said she was a liar, that <Chanting> was not magical at all. They said even though they had listened to it before their exam, they still were not able to pass. Also, they had still failed their interviews even though they had listened to it beforehand. Hence, many of them shared the experience of their successes and failures and came up with a bunch of rituals together. For example, you must burn incense and bathe before listening to the song, and when you listen to the song, you must have your hands together and recite the words. There was also a ritual where you could not be interrupted while listening…

Many people actually pursued this.

Seeing how its popularity was rising, Xia Ling’s web site’s comment section was filled with people talking about their wishes or their wishes having been fulfilled. The huge inflow almost made the platform fail. She was unable to control their passion and thought for a while before deciding to open a <Chanting> concert in order to thank the people for their love. Brother had said that hearing her live performance was better than her recording. Furthermore, this would help bring her even more blessings.

Once the news of the concert came out, it triggered a huge wave and even one ticket was hard to get.

As a last resort, the officials had to take the form of a lottery draw to give the tickets. Only then were they able to draw tens of thousands of lucky fans from the large number.

During the day of the concert, Xiao Hui also clamored to join in the fun.

Xia Ling adored her own son and agreed with good nature. She also brought Li Rui along. The media took pictures of the three of them exiting the white limousine. She walked down the red carpet while holding the two children’s hands. She carefully accommodated to the pace of the children and was gentle and caring.

“What a good mother…” The reporters exclaimed.

“In comparison, Su Tang is just too unprofessional.” Another reporter discussed it with his friend. “Have you seen the pictures of Su Tang holding onto Li Rui? She did not even notice or care about the child. The child even had to run a little to catch up with her. Compared to Ye Xingling, Ye Xingling is like the real mother while Su Tang is the stepmother!”

His friend flipped through some of the older pictures and said, “It’s true! Was this child born by Su Tang? In all the pictures where the two appear, Su Tang was not looking at the child in any of them. She was only concerned with her spotlight!”

The reporters were quick to publish news comparing the two pictures, and published it on different media after photoshopping it. Here, the concert had yet to start officially. There, the photoshopped picture comparing them triggered heated discussions.

Su Tang stayed at home alone while drinking red wine in loneliness.

Chapter 975 Concert Break
It was said that today was the day of Xia Ling’s concert. The place was full of liveliness.

Even that unfilial son Li Rui is there. That child, has he already forgotten who is his real mother? “Betrayer!” Su Tang squeezed the goblet tightly and said evilly while looking at the red liquid in the cup.

It was then that the phone rang.

She picked up, and it turned out to be a reporter. “Miss Su, what are your thoughts on Ye Xingling bringing the children to the concert? There are many rumors about how the children like Ye Xingling more, and that they don’t like you. What do you think?”

She was full of anger and indignance, but she cared for her image and could not afford to explode. Hence, she said stiffly, “No comment.”

She hung up the call, yet her heart could not calm down for a long while. Why was there such a rumor in the world? She admitted that she did hate Li Rui, but she had always been putting on a fake front in the face of others. It must be Ye Xingling that wretch. She must have said some malicious slander on her. That must have been the reason behind the blind jeers of people, thinking that Li Rui did not like his mother!

It must be!

Su Tang’s expression turned gloomy. The phone rang again, this time it was to interview her about Li Rui. This time, she replied stiffly with the sentence, “No comment.” Then, she hung up. However, the phone rang even more frequently. Su Tang could not be bothered to answer it, so she directly powered it off.

IIIN

Even though the phone was shut off, her hatred was still not resolved

Ye Xingling this wretch, how dare she initiate a discussion that would stab her in the back!

Her expression turned increasingly gloomy until finally, she slammed the goblet of red wine onto the table and retrieved another phone from the secret drawer in the bedroom. She dialed a number. This phone had been dealt with especially, and nobody would be able to trace the phone call. Hence, it was entirely safe.

She said, “Listen, the plan has been pushed forward. It will be executed tonight.”

“Pushed forward?” The person on the other end was shocked. “Didn’t you say to carry it out three days later? Tonight is Ye Xingling’s concert, there will be lots of reporters and fans. The target is too famous. It won’t be easy to carry out the plan.”

“You will push forward the plan if I say so!” Su Tang’s voice carried anger. “Carry it out while it’s messy! She has a lot of fans, doesn’t she? After you have killed her, just push the blame onto the fans, call it ‘A Crazy Fan Kills For Love’, or ‘Blessing of the Chanting Leads To Revenge’. There are plenty of excuses! You can escape easily too!”

The party at the other end thought about it and found it reasonable. “Okay, I will take action tonight. However, I will have to take more risks since the plan has suddenly changed. Remember to send more money, I want it doubled!”

“Doubled? You’re crazy!” Su Tang scolded.

“You’re refusing to pay me?” The person on the other end laughed savagely. “Fine, then I won’t be doing this business! I’ll even spread the news of someone wanting to kill Ye Xingling secretly to Master Li. Do you want to guess how much money Master Li would offer

me?”

Su Tang’s expression turned agitated. “Dream on! Li Lei will definitely kill you!”

“I’m not just scaring you!” The person said even more fiercely. “You can try not giving me double the money! At most, we’ll just perish together!”

Su Tang took a deep breath and forced herself to stay calm. She must stay calm…

What was the use of talking logic to this desperate person? Ever since she had been chased out of the Li family by Xia Ling, she had been looking for a hitman to murder Ye Xingling secretly. She had calculated it carefully in advance. Given Ye Xingling and Li Lei’s degree of love, normal negative news or rumors would not be useful at all. The only once-and-for-all method was to secretly kill one of them! She had finally found a suitable hitman and did not want anything to happen at a critical moment.

“Fine, double it is.” She conceded.

Even though the original price was already enough to make her live frugally, and doubled the price was sending her near bankruptcy, but as long as she could get rid of Xia Ling and become the wife of the Li family, how much of the money wouldn’t be returned to her?

This business transaction was worth it!

Su Tang reassured herself.

The hitman laughed, pleased. “You finally know the importance of time. Wire me the money now.”

Su Tang gathered the money in all kinds of ways and was finally able to gather the money with much difficulty. She wired over the money to the hitman with instructions from him.

After that, her whole body was weak, and she knelt down to pray to God. (God, other demigods, or even the devil, please help me make sure this murder plot is successful. Once Xia Ling is gotten rid of, there won’t be any future trouble…]

Xia Ling was unaware of her actions. She was still singing <Chanting> under the starry stage. The concert was going smoothly. Besides the new song, she also sang many of her songs since her debut. Even the songs she had sung in her past life at Imperial Entertainment, she also performed them in the form of a “cover”.

The whole place’s atmosphere was off the roof. Especially when Xiao Hui and Li Rui walked amongst the crowd wearing sparkling stage costumes, the heated applause that sounded was about to overturn the sky.

The two children giggled happily.

Li Rui was especially happy. It was his first time standing on such a big stage and receiving applause from so many people. His heart held even more gratitude and admiration towards Xia Ling. Aunt Ling was completely different from Mother. When he had been with Mother, the things he encountered every day would be depressing. However, now that he was with Aunt Ling, he seemed to be happy every day… The little child raised his head and stared at the back of Xia Ling who was on stage. He suddenly thought of something. If only Aunt Ling was his real mother, how happy he would be.

The concert’s official song ended and Xia Ling held an encore for numerous times before she finally left the stage under the lingering gaze of the fans. She went back to remove her makeup and take some rest.

The dressing room was full of fresh flowers that the fans had sent.

Lin Yunan played with the flowers while saying to her and the children, “So many fans have appeared at the concert. You all have to be careful when going to the garage in case anyone ambushes you and asks for a signature or do something excessive.”

Xia Ling took out her earpiece and casually said, “I know.”

After she had removed her makeup and changed into her usual attire, she turned back to caution Xiao Hui and Li Rui again. “Later on you two have to open your eyes wide and be on all four ears, understand? Don’t be kidnapped by strange people.”

“Yes!” The two children nodded fiercely. However, they were hiding the excitement in their hearts. Wow, it was so exciting!

After changing her clothes, Xia Ling brought them down to the garage.

The garage was silent, and most of the people had been brought out by the guards. However, some skillful paparazzi or fans had still managed to infiltrate the area. Thus, Xia Ling did not let down her guard.

The bodyguard walked a few steps behind her.

Lin Yunan walked in front of her and helped her open the car door.

When she was holding the two children’s hands and standing at the road, a blinding flash of light beamed at the corner of her eyes all of a sudden. She turned around instinctively. A large lorry was charing at her and the children with a roar!

“Mother!”

“Aunt Ling!”

A few different voices exclaimed in shock.

Chapter 976 Hit-and-Run Driver

In the heat of the moment, Xia Ling could not think too much. She pushed the two children away instinctively.

The two children staggered and just so happened to knock against the bodyguard that had been charging forward. The three of them fell down in a mess. The bodyguard calculated in his heart and knew that even if he were to charge forward now, he would not be able to save Xia Ling!

Was this God’s will?

The bodyguard was perplexed, why had she pushed the children over?! According to Li Lei’s instructions, his first priority should be to protect Xia Ling. When the lorry had been charging forward, he had already judged the situation. It was impossible to save the three of them at the same time, but he had been confident of pushing her to a safe place.

But it all turned futile when she pushed the two children over.

Now, the two children were saved, but what about her? What could she do?!

Xia Ling’s push had taken up all her strength. She had no more energy left to avoid the lorry that was rushing quickly towards her. The large lorry was just about to hit her and crush her into a pile of meat!

“Mother!” Shaohui cried.

“Mother!” Li Rui also cried. His mind was in a complete blank and something shocked his soul-At the time of crisis, this beautiful woman in front of him had disregarded her own safety and had exhausted all her strength to push him to a place of safety! Instinctively, he had called out “Mother”, not some stepmother, not Aunt Ling. At that moment, the little child had voluntarily recognized this woman who had saved him as his own mother!

The large lorry’s blinding white light flashed across.

“Bang!” A loud gunshot sounded.

It was the bodyguard who had taken out his gun at the critical moment. He fired at the tires of the lorry. The tires exploded and the lorry lost its balance. The front of the lorry tilted to the side and stopped with a “peng” sound.

Xia Ling, however, was knocked. She flew a few steps and fell onto the ground, bleeding profusely.

“Mother!” Shaohui and Li Rui cried out, rushing forward toward her.

The bodyguard hugged tightly onto them. “Young Masters, it’s dangerous!” He quickly dragged the two children to the car. He was afraid that there would be an accomplice beside the driver, so he locked the car door and quickly rushed to check on Xia Ling.

Lin Yunan was kneeling down next to Xia Ling. He dialed the phone quickly. “120! 120! Hurry up! It’s Ye Xingling that’s met with an accident! Yes, the singer Ye Xingling! If something is to happen to her, her husband and fans from all over the world will never forgive you all! Wait, don’t hang up, tell me the first-aid procedures, hurry!”

Under the instructions from the phone, the bodyguard and Lin Yunan hurriedly gave her first-aid.

Xia Ling’s face was as thin as a sheet of gold paper. Her whole body was bloody, but it was unknown where her wound was.

Luckily, the bodyguard had shot the tires of the lorry in time and had made the lorry leave its original track. Thus, the lorry hitting her was not severe enough to take her life. Her breathing was shallow and weak, and she fought to live.

The ambulance whizzed on the road and sent her to the hospital. She was rushed to the emergency room.

Soon, Li Lei arrived.

“What happened!” He was like a furious lion and interrogated Lin Yunan and the bodyguard.

The two of them roughly told him the story of what happened. In the end, the bodyguard added, “Because the fans were dispersing at the time, the rest of the guards were keeping guard outside. I was the only one at the scene. It was my fault that the driver ran away. I’m sorry, Young Master!”

Li Lei said, “Investigate! Whoever dared to find trouble with my wife’s children, I want him dead!”

The bodyguard received the instructions sternly and set about investigating with Tan Ying, who had just rushed over.

Li Lei’s eyes were bloodshot. He paced back and forth outside the emergency room for a few hours before he saw the emergency light fade and a doctor wearing a hospital gown come out.

“Doctor, how is she?!” Li Lei asked anxiously.

The doctor removed his mask. “The patient has many broken bones. Her soft tissues have also contused. However, her important organs have not been harmed. It’s not a big issue, she will be fine after her bones heal.”

Li Lei let out a long sigh of relief and relaxed his whole body. He collapsed onto the long bench in the corridor as if he had lost all his energy. Soon, Xia Ling was pushed out of the emergency room and into the ward.

Li Lei stayed beside her the whole time until finally, she opened her eyes.

“Xiao Ling, you’re awake?” He was ecstatic and squeezed her hand, his eyes red.

Xia Ling looked at him with difficulty, her voice weak as she asked, “Li Lei? Shao… Shaohui? How is he? What about Xiao Rui?” The memories of the scene before she had lost consciousness flashed in front of her. She could only remember the sudden white flash of light and the children’s helpless alarmed screams…

“The children are fine. They are not harmed,” Li Lei said. “You have to take care of your body and not move around.”

She was reassured, and stared at his red eyes and laughed with difficulty. “Don’t cry. You’re a big man, it makes you ugly.” She wanted to raise her hand to wipe the corners of his eyes, but since her hands were plastered, she was unable to raise them. Only now did she think of asking about her own condition. “What did the doctor say? I’m… fine, right?”

“So you know how to be scared!” He looked at her with distress and anger. “Why did you push the children with the bodyguard around? Why can’t you take care of yourself first?!”

“I’m their mother.” She was still weak but rebutted stubbornly. After that, she reassured him. “I’m fine, don’t be angry. Don’t you see that I’m fine now?” She glanced at him and knew that she did not have any serious injuries. If she were to have any severe injuries like any disability, he would not be talking to her in this reproachful tone.

He glared at her lightly. “You call this being okay? You’ve injured your bones and your nerves, so rest well and don’t develop any illnesses.”

She smiled and replied gently, “Yes.”

The two of them chatted for a while, enjoying the warm time they shared from the aftermath of the accident. A long time passed before Li Lei asked, “Did you see clearly who was in the lorry?”

Xia Ling shook her head. “The headlights of the lorry were too blinding. I wasn’t able to see anything. Why, you couldn’t find the hit-and-run driver?”

“I suspect that someone was trying to hit you deliberately.” Li Lei’s expression was grave.

“Why?” Xia Ling asked. Logically, the chances of it being an accident were big. Such as drunk driving, or the driver being a new female driver… Why did he suspect that there was a reason behind it?

Li Lei said, “Once the accident happened, I sent some people to investigate the driver, yet nothing could be discovered. If it was really an accident and the driver was to escape in the heat of the moment, there is no way he could hide from the Li family’s expansive resources.” Unless there was a plan behind it, and it was a pre-mediated murder plan.

Xia Ling shuddered. Who on earth would harbor that much hatred toward her, to put even the children in danger?

“Is there any evidence on the killer?” She asked Li Lei.

Chapter 977: Even a Tiger Spares Its Cubs

Li Lei shook his head and reassured her. “There will be evidence.”

He returned to the office and called over a few of his trusted subordinates to open up an investigation. Tan Ying was also part of it. Tan Ying now was no longer just the general manager of the training camp. He also shouldered important responsibilities, and was one of his valuable side-kicks.

He asked Tan Ying, “You’ve been in the country for the longest time. Naturally, you’re the most familiar with the entertainment world. Does Madam usually have any enemies?” Since he was unable to investigate the hit-and-run driver, he was going to flip it around and investigate based on what kind of people Xia Ling could have offended. Who would hold such a deep grudge against her that they were desperate to take their lives?

Tan Ying said, “Madam has offended some people, but they are all small contradictions such as fighting over an advertisement. None of them are enough to anger anyone until they are willing to risk offending the Li family in order to murder her secretly. Boss, I’m guessing it is someone who has grievances toward the Li family. Since he is unable to harm you, he has diverted his attention to Madam and the children.”

His words made sense, and a fire ignited itself in Li Lei.

Another of his sidekicks said, “There are some who have a deep-seated hatred—Madam has married you, and has even fostered Young Master Rui. This brings deep hatred to Miss Su Tang.”

Li Lei’s heart skipped a beat. How could he have forgotten about her?

He heard Tan Ying reprimand. “Jack, what are you saying! Su Tang has been fighting alongside us for so many years and is utterly loyal to Boss. How could she have tried to murder Boss’s wife and children?!”

Jack said, “Being loyal to Boss doesn’t mean being loyal to Madam.”

Su Tang’s popularity in the Li family was indeed good, but there were bound to be some who were not affected and could analyze the situation calmly.

Tan Ying was about to say something, but Li Lei had already calmed down. He said, “Investigate Su Tang as well as the enemies of Li family. See which forces have been active in S City and investigate them too.”

“Boss!” Tan Ying was anxious. “You will hurt Su Tang’s feelings if you do this!”

“Tan Ying.” Li Lei stared straight at him. In the dim light, his eyes were as sharp as a falcon in hunting. “Can I trust you?”

Tan Ying was even more anxious. “Of course! You have seen my loyalty all these years!” In a hurry to show his loyalty, he addressed his Boss honorifically, which he rarely did. “Boss, I’m only speaking for Su Tang because I hope everyone can get along cordially. I don’t want to see any disturbances within the Li family!”

“If anything terrible happens to Xia Ling, that will be the true disturbance.”

“Su Tang can see the big picture, she would never harm Madam!”

“Won’t she,” Li Lei said softly, as if he were asking Tan Ying or talking to himself. Perhaps Su Tang was a woman who could see the big picture in other situations, but regarding love… He thought back about the woman who had passed through the primitive jungle alone, enduring humiliation in order to rescue him from dying… His heart ached as if a needle had pierced itself into him.

“I hope it’s not her too,” Li Lei said. “However, nobody can maintain their wits in the face of love. Tan Ying, let me ask you, if it was really Su Tang who had tried to murder Xiao Ling, would you stand on her side?”

“Su Tang wouldn’t…”

“I’m saying what if.”

Tan Ying was silent. He looked at Li Lei’s serious expression, and arranged his own too. He gave his answer, “If it was really Su Tang, I would never protect her.” Even though in terms of personal feelings, his affection for Su Tang was far greater than for Xia Ling, but he understood that Xia Ling was now the Li family’s matriarch. The Li family’s future heir was also Xia Ling’s son. Hence, Xia Ling’s safety was more important than a hundred Su Tangs added together. He could not be confused because of his personal feelings.

“Good.” Li Lei stared at him. “I will hand the investigation of Su Tang to you. Whether she is innocent or guilty, I will leave it up to you to find out.”

“Boss!” This time, it was Jack who was anxious. How could he let Tan Ying investigate Su Tang? If Su Tang was the real murderer, but her crimes were covered by Tan Ying, what could he do?!

Tan Ying was shocked too. He had not thought that Li Lei would hand such an important task to him.

“Boss?” He asked uncertainly.

“If you don’t think you can handle the task, you can reject it,” Li Lei said calmly. As the saying went: Untrusted men cannot be appointed, but those appointed should be fully trusted. He did not want such a valuable subordinate to remain spiteful and have thorns in his heart over Su Tang’s matter. Hence, he had decided to take the opportunity to let Tan Ying investigate the truth for himself. Li Lei did not wish for Su Tang to be the murderer too, but what if it really was Su Tang? With Tan Ying’s testimony, those in the Li family who were on Su Tang’s side would have nothing to say.

He did this for Tan Ying and those subordinates, and also for Xia Ling.

This was the only way where if Su Tang was the true criminal, the subordinates would not be able to complain against Xia Ling.

No matter what, Xia Ling was still an outsider. To have a firm standing in the Li family, it was simply not enough to have a son. It would also take a long time to integrate and operate inside.

Li Lei hoped that one day, the subordinates would protect Xia Ling just like how they were protecting Su Tang.

Tan Ying stared at Li Lei, his expression perplexed. After a long while, he said, “I can take on the mission.”

Li Lei smiled. “Don’t disappoint me.”

The matter was thus settled. Tan Ying began his investigation on Su Tang. All traces of Su Tang’s whereabouts were investigated; where she had been to, the people she had met with, those she had called…

Su Tang never imagined that the person secretly investigating her would actually be Tan Ying, who was always on her side. She did not have any precautions against Tan Ying and had left some clues unknowingly. These clues caught Tan Ying’s vigilance, and even if Tan Ying was reluctant to admit it, his high professionalism still made him take action—he installed several monitors and bugs in Su Tang’s residence. Soon, he obtained evidence.

[What a useless piece of trash, how could you have failed to kill even one?!] In the room, Su Tang had called the killer in utter discomfit. [You still have the nerve to ask me for money?! Get lost!]

It was unknown what the person on the other end had said, but Su Tang had replied in annoyance, [Don’t drag in these unrelated topics. So what if Li Rui is my son? He alone can be exchanged for Ye Xingling and Li Shaohui, it’s worth it!]

After a while she said, [Don’t bother threatening me. You solve the problem you yourself created! Isn’t that wretch still lying in the hospital? Find some way to get rid of her! I’ll double the price! If you can’t get rid of her, then don’t expect to get the rest of the money!] After saying that, she hung up the phone in a fit of rage.

Tan Ying was beyond shocked.

He had not imagined that it would actually be Su Tang! It turns out that Su Tang, who had always been so elegant and generous, actually had such a vicious ugly side. When she had screamed that Xia Ling was a “wretch”, what had been the difference between her and a city shrew? What was even more terrifying was that she had said she could use Li Rui to exchange for the lives of Ye Xingling and Shaohui…

As the saying went: Even a tiger would not eat its own cubs. This woman’s heart was even more wicked than that of a tiger’s!

If that huge lorry had hit, let alone Ye Xingling, both of Li Lei’s children would have been killed! The Li family only had these two young masters which the whole family was dutifully protecting. But under her words, they had become worthless sacrifices! Tan Ying’s heart jumped to his throat. This was the first time he felt that women like Su Tang could never be married.

Chapter 978: True Murder

There was no time for him to dwell in his shock.

Su Tang had not yet given up and had urged the hitman to continue plotting murder against Xia Ling. Tan Ying was worried about Xia Ling’s safety, and he immediately reported the news to Li Lei.

Li Lei received the news and his expression was not surprised. “It really was her.”

Tan Ying looked at him worriedly. “Boss, how do we handle this?”

Li Lei gave his orders. “Send more people to protect Madam. Arrest Su Tang immediately and keep her under lockdown.”

Tan Ying pleaded. “Boss, Su Tang has been following you for so many years. Even if she has no credit, she still has her fair share of hard work. Even if she has lost her way, it was also because of love. Please…”

“Do your part.” Li Lei’s voice turned cold.

Tan Ying looked at his frightening expression and stayed quiet. He did not know that unlike every other thing, Li Lei was unwilling to step down regarding matters pertaining to Xia Ling. If he were to be merciful with Su Tang on her crimes, what if other people were to copy her actions? He could not afford to put Xia Ling in danger again over a moment of benevolence.

Li Lei went to the hospital to visit Xia Ling and told her about the news.

Xia Ling was shocked. “Turns out it was her! She was even willing to throw away her son’s life!”

“She hates that you are so close to Xiao Rui,” Li Lei said. It was also his first time discovering that Su Tang was not only vicious to her enemies but was cruel to her own people too. She was willing to harm her own son, what else was she capable of doing? He caressed Xia Ling’s long hair gently, pondering over how to handle Su Tang.

Xia Ling also thought about this. “What do you plan on doing to her?”

Li Lei pondered over it before deciding. “How about X Prison?”

“X Prison?” It was the first time Xia Ling had heard this name. She asked curiously, “Where’s that?”

“In a mysterious place on earth,” Li Lei said, “It was jointly built by several powerful people and large forces. It specifically holds serial killers, murderers, perverts and other wicked criminals. They are all incarcerated for life. Once someone enters, they will never come out again. It’s so chaotic inside that even the jailer does not dare enter. Putting Su Tang into it not only punishes her, but also gives her a chance—the worst that can happen for the people inside is to live worse than death, but it is possible to live well inside too. They can obtain the position of the King. She has saved my life and is also Xiao Rui’s birth mother. I don’t want to be too harsh on her.”

Xia Ling was silent for a while before nodding her head. “Okay.”

To repay someone for saving their lives was a given, thus it was only right to punish those who had committed the crime of murder. This decision was already the best ending under this trade-off. Furthermore, when Li Rui grew up, he would be uncomfortable if he were to know that his birth mother had died because of her. Now that her relationship with Li Rui was getting more and more intimate, she did not wish for the child to be separated from her.

Li Lei embraced her with affection. “Thank you.”

She laughed lightly. “There’s no need for these niceties between us.” Just like how he had trusted her to settle the issue with Pei Ziheng, she also trusted that he would deal with Su Tang. Growing old hand in hand and sitting on the same boat bearing rain and storm was probably like this.

Su Tang was arrested.

In the interrogation room, her face was pale and she was filled with indignance. “I’m framed! I want to see Li Lei!”

The steel door opened slowly to reveal Xia Ling, who was sitting in a wheelchair and being pushed by a bodyguard into the room. She replied to her, “Long time no see.” She stared at Su Tang and smiled lightly.

Su Tang’s expression changed. “You’re disabled?”

Xia Ling laughed again. “It’s unfortunate that I have to disappoint you again. I’m doing really well. I’ve just broken a few bones when I was hit by the lorry, that’s all. I’ve just removed the plaster, and I’m able to walk now, but Li Lei was just too worried and made me sit in the wheelchair. He just loves to worry about me.”

She boasted deliberately.

Su Tang had already been immensely disappointed in hearing that she was fine. But after hearing her boast about their love so proudly, she wanted to rush up to her and rip her face off. She suppressed her anger with difficulty and said to Xia Ling with tolerance, “It’s good that you are fine. How could I have hurt you? I was framed.”

“Really?” Xia Ling’s laughter was a little cold. She was still trying to make excuses for herself at this time?

Su Tang, however, still looked at her “sincerely”. “Madam, you have to believe me! Xiao Rui was also present at the accident. How could I possibly have tried to harm him when I love him so much?”

“You still have the face to mention Xiao Rui!” Xia Ling’s anger could not be suppressed for much longer—enemies fighting for life and death had already happened to her in her past life with Xia Yu, it was not strange. But between mother and child? “Su Tang, are you still human? How could you have tried to murder such a young child! You almost hit Xiao Rui to death last time, and now you even wanted to kill him directly?! Don’t you think you are too vicious and cruel to exchange me and Shaohui’s life with Xiao Rui’s?”

Su Tang continued to act innocent even though she had already been exposed. “I did not. Madam, since you don’t believe, call Li Lei here and I’ll explain myself personally to him.”

“You’re still so obstinate about seeing Li Lei even at this juncture?” Xia Ling laughed coldly. “The monitors and bugs have all caught conclusive evidence. Tan Ying and the rest have even caught the murderer. I advise you to stop struggling in your death!”

What, even the murderer had been caught?

Su Tang’s face turned deadly gray. She knew she had no more chances to quibble.

Since she had already been exposed, she did not need to pretend anymore. She changed her elegant gentle tone and stared coldly at Xia Ling with a snigger. “Yes, so what if it’s me? It’s too bad that that useless hitman did not kill you! Otherwise, your grave should have grown weeds already!” Her expression was vicious and she was clenching her teeth foully.

“You’re finally showing your true colors?” Xia Ling laughed coldly. “I have a big life, didn’t you know? I heard that the hitman you hired was the best in the world, and has never failed a mission before. You have even spent a fortune, even risking bankruptcy… Ha, I’ll have to thank you for thinking so highly of me. But it’s unfortunate, didn’t you know what I was doing at the concert? Blessings, giving back, my brother has said that chanting had this kind of power. I’ve blessed tens of thousands of people on the Earth, and the tens of thousands of people have also blessed me. With so much blessing in my body, to die? Don’t kid with me.”

Su Tang shook her head. “I don’t believe it! They are all just myths!”

“Ignorance is ignorance.” Xia Ling mocked her without reservation. “You think my Xia family’s name was just extolled by people? You didn’t believe The Preceptor’s words, thus you’ve landed in this pitiful state.”

“Ye Xingling, you’re only depending on your good background!”

“Yes, I have a good background, better than yours, so what?” When had Xia Ling lost out in arguments? Angering someone would not kill, so she continued, “I’ll tell you the truth. I’m not some Ye Xingling, I’m just Xia Ling. Imperial’s Empress! Shocking, right? In the beginning, when I recognized my ancestors and returned to the Xia family, they had already announced that I was the reincarnation of Xia Ling. Unfortunately, you all thought you were so clever and took all of it as a gimmick.”

Chapter 979: Send You Off
Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Su Tang’s expression was as if she had just seen a ghost. “How could there be such a bizarre thing?”

Xia Ling held her head high with a form of arrogance. “You are just ignorant. Su Tang, it was wrong of you to fight with me from the very beginning. Did you have that good of a birth background? Did you have a family that can support you? Did you make Li Lei fall in love with you at first sight? Are you as loveable as me? As beautiful as me?”

She asked the questions as if firing a cannon. Su Tang almost vomited blood.

Forget about her background and family, but making Li Lei fall in love with her at first sight?!

“Li Lei did not fall in love with you at first sight!” Su Tang exploded and dug into her words viciously. “He only thought of you as someone to sleep with in the beginning! Don’t think I don’t know, many women came back and forth before you arrived! You were nothing special in his eyes! You only managed to win his favor through some shameless means!” Su Tang said to Xia Ling in a high-pitched voice.

Xia Ling had known about Li Lei’s playboy history since a long time ago, but she did not put much thought into it on account of how he had cut off all flirtatious relationships with other girls after meeting her. So now that Su Tang had mentioned it, she was not hurt by it but was even more excited in attacking Su Tang. “You’re right, he had so many partners in the past. Hehe, Assistant Su… Oh, I’m sorry, I’ve forgotten that you have no more rights to be an assistant anymore. Miss Su, your muddling along turned out to be even worse than I had imagined. You’ve been beside Li Lei for so many years, yet unlike me, you’ve been unable to even control him and prevent him from finding more women? The moment he met me, he voluntarily cut off connections with those girls. I really don’t know what to say about you,” Xia Ling said joyfully, watching as Su Tang’s expression turned even worse.

Su Tang puffed up her chest and said, “What are you so arrogant about! Besides your family and a few strokes of luck, you are no better than me!” What she was most unsatisfied about was the fact that she had lost to such a stupid woman like Xia Ling! This stupid woman was unable to help Li Lei handle his business matters, and could do nothing besides singing. She could not even protect herself in times of danger. She was this stupid, yet had still managed to get through all the obstacles so far. She not only managed to get rid of stupid people like Gu Lin and Nangong Qingya, but she had also even gotten rid of her, Su Tang! You have to know that she had been praised as a “genius” since young!

She was the one who was compatible with Li Lei!

Xia Ling continued to agitate her further. “Yes, yes, so what if you are smart? Oh yes, did you not hear me just now? I said that I was more beautiful than you, more beautiful.”

She smiled sweetly, her fair skin looking extremely attractive under the dim lights of the investigation room.

Su Tang was about to explode with anger. Beautiful?!

Was she kidding?!

She still remembered the first time she had seen Xia Ling. That girl had been so small and skinny and had been wearing a training dress that was so out of fashion. Her appearance could have only been considered fresh, and she wouldn’t stand out in a crowd. And what about Su Tang at that time? She always had exquisite make-up, and her long hair had been carefully arranged. Her skin, her nails, even her matching earrings and bracelets, there was no place on her whole body that did not radiate a radiance that attracted people.

Those days, the chances of turning heads while Su Tang walked on the streets were fairly high.

Even Li Lei had jokingly said to her that out of all the beauties he had seen, Su Tang was the most beautiful.

His words had made her overjoyed. She was secretly looking forward to the day when he would look back from his riding on thousands of sails and come back to live with her for the rest of their lives. She had always thought that she was different, that she was Li Lei’s favorite person. She had thought that he was not touching her simply because he did not want to play with her casually. She had always looked forward to the day when the player would give his heart to her and they would spend their lives together.

However, in reality, if not for Xia Ling who had appeared out of nowhere, this wrong of hers could have been fulfilled.

Old Master Li had already established his thoughts on how “Su Tang was a good wife material”. However, every time Grandpa had said that Li Lei would have burst out laughing inexplicably. Su Tang’s heart had been injured by his mockery. Finally, Old Master Li had seen enough. He had reassured Su Tang, [Xiao Lei has said that when he has reached a suitable age and is still unable to find a girl he likes, he will marry you if you are willing.]

She had left Old Master’s tea room with her face red and full of embarrassment.

However, she had remembered those words in her heart and had taken greater care of Li Lei.

Unfortunately, the “girl he likes” had to appear. It turned out to be an unattractive ugly duckling, even in the eyes of Su Tang who had seen plenty of handsome men and beautiful women.

But today, that small woman was actually boasting in front of her saying that she was more beautiful?!

She could not tolerate it!

Su Tang sniggered coldly and said, “Beautiful? Why don’t you look at yourself in the mirror? Tan Ying must have been blind to have chosen you to join the training camp. With you looking like that, nobody would even want you if you were put in a pageant!”

“You can continue to be jealous, but I am ‘more’ beautiful than you.” She added more emphasis on “more”, and even turned around to ask the bodyguard on purpose, “Tell me, who is more beautiful?”

The bodyguard said seriously, “Of course it is Madam.”

God was a witness to his sincerity, he was not just saying that against his beliefs. The Xia Ling in front of him was indeed much more attractive than Su Tang—

Now that she had recovered fully, she was wearing a soft pink shirt, making her originally pale skin look much better with the color. Her long black hair had been trimmed carefully, and it was smooth and light. She also had long butterfly wing-like eyelashes and light, beautiful cherry-like lips…

In comparison, what about Su Tang?

She had straw-like messy dry hair, dark yellow skin, and deeply sunken cheeks…

There was simply no need for a comparison?!

Su Tang realized that something was wrong, and she realized with a shock that today, she would be described as haggard, and the gap between her and Xia Ling who had been so pampered was huge. The white swan and ugly duckling from so many years ago had been completely reversed today. That woman had become a highly-regarded allure, while she herself had become the one nobody would want in a pageant!

“As the saying goes, one’s appearance is formed by their heart.” Xia Ling lowered her head to play with her fingernails lightly. “Some people become more and more beautiful, while some become increasingly ugly. Su Tang, didn’t you say you wanted to see Li Lei? Aren’t you afraid that with your current state now, he’ll see you and love me even more?”

“Nonsense!” Su Tang shouted angrily. She charged forward intending to hit her but was stopped by the bodyguard.

“It’s not nonsense.” Xia Ling smiled. “Have you heard of Madam Li in ancient times? She had been adored by the Emperor all her life, and when she was dying, her appearance was described as extremely haggard. She knew to prevent the Emperor from seeing her, so as to leave behind a beautiful memory of herself in him. Li Lei has never even loved you before. If he sees your current state, I’m afraid he’ll have nightmares.”

Su Tang was furious. “You, this wretch!”

“Li Lei knows best who is the true wretch.” Xia Ling was still smiling. She was not afraid of her. “He doesn’t want to see some wretch, so he has sent me here to send you off. Su Tang, Su Tang, do you have anything you want me to help you convey?”

Chapter 980: Oppressing Su Tang
Translator: Atlas Studios  Editor: Atlas Studios

Su Tang caught onto the meaning behind her words with astuteness. “Send me off?”

Xia Ling looked at her. “Yes. On the account of you being Xiao Rui’s mother and having saved Li Lei’s life before, he does not intend to kill you. He has decided to send you to X Prison. You’ve been beside him for so many years, you must have heard of that place? Anyways, I’m not familiar with it, so I can only wish you luck.”

Su Tang was trembling slightly.

She had indeed heard of that place before. Rumor had it that that place was the world’s most miserable prison. Criminals who entered would never be able to come out alive… That place was independent of the three regions of the world. The depths of the jail hid numerous vicious and cruel criminals that even the jailers did not dare step foot inside!

Li Lei was going to send her there?

She smiled sorrowfully. “This is the outcome of me saving his life?”

Xia Ling frowned. “Su Tang, even the biggest goodwill can be exhausted. You have been challenging his limits time and time again. You plotted to kill his wife, and not only that, you were even planning to kill his son! Li family’s future heir! Even if one life is offset, you still owe him one life. Him giving you mercy is already your biggest fortune, yet you still have the face to blame him?”

Su Tang glared at her fiercely. “How could the life of you and that wretched child offset his?!”

“Whether it is worth it or not is not up to you to decide.” Xia Ling’s expression was cold. “Also, didn’t anybody tell you not to scold people casually? Congratulations, from today until you go to X Prison, you will not be given any food.”

Su Tang’s heart leaped to her throat. It was one thing to not have any food outside, but going to X Prison in hunger was a different matter! Rumor had it that the people there were even cannibals from the lack of food. Who was to know if she could have enough food and would be able to eat a full meal! She was not familiar with the surroundings at all, and to go into the prison in a state of hunger and weakness was not a wise move at all! Su Tang’s mind was complex with numerous thoughts, and she stared at Xia Ling, her expression unpredictable.

Xia Ling was deliberately trying to frighten her. “Didn’t you say that you were very beautiful? I’ve heard that in this prison, it’s impossible to separate the male criminals from the female criminals. With such a ‘beautiful’ woman like you going in… He, how many days would you be tortured for? I’m looking forward to it.” Don’t blame her for being cruel, the fact that Su Tang had plotted murder against her had agitated her. If they had been careless, it would have been three people’s lives at stake, even her child Shaohui would have been a part of the tragedy!

In comparison, scaring Su Tang with these few words were simply going easy on her!

However, Su Tang’s face had already turned pale. She was by nature unafraid of anything, and would not show even a hint of fear in the face of the most vicious war or a rain of bullets. However, being raped was different. She had already experienced such a blow when she had been in the primitive jungle. It had given her nightmares every night. She did not want to experience such a tragedy for the second time.

“I… I’ve done wrong.” Her expression was weak, and she finally conceded to Xia Ling. “I shouldn’t have scolded you. Nor should I have scolded Young Master Shaohui. Please forgive me and give me food.” She would only be able to think of ways to deal with the criminals once she was full and energized! She did not wish to enter the prison in a terrible starving state. She did not wish so at all.

Xia Ling said, “What did you say? I couldn’t hear you.”

Su Tang clenched her teeth and said louder, “I was wrong! Please forgive me!”

Staring at the woman’s face, Xia Ling lamented. She had been such an elegant and prideful woman when they had met for the first time, with her head held high. However, she was actually being forced to plead guilty with her for forgiveness now. It must feel terrible.

If not for the obsessions deep in her heart, how would things have come to this?

Compassion had already risen in Xia Ling’s heart subconsciously. However, this compassion was quickly suppressed by her. Someone had once told her that compassion towards an enemy was cruelty to oneself! She looked at Su Tang and her smile turned colder. “You admit your mistakes?”

“Yes.” Su Tang swallowed her pride.

“You want me to give you food?”

“Please give me food.” Su Tang clenched her teeth so hard they almost broke. Her whole body was shaking. The unprecedented humiliation shrouded her, and anger was biting fiercely at her. But what other choice did she have?

Xia Ling narrowed her eyes at her and pondered over it in her heart. What else could she use against her? Make her swear to cut off all thoughts of Li Lei? Don’t be silly, this kind of wishful thinking was not so easily cut off. Make her promise to never harm Shaohui and the rest? That was useless too. Other than the fact that her promise could not be trusted, once she was in X Prison, she would not be able to get out anyways, and making such a promise would not make any difference.

What else could she exploit from her…?

Xia Ling looked at Su Tang, who was completely abjected. She looked at her as if looking at a piece of meat on the chopping board.

Su Tang was restless under her stare and seemed to understand her intentions. She attempted. “Madam? Is there anything else I can do for you? As long as you say it, I will do it! I, I’ll give you all my assets! I’ll tell you all the secrets of the Li family’s business!”

Xia Ling said with amusement, “The little assets you have? Why would I want that? And what kind of Li family secrets. Since Li Lei has already decided to exile you, it must be because the ‘secrets’ you have on your hands are no longer worthy. You haven’t been his assistant for so many years, how could you have gotten ahold of critical matters? Don’t think so highly of yourself.”

Regarding matters of the Li family’s business, although she did not have much judgment, she believed in Li Lei’s judgment.

Su Tang’s expression was pale. All the things she had possessed that she had been proud of—beauty, intelligence, fortune, and information… all these things were being trampled on by Xia Ling. Yet Xia Ling was looking at her as if she was looking at a piece of worthless garbage. When had she been treated as such? At that moment, she was humiliated and angry. Combined with the terror of the unprecedented future in X Prison, her whole body was trembling uncontrollably.

Xia Ling was also feeling sullen. Was there really nothing worthy she could exploit from her?

“Okay, don’t look so afraid,” she said to Su Tang impatiently. “Didn’t you think that you were so intelligent? Then think of what you can do to help me. If you think of something, I’ll give you food, but if you don’t… Hehe, then you’ll just go to prison in starvation.”

Don’t say that she had not given Su Tang a chance. She regarded Su Tang’s intelligence highly.

With that said, she motioned for the bodyguard to push her out of the room.

“Wait!” Su Tang gathered her wits in a hurry and thought of an idea. “Madam, there is something! Bring Li Rui here, I’ll tell him the truth about how I wanted to kill him! He will surely hate me and will be devoted to you for life. He will treat you as his real mother!”

“Oh?” Xia Ling lifted her hand, indicating the bodyguard to stop. “You’re that kind-hearted?”