Tong Le had finished breakfast and followed Zong Zeyu to the Zong Family Courtyard. Upon seeing the enormous villa with its unique architecture, she realized that Zong Zeyu was not just someone who could afford a Rolls Royce; there was much more to him.
Images of several wealthy families flashed through her mind, and it seemed that the leading family among them was indeed the Zong Family. Tong Le suddenly felt a wave of nervousness wash over her. Although she had seen her fair share of grandeur, this level of opulence was something she had never encountered before.
As Zong Zeyu led the way, Tong Le followed closely behind, taking in the picturesque courtyard adorned with lush landscapes and vibrant flowers. Such a prestigious family was something she had only ever witnessed in movies.
When they met Zong Zeyu's mother, Cui Zhi, Tong Le was struck by her elegance. True to her name, Cui Zhi exuded an air of scholarly grace. Her skin was impeccably maintained, and her figure was well-proportioned—not harshly curvy but pleasantly plump, radiating a sense of comfort and prosperity. With her large eyes and round face, she gave off an aura of peace and stability.
Tong Le felt some of her guard drop as she engaged in conversation. Cui Zhi, calm and composed, invited Tong Le to sit down and got straight to the point. "Miss Tong, are you certain that the child in your womb is my son Zeyu's?"
Tong Le barely settled into her seat before being hit with this blunt question. She had expected Cui Zhi to be a warm-hearted matriarch, but it became clear that someone capable of managing the affairs of the Zong Family would not be so easily swayed by sentiment.
Feeling increasingly uncomfortable under Cui Zhi's scrutiny, Tong Le struggled to find her voice. Beside her, Zong Zeyu interjected, "Mom, do you not trust me? I—"
Cui Zhi smiled slightly and interrupted him. "I mean no offense. I have looked into Miss Tong's background. I know about her family situation—her parents passed away just a month ago. I find it curious how, in such a somber atmosphere, Miss Tong could entertain feelings outside of marriage."
Cui Zhi didn’t give Tong Le or Zong Zeyu a chance to respond. "So tell me, Miss Tong, what makes you think you deserve to stand beside my son? I heard that during your blind date yesterday, you even caused a scene at the hotel restaurant. Do you believe your circumstances are superior to those of Su Qing from the Su Family, who has been in business for generations?"
Tong Le was at a loss for words. She had intended to support Zong Zeyu but found herself wounded by Cui Zhi's piercing remarks. Of course, she would never engage in an affair after losing both parents; doing so would be unfilial and utterly disgraceful.
At that moment, she felt utterly outmatched by Cui Zhi. From the moment she entered until now, she hadn’t even spoken yet had already been overwhelmed by Cui Zhi’s sharp words—a masterful tactic indeed.
Cui Zhi had undoubtedly done her homework on Tong Le; there was no way Tong Le could deceive her.
Zong Zeyu attempted to defend himself in front of his mother, but even he—usually so decisive and authoritative—seemed like a little boy caught in a lie.
Cui Zhi interrupted again. "If Miss Tong truly is pregnant with a child from the Zong Family, I won’t forcibly obstruct it; if the child is meant to be born, then let it be born and raised. Modern medical technology allows for paternity testing during pregnancy."
She added pointedly, "However, I will decide which hospital conducts that paternity test."
Turning to Zong Zeyu with a knowing look, she continued, "The pregnancy test results were issued from the hospital where Fan Qinghua works, correct? Zeyu, you know how close I am to understanding your relationship with Fan Qinghua."
The lie crumbled under scrutiny as Tong Le glanced at Zong Zeyu; it was clear he couldn’t hold his ground against his own mother.
Realizing there was no point in pretending any longer, Tong Le took a deep breath and spoke up. "I’m sorry, Auntie. Both Zong Zeyu and I have deceived you; I am not pregnant with your family's child—I have never been pregnant at all. I apologize for any trouble this has caused you. However, I must clarify that there is nothing between me and Zong Zeyu. My parents did indeed pass away a month ago; under such circumstances, I would never engage in any immoral actions. I am not the kind of person you described."
Tong Le stood up. Since you have seen through me, as an outsider, there is nothing much for me to hide. Zong Zeyu did not like the blind date from yesterday; he was very resistant to the idea of arranged marriages. If it weren't for you, I doubt he would have resorted to such measures by bringing in someone like me, an inadequate stand-in. Perhaps you should consider his feelings. While marrying into a wealthy family is a common topic, one should at least marry someone they like. Otherwise, if Zong Zeyu ends up having numerous affairs outside and brings home a bunch of children who can't even enter the house, it would be even more difficult for you to handle.
Tong Le slightly bowed and said, "I'm sorry for the trouble. I'll take my leave now."
She turned to head out of the house, but Zong Zeyu prepared to chase after her. Cui Zhi immediately stopped him, saying, "You stay here! The driver will take her!"
Zong Zeyu stood there with a cold expression. Although he could not defy his mother's orders, he felt a sense of satisfaction. Tong Le had voiced the thoughts he dared not express; at that moment, he felt that the old Tong Le was still there—she had never changed.
Cui Zhi was filled with frustration. She turned around and grabbed a bag from the sofa, throwing it onto the coffee table as she questioned, "I really didn’t know until I checked! This Tong Le is the same woman who made you give up your chance to study abroad and almost cost you your life! Zong Zeyu, have you gone mad? Your father did indeed arrange a marriage between you and the Tong Family back then, but that was in the past! He made that arrangement to thank the elders of the Tong Family for their support. But Tong Le had already been in a relationship during her university years! Your Uncle Tong also said that the engagement from ten years ago is null and void; young people should not be restricted in their pursuit of love! If she is already married, when will you stop being so stubborn?"
Cui Zhi became increasingly agitated as she spoke. "You gave up on studying at an overseas university just to follow her to her school, and what happened? She doesn’t even know who you are! For four years in college, I watched you look lifeless as if your soul had been lost. Where is she? Zong Zeyu, tell me where she is?"
Tears welled in Cui Zhi's eyes. "Are you going to end up like your brother and never marry? Are you going to be trapped in a failed relationship for life and never get out? Why do both of you brothers have such a stubborn nature? How did I end up with two lovesick fools like you?"
Zong Zeyu remained silent. It seemed that his long-standing obsession had become a habit; he couldn’t even recall what it was about Tong Le that captivated him so much. All he remembered was that when he was still naive, his father had told him that the family had chosen a beautiful wife for him.
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