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墨書 Inktalez
The dining table was enveloped in silence, everyone exchanging glances, wide-eyed and speechless. No one had expected Wen Cuizhi to make such a statement, casually exposing their lies and even providing crucial support to Zong Jin at the critical moment.
Zong Jin instinctively looked at Zong Zeyu, who was also gazing back at him. The first suspicion between the two brothers fell upon each other. Blood is thicker than water, and when it comes to a trust crisis involving their mother, the first person they doubt is their own brother. After all, they had often reported each other to their mother when they were young.
Zong Zeyu raised an eyebrow and shook his head slightly, indicating that he hadn’t betrayed Zong Jin.
Zong Jin then turned his gaze towards Wu Youyou, realizing why she had been acting so out of character lately.
He wanted to explain, but Wen Cuizhi didn’t give him the chance.
Wen Cuizhi candidly stated that although learning the truth had saddened her, after calming down, she reflected on it. She realized that her obsession with their romantic relationships stemmed from her fear of the Zong family line ending. She worried that they would grow old without companionship; loneliness is a truly frightening thing. Ever since their father passed away, she had felt lonely.
Wen Cuizhi collected her emotions and continued, saying that the pretense of being a couple should no longer be mentioned; it was meaningless and unnecessary. As a mother, she should support their freedom to love.
She looked at Dao Wen again with a gentle smile and said, “Let this meal be my way of connecting you and Zong Jin. Think of me as your matchmaker and consider my eldest son, who may seem awkward.”
The atmosphere at the dining table shifted from tension to relief as Wen Cuizhi’s proactive concession allowed both Zong Jin and Zong Zeyu to breathe easier.
Dao Wen felt stiff in her seat as if sitting on needles. Across the table, Tong Le was trying hard to signal her to give Zong Jin a chance to date.
Dao Wen shot Tong Le several annoyed glances, urging her not to meddle.
At that moment, Wu Youyou, who had been silent throughout the meal, suddenly stood up. Her face was pale as she said, “You all continue chatting and eating; I can’t eat anymore. I’m going out for some fresh air.”
Wu Youyou turned and left the dining table. Tong Le immediately stood up to follow her, worried that Wu Youyou might throw a fit.
Zong Zeyu grabbed Tong Le's wrist and gestured towards Fan Qinghua. “Could you check on Wu Youyou and keep her company?”
Tian Ling also stood up. “I’ll go too.”
Three people left the table.
Zong Zeyu pulled Tong Le back into her seat. She stared intently at Dao Wen, hoping she would finally speak up.
At that moment, Dao Wen felt as if she were being roasted over a fire; everything felt wrong. The usually talkative girl found herself in a dilemma.
After some contemplation, Dao Wen suddenly stood up. She picked up a bottle of wine and a glass, pouring herself a drink. Looking sincerely at Wen Cuizhi, she said, “Auntie, I’m sorry for deceiving you earlier. I accepted money from Zong Jin and pretended to be his girlfriend; I’ve disappointed you. This drink is my self-punishment.”
Dao Wen downed the glass in one go, adopting the demeanor of someone from the streets to ease the awkwardness of the moment.
Wen Cuizhi knew Dao Wen had a fiery personality and hadn’t expected such boldness from her.
With a smile, Wen Cuizhi replied, “What do you have to apologize for? If anyone should apologize, it’s those two unreliable ones—Zong Jin and Zong Zeyu!”
She turned with mock reproach towards Zong Zeyu. “You as the younger brother set a bad example by using this fake girlfriend trick on me! And now you’ve dragged your clueless brother into this scheme too! Do you really think you can fool me like you did when you were kids? I know all the lies you two have told and all the tricks you’ve played! I’ve just turned a blind eye because I couldn’t be bothered with your antics!”
Tong Le couldn't help but laugh, trying hard to maintain a serious demeanor. Wen Cuizhi glanced at Tong Le and decided to speak freely, letting the laughter flow. Back when they were in school, they had concocted countless schemes to earn some pocket money! One day, Zong Zeyu rushed home in a panic, his face covered in dirt and dust, claiming that Zong Jin had been kidnapped and that they needed two thousand yuan for his release. Knowing full well the trouble he had caused, I could tell whether they were telling the truth or just pulling my leg. It was obviously a scam! What kind of kidnapper would only ask for two thousand yuan? Even if they demanded twenty thousand, I wouldn’t have fallen for it so easily!
As he spoke, Wen Cuizhi burst into laughter himself. I then told Zeyu that two thousand was way too much; we weren’t going to rescue him. I told Zeyu to go back and inform the kidnappers that they could handle it however they liked because I couldn’t afford that much money.
Laughter filled the dining table, and Tong Le asked, "What happened next?"
Wen Cuizhi replied, "You won’t believe it! That silly Zeyu actually tried to haggle with me! He said that one thousand five hundred should be enough and wanted to negotiate with the kidnappers."
Tong Le laughed so hard he could barely close his mouth, while Zong Zeyu facepalmed in embarrassment.
Wen Cuizhi continued, "In the end, I gave those two brothers a good beating; their backsides were sore for days."
Zong Jin felt a bit embarrassed and weakly interjected, "Mom, let’s not talk about childhood stories."
Wen Cuizhi deliberately raised her voice, "Why not? I want Dao Wen and Tong Le to understand you both from multiple perspectives! Don’t think that just because you carry the title of a big shot from Zong Group, you can forget who you are! You both grew up eating plain rice just like everyone else; you’re not any more noble than ordinary folks! You were just lucky enough to be born into a wealthy family! There are so many regular people out there who have no choice but to live differently. Therefore, one must always maintain a humble attitude to truly succeed."
Zong Jin nodded in agreement, and Zong Zeyu followed suit. Although they often bickered and acted casually around Wen Cuizhi, whenever she shared her wisdom, the brothers listened attentively.
Wen Cuizhi turned to Dao Wen again and asked, "Have you thought it over? Are you willing to give Zong Jin a chance?"
Dao Wen quickly spoke up, "Auntie, I truly feel ashamed. I deceived you first; you didn’t hold it against me and are still willing to give me this opportunity. I’m really sorry for leaving such a poor first impression. Moreover, my family background is quite ordinary. Not only do I feel unworthy of the Zong Family name, but everyone knows I run a bar. When people hear 'bar,' it’s not exactly considered a respectable job; it would tarnish the Zong Family's reputation."
Dao Wen took a deep breath and lowered her head slightly. Although she usually carried herself with confidence and pride, she was acutely aware of the insurmountable divide created by absolute social class and capital before her—a chasm she felt she could never cross.
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