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The Rise of the Heiress: Love and Revenge
墨書 Inktalez
The moment I stepped barefoot into S City, I knew I was free, the price being four million and seven years of love.
I looked disheveled and ragged, like a beggar, yet it was laughable that I had once been the cherished jewel of the the Chen Family.
I numbly nodded at the flashing lights and microphones, obediently following the bodyguard toward the luxury car, behaving like a well-trained puppet.
Inside the car, he frowned in disgust, "You're really dirty." I submissively knelt under the seat, feeling no resentment, only numbness.
He was taken aback, then sneered coldly, "Looks like you've finally learned your lesson." I lowered my head, hiding the faint smirk at the corner of my mouth: Do you think I've surrendered?
The four million left by my parents was enough for me to make a comeback.
"I'm moving out tomorrow," I calmly told him.
---
He released his grip, and I fell to the ground, huddling like a frightened little bird.
My eyes were hollow and lifeless, a stark contrast to the proud Chen Meimei of the past.
The sunset streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, casting long shadows on the floor and dividing the room into light and dark sections.
Zhang Duanyi stood in the light, his brow furrowed, looking at me with a complex expression.
"What do you mean by this?" Zhang Duanyi's voice was low, carrying a barely perceptible tremor.
I clutched that bank card tightly as if it were my lifeline.
"I... I want to leave here." My voice was as faint as a whisper, trembling slightly as I deliberately mimicked the tone of my captors who had imprisoned me before.
He leaned down, his tone laced with mockery: "Leave? Where would you go? Just based on you?"
I raised my head, staring at him with hollow eyes, like a soulless shell.
"I have money," I held up the bank card and waved it in front of him, "I can take care of myself."
The four million in this card was my inheritance from my parents and my bargaining chip to escape his control.
Zhang Duanyi snatched the bank card and examined it closely, confusion filling his eyes. "Where did this come from?"
I lowered my gaze, my long eyelashes casting shadows over the hatred in my eyes.
"My parents left it for me."
He let out a cold laugh and threw the bank card on the ground.
"What do you think this little amount of money can do?" He looked down at me from above, his tone filled with disdain.
I hurriedly picked up the bank card, gripping it tightly in my hand, my knuckles turning white from the pressure.
"It's enough, enough for me to leave." I mimicked the kidnapper's rough movements, shoving the card haphazardly into my pocket, then suddenly shuddered as if recalling something.
Zhang Duanyi watched my actions with a flicker of disgust in his eyes.
He stood up, turning his back to me as he gazed out at the dazzling night view of S City.
After a long moment, he turned back around, his tone tinged with helplessness.
"You've really changed; you've become someone I don't even recognize."
I kept my head down, my shoulders trembling slightly, remaining silent.
The neon lights outside flickered, reflecting off my pale face and making me look even more haggard.
The butler knocked on the door. "Young Master, your father asks you and Miss to come down for dinner."
Zhang Duanyi ignored the butler and walked straight out of the room.
I slowly stood up, straightened my disheveled clothes, took a deep breath, and tried to control the fear and hatred within me.
I followed the butler down the stairs, and in the dining room, Zhang Qifeng and Shen Danni were already seated at the table.
"Chen Meimei, are you okay?" Shen Danni asked with concern, her eyes filled with sympathy.
I forced a strained smile. "I'm fine, thank you." I mimicked the cold tone of the kidnappers towards their hostages, but my gaze shifted slightly towards Zhang Qifeng, carrying a hint of barely noticeable provocation.
Zhang Qifeng frowned slightly, as if sensing something unusual about me, but he said nothing.
Zhang Duanyi sat across from me, silently cutting his steak.
I looked down at the exquisite dish in front of me but had no appetite at all.
Images of my captivity flashed through my mind, causing my stomach to churn violently.
I put down my knife and fork and covered my mouth with my hand, gagging a few times.
"Chen Meimei, what's wrong?" Shen Danni asked with concern.
I shook my head, forcing back my discomfort as I whispered, "I... I'm feeling a bit unwell."
"Is it the food not to your liking?" Zhang Qifeng asked.
I shook my head and remained silent.
Zhang Duanyi put down his knife and fork and looked at me coldly, suspicion evident in his eyes. "What are you playing at?"
I lifted my head and stared at him with vacant eyes.
"I don't..." I mimicked the kidnapper's tone, speaking calmly and devoid of any emotion, which made Zhang Duanyi even more convinced that my mind had shattered.
He snorted coldly and said nothing more. I silently stood up and left the dining room.
I returned to my room, locked the door, and slowly slid down to the floor against it.
I hugged my knees tightly, tears silently streaming down my face.
Did I perform this act convincingly?
I slowly stood up and walked to the mirror, staring at the unfamiliar reflection of myself.
I tugged at the corner of my mouth, revealing a triumphant smile.
---
I leaned against the wall, stumbling into the bathroom, where I began to dry heave over the toilet, but nothing came out except for bitter bile.
I deliberately messed up my hair and wiped my mouth with the back of my hand before weakly walking back to the dining table.
Shen Danni looked at me with concern, reaching out to help me, but I dodged her touch.
"Chen Meimei, are you okay? Do you want me to call a doctor?" Shen Danni's voice was filled with worry.
I shook my head, staring blankly at the plate in front of me. Trembling, I picked up a spoon and scooped some soup into my mouth, only to spit it out violently, splattering filth onto the pristine tablecloth.
I curled up like a frightened rabbit, hunching my shoulders and letting out low whimpers.
Zhang Duanyi frowned in disgust, pushing away the plate in front of him with a harsh scraping sound. "Enough! Stop pretending to be crazy!"
He suddenly stood up, looking down at me with disdain and disgust in his eyes.
"Do you think this will earn you sympathy? How ridiculous!"
Zhen Guoguo timely approached, gently linking her arm with Zhang Duanyi's and softly said, "Zhang Duanyi, don't be angry. Chen Meimei is not in a stable mental state right now; she didn't mean it."
She turned to look at me, her eyes carrying a hint of barely perceptible pride and mockery. "Chen Meimei, you should go back to your room and rest. Don't affect everyone's appetite here."
Zhang Duanyi shook off Zhen Guoguo's hand and strode out of the dining room.
Zhen Guoguo hurried after him, leaving me alone in the empty dining room.
Shen Danni looked at me with concern, wanting to say something but ultimately sighed and left.
Zhang Qifeng sat there, his brow furrowed, gazing deeply at me as if he was pondering something.
The leftover food on the table glistened under the crystal chandelier, and everything around felt so cold and oppressive.
Zhang Qifeng picked up a napkin to wipe his mouth, stood up, and instructed the butler, "Take the young lady back to her room to rest."
He walked over to me, gently patting my shoulder with a low and meaningful tone. "Child, rest well; everything will be alright."
After Zhang Qifeng left the dining room, he called Cold Master. He walked to the floor-to-ceiling window, looking out at the dazzling night view of S City, his tone serious. "Cold Master, I need you to re-investigate the details of Chen Meimei's kidnapping case, especially the background and motives of the kidnappers. I feel that things are not as simple as they seem."
I returned to my room, locked the door, and collapsed onto the bed weakly.
I closed my eyes, took a deep breath, and tried to calm my racing heart.
This situation was more difficult than I had imagined.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains.
I got up, washed my face, and changed into a simple set of loungewear.
I walked to the window and looked at the blooming roses in the garden outside, but my heart felt desolate.
Shen Danni gently knocked on the door and walked in. "Chen Meimei, are you awake?" she asked with concern, holding a cup of hot milk.
I nodded, took the milk from her, and took a small sip.
"Child, I know you're feeling very upset," Shen Danni said as she sat by my bedside, holding my hand with a gentle and loving tone. "It's normal to be scared after what happened; you don't have to force yourself to be strong."
I lowered my head and remained silent, letting tears fall silently.
Shen Danni gently hugged me, patting my back as if comforting a child. "If you want to cry, just let it out; you'll feel better."
I held onto Shen Danni tightly, burying my head in her embrace and crying silently.
Sunlight poured into the room through the window, casting mottled shadows on the floor.
Shen Danni accidentally brushed against something hard on my arm. She gently lifted my sleeve and saw a delicate metal bracelet engraved with a series of intricate symbols.
"What is this?" Shen Danni asked curiously, her fingers lightly tracing the symbols on the bracelet.
I suddenly snapped back to reality and hurriedly pulled down my sleeve to cover the bracelet.
"It's... it's nothing, just an ordinary piece of jewelry." My tone was somewhat flustered, and my eyes flickered as I dared not meet Shen Danni's gaze.
My unusual behavior only heightened Shen Danni's suspicion.
I hurriedly withdrew my hand, my eyes flickering, unable to meet Shen Danni's gaze.
"N-no, it's nothing, just a gift from a friend," I stammered, my heart racing faster.
Shen Danni looked at me deeply for a moment, then did not press further, only letting out a gentle sigh. "Chen Meimei, no matter what happens, we will be by your side."
She stood up and walked to the door, paused for a moment, then turned back with a meaningful tone. "Zhang Qifeng wants to see you; he is waiting for you in the study."
I took a deep breath, trying to keep myself calm.
I followed the butler to the study, where Zhang Qifeng was sitting at the desk with an ancient wooden box in his hands.
He gestured for me to sit down and then pushed the wooden box toward me. "Open it and take a look," he said calmly, though his eyes held a hint of barely noticeable anticipation.
With trembling hands, I opened the box to find a pair of silver earrings and a letter inside. The earrings were quite old-fashioned but exquisitely crafted. The envelope bore my name in elegant handwriting, though it was somewhat blurred.
I carefully took out the letter and unfolded it; the paper had already yellowed, and the writing was slightly faded.
The content of the letter shocked me. It stated that my parents had not abandoned me but had to send me away to protect me.
They had left behind a substantial inheritance and hoped that I could live a happy life.
At the end of the letter was a bank card, with a string of numbers written on the back—this was the amount of the substantial inheritance.
I stared incredulously at the contents of the letter as tears streamed down my face uncontrollably.
It turns out that I was not abandoned; my parents had always loved me deeply.
I tightly held the letter, tears blurring my vision.
Zhang Qifeng quietly looked at me, his eyes filled with compassion and sorrow. "Child, your parents love you very much; they never intended to abandon you," he said softly, his voice slightly choked.
I nodded through my sobs, placing the letter and earrings back into the wooden box, holding it tightly as if embracing my parents.
"Thank you, Uncle Zhang Qifeng," I said, looking up at him gratefully.
Zhang Qifeng patted my shoulder and walked to the window, gazing outside. "This money is enough for you to start a new life."
I wiped my tears, took a deep breath, stood up, and spoke firmly. "I will no longer stay in the manor."
Zhang Qifeng turned to look at me, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes before he quickly regained his composure. "Have you thought this through?"
I nodded. "I've made up my mind; I want to leave here and start a new life." Holding the wooden box, I turned and left the study.
Returning to my room, I began packing my belongings. I didn't have much, so I finished quickly.
As I carried my suitcase to the door, I saw Zhang Duanyi standing there, his face dark and his gaze cold. "Where do you think you're going?" he asked icily, with a hint of accusation.
I looked at him calmly. "I'm leaving here."
Zhang Duanyi stepped forward and grabbed my arm, his tone even colder. "Are you planning to leave with that four million?"
He was referring to the bank card Zhang Qifeng had given me, but he didn't know it contained my parents' belongings and inheritance.
I coldly shook off his hand, my eyes filled with disgust. "It's none of your business."
Zhang Duanyi was enraged by my actions. He grabbed my suitcase, his tone even angrier. "Who do you think you are? You're just an orphan we took in! Without us, you're nothing!"
I looked at him coldly, my tone calm and firm. "You're right; I used to be nothing, but now, I don't need your charity. I can live on my own." I forcefully took back my suitcase and turned to leave.
I walked out of the manor, not looking back.
The butler stood at the door, watching my departing figure with concern in his eyes.
Shen Danni stood by the window on the second floor, watching my retreating silhouette, tears silently streaming down her face.
Zhang Qifeng stood by the window in the study, watching me disappear into the night, letting out a deep sigh.
Zhang Duanyi remained where he was, staring at the empty doorway, his expression filled with shock and disbelief. He clenched his fists tightly, his nails digging deep into his palms without feeling a hint of pain. He sat down on the ground despondently, his gaze hollow as if he had lost his soul.
====================
I walked out of Chen's Manor's gates, breathing in the cool night air, feeling an unprecedented sense of ease and freedom.
A taxi stopped in front of me. I opened the door and got in. "To Starlight Hotel in the city center," I told the driver.
He nodded and started the car. I glanced back at the gradually receding manor, my expression complex. It had once been my home, holding all my joys and sorrows. Now, I would completely bid farewell to the past and start a new life.
Starlight Hotel, luxury suite.
I stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking S City's dazzling nightscape, lost in thought.
My parents' inheritance gave me the capital to start over and allowed me to see Zhang Duanyi's true nature.
His arrogance and prejudice had deeply hurt me. I would no longer foolishly stay in place and let him manipulate me. I would use this money to realize my dreams of becoming a top designer and prove to him that I could live well without his charity.
I took out my phone and dialed the real estate agent's number. "I want to rent an apartment in the city center, preferably close to the Design Institute."
Meanwhile, at the manor, in the dining room.
Zhang Duanyi sat on the floor dejectedly, his eyes vacant, his mind constantly flashing with the image of Chen Meimei leaving.
The butler stood by, not daring to disturb him.
Shen Danni came down from upstairs, saw Zhang Duanyi's state, and walked over to support him.
"Zhang Duanyi, what's wrong?"
Zhang Duanyi shook his head and remained silent. He suddenly stood up, pushing Shen Danni away with anger and pain in his eyes. "How dare she! How dare she just leave!"
"Zhang Duanyi, calm down!" Shen Danni said worriedly.
Zhang Duanyi ignored her and walked straight out of the dining room, leaving Shen Danni standing there, silently shedding tears.
Zhang Duanyi rushed into the study and shouted at Zhang Qifeng, "Why did you give her so much money! Why did you let her leave!"
Zhang Qifeng put down the documents in his hand and looked at Zhang Duanyi with a calm expression. "That wasn't money I gave her; it was an inheritance left to her by her parents."
"What inheritance?" Zhang Duanyi was taken aback.
Zhang Qifeng sighed and explained Chen Meimei's background and the substantial inheritance left by her parents to Zhang Duanyi.
After hearing this, it felt as if five thunderbolts struck him. He finally understood that he had been wrong about Chen Meimei all along. He had always thought she was a vain girl without realizing she carried such a heavy past.
Zhang Duanyi slumped into a chair, covering his face with his hands and groaning in pain. He finally understood what he had missed and what he had lost.
In the following days, Zhang Duanyi frantically investigated the whereabouts of Chen Meimei. He used all his connections but found nothing. He began to regret his past actions, regretting his indifference and the hurt he had caused Chen Meimei.
Cold Master knocked on the study door and walked in. "Young Master, I have found some information about Miss Chen Meimei."
Zhang Duanyi suddenly looked up, a glimmer of hope igniting in his eyes.
"Where is she?"
"She rented an apartment in the city center, near the Design Institute." Cold Master handed Zhang Duanyi a note with the address of Chen Meimei's new apartment written on it.
Zhang Duanyi took the note, gripping it tightly in his hand, his gaze resolute. "I am going to find her. I need to apologize and win her back!"
Meanwhile, at Chen Meimei's design studio.
Sunlight streamed through the floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating the studio filled with an array of design drafts.
I sat at my workbench, focused on drawing design sketches. I had cut my hair short and adopted a more professional style, making me look more mature and confident.
The studio door was pushed open, and my assistant walked in. "Chen Meimei, there is a gentleman outside looking for you."
"Who is it?" I asked, looking up.
The assistant shook her head. "He said his name is Zhang Duanyi."
My hand paused slightly, a complex emotion flashing in my eyes, but I quickly regained my composure. "Let him in."
Zhang Duanyi entered the studio and froze upon seeing Chen Meimei. She had changed; she was more beautiful, more confident, and also more unfamiliar.
"What do you want?" I set down my brush and asked calmly.
Zhang Duanyi walked up to me, his eyes filled with regret and pain. "Chen Meimei, I..."
Before he could utter the words "I'm sorry," I interrupted him. "Zhang Duanyi, it's over between us. Please leave."
I turned away and continued working, ignoring Zhang Duanyi.
He stood there, watching my back, his gaze filled with despair and anguish.
He opened his mouth as if to say something but ultimately said nothing.
Slowly, he turned around and left the studio, leaving me alone under the sunlight, continuing to pursue my dreams.
====================
Zhang Duanyi walked out of my studio in a daze. The sunlight shone on him but did nothing to dispel the gloom within his heart.
He wandered aimlessly down the street, replaying memories of our time together in his mind—from our initial meeting to the subsequent indifference and hurt, and now to being like strangers.
He painfully closed his eyes and took a deep breath, regret washing over him like a tide.
I set down my paintbrush and walked to the window, gazing at Zhang Duanyi's retreating figure with mixed emotions. My assistant cautiously approached and placed a cup of coffee on the table. "Chen Meimei, are you okay?"
I gently shook my head, turning to look at my assistant and forcing a faint smile. "I'm fine, thank you."
I picked up the coffee and took a small sip; the bitter taste spread in my mouth, mirroring my current feelings.
In the following days, Zhang Duanyi began sending flowers to my studio every day. Lush red roses, elegant white lilies, vibrant sunflowers… various flowers represented his different emotions.
At first, I ignored them, tossing the bouquets into a corner of the studio and letting them wither away. But Zhang Duanyi's persistence gradually melted the ice in my heart like gentle spring rain.
In addition to sending flowers, Zhang Duanyi also quietly helped me solve some business problems.
He used his connections and resources to secure some important collaboration opportunities for me and discreetly assisted in dealing with some tricky competitors.
Although I didn't say it out loud, I understood that all of this was Zhang Duanyi's silent contribution.
One day, while I was busy in the studio, I suddenly received a call from an unknown number.
On the other end was a rough male voice: "Miss Chen Meimei Brown, your design work is suspected of plagiarism. We have solid evidence, and you must immediately cease your infringing activities, or we will take legal action."
I was stunned; I had never plagiarized anyone's work. This accusation was completely unfounded. I suppressed my inner panic and calmly asked, "May I ask who you are? What is your evidence?"
The other party sneered, "Who we are is not important; what matters is what you have done. As for the evidence, it will naturally be presented in court." With that, he hung up the phone.
I put down the receiver, my brow furrowed and my mind in chaos. I realized that someone was definitely trying to frame me. But I couldn't understand who I had offended to provoke such a malicious attack.
Just then, Zhang Duanyi walked in and immediately noticed that something was off with my expression. "What's wrong? What happened?"
I told Zhang Duanyi about the incident. After hearing it, his expression darkened, and a glint of coldness flashed in his eyes.
"I know who did this."
"Who?" I asked eagerly.
"Zhen Guoguo Davis," Zhang Duanyi said through gritted teeth. "She has always seen you as a thorn in her side; this incident must be related to her."
I was taken aback; I hadn't expected it to be Zhen Guoguo.
Although I knew Zhen Guoguo had never liked me, I never imagined she would be so vicious.
Zhang Duanyi walked up to me, gently took my hand, and said firmly, "Don't worry, I will handle this matter and won't let you come to any harm."
I looked at Zhang Duanyi, my eyes filled with gratitude and trust. I nodded and held Zhang Duanyi's hand in return, a warm feeling surging in my heart.
Meanwhile, Zhen Guoguo was sitting in her office, smugly admiring Chen Meimei's design draft.
A sinister smile crept onto her lips as she muttered to herself, "Chen Meimei, do you think you've won? In this competition, you are destined to lose to me."
She picked up the phone and dialed a number. "Hello, how is everything going? Remember, it must be done cleanly and without leaving any traces."
The design competition was approaching, and I was fully immersed in the final preparations.
I knew that this competition was crucial for me; it not only related to my career but also to whether I could regain Zhang Duanyi's respect and trust.
Zhang Duanyi was secretly investigating Zhen Guoguo's schemes. He had found the judge who had been bribed by Zhen Guoguo and had gathered solid evidence.
He decided to expose Zhen Guoguo's true colors on the day of the competition and restore justice for Chen Meimei. He looked out at the gradually brightening sky and clenched his fists.
Zhang Duanyi took a deep breath, pushed through the crowd, and walked straight onto the stage. "Wait!" His voice was firm and resonant, silencing the entire venue.
The once noisy hall fell silent instantly, all eyes focused on him.
Zhen Guoguo on the judging panel turned pale, a hint of panic flashing in her eyes, but she quickly regained her composure and feigned surprise as she asked, "Zhang Duanyi, what are you doing?"
Zhang Duanyi ignored Zhen Guoguo and turned to the crowd, proclaiming loudly, "Today I am here to expose a conspiracy—a conspiracy against Chen Meimei and against this competition!"
He pulled a USB drive from his pocket. "This contains evidence of Zhen Guoguo bribing the judges and framing Chen Meimei for plagiarism."
He handed the USB drive to the staff, and soon a recording began playing on the big screen.
In the recording, Zhen Guoguo's voice was clearly audible as she discussed with a judge how to frame Chen Meimei.
Zhen Guoguo's face turned pale; she suddenly stood up, pointing at Zhang Duanyi and trembling as she said, "You... you are slandering me!"
Zhang Duanyi looked at her coldly. "Whether it's slander or not, everyone knows in their hearts." He turned to the audience, speaking earnestly, "I hope everyone can view this competition fairly and not be blinded by Zhen Guoguo's schemes."
The venue erupted in an uproar, with people discussing among themselves.
Zhen Guoguo's plot was publicly exposed; she was disgraced and taken away by the police who arrived shortly after.
She stumbled as she was escorted out by the police, her face filled with resentment and despair.
I stood aside, watching everything unfold, feeling a mix of emotions.
I never expected Zhang Duanyi would go this far for me. My previously tense nerves finally relaxed, and my eyes glistened with tears.
Zhang Duanyi walked up to me and gently held my hand. "Are you okay?" His tone was gentle, his eyes filled with concern. I shook my head, tears shimmering in my eyes.
"Now, let's return to the competition itself." The host stepped in at the right moment to regain control of the situation, trying to redirect everyone's attention back to the contest. The big screen began showcasing my design work.
The smooth lines, bold colors, and exquisite cuts all reflected my design philosophy and unique understanding of fashion. My work amazed everyone, earning unanimous praise from both the judges and the audience.
The spotlight focused on the runway as models elegantly walked in dresses I designed.
The sheen of silk and the brilliance of gemstones sparkled under the lights, shining like the brightest stars in the night sky.
In the end, I undoubtedly won the championship of the competition.
The applause was thunderous, and flowers and blessings poured in like a tide.
Standing on the podium, holding the trophy, my heart was filled with joy and excitement.
Looking down at Zhang Duanyi, he was smiling at me, his eyes filled with pride and affection.
After the competition, my design work received high recognition from industry professionals, and orders came pouring in like snowflakes.
My career began to reach new heights.
The phone in the studio rang incessantly, and my assistants were busy answering calls and recording order information.
Piles of orders were stacked on my desk, nearly forming a small mountain.
Sitting in front of my desk, I looked at these orders with a satisfied smile on my face.
I knew this was the result of my hard work and a symbol of my fresh start.
In the evening, as the sun set, the sky was painted in shades of gold and red. Zhang Duanyi arrived at my studio.
"Congratulations, Chen Meimei," Zhang Duanyi said sincerely as he handed me a bouquet of bright red roses.
I took the roses and gently sniffed them; their fragrance was refreshing. "Thank you, Zhang Duanyi."
"I regret everything I did before," Zhang Duanyi said with a hint of guilt in his tone as he gazed deeply into my eyes. "Can you forgive me?"
Looking into Zhang Duanyi's sincere eyes, I knew he had truly changed. The once arrogant and conceited Zhang Duanyi was gone, replaced by a mature and steady man who knew how to cherish what he had.
I lightly nodded and then shook my head, "I'm sorry, we can no longer go back to the past."
Zhang Duanyi showed a shocked smile on his face and pulled me into his embrace.
The afterglow of the setting sun cast long shadows of the two of us.
I broke free from Zhang Duanyi's arms, no longer longing for each other's warmth.
Outside the window, the traffic was bustling, and the nightlife of S City was just beginning.
As for me, my new life was also just starting.
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