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墨書 Inktalez
From Huang Zhang's perspective, this request seems reasonable, but for me, it feels like an unreasonable challenge. My relationship with Lu Ming is at most that of ordinary friends. If I approach Lu Ming about his business demands, would he think I've lost my mind?
Miao Miao soon returned, and I informed her about the situation. Unusually, she didn't consider it from a broader perspective and directly dismissed Huang Zhang's claims.
"That's quite a ridiculous demand. Although the voice recorder is worth a house, that house is only worth around a million. The cooperation he wants would require how many houses in exchange? Does Huang Zhang really not understand how absurd this is?"
I shook my head bitterly. "Is he deliberately trying to deny me by setting such conditions? It seems he wants to make it clear that he’s giving me a chance to back off."
Miao Miao countered, "That shouldn't be the case. Going through all this trouble just to make demands might mean he genuinely wants something from Lu Ming. For him, if he gets it, it's a win; if not, he doesn't lose anything."
Indeed, since this matter doesn't directly affect Huang Zhang, he's not in a hurry. By presenting such conditions, he clearly wants to put me in a difficult position. If I can't gather evidence to accuse Wang Xu of infidelity before the final divorce agreement, I might truly have no chance to turn things around.
The current situation is very urgent for me.
"How about this," Miao Miao hesitated before continuing, "we first discuss it with Lu Ming. We actually don’t need him to hand over anything; after all, it involves him. Consulting him can’t hurt."
I immediately rejected Miao Miao's suggestion in my mind: "If I go to Lu Ming about this matter, it would clearly indicate that I want him to give up his company plans for me. He would definitely think that way."
"Then does he want... would he even be willing..."
My face felt hot. "If he really were willing, I couldn't repay him. This isn't just a simple matter of favors; Qin Yi is also involved. If she finds out I'm making such demands of Lu Ming, she would surely devour me!"
"Alright, alright, I was just throwing out an idea. If you don't accept it, we can find another way. Huang Zhang doesn’t have any other demands; the path is pretty much blocked."
Miao Miao's lament was exactly what I feared; my path was cut off and dead-ended. I became increasingly anxious about this matter, hoping for something far away while being unable to reach it right before my eyes.
I didn't expect Lu Ming to reach out to me. It was still that afternoon when he appeared with Lu Shuang. I saw Lu Shuang running towards me with a smile, saying in a sweet voice, "I miss you."
My heart nearly melted. I picked up Shuangshuang beside me and played with her for a while, listening to her giggle. It seemed like her mood improved significantly. Was it because Qin Yi had reappeared, finally filling the void of maternal love in her life?
This was better than the emptiness that had lingered.
After sitting down, I felt embarrassed to tell Lu Ming about what happened with Huang Zhang. I thought he probably didn't know yet, so I wanted to wait a day or two to think it over. But Lu Ming went straight to the point and asked about Huang Zhang. I was momentarily at a loss for words, unsure how to respond.
I truly didn't know whether I should just tell Lu Ming that the success or failure of this matter rested in his hands. He would have to sacrifice his own interests in exchange for my divorce compensation. Wasn't it ridiculous to bring this up with someone who was relatively successful in business?
"Huang Zhang is looking for you. What’s the deal about?"
Lu Ming asked, and I was taken aback as I replied, "Of course it's about the recording device."
"And what else? What does he want you to give him?"
I fell silent, unable to look Lu Ming in the eye. After a moment of silence, Lu Ming continued to press, "Huang Zhang is someone with high standards. If he can't get what he wants from you, then his target isn't you?"
I remained silent. Even now, I didn't want to be the one to reveal the details of this deal. Although my pride seemed quite laughable compared to the outcome, I still wanted to maintain my stance.
"Did he mention our collaboration project? What part does he want?"
I suddenly looked up at Lu Ming, awkwardly pulling at the corners of my mouth as I slowly answered him, "All of it."
What Huang Zhang wanted was indeed everything.
Feeling the low pressure radiating from Lu Ming, I self-deprecatingly replied, "Don't worry, I'm not so self-centered as to put my thoughts on you. You've already helped me enough; I haven't even had the chance to repay you. I'll handle this myself, so you don't need to worry about me. Just take care of Shuangshuang."
Even though I said that, I truly had no way to resolve the situation. I only wanted to comfort Lu Ming; I'm not the type to take advantage of others, so he can rest assured.
Suddenly, Lu Ming countered, "How are you going to solve it?"
Indeed, how was I going to solve it? Honestly telling him, "I don't know. I might not be able to resolve it. The outcome has already been set. I just wanted to see if there was a possibility for change. Even if there isn't, the outcome is something I can accept. So let's just pretend nothing ever happened. Of course, the debt of gratitude I owe you still exists."
When it comes to the divorce, there have been too many people who have helped me: Miao Miao, Lu Ming, Wang Nan, and Gu Xiang. They have all done what they could as bystanders, especially Miao Miao, who has always been brainstorming for me.
From the very beginning, I greedily wanted to reclaim everything from Wang Xu. Now that I have nothing, I still want to escape from his side. Every step of the way has been aided by them. The outcome may not be beautiful, but it's enough.
I am content.
"You're lying."
Lu Ming's words were firm and pierced through the facade I'd erected inside.
Yes, I was indeed lying. Human greed is never satisfied. How could I willingly accept having nothing while watching Wang Xu walk away with everything? He was almost taking everything out of my sight, including my part.
To be honest, at my angriest moments, I truly wished for Wang Xu and his mother to have no place to be buried! But these thoughts in my heart were simply repressed fantasies that couldn't be realized. I could only gradually convince myself that this was already good enough; this was already very satisfying.
I was merely deceiving myself.
I chuckled bitterly, "Since you already know, why say it out loud? If I had other ways, I wouldn't be so pitiful. I'm just a woman without any power; what can I do to overturn anything? In this struggle, I've realized that I'm just like a useless person who can't do anything right."
I wanted to maintain some self-respect, but I found it incredibly difficult.
“Zhuang Jun, do you know what makes you the least likable?” Lu Mingfeng suddenly asked.
My heart tightened, and I pretended to be indifferent. “I’m not quite sure about that. I’d love to hear more.”
“That’s the biggest difference between you and Mu Miaomiao. Your personality is just not likable at all.”
Oh, not likable.
Being criticized like this naturally made me unhappy. I couldn’t find a specific example to refute him; after all, it was the first time I had heard someone describe me this way. Not likable?
Why not likable?
“Although I don’t know how to be likable, what’s wrong with sticking to my own principles? Should I bow down in front of you and say, ‘Please help me’? I really want that voice recorder. I want to divorce my husband; I’m the one in a position of strength. I want to reclaim what belongs to me. I don’t want to make myself seem so weak. Don’t you think that would be quite likable?”
If that’s what people call being likable, then I truly lack that quality.
“Are the things you desire deep down so embarrassing that you can’t express them? Why refuse others’ goodwill when you need help? Have you ever asked anyone if they could assist you?”
Every word from Lu Ming struck me like a painting, and I saw an embarrassing version of myself reflected back at me in a mirror. Even though I insisted on solving everything myself, when I truly couldn’t manage, I still refused to ask for help. Although I wanted to, my pride kept me from compromising.
“You’ve never asked anyone for help. Why assume no one will assist you? Why not believe that others genuinely want to help you without looking down on you? Ultimately, the only person who looks down on you is yourself.”
Stubbornly thinking that I could accomplish everything through my own efforts, believing that relying on others was inferior to relying on myself, I trudged through difficulties without realizing that at critical moments, not depending on others was simply impossible. If it weren’t for Miao Miao’s consistent kindness and proactive assistance, perhaps I wouldn’t have sought her out at all.
I truly look down on myself.
"Mu Miaomiao knows how to utilize the resources around her. She understands that helping each other is not a big deal, and asking for help does not make one inferior. She says what she wants, and her likable personality makes many willing to lend a hand. But what about you?" Lu Ming asked me with a cold voice.
I couldn't utter a single word.
Every word he said was undeniably correct. It was true; when others offered their care and kindness, I hesitated to accept it out of pride. I thought I could protect this despicable inner thought perfectly, but little did I know that Lu Ming could see right through me.
Miao Miao must be the same. The reason she actively helped me with such enthusiasm is probably because she knows that with my personality, it would be incredibly difficult for me to reach out to her. She genuinely wants to help me, which is why she persists. If it were someone else, they might have been driven mad by my awkwardness long ago.
I forced a smile and said, "Alright then, Mr. Lu, I admit I have a stubborn personality. So now I will ask you openly: Mr. Lu, are you willing to help me, sacrificing your own interests to reclaim what belongs to me?"
It felt as if I was standing in front of Lu Ming, my hands unable to cover anything.
"I am willing," Lu Ming replied honestly, and it felt more like a dream as I listened.
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