Chapter 96

Lin Ting looked up at the window. The early summer night sky, which should have been dotted with stars, was now a chaotic mess. Dark clouds rolled in like ink, slowly approaching the earth. A damp and stifling atmosphere filled the air, foreshadowing the approaching rainy night.

With a wry smile, she couldn't tell whether it was "heaven's misfortune" or "heaven's mercy."

I got up, closed the windows in all the rooms, and went to the kitchen, where the garbage that had been piling up for two days still hadn't been thrown away.

Not completely overwhelmed, life goes on, so throw away the trash before it rains.

So, Lin Ting put on a mask, took a trash bag, and went downstairs.

As I opened the door, a somewhat familiar, tall figure suddenly appeared standing by a tree downstairs. A red dot was flashing between the fingers of the hand that was hanging down.

She walked in, took a closer look, and was somewhat surprised to find it was Han Ming.

Before she could even ask, Han Ming heard her approaching. He immediately stubbed out his cigarette, turned around, and looked at her. The dim streetlights illuminated his faint smile.

"Han, Han Ming?"

"Yes, it's me."

Lin Ting was still incredulous. She took off her mask and asked, "You, how are you here?" She remembered that he didn't live here.

Han Ming joked, "Would you believe me if I said I just happened to be passing by?"

Of course, it wasn't just a chance encounter. Ever since he had drinks with Qin Fei at the bar, he realized that Qin Fei seemed to have seen through his thoughts. That afternoon, he received a message from her: "Chen Zhiyi has left Haishi. She's alone at Chen Zhiyi's house."

On another level, this is an opportunity to take advantage of a weakness.

Without a doubt, Han Ming knew that Qin Fei had orchestrated Lin Ting's plagiarism; her grand scheme had begun.

He was a villain with malicious intentions, wanting to separate the two of them so that he could have a chance, but he didn't want Lin Ting to get hurt.

Seeing the flood of negative comments online, he repeatedly picked up his phone, wanting to tell them the truth, but then put it down again.

Qin Fei understood Han Ming's selfishness all too well, which is why she invited him out for drinks and showed him those photos.

Upon receiving Qin Fei's message, Han Ming rushed over, trying to come up with a reason the whole way. He wandered around their building for two hours but still couldn't come up with one.

Lin Tingxian discovered her first.

Turning around, he saw Lin Ting staring at him in surprise. Her eyes were wide and adorable, and her mouth was open in a perfect "O" shape, like a startled fawn. Her expression was innocent and cute, something Han Ming had never seen before. He heard the beating of her chest again.

Thinking back, the last time I saw Lin Ting in person was three months ago, when I gave her the bracelet. I noticed that she wasn't wearing the bracelet on her wrist, but she was wearing a ring. Remembering their proposal ceremony, their trip to Europe, and their sweet moments in the photos, jealousy welled up in my heart again.

He's been selfish many times already, one more time won't make a difference. His worst act of selfishness last time cost him his beautiful first love; this time, he hopes to regain the right to love.

So he decided to keep it a secret again, and to keep it a secret forever.

Han Ming smiled slightly, "I was just joking." Then he took a small cake from the back seat of the car next to him and handed it to Lin Ting.

"Red bean flavor. Eating something sweet when you're in a bad mood makes you feel much better."

Lin Ting didn't reach out to take it; she just felt it was strange.

"I don't mean anything by it. I will always remember the night of the ghost's howl. When you helped me, you told me that it was just a small favor between friends. Now you are facing the same situation as me. I can't really help you, but I can make you feel better. That's a good deed in itself. Please give me a chance to repay you as a friend."

"I believe you did not plagiarize. The truth is the truth, though it may be late. Be confident and strong."

After an afternoon of questioning and insults, Lin Ting's trust in the world had crumbled. This was the first time he had heard the words, "I believe you."

It's like walking in the dark for a very long time, unable to find the exit, when suddenly a glimmer of light flashes by. Although it's brief, it gives you the direction to keep going.

Lin Ting took the cake and asked tremblingly, "You really believe me?"

Han Ming affirmed loudly, "Of course."

"And me too."

Lin Ting turned her head and saw Song Xiaolei running towards her against the light of the street lamp.

"The security in this neighborhood is just too good. Luckily I'm quick-witted and managed to sneak in during the handover between security guards. Fortunately, I have a super memory, and I memorized the route after just one visit. I ran all the way here, so I need to catch my breath."

Song Xiaolei, holding Lin Ting's arm, put her hands on her hips and gasped for breath.

Seeing the tears in Lin Ting's eyes, he immediately changed from supporting her to holding her arm. "Even if Chen Zhiyi kills me with his eyes tonight, I'll still stay with you, have a few drinks, and drink until we're drunk."

"And it's not just me, but also the boss, Sister Xiao, your mentor Lu Fan, and so on. Our M Group all believe in you."

Lin Ting took a deep breath, suppressing the clear, moist tears in her eyes. "Mmm."

Only then did Song Xiaolei have a chance to glance at the man standing next to her, whose presence was extremely strong.

She covered her mouth, leaned close to Lin Ting's ear, and asked cautiously, "Am I seeing things? Did I see it on TV?"

Lin Ting smiled helplessly, "Yes, you read that right."

Song Xiaolei was even more terrified, lowering her voice, "Oh no, when I see a handsome guy, my mind goes completely blank, and I can't remember his name. What am I going to do? I'm so embarrassed!"

Han Ming extended his hand and smiled politely, "Han Ming."

Song Xiaolei's short-circuited mind suddenly cleared up, and she immediately grabbed Han Ming's hand, "Yes, yes, I am Song Xiaolei, Lin Ting's colleague and best friend."

"It's an honor." Han Ming withdrew his hand and looked at Lin Ting. "I'm leaving now. Remember, be confident."

Lin Ting nodded. "Thank you."

Han Mingchao stepped forward and said, "Also, since we're friends, if you need any help in the future, just let me know, and I'll be happy to help."

Perhaps it was the overwhelming tenderness in Han Ming's eyes that made Lin Ting uncomfortable. She took a small step back and softly hummed, "Mmm."

Han Ming noticed all of these actions and saw Lin Ting's aloofness. He didn't move forward again, but smiled faintly once more, "Then I'm leaving."

Lin Ting: "Okay."

Having gained dating experience, she had become less oblivious. Han Ming's eyes and words reminded her of Chen Zhiyi, who had followed her around five years ago before they had confessed their feelings.

As Han Ming's taillights gradually disappeared into the darkness, she couldn't figure out the source of his emotions and could only comfort herself that perhaps she was just overthinking it.

Song Xiaolei sighed from the side, "Having a best friend who is a celebrity's lover is like knowing the entire entertainment industry. I can brag about this connection for the rest of my life."

"Let's go up."

"good."

Song Xiaolei asked curiously, "Why didn't your brother-in-law come down with you?" She guessed that, given how clingy Chen Zhiyi was to Lin Ting, how could he possibly let her meet a man alone?

Lin explained, "His maternal grandfather had a stroke and went back to his hometown this afternoon."

Song Xiaolei hugged Lin Ting's arm again, somewhat relieved, "It's good that I came. It's okay. The company is investigating for you now, and the truth will come out soon. We'll give these people who spread rumors a good slap in the face." Then she took out her phone and opened the notes app, "These are all big V accounts that spread rumors and slander. They rely on having hundreds of thousands of followers to stir up trouble. I've written down all their accounts. I'll sue them later."

Lin Ting looked at the numerous account names written in her memo, and the tears that had subsided welled up in her eyes again. "Thank you!"

"Alright, let's get down to business. I came all this way and haven't even had a meal yet. I just ordered hot and sour rice noodles, barbecue, and spicy hot pot. Have a proper meal with me."

Clearly, these are all flavors that Lin Ting likes to eat, sour and spicy, while Song Xiaolei is a native of Haishi and can't eat spicy food, preferring sweet flavors.

Lin Ting was moved again, "Okay."

The elevator came down, and the two of them snuggled together like conjoined twins as they entered.

She also guessed that Lin Ting hadn't eaten dinner, so she specially ordered some for her.

After Chen Zhiyi left, Lin Ting seemed to have lost her backbone and support. She appeared indifferent, but in reality, she was in a state of panic.

In the past, Lin Ting would have hated this version of herself. She needed to be stubborn and invincible to protect her mother and herself.

It was Chen Zhiyi who subtly changed her, making her soften and able to rely on him.

But he's not here now. Luckily, Xiaolei came. Her anxious and wandering heart found some comfort; otherwise, she wouldn't know how she would have gotten through the long night.

I hope that when I open my eyes tomorrow, he will be back, bringing good news.

It was late at night when Chen Zhiyi sent a message saying that his grandfather had suddenly fallen seriously ill and would not be able to come back for the time being.

Lin Ting had a strong feeling that he might never come back.

The scene of Chen Tiansheng persuading her to leave Chen Zhiyi back then is still vivid in her mind.

The Chen family's old house.

Chen Lan entered Chen Zhiyi's room. He sat motionless on the sofa like a morning bell, not touching the food that was brought to him.

She slowly walked over and sat down beside him. "Son, have something to eat."

He turned his gaze, his eyes bloodshot, and said in a low, cold voice, "This is illegal imprisonment."

Chen Lan's eyes were filled with helplessness. "I'm sorry."

Chen Zhiyi turned his head and looked ahead again. Chen Lan was a better wife than a mother.

"Five years ago, was it you who told your husband about my affair with Lin Ting?"

Chen Lan shook her head. "I saw through your thoughts a long time ago, and I don't object to whoever you like. Your father was facing an election at the time, and his opponent took a picture of you and Lin Ting together, using it as leverage to provoke your father. He was furious and went to find Lin Ting."

Chen Zhiyi was very puzzled, "Provocation? What provocation? I'm an adult. What's wrong with liking someone? Have we broken the law or violated ethics?"

Chen Lan: "Your father is very concerned about his reputation and doesn't allow anyone to challenge his authority. When he finds out that his son is in love with his teacher, how could he not be angry? Moreover, you've known since you were little that your family has high expectations for you, and they carefully consider every step of your life. How could they be indifferent when they find out that you're in love with an ordinary girl?"

Chen Zhiyi: "Then why didn't you do anything when you saw through my thoughts?"

Chen Lan: "I don't have these social class concepts; I care more about the essence of love, and I can be tolerant."

"So you can even tolerate my father's past?" Chen Zhiyi asked her in return.

Chen Lan was stunned at first, then forced a smile, "Yes, I love your dad very much. I can accept everything about him, and I'm willing to stand by his side."

Chen Zhiyi could tell that Chen Lan knew the truth, but she still chose to accept Chen Tiansheng, which was truly her love, and he had nothing to say.

"Mom, you can be with the person you love, so why can't I? Why are you trying so hard to break us up?"

“I’m sorry, Zhiyi, Mom didn’t want things to turn out this way either. The most fundamental problem now is that both families want you to leave the entertainment industry and return to the family. I’m thinking, if you come back and achieve success in your career, maybe your dad will agree to your relationship with Lin Ting. Since you love each other so much, what’s wrong with letting her wait for you for a few years?”

Chen Zhiyi sneered, his eyes filled with disdain. "Wait a few years? Wasn't the past five years long enough? I won't make her wait any longer. I won't give up either love or career. If you want to continue acting as a persuader, then get out of here."

"And how long do you think you can keep me trapped?" Clearly, Chen Zhiyi was prepared to throw caution to the wind and completely break off all pretense of civility.

Chen Lan became anxious, "Zhiyi, going against your father like this won't end well."

Chen Zhiyi didn't care. "I know, that's why I was forced to obey too much when I was a child, but this time I will never admit defeat, even if it means severing all ties with this family. I will also tell Chen Tiansheng that I am determined to leave, and he can't hold me back for long."