0073 82 The Character in the Play

As the dim light shone through, Pei Wei'an proudly raised his long neck, like an elegant swan.

Before Zhou Xiye could respond, Pei Zhiyu's voice interrupted the discord between the two.

"Xi Ye, this is my mother. Mom, this is my college classmate, Zhou Xi Ye."

Pei Zhiyu gave a brief introduction, Zhou Xiye smiled politely, and Pei Weian didn't say anything more. The three of them then walked into the villa.

The villa itself was a world apart. Zhou Xiye had visited Wangyue Manor several times, but each time the architectural style of the houses was different. Who could possibly have such wealth and manpower to build Wangyue Manor and invite so many powerful and influential people over?

Footsteps mingled with the sound of water as they ascended the steps, carrying with them a delicate fragrance. Zhou Xiye turned his head to look; the incense burner was bent over before the incense burner, his expression meticulous. The elegant lamplight shone on the artificial hill and flowing water behind him, and several birdcages stood by the window, beneath which was a daybed.

The door in front was pushed open, and the three of them passed through without any hindrance. Hua Chunyang and Ye Lifeng were already sitting inside. When they saw the newcomers, they stood up.

"Chairman Pei, it's been a long time. You still have so much energy and spirit."

After Hua Chunyang finished speaking, Pei Weian nodded, her arrogance radiating from within. Between the two female leaders, Hua Chunyang was reserved and subtle, her words sharp yet gentle. Pei Weian, on the other hand, made no attempt to conceal her superior aura, displaying the haughtiness of a lioness—a rarity in political circles.

However, Zhou Xiye finally understood where Pei Zhiyu's aristocratic air came from; like mother, like son. With the two proud individuals in the same room, Pei Zhiyu appeared much gentler, much like a lion cub following its mother.

After the five people sat down and ordered their food, Ye Lifeng glanced at the two women. Hua Chunyang was more qualified than him, so it was normal for her to sit in the head seat. But Pei Weian was just the chairwoman of the Women's Federation; how much real power could she have? Her father had a lot of real power, but he was about to retire, so at this dinner, his status was second only to hers.

Thinking about it, he took the initiative to speak to Pei Weian and said, "I envy Chairman Pei for having such a good son. Unlike me, all my sons are stupid as pigs. They either lose money in stocks and futures, or they play around with music, or they play with women..." Ye Lifeng sighed, "Pei Zhiyu is very outstanding. He is young, has achieved political success, and has excellent character and appearance. His future is limitless."

Pei Wei'an took a sip of tea and smiled calmly.

Ye Lifeng waved his hand, feigning helplessness, "I only have Zhou Xiye as my capable subordinate, someone who can help me share my worries. Although Zhou is old enough to be my daughter, I only see her as my apprentice, and I hope she can find someone suitable for her..."

Pei Wei'an accepted his compliment, "Thank you, Minister Ye. I know my own son. Actually, Ye Rouxin and Xiao Zhou are quite a good match. Were they interested in each other before...?"

Ye Lifeng shook his head and said with a smile, "I don't know about that. You have to ask the young people about their affairs and let them make their own decisions. I can't manage that much!"

Pei Weian understood the off-screen voice, but Ye Lifeng, whether out of kindness or on purpose, shifted the blame to Zhou Xiye.

Zhou Xiye and Pei Zhiyu were sitting together. Hearing this, Zhou Xiye put down his cup and straightened his back. "Ye Rouxin and I are very good friends. We were even together, but because we were too close, we ended our relationship and became friends..."

Pei Zhiyu glanced at Zhou Xiye, then turned and picked up her teacup to take a sip. Whether intentionally or unintentionally, Pei Zhiyu's leg bumped into Zhou Xiye's leg under the table. She didn't dare move, but inwardly cursed, "How did it come to this?"

How did I become someone else's prey?

Hua Chunyang smiled and finally spoke, “Young people are normal to have some minor squabbles before things are settled. I think Xiao Pei is very sincere, and Xi Ye is a down-to-earth person with ability. Lao Ye and I are both at ease entrusting things to her.”

Pei Wei'an nodded and asked Zhou Xiye with a smile, "Well, Xiao Zhou, I heard your brother went to jail? Why? And your parents were also traumatized by it?"

Every word, though unspoken, draws blood.

Zhou Xiye met Pei Weian's gaze and said, "Chairman Pei, every family has its own problems, especially those who work in this industry. It's impossible to succeed without making some sacrifices. You're already the chairperson of the Women's Federation..." Zhou Xiye looked at Pei Zhiyu.

Pei Zhiyu seemed to have a premonition. As he watched Zhou Xiye's rosy lips open and close, his pupils dilated for a moment and then suddenly shrank. "I know about Xiye's family situation. I learned about it when she was in college. Her parents favored boys over girls, so this accident is understandable."

Pei Wei'an didn't look at Pei Zhiyu, and Zhou Xiye smiled helplessly and met her gaze.

"Mom, let's eat, the food's getting cold..."

Pei Zhiyu blocked Pei Wei'an's view and put a piece of food into Pei Wei'an's bowl.

Hua Chunyang and Ye Lifeng watched from the side. When they heard Pei Zhiyu's words, they picked up their chopsticks but didn't touch them.

Could Pei Wei'an be the type to settle things peacefully? After Pei Zhiyu finished picking up her food, the smile on her face completely disappeared. "I know why you called me here today. Pei Zhiyu also told me. The Pei family has never participated in forming cliques or engaging in corrupt practices. This is a family motto."

Hua Chunyang nodded, “The Pei family is a scholarly family that has produced many famous people and writers. The foundation of a family is its ancestral precepts; without rules, there can be no order. But rules are rigid, while people are flexible. The Pei family should also adapt to the times and change accordingly.”

"Since the Pei family has been able to stand for a century, it proves that what we uphold is correct. Not forming cliques or engaging in self-interest is the foundation of our existence."

Hearing this, Hua Chunyang smiled at Pei Zhiyu and said, "Did you hear that? Little Pei, you have good intentions, but it's all for nothing. The Pei family cannot break the rules because of you, nor can it put Zhou Xiye in an unjust place because of you."

Pei Zhiyu nodded, her expression calm. "I know all that, but my marriage has nothing to do with politics. It's just because... Xi Ye and I know each other; we were college classmates, and she's the most suitable choice for me to marry."

"Pei Zhiyu, listen to what you're saying!" Pei Wei'an leaned back in her chair, smiling instead of getting angry. "You've grown up and forced me to this trap. I can't make decisions for you. If you choose this path, don't drag the Pei family into it." She looked at her son. "This is my bottom line."

Pei Zhiyu nodded, "Mom, I understand."

Pei Wei'an looked at her son. She understood, but she was helpless. One wrong move could lead to endless trouble. She couldn't stake the Pei family's future on the Gao Zhi faction, nor could she let Pei Zhiyu act recklessly. But... she smiled bitterly, raised her hand and patted her son's shoulder. This was all she could do for him in this charade.

She stood up and bowed to Ye Lifeng and Hua Chunyang. "I have other matters to attend to, so I'll be leaving now. Thank you for your hospitality, Minister Ye and Teacher Hua. Well... I'll leave Pei Zhiyu here. I just hope his choice won't interfere with the Pei family."

Zhou Xiye stood up and watched Pei Weian leave, feeling a complicated mix of emotions. She sensed something was amiss with the current situation, yet she knew nothing about it.

"And your marriage...?" Ye Lifeng looked at the two of them with a smile on his face. "Like I said before, young people should leave their own affairs to the young people. Teacher Hua and I won't get involved too much."

After they left, Zhou Xiye watched Pei Zhiyu eating and drinking tea as if nothing had happened, and couldn't help but feel flustered.

Marrying someone who looks down on her? Pei Wei'an came to give her a hard time; was he afraid she would bully her son? On the surface, he said the Pei family wouldn't go along with his ways, but in reality, he was expressing his dissatisfaction with Zhou Xiye. He himself was very opposed to this marriage.

“Pei…”

"Shall we discuss marriage?" Pei Zhiyu picked up a napkin and dabbed it at the corner of her mouth. She met Zhou Xiye's gaze and asked calmly, a glint in her eyes.

“My requirements might be a bit high…” Zhou Xiye smiled awkwardly, “If you can’t accept them, I won’t go through with this marriage.”

Pei Zhiyu smiled gently, all her sharpness turning into a pool of spring water. She leaned back in her chair with a languid and noble air, and said in a tone of divine bestowal, "Tell me about it."

The next day, the news that Zhou Xiye and Pei Zhiyu were getting married spread throughout Beijing's political circles. Most people were quite surprised, and even Li Qingshan found it unbelievable.

While waiting for Ling Xingzhi at his doorstep, Li Qingshan and Chen Ran gossiped quietly.

"They're getting married? These two are completely unrelated, how could they possibly get married?"

"Didn't they say that District Chief Pei and Director Zhou were college classmates? It's normal for them to know each other... But what's strange is that the Pei family never participates in partisan alliances. Isn't marrying Zhou Xiye a clear attempt to drag the Pei family into the struggle?"

"Then I don't know..."

When Li Qingshan saw the Party Secretary come out of the house, he quickly put out his cigarette and opened the car door.

Chen Ran also walked to the driver's seat and got in.

When Ling Xingzhi heard about Zhou Xiye and Pei Zhiyu's marriage, he was even more annoyed. Wei Luochen's case was still unresolved; the police had been mobilized, and it wouldn't be easy to completely clear up her crimes.

"Zhou Xiye is getting married? Do you think it's true?"

When Ling Xingzhi suddenly asked, Li Qingshan, who knew some things about the two of them, spoke tactfully, "Secretary, I think this matter is suspicious. Director Zhou and District Chief Pei have known each other for so long without dating or getting together, so why are they suddenly getting married? Besides, the Pei family has never participated in these kinds of struggles; it would damage their family reputation."

Ling Xingzhi nodded and sighed, "Please arrange for me to have lunch with the people from the Bar Association today."

Upon receiving the order, Li Qingshan took out his phone and contacted someone.

After watching Ling Xingzhi's car leave from the window, Wei Luochen, clutching her thermos, slowly returned to the house. The housekeepers inside, seeing her appearance, were at a loss. Wei Luochen's face was pale, her already sharp chin became even more pointed, and her eyes held a captivating, alluring quality.

After taking a few steps, her hand holding the cup trembled. The nanny tried to help her, but Wei Luochen shook her head and went upstairs like a walking corpse, reaching Ling Xingzhi's bedroom. Ling Xingzhi's bedroom was very tidy and had some cozy little items.

She pulled back the covers and lay on his bed as if she were drowning, feeling safe in Ling Xingzhi's scent.

Wei Luochen didn't go to work; he took annual leave, and his subordinate editors all sighed in relief. Wei Luochen's temper was unpredictable; his magazine cover shoots were getting better and better, but Wei Luochen's overall demeanor was like a burning candle.

Of course, Wei Luochen had no idea what people were saying about her behind her back. She only felt that someone was watching her from behind. When she closed her eyes, she saw a pair of empty, lifeless eyes staring at her.

She didn't do it on purpose, Wei Luochen thought, pulling the blanket tighter around himself.

She didn't intend to kill anyone.

He covered her face with his fingers, and memories flooded back like a tide.