After reading the storybook, Li Xiuyuan was shocked: "Miss Su, this story..."
"Mr. Li, there's no need to ask any more questions," Su Jinli interrupted him. "Just help me publish it. I want this book to spread throughout the capital in the shortest possible time."
Li Xiuyuan looked at Su Jinli's determined eyes and knew that this matter was of great importance. He nodded solemnly, "Xiuyuan understands."
Within two weeks, "Gambler's End" had quietly spread throughout Beijing. The image of the gambling-addicted "Prince Wang" in the book was deeply rooted in readers' hearts. His misdeeds were portrayed with uncanny precision, especially his final scene of freezing to death on the street, which left readers deeply heartbroken. Although the book didn't explicitly state it, anyone with a discerning eye could tell who the prototype for "Prince Wang" was.
For a time, Wang Jing'an became the laughingstock of the capital. People would point and whisper about him whenever they saw him on the street. The Wang family's business was also affected, and businesses that had previously partnered with them withdrew their investment, fearing they would be implicated. Old Master Wang was so angry that he fell ill, and Wang Jing'an became a disgrace to the family, confined to his house and forbidden to leave.
When Lu'e told Su Jinli the news, she was pruning a pot of orchids by the window. After listening, she just said "hmm" lightly and accurately cut off a dead leaf with the scissors in her hand.
"Girl, Wang Jing'an is staying indoors now. I heard that the threshold of Wang's family is almost broken down by debt collectors." Lu'e said excitedly.
Su Jinli put down her scissors and gazed at the vibrant orchids on the windowsill. A subtle smile curved her lips. This was just the beginning, she thought. To deal with someone like Wang Jing'an, you have to strike at him with what he cares about most—reputation, wealth, status. She, on the other hand, had the patience and the means to handle all future challenges.
The evening breeze blew through the window lattice, bringing the distant sound of drums. Su Jinli picked up "Gambler's End" from the table, her fingertips tracing the lines on the page: "A prodigal son's return is worth more than gold, but it's too late." Her eyes were calm and determined. She knew the road ahead was still thorny, but she was no longer the Su Jinli who let others manipulate her. In this life, she would rely on her own wisdom and courage to live a brilliant life of her own.
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