Chapter 52 "She doesn't have a boyfriend, but she has a husband..."
Chapter 52
The practice room was brightly lit, with the crystal chandelier overhead reflecting soft light off the walnut floor. Fu Linzheng appeared carrying a violin case, and his words, "Madam," were like a bomb that crashed down, instantly igniting the entire room.
The human voices seemed to be suddenly shoved up, erupting into a roar:
"Madam?! Fu Linzheng and Rong Weiyue got married?!"
"I told you that Wei Yue was wearing a wedding ring, but you didn't believe me. It's a pair with Fu Linzheng's!"
"Didn't they break up?! Oh my god, how could that be..."
The murmurs rose and fell, almost lifting the roof off. The woman in the black dress, seeing Fu Linzheng embracing Rong Weiyue, turned deathly pale, her throat tightening as if she had something stuck in it.
"Rong Weiyue...you...you said you didn't have a boyfriend?!"
Fu Linzheng glanced up, a cold smile playing on his lips. He pulled Rong Weiyue into his arms, his words sharp and arrogant:
"I don't have a boyfriend, but I have a husband. Is that a problem?"
"..."
The entire audience was stunned. The woman in the black dress was speechless, as if she had been slapped hard in the face. Meanwhile, the people around her who had been secretly mocking Rong Weiyue for trying to climb the social ladder were filled with jealousy.
The group didn't expect their faces to be slapped in the face so quickly...
Therefore, the designer brands Rong Weiyue wore were not fake; they were all genuine. They were merely accessories befitting Mrs. Fu's status.
Why is Rong Weiyue able to be with Fu Linzheng again?!
At this moment, several theater managers hurried in. Upon seeing Fu Linzheng, they quickly stepped forward, bowing and scraping respectfully in greeting.
"Mr. Fu, I'm so sorry for not greeting you sooner. When did you arrive? You didn't even let us know in advance so we could have prepared properly."
Fu Linzheng shook hands with them casually: "I came to the gathering with my wife. It's a private matter."
The group looked at Rong Weiyue, shocked, and quickly shook her hand: "So it is Madam who has come in person. We have been negligent. This practice room is too small. The theater's most luxurious Starry Sky Piano Hall is empty tonight. That is more worthy of Madam. We will arrange it immediately. How about we go there?"
Being able to practice in this VIP practice room is something many people dream of. Ke Yinmeng and Tai Chao only managed to get it through connections. Tonight, she invited her classmates and teachers here, intending to show off her connections and status, but instead, she was told that she was "too young to be worthy of Rong Weiyue."
Ke Yinmeng gripped the wine glass tightly with her knuckles, and the flush on her face faded slightly.
Rong Weiyue smiled and politely declined, "No need, this place is fine."
The person in charge replied apologetically, "We didn't know it was Madam. Next time, please call ahead and we'll definitely make arrangements for you."
People around asked in astonishment, "Who are they?"
"Don't you know? The one who spoke is the general manager of Xinhe Theater and also the artistic director of Mingheng Culture."
"Huh? This theater belongs to Mingheng Group?!"
"That's right, the Starry Sky Hall is never open to the public. This is the kind of treatment the proprietress gets..."
Surrounded by envy and amazement, staff served exquisite tea and refreshments. The general manager said he would leave without further ado. Afterwards, many people curiously inquired about Rong Weiyue. Ke Yinmeng stepped forward, a smile on her face:
"Weiyue, you're so unfair! We all thought you and President Fu had broken up, and you didn't even tell us this good news beforehand?"
Fu Linzheng, still holding Rong Weiyue, looked over and spoke first, his tone doting: "Yueyue is rather low-key and didn't initially plan to go public, but I couldn't resist wanting to show my face in front of her old friends."
Everyone exclaimed that the PDA was too sweet, and Xiao'an asked with a smile, "Senior sister, did you and President Fu get back together later?"
Rong Weiyue: "Mm."
Fu Linzheng raised an eyebrow, his teasing voice landing clearly: "Yueyue dumped me back then, but now I've finally won her back."
The man didn't mind being in a higher position and supporting Rong Weiyue.
Everyone was shocked. So, it was Rong Weiyue who initiated the breakup, and Fu Linzheng was always the one who took the initiative?!
The woman in the black dress and the woman with short hair were both dumbfounded.
Rong Weiyue introduced the people present to Fu Linzheng, starting with Teacher Cai Ning. Teacher Cai Ning smiled kindly and said she always remembered Fu Linzheng:
“Every time Weiyue went to another city for a competition, you would accompany her. Once, in the dead of winter, she had a fever, and you couldn’t get a taxi in the middle of the night, so you went to buy her medicine. I could tell then that you really liked Weiyue. I really regretted your breakup. Fortunately, true love prevails in the end.”
The two smiled at each other, and Fu Linzheng said, "I will definitely invite you to my wedding banquet."
Cai Ning smiled and agreed.
Rong Weiyue then introduced Ke Yinmeng and Tai Chao, "Yinmeng, who practiced the piano with me back then, is her boyfriend."
"Hello, Mr. Fu, this is Tai Chao..."
Tai Chao immediately stepped forward and respectfully handed Fu Linzheng his business card. Who wouldn't want to get on good terms with the heir of Mingheng Group?
This was the first time Ke Yinmeng had seen her boyfriend bowing and scraping like this, while Fu Linzheng remained calm and unmoved. The difference in their social status was starkly displayed, and her heart was in turmoil, her face on the verge of breaking down.
After exchanging greetings, someone warmly invited Fu Linzheng to sit down: "President Fu, please don't leave now that you're here! Why don't you join us? We've also invited Wei Yue to sing a song."
Fu Linzheng looked down at the little girl, a smile playing on his lips, and asked for permission, "Mrs. Fu, may I stay with you?"
Rong Weiyue smiled, her dimples appearing, and took his hand. "Of course."
Everyone made room for them in the middle, and Fu Linzheng asked her softly, "Would you like to play the violin?"
He took her hand in his large palm, the warmth of his hand soothing her anxious heart: "Don't be nervous, I'm here with you."
When Rong Weiyue met his eyes, which were reflected in her own, the fear in her heart was dispelled.
She nodded, and Fu Linzheng opened the violin case, took out her violin, and some knowledgeable people recognized it:
"Is this a Luthier Albrecht collection violin?!"
As a century-old Swiss family of luthiers, Luthier Albrecht's luthier is a collector's item. The top is made of century-old spruce from the northern slopes of the Alps, while the back and sides are made of Bosnian maple, all of which have been naturally air-dried for over eighty years. Its market price has risen to seven figures, and it is not something that money can buy.
This violin was far superior to all others present, and many world-renowned violinists could not afford it. Everyone swarmed around to admire it. Ke Yinmeng clutched her violin, thinking about how she had just said she would give it to Rong Weiyue, and her fingertips almost drew blood from her palms.
Then Rong Weiyue walked onto the stage and stood under the lights. She had a dignified and gentle demeanor, and the crystal lamps above her head poured down like a silver river, giving her a halo.
After many years, she was still so nervous that her palms were sweating when she played the violin in front of people again. However, when she looked up, unlike six years ago, Fu Linzheng was sitting right below her, his dark eyes filled with tenderness and pride as he looked at her, shielding her from all the rumors and doubts from the outside world.
Just like in her senior year of high school, every time she practiced the piano in the music room, she could turn around and see him guarding her outside.
No matter how many twists and turns life may take, the love in his eyes when he looks at her has never changed.
With him around, what else did she have to be afraid of?
She calmed herself, lowered her eyes to ponder for a few seconds, and then a gentle smile curved her lips:
"Then let's play a piece that everyone is familiar with."
She lifted the zither, placing it between her collarbone and shoulder, tilted her head slightly, her cascading black hair hanging down, and her slender white fingers grasped the bow and placed it on the strings.
A melody begins, like water flowing over bluestone, smooth and penetrating the heart. The deep melody slowly rises, as if time has rewound to an old afternoon. A gentle breeze sweeps through the corridor of the piano practice center, where many students are playing their instruments. The music is slightly immature but exceptionally sincere.
Then the melody gradually ascends, the timbre becomes clearer and clearer, blending into gentle chords, and the rhythm becomes more lively, as if it were that afternoon when the students gathered together, laughing and studying the score.
Rong Weiyue played the zither, her gentle eyes like melting snowflakes, her gaze fixed on the instrument, her eyelashes supporting the shimmering golden light falling from above.
She didn't look at the sheet music; it was already etched in her heart. She supported the notes with a steady bow speed, powerful yet infused with her gentleness and delicacy.
As everyone listened, they quickly realized that this was an etude that the organization had composed themselves, called "Old Times." Everyone had learned it. Rong Weiyue only kept a few core melodies, rearranged and composed it, added her own design, and gave the piece a new life.
The familiar melody reminded many people of the time they spent practicing the piano. Their fingertips were calloused, their arms were numb, and sometimes they would cry and say they didn't want to learn anymore. But the encouragement from teachers and friends, or a successful moment, would make them wipe away their tears and cheer up again.
Those days were filled with frustration, but also with a sense of accomplishment; they are precious memories that will never fade away.
Rong Weiyue chose this piece because it was her older sister Rong Siqing's favorite piece. When she was little, she was just learning to play the piano and her posture was always incorrect, with the bow always crooked. Every time, her sister would patiently correct her posture and accompany her to practice again and again.
Back then, they adapted the song "Old Days" together at home. Every note and every beautiful scene was deeply engraved in Rong Weiyue's heart.
Her beloved older sister is no longer with her, but this piece of music is like a precious gift left to her by her sister, forever remaining in her memory.
Memories flashed before her eyes as Rong Weiyue played her zither, a surge of emotion welling up within her. In that instant, she suddenly understood that no matter what she became, her sister would always love her.
She once felt ashamed of herself and her sister because of what happened at that violin competition, but if Rong Siqing were still alive, she would definitely tell her gently, "Yueyue, I will always believe in you."
The world is full of malice and harm, but her sister has always been with her, whether it's the wind, the clouds, or in every song, she has never disappeared, never gone far away.
Finally, the classic theme melody reappears, and the coda gradually fades away, like snowflakes falling to the ground, gently settling all memories.
Rong Weiyue put down her bow and nodded slightly to everyone. There was a two-second silence in the practice room before Teacher Cai Ning spoke with warm eyes: "Weiyue, your arrangement of this piece is so good. You are still the same as you were back then, unchanged."
Then the audience erupted in enthusiastic applause: "It was so beautiful, so moving..."
"Wei Yue is such a talented woman!! She truly lives up to her reputation!!"
"I haven't heard this piece in many years. I really miss the days when I practiced with you all. I spent a month learning this piece back then, and I cried while I was practicing, hahaha."
Many people were moved by it, and even the woman in the black dress and the woman with short hair were reminded of their own past, their eyes reddening.
Xiao An said, "If you ask me, it has to be my senior sister. Teacher Cai once said that her piano playing is particularly moving, and that kind of thing can't be learned at all."
Others chimed in, "I love Weiyue's violin playing the most. She never shows off her skills; all her technique is in the melody."
“Wei Yue was the most talented among our group. Back then, she could both play the violin and compose music. If she had pursued a professional career, she would definitely have been a famous violinist.”
"That's right! Wei Yue, you said you were rusty, but you've been hiding your true skills all along!"
Everyone praised her enthusiastically, and Rong Weiyue felt a lump in her throat. She looked at Fu Linzheng, and the man smiled back at her, his eyes full of pride.
Rong Weiyue then stepped off the stage and sat down next to Fu Linzheng. The man held her hand and whispered in her ear with a smile, "Yueyue, you are also my pride. You are exceptionally wonderful."
He had always known that whenever his little girl picked up her violin, she would shine brightly and be dazzling forever.
Rong Weiyue smiled upon hearing this, "Because you're with me, I'm not afraid anymore."
Everyone was still praising her, but one gaze secretly fell upon her, a hint of jealousy swirling in his eyes.
The music gathering will end later.
Several former friends came to Rong Weiyue to add her contact information and even added her to the group chat they often communicated with, warmly inviting her to get together again next time. Those who looked down on Rong Weiyue all behaved themselves and dared not provoke her.
After saying goodbye to their friends, Fu Linzheng put his arm around Rong Weiyue and walked out of the theater. Rong Weiyue, holding her zither, looked up at him, her eyes sparkling.
"Mr. Zhou, how can you be so thoughtful?"
Fu Linzheng smiled lazily: "I thought you might need it, so after I brought it to you I went home to get it. But just as I was about to come find you, I heard you being teased, so I came in."
“This is such a timely help,” Rong Weiyue said, her eyebrows curving upwards. “My husband is so wonderful.”
Fu Linzheng suppressed a smile. "Standard procedure. Isn't my responsibility to protect my princess anytime, anywhere?"
He knew she could manage on her own, but at that moment, he still wanted to rush in and protect her, so she wouldn't be alone like she was six years ago.
Moved, Rong Weiyue took his arm and said, "You used to be my older sister, but now you're the one protecting me."
Fu Linzheng raised an eyebrow. "You've finished protecting her? Why haven't you given any thanks?"
She stood on tiptoe and kissed his cheek. "Is this okay?"
The man said leisurely, "Now that my threshold for happiness has increased, do you think just throwing yourself into my arms and giving me a kiss is enough?"
Feeling her earlobe being rubbed, she blushed and scolded him, "It's none of your business, you've lost sight of your original intentions."
Fu Linzheng curled his lips and whispered in her ear, "Fine, tonight I'll just linger outside and not go in, I promise I won't lose sight of my original intentions."
Her cheeks flushed. "No..."
"Isn't that what you said?"
The two chatted and laughed as they walked down the steps. Fu Linzheng's phone vibrated. He saw the message, his brows furrowed slightly, and his tone became more serious: "Baby, I have a question for you."
"What's wrong?"
"Did your friend surnamed Ke, Ke Yinmeng, participate in the Mingheng Cup that year?"
"Her?" Rong Weiyue recalled, "It seems she participated, but she withdrew from the finals because of a hand injury. What happened?"
Fu Linzheng's expression hardened slightly as he revealed the information he had just found: "Ke Yinmeng's parents are divorced, but her father was the deputy manager of Tiansheng Visual Effects, the outsourced team, who was in charge of the server room control."
A month after the Mingheng Cup ended, Ke Yinmeng's father resigned from Tiansheng Visual Effects for unknown reasons and also left Beijing. On the day of the final, his shift was supposed to be replaced by an intern.
As Rong Weiyue listened, her mind suddenly sank.
Ke Yinmeng's words echoed in my ears:
"Weiyue, you don't play the violin anymore? Those things shouldn't have affected you so much, it's such a pity."
“Weiyue, I don’t have many friends left in Beijing. We’ve been playing together since we were kids, and you’re my best friend here.”
"I need the whole world to see me, and I will clear all obstacles to achieve my goals..."
In an instant, a chill ran down her spine.
From childhood to adulthood, Ke Yinmeng often compared herself to her, always joking that she was jealous of her and couldn't compare to her. After her accident, Ke Yinmeng never contacted her again. It's strange that her childhood friend didn't even send a single comforting or inquiring text message.
At this moment, various things piled up, piecing together a chilling possibility.
Fu Linzheng said in a deep voice, "Before, we were all thinking about whether the person who targeted you was one of your competitors in the finals, so we overlooked the others. Yueyue, I didn't mean to sow discord between you and your friends, but do you think she is a suspect?"
Rong Weiyue's palms were sweating profusely. She felt a mixture of disbelief and a sense of unease, as if gears had just come into contact. "...That's possible."
Ke Yinmeng's parents divorced, and she grew up with her mother from a young age. Life was hard. She was strong-willed but also had low self-esteem. The two of them learned to play the piano together, and the teachers liked to compare them, but they praised Rong Weiyue more. Sometimes Ke Yinmeng would throw a tantrum at her and even joke that it would be better if Rong Weiyue didn't exist, so that the teachers would only praise her.
It's possible that those words weren't a joke at all.
If it really is her, then all those years of friendship as classmates are nothing but a joke.
Fu Linzheng said he had already arranged for people to go to find Ke Yinmeng's father at the same time. He rubbed the back of her neck and said, "Don't be nervous. We'll talk about everything after we find concrete evidence."
She took a deep breath and nodded.
Footsteps sounded behind her. She turned around and saw Ke Yinmeng and Tai Chao coming down the steps. Ke Yinmeng also saw her, paused for a moment, maintained her smile, and walked over.
Rong Weiyue's watery eyes were deep and thoughtful, and then Fu Linzheng put his arm around her shoulder. The man protected her and looked up with scrutinizing dark eyes.
Snowflakes fell from above as the two stood tall, exuding a powerful aura.
Ke Yinmeng and Tai Chao walked up to the two of them and looked at them. They remembered that when Rong Weiyue finished practicing the piano at the academy in her senior year of high school, Fu Linzheng would pick her up in the same way.
Over the years, Rong Weiyue has not fallen to the bottom; on the contrary, she has been living a better and better life and is still being protected by others.
On what grounds?
Ke Yinmeng lifted her stiff red lips and smiled: "Weiyue, listening to your music tonight reminded me of the time we used to practice the piano together. You are still so outstanding. And you and President Fu have such a good relationship. President Fu has seen so many people, but he still thinks you, his first love, are the best."
Rong Weiyue sensed the sarcasm in the words, and suddenly smiled: "Is that so? I've been busy with filigree inlay all these years and have rarely practiced the violin. Maybe it's just a gift from God, I don't need to work hard."
Hearing Rong Weiyue speak with such pride for the first time, Ke Yinmeng's expression tightened. Then Rong Weiyue continued with a smile, "And I also want to thank my husband. He always accompanied me when I practiced the violin back then. After we reunited, he decorated my practice room and bought me a violin. What can I do? I guess God is especially kind to me. I'm so lucky to be loved by him like this all this time, right?"
When Fu Linzheng saw the little girl looking over, a sly glint appeared in his eyes. He raised the corners of his lips and said in a low, teasing tone, "Of course, baby, it's always only you."
"...??"
Ke Yinmeng's smile vanished in anger, and her face turned a deep purplish-red.
Rong Weiyue looked at Ke Yinmeng and sighed, "It's a pity that I was maliciously slandered in the Mingheng Cup back then and my results were canceled. But I believe that white cannot be called black. The person who stirred up trouble behind the scenes will be brought down sooner or later. Don't you agree, Yinmeng?"
Ke Yinmeng's fingertips trembled, her mind going blank for a moment: "You...found out who it was?"
Rong Weiyue smiled quietly: "No, I don't plan to investigate anymore. I believe in karma. What you take from others will eventually be returned. She will be punished."
Ke Yinmeng pinched her palm, said yes, and then took Tai Chao's arm and said hurriedly, "The snow is getting heavier, so we'll be going now."
As the two walked forward, Rong Weiyue called out to her, "Yin Meng."
Ke Yinmeng froze. "What's wrong?"
Rong Weiyue smiled and said, "I wish you a successful performance at Friday's concert. I'll come to see it when I have time."
"……good."
As she descended the steps, Ke Yinmeng stumbled and nearly fell. Tai Chao quickly steadied her, asking, "Are you alright? Why is your face so pale?"
Ke Yinmeng's throat tightened, and she shook her head; "It's nothing, I'm probably just a little cold."
"Let's get back to the car quickly..."
As the two left, Rong Weiyue and Fu Linzheng took in Ke Yinmeng's appearance from the steps.
"I have a feeling it's her," Rong Weiyue said coldly.
She had just deliberately provoked Ke Yinmeng, and her expression turned sour.
Fu Linzheng took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders. "Wait for the evidence. We will definitely not let her go."
Rong Weiyue nodded and was led down the street by Fu Linzheng. She lowered her eyes and said, "Zheng, why did I never suspect that it was her? I actually trusted others so much."
Fu Linzheng patted her head and said gently with a helpless voice, "I knew you would have this thought. You are the one who was hurt, so why should you reflect on yourself? On this path, some people will offer you roses, while others will stab you in the back. It's because the other party is too good at pretending and taking advantage of your kindness. You have done nothing wrong, you know?"
Fu Linzheng always understood her so well. She felt that she was too stupid, but his words immediately dispelled her self-blame as a victim.
She nodded, and Fu Linzheng said nonchalantly, "Don't fight amongst yourselves, and don't think about why. A lot of malice in this world is without reason. Anyway, I've always thought that if someone doesn't like me, it's all their own problem. What's with the 'eyes'?"
Rong Weiyue's eyes curved into crescents: "Teacher Fu's shameless and emotionally stable little class has started, and I have learned something new."
Fu Linzheng sneered: "Rong Weiyue, I'm trying to comfort you, and you're still cursing me, huh?"
"Being shameless is great! I'm not insulting anyone, but you should make yourself happy first."
Fu Linzheng smiled and put his arm around her, leading her towards the car: "Let's go home and buy some late-night snacks. What do you want to eat?"
"I want to eat... barbecue and beer."
"Is this so unhealthy late at night?"
Rong Weiyue said she would indulge herself this once, and Fu Linzheng leaned down to look at her, "What's the reward?"
She asked shyly, "One more time tonight?"
Fu Linzheng raised an eyebrow and whispered enticingly, "Fine, I originally only wanted six times, but it looks like it'll be a very special 6+1."
"Fu Linzheng, you're going to exhaust me to death..."
She smiled and looked like she was about to hit him.
-
After the musical gathering, Fu Linzheng arranged for people to continue the investigation, while Rong Weiyue also kept busy with the affairs of Qingyue Pavilion.
The co-branded jewelry with the Russian lacquer painting factory is due to be delivered early next year, and everyone is working hard. At the same time, the live broadcast is also on the agenda. Rong Weiyue's first live broadcast was very well received, with tens of thousands of viewers.
In front of the camera, she has a gentle face and a soft voice. The jewelry she makes is exquisite and beautiful. Everyone calls her the beautiful boss of Qingyue Pavilion. In just a few days, the number of followers on her personal Weibo and the official Weibo of Qingyue Pavilion has been rising steadily.
A few days later, while she was busy with work, she and Fu Linzheng received some good news—the intern had been found.
The intern's name is Lin Han. He joined Tiansheng Visual Effects during his senior year of college. After graduating, he returned to his hometown of Shashi. Six years later, he is now the multimedia engineering supervisor at a convention center in his hometown.
Because he had changed his phone number and contact information, and had gone to another province, Fu Linzheng had to use a lot of connections to find him.
Fu Linzheng and Rong Weiyue went directly to Shashi and found Lin Han. Upon learning Fu Linzheng and Rong Weiyue's identities, Lin Han turned pale with fright and, under questioning, stammered, "It wasn't me, this has nothing to do with me, I was forced into it..."
Lin Han said that Ke Yinmeng's father, Ke Wangshan, was his boss back then, and the two had a good relationship. After Ke Yinmeng took the college entrance examination, she often came to the theater to practice the piano and sometimes watched Ke Wangshan work, so Lin Han also knew Ke Yinmeng.
Before the awards ceremony on the day of the finals, Ke Yinmeng came to the control room to find Lin Han and handed him a USB drive: "Brother Lin Han, this is what my dad asked me to give you. It contains the list of award presenters. You can just release it later."
How could Lin Han suspect the sinister intentions of a seemingly innocent young girl? He let her go without much thought. By the time he realized something was wrong, it was too late. In a panic, he went to Ke Wangshan to clear Rong Weiyue's name. Ke Wangshan gave him 100,000 yuan as hush money, saying that as long as he insisted that he knew nothing and left Tiansheng Visual Effects, no one would pursue the matter. But if he dared to speak out, he could forget about working in this industry.
After graduating, Lin Han left Beijing, but he always felt guilty and dared not expose the truth. He just wanted to let these things rot in his memories.
But unexpectedly, the truth will eventually be revealed.
Lin Han apologized to Rong Weiyue, his eyes red: "I know I did something wrong, but I don't have the courage to report it. I'm afraid my life will be ruined..."
As if remembering something, Lin Han said in a trembling voice, "But I was careful at the time, and I also have a recording here."
Rong Weiyue and Fu Linzheng were slightly taken aback. Fu Linzheng said in a deep voice, "Give us the recording."
At the same time, Fu Linzheng's men also located Ke Wangshan's location.
On Friday morning, Rong Weiyue and Fu Linzheng flew directly there.
Ke Wangshan now runs a lighting and sound equipment rental shop in his hometown town. When we found him, he was setting up the sound system for a wedding. He was thin and dark-skinned, and his old cotton-padded clothes were covered in dust, making him look shabby and plain.
Rong Weiyue was somewhat surprised. Ke Yinmeng lived such a comfortable life, so how could her father be so pitiful...?
They walked over and asked him if he was Ke Wangshan. Ke Wangshan nodded, looking puzzled. He felt that Rong Weiyue looked somewhat familiar. She introduced herself:
"Uncle, do you remember me? My name is Rong Weiyue. I was the one who was publicly smeared by your daughter during the Mingheng Cup finals six years ago."
The screwdriver in Ke Wangshan's hand fell to the ground with a thud. His face was ashen. The two men asked him to come over, and he lowered his eyes and said in a trembling voice, "Wait until I finish my work. I haven't finished my work for today, otherwise I won't get paid."
Rong Weiyue and Fu Linzheng exchanged a glance and then waited on the side. Finally, Ke Wangshan was invited to a room after he finished his work. When he heard the recording, he felt as if he had been struck by lightning, and his face completely fell.
Fu Linzheng looked at him with a cold expression and said in a deep voice, "It's fine if you don't tell the truth, anyway, this evidence is enough to ruin your daughter's reputation."
Ke Wangshan's eyes welled up with tears. He said that the contents of the USB drive were given to Lin Han by Ke Yinmeng herself, and he only found out after the incident. However, he could only keep it a secret for his daughter: "Mengmeng is my daughter, what can I do? If I tell anyone, how will she ever be able to hold her head up again..."
Fu Linzheng, his anger blazing, grabbed his collar: "You feel sorry for your daughter, but what about other people's daughters?! You just watch another innocent girl be smeared and have her reputation ruined?!"
Fu Linzheng pressed her in a deep voice: "Do you know how much harm those words on the LED screen caused to an eighteen-year-old girl? Her championship was revoked, she was scorned by thousands, she changed her college application and left Beijing, and she has been traumatized ever since. You traded someone else's future for your daughter's future, don't you feel any remorse?!"
Hearing this, Ke Wangshan burst into tears, his voice trembling: "I was wrong... I was foolish. I apologize on Mengmeng's behalf. Please, I beg you, give her another chance, otherwise her life will be ruined..."
As he spoke, Ke Wangshan rushed to Rong Weiyue, intending to kneel down, but was stopped by the bodyguard. Ke Wangshan apologized to her, and Rong Weiyue looked at him with red eyes:
"Uncle, if you don't want to ruin her life, what about mine?"
If it weren't for Ke Yinmeng's scheming, perhaps so many things wouldn't have happened later. She and Fu Linzheng might not have been separated for six years, and she wouldn't have had a cold war with her parents, given up her future, and fled to Hangzhou, gritting her teeth and enduring those six years alone.
She knew that Ke Yinmeng was not the one who directly caused everything, but she was the initial trigger. The friend she once cherished was now framing and betraying her. Why should she choose to forgive her?
Fu Linzheng shielded Rong Weiyue behind him, his cold gaze falling on Ke Wangshan, and he uttered each word clearly: "Your daughter will not escape any consequences for what she did. This is the price she has to pay."
Upon hearing this, Ke Wangshan felt as if all his strength had been drained away, and he collapsed to the ground.
...
That day, the group bought plane tickets and rushed to Beijing.
The truth was as expected, and Rong Weiyue had long been mentally prepared, so she remained calm.
Sheng Liu asked Rong Chengye about the situation, and she told him about it. Yin Lu happened to call as well, and was also very angry when she learned about it, saying that she would stay with her.
A few hours later, as night fell, the Xinhe Grand Theatre in Beijing lit up like a lighthouse rising from the sea.
The billboard at the entrance features a photo of Ke Yinmeng, and the solo concert information next to it reads "Return and Rebirth".
After having their tickets checked, the audience entered the concert hall. A huge crystal chandelier hung down in the lobby, shrouding the seating area in dim light, creating a tranquil and elegant atmosphere.
As more and more music fans gathered, the venue was packed to capacity. In the media area, dozens of reporters were already seated, their cameras and microphones ready to fire.
Tonight is Ke Yinmeng's first solo recital since returning to China. She has been preparing for it for half a year, and it is a key battle for her to establish her position in the Chinese violin music scene.
In the backstage dressing room, Ke Yinmeng had finished her makeup and was wearing an ivory white satin off-shoulder dress with a fishtail hem that accentuated her slender waist. Two diamond earrings dangled from her ears.
Teacher Cai Ning and the students from the organization came in to greet her. Everyone said they were looking forward to her performance. Ke Yinmeng smiled and replied, "I definitely won't let you down tonight."
After they left, Tai Chao led Ke Yinmeng's mother in. When Ke's mother saw her daughter, she exclaimed excitedly, "Mengmeng looks so beautiful today, like a princess..."
Ke Yinmeng held her mother's hand, her smile proud: "Mom, you look beautiful today too. Look how well this dress I bought you fits you, and it looks great with this necklace. Don't wear those tacky clothes anymore."
Ms. Ke said the clothes were too expensive and she wasn't used to wearing them, so she told her daughter to keep the money for herself. She said, "My Mengmeng is so amazing. She's so young and she's already holding a solo concert. There were so many audience members outside today. I was so nervous for you."
Ke Yinmeng laughed: "Mom, this is nothing. In the future, I will hold a solo recital in the world's top concert halls. Thank you for nurturing me, Mom. In the future, when your daughter is successful, no one will dare to look down on us anymore."
When they were young, their family was poor, and the mother and daughter were often bullied. To support her daughter's violin dream, Ke's mother worked hard every day, setting up a stall to sell cold dishes to earn money for her violin lessons.
With a bittersweet smile, Ke's mother touched her daughter's face and nodded. "By the way, did you invite your father over today? He did support you through college, after all. Seeing how outstanding you are, he'll be happy too."
Upon hearing this, Ke Yinmeng's smile faltered slightly, and her expression tightened: "He's busy. His hometown is so far from Beijing. I'll just send him a video later."
“I texted him yesterday and asked him to come over.”
"You sent him a message?!" Ke Yinmeng's eyes widened.
Ke's mother said that Ke Wangshan was, after all, her father, and she should have him witness such a shining moment for his daughter. Ke Yinmeng frowned and rebuked her:
"Can you please stop making decisions on your own? Why did you call him here?! Avoid contacting him as much as possible in the future!"
Ke's mother froze, staring blankly at her. Ke Yinmeng realized she had been too agitated and explained in a softer tone, "What I meant was that he's getting old, and we shouldn't make him travel so much. He's busy with his own work too... Okay, Mom, go sit in the first row. My recital is about to start."
Ke's mother weakly agreed, and Tai Chao saw her out. Ke Yinmeng immediately took out her phone and sent a message to Ke Wangshan: "Don't show up at my solo recital tonight. There are a lot of reporters and former classmates. If they recognize you, it's all over. If you want what's best for me, don't cause me any trouble."
After the Mingheng Cup incident, she asked her father to leave Beijing and return to his hometown. Only when he left could the past be completely buried. She didn't want to see Ke Wangshan because he knew about the biggest stain on her life. Every time she saw him, it was as if God was reminding her of the disgusting things she had done.
Ke Yinmeng irritably threw her phone on the table, took a deep breath, and after a while, Tai Chao came in to find her and asked softly, "Mengmeng, are you too nervous? You were so harsh with your aunt."
"...Is my mom angry?"
"No."
"I...I might actually be a little nervous."
Tai Chao said you can go on stage now, and smiled, "Today I'll be here in the audience to witness your moment of brilliance."
Ke Yinmeng smiled and kissed him. "Okay."
At 7:30 p.m., the concert hall lights went out, and a beam of golden light steadily shone on the center of the stage.
Applause erupted throughout the venue, and all eyes, including those of reporters and media, converged on one spot: Ke Yinmeng, dressed in a long gown, gracefully walked onto the stage.
Holding her violin, she calmly walked into the spotlight, waved and smiled at the audience, radiating brilliance.
Thunderous applause erupted as Ke's mother and Tai Chao, sitting in the first row, clapped and smiled at her.
Standing in the center of the stage, she placed her violin on her shoulder, looked up at the sea of people in the audience, and smiled.
After waiting for more than a decade, this day has finally come.
She gritted her teeth and climbed step by step to where she is now. The pain of more than ten years has not been in vain. Tonight, she is the focus of the entire audience and the center of attention. She has finally realized her childhood dream and stands in a position that everyone looks up to.
No one could stand in her way anymore.
The media in the front row held up their cameras, and Ke Yinmeng lowered her bow, producing a melodious piano tune.
However, just as she was about to immerse herself in the moment, a commotion suddenly broke out in the audience, and everyone's eyes turned to what was behind her.
What's the meaning?
Confused, Ke Yinmeng turned around and her pupils dilated and trembled instantly.
On the huge LED screen, her photo was no longer displayed; instead, several lines of clear, glaring white text on a black background were shown:
Six years ago, during the Mingheng Cup violin finals, someone secretly changed the award ceremony credits, maliciously defaming the winner and causing them to suffer a six-year injustice. The person who committed such a despicable act was none other than Ke Yinmeng, a popular violinist on stage!
In an instant, it was like a boulder crashing down, and gasps of surprise erupted throughout the venue. The flashes from the media area went off rapidly, like a sudden downpour of wind and rain.
Ke Yinmeng's face turned deathly pale. She stood up in shock, and then a recording suddenly filled the concert hall, with a middle-aged man's hoarse voice speaking:
"Take this 100,000 yuan, and we'll pretend this never happened. You resign and leave Lingguang voluntarily. I'll take care of your internship report. Otherwise, you'll be the first one to suffer if things come to light!"
Lin Han panicked: "Manager Ke, how could you say it was me?! It was your daughter, Ke Yinmeng, who gave me the USB drive and told me to plug it directly into the computer. The person who got first place was scolded terribly..."
"Does the life or death of the number one winner have anything to do with you? Let me tell you, shut your mouth! If you dare to mention my daughter, I'll make sure you can never work in this industry again!"
Ke Wangshan and Lin Han's clear recordings echoed in the concert hall, like a heavy hammer blow to everyone's eardrums.
The entire audience erupted in uproar. Many students and teachers in the institution, as well as Ke's mother and Tai Chao, looked at the stage in astonishment, as if nailing her to the pillar of shame.
Ke Yinmeng dropped the bow heavily to the ground, her eyes filled with panic. She shouted, "This isn't real!! This isn't real! Cut the video! Cut it!"
Her outburst was captured on camera; faced with irrefutable evidence, no one listened to her explanation. People below demanded refunds, threw things down, and unleashed a torrent of insults. Like a rat in the street, Ke Yinmeng frantically turned and ran backstage, only to suddenly freeze—
At the entrance of the passage, Fu Linzheng and Rong Weiyue walked towards her.
Rong Weiyue wore a classic light blue dress, her face gentle, but her gaze was calm and sharp; Fu Linzheng walked beside her, his suit impeccable, his aura sharp as a cold storm.
Behind them were their family and friends.
When Ke Yinmeng saw them, her eyes widened in shock: "You..."
Reaching her, Fu Linzheng embraced Rong Weiyue, his dark eyes as piercing as a hawk's, a smile curving his lips:
"An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth. I wonder if Miss Ke would like the solo gift I'm giving you on behalf of my wife?"
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