A Web of Malice and a Shield of Resolve

He Manyu held her phone, a secret joy blossoming in her heart.

Although her arm ached from holding the phone through countless calls, the imminent success of her plan swept away any lingering fatigue.

Her meticulously crafted plan involved first dropping a shocking revelation to capture Xia Chu’s attention and put her on edge.

Then, she would gradually elaborate, presenting several points of doubt to draw her into deep contemplation.

Finally, she would deliver the decisive blow!

Of course, as the saying went, she couldn’t overtly betray her intentions; a touch of emotion was essential.

He Manyu then relayed the information she had gathered: “Three years ago, Bai Jingjing’s parents fell gravely ill, forcing them to sell their home and travel a thousand miles to the provincial capital for medical treatment.

“Naturally, Bai Jingjing dropped out of school, with nothing else to do but stay by their side in the hospital, a vigil that lasted three years.”

Xia Chu remained silent, her teeth gently pressing against her lip.

Bai Jingjing had never spoken of these matters, and Xia Chu had been utterly unaware of the painful past she carried.

Unlike herself, who clearly projected an aura of ‘I have an unbearable past, but I won’t speak of it,’ Bai Jingjing was different.

Bai Jingjing was so gentle, so considerate, her tenderness flowing like water.

One would naturally assume her life had been one of serene tranquility.

“And after such a long period of hospitalization, the money from selling their house proved insufficient,” He Manyu continued, her voice laced with mournful sighs, “Her family had no choice but to borrow extensively.

“Sadly, they couldn’t hold on in the end; both her parents succumbed to their illnesses.” He Manyu delivered this with dramatic pathos, her tone full of sorrow and lament.

“All these events are documented at the Central Hospital; you can verify them yourself.”

A long silence followed on the other end of the line, broken only by the distinct deepening of Xia Chu’s breathing.

He Manyu felt a surge of satisfaction, confident that her plan had largely succeeded.

Everything she had said was true, yet she had merely highlighted certain details.

For instance, her opening remark that Bai Jingjing was from out of town, not a native of the provincial capital.

Then, mentioning that Bai Jingjing dropped out in her first year of high school, subtly implying her low education level.

Next, she spoke of the extensive debt and the death of her parents, leaving Bai Jingjing burdened with all the liabilities alone.

All these points combined were meant to suggest that Bai Jingjing had ulterior motives in becoming Xia Chu’s girlfriend.

He Manyu knew that revealing these facts would naturally evoke empathy and sympathy in Xia Chu.

But it didn’t matter; once she unveiled the next piece of information, no amount of sympathy would suffice.

“So, I truly understand her actions, even if she… alas,” He Manyu spoke slowly, “I’ve sent you some things on WeChat; take a look for yourself.”

It was a video: after leaving Aiyang Estate, Bai Jingjing deliberately walked a distance to avoid prying eyes before getting into her best friend Luo Xuan’s car.

“I truly understand; after all, she owes so much, she has no choice but to find several benefactors,” He Manyu continued to insinuate, “I just never expected it would be your former best friend.”

Xia Chu merely glanced at the video, then stopped watching; Luo Xuan was, in fact, someone she had called herself, and the situation was not as implied.

What truly consumed her thoughts were the revelations about Bai Jingjing she had just heard.

He Manyu, knowing she had done enough, decided to withdraw gracefully: “I just don’t want you to be misled.

Think it over carefully yourself; I won’t disturb you further.”

*Beep, beep, beep.*

Xia Chu slowly lowered her phone, a heavy silence preventing her from uttering a single word.

She had never once contemplated these aspects of Bai Jingjing’s life, nor would she have ever imagined them.

*Ding-dong~*

Bai Jingjing entered, carrying a bag, and greeted softly, “Xia Chu *jiejie* (TL Note: A Chinese term of endearment for an older sister or close female friend), I’m back.

Shall I start dinner now?”

“…Mm,” Xia Chu replied, her voice subdued.

Bai Jingjing noticed the peculiar tone in her voice but didn’t dwell on it, simply assuming Xia Chu was tired from last night’s overly enthusiastic advances.

Soon, the rustling sounds from the kitchen began: the gentle rush of water, the soft simmer on the stove—all combining into an incredibly warm, home-like feeling.

Xia Chu recalled the information He Manyu had just delivered, and then her mind drifted to Bai Jingjing’s visits over the past three weekends, the myriad small moments they had shared.

Her gentle words, her meticulous care, her warm, soft embrace, the sweet scent of coconut milk.

“Xia Chu *jiejie*,” Bai Jingjing called out, placing the dishes on the table, “Dinner’s ready!

Come quickly, you missed breakfast today; you must be starving.”

The gentle, water-like girl delicately untied her small apron, resembling a newly wedded wife.

This bright young woman, however, had not known serene years; instead, her path had been fraught with thorns.

As they ate, Xia Chu cautiously inquired, “Bai Jingjing, what… are your plans for the future?”

She wondered if the “rental fee” she had provided had eased Bai Jingjing’s immediate financial distress.

“I’m preparing to study for university entrance exams,” Bai Jingjing said, her lips curving into a charming, radiant smile. “Thanks to the money Xia Chu *jiejie* gave me, my tuition is covered, and I’ve also paid off some… bought some other things, like this laptop.”

‘She paid off some debts?’ Xia Chu understood the slip of the tongue, and her heart felt a little lighter.

But then, her heart tightened.

Xia Chu understood the true intent behind He Manyu’s call: she wanted her to drive Bai Jingjing away.

However, the truth of the situation was not as He Manyu imagined, so her scheme was destined to fail.

Yet, through this very phone call, it was clear that He Manyu harbored undisguised malice towards Bai Jingjing. He Manyu believed she had been subtle and tactful, but she failed to grasp that to someone who frequently surfed the internet and understood various memes (TL Note: ‘梗’ gěng, internet slang for a meme, joke, or trope), her words were nothing short of pure passive aggression.

He Manyu’s politeness towards her stemmed from her belief that everything was under control, but once she realized her plan had failed, she would undoubtedly resort to even more drastic measures.

Xia Chu had achieved success in recent years and was favored by her family elders, which was why He Manyu respected her, refraining from excessive actions or impolite speech towards her.

Nevertheless, He Manyu did not fear Xia Chu, and thus had no qualms about targeting those close to her, especially a girlfriend she had deemed “cheating.” She would even have a plausible explanation to offer the Xia family.

Given He Manyu’s style, armed with those “proofs,” she might publicize them within the estate or even widely spread them at Bai Jingjing’s future school.

The girl, who had waited three years, her heart brimming with anticipation for campus life, might see it all crumble to dust.

At that moment, Xia Chu suddenly realized that the beautiful girl across from her, who ate in small, delicate bites, though seemingly capable of anything and everything in life, was also incredibly vulnerable, defenseless against the ugly malice of human nature, and utterly alone.

‘Can I protect her?’

‘No, at least not the current Xia Chu.’

Xia Chu remembered the news He Manyu had delivered last week: Grandpa Xia intended for her to take a position at the Xia Family Foundation.

To truly protect Bai Jingjing and deter He Manyu from harming her, He Manyu needed to fear her.

The current Xia Chu was insufficient, and even Manager Xia of the foundation wasn’t quite enough, but… CEO Xia could be!

“Bai Jingjing,” Xia Chu took a deep breath, clenching her jaw, “I have some matters to attend to this afternoon.

You should head back early; I’ll send a message to Luo Xuan shortly.”