C27 She Needs To Be Taught A Lesson

Mu Qingzhu got up early in the morning to go to work for the Ruan Group. She was in a clear daze when she arrived at the offices.

To prepare for the day, she had put on the Ruan Group’s standard of Western attire in advance. She looked sharp and feminine with her hair tied in a bun on the top of her head and sporting light-colored high heels on her feet. She knew that Ruan Hanyu preferred her to wear heels that were light in color, saying that such shoes made her legs look more beautiful and slender.

From top to bottom, she exuded an air of professionalism. Every inch of her looked refreshing and beautiful.

When Mu Qingzhu walked up to her office, she found that her office door was left ajar. She felt that this was all very strange. She could clearly recall having closed the door when she got off work the other day.

Feeling slightly unsettled, she pushed open the door.

After having done so, she raised her head to look up.

What she saw before her made her eyes widen in shock.

A woman in her forties, dressed in an exquisite and light blue suit dress, was sitting on the sofa with a newspaper in her hand. Every so often, she would shift the newspaper in her hands and turn the page after she was done reading it.

Her movements were graceful and elegant, showing us her refinement.

“Mom… Auntie…” Mu Qingzhu could only stutter. Her mouth was wide open for a long time. Ruan Hanyu’s mother actually thought to grace her office with her presence. To actually surprise Mu Qingzhu, she would have to come to the company early in the morning and arrange herself so that the first thing Mu Qingzhu saw upon entering the office would be her. Such efforts was not lost on Mu Qingzhu.

It appeared that she had come specially to see her.

Slowly, Mu Qingzhu was able to regain her senses. Was this important? Her presence in the office at this time must’ve meant she had to rush over very early in the morning. Mu Qingzhu could not help but sneer in her heart. It must’ve been cold in the morning. For a woman her age to brave the cold to meet her in such a way must mean that whatever this was had to be important.

She just sat there, emitting the disgust and disdain she must feel for Mu Qingzhu.

This former mother-in-law had never tried to hide the dissatisfaction and disgust she felt towards her. It was always on display on her face. It was like she found it unnecessary to cover up her true feelings for her son’s ex-wife.

It seemed that her goal was to hurt Mu Qingzhu thoroughly. The deeper Mu Qingzhu was hurt, the happier Ruan Hanyu’s mother appeared to be.

More bitterness and pain flowed through Mu Qingzhu’s heart. But of course, now that she and Ruan Hanyu had finalized their divorce, she no longer had to bear this woman’s torturous expressions any longer.

“Auntie, you have come to my office at such an early hour. You must have some important business.” Needing something to do with her hands, Mu Qingzhu put down her bag and poured a cup of water for Ruan Hanyu’s mother. With a forced smile on her face, she turned to face the older woman.

Ji Xuan ignored the cup of water presented to her. After closing the newspaper, she used her sharp eyes to look over Mu Qingzhu. Pointing at the sofa opposite her, she motioned for Mu Qingzhu to have a seat.

Seeing Ji Xuan acting in a rather pleasant manner relaxed Mu Qingzhu’s heart, and she sat down with a calmer demeanor.

“You two are already divorced.” Every word that she enunciated was intended to stab her in the heart. Mu Qingzhu could only receive them coldly. Squeezing out a small smile, she replied, “I know.”

“It’s good that you know.” Then Ji Xuan’s voice became sterner in tone, “Since the divorce is common knowledge, why did you still come to the Ruan family to work? If I am not mistaken, nobody in the Ruan Group bothers to treat you well. Tell me your purpose for doing this.”

She had never forgotten that she had her limits!

The forced smile that Mu Qingzhu had pasted on her face was soon fading and her expression gradually changed, showing a bit more of her true emotions. A cold smile displayed her growing indifference. There was no use continuing this farce.

“Auntie, go and ask your son. He was the one who hired me,” Mu Qingzhu responded in a cold tone.

“Don’t use Ruan Hanyu’s name to taunt me. Although he can’t control his feelings for you, I am not the same. My mind has always been clear.” Upon mention of Ruan Hanyu’s name, out flew any hint of warmth in Ji Xuan’s face. Every bit of her features was covered in icy frost.

“If you don’t already know this, the Ruan Group is the blood and sweat of Ruan Hanyu and his father. You’d think I’d let someone like you come along and destroy it? You can fool everyone, but you can’t fool me. You’d have to ask my permission before playing any tricks. You’d be foolish not to.” Her words came out of tense lips. Her mouth barely moved to form those words.

Mu Qingzhu felt like she was suffocating. The cold air around her left her no room to hide from its icy fingers. The moment it touched her skin, she could not help but shiver from the draft. Taking a deep breath, she looked over at Ji Xuan.

“Auntie, you must be mistaken. Ruan Hanyu offered me money to work here. This is a legit exchange and nothing unlawful is happening here. But you keep insisting that I am doing something wrong. Why do you bother spewing your narrow-minded nonsense? Nobody wants to hear it.” Mu Qingzhu kept none of her words back. Just now, she just gave Ruan Hanyu’s mother the unadulterated and merciless version of her truth.

Every detail of Ji Xuan’s carefully carved facial features was radiating anger. Her face flushed red and her eyes open wide as she sternly shouted out, “Mu Qingzhu, don’t think that just because you’re the designer of a popular car model that you can throw your weight around the Ruan Group and we will cater to your every wish and whim. Let me tell you, that is not the case. Our Ruan family is not lacking in money, and we have no desire to take money out of the hands of such a woman like you. The reason Ruan Hanyu hired you was because you were a greedy woman who was after his money. He wanted to get rid of you by giving you some money. But I am different. If you have any tricks underneath that sleeve of yours, I will send you packing in no time. Let this be a lesson that you’re messing with the wrong person when you decide to mess with me.”

“Is that really so?” Mu Qingzhu was so fierce that she could not hold in her laughter. “You’re just as self-righteous as before, believing everyone in the world needs to look up to you to live.”

The word “bitch” echoed loudly off the walls. Ji Xuan’s face was red from anger after the outburst. Seeing Ji Xuan’s face, Mu Qingzhu could only laugh. “Old woman, what right do you have to be calling me names? Do you think that you’re the exception? That no one thinks lowly of you? Well, Grandma is one person who does not like you. Grandma is also not pleased with you. She also thinks you’re a slut. You two have never gotten along. So according to Grandma, what right do you have to call me a slut?”

Mu Qingzhu was beginning to think she had the worst luck. It was early in the morning and yet she had to deal with this confrontation with Ruan Hanyu’s mother. It really seemed like in this instance that Tang Wanwan was right. Maybe she should have never entered the Ruan Group to work. She was just asking for it.

“You…” Ji Xuan was rendered speechless when Mu Qingzhu pointed out her weak spot. But the anger was immediate once she recovered and her entire body trembled from that rage.

The one person she hated the most was Ruan Hanyu’s grandmother, her mother-in-law. It was no secret that they did not get along. It was such common knowledge that it was broadcast on entertainment magazines back then.

It was because of her mother-in-law that back then she had been slapped in the face by Ruan Mutian. That slap was the only time they had quarreled. Due to this, she harbored no good feelings for her mother-in-law. All this came up to the surface again by Mu Qingzhu dredging up the past. The anger that swept her made her face turn ghastly green.

Mu Qingzhu was no longer the submissive daughter-in-law she could take advantage of. She sat back quietly and waited for a more appropriate time to attack.

Ji Xuan was a spoiled and pampered individual. So that when Mu Qingzhu angered her, she really felt that the world was spinning out of control around her.

“Mom, what happened? Is there anything wrong?” A flash of red dashed into the door and Qian Anrou was beside Ji Xuan in a matter of seconds. Seeing that Ji Xuan’s complexion was not good, she hurried to squat down beside her and bathe Ji Xuan with her concern.

“Anrou.” Once Ji Xuan saw Qian Anrou, her previously tense demeanor visibly softened. Quickly seeing that someone was taking her side, she pointed at Mu Qingzhu and accused, “Anrou, you came at the right moment. This scum actually dared to insult me.”

“Mom, you must take care of your body. You’re at an age where health is important. Why bother yourself with such vulgar people? I want to be more filial towards you so I’m asking you to avoid meeting with such lowly and despicable people," Qian Anrou said gently as she used her hand to lovingly stroke Ji Xuan's back. Her face was full of smiles and attentiveness.

Hearing Qian Anrou’s words of comfort to her, Ji Xuan immediately beamed with joy. “Anrou, you are so sensible and considerate. You have made me feel much better. Has Hanyu arrived yet? I want to go and discuss your marriage with him.”

“Really?” Qian Anrou was overjoyed. Her eyes, full of anticipation, sparkled with life.

“Hanyu is so fortunate to be marrying such a gentle and understanding wife like you," Ji Xuan said with a smile. Ji Xuan lovingly held Qian Anrou’s hand in hers and patted her shoulder. Suddenly, she caught Mu Qingzhu out of the corner of her eye and her face darkened noticeably.

Seeing the scene before her, Mu Qingzhu could not sit still anymore. She stood up, preparing to leave.

“Stop right there, Mu Qingzhu.” With a calm expression on her face, Qian Anrou wanted to do her best to please Ji Xuan. Seeing Mu Qingzhu move towards the door, she charged after her, saying, “Mu Qingzhu, you’re just a lowly employee but you dare act out of turn towards the CEO’s mother? This is not good company behavior. As Director Qian, I officially order you to apologize to my mother.”

Qian Anrou’s gaze was overbearing as she sternly shouted.

Apologize? She would do no such thing! And it was actually pretty funny considering she had not done anything wrong and was the one being humiliated by Ji Xuan who had entered her office without her permission. And yet here was Qian Anrou wanting her to apologize? Did Qian Anrou really think it would be that easy to take advantage of her?

“I’m the one who needs to apologize? You’re the one who came waltzing into my office stirring up trouble one by one. You’re the ones who came into my business after all and wouldn’t leave me alone. I don’t think I’m the one who should be apologizing. Whether I believe it’s quite the opposite.” Mu Qingzhu turned around to face them, her features full of ridicule.

“Such impudence. Mu Qingzhu, your behavior is just too rude. Don’t think you can throw your weight around just because Hanyu thinks you have talent. You’re a ruthless and careless person. You don’t even care about the reckless way you treated Hanyu’s mother.” After saying this, Qian Anrou’s eyes flashed with a fierce light. She deliberately added emphasis on Ruan Hanyu’s mother’s identity in her speech, which further angered Mu Qingzhu again.

“Qian Anrou, don’t bother. Let me tell you right now, I didn’t do anything wrong and therefore, will never apologize,” Mu Qingzhu said loudly, standing her ground.

What could Qian Anrou do to her that hasn’t already been done?

“Great, you dare disobey my orders.” With a sneer in her voice, Qian Anrou picked up the phone. “Security? I am Director Qian. Please have someone come and escort an ex-employee off the premises.”

After having said that, Qian Anrou had a satisfied grin on her face. She obviously took pleasure out of Mu Qingzhu’s misfortune. She then took her position by Ji Xuan’s side and said with a charming smile on her face, “Mom, feel better. I will take care this bitch never says an unkind word to you again.”

Qian Anrou’s words left her feeling relieved. A satisfied smile was on her face.

After a short length of time, two security guards arrived.

“Director Qian, is there anything you need?” the security guards stood there, asking respectfully.

“Take this woman away. Not only did she not adhere to the company’s behavioral protocol, but she also directed her rudeness onto Director Ruan’s mother, even going on to dare insult her. Her attitude is ridiculous,” Qian Anrou ordered in an aggressive manner.

“Yes.” Though the two security guards agreed, when they saw that it was Mu Qingzhu in front of them, they were at a loss. This was a new top talent hired at a high price. She was also the newly established department manager of the design team. Her status was such that they did not dare chase her away. What if Director Ruan took it upon himself to blame them?

“What are you guys still standing around for? Hurry up!” Qian Anrou yelled, “There’s nothing to be afraid of. This is Director Ruan’s mother so of course, he will be listening to her words.”

When the two security guards heard Director Ruan’s mother was there, this loosened them from their shock. They no longer pretended they did not hear her command and walked towards Mu Qingzhu, saying in a business-like manner, “Miss, please quietly leave with us. We don’t want to make a scene.”

Mu Qingzhu searched the faces of the proud Qian Anrou and the indifferent Ji Xuan. After having done so, she suddenly had the urge to laugh.

Did she really want to stay in such a place?

But her father’s investigation was still going on, so she could not leave. In order to see things through, she had to stay at least for the time being.

“Why are you throwing me out? This is the CEO’s decision. Call Ruan Hanyu. If this is his call, then I will leave immediately,” Mu Qingzhu stood there and said this coldly.

“Hurry up and chase her away,” Qian Anrou’s voice was loud as she shouted this. They had created such a scene that there were many employees gathered in the corridor and they were all watching things unfold curiously.

The two security guards were left with no choice but to walk up and try to drag Mu Qingzhu off the company grounds.

“Stop! What Is the meaning of this?” Ruan Hanyu could not suppress the anger in his voice. Right when he heard the news, he had rushed over to stop the commotion being played out in Mu Qingzhu’s office.

“Hanyu, thank god that you’re finally here. This woman has shown her true face today and I’m here to unveil it to you. She actually dared to call me a bitch. I’ve lived to this day and age and never has anyone dared to insult me like this. You must find a way to control her immediately.” Ji Xuan pointed at Mu Qingzhu while ranting to Ruan Hanyu angrily.

“Yu, take your mother’s words to heart. This woman had the audacity to call your mother names. Fortunately, I came over in time to stop the situation from getting out of hand. Otherwise, something might have happened that we all might come to regret.” Qian Anrou ran over to Ruan Hanyu and immediately began giving him the details.

Mu Qingzhu surveyed the scene coldly.

Ruan Hanyu would never believe her. Why should she bother explaining?

If Ruan Hanyu agreed to drive her away, then she would bring up the two luxury cars she had requested in exchange for her leave.

Although the two cars were expensive, they did not have much value in the company. So getting Ruan Hanyu to agree to the deal would be a piece of cake.

Now that her dismissal was about to be a sure thing, she couldn’t wait to wait to leave. She did not want to prolong her stay here for even another minute.

“Mom, please keep such things out of the office. You used to be the leader of the company so you know how these things work. You should tell me ahead of time if you want to talk to any of the company’s employees. Next time, please don’t make such a big scene otherwise if word gets out, this could ruin the company’s reputation,” Ruan Hanyu said with a helpless expression on his face. He shook off Qian Anrou’s hand and walked towards his mother, keeping direct eye contact with her the entire time.

“Hanyu, why are you blaming me?” After hearing her son’s words, Ji Xuan’s heart was full of displeasure. Turning with a cold face, she roughly handed him the newspaper that was in her hands and said, “Look at what’s on it! If I hadn’t seen this, I wouldn’t have rushed here in such a hurry to warn you.”

Ji Xuan’s anger had left her panting. She continued to shoot daggers at Mu Qingzhu.

With a wary expression on his face, Ruan Hanyu opened the newspaper. Upon seeing what was printed on it, his face turned ashen pale.

On the front page of the entertainment section...

… on full display was the intimate picture of Jing Chengrui hugging Mu Qingzhu.

There was no doubt the look of gentleness in the handsome Jing Chengrui’s eyes as he looked down at the woman beside him. His big hands were wrapped protectively around her shoulders as if it wanted to shield her from anything that could be of harm to her.

The woman’s delicate body was almost entirely embraced in his arms. A sweet and happy smile was on her face.

In the background was the Wanwan Coffee House.

Ruan Hanyu’s eyes burned with outright anger. The veins on his forehead were pulsating heavily. Unable to keep his rage under control, he threw the newspaper in front of Mu Qingzhu. His eyes were razor-sharp and cutting.

Mu Qingzhu reached down to take the newspaper into her hands. Sprayed on the front cover were the photos of her and Jing Chengrui from last night. This left her pretty stunned!

The photos of her and Jing Chengrui caught them at such an intimate moment that her face immediately turned red after seeing them. It was no wonder that Ji Xuan held such a grudge towards her when she entered the office. The pictures must be what had been provoking her at the time.

Mu Qingzhu could recall that when Jing Chengrui followed her out of the cafe last night, the venue was so crowded that the sea of people were being crushed together. Jing Chengrui was worried that a stray arm or leg could hit her, so he used his tall body as a shield to protect her. At that time, Mu Qingzhu remembered a flash of white light but had not put too much thought into it. Now after more careful reconsideration, it must’ve been paparazzi secretly taking photos. After all, Jing Chengrui had said he had sighted one before entering the cafe when he was explaining himself to Mu Qingzhu.

In big red letters, the headline on the entertainment news front page impressively read, “The world’s richest businessman, Jing Chengrui and Ruan Hanyu’s ex-wife, Mu Qingzhu, intimately embracing in a warm hug.”

The words soon began a jumbled mess as the room suddenly started spinning wildly. Mu Qingzhu dizzily reached out for something to steady herself with. All her strength had been used in the previous confrontation. Now with the rise of this new scandal, Mu Qingzhu did not feel like she was adequately equipped to deal with such matters. Feeling devastated, Mu Qingzhu closed her eyes and wished she was someplace else.