C9 All of This Is Because of You!

Soong Qingrou glared at Soong Qingyue venomously. "If it hadn't been for you, I wouldn't have been kidnapped, nor would I have missed my wedding with Qingchuan."

"This is all your doing!"

Soong Qingyue couldn't help but laugh. "I didn't have you kidnapped. How is that my fault?"

Soong Qingrou sneered, stepping closer to Soong Qingyue. "Cut the act, Soong Qingyue. I know you're smitten with Qingchuan. You'd do anything to marry him."

"I did no such thing!" Soong Qingyue protested.

But Soong Qingrou was having none of it. "Soong Qingyue, mark my words, there are some debts you'll never be able to repay in this lifetime."

"What exactly do you want, Soong Qingrou?" Soong Qingyue asked, her brow furrowed.

Soong Qingrou's smile was cold. "Nothing much. Just to remind you that even if you had married Qingchuan, it wouldn't have mattered. He has never loved you. And by the way, next month, Qingchuan and I are getting married. I expect you to be there on time."

Soong Qingyue's face drained of color at Soong Qingrou's words.

Soong Qingrou and Ye Qingchuan were getting married.

A bitter smile crossed Soong Qingyue's lips.

In a mockingly sweet tone, Soong Qingrou added, "Sister, don't forget that Qingchuan was always meant to be mine."

Indeed.

Ye Qingchuan was Soong Qingrou's betrothed.

"I understand. I'll go to the blind date, and I'll be at the wedding," Soong Qingyue replied.

With that...

Soong Qingyue, exhausted, returned to her room.

The moment the door shut, she leaned against it and slid to the floor, tears streaming down her face.

After a while, Soong Qingyue hastily wiped the tears away.

She stood up, chose a rather nice dress, dressed herself, applied a bit of makeup, and left.

Soong Qingyue arrived at the coffee shop at nine o'clock.

Zhang Yunshan had been waiting there for quite some time.

It was only then that Soong Qingyue realized what Ann Yun had meant by saying her date was a bit older.

Gazing at Zhang Yunshan, who appeared to be in his sixties, Soong Qingyue furrowed her brows before reluctantly taking a seat.

Upon laying eyes on Soong Qingyue, Zhang Yunshan's eyes gleamed with excitement. "Miss Soong, I must say, you're quite stunning. You don't resemble someone who's spent time behind bars, let alone a mother."

His sleazy demeanor left Soong Qingyue feeling nauseated.

"Thank you for the compliment, Director Zhang," she responded coolly.

Zhang Yunshan fidgeted with his hands, attempting to reach out and touch Soong Qingyue's hand, but she skillfully evaded his touch.

With a hint of embarrassment, Zhang Yunshan inquired, "Miss Soong, what would you like to drink?"

"Just water, please," Soong Qingyue replied.

Zhang Yunshan's gaze remained fixated on Soong Qingyue's face, never wavering.

Soong Qingyue's beauty, paired with her icy demeanor, gave her an ethereal quality.

Unable to contain his restlessness, Zhang Yunshan blurted out, "Miss Soong, you do realize why you're here today, don't you?"

"Yes," she acknowledged.

"Well then, let's be clear. After we marry, my wealth will not be shared with you, Miss Soong. I will, however, provide you with an allowance for living expenses and to support the two children. Additionally, I expect you to bear me a child. But what's most important is that you understand your place. Don't assume that marrying me gives you any right to control me."

Zhang Yunshan's arrogant tone only intensified Soong Qingyue's revulsion.

"Furthermore, considering your past—time in prison, a child, and a divorce—it's an honor for you to marry me. You should be well aware of that."

Mid-sentence, Zhang Yunshan seized an unguarded moment to grasp her hand, caressing it.

Soong Qingyue grimaced, withdrawing her hand with force, her inner disgust palpable. "Director Zhang, I insist that you conduct yourself with respect."