C109 This Is My Husband!!

Zhang Chen's eyes went wide.

He stood there, dumbfounded, at a loss for words.

After all their time together, this was a first for him. Had she really let go of her anger?

But before Zhang Chen could ponder further, a waiter swung the door open.

Led by Lin Zhiqing, they stepped into the private room.

As the door opened, the room's chatter ceased abruptly, and all eyes turned to them.

Seventeen or eighteen people were already seated inside.

A young man, dressed lavishly, occupied the seat of honor.

Lin Zhiqing's entrance prompted a chorus of gasps!

The man's eyes bulged, his gaze brimming with astonishment.

However, the moment they caught sight of Zhang Chen, the exclamations died down.

The sight of Lin Zhiqing still clutching Zhang Chen's hand darkened many a man's expression.

"Zhiqing, you're late today. You'll have to drink three cups as punishment!"

A woman stood, teasing with a smile.

Lin Zhiqing glanced over and chuckled, "Zhang Xue, you know I don't drink."

The man composed himself and rose to his feet, "Lin Zhiqing's presence is truly an honor for me!"

Lin Zhiqing responded with a smile and a nod.

The man, slightly awkward, gestured to the last remaining chair beside him.

"Please, Zhiqing, join us. We've been waiting for you."

His invitation was warm and eager.

The other classmates chimed in with their agreement.

Lin Zhiqing's arrival had set the men's hearts aflame with enthusiasm!

Jealousy etched on their faces, a few female students sat in silence, their eyes curiously fixed on Zhang Chen.

Amidst the crowd, the couple made their way to the solitary chair.

Lin Zhiqing's eyes narrowed as she took in the scene.

Just one seat.

Zhang Chen's lips curled into a knowing smile. He remained calm, simply waiting.

The man gave a derisive snort, feigning warmth, "This is the seat we've prepared for you. And who might this gentleman be?"

All eyes landed on Zhang Chen.

He flashed a grin, ready to introduce himself.

But Lin Zhiqing beat him to it, her voice ringing out, "He's my husband."

Zhang Chen stood rooted to the spot, stunned.

The sound of Lin Zhiqing's voice reverberated in his head.

A peculiar sensation suddenly took hold of Zhang Chen's heart.

Everyone around him was equally taken aback.

A look of bewilderment filled their eyes.

The man clenched his jaw, fury blazing in his gaze.

This gathering was supposed to be about Lin Zhiqing!

Yet, Lin Zhiqing had the audacity to bring her husband along!

The man's heart seethed with rage, yet he was at a loss for words.

However, a spark of interest flickered in the eyes of the women seated nearby.

Zhang Xue rose to her feet, beaming as she said, "So you're Zhiqing's husband."

She swept her gaze across the room and chuckled, "Hasn't anyone here heard? Zhang Chen is quite the celebrity in Ningzhou!"

Her words cast a sudden clarity over many, their expressions shifting to one of scorn.

But the man was dumbfounded.

He had never heard the rumors about Zhang Chen.

All he knew was that Lin Zhiqing was married.

Zhang Xue continued with a smile, "It appears Young Master Hee is truly out of the loop. Zhiqing has been married for quite some time."

"Zhiqing is truly remarkable, managing to find a man willing to marry into her family. I have to say, I'm impressed. It's rare to find such kindness in men these days."

Her seemingly complimentary words carried an undercurrent of sarcasm.

With that statement, everyone caught on.

A son-in-law who marries into the wife's family!

Why would a man agree to that? Because he's poor, of course!

Realization dawning, Hee Jiahua's face twisted into a sly smirk as he said, "I see now."

Zhang Chen offered a polite nod in greeting.

Uninterested, Hee Jiahua turned his attention back to Lin Zhiqing, speaking with feigned warmth, "Zhiqing, please take a seat. I've heard the Lin family has hit a rough patch recently. As it happens, I've just succeeded my father's position, and I'm in a place to offer assistance."

He gestured towards an empty chair with a clear implication.

Take a seat, and I'll lend you a hand.

Lin Zhiqing's brow furrowed, her inner turmoil apparent.

The Hee family was undeniably one of Ningzhou's most affluent. Specializing in transportation, they virtually dominated the city's entire industry.

Despite the Hee family's offer of assistance, Lin Zhiqing declined. With a smile, she said, "No need. It seems there's no hope left for the Lin family."

Her words were tinged with self-deprecation, yet she deftly defused the awkwardness of the moment.

Hee Jiahua felt a surge of anger flare up within him once more.

The others sneered at Lin Zhiqing, finding her standing there quite the uncomfortable spectacle.

Embarrassment crept over Lin Zhiqing as well.

But then, Zhang Chen unexpectedly approached Hee Jiahua.

As everyone watched in bewilderment, Zhang Chen took a seat.

Hee Jiahua was caught off guard, his left hand resting on the chair's back, his right hand outstretched as if indicating the seat.

It appeared as though Hee Jiahua had intentionally held the chair out for Zhang Chen.

Hee Jiahua swiftly retracted his hand, his internal rage intensifying.

The rest of the group was equally baffled. Couldn't Zhang Chen even muster the barest hint of decorum?

Amidst the collective confusion, Zhang Chen cheerfully suggested, "Zhiqing, why don't you sit on my lap? There's plenty of room."

This proposition left everyone's eyes wide with shock.

Sit on his lap during a meal?

Lin Zhiqing's eyes went wide as well, a sudden shyness washing over her.

She couldn't fathom what Zhang Chen was up to.

Hee Jiahua inhaled deeply, his fists clenched.

What was he to do if Lin Zhiqing actually took a seat on Zhang Chen's lap?

With a glare at Zhang Chen, Hee Jiahua bellowed, "Waiter! Another chair, please!"

A triumphant grin spread across Zhang Chen's face.

Lin Zhiqing had an epiphany and gave Zhang Chen an additional glance.

Promptly, a waiter brought over a chair and silently set it beside Zhang Chen.

Zhang Chen was now seated alongside Hee Jiahua.

Despite the fury simmering within him, Hee Jiahua was left speechless.

Once seated, all eyes converged on Zhang Chen, their looks brimming with animosity.

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