C15 Fifty Million

"If you don't mind, you can tell me about it. I've got a reputation for being a good listener," Mao Jiarong said, patting his chest and looking at Tong Fu. "You can trust me."

Tong Fu chuckled softly, feeling a bit lighter, and shared her experiences about starting her new job today, along with worries she had never voiced to anyone before.

"I can somewhat understand why my father did what he did. But what he did to my mom and me... I really hate it, yet somehow, I can't bring myself to hate him completely. Do you think I'm being contradictory?" Tong Fu asked with an awkward smile, though it seemed more like a grimace.

"Not at all," Mao Jiarong replied, wiping sweat from his forehead with a towel. "I've heard about your situation. Regardless of any supposed engagement between the Fenng family and yours, your father shouldn't have acted that way. Now that he's betrayed you and your mom, you don't have to pay attention to him. Tong Fu, you can't always be so kind, right?"

Yeah, you can't always be so kind.

Tong Fu felt a pang of bitterness but was still worried about one thing. "Yesterday, he insisted I come home for dinner. I went, thinking he might apologize, but in the end, he just wanted to use me again. He said the company is short on funds and hoped I could ask Fenng Yun for help. What do you think? Should I talk to Fenng Yun about it?"

"I don't really feel comfortable commenting on this situation. But from what I see, your father's management skills are definitely questionable. Otherwise, the company wouldn't be in trouble again so soon. If you have any personal motives to get back at your father, lend him the money. That way, he'll rely on you and think you're still useful. Once he expands the business, you can cut off his financial support suddenly—that's the best way to deal a fatal blow."

Mao Jiarong was just sharing some thoughts and suggestions, but he made it clear, "I'm just saying. It's entirely up to you how you want to handle it. Tong Fu, honestly, I think you don't need to worry so much about some things. People should live in the moment!"

Live in the moment?

Yes, if living in the moment is the goal, what she needs to do now is adjust her mindset, try to fit into the company environment, and get along well with her colleagues. When the time is right, she can seek revenge and move on.

Tong Fu had been through a lot and suffered many wounds. It had been a long time since anyone showed her such concern, allowing her to express her worries so freely. For some reason, she had an unexpectedly good impression of Mao Jiarong.

"Tong Fu, you probably know the truth about Fenng Yun's illness. You should stay with him. Although Fenng Yun can be domineering, he's good to women, at least to you." Mao Jiarong smiled at Tong Fu, his warm smile like a ray of sunshine lighting up her heart.

"It's getting late; let me drive you home."

Tong Fu smiled and nodded, getting into Mao Jiarong's car, and headed back to Fenng Yun's house. By this time, Fenng Yun was already waiting for her at home. It was past eight in the evening, and Fenng Yun hadn't eaten dinner, waiting for Tong Fu's return. Because of this, the entire Fenng family was on edge, as if a storm was about to break.

Tong Fu walked in with a smile, but quickly sensed something was off.

"Where have you been?" Fenng Yun asked from the living room, holding a newspaper.

Tong Fu immediately dropped her smile and looked at Fenng Yun, explaining, "There’s a new project at work, and I went to a café with colleagues to discuss it. Sorry for not telling you I’d be late."

"Oh, really? I’d like to know what’s so important that you forget everything else, hmm?" Fenng Yun frowned, stepping forward and gripping Tong Fu's wrist tightly. "Let me remind you, I allowed you to work at the company as a favor. If you think that means you can deceive or fool me, think again!"

"I didn’t mean it that way." Tong Fu was confused about why Fenng Yun was upset and why he had suddenly changed, feeling wronged.

Fenng Yun picked her up and carried her upstairs. Unlike before, he tossed her onto the bed like an object, glaring at her with dissatisfaction. Holding her wrists firmly, he said, "Didn’t I tell you to let me know where you’re going? Hmm?"

"I told you, I was working late with colleagues. Why don't you believe me? If you think I'm lying, you can call them and ask! I'm really not lying." Tong Fu's wrist ached, tears glistened in her eyes as she looked at Fenng Yun. "You haven't even avenged me yet, how could I deceive you?"

Seeing Tong Fu's seemingly sincere expression, Fenng Yun finally released her. "Oh? And after working late? Where did you go? Don't think I don't know—you and your colleagues worked at the café until after seven, then went home separately."

"I... I was just taking a walk to clear my head. I had dinner with my family yesterday, and it left me feeling down. I didn't know how to bring up the issue with my father to you." Tong Fu dared not lie to Fenng Yun and spoke honestly.

Fenng Yun scrutinized the woman before him, always feeling she was hiding something, yet also sensing her sincerity. This woman always seemed both pitiful and genuine.

"Tell me, what's going on with your father?"

Tong Fu sat up on the bed, composed herself, and looked at Fenng Yun. "My dad invited me to dinner that day, saying he wanted to apologize. But in reality, he said the company is still short on money and wants me to ask you for it."

Fenng Yun chuckled lightly, appearing rather disdainful.

"I know, it's really too much. I don't even know how to explain it to you. Of course, I wasn't planning on asking you for money. I'm just at a loss for what to do," Tong Fu said, lowering her head in frustration. She thought about the promise Fenng Yun had made to her and felt the tears welling up again as she remembered her helplessness over the past few days.

Fenng Yun sighed, stood up, and said, "I'm hungry. Come down and eat."

His tone was more of a command than a suggestion.

Tong Fu quickly changed her clothes and followed Fenng Yun downstairs.

In the dining room, Tong Fu glanced at Fenng Yun's stern expression and didn't dare to say much.

After a while, she couldn't hold back any longer and asked, "So, are you going to agree to his demands? Keep giving him money?"

"Yes, I'll continue," Fenng Yun replied, setting down his spoon and looking at Tong Fu. "If you want revenge, then stay quiet and follow instructions. Keep me updated on your whereabouts, understood?"