The Tragedy of Two Generations

Qin Yingzhi's Second Marriage

Qin Yingzhi got married a second time, this time to a foreigner. She moved abroad to focus on her career and, even after another marriage and subsequent divorce, she didn't return until last year when she shifted her business focus back to China.

During the Lantern Festival this year, Alistair's mother invited her over for dinner, and Lily met Qin Yingzhi. Lily's description matched Qin Yingzhi's appearance and age, and given the relationship between Alistair and Edmond, it made sense for Qin Yingzhi to secure a collaboration with Jingxiu.

Lily had heard of Qin Yingzhi, though they had never met. Aria had mentioned Alistair's charismatic cousin, a bold and capable beauty with a flair for romance. She had been married four times, and each husband had loved her deeply. The thought of such charm intensified Lily's anxiety. "If it really is her, isn't that worse? What if Edmond also…"

Aria waved her hand dismissively. "If it's really Qin Yingzhi, that's actually better. She's not interested in men like Edmond. She prefers gentle types or younger men. Edmond sees Qin Yingzhi as a sister, just like Alistair does."

Lily remained uneasy. "But Franklin had a bad feeling about it…"

"Franklin?" Aria was stunned and then slapped her forehead. That's right. When Lily mentioned this before, Aria's mind was preoccupied with Michelle's comeback and Alistair's affairs, so she hadn't thought much about it.

Franklin had met Qin Yingzhi. If it was really her, he would know that she and Edmond were impossible. Why mislead Lily? If it wasn't her, Franklin, who cared deeply for Lily, would have confronted Edmond instead of letting Lily get hurt. What game was Franklin playing?

Lily didn't notice Aria's thoughtful expression as she read Edmond's message on her phone: "I know what he wants to tell you. Ignore him. I'll explain when you get home."

**Edmond's Confession**

Edmond could guess what Royce wanted to say to Lily. When they encountered each other at Michelle's riverside restaurant, Royce demanded a reason for Edmond marrying Lily. Edmond had told him to ask his parents or the old man. With no word from Royce since then, it was clear no one wanted to discuss the past disgrace.

Today's message suggested Royce had finally found out. Perhaps the family group incident had pushed Malika to her breaking point, leading to a fight with Nelson and an old grudge being aired, overheard by Royce.

That night, in a dimly lit bedroom with only a bedside lamp on, Lily nestled in Edmond's arms, her mouth agape in shock. She had been speculating with Aria over dinner about what could make Royce want to meet her, but she never expected this revelation.

She didn't know what to say, so she stayed quiet, listening.

"My mother was in college when she returned to her high school to give a speech. Nelson was a first-year student and fell in love with her at first sight. He pursued her for a long time, and she promised to consider him once he graduated.

However, during her time volunteering with a charity, she caught my father's eye. A lot happened, and right after she graduated, she was forced to marry him."

**Lily's Shock**

Edmond's voice was calm, as if recounting someone else's story. Lily marveled at how well the old man had kept this secret. As a child, she had spent so much time at the Zhou family's home without hearing a whisper. Even Royce, who shared everything with her, had known nothing of this until now.

She wondered how such a significant scandal had been suppressed. Outsiders feared the Zhou family's power, but Malika, who hated Edmond, had never used it against him. And Nelson, who had tried to stop the wedding by flipping a table, now maintained a seemingly cordial relationship with the old man.

Why didn't Edmond retaliate now that he had secured Jingxiu? If she were Edmond, she would have sent the old man to a nursing home as payback for ruining multiple lives.

**Lily's Reassurance**

"I know you didn't marry me for revenge," Lily said, snuggling closer to Edmond, her right hand gently patting his back in comfort. Even if he had, it wouldn't matter. She had married him with ulterior motives too. The past was the past; the present and future mattered more. And Edmond had treated her very well since their marriage.

Edmond fell silent after his brief disclosure. Lily sensed the weight of his unspoken burdens. She, too, carried unshared pains, making her attuned to his vulnerability. Though she had many questions, she didn't press him further. Instead, she traced her fingers along his cool cheek, through his hair, and down to his neck, inching closer.

**Edmond's Vulnerability**

Edmond had returned late after a meal with Yao Chengren, negotiating a stake in Win that would allow Lily to dominate the company. Yao only needed to show his face, drink, and boast to pocket the money. The negotiation went smoothly, and both men had drunk heavily.

Even after showering, the alcohol's scent lingered on Edmond. Fueled by liquid courage, he shared his past with Lily, intending to clarify that revenge wasn't his motive. Before he could elaborate, she began comforting him passionately.

Was she pitying him? In the dim light, Edmond remained motionless, his dark eyes fixed on her.

Lily's kissing skills had improved, and she easily captured the lingering taste of alcohol from his mouth. As her soft fingers traveled from his hair down his face and throat, hooking into his pajamas, Edmond's scalp tingled. His dark eyes welled with emotion, eventually surrendering to her audacity, knowing he would reclaim his pride next time.

Lily decided to give Edmond a temporary nickname tonight: Zhou the Rogue or Zhou the Pervert.

He was crazy. In the middle of the night, he lifted her from bed, dressed her in a cheongsam, and started kissing her with demands.

"Don't wear these cheongsams outside anymore. Just wear them in the bedroom, okay?"

"Okay."

Since you bought them, I'll wear them however you want. Seeing her so agreeable, Edmond pushed further.

"Can I respond to Royce's WeChat for you?"

Lily pretended not to hear and had no time to answer. She was fuming. The fire in this man's eyes could burn her, and his hands were even more destructive. The cheongsam was ruined! That expensive cheongsam was torn apart, its buttons flying off.