Chapter 41: No Sorrow Greater Than a Dead Heart

Leng Qingqiu had been drinking.

Her mood was terrible.

After years of hard work, she had finally managed to steer Qianfeng Group back on track. But now, her own father was placing his trust in an outsider and planning to push her out.

Leng Qingqiu felt an icy, despairing chill in her heart.

The bond between father and daughter was transactional, stripped of familial warmth.

Fueled by alcohol, Leng Qingqiu made her way to Dasheng Group.

Her arrival at Dasheng Group was nothing short of a spectacle.

No one dared to stop her. Everyone knew she was Lu Chengwen's goddess, his fiancée, set to be engaged next month.

So, as Leng Qingqiu walked through the building, she exuded an air of authority, even more so than in her own company.

She stormed straight up to the top floor. Zhao Gang, having already received word of her arrival, rushed out to intercept her.

"Director Leng, Director Leng, Director Lu is currently meeting with an important guest. Please wait in the lounge."

Leng Qingqiu, emboldened by the alcohol, snapped, "Nonsense! Since when have I ever had to wait to see Lu Chengwen? Move aside!"

Though she had been drinking, Leng Qingqiu's intelligence hadn't diminished. She could tell from Zhao Gang's expression that something was amiss.

After taking a few steps, she turned around and glared at him. Zhao Gang froze.

"If you dare tip him off, I'll make sure you regret it."

"Ah? I... I didn't..."

Leng Qingqiu leaned in closer to Zhao Gang. "Let me tell you something. I am the most important woman in Lu Chengwen's heart. You know better than anyone how many tricks he's pulled over the past three years just to marry me."

"Yes..."

"Starting next month, I'll be the young mistress of the Lu family. If you cross me, I'll make sure to whisper bad things about you in Lu Chengwen's ear every night. Let's see how long you last then!"

Zhao Gang was terrified.

No matter how close he was to Lu Chengwen, he was still just a lackey.

If he really offended Leng Qingqiu, his days would be numbered.

Seeing Zhao Gang's cowardly expression, Leng Qingqiu smirked. "Stay out of my way."

With that, she pushed the door open and entered.

As she walked through the outer office, she saw Lu Chengwen's secretary, Jiang Shihan. Just as Jiang Shihan was about to speak, Leng Qingqiu raised a finger to her lips and warned with a cold expression, "If you want to keep your job, stay quiet."

Jiang Shihan was frightened. She was terrified of losing her job.

And she knew better than anyone how far Lu Chengwen would go for Leng Qingqiu.

Leng Qingqiu felt a surge of satisfaction.

Being the young mistress of the Lu family was quite exhilarating!

She realized that she was actually enjoying this identity. Being able to wield such authority in Lu Chengwen's company gave her a tremendous sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

Involuntarily, she thought: Lu Chengwen is mine, so everything he has is mine.

They fear Lu Chengwen, so they must fear me too. Hehe. After all, I'm the young mistress of the Lu family!

When she reached the inner suite, she found it empty.

Where was this so-called important guest?

Hearing voices from inside, Leng Qingqiu instantly grew alert.

Could it be... he's hiding a woman here?

How wonderful! On the surface, he's pursuing me, but behind my back, he's keeping a pretty woman in his company!

As she approached the door to the lounge, which was slightly ajar, she saw her father, Leng Tianhao, talking to Lu Chengwen.

Leng Tianhao sat in the seat of power, exuding arrogance."Chengwen, according to my intelligence network, the shantytown project has no chance of making a profit. What on earth are you thinking?"

Lu Chengwen laughed. "Profit isn't the main goal. Even if we lose money, we need to develop the eastern district. As entrepreneurs, we have a social responsibility.

"Hmph! You've made a huge mistake. Let's cut to the chase. If you want to marry our Qingqiu, the starting price is ten billion. That's what we agreed on."

Standing at the door, Leng Qingqiu felt dizzy, her legs weak, and she nearly collapsed to the ground.

What!?

So, the reason her parents agreed to the marriage alliance with the Lu family was because Lu Chengwen offered a hefty sum?

What am I? A commodity to be sold to the highest bidder?

Tears welled up in Leng Qingqiu's eyes.

I'm quite valuable, aren't I?

But Lu Chengwen scratched his head and said, "I need to raise fifty billion in cash for the project. I don't have the money right now."

Leng Tianhao stood up abruptly. "No money, no marriage to my daughter! I declare your engagement canceled!"

Lu Chengwen laughed heartily and stood up to shake Leng Tianhao's hand. "Thank you, Uncle. Please let Qingqiu know. I won't be showing up.

"You... you've always liked Qingqiu, haven't you?"

"She doesn't like me. You all know that."

"As long as you pay up, I can still make her agree to the engagement."

A few days ago, Lu Chengwen would have obediently paid.

But now, he couldn't be more eager to get out of it.

Lu Chengwen smiled. "No need. Qingqiu and I are not on the same path. Forced relationships are never sweet. Let's each go our own way."

Leng Qingqiu was in despair.

What liking, what adoration, what vows of eternal devotion, what promises of undying love...

It was all a lie.

It was all just business.

So, I'm not valuable anymore, is that it?

Lu Chengwen, you pursued me for three years, said all the right things, and now you're being socold-heartedness.

Heh, is there anything more ridiculous than this? Is there anyone more pitiful than me?

My father treats me as a commodity, and the man who chased after me for three years, is now heartlessly abandon me like I'm worthless...

Is there anyone in this world who still cares about me? Anyone who sees me as a person?

I, Leng Qingqiu, am just a clown.

Leng Tianhao was also furious. "Lu Chengwen, don't get too cocky! The Leng family won't be manipulated by you so easily. You think you can control us by tricking Qingqiu into investing in this lousy project? Dream on! Next week, I'll announce that Leng Qingqiu is being removed from her position. From now on, she has nothing to do with Qianfeng Group!"

Lu Chengwen was shocked. "What did you say?"

"I'm the chairman of Qianfeng Group! I have the authority!"

Lu Chengwen grew anxious. "Don't do that. Hey, revitalizing Qianfeng is Qingqiu's dream. You're her father. You can't just take that away from her."

"Dreams? What dreams? All I care about is getting Qianfeng Group back to its peak. Whoever can help me achieve that will be the president of Qianfeng Group!"

Lu Chengwen became agitated. "Aren't you practically killing Qingqiu by doing this? You know how hard she's worked these years, how much she wants to prove herself to you. How is this any different from killing her? You're her father! At a time like this, you should be her biggest supporter!"

"You're her fiancé, aren't you? Didn't you abandon her too?"

"That's different!" Lu Chengwen shouted. "I'm just an outsider. You know how much she despises me! Everyone in Snow City knows! I can break up with her. Even if we got married, we could still divorce. But parents are forever. You're supposed to support her, protect her, love her, and always stand by her side as her backing! How can you call yourself a father!?"

"Oh? You're quite the righteous one, aren't you? Then why did you try to screw us over?"

"I didn't screw you over! I just... I didn't expect her to get involved. She misunderstood, thinking I could make a lot of money. I'm doing this project expecting to lose money!"

"Cut the crap! I see right through you. You're trying to drag all three of us down, make us lose money, and then pick us off one by one, right?"

Lu Chengwen was so anxious he started pacing. "How could I be that kind of person? Uncle Leng, you can't do this to Qingqiu. Her tough exterior is just a facade. Deep down, she's very shatterable. She needs your love and support! It breaks my heart to see her pretending to be strong all the time. You're her father. How can you not feel anything?"

At the door, Leng Qingqiu was already in tears.

Lu Chengwen's words struck a chord deep within her.

Lu Chengwen, if you understand me so well, why didn't you say so earlier? Why did you pretend to be so slick and annoying?

If you care about me so much, why did you make a deal with my father to buy and sell me like a commodity?

If you don't want to hurt me, why did you suddenly call off the engagement?

Why? What do you want from me? How can you let me go?

What kind of person are you? What are you trying to do!?

Leng Tianhao said, "Cut the nonsense. We're all old foxes here. I was playing these games when you were still playing in the mud!"

Lu Chengwen was furious. "Is this about the shantytown project? Fine, whatever you invest, I'll cover it! If you make a profit, you keep it. If you lose money, it's on me!"

"Oh?" At the mention of money, Leng Tianhao perked up. "Don't just talk the talk!"

"I, Lu Chengwen, am not one to just talk!"

"But let me remind you, this money isn't for marrying Qingqiu. Don't mix the two."

Lu Chengwen looked at Leng Tianhao in disbelief. "I mean... do you care about anything other than money? When you talk about Qingqiu, I don't sense any fatherly love at all. Is your daughter a commodity? All you talk about is money, money, money. Don't you find yourself disgusting? You're her father. If Qingqiu heard you say these things, how heartbroken would she be?"

"Cut the crap. Just answer me. Do you agree or not?"

"As long as you don't hurt Qingqiu, I agree!"

"Good, then transfer the money!"

Lu Chengwen gritted his teeth. "Fine, I'll transfer ten billion directly to you. The four point nine billion, you invest as normal. Don't break the agreement with the government! The remaining five point one billion, you can use to buy land or whatever you want. Just don't hurt Leng Qingqiu!"

"Oh? Quite generous, aren't you?"

" Bullshit!" Lu Chengwen said. "And from now on, our families go our separate ways. Let's not interfere with each other!"

"No problem. Transfer the money!"

Leng Qingqiu, watching Lu Chengwen, was on the verge of collapse.

She didn't know whether to feel devastated or stirred.

What is this person thinking?

Didn't he like me? Since he's willing to pay, why not use this opportunity to threaten my money-grubbing father and get me?

Why is he saying he wants to cut ties with me?

What does this person want from me?

Lu Chengwen picked up the phone. "Li Meiqin, transfer ten billion to Qianfeng Group's account immediately. I know! Just do as I say. If the sky falls, I'll take the blame! What do you mean we need procedures? Use the expedited process. Contact the bank directly. The transfer must be completed within five minutes!"

Lu Chengwen hung up the phone. "Satisfied?"

Leng Tianhao laughed heartily. "Young man, you're too impulsive, too naive."

"Uncle Leng, I beg you, don't hurt Qingqiu."

"Why? Didn't you say you want to cut ties with our family? Why do you care so much about her?"

Lu Chengwen was so angry tears welled up in his eyes.

"Because I'm a human being, a flesh-and-blood human being."

Leng Tianhao nodded. "However, our agreement still stands. Transfer another ten billion, and Qingqiu will definitely be yours."

Lu Chengwen gritted his teeth. "Goodbye and good riddance!"

Leng Tianhao laughed heartily and pushed open the door to leave.