Chapter 43: The Facade of Hypocrisy

With a sidelong glance at the composed Kong Chengyi, Hua Lianxi, as usual, dared not agree to Fang Xiufang's proposal without his consent, silently awaiting his response.

"Grandma, if we attend, we might become the media's focus, overshadowing the event's purpose!" Sipping his Pu'er tea, Kong Chengyi calmly declined Fang Xiufang's suggestion.

As if tired of the act, Kong Chengyi inwardly rejected the idea of appearing alongside Hua Lianxi again, becoming the media's target. Of course, he also remembered the disgust he felt when she had previously sold their private moment at the temple to the press.

Clutching her warm teacup, Hua Lianxi maintained a gentle smile, playing the role of the dutiful wife who deferred to her husband's decision. "Grandma, Chengyi is right. Our presence might attract media attention and distract from the purpose of promoting your broadcasting studio."

Angrily slamming her teacup on the table, Fang Xiufang's expression turned stern as she issued a command. "Whether it attracts media attention or overshadows the event, you two must accompany me. I want the whole city to see how loving and filial my grandson and granddaughter-in-law are to this old lady!"

Unlike their usual displays of affection, their current avoidance and low profile only fueled Fang Xiufang's suspicions. Determined to keep them together, she feared her hopes for a grandchild next year would be dashed.

"Fine!" Frowning, Kong Chengyi set down his tea, no longer refusing her command but clearly displeased. He stood up abruptly and headed upstairs to his room.

Staring at the dark tea in her cup, Hua Lianxi's forced smile slowly faded, as if under a spell, unable to maintain the pretense any longer.

Her lips stiff, she finally found her voice and softly said, "Grandma, I'm a bit tired. I'll go rest now." Nodding to Kong Zhendong and Lin Xiao, she turned and fled to her room.

Kong Chengyi's curt and icy tone revealed his unwillingness to appear with her, and like a worm in his stomach, she instantly understood his thoughts. This realization suffocated her, as if her throat were being squeezed, and tears threatened to spill from her eyes.

"Wait! What's going on? You used to kiss and hug in front of the media, but now you can't even show your face with Grandma? Go upstairs and talk some sense into Chengyi!" Lin Xiao glared, displeased with Hua Lianxi's lack of respect and recalling their previous public displays of affection, which now seemed like a farce.

With her back to everyone, Hua Lianxi nodded slightly in response to Lin Xiao's criticism and then headed upstairs.

"Mom, why are you so harsh? Don't scare Sister-in-law. If you do, Brother will hold you accountable. You haven't seen how clingy they used to be!" Kong Huan, displeased with Lin Xiao's harsh words, quickly followed Hua Lianxi upstairs.

"Sister-in-law, the last room is mine. If you can't sleep later, come find me. I still have two big suitcases to unpack, and I won't finish this afternoon!"

Held warmly by Kong Huan, Hua Lianxi steadied her breathing, subtly blinking back her tears, and replied softly, "Alright, if I can't sleep, I'll come help you unpack."

Perhaps Kong Huan's carefree and cheerful demeanor made Hua Lianxi let her guard down, and she didn't reflexively refuse the invitation. Maybe she also needed a break from Kong Chengyi's suffocating presence.

Standing at her door, Hua Lianxi hesitated before turning the knob, her pale fingers slightly curling as she lightly knocked twice. Hearing no response, she took a deep breath and finally pushed the door open.

The large room was silent, but Hua Lianxi couldn't help holding her breath, trying to avoid the lingering smoke and strong scent of cigarettes.

With a cigarette between his slender fingers, Kong Chengyi exhaled a cloud of smoke, his lazy gaze fixed on the dissipating haze, seemingly unaware of Hua Lianxi's presence.

Closing the door softly, Hua Lianxi stepped inside, her eyes glued to his sharp features, momentarily forgetting what she had planned to say.

Looking up at her, Kong Chengyi's lips curled into a mocking smile.

That subtle upward curve of his lips snapped Hua Lianxi out of her trance, clearly understanding the disdain in his expression. She instinctively halted her steps.

"Eager to attend? Eager for media attention? The title of Mrs. Kong is quite tempting, isn't it?" Taking another drag, Kong Chengyi smirked, as if seeing through her every thought.

Swaying slightly, Hua Lianxi forced a smile. "It's just a performance, isn't it? Isn't the spotlight what you wanted? The media chasing us, capturing our 'love'—wasn't that the script you wrote? You were the one who started this play, weren't you?"

In that moment, Hua Lianxi recalled every role she had played at his request, every display of affection under the flashing lights. Was it all just to make a certain woman jealous? Was that the real goal? And the idea of pleasing Fang Xiufang and the family just a facade?

This sudden realization choked her breath, nearly suffocating her. From the very beginning, her existence had been nothing more than a shadow, a tool for his plan.

Clenching her fists, Hua Lianxi feared she might lose control and lunge at the man before her, demanding answers for his cruelty.

With a soft scoff, Kong Chengyi stubbed out his cigarette and stood, stepping closer. "I wrote the script, but wasn't the best performance yours? You fooled the whole city, my grandmother, and even me!"

His deep voice grew lower as he approached, his hot breath brushing her skin, almost burning her face.

"Didn't I earn my pay by playing my part? Isn't that what you just taught me?" Looking down at their shoes, Hua Lianxi noticed how their toes touched, as if the opposing pair were the most intimate couple, leaning on each other.

Her long lashes fluttered, brushing against his face, and Kong Chengyi resisted the urge to stare at them, holding his breath to avoid her scent clouding his mind. He straightened slightly, creating distance between them. "The contract isn't over yet. Not continuing would be my loss. I have no reason to refuse Grandma's request, do I?"

The heavy scent of smoke dissipated, and Hua Lianxi took two steps back, forcing a sweet smile. "You're the boss, Mr. Kong. Your decision is final. But for such an important event, perhaps I should buy a dress worthy of the title 'Mrs. Kong.'" Her lips moved mechanically, as if she were stabbing herself, pushing herself further into the role of a gold-digger.

A vein throbbed on Kong Chengyi's forehead, his dark eyes icy. Her blatant greed made him want to strangle her, to silence her beautiful lips that so easily demanded more.

"Surely Mr. Kong wouldn't be so stingy as to take back my black diamond card?" With a playful wink, Hua Lianxi smiled sweetly.

His phone vibrated in his pocket, and Kong Chengyi pulled it out, his cold gaze still fixed on her. He answered without checking the number.

Watching him, Hua Lianxi awaited his final judgment.

His expression tightened, and his fingers clenched around the phone. "What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell? Stay in bed!"

The voice on the other end was too soft for Hua Lianxi to hear, but his tense expression made her think of Ding Jia's fragile figure, a sharp pain piercing her heart.

"Where's your mom? Have her get you some warm water. Sip it slowly. I'm at the old house and can't leave right now." His deep voice softened as he spoke, one hand tugging at his tie, turning away to hide his concern from Hua Lianxi.

Unable to see his face, his gentle voice became even clearer. Hua Lianxi pressed her hands to her ears, unwilling to hear, and took small steps back, desperate to escape the suffocating room.

"Are you short of breath? Don't talk anymore. Lie down. I'll be there right away. Be good, listen to me!" Hanging up, he threw his tie on the floor, grabbed his jacket from the couch, and rushed out, accidentally bumping into Hua Lianxi.

Her shoulder ached from the impact, and she stumbled back. The heavy scent of smoke vanished, as if the air had been sucked out of the room. She bent over, clutching her ears, gasping for breath.

It turned out he wasn't naturally cold. He knew how to be gentle—just not with her. All his warmth and love were reserved for the woman he had always loved, the one who lived in his heart. At the slightest sign of trouble, he would rush to her side.

Her body swayed unsteadily, and Hua Lianxi bit her lip, turning to flee the suffocating room.