Eavesdropping at the Door! Catching It Live!

Ning Father's intention for today's banquet had been to give Ning Shile more chances to make an impression on the Zheng Family, smoothing the way for the Ning Family's upcoming project.

Now, though, that hardly seemed necessary.

Their Ning Family weren't the protagonists. They were cannon fodder among cannon fodder, and there was no way he could leave much of an impression on Mr. and Mrs. Zheng.

Ning Shile thought he might as well spend that time enjoying some gossip instead.

"Shile, right?" Zheng Mother said. "Come here. Let me get a look at you."

Zheng Mother's gaze returned to Ning Shile. Her voice wasn't loud, but it still caught the guests' attention.

Suddenly the center of attention, Ning Shile felt a little awkward. He walked over and greeted her politely. "Hello, Auntie."

"I've long heard that the Ning Family's youngest son is handsome and clever. Now that I've met you, you certainly live up to your reputation." As though remembering something, Mrs. Zheng asked, "Your family won the bid for this year's innovation project, didn't you?"

Ning Shile was a little surprised. He hadn't expected Mrs. Zheng to bring that up.

The innovation project was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Ning Family. Ning Father had spent months working late into the night over it, and on the day they won the bid, he'd even gotten so excited that he ended up in the hospital. To the Zheng Family, however, a project like this was too insignificant to even mention.

Any project the Zheng Family took on, no matter how casually chosen, would bring in more than a hundred times the profit of this one.

Ning Shile had assumed Mrs. Zheng wouldn't give it a second glance.

Apparently, capitalists really were capitalists. Even the tiniest scrap of profit caught their eye.

"Yes," Ning Shile replied.

"Mmm." Zheng Mother nodded. "If I remember correctly, the project hasn't launched yet? Having trouble attracting investment?"

Ning Shile considered his answer before saying, "The project covers a fairly broad range of areas, and its operating model is quite innovative. A lot of investors are still waiting to see how things go."

The mention of the project reminded Ning Shile of something. Come to think of it, wasn't this project a huge success later on? It even inspired a lot of new business models.

But why didn't our family get anything out of it?

Ning Shile thought for a moment, then realized.

Oh, right. It was all that unreliable investor's fault! Our funding dried up halfway through, and we had no choice but to sell the unfinished project.

They were the ones who completed it afterward. I think they even gave the Zheng Family a run for their money for a while!

Gave the Zheng Family a run for their money?

Mr. and Mrs. Zheng exchanged a glance.

Zheng Father spoke first. "I've looked over your project too. It certainly is a bold venture."

Ning Shile nodded.

"I'll keep this in mind," Mr. Zheng said. "Tomorrow, I'll visit the Ning Corporation myself to discuss an investment proposal."

Ning Shile paused, then hurried to thank them. “Thank you, Uncle and Auntie.”

Hearing this, Ning Father grew so excited that his face flushed. He wanted nothing more than to rush over and finalize the arrangement with the Zheng Family right then and there.

But this clearly wasn't the time. Today's priority was the marriage alliance between the Zheng and Su Families, not business.

Ning Father did his best to contain his excitement, gazing at his wonderful son with delight.

His approving gaze was so intense that Ning Shile felt a little embarrassed.

Wasn't this going a little too smoothly? All he'd done was enjoy some gossip. How had the problem somehow solved itself?

Still, as long as his dear old father was happy, today's trip hadn't been wasted.

Besides...

Besides, there's juicy rich-family gossip waiting for me! I'm going to eavesdrop! Catch it live! Restroom play!

Ning Shile happily made his plans, exchanged a few more pleasantries with Mr. and Mrs. Zheng, then turned to leave.

Seeing this, Mrs. Zheng immediately contacted the reporters and told them to follow Ning Shile.

Once everything was arranged, Mrs. Zheng sat down in the seat of honor.

First, she took a sip of tea, set the cup down, then picked it up again...

She felt as though something were scratching at her heart, over and over...

"Actually, I'd like to use the restroom," Mrs. Zheng suddenly said.

"What a coincidence. So would I," Mr. Zheng immediately replied.

Mr. and Mrs. Zheng exchanged a glance. No words were needed; they understood each other perfectly.

Sure enough, everyone was a gossip hound at heart.

Ning Shile wandered along, completely oblivious to the group of reporters following him.

The novel hadn't described this part in much detail. Ning Shile didn't know which floor it was on, so he could only search them one by one.

When he finally found the restroom on the top floor, he spotted a "No entry" sign standing outside it from a distance.

That hushed atmosphere.

That pitch-black hallway.

Now this was the vibe!

Ning Shile hurried over and pressed himself against the gap in the restroom door.

Rustling came from inside. Soon, Su Jin's voice rang out. “Big brother, don't be angry anymore. I'm doing all this for you.”

"For me?" the man scoffed. "Looks more like you're doing it for yourself."

“Big brother, how could you think that of me? The Zheng Family's son is in a vegetative state. Nothing will happen between us.” Su Jin sounded utterly sincere, his voice tinged with tears, making him seem pitiful. “Didn't you tell me your father favors your younger brother? Once I marry into the Zheng Family, your future projects will go smoothly.”

The man's tone softened a little. "So you think I need my lover to sell his body to support my business?"

“No... that's not what I meant,” Su Jin said. “Big brother, I know. You're not going to marry me, are you?”

"I love you. I won't make things difficult for you. You won't have to worry if I marry someone in a vegetative state. Babe, you're the only person I'll ever love..."

Su Jin's words were flawless.

The man seemed unable to hold back any longer and called out Su Jin's name.

Breathing turned ragged.

The crying grew quieter.

Pressed against the door, Ning Shile soon felt his ears turn red.

Su Jin really knows what he's doing!

No, seriously, he really knows what he's doing. Calling out like that! My bones are melting!

I'm getting embarrassed just listening!

Ning Shile pursed his lips, his ears red, and shifted position to keep listening.

He didn't forget to comment inwardly. Doing this with another man at his own engagement banquet! Shameless!

The two inside seemed certain that nobody would come to the top floor. They grew increasingly uninhibited, their noises getting louder and louder.

The reporters following Ning Shile couldn't resist any longer either. They all stepped forward to press themselves against the gap in the door.

The people suddenly crowding around him startled Ning Shile.

But when he saw them tiptoeing, their eyes brimming with a thirst for gossip, he understood.

They were all fellow gossip lovers!

There was enough for everyone!

Ning Shile generously moved aside, making a little room for the others.

Inside, the couple were enjoying carnal bliss.

Outside, the spectators were reveling in the gossip.

Around the corner, Mr. and Mrs. Zheng squirmed with impatience.

They wanted to listen too.

But it wasn't time for them to make their entrance yet.

A wealthy family had to have standards! Even when enjoying gossip, they couldn't get caught!

"Stop squeezing me..." the reporters whispered.

"Move over here a little..."

"I don't have any room either. Young man, scoot over a bit..."

Ning Shile made an OK gesture, but he had no room left either, so he could only slowly crouch down.

Unfortunately, the person behind him had been leaning against him. Once Ning Shile crouched, that person lost his support and pitched forward.

Several people instantly tumbled into a heap. Someone's hand hit the door handle, and with a click, the door swung open.

"..."

"..."

One doorway, two very different scenes.

The two inside turned around to find six or seven people packed together in the doorway, leaning against the wall and frozen in place.

Silence.

Dead silence.

Looking at the pair's position, Ning Shile slowly covered his eyes and backed out of the crowd.

Only then did Su Jin snap out of his daze. He screamed and grabbed some clothes to cover himself.

That one disturbance set off a tidal wave of chaos.

The reporters decided they might as well go all in. They raised their cameras and snapped away, flashes firing wildly, giving the people inside no chance to react.

"You... keep taking pictures and I'll call the police!" The man frantically pulled up his trousers and shoved at the reporters.

"Did you hear me? Which papers are you from? Do you know who I am?"

"Did you hear me? Stop taking pictures!"

Ning Shile heard the commotion inside growing louder. There was even the sound of a camera hitting the floor. Apparently, things had turned physical.

He was about to try to intervene when he looked up and saw Mr. and Mrs. Zheng emerge from around the corner.

Huh???

Zheng Mother tilted her chin toward Ning Shile, seemingly signaling that he needn't worry and could leave the rest to them.

Then Mr. and Mrs. Zheng walked straight toward the restroom door.

Ning Shile was stunned.

Wait, is this Mission: Impossible? The Zheng Family already knew Su Jin was seeing someone else!?

Impressive, Mr. and Mrs. Zheng!!!

Zheng Father cleared his throat, feeling rather pleased by Ning Shile's praise. "Su Jin, what else do you have to say for yourself?"

The instant Su Jin saw Mr. and Mrs. Zheng, he went blank.

His face was deathly pale. He huddled on the floor, clothes draped over him to cover his private parts.

"No... it's not what you think..." Su Jin murmured, shaking his head, his eyes red.

How had this happened?

Why had Mr. and Mrs. Zheng come here? No, this couldn't happen. He'd been so close to succeeding. He was going to become the Zheng Family's daughter-in-law. He was going to get revenge on the Su Family!

Su Jin jerked his head up and pointed at the man in front of him. "It was him! He forced me! Uncle, Auntie, it was him!"

"Me?" The man stared at Su Jin in disbelief. "What did I force you to do? Su Jin, we've been together for five years! Your food, your clothes, your home, your transportation—what haven't I paid for?"

"What five years? You're lying! It was you! You forced me! I don't even know you!" Su Jin's eyes were wet and red, tears spilling uncontrollably. His black hair, already disheveled from their intimacy, only made him look more wretched now as he knelt on the floor and begged Mr. and Mrs. Zheng to believe him.

The man clenched his fists, his chest heaving with fury. "Do you have any idea what you're saying? Su Jin! You just told me you were marrying into the Zheng Family for my sake!"

"You're lying!" Su Jin raised his voice, glaring at the man. "I don't even know you!"

The man's eyes reddened too. "I'm lying? What am I lying about? You're the one who said you loved me!"

Looking at the man's expression, Ning Shile sighed.

The loving always get hurt by the heartless~

Wake up, you lovesick fool. Can't you see it yet? Su Jin only loves power and status. He doesn't love you at all.

The man refused to believe it. He grabbed Su Jin's shoulders, gripping them tightly as though trying to prove something. "Say it! You love me. Say you love me!"

"You're lying!" Su Jin broke free of the man's arms and knelt before Mr. and Mrs. Zheng, pleading, "I can explain, Uncle and Auntie. I can explain!"

Wake up. Mr. and Mrs. Zheng are the only people Su Jin can see right now!

Oh, wait, no. Not Mr. and Mrs. Zheng. Grandpa and Grandma Moneybags.

Mr. and Mrs. Zheng nearly choked at that, almost ruining their imposing air as they confronted the cheating couple.

Ning Shile really never missed a chance to say something outrageous...

"Enough," Mr. Zheng said. "I don't care what your relationship is. In any case, the marriage between our two families is canceled."

At those words, Su Jin felt as though the sky had collapsed. He sat on the floor, stunned.

Zheng Mother’s gaze swept over the man before returning to Su Jin beside him. She said calmly, "Before you love someone else, learn to respect yourself."

Now that's the vibe. A classic quotable line!

Zheng Mother secretly pressed her lips together.

Naturally.

Then Mrs. Zheng turned around, completely ignoring the devastated Su Jin behind her, and walked toward Ning Shile.

"Shile," Mrs. Zheng began slowly, "now that things have come to this, I wonder if you'd be interested in becoming our Zheng Family's daughter-in-law?"

The Zheng Family's daughter-in-law?

The amusement in Mrs. Zheng's eyes deepened.

"Yes." Zheng Mother nodded.

Their Zheng Family had more than enough confidence and influence. There were countless men and women eager to marry into such a wealthy family.

Since today's engagement banquet had already been held, there was no reason to cancel it. If Su Jin wouldn't do, they would simply find someone else.

If there was one thing this banquet didn't lack, it was people hoping to form ties with the Zheng Family.

Entering the Zheng Family guaranteed more than money.

It also meant a leap in social standing and lifestyle.

Who could refuse an offer like that?

Yet the very next second, she heard Ning Shile scream inwardly in despair. Aaaaah!! I don't want to marry the villain!!

Especially not a villain who goes bankrupt and gets mocked by everyone—even dogs could kick him while he's down!!!!

Back off! Back off! Back off!

Zheng Mother: "!!!!?"

Their Zheng Family were... villains!?!!!