Chapter 143: He may as well lay You off.

Chapter 143

Cheng was at a loss for words as she gazed at the cold and ruthless eyes of Zhao Changdu. She didn't know what to say, feeling both aggrieved and resentful.

She resented herself for not having been ruthless enough back when Mrs. Lin died and Zhao Changdu was still a child. At that time, she had absolute control as an adult. She really shouldn't have listened to Zhao Rou and spared this wolf cub's life.

She should have gotten rid of him early on. Then she wouldn't be in the situation now where he lorded over her.

"My lord... I... I didn't do anything wrong to the former Mrs. Lin or to you, Changdu. Over the years, I have served our Guogong's residence diligently, managing the inner residence well. Which part have I not done properly?" Cheng sobbed as she wiped away her tears and leaned into Zhao Hui's embrace.

Zhao Changdu watched the intimate couple coldly, his eyes devoid of ripples like an ancient well.

Zhao Hui was furious but held Cheng comfortingly as he yelled at Zhao Changdu, "Do as you please! If you continue to be arrogant and unruly, disregarding propriety, I won't mind asking your grandfather to come back personally to see how you throw your weight around at home!"

"Forget this meal. Let's go!"

With that, he slammed down his chopsticks and left, pulling Cheng along.

The vast Chunshan Court instantly fell silent.

Zhao Changxing remained seated, picking up a slice of ham and putting it in his mouth. He chuckled in amusement, "Second brother, shall we continue eating?"

Zhao Changdu gave him an icy look.

Unfazed, Zhao Changxing merely shifted his eyes and laughed as he ordered, "Ah Yun, my second brother is afraid we've poisoned the food. Come, you were once close to him. Serve him food and if he still refuses to eat what you pick, it would be letting down the one who is to be his wife."

Huo Qiyun's fingers curled involuntarily as her heart tightened.

Zhao Changxing's eyes darkened. "What, you won't listen to me anymore?"

Huo Qiyun's face paled. She parted her red lips timidly. "No, I didn't mean that."

She then reluctantly walked over to Zhao Changdu's side. Her slender, fair hand hesitated before picking up a small piece of steamed fish from the plate and placing it in his bowl.

Seeing this, Zhao Changxing's lips curled into an aggravating smile. "Second brother, hurry and eat. Ah Yun is thoughtful to remember your favorites. If you still refuse to eat, it would be an insult to her."

Zhao Changdu's frown deepened as his somber eyes instantly chilled over with icy coldness.

Huo Qiyun smiled woodenly. "It's not so bad, actually..."

He didn't beat her every day, only when he was in a bad mood or drunk.

In the past decade, her body had been covered in injuries, to the point she could barely join them at the table for meals.

As the sole daughter-in-law, not only did she serve him, but also Cheng. Her work was no different from that of a maid, except maids were maids while she had the nice-sounding title of Lady.

It seemed glamorous but only she knew how miserable such days were.

However, this was the path she had chosen herself, so she couldn't blame others or complain to them.

The two fell silent for a while.

Huo Qiyun gave a small laugh. "Your wedding date is approaching, isn't it?"

Zhao Changdu's expression was aloof. "Mm."

Huo Qiyun clenched her hands tightly, her palms already damp with sweat.

After a moment, she forced out a smile. "The residence has been decorated with red banners and double happiness characters everywhere on the walls and windows. It looks so lively and cheers me up. Changdu, I'm truly happy for you."

The woman he was marrying had been spirited and graceful at the winter hunt. Even she had liked the woman, not to mention the men.

Although he had said he didn't love the young lady.

But he was getting married. She inevitably felt a little loss in her heart.

Zhao Changdu gazed at her with knitted brows, his handsome features cold and bleak. Suddenly, he said, "It would be good if he divorced you."

Huo Qiyun froze in surprise. "What... if he divorced me..."

The Huo Family wouldn't let her off easily.

Zhao Changdu's mouth twisted sardonically. "What, reluctant to give up your status as the lady of the household?"