Chapter 24 - Payback

Chapter 24 - Payback

"Correction father. My mother's mansion." Jing Lihua wasted no time to rectify his assumptions. "And after her death, as the rightful owner, my mansion."

"You presumptuous..."

"Careful father. I can easily throw you all out of my mansion" Jing Lihua smiled at them; their shocked faces pleased her to no end. They could never have guessed that she could say something like that? Well, they must get used to it now. "But I wouldn't. Not because you are my so-called 'family'. But because I don't have the time to deal with all the rumors that would result once I'll throw you out. So I'll let you have this mansion." She added. "For now"

Jing Shuping was stunned to silence.

"How shameful of Jing Lihua to threaten your own father." Jing Junhai came forward. "Do you have no respect for your elders? Where is your filial piety? Don't forget the man who you just threatened is the one who gave birth to you... I'm ashamed to have a sister like you."

"Why? The feeling is mutual." Jing Lihua was disgusted by the hypocrisy in his tone. "And don't talk about filial piety. I'm not the one who tempers with my father company's finance reports to fill his own pockets only to squander that money on p.r.o.s.t.i.t.u.t.es. If I want to challenge someone I come at them directly, not like you, who uses underhand tricks."

Jing Shuping stared at his son, astonished. Even Jing Tian and He Zhaoyan were taken back at the sudden revelation. Jing Jinhai was terrified.

"H-Husband, she is obviously lying to create fights in our family. How could my Xiao Junhai do something like this?" He Zhoyan quickly came to her son's defense.

"F-Father, she is lying..." Jing Junhai was in cold sweats. "What proof do you have? How can you accuse me of such shameless acts!"

Damn it! How did she know? Had she been spying on him? If he had known, he would have killed her...

"Why do need proof when both of us know that it is true."

"Ha! See? No proof! She is trying to drive a wedge between us!"

"I might present you a proof if you are that eager little brother. But, too bad; I'm too lazy for that. As of what others think, doesn't concern me at all"

Jing Junhai didn't retort. If she had proof and she put it forth in front of anyone, he would surely be killed by his father!

Jing Shuping noticed his son's reluctance to deny the accusations anymore. So it was true? His face went red with anger. "Jing Junhai how dare you betray my trust! I want you to resign from your position right now!"

He was suspicious of his son's activities. But his wife never let him investigate him.

"Husband, listen to me..." H Zhoyan approached him in attempts to placate him.

"You shut up!" He threw her away mercilessly. "You knew about it all along, didn't you? That's why you never let me investigate him!"

Their drama continued.

Jing Lihua had already walked out of there. She wasn't really interested in listening to their drama anymore. Earlier she had planned to not expose Jing Junhai and let him ruin her father's company for a little longer, but she couldn't stand the hypocrisy in his tone. Also, he had later used his power to conspire against her in her previous life. So it was better to get rid of him sooner than later.

"Wang Yi, take me to the outskirts of the city, to the outskirts" When he looked at her with confused eyes, she gave him an address. "To the slums"

The drive was long. When they reached, Jing Lihua asked him to park the car far away from her destination. Her car was fancy and she didn't want to attract attention.

"But Ms. Jing, let me accompany you. It's dangerous." She had already sent off her bodyguards. She didn't want any attention in the streets.

"You are my driver. Not my bodyguard. Stay here."

Wang Yi opened his mouth then closed it. He will have to watch over her. Even if she agreed or not. So he stealthily followed her.

She walked through the familiar alleys and reached a small noodle shop.

"Such a pretty girl. What would you like to eat my dear? I wouldn't charge you. It's not every day that we have such a pretty girl visiting" Xu BaoZhai had a genuine smile on her face. Jing Lihua's usual cold eyes twinkled in deep real affection.

In front of her stood the woman who had supported her at her lowest. In her previous life, when she was forced to live in slums and wasn't even sure if she would survive another day, she had looked after her; and that without any expectations of reward. She was kind at her heart. She gave her the strength to live on, to struggle and formed the present strong self she now was.

She taught her never to give up no matter how bad the circ.u.mstances turn up.

"I would like your special noodle soup. I've heard a lot about that. I specially came to try it."

Xu BaoZhai was delighted after being genuinely praised. She quickly busied herself to prepare a fresh bowl of her special noodle soup.

"I've never seen you here before...? You are not from here child?"

"Not from here. I'm from the inner city. I came here for some other business. Thought, I would drop by your shop."

"Oh, my, people know about my noodles even in the inner city? How famous I'm?" Xu BaoZhai laughed. She had noticed the girl's reluctance to mention her specific whereabouts. So instead, they chattered about other matters. She found that young girl quite warm and charming.

"Here is your noodle soup, dear." Xu BaoZhai brought a steaming hot bowl.

Jing Lihua picked up her chopsticks and attacked those noodles without any reserve. As she thought, they were as delicious as she remembered. In fact, ever since she came back, she had been starving for auntie's noodle.

"Have your family been starving you, girl?" Xu BaoZhai sighed. "You eat just like my Heng Bingen."

"It's not that. Auntie's noodles are s delicious!"

"Don't speak with food in your mouth, child."

"Sorry."

"My son is about your age. He would love to meet you." Xu BaoZhai said; her eyes dimmed a little. "It's so bad we are stuck in this area. My son was so talented. Due to our financial problems, he couldn't complete his studies and get a degree. As his mother, my heart hurts so much to see such an intelligent youth dragged down because of us"

"I'm sure he'll find what he deserves." Jing Lihua smiled. And she would help him.