Chapter 599 - 600: Knocking on the Door

Chapter 599: Chapter 600: Knocking on the Door

"Do you know why I hit you?" Rose asked coldly.

Chen Rong bit her lip, holding back tears. "I shouldn't have pleaded for Lei Zhen because he deserves his punishment."

"Pleading for him is understandable. He is an elder of the society, and someone would always step forward for him," Rose replied.

Chen Rong was stunned. It was clear she didn't understand the true reason.

Rose continued slowly, "Gao Yue, the head of Qinglong Society in Zhonghai, you can't tell me you were unaware of what he has been doing."

A flash of panic crossed Chen Rong's eyes as she realized what Rose was referring to.

"Sister Rose, let me explain. Things aren't as you think!" Chen Rong pleaded. Nnêw n0vel chapters are published at novelhall.com

"Explain?" Rose chuckled softly. "I put you in charge of our dealings with the Qinglong Society, not to aid and abet evil, and certainly not to make decisions on your own. The reason our Hongjing Society can dominate Zhonghai is that we never cross the line that the government can tolerate. I gave you some power, and you've gone beyond my expectations. Regardless of your reasons, why didn't you report it to me?"

Chen Rong's face turned pale, and her body trembled. "I... I thought that since Gao Yue is a high-ranking member of Qinglong Society, refusing his requests outright would make our new collaboration difficult. So, I thought giving them some benefits would help strengthen our relationship. I... I planned to tell you, but I didn't have time."

As she spoke, Chen Rong's voice grew softer, clearly aware that her explanation wouldn't convince Rose.

Rose sighed, closing her eyes briefly. "Do you know why I had high expectations for you? Your ability to learn is much stronger than mine was at your age. But the higher my expectations, the deeper my disappointment this time."

Tears finally spilled from Chen Rong's eyes. "Sister Rose, I'm sorry."

"There's no need to apologize to me. I'm the one who gave you this power, so it's also my responsibility for not overseeing you properly," Rose said with a bitter smile. "You should apologize to the female students harmed by Gao Yue and to the ordinary people bullied by Lei Zhen and his men."

Chen Rong nodded vigorously, but she couldn't speak through her sobs. She couldn't understand why she had made such regretful decisions, and now that Rose had pointed it out, she couldn't even forgive herself.

"Rongrong," Rose said, placing her hand gently on Chen Rong's swollen face where she had slapped her.

Chen Rong looked up, her tearful eyes meeting Rose's.

"Do you know how angry I was when I discovered that our Hongjing Society members were collecting protection fees and intimidating people on the streets? If I can encounter such a situation just by stepping out casually, think about how many such incidents have occurred in the past few months when I wasn't around! How many people now see us as scum?"

"We are part of the underworld, and many people see us as societal outcasts. Filth often becomes our synonym. But do we really have to view ourselves as the filthiest people in this world?"

Chen Rong felt a pang of realization. Since choosing this path, she had felt deeply sinful and even a bit ashamed in front of her only brother, Chen Bo. But hearing Rose's words, she realized that it wasn't that she was inherently terrible; she just hadn't considered accepting society proactively.

At this moment, Yang Chen, who had been watching Rose scold Chen Rong, stepped forward and said gently, "Alright, Rose, stop lecturing her. Rongrong isn't a child; she can understand what she needs to reflect on. That slap was a bit too much. Look at her face; it's asymmetrical now."

Chen Rong looked gratefully at Yang Chen, surprised that despite her mistakes, he still treated her kindly.

Rose nodded and smiled slightly.

Yang Chen continued, "Rongrong, you've just started down this path, and making mistakes is understandable. Facing great temptations that you've never encountered before, anyone would waver and have dangerous thoughts. Right, Rongrong?"

Chen Rong wiped her swollen eyes. "Thank you, Brother Yang. I know I was wrong."

"Good to know," Yang Chen said, then shifted his tone. "Let's put today's matter behind us. I still have confidence in you, and I believe Sister Rose will continue grooming you as her successor. But, Rongrong, you must remember, never let something like this happen again."

Yang Chen felt a pang of sadness. This girl had developed deep feelings for the family during her stay, and now, alone in another city, she probably felt quite lonely. Although Yan Capital was technically her hometown, she was surrounded by staff, making it feel rather empty. Master Yunmiao, who had been nurturing her spiritual growth, was preoccupied with the affairs of the Yanhuang Iron Brigade, especially after Lin Zhiguo left, taking over the Lin family's responsibilities.

"Everyone's fine. With me around, what could go wrong?" Yang Chen reassured her. "But you, if there's anything you're not happy about, call me immediately, and I'll sort it out. Don't let yourself be wronged. You're a big star, not a punching bag, okay?"

Yang Chen's main worry was that Hui Lin, being too honest and straightforward, might get bullied by the more sinister figures in the entertainment industry. If Lin Ruoxi knew, she would be heartbroken.

Hui Lin responded cheerfully, "Thank you, Brother Yang. Does that mean I can call you often from now on?"

Yang Chen was momentarily stunned but then laughed, "Of course you can. You're the busy one, not me. Call me anytime, even in the middle of the night."

Hui Lin, becoming even happier, asked, "Then, Brother Yang, will you come to Yan Capital to see me?"

Upon hearing Hui Lin's question, Yang Chen smiled and said, "Funny you mention it. I need to go to Yan Capital soon, and I'll be there for quite a while. I'll definitely come see you. After all, you're the future star of our company, and as your boss, I need to check on your progress."

Hui Lin giggled with joy and hesitated a moment before asking, "Will Sister and the others come too?"

"Well..." Yang Chen thought about the real reason he was going to Yan Capital, which was to discuss matters with the Cai family about Cai Yan. Taking Lin Ruoxi along would be disastrous. So he said, "I'll be going alone. Why, do you need your sister to be there to be happy?"

Hui Lin quickly replied, "No, no, it's fine if Sister is busy with work. I'll be very happy if you come, Brother Yang. I can take you to our house. Grandma is also in Yan Capital now, and she'd be delighted to see you!"

Yang Chen broke into a cold sweat. "Let's talk about it when the time comes..."

He really didn't want to visit Yunmiao unnecessarily. What if she insisted on him marrying Hui Lin?

Yang Chen could sense that Hui Lin might have feelings for him, but he couldn't bear to draw a clear line between them. Being a man in such a situation was indeed challenging.

After some casual conversation and offering Hui Lin some encouragement and comfort, the call ended. Yang Chen suddenly wondered if Hui Lin had called everyone or just him. But he couldn't ask, as it would make things awkward if it turned out she only called him.

Deciding not to dwell on it, Yang Chen got up from the bed, quickly stripped down to his briefs, and headed to the bathroom for a shower. Just then, he heard someone approaching the door. Yang Chen was puzzled; the footsteps didn't sound like Lin Ruoxi's. He thought it might be Wang Ma or Guo Xuehua, but before he could react, the door swung open!

Yang Chen rarely bothered to lock the door, feeling it unnecessary at home. But he hadn't expected someone to just walk in without knocking!

Standing at the door was Guo Xuehua, her expression changing from a smile to surprise, then to something peculiar, and finally to a bit of embarrassment, but she didn't look away.

Yang Chen, blushing, said, "Mom, why didn't you knock before coming in?"

Guo Xuehua, with a teasing tone, replied, "What's there to hide? We're family. It's just clothes. I'm your mother, aren't I?"

Yang Chen thought to himself that it was no wonder Ning Guangyao chose his mother-in-law over his own mom. His mother had a somewhat flirtatious streak. Of course, he didn't dare say this out loud. Instead, he chuckled, "I was just about to take a shower. What's up?"

Guo Xuehua, looking a bit worried, said, "I won't waste words. With Ruoxi not home, I wanted to ask if you've settled things with your mother-in-law about the time and place. The sooner we get this over with, the better."

Yang Chen agreed and explained Ma Guifang's suggestion, letting Guo Xuehua choose the time and place.

After listening, Guo Xuehua thought for a moment and said, "How about tomorrow? Ruoxi will be at work, so I can leave without any worries. I feel like a secret agent, hiding things from my daughter-in-law on one hand and helping you with your schemes on the other. Let's meet at the Longjing Teahouse on Beihuan Road. We can have tea and lunch there."

Yang Chen, with his thick skin, agreed. He had no qualms about it since he didn't have a strict work schedule. He promised to pick up Ma Guifang and bring her to the teahouse, while Guo Xuehua would drive herself there.

It seemed ridiculous that they lived next door to each other, but Yang Chen was hesitant to mention it. He feared that Guo Xuehua might not accept the fact that his two lovers had been living next door all along. It was better to explain everything in person.