Chapter 198: Chapter 198 I Can Explain for You Chapter 198: Chapter 198 I Can Explain for You Zhao Xuanglang, who had been standing by without a clear understanding of what exactly had happened, gradually unraveled the sequence of events through the dialogue between Zhong Niangyao and Lu Yichen.

“My God!”

Like someone who had discovered an incredible secret, Zhao Xuanglang became visibly excited, then burst into a rapid-fire exclamation, “Boss, your family is just too fierce. Your cousin actually got pregnant with Lu Chenran’s child, and she even dared to negotiate terms with Madam Lu, impressive!”

Of course, the most amazing one was the boss herself, who had actually managed to secure the third Young Master Lu.

He was no fool. Although he was initially confused by the situation, in the end, he could tell that there was no ordinary relationship between the boss and this Third Young Master Lu. He was just on the side, and he could feel the strange atmosphere flowing between them.

“Zhao Xuanglang, you can actually shut up now.” Zhong Niangyao’s commanding gaze fell on Zhao Xuanglang, “If you’re eating, eat quietly. If not, then get out.”

Receiving Zhong Niangyao’s warning, Zhao Xuanglang immediately kept his mouth shut and began to eat quietly. However, his ears were still pricked up, listening to the conversation between Zhong Niangyao and Lu Yichen.

Lu Yichen and Zhong Niangyao, seated nearby, continued to talk as if Zhao Xuanglang didn’t exist.

“Lu Yichen, I want to ask you a question!” Zhong Niangyao looked at Lu Yichen, not beating around the bush, and directly asked, “That Long Family, or more specifically Long Jiarui, does she really not know about Zhong Mengxuan’s existence?”

The Long Family might not compare to the Lu Family, but the affair between Lu Chenran and Zhong Mengxuan wasn’t so secretive as to be untraceable. And considering Zhong Mengxuan’s ambition, it was impossible for her to leave no trace at all.

Yet, all along, it had only been members of the Lu Family who had come forward, while the Long Family remained quiet, as if completely unaware of the incident.

“Does it matter whether the Long Family knows or not?” Lu Yichen asked with a smile in return, “Regardless, the marriage between Lu Chenran and Long Jiarui isn’t going to be called off. The union between the Lu and Long families is inevitable, and no one can change that.”

Zhong Niangyao understood and nodded, “That’s true. By having the Lu Family step forward, they can also show their sincerity. And the Long Family, by never appearing, can pretend they’re unaware of the situation, thus saving face.”

“It’s both yes and no,” continued Lu Yichen, “There’s also the most important point: The Long Family doesn’t even consider Zhong Mengxuan worth their time, so they disdain to get involved.”

Although the words were harsh, Zhong Niangyao couldn’t deny the truth of it.

As they spoke and ate, the atmosphere was not exactly lively, but there was a peculiar harmony. Even with the presence of the distracting Zhao Xuanglang, it didn’t affect Zhong Niangyao and Lu Yichen.

However, Zhong Mengxuan, in another private room, was not in such a good mood.

After finishing the conversation, Shi Shi stood up and left immediately.

Even though they had agreed to meet in a private room of the hotel, she held Zhong Mengxuan in low regard, so naturally, she wasn’t planning to have a meal with Zhong Mengxuan.

Zhong Mengxuan, left behind with a belly, no longer showed the panic and subservience she had displayed in front of Shi Shi. Biting her lip, her eyes were filled with hatred and intense ambition.

Her hand caressed her abdomen, and internally, she made a decision. Now that she had chosen this path, she had to make sure it was worthwhile.

Even if she couldn’t marry Lu Chenran, she had to become the most important woman in his life. Only by doing so could she obtain everything she wanted.

Eventually, she would make Zhong Niangyao regret it.

At that moment, Zhong Niangyao was unaware that Zhong Mengxuan had come to hate her. If she had known, she would surely have cursed inwardly, “Sick!”

Indeed, it was sick! Following such an event, instead of hating Lu Chenran or Shi Shi, the one forcing her to have an abortion, she hated someone completely unrelated, who had merely spoken out.

After finishing the meal, Zhong Niangyao checked the time and ultimately decided not to go to Tongtian Bridge to set up her stall.

Zhao Xuanglang went home by himself, while Zhong Niangyao was driven home by Lu Yichen.

Yet, when they were still a distance from the Zhong Family, Zhong Niangyao had Lu Yichen stop the car, opting to get off and walk home slowly.

That way, she could digest her food and avoid having to explain to Old Sir Zhong and Old Madam Zhong.

“Why, am I that unsightly to you?” Lu Yichen raised an eyebrow, his voice devoid of any dissatisfaction, more teasing than anything else, “You won’t even let me take you to the door.”

“It’s better if you don’t,” Zhong Niangyao’s response was blunt, “Lu Yichen, the stuff you’ve sent over already caused quite a stir. If you are seen dropping me off at home now, it’ll be even harder to explain. The trouble will fall on me, not you.”

“I can explain for you!” replied Lu Yichen in good spirits, “Whenever you need it.”

“No need,” Zhong Niangyao was decisive, rejecting the offer outright, “I will get out of the car now. It’s better to avoid unnecessary trouble. Moreover–”
At that point, her face showed a touch of subtle mockery, “This issue with Zhong Mengxuan is probably going to cause a huge uproar in the Zhong Family soon. At this time, the last thing I want is to add to the chaos.”

The matter of Zhong Mengxuan, even if they intended to hide it, was impossible to conceal. An abortion was not a small matter; though not necessarily a huge issue, it would inevitably reveal some clues.

Moreover, Zhong Mengxuan was ambitious. She would do everything in her power to bear Lu Chenran’s child, whether now or in the future.

Thus, she had to make sure to recover and not make any mistakes.

Additionally, Zhong Mengxuan had reached marriageable age, and permanently remaining unmarried required an explanation.

From any perspective, Zhong Mengxuan’s situation was bound to explode. Moreover, even being an illegitimate lover of Lu Chenran was still a connection to the Lu Family. How could she let this matter pass without a sound?

Seeing Zhong Niangyao so adamant, Lu Yichen didn’t insist on driving her all the way home.

After alighting from the car, Zhong Niangyao walked back to the Zhong Family home.

Only when Lu Yichen saw Zhong Niangyao’s figure disappear into the distance did he have the driver leave.