340

o his skin, making him feel clammy and uncomfortable. Besides, no one could stand having this much blood on them, especially blood coming from a woman. He'd taken He Ya to the hospital and had endured...Silence, a stifling silence.

In the room, neither of them spoke. Rong Sanbo just stared at Lin Meng silently, his stern eyes like a knife aimed at her, laced with scrutiny and harshness. The feeling was as if he were facing a criminal.

This old man had accumulated a formidable presence over the years. Ordinary people would find it hard to withstand his gaze. However, Rong Sanbo found it interesting that there was such a young woman in this world who could sit so calmly before him, allowing him to scrutinize her. Her posture was good, dignified yet relaxed, and her expression was also light, giving off a feeling of not being tense at all. A pair of clear eyes stared back at him with an almost candid gaze.

He was hoping to catch her off guard and make her lose, but obviously, he misjudged. Sitting here, just staring at each other, wouldn't get them anywhere.

This result left him slightly dejected.

After all, this is like a battle between two armies. His and hers first fight could only be considered a draw, and he didn't win. This is enough to make him curb his arrogant attitude!

"Leave Rong Ling!" he spoke, a crisp and decisive command, perfectly in line with his demeanor as the commander of the First Army!

"Who are you to me" she countered calmly, a hint of amusement flickering across her brow. She seemed genuinely interested, watching him intently.

Rong Sanbo remained composed, silent.

Lin Meng raised an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "You're not my parents, nor any relative of mine, so why should I listen to you!"

What a great comeback!

In fact, Rong Sanbo felt a little more admiration for her in his heart. Her composure and dignity were very pleasing.

"You are not suitable for him, he was raised by me. I know what kind of woman is right for him, but that's definitely not you!"

“You’re not Rong Ling, so don't be so self-righteous as to impose your own views on him. I think I'm a good fit for him. But look, I'm not Rong Ling either. So whether or not it's a good fit, Rong Ling is the one who decides. You and I both lack the ability to say such things with such certainty!”

“Given his circumstances, there are better women out there who could be a match for him. So what do you think you can bring to the table Where do you measure up against those women who have both wealth and beauty”

Lin Meng smiled softly, fixing her gaze on Rong Sanbo's dark eyes, and said sincerely, "I think that in a lifetime, money is enough as long as you can spend it. During the New Year, there's a skit that says the greatest pain in life is dying without spending all your money. I think Rong Ling and I don't need to be excessively wealthy; living a comfortable life with modest wealth would actually be very enjoyable!"

Maybe other women could bring him great wealth, but in my eyes, a true man speaks for himself, not through the money of another woman. If Rong Ling became that kind of man who relies on women's handouts, wouldn't he be insulting your upbringing of him! You say you raised him with your own hands, and he turned out like this, is that what you wanted to see!

Besides, I don't feel the need to compare myself to others. People are different because of their personalities. If everyone competed and strived towards the goal you consider best, wouldn't we all become the same What would be the point then Life should be a beautiful garden with diverse flowers blooming. Don't you agree

"Prevaricate!" Rong Sanbo snorted. "Just admit you're not as good as those women!"

"Well, that's even more interesting. Why would I admit to that Let me ask you, in your words, what about these wealthy, talented, and beautiful women Did they really earn their money themselves As far as I know, many of the women from those so-called prominent families rely on the legacy of their predecessors. How many have actually earned their fortune with their own hands If you peeled away their facade and threw them into society to fend for themselves, they might even struggle more than ordinary people. So, I'm curious, what else do those women bring to Rong Ling besides spending some of the money their ancestors gave them I'm also curious, where do you think I fall short compared to these women Or are you telling me that as a high-ranking military official, all you can see is money If that's the case, then I'd have to mourn for our soldiers and our nation!"

Rong Sanbo's face twitched violently, and his eyes flashed with even darker light!

He was angered by Lin Meng. He most detested it when others denied his profession and insulted his job!

"You will pay the price for your last words!" He looked at her coldly, the murderous aura surrounding him was already very strong!

Though Lin Meng wasn't afraid, he still had the mental capacity to think: Rong Ling was indeed brought out by this old man in front of him. His expression when he got angry was very similar!

"I thought I was telling the truth!" She lightly pursed her lips, blinked, and then continued, "Are you angry!"

Rong Sanbo still used his sinister eyes to fix her with a glare.

Lin Mengyang curled his lips and smiled faintly. "Your mindset isn't good; you get angry so easily, which is truly not befitting of a leader. I only said a single sentence to you, and you became enraged. Put yourself in my shoes and think about it—you said much more to me, and I didn't even get genuinely angry. You were the first to lose your temper. Is this because you've become accustomed to being flattered by others, so you can't stand even a single critical remark Or perhaps, since you're in that position, you believe everyone should blindly obey you, listening attentively to your every word without the right to disagree"

She fell silent, her eyes sharpening instantly. “Sir,” she said, her voice laced with ice, “what gives you the right to speak to me like this What makes you think you can order me around What gives you the audacity to demand a price from me These threats, so casual, so self-assured, what grounds do you have for them!”

Rong Sanbo narrowed his eyes, his face still gloomy and stern, still radiating the unfathomable depth and invincibility of a superior. However, beneath the surface, waves were stirring within him!

He was furious, just as she had said. All it took was one word from her and he lost his temper. This wasn't right, he was a military commander with countless responsibilities. If he got angry this easily, he should have died of rage long ago! And as she had also said, his subordinates always respected him deeply, so they wouldn't be so rude as to intentionally provoke him. Therefore, he rarely got angry!

This woman was able to do that, making it easy for him to lose his composure!

This is amazing!

And, the woman's interrogation, every word piercing his heart, he could feel it, the meaning hidden behind those words of hers!

Indeed, the woman looked up at her smooth chin, with eyebrows that should have been soft and kind, but were raised in a cold sneer.

“Your actions are nothing more than a result of your current position! But I want to ask, who put you in such a position And who allows you to sit so comfortably in this position, enjoying yourself so peacefully This is a time of peace, sir, not a time of war! I want to say that it was the taxpayers' money that gave you wealth and prosperity; it was the people's concessions that allowed state-owned assets to fulfill your private desires; it was the people's respect that shaped your lofty status. But when you stand in that position, do you really feel so superior Do you truly believe yourself invincible, like an ancient general who leads troops into battle and commands power over all”

When you are seated in this position, have you ever contemplated those commoners who helped you achieve your success Shouldn't you be more humble and diligent Just as an employer pays employees, employees should work diligently for their employers. You work, and you receive the money paid by taxpayers. This is essentially a fair exchange. So where does your sense of superiority come from!

When you can so casually say words that demand a price from me, don't you feel ashamed! Where did you get the right to speak like that Don't you think it's worth pondering

Speaking of this, Lin Meng was a bit angry. After she returned to China, she had seen too many injustices. Now that she was pressed by this old man, she couldn't help but erupt!

"It is the people who have given you all this! So please respect others and don't use your power to bully people without reason! If you find me disagreeable, fine. Take off the skin that the people have given you and stand before me naked, let us settle this. Don't use public resources to fulfill your personal desires, and don't even try to threaten me with it!"

After saying all that, she gasped for breath and rested.

Rong Sanbo looked at her flushed face, reddened by anger and excitement. His heart felt a complex mix of emotions. Being publicly exposed and ridiculed by a younger generation was truly an unpleasant feeling!

Perhaps he had been in a position of power for too long and become too comfortable. As such, it had been ages since anyone had dared to criticize him so harshly and thoroughly!

The woman before you is not an ordinary woman, not the kind who expects men to support her and lives a mediocre, aimless life. She wouldn't admire those who don't even know what their own world is like! You can choose to live an ordinary life, but you cannot live like an animal with no self-awareness, only knowing how to eat, sleep, defecate, and urinate!

This woman was intelligent and perceptive. She even sensed the bitterness of her words, a reflection of her patriotic fervor boiling within.

He began to regret and feel ashamed of the "Dragon Gate Formation" he had initially set up for himself, because from the start to now, he was indeed using his high position to pressure her! This used to be effective, and the people he dealt with were very obedient, but in front of her, it didn't work, and was even looked down upon!

You should know, there is a kind of person who isn't as good as you in every way. She doesn't have a noble background or a proud family fortune, but when you stand before her, you just can't be arrogant. Because that person's character will make people instinctively want to respect her!

"Girl, you're being too rash!" he said in a low voice, his tone slightly gentler. He addressed her with more familiarity now, using the term "girl" like an elder would to a younger person.

“I got to where I am today, thanks not only to the support of others but also to my own hard work. It's like Rong Ling; he got to this point with outside help, but his own efforts were definitely crucial! Politics is inherently a dirty thing, and I don't want to get into a long debate with you about it. But I can assure you that I'm doing my best!”

Lin Meng pursed her lips and said nothing.

As for her previous questions, Rong Sanbo had no other excuses, nor could he offer any. Those things, even if they were talked about for three days and three nights, would be impossible to explain. Moreover, it was a hopeless situation. Talking about it would only make him more disheartened.

But he made a concession. “For what I said about you paying the price earlier, I take it back and apologize, I’m sorry!”

As she said, he doesn't have the qualifications!

Rong Sanbo's "I'm sorry" was as rare as Rong Ling's apology. These people with such strong and proud spirits, probably wouldn't admit fault by nodding their heads or offering compensation, let alone say those three simple words, "I'm sorry"!

As for this level of appreciation, Lin Meng had no idea. Therefore, she didn't care much about it. She pursed her lips and just stared coldly at Rong Sanbo.

Rong Sanshu looked at her for a while, furrowed his pale eyebrows, and said again, “Fine, this time, I will only speak to you as Rong Lingsan’s uncle. We will both be ordinary people. But what I have to say is still the same: leave Rong Ling, because you are not suitable for him!”

"Reasons! Give me reasons, sufficient reasons, or else you can't convince me!"

Rong Sanbo's heart gave Lin Meng another point. He admired rational women. This woman, facing his pressure, had already shown enough rationality. This was very good!

"The reason is that if you marry Rong Ling, he will lose everything he has now!"

"This is old news. Your daughter told me the same thing a few days ago, but it can't convince me!" Lin Meng stared back at Rong Sanbo with bright eyes and a sharp gaze.

"Hold on, let me finish my sentence!"

Lin Meng slowly closed her lips. She wanted to hear what lofty ideas he had!

Rong Sanbo pondered for a few seconds, organizing his words.

“You must now know Rong Ling's identity, and you should also know quite a bit about our Rong family. Rong Ling is currently the head of the Rong family. By marrying him, you become the mistress. The mistress of the Rong family has always been a person with status because the mistress is not just a vase for decoration. She also needs to handle many things related to the Rong family, including socializing with various dignitaries, and when the head of the family goes out or business within the family is busy, she needs to intervene in business matters. Thus, it is very important for the mistress to have a good background, naturally, that person must also be intelligent, otherwise, marrying her in would be a disaster.”

Our family does not need people who are useless and occupy important positions. Every single one must demonstrate their strengths and abilities! Especially the mistress, who ranks second to the head of the household!

You are clever and have some business acumen, but your family background is not adequate. You're not wealthy, and even without mentioning that, the fact that you've been married before disqualifies you from being the mistress of this household. I can overlook your wealth, but those nobles we'll be dealing with in the future care about such things. If you stand out there, they will simply ignore you, and they'll feel like lowering themselves by speaking to you. This is beyond my control; it's a concept that has been around for millennia and cannot be changed. Moreover, other members of the family also refuse to accept a remarried woman into the Rong family. Our Rong family is not a dictatorship. Everyone's opinions and suggestions are taken into consideration and ultimately factored into the final decision.

So, if you can't pass the test, you can only leave Rong Ling and absolutely cannot marry him!

Lin Meng clenched her fist, forcibly suppressing the indignation of being humiliated, and said coldly: "I've said it before, the future and I, Rong Ling can only choose one!"

“But you have the heart to watch him fall into poverty because of you! I'm telling you the truth, Rong Ling and his brother get along poorly, so don't expect Rong Ling to be able to secure a position at the Ya Dong Group in the future. His narrow-minded brother will definitely do everything in his power to undermine Rong Ling. It will be difficult for Rong Ling to shine again. Don’t even dream that Rong Ling will give you a rich and luxurious life in the future. As ordinary people, living day by day worrying about daily necessities, this is what your and Rong Ling's future will look like! Think about it carefully, can you accept such a life! After getting used to the luxury Rong Ling gives you, going back to being a housewife who worries about everything and counts every penny might be too much for you to handle. You've gotten used to having so many people protect you, flatter you, and cater to your every whim. Can you get used to having to flatter others, kiss up to them, and read their faces in the future!”

This is still pressuring Lin Meng in terms of money and power!

Lin Meng felt angry. Why did these people think she couldn't handle hardship! Couldn't stand suffering! For sixteen years of her life, she had been enduring hardships! She had received countless glares and insults! Why did they assume she couldn't stomach a simple life of plain food and the occasional bullying

Life is full of ups and downs, it's impossible to always be happy and successful!

Even gods have worries!

"In this world, there's more than just one Z country, right And in such a vast Z country, there's more than just one Kyoto! You think your Asia East Group is so large, with power so great it encompasses the entire Z country, even the whole world! A capable person, wherever they go, will never go hungry, and won't be looked down upon easily! Do you think Rong Qikeng is someone Is he the emperor Or the ruler of this Earth! He could force Rong Ling into a dead end, humph, that's truly ridiculous. I don't believe he has such ability at all. Does your Rong family have such ability!"

But Rong Ling can't give you a wealthy life anymore!

"I don't want riches!" Lin Meng almost shouted! "Don't always talk about money. There are ways to live without it, but money isn't that hard to earn. With a pair of hands, money is just common stuff, nothing to worship!"

“You’re being naive! With money, life is like paradise. I've seen women like you before. At first, they act so high and mighty, like angels, claiming not to care about money. But once they can no longer spend freely, they become miserable and regretful! How long can love last How many couples who profess their love end up with no passion left after being worn down by money, daily necessities, and mundane life Look at those young people who refuse to listen to their elders. They leave home for love, rejecting their family's support, but in the end, they meekly return, abandoning their so-called love. You have a living example right beside you! Just look at that little boy’s father, Jiang Changhao. He left his home for a poor girl, even breaking ties with his own father. That caused quite a stir back then, didn't it But what happened later Life crushed them! The young lovers who once swore to die for each other ended up separating. In the end, Jiang Changhao returned to his father’s side, leaving behind that child barely clinging to life!”

"Young man, open your eyes wide and take a good look. Use your brain and think carefully. Don't be arrogant, don't go against money, and don't harm Rong Ling. Just stay by his side peacefully and enjoy the good life you have. You won't lack anything.You say you don't want to be a mistress That's fine. With your conditions, it would be easy for you to find another man to marry. I'll give you a check here. Write the amount yourself. Consider it your breakup fee with Rong Ling!"

Saying that, Rong Sanbo took out a check from his pocket, spread it out, and put it on the coffee table, pushing it towards her. The blank space in the amount column was like the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, radiating an alluring fragrance that tempted people to touch it.

Lin Meng stared at the check, which was complete with various stamps and signatures, her face silent.

Ron San's veiled hints about Jiang Changhao shocked her. Love wasn't all sunshine and roses, it wasn't always as beautiful and constant as fairy tales portrayed. Fairy tales often told of a prince who went through hardships to find his beloved "princess," or a "princess" who endured trials until her prince came to save her, and the two lived happily ever after. Basically, the story ended there! Did that prince and princess truly live happily ever after! How was their married life How many people knew Was that noble prince, accustomed to all the grandeur and etiquette of high society, really able to live happily with a commoner princess Wouldn't the gap between their lifestyles create conflict after the intense love of fireworks faded away Take Princess Diana, who was the daughter of an Earl, for example. Even after her marriage to Prince Charles, in a highly publicized wedding that captivated the world, did they truly live happily ever after like in fairy tales

And in the end, there was nothing, wasn't there

"Write it, you have nothing to worry about, our Rong family will definitely not treat you poorly!" Uncle Rong San was like a devil, constantly enticing her there. Listening to his sincerity and sweet talk. He pushed a pen towards her face.

Lin Meng narrowed her eyes slightly, her lips pursed, and then picked up the pen and opened the cap.

At that moment, Rong Sanbo's heart was extremely complicated. It was a mixture of relief and disappointment!

Lin Meng raised her eyes and glanced at Rong Sanbo.

Rong Sanbo just stared at her with a blank expression.

She frowned, picked up her pen, and wrote quickly. Then she capped it, placed her slender fingers neatly on the check, and slowly pushed it across to Rong Sanbo.

"I want this number!" Her voice, melodious yet chilling, echoed through the room, seeming to pierce even the walls.

Rong Sanbo calmly lowered his face and glanced at the check!

He is utterly disappointed in Lin Meng!

Such a woman is unworthy of his grace!

But when he saw the amount on the check, his eyes widened in astonishment. He almost jumped to his feet!

"You're kidding!" Rong Sanbo glared at Lin Meng with anger, his head held high!

This woman has such a big mouth, one after the other so many zeros, even if you sold 100 houses, it wouldn't reach this amount!

Lin Meng laughed, a radiant laugh, a sly laugh, a hearty laugh.

She spoke, her voice clear and melodious, like notes dancing lightly.

In my heart, Rong Ling is worth this price. If you can afford it, I will leave him. If you can't, don't pretend to be something you're not and act tough in front of me!

"You're not sincere!"

"Do you have sincerity!" Lin Meng suddenly raised her hand and slammed it down, heavily hitting the tea table. This move shook even the glass on top of it slightly.

She roared with fury, finally able to fight back freely.

If you were sincere, you wouldn't speak to me like this! If you were sincere, you wouldn't belittle me word by word! If you were sincere, you wouldn't tempt me to leave Rongling with ulterior motives! If you were sincere, you wouldn't insult me with a check! If you were sincere, you would never sell Rongling!

You think Rong Ling is someone you can measure with money! He's a living being, a life with consciousness! No amount of money can quantify him! What you're doing isn't just insulting me, it's an insult to Rong Ling! I've given you a sum, it's enough to show my sincerity. Now, please leave. You are not welcome here. You say you have sincerity Good, then prepare the money we discussed and come back again! Right now, get out!

After finishing, she abruptly stood up, her arm flung forward, stretching straight out with her fingers splayed wide and flat. A cold and menacing aura emanated from her as she commanded arrogantly and rudely.

"Get out! Beat it!"

A pair of blazing eyes, icy and scorching all at once, stared him down!

Rong Sanbo also stood up. However, being treated so unceremoniously and given an order to leave, especially for the first time in his life, he didn't get angry, but smiled instead!

"You little brat, come in!" He didn't know who he was talking to!

Lin Meng frowned. Soon, she had the answer.

The door creaked open, and Rong Ling walked in.

Lin Meng was stunned, her eyes wide as Rong Ling approached her. With his towering figure, he walked closer until her pupils were completely filled by him!

"Take this, your wife set the price for you to be sold!"

Rong Sanbo smiled and threw the check to Rong Ling. Rong Ling reached out to take it, glanced at the circle after circle on it, and his face was filled with a smile. At the same time, he reached out and hugged Lin Meng's waist.

"When you get married, invite me!" Rong Sanbo said to himself as he addressed Rong Ling.

Rong Ling simply nodded.

Rong Sanbo tilted his head and looked at Lin Meng from head to toe with great interest. Then, he suddenly stretched out his big palm and patted her on the head. Lin Meng didn't react at first, but after being touched, she quickly reacted and dodged away.

"Don't hide," he said with a faint smile. "When you marry Rong Ling, you'll still have to call me uncle!"

This is a complete admission from her!

A shout of "your wife" further explicitly approved of Rong Ling and her marriage!

Seeing Lin Meng still a little dazed, Rong Sanbo chuckled. She wasn't as quick-witted as before. He found her state amusing. This person was similar to Rong Ling in character - anyone he approved of was like the most precious jewel in his eyes. Besides, towards women, he wouldn't be as cold and serious as he was towards men!

“You, young lady, don't blame me and Xiao Man for repeatedly probing you. It's just that I've always treated Rong Ling like my own son, and Xiao Man has always treated Rong Ling like a younger brother. Since he's getting married, as relatives, we naturally have to see what kind of character his partner is. In the upper circles, many marriages are very complex, and many women who come in are driven by ulterior motives. Xiao Man and I naturally hope that Rong Ling will be well-off and marry someone who truly cares for him. So, we tested you. Don't take those things Xiao Man and I said before to heart. Now, I can confidently tell you that you are completely worthy of our Rong Ling. You two's wedding wine, I will definitely attend. The wedding gift will certainly not be absent!”

"Dad, that's wonderful! You finally cleared my name!"

Rongman ran and jumped over like a little foal. She clung to Rong Sanbo, having just witnessed an exhilarating and terrifying show! Her own father had been effortlessly countered by someone else—it was truly remarkable, completely fulfilling her expectations!

Rong Man affectionately walked up to Rong Sanbo, hugged his arm, looked at Lin Meng, and smiled warmly.

Lin Meng's heart had a bit of an idea, but even if Rong Sanbo acknowledged her, she didn't feel happy about it. She wouldn't be overjoyed and cry, she still spoke unceremoniously,

"Whether or not I deserve Rong Ling is none of your business. Moreover, I have hated your probing from the very beginning to now, and still do!"

Rong Man felt embarrassed and awkward, not knowing what to do! Lin Meng's reaction was beyond her expectations. In her view, an ordinary woman receiving such affirmation should feel relieved and surprised!

She still tends to view people from the perspective of a lady from her family.

However, Rong Sanbo was much more of a profound and experienced old Daoist. Hearing this, he burst into laughter. "Have I ever said that, in fact, I quite admire you!"

Lin Meng raised an eyebrow, and for a leader with so much power that many people respected him, her response to his praise was not at all surprised. Instead, she coldly refused, "I don't need your admiration!"

Rong Sanbo, upon hearing this, laughed even louder. Then, without saying much more, he turned and strode away. Yet, his hearty laughter allowed anyone to feel his elation.

One attendant followed closely behind Rong Sanbo. Rong Man felt embarrassed, but she also smiled and threw a sentence, "Next time, let's have tea together," then quickly walked away with Rong Sanbo. However, this remark already showed her kindness towards Lin Meng!

In the house, only Rong Ling and Lin Meng were left.

Feng Ling lowered his head, gazing at the woman in his eyes. Her brows and eyes were like paintings, and her stunning features shone brightly. After a glimmer of brilliance in his handsome star-like eyes, his deep voice, like fine wine, spread out, carrying a scent that could intoxicate both others and himself.

"Can't measure with money! A priceless treasure! Xiao Gua, in your heart, am I also a priceless treasure!"

The man laughed, a hearty laugh, a triumphant laugh!

At that moment, he descended from the high altar and became an ordinary man who could be proud of himself and excited beyond measure by the complete attention of his woman. If there had been an audience present, he would have probably shown off quite a bit. Perhaps, if he had the tail of some canine animal, it would have been wagging proudly at that moment!

---Aside---

Seeking monthly tickets, monthly tickets~!

It's the beginning of the month, everyone, please stock up on monthly tickets! ( *^__^* ) Hee hee... Seeing such a beautiful and lovely Mengmeng, please quickly give your monthly tickets to this book, o(n_n)o~ Thank you

=

Also: Happy birthday to the lovely [Carmen, Ah Zhen's owl state] ^_^rly being played like a fool by this woman. The fact that such a capable person could be manipulated in this way made him even more pitiable. One could only imagine the turmoil brewing inside him, gi...