C116 His Girlfriend Taught Him a Lesson and Even Offered Him Tea and Kowtows
Hee Lulu emerged from the ranks of high society.
What kind of man hadn't she seen before?
Keeping Liu Jianghee's sycophantic emotions in check was a walk in the park for her.
The relatives at the scene watched with bemused expressions.
Just moments ago, Liu Jianghee was boasting about his wealth and how obedient his girlfriend was, acting all high and mighty!
Then, in an instant, he was humbled and forced to apologize to Lin Dong.
But since everyone was family, no one wanted to make Liu Jianghee lose face.
Zhang Xinrui was especially delighted.
She was never one to be meek, and Liu Jianghee's constant showboating and putting others down had always irked her.
Yet, she had to endure it.
Endure until she couldn't take it anymore.
At this family gathering, hearing Liu Jianghee's self-aggrandizing talk, especially his disparaging remarks about Lin Dong and the insults thrown her way, was too much for Zhang Xinrui.
Just when she was at her breaking point, Lin Dong and Hee Lulu arrived.
With just one stern look from Hee Lulu, Liu Jianghee was silenced, his pride swallowed as he begrudgingly apologized to Lin Dong. For Zhang Xinrui, it was like sipping an ice-cold cola on a scorching summer day – utterly refreshing!
She couldn't resist commenting, "Cousin Jianghe, take a leaf out of Miss He's book. You could learn a thing or two about grace from her!"
Liu Jianghee, seething inside, dared not let his anger show and kept his mouth shut.
Seeing the situation defused, Zhang Xinrui held her tongue.
Everyone resettled into their seats.
Third Uncle broke the silence, "Xinrui, why haven't your parents arrived yet? It's your grandmother's birthday today, and she's in her nineties. They should be here by now."
Zhang Xinrui replied, "They'll be here soon. My dad's got his hands full at work! He's a principal, after all, with plenty to take care of."
Third Uncle snorted, "Busy all the time, sure, but there are things that shouldn't be put off."
His character was cut from the same cloth as Liu Jianghee's, taking pleasure in criticizing others.
The aunt next to him let out a sigh and said, "Third Uncle, ease up a bit. Xinrui can't be expected to control her parents, can she? It'll all be fine soon enough, we're still early."
Zhang Xinrui's complexion was initially poor, but thankfully the aunt's intervention prevented any further comments.
Lin Dong nudged Zhang Xinrui with his elbow and whispered, "Ms. Zhang, so your dad really is the principal. The rumors are true!"
Zhang Xinrui responded irritably, "So what if he is? Keep your lips sealed. Don't go spreading rumors. Yes, he's my father, but I earned my position as a teacher on my own merit!"
It was clear now; her pride made her reluctant to lean on her father's influence!
That's why she never discussed her family background, leaving everyone to speculate without confirmation.
Lin Dong wasn't oblivious, so he simply nodded in agreement.
However, he was contemplating a chance to talk with Zhang Hongwen. Zhang Xinrui had been so domineering in suppressing Lin Dong that he felt the need to find someone who could put her in her place and give her a piece of his mind!
She shouldn't be so quick to threaten people with grade deductions!
When Third Uncle noticed Lin Dong and Zhang Xinrui conversing, he huffed, "What are you two whispering about? Speaking ill of me, are you?"
Lin Dong and Zhang Xinrui both looked up.
Third Uncle then zeroed in on Lin Dong, asking, "Do you even make three thousand a month?"
Clearly, the man was itching for a confrontation!
Lin Dong realized that Third Uncle was still sore from Liu Jianghee's forced apology and was now taking it out on him!
He was out for some sort of retribution for his son!
Such brazenness!
Though Lin Dong was displeased, he knew better than to react impulsively and simply nodded, saying, "Roughly that amount."
"How rough are we talking? Without even three thousand in salary, how can you be with our girl? You'd be better off working for my son, Jianghe. He'll pay you four thousand a month!"
Third Uncle directed this at Liu Jianghe, who was already seething from having to apologize to Lin Dong.
Seizing the opportunity his father had provided, he immediately flashed a proud smile and declared, "No big deal. I'll throw in an extra 200 to make it 4,200!"
Liu Jianghee wouldn't pass up the chance to diminish Lin Dong and elevate himself.
In Liu Jianghee's eyes, adding 200 was nothing more than a handout to Lin Dong!
Lin Dong's brow furrowed. He preferred to ignore them, but the father-son duo's antics were really getting under his skin.
"Liu Jianghee, how can you speak of Lin Dong like that!"
Hee Lulu's face shifted with emotion once more.
She couldn't bear to see Lin Dong targeted. Beyond just siding with Lin Dong against Liu Jianghee, she found Liu Jianghee's attitude intolerable.
Hee Lulu held Lin Dong in high regard.
She was well aware of Lin Dong's status, which surpassed even that of top-tier heirs like Liang Yu and Li Qiang!
Winning Lin Dong's favor could transform her into a high-society lady overnight!
Liu Jianghee's antagonism toward Lin Dong instantly set Hee Lulu off.
"Sweetheart, I didn't mean it. I was simply suggesting a salary above 4,000 for Lin Dong..."
Liu Jianghee hastily whispered.
He couldn't afford to upset Hee Lulu.
Hee Lulu stated bluntly, "Lin Dong is our business partner. Forget his salary; imagine the damage to my reputation if it gets out that my boyfriend treats him this way. Do you understand the magnitude of that?"
Her voice was laced with anger.
Liu Jianghee replied with caution, "I understand, my treasure. I won't mention it again, alright? Please, don't be upset."
"First, serve Lin Dong some tea. Then kneel and apologize!"
Hee Lulu commanded, her face stern.
"What?"
It wasn't just Liu Jianghee who was taken aback; everyone present was visibly shaken.
Liu Jianghee's father exclaimed, "Daughter, whose side are you on? How can you ask Jianghee to kneel to Lin Dong?"
Liu Jianghee added, "Exactly, darling. I'll serve Lin Dong tea as an apology."
"It has to be kneeling!" Hee Lulu insisted, her voice resolute and leaving no room for doubt.
Liu Jianghee hesitated briefly before Hee Lulu stood up decisively. "I'm leaving. I can't stand to look at you anymore!" she declared.
"Hey, don't go, baby. I'll kneel, I swear I'll kneel!" Liu Jianghee pleaded as he dropped to his knees.
He reached for Hee Lulu, imploring her to forgive him. With her arms folded across her chest and her delicate face lifted, Hee Lulu commanded, "Don't kneel to me. Kneel before Lin Dong!"
Her pride was unmistakable, yet it was precisely this attitude that made Liu Jianghee meekly comply.
Hee Lulu knew exactly how to handle someone with a submissive streak. The colder and more aloof she acted, the more compliant they became.
As expected, Liu Jianghee turned to face Lin Dong, his face a mix of resentment and resignation. Holding out a cup of tea, he said, "Lin Dong, I'm sorry. Please forgive me."
The words were heavy with humiliation. Tears threatened to spill from the eyes of this thirty-something man who found himself kneeling before Lin Dong, a man he had once looked down upon.
The internal struggle was intense; he was desperate to show Hee Lulu that he was compliant but not feeble. He wanted to prove he was a reliable and good man.
"Hey, big cousin, what's all this about?" Lin Dong exclaimed, genuinely surprised. He stood up quickly, urging, "The floor's too cold. Get up now."
"I won't stand unless you accept the tea," Liu Jianghee stated resolutely.
With a sigh of resignation, Lin Dong accepted the tea and conceded, "Alright, I forgive you."
Hee Lulu's mood shifted swiftly from irritation to delight, her facial expressions changing faster than a quick-change artist in a Beijing opera. Lin Dong couldn't help but admire her cunning.
Just then, a system notification chimed, "Ding! Congratulations to the host for completing the random mission!"
Lin Dong felt a jolt of excitement. The punishment mission was complete, and he was eager to discover what reward the system had in store for him.
Lin Dong was filled with anticipation.
