C9 Cheng Family Invited Guests

"Okay."

Lin Sheng responded with a single word after Zhao Juann had finished her tirade, then promptly hung up the phone.

Zhao Juann was taken aback. She had been in a foul mood for the past couple of days and had hoped that berating Lin Sheng would provide some relief. However, his unflappable response left her feeling as though her carefully aimed punch had landed on a cushion of cotton, failing to release any of her pent-up frustration.

Reflecting on Lin Sheng's perennial meekness, how he never talked back no matter how much she scolded him, left her at a loss for words. She couldn't help but wonder, what was the point of living if a man could be as spineless as Lin Sheng?

Lin Sheng made his way to the market, meticulously selecting fruits and vegetables. Over the years with the Cheng family, he had taken on the role of cooking and managing household chores, essentially becoming the family's home cook.

Yet, he never felt a hint of impatience. On the contrary, he found great enjoyment in it. To him, cooking, combat on the battlefield, and strategizing in the business arena were fundamentally the same.

After purchasing several large bags of groceries, he hurried home.

Upon his return, his wife Cheng Yunfei was already there.

Zhao Juann was prodding from the sidelines, "Yunfei, go freshen up and dress nicely. Make yourself look beautiful. Lee Dong will be joining us for dinner soon."

"He's a distinguished returnee from abroad. His mother and I are close friends. I've done some digging and found out that Lee Dong is a department manager at Tiankang Pharmaceutical. He could be a big help with our situation!"

Zhao Juann's eyes sparkled with anticipation as she spoke, as if Lee Dong's assistance was the key to overcoming their current difficulties.

Cheng Yunfei replied with reluctance, "Mom, who said I wanted Lee Dong's help? I can take care of our family's issues on my own!"

Cheng Yunfei and Lee Dong were former classmates, and she had no desire to seek help from someone who had pursued her in the past, especially since she had never reciprocated his feelings.

Even in tough times, she refused to reach out to someone she didn't care for, a testament to her personal pride.

Besides, she was well aware of Lee Dong's true character.

Whether or not Lee Dong would actually secure a contract from Tiankang Pharmaceutical for her was questionable, but she knew for certain that Lee Dong wouldn't offer his help without expecting something in return.

They really went to beg Lee Dong. If he made some unreasonable demands, she didn't know how she could possibly help!

To her surprise, Zhao Juann became upset and yelled, "Yunfei, why are you becoming less and less obedient?"

"Your father is in the hospital, waiting for a hefty sum for his treatment!"

"If we don't secure the contract with Tiankang Pharmaceutical, the Cheng family will throw us out. Then we'll truly have no one to turn to. Do you want to anger me to death before you're satisfied?"

In her fervor, Zhao Juann pointed at Lin Sheng and exclaimed, "I told you to divorce this good-for-nothing, but you just won't listen! What's the use of him besides cooking? He's worth less than a beggar on the street!"

"Mom! Please, stop!"

Although Cheng Yunfei also doubted Lin Sheng's usefulness, Zhao Juann's berating, pointing directly at Lin Sheng's nose, was simply too much.

Finally, Cheng Yunfei relented, "Alright, I'll listen to you, okay?"

Lin Sheng, having just returned, was met with a scolding, but he was accustomed to it. Smiling at Cheng Yunfei, he asked, "Yunfei, who is Lee Dong?"

He wasn't foolish; from Zhao Juann's earlier words, he had deduced that Lee Dong must have some connection to the Cheng family. Otherwise, why would Zhao Juann insist that Cheng Yunfei get dolled up for a simple meal?

She even dressed to the nines, as if she was going on a blind date.

Cheng Yunfei glanced at Lin Sheng, about to respond, when Zhao Juann interjected sharply, "Don't ask questions that aren't your business. Go cook! And remember, when we have guests later, you're not to sit at the table with us. Don't you dare sneak any food either. You can have whatever's left over."

Lin Sheng remained silent, neither agreeing nor objecting.

"Mom, what are you saying?" Cheng Yunfei couldn't stand it any longer and protested, "Lin Sheng and I aren't divorced yet. We're still a family. How can you treat him this way?"

Zhao Juann had always been tough on Lin Sheng, but this time she crossed a line like never before.

Catching Cheng Yunfei's eye, Lin Sheng felt a surge of warmth. Yunfei always seemed to be considerate of his feelings.

"Yunfei, let's not argue. I've already eaten," he said.

"There's something else. I've found a way to pay off our bank loan, and I've initiated talks with Tiankang Pharmaceutical for a collaboration. Tomorrow, we'll go to the hospital and settle Dad's medical bills."

Lin Sheng's words left Cheng Yunfei and Zhao Juann stunned, their faces a picture of disbelief.

The bank loan repaid?

Negotiations with Tiankang Pharmaceutical underway?

And the hospital fees ready to be settled?

These issues had loomed over their family like three towering mountains, and Lin Sheng claimed to have resolved them all?

Zhao Juann was livid, pointing at Lin Sheng and shouting, "Yunfei, do you see this? This good-for-nothing has not only been useless but now he's started boasting too. Find a time to divorce him quickly. I can't stand the sight of him for another day!"

Lin Sheng, unfazed by Zhao Juann's tirade, gazed earnestly at Cheng Yunfei and said, "Yunfei, I'm not deceiving you. I'm telling the truth."

Cheng Yunfei felt a jolt as if struck by lightning; she was beginning to believe him. Since the day Lin Sheng had joined the Cheng family, he might have seemed weak, but he had never once lied to her.

Yet, Lin Sheng's recent claims were almost too astounding to believe.

Could he truly... be capable of such feats?

Watching Lin Sheng head to the kitchen to sort and wash vegetables, Cheng Yunfei's mind was restless with thoughts.

But these matters were simple to verify. A quick check at the bank tomorrow would reveal if Lin Sheng was telling the truth.

Grabbing some fresh clothes, Cheng Yunfei slipped into the bathroom, the sound of running water filling the space.

Zhao Juann, in a rare burst of energy, began tidying up the room and arranging the fruit and wine.

Soon after, Cheng Yunfei emerged in her pajamas.

She entered the kitchen and offered, "Lin Sheng, let me help you."

However, Zhao Juann interjected, "Yunfei, go change your clothes. Lee Dong will be off work in just over an hour. We should head to the door early to welcome him."

Cheng Yunfei protested, "But there's still more than an hour left. With so many dishes, how can Lin Sheng manage all by himself?"

While speaking, Cheng Yunfei knelt down to sort through the vegetables.

A subtle, pleasant scent wafted to Lin Sheng, who glanced at Cheng Yunfei.

Her loose nightgown couldn't conceal her shapely figure, particularly striking after her bath, which lent her an enchanting allure. As she knelt, the fabric clung to her curves, drawing an enticing outline.

Normally, Lin Sheng wouldn't give it a second thought, but Cheng Yunfei was his wife, stirring feelings within him.

"Yunfei, you should rest. The kitchen is greasy; don't get it on yourself," Lin Sheng suggested.

"It's fine. I'm just worried you won't finish in time and we'll end up shortchanging our guests," Cheng Yunfei replied, her tone detached.

Cheng Yunfei stood by Lin Sheng when Zhao Juann gave him a hard time, yet in private, she remained distant and aloof.