Marrying My Ex-Wife's Mortal Enemy (GL) - Chapter 25

Dou Huan was the only newcomer in the office. Everyone had seen her design drafts and agreed they were impressive. So, after Liu Xinxing resigned, Sister Lü naturally had her move into Liu Xinxing’s old seat and take over her responsibilities.

The problem was, Liu Xinxing had left without handing over anything. Dou Huan had no idea what projects she had been working on. Thankfully, Zhou Wei stepped in.

Over lunch, Zhou Wei gave Dou Huan a rough rundown of Liu Xinxing’s job. Her main role had been overseeing the high-end custom jewelry business—often referred to simply as the bespoke division.

Although Jingtian was a nationally renowned jewelry brand with plenty of customers who bought its pieces to give as gifts or wear themselves, there were always affluent clients who wanted pieces with special meaning. They wanted unique designs, tailored to their ideas—something no one else in the world would own.

High-end custom work usually fell to experienced, well-known designers. Jingtian wasn’t exactly a leader in this area, so client demand wasn’t overwhelming. Liu Xinxing had handled it alone without issue.

But because bespoke clients tended to have difficult demands, communication and design revisions took a lot of time and energy.

As a result, it was a job no one in the office wanted.

After all, there were only two managers in the department, which meant only two different opinions to deal with. But every bespoke client was different, and when you added in their family’s opinions, things got even more complicated.

When Dou Huan finished listening, she raised an eyebrow. “So basically, I’ve just inherited a hot potato?”

“It’s definitely a hot potato,” Zhou Wei said with a slight frown. “Liu Xinxing’s been doing this since she joined the company. Every year she’d run into at least one nightmare client. She’d end up shouting matches with them on the phone right here in the office. Zhao Xi had to revise her drafts multiple times just to get the client to approve them.”

No doubt Zhao Xi took advantage of helping Liu Xinxing to get close to her. A college grad fresh out of school, faced with a good-looking man who seemed nice to her—it wasn’t hard to imagine her letting her guard down.

But dragging someone else down with her? That wasn’t just naive—that was malicious.

Thinking back on what Liu Xinxing had tried to do to her, Dou Huan felt that if it had been any other young, inexperienced girl just starting her career, she might have fallen for it.

All Dou Huan had done was expose Liu Xinxing’s true face, yet the woman still had the nerve to threaten her. It made Dou Huan wonder if she was just stupid or truly rotten.

By that afternoon, Dou Huan understood exactly why Liu Xinxing had dared to make threats.

Before leaving, Liu Xinxing had deliberately provoked a client—and now that client was calling the office, cursing out whoever picked up the phone.

And because Dou Huan had taken over Liu Xinxing’s work, the call landed on her desk.

The moment she answered, the man on the other end launched into a furious tirade.

Following the principle of never argue with clients, Dou Huan simply held the phone away from her ear, letting him yell. Once he’d vented, she brought the phone back and asked calmly, “Mr. Zhang, if you’re done yelling, may I explain the situation?”

“What’s there to explain? Isn’t your company full of hotshots? Where’s the woman who argued with me last time? Tell her to get on the phone!”

“She resigned.”

“She resigned?! What about my ring then? I need it in two weeks! We signed a contract! Can you even afford the breach penalty?!”

He was shouting so erratically that Dou Huan had to alternate between holding the receiver close and pulling it away. She rubbed her forehead and said, “If you’re willing to work with me now, we might still be able to meet your deadline.”

“Work with you? Are you kidding me? I’m the client! I’m the goddamn customer! You want me to cooperate with you?!”

Her head pounding from his shouting, Dou Huan finally raised her voice too. “Even if you’re the customer—or God himself—you still don’t design jewelry, right? You have to tell me what kind of ring you want. Only then can we create something tailored for you!”

That shut him up. After a pause, his tone softened. “I’m at the He Ding Hotel right now. Come here, I’ll explain in person.”

Dou Huan slammed the receiver down with a clatter and exhaled sharply.

Hell’s bells. You think yelling louder makes you tougher? You want to scream? Fine, I’ll scream louder than you!

After checking in with Sister Lü, she grabbed her notebook and pen and headed out.

He Ding Hotel was her family’s turf—what was there to be afraid of?

As she neared the hotel, she called Dou Changqing to let him know she was meeting a particularly aggressive client.

When he heard that, Dou Changqing immediately grew anxious. “I’ll go with you.”

“No need, Dad.” She pulled into the underground garage and parked. “Just have someone nearby to keep an eye on things. If the guy goes nuts, they can hold him back.”

It wasn’t that she was scared of him. The real problem was this mess Liu Xinxing had left behind. If she slipped up on her own family’s property, it would be more than just embarrassing.

Dou Changqing immediately sent his assistant to wait in the hotel lobby to accompany her.

As soon as Dou Huan arrived, she spotted the assistant. After a brief word, she headed to the lounge area, where she’d arranged to meet Zhang Hao.

The assistant stayed nearby, watching closely. If Zhang tried anything, he’d be on him in seconds.

Dou Huan quickly found the man—sitting alone at the table they’d agreed on. She walked over, greeted him, sat down, pulled out her pen and notebook, and got straight to the point. “Mr. Zhang, do you have any ideas in mind for this engagement ring?”

Zhang Hao was stunned. He hadn’t expected such a beautiful woman to show up. He stared, forgetting to respond. It wasn’t until she repeated her question, businesslike and composed, that he snapped out of it. To mask his embarrassment, he scowled. “Didn’t I already say it last time? Big diamond. Super shiny. Something that grabs attention!”

Dou Huan, poised to take notes, paused. She put her pen down and looked at him flatly. “In that case, you could just visit one of our stores and choose from our existing rings. That would save you the cost of custom design.”

“You think I care about design fees?”

Zhang Hao raised his voice again. “I want a big, shiny ring. You design it to be one-of-a-kind. That’s your job! Why are you asking so many questions?!”

His voice drew the assistant’s attention again, who stared him down from the next table, ready to act.

Dou Huan, unshaken by the outburst, calmly looked at him. “I’m sorry, but I don’t think your request qualifies as ‘one-of-a-kind.’ A truly unique design doesn’t come from me—it comes from you, your intention. What makes this ring special to the person receiving it isn’t how big or flashy it is—it’s the meaning you give it.”

Zhang Hao blinked, momentarily dazed. Then, slowly, he nodded. “Okay, that… actually makes sense.” He cleared his throat and lowered his voice. “So… would it be okay to engrave a dog’s head on the band?”

“A dog’s head?”

She saw him light up like an excited puppy and suddenly thought—he really does look like one. Still, considering the difficulty of such an engraving, she asked, “Do you have a reference photo?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’ve got one.” Zhang Hao pulled out his phone and showed her a meme of a grinning dog. “This one—smiling like this. If I piss her off in the future, she’ll see it and laugh. Then she won’t stay mad.”

Watching him beam like a fool, Dou Huan couldn’t help thinking he was more silly than malicious. She nodded. “Got it. I’ll send you a draft this afternoon.”

“You better design it well,” he warned, grinning. “I’m proposing with this. If you do a good job, I’ll give you a tip!”

“I’ll be in touch, Mr. Zhang.”

After leaving with the assistant, Dou Huan rushed back to finish the design. She thanked the assistant and sent a voice message to her father:

“Dad, it’s all good. The issue’s handled—for now. I’m heading back to work. I’ll call you when I have time. Love you.”

“Glad to hear that. When you’re free, come visit your mom. She misses you.”

“I will. I’ll come home this weekend.”

That afternoon, Dou Huan completed the draft and sent it to Zhang Hao. He was thrilled and told her to get started right away. All designs had to go through Sister Lü for initial review and Zhao Xi for final approval.

Sister Lü only asked whether the design was technically feasible. Dou Huan had already confirmed with the artisans that it was, so the draft passed.

But Zhao Xi tore into her. He claimed she had no creativity, that she just did whatever the client asked. The ring had no soul, he said, and it was a disgrace to Jingtian’s brand.

Dou Huan stood quietly as he ranted. She knew he’d never approve of her work anyway. He’d always find a reason to put her down.

He was hoping she’d lose her temper, argue, and get flustered. The more upset she got, the more satisfaction he’d take from it.

But unfortunately for him, Dou Huan was like a calm lake. No matter how many stones he threw, she didn’t ripple.

Zhao Xi only grew angrier, working himself into a lather. When he realized she wouldn’t react, he finally lost interest.

“Leave the draft here,” he snapped. “I’ll revise it tomorrow. You can show the client then.”

Dou Huan considered saying something but bit her tongue. It didn’t matter what she said—he’d still find an excuse to hold it back.

She had a hunch: by tomorrow, Zhao Xi would conveniently “lose” her draft.

So, she went back to her desk and quietly redrew the design. It was nearly identical to the original, and when she finished, she slipped it into her own bag.

The office was empty now—only Duan Huan remained. She stretched lazily, grabbed her bag, and headed out.

While waiting for the elevator, which was descending from above, she pulled out her phone for a quick glance. It was already 7:30. Now that she didn’t need to be Jing Yu’s personal driver, she could leave whenever she wanted.

Thinking of Jing Yu reminded her of the bracelet she’d been asked to make. It had been finished days ago, but she’d been so swamped with the work Zhao Xi dumped on her that she completely forgot about it.

Jing Yu probably hadn’t left the office yet.

After a moment of hesitation, Duan Huan pressed the button for the upper floors.

When the elevator doors slid open, she was momentarily stunned to see Jing Yu inside. Her face lit up with a bright smile. “What a coincidence—I was just coming to find you.”

She stepped in and took the small box out of her bag, handing it over. “The bracelet was done a couple of days ago. I just forgot to give it to you.”

Jing Yu opened the box for a look and nodded. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”

They didn’t say much after that. Jiang Shan, who was also inside, glanced between them but remained silent.

The elevator felt awkwardly quiet.

“Um…”

“Um…”

They spoke at the same time.

Duan Huan chuckled. “You go first.”

Jing Yu didn’t hold back. “You said you’d think about it—how long are you planning to think? I’m getting a little anxious here.”

Duan Huan realized she was referring to the fake fiancée arrangement. “Didn’t you say you’d bring someone back home by the end of the year? It’s only September. We’ve still got months.”

What’s the rush?

Jing Yu, expression calm, lied smoothly. “My mom changed her mind.”

Duan Huan blinked. “???”

“She’s worried I won’t take it seriously and will end up bringing just anyone home to fool her, which would be embarrassing in front of friends and family. So now she wants to meet the person sooner, just to be sure.”

That… actually made some sense. Duan Huan couldn’t find a solid argument against it.

“But still, isn’t that too rushed?”

The thought of lying to Zhao Yu made her uncomfortable, and besides, once Zhao Yu found out, she’d definitely tell her parents. Then they’d all be caught in the lie. After everything—her impulsive marriage and divorce with Chu Li—her parents were already worried enough. If they found out she was pulling a stunt like this again, wouldn’t it only confirm their fears that she was still acting like a reckless kid?

And if the whole fake engagement thing blew up, the two families would find out… They might not even stay friends.

It just wasn’t worth it.

She waved her hand dismissively. “President Jing, maybe you should find someone else. You just need to bring someone back, right? If it’s someone you don’t know personally, they can just take the money and do the job without any guilt. I don’t want to lie to your parents—or mine.”

Jing Yu didn’t say anything. The elevator arrived at the lobby.

“What were you going to say just now?”

Jing Yu abruptly changed the subject. Duan Huan blinked—what had she been about to say? Jing Yu’s interruption had made her forget.

“Nothing.”

She made her way to her car, only to immediately notice something was off. The car was leaning slightly. Upon closer inspection, she saw the tire was flat.

Jiang Shan pulled up in the car. Jing Yu rolled down the window. “What’s wrong with your car?”

“Flat tire.” Duan Huan crouched down for a look, visibly worried. “I must’ve run over something on the way here and didn’t notice.”

Jing Yu frowned and glanced at Jiang Shan, who nodded in understanding.

“Just take my car for now. We’ll have someone come fix it tomorrow.”

There wasn’t much choice.

Duan Huan got in.

On the way, Jing Yu mentioned she was hungry and asked if Duan Huan wanted to get dinner together.

As it happened, Duan Huan was hungry too, so she agreed.

Jiang Shan drove them to a familiar Chinese restaurant. The three of them ordered five dishes and a soup. By the time they finished eating, it was past eight.

Jing Yu had Jiang Shan drive Duan Huan home first. When they arrived at her building, Duan Huan spotted a car parked near the entrance.

She recognized the license plate instantly and felt a surge of irritation.

She didn’t hate Chu Li as much as she used to, but she still didn’t want to see her—and now she was showing up at her front door?

Chu Li, who had been standing outside looking toward Duan Huan’s home, saw her arrive with Jing Yu and frowned. She marched over and demanded, “Huanhuan, why are you with her?”

“Who I’m with is none of your business,” Duan Huan said calmly, keeping her voice as even as she could. She didn’t want Chu Li to get under her skin anymore.

“Sure, it’s your business,” Chu Li raised her voice, pointing at Jing Yu, “but why her? You never liked her before!”

She stepped in closer, and Duan Huan caught a strong whiff of alcohol. She instinctively stepped back.

“Who I like isn’t your concern.”

She had only taken a step back, but to Chu Li, it looked like she was moving closer to Jing Yu.

She rejects me but leans toward Jing Yu? That thought made Chu Li seethe.

She reached out to grab Duan Huan’s arm. “Huanhuan, come here. Don’t stand with her.”

“Don’t touch me.”

Duan Huan dodged her hand and turned to Jing Yu. “Thanks for the ride. You can go now.”

Then she headed for the door, clearly ignoring Chu Li.

“Huanhuan, please listen,” Chu Li followed her, muttering sadly, “I love you… I can’t stand seeing you with someone else.”

“You’re drunk. Go home!”

Duan Huan shoved her hand away, thoroughly annoyed. She just wanted to get inside.

“Wait,” Jing Yu said.

Duan Huan paused and looked back. “What is it?”

“I think we should make things clear for her.”

“Huh?”

Jing Yu walked up, brushing past Chu Li, who tried to stop her. “Stay away from Huanhuan! I don’t want you near her!”

“I don’t want you near her, either.”

They locked eyes for a moment. Then Jing Yu gently stepped around her and moved in front of Duan Huan. She slid an arm around her waist and pulled her into an embrace.

“Chu Li, listen carefully—we’re together now. Don’t come bothering her again.”

Duan Huan was stunned, eyes wide as she looked up at her.

What was going on?

Jing Yu looked down, smiling with tender affection. “Don’t be shy. It’s better if she knows, so she can give up and stop pestering you.”

She tightened her arm around Duan Huan’s waist, and that snapped Duan Huan out of it. She realized Jing Yu was helping her—putting on a show to get rid of Chu Li.

For a second, she thought she’d lost her memory or something. When did they get together?

Still, she didn’t want to keep getting dragged into Chu Li’s drama. And now, with someone by her side, it would be easier for Chu Li to finally let go.

So she leaned into Jing Yu’s arms and smiled sweetly at Chu Li. “I didn’t think I owed you any explanation, but since Jing-jie insisted—I’ll make it clear. I’ve decided to be with her. So please stop bothering us.”

The way she called her “Jing-jie” (Sister Jing) made Jing Yu feel deeply satisfied.

But to Chu Li, it was unbearable—especially that happy, radiant smile… one she hadn’t put there.

“I don’t believe it,” Chu Li said, shaking her head in anguish. “You used to hate her. You loved me. Why are you doing this? Why are you hurting me?”

That one line hit Duan Huan square in the chest. Did Chu Li really not know how deeply she’d hurt her before?

She was about to speak when Jing Yu cut in. “Yes—used to love you. She doesn’t anymore. Stop playing the victim. Go home and sleep it off.”

“Heh… heh heh… haha…”

Chu Li laughed bitterly, but her eyes brimmed with tears. She took a deep breath, her expression turning sharp. “You two… You’ve been together for a while, haven’t you?”

She stared at Duan Huan, eyes filled with grief, pain—and anger.

“Yes,” Duan Huan snapped, “We’ve been together for a long time. Happy now?”

She knew Chu Li’s pattern—play the victim when she was down, but the moment things didn’t go her way, she’d lash out like a wild animal. 

If Chu Li wanted to throw knives, she could throw them back.

“Not only have we been together for a while—we’ve slept together too. Must sting, huh? The woman you never wanted to touch? Turns out others do.”

Jing Yu turned to look at her, wide-eyed in surprise.

Wait—did they…?

“Stop! Stop it!” Chu Li shouted, covering her ears. “It’s not true! It’s not! My Huanhuan loved me—she wouldn’t betray me!”

Duan Huan’s anger had been boiling, but seeing Chu Li like this, it started to cool.

Of course Chu Li knew how she used to treat her. She just didn’t want to accept it. She was just… unwilling to let go.

Duan Huan didn’t want to play this game anymore.

She called Qin Zhen and asked her to come take Chu Li home.

She showed up with Tong Yi, who quickly helped Chu Li into the car without saying much.

Watching them leave, Duan Huan finally let out a long sigh of relief. She turned around—and only then realized Jing Yu had been holding her the entire time.

She looked up at her. “President Jing?”

Jing Yu looked down at her. “Hmm?”

“Jing-jie?”

Jing Yu raised an eyebrow. “Yes?”

“You can let go now.”

“I know,” Jing Yu said, giving her waist one last squeeze before leaning in and smiling cheekily. “I just didn’t want to.”

She was teasing her on purpose!

“You—!”

Duan Huan’s face flushed red. She broke free from her arms and huffed, “Thanks for your help tonight. I owe you one.”

Then she turned and stormed toward her house.

Behind her, Jing Yu called out, grinning, “Make sure you remember to pay me back!”

She sounded so annoyingly pleased with herself.

Duan Huan turned to glare at her. “I will, okay?!”