Substitute Girlfriend Contract (GL) - Chapter 25

The moment those words landed, Lin Ke’s face went so dark. His fists clenched tight. If it weren’t for all the people watching, he would have thrown a punch already.

“I’m telling you, when you do things, you’d better have proof—and a conscience.” Lin Ke jabbed a finger at Lu Mengxiao, his voice cutting. “Who put you up to this? How much did they pay you? I’ve barely been in S City for long, and today I’m hosting an important reception. Do you have any idea how much this ball means to me—and to Qiqi? And you, a young woman, would throw away your reputation for some petty profit?”

“Petty profit?” Lu Mengxiao let out a mocking laugh. “You think I’d sell myself for pocket change? Ha! How much money do you think you have that I’d be tempted by? If we’re talking about taking advantage, wasn’t it you who took advantage of me years ago?

Lin Ke, oh Lin Ke—you really are something. You clung to me to get out of that duck pen you were stuck in, lived off me, and now that you’ve got a little cash, you’re off to visit brothels. Tsk, tsk. You’ve got a bombshell like me right here, and yet you went for some worn-out shoe? Did a bear kick you in the head?”

That’s my line! Tao Anyu shot her a sidelong glance from below.

“I’ll let it slide if you want to slander me,” Lin Ke said, stepping forward and grabbing Lu Mengxiao’s wrist, “but you will respect my wife.”

Lu Mengxiao shook him off. “Respect? Why would anyone respect a worn-out shoe who doesn’t even respect herself?” She turned a withering glare on Zhuo Shaqi. “Stealing someone else’s husband makes you worse than a bar hostess.”

Zhuo Shaqi smoothed her chest and said evenly, “Miss, please speak with some basis for your claims. Don’t just slander people.”

“Oh, I have basis, all right.” Lu Mengxiao flung a prenatal check-up report and ultrasound image right at Zhuo Shaqi’s face. “My amniotic fluid and placenta can testify for me! Lin Ke used my connections to escape the duck pen, bled me dry, knocked me up, and now denies it—while shacking up with you. Ha! Salty duck and busted shoe—what a perfect match!” She clapped twice for emphasis.

Lin Ke grabbed a glass from the table and hurled it at her; it shattered into pieces on the floor.

“Security! Get this crazy woman out of here!” he roared.

Lu Mengxiao turned toward Tian Qiurou, who was hiding behind the private room door, and gave her a nod. Tian immediately opened the door, letting the bodyguards inside intercept the venue’s security before they could respond to Lin Ke.

Seeing this, Lin Ke’s fury boiled over. Guests were whispering and giving him strange looks, and he felt like he might explode. Pointing at Lu Mengxiao, veins bulging on his forehead, he demanded, “Who gave you such a big payoff to come here and smear me like this?”

“No one!” Lu Mengxiao straightened her back. “Why would I need anyone to pay me? I’ve got money—plenty of it!” She shrugged off her denim jacket and turned to show the design on the back. “Apple brand—see that? International label!”

Tao Anyu couldn’t stand it anymore. She snapped her fingers. “Waiter!”

A bow-tied waiter approached with a tray. “Yes, miss, what can I get you?”

Tao Anyu touched her flushed cheeks. “A glass of whiskey.”

“Right away, miss. Here’s your whiskey.”

“Thanks.” She raised her glass at him, took a sip, and went back to watching the drama unfold onstage.

Twiddling her car keys, Lu Mengxiao announced to the crowd, “I’ve got a car too! BYD F3!” She strode toward Lin Ke, aiming to pat his face, but he batted her hand away.

Laughing, she said, “Back when you were still a little duckling, it was the sight of me behind the wheel that caught your eye! You loved that car.”

“Say one more word and see what happens!” Lin Ke had stripped off his jacket and was rolling up his sleeves, too angry to hold back.

“Lin Ke, calm down. There are so many people here,” Zhuo Shaqi interjected, holding him back. She turned to Lu Mengxiao with a polite smile. “Miss, please don’t get so worked up. Whatever may or may not have happened between you and Lin Ke, we can talk it over calmly. Today is a ball we’re hosting for S City’s most prominent guests. Things have already gotten ugly—let’s not make it worse.”

“Ugly?” Lu Mengxiao laughed in her face. “You think this is ugly?”

“Miss, please—” Seeing Lu Mengxiao closing in step by step, Zhuo Shaqi’s composure cracked. She began to retreat.

In two quick strides, Lu Mengxiao caught up and pinched Zhuo Shaqi’s chin. “Oh, come on, didn’t we just see each other not long ago? At XX High School’s dorm building—remember?”

Zhuo Shaqi’s smile was stiff. “Is that so? I’m sorry, miss, my memory isn’t what it used to be, maybe I—”

Lu Mengxiao cut her off with a grin. “Oh, that’s fine. But surely you haven’t forgotten our many unforgettable nights together?”

“Miss, please show some respect! That’s not something you can just spout!” Zhuo Shaqi snapped, swatting her hand away.

The entire hall went silent.

Unforgettable nights… between two women?

Every guest’s eyes flicked between them, curiosity and speculation simmering, waiting for an explanation.

“Waiter!” Tao Anyu called, swirling her glass, now armed with a bottle of clear nail polish.

“Yes, miss, what can I get you?”

Without looking up, she asked, “Got any rotten eggs in the kitchen?”

“…Sorry?”

“Rotten eggs. Do you have any?”

The waiter scratched his head. “Uh… I’ll have to check.”

“Go on then. Quick.” Tao Anyu lifted her hand, admiring the tiny silver stars she’d painted on her nails. Beautiful.

Lu Mengxiao sneered. “What’s the matter? Not going to admit it?”

Zhuo Shaqi pushed past her and grabbed Lin Ke’s arm. “I have no idea what you’re talking about!”

“Heh.” Lu Mengxiao stepped up to Lin Ke, smiling. “Oh, you really didn’t know? I’ve been expecting you to deny everything. That’s why I—ever so clever—came prepared.”

She leaned close and murmured in his ear, “Your wife’s a worn-out shoe… and one that’s been played with by another woman.”

Stepping back, she watched his eyes redden and his glare harden. “What? Don’t believe me? You didn’t know she’s actually a bisexual, did you? Here’s the truth—she thinks you’re useless in bed. She’s told me more than once—length, girth, curve, all wrong.” She waved dismissively. “Not to mention, the hardness and heat aren’t up to standard either. And worst of all—” she clapped her hands—“you can’t last. Tragic! You can’t even compete with my golden ‘fingers of fury.’”

The waiter reappeared carrying a small basket. “Miss, here are all the rotten eggs from the kitchen.”

“Perfect. Thanks.” Tao Anyu smiled.

“My pleasure, miss. Enjoy your evening.”