Chapter 9: The Stingy President

"Did you learn to curse from her?" Ouyang Chen absentmindedly twisted the napkin on the table, rolling it into a thin strip.

"What does that have to do with you?" In Zhang Xiluo’s memory, before they joined forces against Li Mingye, there was barely any connection between them.

Ouyang Chen looked up at her, his expression serious. "It does matter. If you want me to help you, you need to show some attitude."

...

Zhang Xiluo was speechless. That day, she’d simply wanted to get on good terms with Ouyang Chen for future alliance. Claiming she needed his help had merely been an excuse.

"You already said you wouldn’t help. What attitude am I supposed to show?" She mimicked his way of playing with the napkin, but ended up tearing it apart.

"I’ve changed my mind," Ouyang Chen said lightly.

"I just want you to help persuade Li Mingye."

Hearing Li Mingye’s name didn’t surprise Ouyang Chen. "Persuade him to live peacefully with you?"

"No." Zhang Xiluo denied firmly. "I want you to persuade him to divorce me."

Ouyang Chen’s expression flickered. He crushed the napkin rose he’d made into a crumpled ball. "You want a divorce?"

"Yes. You’re close to him, so make sure to talk him around. And get him to settle the bill I gave him as soon as possible."

"Bill?" Ouyang Chen caught the key point, frowning in surprise. "He owes you money?"

"He does, but he won’t pay. Such a big CEO, stingy as can be, sigh."

Suddenly, Zhang Xiluo felt a chill behind her. She turned to meet Li Mingye’s icy gaze.

What rotten luck, to run into him now!

"Zhang Xiluo, you’re really something!" Li Mingye ground his teeth, furious.

He’d heard everything Zhang Xiluo said to Ouyang Chen. What did she mean, he owed her a bill? Was her head filled with nonsense? She’d even gone to his friend to persuade him to divorce!

Zhang Xiluo glared at Ouyang Chen. That guy must have done it on purpose, knowing the bastard would show up.

Men—none of them can be trusted!

"You said you’d help me, no backing out," Zhang Xiluo said to Ouyang Chen with a crooked smile, deliberately ignoring Li Mingye. "I’m leaving. If we succeed, I’ll treat you to a big meal."

She tried to escape, but failed.

Li Mingye seized her arm, never sparing Ouyang Chen a glance, and dragged her outside.

"Zhang Xiluo, stay away from the people around me!" Back in the car, Li Mingye issued a cold warning.

"No." Zhang Xiluo gave up pretending, since he was angry anyway. "I need them to help persuade you to divorce me."

Li Mingye’s face grew darker and darker. The woman who’d loved him for years, how could she change so suddenly? He even doubted whether the woman before him was truly Zhang Xiluo.

"You really want a divorce that much?"

"Yes." Zhang Xiluo nodded earnestly. "Actually, you need freedom even more than I do. You should thank me..."

"Heh. If you can’t stand loneliness, you can come directly to me. Using divorce as an excuse is just pathetic."

Li Mingye pulled her into his arms, lowered his head, attempting his old tricks. But Zhang Xiluo raised her hand and slapped him, refusing to let history repeat itself.

A clear handprint appeared on Li Mingye’s face. He glared at her, his gaze murderous.

Zhang Xiluo quickly opened the car door and ran out, her hand tingling and aching from striking him.

Li Mingye was truly angry. For the next few days, he didn’t return to the villa, nor did he show up in front of Zhang Xiluo.

Zhang Xiluo spent her days on skincare, exercising, and painting when she had time.

Such a leisurely life was something she’d never imagined before. Once, her world revolved around Li Mingye alone. She’d only ever wanted him. Who knew that not being a hopeless devotee could bring such happiness!

On Friday evening, Zhang Xiluo received a friend request. There was no note, only a message saying the sender wished to have a conversation.