Grateful for his help last time, Yan Xixi politely said, "This has nothing to do with you. If you hadn’t shown up last time, I could have been in real danger. I haven’t even had a chance to thank you."

"I’m ashamed to admit, Yang Wei is my cousin’s husband. Previously, my cousin and her mother-in-law lied, making Yang Wei seem so pitiful and innocent. But I later learned that wasn’t the case at all."

Yan Xixi knew he only had one cousin, Li Shanni. Since they were both only children, they had been as close as siblings since childhood. Li Zhen’s previous concern for Yang Wei had simply been an extension of his affection for his cousin. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

"Sigh, in the past, I never had any dealings with Yang Wei, so I didn’t really know what kind of person he was. After everything that’s happened recently, I’ve realized his character is truly rotten. He definitely deserves some punishment; otherwise, he’ll only become more insufferable in the future.

My cousin is truly pitiful. She knows what kind of person Yang Wei is. However, since their child is still very young, she’s been dragging her feet and doesn’t have the courage to ask for a divorce.

I’ve also talked to my uncle and aunt about it. They said if she wants a divorce, they will definitely support her. Anyway, the house and savings will ultimately be left to my cousin."

Yan Xixi gave a bitter smile. "I was just worried you wouldn’t understand, or that I wouldn’t know how to explain it to you."

Li Zhen lowered his voice. "From what I’ve learned, I also feel that we must give him a lesson this time. It’s probably better for him to be inside than outside."

Hearing this, Yan Xixi, a law PhD from Cambridge, felt greatly relieved.

"Xixi, when are you going to the United States?"

"I haven’t booked a flight yet, but it should be within the next two weeks."

Li Zhen’s eyes lit up, and he suddenly asked, "Xixi, could you do me a favor?"

"You’ve helped me so much, and I’ve done nothing in return for you, so go ahead."

"Could I invite you to dinner before you leave?"

Yan Xixi was taken aback and didn’t know how to respond for a moment.

He seemed a bit embarrassed. "If... if it’s inconvenient, just forget about it..."

Yan Xixi readily agreed, "Sure, you set a time, and I’ll treat you to a meal."

Li Zhen was so thrilled that he nearly jumped for joy.

Wan Donglin, looking through his car window, saw the two of them talking at the entrance. Li Zhen was smiling broadly, clearly delighted. They exchanged a few more words and then both burst into hearty laughter over something.

Attractive people, of a similar age.

And notably, one from Harvard, the other from Cambridge.

It was so damn annoying.

And look at them, chatting away as if they had so much in common. Did they really have that much rapport? Honestly!

In a short while, the young man whistled cheerily and left.

Yan Xixi came out and saw the car. That Wan Donglin, he actually came to pick me up.

He rolled down the window and beckoned her over with a finger.

She hurried over.

He gave her a teasing smirk. "So, what the Empress Dowager said is true."

She sat next to him. "What did the Empress Dowager say?"

"The Empress Dowager said that Yan Xixi is a good girl, her only flaw being that she’s too proud..."

"..."

"The Empress Dowager also said that being proud is fine if one has the qualifications. She added that if Yan Xixi were to break up with you, Wan Donglin, men like Li Zhen or Wang Zhen would be pursuing her the very next day. See? It’s not even tomorrow yet, and someone’s already shown up today..."

Yan Xixi’s eyes widened; the Empress Dowager was actually gossiping about her behind her back like this.

She was both amused and irritated.

"What did that Li Zhen fellow want from you?"

"He was just passing by."

"Really? Just a coincidence?"

She retorted, irritated, "What else do you think? A declaration of love? Some secret deal? If it were anything like that, he wouldn’t have come to the shop to find me."