Chapter 119: Love You to Death
Shen Xi walked into the house, glancing around. This so-called "home" felt completely unfamiliar to her. Without the original owner's memories, she had no emotional attachment to it whatsoever.
She made her way to the living room and calmly sat down on the sofa. She might not have memories of this place, but the Shen family didn’t know that. She had to act natural, as if she belonged here.
Once the four of them entered, Father Shen, Liu Qiulan, and Shen Wanru sat across from her, while Wang Lei, taking advantage of his role as the Shen family’s "representative," casually sat beside her, just one seat away.
In truth, he wanted to sit even closer, but with three other people watching, he had no choice but to restrain himself.
Shen Xi frowned slightly, feeling annoyed. She shifted a little to the side, putting more distance between herself and Wang Lei.
Wang Lei’s face stiffened with embarrassment.
Still smiling, Shen Xi swept her gaze over the three members of the Shen family and asked casually,
"Where’s Zekai?"
Father Shen frowned, his tone a bit stiff.
"He’s interning at the company."
Shen Xi nodded, already knowing the full story.
The Shen family had given Zekai an ultimatum. If he wanted 10% of the family’s shares, he had to work at the company.
Everyone in the family knew that Zekai was close to her, so there was no need to drag him into today’s discussion.
"Alright, since everyone is here, let’s take a look at Miss Susie’s cooperation agreement."
She pulled another contract from her bag and placed it on the table.
Just as Wang Lei was about to reach for it, Father Shen suddenly spoke up.
"Wait a minute. How do you even know Miss Susie? Why would she make you her representative?"
"I met her while studying abroad. And besides, have you all forgotten who my husband is?"
Shen Xi had expected this question. She remained composed and smiled slightly.
"The Gu Corporation is the only company in the country that has ever collaborated with Miss Susie."
Her words instantly silenced Father Shen, his expression turning sour.
But the one who looked even more displeased was Shen Wanru.
The moment Shen Xi mentioned her enviable husband, Shen Wanru clenched her teeth in frustration.
She had always prided herself on being superior to Shen Xi. After all, she was the real daughter of the Shen family.
Yet, not only had Shen Xi married into the prestigious Gu family, but she had also become Susie’s representative.
And yet, she was only engaged to one of Shi Jingyan’s lackeys, the very man Shen Xi had once “admired.” The thought filled Shen Wanru with resentment and deep jealousy.
Seeing that Father Shen remained silent, having no objections, Wang Lei picked up the contract and started flipping through it.
His relaxed expression instantly turned to shock.
"Forty-two percent of the Shen family’s shares?"
At those words, the three members of the Shen family all turned to Shen Xi in disbelief.
Shen Wanru shot up from her seat, pointing at her furiously.
"This is daylight robbery! Forty-two percent?! Are you trying to empty out the Shen family? Do you take us for fools?"
Shen Xi remained calm, still wearing a faint smile as she met Shen Wanru’s glare.
"Do you really not understand the state of the Shen family right now? Do you think Miss Susie would go through the trouble of ‘emptying out’ something that’s already collapsing?"
Her tone was light, but the words carried a sharp sting.
"Miss Susie once sold a single design for twenty million to the Gu Corporation. The fact that she’s willing to work with the Shen family at all is something you should be thanking me for."
Wang Lei, who had been seated beside her, was momentarily distracted by the faint fragrance on her body. His thoughts drifted, and he quickly nodded in agreement.
"Shen Xi is right. It’s an incredible opportunity for the Shen family to work with Miss Susie. Besides, we’ll still have control over the company."
After all, forty-two percent wasn’t enough to take over. True authority required at least fifty-one percent.
Shen Wanru turned to Wang Lei, her face twisting in anger.
"Wang Lei, what do you mean by that? Are you seriously saying the Shen family should just hand over forty-two percent of its shares for nothing?!"
Wang Lei was caught off guard by her outburst and looked a little embarrassed. But he still forced himself to explain.
"Wan’er, calm down. Miss Susie has significant international influence. Partnering with her is the Shen family’s best shot at a comeback in the long run."
Shen Xi glanced at Wang Lei with some amusement. Oh? A scholar stepping up to argue her case for her?
She had always found Wang Lei’s gaze unsettling. He had looked at her in a way that made her uncomfortable from the start. But now, in an attempt to win her favor, he was willing to disregard the Shen family’s interests entirely.
How ridiculous. Still, it worked in her favor.
Guess this so-called “honey trap” ended up being useful today.
Seeing the beauty flash him a sweet smile, Wang Lei felt overjoyed, as if he had just received the greatest encouragement in the world.
He firmly believed that he was no worse than Shi Jingyan. If he could just spend more time around Shen Xi, she would surely notice his undeniable charm.
As for Shen Xi's old and ugly husband at home, what's the use of having money? This was a world where looks were everything. If a woman wasn’t satisfied at home, it was only natural for her to seek comfort elsewhere.
Meanwhile, Father Shen sat in silence, his brows furrowed, his expression dark as he carefully weighed the pros and cons.
After a moment, Father Shen let out a sigh, picked up the pen from the table, and took the contract from Wang Lei’s hands to review it himself.
Once he confirmed everything was in order, he was just about to sign when a hand suddenly pressed down on his, stopping him.
Shen Wanru let out a cold scoff and shot an annoyed glare at Wang Lei.
“Dad, don’t sign so fast. I think something’s off here.”
Shen Xi wasn’t surprised. Of course, it wouldn’t be that easy.
Still, she kept a calm expression and smiled slightly.
“Do you really think Miss Susie has any reason to deceive you?”
She then stood up, as if ready to leave.
“Forget it. Since you’re suspicious, let’s just cancel the deal.”
The moment she finished speaking, Father Shen’s face tensed up, and he quickly stood as well.
“Xixi, don’t be impulsive! Wanru doesn’t know any better, don’t take it to heart.”
Liu Qiulan hurriedly pulled at Shen Wanru, signaling her to stay quiet. Shen Wanru, however, clenched her teeth in frustration, glaring at Shen Xi with resentment.
Wang Lei, seeing the situation, also stood up to smooth things over.
“Alright, alright, we’re all family. No need to argue. Shen Xi is right, there’s no reason for Susie to trick us.”
Father Shen nodded. This opportunity was too important to him. The condescending looks from his so-called wealthy “friends” had been unbearable, and he was desperate to reclaim his former status.
He picked up the pen again, ready to sign.
“Wait a moment.”
This time, it was Shen Xi who stopped him.
“I went out of my way to recommend the Shen family to Susie, which is the only reason you have this chance to turn things around. Shouldn’t I at least get something in return?”
She smiled faintly.
“I don’t want anything else. Just the sports car my husband originally gave me. Return it to me, and we’re good.”
Father Shen froze for a moment, clearly not expecting this request.
He frowned slightly. It’s just a car. Compared to this deal, it’s nothing. And technically, it was hers to begin with.
“Alright, fine.”
The moment he agreed, Shen Wanru’s face turned dark with rage.
“Dad! Why should she—”
“Wanru!”
Father Shen’s sharp voice cut her off, his eyes flashing with warning.
“Enough. That car was hers to begin with. You’ve driven it long enough. Hand over the keys.”
Shen Wanru bit her lower lip, unwilling to accept this outcome, but fearing her father’s anger, she didn’t dare protest further. In the end, she threw the car keys onto the table with a loud clank before storming upstairs.
With that, everything finally went smoothly. Shen Xi put away the signed contract, casually picked up the car keys, and stood up. She smiled at the others and said,
“Now that everything’s settled, I won’t stay any longer.”
Without another glance at Father Shen, who looked utterly drained, she turned and walked toward the door.
Seeing this, Wang Lei quickly got up.
“I’ll walk you out.”
As soon as Shen Xi stepped outside, she was about to head straight to the garage, where she had already spotted her car, when Wang Lei’s voice called out from behind.
“Xixi, let me drive you. We can grab a meal together on the way.”
As he spoke, he tried to move closer to her, his intentions completely obvious.
Shen Xi frowned slightly but didn’t stop walking. Her tone was cold.
“No need, Mr. Wang. Besides, we’re not that close. You should call me Mrs. Gu instead.”
“Come on, Goddess Shen, don’t be so distant. Jingyan already told me, your husband, that old and ugly man, doesn’t even like you. He’s just with you for fun because you’re pretty.”
Wang Lei forced a smile, barely hiding his irritation, then chuckled softly.
“Look at me, I don’t look any worse than Jingyan. Why don’t you consider—”
Before he could finish, Shen Xi let out a cold laugh and cut him off.
“Who said my husband doesn’t like me? He’s obsessed with me, he can’t even sleep without me. He Loves me to death.”
She scoffed and glanced at him disdainfully.
“And as for you? Ha. Don’t flatter yourself. You’re not even one ten-thousandth of him.”
Like a cat whose fur had been ruffled, she blurted out nonsense without hesitation, determined to counterattack.
Wang Lei’s face twisted, turning pale one moment and dark the next. He opened his mouth, about to say something, when a cool, deep voice suddenly interrupted.
“My wife is absolutely right.”
Shen Xi froze. The moment she heard that familiar voice, she felt as if her soul had left her body.
Holy sh—!!!!