Female lead’s Delusion of Starting Over

Chapter 98: Chen Ya’s Bitterness, Handing Over Leverage

Regardless of the bitterness in her heart, Chen Ya knew she had to suppress it for now. Facing the scrutinizing gaze of Lu Li, the murderous aura of You Meng, and the similarly sharp looks from the other two women, Chen Ya realized that without a satisfactory explanation, she might lose her life today.

She wasn’t afraid to die, but what would be the point of her rebirth then? The man she loved deeply in her previous life, who she couldn’t make amends with, was right in front of her. How could she allow herself to die now?

“I have a way to prove my intentions!” She lifted her head, her gaze firm as she looked at Lu Li, a hint of tenderness in her eyes.

Lu Li frowned, uninterested in Chen Ya’s gaze. So what if Zhang Ziqin looked at him the same way?

Whatever.

“Let’s hear it.”

“The Chen family has several secret bases in Hangzhou, hiding many secrets of the Modu families. I can bring those to you now. You’re planning to expand into Modu, right? Those things would be very useful to you,” Chen Ya said earnestly, looking at Lu Li.

These were supposed to be gifts for Lu Li, but now she had to present them under such circumstances. Chen Ya felt uncomfortable, but she understood her association with Ye Chen wouldn’t easily earn Lu Li’s trust. That damned blood relation was enough to disgust her.

Thinking about her actions towards Lu Li in her previous life, Chen Ya didn’t blame him. After all, what goes around comes around. Why wouldn’t Lu Li have the right to scorn her?

Lu Li’s expression slightly shifted. This indeed sounded like a significant offer. The secrets of the Modu families wouldn’t be trivial, but Chen Ya was not someone easily trusted.

Even if she made sense, Lu Li wouldn’t believe her. Who knows if she was playing a game of deception, using truth to cover lies? This woman, known as a powerful figure in the underworld, was capable of such manipulation.

“Number 1 ** Main Street, Number 2 ** Road 321, Number 3 *** Lane 20; these are the locations, right? If you’re talking about those secrets, I can get them myself.”

Chen Ya’s gaze sharpened, incredulous that Lu Li already knew about the Chen family’s secret bases in Hangzhou.

“If you can’t offer anything more, you can leave today. Are you naive or just foolish to come here, to Lu Estate, on your own? Or do you think you’re the only smart person in the world, devoid of any caution?” Lu Li’s mocking tone was sharp as a knife.

Such a look, like a sharp blade, stabbed deep into Chen Ya’s heart. She came with goodwill and love, only to be rejected by Lu Li.

At this point, Chen Ya was desperate. No one hated the blood relation with Ye Chen more than she did. Just thinking about it disgusted her, and now it was the reason Lu Li distrusted her.

With a hint of grievance in her eyes, Chen Ya bit her lip: “Is my body enough?”

She wanted a beautiful love story with Lu Li, but now it seemed she was asking for too much. Lu Li only harbored suspicion towards her, rooted in the blood ties she couldn’t escape.

Although she wasn’t sure how You Meng gained Lu Li’s trust, it surely couldn’t have been harder than her own situation. It was just a matter of what she offered.

Cao Yingying narrowed her eyes!

Another enemy coveting her man.

Chen Xiaoyi’s eyes widened; another poacher was here.

You Meng glared at Chen Ya, furious. She hadn’t even had her chance, and now Ye Chen’s aunt was trying to get ahead of her.

“I have no interest in your body.” Lu Li paused, slightly amused by the woman before him.

Chen Xiaoyi, Cao Yingying, and You Meng, eagerly awaiting their turn, were all Lu Li liked. What he desired was a treasure; what he didn’t, was rotten meat to him.

Chen Ya’s heart grew even more bitter. Her most precious offering was so trivial in Lu Li’s eyes, even disdainful.

This feeling was unbearable. If it were anyone else, she would have severed ties and even sought revenge. But facing Lu Li, Chen Ya couldn’t bring herself to do it. After all, he was her goal in this rebirth.

“Enough. We’ve wasted enough time. You Meng, take her away and deal with it cleanly. We’re not afraid, but it’s better to have fewer troubles!”

Lu Li stood up, no longer interested in this pointless conversation.

Some people really have no limits when cornered. Chen Ya, a protagonist, now driven to desperation by him, spoke out of turn, even if it didn’t align with the narrative setting. After all, aren’t protagonists supposed to remain untouched? How else would it be a light-hearted story?

“Alright, master brother.”

You Meng’s eyes lit up. Seeing Chen Ya, she was filled with murderous intent, further aggravated by Chen Ya trying to seduce her “big brother.”

“Then, you may take photos, various kinds. If I ever go back on my word, you can destroy me. Is that sufficient?” Chen Ya lowered her head, her voice subdued.

“Hmm!” Lu Li frowned, considering. It seemed she was indeed determined to collaborate against Ye Chen, offering such terms indicating her resolve. Destroying someone could be more painful than killing.

Cao Yingying, Chen Xiaoyi, and You Meng were all taken aback, understanding what this meant. Especially for someone from a prominent family like Chen Ya, reputation meant everything.

Their eyes turned to Lu Li, awaiting his judgment on Chen Ya’s fate.

“One last question!” Lu Li settled back into the sofa.

Chen Ya breathed a sigh of relief, knowing her life was spared. She feared death but didn’t wish for it, especially not with misunderstandings about her blood ties with Ye Chen.

“Why did you claim to be my woman?”

Chen Ya smiled bitterly: “If I hadn’t said that, I doubt I would have been allowed into the Lu estate.”

“You’re right. Bring those documents tomorrow. Take her to get photographed, and make sure to take some artistic shots.” Lu Li ordered, addressing Chen Ya before turning to You Meng.

This woman’s attitude had shifted, confirming their new relationship. Handing over such leverage was akin to pledging loyalty in ancient times.

The latter part of his instruction was directed at You Meng.