Female lead’s Delusion of Starting Over

Chapter 99: You Meng Was Moved

Chen Ya left the Lu family’s estate with a mix of complex emotions. She hadn’t anticipated Lu Li’s disdain towards her, even after she had laid all her cards on the table and even offered herself as a sacrifice, she still wasn’t regarded with any significance by Lu Li.

There was a sense of humiliation, akin to what people often describe as being a ‘lickspittle’—and frustration too. She came bearing her love, only to be coldly rejected by Lu Li. No, not rejected.

It was as if Lu Li had thrown her on the ground and trampled on her a few times. Normally, anyone who dared to treat her this way would find themselves turned into a concrete pillar by the next day.

But when it came to Lu Li…

She wasn’t stronger than him, to begin with, but the real issue was her inability to harm him.

It seemed she now understood what it meant to chase after someone only to find oneself in a fiery pit.

This life had seen Cao Yingying appearing by Lu Li’s side ahead of time, as did You Meng; then there was Chen Xiaoyi. All three seemed to have a special relationship with Lu Li.

It was likely as she had feared. A sourness welled up in her heart, and the consecutive blows had Chen Ya doubting whether she still had the confidence to pursue Lu Li.

Nonetheless, as the underworld queen, she quickly shrugged off this moment of despair.

“No matter how many women you have, I also want to stay by your side. I’ve missed the chance once; I won’t miss it again,” she thought silently.

If her rebirth couldn’t fix her past mistakes and fulfill her regrets, what was the point of being reborn?

Lu Li wasn’t as familiar with her yet, and indeed her actions might have been too rash, especially given her blood relation to that bastard Ye Chen. It was normal for him to doubt her, but eventually, he would see her sincerity.

Maybe he wasn’t as gentle as in the past, but that was also good. At least he wouldn’t be hurt by those despicable women like Zhang Ziqin anymore.

Thinking of the humiliation she had inflicted on Lu Li in her previous life, a complex feeling of guilt appeared on Chen Ya’s mature and alluring face.

Silently, she left.

***

Lu Li, looking at the photos handed over by You Meng, was impressed despite himself. Setting aside other factors, Chen Ya was undoubtedly beautiful, and her figure was explosive. Dressed in a cheongsam, she exuded elegance and grace. Without it, her allure was tantalizing.

She was like a high-quality piece of natural white jade.

“Keep these photos. If she ever steps out of line, let the whole country see them,” Lu Li said without a hint of embarrassment.

Even though he now believed Chen Ya wasn’t lying, caution was still necessary.

“Aren’t you going to take a closer look?” Cao Yingying teased Lu Li with a hint of jealousy.

“You’re prettier and more attractive than she is, and you’re right here in front of me. Why would I need to look at these photos?” Lu Li replied with a smile, appeasing Cao Yingying’s jealousy.

“Just sweet-talking me. I saw your eyes almost popping out just now,” Cao Yingying laughed, satisfied with Lu Li’s response.

Chen Xiaoyi also took her place beside Lu Li, feeling a pang of jealousy at the sight of Chen Ya’s photos, surprised by Lu Li’s comment.

“Um… master brother, you haven’t seen mine yet, how do you know I’m prettier than Chen Ya?” You Meng cautiously approached Lu Li, her voice filled with a grievance and a hint of hope.

Immediately, three pairs of eyes turned to You Meng, causing her to tense up. She couldn’t afford to offend either Chen Xiaoyi or Cao Yingying, lest they whisper in Lu Li’s ear, negating her efforts thus far.

“Not bad, not bad! You did well!” Lu Li’s gentle voice reassured You Meng as he placed a hand on her head.

Opening her eyes, You Meng saw Lu Li’s warm smile, her heart skipping a beat. This was the first time Lu Li had shown her such kindness since their reunion, filling her with joy. Every day, seeing him affectionate with Chen Xiaoyi and Cao Yingying, did she not feel distressed?

Of course, she did.

But she knew Lu Li was discontent with her earlier silence about her work for Ye Chen. You Meng wouldn’t argue; she admitted her mistake.

She was willing to do anything for Lu Li, just to stay by his side. She always thought about advancing their relationship, but only dared to dream. With Lu Li not saying a word, she didn’t have the courage to speak up.

Seeing Lu Li before her, You Meng felt transported back to their shared childhood. Those days in the orphanage, when Lu Li would tousle her hair and gaze at the sky, lost in thought, and she would bounce around him, irked by his silence.

What beautiful times!

Tears glistened in her eyes. Just as You Meng was about to throw herself into Lu Li’s arms, Cao Yingying spoke up.

“That’s enough, no need to put on a show of affection in front of me. I’m not fond of it,” Cao Yingying said, her gaze on You Meng tinged with disapproval.

She knew of You Meng’s feelings for Lu Li and had no intention of stopping her. Cao Yingying did harbor thoughts of monopolizing Lu Li, but knew it was unrealistic. After all, Chen Xiaoyi had been by his side even longer.

But lately, Lu Li had been hers alone. Having just deepened their relationship and received her grandfather’s approval, her possessiveness was more intense than ever.

You Meng’s actions froze…

“Hahaha, alright, alright, stop picking on her. We can now be sure that You Meng is one of us!” Lu Li smiled and took You Meng’s hand.

So much time had passed, the rift in their hearts had healed. Lu Li was no longer the vengeful man he once was upon his return.

You Meng, covering her mouth, barely resisted the urge to hug Lu Li, moved by his warmth and acknowledgment.

“One more ‘You Meng,’ and she might have just leaped into his arms,” she thought, touched by his affection.