"Luo Fei..." Fan Shi was crying with tears streaming down her face, begging Luo Fei in hopes that he would soften his heart. "You know I've always wanted to have a family, to have children, I..."
"We can have more children in the future, why do you insist on keeping this one?" Luo Fei asked again in confusion. "Isn't this just proof of humiliation? When you see the child in the future, won't you be reminded of the harm done to you?"
Fan Shi's sobs seemed to be choked back, and she was stunned.
Luo Fei tiredly pinched the bridge of his nose and sighed: "The wedding will proceed as planned today, but afterward you have two choices. First, don't keep this child, and we'll start fresh. Second, if you absolutely insist on keeping this child, then we won't need to get the marriage certificate, and I'll announce our divorce to the public when the time comes, taking all responsibility."
The wedding still needed to happen - if they didn't get married today, Fan Shi would face public criticism. She had already suffered such a blow, and he couldn't bear to let her endure more rumors and gossip.
Fan Shi stared at Luo Fei in shock, her eyes losing focus, as if she had suddenly lost her greatest support and most reliable backing, instantly becoming as rootless as duckweed, beginning to feel anxious and unsettled.
She reached out, trying to grab Luo Fei.
But Luo Fei didn't give Fan Shi a chance to speak, "Fan Shi, this is the most I can do."
Fan Shi's hand froze, and she cried even more miserably.
Hearing this, Ji Fei and Qin Xian finally breathed sighs of relief.
[It seems Luo Fei is a good person, but not one without principles. He doesn't blame the so-called victim, but he absolutely won't let the perpetrator step all over him and make him bear all the consequences. But... brother, you shouldn't even give her the first choice. You're a real man, but she's truly unworthy! And is this wedding really necessary?]
Luo Fei's own emotions were in turmoil, so naturally he couldn't calmly comfort Fan Shi.
Luo Fei said: "The ceremony will begin in an hour. Think it through carefully."
Facing someone he had protected for years, Luo Fei had done everything he could.
After leaving the room, Ji Fei and Qin Xian finally saw Luo Fei's expression clearly - he looked as if he had been through death itself.
Seeing Luo Fei somewhat unsteady on his feet, Qin Xian stepped forward to support him, but Luo Fei immediately waved him off, saying, "I'm fine, I'm fine."
The sound of crying continued to flow from behind them. Luo Fei frowned, "Let's go."
Ji Fei and Qin Xian accompanied Luo Fei to the downstairs lounge to rest for a while.
"I'm going to deal with Tang Yu," Luo Fei said directly to Qin Xian. "I'll make him pay for what he's done."
But Qin Xian didn't respond, instead asking straightforwardly: "You're still going through with the wedding?"
Ji Fei secretly gave her husband a thumbs up - brave man.
But there was no choice - since Fan Shi's conscience had gone bad and she refused to admit it, they couldn't just watch Luo Fei continue to be deceived. Although they believed in respecting others' fates, when it came to their good friend, they couldn't rest easy without intervening.
But if they stepped in and the other party ignored their good intentions, then they would truly respect others' fates.
Luo Fei was indeed taken aback, frowning as he said: "I feel wronged about this matter, but Fan Shi is also pitiful. She didn't betray me intentionally - I can't just abandon her."
Luo Fei took it as his brothers being indignant on his behalf.
"Is that so? Not intentional?" Qin Xian said coldly.
"What do you mean by that?" Luo Fei was startled.
Qin Xian said directly: "I don't think she's as passive and innocent as she appears. Perhaps she was willing."
"Aren't you just purely victim-blaming?" Luo Fei immediately became agitated.
Ji Fei quickly said: "Are you so certain she was forced?"
Just as Luo Fei was about to nod, Qin Xian said: "In the surveillance videos sent to you, if there was even one from their first betrayal, think about what that means."
Luo Fei froze, his whole body stiffening as he clearly understood, his lips trembling as he said: "But... you don't know if the first time was in the collected videos."
Qin Xian shrugged, saying: "So, anything is possible. I hope you think it through carefully. A wedding is important - don't waste it on someone unworthy. In any case, we don't believe her."
After saying this, Qin Xian didn't add anything more, turning to leave with Ji Fei.
Ji Fei was still confused about what she had heard.
After following him out, she couldn't help asking: "What did you mean by what you just said?"
Qin Xian explained: "In those videos, Fan Shi mostly showed mild resistance and struggling. If she were truly a victim, she would have had the chance to save herself or call for help the first time, but she didn't. That leaves only two possibilities: first, the video of her initially being forced to leave evidence isn't among them, or second... she was willing from the beginning."
Ji Fei suddenly understood - Qin Xian had essentially planted a seed of doubt in Luo Fei's mind.
"But is this enough?" Ji Fei asked.
Qin Xian shook his head: "I'm not sure either, we can only wait and see."
The two returned to Qin Xian's friends' area, where they were immediately pulled into various conversations.
At this time, Wu Xingqing, having found nothing in her investigation, was preparing to leave when she passed through the lounge and happened to see Luo Fei.
Wu Xingqing thought for a moment and walked over, finding Luo Fei apparently deep in troubled thought.
"Mr. Luo."
Luo Fei suddenly looked up, his eyes full of confusion. Seeing it was her, he composed himself and frowned, "Hasn't he left yet?"
Wu Xingqing pressed her lips together, "He's treating his wounds, he'll leave soon. I have some things I want to clarify."
Luo Fei thought for a moment, then suddenly said: "You want to know about his past?"
Wu Xingqing nodded.
Without hesitation, Luo Fei told her everything about Tang Yu's high school years. When Wu Xingqing heard the true reason why Tang Yu's face had been beaten and disfigured, she turned pale.
"Is everything you said true?"
Seeing Wu Xingqing's awful expression, her reddened eyes stubbornly refusing to let tears fall, Luo Fei couldn't help but feel sympathy.
"Miss Wu can investigate if you don't believe me. Besides, his pursuit of you has ulterior motives. There are some things I can't say, but I suggest Miss Wu be more careful when choosing a man. The one you're with now is just a beast in human skin."
"Luo Fei!" Suddenly, a voice called out.
Luo Fei turned to see his father approaching. Their lounge was empty, but the passages on both sides were open - if someone spoke loudly or listened carefully, they could hear their conversation, and Luo's Father had heard as he approached.
Luo Fei gave his father a cold smile. If Tang Yu dared to do such things, how could he let him keep Wu Xingqing as his backing?
Luo's Father anxiously tried to say something, but Wu Xingqing, unable to bear it anymore, turned and quickly left to confront Tang Yu.
Walking so fast, she almost bumped into someone as she left the lounge without noticing.
Luo's Father couldn't very well chase after Wu Xingqing, so he could only look angrily at Luo Fei, "Luo Fei, what are you doing, you..."
"Dad, did I say anything wrong just now? Or do you also want your illegitimate son to marry the Wu family's daughter, to legitimately take my place, and then give him the confidence to claim his heritage?" Luo Fei understood the machinations of wealthy families well, he just hadn't bothered to speak of it.
"Shut up, what are you saying!" Luo's Father knew this day would come sooner or later, and could only force himself to say: "What happened with Tang Yu was a mistake I made when I was young, but he is still your brother, you..."
Luo Fei laughed, really wanting to reveal how this brother had backstabbed him and done such disgusting things. His father probably couldn't handle such a scandal either.
"Dad, you don't need to explain these things to me. Wait to explain them to Mom."
"What? Your mother's health is poor, she can't take such a shock. This matter needs careful consideration."
Careful consideration - meaning he would definitely acknowledge Tang Yu, it was just a matter of time.
Luo Fei sneered, "Oh, so you know that? Then why didn't you think about Mom's poor health when you were doing such shameful things?"
"For men of our status, who hasn't..."
"Just because others are dirty, you have to be dirty too? If others eat shit, you have to eat it too?"
Luo's Father nearly fainted at Luo Fei's sudden vulgarity, but it also showed just how angry Luo Fei truly was.
"Alright, alright, I won't argue with you. The wedding is about to begin, so mind your appearance and don't cause any more trouble that would embarrass the Luo Family," Luo's Father said before turning away.
Luo Fei froze at the mention of the wedding...
Luo's Father stormed off, failing to notice the trembling figure hidden around the corner.
It was Luo's Mother, who had heard everything. In her hands, she held Luo Fei's phone, its screen still lit up, displaying paused surveillance footage.
She had originally come to question her son about Fan Shi and Tang Yu, only to discover that Tang Yu was her husband's illegitimate son. She nearly fainted at the revelation.
However, thinking about the injustice her son had suffered, her maternal instincts kicked in, and anger surged through her. She managed to stay standing through sheer determination.
Unlike Luo Fei, she wasn't quick to assume Fan Shi was the victim. She had never liked Fan Shi's weepy, petty nature to begin with. Moreover, even if Fan Shi was indeed a victim, she would never allow a woman who had been involved with an illegitimate son to marry her own son. Not even if there was a child involved – especially when the child's paternity was uncertain.
She knew her son's nature all too well – he was too responsible, willing to endure wrongdoing silently. But she wouldn't stand for it!
Clutching the phone, Luo's Mother turned to leave. She had to find Fan Shi!
Meanwhile, Wu Xingqing had searched everywhere but couldn't find Tang Yu. Unfamiliar with someone else's estate, she could only continue her search.
Luo's Mother's search also proved fruitless – the makeup artists told her the bride had stepped out for some air and would return shortly.
Impatient to wait, Luo's Mother headed straight for the surveillance room.
At this time, Ji Fei was pretending to engage in casual conversation while secretly following the drama unfolding between several people.
[This is insane! Fan Shi secretly went to see Tang Yu and told him that Luo Fei knows everything. She wanted Tang Yu to take her away because she didn't want to abort his child. But after hearing this, Tang Yu still told Fan Shi to go ahead with the wedding and stay with Luo Fei, saying they could give up the child. Not only that, but bitter about being beaten up earlier, Tang Yu actually planned to cuckold Luo Fei right here... wait... what... what are they doing!]
The Qin family members, who had been secretly following the drama, became excited at this point. Could it be that thing? That shameless act? Right here and now?
[Wow! This is our chance to catch them in the act! Take Luo Fei there, and everything will be exposed!]
Before Ji Fei could react, Qin Xian stood up and said, "I just remembered something important I need to discuss. Come on, let's find Luo Fei."
