Revenge on the Ruthless CEO - Chapter 72 - The Final Conclusion

“Miss, we are currently holding the young master’s first birthday ceremony for the Murong Family! May I ask which side’s guest you are? Could you please return to your seat?” The host was bewildered. A sudden interruption like this might be understandable at a wedding ceremony, but why at a child’s first birthday ceremony?

“I’m not one of your invited guests. I’ve come today to seek justice!”

“Justice? Miss, what kind of justice are you seeking?” Murong Qingming squinted at the woman. Both of them were now staring at each other, yet neither showed any emotion. An Luya felt a pang of bitterness in her heart. Could it be that Murong Qingming was secretly keeping a mistress? If this was true, Murong Qingming, you’re in trouble! With many renowned journalists present, now was the perfect time to capture the moment. The sound of cameras clicking and the flash of lights were unending.

Ha! Tomorrow’s headlines would be riveting! ‘Mistress Appears at Murong Family’s First Grandson’s Ceremony Seeking Recognition.’ Quite the scoop!

“Hmph! Mr. CEO, is there anything unreasonable about a woman who has been mistreated coming to seek justice for herself?” The words were spoken at a perfect volume for everyone present to hear clearly. Murong Qingming’s face immediately darkened. Who was this woman? What was she talking about? When did he ever mistreat her? His peripheral vision caught An Luya, who was pale and had her head down. A pang of sympathy hit him as he felt like running over to embrace and comfort An Luya. However, the most important thing at the moment was to clarify the entire situation to prevent further misunderstandings.

“Miss, please don’t speak recklessly. Do you see what kind of place this is?” Murong Qingming’s patience was limited, and he was visibly losing his cool.

“What? Threatening me? Let me tell you, I’m not afraid of you! You’ve got your hands…”

“Rongrong, Rongrong, please don’t do this. Don’t cause trouble. Let’s go!” Another woman, elegant and graceful, came rushing up, holding the hand of a roughly two-year-old girl.

“Yueyue, don’t stop me. I must seek justice for you today. Why should he live a wealthy and carefree life while you have to live in poverty with his child? Why?”

“Rongrong, I’m begging you, please stop.” This left people stunned, with a chorus of gasps from the crowd. Not only was there a mistress causing a scene, but she even brought a child with her. An illegitimate child? The headlines just got even bigger! The cameras clicked wildly again, this time focusing on the little girl, who burst into tears.

“Mei Mei, don’t cry! It’s mommy’s fault! Mommy was wrong! Don’t cry!” Yueyue comforted the little girl.

“Why are you taking photos? Stop, stop! What is this nonsense? Why are you taking photos?” Rongrong hurried to shoo away the reporters, joining Yueyue in comforting the little girl, Mei Mei. Everyone was speculating that this little girl seemed to be around two years old. Calculating the time, it aligned just with the period when An Luya left Murong Qingming. Could it be… Everyone’s gaze shifted to Murong Qingming. He was bewildered-what did any of this have to do with him? Murong Qingming quickly walked over to support the teetering An Luya.

“Luya, trust me, it’s not about me!” An Luya looked at Murong Qingming. She wanted to believe him, but…

“Luya, look at me. Don’t doubt me. Sit here and don’t move; I’ll figure this out.” Murong Qingming placed Luya on the nearest chair, giving her a reassuring look. Luya stared into Murong Qingming’s eyes for a few seconds, then nodded woodenly.

“Misses, what are you here for exactly? Speak clearly!” Murong Qingming warned the two women. Spectators and reporters eagerly awaited the drama to unfold.

“I…” Rongrong was about to speak when Yueyue tugged on her.

“Rongrong!” Yueyue shook her head at Rongrong, then addressed Murong Qingming, “I’m sorry for the trouble. My friend made a mistake. We will leave now.” With that, she turned to leave, pulling Rongrong along, who resisted, muttering under her breath.

“Why should we leave? Why shouldn’t he take responsibility? How will you and the child manage in the future? How will you support yourselves?” Hearing these murmurs, the crowd was more convinced that this little girl was Murong Qingming’s, and that Yueyue, under pressure from Murong Qingming’s stern gaze, had no choice but to retreat.

“Stop talking! Let’s go!”

“Wait! Explain everything before you leave! What is really going on here?” If they left just like that, how could the misunderstanding be cleared up? But Yueyue pulled Rongrong along faster towards the exit. Murong Qingming caught up and grabbed Yueyue’s arm. An Luya went pale-he actually went after them, taking care of that woman and his other child. What about her? What about her, Yangyang, and the two children she was carrying? An Luya placed her hands on her belly, wondering how things ended up like this.

Meanwhile, a group of people surrounded An Luya, urging her not to overthink. It must be a misunderstanding; Murong Qingming wouldn’t do such a thing. But… Luya couldn’t hear any of it; a buzzing filled her ears as she sat blankly, holding her stomach.

Yueyue couldn’t break free from Murong Qingming’s grip and stood still, holding Mei Mei.

“Explain everything!”

“I don’t want to talk right now, just let me go!” Yueyue closed her eyes.

“Do you think you can leave here without explaining yourself?” Murong Qingming released his grip on Yueyue’s arm and smirked playfully.

“Yueyue, just say it! If you don’t, I will!” Rongrong urged, gently pushing Yueyue to sit on a nearby chair.

“Rongrong, please don’t…” Yueyue got up, trying to stop her.

“Yueyue, don’t stop me anymore. I must stand up for you today. How will you manage with the child in the future if you don’t? Have you forgotten how you’ve struggled these past two years while the child’s father enjoys his life as a wealthy young master?”

“But…”

“No buts! Just sit here. Let me tell you, Murong Qingming, don’t think you can use your power to oppress us today!” Rongrong stood with her hands on her hips, staring directly at Murong Qingming.

“I won’t. Go ahead and say whatever you want,” Murong Qingming confidently replied. He knew he hadn’t done anything to betray An Luya, so what was there to fear? But who exactly were these Rongrong and Yueyue?

“Alright! I trust you! Hand over the person!” Rongrong demanded imperiously. The audience sighed with relief, while the reporters felt deflated-there wasn’t much of a story to write about. An Luya coldly lifted her head to glance at Rongrong, then met Murong Qingming’s eyes. Murong Qingming quickly went over to hold An Luya in his arms, comforting her as he turned to Rongrong.

“I don’t understand. Who exactly do you want me to hand over?”

“Your subordinate.” Rongrong tilted her chin up, and everyone turned to look at Murong Qingming.

“B…boss… hey! Miao’er, don’t hit! Don’t hit! It wasn’t me, really!” Murong Qingming looked over at the Four Spirits of Australia, each shaking their heads and waving their hands. It definitely wasn’t them. Today, they’d all brought their families to attend the young master’s first birthday. They didn’t want any misunderstandings. So, if it wasn’t them, that only left Qing Xuan and Qi Yang. The two of them had gone to interrogate that observer. Everyone was speculating-was it Qing Xuan or Qi Yang? Gu Yimin’s face turned pale; just yesterday, they had spent the night together in passion. Today, how could there be talk of a mistress? Oh no! She was the mistress-the other child was nearly two years old, right? Gu Yimin stepped back a few steps, nearly falling. Gu Yicheng quickly supported his sister, and Qingning also came over.

“Minmin, are you alright?”

“Minmin, don’t worry. It can’t be him-he really likes you and wouldn’t do such a thing.”

“But… but, two years ago, Qing Xuan and I hadn’t even met! Can you guarantee he wouldn’t have done this back then?” Gu Yimin closed her eyes. She had finally allowed herself to fall in love with someone, and just last night, she had given him her body and her heart. But why did fate have to be so cruel?

Qingning watched as Murong Qingming seemed about to press further to figure out which of his subordinates was involved when Qing Xuan and Qi Yang came over, arms around each other in camaraderie. Qing Xuan was in high spirits, heading straight for Gu Yimin. Last night had been amazing; he couldn’t get enough of her!

“Minmin? What’s wrong?” As he approached, he noticed Gu Yimin looking pale. Was she feeling unwell? Or maybe he had worn her out last night with his passion? He quickly reached out and held her hands; they were ice-cold. Gu Yimin subtly withdrew her hands, keeping her head down and avoiding his gaze. Qing Xuan was puzzled. What was wrong with Minmin? Only then did he notice everyone around them, including his sister, looking at him with odd expressions. Gu Yicheng pulled Qing Xuan aside, brimming with anger.

“Yicheng, what’s going on? What’s the matter?”

“Qing Xuan, tell me the truth. Do you know those two women?” Gu Yicheng stared intently at Qing Xuan, watching every nuance of his expression. Qing Xuan looked in the direction Gu Yicheng indicated, and then frowned. What women? He didn’t recognize them at all! He looked again-still nothing.

“I don’t know them! Who are they?”

“Are you sure?”

“Of course! I don’t have Alzheimer’s. If I’d met them, I’d remember.”

“Good! The woman in pink came with a little girl looking for her father. She specifically mentioned someone under Murong Qingming’s command. It’s not Jing Ziming, or the Four Spirits of Australia. If it’s not you, then it must be Qi Yang.”

“Oh? Looks like there’s some drama unfolding!” Qing Xuan rubbed his chin, amused, relishing the spectacle. Suddenly, he remembered: “Minmin!” He quickly headed back to Gu Yimin.

No wonder she’d looked so upset and ignored him earlier. She must have misunderstood, thinking he had another woman. He needed to clear this up immediately. Reaching her, he pulled Gu Yimin into his arms.

“Minmin, it’s not me. Don’t worry!” Hearing this, Gu Yimin looked up from Qing Xuan’s embrace and saw the sincere and determined look in his eyes.

“Really?”

“I swear it’s not me. You have nothing to worry about!” Qing Xuan stole a quick kiss on Gu Yimin’s cheek, causing her pale face to flush red. How could he do this with so many people around? Qing Xuan held Gu Yimin tightly, his breath a little unsteady. Feeling his irregular breathing, Gu Yimin blushed deeply and gave him a playful pinch on his waist.

Qi Yang, watching Qing Xuan dash over to Gu Yimin without a word, rolled his eyes disdainfully. Trust him to abandon his friends for a romantic interest! But then he turned and caught the murderous glare from the boss, Murong Qingming, startling him into stepping back a few paces. He was utterly confused-what had he done to irk the boss this time? As far as he knew, nothing at all!

“Boss, what’s going on?” Without another word, Murong Qingming grabbed Qi Yang by the collar and dragged him over to Rongrong and Yueyue.

“Is it him?” Murong Qingming asked as he tossed Qi Yang forward, causing him to nearly lose his balance.

“Yueyue, is it him?” Rongrong asked as she glanced at Yueyue, who kept her head down, not daring to look at anyone. Rongrong understood, as did everyone else. Only Qi Yang was clueless.

“Boss, what’s happening?”

“You’re asking me what you did?” Murong Qingming’s anger was evident. This guy had nearly made him take the fall for something he didn’t do.

“I don’t know!” Qi Yang felt exasperated, wishing someone would just tell him what was going on.

“Yueyue, come over here. Do you recognize him?” Rongrong helped Yueyue up from the chair. Qi Yang looked down to see a petite, fragile woman holding a two-year-old girl. The woman kept her head down, refusing to lift it. The little girl, however, was staring at him with wide, unblinking eyes.

“Look up,” Qi Yang said, frowning at the woman who seemed familiar. Yueyue shook her head, resolute in keeping her gaze down. Losing patience, Qi Yang grasped her chin to make her look up. A delicate, tear-streaked face emerged-one that indeed seemed familiar, yet he couldn’t quite place it.

“Where have we met before?”

“You rascal, after causing all this trouble, you don’t even remember?” Murong Qingming swatted Qi Yang on the back of the head, sending him stumbling forward into Yueyue. Yueyue lost her balance and fell backward, and Qi Yang quickly caught her. A familiar scent wafted to his nose, triggering a memory. He stood frozen, staring at Yueyue, trying to recall where he had met this woman before. Yueyue felt uncomfortable with all eyes on them. She wanted to pull away, but Qi Yang held fast.

After a moment, the pieces fell into place in Qi Yang’s mind. So it was her-the woman he vaguely remembered. A cold smile formed on Qi Yang’s lips. He hadn’t sought her out for retribution, yet here she was confronting him. Fine, they’d settle both old and new scores now!

“Oh! It’s you!”

“You, you remember?” Yueyue timidly asked, looking at Qi Yang.

“Of course I remember. Vividly, in fact!” Qi Yang’s tone was sarcastic, a nuance only Murong Qingming picked up on. But whatever happened was Qi Yang’s to handle, and hopefully, it would conclude well.

“Since you remember, take them back to your villa and deal with it. Don’t embarrass me here!”

“Yes, boss! Let’s go!” Qi Yang took Mei Mei from Yueyue’s arms and led her outside. Rongrong started to follow them but was stopped by Murong Qingming.

“Miss, it’s best to let them handle their issues on their own. Why not stay and enjoy a drink at the celebration?” Rongrong paused to consider his suggestion. He was right; things had progressed beyond her involvement. Judging by the way Qi Yang smiled, it seemed Yueyue might find happiness with him.

“No need for the drink, I have things to attend to. I’ll take my leave!”

“Someone, escort this Miss out. And a word of advice: if you burst in here uninvited again, be more cautious.” Rongrong huffed and marched out of sight. What was the big deal? It wasn’t as though she wanted to come here in the first place!

“Alright, with that little interlude over, the party continues…”

On an early spring afternoon, in the garden in front of the villa, a toddler boy was running after a white Pomeranian. Nearby, two little girls, a year old, sat on warm blankets clapping their hands and laughing in unison. In a gazebo sat a glamorous lady soaking up the sun.

“Yangyang, slow down! Be careful not to fall.”

“Mommy, I know,” the boy called back to Luya with a smile while he continued to chase the dog.

“Hey, don’t just focus on Yangyang. Put on a jacket so you don’t catch cold.” Murong Qingming approached from behind, draping a coat over Luya and wrapping her in his embrace.

“Qingming, I feel so happy right now. It’s wonderful having you and the kids around.” Luya nestled in Murong Qingming’s arms, overwhelmed with happiness.

“Then let’s stay happy forever,” he replied, raining kisses down on her. In the small gazebo, the couple embraced, lost in their own world. On the lawn, the boy chased the little white dog while the girls clapped, cheering for their brother. Altogether, it was a scene of harmony and happiness.