Chapter 45:

In a split second, Yao Jia was pulled forcefully by Meng Xingzhe, landing in his arms and sitting on his lap.

She narrowly avoided the scalding water from the kettle.

Everything happened so quickly that she looked up at Meng Xingzhe in a daze.

Meng Xingzhe also frowned as he looked down at her.

The kettle clattered to the floor, accompanied by the sound of water splashing.

Although she had avoided the hot water, Yao Jia jumped out of Meng Xingzhe’s arms and off his lap as if she had been burned, standing on the floor.

Her heart pounded heavily. She thought it was the kettle that had startled her.

She intended to turn and thank Meng Xingzhe, but before she could, she heard him scold her irritably, “Are you brainless? Do you have a memory span of just a few seconds? Putting a kettle on a wobbly chair?”

“…” Yao Jia instinctively retorted, “You’re the brainless one. Goldfish have a memory span of a few seconds!”

Tian Huasheng, standing nearby, exclaimed, “Wow! Brother, your reaction just now was lightning fast! So cool! You grabbed Jia like she was a little chick! Fortunately, Jia is slender. If it were me, you’d have broken your leg trying to lift me!”

Taking advantage of Tian Huasheng’s interruption, Yao Jia tried to head to the bathroom to get a mop, but after searching, she realized she had walked into the kitchen instead. She slapped her forehead to clear her sudden dizziness.

When she came out of the kitchen, she saw Tian Huasheng had already fetched the mop from the bathroom.

Tian Huasheng circled around Meng Xingzhe’s chair, mopping up the spilled water, while Meng Xingzhe sat like a statue, unmoving.

Yao Jia couldn’t resist wanting to kick the leg of his chair again, but just before her foot made contact, she remembered how the whole chain of events had started with a kick to a wobbly chair leg. She abruptly stopped.

Instead, she patted Meng Xingzhe on the shoulder.

Meng Xingzhe seemed to be in a deep dream, startled awake by her touch. He returned to his senses and turned to look at Yao Jia.

“Get up for a moment. Can’t you see Xiao Tiantian is mopping the floor?”

Meng Xingzhe seemed as if he’d been drugged with stupidity at dinner, staring blankly at Yao Jia’s face for a full two seconds before processing her words.

He stood up, allowing Tian Huasheng to move the chair and finish mopping the floor.

Throughout the process, Hao Lidan sat silently on the sofa, her crying momentarily halted.

“Even though you’re not a family, you all get along like one,” Hao Lidan remarked after everything was tidied up and everyone had returned to their seats.

As she spoke, sorrow welled up in her, “Unlike me, if I don’t divorce, I get beaten and lose my job. If I do divorce, I have to pay off his debts!”

She began to cry again, turning to Yao Jia with a look of hopelessness, “What should I do?”

Hearing her question, Yao Jia suddenly turned to look at Meng Xingzhe.

Since the floor had been mopped, Meng Xingzhe hadn’t been watching TV. Instead, he had been watching Yao Jia and Hao Lidan.

Caught off guard by her sudden glance, Meng Xingzhe’s gaze met hers before he could look away.

“Why are you looking at me?” Meng Xingzhe preemptively asked.

“How would you know I’m looking at you if you weren’t looking at me?” Yao Jia shot back instantly.

Thus began a childish exchange between the two—

“Why are you still staring at me?” Meng Xingzhe escalated.

“I’m admiring your good looks, alright?”

“I already know that.”

“…”

Yao Jia wasn’t sure why, after hearing Hao Lidan’s distressing question—what should she do—she instinctively turned to Meng Xingzhe.

During their banter, she thought it might be because he had previously solved the chaos at Tian Huasheng’s home so neatly and clearly that she subconsciously believed he might have a solution this time too, prompting her to seek his advice first.

“Stop arguing and help come up with an idea,” Yao Jia said to Meng Xingzhe.

Seeing Meng Xingzhe raise an eyebrow as if to ask, “What does this have to do with me?” she quickly added, “Because you’re good-looking, and good-looking people have more ideas.”

Meng Xingzhe, indeed, fell for her flattery. He frowned in thought and said, “When dealing with such a scoundrel, if you can’t out-scoundrel him, you’ll need to rely on the law to solve the problem.”

He nodded toward Yao Jia, “Your lawyer friend can shine again.”

Yao Jia immediately picked up her phone to call Ling Xiaoxin.

As soon as the call connected, she asked, “What are you up to?”

Ling Xiaoxin replied in a soft voice, “Working on my computer.”

“Is it broken again?” Yao Jia asked casually.

“…Yeah.”

Yao Jia then asked, “By the way, how’s Xiao Tiantian’s case going?”

Ling Xiaoxin promptly replied, “It’s been filed. Everything’s going smoothly, just waiting for the court date. I’ve prepared all the evidence, and as long as I don’t get nervous and trip over my words, we’ll be fine!”

Yao Jia couldn’t help but praise her, “Wow, you’ve gotten braver in just a few days!”

Ling Xiaoxin modestly replied in her soft voice, “It’s mainly thanks to your roommate and colleague’s great ideas. If we win the case, I should thank him. No! Just thanking him isn’t enough, I should thank his whole family!”

“…” Sometimes Yao Jia thought that Ling Xiaoxin was like a magical creature. She seemed as harmless as a rabbit, timid and prone to blushing, without a trace of threat. But if you were to cut her open, her insides would surely be either black or gray. She was the legendary “white on the outside, black on the inside” with a touch of “rolling knife meat.”

“Don’t be cheeky,” Yao Jia said to Ling Xiaoxin. “Xiaoxin’er, do you want to keep working on cases? How about I get you another one?”

Ling Xiaoxin’s voice was filled with eagerness. “Yes! Ever since you pushed and tempted me to take the first step, I’ve felt like my legs are quite long. I can definitely take a second and third step!”

Yao Jia was straightforward. “Come to my dorm. I’ll give you the opportunity.”

Ling Xiaoxin hesitated for a moment. “Now?”

Yao Jia replied, “Yes, why not? It’s only a little after eight, far from bedtime. Are you an old lady? If you come over tonight, just stay here.”

Ling Xiaoxin was still a bit hesitant.

Yao Jia said, “I’ve got food, crayfish.”

Ling Xiaoxin immediately responded, “I’ll catch a cab right away!” After a pause, she asked, “Do you need me to bring some beer?”

Yao Jia: “Yes.”

After hanging up, Yao Jia opened her food delivery app and ordered some crayfish.

Tian Huasheng, licking his lips beside her, said, “Jia, I won’t eat. You don’t need to get my share.”

Yao Jia knew he was reluctant to spend money, as he needed to save up to send money back to his mother.

“I’ll treat you,” Yao Jia said generously.

Then she turned to Meng Xingzhe. “But you’ll have to pay for yourself.”

Meng Xingzhe, looking cool, said, “I won’t eat, thanks.”

Yao Jia said, “Good-looking people all eat.”

Meng Xingzhe quickly changed his tune. “Consider it a loan from you.”

Yao Jia: “…”

It made no difference to him whether he paid or not. She might as well not let him eat.

Hao Lidan watched their playful banter and surprisingly didn’t cry.

After a while, the crayfish arrived first. Yao Jia moved the mouth-watering little creatures to the dining table. Soon, Ling Xiaoxin also arrived, but she entered empty-handed.

Yao Jia asked, “Where’s the beer? Didn’t buy even a can?”

Ling Xiaoxin shyly stepped inside, with someone appearing behind her. It was Bei Luonan.

Yao Jia felt a sense of déjà vu.

Bei Luonan entered, carrying a box of beer in one hand.

Yao Jia: “…?”

Ling Xiaoxin shyly nudged her arm. “Did you forget? I told you I was fixing my computer!”

Yao Jia suddenly understood.

“What a coincidence. Just when I needed you, your computer broke. Master Bei, thank you for frequently running around for my childhood friend’s broken computer.”

Bei Luonan smiled brightly, repeatedly saying it was no trouble.

Yao Jia invited Bei Luonan inside.

As soon as he entered, Meng Xingzhe was momentarily stunned, then immediately snapped, “Why are you here again? Get out!”

Bei Luonan refused to leave. “I’m not here for you. I helped Yao Jia bring the beer!”

Yao Jia closed the door and said to Bei Luonan, “Ignore him.”

Bei Luonan wholeheartedly agreed with her suggestion. The anti-Meng alliance was instantly formed.

Everyone gathered around the dining table, opened the beer, and started chatting while peeling crayfish.

Yao Jia had attended a boarding school during her studies. Since then, she had broken free from her parents’ control and secretly developed a hearty appetite and a high tolerance for alcohol. Now, as she peeled crayfish, her speed was astonishing. Her gloved fingers moved swiftly, and soon a complete crayfish was freed from its shell. She handed the peeled crayfish to Hao Lidan, who was sitting at the table with little enthusiasm. Hao Lidan hesitated for a moment before eating it.

Meng Xingzhe crossed his arms, looking smug, watching Yao Jia peel crayfish with such skill that he couldn’t help but feel envious.

He turned to Bei Luonan and said, “Peel one for me.”

Bei Luonan acted as if he couldn’t hear Meng Xingzhe, peeling one and handing it directly to Ling Xiaoxin.

Ling Xiaoxin blushed and said softly, “Your childhood friend asked you to peel a crayfish for him!”

Bei Luonan smiled at her. “Ignore him. If he wants to eat, he should peel it himself.”

Meng Xingzhe said matter-of-factly, “I don’t know how.”

When had he ever done this himself? Whenever he ate shrimp or crabs, someone always peeled them and handed them to him.

Bei Luonan continued to act as if he couldn’t hear him. Ling Xiaoxin softly reminded him again, “He said he doesn’t know how.”

Bei Luonan still smiled at her. “No problem. If he can’t peel, he can just watch others eat.”

Throughout, he kept his body turned toward Ling Xiaoxin, ignoring Meng Xingzhe, and avoiding direct eye contact or conversation with him.

Meng Xingzhe almost wanted to throw this plastic partner out.

He turned to Yao Jia on his other side, took a deep breath, and tried to sound conciliatory. “Peel one for me.”

Yao Jia had just finished peeling a crayfish, holding a piece of intact shrimp meat between her fingers.

Yao Jia glanced at Meng Xingzhe, then brought the crayfish meat to her mouth, dramatically opening her mouth wide, and silently but expressively devoured the crayfish.

She deliberately teased him. After finishing the crayfish meat, she extended her tongue to lick her lips, making a smacking sound afterward.

Her lips, moistened by that pink tongue, looked particularly red and glossy. Meng Xingzhe squinted and immediately turned his head away.

Tian Huasheng, sitting across from him, said, “Bro, don’t worry, I’ll peel it for you!” But his clumsy hands were more about dismantling the crayfish than peeling it. He painstakingly extracted bits of crayfish meat from the disassembled pieces. Finally, after finishing, he eagerly presented the meat bits to Meng Xingzhe.

Meng Xingzhe was speechless.

He thought, forget it, maybe he just wouldn’t eat.

Hao Lidan looked at the lively group in front of her, full of energy and vitality. It lifted her spirits, making her feel less despondent and hopeless.

Yao Jia poured some beer for Ling Xiaoxin, just enough to embolden her without making her dizzy.

She first introduced Hao Lidan to Ling Xiaoxin.

Ling Xiaoxin hurriedly said, “I’ve heard so much about you, it’s a pleasure to meet you!”

Hao Lidan suddenly felt embarrassed. “You’ve heard of me… It must be Yao Jia who told you, right? I’m always bothering her, and now I have to rely on her help. I really…” Her voice weakened, and she almost wanted to disappear in shame.

“Huh?” Ling Xiaoxin’s voice and expression both conveyed her confusion, “What are you talking about?”

“When you said you’ve heard so much about me, I thought Yao Jia had complained about me to you,” Hao Lidan explained.

Ling Xiaoxin, now bold and open after drinking, waved her hand dismissively. “Oh, that was just a polite phrase. Today is the first time I’ve heard of you.”

Hao Lidan felt even more embarrassed.

She had judged others by her own standards. Because she had complained about Yao Jia behind her back, she subconsciously assumed Yao Jia must have done the same about her.

But apparently, she hadn’t.

Hao Lidan turned to Yao Jia, sincerely apologizing, “Yao Jia, even though you’re younger than me, you’re really different. You’re much more magnanimous than I am. I need to learn from you.”

Yao Jia smiled, accepting her apology and compliment without reservation.

Then she explained Hao Lidan’s situation to Ling Xiaoxin.

After listening, Ling Xiaoxin slammed the table in anger. “Why are all good-looking men such scumbags? They’re all dogs!” Suddenly, she turned her head, glaring at Bei Luonan, “Don’t think I wasn’t talking about you, just because you’re good-looking!”

Bei Luonan was so startled by this unexpected compliment and the scumbag label that he dropped his crayfish.

Meng Xingzhe laughed gleefully on the side, his shoulders shaking with amusement.

Bei Luonan retorted, “Do you think you’re not included among the scumbags? You think you’re ugly or something?”

Yao Jia listened, finding it all quite amusing. For the first time, she realized that calling someone good-looking or ugly could both be insults.

While sipping her beer, she asked Ling Xiaoxin, “Xiaoxin’er, how do you think this should be handled?”

Ling Xiaoxin, like a radar, turned directly to Meng Xingzhe. “Teacher Meng, what do you think?”

Yao Jia nearly spat out her beer.

Teacher Meng??? Did Ling Xiaoxin bump her head when she closed the door earlier?

Meng Xingzhe pointed his chin at Yao Jia. “Have her peel two crayfish for me, and I’ll tell you what I think.”

Bei Luonan snapped at him, “Get lost, you can’t threaten her!”

Ling Xiaoxin scolded Bei Luonan, “Don’t be so rude to Teacher Meng!” Then she turned to Yao Jia, fawning as she got up to massage her shoulders. “Jiajia, just peel two for Teacher Meng, this meal is on me, okay? I’ll send you a red envelope later!”

Yao Jia thought, fine, who doesn’t have to bow for a little money?

She gritted her teeth and peeled two crayfish, tossing them to Meng Xingzhe.

Meng Xingzhe, feeling triumphant, nearly tilted his chin to the sky. He used his chopsticks to slowly savor the crayfish, as if he were dining on imported French foie gras.

Yao Jia wanted to pry open his mouth and take the crayfish back, feeding it to a dog instead.

But then she thought, forget it, he’s just a scumbag anyway.

Having gotten his way, Meng Xingzhe pointed to the injury on Hao Lidan’s face.

Ling Xiaoxin immediately understood and said to Hao Lidan, “Sister, let me take a photo of your injury first. Remember to go to the hospital tomorrow for an examination and get a report. This will be evidence of your husband’s domestic violence.”

Hao Lidan agreed immediately, saying she’d take a leave from work for it.

“And then?” Yao Jia asked.

Ling Xiaoxin looked at Meng Xingzhe and said, “Teacher Meng, here’s what I think.” This opening made Yao Jia almost choke on her beer again. She couldn’t understand why Ling Xiaoxin thought Meng Xingzhe was someone to consult; he was just a customer service rep!

“I think we need to gather evidence of Xia Luo’s infidelity next.”

Meng Xingzhe nodded and asked Hao Lidan, “Have you kept evidence of your husband’s infidelity?”

Hao Lidan nodded. “I’ve taken screenshots of all the WeChat conversations.”

She paused for a moment, as if recalling something, then picked up her phone and said, “Oh right, didn’t he bring that mistress home? I installed a video doorbell at my place that’s connected to my phone. This video doorbell records everyone coming and going from my house. The footage is stored in the cloud for two days, and with a subscription, it can be kept for seven days. I can download the recordings of that woman and Xia Luo entering and leaving my house right now and save them on my phone!”

She took out her phone and operated it in front of Yao Jia. She opened an app called “Star Eye,” and the first few videos were just of people passing by her door—cleaning staff, delivery guys, and food couriers.

Scrolling down, she found two videos showing Xia Luo and the mistress entering and leaving, wrapped in each other’s arms.

Yao Jia watched the videos, amazed at the shamelessness of the couple. To behave so disgracefully in broad daylight, even before the divorce was finalized, was beyond belief.

On the other hand, she praised the “Star Eye” video doorbell for being instrumental in preserving evidence.

“This ‘Star Eye’ is quite interesting; it really enhances home security,” Yao Jia remarked.

She didn’t notice that after she mentioned “Star Eye,” Meng Xingzhe and Bei Luonan exchanged a silent glance, their hands shaking slightly as they held their beers.

Hao Lidan told Yao Jia that “Star Eye” not only records video but also allows real-time video calls with people at the door through the phone.

Yao Jia asked, “What brand is this?”

Hao Lidan replied, “It’s produced by a company called Xingbei Technology.”

Yao Jia exclaimed, “I’ve never heard of this company.”

Next to her, Meng Xingzhe couldn’t hold back, “You’ve never heard of it? Are you sure?”

—You’ve heard of it and forgotten, not never heard of it!

Meng Xingzhe was indignant. Back when they were discussing whether to buy a new, trendy multifunctional rice cooker from Xingbei Technology or one from Kunyu Electric, they had debated it over a meal.

Such a prominent name, and she dared to forget!

Meng Xingzhe felt annoyed.

Ling Xiaoxin asked, “I haven’t heard of it either. What does this company produce?”

Bei Luonan immediately answered, “I know this company. They initially focused on producing functional and creative small appliances, but later they also started making digital products related to daily life. Oh, and now they’re doing research in smart communications, which will be applied to smart home technology in the future.”

Ling Xiaoxin’s eyes widened, “Wow, are they that impressive? How come I’ve never heard of them?”

Bei Luonan patiently explained, “They actually have a significant customer base. They used to develop both online and offline, but now they mainly focus online and are doing quite well. If you search for small appliances on Heyi.com, Xingbei Technology’s products are at the top in sales. Their products are very distinctive, trendy, and multifunctional, definitely worth paying attention to!”

He enthusiastically advertised his company’s products as a bystander.

Meng Xingzhe maintained a smug expression throughout. Yao Jia was puzzled—why was he so proud of another company’s products when he worked for Kunyu Electric? It was like he couldn’t distinguish between inside and outside.

Distracted, her finger was suddenly pricked by the shell of a crayfish, piercing through her disposable glove, and she felt a sharp pain.

She removed the glove to see her finger was cut, with a bit of blood trickling out.

Meng Xingzhe’s mocking voice reached her ears, “Are you a fool? How can you cut yourself peeling shrimp?”

Yao Jia retorted indignantly, “You don’t even peel shrimp and just wait to eat what’s ready. What right do you have to criticize me?”

She got up to wash her hands in the bathroom, and as she came out, Tian Huasheng was at the door, handing her a band-aid.

Yao Jia said, “Thanks, buddy. You’re so considerate, Xiao Tiantian.”

Tian Huasheng quickly replied, “You’re welcome, but it was Brother Meng who reminded me.”

“?” Yao Jia doubted Meng Xingzhe could be so thoughtful and kind, “How did he remind you?”

Tian Huasheng stifled a laugh, “Brother Meng said, even though your wound is small, you should use a band-aid if you can, or it’ll expire.”

Yao Jia scoffed, she knew it.

Returning to her seat, Yao Jia heard Ling Xiaoxin asking Bei Luonan, “How do you know so much about Xingbei Technology?”

Bei Luonan quickly explained, “Well, I’m a technician, right? It’s a professional habit. I’m interested in things and companies related to technology.”

Listening to Bei Luonan, Yao Jia turned her head and was startled. She thought Meng Xingzhe might be possessed; he was actually peeling crayfish.

Indeed, when you realize you can’t rely on others, you have to learn to do things yourself.

As Meng Xingzhe nonchalantly peeled crayfish, he advised Hao Lidan, “Keep the video evidence of your husband’s affair. It’ll be beneficial for you when dividing marital assets.”

Hao Lidan agreed and asked, “Xia Luo seems to have transferred his money to that woman. Some of that money was from the gifts we received at our hometown wedding. Can I get it back?”

Meng Xingzhe said, “Of course, this is your marital property. Even if he transfers it to someone else, it won’t matter. Eventually, it will have to be returned and divided. Don’t worry, the law will protect you.”

Hao Lidan felt reassured once more.

“Then, what about the debts he mentioned? Do I need to pay them?” Hao Lidan continued to ask.

Meng Xingzhe nudged towards Ling Xiaoxin, “You can ask her about such a simple question.”

“…” Yao Jia thought Meng Xingzhe was truly arrogant. Was he implying that only difficult questions were worthy of his attention?

Ling Xiaoxin didn’t mind Meng Xingzhe’s “recommendation” and immediately answered Hao Lidan, “You don’t need to worry too much about this. Even if Xia Luo claims it’s a joint debt, if he can’t prove that the money was spent on the family, you won’t have to pay it after the divorce.”

Hao Lidan patted her chest, “He didn’t. He spent the money on slot machines and gambled it all away.”

Yao Jia was genuinely impressed by this man. He was truly a treasure trove of garbage, not only cheating and committing domestic violence but now also gambling.

“Little Lawyer Ling, with your words, I feel at ease now. To be honest, when Xia Luo asked me to help repay his debts, I was unwilling. I even took out an IOU he once wrote for me, asking him to repay me according to it. He mocked me, saying the IOU was invalid and called me an idiot!” Hao Lidan spoke with some agitation.

Ling Xiaoxin took off her gloves, wiped her hands, and patted her on the back to comfort her.

Meng Xingzhe clumsily peeled a crayfish on the side while asking, “What kind of IOU?”

Hao Lidan said, “After he cheated on me the first time and hit me, he coaxed me to continue living with him and wrote an IOU. It stated that if he upset me again and we divorced, he would give me one million.”

“…” Yao Jia thought adults really knew how to play.

Meng Xingzhe continued peeling the crayfish without stopping, immediately asking, “Do you still have the IOU?”

Hao Lidan replied, “Yes, it’s in my wardrobe at home. I can find it.” She paused, remembering something, and picked up her phone to scroll through her social media.

Then she handed her phone to Yao Jia, who saw that Hao Lidan had once posted the IOU in a private group, and an ID named “Luo” had even liked it.

She increasingly felt that adults had no boundaries in their games. Not only did she post it, but someone dared to like it.

She passed the phone to Meng Xingzhe, who took one look and said, “This IOU is valid. You should take a screenshot of this post and get it notarized. Xia Luo liked it, which can be used as evidence that you both agreed to the IOU. Since it was signed willingly, it’s valid. After your divorce, remember to claim that one million from him. The law will help you recover this money.”

Hao Lidan didn’t expect such a pleasant surprise and quickly took a screenshot.

After saving the screenshot and putting away her phone, she sighed, “There’s still one more issue. What if Xia Luo reports me to the company, saying I was already married before joining? If the company uses that as an excuse to fire me for breaching integrity, what should I do? Then I’d be both divorced and unemployed!”

“That won’t happen!” Meng Xingzhe and Ling Xiaoxin said in unison.

“As for why it won’t happen, I’m a bit tipsy, so let Teacher Meng explain it to you!”

Yao Jia: “…” She really wanted to knock some sense into Ling Xiaoxin for being so silly.

Meng Xingzhe, being prompted, answered, “If you made false statements when signing the employment contract that constituted fraud, the company would have the right to dismiss you. For example, falsifying your educational background, work capability assessments, work history, certifications, or health records would be considered fraud because these are directly related to fulfilling the employment contract. However, marital status isn’t directly related to the contract’s fulfillment; it’s personal privacy. So even if you didn’t disclose it truthfully, it doesn’t constitute fraud.”

He continued battling with the crayfish shell, but his lips curled into a slightly schadenfreude smile, “Actually, regarding hiring only unmarried female employees, if the company fires you, you can sue them directly because this policy involves employment discrimination. You would definitely win the lawsuit. Additionally, you can report the company to the labor administration for gender discrimination in employment, and the company would be penalized.”

As he finished speaking, he finally peeled a crayfish. It was his first attempt, and his skills were lacking, so the crayfish meat, which should have been intact, was left ragged. With a look of disdain, he tossed the ragged crayfish meat onto the small plate in front of Yao Jia, saying, “It’s too ugly. I can’t eat it. You eat it.”

Yao Jia: “?” He peeled the crayfish so poorly and just tossed it to her because he didn’t want it?

Should she thank him for peeling it or mock him for being so picky? Or perhaps criticize him for treating her like a garbage bin for ugly things?

But adhering to the principle of not wasting food, Yao Jia rolled her eyes and ate the ragged crayfish meat.

Next to her, Meng Xingzhe pretended to be boastful, “Tasty? Remember this taste; this is the first crayfish peeled by the future most handsome, famous, and accomplished young entrepreneur.”

“Ugh.” Yao Jia felt like spitting the crayfish back out at him.

Bei Luonan opened his mouth nearby, “The most handsome, famous, and accomplished Manager Meng, I want one too, ah—”

Meng Xingzhe turned to him and said, “Get lost.”

Then he turned back, seemingly in a good mood, and offered Hao Lidan some advice. “Aren’t you usually well-informed? If it really comes down to a do-or-die situation, and the company tries to fire you under the pretense of hiding your marriage, you should team up with other female employees who are also secretly married. You can all file a lawsuit against the company together. Kunyu is currently preparing to go public, and at this critical juncture, the company can’t afford the turmoil of a large-scale lawsuit. In the end, they’ll likely choose to settle quietly, so you definitely won’t lose your job.”

After Meng Xingzhe finished speaking, Hao Lidan was immensely grateful. “Xiao Meng, I never imagined you knew so much! I used to think you were just a pretty face, a mere vase! I even hinted earlier that good looks aren’t necessarily a good thing. I misjudged you and owe you a sincere apology!”

Tian Huasheng looked at him with admiration. “Bro! How are you so amazing? Not only can you handle my issues, but you also solve Sister Hao’s problems so clearly!”

Ling Xiaoxin once again extended a heartfelt invitation. “Teacher Meng, are you really not considering joining our firm?”

Yao Jia, although she saw Meng Xingzhe standing in a spotlight of brilliance, admired his strategic and impressive demeanor, finding it quite charming.

However, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off—why did it seem like he was eager to bring down Kunyu Electric? Didn’t he realize who was paying his salary?

And also—

“How do you even know how to handle marriage lawsuits?” Yao Jia asked, puzzled.

Bei Luonan, fearing that Meng Xingzhe might seize the opportunity to boast and accidentally reveal too much, quickly answered, “Well, it’s actually similar to before, because he’s experienced it firsthand!”

“What?” Yao Jia was shocked. “Meng Xingzhe, have you cheated, divorced, and divided assets?!”