Your Pride Won't Last Long

"Good."

Lin Xuan picked up another piece of watermelon and brought it to Su Hua's lips.

Chen Ling watched the scene unfold, her teeth nearly grinding to dust.

This damned woman was deliberately putting on such a display in front of her—clearly flaunting her relationship with Brother Lin Xuan.

The one standing by Brother Lin Xuan's side should be her, not some random woman like this!

"Miss Su," Chen Ling said through gritted teeth, "Brother Lin Xuan is the head of Tianmu Group. His hands should be busy handling documents and typing on keyboards. How could you let him feed you like this?"

Chen Ling knew her words sounded too blunt, but she couldn’t stand seeing this woman being fed by Brother Lin Xuan. The words spilled out before she could stop herself.

Su Hua curled her crimson lips. "No matter how high-ranking Lin Xuan is at Tianmu Group, his identity is still my boyfriend."

"Besides—" She smiled sweetly, "Lin Xuan enjoys spoiling me."

"Lin Xuan, isn’t that right?" Su Hua tilted her head, lips pursed.

"Mm," Lin Xuan indulged her with a nod.

Chen Ling’s chest heaved violently.

She wanted nothing more than to tear that smug look off this bitch’s face!

Just a temporary plaything for Brother Lin Xuan—what right did she have to act so proud?

"Ling'er!" Chen Hong scolded. "How Lin Xuan and his girlfriend interact is their business. Stay out of it."

Chen Ling bit her lip, aggrieved.

Stay out of it? Was she supposed to just watch as Brother Lin Xuan doted on another woman?

"Lin Xuan, I’ve spoiled Ling'er too much—she’s a bit immature. Please forgive her," Chen Hong said with a warm smile, shifting his tone.

Lin Xuan nodded. "I understand."

In his memory, Chen Ling had always been a spoiled young miss.

When they were kids, she’d even bullied him.

Chen Hong changed the subject. "Lin Xuan, over the past year, you’ve donated so much to our orphanage. Now, the children have proper food, clothes, and education—all thanks to you."

Lin Xuan shook his head. "Director, it’s the least I could do. I should be thanking you for taking care of me back then."

After Jiang Shuqin abandoned him, it was the director who found him and brought him to the orphanage.

If not for Chen Hong, he might have died that rainy night.

The director was practically his second father.

Even when he’d spent nearly all his money on Qin Ruoyao in the past, he’d always set aside a portion for the orphanage.

Now that he’d been reborn and had wealth, he’d increased his donations significantly.

Chen Hong waved a hand. "I didn’t do much—just gave you a roof over your head and food to eat. I couldn’t provide anything beyond that. Lin Xuan, don’t credit me with too much."

Chen Ling propped her chin on her hand, staring unabashedly at Lin Xuan.

Su Hua narrowed her eyes, irritation prickling under her skin.

Hah.

So this girl dared to covet her Lin Xuan, did she?

As Lin Xuan continued chatting with the director, he absentmindedly picked up a piece of mango and brought it to Su Hua’s lips.

Su Hua took the fruit between her teeth but didn’t swallow it immediately.

Instead, she leaned in, wrapping her soft arms around Lin Xuan’s neck, and pressed the mango from her mouth into his.

"Lin Xuan, you should have some too," she murmured, eyes curved into crescents.

Lin Xuan quickly chewed and swallowed the fruit, then cleared his throat.

"Hua Bao, we have guests here."

Su Hua glanced at Chen Hong and Chen Ling as if just remembering their presence.

"Ah, I almost forgot. I thought we were at home. Director Chen, Miss Chen, my apologies. Lin Xuan and I are just used to being like this in private—I didn’t adjust in time."

The scent of green tea was overwhelming.

Chen Ling’s jealousy burned so fiercely her teeth ached.

They said white lotus types were the ones men loved most—how true that was.

"It’s fine, it’s fine," Chen Hong chuckled. "Young couples in love being affectionate is perfectly normal."

He shot another glance at Chen Ling’s stormy expression and sighed inwardly.

He could only hope Ling'er would let go of her feelings for Lin Xuan soon.

Otherwise, she’d only end up hurt.

Shaking off his thoughts, Chen Hong resumed the conversation. "Lin Xuan, your success today is entirely your own doing. The orphanage didn’t contribute much."

While Lin Xuan and the director talked, Su Hua studied Chen Ling, a smirk playing on her lips.

It was time for a private… chat with this woman who dared to eye her Lin Xuan.

Su Hua suddenly stood. "Lin Xuan, it’s a bit stuffy in here. I’ll take a walk outside."

"Do you want me to come with you?" Lin Xuan asked.

Su Hua shook her head. "No need. You catch up with the director. I’ll just wander around on my own."

Her real purpose for going out was to deal with Chen Ling—why would she need Lin Xuan tagging along?

Her gaze darkened.

Lin Xuan cared deeply for the director. If he found out she’d done something to the director’s daughter, it might damage their relationship.

She’d have to handle Chen Ling… differently.

"Then be careful, Hua Bao. Call me if anything happens," Lin Xuan reminded her.

"Okay."

Su Hua didn’t find his concern annoying in the slightest—only sweet.

He was worried about her.

Her red lips curled uncontrollably.

Chen Ling’s eyes bore into Su Hua’s retreating figure.

Three minutes after Su Hua left, Chen Ling could no longer restrain herself.

She stood and followed.

The director and Lin Xuan were too engrossed in their conversation to notice her departure.

Su Hua leaned against a large tree, waiting.

When Chen Ling appeared, she arched a delicate brow.

"Miss Chen, I’ve been expecting you."

Chen Ling stormed up to her, teeth clenched.

"I know what you’re doing! You had Brother Lin Xuan feed you, even passed him fruit with your mouth—all to show off in front of me! Don’t think I don’t see through your act!"

Su Hua let out a low laugh.

"Of course I was showing off. But Lin Xuan is my boyfriend. Isn’t it normal for us to be intimate?"

"Chen Ling, I know you like my Lin Xuan. But I’m afraid you’ll never get to experience this kind of closeness with him in your lifetime."

"You—!"

Chen Ling’s chest heaved violently.

"You think you’re so great, Su Hua! You only managed to cling to Brother Lin Xuan because of your pretty face and body!"

"A shallow woman who relies on her looks to climb up will never be truly valued! Brother Lin Xuan just sees you as a plaything—once he gets bored, he’ll throw you away!"

"Your smugness won’t last long!"