Chapter 197: Lin Chu, Come Out! I Know Youre In There, Come Out!

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Lu Zhenghang did not feel even an ounce of pity toward Zhu Hexuan at this moment, as he proceeded to lift his leg and shake Zhu Hexuan off. Zhu Hexuan, who had originally been hugging his leg, was promptly flung to the ground.

Lu Zhenghang grabbed onto Zhu Hexuans arm and lifted her up. At this moment, it looked as though Zhu Hexuan did not have even a shred of dignity left.

Zhenghang, what are you doing! You cant treat me this way. Zhenghang, in any case, weve been together for a long time and Ive given you everything. Did you know Zhu Hexuan said as she wailed, her face covered in tears and mucus. Her mucus that flowed from her nose stuck onto her lips now as she begged incoherently.

Lu Zhenghang looked at her disheveled appearance and felt disgusted. There was no hint of the usual gentle look he wore when he was with Zhu Hexuan in the past. Even though at the time, it was undoubtedly only out of politeness, he still had an elegant demeanor and was graceful whilst also showing a great deal of tolerance toward her.

However, at the moment, one could no longer see any other emotions on his face apart from disgust.

He opened the front door and then threw Zhu Hexuan out. He did not have an ounce of pity on his face as he did this, so much so that his revulsion was tangible.

Ill get someone to pack up the stuff you left behind and ship them to you. Lu Zhenghang said in an annoyed tone.

Lu Zhenghang! You cant be this uncompassionate! Zhu Hexuan fell onto the ground, but quickly tried to get up and dash back in.

Once her eyes fell on the door, Lu Zhenghang slammed it in her face, almost hitting Zhu Hexuans face in the process.

Lu Zhenghang, you cant be like this! Lu Zhenghang, you cant treat me like this! When were together, you were gentle and caring. Now you wont even look at me, youre heartless! Ive done so much for you, now youre chasing me away as if youre chasing away a beggar. Lu Zhenghang, open the door, you open the damn door now! Zhu Hexuan was still shouting outside as she slammed the door with her palm, making it swell up and itch from the pain.

The construction materials used in Ding City were reliable as well, so the door was thick and strong. She had slammed it with quite a lot of force, but in reality, it did not transmit that much sound into the house.

Lu Zhenghang did not pay even the slightest bit of attention toward the annoying ramble outside. He turned toward the aunty that was standing there in shock and said, The next time she comes, dont let her in.

The aunty cautiously agreed and Lu Zhenghang then returned to his bedroom.

Zhu Hexuan stood on the other side of the door, banging away for quite some time. When there was no reaction, she finally sat down on the floor with both her hands on the threshold.

How did it come to this, she had lost everything in a single night.

Not that long ago, she had been so arrogant as she had moved to Ding City. She even became neighbor with Lin Chu, but because Lin Chu and Yan Beicheng were both constantly not around, she had gone there a couple of times, only to find it unoccupied. She wanted to find a day when Lin Chu would be at home so that she could go over and have a chat with her to show off the life that she was enjoying now.

Lin Chu was not the only one that had married into a good family; she had also found herself an outstanding man that was handsome, with a good family background, and was Yan Beichengs equal. She was Lu Zhenghangs girlfriend, and if Lin Chu had the means to become Madam Yan, then she would certainly have the means to become Madam Lu as well. She was more capable than Lin Chu and would certainly do better than her.

However, she had nothing now. The days of her living in Ding City all seemed like nothing but a dream the grand scenery, the extravagance, all of it was merely a dream. Now that she had woken up from the said dream, all that was left for her was the harsh reality.

Zhu Hexuan sat on the ground and cried for a long time. All the makeup on her face had begun to run whilst her mascara and lipstick were smudged all over her face as if it were a paste. Zhu Hexuan sobbed as she took out a tissue from her bag to wipe off the smudged makeup, then took out another wet tissue and wiped it once more.

She did not immediately leave and instead pondered about what she was to do next. There was nowhere else for her to go now as Lu Zhenghang would not change his mind. She felt that if she had no one else to rely on, then she had to at least keep her job.

She knew that she was willing to lose her dignity in order to keep her job. She took out her mobile phone and found Lin Chus phone number, but when she dialed it, there was no response. She did not even hear the ringing sound.

She knew that it was because Lin Chu had blocked her number. After this, Zhu Hexuan clenched her teeth as she contemplated. As things have gone this far, she could only count on Lin Chu now as only she was able to help her out.

She was not thinking about the fact that she was the one that had tried to ruin Lin Chu before. Since she was facing difficulty, she needed to look for Lin Chu for help.

She took the elevator to Lin Chus floor and pressed the doorbell for quite a while, yet no one answered the door.

Lin Chu, come out! I know youre in there, come out! Zhu Hexuan shouted as she knocked on the door.

After pounding at the door for some time, she did not get any response whatsoever.

She then thought of going to the ground floor and looking up from below. Upon reaching the ground floor and looking up, she saw that Yan Beichengs house was dark as the lights were not switched on.

Were they really not home?

Zhu Hexuan gave it a thought and went outside to call for a cab. After she got in, the driver asked her where she wanted to go.

Zhu Hexuan hesitated for a while before giving him the address of the orphanage.

It was not very late when she reached the orphanage. It was around eight oclock, and the old principal was not yet asleep. The children were washing up, and they were planning to go to bed when the clock struck half-past eight.

Teacher Yuan got up to open the door as the doorbell rang. However, she was startled upon seeing Zhu Hexuan.

They had not seen her ever since the last time Zhu Hexuan had come over and caused a ruckus. She was going around claiming that the old principal was biased, which in turn had almost caused the old principal to fall ill due to anger.

Now that Zhu Hexuan had come by again, Teacher Yuans first thought was that she was here to cause more trouble.

Miss Zhu. Teacher Yuan greeted her in a distant manner and smiled. She assumed that one would not start a fight if the other party was smiling amicably.

Zhu Hexuan felt a twang of discomfort. Teacher Yuan used to call her Hexuan so intimately when she was younger, yet now she referred to her as Miss Zhu. Nevertheless, this was not the time to worry about such a thing.

Zhu Hexuan waited until Teacher Yuan had opened the door before she gave her a forceful smile. Is the old principal asleep?

Teacher Yuans mouth twitched upon hearing her question. Not yet, but shes going to bed soon.

Therefore, even if you have something you want to say, you dont need to stick around and tell us. Please leave.

Zhu Hexuan acted dumb, as if she did not understand what this implied, and casually entered the premises. Its good that shes not asleep.

The old principal was sitting in front of the sewing machine in the living room as she toiled away at a small shirt for Lin Chus baby. When a child was just born, wearing a hundred families clothes* (TN: A hundred families clothes is a Chinese custom, whereby a babys garment is made of old colorful cloth strips obtained from many peoples household.) would be the most comfortable thing that they could wear. Even if they were old clothes, they had been worn countless times, and thus had been washed many times. This made them the softest material in the world for a babys shirt.

Moreover, there was an older generations theory that went a hundred families clothes accumulated from a hundred families good fortune, lesser illness and lesser misfortune*. (TN: This is a Chinese idiom that basically means that a baby wearing a hundred families clothes will carry all their good luck, which will hopefully offset any misfortune.)

The word about Lin Chus pregnancy had not yet spread, so these clothes belonged to Teacher Yuan and Teacher Wangs grandson and granddaughters clothes. Baby clothes did not require much material anyway, so cutting up a few pieces from it was more than enough.

She was in the middle of doing this when Zhu Hexuan came in and called out arrogantly. Old principal!

The old principal turned off the sewing machine and turned around in surprise. She saw Zhu Hexuan crying as she walked toward her. Then, she immediately knelt on the ground and lunged at her leg.

The old principal was flabbergasted. Child, what What happened to you?

Zhu Hexuan tearingly told her the new developments and, naturally, skipped the part where she tried to ruin Lin Chu. She merely mentioned that the messy things she had done in the past had all been exposed.

Old principal, Ive recognized my mistakes. Originally, I was too embarrassed to look for you, but not because I didnt want to admit my mistakes. I knew that I had done wrong and I didnt have the guts to come to you. However, this time I really have nowhere else to go. Im regretting what Ive done, and I wont dare do such things in the future. I was too young when I first stepped into the society. Id found myself a job as a journalist and felt good about it, thinking that it was finally my chance to prove myself. Moreover, life in B City was not easy as Im sure you know. I wanted to gain a foothold in B City as soon as possible. I ventured down the wrong path in the pursuit of money. I know now what I did was wrong, and I want to make amends for the things I did when I was young. The problem is that I think Ive lost the chance to redeem myself.

The old principal listened to her as she quietly shook her head. She understood what Zhu Hexuan was going through.

All she had was this weary old body, so what could she possibly do to help Zhu Hexuan? The only one that could help her now was Lin Chu. Was Zhu Hexuan not coming here and saying all this because she was asking the principal to go and talk to Lin Chu so that Lin Chu would help her?

However, after everything Zhu Hexuan had done, what right did she have to ask for Lin Chus help now?

If she sacrificed her dignity to seek out Lin Chu for help, then Lin Chu obviously would not refuse. However, it made no sense for her to help this child if it made her uncomfortable.

The old principal patted Zhu Hexuans head gently. Child, its good that you know youve done wrong. You still have the opportunity to correct yourself in the future, so why on earth would you not? If youre willing to change, theres always a way out.

But the matters now been exposed. The whole industry knows, and no other newspaper agency will ever want to hire me. Zhu Hexuan grabbed onto the old principals leg tightly as she spoke.

The old principals expression was gentle and kind. Even if youre no longer a journalist, there are other things you can do. You have a degree and are highly qualified, so youll be able to find another job. No matter what field you choose to go into, as long as youre dutiful and stay on the right track, then everything will work out. And when it comes to the wrongs that you have already committed, just dont repeat them again in the future. If you ever encounter any temptations, stay strong and youll be okay. Come now, get up, dont be sad anymore. In this long life, theres nothing that you cant get over. Dont be afraid.

Zhu Hexuan was not there to listen to the old principals advice. She refused to get up and instead held on tightly to the old principals leg and started to wail even louder. Old principal, cant you just help me say a few words to Lin Chu so that shell help me. Other than being a journalist, I dont know what else I could possibly do. I majored in journalism at university, if I went out and looked for another job, my qualifications would be useless and no one would hire me! I really want to continue to work as a journalist. Old principal, I know Ive done wrong in the past and I promise Ill change. I cant contact Lin Chu now as I know that shes angry with me and doesnt want to deal with me anymore. She seems to have blocked my number as well. If not for this, I wouldnt come over and bothered you so late in the night. Just help me make a quick phone call to her and tell her about whats going on with me. After this, Im willing to personally apologize to her.

She now had nowhere to go and was willing to say anything to make-up with Lin Chu.

The old principal did not expect Zhu Hexuan to actually be somebody that was willing to bow and submit. She originally thought that she might have been insincere in her repentance but was not so sure.

Yan Huaian had just dropped Mo Jinxi off at the orphanage when he was on the way home in the afternoon and Mo Jinxi had just finished washing his face and brushing his teeth. When he came out of the bathroom, he heard what Zhu Hexuan was talking about.

He was aware of the news that was circulating on the Internet that evening. Yan Ningbai had a phone and would scroll through Weibo when there was nothing to do; he would do this excitedly when there was breaking news or some newly discovered information.

Mo Jinxi gave it a thought and went to look for Teacher Yuan discreetly. Then, he tugged on Teacher Yuans shirt.

When Teacher Yuan looked down toward him, Mo Jinxi said, Teacher Yuan, could you lend me your phone? I have something to show the old principal.

Teacher Yuan took her phone out of her pocket and gave it to Mo Jinxi. Mo Jinxi had been hanging out with Yan Ningbai for a long time which made him became quite skilled in using smartphones. He efficiently searched for the news regarding Lin Chu being framed in the past as well as the video of Lin Chu restoring her reputation. Then, he ran toward the old principal.

Zhu Hexuan was still crying for help when Mo Jinxi handed over the phone to the old principal and said, Old principal, take a look at this.

The old principal thought that Mo Jinxi was going to show her something funny and interesting that was unrelated to the matter. She touched his face as she said, Jinxi, go and play with the little ones. Ill be right over to watch it in a bit.

No, its a piece of news regarding Aunt Zhu framing Chu Chu. It was yesterdays news. Mo Jinxi said in a soft and quiet tone.

Yesterday she was framing Lin Chu, but today she had come running over whilst crying and asking for Lin Chus help. How thick-skinned could she be?

As soon as the old principal heard this, her gaze became stern and strict. She took the phone and quickly read through the news of Lin Chu being framed. The old principal was nothing but familiar with Lin Chus situation. Thus, she knew the news was fake at first glance, even the latter parts about her regarding Dai Huimin and Xu Jiaojiao.

When she saw the journalists signature at the bottom, the old principal heaved a sigh of relief. She was relieved that it was not written by Zhu Hexuan. However, when she opened up the video, even if other people were unaware, she immediately recognized that the person with her back to the camera was Zhe Huxuan.

The things Xu Jiaojiao had said in the video was completely contradictory to what the news had reported. Afterward, Mo Jinxi showed the old principal the news exposing Hu Mingrui as an intern working under Zhu Hexuan.

The big picture was not hard to understand after piecing together all the facts and information.

The old principal lost all compassion she had toward Zhu Hexuan. Then, she turned toward Mo Jinxi and said, I know now, dont worry. Ill not make things difficult for Lin Chu. Go and look for Shi Tou and Tian Tian, then get your little brother and sister into bed.

Mo Jinxi looked at the old principal first, then looked at Zhu Hexuan. He was not comfortable leaving her alone.

However, it was rare for him to see the old principal being so stern. Because of this, Mo Jinxi had no choice but to obey her and walk away.

The old principal supported herself on the sewing machine tabletop as she stood up. Her legs shivered yet Zhu Hexuan still clung onto her tightly. The old principal then said in a deep voice, Hexuan, please let go. My weary old body cant take this torment.

Nevertheless, Zhu Hexuan refused to loosen her grip. She shook her head as she cried out. Old principal, please help me!

I know youre anxious, but are you so focused on yourself that do you no longer care about my well-being anymore? Is that why youve decided to cripple me? The old principal said quietly.

Zhu Hexuan was stunned as she looked up and saw the old principals face that clearly expressed her discomfort. She was afraid that she would be blamed if something unfortunate were to happen.

Nowadays, many people on the street feared getting extorted by old people. An old ladys bones were fragile, if she were to yell that it hurt, even a whole squad of lawyers would be unable to easily dismiss this claim.

Zhu Hexuan then loosened her grip on the old principals legs before standing up as she continued to sob.

The old principal took a step back as she continued to support herself on the sewing machine. She said, I cant help you with this. Yesterday you published news trying to ruin Lin Chu, yet today youre here to ask for her help. You were saying that you want to apologize to her, but I dont believe that. Today youd apologize so that Lin Chu would help you out, yet youll remain in this field of work. What if you turn around and try to ruin Lin Chu again, are you trying to make Lin Chu feel uncomfortable? This is the classic story about the farmer and the snake (TN: A tale in which a farmer found a snake on a cold winter day and showed compassion to it. The farmer placed the snake by his chest and the snake was quickly revived by his warmth and resumed its natural instinct by biting the farmer. After this, the farmer fell ill and died from the snakes venom. Its a story where even great kindness will not bind the ungrateful.), and the story about Mr. Dongguo (TN: A story in which there was a kind-hearted man named Mr. Dongguo. He tried to help a wolf that was begging him for help because hunters were chasing it. When the hunters had left, the wolf jumped at Mr. Dongguo, but the latter was saved by a farmer that was passing by. Its a story about how one should not show mercy to the enemy.) that Ive told you two since young. Why would I let Lin Chu become a victim of deception because of her kindness and generosity?

I know Im in the wrong now! I really do know that Im the one at fault! Zhu Hexuan said hurriedly.

Do you really? Yesterday you were still unable to repent, yet you became aware that that youre in the wrong today? If youre able to realize your wrongdoings so quickly, then you would have repented earlier. Whyd you wait until today? I cant help you with this, and I wont make things difficult for Lin Chu. I cant let her help you out and then be bullied by you again in the future. I cannot, in good conscience, allow this. The old principal said firmly as she shook her head.

Even if Lin Chu were to help her out of respect toward the old principal, doing so could possibly expose her to a situation where she could be framed again. How could the old principal do this to Lin Chu?

She was fully aware of Zhu Hexuans malevolent mindset, yet she was still asking for Lin Chus help. She was someone without even an ounce of conscience, who was unable to distinguish right from wrong. Helping her now would only cause trouble for more people.

The old principal knew that it was impossible to help Zhu Hexuan. Moreover, Lin Chu was pregnant. The child in her was barely over a month old, which made this the most unstable period during pregnancy.

Reasons behind miscarriages were not limited to the physical side like getting knocked over or bumped into, there were mental and psychological factors as well. There were many people that had depression, and because their mental health was not in good condition, it had cost them their unborn baby.

If she were to let Zhu Hexuan apologize to Lin Chu, she would be allowing Zhu Hexuan to present herself in front of Lin Chu, which could be detrimental to her emotional state. If Lin Chu suffered an unexpected accident due to this, then could she live with herself.

Lin Chu, Lin Chu, every word coming out of your* (TN: The author used the word for you here instead of the word for you. for you is more respectful, meaning Zhu Hexuan had changed her respectful way of speaking toward the old principal) mouth is all about Lin Chu! Zhu Hexuan saw that the old principal was resolute in her decision. She felt undermined by her and did not even bother using the more respectful you toward the old principal anymore. She started speaking to her casually as her facial features became aggressive. Did you not even consider the fact that the trouble Im in now? If no one helps me, my life will be over!

Theres no hurdle that youll be unable to overcome in life. The mistakes youve done previously committed was your fault, now youre just paying the price for it. Theres no wrong that you can get away with scot-free. Did you think that you wouldnt need to fix your mistake and that youd be able to act as if nothing had happened and just continue on with your life? The old principal shook her head. Theres no such thing. You were wrong, and now is the time to pay for what youve done. The bigger the mistake you made, the bigger the price. The things youve done have cost you your path as a journalist. Now you cant continue youve sowed the seeds, and now is the time to reap what youve sowed. How could you seek Lin Chus help? Hexuan, youve always said that Im biased toward Lin Chu, but Im impartial to both of you. If Lin Chu was the one who came begging to me today, if it would affect your well-being, then I would not help her either. Both of you are equal to me. Child, youve made mistakes, you need to work hard to amend it. Dont you think so?

Thats why Im asking you to ask Lin Chu for help! I need to continue as a journalist in order to have the opportunity to make up and put things right after my previous mistakes. Ill try my best to be a good journalist, so why cant I do that? Do you really have to stop me from working in this field? You knew that being a journalist was a dream of mine and that I studied hard to get into the field. Now youre telling me that after working hard for more than twenty years, Im going to end up with nothing. Were all my efforts in vain?

The old principal heaved a heavy sigh. She was beginning to grow frustrated at the womans inability to follow advice and grasp reasoning.

The arm that was propping her up against the sewing machine began to tremble and her heart began to feel unwell.

Feeling uncomfortable under such pressure, she said, Listen to me. If you cant become a journalist anymore, you can still do other things. Heaven never bars ones way. Not to mention that there are so many industries now and plenty of ways out. As long as you put your heart into it, youll be able to see the fruits of your labor. How could you have run out of solutions? This eras not the same as the past. Lin Chus younger sister, Xu Jiaojiao, has done something wrong before as well. However, she was able to swiftly change. Did she not strive hard to get into a prestigious university and studied in it for more than a decade? Her familys conditions were almost actually similar to how you lived in the orphanage, and her efforts were no less than yours. Now she had been able to let go of her good educational background and main field of study to focus on helping her familys small restaurant. I heard Lin Chu say that she even wanted to expand her familys restaurant business. She has even hired a kitchen apprentice and a waitress to ease her parents burden. Isnt that great? If you change your path, it could still work out well. Dont make it seem like just because youre unable to continue with your former work, itll be a tragedy and that the skys going to fall on you. You still have lots of alternatives.

All these words, but the conclusion is that you still refuse to help me! You said you treated us as equals, but those words are just moonshine and snake oil! When Lin Chu faces difficulties, youll immediately lend her a hand; when its my turn, you want me to solve them by myself. Why should I give up now? Lin Chu is able to help, so why doesnt she? I grew up with her, so why cant she support me this one time? She doesnt even need to lift a finger to help me out. She just needs to say the word and someone else will do it for her. Its such a simple thing, yet youre unwilling to ask her for help? Your expressions as if it would make things difficult for her, but whats so difficult about it!? Zhu Hexuan said as she pointed at the old principal accusingly.

As she looked at the old principals benevolent expression, Zhu Hexuan seethed. She felt like the old principal was being extremely hypocritical, and that her whole image was a sham.