Rebirth as the Richest Woman in the World
Chapter 882 - 884 (Second Update)

Chapter 882: 884 (Second Update)

"What do you want with me?" Chu Jin glanced back at Tong Qiaoqiao.

"Cousin-in-law, these are special fruits from my hometown, very beneficial for women. They can enhance beauty, nourish the skin, and even fight wrinkles," Tong Qiaoqiao said, smiling as she took out the brightly colored fruits from her space.

Chu Jin had never seen such fruits before and assumed they must indeed be local specialties. However, she really didn’t dare accept anything from Tong Qiaoqiao...

Chu Jin spoke indifferently, "Take them back, those who are naturally beautiful have no need for such things." Her tone was incredibly narcissistic yet irresistibly flawless, and indeed, she had the right to say so.

Tong Qiaoqiao appeared somewhat aggrieved, "Cousin-in-law, your words... have I upset you somehow? If so, I apologize right here. Qiaoqiao had no intention to offend and begs for your magnanimity."

Chu Jin chuckled, her eyebrows raised in amusement, "So, you still remember I’m your cousin-in-law, do you? Then, do you also remember that Mo Zhixuan is your cousin?"

A flicker of unease and confusion crossed Tong Qiaoqiao’s eyes as she failed to grasp Chu Jin’s implication, "Of course I remember. Cousin is the only son of my aunt; how could I possibly forget?"

Chu Jin nodded, "Good that you remember. So, you’d better keep in mind that Mo Zhixuan is your cousin, someone you share blood with. Don’t harbor inappropriate thoughts. Your own disgusting actions disgust others too! Take your fruits back. And remember, no matter how tempting, what belongs to others is theirs. You must learn to control yourself, not let your hands wander where they shouldn’t, such behavior is truly shameful!"

"Cousin-in-law, you... have you misunderstood me?" Tong Qiaoqiao’s eyes turned red in an instant, "I don’t understand what you’re talking about..."

Tong Qiaoqiao was indeed panicked and confused, but at this moment, she had to remain calm and not lose her composure.

It seemed that Chu Jin was aware of her feelings. It looked like she needed a new plan!

The corners of Chu Jin’s mouth curved into a faint smile, tinged with mockery, "Not understanding is fine, as long as you know it in your heart. In life, you can lose anything but one thing you must guard carefully—do you know what that is?"

Tong Qiaoqiao still shook her head, feigning innocence, "I don’t know..."

Chu Jin just looked at Tong Qiaoqiao and then spoke slowly, "It’s—face. People live for their reputation, trees for their bark. Am I right?"

Chu Jin was indirectly accusing her of being shameless! How could Tong Qiaoqiao not understand the meaning behind her words!

After all, she was Mo Zhixuan’s cousin, the only niece of the old Madam Mo. She hadn’t expected Chu Jin to speak of her in such a way, not leaving her any dignity!

She was truly! Truly! Truly too much!

Tong Qiaoqiao burst into tears in an instant, "Cousin-in-law, I don’t know where I’ve offended you! How could you say such things to me! I know I’m at a lower status living in someone else’s home, but no matter what, I’m still my aunt’s niece. Even she has accepted me, why do you prejudice against me? What exactly did I do wrong?"

Chu Jin’s lips curved into a smile, her tone cool, "What’s the matter? You do something shameful and don’t want others to speak of it?" It had been a long time since she had so thoroughly enjoyed rebuking someone. Ever since the birth of Bao Bao and Bei Bei, it was the first time someone had dared to provoke Mo Zhixuan in front of her, harboring thoughts that should not be entertained.

In the next second, Tong Qiaoqiao knelt on the ground, giving herself a slap and crying out as if performing a one-woman play, "Ah! Cousin-in-law, how could you hit me! I came with good intentions to bring you a specialty, and you actually hit me..."

Chu Jin stood up high, looking down at Tong Qiaoqiao, her eyes twinkling with mockery, her mouth etched with a faint smile, watching the scene as if it were a play.

Seeing Chu Jin so composed, a shade of doubt swept through Tong Qiaoqiao’s mind. This Chu Jin...

Was she too abnormal? She was being so blatantly wronged, yet Chu Jin didn’t attempt to explain herself and wasn’t afraid of getting the old Madam Mo involved?

There was no third person to testify for her, and with the slap mark on her face, there was no way for Chu Jin to defend herself!

Tong Qiaoqiao’s goal was to force Chu Jin to apologize in front of the old Madam Mo and, in doing so, lower Chu Jin’s esteem in the old lady’s eyes. After all, she was the old Madam Mo’s kin. Chu Jin slapping her was akin to slapping the old Madam’s face!

This time, the old Madam Mo would surely take her side.

With that thought, Tong Qiaoqiao cried even louder.

Chu Jin’s smile deepened, the live performance before her far more entertaining than any television drama.

"What are you laughing at?" Tong Qiaoqiao looked up at Chu Jin, her eyes slightly narrowed.

"I’m laughing at how foolish you are," Chu Jin said bluntly, without sugarcoating.

"Laugh all you want; soon you’ll be crying," Tong Qiaoqiao’s face still wet with tears, a sly look flashing in her eyes, "Tell me, who do you think my aunt will believe, you, an outsider, or me, her niece?"

Chu Jin responded with only a smile.

Somehow, Tong Qiaoqiao’s heart felt a stir of panic and chaos.

She could feel that when Chu Jin looked at her, it was as if she was looking at a jumping clown!

How could this be?

Shouldn’t Chu Jin be panicking? What makes her think that she can explain herself clearly in front of the Mo family’s old madam later? Isn’t she afraid?

Tong Qiaoqiao bit her lip, then looked at Chu Jin and, grinding her teeth, said, "Chu Jin, beg me now, and if you do, I’ll let today’s incident go. I won’t tell auntie! Otherwise, if auntie comes, you’ll be in big trouble!"

Chu Jin leaned in slightly, looked at Tong Qiaoqiao, her eyes smiling, and pointed up at the chandelier, speaking in an indifferent tone, "There’s a camera up there."

The smile on Tong Qiaoqiao’s face froze instantly, and she looked up at the chandelier, indeed spotting a hint of infrared light beneath it.

In an instant, Tong Qiaoqiao felt her heart turn cold...

No wonder! No wonder Chu Jin was so calm!

Tong Qiaoqiao immediately rose from the ground, and by this time, footsteps were already approaching from outside the door. If nothing unexpected, the owner of those footsteps was the Mo family’s old madam.

Under Chu Jin’s gaze, Tong Qiaoqiao hurried out of the door, her left hand tightly covering her face, and sure enough, as she exited, she encountered the old madam of the Mo family who had followed.

Upon seeing Tong Qiaoqiao, the old madam of the Mo family asked with concern, "Qiaoqiao, what’s happened? I thought I heard crying just now, what occurred?"

"Auntie, I’m fine, I just took a fall," Tong Qiaoqiao said in a steady tone, with one hand covering her face.

"Are you sure you’re alright?" the old madam of the Mo family asked with great concern.

Tong Qiaoqiao shook her head, "Auntie, don’t worry, I’m really okay."

"That’s good then. Since you’re alright, go back and rest early. The lighting is poor at night, try to come out less after it gets dark," the old madam of the Mo family said, her words also contained a slight reprimand, but what she didn’t know was that Tong Qiaoqiao, with great audacity, had set her sights on Mo Zhixuan.

The old madam of the Mo family merely thought that at this late hour, with Mo Zhixuan and his wife Chu Jin still upstairs, Tong Qiaoqiao’s presence there might be somewhat disturbing to Chu Jin and Mo Zhixuan.

"Mm, goodnight auntie, I’ll be returning now," Tong Qiaoqiao quickly left.

Watching her retreat, the old madam of the Mo family’s eyes showed a hint of puzzlement. She felt that something was off about Tong Qiaoqiao tonight.

But the old madam of the Mo family didn’t dwell on it further and continued forward, entering her own bedroom.

After Tong Qiaoqiao left, Chu Jin closed the bedroom door, glanced at the fruit left behind by Tong Qiaoqiao, and pressed the intercom, calling a servant up.

"Madam Chu, do you have any instructions?" the servant asked very respectfully.

Chu Jin’s gaze fell on the plate of fruit, and she said in an indifferent tone, "Take this plate of fruit to Tong Qiaoqiao."

"Yes, Madam Chu," the servant replied, taking the plate of fruit and leaving respectfully.

**

The East Wing.

Fuming with anger, Tong Qiaoqiao entered the room and immediately locked the bedroom door behind her.

Li Xiangzhi was anxiously knocking from the outside, "Qiaoqiao, what’s wrong with you, Qiaoqiao!"

"Stop knocking! I’m annoyed!" Tong Qiaoqiao’s irritable voice came from inside.

Thinking back to the recent events, Tong Qiaoqiao was consumed with rage! It was bad enough that Chu Jin had insulted her, but how was it that she also had to endure that slap for nothing?

Now look! She had tried to steal a chicken only to end up losing her rice!

Not only did she fail to attract Mo Zhixuan’s attention, but she also brought trouble upon herself!

How could Tong Qiaoqiao not be angry?

Not only had she lost face in front of Chu Jin, but now she was also seen through. How could she have the face to continue living in the Mo family residence after this?

Li Xiangzhi sighed outside the door, "Qiaoqiao, if there’s something on your mind, you can just tell Mom directly, don’t lock yourself in the room and harm your health!" Tong Qiaoqiao was now her cash cow, her future hope. At times like this, she couldn’t afford Tong Qiaoqiao feeling aggrieved.

"It’s all because of your lousy ideas! I’ll never believe your nonsense again!" Tong Qiaoqiao grabbed a vase and hurled it at the door.

With a "bang," the vase shattered to pieces.

Li Xiangzhi, who was outside, also jumped with fright.

"Qiaoqiao, what on earth has happened? Calm down and tell me, stop throwing things! These items aren’t ours, and if your aunt asks later, we won’t be able to explain..." Li Xiangzhi knocked on the door, her tone full of worry.

She had no idea what had gotten into Tong Qiaoqiao!

Inside the room, Tong Qiaoqiao was about to smash a second vase, but upon hearing Li Xiangzhi’s words, she sheepishly put the vase back. How could the imperial palace not belong to her? If the palace were hers, she wouldn’t have to endure Chu Jin’s ridicule and derision!

"Qiaoqiao, could you please open the door?" Li Xiangzhi continued to knock.

Biting her lip, Tong Qiaoqiao opened the door, "I told you to stop knocking, are you deaf?" Tong Qiaoqiao’s tone was very unpleasant.

Li Xiangzhi didn’t get angry, but smiled and said, "Qiaoqiao, what’s wrong? Who has upset you so much?"

Xiao Jinzi silently cleaned up the broken vase pieces scattered on the floor; by his actions, it was evident he was used to doing such chores.

"You have the nerve to ask! It’s all your fault! Anyway, I can’t stay in the imperial palace any longer! Mark my words, I’m leaving here tomorrow!" Tong Qiaoqiao fumed with anger.

Only then did Li Xiangzhi notice the left side of Tong Qiaoqiao’s face, and exclaimed in shock, "Qiaoqiao, what happened to your face?"

"You have the gall to ask! If you hadn’t sent me to deliver specialties to Chu Jin, I wouldn’t have ended up like this!" The more she spoke, the angrier Tong Qiaoqiao became.

Li Xiangzhi frowned deeply, incredulous, "Did Chu Jin do this to you?" Chu Jin didn’t seem like the type to hit people. What happened today?

Tong Qiaoqiao bit her lip tightly, replying resentfully, "I did it to myself!"

Li Xiangzhi was even more surprised, "Silly child! Who would hurt themselves so severely? What really happened? Don’t be so upset, that won’t solve anything and will only harm your health. Come on, have some tea first." Li Xiangzhi handed Tong Qiaoqiao a cup of tea.

Tong Qiaoqiao calmed down a little and said bitterly, "Who would have thought that bitch Chu Jin had installed surveillance in her bedroom!" If not for that camera, her plan tonight would have been a complete success!

With that, Li Xiangzhi began to understand something, and she frowned, "Wasn’t Mo Zhixuan in the room?"

Tong Qiaoqiao huffed, "As soon as I walked in, he left! He didn’t even glance at me properly! I felt like a complete clown!"

"Silly child, that’s no way to talk about yourself!" Li Xiangzhi said cheerfully, "As the saying goes, ’Familiarity breeds fondness.’ You’ve only been here for a few days, right? You can’t just give up over a little setback; you have more advantages than anyone else!"

"You make it sound as easy as eating sunflower seeds; why don’t you go try it!" Tong Qiaoqiao snapped angrily, "Chu Jin already knows what I’m thinking. Anyway, I’ve completely burned bridges with her tonight. Tell me, how am I supposed to continue staying in the imperial palace now?"

Li Xiangzhi chuckled nonchalantly, "We were bound to confront her sooner or later; there’s no difference between doing it now or later. For such a trifle..."

"A trifle? Do you think this is a trifle?" Tong Qiaoqiao continued, "What if she tells my aunt about this? Even if she doesn’t tell, having to face her every day, where shall I put my dignity?"

In any case, Tong Qiaoqiao felt this had brought utter disgrace upon her!

If she had won, it would have been another matter, but she had lost - and in such an embarrassingly wretched fashion!

Li Xiangzhi smiled faintly and added, "Qiaoqiao, rest assured, she won’t tell your aunt about this. If you encounter her later, just act as if nothing’s wrong and call her ’cousin-in-law.’ What’s there to fret about? I have to tell you, your aunt already spoke with me today; she has found us a place to stay. In three days, we will be leaving here, so you must figure out a way to stay before that."

"Three days?" Tong Qiaoqiao was very surprised, "Why is my aunt in such a hurry? We’ve only been here for less than a week!"

During that week, Tong Qiaoqiao had come up with two plans to get close to Mo Zhixuan, but unfortunately, both had failed!

Li Xiangzhi gave a cold snort, very displeased, "This is someone else’s turf; if they’re unhappy with us, they can kick us out whenever they want!"

Tong Qiaoqiao sat down stubbornly, "Fine, let’s go. I’ve wanted to leave this place for a long time!" After what had happened, even if Tong Qiaoqiao had no shame, she still felt she couldn’t face Chu Jin.

Li Xiangzhi, frustrated, chided her, "Is that all the ambition you have? Let me tell you, you won’t find a better place than this anywhere in the Three Realms. Are you really willing to leave?"

"What can I do if I’m unwilling? Haven’t you said it yourself? This is their turf! If they want us to leave, should we just cling on and refuse to go?"

Li Xiangzhi smiled and said, "Silly child, come here, mom has something to tell you."

"What is it?" Tong Qiaoqiao narrowed her eyes suspiciously.

"Naturally, it’s a way to make you stay." A calculating glint flashed in Li Xiangzhi’s eyes.

Tong Qiaoqiao glared at Li Xiangzhi and said angrily, "Mom, I will never trust you again. It’s precisely because I trusted you too much that I ended up getting slapped for nothing."

Li Xiangzhi immediately retorted, "My plan didn’t include you slapping yourself. That was your own addition, so you can’t blame me. If Mo Zhixuan hadn’t been in the room, you could’ve found some pretext to leave. I told you to attract Mo Zhixuan’s attention, not Chu Jin’s. If you’d been more subtle about it, you wouldn’t have had to get slapped."

Clearly, Tong Qiaoqiao had underestimated Chu Jin’s fighting capacity.

She thought she could use this opportunity to bring down Chu Jin, but it backfired, and she ended up shooting herself in the foot.

Hearing this, Tong Qiaoqiao immediately fell silent. Li Xiangzhi was right; the slap was indeed the result of her own overacting.

Li Xiangzhi continued, "Qiaoqiao, trust mom, I would never harm you. I’m doing this for your sake, for the future of little Jinzi. Even if you don’t think about yourself, think about little Jinzi. Do you have the heart to let him suffer at such a young age?"

Tong Qiaoqiao bit her lip and then said, "Will it really work this time?"

"Really!" Li Xiangzhi nodded firmly, "Success hinges on this one move!"

"Alright! Then I’ll trust you one more time!" A glimmer of light flashed in Tong Qiaoqiao’s eyes.

After all, who wouldn’t want such immense wealth?

"That’s the spirit, now come closer." Li Xiangzhi beckoned her.

Tong Qiaoqiao immediately leaned in.

Li Xiangzhi began to whisper.

A slow smile spread across Tong Qiaoqiao’s lips.

After their secretive conversation, Tong Qiaoqiao looked at little Jinzi, who was sweeping up fragments, and said, "Little Jinzi, come here."

Little Jinzi dropped the shards into the trash and immediately walked over to Tong Qiaoqiao’s side, "Mommy."

Tong Qiaoqiao smiled and said, "Good son, do you know what to tell your grandmother tomorrow?"

"I know." Little Jinzi nodded and then said, "I’ll tell my aunt that I accidentally broke the vase while practicing my martial arts."

Tong Qiaoqiao patted little Jinzi’s head with satisfaction and smiled, "You are truly mom’s good son. Tell me, do you want to keep living here?"

"Yes!" Little Jinzi nodded emphatically, "I like it here."

Although he had only stayed here for a short week, little Jinzi had already come to think of it as his home.

Tong Qiaoqiao continued, "Mommy wants to live here forever too, but, after all, this isn’t our home. There is a way that could allow us to live here forever, but it requires your help. Little Jinzi, are you willing to help mommy?"

Little Jinzi nodded, "Mommy, I’m willing. As long as I can continue living here, I’m willing to do anything, not only to stay but to be the master here. I want to inherit everything."

Although young, little Jinzi already had a strong desire for fame and fortune. He looked down on Bao Bao and Bei Bei but was extremely jealous of them. Why should such useless kids have so much while he, who was excellent, had nothing?

Tong Qiaoqiao’s face was filled with satisfaction, "That’s right, that’s my good son with ambition!"

Li Xiangzhi’s face, too, was filled with smiles. Her grandson hadn’t let her down!

"Mommy, what do you need my help with?" Little Jinzi then asked.

"Good son, mom will tell you..." Tong Qiaoqiao whispered into little Jinzi’s ear.

After listening, little Jinzi, ever so mature for his age, said, "Mommy, I understand everything. Don’t worry, I’ll follow your plan."