Chapter Eighty-Two: Girlfriend

“Mr. Fu, we didn’t know she was your girlfriend. If we had known, even if we had a thousand guts, we wouldn’t have dared to lay a finger on her!” The person in charge, who just moments before had been arrogant and high-handed, was now kneeling obediently before Pei Susu, knocking his head against the floor repeatedly in an attempt to justify himself.

Pei Susu let out a cold laugh at his words. “So what you mean is, if it hadn’t been me today but someone else, you would have done as you pleased. Even if she’d done nothing at all and was merely noticed by the son of an official, you’d still subject her to this humiliation—is that right?”

Madam Chen had already been taken away by an ambulance, and the person in charge was suddenly filled with regret—why had he felt the need to stand up for her? Even if Madam Chen were still here, she would never dare provoke Fu Zhichen. Who was Fu Zhichen and the Fu Group? How many in the city would dare challenge them? Moreover, from beginning to end, it was Madam Chen who was at fault; she hadn’t even bothered to avoid others, bullying Pei Susu in full view, leaving no room for defense.

“Miss Pei, I know I was wrong. I shouldn’t have abused power to bully innocent people. I truly know my mistake!”

Pei Susu remained unmoved. In truth, she hadn’t suffered serious injury—she had merely been so enraged moments ago that she nearly couldn’t catch her breath. It was hard to imagine such people existed, blatantly parading their tyranny and oppression as if they were the very embodiment of law and justice.

“Forgiveness or not isn’t for me to decide.”

Looking down at the person in charge and the others who had joined in, all kneeling in regret, Pei Susu’s expression remained unchanged, her tone strictly professional. “I refuse to settle this privately. I will call the police, and all surveillance footage from today will be handed over to them for judgment. Whatever the outcome, I can accept it calmly.”

At her declaration, the group began to kowtow in desperation. They knew very well that though their actions might not warrant a heavy sentence, if word got out, their reputations would be ruined. Never mind mingling in high society; they’d be reviled wherever they went for aiding evil and forcing innocence into degradation.

They couldn’t help but regret their actions—how could they have done such things in this day and age? Foolish and laughable.

“We truly know we were wrong—please, we beg you, don’t call the police…”

Watching their remorse, Pei Susu felt not the slightest sympathy. Their regret stemmed solely from realizing they’d provoked the wrong person, not from any genuine repentance over their wrongdoing. People like them, holding power, would only continue to trample ordinary folk without reason, sending them into ruin with just a glance—be it favor or dislike.

“Sister, we’ll do as you say. If you want to call the police, then we’ll call the police.”

Pei Susu nodded in agreement. But just then, a figure burst forth, nearly reckless in his rush, grabbing Pei Susu and pulling her aside.

“So you really do have a boyfriend? And your lover is actually your company’s boss… Pei Susu, I truly never expected you to be this kind of woman.”

Pei Susu’s eyes flashed with clear disgust. “Excuse me, but what do you mean by ‘lover’?”

Her gaze was bright and clear, as if washed clean, making it hard to meet her eyes.

“We are already divorced. Whoever I choose to be with is none of your concern. I am a single, independent woman, and my choices are my own.”

Liang Wenru, however, was deaf to her words. His mind was full of anger at being betrayed and shame at his earlier confidence. If Pei Susu had chosen an ordinary boyfriend, perhaps he wouldn’t have cared, but seeing that her companion was Fu Zhichen, he felt a deep sense of inferiority.

No wonder—even after he spent so much money on gifts, Pei Susu barely glanced at them. It was because she had already latched onto someone far wealthier, making him beneath her notice.

Suddenly, everything seemed to make sense.

“Pei Susu, so this is who you really are. Now I finally see you for what you are.”

Liang Wenru felt utterly betrayed; all his previous feelings had been one-sided. He had convinced himself that Pei Susu was different from other women, uninterested in material wealth, a hardworking and earnest person. Yet in reality, she was just another woman hoping to climb higher by clinging to a man.

He reached out to grab her, but Fu Zhichen stepped in, pushing him aside without ceremony.

Though he was still protecting Pei Susu in his arms, Fu Zhichen’s strength was undiminished. Liang Wenru, stumbling from the force, stared at Pei Susu in disbelief, then lunged at her again, trying to pull her away.

“You filthy woman, get over here right now!”

Hearing his foul words, Fu Zhichen did not hold back this time, skillfully twisting Liang Wenru’s arm and disabling it.

“Ah!” Liang Wenru screamed, then was restrained by others nearby.

“Sister, it’s alright now.”

With Pei Susu sheltered in his arms, Fu Zhichen had long wanted to do this. Previously, with his identity undisclosed, he could only call the police to protect her. But now things were different—anyone who wished to hurt Pei Susu would have to answer to him.

To shield Pei Susu beneath his wings was a dream Fu Zhichen had always cherished.

The auction hall was now in chaos, everyone waiting to see how this drama would end. Just then, a swarm of reporters barged in from outside.

Suddenly, countless flashes erupted, microphones thrust toward Pei Susu, almost jabbing at her.

“Ms. Pei, was your act of pushing a pregnant woman deliberate or accidental?”

“Is this all a conspiracy by the Fu Group?”

“Are you two really in a relationship? If so, why haven’t you made it public?”

Countless malicious questions flooded in, as if forcing the two onto a moral pedestal.