Chapter 19: A Juicy Scoop

Zhang Lanya had convinced herself that she could manipulate Ning Ruyun and the Ning family in this matter to gain more advantage. After all, breaking off an engagement still carried significant repercussions in rural areas today, especially disadvantaging the woman. Given this situation, Ning Ruyun, who still harbored some feelings for Wei Zhitao, should have been begging tearfully to maintain the engagement, clinging to her without letting go.

What Zhang Lanya wanted was to secure the benefits first, then leave the Ning family and proceed with the annulment, ruining Ning Ruyun’s and the Ning family’s reputation in the process. That way, she could fully claim the benefits for herself, leaving the Ning family unable to object. She had meticulously planned everything and was quite confident of success; she believed that the watch would ultimately become hers.

However, she never expected Ning Ruyun’s attitude toward the annulment to be so resolute—so much so that she seemed eager to settle the matter on the spot and completely sever ties with their family. This situation was entirely contrary to Zhang Lanya’s expectations, catching her off guard.

Looking at Ning Ruyun’s disfigured face, hearing her speak softly yet with unwavering resolve to end the engagement cleanly, Zhang Lanya’s already forced smile began to falter. Ning Ruyun even took out the silver bracelet in front of everyone to return it and demanded to take back the watch.

The thought of Ning Ruyun snatching the watch away made Zhang Lanya’s heart bleed with hatred, yet she had to maintain her facade and could not truly fall out with Ning Ruyun and the Ning family. She truly did not want to return the watch; she wanted to own it outright.

The watch was quite valuable, a prized item for her to flaunt. Many envied her possession of such a rare timepiece, and some had even offered a high price to buy it from her. Just a few days ago, a wealthy buyer showed interest, prepared to offer an unexpectedly high sum. Zhang Lanya had been tempted, eager to find an opportunity to sell it and make a fortune.

With that money, she could accomplish many things, including investing in her son Wei Zhitao’s ventures, allowing him to become his own boss and earn substantial wealth. Many people were starting businesses and making money; Zhang Lanya hoped Wei Zhitao could do the same.

To help her family turn their fortunes around, Zhang Lanya intended to sell the watch at a high price to raise investment capital. Her main purpose in coming to the Ning family this time was to claim the watch entirely as her own.

But Ning Ruyun had outright agreed to the annulment and even demanded the watch back! Zhang Lanya had already considered the watch hers and planned to sell it for a large sum, yet Ning Ruyun wanted to reclaim it.

If it weren’t for the fact that everyone present was aware of the situation, Zhang Lanya might have lost her temper and lashed out at Ning Ruyun for being so disrespectful. But with the Ning family watching, refusing would be tantamount to slapping herself in the face and damaging her reputation.

If mishandled, the Ning family might exploit the situation to stir trouble, damaging their own reputation and affecting the marriage between her son Wei Zhitao and Feng Qingsue.

Moreover, when the engagement tokens were exchanged, witnesses were present, and the watch’s chain bore the Ning family’s mark. If she dared to renege now, the Ning family could report her to the police, and she would face severe consequences.

The stakes were high, so Zhang Lanya had to think carefully; she could not act solely on her own desires.

At this moment, noticing Zhang Lanya’s inner turmoil and reluctance to return the watch, Ning Ruyun mentally sneered and continued speaking: “Aunt Zhang, actually, when I just came back from shopping, I heard that Xiaoxue wasn’t feeling well and was taken to the hospital. It’s said she’s pregnant but suffered a miscarriage due to an accident.”

“And Wei, brother Wei, was also there. He admitted the child was his and went with Xiaoxue to the hospital, showing great concern.”

“Many villagers saw this and say that the child belongs to Wei and Xiaoxue. They went to the hospital to protect the child and need to get married quickly to avoid future issues registering the child’s household.”

Since Zhang Lanya still intended to snatch the watch back and likely wanted to contest the annulment, Ning Ruyun dropped this explosive news.

With such a revelation, known by many, Zhang Lanya would be shocked and compelled to return the watch promptly and resolve this engagement.

Seeing Zhang Lanya’s stunned and disbelieving gaze, Ning Ruyun met it directly without any sign of hesitation and continued: “I only decided to break off the engagement because I knew about Wei and Xiaoxue having a child and that they must marry. I wanted to step aside for them.”

“Aunt Zhang, I know Wei and Xiaoxue are both good people, but this is about the child—they really must marry soon.”

“If this drags on, it won’t be good for Wei or Xiaoxue. People will gossip, and it will negatively affect Xiaoxue and the child.”

Ning Ruyun spoke calmly, causing great shock among those present, yet she remained composed, seemingly unaffected.

She truly no longer cared much about Wei Zhitao and Feng Qingsue and was unwilling to waste any more energy involving herself in their affairs.

Seeing Zhang Lanya grow increasingly anxious and conflicted, her hand twitching toward her pocket as if preparing for a final struggle, Ning Ruyun pressed on without mercy: “Aunt Zhang, let’s settle the annulment quickly.”

“Xiaoxue is in such a state; once we finish here, maybe we should visit her in the hospital.”

“After all, Xiaoxue is carrying your great-grandchild, so Wei and Xiaoxue really can’t afford any delay.”

“I want to let Wei and Xiaoxue be together and won’t blame them for the annulment.”

Once the annulment was finalized, Ning Ruyun intended to sever all ties with Wei Zhitao and Feng Qingsue.

Such scoundrels should be locked away forever, no longer allowed to harm anyone else.

As for how the two lived thereafter, as long as it didn’t affect her or her family, Ning Ruyun no longer wished to concern herself with it.