The Vanishing Beauty - Chapter 6 - 9

Chapter 6 - 9

A uniform whiteness filled her vision. Lying on a hospital bed, Yu Meng moved her head, breathed, and could still hear sounds in her ears.

Ah, she was still alive.

It hurt—her arms and legs ached all over. Only then did Yu Meng recall what had happened earlier. How was Liang Cai? Was he still alive? Soon, she learned from the nurse that the other patient had already been discharged. It seemed his condition wasn't too severe. However, when Yu Shuang came to visit her—having received the news from Bai Yuankai—Yu Meng discovered that the truly terrifying aspect of this incident wasn't the car crash itself, nor the fact that she and Liang Cai had broken a few bones and lost some blood, but rather that the accident had seemingly morphed into a "scandal" overnight.

Had the people handling the accident leaked it? Was there an eyewitness? Or had it spread through some other channel? In any case, the collision between Liang Cai and Yu Meng became a hot topic of discussion within their small circle, with signs of bleeding out beyond it. Yu Shuang held back a few details, but Yu Meng was already battered to her bones and couldn't take any more anger—rumors claimed that the official and the beauty who crashed into the lamppost were found... and here three hundred words were omitted.

Yu Meng asked Yu Shuang how Teacher Zu was doing. Shuang replied that she heard from the nurse his injuries weren't too severe, and all medical expenses had been paid by him.

At least he showed some a sense of loyalty and affection.

Yu Meng felt a shred of comfort, yet in the wake of this ordeal, she also arrived at a clear judgment regarding her relationship with Liang Cai. They could no longer continue. What true love? What deep emotional connection? Pure nonsense! Could any of that possibly be more important than his official position?

Yet Yu Meng could never wrap her head around why Liang Cai was unwilling to marry her, and taking it a step further, why he had adamantly refused to remarry all this time. Was it her problem? Was she unworthy, unfit to be a high-ranking official's wife? That didn't quite seem to be the case either. But one thing was certain: Yu Meng's political career within the federation was essentially over.

She herself wasn't afraid of such "gossip"—the innocent need no defense. She put love above all else. But she was terrified of these sickening rumors reaching the ears of her two sons. At this thought, Yu Meng felt a pang of agony, and her eye rims grew even redder.

Yu Shuang stayed by Yu Meng's side, and neither of them spoke. Chun'er was being looked after by Chairman Kang, while Kanglong was away on an inspection tour requiring half a month in the mountains. Bai Yuankai walked in. He was the one who had notified Yu Shuang, having been nearly the first person to get word of Yu Meng's accident—learning of it through someone in Mrs. Xin's social circle. "How are you holding up? The traffic police department has already wrapped up the handling," Yuankai said. Yu Meng had to push herself up slightly to greet him. Yu Shuang and Yuankai hurriedly urged her to lie back down. The three of them exchanged a few brief pleasantries, all surface-level talk; what could be said had been said, and what couldn't be said could never be uttered.

A call came from Yu Shuang's company telling her to return, leaving her no choice but to say goodbye first. Yuankai mentioned that Yu Rui might arrive later. Seeing that he wanted to leave, Yu Meng casually sent him on his way. A little while later, Yu Rui didn't show up, but Yu Jia arrived first.

The moment Yu Meng laid eyes on Sister Jia, she burst into tears. All her grievances, her unwillingness, and the blow-by-blow sequence of events could only be confided to Yu Jia alone. That evening, Yu Jia stayed overnight at the hospital to keep Yu Meng company, and Yu Meng recounted everything that had transpired before and after the day of the accident. However, when it came to the forced marriage, Yu Meng told a lie, completely inverting the roles of protagonist and suitor. She changed the narrative to claim that Liang Cai had begged her to marry him, but she had steadfastly refused to the death.

Inside, Yu Jia found it rather strange, yet outwardly she still stood squarely on Yu Meng's side. "He was just too impatient, bursting at the seams."

Yu Meng stayed silent. Even though she was practically wrapped like a mummy from head to toe, a haughty pride still lingered in her gaze.

"What are your plans?" Yu Jia asked.

"Break up." Her two words carried the weight of a thousand gold pieces.

Yu Jia was startled.

Yu Meng added, "I can't be his wife."

Yu Jia didn't quite understand, but weighing all factors, she suspected Yu Meng felt Zu Liang Cai wasn't powerful or influential enough to help her secure the committee seat, while also lacking sufficient wealth—making him nothing more than a tasteless chicken rib, not worth keeping yet a pity to discard, thus suffering abandonment.

Yu Rui had originally planned to visit Sister Meng in the afternoon. Because of this car crash and its underlying "implications," Yu Rui had swung firmly to Sister Meng's side. Weng Yue was in high spirits, reportedly having already secured the federation executive committee seat. Yu Rui found Sister Weng rather repulsive.

One family's joy is another's sorrow.

Yu Qi had gone to Hangzhou for an interview, and having arrived in the big city earlier than expected by three days, Yu Rui had no choice but to keep her younger sister occupied in the meantime. She took Yu Qi to Yuankai's company, introduced her to Yuankai, introduced her to the HR director, and arranged a simple interview. In Yu Rui's small rented apartment, Yu Qi helped her sister clean up. Lacking self-confidence, she felt convinced she wouldn't be able to make an impact in Yuankai's company. "Take it one step at a time, starting with the small things," Yu Rui encouraged her. The Hangzhou company she had interviewed with also held promise, but Yu Qi still preferred being in the same city as her sister.

That night, the two sisters lay on the same bed, just as they used to do when they were young. The lights were out, and the street illumination outside poured in.

Yu Rui asked her younger sister, "Do you still like him?"

"Huh?"

"Bai." In the dimness, Yu Rui laid it out plain.

"Sister—"

"If you like him, fight for it."

"No."

"He seems to like you a bit."

"Impossible."

"Otherwise, he wouldn't have let you into the company."

"I got in on my own merit." Yu Qi stubbornly insisted.

Yu Shuang turned onto her side and smiled faintly. "If you like him, grab hold of it. There's nothing to be embarrassed about. Your sister's life will likely stay just like this; one of us has to break out."

Yu Qi leaned over to hug her sister and whispered, "Isn't he the person you like?"

Yu Rui was startled, not expecting her younger sister to have read her mind so thoroughly.

"No."

"If you say no, there definitely is."

"He and I are impossible."

"I can't steal my sister's things."

"No, Xiaoqi," Yu Rui turned over and sat up. "You don't need to hold back. I know what I want and what suits me."

"Love can't be yielded away as a concession."

"There really is nothing between us."

"Sister—you're so great, so wonderful, you deserve the very best," Yu Qi said, every word weighted with conviction. Her phone rang; Yu Rui picked it up to see it was an unknown number. Answering it, she discovered it was Liang Cai calling. Yu Rui quickly rose and walked toward the living room, not wanting her sister to overhear her conversation with Zu Liang Cai. Zu Liang Cai asked her to come see him first thing the next morning, stating he had things to say to her face-to-face.

Emerging from Liang Cai's place, Yu Rui felt completely dazed. Too many "unbelievable" thoughts occupied her mind. She couldn't believe Liang Cai would suddenly offer such a heartfelt confession; she couldn't believe Zu Liang Cai could care so deeply for Yu Meng; she couldn't believe a person like Zu Liang Cai could face such dilemmas, grievances, and constraints; and she couldn't believe Liang Cai had chosen to use her as the executioner to end his romance with Yu Meng.

Yu Rui's heart felt heavy. She had to admit that she felt a tiny shred of envy toward Yu Meng—even though the romance had failed, at least the woman had lived it out with thunderous passion. She could sense the agonizing tug-of-war of love between Yu Meng and Liang Cai, the flesh-deep bitterness, the unforgettable ache!

In the hospital room, Yu Jia sat beside Yu Meng. Heavy clouds hung in the sky, and the air was thick and stifling, as if a rainstorm were about to break. Holding a bouquet of carnations, Yu Rui walked in, greeted Sister Jia, and immediately expressed her concern for Sister Meng. She offered an explanation for her delayed arrival, including Yu Qi's arrival in the big city. Both Yu Jia and Yu Meng were somewhat surprised, though Yu Meng's physical injuries remained their primary concern.

Standing at the head of the bed, Yu Rui exchanged a meaningful look with Yu Meng. Knowing that Rui had something she needed to say privately, Yu Meng asked Yu Jia to go check what the cafeteria was serving for lunch.

Sensing the cue, Yu Jia excused herself.

Yu Meng took the initiative and asked Yu Rui, "How is that bitch doing?"

Yu Rui froze for a moment, searching for her phrasing, but Yu Meng suddenly asked about Weng Yue.

"She's thrilled," Yu Rui replied.

"She won't be laughing for many more days!" Yu Meng spat with hatred.

"Everyone has their high points, and everyone has their downfalls," Yu Rui gently advised, adding, "Sister, before you woke up, when I came to the hospital, I ran into Teacher Zu."

Yu Meng grew instantly alert, her body shifting slightly.

"He... mentioned something... and asked me to pass a message along to you."

"What is it?"

"He can't marry you... and there's a reason for it..." It was rather difficult to voice, but she had to say it.

Yu Meng was struck by a wave of crushing shame. Externally, including to Yu Jia, she had claimed that she was the one who rejected Liang Cai's marriage proposal. Now Yu Rui was laying the stark truth bare. Shame washed over her.

Hmph, what kind of excuse is that! Yu Meng's face flushed red, and she kept silent. Pulling up a stool, Yu Rui sat down and laid bare the bitter, arduous, and painful history of Liang Cai's past: how he owed a debt of gratitude to his old superior, how he ended up marrying his superior's daughter, how he was driven to divorce by the overbearing nature of his ex-wife, and how he had sworn a solemn vow never to remarry... pouring it all out in one breath.

Lying there, Yu Meng felt as though she had been turned to stone.

A flash of lightning split the sky, illuminating it with a sudden glare, followed by a roll of thunder as rain began to pour outside.

A lightning strike and a thunderclap seemed to detonate inside Yu Meng's mind as well. Everything was clear now, crystal clear. From the very beginning, Zu Liang Cai had known he was destined never to marry her, Yu Meng—which was why he had indirectly gifted her the beauty salon, and why he had gone out of his way to help her secure a social title. He felt guilty! He had felt guilty from day one! Yet all Yu Meng had ever wanted was remarriage, to experience a dignified love, to lawfully re-enter a fortress of marriage, to possess an envied family, and emerge as the ultimate winner in life.

It was impossible now. She knew she and Liang Cai were completely done for. She had sworn to walk love to its very end, to plunge headfirst into the deep pool of marriage; she hadn't even been averse to having another child. But him? He was forever content to merely linger on the footpaths of romance. Yu Meng had no confidence that love could last forever—after all, love spoiled too easily. Yet Liang Cai had disappointed her far too much! Why should her love be controlled by other people? What nonsense about family backgrounds! What political career! She hated that Liang Cai turned out to be such a mediocre, cowardly man as well. For that alone, he was unworthy of her!

Yu Jia returned, rattling off the dishes available on the menu. Yu Rui stood up, saying she had matters to attend to and wouldn't be staying for lunch. Not only Yu Meng, but she too had suffered a massive emotional shock and needed to find a place to calm down and collect her thoughts.

Seeing Yu Meng lost in a daze, Yu Jia asked what was wrong. Instead of answering, Yu Meng asked her to go buy food. Yu Jia asked, "What do you want to eat?"

"Whatever," Yu Meng murmured blankly.

Upon returning with the food, Yu Jia ran into Luan Chengyun in the hospital corridor.

"Don't go adding to the chaos!" she rebuked him sharply.

"I just want to take a look," Luan Chengyun said, his expression stern.

"Her emotional state is unstable right now."

"Someone is coming after her to investigate!" Luan Chengyun raised his voice. Not daring to stop him further, Yu Jia went inside the room with him. Seeing Luan arrive, Yu Meng grew somewhat agitated, shouting at Sister Jia to chase him out. Putting down the food, Yu Jia sighed. She realized the gravity of the problem. A department was stepping in to investigate—this matter was far from over.

Luan Chengyun fished out his wallet, turned, and handed some cash to Yu Jia. "Sister Jia, please help me buy a pack of cigarettes—Double Happiness."

Yu Jia understood the implication. What bad luck; she had walked in and out of this door several times today. Yu Meng tried to stop Yu Jia from leaving. Yu Jia said, "Let's hear what he has to say," cautioned Luan to behave himself, sighed, and stepped out of the room.

Ex-spouses: one lying down, one standing, locked in a standoff.

"Is it true?"

"I'm telling you to get out," Yu Meng dragged out her tone.

"In the car... naked... is it true?" he asked bluntly.

"Get lost!" Yu Meng flew into a rage, moving too violently and sending a spike of pain through her entire body.

"Someone is going to investigate you," Luan said, maintaining his composure. "You need to tell me the real situation."

"It's none of your damn business!"

"Do you know how serious this is?"

"Get out!"

"Tell me the truth. Even if it is true, it doesn't matter—that's the only way we can handle it properly."

Yu Meng wavered slightly. If an investigation was coming, this was a major crisis, and she was terrified too.

"It's not true," she said.

All the muscles in Luan Chengyun's body relaxed.

Yu Meng found it absurd. She had originally thought Luan had come to gloat at her misfortune, yet it turned out he was here to play the hero saving the damsel in distress? She didn't want him saving her. But if what he said was true and an agency was genuinely investigating her, things were getting increasingly complicated. She had to make a clean break with Liang Cai.

Watching Yu Meng, Luan Chengyun gave a wry smile. "I told you so. He was never going to marry you."

Damn it! He knew about that too? Why did it feel like the whole world knew except for her? To hell with love or no love!

When she returned from buying the cigarettes, a crowd of people was clustered inside the hospital entryway, taking shelter from the rain. Yu Jia stamped her feet in annoyance. The news reports had mentioned that this year's weather was abnormal, influenced by the El Niño phenomenon.

Outside, a roaring sound erupted, accompanied by a sudden pattering clatter. It was small hailstorms! Marble-sized pellets fell, reminding Yu Jia of the poetic line, "Like pearls, large and small, dropping onto a jade plate." Several family members and patients emerged from their rooms to gather by the corridor windows and admire this climatic spectacle.

Her phone rang—it was a Qinghai number.

Answering it, Yu Jia uttered a couple of hellos.

On the other end was a man's voice. He spoke very slowly and with extreme tact, trying his best to consider the listener's emotions, yet Yu Jia's facial expression slowly shifted from doubt to sheer terror. Then, feeling a sudden rush of cerebral hypoxia and blurred vision, her legs went soft, and she collapsed limp onto the floor—

A call from the organization had arrived, conveying a heaven-shattering tragedy: while journeying for field research, they had encountered a mountain landslide; in the course of rescuing local residents, Di Liren had unfortunately sacrificed his life in the line of duty.