Female lead’s Delusion of Starting Over

Chapter 134: Ye Chen’s Overconfidence Faces Another Blow

“Everyone, in this battle against Lu Li and the Li family, my Chen family is willing to lead the charge. If we succeed, the credit and benefits will be shared among us all. If not, my Chen family is ready to bear Lu Li’s wrath.” The atmosphere of shared enmity was skillfully stoked by Ye Chen’s timely declaration.

His righteous demeanor, surprisingly, had its own appeal.

The dignitaries’ interest was piqued. If Ye Chen’s instigation had initially made them somewhat eager, his latest statement had truly moved them.

After all, having been in the business world for many years, they wouldn’t be easily swayed by mere words to trouble Lu Li! At most, they’d curse in private, but no one would risk their enterprises.

But with Ye Chen speaking like this, they were genuinely intrigued. The prospect of profit, especially a substantial one, was enough to incite them to take risks, even in the face of danger.

Everyone coveted the industries of the Li family and Lu Li. Who wouldn’t want a piece of that pie?

Who wasn’t afraid of Lu Li and the Li family, though? The Li family’s status in Magic City was well-known, and Lu Li’s swift elimination of two enterprises upon his arrival in Magic City spoke volumes of his menace.

But now, someone was willing to be the scapegoat, bearing the brunt for them, allowing them to reap the benefits from the sidelines—of course, that was something everyone would love.

Ye Chen’s smile grew more radiant. He knew exactly what these businessmen wanted. What harm was there in promising them the moon to unite against Lu Li?

Once Lu Li was dealt with, they would be the first on his list to settle scores with.

All he needed was the momentum and influence these businessmen could bring.

Looking at his grandfather, Ye Chen found reassurance in his approving nod, boosting his confidence to its peak since returning to the country.

Humiliated, ignored, betrayed—all because of that Lu Li. He was determined to reclaim everything he had lost.

Cao Yingying would learn the consequences of humiliating him. Making the wrong choice could be terrifying.

And Chen Xiaoyi, reportedly talented, was wasted on Lu Li.

And… Yu Meng, that damned traitor.

He would make them watch as Lu Li groveled before him in the most degrading way, showing them how low the man they chose could be.

These women would eventually kneel before him, begging for his forgiveness.

“Ha… Ha ha ha ha, ha ha!” A clear, alluring laugh echoed in the hall, stirring an irresistible itch in the hearts of those present.

Ye Chen furrowed his brows. The atmosphere was perfect, emotions charged—how dare someone disrespect him at this moment?

Old Master Chen also frowned, turning his gaze to his… daughter.

The out-of-place laughter drew all eyes in the banquet hall to Chen Ya, whose phoenix eyes gleamed with undisguised mockery.

No need to hide anymore, she had made her choice, a decision that had been inevitable.

Chen Ya followed her heart.

With everyone’s astonished gaze upon her, Chen Ya began to speak at Ye Chen’s moment of triumph, pushing him into the abyss. It would surely be most gratifying!

Let’s find out.

“Just now, the Chen family’s assets, both overt and covert, suffered a loss exceeding twenty percent, and this number is still increasing.”

Her somber words sent chills down the spine. A twenty percent loss of the Chen family’s assets was significant, even surpassing the entire wealth of some present.

Ye Chen’s face also showed shock, with only one name in his mind.

Lu Li!

It must have been him acting behind the scenes, that despicable man!

Why did that damned man ruin his plan again? Why would those women choose him over siding with me?

Old Master Chen’s gaze narrowed, feeling the unusual turn of events, with his daughter acting strangely, just as he had anticipated.

Chen Ya clapped her hands, and suddenly, a group of armed black-clothed figures stormed the hall, their presence causing a panic among the dignitaries, calming the stirred emotions.

They surrounded Ye Chen and Old Master Chen on the stage.

“Auntie, what are you doing?” Ye Chen asked in shock and indignation.

Old Master Chen’s expression changed, his murky old eyes seemingly realizing something as he stared at his daughter.

“Nothing much, just making the right choice to prevent you two from further harming the Chen family,” Chen Ya said lightly, her actions in public bound to become the biggest scandal in their circle.

Regardless, her pointing the gun at her own father was an indelible stain.

She didn’t need to cleanse it.

Fear me, respect is unnecessary, fear is sufficient.

“Auntie, are you also…” Ye Chen’s eyes were filled with rage. Other women had already dealt him a severe blow, and if his aunt also sided with Lu Li, it would be a dagger to his heart!

Ye Chen, always considering himself exceptional, believed he could turn any situation to his advantage, convinced he was chosen by fate. But since returning to the country, nothing had gone his way. From Zhang Ziqin to Cao Yingying, even Yu Meng had betrayed him.

Now, even his aunt…

Why? Why did these women choose to stand with Lu Li?

Why are these women so despicable!!

“Last time, your chaos forced me to seek strong support to help the Chen family through the crisis. Guess who was capable of helping us, in the end!”

Chen Ya’s sweet laughter indicated she enjoyed seeing Ye Chen’s helpless fury, something she had longed for. In the previous life, this man had treated Lu Li the same way, with the help of these despicable women, pushing Lu Li into the dust.

Now, she personally shattered Ye Chen’s dreams, avenging Lu Li.

Had she known it was this simple, she wouldn’t have let their relationship become so strained! How foolish she had been.

Just as she said, she had long controlled the Chen family, responsible for everything.

Without her consent, what could her father do?

***

Chen Ya sat in her car, stunned, driven out by Lu Li again like an unwanted stray dog. Her mood was inevitably unbalanced.

Since you don’t want my help, then I’ll be your enemy, let you see the consequences of offending me.

This defiant thought flashed through Chen Ya’s mind and then disappeared. What right did she have to act this way? Not to mention whether she had the capability, as soon as she handed over all her leverage to Lu Li, everything was predetermined.

Besides, could she really afford to oppose Lu Li?

He indeed was no longer the naive young man who wanted to expose Ye Chen’s true nature, but he remained an outstanding man.

The man she loved.

With a wry smile, she realized she had indeed been wrong. As Lu Li said, wanting both fame and benefits was too presumptuous.

To have Lu Li eliminate Ye Chen and then inherit the Chen family without worries, without doing anything, not even her father could complain.

Bitterly laughing, she had no such intentions, but subconsciously, that’s what she wanted to do. That’s always been her approach, just… a habit.

In truth, Lu Li had no reason to do all this for her.