The second beggar just rolled his eyes, "Oh co on, it wasn’t my fault."
Their argunt escalated, drawing more attention from passersby. A small crowd began to gather again, muttering disapprovingly at the spectacle.
anwhile, Qiao Jun leaned back in his office chair, his fingers gliding smoothly over the keyboard. His eyes flicked over the ssage from his subordinate:
Boss, Miss Wu has started to investigate.
He typed a brief reply: Understood. Keep monitoring.
The faintest smirk tugged at his lips. He wasn’t surprised; Miss Wu was nothing if not persistent.
Her past antics were already on his radar, thanks to the ticulous surveillance system he’d set up around Yu Holea.
Qiao Jun’s eyes darkened as he recalled the suggestive AI-generated photos Miss Wu had tried to send to Yu Holea months ago.
Had he not intercepted those ssages, things might have spiraled.
Thankfully, he’d hacked Yu Holea’s phone early in their relationship, creating a sophisticated filter that ensured no drama from his so-called "admirers" ever reached her.
In the world of high-profile CEOs, scandals and manipulations were a di a dozen.
But unlike the typical cold, detached male leads in clichéd romance stories, Qiao Jun had no intention of letting Yu Holea deal with unnecessary stress.
The system he’d set up automatically blocked any suspicious or provocative ssages from reaching her.
Fake pregnancy reports? Filtered.
Claims of being his "first love" or "moonlight"? Deleted.
Attempts to sow discord between him and Yu Holea? Nonexistent.
His logic was simple: why let his peach blossoms create ripples in the calm waters of his relationship?
His Yu Holea deserved peace, not the storm of jealous rivals and conniving sches.
But Miss Wu, ever the determined socialite, had pivoted when she realized her ssages were being ignored.
She’d shifted her focus to his family, attempting to curry favor with Qiao Jun’s family mbers and her first target was Mrs. Qiao.
Qiao Jun knowing how soft-hearted his mother was decided to redirect Miss Wu to his grandmother, who loves to sche and play gas.
It just happened that Qiao Jun was thinking of dealing with Yu i, so he hired two beggars and used his spies around both Yu i and Miss Wu and suggested such an idea.
Now half of Miss Wu’s focus will be on Yu i.
While Yu i’s half of focus is on pleasing Cai Bao and the other half is on protecting herself from Miss Wu.
Let’s see whether they will still have ti to cause trouble for Yu Holea.
...............
For the next few days, Yu i woke up early and went to the temple daily.
Each day she thought, Cai Bao would take notice of her sincerity.
Yu i ticulously maintained the appearance of a devout, humble woman.
She wore simple, elegant clothes, carried prayer beads, and made generous donations to the temple, ensuring that the monks occasionally praised her devotion within Cai Bao’s earshot.
But Cai Bao remained indifferent, her eyes scanning Yu i only briefly before turning her focus back to her prayers or discussions with the temple monks.
Yu i gritted her teeth behind her serene façade. What more did this old woman want? How could she not see the effort Yu i was putting in to et her expectations?
On the fifth day, Yu i decided to escalate her efforts.
She stayed at the temple longer than usual, offering to clean the temple grounds and helping elderly visitors climb the steps.
Her every action was calculated to appear selfless and kind.
In the middle of sweeping the courtyard, she saw Cai Bao approach the main hall. Seizing the mont, Yu i bowed deeply.
"Madam Cai," she said softly, her voice tinged with reverence,
"I’ve been coming here every day, hoping to cleanse my heart and find peace. The temple has taught so much about humility and devotion."
Cai Bao paused, her gaze falling on Yu i. Her expression was calm, but her eyes carried a hint of skepticism.
"Devotion is not asured by days spent in a temple, child," Cai Bao said, her tone firm yet gentle.
"It’s about the sincerity of one’s heart."
Yu i clenched her hands tightly around the broom handle, forcing a gracious smile.
"Of course, Madam Cai. I only wish to learn and improve myself. I admire your wisdom and your faith."
Cai Bao’s lips curved into a faint smile, but it didn’t reach her eyes.
Without another word, she continued into the hall, leaving Yu i standing in the courtyard, her frustration bubbling beneath the surface.
...................
At the sa ti, Miss Wu had been gathering intelligence with ruthless efficiency. Her assistant finally returned with a detailed report.
"Miss Wu, I have the information you requested. The beggars were indeed hired by soone to stage the scene at the temple.
Wang Bo, the man coordinating the stunt, admitted that he received paynt from a company linked to the Wu Family.
It seed to be the work of one of the elders of the Wu family. Maybe your uncle knows about your plan and is thinking of ruining it."
Miss Wu’s sharp eyes narrowed as she processed the assistant’s report
"Typical. He’s always underestimating . It’s almost amusing."
She stood gracefully and paced the room, her mind racing through possible countermoves.
"Leave the matter as it is," she ordered, her tone sharp and commanding.
The assistant scribbled notes furiously.
"Understood, Miss Wu. And regarding your uncle?"
Miss Wu’s eyes flickered with icy determination.
"Leave him to . I’ll remind him why crossing is a mistake."
anwhile, Yu i’s frustration continued to grow.
Despite her daily acts of devotion and carefully crafted image, Cai Bao remained distant and unyielding.
On the seventh day, Yu i decided to take a more direct approach.
She waited until Cai Bao finished her morning prayers and approached her with a carefully prepared gift: a rare, antique jade Buddha statue.
"Madam Cai," Yu i began, bowing deeply.
"I found this exquisite piece and thought of you. Its craftsmanship is unparalleled, just like your wisdom and grace. Please accept it as a token of my respect."
Cai Bao glanced at the statue briefly, her expression unreadable.
"Your gesture is appreciated, but unnecessary," she said, her voice steady.
"True respect cannot be bought with material offerings."
Yu i’s smile faltered for a split second before she recovered.
"Of course, Madam Cai. It’s rely a small token of my admiration for your piety and dedication."
Cai Bao gave a faint nod and walked away, leaving Yu i seething internally.
No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t seem to break through the old woman’s guarded deanor.
...............
Back at Qiao Jun’s office, he monitored the temple situation with quiet amusent.
His plan was unfolding perfectly.
Yu i’s relentless efforts to win over Cai Bao were not only fruitless but also exhausted her focus and resources.
anwhile, Miss Wu’s investigation into the beggars had led her straight into internal family conflicts, further diverting her attention.
"They’re like puppets dancing on strings," Qiao Jun mused, sipping his tea. "And they don’t even realize who’s holding the strings."
Then he paused and smiled,
"If it was my Holea, she might have understood right away."
His phone buzzed with a new ssage:
"Boss, update on Miss Wu. She’s scheduled a private eting with her uncle tomorrow to confront him about the beggars. Should we intervene?"
Qiao Jun typed a swift reply:
"No need. Let her dig her own grave."
...............
The following day, Miss Wu arrived at an upscale restaurant where her uncle, Wu Zheng, was waiting.
She wasted no ti in addressing the issue.
"Uncle," she began, her tone cold and direct, "I know you’re behind the temple incident. Why are you interfering with my plans?"
Wu Zheng’s expression remained calm, but his eyes glinted with subtle amusent.
"My dear niece," he said smoothly, "you’re mistaken. I have no reason to ddle in your affairs. Perhaps you should focus on tightening your own loose ends instead of pointing fingers."
Miss Wu’s jaw tightened.
"Don’t play gas with , Uncle. I have proof of your involvent."
Wu Zheng chuckled lightly, leaning back in his chair.
"Proof can be interpreted in many ways, my dear. Be careful not to overstep your boundaries. The Wu family’s reputation is not sothing to be trifled with."
Miss Wu’s eyes blazed with fury, but she forced herself to remain composed.
"Consider this your warning, Uncle. If you try to sabotage again, you’ll regret it."
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She took it as Wu Zheng using the family na to threaten and remain quiet.
Wu Zheng’s smile didn’t waver. "Noted."
...............
At the temple, Yu i was beginning to grow desperate.
She overheard a group of monks discussing an upcoming charity event hosted by Cai Bao, an annual tradition to help impoverished families in the area.
An idea struck her. If she could take a leading role in organizing the event, Cai Bao would have no choice but to recognize her efforts.
Yu i approached the head monk, her voice dripping with sincerity.
"Reverend, I would be honored to assist with the charity event. Please allow to contribute in any way I can."
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