Heartthrob, Your Image is Crumbling!

Chapter 449: Zhou Yuwen's Parents Meet Their Daughters-in-Law

This was exactly where the controversy surrounding Jiang Xinyi lay. The fact that she was You Changjin's ex-girlfriend was neither a massive deal nor a trivial matter. If Zhou Yuwen were just some nobody, this wouldn't have made any waves at all. But as it happened, Zhou Yuwen was currently at the height of his popularity.Meanwhile, Liu Jing also hoped her daughter could ride this tailwind to gain a bit of fame. Therefore, she had the media publish several articles portraying her as "the woman behind the man" and an "ideal supportive partner."

These articles indeed went viral. The melon-eating masses who didn't know the truth found the whole thing quite romantic. Zhou Yuwen and Jiang Xinyi had an age gap of six years, but that didn't affect their love in the slightest.

However, within Zhou Yuwen's university, word of mouth painted a different picture.

"Did you hear? Zhou Yuwen's girlfriend is actually his class counselor's ex-girlfriend."

"Are you serious?"

"Holy shit, Zhou Yuwen is a badass. Isn't this basically making a move on the teacher's wife!?"

"Exactly! But looking at the news about his girlfriend's family background, it makes sense. Their class counselor definitely wasn't worthy of her."

"I heard that woman only met Zhou Yuwen through the counselor. Once she saw Zhou Yuwen's potential, she dumped the counselor to be with him."

"Is it really that transactional?"

"What woman isn't?"

Opinions regarding Jiang Xinyi's reputation within Zhou Yuwen's college department were mixed. However, since Jiang Xinyi didn't attend this university anyway, she didn't care what the students said. She continued to go about her business, helping Zhou Yuwen manage his internal affairs.

In Liu Jing's words, these rumors would all fade with time. What celebrity didn't have some peripheral gossip surrounding them? It wouldn't affect her life with Zhou Yuwen. Regardless, she just needed to firmly remember that she was now Zhou Yuwen's girlfriend. The two of them simply needed to focus on building their career; whatever anyone else said could be completely ignored.

"It looks like I won't be able to go to your place and have dinner with Auntie tonight," Zhou Yuwen remarked. Seeing that Jiang Xinyi had been trying to tidy up his clothes for five minutes without much success, he simply took a step back and adjusted them himself.

He then added, "My parents are coming over. I'll probably have to eat with them tonight."

"You still have a public lecture later," Jiang Xinyi reminded him.

"Uh, is it that important? Let's just cancel it," Zhou Yuwen suggested.

Jiang Xinyi showed a hint of hesitation. After a moment of uncertainty, she explained that an old professor from the Huaqing Business School was attending this lecture. He had heard about Zhou Yuwen and was very interested in him.

"His students are leading figures in various domestic fields. If you build a good relationship with him, it might help your career in the future," she said.

Jiang Xinyi was only looking out for him. Zhou Yuwen thought about it; the lecture was only an hour long, so he should have enough time. The only issue was his parents.

Figuring that Su Qing would be there to host them, it shouldn't be a big problem. "Alright then," Zhou Yuwen agreed.

"I'll give Su Qing a phone call first and have her take my parents to the villa," Zhou Yuwen said, pulling out his phone.

However, Jiang Xinyi stopped him. "Su Qing isn't even your girlfriend anymore, yet you're asking her to host your parents?"

Zhou Yuwen noticed the dissatisfaction written across her face. Smiling, he smoothly wrapped an arm around Jiang Xinyi's slender waist, guiding her over to the desk. He leaned against the edge, half his buttocks resting on the table, and pulled her close.

Jiang Xinyi was dressed in a small white suit—a fitted chiffon shirt paired with an open blazer. Zhou Yuwen's hand slipped directly inside the suit, encircling her slender waist to pull her tight against his chest. "The thing is, my parents don't know that yet, do they?" he pointed out. "Su Qing and I were together back in high school, so it's perfectly normal for my parents to know her. Besides, if I don't let Su Qing host them, should I ask you to do it instead? We only just got together, and you're already eager to meet my parents?"

Although Zhou Yuwen was gently coaxing her, the situation still made Jiang Xinyi feel uneasy. "But you've met my mom," she retorted.

"If you put it that way, I have no objections. How about I tell Su Qing not to go right now, and send you over instead?" Zhou Yuwen offered, taking a step forward to force a retreat.

Thinking it over, Jiang Xinyi realized that facing his parents entirely on her own would indeed be a bit awkward. She fell silent.

Even though she was six years older than Zhou Yuwen, deep down she was still a little girl who occasionally threw minor tantrums.

Seizing the moment, Zhou Yuwen continued, "Alright, baby. Let's stop sulking, okay?"

"Didn't you say I have to meet that professor from Huaqing later? Why don't you accompany me for that? Be obedient now."

Holding this rich young lady—who was six years his senior—in his arms, calling her "baby" and successfully coaxing her until she was entirely wrapped around his finger, honestly gave him quite a sense of accomplishment. It even triggered a slight physical reaction. Unfortunately, no matter what he said, Jiang Xinyi absolutely refused to give herself to him right now.

Faced with his sweet nothings, she merely rolled her eyes. "I'm just not ready to meet your parents yet. Once we finish the public lecture, we can go over together, and then you can introduce me to them."

"You're in such a rush," Zhou Yuwen chuckled, not expecting that he wouldn't be able to dodge this after all.

"Is that not allowed?" Jiang Xinyi immediately raised an eyebrow.

"It's allowed. Of course it is," Zhou Yuwen assured her.

"I should definitely introduce you; I've already met your mom, after all." He pulled her a little tighter and smiled.

Jiang Xinyi snorted, commenting that he was wise beyond his years. "You're such a sly little devil."

"Treating me like a child you need to coax!"

Zhou Yuwen laughed. "Then just tell me if you're willing or not."

With that, he pinched her chin and planted a forceful kiss directly on her lips. Jiang Xinyi was left feeling both annoyed and amused, repeatedly rolling her eyes at him as she complained that he had completely ruined her makeup.

Zhou Yuwen just smiled and declared that it was fine, urging her to hurry up and help him prepare for the lecture.

Things settled down on Zhou Yuwen's end.

Over on Su Qing's side, she first received a phone call from Zhou Yuwen's mother, followed by one from Zhou Yuwen himself.

Su Qing was in a foul mood when she spoke to him. "Even if you didn't tell me, I know exactly what to do," she snapped.

Zhou Yuwen knew Su Qing's temper well. He also knew that ever since he got together with Jiang Xinyi, she had every right to be angry. Because of this, he didn't argue and simply asked if she needed to use the car.

"I've already spoken to Tao Tian. If you need a vehicle, you can ask her for the keys."

After issuing a few brief instructions, Zhou Yuwen hung up the phone.

Su Qing felt even more wronged. The entire university was currently gossiping about how deeply in love Zhou Yuwen and Jiang Xinyi were, yet he wasn't even willing to offer her an explanation.

What did that make her now?

Su Qing first went to find Tao Tian to borrow the car keys. Tao Tian had just finished handling the work Zhou Yuwen assigned her in the office. After not seeing her for a few days, it seemed as though her figure had grown even more enticing. She was simply wearing a short-sleeved knit top paired with a short skirt, yet her full chest pressing against her neckline looked ready to burst free at any moment. Combined with the faint flush on her cheeks from frequently spending time with Zhou Yuwen, she exuded a natural, captivating charm. But beyond her stunning beauty, Tao Tian was incredibly sharp and decisive when it came to handling business. Sitting behind the desk, she maintained a polite demeanor toward guests, yet simultaneously radiated a cool, unapproachable distance.

After Su Qing explained why she was there, Tao Tian let out an "Oh" of realization and nodded. "Zhou Yuwen mentioned it to me."

"His parents are coming over, right?"

As she asked this, a trace of envy seeped into her tone.

Su Qing hummed in confirmation. Handing over the keys, Tao Tian smiled and remarked, "I didn't realize you were on such good terms with his parents."

"Not really," Su Qing replied. "It's just because I have Zhou Yuwen's mother added on WeChat." She took the keys, then suddenly had an idea. "Why don't you come with me?"

"Me?" Tao Tian blanked for a second before letting out a laugh. "That wouldn't be appropriate, would it?"

Su Qing smiled. "What's inappropriate about it?"

"Yan Yan and Lu Lin are both coming with me, so you might as well tag along too. We could even invite Qu Jing." Exactly what Su Qing was plotting was something only she knew.

But Su Qing truly had no allies. Even though she technically sided with Zheng Yanyan and Lu Lin in their dormitory squabbles, she knew full well that those two were an inseparable pair. What did that make her?

Therefore, the more chaotic the situation became, the better.

"Uh," Tao Tian hesitated, thinking it over. "I'll go with you, but let's leave Jingjing out of it. She doesn't get along with Zheng Yanyan, and it wouldn't be good if they started fighting."

Su Qing shot her a glance and saw that she wore a subtle smile.

Nodding, Su Qing agreed, "That works."

After borrowing the car from Tao Tian, they drove back to the dormitory to pick up Zheng Yanyan and Lu Lin.

When Zheng Yanyan learned that Zhou Yuwen's parents were visiting, she was absolutely thrilled. Her ambitions of becoming the main girlfriend were still burning bright, and she fully intended to perform well in front of them so Zhou Yuwen's mother would officially acknowledge her status. Lu Lin, on the other hand, felt quite hesitant after receiving Su Qing's notice. Despite usually acting like she had everything perfectly figured out, she couldn't help but waver.

Meeting the parents was a big deal. Now that the moment was actually here, she felt a surge of nervous tension.

Lu Lin even tried to back out, saying hesitantly, "Maybe I just shouldn't go. I've never met them before anyway."

"How could you say that! Lin Lin!" Zheng Yanyan immediately protested, grabbing onto her arm. "You're also Zhou Yuwen's girlfriend, which means his parents are your future in-laws! Even the ugliest daughter-in-law has to meet the in-laws eventually. Unless... you never planned on marrying him?"

Lu Lin couldn't help but laugh at that, accusing her friend of twisting the concept entirely.

But Zheng Yanyan insisted, "Twisted or not, you have to come with me to see them."

"Zhou Yuwen has been holed up with that older woman these past few days, so we haven't even had a chance to see him. Now that an opportunity has finally presented itself, don't you want to see him?" she pressed.

Lu Lin pondered it, but she still really didn't want to meet his parents.

Consequently, Zheng Yanyan grabbed her hands and began to act cutesy, whining endlessly. "Oh, my sweet Lin Lin, just consider it keeping me company! Let's go see them! Just this once!"

Annoyed beyond belief, Lu Lin finally caved. "Alright, alright! I'll go with you."

"Hehe! You're the best, Lin Lin! Love you!" Zheng Yanyan beamed, quickly throwing her arms around her friend in a tight hug.

Deep down, Lu Lin felt incredibly helpless.

Both girls spent some time dressing up, hoping to leave a good impression on Zhou Yuwen's parents. Zheng Yanyan heavily prioritized looking as beautiful as possible.

She was naturally tall and slender, and having recently taken up exercise to stay fit, her figure was flawless. Wearing a gray pleated skirt paired with matching knee-high socks, she looked the absolute picture of a youthful, energetic female university student.

As for Lu Lin, despite claiming she didn't care, she still put effort into tidying her appearance. She wore a pair of black, slightly flared jeans matched with a coffee-colored top. The outfit looked fairly ordinary, but it at least made her appear obedient and well-behaved.

They stood waiting for Su Qing to drive over. However, when the car finally pulled up, they were shocked to see that the person behind the wheel was actually Tao Tian.

Zheng Yanyan froze. "Why are you here?"

That blunt question made the situation quite awkward for Tao Tian.

"I'm the one who invited her," Su Qing interjected. "She's also Zhou Yuwen's girlfriend, so there's no harm in her coming along."

Zheng Yanyan made no attempt to hide the obvious displeasure on her face. She couldn't resist glancing into the back seat. Thankfully, she didn't see Qu Jing sitting there, which caused her expression to soften slightly.

Giving Tao Tian one last look, she let out a cold snort.

She firmly grabbed Lu Lin's hand and pulled her into the back seat. Tao Tian started the engine. Since she rarely visited this dormitory area, it was inevitable that she struggled to find a proper place to turn the car around.

With Su Qing directing her from the front passenger seat, the two women chatted and laughed together. After quite a while, they finally managed to navigate their way out of the dormitories.

Watching the two of them talk and laugh cheerfully from the back seat, Zheng Yanyan felt incredibly uncomfortable no matter how she looked at it.

Even though she and Su Qing didn't get along, seeing her act so friendly with Tao Tian still upset her. She suddenly muttered out of the blue, "I knew you didn't have good intentions. Hmph, traitor!"

Hearing this, Su Qing grew visibly annoyed. "What did you just say? Seriously, Zheng Yanyan, what is that supposed to mean?"

"I'll say whatever I want."

"What do you mean, defecting to the enemy? We're all involved with Zhou Yuwen. His parents are visiting, so we're going together to host them. What's wrong with that?" Su Qing argued, her tone righteous and confident.

The truth was, this really couldn't be blamed on Su Qing.

After all, neither of the other two had ever treated her like family, had they?

"Hmph~"

Faced with Su Qing's retort, Zheng Yanyan had nothing else to say. She merely huffed, hugged Lu Lin's arm, and turned her head away to stare out the window.

Su Qing whispered under her breath, "You are seriously sick in the head!"

Zhou Yuwen's parents had driven over. They had contacted Su Qing beforehand to ask for the campus address, and a few hours had already flown by since then.

They figured his parents should be arriving at any moment.

Su Qing led the other girls to wait by the side of the road for a while.

Shortly after.

A black Volkswagen bearing a 'Su-C' license plate pulled up quietly to the curb.

Yang Lijuan was the first to step out of the front passenger seat, calling out a greeting from a distance, "Little Su!"

Seeing Yang Lijuan, Su Qing naturally lit up and hurried over to meet her. "Auntie!"

Following the initial greeting, both sides exchanged pleasantries. Once the other girls confirmed that these were indeed Zhou Yuwen's parents, they instinctively took a moment to smooth down their clothes and check their appearance.

Yang Lijuan had met Zheng Yanyan before. After finishing her greetings with Su Qing, she turned with a warm smile. "Yan Yan came along too?"

"Yes, Auntie!" Zheng Yanyan rushed forward eagerly.

Yang Lijuan nodded, her smile widening as she looked over the group of four young women. In truth, she had noticed all of them immediately, mostly because every single one was exceptionally pretty.

"Are they all your roommates?" she asked cheerfully. "My goodness, every one of you is so beautiful."