Transmigrating into the Genius Cannon Fodder’s Aunt

Chapter 24.5 – It’s Time to Take Down Zhang Qiming! (V)

Ning Shaobai had been curious about what Xia Mian meant by ‘not the same,’ but her expression of “Oh no, I almost gave it away” made him suddenly realize what she meant…

Ning Shaobai gritted his teeth, shooting her a fierce glare.

Feeling guilty under his gaze, Xia Mian immediately gave him a reassuring look: I won’t let you get exposed!

Her mind racing, she quickly clapped her hands, exclaiming, “Of course, Dr. Ning can’t be the same.”

“First of all, Dr. Ning is a man of morals. How could he have such intention toward a minor?” The implication here: Zhang Qiming had no morals. He had even allowed his own son to be abused — who could say he wouldn’t molest a minor, too?

“Second, Dr. Ning had money, looks, and status; why would he be interested in me? At the very least, someone at Sister Ning’s level would be more suitable.”

But Zhang Qiming was different. He was just a factory worker, and he managed to sweet-talk both Xia Chun and Huang Xiaojuan. It was entirely possible that he was trying to lure Xia Mian next, taking advantage of her youthful ignorance.

“Finally, Dr. Ning is kind to me because I saved Chenchen.” Xia Mian’s gaze shifted to Zhang Qiming. “But what about you? Why are you nice to me? Is it because I bullied Xuanxuan? Or because I put Huang Xiaojuan in jail? Or maybe because I ruined your reputation, disrupting your work and even hindering your promotions?”

Zhang Qiming: …

Discussing motives was one thing, but she was clearly using this chance to add insult to the injury!

However, there was logic to it. Xia Mian’s implications resonated clearly with the neighbors. In their eyes, it made sense: from Zhang Qiming’s perspective, Xia Mian had brought chaos to his home, yet he continued to tolerate and even care for her.

Zhang Qiming wasn’t a saint, so there was only one conclusion: he had ulterior motives.

As for what this ulterior motive was… everyone’s gazes shifted to Xia Mian. At sixteen, the girl was already a budding beauty, with an elegant, slender figure…

Xia Mian also had the look of realization, “No wonder you suddenly said Huang Xiaojuan is vicious and greedy, and that she deserves to sit in jail as a lesson!”

“Are you planning to divorce her?”

The neighbors exchanged glances, seeing the shock in each other’s eyes. Although Huang Xiaojuan was getting what she deserved, Zhang Qiming not attempting to get her out of jail was absolutely abnormal!

Zhang Qiming finally tasted the same feelings as Huang Xiaojuan had previously — Xia Mian’s ability to reverse truth from false was beyond infuriating! He had wanted to show he was reasonable and leaned towards Xia Mian and Xiao Feng, but now, she turned it into an excuse to abandon his wife!

“I always said Xiao Zhang was calculating.”

“Indeed…”

“This is too much…”

Zhang Qiming’s face twitched with veins popping out, “What are you all talking about?!”

Just like Huang Xiaojuan, Zhang Qiming also struggled to defend himself. However, he was much sleeker compared to Huang Xiaojuan and thus managed better. He turned to Xia Mian, his face red and eyes wide, shouting indignantly, “Yes, I’m fed up with you! But what can I do? You hate Xiaojuan, and I have to side with you and try my best to make you soften, or you’d never help her!”

“So now I ask you, will you save her? I’ve returned the money. Will you say the passbook was given to her by you, not stolen, and get her out of jail?”

He was quick to react — Xia Mian sneered, “Don’t try to twist things here. Just a few days ago, you clearly used Xiao Feng to threaten me, saying he was your son and you could do anything to him. I returned to the city with you because of that. And now you’re saying you want to soften me with your gentleness? Do you take me for a fool? Let me think,” Xia Mian paused for a moment, “Your change happened after Huang Xiaoxia came over. What did she tell you?”

Ning Shaobai interjected calmly, “Not after Huang Xiaoxia came over; it’s after he saw you with me and my sister. He simply learned from Huang Xiaoxia that you’re Chenchen’s savior.”

The crowd realized that Zhang Qiming had been busy since returning and didn’t know about Xia Mian saving Chenchen, nor her close relationship with Dr. Ning and his sister. So at first, he directly threatened Xia Mian, figuring getting Huang Xiaojuan out of jail would settle everything. However, after discovering Xia Mian’s ties with the Ning siblings, he changed tactics: Xia Mian’s value was much higher than Huang Xiaojuan’s.

A wife with a lot of bad records, a young and beautiful girl with a strong backing—most men would make a similar choice, and Zhang Qiming had done it before: he had abandoned Xia Chun, a university graduate, after falling to Huang Xiaojuan’s lies of having an urban household registration, dual-income parents, and benefits of being the only child.

Zhang Qiming, who had hoped for Ning Shaobai to lift his family just a moment ago, didn’t expect his words to suppress him instead. Realizing the influence of Ning Shaobai, Zhang Qiming knew he had no chance today, so he opted for a strategic retreat. His eyes brimmed with tears, he looked at Xia Mian as if he had been greatly wronged, “Alright, when Huang Xiaojuan said you were great at twisting the truth, I didn’t believe it and scolded her. Now I’ve learned firsthand.”

“I know there’s no clearing my name now, even if I jump into the Yellow River. I’ll stay at the factory dormitory for a few days. And as for Huang Xiaojuan’s situation, since everything’s out in the open, I’ll come to you tomorrow. Whether you want money or a good school, lay out your terms, and if I can manage, I’ll agree.”

Then, he turned and left angrily.

But Xia Mian didn’t miss the flash of malice in his eyes.

After Zhang Qiming left and the crowd dispersed, Xia Mian went to Ning Shaobai and spoke privately. “Thanks for today. Without you, I wouldn’t have found a breakthrough.”

Ning Shaobai, who had been scowling, looked surprised. “You don’t think I was just making it up, do you?”

Xia Mian was taken aback as well. “Isn’t it?”

Ning Shaobai stared at her clear eyes, her tuft of hair swayed as if reflecting her confusion. Seeing this hadn’t caught on at all, he felt speechless, “Has he ever tried to get close to you while at home?”

“He dares!” Xia Mian said, lifting her chin. “I’m watching him closely to make sure he doesn’t hurt Xiao Feng. I never allow him to get within three steps of us.”

Ning Shaobai chuckled and asked again, “What about his words and actions? Didn’t you find them strange?”。”

Xia Mian shivered lightly, “The way he has been acting lately is truly making me unsettled. It sends shivers down my spine.”

After all, she was not a real sixteen-year-old girl. After a reminder from Ning Shaobai, she also noticed some clues. Since they came back, Zhang Qiming seemed to be downplaying Huang Xiaojuan’s presence and instead became extremely gentle and considerate towards her, giving her money and gifts, letting her take charge at home, often making her feel like she was the mistress of the house…

If Xia Mian didn’t know his true nature and wasn’t constantly wary of him, if she were really a naïve teenage girl, maybe she would have been…

!!!

Xia Mian suddenly felt nauseous. Thinking about how Zhang Qiming had just tried to touch her head, she quickly reached out and grabbed Ning Shaobai’s hand, placing it on her head.

Ning Shaobai was speechless. “What are you doing?”

“Help me disinfect, it’s too scary,” Xia Mian said, shivering again.

Ning Shaobai chuckled. “Am I not scary?”

But he regretted asking as soon as he did. Sure enough, he heard Xia Mian respond, “What’s there to be afraid of? We’re like sisters.” She then bragged proudly. “I was smart today, instantly turned the conversation around and even attacked Zhang Qiming.”

Ning Shaobai gritted his teeth, grabbing her stray tuft and giving it a hard tug.

“Ouch! That hurts!” Xia Mian complained, glaring at him. “What are you doing?!”

Ning Shaobai sneered, “Disinfecting doesn’t come without pain.”

“You’re so mean,” Xia Mian wrinkled her nose, getting back to business. “Can I borrow your phone for a moment? It’s time to take down Zhang Qiming!

Author’s Note:

Little Male Lead Chenchen: Let me show you the power of my jinxed mouth!