Sternly Angry

Wang Tian Bi’s "ready for battle" attitude touched Zhao Wan Ru. She softly reassured her friend:
"You don't need to worry so much. After all, I don't want to avoid it anymore. Some things, no matter how much we want to avoid them, cannot be avoided. If they've already taken notice, whether I participate or not, I'm bound to become the center of their gossip. So, why don't we actively participate? One, we can directly confront them; two, we won't misunderstand each other because of those rumors; and perhaps, if luck is on our side, I might even be able to boost the stock prices of the Zhao family and Sheng Li Group."

Zhao Wan Ru's words were very logical, and Wang Tian Bi unconsciously nodded. Her friend truly had the ability to face gossip directly and turn the tide. However, Wang Tian Bi didn't have much faith in Tai Leng Han. After all, if he were capable of handling rumors, he wouldn't have borne such a bad reputation for so long. Thus, Wang Tian Bi was a little worried:
"Aren't you afraid Tai Leng Han will make you lose face?"

Zhao Wan Ru's expression turned serious upon hearing that question. She didn't answer her friend immediately but asked in return:
"Wang Tian Bi, what do you think I married Tai Leng Han for? For money? Or for fame?"

Wang Tian Bi was startled by Zhao Wan Ru's imposing aura, standing dumbfounded. When Zhao Wan Ru addressed someone by their full name like this, it meant she was unhappy. So Wang Tian Bi didn't know how to respond. If she nodded, Zhao Wan Ru would surely be angry; but she also found it hard to shake her head, because in everyone's eyes, Zhao Wan Ru and Tai Leng Han's marriage was solely for those two reasons. Zhao Wan Ru didn't wait for Wang Tian Bi to answer and continued:
"No, Wang Tian Bi. I used to think that too. I thought I only married Tai Leng Han for his money; and he married me because he needed to use the Zhao family's reputation. But now I can seriously tell you: It's not like that, Wang Tian Bi. I didn't marry Tai Leng Han for money! And Tai Leng Han never needed to use my family's reputation!"

Wang Tian Bi was once again hesitant. That Zhao Wan Ru didn't marry Tai Leng Han solely for money, Wang Tian Bi could believe. Because in that situation, even without Tai Leng Han's financial input, the Zhao family wouldn't have gone completely bankrupt. Even if they had temporarily faced bankruptcy, with Zhao Zhi Hai's rich experience and Zhao Zhen Cheng, Zhao Wan Ru's older brother's capabilities, the Zhao family could quickly rebuild from scratch. Not to mention, they had many acquaintances and friends willing to lend a helping hand.

However, once again, Wang Tian Bi didn't believe that Tai Leng Han had no ulterior motives when proposing marriage to Zhao Wan Ru. Tai Leng Han's reputation was already too tarnished. His marriage to the beloved daughter of the Zhao family, a beautiful and virtuous girl who always received praise from elders like Zhao Wan Ru, undoubtedly brought Tai Leng Han immense benefits in terms of reputation.

Perhaps Wang Tian Bi's expression revealed her attitude and thoughts too clearly, so Zhao Wan Ru quickly noticed. She looked directly at Wang Tian Bi, sternly saying:
"Wang Tian Bi, Tai Leng Han actually doesn't care what others think of him. But you are my best friend, so I'm explaining it to you. And I hope that from now on, you will never think ill of Tai Leng Han again, and certainly never look down on him because of malicious, unverified rumors. Otherwise, I will not let it slide. Even if it's you, I won't let it slide!"

Wang Tian Bi nodded glumly. She knew that Zhao Wan Ru meant what she said. Wang Tian Bi didn't want her long-standing friendship with Zhao Wan Ru to fracture; she also knew that she shouldn't look down on Tai Leng Han because of gossip. So, Wang Tian Bi didn't argue. However, a hint of grievance flashed in her heart. And Wang Tian Bi's bad habit was that when she was unhappy, she wanted to drag others down with her mood. Therefore, Wang Tian Bi whispered, revealing what she considered to be earth-shattering news:
"Wan Ru, Yang Tian Wu is preparing to return to the country. My father said that the Philanthropic Association's gathering this time still sent an invitation to the Yang family. But this year, the Yang family has expressed their intention to participate. I guess Tian Wu will represent the Yang family at this gathering."