Linda knew she had found the right place as soon as she heard the hubbub. Standing at the door, she took out a mirror and tidied up her appearance carefully. She also tugged hard at the bottom of her skirt to cover the cigarette burn scar on her thigh.
She grasped the doorknob with her small hand and gave it a gentle turn. The door swung open.
Everyone in the living room looked over upon hearing the sound.
When Mu Feng saw who had come in, he frowned tightly. "What's she doing here?"
"Hello, everyone. I'm Linda. I'm sure you all remember me. I'm really sorry. I'm late because of some work. Enjoy yourselves and don't be shy." Linda swayed her body as she walked in slowly. She scanned the people in the living room, smiling and waving as if this birthday party were her own.
Hearing what Linda said, the people in the living room remained silent, wearing half - smiles on their faces as if they were watching a buffoon.
The scandal about Linda had spread so widely that no one present was unaware of it. Claiming that she was late because of work was such a clumsy lie.
"Li Kun, you're being so unkind. How could you start your birthday party without waiting for me? Even if you knew I was busy with work, you shouldn't have just gone ahead. Didn't I tell you that no matter how busy I am, since you were once my student, I'd surely come to your birthday!"
"Teacher Linda, aren't you an uninvited guest?" Yu Likun replied coldly. Then he glanced around at the people looking in their direction and raised his voice, "Everyone, have a good time."
Everyone knew exactly what he meant. They averted their gazes and resumed their previous conversations. However, some people still stole glances at Linda from time to time, eager to see her make a fool of herself.
Mu Feng licked his lips and gently swirled the champagne in his hand. He said sardonically, "Teacher Linda has been out of luck these days. I don't think you've got any work on hand, have you?"
Seeing Linda glaring angrily at him, Mu Feng took a sip of champagne. "I've just received an offer for a really good - themed movie recently. Out of gratitude for all the 'care' Teacher Linda has given me in the past, I can talk to the director and see if we can get you a supporting role."
"However, Teacher Linda's reputation has been so bad lately. I'm afraid even if I try my best, all I can get for you is a role without any lines."
"Who needs your help!" Linda retorted disdainfully, her face flushed and her nose flaring.
Mu Feng let out a sneering laugh, which carried a hint of coldness. "You're right. Teacher Linda is almost being driven out of the entertainment industry by netizens. Of course, you won't care about such a minor role."
"Say that again!" Linda was hit where it hurt. She tilted her head back, glaring at Mu Feng fiercely.
Yu Likun handed a glass of champagne to Linda and held it in front of her. "Teacher Linda, you've come all this way to celebrate my birthday. Have something to drink."
His timely words broke the deadlock between Mu Feng and Linda.
Linda took the champagne and shot Mu Feng a disdainful look. Then she looked at Yu Likun directly, her eyes full of resentment. "You never liked talking to me when you were at the venue. Anyway, you were my student. You didn't even give me a hint about this big birthday party. Those people posted your group photos on Weibo, and I got nothing. I almost got mocked by netizens!"
"You're old enough to be more responsible. It's okay this time that I came on my own. But if you deliberately forget next time, don't blame me for not promoting you in the future."
She knew her own situation was precarious. She was also aware that Yu Likun hadn't invited her today not because of forgetfulness, but she still subconsciously tried to find an excuse for herself so as not to lose face.
Yu Likun didn't take up her topic. Instead, he pointed to a table of pastries in the corner. "There's some food over there. Help yourself, Teacher Linda."
"At least you've got some sense."
As Linda turned around, she gave Mu Feng another cold look. Then she saw Meng Nianchu walking towards them and stepped forward.
As she passed by Meng Nianchu, she sneered, "It's so late and you're still in another man's house. Mu Junze didn't even bring you here himself. It seems he doesn't really care about you."
Hearing this, Meng Nianchu looked back at Linda who was walking towards the cake. She let out a scoff, her eyes filled with derision.
Idiot.
Mu Junze came back with Meng's father and mother after buying some Chinese food they were used to. As soon as Mu Shengnan saw Meng Nianchu, she cried and clamored to be held by her.
The cute childish voice echoed in the living room, attracting everyone's attention.
Linda, who was in the corner trying to flatter Jin Hui and send him messages, also looked up upon hearing the sound. Then she saw the two faces she could never forget.
Linda instinctively turned around quickly, with her back to them.
Why are they here!
Her heart was pounding. Linda gasped for air and carefully peeked at them again with her eyes. Seeing Meng's father and mother chatting and laughing with Meng Nianchu, the whole family happy and in high spirits, Linda's nose turned sour and her heart ached.
The embarrassing memories of the past flooded into her mind. Linda's eyes turned red. She gritted her back teeth tightly, and her sad expression gradually turned into anger!
Your family is happy while I was cruelly sent to the United States. Why!
Thinking of this, Linda suddenly calmed down.
She sat up straight, her angry eyes fixed on Meng's father. Then she walked straight towards them.
"Aren't you the famous Meng Haojun? What are you doing in a celebrity's place?" Linda sat down on the chair next to Meng's father, crossed her legs, and rested her arm on her thigh.
Seeing Meng's father instantly stop smiling and put on a straight face, Linda involuntarily swallowed hard. She suppressed the fear that welled up instinctively in her body and said in a strange tone, "Teacher Meng is really bold. You're ruthless in business, and at home, you can even sell your own woman."
"I heard that Teacher Meng personally sent your eldest daughter to the United States a year ago. Although the news was suppressed, there are still people who remember. I've always been wondering what kind of person you are, Mr. Meng. How could you be so heartless as to send your own daughter away and let her live alone?"
Towards the end, Linda's voice trembled with a barely audible sob. She lowered her head and let out a cold laugh. "You're really something, Mr. Meng. Aren't you afraid that your daughter might get into danger outside and never come back?"
She pinched the edge of her skirt and raised her eyes. Her accusing gaze met Meng's father's deep eyes.
Meng's father's face tightened. "Nonsense!"
He grabbed Meng's mother and was about to go upstairs.
Linda stood up abruptly, fighting back her tears. "Mr. Meng, have you already forgotten that you have a daughter? It doesn't matter if you lose one because you still have another, right?!"