CH 43

x3moonie The Passerby A I Married Is A Millionaire  May 28, 2022

A week later.

At the hospital, Bai Zhen Zhen sat in the ward peeling apples. This was the fifth day that she was responsible for Father Bai’s hospital fees. According to the agreement, Bai Meng Ru should “take over” in two days time.

But by her estimations, given Bai Meng Ru’s current situation, it would be difficult for her to take over.

These few days, the discussion regarding the “secret affair” incident had continued to grow. The Huo family took a firm stance, stating that they would fully pursue legal action against Juju Entertainment for maliciously spreading false rumours. Juju Entertainment had no other choice, and could only push Bai Meng Ru out to take the heat, even announcing that Bai Meng Ru had acted on her own accord, and that the company didn’t know about it.

“Pitiful” Bai Meng Ru was thus ruthlessly abandoned, living a life of a rat, scuttling from corner to corner to avoid being scolded.

Bai Zhen Zhen hadn’t seen Bai Meng Ru in the hospital the entire week, and also had no idea where she went. However, she was certain that Bai Meng Ru was preparing something huge. She was also on guard at every moment, waiting to completely “settle” Bai Meng Ru.

Just as she finished peeling the apple, Yang Su Ping came back from buying food.

She placed the food on the cabinet, before stretching out her hand to Bai Zhen Zhen, saying: “There wasn’t enough money to buy the food today. I’m still short of twenty dollars. In addition, you have to provide the money for food for tomorrow and the day after.”

Bai Zhen Zhen asked doubtfully: “It can’t be, Aunty Yang. I clearly gave you a thousand dollars five days ago, and it was agreed that the money was for a week’s worth of food. How did it run out already? One hundred and fifty dollars a day is not sufficient for you and my dad to eat?”

The prices in the hospital was not high. The price for a standard meal with one meat and one vegetable in the hospital canteen was at most thirty dollars. Bai Zhen Zhen also didn’t eat with them. With just Father Bai and Yang Su Ping eating, a hundred and fifty dollars a day was more than enough.

“Why? You seem to imply that I would argue with you over such a paltry sum of money?” Yang Su Ping covered up her guilt with laughter, “I’ve worked so hard to take care of your father, but I’ve never even asked you for money for it. Do you really think I would care for such a small amount of money?”

“Haha.” Bai Zhen Zhen rolled her eyes.

“Zhen Zhen, this time you’re truly mistaken. Prices have increased drastically with inflation recently. You’ve never gone out to buy food, so I guess you’re unaware…” Father Bai tried to mediate.

Bai Zhen Zhen’s eyes almost popped out of her head.

She had never gone out to buy food?! Then does she eat air every day?! Also, just look at all the fruits in this ward. She had bought every single one of them! No matter how much the prices increased due to inflation, how much could the price of a meal increase by?!

But thinking that she would be “released” soon, Bai Zhen Zhen hypnotised herself — Endure it!!

Father Bai and Yang Su Ping began to eat.

While eating, Yang Su Ping sighed: “It’s been so many days, yet there’s been no news from Meng Ru. I have no idea where she went either… She’s just a little girl, without much money on her. I hope nothing happens to her…”

“Don’t worry, Aunty Yang,” Bai Zhen Zhen gave a fake smile, “Sister Meng Ru still has plenty of options. If worse comes to worst, she can rely on her appearance to make money. How else do you think she managed to enter Juju Entertainment?”

“Bai Zhen Zhen, don’t kick someone who’s down!” Yang Su Ping huffed, using her arm to nudge Father Bai, speaking loudly: “Old Bai, look at your daughter! What kind of language is she using! Ever since she met those rich heirs, she has become so disrespectful. Shouldn’t you discipline her!”

“Zhen Zhen, have you been in contact with that Huo Xiang recently?” Father Bai was reminded by Yang Su Ping, and immediately thought of this matter, “I told you previously that all these rich people are bad people! Just look at your sister. Her current situation was caused by him. If you hadn’t listened to me back then, I’m afraid you would also be…”

“Dad, do you still think that Huo Xiang is in the wrong regarding that incident?” Bai Zhen Zhen spat out.

“Isn’t he? Your sister is such an innocent child. If it wasn’t for his malicious guidance, how could she speak such words? After listening to that recording, I thought about it carefully and realised that Huo Xiang’s words were completely edited out. Isn’t it obvious?!” Father Bai proclaimed righteously.

Bai Zhen Zhen shrugged and turned away.

If it wasn’t for the system suppressing her, she would have broken out in curses already.

“Alas, my poor Meng Ru… I wonder where she is, whether she has eaten yet…” Yang Su Ping pretended to wipe her tears.

Maybe she felt her mother’s love calling out for her, the door to the ward suddenly opened and Bai Meng Ru appeared in front of them.

“Meng Ru!” Yang Su Ping was excited, rushing over to hug her daughter.

“Meng Ru, you’re finally back! I was so anxious these few days, where have you been? Did you eat on time? Aiya, you’ve lost weight…”

“Meng Ru, it’s good that you’re back. Come, sit down quickly.” Father Bai also gestured hurriedly.

Bai Zhen Zhen examined Bai Meng Ru with interest.

Although she appeared slightly haggard, she still look put together. The clothes that she was wearing were all new. Her appearance was neat and tidy, and her hair was nicely combed. There was a faint smile hanging on her face, completely unlike someone who was in a desperate situation. It looked as if she had just returned from a trip.

However, her appearance made Bai Zhen Zhen think of a phrase — Terminal lucidity.

“Dad, Mom, I’m sorry for making you worry…” Bai Meng Ru said warmly.

She didn’t look at Bai Zhen Zhen. During the previous conversation over the phone, the two “sisters” had already broken off all ties. It would be awkward if she continued to pretend to be close.

“Meng Ru, quickly tell me. What’s going on with the news article? How did you fall for that Huo fellow’s trap?” Yang Su Ping asked.

Bai Zhen Zhen quietly mocked: “The media has already dug up the complete truth. Why are there still people trying to deceive themselves here?”

“Zhen Zhen!” It was Father Bai who rushed to reprimand Bai Zhen Zhen, “Meng Ru just returned, yet you’re spouting such words that will hurt your sister!”

“Alright, ok, I understand. Then I’ll let you discuss as a family first. It’s getting late so I’ll make a move first.” Bai Zhen Zhen waved.

“If you want to leave, then just leave. You only ever come here to show your face, yet you want to be called a filial daughter?” Yang Su Ping said sarcastically.

“Aunty Yang, if you’re willing to work, then I would be more than happy to stay in the hospital taking care of my dad every day. Do you want to swap roles?” Bai Zhen Zhen retorted.

Yang Su Ping pursed her lips, but remained silent.

Bai Zhen Zhen shuddered.

This wouldn’t do. If she continued staying here, she would probably be angered into hysterics by these people. It was better to see no evil!

Bai Zhen Zhen was about to leave when Bai Meng Ru called out to her.

“Sister, I have something to say to you.”

****

Bai Zhen Zhen followed Bai Meng Ru to the hospital garden, where many patients and their families were taking a stroll. The two of them chose a quiet place and sat down on a bench.

“If you have something to say, then spit it out,” Bai Zhen Zhen said, “I’m very busy, so I don’t have that much time to chat with you.”

Bai Meng Ru said: “Sister, I know that because of the phone call previously, you’re holding a grudge against me. It’s only naturally. Since I’ve done such things, I can’t deny it no matter how much you hate me.”

Bai Zhen Zhen felt strange. Since when did Bai Meng Ru become so honest?

Sure enough, Bai Meng Ru lived up to expectations, and immediately threw a curve ball.

“However, I was also forced to do so… I really have no other way. And since you’ve already divorced him, I thought that even if I said those words, it wouldn’t matter…”

“Who told you that I divorced him?” Bai Zhen Zhen retorted.

Bai Meng Ru was taken aback. After a few seconds, she finally found her voice: “Did- Didn’t you?”

Bai Zhen Zhen didn’t answer, only revealing a meaningful smile. She looked at Bai Meng Ru and said: “Alright, it’s just the two of us here. Stop pretending. If you have anything to say to me, just say it directly. Don’t pretend to be pitiful. Aren’t you tired of acting like this all day?”

Seeing that Bai Zhen Zhen was too lazy to even maintain a semblance of courtesy, Bai Meng Ru’s expression also gradually changed.

“Bai Meng Ru, tell me the truth. Now that you’ve lost your job, your reputation is destroyed and you can no longer continue in the entertainment industry, what are you going to do? After all, you can’t remain jobless forever. We’ve already agreed that we would take turns every week to be responsible for Dad’s hospital fees. You can’t go back on your word.”

“Sister, in fact, I asked you out alone today to discuss this.” Bai Meng Ru said.

“Oh?”

“Sister, you also know that I’m in a desperate situation right now. During this time, I’m too embarrassed to go out and find work. Sister, can you take over Dad’s hospital fees first? Once I’ve found another job and started earning money, I will definitely pay you back…”

“Why can’t you work? You’ve only blown it in the entertainment industry. You can still go be a waitress, dishwasher or toilet cleaner. No one would care about your reputation then.” Bai Zhen Zhen replied seriously.

Though Bai Meng Ru knew that she was intentionally humiliating her, she still forced out a faint smile: “But sister, haven’t you always been responsible for the family’s living expenses…”

“Why? Should I support you for the rest of my life?!” Bai Zhen Zhen raised her voice, “You and your mother refuse to find a job, yet you’re asking me to support you? Besides, with Dad’s illness being so serious, can I even afford to?”

“Sister, it’s just temporary, we can always overcome the difficulties together…”

“Don’t spout such bullshit with me!” Bai Zhen Zhen interrupted impatiently, “You want to shirk your responsibilities now, but I won’t agree to it.”

Bai Meng Ru gritted her teeth, asking: “Sister, must you really force me so…”

“I’m not forcing you. Didn’t you happily agree to it back then! Besides, my salary is only a thousand dollars a month. I simply don’t have the ability to bear Dad’s hospital fees alone.” Bai Zhen Zhen paused, faintly smiling towards Bai Meng Ru, “You’re so filial. I’m sure you don’t want to helplessly watch Dad’s illness worsen, right?”

Bai Meng Ru dipped her head. After a moment, she suddenly replied: “Alright. Two days later, I will take care of Dad’s hospital fees.”

“That’s more like it.” Of course, Bai Zhen Zhen knew that Bai Meng Ru wouldn’t back down so easily. However, she still pretended to believe in her words, “Then I’ll continue to bear the fees for these two days. Next week, you will take over.”

“Ok.” Bai Meng Ru nodded.

Bai Zhen Zhen glanced at her. Though Bai Meng Ru was in a trance at the moment, cruelty still glinted in her eyes.

Bai Zhen Zhen was elated. It seems like the fish was about to take the bait.

****

The next day, Bai Zhen Zhen bought food after work for her dad and Yang Su Ping in the hospital. Though it was necessary for her to spend this money, she still didn’t want Yang Su Ping to eke any benefits out of her. Not even a single dollar!

Of course, there was a more important reason hidden within.

She remembered that in the novel, Bai Meng Ru instigated Song Ling to kill Father Bai using poison. They had laced Father Bai’s food with rat poison, and that food happened to be bought by “Bai Zhen Zhen”.

Such a plot may sound full of loopholes, but Bai Meng Ru was talented at giving herself an alibi. The poison was placed by someone arranged by Song Ling.

The most important thing was that there were not many security cameras in the hospital. The security cameras in the hallways could only capture the doctors and nurses making their regular rounds. Everything was done in secrecy.

Afterwards, “Bai Zhen Zhen” was caught off guard, and was arrested by the police. They even found poison and the purchase receipts in her room.

The ensuing investigation became “smoother” after that. Bai Meng Ru immediately stood up and identified “Bai Zhen Zhen”, saying that “Bai Zhen Zhen” pretended to be filial in front of outsiders, but she had long grown tired of her own father being a “burden”. She even claimed that “Bai Zhen Zhen” hated her father for obstructing her marriage with Ling Hao Chen, thus she decided to poison him.

Of course, Yang Su Ping’s contributions to smearing “Bai Zhen Zhen” couldn’t be discounted. She used her loud acting skills to gather a waive of public sympathy.

In the end, “Bai Zhen Zhen” managed to prove her innocence. However, during the course of proving her innocence, she was wronged by everyone around her, and went through great mental torture. She even went to prison for awhile. It could be counted as one of the most miserable period of time for the female lead.

Bai Zhen Zhen recalled the plot in the novel again, sighing emotionally: Luckily, she had exposed Bai Meng Ru in front of Song Ling shortly after she arrived. Without Song Ling’s help this time, and being in such a desperate situation, Bai Meng Ru could only count on herself and go all in.

Reaching the hospital, Bai Zhen Zhen placed the food on the cabinet, and turned to Father Bai: “Dad, I’ve bought your favourite fish soup. You should drink more. I still have work to do at the company, and will be busier this afternoon, so I’ll head off first.”

Yang Su Ping eyed today’s lunch, and her face turned black immediately: “Bai Zhen Zhen, did you do it on purpose?! You know that I don’t eat fish, yet you still bought such a big bowl of fish soup?! Also, I hate malabar spinach the most! What do you mean by this, Bai Zhen Zhen!”

“I’m only in charge of taking care of my dad. It’s good enough for you to be able to mooch a meal, why are you still complaining? If you want to eat, then go buy your own food!” Bai Zhen Zhen replied rudely.

Yang Su Ping stomped her foot in anger: “You- What kind of attitude is that!”

Bai Meng Ru hurriedly held her mom back, quietly soothing: “Mom, it’s alright. What do you want to eat? I’ll bring you out to buy later…”

While speaking, she also secretly shot a few vicious looks at Bai Zhen Zhen.

“That’s right, you still have a daughter! After you daughter takes over the responsibilities the day after, you can eat anything you want!” Bai Zhen Zhen smiled sarcastically.

“Zhen Zhen, what’s gotten into you recently? The moment you open your mouth, you attack people like this! If you continue acting this way, you don’t have to visit me any longer!” Father Bai said angrily, “Take this fish soup back, I won’t drink it!”

The patients in the ward all looked over, intentionally or unintentionally attracted by the commotion.

Bai Zhen Zhen didn’t mind, only smiling as she replied: “Dad, the fish soup is still hot. You can have some later. Since you don’t wish to see me, then I won’t stay here any longer. This way, you’ll be happy! Then… I’ll listen to you and leave first…”

— System: “I always feel that something is wrong, but I can’t pinpoint what is it.”

— Bai Zhen Zhen: “Just have a good rest! A filial person like me will never let you worry!”

— System: “….”

After speaking, Bai Zhen Zhen left in a hurry, even leaving her bag behidn in the ward.

” I want to see how much money she truly has…” Yang Su Ping was about to rummage through Bai Zhen Zhen’s bag for her wallet when Bai Meng Ru stopped her.

Bai Meng Ru said: “Mom, let’s go get something to eat. I also don’t want to eat this food.”

“Ok, the two of you should go get something good to eat. Don’t let yourselves go hungry…” Father Bai encouraged.

“We can eat together once we’re back!” Bai Meng Ru said to Father Bai, “Dad, please wait for us.”

“No problem, I’ll wait for you!” Father Bai smiled.

****

Bai Meng Ru and Yang Su Pin walked along the road outside the hospital.

While walking, Yang Su Ping didn’t forget to scold out loud: “Bai Zhen Zhen is really going too far! Look, your father has already scolded her like that, yet she still remains unrepentant. One of these days, she won’t even listen to your fathers words any more. In the future, I’m afraid that we will suffer in this family…”

“Mom.” Bai Meng Ru suddenly shouted.

“What?” Yang Su Ping glanced at her daughter, “You’re not even going to let me complain? You didn’t even allow me to look through her bag earlier…”

“Mom, don’t you want to get out of our current predicament?” Bai Meng Ru interrupted Yang Su Ping again.

Yang Su Ping was taken aback: “What do you mean?”

“If I remember correctly, Dad still has a piece of land in his hometown.” Bai Meng Ru continued.

“What’s the use of that piece of land! It’s only worth at most a few tens of thousands of dollars. Wouldn’t it be completely spent within two weeks of footing his hospital bills?” Yang Su Ping snorted, “Back in those days, he was adamant on keeping it. When the two of you married out, he would sell it for dowry. It’s only Old Bai who could say such shameless words. Only a few tens of thousands of dollars, yet he even wanted to split it for two people. Such a meagre amount of dowry, how could he not be embarrassed to say that…”

On the other hand, Bai Meng Ru said: “A few tens of thousands of dollars is sufficient for us to leave this place and start a new life.”

Yang Su Ping frowned: “Meng Ru, what do you mean by that? Us? Leaving this place?”

Bai Meng Ru nodded, suddenly clenching her mom’s hand, whispering: “Mom, if Dad died by Bai Zhen Zhen’s hand, we can inherit all of Dad’s assets. Most importantly, we won’t be burdened by Dad any longer!”

“You- This child! You must have been angered by Bai Zhen Zhen into confusion! How could you- How could you say such things!” Yang Su Ping anxiously scolded Bai Meng Ru. She looked around her surroundings, afraid that Bai Meng Ru’s earlier words had been overheard.

Bai Meng Ru remained calm, her expression unchanging as she continued: “I’m not confused. This is the only way we can change our fate. Only if Dad dies, can we be free. Mom, I’ve thought it through. We will find a small place to settle down first. With my beauty, it’s not difficult for me to marry a rich man. Even being a rich man’s lover is sufficient for us to live a good life.”

“But if Dad doesn’t die, just his illness alone will drag us down… until he dies.” At this moment, a cruel glint flashed through Bai Meng Ru’s eyes.

“Mom! I really hate the life we are living right now! I don’t want to ruin my own life because of someone else! I’m only 21 years old, I still have a long way ahead of me…”

“Meng Ru, don’t say that!” Yang Su Ping gripped Bai Meng Ru’s hands tightly, “No matter what, he is your stepfather. He’s also never ill-treated us all these years… Besides, this concerns a person’s life and death, if it was ever discovered…”

“It won’t be discovered!” Bai Meng Ru’s eyes turned red with agitation, “Mom, let’s go buy the medicine now. We will put it in the fish soup that Bai Zhen Zhen brought over later, before stuffing the packet in her bag… When the time comes, all evidence will point to Bai Zhen Zhen!”

“This, this…” Yang Su Ping fell into a dilemna.

“Mom, do you wish to take care of him for the rest of your life?!” Bai Meng Ru shouted in anger. Even the way she addressed Father Bai had changed. “You claimed that he’s never ill-treated us, but he’s also never given us a good life either! We don’t owe him anything! Besides, he’s suffering so much during chemotherapy. It’s a form of relief if he dies earlier!”

“But…”

“Mom!”

Seeing Yang Su Ping hesitating, Bai Meng Ru screamed, before putting the final nail in the coffin.

“Disregarding everything else, do you really want to live under Bai Zhen Zhen’s feet?!”

“If you’re unwilling, then I will do it alone! Either way, I have to do it! Bai Zhen Zhen forced me to this step. Even if I die, I must pull her down to hell with me!!”

“Meng Ru!” Yang Su Ping hurriedly grabbed her daughter.

“I- I didn’t say I wouldn’t do it… I just, I just don’t feel comfortable…” Yang Su Ping gulped, before confirming again: “You’re certain that… it won’t be discovered by others?”

“Absolutely not!” Bai Meng Ru replied firmly, “We just went out to buy food, who would know that we were the ones who bought the poison? When the time comes, the poison will be in the soup, and the packet will be in Bai Zhen Zhen’s bag. Isn’t the evidence conclusive?”

“But she doesn’t have any reason to harm her own father…”

“How could there be no reason? She’s currently earning a thousand dollars a month, how could she afford to pay her father’s hospital bills? Thus, she had grown tired of this ‘burden’ a long time ago. Last night, I spoke with her and she made it clear that she didn’t want the burden of paying his hospital bills. This is her motive! Besides, didn’t her father single-handedly destroy her marriage with the Huo family’s young master? If she wanted to get back together with the Huo family’s young master, she had to murder her father — This is also her motive!”

“Mom, this is the best opportunity. If we miss it, we will never get another opportunity again.” Bai Meng Ru said.

Yang Su Ping gritted her teeth and sunk into contemplation. After a moment, she finally nodded.

“Ok, let’s do it!”