Fated Love With the Billionaire
Chapter 283: The True Can Never Be Faked

Chapter 283: Chapter 283: The True Can Never Be Faked

Cheng Qiaobei and a young, attractive female celebrity were caught up in a tabloid scandal. The actress had a sweetness that was sure to captivate men, but with Cheng Qiaobei’s intellect and meticulous thinking, he wouldn’t be stupid enough to cheat at the office, much less get caught with evidence.

Chen Ningxi casually scrolled through a few pages before exiting the website. She had just put down her phone when Ding Yuan called.

Since getting married, Ding Yuan rarely reached out, and when she did, it was usually to ask about jewelry or luxury items she was considering buying. There were still two luxury handbags from Ding Yuan sitting in Chen Ningxi’s closet.

Once, during a chat with colleagues, someone had expressed envy, saying that compared to their spiteful, marriage-meddling mother-in-law, Chen Ningxi’s mother-in-law was a dream come true.

Wealthy yet unoppressive, absent but considerate, she never expected to be served and always blamed issues on her son while attributing blessings to her daughter-in-law. A rational, low-maintenance mother-in-law seemed almost impossible to find.

Judging from today’s call, it was likely related to Cheng Qiaobei and the actress’s rumors.

Chen Ningxi held the phone to her ear, "Mom."

Ding Yuan listened carefully to the sound through the receiver, relieved only when she sensed nothing amiss from Chen Ningxi.

"Ningxi, at work?"

Chen Ningxi replied, "Yeah, Mom, what’s up?"

"Nothing really, I just hadn’t called in a while and thought I’d check in on you two."

"We’re doing well. How’s your health, Mom?"

"I’m fine, nothing to worry about," Ding Yuan paused before continuing, "Hmm..."

Throughout her life, Ding Yuan had never paid heed to anyone, but since her son got married, she began to worry about the couple. She knew her son well and believed he wouldn’t cross the "Bottom Line" for some socialite, but feared her daughter-in-law might misunderstand after seeing the news. She was at a loss on how to approach the subject.

Chen Ningxi knew the purpose of the call and got straight to the point, "Mom, did you see the news about Qiaobei?"

Ding Yuan hesitated, "...You saw it? Ningxi, don’t believe those baseless articles. Qiaobei wouldn’t do such a thing; he couldn’t possibly be involved with some small-time celebrity. I know my son best."

Chen Ningxi chuckled, "Mom, I don’t believe it."

Ding Yuan patted her chest, relieved, "I’m glad to hear that. When I saw the news, I was worried you two would fight. As a mother-in-law, I can’t pry too much. Since you’re aware, I won’t say anymore. You’re a good daughter-in-law, sensible and discerning. We won’t stoop to her level. But I assure you, Qiaobei will handle this situation."

Whether he handled it or not didn’t bother Chen Ningxi much. After all, Cheng Qiaobei belonged to her—mind, body, and wealth. No matter what people wrote, it wouldn’t change that fact.

The truth could never be faked, and lies wouldn’t become truth.

After work, from the office to the parking lot, everyone looked at her with curiosity and speculation, but their reactions were within Chen Ningxi’s expectations.

Prepared as she was, she naturally didn’t care.

As soon as she entered her home, Cheng Qiaobei’s call came through.

"Done with work?"

Chen Ningxi swapped her shoes, put her car keys into the storage box at the entrance, and headed to the living room.

"Yeah, are you also done for the day?" She settled into the sofa, relaxing against it. "You called early, is it about those rumors?"

Since he went to Zhoushan, they had spoken almost every night.

Cheng Qiaobei leaned against the window, taking a drag from his cigarette before speaking, "You didn’t believe them, right?"

Chen Ningxi replied, "Nope."

"Good." Cheng Qiaobei flicked the ash from his cigarette, "Are you under a lot of pressure at work?"

Chen Ningxi got up to pour herself a drink, "No pressure, those stories aren’t real anyway."

Cheng Qiaobei stubbed out his half-finished cigarette forcefully, "I’m not worried about myself; I’m concerned about you. Your work environment is different from mine. Being pointed at because of me behind your back at work,"

Cheng Qiaobei was anxious but helpless, managing public opinion took time, "Honey, don’t worry, legal is already on it. Tonight, they’ll post a legal notice on the company’s account. As for those rumor-mongering marketing accounts, none will get away; they’re all going to see the inside of a courtroom."

Chen Ningxi said, "Don’t let me distract you, focus on your work."

Cheng Qiaobei admired her strength and clarity; few women around him ever possessed both traits.

"How much longer will the recording last?" Chen Ningxi asked.

The variety show was supposed to wrap up filming, but the on-site director asked for some reshoots.

Cheng Qiaobei said, "Probably two more days, if things go smoothly, the day after tomorrow we’d finish."

She counted the days and realized she’d be off work then.

Cheng Qiaobei asked, "Have my parents said anything about the news?"

Chen Ningxi replied, "They haven’t called; they probably haven’t seen it yet. By the way, your mom called."

"She did..." He sounded quite surprised.

After a short silence, Cheng Qiaobei asked, "What did she say?"

Chen Ningxi roughly recounted their conversation. Cheng Qiaobei lowered his gaze, a slight smile forming on his lips, "Didn’t expect she’d care so much about us."

"Don’t talk about her like that. Mom always brings us gifts whenever she goes out, and she just sent over a lot of food not too long ago." Chen Ningxi had been trying to mend the relationship between the mother and son.

However, for Cheng Qiaobei, rekindling closeness was difficult after a lifetime of being neglected.

During their conversation, another call came through.

"Honey, legal is calling; I’ll hang up now."

"Alright, get busy."

Putting down her phone, Chen Ningxi started cooking.

Just as she put the rice in the pot, Liang Lei called, advising her not to cook as she was bringing home some dishes from Dingsheng Xuan that Chen Ningxi liked, and would arrive in ten minutes.

The doorbell rang, and Chen Ningxi quickly dried her hands to open the door.

Lin Hanrui entered, carrying bags full of food. Chen Ningxi said, "Why’d you bring so much?"

Liang Lei said, "Not too much, it’s all your favorites."

Seeing Lin Hanrui behind her, Chen Ningxi asked, "When did you get back?"

Lin Hanrui, who had been on a business trip, replied, "Just got back last night."

Closing the door, the three walked inside as Lin Hanrui headed straight to the kitchen.

Liang Lei said, "Thought it’d be boring for you to be home alone, so Lin Hanrui and I came over to chat."

Chen Ningxi saw right through it, realizing Cheng Qiaobei must have asked them to check on her.

"Is that so?" Chen Ningxi smiled knowingly. Liang Lei, unable to sustain the act for long, confessed, "Knew I couldn’t keep it from you. Cheng Qiaobei asked us to, concerned you’d overthink after seeing the news."

Chen Ningxi said, "Already told him I didn’t care, yet he still doesn’t trust me. Does he think I’m petty and unreasonable?"

Liang Lei said, "That means he cares about you, you should be happy."

Chen Ningxi sighed, "...He’s too busy, juggling work as it is. I don’t want to take up more of his attention."