Rebirth in the 1970s: Refusing to Be a Side Character

Chapter 42: Settling Scores

Dong Jiaojiao, satisfied with Lu Yao's panic, seized her by the hair and leaned in to whisper, "Lu Yao, don't say I didn't give you a chance. If you know what's good for you, you'll trade my brother's secret. Otherwise, there are more exciting things coming."

Dong Jiaojiao had some doubts about whether Lu Yao was trying to trick her with her brother's affair. To cover her bases, she had taken explicit photos of Lu Yao and Lai Mazi as leverage.

Seeing Lu Yao's emotional breakdown, her violent outburst, and malicious cursing, Dong Jiaojiao realized she wasn't going to get any useful information today, especially with Lu Jinzhou standing by.

So, Dong Jiaojiao left, feeling triumphant for having turned the tables.

Upon returning home and facing Lu Jinzhou alone, Dong Jiaojiao felt unexpectedly uneasy. Despite Lu Jinzhou saying nothing and simply watching her silently, there was an unspoken pressure that made her nervous.

Dong Jiaojiao reassured herself that even if Lu Yao told the truth, she had nothing to fear because Lu Yao had tried to harm her first. Moreover, she could claim that Lai Mazi's actions were due to his own intentions and had nothing to do with her, as she had already gone home and didn't know anything.

She planned to return the gun later to avoid arousing Lu Jinzhou's suspicion. Dong Jiaojiao reassured herself that her plan was reasonable and stood upright, maintaining a confident demeanor as if to say, "Whatever you think, I'm not afraid."

Lu Jinzhou, observing Dong Jiaojiao's demeanor, sighed in resignation. He could see through her façade, having already suspected that she was hiding something. He hoped she would come clean, but she didn't.

Was he so untrustworthy in her eyes? Didn't she realize they were married and supposed to be together for life? Why couldn't she trust him more?

Lu Jinzhou felt a pang of sadness. He had methods to make others confess, but with Dong Jiaojiao, he couldn't bring himself to use them. He even struggled to speak harshly, fearing her anger and withdrawal.

Yet, there were things he needed to clarify.

Lu Jinzhou, despite his intelligence and the seemingly unrelated nature of today's events, found many inconsistencies that couldn't be ignored. His concern was not necessarily about Dong Jiaojiao's guilt but about her safety. Coupled with the unresolved kidnapping case, his intuition suggested a connection between the two.

Softly, Lu Jinzhou asked, "Wife, what happened when you left with Lu Yao earlier? Why did you come back suddenly?"

Dong Jiaojiao had prepared an explanation: "We had a falling out not far from here, and I was so angry that I decided to come back."

"How far is 'not far'?"

"Just a little way."

"Did you happen to pass by the small grove?"

Lu Jinzhou's eyes locked onto Dong Jiaojiao's. When he mentioned the small grove, her pupils dilated.

Despite Dong Jiaojiao's controlled expression, Lu Jinzhou had formed a guess that made him furious.

He hugged Dong Jiaojiao tenderly and spoke softly, "Wife, you should try to trust me more. No matter what happens, I will stand by your side."

Dong Jiaojiao, knowing Lai Mazi's identity would eventually come out, decided to confess. She figured that, despite her lies, a sympathetic confession might help her cause.

So she told Lu Jinzhou, "Yes, I saw Lai Mazi hiding behind some bushes in the small grove. I recognized him immediately and was so frightened that I ran back. I didn't have time to check on Lu Yao. Later, I learned that Lu Yao knew him, which means she must have orchestrated the kidnapping herself. That's why I was so angry in the medical room. Even if she's lost her reputation, it's her own fault. I won't let her off!"