She was tricked into marriage for three years, then remarried a childless, tough guy and became preg

Shen Tang didn't even look at him. She quickly packed her things, slung her bag over her shoulder, and went downstairs.

As soon as Shen Tang came downstairs, she was stopped by Li Xiuying, the women's director of the garment factory.

"Comrade Shen Tang, your husband Lu Jingshen has reported the situation to the organization and does not agree to your joining the cultural troupe. The organization suggests that you reach an agreement through consultation to avoid affecting family harmony."

Shen Tang sneered inwardly. That scoundrel of a man wouldn't show up himself, but instead used an official to pressure her.

Shen Tang also understood the immense power wielded by the women's director in this era. If she stirred up public opinion, she could turn black into white, and many wrongful convictions were fabricated through sheer numbers.

Shen Tang smiled and said, "Director Li, it's kind of you to make this trip so early in the morning. There aren't many leaders as responsible as you."

Shen Tang immediately flattered Li Xiuying, who happily accepted the compliment, her tone becoming more amiable:

"Shen Tang, your sister-in-law knows you want to make a name for yourself, but family harmony comes first."

"Yes, you're right. But you also know that I can't have children. If I don't work hard and improve myself, how can I be worthy of Lu Jingshen's kindness to me? I joined the performing arts troupe precisely to be worthy of him."

Shen Tang spoke with heartfelt sincerity.

Li Xiuying frowned. Shen Tang's words made a lot of sense. Lu Jingshen was becoming more and more outstanding. If Shen Tang didn't improve herself, the gap between them would widen, and their relationship would inevitably break down in the future.

"As you know, everyone used to say I wasn't good enough for Lu Jingshen, and some even said that Lu Jingshen was a better match for... or someone else. If I keep staying at home all day, Lu Jingshen will be snatched away by someone else."

Li Xiuying looked at Shen Tang with some heartache. She had also heard the rumors about Lu Jingshen and Yang Xinyue.

Lu Jingshen went to see her early in the morning, and she thought he was reluctant to let Shen Tang go. Now it seems that he probably just wanted to keep Shen Tang under control, and then divorce her and marry someone else after their relationship broke down.

Li Xiuying frowned even more deeply. She said to Shen Tang, "You go ahead! I'll go and talk to Lu Jingshen."

"Director Li, you are so responsible. I will never forget you once I join the performing arts troupe."

"Alright, you can go now!"

Li Xiuying turned and walked upstairs.

Shen Tang's lips curled into a smile. Lu Jingshen, your skill level is a bit low!

As soon as Shen Tang stepped out the door, she saw another annoying person—the lapdog Sun Qian.

"Oh dear—so Lu Jingshen has kicked me out? Hahaha...what karma."

Sun Qian clapped her hands and burst into laughter.

Shen Tang looked at her coldly, "That's right, hurry up and let your master move in."

Sun Qian frowned. "What master?"

"Hey pug, get out of the way."

Shen Tang walked past her and continued forward.

"Who are you calling a dog?" Sun Qian asked urgently.

"Whoever admits it, we'll curse them."

"What are you so smug about? Let me tell you, Yang Xinyue has also been selected for the performing arts troupe. I applied too, and I'll get the notification this afternoon. You won't pass the final review!"

Sun Qian stared at Shen Tang with malice.

Shen Tang frowned. Yang Xinyue is also running for election?

That's not how it's written in the original book, is it? Could it be that her arrival changed the plot of the original book?

Judging from Sun Qian's words, Yang Xinyue joined the performing arts troupe to target her.

But didn't she already leave Lu Jingshen?

Logically speaking, Lu Jingshen and Yang Xinyue should have gotten married in the end.

Why is she being dragged into this again?

Sun Qian was still chattering in her ear, but Shen Tang didn't want to pay attention to her.

She planned to buy two new outfits. To join the performing arts troupe, she needed at least a couple of decent clothes.

Sun Qian followed Shen Tang into the department store like a mangy dog.

She followed Shen Tang just to see her make a fool of herself, or to find an opportunity to teach her a lesson. Last time, she was kicked into a stinky mud pit, and she smelled bad for days.

"Hmph, what are you doing here? Do you have any money?" Sun Qian mocked.

Shen Tang ignored her, picked up a dress and looked at it; it looked quite ordinary.

She put it back.

Sun Qian raised her voice and shouted, "You can't afford it anyway, so don't let people get it dirty."

The sales clerk heard the noise and walked over, looking at Shen Tang with disdain:

"What do you want to buy? Don't touch things if you're not buying anything."

Shen Tang looked up at her. She was a very young girl with lipstick on her lips and red rouge on her face, making her look like a monkey's bottom.

"How can I know if the fabric is good or bad if I don't touch it? How can I know if it fits or not if I don't pick it up and look at it?"

Shen Tang remained neither humble nor arrogant, and stood up straight.

The saleswoman, with a sneer, said, "You obviously can't afford it, what are you pretending for?"

Sun Qian chimed in with a sneer, "Exactly, where would you get the money to buy it?"

As she spoke, she picked up a dress from the shelf and said, "You don't deserve to wear such a beautiful dress."

"Are you worthy?" Shen Tang asked Sun Qian.

"Of course I'm worthy." Sun Qian raised her chin.

"Then buy it!"

Shen Tang took half a step back, making way for him.

"I..." Sun Qian's face flushed red instantly.

"Monkey Butt" frowned at Sun Qian, and seeing that she had no money to buy it, snatched the dress back from her hand and cursed:

"You poor wretch, what are you taking if you can't afford it!"

"Who are you calling a poor wretch! I'll tear your mouth apart!"

As Sun Qian spoke, she went up and started tearing at "Monkey Butt's" hair. "Monkey Butt" was not to be outdone and scratched Sun Qian's face with one claw. The two quickly started wrestling.

Shen Tang took two steps back and couldn't help but cover her mouth. That was really ruthless!

People who came to buy things were attracted and surrounded the two of them, laughing non-stop.

"What are you doing!" a sharp shout rang out.

The two then separated, catching their breath.

Sun Qian's neck was scratched, her "monkey butt" hair was pulled messily, and two buttons on her clothes were missing.

"Director, she tore my hair! And she ruined my clothes."

"Monkey Butt" complained.

"I want to complain! What kind of lousy salespeople are you? Calling customers poor bastards! What kind of expensive clothes are these? I can't even touch them! Look at my neck!"

Sun Qian was furious. She had originally wanted to embarrass Shen Tang, but instead she ended up fighting with someone herself.

"You deserve it! I'll scratch you to death!"

"Monkey Butt!" someone shouted.

"You 'monkey butt,' say it again!"

Everyone was amused by Sun Qian's words and burst into laughter.

"Monkey Butt" yelled angrily, "Don't laugh—"

The department store manager angrily shouted at the "monkey's butt":

"What kind of nonsense is this, yelling and shouting? Deduct his wages, transfer him to the warehouse, and replace him with Xiao Zhao."

"Monkey Butt" was so angry that he covered his face and ran away crying.

Sun Qian looked at Shen Tang angrily:

"It's all your fault for sowing discord! I'll scratch you to death!"

As Sun Qian spoke, she lunged at Shen Tang!