Chapter 423: I Know What Benefit I Want
After Shen Nian and Lin Jingyun agreed on a time to visit Zhang Ying the next day, the two couples went their separate ways.
Back home, Shen Nian poured two cups of Spiritual Spring Water. She drank one and handed the other to Lu Cheng.
Lu Cheng, knowing the effects of the Spiritual Spring Water, took the cup and downed it in one gulp.
"The matter with Liu Fanglan has been handled. The group will absolutely not let her stay. What she did was technically illegal, but between Luo Bin’s pleading and the group’s desire to avoid a major scandal, they decided to be lenient. Liu Fanglan must make a public confession and apology, after which she’ll be detained for a week and then sent away. She’ll be barred from the group for life. Luo Bin has also been demoted from deputy group leader. And they will have to compensate you and Sister-in-law Zhang."
After speaking, Lu Cheng watched Shen Nian. He knew most of the trouble Liu Fanglan had stirred up recently involved Shen Nian, and frankly, this outcome was a little light. He was worried she wouldn’t be satisfied.
"Mm, I’m fine with the decision."
Shen Nian, to be honest, had never thought she needed to have Liu Fanglan thrown in prison for a few years. She’d be satisfied as long as someone like Liu Fanglan never appeared before her again.
Besides, the group had its own interests to consider. Blowing up a scandal like this would definitely have consequences, and Shen Nian understood that.
’Besides, for someone like Liu Fanglan, this punishment is probably a huge blow! For a person so concerned with her reputation, a public confession and apology is likely worse than a physical beating.’
’Luo Bin getting demoted because of her must be agonizing for Liu Fanglan. And being sent home by the group... that clearly means she committed a serious offense. Liu Fanglan probably won’t be able to hold her head high in her hometown ever again.’
’Sometimes, the most direct punishment isn’t the most effective. As long as it achieves the goal, it works.’
"Because you and Mingshan’s wife are the victims, the group will be compensating you. Tell me what you want, and I’ll help you get it."
"The group is going to compensate me, too?"
Shen Nian hadn’t expected that at all. ’But, even if it’s true, Lu Cheng was probably the one who secured it for me!’
"Honestly, I can hardly be considered a victim!"
’If anyone was the victim, it was Zhang Ying getting dragged into this today. Shen Nian really didn’t feel like she had been victimized in the previous incidents. On the contrary, Liu Fanglan had been the one constantly trying to cause harm, only to have it all backfire on her.’
’In fact, because of Liu Fanglan’s ill will, the bond between her and Lu Cheng had only grown stronger. How could she possibly be considered a victim?!’
"Just take what the group is offering."
"Well, could it be exchanged for some kind of benefit for you instead?"
’Shen Nian felt she already had everything she could possibly want. Her family’s situation was getting better, and she was here with Lu Cheng now. She was perfectly content!’
Lu Cheng looked at Shen Nian and gave a fond, resigned smile.
"Silly girl, all that matters to me is that you’re doing well."
Shen Nian smiled too. She thought about him, and he thought about her, each of them always considering the other’s perspective first. The feeling was incredibly comforting to them both.
"Hmm, but it would be a waste not to take advantage of it!"
Shen Nian tilted her head, pondering. ’What’s something that would be easier to do from here?’
Then, in a flash of inspiration, an idea struck her.
"I’ve got it! I know what benefit I want!"