Reborn as the Villain's Wife, I Shine in 80s-Chapter 483 - 467 Making a comeback with increased vigor

"Oh." Hua Jun absentmindedly played with her fingernails, speaking leisurely: "Then let me warn you—if you still want to live, you better keep your mouth shut. As long as you behave, nothing will happen. But if you open your mouth, you might never get the chance to speak again. Do you think everyone in prison is as kind as I am?"

Ji Qin understood her meaning, and her heart instantly sank into despair as her face turned pale.

Trapped inside a cage, yet unable to speak—this was worse than death for her.

After a chilling silence, she softly said, "You like Tian Sangsang’s husband, don’t you?"

Hua Jun froze.

"I can tell. The way you look at him is different."

Was it so obvious? Had she been seen through? Hua Jun desperately wanted to say, "So what?"

So what indeed? She might no longer have a chance. Even if she managed to defeat Tian Sangsang, what would it matter? In Jiang Jinghuai’s heart, she was already a stain.

For someone who always seemed poised and in control, even she had moments of restless unease.

Ji Qin shook her head, murmuring, "No wonder he doesn’t like you. Ha." In that moment, she suddenly felt that compared to Hua Jun, she liked Tian Sangsang more. At least Tian Sangsang wasn’t conniving like Hua Jun. But it was too late; she’d realized this too late.

Yet, when she thought about Tian Sangsang’s presence—how Jiang Jinghuai would never love a duplicitous woman like Hua Jun—Ji Qin felt a bit comforted. She would endure physical and emotional torment, but Hua Jun wouldn’t fare much better; she would suffer constant mental anguish.

To love and yet be denied—that is truly pitiful.

Hua Jun’s usually composed gaze grew frantic. But in the next instant, she forced a smile and said, "No, I believe in the turning of fortunes. I’ve waited for over twenty years; someday, the heavens will recognize my sincerity." For now, she would trust Hua Zifeng and his unreliable promises.

**

After Ji Qin entered prison, she temporarily evaded her debts, but her factory employees were left in misery. They couldn’t find anyone to pay their wages, had grievances with nowhere to complain, and faced nobody willing to handle the matter.

Just then, Tian Sangsang’s factory announced vacancies and selected a few workers from among them for training.

These workers, though previously serving Ji Qin, were of good character. In their lowest moments, being employed by Tian Sangsang’s factory was a lifesaver they deeply appreciated—like receiving coals in the snow.

With more employees at the factory, Zhang Ying’s workload increased; she now had to cook for more people.

Tian Sangsang gave her a raise, which touched Zhang Ying deeply.

Early in the morning, Zhang Ying went out to buy groceries and passed by a bookstore.

A few people were gathered, engrossed in reading and chatting enthusiastically.

"The Return of the Condor Heroes just ended—it was mesmerizing! I can’t wait to see when Li Yibai releases a new book."

"Yeah, me too. I’m addicted to his stories now and eagerly anticipating his next work."

"Li Yibai is amazing. I heard he’s still a student."

"A student?! How could a student write such magnificent martial arts novels?"

"I thought he’d at least be middle-aged!"

"Which is why they say fame favors the young. We’re getting old."

"Are you sure he’s a student?"

"Of course! In a place as small as this, and for such a talent, rumors can’t stay hidden. He studies at Beijing University and is a top student."

"A top student at Beijing University."

"Next month, there’s a lecture at Beijing University specially prepared for Li Yibai. A lot of people will be attending. If you don’t believe it, you can check it out."

"As if getting into Beijing University is so simple—people like us couldn’t even step inside."

Zhang Ying was stunned. Li Yibai writing novels? She couldn’t believe it. Could this Li Yibai truly be the same Li Yibai she knew?

She walked over hesitantly and politely asked, "Brother, may I ask you something? I overheard you all talking about Li Yibai—who is he, exactly? You seem to admire him a lot."

The group was friendly and couldn’t stop talking about Li Yibai.

"Sis, you don’t know Li Yibai?!"

Zhang Ying replied, "I’m busy working and taking care of my child, so I’ve heard of Li Yibai, but I don’t know what he does."

"Li Yibai writes novels—they’re suitable for all ages and incredibly entertaining. If you have spare time, you should read his books. They’re a great way to relax. And he’s still studying at Beijing University—highly educated, no wonder he writes such good martial arts novels."

Zhang Ying nodded thoughtfully, saying, "Alright, Brother. Do you happen to sell his books here? I’d like to buy one and read it to broaden my horizons."

"We do!" The shopkeeper stood up, looked around, and asked, "Do you want Heroic Legend of the Condor Heroes or The Return of the Condor Heroes? The Return of the Condor Heroes is sold out, but we have two copies of Heroic Legend of the Condor Heroes left."

"Heroic Legend of the Condor Heroes, please," Zhang Ying said.

"It’s a dollar per copy," the shopkeeper replied. "Sis, since you’re honest, I’ll only charge you ninety cents since it’s our last two copies."

Zhang Ying reluctantly took out the money, weighing the book in her hand. "This book is so expensive."

The shopkeeper smiled and said, "Sis, you don’t understand—our store’s classics are usually priced around eighty cents per copy. It’s only because Li Yibai’s novels are all the rage that the price is marked up a bit."

Zhang Ying’s life had stabilized, and with spare money, she could afford books now. She understood and went to buy groceries afterward. Carrying a bag in one hand and the book in the other, she opened it to glance through. She’d only gone to primary school and found many words difficult to grasp.

How could Li Yibai possibly have written such a novel?

She closed the book and continued walking with her bags, her chest tightening.

That person standing on the street corner—it was Li Yibai! Finally, she saw that heartless man!

"Li Yibai!" Zhang Ying angrily ran up to him.

Jia Wenxiu had come to Beijing to intern at the television station for a while; Li Yibai was waiting for her there. Hearing his name, he turned toward Zhang Ying, his eyes flashing with deep contempt.

"Didn’t I tell you not to come looking for me?"

Zhang Ying had long stopped having feelings for Li Yibai, but his ruthless tone still hurt her. She hesitated for a moment, clutching Heroic Legend of the Condor Heroes tightly, just as Li Yibai cut her off, saying, "You can read books? Don’t desecrate literature! My books aren’t meant for ignorant village women like you."

Li Yibai’s gaze landed on the copy of Heroic Legend of the Condor Heroes in her hand. He was genuinely surprised that Zhang Ying, this rural woman, had the audacity to chase him to Beijing and even buy his book. Such women were truly insufferable—no matter how much they read, they wouldn’t understand a thing.

"Wenxiu!" With that, Li Yibai waved and jogged across the street. Zhang Ying watched as Li Yibai walked away with another woman, talking and laughing together. She couldn’t see their faces, only their backs.

Other than shouting his name, Zhang Ying didn’t say a word. Watching them disappear into the distance, she could only pin her hopes on next month’s lecture at Beijing University.