Perhaps she could also try dating Zheng Ze Min; Tang Yi's heart wavered slightly. If Zheng Ze Min truly didn't care about Tang Yi's past and genuinely liked her, then Tang Yi could consider entrusting her true feelings to him.
Tang Yi was not a cold-blooded person. During this time, from her mother's hospitalization to the funeral, Zheng Ze Min had been by her side, helping her. Tang Yi could see that Zheng Ze Min was a reliable person.
Tang Yi looked at Zheng Ze Min and suddenly called out, "Lawyer Zheng."
Zheng Ze Min looked at Tang Yi, waiting for her to continue. This was the first time Tang Yi had proactively called out to someone since her mother's death. Zheng Ze Min felt a surge of emotion.
Suddenly, Tang Yi's phone rang, interrupting what she intended to say to Zheng Ze Min. Tang Yi gave Zheng Ze Min an apologetic glance and walked aside to answer the call. Her tone was flat as she asked, "Who is this?"
"Miss Tang, have you forgotten me so quickly?"
The man's voice was like a nightmare, making Tang Yi's face turn pale. She clutched her phone, wishing she could smash it to pieces and never have received this call. However, her rationality stopped her from doing so. Tang Yi knew that even if she broke the phone, those people could still find her.
Tang Yi glanced at Zheng Ze Min not far away, then walked a few steps further and lowered her voice, asking, "What exactly do you want?" Her mother had already been angered to death by these people, so why wouldn't they leave her alone?
The other party seemed to sense Tang Yi's thoughts and let out a cold laugh. "Miss Tang, you caused our boss's death. How could he possibly let you off easily?"
"But my mother is dead too."
"That's your business. Without us, your mother wouldn't have lived much longer anyway. We even helped speed up her passing. It's good for both of you. You don't have to bear the expensive medical bills anymore, and your mother doesn't have to suffer the pain of illness in this world. You should be thanking us."
Tang Yi's fingernails dug into her flesh, her hands bleeding, yet she felt no pain. These people were devils. Were they even human? Regardless of what happened before, Tang Yi's mother was dead, having lost the will to live due to these people's provocation. Yet, these people could speak such self-righteous words to her face. Tang Yi had to summon immense courage not to curse.
"Miss Tang, if I'm not mistaken, you're with Zheng Ze Min, aren't you? Do you think you're still worthy of him? Zheng Ze Min may not come from a wealthy family, but he's capable and reputable in his field. Do you think he would marry a tarnished woman?"
Tang Yi turned to look at Zheng Ze Min. Yes, Zheng Ze Min was indeed outstanding. Compared to Zheng Ze Min's excellence, Tang Yi seemed very lacking. She didn't have a good background, a decent job, and now she had taken photos that she would regret for the rest of her life. How could Tang Yi possibly pursue a relationship with Zheng Ze Min? Even if Zheng Ze Min didn't care now, what about the future? What about when their initial infatuation faded? Tang Yi dared not think further.
The man finished speaking and hung up. Shortly after, Tang Yi's phone beeped. She opened it and saw a photo, one that she had taken. Tang Yi resentfully deleted the photo completely. However, the next second, the sender sent another message.
"It's useless for you to delete it. I gave you a backup. I still have many negatives here."
At that moment, Tang Yi understood what true despair meant. Tang Yi, in her desperation, wanted to commit suicide. The other party seemed to sense Tang Yi's thoughts and sent another message.
"Do you think dying will bring you release? Even if you die, I will plaster the photos on your school walls, letting your teachers and classmates know what kind of person you are."
Tang Yi closed her eyes in despair. She didn't even have the right to die anymore.
Tang Yi deleted all the messages and then walked back to Zheng Ze Min. Zheng Ze Min observed Tang Yi. She had been fine just moments ago, but why did her face turn so grim after taking the call? Zheng Ze Min asked with concern, "Are you alright?"
"I'm fine. What could be wrong with me?" Tang Yi replied. She then looked up, her gaze meeting Zheng Ze Min's. Zheng Ze Min's eyes held such deep concern that Tang Yi felt uncomfortable and averted her gaze. She spoke coldly, "Lawyer Zheng, do you perhaps like me?"
Zheng Ze Min was suddenly stunned. He did like Tang Yi, but he hadn't expected her to ask so directly, leaving him speechless. Without waiting for Zheng Ze Min's response, Tang Yi continued, "I advise you not to like me. I'm not worth it."
Zheng Ze Min looked at Tang Yi, remaining silent. In fact, Zheng Ze Min could feel that Tang Yi had feelings for him. But for what reason would she say such heartless words? Zheng Ze Min knew that Tang Yi had been greatly affected by her mother's death and was distrustful of the outside world. However, Zheng Ze Min was willing to stay by her side. Why would Tang Yi say such cruel things to him?
Tang Yi suddenly smiled and said, "Lawyer Zheng, you've been with me at the hospital these past few days. You should know that I personally removed my mother's oxygen mask. Someone as ruthless as me doesn't deserve your kindness. Who knows, maybe one day I'll do the same to you. You wouldn't want to die at the hands of a woman, would you?"
"This isn't what you truly feel, Yi Yi. I believe you are a good girl. Your mother's situation was exceptional, and you didn't want to do it. I can see that you are suffering more than anyone else." Zheng Ze Min had grown closer to Tang Yi during their time at the hospital and had started calling her Yi Yi instead of Miss Tang.
"You're wrong. I'm not suffering at all. I don't feel anything," Tang Yi said, looking at Zheng Ze Min with a cold laugh. "Lawyer Zheng, don't think you understand me so well. I'm not as good as you think. You've only seen the surface of me. Let me tell you, I deliberately pretended to be this way to marry into wealth and gain men's favor."
After saying this, Tang Yi turned and left without waiting for Zheng Ze Min's response. As she turned away, tears streamed down her face. Perhaps that person was right; Tang Yi truly didn't deserve Zheng Ze Min. Although Zheng Ze Min wasn't born into wealth, he had achieved his current success through his own efforts, proving him to be a very hardworking and ambitious individual. He deserved a more outstanding woman.