Black Bellied President Dotes on Wife Chapter 1647 - Pleading for mercy

Zuo Jia instantly grasped the situation. In the past, she wouldn't have hesitated to grant Lou Ziling's request.

However, she was now uncertain if she could prevail upon Zuo Yan to open the necessary channels for Lou Ziling.

Furthermore, Zuo Jia possessed her own temper. Previously, she had suppressed it around Lou Ziling and always prioritized him, eager to do anything for him due to her profound love.

But now that she had moved past that consuming affection, she was no longer inclined to do whatever he wished.

Her thoughts were now more attuned to Fu Rongting's feelings.

“I will make an attempt. There’s no guarantee of success, but I will do my utmost.”

“Miss Zuo!”

Lou Ziling addressed her softly, “I've come today to present you with the company’s dividends. I promised you a share, and I always keep my word.”

He extended a check to Zuo Jia, stating, “This is rightfully yours.”

Without Zuo Jia's assistance, Lou Ziling found himself constrained in numerous ways.

Over the preceding months, his legitimacy had faced considerable scrutiny. A multitude of distant relatives from the Li family emerged, eager to seize control of the Li family's assets, particularly the coveted Li family Manor, sparking widespread envy. Several factions had already engaged in confrontations with him.

Lou Ziling sought a partnership with Zuo Jia, recognizing her significant sway over Zuo Yan, the mayor. He believed that by offering her substantial compensation, she would help dismantle the barriers impeding his progress, creating a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Zuo Jia did not accept the check. “There’s no need; keep it for yourself! What I did for you before, you owe me nothing for. And now, I owe you nothing!”

Zuo Jia turned and departed to discuss Lou Ziling with Zuo Yan.

“Dad, are you deliberately creating difficulties for Lou Ziling again? After all, he is a successful entrepreneur in our city. You ought to support him, allowing him to develop more rapidly and effectively.”

Zuo Yan's brow furrowed. “Jiajia, have you truly not forgotten about this man? You must desist. Do not let Rongting discover you interceded on his behalf today! He cherishes you so; he would be heartbroken knowing this! Put Lou Ziling out of your mind, or our family will be letting down the Fu family.”

“I haven’t!”

Zuo Jia stamped her foot anxiously. “My plea for him carries no ulterior motive. I simply feel responsible for the hindrances his company faces. Even if he doesn’t care for me, I cannot ruin him!”

“I am merely enforcing higher standards for his company. Naturally, projects that fail to meet these requirements cannot be approved. Very well, you need not concern yourself with this matter. I am fully aware of my actions. Your sole concern should be Rongting; you are not to worry about anyone else, do you understand?”

Under normal circumstances, Zuo Yan would not be so stern with his daughter. Yet, today, his demeanor was unusually firm.

He suspected his daughter still harbored feelings for Lou Ziling and feared she might make an ill-advised decision, thus his tone was particularly serious.

Zuo Jia sensed her father's misunderstanding. She wished to clarify, but Zuo Yan preempted her, asking, “Did Lou Ziling visit you today? What exactly did he say to elicit such impassioned words from you? He is well aware of your feelings for him, yet he still approached you for assistance. What kind of heart does such a person possess? Do not be deceived by him!”

Zuo Jia blinked, responding with a touch of helplessness, “Do I appear as though I still harbor affection for him as I plead his case?”

“Indeed!” Zuo Yan affirmed with a serious nod.

“Very well, I shall press the matter no further,” Zuo Jia conceded with a sigh.

If even her father could misunderstand her intentions, any revelation to Fu Rongting would undoubtedly lead to greater complications.

Zuo Jia's intercession proved unsuccessful. Conversely, Zuo Yan, incensed by Lou Ziling's continued pursuit of his daughter, escalated the requirements for Lou Ziling’s enterprise. All of Lou Ziling’s projects came to a standstill, effectively paralyzed.

Lou Ziling operated numerous smaller ventures and new companies awaiting registration; all of them were now halted.

During Jing Xi’s pregnancy, Lou Ziling had kept her entirely unaware of the company's affairs, dedicating their time to discussions on the most tranquil subjects.

Following her conception, Jing Xi suffered from prolonged periods of nausea and vomiting. Lou Ziling, at that time, paid little attention to the company, remaining by her side daily. He would procure anything she desired to eat, simply for her appetite.

Now, with Jing Xi five months pregnant and the fetus stable, her condition had improved significantly, and she expressed a fondness for all foods.

Despite this, she remained slender, and her abdomen was not overly prominent. Clad in loose garments to conceal her burgeoning belly, she still bore the appearance of a young maiden.

Her life was one of blissful serenity. She occupied herself with gardening and tending to her fish. Occasionally, she would accompany Lou Ziling to his workplace for amusement. Each day was filled with a joy akin to that of a soaring bird.

“Ziling, do you think we should purchase a little dress for the baby?” she inquired.

Carrying a daughter, Jing Xi’s every thought revolved around the exquisite outfits she would adorn her little girl with.

“If you wish to buy it, then by all means purchase it. Our daughter is destined to be a little princess, and she shall wear countless dresses!”

Lou Ziling strolled through the garden alongside Jing Xi.

“I am truly anticipating her arrival. I yearn to see her face! Do you believe she will resemble you, or perhaps me?” Jing Xi’s eyes sparkled with delight. Witnessing her happiness, Lou Ziling felt the external troubles fade away.

“May she take after you. She will undoubtedly be the most beautiful if she mirrors your appearance!” Lou Ziling, at least, felt that no one could rival Jing Xi's beauty.

She had inherited the finest traits from her parents, possessing delicate features. If their child inherited these same qualities, she would be another exquisite beauty.

“Then, when I have another child, I shall wish for them to be like you! I’m certain you are quite handsome!” Jing Xi, having overcome her morning sickness and feeling much better, found pregnancy a joyous experience. Though her daughter had yet to be born, she was already planning for a son.

Lou Ziling’s expression softened, a gentle smile gracing his lips. They spoke as if their child’s future was as predictable as their desires.

“You still wish to have another child? Didn’t you previously state that you didn’t want another? She caused you so much distress and torment that you’ve lost weight.”

“Eh, did I say that? She is so well-behaved now, and I adore her. I eagerly await the day she calls me ‘Mom’! One is certainly insufficient; we must have a few more so they can keep each other company! Observe how content you are with your sister, and how I have my brother!”

Lou Ziling did not view having siblings as a source of happiness. Lou Ruofei’s presence had not significantly impacted him.

As Jing Xi conversed with him, she suddenly recalled Zuo Jia.

“I heard that Zuo Jia is married. Is that true?”

Lou Ziling confirmed with a nod. “Yes. What troubles you?” he inquired.

Zuo Jia's wedding had been a magnificent event, known throughout the city. However, Jing Xi had been suffering from severe morning sickness at the time, confined to bed and unaware of external happenings. Lou Ziling had intentionally refrained from mentioning Zuo Jia to her, fearing it might provoke her anger.

He had even hesitated to speak Zuo Jia’s name in Jing Xi’s presence, as it invariably led to arguments between them.

Since she had brought up Zuo Jia herself today, it suggested she no longer harbored significant resentment towards her.

Jing Xi clasped Lou Ziling’s hand tightly, her voice soft. “Did her father cause you trouble again? Why didn’t you inform me?”