The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife
Chapter 248. Counterattack, Gossip

Chapter 248: 248. Counterattack, Gossip

Shen Qinglan leaned against the wall in the hospital’s long corridor, waiting for the minutes and hours to pass by. Three hours later, the door of the ward finally opened, and Doug and Eden walked out, looking exhausted.

"Eden, how did it go?" Shen Qinglan asked impatiently.

"The hypnosis was very successful. When she wakes up, she will have forgotten everything that happened, but whether she can remember anything else, I cannot say for sure."

Shen Qinglan nodded her head and didn’t say anything. As long as there were no negative side effects, that was all that mattered.

Zhao Jiaqing had already entered the ward, looking at the peacefully sleeping Ya Xi with a tender smile.

Shen Qinglan did not leave, nor did she go in, just waiting outside the door, waiting for Ya Xi to wake up. She couldn’t rest easy until she saw with her own eyes that Ya Xi was fine. Half an hour later, Ya Xi awoke.

Ya Xi opened her eyes and saw her mother looking at her with a face full of surprise. She blinked, "Mummy, what’s wrong?"

Upon hearing Ya Xi’s call of "Mummy," Zhao Jiaqing immediately burst into tears. She hugged Ya Xi tightly, "Xiao Xi, you’re alright now, you’re finally alright."

Ya Xi looked confused, "Mummy, what’s wrong? Why are you crying?"

Zhao Jiaqing wiped her tears and said with a smile, "It’s nothing, Mummy is just happy. You were sick recently, with a high fever that wouldn’t go down. You even missed your high school examination and were completely delirious. Mummy was so scared."

Ya Xi was stunned, "I missed the high school examination? Does that mean I can’t go to university?" She frowned, seemingly unhappy about the prospect of missing the exam due to illness.

Zhao Jiaqing spoke gently, "It’s okay, your daddy has already made arrangements with a university abroad for you. Haven’t you always wanted to go to Australia? This time we will go study abroad in Australia, and visit the Sydney Opera House that you love."

"Really?" Ya Xi asked.

Zhao Jiaqing reached out to touch her hair, smiling affectionately, "Of course, it’s true. When has Mummy ever lied to you?"

Ya Xi was overjoyed, beaming with happiness, "That’s great, Mummy, are you coming with me?"

"Yes, aren’t you happy?"

"No, I’m very happy."

Shen Qinglan leaned against the wall, listening to the laughter and chatter inside the ward, she smiled contentedly and took Fu Hengyi’s hand, "Let’s go."

Fu Hengyi looked at her and nodded. As they walked downstairs in the hospital, they saw Yan Shengyu and Yan Anbang walking back and forth. They approached them.

"How is Ya Xi doing?"

"The hypnosis was successful. Ya Xi is already awake; you should go up," Shen Qinglan said, addressing Yan Shengyu as she had no fondness for Yan Anbang.

Yan Anbang and Yan Shengyu hastily made their way toward the ward.

Inside the ward, Ya Xi glanced at the door from time to time. Zhao Jiaqing asked curiously, "What are you looking at?"

"Mummy, can you check if there’s someone outside the door? I just feel like I’ve forgotten something very important."

Zhao Jiaqing stood up and looked outside the door. Just then, she saw Shen Qinglan and Fu Hengyi walking toward the elevator. She turned back into the room, "You must be mistaken. There’s no one outside."

Ya Xi frowned, "No one? Then why do I feel like someone has been watching me, and it seemed like they whispered something in my ear. Mom, did someone come while I was asleep?"

"It was just your father, your brother, and me. Of course, someone talked in your ear. You were always unconscious, and your parents were so worried. The doctor said that we needed to keep talking to you so you could wake up sooner, so I didn’t stop talking by your ear. Look, my throat has even become hoarse." Zhao Jiaqing hadn’t rested well during this time and was anxious and upset, her throat inflamed and indeed somewhat hoarse.

Ya Xi looked at her apologetically, "Mom, I’m sorry for making you worry again."

"Silly child, you are my own flesh and blood. There is nothing to be sorry about. Now that I see you are all right, I feel relieved."

Ya Xi cast aside the unusual feeling at the bottom of her heart and leaned her head against Zhao Jiaqing’s body, "Mom, I love you."

Zhao Jiaqing touched her face, "Mom loves you too."

When Yan Shengyu and Yan Anbang came in and saw Ya Xi and Zhao Jiaqing laughing and talking, their hearts finally settled down.

"Dad, brother." Ya Xi was happy to see the two of them, but her brow soon furrowed again. "Brother, mom said you went to buy porridge for me. Where’s the porridge? I’m starving to death."

Yan Shengyu was startled and quickly apologized, "Sorry, Xiao Xi, your brother forgot just now. I will go buy it right away. Wait for me; it’ll be quick." After saying that, he left the hospital room like a gust of wind.

Yan Anbang sat down by the bed and looked carefully at Ya Xi, "Xiao Xi, are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere?"

Ya Xi shook her head, "Not at all. Mom, Dad, what’s wrong? It’s just an illness. I was sick so many times when I was little, and I was fine. It will be the same this time."

Zhao Jiaqing nodded, "Yes, you’ll be fine."

Ya Xi felt that Zhao Jiaqing and Yan Anbang were acting strangely today, but she couldn’t quite put her finger on what it was. After thinking about it, she cast aside the many thoughts in her mind.

Because Ya Xi had forgotten about their parents’ divorce, Yan Anbang and Zhao Jiaqing didn’t tell Ya Xi about the divorce.

That evening, Ya Xi was discharged from the hospital and went home. After recuperating at home for a few days, Zhao Jiaqing took Ya Xi on a plane to Australia.

"Let’s go." Watching the plane fly away, no longer visible, Shen Qinglan said to Fu Hengyi before turning away.

Ya Xi, may your future be bright, without sorrow or misfortune. May happiness and joy always be with you.

**

After seeing off Ya Xi, Shen Qinglan and Fu Hengyi went home.

"How long will your suspension last?" Shen Qinglan asked.

Fu Hengyi smiled slightly, "Isn’t it nice to stay home with you?"

"Fu Hengyi, I’m serious," said Shen Qinglan, slightly annoyed.

Fu Hengyi sighed softly, "Actually, not much longer. At most another week, and I will go back. The training at the Beijing Military Region has ended, and they don’t need me for now, so I’m afraid it will be a long time before we can see each other again after I return."

"You need to be careful. I heard that after we left, another group took advantage of the situation and destroyed King’s base completely. He will definitely blame you for that. We still don’t know what actions they will take, so be very cautious."

"As long as you take good care of yourself, I won’t have any worries. If King dares to come this time, I dare to stop him," said Fu Hengyi coldly. Due to his position, he couldn’t take the initiative to trouble King, but if King made a move, that would be a different matter.

Fu Hengyi’s eyes glinted with a cold light.

"Hmm, I know," Shen Qinglan said, but what she truly thought was known only to herself. Having suffered such a loss this time, she definitely wouldn’t let it go. Ya Xi’s vengeance must be avenged.

Fu Hengyi’s prediction was not wrong, and it even came a few days earlier than he expected. The next morning, he received the message to rejoin his squad. After watching him leave, Shen Qinglan drove to find Jin Enxi and the others.

After returning to Beijing, Jin Enxi and the others found that someone had been in their villa, and Xu Nuo had been taken away. It was not hard to guess who did it. So after they returned, they moved to a high-end apartment in the city.

Andre had already returned to the film crew. What should have been a schedule that had long since ended kept extending indefinitely due to various accidents and Andre’s frequent absences. Now all other scenes were completed, except for Andre’s. Therefore, he was busy filming during this period.

When Shen Qinglan arrived at the apartment, she saw only Jin Enxi, with everyone else apparently gone.

"Ah, you’re finally here," Jin Enxi said, not at all surprised to see Shen Qinglan.

"Have you found out?" Shen Qinglan asked.

Jin Enxi snapped his fingers, "Of course. You don’t expect any less from me, do you? I just didn’t anticipate that King, often wandering outside, would leave the headquarters practically idle. However, its defenses are pretty tight; destroying it won’t be easy."

The corners of Shen Qinglan’s mouth lifted slightly, "Naturally, it’s not that easy, but King has been acting arrogantly for so many years and made many enemies. Certainly, we’re not the only ones who want to destroy BK’s headquarters. Just leak the information to BK’s rivals."

Jin Enxi’s eyes lit up, "You mean to..."

Shen Qinglan nodded.

Jin Enxi excitedly exclaimed, "Ah, is this what you call ’borrowing a knife to kill someone’?"

"Mhm, we’ll just sit back and watch the tiger fight. Now, I want to know where Xu Nuo is, can you find out?" Shen Qinglan said coldly.

Although King was often away from BK’s headquarters, roving about the world, the headquarters had not changed locations for many years and was heavily guarded. Naturally, this was because it housed many BK secrets, which were critical for BK. If the headquarters were destroyed, it would be a significant blow to King. And this was just the first gift she would deliver to King.

Jin Enxi shook his head, "I haven’t found any trace of Allen in Beijing. They must have already left Z country. That damn woman certainly can’t be let off easily. If it weren’t for her, we wouldn’t have suffered such a loss this time," said Jin Enxi through clenched teeth when he spoke of Xu Nuo.

Shen Qinglan’s gaze was icy, and she spoke indifferently, "Being taken by Allen won’t end well for her."

With a gleeful smile, Jin Enxi quickly caught on, "Haha, right, in Allen’s hands, she’ll learn how ’gentle’ I was with her. I’d really like to see what she looks like now."

Xu Nuo, the subject of Jin Enxi’s musings, was indeed in a dire situation. She lay in a dungeon, her body completely immobile, looking as if she were dead.

Allen walked in, looked down at her, and Xu Nuo opened her eyes, trying to make out Allen’s figure, but her eyes were smeared with congealed blood, and she could not see clearly.

"Allen," she uttered, her voice so faint only she could hear it, and again, she deeply felt the terror of this man.

Allen looked at her, his eyes cold, "You should be grateful Shen Qinglan is not dead. Someone, take her out."

Hearing this, Xu Nuo’s face showed no signs of happiness. She lowered her eyes, not expecting that Shen Qinglan, even after falling into King’s hands, was still alive, and judging by Allen’s demeanor, Shen Qinglan had not received any significant injury. Having paid such a heavy price and still failing to harm Shen Qinglan, Xu Nuo felt a deep sense of injustice.

Men picked up Xu Nuo from the ground as if she were a torn sack.

The woman who saw Xu Nuo looking like waste showed neither surprise nor sorrow. She gave Xu Nuo only a glance before averting her eyes.

"I’ve returned the person to you, so you can leave now," Allen said coldly.

"No, Allen, I don’t want to leave. Please, don’t make me leave," Xu Nuo pleaded as soon as she heard she was to leave.

Allen didn’t look at her, and neither did the woman. With a wave of her hand, someone naturally came in and took Xu Nuo away, leaving only Allen and the woman in the living room.

With no one else present, the indifference on the woman’s face instantly turned to icy coldness, "Allen, I don’t mind you saving people, but you’ve killed so many of King’s men. Do you really think he won’t find out it was you? Are you trying to make an enemy of him?"

Allen sat there, indifferent to the woman’s words, "I’ve never been friends with him."

"Allen, do you want to destroy the base again?" the woman said furiously, "Do you know that King has already declared that if he finds out who did this, he’ll pursue them relentlessly until death?"

"So what," Allen said carelessly, "Anyone who touches my people must pay a price."

"Your people?" the woman sneered, "Allen, don’t forget she is already married. She has never been your person."

Allen glared at the woman with a sinister look in his eyes.

The woman smiled, "Allen, there’s no need to look at me like that. Destroying Shen Qinglan would take but a moment for me. All I need to do is leak the news that she was once the world’s number one assassin, Mei. Believe me, she won’t survive three days." By then, it won’t just be the Shen Family and the Fu Family that won’t let her go—even the families of those she has killed in the past won’t let her off. There will be no place for her in the entire world.

"You dare!" Murder filled Allen’s eyes.

The woman remained composed under his murderous gaze. Allen grabbed her neck in one swift motion, "Do you really think I wouldn’t kill you?"

"Haha, Allen, you won’t," she spoke of certainty, not courage. In this world, there probably isn’t anything Allen wouldn’t dare to do.

Allen tightened his grip until the woman’s face turned purplish and her eyes rolled back. Only then did he throw her onto the floor, "I told you not to threaten me. And another thing, it’s best you don’t lay a hand on Shen Qinglan. If she suffers any harm, I’ll feed my father’s ashes to the dogs."

"You!" The woman, who had been indifferent all this while, suddenly changed her expression upon hearing this, looking at Allen with ferocity, "But that’s your father!"

"So what. He’s dead anyway, it’s just ashes to feed to the dogs," Allen said with a shrug, unconcerned.

"Fine, Allen, you’re ruthless. I promise you, I will definitely not touch Shen Qinglan, nor will I reveal her identity to anyone," the woman acquiesced.

"That’s for the best. If I find out anything about Shen Qinglan getting hurt or her identity being exposed, I will hold you responsible. You can try me and see what I’ll do," Allen warned.

"Allen, you’re a madman."

Allen smiled tenderly, "You’ve known that for a long time, haven’t you?"

The woman stood up from the floor and looked at Allen with a cold sneer, "Allen, I truly pity you. What’s the use of loving that woman like this? She still hates you to the bone and would love to kill you herself."

The tender smile on Allen’s face disappeared, replaced by a hostile and grim demeanor, "That’s none of your business. Now get out."

The woman huffed coldly and turned to leave.

Allen sat alone on the sofa, caressing a jade pendant in his hand. It was a keepsake from Shen Qinglan’s childhood that she wore around her neck before it ended up in Allen’s possession, something he carried with him at all times.

"Xiaoqi, I’d rather be hated by you for a lifetime than be forgotten by you. Tell me, if I killed that man, would you hate me forever?" As Allen’s palm gently brushed over the jade pendant, the corner of his mouth lifted in a cruel smile.

**

Three days later, an interesting piece of news came down the grapevine: BK’s headquarters had been destroyed, and King was seriously injured and now missing.

Shen Qinglan was accompanying Yu Xiaoxuan for an advertisement shoot when she heard the news.

"Qinglan, what’s got you smiling so happily?" Yu Xiaoxuan, having finished shooting, walked over and said. Despite it being June’s weather, she was sweating all over from modeling a down jacket, causing even her makeup to run.

"It’s nothing. Are you done shooting?"

"Not yet, this was just the first part, there’s more to come." She took out a tissue to wipe her sweat. "I wonder who came up with such a cruel rule, shooting an advertisement for down jackets in summer, it’s like they want to cook us alive."

The makeup artist came over, holding a makeup case, "My dear, the next advertisement is about to start, don’t go wandering off now."

Yu Xiaoxuan playfully stuck out her tongue, "I know. You can do my makeup here, I promise I won’t wander off."

The makeup artist knew that Shen Qinglan and Yu Xiaoxuan were good friends, so after greeting Shen Qinglan, she started to touch up Yu Xiaoxuan’s makeup.

As soon as she had finished getting her makeup touched up, the director was already calling for people. Shen Qinglan took a glance over, then withdrew her gaze.

"Little sister-in-law, you’re here too." Han Yi spotted Shen Qinglan when he arrived and came over to say hello.

"Are you here to pick up Xiaoxuan?"

"Nope, I came to bring her something." Han Yi held up what was in his hands, a small fan. "She kept saying she was dying of heat, so here I am showing up."

Shen Qinglan smiled. Seeing the bandage on Shen Qinglan’s hand, Han Yi couldn’t help but ask, "Little sister-in-law, your hand hasn’t healed yet?"

"It’s almost better, the bandage can come off in a few days."

"By the way, little sister-in-law, are you going to attend the Sydney City Art Festival in August?"

"I will." The Sydney City Art Festival in August had already been scheduled by Daniel for her, and naturally, she couldn’t miss it.

"Then bring Xiaoxuan with you. She’s been working really hard lately, and she’ll have some free time during that period. I can’t get away for the time being, so let her go with you, to treat it like a vacation, okay?"

"Mhm, okay." Shen Qinglan agreed readily.

During their conversation, Yu Xiaoxuan had finished shooting and walked over, unceremoniously taking the small fan from Han Yi’s hand, "Ah, it’s killing me, so hot."

"Qinglan, where are we going to eat later?" Yu Xiaoxuan asked but had barely finished the question when she saw Sister Linda glaring at her murderously. Yu Xiaoxuan shrank her shoulders and guiltily turned her gaze away. Well, due to being frightened recently, Han Yi had taken her to eat a variety of delicious food, causing her weight to increase.

"Um, Qinglan, I think we should go for a vegetarian banquet. I know there’s a temple nearby with vegetarian food that tastes quite good."

Linda withdrew her gaze, and Yu Xiaoxuan let out a small sigh of relief.

"Well done, you’re that scared of her?" Han Yi chuckled.

"I call this respect, you know. Sister Linda is usually really nice to me. She’s stopping me from overeating for my own good, I can’t let down her kind intentions."

"Alright, alright, that’s respect, no more meat for you from now on." Han Yi added.

Yu Xiaoxuan glared at him, clinging to Shen Qinglan’s arm and began to complain, "Qinglan, look how he’s bullying me. He’s already mistreating me even before we get married; will I have any status if we actually tie the knot?"

Speaking, she put on an appearance of being on the verge of tears.

Shen Qinglan nodded, "Such a man is indeed unacceptable. How about you break up with him, and I’ll introduce you to someone better? Fu Hengyi has a younger brother, around your age, and he’s a pure-hearted young man who has never had a girlfriend. I think he would suit you very well."

Seeing Shen Qinglan speaking so earnestly, Yu Xiaoxuan immediately backed down, "Well, Han Yi is actually quite good to me; I guess there’s no need to change for now."

Han Yi’s face, which had darkened, immediately lit up upon hearing Yu Xiaoxuan’s words, his expression smug. Shen Qinglan found it amusing.

"Qinglan, let’s go," said Yu Xiaoxuan, coming out in her changed clothes.

The three of them headed outside. Shen Qinglan got ready to drive. Han Yi had intended to drive his own car, but Shen Qinglan disapproved of his car for being too flashy.

Shen Qinglan was driving a black business vehicle today. When the car stopped, Han Yi opened the door to let Yu Xiaoxuan in first.

Suddenly, Shen Qinglan glanced in a certain direction.

"What’s wrong, little sister-in-law?"

"I just saw some paparazzi taking pictures." There had been a flash of light, and although she didn’t see anyone, Shen Qinglan was certain someone had been taking sneaky shots.

"These paparazzi have nothing better to do, always snooping on people’s privacy. It’s really annoying. Even celebrities are human, can’t they be given a little personal space?" Yu Xiaoxuan was a bit irritated.

Just a week ago, the web series she had filmed at the beginning of the year began airing. In just one week, the number of views had exceeded 200 million, a testament to its popularity. Although Yu Xiaoxuan’s role was only that of the third female lead, she had quite a substantial part, and many viewers came to know her through this drama.

There had been numerous reports about Yu Xiaoxuan during this period, and she didn’t catch on until one night when she noticed someone was following her home. Having just experienced a kidnapping, she was nearly scared to death and ended up crying under her blanket once she got home.

After learning about it, it took Han Yi considerable effort to comfort Yu Xiaoxuan, but he also had no good solution to the paparazzi issue, considering that if a celebrity lacked media heat, their popularity would hardly soar.

Shen Qinglan glanced at her through the rearview mirror, "You should get used to it sooner." After thinking for a moment, she continued, "When you have the time, go learn some taekwondo. It’s good for self-defense."

"I’ve already signed her up," said Han Yi. Recalling the kidnapping, he still had lingering fears, especially when he thought of Ya Xi’s condition—it sent shivers down his spine.

"I’ll teach you some self-defense when I have time."

Yu Xiaoxuan nodded vigorously, terrified after the experience.

"Qinglan, will Ya Xi never come back?" asked Yu Xiaoxuan suddenly.

Shen Qinglan’s expression was indifferent, "Yeah, she’s better off this way now."

Yu Xiaoxuan sighed. If it were her, she would rather forget everything too, but it was still heartbreaking to think about a nineteen-year-old girl suffering such trauma.

The mood in the car suddenly became somber, and no one spoke again. Fortunately, the destination wasn’t far, and they arrived shortly. As Yu Xiaoxuan got out of the car, she saw Fang Tong, who had already arrived.

Fang Tong had been sent to the United States to study for three months and had just come back two days ago to report on her work. She was about to fly back in a few days, so she wasn’t aware of Yu Xiaoxuan and Shen Qinglan’s kidnapping. Neither of them intended to tell her.

"Ah, Fang Tong, I’ve missed you so much!" Yu Xiaoxuan pounced on her, giving her an enthusiastic hug.

"Oh my, Yu Xiaoxuan, you’re really overdoing it. How can you eat so much? Doesn’t Sister Linda say anything?" Fang Tong spoke with a feigned disgust, yet she didn’t let go of Yu Xiaoxuan, tightly hugging her. Although it had only been less than a month away in a foreign land, her yearning for her homeland and friends and family was stronger than ever before.

Yu Xiaoxuan released her, "Fang Tong, you’ve gotten thinner, have you been missing me that much?"

Fang Tong rolled her eyes, "Why would I miss you? With that time, I’d rather be out flirting with hot guys."

"Qinglan, I’m back," Fang Tong looked at Shen Qinglan and said with a smile.

Shen Qinglan gave her a once over, nodding, "Very nice."

A month ago, Ding Minghui cheated on her, and Fang Tong broke up with him, but Ding Minghui kept pestering Fang Tong incessantly. Just then, an opportunity arose at the company to study in the US, but it came with conditions: no job-hopping for five years, and after completing the study, one would have to serve as a management staff at the US branch for more than two years, returning home once a month to report on work.

While many hesitated due to the conditions, Fang Tong stepped forward and applied to go to the US for the study opportunity. After much consideration, Shen Junyu made an exception and agreed.

"When are you leaving?" Shen Qinglan asked.

"Tomorrow."

"Ah, so soon? I was thinking we could all go to the graduation ceremony the day after tomorrow," Yu Xiaoxuan said regretfully.

"I’m not going to attend the graduation ceremony; just bring back my diploma and graduation certificate for me," Fang Tong said.

"Actually, I really wanted us to go shopping. Think about it, it’s been so long since we three went shopping together."

"Going shopping is easy, we can go after dinner. It’s perfect because I’m planning to have dinner with my parents tonight," Fang Tong said.

Yu Xiaoxuan’s eyes lit up, "Right, we can go shopping after we eat."

Fang Tong glanced at Han Yi, and seeing that he had no objections, felt reassured. So after eating, the three of them went out shopping. They didn’t go to large shopping malls, but to the clothing street they often visited during their college days. Han Yi resignedly followed, carrying bags for the three of them.

The old street was still the same as before, and as they strolled and chatted, they didn’t actually stop to buy much. When they left the old street, Han Yi was only carrying a few bags.

"You guys are only buying this little?" Han Yi asked. The price of everything combined didn’t even match the cost of one of his shirts.

Yu Xiaoxuan snorted, "So you’re complaining that I didn’t spend enough, huh? You’ll have your days of bleeding cash in the future."

Han Yi smiled, "You can spend however much you want; my money is all yours. It doesn’t matter even if you max out all the cards."

Yu Xiaoxuan smiled contentedly, while Fang Tong and Shen Qinglan exchanged glances, both with smiles in their eyes.

The next moment, Fang Tong rubbed her arm where goosebumps had formed, "Hey you two, that’s enough. There’s still a lone wolf here."

Yu Xiaoxuan stuck out her tongue, "It’s your own fault for not finding someone quickly. There are so many handsome guys abroad, you can get whatever you want with just a wave of your hand."

Fang Tong seemed to think of something and shook her head, "Forget it, foreign men aren’t for me. I’d better return to the embrace of motherland."

After leaving the old street, it was getting late. Fang Tong took a taxi home first, while Han Yi and Yu Xiaoxuan followed Shen Qinglan back to her place for dinner. According to them, going home just meant eating out anyway, and there wasn’t even an auntie at home, so it was a good time to visit Grandpa Shen.

"Grandpa Shen, I’m here again, do you remember me?" The moment she entered the living room, Yu Xiaoxuan saw the old man sitting on the sofa watching TV and greeted him with a laugh.

Old Sir Shen brightened up the moment he saw Yu Xiaoxuan, and beckoned with a smile, "Xiao Xuan, it’s been a while since you last visited."

Yu Xiaoxuan sat down cheerfully beside Old Sir Shen, "I’ve been quite busy with work recently, but as soon as I had some free time, I came to see you. Hehe, and to snag a free meal, Grandpa Shen, you mustn’t dislike me for it."

"Dislike you? Not at all, even if you come every day for a meal. Han Yi is here too, come sit." The house became lively, and Old Sir Shen was very happy. Wen Xiyao and Shen Junyu were busy with work, and usually, if they came back, they would be past mealtime, so Old Sir Shen and Chu Yun Rong were often the only two dining, which inevitably felt lonely.

By the time Han Yi and Yu Xiaoxuan left after dinner, it was already evening. After returning home, they received a call from the old house, saying Han Zhengshan wanted Han Yi to go back.

Han Yi initially did not want to deal with it, but after thinking it over, he still made a trip back.

As soon as he stepped through the entrance, he heard the furious voice of Han Zhengshan, "It takes three invitations and four requests to get you back, Han Yi, your airs are getting bigger and bigger. Even I, your father, find it hard to see you nowadays."

Han Yi gave him a cold look, "You called me back for this trivial matter?"

Han Zhengshan threw the newspaper in his hand in front of Han Yi, "Look at the trouble you’ve caused, fraternizing with an actress from your own company, and it even made the papers. You’ve disgraced the Han Family."

Picking up the newspaper from the ground, Han Yi glanced at it. It was a scene from today at the film set when he opened the car door for Yu Xiaoxuan.

He chuckled indifferently, "Father, the last person who should talk to me about face is you, the Han Family’s reputation was ruined by you years ago."

Han Zhengshan’s face changed color, pointing at Han Yi, "Is this how you speak to your father?"

Han Yi cleaned his ear, "Don’t repeat the same stuff, I’m getting calluses in my ears. If you don’t have anything else to say, I’ll be leaving. I’m not like you, bustling about with trivial distractions all day."

Han Yi got up, intending to leave.

"Wait," Han Zhengshan stopped him. "I don’t care what your deal is with that little starlet, but you better cut ties with her immediately. I don’t care about your flings, but your wife cannot be a third-rate actress. There are so many ladies of high society in Beijing, and I wouldn’t object to anyone you pick."

Han Yi looked at him with a mocking gaze, "Father, who I want to marry or don’t want to marry is not for you to decide. Just take care of yourself. When you have time, pay more attention to your own wife, lest there’s a whole field of green above your head that everybody else knows about but you."

Xia Fei, who had just come downstairs, heard his remark and went pale, "Han Yi, don’t spout nonsense." Then turned to Han Zhengshan, "Zhengshan, you must believe me, I have never betrayed you."

Han Zhengshan consoled her, "I know how you treat me. I look at Han Yi, "think carefully about what I told you. If it’s just a fling with that woman, I have nothing to say, every man loves to play, but you cannot get serious."

"That’s why I’m telling you today, that ’woman,’ that third-rate actress, is my girlfriend and the future chairwoman of the Han Group, the matriarch of the Han Family."

"Ridiculous!" Han Zhengshan smacked the table, "An orphan and an actress with no background, does she even deserve to enter the Han Family’s threshold? I’ll tell you, Han Yi, as long as I’m alive for a day, she will never step foot into the Han Family. Already living with a man before marriage, what kind of good can a woman with no self-respect be."

Han Yi’s expression turned grim, "You investigated her?" Although phrased as a question, his tone was certain.

"I did investigate her." Han Zhengshan admitted frankly.

"Huh, it seems you are too idle," Han Yi scoffed, looking at Xia Fei, "So I am curious to know why Yu Xiaoxuan doesn’t deserve to enter the Han Family’s threshold. What kind of woman does? Someone who gets entangled with someone though she knows he’s married, becomes pregnant before marriage, then flaunting in front of the legal wife, and causing the death of the wife with pride. That sort of scum, maybe?"

Xia Fei’s face turned instantly pale, and Han Zhengshan’s face was dark green, "Han Yi, shut up."

"I’m here to inform you, not to consult with you. Whether you accept it or not, Yu Xiaoxuan will be my wife and the matriarch of the Han Family. If you treat her well, I can still provide you with a comfortable life, even tolerating a kept invalid. But if I find out you have done anything behind our backs, don’t blame me if the Han Family can no longer accommodate you."

"You... You unfilial son!" Han Zhengshan trembled with anger, his face turning from green to purple, from purple to black, a fascinating sight, but Han Yi had no time to mind him and turned to leave. Yu Xiaoxuan was home alone now. Ever since the kidnapping incident, Han Yi tried not to leave Yu Xiaoxuan alone at home.