The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife
Chapter 262. The Cost of Scheming

Chapter 262: 262. The Cost of Scheming

Yu Xiaoxuan closed her eyes and put her hand on her chest, feeling her heart slowly beating. The images surfacing in her mind were of the woman who had come looking for Han Yi this morning, holding that watch, and the lipstick mark on Han Yi’s collarbone. These images gradually faded away, and then emerged were the times when her parents died, Han Yi’s constant companionship, and when they encountered a landslide during a trip to clear her mind, nearly losing their lives. Han Yi had held her and said, "We may not have been able to be born at the same time, but we can die together now. If people knew about it, would it become a story passed down in admiration?"

At that time, she had already been crying her face wet with tears, yet she couldn’t help but laugh out loud upon hearing Han Yi’s words.

The images in her mind receded one by one, becoming clearer and clearer. Yu Xiaoxuan opened her eyes and looked at Shen Qinglan, "Qinglan, I still choose to believe in Han Yi. I trust he wouldn’t do anything to break my heart, but that woman... What if he mistook her for me last night when he was drunk?"

Shen Qinglan looked at her silently, "Yu Xiaoxuan, have you been watching too many TV dramas?" Although she had not seen the woman, from the photos that had been exposed in the news, that woman’s figure didn’t resemble Yu Xiaoxuan’s at all. Han Yi must be blind to mix the two up.

Moreover, according to what Han Yi had said, he went straight to sleep in the hotel last night without even taking a bath, which showed that he was quite drunk.

"What if it was drunken debauchery?"

"Do you think a man who is so drunk he doesn’t even know who he is could still do that sort of thing? So-called ’drunken debauchery’ is just an excuse people find for their indulgence."

Yu Xiaoxuan thought Shen Qinglan made a lot of sense.

Seeing her expression relax, Shen Qinglan knew she had come to an understanding. Looking at her, "Have you figured it out?"

Yu Xiaoxuan nodded, her mood significantly improved, no longer as desperate as when Shen Qinglan had first seen her, "Yes, I’ve understood. But I still don’t want to see Han Yi now. Qinglan, I want to be alone for a while."

"Alright, I will let Han Yi know. But Xiaoxuan, the most taboo thing between lovers is to leave misunderstandings unexplained. Whatever you and Han Yi need to say to each other, say it clearly. Don’t keep it in your heart, understand?"

Yu Xiaoxuan nodded, "Don’t worry, Qinglan, I understand."

"If you’ve thought it through, then let’s go."

Yu Xiaoxuan shook her head, "Qinglan, I want to stay here for a while longer. I’ve been very busy with work recently and haven’t visited my parents in a long time. This time I want to spend some quality time with them."

Shen Qinglan sat down again, "I’ll stay with you."

By the time Shen Qinglan sent Yu Xiaoxuan back to Shengxuan, it was already two in the afternoon. Linda saw Yu Xiaoxuan and, seeing that her spirits were still good, didn’t say much else, only asking, "Can you still shoot the advertisement this afternoon?"

Yu Xiaoxuan nodded, "I can."

"Then let’s start working."

**************

After Shen Qinglan’s reminder, Han Yi also came to his senses. He took a bath, changed clothes, and made a call to have the bathroom mirror replaced. Then he left the house.

He went to the hotel he had stayed at yesterday, went straight to the manager, and demanded to see the surveillance footage. The manager was initially reluctant, but Han Yi’s face grew cold, "It’s just a hotel. I could always buy it out. When I become your boss, would I then be able to check the surveillance?"

The hotel manager’s face changed, and he forced a smile, "Mr. Han, you must be joking."

"Do I look like I’m joking with you?" Han Yi said coldly as he looked at him.

The manager certainly didn’t think Han Yi was joking and, having no other choice, said, "Mr. Han, you’re naturally allowed to view the surveillance footage. Please, this way."

With a cold laugh, Han Yi thought that some people just don’t learn unless they’re forced; they won’t drink a toast only to be made to drink a forfeit.

The hotel only had surveillance cameras in the lobby downstairs and in the elevators. There were no cameras installed anywhere else.

The lobby’s camera showed that the woman entered the hotel before Han Yi did, she went first, and Han Yi followed. However, it was only after Han Yi entered the elevator that the woman followed him in.

From the angle at entry, it looked like the woman was supporting Han Yi, but once inside the elevator, she tried to get close to Han Yi several times and he avoided her each time.

Watching the surveillance, Han Yi’s expression was changeable. It seemed he really drank too much the previous night. He was so intoxicated he had blacked out, not even remembering the woman trying to get close to him.

After reaching their floor, there was no more surveillance, so what exactly happened could only be asked from the woman.

After obtaining the original surveillance video from the hotel manager, Han Yi left to find that woman. He better not find out who has been scheming against him behind his back, or else...

Because Han Yi was suspected of cheating, Yu Xiaoxuan trended online that very day. In addition to her red-rimmed and haggard appearance when she returned to the company, people’s speculations were confirmed. Many of the female artists in the company who disliked Yu Xiaoxuan spoke with veiled sarcasm, clearly taking pleasure in her misfortune.

Yu Xiaoxuan ignored their ridicule and went straight to the studio to start working.

After leaving the hotel, Han Yi went to Charming Color and left with a USB drive in his hand. He hired a private detective and quickly found the woman’s residence.

The woman, hearing the doorbell, came out to open the door. She flashed a moment of panic when she saw Han Yi outside, but it quickly disappeared. With a seductive smile and a tender gaze, she said, "Mr. Han, what brings you here? Could it be that what happened the other night was not satisfying and you wish to continue today? If that’s your desire, I don’t mind. I just wonder if the beauty at home would have any objections."

Han Yi gave a cold smile, pushed the woman aside, and walked in. He then sat on the couch and slung one leg over the other like a boss and asked, "Tell me, who put you up to this?"

The woman’s face changed slightly, and she laughed, "I don’t understand what Mr. Han is saying."

Han Yi’s peach blossom eyes narrowed, and the corners of his mouth curved into a tantalizing smile, "I didn’t come here to argue with you. If you’re smart, you’ll tell me honestly what happened. Maybe I can let you off the hook. If you refuse to speak, don’t blame me for making sure you can’t stay in Beijing any longer. You might doubt the truth of my words."

The woman still wanted to deny it, but Han Yi continued, "Of course. Don’t think I don’t have evidence." He placed the surveillance video from the hotel in front of her. "This is last night’s footage from the hotel. You probably didn’t expect them to have cameras not only in the lobby and elevator but also in the hallways. They recorded your comings and goings—want to watch it?"

The woman, her face flickering with various expressions, remained silent as she looked at Han Yi. Through her demeanor, Han Yi could tell he’d bluffed her successfully; she hadn’t spent the entire night with him after all.

Before the woman could think it through, Han Yi pressed on, "If you’re willing to tell me the truth, to divulge who’s been directing you from behind the scenes, then I can pay you double what that person offered. Plus, they wouldn’t dare to retaliate against you."

The woman looked up, "Are you serious?"

Han Yi nodded, "What Han Yi says counts."

The woman mentioned a name, "She asked me to take some ambiguous photos with you. If I could actually get something real happening between us, all the better. But you were so drunk last night you couldn’t do anything, so I just took a few photos and left."

The woman had tried to seduce Han Yi before, but Han Yi lay there like a log. She wanted to take off Han Yi’s pants, but she wasn’t sure whether he was really drunk or pretending to be; as soon as her hand touched his belt, he swung his hand over and slapped her, turning her hand red.

"Where did you get the key to my room?"

"I told the attendant you were my friend and that you had asked me to come, but now you’re too drunk to open the door, so I asked her to help me open it."

Han Yi’s gaze was icy, "Were you also the one who gave those photos to the media?"

The woman nodded hastily and explained, "She’s the one who told me to do it. She said as long as I gave the photos to the media, and then let the reporters take more pictures of us leaving the hotel together in the morning, she would give me the rest of the money. Mr. Han, this is all I know, I’m not clear on the rest."

Han Yi stared at her steadily, ensuring the woman wasn’t lying, and stood up, "If I find out even one of your words is a lie, you know what the consequences will be."

The woman nodded repeatedly, "I understand, everything I have said is true, and if you need, I can also help you explain to the lady."

Han Yi gave her a cold glance, "That won’t be necessary."

Han Yi left the woman’s house and took out a voice recorder pen from his pocket, the smile on his lips cold.

*************

After Shen Qinglan took Yu Xiaoxuan back to Shengxuan, she called Han Yi, who was relieved to hear Yu Xiaoxuan was safe.

"Little sister-in-law, thank you for today. Since Xiao Xuan wants some time to cool down, I’ll go see her the day after tomorrow." It was a good opportunity for him to deal with some troublemakers during this time.

"Mm. As long as you know what you’re doing."

Han Yi hung up and drove straight back to the Han Family’s old residence.

Han Zhengshan and his wife Xia Fei were chatting and laughing, seemingly in a happy mood. When Han Yi entered, the smile on Han Zhengshan’s face immediately disappeared.

Xia Fei greeted him smilingly, "Han Yi, you’re back, have you eaten?"

Han Yi’s eyes twinkled with a smile as he sat down in the living room, "Dad, you seem in a good mood."

Han Zhengshan glanced at him coldly, "I would feel even better if I didn’t have to see you."

Han Yi smiled, "Dad, look at what you’re saying, if someone outside heard, they might think I’m mistreating you at home!"

"Are you not?" Han Zhengshan eyed him coldly. Lately, Han Yi hadn’t given him any living expenses; everything was paid for by selling his own shares.

"Dad, that really hits where it hurts, I’ve never mistreated you. Isn’t it that you just find the living allowance I give too little?"

Han Zhengshan couldn’t be bothered to argue with his son who was too sharp-tongued.

Han Yi didn’t come back to discuss this with Han Zhengshan. Seeing that Han Zhengshan had shut up, he also dropped the topic, legs crossed, leaning back in his chair, quite at ease. "Daddy, since you’re in a good mood today, let me tell you a story. I believe you’ll feel even better after hearing it."

"I don’t want to hear anything about you," Han Zhengshan flatly refused.

"Daddy, this isn’t just about me, it’s about your woman. Are you sure you don’t want to hear it?" Han Yi said.

Xia Fei, who had been silent all the while, felt a bad premonition rise within her and forced a smile, saying, "Han Yi, what could I possibly be involved in that your dad doesn’t know about? Stop joking around."

"Heh, there’s plenty my dad doesn’t know about, right?" Han Yi said with a smile, looking at her, as Xia Fei’s expression became increasingly uncomfortable.

Han Zhengshan didn’t want to see Han Yi. Every time he saw him, he felt like it shaved ten years off his life. "Han Yi, if you have nothing to do, wipe your own ass clean. Don’t dawdle in front of me; it hurts my eyes just to see you."

Han Yi arched an eyebrow, a cold glint flashing in his peach blossom eyes. "Oh, it only hurts your eyes to see me? I thought it pained your whole body. Seems like you don’t dislike me that much after all. But Daddy, you’re quite well-informed about my affairs. Have you been secretly caring about me? If you are, just say it. We’re father and son, aren’t we?"

Han Zhengshan’s eyes twitched as he watched Han Yi mutter to himself, "Your matters have become common knowledge throughout all of Beijing. I’m not blind."

Han Yi nodded in agreement, "That’s right. I had just come out of the hotel and the news broke out immediately. Daddy, how come the media is so capable nowadays, practically prescient?"

Xia Fei’s heart skipped a beat.

"Since you know you’re the focus of media attention, be more careful in the future to avoid bringing shame to the company’s image," Han Zhengshan said coldly.

"Daddy, don’t you find it strange that the news came out too quickly? It always takes time to print newspapers, doesn’t it?"

Han Zhengshan looked at him, "So what are you trying to say? You think I set you up?"

Han Yi shook his head. "No, no, no, Daddy, I trust you didn’t do this. But whether someone else did it under your name, that’s a different story." Han Yi’s words were loaded with implication. Han Zhengshan glanced at Xia Fei, seeing her uneasy demeanor, and immediately understood.

Despite some anger, this was still his wife and he needed to protect her. He spoke up, "No matter who did it, if there was nothing questionable about you, flies wouldn’t hover."

The chill in Han Yi’s peach blossom eyes deepened. As expected, as long as it involved Xia Fei, he would unhesitatingly choose to protect her. It looked like true love indeed.

"Since that’s how it is, let’s have a good talk," Han Yi said and took out a voice recorder from his pocket, placing it on the table. A woman’s voice came from the recorder.

"It was a woman named Xia Fei who told me to do it..." The conversation was the very one that Han Yi had with the woman at her home.

Xia Fei’s face turned ugly instantly. She hadn’t expected the woman to be so useless, spilling everything after just a few words from Han Yi. But soon, Xia Fei recovered, her expression aggrieved as she spoke, "Han Yi, I know you don’t like me, but that doesn’t mean you can just find a woman to frame me."

Han Yi’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. "That woman is still in Beijing. Do you need me to bring someone to confront you? Let’s see whether it’s you who’s been pulling strings behind the scenes, or if it’s me trying to frame you."

Naturally, Xia Fei didn’t dare confront that woman—she had personally dealt with her, and the woman would certainly recognize her.

Han Yi scoffed, "Daddy, you decide what to do about this matter. Now, because of her, Yu Xiaoxuan wants to break up with me. Everyone outside is slandering me for infidelity, the company’s image has been affected, and even our stock price has fallen. You surely can’t keep covering for her."

Han Zhengshan looked at Xia Fei, and Xia Fei was also looking at him. Han Zhengshan gave her a soothing look, "Even if Xia Fei did wrong, you’re the one who was wrong first. If you had broken up with the actress earlier, would Xia Fei have come up with such an idea? Since the actress wanted to break up, just let it be. You have so many women, just find another one."

Listening to Han Zhengshan’s casual words, Han Yi’s eyes darkened ever so slightly. He had anticipated this outcome, yet he couldn’t help feeling disappointed in Han Zhengshan. However, the disappointment came fast and left even quicker.

Han Yi put down his leg and sat up straight, his voice cold, "Daddy, let me tell you the truth, I won’t give up on Yu Xiaoxuan. Even if she wants to leave me, I’ll win her back. But as for this matter, I won’t let it go so easily. I, Han Yi, am not someone who can be easily messed with, and I’m very vengeful. If you dare scheme against me, you better clean up your act so I don’t find out, because if I do, you should be prepared for revenge."

Xia Fei’s face was pale as she looked at Han Yi, "Han Yi, it wasn’t me who did this; it was that woman who spouted nonsense."

Han Yi didn’t want to listen to her speak at all, just looking at Han Zhengshan, "Daddy, I came over today to see what you plan to do. If you handle it yourself, then I won’t interfere. But now, seeing how you are, it doesn’t look like you have any intention of taking action. Since you can’t bear to do it, then as your son, I can’t let you feel troubled. I’ll handle it myself."

As he spoke, Han Yi was ready to stand up and leave.

"Han Yi, stop right there," Han Zhengshan called out to him. "What are you planning to do?"

Han Yi didn’t turn around, "You’ll know very soon, Daddy. No need to be anxious."

And Han Zhengshan and Xia Fei did find out very soon, because soon after, the internet, newspapers, and magazines were all flooded with news of Xia Fei, and the entire nation knew that Han Zhengshan had a "green pasture" on his head.

That night, several intimate photos of Xia Fei with another man surfaced online, including lewd bedroom photos, and that man was obviously not Han Zhengshan.

Han Zhengshan was old and rarely surfed the internet, so he didn’t know at first. Xia Fei, who had been accompanying Han Zhengshan, was also unaware until the household staff, while gossiping and mocking behind his back, were overheard by Han Zhengshan as he came down to get some water.

Han Zhengshan stared intensely at the cellphone in the servant’s hand, "Give it to me."

The servant, nervous, passed the phone to Han Zhengshan. Seeing such behind-the-scenes gossip caught in the act was more than awkward. Han Zhengshan looked at the photos on the screen. Even though the mosaic blurred the images, he would not fail to recognize his own woman, with whom he’d shared many years.

Han Zhengshan’s whole body trembled. Below the photos, there was a video. With shaking hands, he pressed play, and soon, shameful sounds filled the air. The servant kept their head down, not daring to see Han Zhengshan’s expression.

"This slut," Han Zhengshan roared, turning and going upstairs. Soon, there were screams from Xia Fei.

The servants exchanged looks, unsure of what to do. One of them picked up the phone and called Han Yi. After listening, Han Yi laughed, "As long as no one is killed, there’s no need to intervene."

He was curious to see if Han Zhengshan would still shelter Xia Fei this time. If Han Zhengshan could endure this, then there was nothing more to say.

Han Yi wasn’t afraid of the Han Family’s dirty laundry becoming public. After all, it wasn’t the first time the Han Family became a laughing stock in Beijing.

Though Han Zhengshan was old, he was still a man, and he had the strength to beat a woman. Just as Xia Fei was lying in her room resting, in came Han Zhengshan without a word. He picked up his walking stick and struck her on the shoulder.

Coincidentally, it hit her shoulder, and Xia Fei turned pale instantly. Before she could make sense of it all, the second blow fell, "You whore, you made me a cuckold, I’ll kill you."

Xia Fei was stunned, not fully understanding the meaning behind Han Zhengshan’s words, when several more strikes with the walking stick hit her. She wanted to fight back but had fallen at a disadvantage from the start; resisting now was futile. Her only option was to flee. As she ran, Han Zhengshan chased her, and the upstairs rooms were tumultuously lively.

The servants kept an ear out for the commotion upstairs, after all, Han Yi had said no one should die.

Han Zhengshan was simply too old, and after only a short while, he was gasping for breath from exhaustion, while Xia Fei’s situation was somewhat bleak.

She had just finished taking a shower, wearing a spaghetti strap nightgown, so many of Han Zhengshan’s blows landed directly onto her skin. At this moment, there were bruises of purple and blue all over her body, and a large bump had swollen on her head.

"Zhengshan, why are you hitting me?" Xia Fei was aggrieved, and how could she not be? There she was, lying down and resting when suddenly someone went mad and started hitting her.

Upon hearing this, Han Zhengshan immediately exploded into rage again. He threw away his cane, not needing it, grabbed Xia Fei by the throat, and slapped her across the face, "You wretch, I treated you so well, and you dared to cuckold me, tell me, how long have you been with that man?"

Xia Fei struggled violently, but Han Zhengshan’s grip tightened even more, "Zhengshan, I didn’t, you are the only man I have, really."

Her voice squeezed out from her throat. Han Zhengshan saw her like this, still refusing to admit it, "Fine, fine, you won’t confess, right? Then open your eyes wide and take a good look."

After saying that, Han Zhengshan let go of Xia Fei, went to the door, and shouted at the servants downstairs: "Come up here and take a good look at this wretch."

The two servants hesitated for a moment, exchanged glances and one of them went up, took out a mobile phone, which displayed the very news Han Zhengshan had just seen.

Listening to the ambiguous panting sounds coming from the phone, Xia Fei was all too familiar with them.

She trembled all over, crawled up from the ground, snatched the servant’s mobile phone, and when she saw the video clearly on the screen, her heart sank to the bottom of the valley, and she didn’t dare to look at Han Zhengshan at all.

Han Zhengshan coldly watched her. There was no trace of tenderness or affection in his eyes. At this moment, he wished he could devour Xia Fei.

"Do you have anything else you want to say?"

Xia Fei hung her head, "Zhengshan, that video is fake, the person in it isn’t me."

Han Zhengshan laughed, "Xia Fei, I may be old, but I’m not senile. You still want to lie to me now? The person in the video isn’t you? Do I need to strip off your clothes to check whether the tattoo at that place on your body is the same as the one on the person in the video?"

On Xia Fei’s private area was a rose tattoo, something Han Zhengshan was, of course, aware of. Just now, the woman in the video had the same tattoo in the same spot, and he hadn’t expected the woman he’d loved for so many years not only had already cuckolded him but was also so wanton beneath another man.

Xia Fei was at a loss for words, and while she was thinking of a way out, Han Zhengshan’s cane came down on her again, but this time she wasn’t as lucky as before. The cane struck right at her forehead, Xia Fei’s eyes rolled back, and she fainted, with blood quickly flowing out from her forehead, causing the servants to panic immediately.

The servants called Han Yi, and his eyes changed upon hearing about the injury. He said, "What’s the use of calling me? Call the ambulance."

After hanging up, a trace of schadenfreude flickered through Han Yi’s flirtatious eyes, surprised to see his father still had such a "bloodthirsty" side.

Han Zhengshan was actually panicked, too, but quickly calmed himself down. Upon hearing the servant call Han Yi, he remembered that it was most probably Han Yi who had leaked the matter, his face turning ashen. Without a glance at Xia Fei on the ground, he turned and went to settle accounts with Han Yi.

Han Yi was considering how to explain the situation to Yu Xiaoxuan when Han Zhengshan charged in, bellowing like a roar that could hold back a mountain stream, "Han Yi, you despicable thing."

Han Yi picked at his ear, "Despicable thing? You’re the one who made me."

Han Zhengshan’s hand trembled, "Tell me, did you release those things online?"

Han Yi nodded, "Yes, otherwise how would you know your beloved wife has been keeping a gigolo behind your back?"

Han Zhengshan’s face darkened, "Did you know about this earlier?"

"I didn’t, I only found out recently." If he hadn’t accidentally seen Xia Fei behaving intimately with another man, he wouldn’t have thought to investigate her, and naturally, he would not have received such a huge and unexpected surprise.

"Why didn’t you tell me earlier if you knew?" What mattered most was why he didn’t tell him privately, why did he have to make it public online, turning him into a laughingstock for the whole nation? Now, who doesn’t know that Han Zhengshan is a cuckolded fool.

Han Yi glanced at him sideways, "Would you have believed me if I told you?"

Han Zhengshan was at a loss for words, "So, you’re just enjoying watching me become a joke, huh? You’re such a good son."

"Dad, that’s not right of you to say. Didn’t I tell you as soon as I found out? I also heard you hit your beloved wife? Tsk tsk tsk. Dad, not to criticize you, but men who hit women are not good men, and besides, you’re not young anymore. What if you hadn’t hurt her, but instead hurt yourself..." Seeing Han Zhengshan’s face turn from pale to black, Han Yi stopped speaking to avoid really sending the old man into the hospital.

Hmm, thinking about it this way, he was actually quite filial and considerate.

Han Zhengshan’s chest heaved violently, but he gradually calmed down and looked at Han Yi, "How long has that bitch been with that man?"

"Well," Han Yi deliberately drew out his tone, then slowly began to speak under Han Zhengshan’s murderous gaze, "Not long, probably just about ten or eight years. That man was your beloved wife’s first love; they’ve been together since their college days."

Han Zhengshan’s body swayed as if he was about to fall. Ten or eight years, which meant she had been with that man even when she married him.

As if that wasn’t enough, Han Yi added another sentence, "Oh, right, the child your wife lost was also that man’s."

Han Zhengshan spat out a mouthful of old blood and collapsed.

Han Yi’s face changed, he leaped from his chair, hurriedly supporting Han Zhengshan, "Dad!"

Han Zhengshan didn’t respond, and Han Yi immediately dialed 120.

The news that Han Zhengshan was hospitalized for spitting blood from being cuckolded by his wife quickly spread. Xia Fei had just woken up when she learned of it and was terribly frightened. She called that man, but his phone was turned off.

Xia Fei, enraged, smashed her phone to bits. That damned man had disappeared at the first sign of trouble.

After waking up from his coma, the first thing Han Zhengshan did was to find a lawyer. He wanted a divorce, he wanted Xia Fei, that whore, to leave with nothing.

*************

Beijing has been quite lively recently, not just with the Han Family’s infidelity saga but most importantly the impending wedding of the Fu Family’s eldest grandson, Fu Hengyi, and the Shen Family’s daughter, Shen Qinglan. It’s said that for this wedding, the Fu Family specially ordered a large sedan chair, carved and inlaid with jade, exquisitely detailed. It’s said that the phoenix crown and wedding attire Miss Shen will wear took ten embroidery masters half a year to complete. It’s said that her phoenix crown is made of real gold and embedded with ninety-nine precious jewels of inestimable value. It’s said...

Wen Xiyao had a rare free weekend and had invited Shen Qinglan out for shopping. At the moment, the two were sitting in Shen Qinglan’s tea house, with Wen Xiyao holding her phone and refreshing the news.

"Qinglan, there are quite a few speculations about your wedding out there." Wen Xiyao couldn’t help laughing when she saw those speculations. If the wedding were to be held according to their guesses, this would be the wedding of the century.

Shen Qinglan also saw those speculations and couldn’t help but cry and laugh when she first saw them.

"Qinglan, don’t say," Wen Xiyao said with a smile, "your wedding certainly has a high degree of attention."

Shen Qinglan poured more tea into her already empty cup. "If Sister Xiyao wants a wedding like this, it’s really simple. I’ll just tell my brother."

Wen Xiyao waved her hand repeatedly, "Better not. I want my wedding as simple as possible; seeing you go through this isn’t tiring enough for you?" Wen Xiyao had personally witnessed Shen Qinglan’s wedding preparations. Even for many things that Shen Qinglan didn’t need to involve herself in, it was already exhausting enough. If she had to go through the same, Wen Xiyao felt she wouldn’t want to get married at all.

"But the wedding is now almost ready, and Fu Hengyi should be back in a week, right?" Wen Xiyao picked up her teacup and took a sip before saying so.

Shen Qinglan nodded slightly. There were still ten days until the wedding. Fu Hengyi had called her last night and said he would return three days early.

Wen Xiyao remembered Shen Qinglan’s wedding attire she had seen two days ago and said, "I’m really looking forward to seeing you dressed in the phoenix crown and bridal robes. Honestly, it’s my first time seeing our country’s traditional wedding attire, and I didn’t expect it to be so beautiful, much more exquisite than what I’ve seen on TV. Your Fu Hengyi really did right by you. Although those online comments might be exaggerated, it’s true that the gown took several embroidery women half a year to make."

Even if the wedding attire in TV dramas is well-crafted and meticulous, it is still a prop and couldn’t possibly be as perfect in every way as Fu Hengyi strives for.

Shen Qinglan’s eyes carried a gentle smile, and she nodded, "Mhm, my Fu Hengyi is very good."

Wen Xiyao laughed lightly, "No wonder people say love can change a person. You right now don’t look anything like the Shen Qinglan I knew at first."

Shen Qinglan smiled without a word. These were not the first words of this kind she had heard, but though Shen Qinglan was smiling, a hint of worry flashed deep in her eyes. Allen had been missing for quite some time, and this quietness filled Shen Qinglan’s heart with unease.

But right now, she didn’t have the slightest clue where Allen could be, even if she wanted to find him, she wouldn’t know where to start.

Suppressing her anxiety, Shen Qinglan continued chatting with Wen Xiyao.

************

"Xiao Xuan." Han Yi had been waiting until Yu Xiaoxuan finished shooting the advertisement before coming over, but as soon as he opened his mouth to call her, Yu Xiaoxuan quickened her pace.

Han Yi took two or three steps forward and grabbed Yu Xiaoxuan’s hand, "Xiao Xuan, listen to me. I was set up about that incident; nothing happened between that woman and me, really, I have evidence."

Yu Xiaoxuan was forced to stop but did not look at Han Yi. Instead, she said, "Han Yi, I don’t want to listen to you now. Can you please not come to find me for the time being? Let’s both calm down for a while."

"No," Han Yi said, "Xiao Xuan, I’ve already given you two days to calm down, and that’s my limit. Little sister-in-law said misunderstandings need to be clarified promptly, and I think she’s right. So, I’ve come today to explain to you," he thrust a recording pen into Yu Xiaoxuan’s hand, "This is my explanation to you."

"You can choose to listen or not to listen. The choice is yours, but Xiao Xuan, no matter what you choose, I won’t give up on you. I’ve said I would be with you for a lifetime, and even a minute less isn’t a lifetime."

Yu Xiaoxuan’s eyes trembled; she wanted to speak but ultimately closed her mouth, clenching the recording pen tightly in her hand.

Han Yi said his piece and left, leaving Yu Xiaoxuan with his retreating figure. Yu Xiaoxuan turned her head to look before walking into the dressing room. She shoved the recording pen into her bag, changed her clothes, and continued to work.

When she got home late at night, it was already the early hours of the morning. After taking a bath and lying in bed, Yu Xiaoxuan had no trace of sleepiness — her mind was filled with Han Yi’s figure. She got up from the bed, took out the recording pen, and hesitated for a long time before finally pressing the play button.