The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife
Chapter 382 - 384. The wedding is imminent, Du Nan comes to Beijing

Chapter 382: 384. The wedding is imminent, Du Nan comes to Beijing

Xu Nuo’s expression was wooden, her limbs limp and powerless as she collapsed on the ground. Now, aside from her head, she could move nothing; all her limbs had been broken by Allen, who forbade anyone to bring her food or treat her arms and legs. If this continued, her limbs would surely be ruined.

But none of this could touch her despairing heart.

Her clothes were tattered and torn, her body covered in wounds, all inflicted by Allen’s men.

Hearing Qin Yan’s words, Xu Nuo’s eyes moved slightly, but she didn’t speak.

Qin Yan was truly disappointed with her foster daughter, doubting more than once whether her mind was flooded when she chose such a person, who couldn’t even steal without being caught by Allen.

In fact, it wasn’t Xu Nuo’s fault — who would’ve suspected Allen to be so perverse as to place a strand of hair beneath the box? The dim light from the flashlight failed to reveal the tiny hair to Xu Nuo, and when Allen opened the safe, the absence of that hair strand immediately alerted him that someone had tampered with it.

The household maids and subordinates hadn’t noticed anything amiss, and the castle’s alarm system hadn’t sounded, nor had anyone been alerted — clearly, the intruder was extremely familiar with the castle’s layout and structure, which was why Allen had the housekeeper investigate the castle staff straight away.

The housekeeper stood by Allen’s side, head bowed, speaking in a low voice, "If Xu Nuo’s arms and legs aren’t treated soon, she’ll suffer permanent damage even if healed later. Should we find someone to look at her?"

Allen’s gaze was ice-cold, devoid of warmth, "Let her be. If I find out who dares to help her, I’ll ensure they share Xu Nuo’s fate. Remember, give her a little food; I don’t want her to starve to death." This person had dared to defy his orders time and again, even attempting to manipulate him, and he couldn’t let her off easily, even if he had raised her himself.

The housekeeper responded with a ’yes’ and withdrew.

After starving for two days, Xu Nuo finally got something to eat. Even though she didn’t want to eat, the housekeeper had her force-fed, "Housekeeper, tell him to kill me," Xu Nuo said.

From his high position, the housekeeper looked down at her, "You should have thought about the consequences when you did this."

There was a deadness in Xu Nuo’s eyes; she knew what the outcome would be, but the temptation from Qin Yan’s words was too strong. She couldn’t resist it, "How is Shen Qinglan?" That was the only thing she wanted to know at the moment.

The housekeeper looked at her with pity, silent, but Xu Nuo understood his meaning. She couldn’t help but laugh out loud, tears flooding her eyes. She’d paid such a painful price yet hadn’t caused Shen Qinglan any harm. Why, why was the world so kind to her? It was too unfair.

Silently, the housekeeper watched Xu Nuo, the dungeon housing only him, Xu Nuo, and Qin Yan.

Since the housekeeper’s betrayal, this was the first time Qin Yan had seen him. Her gaze was murderous toward the housekeeper, but she didn’t speak until he was about to leave. Then she stopped him.

The housekeeper looked at Qin Yan, his expression unmoved, "Madam."

The same title, by the same person, but it sounded like a huge irony to Qin Yan. She coldly watched the housekeeper, "You were left to me by Carl. I’ve treated you well over the years, so why do you side with Allen?"

The housekeeper was silent for a while before speaking, "I was left to the Young Master by Lady Colonna."

Hearing this, Qin Yan was first shocked, then laughed. Perhaps even Carl never expected his seemingly gentle wife to plant a spy by his side. The housekeeper glanced at Qin Yan one last time before walking away.

**

Time flew quickly, and soon it was the end of March. In just three days, it would be Shen Junyu and Wen Xiyao’s wedding. The closer the wedding approached, the more nervous Wen Xiyao became. Watching her anxious figure, Shen Qinglan couldn’t help but tease, "Sister Xiyao, it’s just a wedding, why so nervous?"

Wen Xiyao recalled her own words, chuckling bittersweetly, "Go ahead and tease me, but I am really very nervous. Qinglan, is there any way to ease this tension?"

Shen Qinglan gave her a helpless look, "I guess all women get nervous about getting married."

Wen Xiyao thought about it and smiled, "Actually, I never thought I would marry so young. I always assumed I’d marry after thirty."

"That’s because you met the right person," Shen Qinglan said.

As they chatted idly, Wen Xiyao’s nerves had relaxed quite a bit by the time she said goodbye to Shen Qinglan. Just as Wen Xiyao’s car reached her apartment complex, she spotted a familiar figure. Her face instantly turned cold, wanting to pretend she hadn’t seen him, but Du Nan had already positioned himself in front of her car. Unless she drove over him, there was really no way through.

Wen Xiyao lowered the car window, "Move aside."

Du Nan looked at her affectionately, "Xi Yao, I just wanted to see you."

"Have you seen enough? Can you go now?" Wen Xiyao said coldly.

"Xi Yao, could we please talk for a moment? It won’t take long, just ten minutes," Du Nan pleaded.

"I don’t think we have anything left to say to each other. Please leave."

"Xi Yao, we’ve grown up together after all. Must you be so heartless?" Du Nan’s expression was one of agony. "I know I’ve hurt you, and no amount of apologies could make amends, but Xi Yao, my feelings for you have always been true. Please believe me on this."

Now, Du Nan’s image was a far cry from the vibrant one of the past. Wen Xiyao knew about the Wen Family’s suppression of the Du Family but had never pleaded on their behalf. She wasn’t a saint capable of completely forgiving those who had hurt her.

"Du Nan, move aside. I need to go home." But Du Nan didn’t budge; he was determined to make things clear to Wen Xiyao today.

Seeing he wasn’t moving, Wen Xiyao said, "Du Nan, if you don’t move, do you believe I’ll run you over?"

Du Nan stood firm, and with a hardened look, Wen Xiyao pressed her foot hard on the accelerator. The car drew ever closer to Du Nan, appearing to be on a collision course, but stopped just inches away. Wen Xiyao, frantic with anger, got out of the car, "Du Nan, what on earth do you want?"

Looking tenderly at her, Du Nan said, "Xi Yao, I knew you couldn’t be completely indifferent about me."

Wen Xiyao glowered, she was no serial killer, after all. What could she possibly rush forward to do?

"Don’t talk nonsense."

Du Nan looked at her, pleading, "Xi Yao, do you really have to marry Shen Junyu? Can’t you not marry him?" He was a proud man, but in front of Wen Xiyao, he never felt that pride. In front of Wen Xiyao, he could even abandon his dignity, as long as she was willing to look at him.

At the thought of something, Wen Xiyao’s gaze softened a bit. Looking at Du Nan, she sighed, "Du Nan, I don’t like you, and you’ve always known that. Why do you deceive yourself? The day after tomorrow is my wedding. I’m very happy to be marrying Shen Junyu. Do you understand what that means?"

Du Nan obviously understood, but he wished he didn’t, "Xi Yao, you’ve always been so cruel to me, how can you bear it?"

Wen Xiyao never thought of herself as cruel. She was a more decisive person, especially when it came to emotions. Mrs. Du criticized her for not making it clear sooner that she didn’t like Du Nan, for stringing him along, but she didn’t know that many years ago, when Du Nan first confessed to her, she had firmly rejected him, leaving him with no hope whatsoever.

On reflection, it was also from that time that Wen Xiyao gradually distanced herself from Du Nan. Before that, their relationship had always been good, and Du Nan’s presence was like that of a male best friend to her.

Only their friendship had gone sour, or perhaps, Du Nan’s feelings for her had never been just friendship to begin with. She was just foolish, not understanding Du Nan’s intentions. By the time she did, he had already deeply fallen for her.

"Du Nan, stop wasting your time on me. I love Shen Junyu very much and am willing to marry him. My feelings for you have only ever been platonic. Why do you deceive yourself?"

Du Nan wore a hurt expression, "Xi Yao, can’t you really not marry him?"

Wen Xiyao firmly shook her head.

Du Nan bitter smiled, "Then can I hug you, just for one last time?"

"I’m sorry, but no." Wen Xiyao refused. Some things should not be done out of a moment’s weakness. If she didn’t cut off Du Nan’s hopes completely, who knew what crazy things he might do.

Du Nan’s eyes reddened as he looked steadily at Wen Xiyao, "Xi Yao, you truly are the cruelest woman I’ve ever met, but I love you deeply." He pulled out a small box from his pocket, "Actually, I came today to give you a wedding gift, to congratulate you on your upcoming marriage, but seeing you, I couldn’t help trying one last time to see if I could keep you. It seems I was wishful thinking."

Wen Xiyao gazed at the box in front of her, not taking it, "I appreciate the sentiment, but take it back. Thank you for your blessings."

"Xi Yao, there’s merely a brooch inside, which I was planning to give you for your birthday. But now... let me give it to you early. I suppose we won’t have the chance to meet again in the future."

Du Nan stubbornly extended his hand, and Wen Xiyao eventually took the box, "Thank you."

Du Nan gave a faint smile, filled with indulgence and deep affection, "Xi Yao, I’ll be going now."

After Du Nan left, Wen Xiyao opened the box. Inside was, as Du Nan had said, a simple brooch shaped like a maple leaf. Wen Xiyao picked it up and looked at it; on the back of the brooch, her name was engraved.

When Wen Xiyao got home, Mrs. Wen saw her and asked, "Didn’t you say you were at the community gate half an hour ago? Why did you only just get home?"

Wen Xiyao spoke up, "I ran into an acquaintance downstairs just now and we chatted for a moment."

Mrs. Wen didn’t pay much mind, she only said, "Hurry and wash your hands for dinner. The stylist and makeup artist will come over this afternoon for a makeup trial."

Wen Xiyao nodded, turned around, and entered the bathroom to wash her hands.

**

Beijing, bar.

Du Nan was drinking alone, and when Annie came in, she spotted him immediately. She walked over and patted his shoulder, "Hey, Du Nan, long time no see."

Du Nan turned around, saw that it was her, and cracked a smile. Annie was Wen Xiyao’s close friend; Du Nan had seen her often during their time studying abroad and was naturally familiar with her, "What brings you here?"

Instead of replying, Annie counter-questioned, "What about you? Why are you here?"

Du Nan gave a bitter laugh, "The woman I love is about to marry another man, what do you think I’m here for?"

Annie’s eyes widened in surprise, "You’re not thinking of gatecrashing the wedding, are you? Du Nan, if that’s really what you’re thinking, I advise you against it. Xiyao truly doesn’t like you."

"Annie, are you going to be this cruel now too?" Why did everyone have to keep reminding him over and over that Wen Xiyao didn’t like him?

Annie’s expression faltered, "I don’t want you to do something you’ll regret." She was certain that if Du Nan really dared to do such a thing, Wen Xiyao would absolutely detest him. She had heard that the Wen Family had for some reason suppressed the Du Family and while she didn’t know why, it wasn’t hard to guess it must have something to do with Du Nan.

Du Nan placed a glass of alcohol in front of Annie, "Enough talk, drink with me."

Annie didn’t say anything more, took the glass, and had a sip, "Actually, we’re both pitiful, you love without return, and so do I. I fell for someone, but that person doesn’t like me back. I chased after him for a long time, but he wouldn’t even spare me a glance."

Annie was also feeling miserable; Eden was like a hard nut to crack. No matter what approach she took, she couldn’t budge his heart. In the end, she even resorted to seduction but to her unprecedented defeat, Eden didn’t even have any physical reaction to her body.

Du Nan looked at her, "Is there really a man that even you, Annie, can’t win over?"

Annie snorted lightly, "Is that so strange? I’m not currency that everyone loves, and even if I were currency, there are still those who consider money to be as worthless as dirt." No sooner had she finished than she spat disdainfully; who talks about themselves as dirt? She must be out of her mind.

"What kind of man is so hard to win over?" Curiosity got the better of Du Nan, and he couldn’t help but ask.

Annie gave a wry smile, "Just an ordinary doctor, but with a tough heart. I’ve tried many methods to no avail, so I can understand how you feel. But, understanding aside, Du Nan, Xiyao is my best friend, and you are my friend too. Still, I have to say, Xiyao truly loves this man right now, and they’re about to get married. You don’t stand a chance, you should give up. There are countless women in this world, and even if there’s only one Wen Xiyao, there are still other women who can move your heart. Just because it hasn’t happened yet doesn’t mean it won’t happen in the future. There will be someone right for you."

"And what about you? If the person you like never reciprocates your feelings, would you give up?" Du Nan countered.

Annie fell silent at the pointed question, something she had never considered before.

"If the person you like falls for someone else and is going to marry them, what would you do?" Du Nan continued to ask.

Annie’s expression changed subtly; she couldn’t imagine the scene where Eden would fall for someone else and marry them. The mere thought caused her heartache, and through gritted teeth, she said, "If any woman dares to steal my man, I certainly wouldn’t let her off easily. I would have to make her realize that my man isn’t that easy to snatch away. If she dares to marry someone else, I would definitely go and snatch him back."

"Annie, we are the same kind of people," said Du Nan.

Hearing this, Annie grew awkward, "That, Du Nan, I was just spouting nonsense. You mustn’t take it seriously." If Du Nan really went to the wedding to snatch the bride, Annie truly wouldn’t know how to face Wen Xiyao. With this in mind, Annie continued, "Du Nan, my situation is different. The man I like is single, and he doesn’t have anyone he likes, but it’s not the same for you. Xiyao, she has a fiancé."

"I knew Xiyao first. I’ve been by her side for over twenty years. It’s Shen Junyu who has stolen love with a cut of his saber," Du Nan said with a stormy expression.

Annie regretted bringing up the topic, thinking that it was all fine before her few words stirred up trouble. Now Du Nan was set on snatching the bride.

"Du Nan, listen to me, this thing called love has never been about who comes first. And you’ve been with Xiyao for more than twenty years without touching her heart, isn’t that proof that you and Xiyao aren’t meant to be? If Xiyao felt even the slightest bit for you, it wouldn’t have come to this."

Du Nan looked at her in a daze. "Are you saying Xiyao really doesn’t like me at all?"

Annie nodded emphatically, "Yes, Xiyao really doesn’t like you at all, not even a hint of affection. She has always only had friendship for you." To deter his intentions, Annie repeated everything Wen Xiyao had said about him in the past. Du Nan had an indecipherable look in his eyes, emotions unreadable. Annie patted Du Nan on the shoulder, "You’re really not bad, you’re just not Xiyao’s type, that’s all. You will definitely meet someone you like in the future. Don’t lose heart."

Will I? Du Nan asked himself with a bitter laugh. Never again.

Du Nan didn’t say a word, just poured more wine into Annie’s glass. "Since you’re here, keep me company with a drink," he said.

Annie took a careful look at him, unable to discern whether he truly understood or simply didn’t want to speak.

The result of two dejected people drinking together was both getting drunk, but compared to Annie, Du Nan’s mind was still somewhat clear. Annie, clutching at Du Nan’s sleeve, muttered, "Eden, why don’t you like me? Am I not good to you? I’ve never liked a man this much, even stooping to chase after him. Do you know how much courage that took me?" Tears sparkled at the corners of her eyes, startling Du Nan.

He had known Annie for several years, his impression of her being fickle in love, changing boyfriends as frequently as her clothes. He used to dislike the idea of Wen Xiyao being friends with Annie, fearing she’d lead Xiyao astray. However, Xiyao wasn’t influenced by her, and Du Nan’s words fell on deaf ears, leading him to eventually give up commenting. Seeing Annie like this today unexpectedly roused a feeling of sympathy in him.

Annie pulled out her phone, intending to call Eden, but her vision swam, unable to make out the numbers. "Du Nan, help me call," she said, handing him the phone.

Du Nan was taken aback, "Annie, you’re drunk."

Annie shook her head, "No, I’m not drunk. Du Nan, please call him for me. Tell him I’m drunk and causing a scene at the bar, ask him to come pick me up."

Annie spoke with such coherence, she really didn’t seem drunk. Du Nan thought for a moment, took the phone, "What’s his name?"

"Eden." Annie shook her head, trying to clear it further. Du Nan squinted his eyes, straining to find the name, and dialed the number. At first, Eden didn’t pick up and hung up directly. Du Nan tried again, and Eden still didn’t answer. Seeing this, Annie grabbed the phone and tried calling herself.

"Eden, pick up the phone," Annie yelled. Du Nan was supporting her and said, "Maybe he’s still busy. You got hit today, let me take you home."

Annie shook her head, "No, I want to call him. Why doesn’t he answer my calls? The more he doesn’t want to pick up, the more I have to call."

Eden listened as the phone rang over and over, as if he hadn’t heard, until even Jin Enxi couldn’t stand it anymore, "Eden, at least answer it once; what if she really needs you for something?"

Eden really wanted to say that this woman would never have anything important to talk to him about, but as he was about to say it, he remembered the last time he saw her being harassed at the bar and still picked up. But as soon as he did, he heard a man’s voice, "Hello, I’m a friend of Annie’s. Annie is drunk and very agitated right now, can you please come to the bar and take her home?"

Eden frowned and spoke coldly, "Since you are her friend, you should just take her home yourself." With that, he hung up the phone abruptly.

Jin Enxi looked at Eden curiously, "Just like that?"

"What else?"

Jin Enxi smiled, "Eden, she’s literally throwing herself at you. You should at least show a little compassion and cherish the lady."

Eden scoffed, "Nice use of the idiom, you’ve made a lot of progress."

Jin Enxi nodded unabashedly, "Of course, I’ve put a lot of effort into my Chinese recently. If I hadn’t made some progress, wouldn’t that be too disappointing?" Her eyes shifted, realizing she had been sidetracked by Eden, and brought the conversation back. "Do you really not like Annie? I think she’s quite nice, though she has a bit of a spoiled temper. But you can understand that because of her upbringing, and she seems to treat you well. Despite your attitude, she hasn’t gotten angry, which shows her character is not bad. Don’t you want to consider it?"

Eden glanced at her indifferently, "So you’ve switched from detective work to matchmaking now?"

Jin Enxi pouted, "I’d like to be a detective, but Qin Yan has vanished without a trace, just like she evaporated. The same goes for Xu Nuo and Allen; I’m starting to think they’ve left Earth to return to Mars."

No matter how much energy and resources she had spent during this time, she couldn’t find a single lead, which made Jin Enxi feel quite defeated. This was the most challenging person and case she had investigated since her training.

"If you could discover Allen’s whereabouts, then he wouldn’t be our instructor," Eden said lightly. He was well aware of how capable they were, having all been personally trained by Allen. In his opinion, if Allen really wanted them dead, they wouldn’t have been living carefree for so many years. The reason why they had been left alone was probably because of Shen Qinglan.

"Allen is really annoying, no, the most annoying is actually Xu Nuo. God help that woman if she falls into my hands again. I will make sure she repents thoroughly to God."

Mentioning Xu Nuo, Jin Enxi gritted her teeth. If there was anyone in the world she hated the most, it was undoubtedly Xu Nuo, even more than Allen.

They remembered the initial fear they felt when they first learned that Allen might still be alive, but now, Allen didn’t seem so frightening in their eyes.

Meanwhile, Annie had heard Eden’s words and was so angry that she smashed her phone on the spot, "Du Nan, how can there be such a heartless man in this world? Even if a friend is drunk and needs help, one shouldn’t just stand by without doing anything." As Annie talked, she wiped away her tears; there was no denying that Eden’s reaction had truly hurt her.

"Hmph, Eden, don’t think that by treating me this way I will give up. I won’t give up on you, even if you like someone else, or even if you’re married. I will still take you away from them. You are destined to be mine, and even if you hate me, it’s better than you not caring at all," Annie said fiercely.

Du Nan’s eyes flashed as he supported Annie, "It’s getting late, let’s get you home first."

This time Annie didn’t make a fuss and obediently got into the car. The cold wind blew over her, and her mind cleared up a bit. After Du Nan dropped her home, he left. Back at the hotel he was staying at, he was still thinking about Wen Xiyao’s situation.

**

Shen Junyu’s wedding with Wen Xiyao was definitely a big deal for Junlan Group. Not only did every member of Junyu Group hand out red envelopes, but the company also gave senior executives of all levels a day off to attend the wedding.

This decision made Fang Tong very happy. She learned that Yu Xiaoxuan was pregnant when she was still abroad, busy with a new project, and she couldn’t rush back to celebrate. She could only convey her congratulations over the phone. Now, taking advantage of this opportunity to come back, she could get together with everyone.

Fang Tong returned two days before Shen Junyu’s wedding. As soon as she arrived, she called Shen Qinglan and Yu Xiaoxuan, and the three of them went to a coffee shop in the city center.

When Shen Qinglan saw Yu Xiaoxuan again, she suddenly noticed something different about her. Although it wasn’t apparent on the surface, as friends who had known each other for many years, they naturally noticed the subtle changes. It seemed that, just as she had predicted, the child brought more than just familial affection to Yu Xiaoxuan—it also brought her a sense of security in this world. Seeing the smile on her face, a hint of relief flashed in Shen Qinglan’s eyes.

"It looks like I’m the last one," Fang Tong said with a laugh.

Yu Xiaoxuan nodded, her eyes smiling, "Yes, so you and Li Bomming need to hurry up. I’ve already told Qinglan, if I have a daughter, I’ll have her be her daughter-in-law."

With widened eyes, Fang Tong protested, "When was this decided? No, that won’t do. Isn’t this bullying me for not having a child?" Fang Tong was not happy.

Yu Xiaoxuan boasted triumphantly, "Too late, it’s your fault for being married so long without any news."

Fang Tong snorted coldly, "Who has a daughter first is still unknown. Just you wait."

As the two were about to start bickering again, Shen Qinglan quickly intervened, "One of you is a big star and the other a corporate executive. If outsiders saw you acting like this, wouldn’t you be embarrassed?"

"There are only three of us here, so we’re not scared," Yu Xiaoxuan replied, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Fang Tong nodded in agreement, then her expression turned serious, "Xiao Xuan, are you no longer filming that TV drama?"

"No, I’ve already finished filming. Considering my physical condition, the director concentrated my scenes to be shot together. I just finished all my parts the day before yesterday," Yu Xiaoxuan explained.

Originally, Han Yi wasn’t in favor of her continuing to film, and even if she were to act, she should give birth first. As for the TV drama that was halfway done, he could offer more investment, allowing the director to find a new leading lady.

But Yu Xiaoxuan disagreed. She had already shot more than half of this TV drama. If she gave up now, not only would her previous efforts have been wasted, but it would also waste the time of so many people in the crew, especially since her male lead was a popular movie star. It was a learning opportunity for her to act alongside him, and it would be disrespectful to waste his hard work just because of something Han Yi said.

After much persuasion, Han Yi finally agreed to let Yu Xiaoxuan continue filming, but he followed her throughout the process, being attentive, pouring tea, doing the work of a nanny and assistant all by himself.

Thinking of Han Yi’s care for her and the child made Yu Xiaoxuan’s heart irresistibly sweet.

"When do you plan to have the wedding?" Shen Qinglan asked, since they had decided to have the child, they would definitely need to get married.

Yu Xiaoxuan shook her head, "I discussed it with Han Yi, and we decided not to hold a wedding ceremony. We’ll just get our marriage certificate, and that will be our marriage. We’ll go get it on May 20th." Seeing Shen Qinglan look over, Yu Xiaoxuan continued, "It’s not that Han Yi is unwilling to give me a wedding, but I myself don’t want to have one. My parents are no longer here, and his father doesn’t like me. A wedding without the presence of parents always seems somewhat bleak, so once we’ve gotten the certificate, we’ll just invite a few of you to have a meal together to celebrate."

Her tone changed, "However, I must make it clear, though we might skip the wedding, you can’t skimp on the red envelopes."

Fang Tong gave her a look, "You’re now the wife of the president of Han Group, and you’re still thinking about our little money. You really have fallen into a money pit."

Yu Xiaoxuan smiled, "How can you compare the two? Red envelopes are red envelopes. If you don’t give me one, I’ll just park myself at your place and refuse to leave."

Fang Tong shot back, "Come on, then. I’ll prepare a room for you. You can stay as long as you like, as long as your Han Yi has no objections."

Yu Xiaoxuan felt awkward; Han Yi definitely would have objections.

Shen Qinglan’s lips curled into a light smile as she watched the two banter. Casually turning her head, she quickly shifted her gaze to where she had just looked but saw nothing, frowning slightly.

Fang Tong followed her gaze and asked, "Qinglan, what are you looking at?"

Shen Qinglan withdrew her gaze and shook her head, "It’s nothing. I just thought I saw someone I knew, but it turned out to be a mistake." She thought she had seen Du Nan, but in the blink of an eye, the person had vanished. She hoped she was mistaken, for Du Nan appearing in Beijing at this time gave her an unsettling premonition.

"Speaking of which, I have some gossip to share," Yu Xiaoxuan suddenly lowered her voice.

Fang Tong and Shen Qinglan both looked at her in anticipation.

Yu Xiaoxuan glanced at Fang Tong before speaking, "Did you know that Ding Minghui left Junlan Group? It happened just a few days ago. Rumor has it that he got involved with the daughter of another company’s director. Somehow, Ding Minghui has seduced her so that, even knowing he has a wife at home, she’s still willing to be with him. When her family found out, she threatened to die or to marry Ding Minghui."

Fang Tong’s smile gradually faded, "How did you find out about this?" She was unaware of this news, although she worked in Junlan today, and Shen Qinglan, effectively one of Junlan’s owners, didn’t know either. It was Yu Xiaoxuan, someone unrelated to Junlan Group, who knew this internal gossip.

"Didn’t I tell you that an assistant from my film crew is a neighbor of the Ding family? Whatever happens in their house can hardly escape her. It’s all told to me by her. Apparently, that girl even made a scene at Ding Minghui’s house, demanding Liu Hui step aside. Furious, Liu Hui started a fight with Ding Minghui on the spot. Ding Minghui’s parents tried to intervene and ended up being knocked to the ground by Liu Hui. The elderly lady had to be hospitalized right away. Luckily, it was just a sprained waist, but Ding Minghui’s family seized on this and insisted on a divorce from Liu Hui, demanding she leave without a single possession."

Hearing this, Fang Tong’s eyes grew colder, and she had not expected the Ding family to be so shameless.

"Fang Tong, look, I’m becoming more and more grateful that Ding Minghui betrayed you back then. Otherwise, it would be you suffering in this mess. Isn’t this somehow the one good thing that Liu Hui did?" Yu Xiaoxuan expressed her relief. When Ding Minghui was lured away by Liu Hui, causing such heartbreak for Fang Tong, Yu Xiaoxuan wanted nothing more than to tear Liu Hui apart. Now, it seems to prove the old saying—’a blessing in disguise.’

Fang Tong’s expression was neutral, her eyes void of any sense of fortune, only recalling what her father had once told her. She’d paid it no mind back then, but now, it made a lot of sense.

It was after her parents had met Ding Minghui and still disapproved of him, during the conflict with her family, that her father had said those words seriously. He said, "Tongtong, the ancients have always matched marriages evenly, and there’s a reason for valuing similar family backgrounds. The difference between your and Ding Minghui’s upbringing could not be more stark. Growing up in such an environment, he’s very pragmatic. He’s always thinking about how to use everything he has to climb higher. You may have love now, but love won’t be the be-all and end-all for a man. Once you face various pressures from society, while you think love is everything, he’ll be thinking about life, about how to break away from his previous circumstances. Such a person will seize any opportunity to climb upwards relentlessly. What will you do then?"

At first, Fang Tong was immersed in her own fantasy and didn’t believe these words. But looking back now, her father was the wisest.