The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife
Chapter 404 - 406. Everything in the world has a cause and effect.

Chapter 404: 406. Everything in the world has a cause and effect.

Shen Qinglan patted her shoulder, comforting her, "It’s okay, being like this is normal during pregnancy. It’s actually my condition, just gaining weight in the belly, that’s unusual."

Yu Xiaoxuan: ...

"Qinglan, you don’t need to comfort me anymore. Every time you try, it only makes me feel worse."

Shen Qinglan grimaced, okay, she admitted she wasn’t very good at comforting people.

The three of them had a pleasant lunch. Knowing that Anan couldn’t be away from her mother for long, Yu Xiaoxuan and Fang Tong didn’t keep Shen Qinglan any longer. "Qinglan, did you drive here by yourself?" Fang Tong asked.

Shen Qinglan nodded, "Yes, so you can take Xiao Xuan back. I have my car."

"Alright, be careful on your way back and drive slowly."

"Yes, if you have time tomorrow, come over to see Anan. Since he was born, you haven’t seen him in person yet," Shen Qinglan extended the invitation.

Fang Tong smiled and nodded, "Even if you didn’t ask, I would have come."

Shen Qinglan said goodbye to the two of them and left.

As her car approached the gate, she saw a woman talking to the security guard at the entrance. The guard looked serious, apparently not agreeing to the woman’s request. The woman was holding on to the guard’s sleeve, refusing to let go.

Shen Qinglan glanced briefly, then redirected her focus, about to drive in, when the woman inadvertently glanced at her and suddenly rushed in front of her car. Shen Qinglan saw her face, raised her eyebrows slightly; she had almost forgotten this person.

"Miss Shen, I’m begging you, please leave my son alone," the woman was Mrs. Du, whom she hadn’t seen in a while.

Shen Qinglan got out of the car, "What do you want to do?"

Mrs. Du met Shen Qinglan’s cold gaze and momentarily lost her words, faltering, "I just want you to leave my son alone."

"How can you say that? I haven’t done anything to your son," Shen Qinglan was puzzled, a trace of coldness flashing in her eyes.

"Miss Shen, my son has been in the psychiatric hospital for several months. I’ve visited many times but haven’t been able to see him. Please, let me see him. He is ill now, and I want to take him home to recuperate. He will never appear before you all again. Isn’t that acceptable?"

Hearing this, the coldness in Shen Qinglan’s eyes deepened. Even now, insisting that Du Nan had mental problems showed that she still hadn’t realized her faults.

"The decision to send Du Nan to psychiatric treatment was made by the court. Even if you beg me, it’s useless. Once he is cured, he will naturally be released. Instead of begging here, you’d better find a competent psychiatrist," Shen Qinglan replied indifferently.

"Miss Shen, I know you can definitely do something. Yes, my son got sick and I failed to take good care of him, nearly causing harm to your brother and sister-in-law. But after all, no harm was done. My son has also been in the hospital for several months. If he stays longer, he really will go insane."

"Are you saying he isn’t actually insane now and is just pretending?" Shen Qinglan retorted.

Mrs. Du’s breath hitched, naturally not daring to say that Du Nan was pretending, "Of course not, what I mean is that hospital doctors simply can’t provide the same thorough care as family. He has no family or friends in the hospital, and I’m worried that instead of helping him, it might worsen his condition."

"You are overthinking it. The doctor is professional and surely knows what’s best for the patient. I understand your feelings as a mother, but you shouldn’t disregard your son’s health because you miss him."

Mrs. Du’s heart bled as she listened. No matter how she pleaded, Shen Qinglan simply refused to release Du Nan. "Miss Shen, can I at least go see my son then?"

Shen Qinglan was surprised. "You should communicate this issue with the hospital. I don’t own that hospital, so there’s nothing I can do to help."

"Miss Shen, you are the daughter of the Shen Family and the granddaughter-in-law of the Fu Family. If you are willing to help, there must be a way. I beg you to let me see my son. You can ask for anything in return."

Shen Qinglan’s smile was tinged with sarcasm. "I think you misunderstand something. The Shen and Fu families are just ordinary families. If uninformed people heard you, they might think we abuse our power."

Did they not? Mrs. Du thought resentfully. She had originally arranged for another hospital and had already paid a hefty sum to secure Du Nan’s release with a mere nod. However, Du Nan ended up transferred to the current hospital, where she couldn’t even see him once. She firmly believed the Shen Family’s hand was in this.

But knowing this to be the Shen Family’s handiwork left her without any means to counter it. Under another’s roof, one does not have the luxury to disobey, especially since her family was not as influential as the Shen Family.

"I’m sorry, I misspoke. Please don’t take offense, Miss Shen. It’s just that I’m really anxious about Du Nan. Please don’t hold it against me. Miss Shen, I really want to see my son. Could you please help?"

"I’m sorry, but I can’t," Shen Qinglan refused and turned to get into her car.

"Shen Qinglan, you’re being so ruthless. Aren’t you afraid this will come back to haunt your son?" Mrs. Du exclaimed angrily.

Shen Qinglan’s steps halted, and she turned and stared at Mrs. Du with an icy gaze that instantly enveloped her. Mrs. Du stepped back in fear, "What do you want to do?"

Watching Mrs. Du’s scared and guarded expression, Shen Qinglan couldn’t help but want to laugh. These people were really interesting. Even when they were the ones in the wrong, they tended to blame others, as if that alleviated their guilt or made others take responsibility, or they play the victim to garner sympathy from the oblivious.

Previous Shen Xitong was like this, Annie was, and now Mrs. Du was too.

Shen Qinglan glanced at a security officer nearby who was watching the situation. She stepped closer to Mrs. Du and lowered her voice, "Since you know there are people you shouldn’t mess with, be smart. Maybe then your son might get out sooner. If you do something foolish, he might have to stay in the hospital forever. By the way, I heard that psychiatrists sometimes use unconventional methods on uncooperative patients. I wonder if Du Nan is the uncooperative type." Her lips curled into a smirk, but her eyes were frosted over.

Mrs. Du’s eyes widened in shock. "It really was you, you venomous woman. You will not die a good death!" she raised her hand but Shen Qinglan grabbed it.

A security officer nearby called out, "Miss Shen, are you alright?"

Shen Qinglan shook her head with a gentle voice, "I’m fine."

Her grip tightened slightly, causing Mrs. Du’s face to turn pale, her fear intensifying, "Let go of me!"

Shen Qinglan didn’t let go but instead tightened her hold, "My son is my bottom line. If you dare harm my son, even a single hair, I’ll make sure your son joins him in death. You can try and see if I have the power to make your son disappear from this world without anyone noticing. You better go home and pray that my son lives a safe, happy, and healthy life."

She intentionally kept her voice low, so only Mrs. Du could hear those chilling words, feeling agonizing pain in her wrist as she stared back at Shen Qinglan with both fear and fury.

Shen Qinglan smiled faintly, released Mrs. Du, and even straightened her clothes for her before turning away.

Mrs. Du watched Shen Qinglan’s car drive into the compound but no longer had the courage to run up to it. She collapsed to the ground and after a long while reached up to touch the back of her neck, feeling a dampness there.

She got up from the ground and hurriedly left the place.

Shen Qinglan had just returned home when she heard Anan’s crying from beyond the front door. His cries were loud, and her face immediately changed. She entered the house without even bothering to lock the car.

In the living room, Fu Hengyi was holding Anan, gently rocking him. Old Sir Fu stood by, calling him his precious treasure with a face full of pity, while Aunt Zhao held a baby bottle, looking helpless.

"What happened?" Shen Qinglan asked anxiously.

Seeing her return, all three sighed in relief. Fu Hengyi quickly handed his son over to her as if passing on a hot potato.

Anan continued crying in his mother’s arms until Shen Qinglan gently patted him. "Sweetheart, don’t cry, mommy is here. If you keep crying, mommy’s heart will break."

She bent down and kissed Anan on the forehead, and miraculously he quieted down. He stopped wailing but silently shed tears, probably from crying for so long. His cheeks, nose, and eyes were all red, which made him look even more pitiful—so much so that it really tugged at Shen Qinglan’s heart.

"What’s wrong with Anan?"

Aunt Zhao explained, "He woke up hungry. We tried to feed him, but he refused to drink, and when you didn’t show up, he started crying."

"How long has he been crying?" Shen Qinglan’s tone was slightly cold.

"About half an hour. Nothing we tried would calm him."

"Why didn’t you call me? Were you just going to watch him cry? Fu Hengyi, you said you’d take good care of him." Shen Qinglan suddenly erupted, shouting at Fu Hengyi.

This was the first time Shen Qinglan had ever spoken to Fu Hengyi in such a tone since their marriage. As soon as the words left her mouth, she herself was stunned.

"I’ll go feed him." Shen Qinglan dropped the remark and went into the room, carrying Anan.

The three people in the living room looked at each other, and it took a while to comprehend that Shen Qinglan had actually lost her temper—an unprecedented event.

Old Sir Fu patted Fu Hengyi’s shoulder, "Qinglan was just anxious. Any mother would be upset seeing her son cry like that. You, as her husband, should be more understanding and magnanimous. Don’t be mad at her. Go and comfort her later."

Fu Hengyi nodded. "I understand, grandfather. Don’t worry, I’m not taking it to heart."

In the room, Shen Qinglan was feeding Anan, whose tear-filled eyes persistently clung to her while he sucked eagerly, clearly very hungry. His little hands clung tightly to the front of Shen Qinglan’s shirt as he gazed unwaveringly at her.

Seeing her son’s red eyes and his dependant demeanor at that moment, Shen Qinglan felt extremely regretful. "It’s mommy’s fault. I shouldn’t have left. Our Anan went hungry because of me. I was wrong. From now on, wherever I go, I’ll bring Anan with me, okay?"

She bent down and kissed Anan’s forehead again.

Unlike normally when he would play by himself after eating, today Anan was unusually clingy. Shen Qinglan intended to put him on the bed and change his diaper, but he was reluctant to let go. Every time Shen Qinglan made even the slightest motion to put him down, he would pout and begin to cry. Shen Qinglan had no choice but to keep holding him.

Only when Anan finally fell into a deep sleep did she place him in his crib and sit beside him, quietly watching her son’s sleeping face, her gaze distant and unfocused.

Fu Hengyi gently knocked on the door from outside, "Qinglan, I’m coming in."

The door opened, and Fu Hengyi’s figure appeared in Shen Qinglan’s sight. He glanced at their son who was already asleep, then looked at the downcast Shen Qinglan with a gentle tone, "Qinglan, let’s talk."

Shen Qinglan nodded and followed Fu Hengyi to the balcony.

Fu Hengyi looked down at her, "Did something happen when you went out today?"

"Fu Hengyi, I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have lost my temper at you," Shen Qinglan said in a low voice, her gaze on the ground.

Fu Hengyi smiled, "Can you tell me why you were upset?"

Shen Qinglan had never been a temperamental person; her emotions had always been restrained. This was the first time she had lashed out like this, which made Fu Hengyi sense something was off.

Shen Qinglan explained the encounter with Mrs. Du, "Fu Hengyi, I didn’t even know what came over me. Hearing Anan’s crying, I involuntarily recalled her words, and then those words just blurted out without thinking."

Her tone was full of remorse and self-blame, her head still lowered, not daring to look at Fu Hengyi, making her seem more like an ordinary girl.

"Qinglan, look at me," Fu Hengyi said warmly.

Shen Qinglan raised her head, meeting Fu Hengyi’s gaze, "Qinglan, don’t say you’re sorry or apologize to me. If you’re feeling upset, it’s okay to take it out on me, even if it means getting physical. As long as you’re willing to share with me and let me help carry the burden. We are a couple; we’re supposed to be united."

"Fu Hengyi, you could scold me—it was my fault for making a fuss. You didn’t call me because you wanted me to have a good time with my friends and get a change of mood, but I took it out on you instead."

Shen Qinglan admitted honestly. She wasn’t someone to shy away from acknowledging her mistakes, especially between her and Fu Hengyi. They were married, and petty issues should not affect their relationship.

The most important thing between spouses is communication and understanding. Perhaps to others, it may seem trivial. After all, even teeth and tongue bump into each other. What couple doesn’t fight? But emotions are exactly worn down by such insignificant, trivial matters in life.

Shen Qinglan firmly believed in her love for Fu Hengyi, but she also didn’t want these petty issues to affect his mood. Explaining and apologizing was a way of showing respect to their relationship.

Fu Hengyi chuckled softly, "I didn’t take it to heart. Who doesn’t have a bad mood now and then?"

Shen Qinglan gazed deeply into Fu Hengyi’s eyes, seeing her own reflection, and said quietly, "Fu Hengyi, you’re going to spoil me, really." Compared to before, she found herself becoming more carefree.

Fu Hengyi hugged her, "If I’ve spoiled you, then let it be. I’ve already spoiled you, and I can only continue. I would never beat or scold you; what else can I do?"

Shen Qinglan wrapped her arms around Fu Hengyi’s waist, burying her head in his chest and deeply inhaling the comforting scent of his body, "Mm, keep spoiling me. If one day you stop, I’ll hit you."

"Haha, okay," Fu Hengyi was successfully amused by Shen Qinglan, rubbing his chin against the top of her head, "Hmm, you really are my treasure."

**

Mrs. Du returned to her temporary home in Beijing, appearing somewhat distraught and oblivious even when Du Honghai came home.

"What are you spacing out about, have you cooked dinner yet?" Du Honghai called, bringing Mrs. Du back from her distant thoughts.

Mrs. Du snapped back to reality, "Ah? Cooking? I forgot, I’ll go downstairs and buy something to eat." She got up to leave.

Du Honghai waved his hand, "Never mind, we still have leftovers from lunch at home, just heat it up and have a bite."

"Okay." Mrs. Du nodded her head and turned to enter the kitchen, but soon after, the sound of dishes breaking came from the kitchen. Du Honghai hurried in and saw his wife squatting on the ground, cleaning up the mess.

"That’s fine, I’ll do it." Du Honghai pulled his wife up and grabbed a broom to clean.

"What’s wrong with you today, you seem distracted?" Du Honghai placed a bowl of noodles in front of his wife and asked. It was the first time he had ever cooked; noodles were the only thing he could make.

Mrs. Du ate the noodles, which were just simple instant noodles boiled in hot water, to which Du Honghai had added two eggs.

Hearing her husband’s question, a flicker of panic crossed Mrs. Du’s eyes, but she was looking down and Du Honghai did not see it. She forced a smile and spoke, "I was just thinking about our son. It’s been several months since I last saw him, I don’t even know how he is doing, whether he’s eating well or sleeping well." As she spoke, tears fell from her eyes.

Remembering their son who was still in the psychiatric hospital, Du Honghai also lost his appetite. He put down his chopsticks, sighed, and reflected on how, after what Du Nan had done, the Wen Family would certainly not let it go easily. Their family company couldn’t hold up for even a month, and with Du Nan’s situation, Du Honghai had lost the heart to take care of the company and had declared bankruptcy.

They had sold everything valuable they owned and rented this small house in Beijing just to get Du Nan out.

Although Du Nan’s actions deeply disappointed Du Honghai, after all, he was his only son, and Du Honghai couldn’t just watch him suffer in the psychiatric hospital and do nothing.

He couldn’t help but blame his wife’s unilateral decision; if she hadn’t been so cunning at first, trying to get Du Nan into prison, he might have been released after a few years, which would have been better than staying in a psychiatric hospital, being treated as a patient by the doctors, and taking those medications every day. Even a normal person would be driven mad after a long time.

"Enough, don’t think about it anymore, thinking too much is useless. I’ll go out tomorrow and try to find a solution," Du Honghai consoled his wife.

How could Mrs. Du not think about it? Du Nan was always on her mind.

"Finding a solution, finding a solution, you’ve been thinking for months and still haven’t found any solution. We don’t know anyone in Beijing and we’ve almost spent all our money, what can we possibly do!" Mrs. Du covered her face, her expression pained. She truly regretted it, knowing now the outcome she would never have suggested such a disastrous plan that ruined their son.

Du Honghai said gravely, "I met an old business friend today, he said he’s willing to introduce me to the head of that hospital, I’ll go have a meal with him tomorrow and plead for a chance just to see Du Nan."

Mrs. Du’s eyes brightened, looking at her husband with hope, "Husband, are you serious? Can we really see our son?"

"I don’t know yet, we’ll find out tomorrow, but I think it shouldn’t be a big problem, it’s just a visit. You eat first." Du Honghai comforted his wife, feeling exhausted himself. Visiting the hospital was proving even more difficult than a prison visit.

He had thought about bribing the hospital’s doctors and nurses and had even gone once, but Du Nan was locked and closely watched in his room, making it impossible to see him. When he thought to visit again, the doctor who had helped him before had already resigned, leaving Du Honghai with no choice but to find another way.

Mrs. Du, comforted, felt a bit better and took a bite of the noodles her husband had made, finding it hard to swallow. She had never lived like this before, and these past few months felt like a continuous nightmare.

The next day, after Du Honghai had left, Mrs. Du anxiously awaited news at home until Du Honghai returned.

"Husband, when can I go see our son?" As soon as Du Honghai entered, Mrs. Du asked.

Du Honghai looked at his wife, his eyes filled with depth.

"You must speak, when can we go see our son? Can we go now? I’m all ready." Mrs. Du had put on her best clothes early this morning just to look more presentable.

Du Honghai spoke somberly, "What did you do yesterday?"

"What?" Mrs. Du was startled.

"The director refused my request, telling me that someone had specifically called yesterday, instructing no visits to Du Nan before his recovery. I’m asking you, what did you do?"

A guilty look flashed across Mrs. Du’s eyes, "I did nothing, I just stayed at home all day yesterday, I didn’t even step outside."

Du Honghai snorted coldly, "I specifically asked the compound’s security guard. You were out for most of the day yesterday and didn’t return until the afternoon. Now you’re telling me you didn’t go out? Are you saying the security guard is lying?"

"The security guard must have been mistaken, I really didn’t go out," Mrs. Du argued, not daring to admit she had gone to see Shen Qinglan. Yet, she cursed Shen Qinglan inwardly for her merciless actions. Just because she’d spoken a few words, Shen dared to do this; if that wasn’t abuse of power, what was?

Having lived together for decades, her husband could read her like a book with just a glance or a gesture, "The director already mentioned, if we had seen him before, then fine, but now his superior has personally called. They said that Du Nan is too aggressive, and to protect us, as well as for Du Nan’s sake, no visits are allowed now."

"What aggression? That’s outright nonsense. My son isn’t sick and has no aggression at all; they are slandering him!" Mrs. Du became infuriated. Having looked forward to visiting since last night, and now all hopes dashed, she couldn’t contain her anger, "It must be Shen Qinglan’s doing; she’s abusing her power. Does she really think she’s untouchable in Beijing? Fine, let’s all go down together. I’ll expose her online. I want to see, once everyone knows her true face, if they will still regard her as a goddess."

Mrs. Du was furious, and after speaking, she met Du Honghai’s eyes only to realize she’d blurted out too much in her anger.

"Husband, I..."

"Did you go to find Shen Qinglan yesterday?" Du Honghai asked coldly.

"No, I didn’t," Mrs. Du shook her head, "I just happened to run into her on the street and thought to beg her."

"Still lying? Do you really want to kill Du Nan?" Du Honghai roared.

Mrs. Du shrank back, facing her husband’s icy eyes, and couldn’t continue her deceit, "I just wanted to beg her to let me see my son," her voice was low.

"Tell me everything, clearly and without omission, what exactly you said to them, unless you really want to kill your son."

Mrs. Du dared not lie, honestly explained everything, "Husband, I was just angry at the moment, it wasn’t intentional. How could I have known her heart was so cruel?"

Du Honghai’s face was stern, looking at his wife; his whole demeanor had lost its vigor, seeming to have aged more than a decade instantly.

"I won’t deal with Du Nan’s matter anymore, we’ll pack up and return to Hai City in the next couple of days," Du Honghai stood up and said coldly.

Mrs. Du panicked, "Husband, you can’t just ignore this, he’s our only son. If you leave him, he’ll really go mad in there."

"I am dealing with it, how do you want me to handle it? I finally found a way, and you ruined it with just a few words."

"Husband, I know I was wrong. I’ll go and apologize to Shen Qinglan tomorrow, I’ll make sure she forgives me, please think of another way," Mrs. Du pleaded with her husband. She had been just a housewife before, spending her days playing mahjong, shopping, or going to beauty treatments. She could not think of any solution, and she didn’t know as many people as Du Honghai did.

"Husband, you can’t be so heartless!"

Du Honghai turned around and looked coldly at his wife, "Ever since he made his first mistake, I have been cleaning up his mess. I’ve been running around every day for these past few months trying to get him out. But what have you done? Today, I’ll tell you this, I’m done with Du Nan’s affairs. If anyone is to blame, blame yourself for being a brainless mother. Tomorrow, either you come back with me, or you stay here alone."

Du Honghai had truly given up, having tried every possible way, and just when there seemed a glimmer of hope, this was the result.

"I won’t go back. I will definitely find a way to save my son. I don’t believe the Shen family can cover the sky with one hand," Mrs. Du said hatefully.

Du Honghai’s steps paused, he didn’t remind his wife that if she didn’t want Du Nan to die even faster, she shouldn’t provoke the Shen family, because he knew that even if he did say it, she wouldn’t listen.

He walked into the room with a trail of heavy steps.

**

Office of the General Manager at Xinhe International.

Wen Xiyao looked up from her documents, stretched lazily, and rubbed her sore arms.

"President Wen, here’s the coffee you wanted," the secretary came in and put a cup of coffee on the table.

Wen Xiyao smiled and thanked her, "Do I have any more appointments this afternoon?"

"At one o’clock, you have a video conference with President Zhao of Huiteng to discuss cooperation for the next quarter, at three there’s a high-level meeting, and at five there’s a dinner," the secretary informed her of Wen Xiyao’s schedule, holding only a cup of coffee in her hand as everything was already memorized.

Wen Xiyao nodded, "Okay, I got it. For the dinner at five, ask the vice president to go for me. I have something to do at home tonight." She planned to visit Old Sir Shen and Chu Yunrong tonight.

"Alright, President Wen, is there anything else you need?"

Wen Xiyao shook her head, "No, that’s all. You can go."

"Okay, President Wen."

The secretary had just left when Shen Junyu’s call came in, "Xi Yao."

Wen Xiyao’s lips curved up slightly, "Have you eaten?"

"Not yet, I was just about to ask if you’re free for lunch. I’m near your company, it’ll take me about half an hour to get there."

Wen Xiyao glanced at the time on her computer screen. There was plenty of time for lunch, "Okay, I’ll come down in a bit. Let’s meet at the restaurant across the street from my office, I’m craving their steamed bass."

Shen Junyu naturally had no objections.

After hanging up, Wen Xiyao quickly processed a few documents, and seeing that it was about time, she got up and left.

Just as she stepped out of the office building, a figure rushed out, giving Wen Xiyao a start. She instinctively took a few steps back and, upon seeing the person clearly, her expression changed slightly.

"Xi Yao, I finally found you," Mrs. Du said excitedly.

Xi Yao frowned, "Is there something you need from me?" She now had a strong aversion to the Du Family, and anyone would feel uncomfortable after what had happened at their wedding, even though the wedding went smoothly and there was no bloodshed.

"Xi Yao, it has been a long time since I last saw you, I would like to invite you to dinner," Mrs. Du said.

"Sorry, I’ve already made plans to have dinner with my husband, I’m afraid I don’t have time," Xi Yao promptly declined, worrying that dining with Mrs. Du might upset her stomach.

Mrs. Du’s expression stiffened, realizing that the "husband" Xi Yao referred to was Shen Junyu from the Shen Family. Feeling uncomfortable, she did not forget the purpose of her visit today and forced a smile, "You live with him every day, you can have meals anytime, but it’s rare for us to see each other. Please, just accompany me for a meal, it won’t take too long."

"If you have something to say, just say it. Let’s skip the meal," Xi Yao said flatly.

Mrs. Du hesitated a moment, "Xi Yao, I truly do need a favor today. Du Nan has been in the hospital for several months now, and I haven’t seen him once, which really worries me. Could you please help me see him, even if just from a distance?"

Xi Yao’s gaze flickered, almost forgetting Du Nan entirely, "You should discuss this with the hospital. Telling me doesn’t help."

Mrs. Du presumed that Xi Yao was simply unwilling to help, expecting as much before she came, but she had watched Xi Yao grow up and knew her temperament well, understanding that she was more approachable than Shen Qinglan.

"Xi Yao, I know how much what Du Nan did to you is unforgivable, and as his mother, I am ashamed to face you. I would not come to you unless I really had no other options. I don’t even expect to take him home for care, I just want to see him once to ensure he is alright. The hospital refuses our visit, citing his aggressive nature could be harmful," Mrs. Du implored pitifully.

A glint of cold light flashed in Xi Yao’s eyes. Whether Du Nan was truly insane or faking it was well known to everyone—they understood that he wanted to avoid legal accountability by claiming mental illness, which only disheartened Xi Yao more.

"Sorry, I really can’t help," Xi Yao declined, attempting to leave.

Behind her, Mrs. Du suddenly knelt down with a smack, crying out, "Xi Yao, after all, Du Nan grew up with you. When you were kids, he took such good care of you, indulging you in everything, treating you so well that even I, as his mother, was envious. I always thought you two would get married."

Xi Yao turned around, her expression changing slightly. It was rush hour, and many people were passing by. Mrs. Du’s act quickly drew the attention of many onlookers, who began whispering and speculating with curious and judging looks aimed at Xi Yao and Mrs. Du.

"Aunt, what are you doing? Please get up," Xi Yao tried to help her up.

But Mrs. Du wouldn’t budge, having made up her mind to insist on Xi Yao’s help, "Xi Yao, I beg you, please let me see my son. I know our family can’t compare to the Shen Family, and my son is not as good as Shen Junyu, but he only loved you. Is that also a mistake? Now, my son has gone mad because his love shifted, and he’s so pitiful alone in the hospital. For old times’ sake, won’t you let me see him?"

Mrs. Du wept bitterly, the very image of a mother desolate and helpless due to her son’s madness, a scenario straight out of a primetime melodrama. In the eyes of the outsiders, Xi Yao was framed as the fickle, heartless protagonist, who discarded a poor boy for a wealthy suitor. Suddenly, the crowd’s perception of Xi Yao shifted, and among the onlookers were several employees from Xinhe International.

"I can’t believe President Wen is such a person. She already had a boyfriend, yet she abandoned a long-standing relationship just because his family background wasn’t as good, and turned to someone else."

"It’s understandable, after all, one was a poor boy she grew up with, and the other a top-notch eligible bachelor. If it were you, who would you choose?"

"Isn’t President Wen the daughter of the Hai City Wen Family? How could she be such a person?"

"Ah, it’s unexpected. President Wen seemed so gentle and kind ordinarily, but apparently, she is such a person privately. I used to think of her as my goddess, but with such a woman, I wouldn’t take her even if she was given to me. Who knows how many others she might be seeing."

Whispers and harsh words reached Xi Yao’s ears, one after another.