Chapter 130: When I Was Young, I Got Water in My Brain

She spoke in a commanding tone and then added, "Qin Yunan, I'm not asking you, I'm informing you—ordering you!"

"I don't get along with your girlfriend. Our energies don't match. You have two choices: one, break up with her. Two, sever ties with us as a family!"

Shen Cheng reached out and touched her forehead, "Are you feverish? No, you're fine, your temperature is normal. Why are you talking nonsense all of a sudden?"

【But this is the best way to help Qin Yunan. After all, geniuses in medicine aren't easy to come by.】

【Should I do a good deed today? To help the people and save this unlucky guy?】

"Brother?" Qin Yunan looked at Huo Xingjian, completely confused.

"What’s the use of calling brother?" Huo Yushu shot him a glare, "Just do as I say. Of course, if you choose option one, I promise our entire family, including Grandpa, will be on the same page."

"Of course, Aunt and Uncle will also stand with us."

Brother, I’m saving you!

You can doubt anyone’s words, but you must listen to your sister-in-law. She is the savior of our entire family!

If you don’t listen to her, just wait to be drained dry by Xu Yunxin and end up crushed like minced meat!

"Sister-in-law, what do you think?" Huo Yushu hooked her arm, "Don't you also find Xu Yunxin familiar? She's just like Li Qingxue, same tricks, same tactics."

"Another scheming white lotus."

Shen Cheng smiled and pressed her lips together, "I don’t find her familiar. It’s our first time meeting. We just exchanged a greeting, so it’s hard to say."

Huo Yushu: "…!"

Hah!

Sister-in-law, you’re unethical! You’re being dishonest!

You’re the chosen one, how could you not know her? Our understanding of her is all thanks to you. Unethical, unethical!

However, she could only complain in her heart, too scared to speak it aloud.

Huo Xingjian patted Qin Yunan's shoulder, his voice serious. "Yushu is also concerned about you, but women are often more perceptive than we are."

"And there's one more thing: when you’re in the thick of it, you can’t see clearly, but outsiders can. Yunan, it’s also good to listen to others' opinions."

"If you're unsure, take your time. Get to know her better. Don't rush in and lose yourself."

"Sometimes, if you pull back some of the feelings and look at them with more rationality, you'll see things more clearly."

Qin Yunan nodded repeatedly, "Yes, brother, you're right. I understand what I need to do now."

"Sister-in-law, there’s a dessert shop over there, let’s go check it out!" Huo Yushu pulled Shen Cheng forward.

She needed to give her brother and second brother some time and space to talk.

"Brother, my sister-in-law..." After seeing Shen Cheng being pulled away by Huo Yushu, Qin Yunan quickly asked, "Is something wrong with my brain? Did I hallucinate? Why… can I hear my sister-in-law’s voice when she didn’t actually say anything?"

"Brother, you and Yushu also...?" He swallowed nervously, carefully asking, "Can you hear it too?"

Huo Xingjian nodded, "Yes, I can hear it. Mom and Grandpa can hear it too."

"Then..."

"Yunan, you might find it hard to believe, but you must listen to your sister-in-law's words. You must believe her," Huo Xingjian interrupted him, his expression serious.

Qin Yunan nodded repeatedly, "Brother, I know, I’ll definitely listen to you..."

"It’s not about listening to me, it’s about listening to your sister-in-law!" Huo Xingjian interrupted him again, speaking with deliberate emphasis.

Qin Yunan looked at him with a confused expression, as though seeing a stranger.

"Brother, you weren’t like this with sister-in-law before! You never..."

"Before is before, now is now. Does a person not have the right to make a mistake once in their life? To get kicked by a donkey once?" Huo Xingjian interrupted him again, glaring at him fiercely.

"Once you clear the water out of your brain, you’ll naturally know what you truly want."

"Qin Yunan, I’m telling you! From now on, treat your sister-in-law with more respect, more courtesy. Otherwise, just wait to be turned into minced meat! No one will come to save you!"

Qin Yunan was still in a daze, but he nodded without hesitation, "Okay, fine."

"When are you planning to return to Tongcheng?" Huo Xingjian asked in a deep voice.

"Brother, I'm still working on research here."

"What research can't be done? Is there no place in Tongcheng? Doesn't Wen's Hospital, owned by the Wen family, give you enough room to work? Why do you have to stay here?"

"Well..."

"I’ll give you another month. After that, you’ll return to Tongcheng, to your own hospital." Huo Xingjian’s voice was cold. "I don’t care if you return alone or with your whole team. It’s just one timeline."

"Brother..."

"That's final! You’ve been here alone, and if anything had happened to you, we wouldn't have known. If it weren’t for running into your sister-in-law today, if you had died, we wouldn’t have known!"

"Grandpa is getting old, it’s time for him to enjoy his life," Huo Xingjian softened his tone but was still firm.

Hearing this, Qin Yunan took a deep breath and nodded, "I understand. I’ll take care of it as soon as possible."

"Good," Huo Xingjian nodded. "And about hearing your sister-in-law’s thoughts, don’t tell anyone. Don’t let her find out, or I’ll kill you first!"

Qin Yunan nodded repeatedly, "I know, I know! I’ll keep it a secret!"

...

Xu Yunxin took a taxi back to her apartment.

Throughout the ride, she kept trying to remember "Huo Xingjian," but couldn’t quite recall who he was.

It wasn’t until she was waiting for the elevator that she overheard a girl on the phone, excitedly saying, "I just got the acceptance letter from Tongcheng Wen’s Group. They want me to report to their company tomorrow!"

That’s when Xu Yunxin suddenly remembered who Huo Xingjian was.

Right, he’s the current highest executive of Tongcheng Wen's Group.

Damn!

Qin Yunan is also part of the Huo family?

Wait, wait!

This is confusing. The top executive of Wen's Group isn’t named Wen, but Huo. And Qin Yunan’s surname is Qin, yet he calls Huo Xingjian "brother."

Xu Yunxin felt her thoughts spinning, her mind tangled like a knot, unable to find the end of the string.

She rushed out of the elevator, went home, sat on the sofa, and quickly searched for information on her phone.

Then, a delighted smile slowly curled on her lips.

So that’s it!

She hadn’t expected this! She had unknowingly caught a big fish! And it was a very, very big fish.

Huo Xingjian, Qin Yunan, hehe!

Now, she definitely wouldn’t let go! In fact, she’d have to change her plan. 

 Chapter 129: Your Girlfriend, I Don’t Like Her! Break Up!

The bag that Qin Yunan was holding fell to the ground with a "thud," and the expression on his face was one of sheer shock.

Wait, had his mind gone crazy? Was he... hallucinating?

Who’s voice was that? It wasn’t his brother’s, nor was it Yushu’s.

But it sounded familiar.

"Are you alright?" Huo Xingjian bent down to pick up the bag and handed it back to him, patting his hand reassuringly. "Don’t be nervous, that’s your sister-in-law."

He then turned to Shen Cheng and said, "Shen Cheng, this is my cousin Qin Yunan, from my mom’s side. Aunt and Uncle aren’t in Tongcheng right now, but when they return, we’ll get together again."

"Hello, sister-in-law," Qin Yunan quickly greeted Shen Cheng in a friendly manner.

"Hello," Shen Cheng responded with a polite nod and smile.

When Qin Yunan heard Shen Cheng’s voice, his body involuntarily trembled slightly.

Oh! Oh! So that was his sister-in-law’s voice earlier!

But wait, she hadn’t even spoken yet. How could he hear her voice?

Could it be that he had spent too much time in the lab, with little contact with the outside world, and his mind had gone off track?

【Qin Yunan is one unlucky guy, and to top it off, he's a green turtle! He...】

"Yunan, why are you standing here?" Shen Cheng was just about to gossip about him when a woman walked over.

She appeared to be around 25 or 26 years old, wearing a pale blue knee-length skirt, her voice soft and gentle.

She was quite beautiful, with an oval face, clear big eyes, and a small nose beneath her cherry red lips.

The only flaw was her height, around 1.6 meters at best.

She walked up to Qin Yunan and affectionately linked her arm with his, smiling sweetly, "Did you meet a friend?"

Next to the 1.85-meter-tall Qin Yunan, she looked quite petite.

"Brother, this is my girlfriend, Xu Yunxin," Qin Yunan said with a bright smile, his eyes full of warmth and love as he looked at Xu Yunxin.

"Yunxin, this is my brother Huo Xingjian, sister-in-law Shen Cheng, and my sister Yushu." He introduced them one by one.

"Hello, brother, sister-in-law, Yushu," Xu Yunxin said with a proper smile, greeting them warmly.

【Girlfriend, my foot! She’s more like a femme fatale! Qin Yunan, do you know that Xu Yunxin is only interested in your research results and is intentionally getting close to you?】

【Once your research results are out, she’ll have no hesitation in kicking you to the curb! Oh, no! She'll probably drug you first!】

【Then all your research results will be hers. You'll end up ruining it all because you took her drugs and made a mistake during surgery, resulting in a patient’s death.】

【Qin Yunan is a rare medical genius, but this greedy woman, Xu Yunxin, will destroy him.】

【Not only will he be fired from the hospital, but the patient’s family will also sue him. Xu Yunxin will stand up to testify that his mental state was off during the surgery because he was on drugs.】

【And of course, the test results will show traces of drugs in his system, just as Xu Yunxin said. No matter how Qin Yunan explains, it won’t matter.】

【In the end, having lost everything—fame, fortune, and career—he’ll jump off the top of the hospital and die on the spot!】

Ah!

Qin Yunan nearly screamed, his eyes wide with horror.

He instinctively jerked his arm, pulling it away from Xu Yunxin’s, making her nearly fall over from the sudden motion.

"Yunan?" Xu Yunxin looked at him with a pitiful expression, her eyes filled with tears, making her appear fragile and heartbroken.

Qin Yunan suddenly snapped out of it and hurried to explain, "I'm sorry, but I have something very important to discuss with my brother. I can't go shopping with you today. How about you head back first, and we can plan for next time?"

His tone was not one of negotiation, but of a firm statement.

Xu Yunxin stared at him in disbelief, unable to process what she was hearing.

What did he mean by this?

They had been together for over a year, and he had never left her alone like this before. Whether it was in front of friends, colleagues, or even his boss, he had always protected her.

Although they hadn’t met his family, Xu Yunxin prided herself on knowing him well.

No matter the time or place, he would never abandon her.

But now... this?

"But..." Xu Yunxin tried to protest.

"Miss Xu," Huo Yushu interrupted, "Although you are my second brother's girlfriend, our family has some rules. Until you marry into the family, you're not considered one of us."

"You can't be involved in family matters. So, please go back for now. If you want to participate in our family meetings, you’ll need to marry my second brother first."

"I’m not..." Xu Yunxin tried to defend herself.

"Do you need me to call you a cab?" Huo Yushu smiled politely.

"No, no need," Xu Yunxin shook her head, keeping a composed smile on her face. "I’ll call a cab myself. I won’t disturb you guys. Yunan, please take care of your brother, sister-in-law, and sister."

"If you need me, just give me a call anytime."

"Okay." Qin Yunan nodded without even looking at her.

At that moment, his mind was racing with thoughts of Shen Cheng’s words.

He was scared! If what she said was true, then he...

No, no, no! It must have been a hallucination. He needed to have a good talk with his brother.

Seeing that Qin Yunan had no intention of escorting her, Xu Yunxin was furious.

However, she couldn’t show it on her face, especially since she still hadn’t gotten what she wanted.

And then, she realized that Huo Xingjian’s name sounded vaguely familiar. She felt like she had heard it somewhere before but couldn’t recall where.

It was Qin Yunan’s fault for never telling her about his family or their background.

No, she had to do some research on Huo Xingjian and Qin Yunan’s family when she got home.

Finally, Xu Yunxin begrudgingly left, filled with frustration, as she got into the taxi.

Even as the taxi drove away, Qin Yunan didn’t look at her once.

"I didn’t know we had such a family rule," Shen Cheng remarked to Huo Yushu, looking confused.

【Not allowed to participate in family meetings unless married? Then how do you explain every time you bring Xie Shaoheng to family meetings?】

【And what about Huo Xingjian, the dog man? He’s always bringing Li Qingxue along, in and out of the family.】

【Other than Grandpa not liking her, who in your family has ever objected?】

【Oh right! And then there’s this unlucky guy, who keeps bringing Xu Yunxin to the Wen family. Soon enough, Xu Yunxin became good friends with Li Qingxue and Huo Yuyan.】

【You three siblings are clearly living under the same roof—green all the way! You truly are the heirs of this family’s green tradition!】

The three siblings: “...!!”

Except for the new kid in the grapevine, Qin Yunan, who was completely clueless, Huo Xingjian and Huo Yushu were used to these kinds of comments, but they still felt a little guilty.

"Well," Huo Yushu grinned, "Qin Yunan, I don’t like your girlfriend. You should break up with he

 Chapter 128: Brother, Winning a Woman’s Heart Takes More Than Words—You Need Action

With that, Huo Xingjian smiled at Shen Cheng, his tone light. "This is a call from the police station. Huo Yuyan wants me to bail her out."

Shen Cheng smiled back, her expression like a gentle spring breeze. "Well, then go. She’s your precious little sister, after all!"

[The call even reached that bastard. Looks like she’s been abandoned by that whole bunch of scoundrels. How pathetic! She’s completely ruined now. Huo Yuyan is finished for good!]

[Didn’t expect Yu Fengcai, her own mother, to abandon her too.]

[What?! Li Qinxue is in Qingzhou? Oh my god! Is she chasing after Huo Xingjian? I wonder how that bastard would react if he found out Li Qinxue was here.]

Huo Xingjian: “…”

What reaction? Should I even have one? Haven’t I already given you all my reactions?

You little brat, heartless little brat!

"Mrs. Huo, let me correct you on two things." He looked at her seriously, saying, "First, my precious is a woman named Shen Cheng. Second, my sister’s name is Huo Yushu."

Shen Cheng’s eyes widened in surprise. She stared at him without blinking.

Then she scoffed, letting out a derisive laugh. "This is really the coldest joke I’ve ever heard. I didn’t even realize when I became your ‘precious.’"

"Of course, I admit that I’m your woman. That’s a fact and can’t be changed. But I could always let it become the past..."

"I’ve had Zhang Hui order a new batch of gold to be delivered, along with the safe. It should be here tomorrow," he interrupted her, his smile faint.

Shen Cheng: "…!!"

"Huo, Mr. Huo, you’re right!" She said with little dignity left, reluctantly admitting it.

After all, she couldn’t resist the allure of the shiny gold. She wasn’t going to turn down money.

"We should head back to Tongcheng now," she said seriously.

"No rush. We won’t make it today anyway. We’ll come back tomorrow, and it’s fine. Since we’re already here, let’s enjoy ourselves," he said, looking at her with fondness.

"Well... if Li Qinxue is here too, you…"

"Shen Cheng!" He interrupted her sharply, his gaze as piercing as an eagle’s. "How many times do I have to tell you? I have nothing to do with her! What do I need to do for you to believe it?"

"Why do you keep pushing your husband towards other women? Do you have that little faith in yourself?"

[Ugh! Do I even need to push? You’ve been the one desperately clinging to her, you damn bastard! You’ve been the one throwing yourself at her!]

[To be this shameless, it’s rare to see! You lost both money and dignity! I have so much confidence in myself that I don’t want to get mixed up in your mess again!]

[Beep! Host, there’s a juicy new gossip. Want to hear it?]

[Yes! Of course! I’ll eat any gossip, whether it’s fresh or old, real-time or stockpiled. I’ll eat it all!]

[What?! Li Qinxue is already with Huo Yunshan?!]

[Oh! Haha…]

Shen Cheng couldn’t help but laugh, though her lips twitched.

"Sis-in-law, look what I found!" Huo Yushu beamed as she walked toward them, holding a delicate gift box.

She handed the box to Shen Cheng, opening it to reveal a necklace inside. "Look! The Heart of the Ocean!"

The necklace lay in front of Shen Cheng, shimmering with an almost magical allure.

The pendant was teardrop-shaped, water blue, and it resembled the legendary "Heart of the Ocean" that had once been sold for an astronomical price... well, kind of. The resemblance was superficial at best.

It was obvious at a glance that it was one of those knock-offs, priced at only 29.90.

"Huo Yushu, this isn't even a knockoff," Huo Xingjian said with exasperation, rolling his eyes at her.

His gaze was also filled with reproach.

Because Huo Yushu had arrived at the most inconvenient time, interrupting the serious conversation he was having with Shen Cheng. This was the exact moment things were about to get interesting!

Huo Yushu nodded repeatedly. "I know! I mean, it's only 29.90, how could it be the real thing? But I couldn't get the real one, so I bought this mass-produced version just to have a little fun."

"Brother, why don’t you consider buying the real one and giving it to Sis-in-law? She’s so beautiful, she’d look amazing wearing it!"

"Let’s make this a deal—after all, you have more money than you know what to do with. Just keep spending it on Sis-in-law. Winning a woman’s heart takes more than just words, it takes real effort!"

"Sis-in-law, you agree, right?" She said affectionately, linking her arm with Shen Cheng’s and grinning.

Shen Cheng didn’t respond. "29.90? You paid too much! At this quality, 9.90 with free shipping would have been a fair price!"

"No... that can’t be right!" Huo Yushu exclaimed, looking shocked. "The original price was 69.90, but I haggled it down to half!"

"You don’t know how Qingzhou is the epicenter of mass-produced items like these. Anything you can think of, the factories in Qingzhou can make. If a hot new item hits the market, within a week, the factories in Qingzhou will be churning out copies."

"I’m going to ask the boss to refund the extra twenty I paid!" Huo Yushu said angrily.

But Shen Cheng stopped her. "Forget it, forget it! It’s fine, as long as it makes you happy. You didn’t even spend your own money anyway."

"Right!" Huo Yushu’s eyes lit up as she flashed a smile at Huo Xingjian and extended her hand. "Brother, you can reimburse me!"

"I’m only reimbursing you because of your sis-in-law," Huo Xingjian said, giving her a sidelong glance.

"And I’m giving you the chance to get reimbursed because of sis-in-law," Huo Yushu replied sweetly.

"Come on, sis-in-law, let’s get back to it."

[Little sister, do you know your scummy father and Li Qinxue have become involved?]

Huo Yushu’s steps faltered slightly as she turned to glance at Huo Xingjian.

The two siblings exchanged a knowing look.

Wow! This was some big news!

Li Qinxue had actually gotten involved with that scummy old man, Huo Yunshan? Does that mean she won’t be bothering her brother anymore?

If that’s the case, could her brother finally clear his name from the mess Li Qinxue had caused and live happily with his wife?

Brother, you’ve got this! Go make up with Sis-in-law and win her back! Don’t miss this golden opportunity!

[Li Qinxue came to Qingzhou with a mission. She’s here to completely deal with Huo Yuyan, who has brought shame to the Huo family.]

[What? She even convinced Huo Yunshan to write a promissory note for one hundred million, intending to use it to silence Huo Yushu?]

Perfect! Perfect!

Huo Yushu’s eyes sparkled. She had been waiting for an opportunity to extort her scummy father, and now the chance had literally dropped into her lap.

This was the perfect moment to strike!

Yes, she was going to strip her scummy father down to nothing but his underwear!

"Brother, Yushu, what are you doing here?" A confused voice interrupted.

Shen Cheng looked up at the sound and saw a man walking toward them.

[Ah, so this is Qin Yunan, the unlucky guy?] 

 Chapter 127: Huo Yunshan's Growing Feelings for Li Qinxue

"One hundred million?!" Huo Yunshan stared at her in shock, his face twitching. "What do you mean? Are you asking me to give you one hundred million?"

"No, no, no!" Li Qinxue shook her head repeatedly, denying it. "Uncle, how could I ask you to pay that amount? I'm just asking for a little favor."

"What do you mean? Explain yourself," Huo Yunshan asked in a deep voice.

Li Qinxue took a deep breath and spoke seriously, "Uncle, I would like to ask you to write an IOU—one for one hundred million."

"You must be joking!" Huo Yunshan interrupted her, looking at her with disbelief and a trace of sarcasm. "An IOU for one hundred million? Li Qinxue, are you crazy, or am I? Do you really think I would write that?"

Huo Yunshan was a man who valued money above all else, and he had always been stingy when it came to spending it.

Over the years, the money he had spent on Wen Yintong, aside from the few times he had been swindled by Huo Yushu, was pitifully small.

Of course, most of the money came from extorting Wen Yintong.

Although he maintained an improper and corrupt relationship with Yu Fengcai, he was equally frugal with her, spending almost nothing on her.

Yu Fengcai was well aware of this, so she had been scheming ways to get money from Wen Yintong all these years.

Thus, the Wen family had become easy prey, not knowing just how much money they had been tricked out of.

"Uncle, please let me finish," Li Qinxue said patiently, trying to explain with a calm demeanor. "This IOU is just a way to stall Yushu."

"You know my situation—where would I get that much money? Besides, I was injured for Xingjian's sake."

"But the truth is, you know better than anyone how I was hurt and left unconscious."

"Having to pay for my medical expenses myself just doesn’t make sense, does it?"

"But Yushu doesn’t know what Shen Cheng has said to me, and now she’s filled with hostility towards me. She insists that I repay the money, and I simply have no other choice."

"She said that if I don’t repay, I’ll end up in prison. Uncle Huo, I don’t want to, and I shouldn't have to go to prison."

"So, I’m begging you to help me. If I show Yushu this IOU, surely she won’t press me for the money anymore, right?"

"She’s your daughter; she wouldn’t dare ask you for this money. Uncle Huo, don’t you think so? Please help me, okay?"

She looked at him with pleading, innocent eyes, the hint of tears shimmering in her gaze.

Her fragile, pitiful appearance struck a chord deep within him, stirring his emotions and desires.

Huo Yunshan felt his heart skip a beat, as though it had been taken or broken by something unseen.

A wave of impulsive desire surged within him, making him want to pull this alluring woman into his arms and comfort her.

He was keenly aware of his own agitation.

Suppressing the impulse, he said, "Huo Yushu might not believe it. After all, where would you get a hundred million to lend me?"

Hearing this, Li Qinxue smiled charmingly.

Her smile immediately reignited the desire that Huo Yunshan had just managed to suppress, and it burned even stronger than before.

His eyes were locked on her, filled with fascination and unspoken desire.

There was no denying that Li Qinxue had the power to captivate anyone.

She was young, beautiful, and had recently recovered from a serious illness. Her slightly thinner frame only enhanced the urge to protect her.

Huo Yunshan’s relationship with Yu Fengcai was something that couldn’t be seen in the light, but it was precisely this secrecy that made it all the more thrilling for him.

As the saying goes, "A wife is not as good as a concubine, and a concubine is not as good as a secret affair."

Although Yu Fengcai was four years older than him and not as beautiful or graceful as Wen Yintong, she was incredibly active and passionate in bed.

At times, Huo Yunshan even felt overwhelmed.

But after some time, the novelty wore off, especially since Yu Fengcai's physical condition had been deteriorating lately.

While she still took care of herself relatively well, she was nearing sixty, and her skin couldn't compare to the smoothness and youth of a woman in her twenties or thirties.

At that moment, Huo Yunshan couldn’t stop thinking about Li Qinxue’s skin.

Her skin was fair and delicate, her lips a deep red, and her eyes irresistibly captivating.

Since they were sitting quite close, he could even see his own reflection in her eyes.

Huo Yunshan’s throat moved, and he swallowed hard.

He had been incredibly restrained over the years, never giving in to temptation outside.

Though there had been many times when he was invited to social events, where young women were introduced to him, and he had the urge, he could never act on it.

The reason was simple: every time he had an event, Yu Fengcai would make sure to drain him dry the night before.

These past few days, with so much going on and the old lady in the hospital, he hadn’t had any intimacy with Yu Fengcai, and naturally, the pent-up desire began to rise.

Men, especially the scoundrels, were particularly good at finding excuses.

In this case, Huo Yunshan justified his feelings by telling himself that he had stored up too much "grain," and his "treasure chest" was full. He needed to "release the floodgates," which was why he had these inappropriate thoughts.

Li Qinxue, of course, felt the change in Huo Yunshan’s demeanor. She clearly saw the desire in his eyes, and a cold smile appeared in her heart.

Hmph! Men!

They truly were creatures of instinct! But why wasn’t Huo Xingjian like this?

If Huo Xingjian looked at her the same way, how much easier would things be for her? She could avoid a lot of trouble!

But since both Huo Xingjian and Huo Xinglang had abandoned her, she couldn’t be blamed for seeking other paths.

"Uncle Huo? What’s… the matter? Why are you looking at me like that?" Li Qinxue asked, pretending to be confused and slightly uneasy. "Is there something wrong with my face?"

Huo Yunshan snapped out of his thoughts and gave a forced, awkward smile. "No, no! I was just lost in thought. Your suggestion…"

"Uncle Huo, I just want to use this IOU to make Yushu stop relentlessly pursuing me. Uncle Huo, please, I beg you, can you help me?"

She clasped her hands together, looking pitiful and helpless as she pleaded, "I really have no other way. If you help me, I’ll do anything you ask."

The words "I’ll do anything you ask" immediately triggered something in Huo Yunshan.

His eyes gleamed with a certain light, and he smiled in a way that was both joyful and indulgent. "Help, help! I’ll definitely help! I’ll write it for you right now."

---

Qingzhou City

When Huo Xingjian's phone rang, he was out shopping with Shen Cheng.

His hands were full of bags—everything Shen Cheng had bought from the night market stalls.

Of course, it was all on Huo Xingjian’s tab.

"Hello," Huo Xingjian answered the phone in a cold voice.

[You bastard, you better get your attitude straight. If it's Li Qinxue…]

"Huo Yuyan? I don’t know her. You have the wrong number!" Huo Xingjian said coldly, hanging up the phone without another word.

 Chapter 126: Throwing the Dirty Water Back at Shen Cheng

Upon hearing Li Qinxue’s name, Huo Yunshan paused for a moment, confused about why she was seeking him out.

He knew about Li Qinxue’s relationship with Huo Xinglang, and he also knew it was Huo Xinglang who had urged her to get close to Huo Xingjian.

But clearly, Li Qinxue had failed. She hadn’t succeeded in getting close to Huo Xingjian as they had hoped, nor had she managed to make him fall for her.

In fact, her relationship with Huo Xingjian and his family had turned sour during this time.

He had heard that Huo Xingjian had been chasing after the medical expenses incurred by her over the past two years.

“Let her in,” Huo Yunshan said in a deep voice.

Soon, the assistant led Li Qinxue into the office.

After pouring her a cup of tea, the assistant left the room.

The spacious office was now empty except for Li Qinxue and Huo Yunshan.

“You need something?” Huo Yunshan asked straightforwardly.

At this point, he had no time to waste on pleasantries; he had too many things to address and resolve.

“Uncle Huo, I saw the news about Yuyan. How did this happen?” Li Qinxue said, looking at him with concern. “I know Yuyan, and she would never do something like this.”

“Has she been deceived by someone? And why did this incident occur in Qingzhou City? What was Yuyan doing there?”

“Uncle Huo, is there anything I can help with? If you need anything, just let me know.”

“You don’t need to treat me like an outsider when it comes to Xinglang and me,” she added, emphasizing her words.

She looked at Huo Yunshan with a serious expression.

Huo Yunshan’s brows furrowed slightly.

His attitude toward Li Qinxue was naturally the same as Yu Fengcai’s.

A woman without any background, power, or support—how could she be worthy of his son?

She might be suitable for casual relationships, but if it came to marriage, it had to be someone from the right family.

Moreover, Xinglang had been pursuing the young lady from the He family recently.

If he could win He Xiaotong’s heart, then both father and son would be in a stronger position.

With the help of the He family, taking control from Huo Xingjian would be much easier.

“I appreciate your kindness,” Huo Yunshan said with a smile, “but for now, we don’t need help. Xinglang and I can handle it.”

“Also, I must remind you of something,” he added, looking at Li Qinxue with a stern expression. “You and Xinglang don’t have any relationship. The only one you’re connected to is Xingjian—you were in the car accident because of him.”

“You see, Xingjian hasn’t let you down. Over the past two years, he’s found the best medical team to treat you. That’s why you recovered so quickly.”

“If Xingjian hears this, he might misunderstand. The brothers have always had a good relationship, so you shouldn’t cause any rifts between them!”

“Yes, yes, yes!” Li Qinxue smiled and nodded repeatedly. “Uncle Huo is right! I misspoke! I’m just an ordinary friend to Xinglang and Xingjian.”

“That’s right!” Huo Yunshan agreed. “From now on, be careful with your words. Sometimes, a single wrong word can lead to misunderstandings.”

“I understand, Uncle Huo. I’ll be careful,” Li Qinxue replied.

Her beautiful eyes sparkled as she gazed at him, a hint of obvious allure in her expression.

Li Qinxue's eyes were very beautiful, the kind of alluring, fox-like eyes that could easily captivate a person's heart and soul.

Just like in this moment, Huo Yunshan didn't know why, but he found himself locking eyes with her. He felt an inexplicable stir in his mind, and his heart began to race.

He even had some images flash through his mind that made his face flush and his heart skip a beat.

Quickly shaking off those thoughts, he looked at Li Qinxue and spoke in a deep voice, “I have things to do, I’m busy. If there’s nothing urgent, you—”

“Uncle Huo, I came to see you today for two reasons. One is about Yuyan, and the second is about you and Xinglang,” Li Qinxue interrupted him, her face serious.

“I don’t have time right now—”

“I have a way to help you through this crisis and handle Yuyan’s scandal,” Li Qinxue said firmly.

Upon hearing that, Huo Yunshan’s eyes flickered, and he straightened his posture. “Go on, tell me.”

“Uncle Huo, I want to ask you something. Which is more important to you: Yuyan, your daughter, or Xinglang, your son?” Li Qinxue asked.

“What did you say?!” Huo Yunshan suddenly stood up from his chair, glaring at her with wide eyes, his expression filled with panic and guilt. “Li Qinxue, what nonsense are you talking? Yuyan and Xinglang are my niece and nephew!”

“Uncle Huo, let’s not beat around the bush. I’ve made my point clear, so why pretend to be confused?” Li Qinxue smiled sweetly at him.

“You... you...” Huo Yunshan stammered.

“Uncle Huo, don’t worry! I’m definitely on your side. I won’t spill this secret,” she said, her alluring eyes glistening as she stared at him.

Huo Yunshan took a deep breath, trying hard to suppress his anger. “Speak, what do you want?”

Li Qinxue smiled enchantingly. “Uncle Huo, I told you, I’m here to help.”

“Really?” Huo Yunshan sneered. “Then tell me, how do you plan to help me?”

“If I were you, of course, I’d prioritize my son over my daughter. Yuyan has caused such a big mess, a scandal no less. If you’re not going to abandon her now, then when will you?” Li Qinxue said, her tone steady.

“Moreover, your company has surely been affected by this, right? If I were you, I’d release a public statement now to distance yourself from her.”

“Lastly, have you ever wondered why she went to Qingzhou? Why did the incident happen there? From what I know, Yushu and Shen Cheng are currently in Qingzhou.”

After finishing her sentence, Li Qinxue wore a faint smile and looked at him calmly.

“You mean, she was tricked into going to Qingzhou by Shen Cheng and Yushu and was framed by them?” Huo Yunshan asked uncertainly.

“Heh!” Li Qinxue chuckled lightly. “Uncle Huo, is there a possibility that Yuyan was actually trying to frame Yushu and Shen Cheng, but ended up getting caught in her own trap?”

Huo Yunshan gasped because this possibility seemed quite likely to him!

“At this moment, neither you nor Aunt Feng, or even Xinglang, can go to Qingzhou. How about I go in your place?” she said softly. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure this matter is resolved beautifully.”

“How beautifully?” Huo Yunshan asked.

Li Qinxue’s lips curled into a smile, a hint of darkness in her expression. “Naturally, by throwing all the blame back at Shen Cheng. Didn’t Uncle Huo want Xingjian to divorce her?”

“But, I also hope Uncle Huo can help me with something. Yushu wants me to repay the medical expenses from the last two years, nearly a hundred million.”  

Chapter 125: Choose Between Son and Daughter

Hearing this, Yu Fengcai froze entirely. Her mouth hung open, but the words she wanted to say were stuck in her throat.

She loved her daughter, Huo Yuyan, but she cared more—far more—about her son, Huo Xinglang.

If she had to choose between her son and daughter, there would be no hesitation; she would choose her son.

To her, daughters were meant to be married off; sooner or later, they belonged to someone else’s family. She could love her daughter, but she could never give everything for her.

She could prepare a generous dowry for her daughter, but everything in the Huo family was to be reserved for her son.

At this moment, the old matriarch’s scolding finally snapped Yu Fengcai out of her panic.

Yes, now was not the time to blindly protect Yuyan. The one she should be safeguarding was her son, Xinglang.

What Yuyan did this time was outrageous. How could she be so careless and fall into Huo Yushu’s trap?

Even worse, not only was she framed, but she was caught red-handed.

If she had the slightest bit of sense, she wouldn’t have let things escalate to this point.

Taking a deep, painful, and conflicted breath, Yu Fengcai said, “Mom, I understand. I won’t go. I know I need to prioritize Yunshan and Xinglang right now.”

“But, Mom, Yuyan was framed by Yushu, and she…”

“That’s because she’s not as capable!” the old matriarch interrupted impatiently. “If she had even a little bit of skill, how could she have been set up by Huo Yushu?”

“She’s brought such disgrace and ruin to our family; don’t blame me for disowning her as my granddaughter. Let me make it clear: you can help her, but if you do, the two of you can leave the Huo family and fend for yourselves!”

“Try me and see if I’m joking! Let me tell you, on this matter, both Yunshan and Xinglang stand firmly on my side!”

“Think it over carefully! I’m not forcing you! The door is right there—take it if you wish!”

After saying this, the old matriarch didn’t spare Yu Fengcai another glance. She closed her eyes and pretended to sleep.

Of course, Yu Fengcai wasn’t foolish enough to make the wrong choice at a time like this.

“Mom, I’ll listen to you,” she said helplessly. “Yunshan and Xinglang are more important.”

The old matriarch didn’t respond, not even opening her eyes.

The elderly patient in the next bed, overhearing their conversation, was utterly dumbfounded.

This… a mother’s heart could truly be astonishingly biased.

—

Meanwhile, Li Qinxue saw the news while she was struggling to gather the one hundred million yuan she owed.

She had only one day left of the two-day deadline Huo Yushu had given her.

Before this, she never would have taken Huo Yushu’s threats seriously.

In fact, with one phone call to Zhang Hui, without even involving Huo Xingjian, Zhang Hui would have resolved the issue for her.

But now, she knew it was impossible.

Huo Xingjian’s attitude was crystal clear, and even that old woman, Wen Yintong, was no longer shielding her.

Essentially, the Huo family’s attitude toward her had done a complete 180.

She truly believed that if she didn’t return the money within two days, Huo Xingjian would absolutely send her to prison.

She couldn’t go to prison; she couldn’t let her life be ruined the way Li An An’s was.

Yes, Li An An was completely ruined. Li Qinxue couldn’t even bear to admit that she had such a foolish sister.

Over the past two years, she had indeed swindled quite a lot of money from Huo Xingjian.

But it was far from the one hundred million she needed! After all, the team that Huo Xingjian had hired to help her and Huo Xinglang deceive him also came with risks.

Naturally, they took a large share of the money.

What Li Qinxue had left was only around forty to fifty million.

However, she was unwilling to just give it all up.

By doing so, she wouldn't gain any benefits and would have suffered for nothing.

Although she didn't die, the physical and emotional pain she endured during that time was real and vivid.

In this moment, Li Qinxue truly hated Huo Yushu and even more, hated Shen Cheng.

It was all because of that wretched Shen Cheng, who somehow managed to turn the three members of the Huo family, who had once despised her, into people who now favored her.

She was also furious with Huo Xinglang.

He had burned the bridge after crossing it.

No, to be precise, Huo Xinglang hadn't even crossed the bridge yet. But he was already in a hurry to tear it down, throwing her into the water.

She would never allow herself to be abandoned like this.

With a gritted jaw, her eyes filled with hatred.

When the message from Huo Yuyan popped up on her phone, Li Qinxue initially thought she was seeing things.

How could Huo Yuyan have done such a shameful thing? This was a huge blow to the Huo family's reputation!

She rubbed her eyes forcefully, and when she looked again, the message was crystal clear.

It was real—Huo Yuyan had truly messed up.

"Ha... Hahaha..." Li Qinxue laughed loudly, her laughter almost manic, even bringing tears to her eyes.

She stared fixedly at the phone screen, "Huo Xinglang, Yu Fengcai, this is your punishment. This is the punishment for looking down on me, for thinking you're too good for me, for not accepting me!"

"Especially you, Yu Fengcai! You thought I was unworthy of your son! Yet, you were happy to enjoy the benefits I brought to you!"

"Now look, even heaven couldn't stand your actions and has stepped in to punish you."

Suddenly, a thought flashed through her mind, and a cold, smug smile appeared on her lips.

She knew exactly who to make pay for this money.

She quickly applied her makeup, took her handbag, tucked her phone inside, and walked out the door.

---

Yunshan Daily Chemical Company was Huo Yunshan’s business.

In truth, he had always wanted to enter the Wen family, to take control of the entire Wen Group.

There was a time when he was very confident that Wen Runan would hand over the company to him.

After all, the old man had always been obedient to his mother, and even as a son-in-law, Huo Yunshan could clearly sense the old man’s intentions.

But the more confident he became, the more that confidence was shattered over time, until it finally vanished completely.

When Huo Xingjian turned twenty, the old man actually handed the company over to him.

At the time, Huo Xingjian hadn’t even graduated from university, while Huo Yunshan was in his prime, enjoying a loving relationship with Wen Yintong.

The old man praised Huo Xingjian endlessly and was extremely satisfied with him.

It turned out that the old man was one who said one thing but did another, presenting one face publicly and another in private.

The day the old man handed the company over to Huo Xingjian, Huo Yunshan was so furious that he didn’t return home for several days.

Using the excuse of a business trip, he stayed at Yu Fengcai’s villa.

After his hopes were shattered, he resigned himself to running his daily chemical company.

However, it could never compare to the Wen family business.

Now, with the issue surrounding Huo Yuyan, Huo Yunshan’s mind was in turmoil, a complete mess.

"Mr. Huo, there's someone named Li Qinxue who is requesting an audience," his assistant came in, looking serious.

 Chapter 124: Abandoning Huo Yuyan

The moment Yu Fengcai heard Huo Yuyan’s voice, her anger surged uncontrollably.

If it weren’t for Huo Yuyan’s disdain for the old matriarch and her decision to leave her alone in the hospital ward, none of this would have happened.

It was just a simple task, asking her to watch over the old woman for a while. How could she simply abandon it?

“Huo Yuyan, where are you? Huh? I told you to stay at the hospital—”

“Mom, Mom! Please help me! I... I was set up by Huo Yushu! I’m in Qingzhou, and I need a lawyer...” Huo Yuyan blurted out anxiously, her voice trembling. Though her words were fragmented and stammering, she managed to explain what had happened in Qingzhou.

“What?!” Yu Fengcai was utterly stunned, unable to believe her ears.

Her daughter... had been ruined by an HIV-positive man?

No, no, no! How could this be?

That was her... her daughter!

Yu Fengcai’s mind went blank, completely overwhelmed, unable to figure out what to do.

“Mom, Mom! Please save me! Save me!” Huo Yuyan’s panicked plea echoed in her ears.

“I understand! I understand!” Yu Fengcai finally snapped out of it, comforting her daughter, “Don’t worry, I’ll go find your father right now. We’ll definitely save you, and we won’t let anything happen to you.”

After hanging up, she immediately called Huo Yunshan, but the line was busy.

She tried calling Huo Xinglang, but his line was busy as well.

Of course, there was no way she could get through to the father and son right now.

Their phones were practically exploding with calls.

News of Huo Yuyan soliciting a male escort in Qingzhou, and worse, one who was HIV-positive, had already spread like wildfire within the Tongcheng social circle.

Huo Yunshan, who had always doted on this "niece" as though she were his own daughter, was now being bombarded with calls.

Every single one was asking about Huo Yuyan.

“Yunshan, what’s wrong with your niece? How could her private life be so disgraceful? After all the love you’ve shown her, this is how she repays you?”

“Yunshan, you should distance yourself from this kind of niece. She’s just a niece, not your daughter. If you keep indulging her, don’t blame anyone if she leads your daughter astray.”

“Mr. Huo, several business partners have called to ask about your relationship with Miss Huo Yuyan. They’re concerned her scandal might negatively affect their collaborations with our company. Some are already reconsidering their contracts!”

Meanwhile, the calls Huo Xinglang received were no different.

Both father and son were furious—so angry they felt like strangling Huo Yuyan themselves.

Hospital Ward

The old matriarch was lying down, resting, when the patient in the neighboring bed approached her with a phone in hand, looking hesitant to speak.

“Spit it out already!” The old matriarch glanced at her. “There’s no need for pretense between us. Just say what’s on your mind. Have you seen something in my son’s fortune again?”

“Not this time.” The woman shook her head. “This isn’t about your son.”

The old matriarch let out a long sigh of relief. “Good, good. That’s a relief.”

“But it seems to concern your granddaughter.” The woman’s expression turned grave as she handed over her phone. “Take a look. Is the young woman in this video your granddaughter? She looks an awful lot like her.”

The old matriarch squinted at the screen, and sure enough, it was Huo Yuyan.

She was so shocked by the content of the video that her jaw nearly dropped.

What? Huo Yuyan had solicited a male escort in Qingzhou? And the man was HIV-positive?

Now the two of them had already been taken to the police station?

“Oh, no! She was taken to the hospital to confirm the HIV diagnosis?”

“That young man admitted himself—it was Huo Yuyan who sought him out and even offered a high price?”

The old matriarch felt her vision go dark, as if she were about to faint. Yet, no matter how much she wished for unconsciousness, it eluded her.

“This is disgraceful! Truly disgraceful!” she wailed, pounding the bed with both hands in frustration and fury. “How could such a shameless creature be born into our family?”

“She’s ruined the Huo family’s reputation completely! Unfilial, immoral, without integrity or decency! Ancestors of the Huo family, please, take her away swiftly!”

“This wretch is a waste of resources just by being alive! If I had known she’d turn out like this, I would have strangled her at birth!”

It took the old matriarch numerous attempts to finally get through to Huo Yunshan.

“Son, listen to me! You must absolutely not help that wretch! Let her die! She’s lost all sense of shame, but our Huo family still has our dignity to maintain!”

“Huo Yunshan, I’m laying it down right now—if you dare help that disgraceful tramp, then don’t consider me your mother anymore!”

“It’s true what they say: like mother, like daughter! Both are shameless scoundrels!”

“Are you listening? Did you hear what I just said?” The old matriarch’s voice rose several notches, heavy with anger.

Huo Yunshan took a deep breath and closed his eyes tightly. “Mom, I understand. Don’t worry, I won’t help her.”

“That’s right! Don’t help her or bail her out! She’s just your niece, not your daughter. You have no obligation to her!”

“Son, listen to me! I would never lead you astray. Everything I do is for your own good!”

The old matriarch’s tone softened as she tried to persuade him, alternating between sternness and earnestness. “Tell Xinglang the same thing. He’s not to interfere either. Just pretend this shameless girl doesn’t exist! For the Huo family, she’s dead to us!”

“If Yu Fengcai wants to acknowledge her as her daughter, let her go ahead! But it’ll be her business alone!”

“Understood,” Huo Yunshan replied. “Mom, I still have matters at the company to attend to. Let’s leave it at this for now.”

“Huo Yunshan, you better not help her—do you hear me!” The old matriarch added again, just to be sure.

Before the call ended, an angry voice burst into the hospital room.

“Mom, who are you telling Yunshan not to help?” Yu Fengcai stormed in, shouting furiously. “Are you stopping him from helping Yuyan? How could you do that?”

“That’s your granddaughter! Your own flesh and blood! Are you trying to let her die? Mom! That’s Yuyan! She’s your most beloved granddaughter!”

“Please, don’t be so heartless! Help her…”

“Shut up!” The old matriarch barked, cutting her off mid-sentence, her glare sharp and unforgiving. “Your wonderful daughter has already disgraced the entire Huo family! And you still have the nerve to beg me for help?”

“Let me tell you this—if you want to bail her out, I won’t stop you! But mark my words, from this moment on, you are no longer a daughter-in-law of the Huo family!”

“You and your daughter can both get out of the Huo family and fend for yourselves!”

“Mom, how can you be so cruel! Yuyan is Yunshan’s…”

“Enough!” The old matriarch interrupted again, her tone like thunder. “Yu Fengcai, think about Xinglang, think about your son! If you want to ruin Xinglang, then go ahead and take care of your daughter!”

 Chapter 123: Perhaps the Little Sprout Has Sprouted

“No!” Huo Yuyan denied without hesitation.

Her denial came from the heart—she genuinely didn’t know anyone named Sun Yuan.

“I have a boyfriend,” she said, grabbing Xie Shaoheng’s hand tightly. “Don’t spout nonsense and ruin my relationship with him!”

Then she quickly turned to Xie Shaoheng, her expression full of desperation and sincerity. “Senior, don’t listen to him! I’ve never been with anyone else but you. You must believe me.”

“And who are you?” Xie Shaoheng asked, glaring at the two men who had suddenly appeared.

It was only then that he realized they were police officers, their uniforms unmistakable.

One of them presented his badge and said, “Sun Yuan has confessed everything. He just had relations with Miss Huo and—he is an HIV carrier. Miss Huo, for the sake of your health—”

“What?!” Before the officer could finish, Xie Shaoheng shrieked, jumped back, and flung Huo Yuyan’s hand away as if it were poison.

His eyes filled with terror, disgust, and hatred as he stared at her. “Huo Yuyan! Are you trying to kill me? Do we have a grudge? You…”

“Officer, I’m not her boyfriend. I don’t even know her well!” he stammered, retreating further. “I… I have something urgent to attend to. Take her away, please!”

Without another word, he turned and fled, not daring to look back.

I’m doomed! I’m doomed!

Huo Yuyan, that wretch! She had relations with an HIV carrier. Did that mean she was infected too?

The thought of their recent kiss made his legs weak, and his head felt like it was about to explode.

“Ugh! Ugh!” He dry-heaved but couldn’t throw up.

Desperate, he stuck his fingers down his throat, trying to vomit as if it would somehow purge her saliva from his system.

“I recommend going to the hospital for a full examination,” one of the officers said kindly.

Meanwhile, Huo Yuyan’s face was lifeless as she was taken away.

Snapping out of his daze, Xie Shaoheng sprinted toward the elevator like a madman.

Yes, I must go to the hospital for a comprehensive check-up!

…

Huo Yushu’s phone rang as she lounged leisurely on a plush hotel bed, watching TV.

“Hello?” she answered lazily.

“Miss Huo, Huo Yuyan has been taken into custody. The reporters are waiting outside the hotel. Should we give them a live scoop?” the voice on the other end asked seriously.

“Of course!” Huo Yushu replied, her tone light and amused. “How could we not report such a juicy story? Go ahead. If anything comes up, I’ll handle it.”

“Understood.” The person on the other end hung up, laughing happily.

Playing with her phone, Huo Yushu smiled brilliantly.

The trap had been perfectly set.

Now, if she revealed to Huo Yunshan and Huo Xinglang that Huo Yuyan had not only solicited a male escort but also one with HIV, what would their reactions be?

Hehehehe…

She could hardly wait.

Picking up her phone, she dialed Mrs. Wen.

“Hello, Yushu.” Mrs. Wen answered quickly, her voice warm yet tinged with mild disapproval. “Where are you? Don’t lead Chengzi astray!”

“Mom, listen—Huo Yuyan is finished!” Huo Yushu interrupted excitedly. “She solicited an HIV-positive escort, got reported, and was taken into custody by the police.”

“Hahahaha… she’s ruined!”

Huo Yushu’s laughter was unrestrained.

“Are you okay?” Mrs. Wen asked anxiously. “Are you and Chengzi safe?”

“We’re fine, Mom! Don’t worry. I’m at the hotel, and Sister-in-law is with my brother. We’re all good!”

“Where exactly are you?” Mrs. Wen pressed.

“Sister-in-law and I are in Qingzhou. My brother rushed over in a hurry. Of course, I know better than to be the unnecessary third wheel.”

“Mom, just be ready. My brother and Sister-in-law will reconcile soon. Who knows? Maybe in a month or two, there’ll be some good news from her belly.”

“If that happens, you’ll be the hero of our family,” Mrs. Wen said with a warm laugh. “What do you want as a reward?”

“Mom, what do you think will happen if Huo Yunshan and Huo Xinglang find out what happened to Huo Yuyan here in Qingzhou?” Huo Yushu asked, her face alight with excitement.

What would happen? Of course, they’d be furious!

“Mom, just wait, this good news will reach their ears soon enough. We’ll just sit back and enjoy the show!” Huo Yushu said with a cheerful laugh.

Then, as if recalling something, she turned to Mrs. Wen and said, “Mom, I don’t want any reward. Give it all to my sister-in-law! If it weren’t for her, the one caught up in this scandal and having her life ruined would’ve been me.”

“Mom, sister-in-law likes money—real, cold, hard cash. Let’s reward her with money, or a house would work too. Oh, and she also likes gold.”

“I understand. I’ll take care of it,” Mrs. Wen responded. “You, too, need to be careful. Don’t go out of the hotel alone. When you come back, make sure to return with your brother and sister-in-law.”

“Don’t worry, I know,” Huo Yushu nodded repeatedly.

…

Yu Fengcai was still sulking in her hotel room when her phone rang.

She was upset that Huo Yunshan didn’t believe her or support her.

After all these years together—bearing children for him and staying by his side without even demanding a formal title—she thought they should have mutual understanding and trust. But no, he still trusted that old wretch the most.

Of course he did. He was famously a filial son. As long as it was that old wretch’s idea, he never refused.

But Yu Fengcai couldn’t accept it!

The events of recent days replayed in her mind like scenes from a movie.

It wasn’t supposed to be like this. Yet somehow, everything and everyone seemed to be working against her, spiraling in the opposite direction.

She couldn’t understand why things had turned out this way.

Originally, weren’t all these troubles supposed to fall on Wen Yintong and Huo Xingjian?

Why did every undesirable thing seem to target her family instead?

Even her relationship with that old wretch of a mother-in-law had soured, not to mention her relationship with Huo Yunshan.

When she saw the unfamiliar local number displayed on the screen, her already irritable mood worsened. Without hesitation, she hung up.

If it had been Huo Yunshan calling, she would’ve answered in a heartbeat.

In fact, she was waiting for his call—waiting for him to soothe her anger.

She swore, if Huo Yunshan didn’t wrestle a villa back from Wen Yintong for her, he could forget about getting her forgiveness.

The phone rang again.

She hung up once more.

But soon, it rang yet again.

“Hello? Who is this…”

“Mom! Mom! Please save me!” Huo Yuyan’s terrified and panicked voice came through the phone.

 Chapter 122: Dealing with Huo Yuyan

The room was in complete disarray, but the most notable sight was the man sitting leisurely on the sofa—someone she had spent a fortune carefully selecting for Huo Yushu.

That man had HIV!

Huo Yuyan quickly flung off the blanket, and upon seeing her bare body underneath, she completely broke down.

The bruises on her skin and the soreness between her legs were blatant evidence of what had transpired.

“Ah! I’m going to kill you! I’m going to kill you!” She didn’t care that she was naked. Overcome with rage, she lunged at the man, yelling, “You bastard! You ruined me! You ruined me!”

“Miss Huo, weren’t you the one who invited me here to serve you?” The man smirked, his face full of satisfaction. “Miss Huo, would you like me to show you the original video so you can relive your enthusiasm and wildness?”

“What did you say?” Huo Yuyan froze, her actions halting as the man’s words sank in.

Her eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at him, barely able to process what she had just heard.

“I said, Miss Huo really broadened my horizons. The esteemed heiress of the Wen Corporation, the younger sister of President Huo Xingjian, turned out to be so... uninhibited,” the man sneered, his tone dripping with mockery.

“Having an intimate relationship with Miss Huo practically makes me her brother-in-law, doesn’t it? So, Miss Huo, you’ll need to look out for your man, won’t you?”

“My requests are simple. Just let me join the Wen Corporation. I don’t need a high salary—five million a month will do.

“Of course, if Miss Huo appreciates my services and wants me to continue, I’m happy to oblige. After all, generous clients like you are rare.

“And for long-term cooperation, I’m even willing to offer a 20% discount on the current rate.”

“What did you mean by the original video?” Huo Yuyan couldn’t focus on anything else. Her mind was consumed by that one sentence. “Did you record it?!”

“You bastard! Delete it! I order you to delete that video!” She roared, her bloodshot eyes fixed on him.

“No can do!” The man shook his head, his smirk growing even more arrogant. “That video is of great significance. How could I delete it? Whether I get into the Wen Corporation or get recognized by President Huo as his brother-in-law, it all depends on that video.”

Clearly, he intended to use the video to blackmail her.

Yes, when she contacted him, she did claim that it was for Huo Yushu, Huo Xingjian’s biological sister.

After all, she had planned to utterly destroy Huo Yushu.

But why was she the one in this room now?

Where was Huo Yushu? Could it be that she was unharmed?

Ah! Ah! Ah!

Huo Yuyan was going insane. She racked her brains but couldn’t figure out how things had turned out this way.

It must have been Huo Yushu’s doing! She must have swapped the two cups of coffee!

But when had Huo Yushu swapped the coffee?!

Ah! Ah! Ah! At this moment, Huo Yuyan wanted nothing more than to kill Huo Yushu.

That damned Huo Yushu had destroyed her, ruined her entire life.

“Miss Huo, take your time to think about it.” The man rose from the sofa, his smug grin still plastered on his face. “You have my contact information. I’ll be waiting for your reply.”

With that, he left without waiting for her response.

“Ah! Huo Yushu, I’m going to kill you! I’ll kill you!” Huo Yuyan screamed hysterically in the room, smashing everything she could get her hands on.

“If I can’t have peace, neither will you! You’ve ruined me, so I’ll make sure to ruin you too!”

She muttered to herself, her eyes blazing with fury.

Infecting someone with HIV didn’t necessarily require sexual contact.

Blood could transmit it as well.

They were sisters and had countless opportunities to interact.

Huo Yushu, just you wait! We’re going to hell together!

What Huo Yuyan didn’t know, however, was that Huo Yushu would never give her the chance.

Years of being sisters had given Huo Yushu a clear understanding of Huo Yuyan’s nature. She knew that Huo Yuyan was selfish, extreme, and vindictive.

If Huo Yuyan failed in her schemes and ended up suffering instead, she would undoubtedly try to drag Huo Yushu down with her.

Thus, when Huo Yushu set up the trap for Huo Yuyan, she had already prepared a contingency plan.

The doorbell rang, interrupting Huo Yuyan’s enraged thoughts.

She took a deep breath and cast a sinister glance toward the door.

Initially, she wanted to answer the door immediately, but realizing she was still unclothed, she hurriedly grabbed her clothes and put them on piece by piece.

When she finally opened the door and saw Xie Shaoheng standing outside, she was shocked and overwhelmed with grievance.

“Yuyan?” Xie Shaoheng looked at her in confusion, then glanced past her into the room. “Why are you here? Where is…?”

His gaze swept over the room, clearly searching for someone.

Suppressing her anger, Huo Yuyan forced a faint smile and feigned innocence. “Senior? Are you looking for something?”

“How are you in this room? Wasn’t it supposed to be Yushu? Am I late?” Xie Shaoheng frowned slightly. “We agreed on the time. How…”

“Senior, I’m so sorry. Something unexpected happened,” Huo Yuyan interrupted, her tone laced with guilt and apology. “Yushu… she didn’t come.”

“Then you…”

“No, no, no!” Huo Yuyan shook her head repeatedly, denying his implication. “That didn’t happen. Senior, please don’t misunderstand. How could I ever do something to betray you?”

“Since Yushu didn’t show up, I naturally sent the other person away. But since the room was already booked, I just stayed to rest.”

“Senior, you have to believe me. I’ve only ever loved you in this lifetime, and you’re the only man I have.”

“Please don’t doubt me.”

Her voice trembled with panic as she hurriedly explained, terrified that Xie Shaoheng might not believe her.

However, her eyes betrayed her inner guilt and unease.

Xie Shaoheng, preoccupied with thoughts of Huo Yushu, failed to notice her unusual demeanor.

“So now… what do we do?” he asked, his disappointment evident.

His lingering discomfort from the incident earlier reminded him of the doctor's assurance that his private area was unharmed. That reassurance had been a relief, and as long as he could ultimately win Huo Yushu over, enduring this pain was worthwhile.

“Don’t worry, Senior. If this time didn’t work, we’ll arrange it again. Yushu and I are close. I’ll make sure to help you succeed,” Huo Yuyan promised with conviction.

“Yuyan, you’re the best!” Xie Shaoheng gazed at her with heartfelt affection.

Naturally, the two embraced and kissed.

“Are you Miss Huo?” A deep and professional voice interrupted their intimate moment. “Did you recently have relations with a man named Sun Yuan?” 

 Chapter 121: [Mrs. Huo, Are You a Dog? Biting People?]

Shen Cheng was furious.

At this moment, what she saw was not the large bouquet of romantic red roses, but thick stacks of cash moving farther and farther away from her.

Too angry to care about anything else, she spun around and lunged at Huo Xingjian, determined to shake some sense into this wastrel.

As for his little wife’s “throwing herself into his arms,” Huo Xingjian was, of course, more than happy and thoroughly enjoying it.

Although his “Happy Valentine’s Day” had been cut short, and the romantic moment was destroyed by his unappreciative little wife, he was still unexpectedly pleased with her initiative.

He spread his arms, catching the charging Shen Cheng securely. “No need to be so excited. I know you’re delighted by my romantic gesture and just want to show me your appreciation.”

“Don’t worry. There will be romance like this waiting for you every day. Mrs. Huo, just enjoy it—I’ll make every day feel like Valentine’s Day for you.”

Shen Cheng took a deep breath, working hard to suppress the rising anger in her chest.

“Delighted, my foot! Enjoy, my head! Huo Xingjian, you wastrel! You’re squandering my money—mine!” Shen Cheng gritted her teeth, her words forced out through the gaps.

“You said it yourself: as long as we don’t divorce, every penny I earn, all my assets, are yours! Thank you so much for using my money to buy romance and make me ‘happy’!”

“Well, I’m not happy, not even a little! I don’t care. You return this nonsense right now, and however much you spent, you pay me back every penny! Not a cent less!”

[Stupid man! Did I give you permission? Can romance feed me? Does a flower smell better than money? A bouquet wilts in two days, but money doesn’t!]

[Was my brain fried? Who wants this nonsense? Isn’t holding real cash in my hands much better?]

Huo Xingjian: “…”

Sure enough, his little wife was one of a kind. In her eyes, only money mattered—nothing else!

“Shen Cheng, today is Valentine’s Day…”

“Valentine’s Day, my foot!” Shen Cheng shouted, glaring daggers at him. “Do you think I’m a three-year-old who doesn’t know better? Or do you think I’m Li Qingxue, who enjoys your sweet talk?”

“I’m not into foreign things, and I know today isn’t February 14th! I’m born and bred in China, and I know today isn’t the Qixi Festival either!”

“So where’s this ‘Valentine’s Day’ from? Even if it were, are we lovers? Do I need to celebrate it with you? Wouldn’t hugging my money on Valentine’s Day be better?”

“At least money won’t betray me. It’s loyal and dependable, unlike certain stupid men who see a woman and can’t move their legs… mmph…”

Before she could finish, her lips were seized by him.

It was a hot, punishing kiss, as if he wanted to swallow her whole.

Shen Cheng was stunned, unable to react for a moment.

She let him hold her waist, her lips captured and plundered by him, as he went further and further.

Her clear, beautiful eyes stared at him unblinkingly.

It wasn’t until her tongue began to tingle that she snapped out of it.

Then… without hesitation, she bit down hard on his unruly tongue.

A faint taste of blood filled both their mouths.

“Hiss!” Huo Xingjian hissed in pain and reluctantly let go.

He pressed his tongue against the roof of his mouth and licked his tingling lips, sighing softly.

The hand on her waist moved to cup her face, his gaze full of indulgence and affection. “Mrs. Huo, are you a dog? Biting people? Hmm?”

Shen Cheng took a deep breath. “I’m not a dog; I’m a snake—a highly venomous cobra! My teeth are laced with poison, and one bite is fatal.”

[Stupid man! Taking advantage of me again and again!]

[If I can’t bite you to death, I won’t call myself Shen Cheng!]

“Mm, I could tell.” He responded with an amused tone, showing no trace of anger from her curses and bite. On the contrary, he seemed to enjoy it even more.

His large hand ruffled her head gently, his voice dripping with excessive indulgence. “If you like it, go ahead. Bite as much as you want. Besides my mouth, is there anywhere else you’d like to bite? Hmm?”

The look Huo Xingjian gave Shen Cheng was incredibly suggestive.

His eyes, already captivating, became downright irresistible when seductive, capable of pulling someone in entirely against their will.

At this moment, Shen Cheng felt an overwhelming sense of helplessness, as if she were being lured by him.

For a fleeting moment, she thought she might have fallen into the trap of her romantic tendencies again, captivated by him.

However, her reason prevailed, and she wasn’t entirely seduced by his charm.

“No!” She shot him a glare, quickly stepping away from his embrace and putting some distance between them.

Pointing at the massive bouquet of roses in the trunk, she commanded in an authoritative tone, “Return it and give me back every penny!”

Huo Xingjian rubbed his forehead, at a loss for words.

He stepped closer and pulled her back into his arms. “Mrs. Huo, can’t you appreciate a bit of romance? Don’t worry, I’ll return every penny to you, but the flowers to please my wife can’t be taken back…”

“Huo Xingjian, are we divorced?” Shen Cheng interrupted him.

“No…”

“Then are you planning to divorce me?”

“Impossible! Don’t even think about it!”

“In that case, do you have money?” Shen Cheng looked at him with a sly smile. “Didn’t you say that as long as we’re married, all your money is mine? Are you telling me now that the money you spent on flowers wasn’t mine?”

Huo Xingjian: “…”

When did his wife’s logic become so sharp and unassailable?

“Wife, I just wanted to make you happy.” He looked at her with a touch of grievance.

“Only money makes me happy! You… humph!” Shen Cheng scoffed, her face full of disdain.

[Do I care about your ridiculous attempts to make me happy? The only thing I care about is money!]

“Fine, I get it. I’ll have someone return it later,” Huo Xingjian said seriously.

“Now. Immediately. You do it yourself!” Shen Cheng ordered imperiously.

“Wife, I’m worried I might mess it up and get cheated. How about you come with me?” The cunning glint in his eyes was unmistakable.

“Fine, I’ll go with you!” Shen Cheng agreed without hesitation.

Her mind was completely preoccupied with the money slipping away, so she failed to notice the satisfied smile spreading across his face after achieving his goal.

…

Huo Yuyan felt like she had been run over by a car. Her whole body was weak, especially her legs, which no longer felt like her own.

Her head was spinning, though she seemed vaguely aware of what had happened.

With great effort, she opened her eyes.

“Ah—!” A scream of terror, panic, and fear escaped her lips. 

 Chapter 120: Huo Xingjian, You Useless Spendthrift! Give Me Back My Money!

Before Shen Cheng could react, a long, powerful arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her into an embrace.

The familiar scent of a man filled her nostrils.

As for Xie Shaoheng, he staggered back a few steps and ended up sitting down hard on the ground. There happened to be a stone the size of an egg on the ground, and he landed right on it.

"Ah! Ouch!" Xie Shaoheng groaned in pain, jumping up and clutching his rear with both hands, continuing to yell without any image of dignity.

His movements were entirely like a jumping monkey, which looked quite ridiculous.

Pfft!

Shen Cheng couldn’t hold back her laughter and chuckled softly.

"Stay away from trash like this in the future." Above her, Huo Xingjian's cold voice came through.

The moment she heard his voice, Shen Cheng's smile instantly froze.

That dog of a man, how did he end up in Qingzhou? Is Li Qingxue here too?

Huo Xingjian: "..."

Couldn’t you just lean toward me? Can’t I have come here for you, to chase after you?!

"H-Huo... Mr. Huo?!" Xie Shaoheng, who had intended to curse the person who kicked him, froze when he saw it was Huo Xingjian.

The words that had been on the tip of his tongue were abruptly swallowed as he looked at Huo Xingjian.

Previously jumping around like a monkey, hands clutched to his rear in an embarrassing manner, he hurriedly stood up, placing his hands at his sides, trying his best to endure the pain in his backside.

He then respectfully and politely looked at Huo Xingjian, trying hard to present himself better.

"Hello... I’m Xie Shaoheng, a friend of Yushu..."

"Don’t try to falsely claim relationships!" Shen Cheng interrupted him, "Yushu said she’s only met you once, so you’re not really friends. You’re a friend of Huo Yuyan, but not hers."

"Y-Yes..." Xie Shaoheng dared not deny Shen Cheng’s words and could only reply repeatedly, "I’m a senior and a friend of Yuyan’s. I’ve met Yushu..."

"If you ever speak nonsense in front of my wife again, next time it won’t just be a kick," Huo Xingjian interrupted him, his face icy as he glared at him.

At those words, Xie Shaoheng’s lips twitched uncontrollably, his eyelids rapidly flickering, and a flash of panic and fear appeared in his eyes. "Mr. Huo, you’ve misunderstood, I didn’t—"

"Get lost!" Huo Xingjian said coldly, clearly not willing to listen to any more of his excuses.

Seeing this, Xie Shaoheng didn’t dare to linger any longer.

Firstly, he was genuinely frightened by Huo Xingjian’s cold expression. Secondly, his rear end hurt terribly!

Not only did his rear hurt, but he felt as though his entire body was in pain, especially the kind of sharp, breaking pain.

"Then I won’t disturb Mr. Huo and Mrs. Huo. I’ll take my leave," he said quickly, then turned and fled as fast as he could.

He needed to go to the hospital, check if anything was wrong with his... 00, and most importantly, find some pain relief.

Watching his panicked retreat, Shen Cheng snorted disdainfully.

Tch! Someone like him wants to pursue Huo Yushu?

I don’t know if Huo Yushu has problems with her eyes, how could she fall for someone like him? He even caused her to tragically die, together with Huo Yuyan!

I hope Huo Yushu can open her eyes this time and stop being deceived by these two dogs! 

Huo Xingjian took a deep breath, suppressing the murderous impulse rising within him.

Damn it, Huo Yuyan!

He would slowly take care of things... Anyone who had bad intentions toward them, anyone who had caused them harm, he wouldn’t let any of them off the hook.

 Chapter 119: Shen Cheng, The Grapes You Forcibly Picked Aren't Sweet! Let Go.

Huo Yushu gritted her teeth, suppressing the impulse to kill Huo Yuyan, and coldly reprimanded her, "Yuyan, have you lost your mind? It's this moment, and you want my sister-in-law to drink coffee?"

"Do you want to poison my nephew? How could your heart be so black, so vicious!"

"Nephew?!" Huo Yuyan looked at Shen Cheng in shock. "You... you're pregnant?"

Shen Cheng facepalmed.

【Huo Yushu, I really have to thank you! You sure know how to pour fuel on the fire!】

Huo Yushu stood up, walked to Huo Yuyan's side, and continued glaring at her angrily.

But her body conveniently blocked the two cups of coffee on the table.

She grabbed Huo Yuyan by the arm, gave her a rough pat, and with one hand blocking the view, she swiftly and subtly switched her own cup of coffee with Huo Yuyan's.

Now, let's talk a bit about Huo Yuyan.

From a young age, she was good at putting on a facade, always managing to make Mrs. Wen and her son smile from ear to ear.

In order to get closer to Huo Yushu, and make Wen Yintong, Huo Xingjian, and even Old Master Wen like her more, she always bought things that were the same as Huo Yushu’s, whether it was clothes or food.

Whenever she was with Huo Yushu, she would always buy two of the same thing.

Perhaps out of long-term habit, today she had also ordered the same cappuccino as Huo Yushu.

This made it easy for Huo Yushu to swap the two cups of coffee without any effort, and Huo Yuyan didn’t even notice.

"My brother and my sister-in-law have been married for three years now. Their romantic two-person world is pretty much over. They’re planning for a baby! And here you are, offering my sister-in-law coffee. What are you up to, Huo Yuyan?" Huo Yushu said angrily.

"Huh?!" Huo Yuyan was shocked again and quickly apologized. "Sorry, sorry! I didn’t know that my second brother and sister-in-law were trying for a baby. It’s all my fault!"

At this moment, Huo Yuyan absolutely didn’t want to cause any trouble. She immediately accepted whatever Huo Yushu said.

Her mind was focused on one thing: getting Huo Yushu to drink the coffee, so she could send her to the room that had been specially prepared for her.

As for Shen Cheng, she’d have to figure out a way to get rid of her.

Huo Yushu understood exactly what Huo Yuyan was thinking, so she went along with her.

She picked up the coffee in front of her and said, "Since you’ve apologized sincerely, I’ll forgive you. But if there’s a next time, I won’t be so kind."

"Now, you’ll apologize to my sister-in-law properly with this coffee, as if it were alcohol," she said, sipping her coffee.

Seeing Huo Yushu drink the coffee, Huo Yuyan felt incredibly pleased and excited inside.

Great! Today would be Huo Yushu’s downfall.

She picked up her own coffee and raised it to Shen Cheng, saying with sincerity, "Sister-in-law, I apologize to you with this coffee, as if it were alcohol. I spoke out of turn, and I hope you won’t hold it against me."

Afterward, she took a sip.

【Well, she dug her own pit, now she has to jump in. Huo Yushu finally had some sense, realizing Huo Yuyan was up to no good.】

【Finally, I didn’t do all this for nothing. I know exactly how to return that special coffee to Huo Yuyan’s lips.】

【Next, it’s up to Huo Yushu to retaliate. I also need to find an excuse to leave. Otherwise, I’ll be making it too easy for Huo Yuyan to come up with a reason to get me out of here. That would be really forcing my hand.】

[It’s just that I’m not sure if Huo Yushu can handle it on her own.]

Yes! Yes!

Huo Yushu nodded repeatedly, almost as if she was about to tell Shen Cheng herself.

"Sis-in-law, didn’t you say you had something to do? If so, why don’t you go ahead first?" Huo Yushu said with a bright smile, "Yuyan and I rarely run into each other here, so let’s chat a little longer."

"Sis-in-law, we’ll meet at the hotel later. Tonight, we’ll go to the most famous night market in Qingzhou and shop for treasures."

"Yes, yes, yes!" Huo Yuyan quickly responded, "Sis-in-law, if you’re busy, go ahead. Yushu and I will chat a little more."

So, Shen Cheng was "sent away" by Huo Yushu.

With a face that seemed to say "life is hopeless," Shen Cheng walked out of the elevator and towards the hotel’s main entrance, not sure where she should go.

After all, she wasn’t familiar with the area!

As soon as she stepped out of the hotel door, she saw Xie Shaoheng getting out of a taxi not far away.

Their eyes met.

Xie Shaoheng froze for a moment, clearly not expecting to run into Shen Cheng at the hotel entrance.

But Shen Cheng, on the other hand, wasn’t surprised at all. In fact, the corner of her lips curved into an intriguing smile as she looked at him.

At this moment, Xie Shaoheng was caught in a dilemma.

Leaving was not an option, nor was walking towards the hotel.

After a brief hesitation, he decided to walk towards the hotel entrance.

"Mrs. Huo, what a coincidence?" Xie Shaoheng greeted her with a friendly and polite smile.

"Coincidence?" Shen Cheng looked at him with a smile that seemed neither here nor there. "I thought Mr. Xie knew that Yushu and I were here and specially came to meet us."

Hearing this, Xie Shaoheng’s smile froze for a brief moment.

"Mrs. Huo is joking. I just happened to have a meeting with some friends here at the hotel. Is Yushu also here?" Xie Shaoheng stubbornly tried to cover up.

Shen Cheng still smiled as if she were basking in spring, "Yes, not just Yushu. Mr. Xie’s dear friend, Huo Yuyan, is also here. Do you need me to tell you their exact location?"

"Thanks for your kindness, Mrs. Huo, but no need," Xie Shaoheng politely refused. "I’m not free to greet them now. My friend is waiting for me."

"Oh," Shen Cheng responded with a neutral tone, "Then I won’t disturb Mr. Xie."

With that, she stepped forward.

"Mrs. Huo." Xie Shaoheng called out to her.

"Is there something else?" Shen Cheng turned to look at him.

Xie Shaoheng took a deep breath, putting on a difficult-to-make decision expression. "Mrs. Huo, I’m not trying to meddle, but forcing things that don’t work out never ends well."

"You're so beautiful and outstanding, Mrs. Huo. Why cling to one person?"

"Sometimes, when you look around, you’ll find that there are better people worth loving. But if you insist on one thing, one person, you’ll just end up hurting yourself."

"Mrs. Huo, do you understand what I’m saying?"

He looked at her with a kind-hearted expression.

Shen Cheng pursed her lips and smiled, speaking directly, "You mean, I should stay away from Huo Xingjian, and let go of being Mrs. Huo, giving the position to Li Qingxue, right?"

Upon hearing this, Xie Shaoheng froze again.

Although that was exactly what he meant, hearing it said so blatantly, especially by Shen Cheng herself, made him feel as though he had been caught in the act, and it was quite embarrassing.

"I wonder if this is Li Qingxue’s idea, or yours, Mr. Xie?" Shen Cheng asked with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Xie Shaoheng was about to speak when suddenly, a figure rushed toward them. Before he could react, the figure kicked him hard. 

 Chapter 118: Huo Yuyan Digging a Pit for Shen Cheng

Huo Yuyan tightened her grip on her phone, a cold, vicious gleam flashing in her eyes.

"Alright, I understand. Don't worry, I'll take care of it," she responded cheerfully. "Senior, I'll do as you say."

Hearing her tone, Xie Shaoheng felt a deep sense of satisfaction in his heart.

To have a woman who listens to him, who sees only him in her eyes, doing everything for his sake, he thought it was a truly happy thing.

Instinctively, his voice softened, "Yuyan, don't overthink it. I'm doing this for our future."

"You're the only one I like. Once I get Huo Yushu, we can work together to help our brother. I'll do everything I can to help him."

"Yes, I understand. I trust you, Senior," Huo Yuyan replied gently. "Don't worry, I'll rearrange things right away."

"When Yushu arrives, don't show yourself yet. Wait until everything happens, and then follow the plan we've discussed. Senior, you can trust me. Everything will go according to plan."

"You’ll definitely win Huo Yushu over smoothly."

"Alright, I'll do as you say," Xie Shaoheng replied.

"Huo Yushu!" After hanging up, Huo Yuyan spat the name through clenched teeth, her eyes burning with fury. "Just you wait, I'll ruin you today!"

"You treat me like this, I'll make sure you suffer! When you get that disease, I want to see if Xie Shaoheng will still want you!"

"And will Dad still transfer money to you? I’ll tarnish your reputation! I'll make your life worse than death! I’ll make you a rat on the street!"

She said the last words slowly and deliberately, her eyes filled with malicious cruelty.

---

Huo Yushu and Shen Cheng had stayed at the Jindu Hotel, which was just a street away from Huo Yuyan's Jingan Hotel, and both hotels were part of the same company.

It only took the two women a little over ten minutes to walk from the Jindu Hotel to the Jingan Hotel. They didn’t even take a taxi.

When they arrived, Huo Yuyan was already waiting in the western restaurant on the third floor.

Upon seeing Shen Cheng, a flash of panic crossed Huo Yuyan’s face, and the image of being dragged by her hair and violently beaten by Shen Cheng in the fitting room resurfaced in her mind.

Instinctively, she covered her chest and her lower body with her hands.

Even the faint pain from that day flared up again as soon as she saw Shen Cheng.

Shen Cheng, of course, noticed the fear in Huo Yuyan’s eyes. She smiled innocently and sweetly, "Yuyan, you’re in Qingzhou too? What a coincidence! How about we go shopping later and pick out some clothes?"

"I wonder if the fitting rooms in Qingzhou are any bigger than the ones in Tongcheng."

At the mention of "fitting rooms," Huo Yuyan’s already pale face turned even whiter.

The fear in her eyes deepened, and she shook her head without hesitation. "No... I... don’t like shopping, and I certainly don’t like fitting rooms."

Damn Shen Cheng! One day, she would make her pay for the humiliation in the fitting room, with interest!

Her private parts still ached faintly. The damage to her skin hadn't fully healed.

That knee, if she were a virgin, Shen Cheng would have ruined her, turning her into a married woman beyond redemption.

Huo Yuyan suspected that Shen Cheng must have deliberately wanted to break her hymen with that knee.

"Don't like it?" Shen Cheng feigned disappointment, then her eyes brightened, and she asked with interest, "Then what do you like? Tell me, and Yushu and I will take you there!"

"No, no, no!" Huo Yuyan quickly shook her head. "No... I don’t like anything, I just want to stay in the hotel room."

"Huo Yuyan, are you crazy?" Huo Yushu sneered, giving her a mocking look. "You came out to have fun, but now you just want to stay in the hotel room? Oh, I get it!"

Her eyes flashed, as if she had thought of something important. "Did you come here with a man? You’re too shy to bring him home, so you rented a room instead."

"Huo Yuyan, you’re something else!" She gave a thumbs-up, her eyes full of disdain.

"I didn’t!" Huo Yuyan denied it urgently, though her eyes betrayed a clear sense of guilt and panic.

After all, she had indeed shared a room with Xie Shaoheng.

"Whether you did or not has nothing to do with me!" Huo Yushu shrugged nonchalantly. "Huo Yuyan, pay up!"

The corners of Huo Yuyan’s lips twitched violently, and she forcibly suppressed her anger, smiling ingratiatingly. "Yushu, I really don’t have that much money. You know…"

"That’s your problem, not mine!" Huo Yushu interrupted her coldly. "Debts must be paid, that’s just common sense! If you can’t pay, I’ll ask your brother. He can definitely pay."

"No!" Huo Yuyan stopped her urgently, continuing to flatter her. "I will pay, Yushu, I will definitely pay. Just give me a little time, please? Can I have some time to get the money together?"

"Five days, just five days! I promise I’ll get the money together and pay you back as soon as possible."

"Yushu, we’ve been sisters for so many years, and our relationship has always been so good. Please don’t let anyone with ulterior motives deceive you and ruin our sisterhood."

When she said "ulterior motives," she threw a glance at Shen Cheng, clearly implying that Shen Cheng was the one with bad intentions.

Could Shen Cheng not understand her words or that look?

"Mm, Yuyan is right," Shen Cheng nodded seriously, playing along. "Yushu, you have to listen to Yuyan. Don’t make the mistake of doing something that hurts both the enemy and yourself."

【Little sister-in-law, I hope your brain stays online! Don’t let Huo Yuyan’s sweet words confuse you and make you lose all sense.】

【If that happens, I won’t hold back anymore. I really don’t want to die a second time because your brain isn’t working.】

No, no, no!

Huo Yushu really wanted to say something, but she was determined not to let it happen.

"Okay." She glanced at Huo Yuyan indifferently, saying in a cold, detached tone, "I’ll give you another day. By this time tomorrow, I expect to see the money in my account. Otherwise, don’t blame me for being impolite."

"Alright, alright, alright!" Huo Yuyan nodded repeatedly.

It was just an excuse to delay. Once today was over, Huo Yushu would be completely finished.

Why would she need to pay back the money? Once it was in her hands, there was no way she would give it back.

"Yushu, here, drink your coffee. I ordered it for you, your favorite cappuccino," Huo Yuyan pushed a cup of coffee toward Huo Yushu, then did the same for Shen Cheng. "Sister-in-law, have one too. I want to thank you both."

【Oh, now she’s trying to take both me and Huo Yushu down with her!】 

 Chapter 117: Don't Let Huo Yushu Catch a Cold]

[Hehehehe… so interesting!] Shen Cheng smiled happily.

But Huo Yushu was feeling gloomy.

Sister-in-law, why don’t you "say" more? What’s so interesting? Don’t just leave things hanging like that! This is… very unethical!

However, Shen Cheng didn’t continue, only giving Xie Shaoheng a meaningful glance.

Agh!

Huo Yushu felt an itch in her heart, like something was gnawing at her. If possible, she would love to dive into Shen Cheng’s mind and thoroughly dissect the so-called system from top to bottom.

Wuwu… Why is she not as lucky as her sister-in-law? Why didn’t she get a system bound to her?

Hmm, it must be because she’s not excellent enough, so she wasn’t chosen. Her sister-in-law must be the chosen one!

Thinking this, the admiration and respect in her gaze toward Shen Cheng naturally grew stronger.

"Yushu, I..."

"Why aren’t you leaving yet?" Xie Shaoheng, who was still trying to explain himself, was interrupted by Huo Yushu. She gave him an unhappy look. "Sorry, we’re very busy. No time to chat with you."

The implication was clear: You can leave now! You’re really annoying me!

Xie Shaoheng’s lips twitched slightly, unable to believe he had hit a wall with Huo Yushu.

Clearly, Huo Yushu had no intention of paying attention to him. Even her gaze was filled with disgust and rejection.

What’s going on?

Xie Shaoheng was filled with confusion, not understanding what had happened.

Hadn’t Yuyan told him that Huo Yushu was easy to deal with? Didn’t she say Huo Yushu was simple-minded?

As long as he treated her a little better and sweet-talked her, she would be totally clueless, right?

He had made his attitude clear, yet Huo Yushu seemed completely indifferent. Could it be... that Shen Cheng had intervened? Had she said something to Huo Yushu?

Yes! It must be that!

Yuyan had said that Shen Cheng was particularly annoying! She knew Huo Xingjian didn’t like her, yet she shamelessly clung to him, refusing to let go of the position of Mrs. Huo.

If she weren’t so stubborn about clinging to that spot, Miss Li would have been Mrs. Huo long ago. That way, it would’ve been much easier for him and Huo Yushu to get together.

It’s all Shen Cheng’s fault!

Thinking this, his gaze shifted to Shen Cheng, now clearly tinged with hostility.

Shen Cheng: "…??"

Completely confused.

[Did I provoke him somehow? Why is he looking at me like that with so much resentment?]

[Right, right, right! I definitely provoked him. After all, I still hold the title of Mrs. Huo! If I let go of Huo Xingjian, that spot would go to Li Qingxue.]

[Although Xie Shaoheng and Li Qingxue don’t have a romantic relationship, they are connected by interests. Xie Shaoheng knew Huo Yuyan through Li Qingxue!]

[They’ve known each other since they were very young. Xie Shaoheng still listens to Li Qingxue a lot.]

[Turns out, Li Qingxue is like the big heroine in a melodramatic romance! Every guy seems to have some fondness for her. Even if there’s no romantic connection, there’s still that weird "sibling" bond.]

Huo Yushu: "…"

What the hell!

"Hey, Huo Yuyan, where are you? How’s the money coming along? I’m short on cash, so hurry up and transfer it to me!" Huo Yushu’s angry voice rang out.

 Chapter 116: What’s the Relationship Between This Pretty Boy and Li Qingxue?

[Here he comes! The source of the little sister-in-law's troubles has arrived! These men, truly, there’s no limit to how shameless they can be!]

[Wondering if Huo Yushu will still be deceived by this scumbag’s smooth talk, just like in the original story.]

Shen Cheng glanced at Xie Shaoheng, who suddenly appeared before them, and a playful smile tugged at the corner of her lips. She then looked at Huo Yushu.

No, no, no!

Huo Yushu shook her head repeatedly in her mind.

It absolutely wouldn't happen. She knew the true nature of this scumbag by now, and there was no way she’d be fooled by his superficial charm.

Not only would she not be deceived, but she also intended to use his own schemes against him, making Huo Yuyan suffer the consequences.

"Who are you...?" Huo Yushu raised her eyes and shot a cold glance at him, her face full of confusion.

Xie Shaoheng paused for a moment when he saw the expression of someone who clearly didn’t recognize him. A flicker of disbelief flashed across his eyes.

She... actually doesn’t remember him?

This shouldn't be happening!

He had great confidence in his own appearance. After a woman saw his face, she would always remember him.

It wasn’t just his face, either. His body, his gestures, his way of speaking, and even his expressions were all honed with the help of professionals, specifically designed to leave a deep impression on someone like Huo Yushu, the wealthy second-generation.

The last time they met in the VIP room at the bar, he had been very confident. He was sure that if they met again, Huo Yushu would instantly recognize him and perhaps even fall for him.

But now... Huo Yushu didn’t even remember him?!

This was hard for Xie Shaoheng to accept, and a sense of anger and frustration rose within him.

Damn Huo Yushu, how dare she forget him!

Though he was furious inside, his face remained amiable and friendly as he maintained his charming smile. "You don’t remember me? I’m Xie Shaoheng, Yuyan’s senior. We met last time at the Blue Moon Bar. And we even added each other as friends."

"Oh," Huo Yushu replied with indifference, shaking her head. "I don’t remember. Yuyan has so many seniors, I can’t tell you apart. Not just seniors, she has many male classmates too."

"I’m starting to think I might be face-blind."

Xie Shaoheng: "..."

[Hahaha! This little sister-in-law’s killing move is excellent!]

[Look at that pretty boy’s face. It’s priceless! He must be doubting Huo Yuyan now!]

[If we follow the original plot, Huo Yushu is about to face some serious trouble in Qingzhou!]

What?!

Huo Yushu was shocked.

She immediately focused, her ears perked up as she listened intently to Shen Cheng's words.

[She did come to Qingzhou to play, but not with me—she came with Huo Yuyan. Of course, this Xie guy came with her too, though Huo Yushu doesn’t know that part yet.]

[They had everything planned out to ruin Huo Yushu. Huo Yuyan secretly drugged her drink, and Huo Yushu ended up confused and sleeping with a stranger.]

[That man was specifically chosen by Huo Yuyan, and he was infected with something. There was no way Huo Yushu wouldn’t catch it. Xie Shaoheng even caught them in the act.]

[Sigh, Huo Yushu is such a fool when it comes to love! To win this pretty boy back, she kept begging him for forgiveness, even going so far as to ask Huo Xingjian to arrange a job for him.]

[Who knew, everything was actually planned by this pair of shameless lovers. They died without ever knowing that they were killed by the most trusted sister and the man they loved the most!]

Huo Yushu: "……!!"

Wuwu...

Sister-in-law, don’t say anymore!

Right now, she just wants to kill Xie Shaoheng and Huo Yuyan.

This damn pair of shameless lovers, how could they do such a vile and vicious thing to her!

This time, she will definitely make them suffer the consequences!

No need to think to know, that malicious woman Huo Yuyan must have come along too.

Fine, then let her dig her own grave and jump in.

“You… is there anything else?” Huo Yushu glanced at Xie Shaoheng, asking indifferently.

Xie Shaoheng’s expression was a bit awkward, but he didn’t want to give up on this opportunity.

He continued to maintain his self-assured smile, “Let’s reintroduce ourselves. My name is Xie Shaoheng.”

He extended his right hand toward Huo Yushu.

Huo Yushu had no intention of shaking his hand. She coldly shot him a glance. “Oh, got it.”

Seeing this, the smile on Xie Shaoheng’s face stiffened, but he could only awkwardly retract his hand.

“Did Yuyan come with you?” Huo Yushu asked.

“Yuyan didn’t come with you?” Xie Shaoheng feigned surprise. “She told me that you two are really close, inseparable. I thought you came together!”

“You two have a pretty good relationship, huh? Yuyan even told you such things.” Huo Yushu gave him a faint smile.

Xie Shaoheng was slightly stunned, then smiled indifferently, “It’s just a normal friendship. We’re senior and junior. Don’t misunderstand.”

“Oh.” Huo Yushu answered without warmth, “What difference does it make whether I misunderstand or not? We’ve barely met, not even friends!”

“Yushu, haven’t we already become friends?” Xie Shaoheng looked at her in shock.

Huo Yushu shook her head. “No.”

“Well… then, what do we need to do to become friends?” Xie Shaoheng clearly didn’t want to give up.

“Friends, huh!” Huo Yushu slightly tilted her head, looking like she was seriously considering it.

After a moment, she spoke with authority, “At least five mutual friends, right? We’d need common topics and hobbies!”

“I’ll make it happen,” Xie Shaoheng said earnestly.

“Oh.” Huo Yushu answered indifferently again.

[Oh, Huo Yuyan has already prepared the person? Just waiting for Huo Yushu to return to the hotel for an unexpected meeting.]

What?!

Huo Yushu instantly became excited.

Alright, alright! An unexpected meeting is perfect! She could return the hole Huo Yuyan dug for her, just as it was.

“Sister-in-law, let’s go back,” Huo Yushu said to Shen Cheng with a bright smile.

“Hello, Miss Shen,” Xie Shaoheng greeted her with a friendly smile, as though he had just noticed her.

“Is your brain squeezed by the door?” Huo Yushu glared at him unhappily. “My sister-in-law is Mrs. Huo, and you’re having an affair with Li Qingxue, aren’t you?”

“No, no, no! I have nothing to do with Miss Li, Yushu, don’t misunderstand!” Xie Shaoheng quickly denied.

But when Li Qingxue's name was mentioned, a flash of panic and guilt appeared in his eyes.

[Oh, could it be that this little gigolo has something going on with Li Qingxue too?]

[Dog, tell me, what is the relationship between Xie Shaoheng and Li Qingxue?]

Huo Yushu eagerly looked at her, her eyes full of expectation, waiting for her next words.