Chapter 559: He Wants Qin Ruan to Be Free and Radiant, Radiant with Brilliance

In the dream.

Qin Ruan leaned against the tombstone, lowering her gaze to the man squatting before her.

He had a beautifully picturesque face, exuding an air of elegance and nobility.

He was so good-looking that she wanted to take a few more glances.

Hou Yunjiao's biennial visits to Wanbao Mountain were precious to her.

She felt extremely lonely in Wanbao Mountain.

At first, she could still talk to herself, speaking to the wind, rain, flowers, trees, and everything in the world. It made her feel like she wasn't alone.

She feared loneliness and enjoyed the satisfaction that came from talking to herself.

But it was just a way to hypnotize herself. The world was vast, and she wasn't the only lost soul.

Slowly, however, she started to feel less and less present.

With time, loneliness can become addictive.

She started to grow accustomed to it.

And she found a way to soothe her suppressed soul.

That was to embrace and enjoy loneliness.

However, Hou Yunjiao's annual visits to Wanbao Mountain remained the days she looked forward to the most.

Hou Yunjiao was like a drug that made her addicted. The more she wanted to quit, the more she couldn't.

While she made peace with and accepted her loneliness, Hou Yunjiao became the comforting addiction in her heart.

In her world, besides loneliness, only Hou Yunjiao remained.

In the dream, Qin Ruan once again watched the man's figure slowly recede.

"Third Young Master, next year on Qingming Festival, I want to eat black ox tongue pancakes. Can you bring me some?"

"If you don't speak, I'll take it as a yes!"

Even though the other person couldn't hear, Qin Ruan still shouted after Hou Yunjiao's retreating figure.

Her tone was anxious and tinged with sadness.

"Ruan Ruan, wake up."

"Are you hungry? Do you want ox tongue pancakes? I'll have someone buy them for you."

"Ruan Ruan, Ruan Ruan—"

A gentle and indulgent voice rang in her ears.

Qin Ruan's eyes flickered, and her long and dense eyelashes trembled slightly.

This time, she actually heard Hou Yunjiao's response.

The surroundings became hazy, and the figures that had just reflected in her eyes were no longer visible.

"Third Young Master?"

She felt uneasy in the white mist and called out to the figure.

Huo Yunjiao embraced Qin Ruan, his cool hand caressing her rosy cheeks.

Perhaps Qin Ruan's voice was too melancholic, which stirred deep pity in Hou Yunjiao's heart.

He responded softly, "I'm here, little one, wake up."

Qin Ruan's dream talk was bizarre.

Her tone was filled with sadness, sounding pitiful.

He didn't like Qin Ruan like this.

He wanted to see Qin Ruan smile, to see her live carefree like other children her age.

She deserved to enjoy a carefree life at her age.

The first eighteen years of her life were too bitter.

At some point, Huo Yunjiao had a firm idea in his heart.

For the rest of their lives, he wanted Qin Ruan to be free and radiant, shining brightly, to always be joyful and victorious year after year.

This girl should naturally be cherished and protected.

He was willing to use his own wings to protect Qin Ruan throughout her life, worry-free.

Even if he was no longer in this world, he would forge steel wings to protect her for the rest of her life.

This was the first time Hou Yunjiao cared about someone.

This feeling initially made him feel a bit overwhelmed.

As time passed, his unexplainable love and protection for Qin Ruan became boundless.

Huo Yunjiao's gaze fell on Qin Ruan's abdomen.

Their child was being nurtured there.

Perhaps it wasn't the product of their love, but it was the bloodline they eagerly anticipated being born.

Qin Ruan slowly opened her eyes, and she saw Hou Yunjiao's white shirt.

Her consciousness gradually returned, and she looked up at the man embracing her.

"Third Young Master?"

Huo Yunjiao lowered his gaze and met Qin Ruan's puzzled eyes.

His lips curved slightly, "You're awake. You've been talking in your sleep. Are you hungry?"

Qin Ruan blinked. She didn't feel hungry, just a bit unreal.

This person was supposed to be gone, so how did he come back?

Qin Ruan reached out and touched Hou Yunjiao's slender waist. His body temperature assured her that the man in front of her was real, not the elusive figure she couldn't grasp in her dream.

"You've come back."

Qin Ruan sighed, her tone mixed with other emotions.

Huo Yunjiao raised an eyebrow, "Don't you want to see me?"

"No, it just feels unreal."

Qin Ruan broke free from his embrace. The loneliness and oppression from the dream still weighed on her heart, and she hadn't fully recovered.

She sat up and looked at the time.

Suddenly, her face changed slightly, and she turned to look at the man leaning against the bedside.

"Are you okay?"

"Do I look like something's wrong?"

Huo Yunjiao held Qin Ruan's hand, gently stroking her hand with his index finger, reluctant to let go.

Although he had taken Lingxuzi's medicine and didn't understand why, after the brief embrace with Qin Ruan just now, the restlessness that had disappeared before surged back uncontrollably.

He could already sense his impatience, struggling against his powerful rationality.

His body and mind longed for Qin Ruan, but his rationality kept him at a distance.

Qin Ruan didn't know that Hou Yunjiao was struggling between wanting to get close to her and maintaining a distance with his rationality.

She reached back and held his large hand, and a faint trace of spiritual power flowed into Hou Yunjiao's body through their joined hands.

However, this simple act happened to crush San Ye's rationality.

"Ruan Ruan, what are you doing?!"

Hou Yunjiao's handsome face darkened, his expression hidden and tinged with pain.

His heart was stirring restlessly.

Even his hands trembled uncontrollably.

He had the urge to push Qin Ruan down and indulge in the pleasures of love with her.

Qin Ruan also sensed that something was wrong. The man who had just looked gentle now had a restrained expression.

Surprise flickered in her eyes, and she quickly stopped transmitting her spiritual power.

Qin Ruan sat on the bed, looking at the man in front of her with a puzzled gaze.

"Are you okay?"

She just wanted to ease the intertwining auras of the two conflicting emotions within Hou Yunjiao and make him feel a little more relaxed.

But looking at his expression, he didn't seem relaxed. Instead, it was filled with pain.

Huo Yunjiao tightly held Qin Ruan's hand, his strong rationality suppressing his restless heart.

After a moment of calm, he released her hand, trying to maintain a gentle and calm tone as he asked, "Little one, are you hungry?"

Qin Ruan shook her head, "I'm fine."

Huo Yunjiao's throat moved slightly, "You haven't even had dinner. How could you not be hungry? The kitchen has prepared your favorite dishes again. Please have some."

His voice was gentle and pleasant, as normal as can be.

Qin Ruan checked her feelings and realized that she was indeed a little hungry.

She asked Hou Yunjiao, "Are you leaving again?"

Huo Yunjiao smiled, "No, I'm afraid someone would secretly feel sad and not even eat dinner."

Hearing this, Qin Ruan understood that he was referring to her.

"I wasn't hungry before, but now I'm starting to feel a little hungry."

Qin Ruan held her stomach, stood up, and left the room without looking back.

Her departing figure carried a hint of fleeing.

She couldn't refute Hou Yunjiao's words.

Indeed, his departure had affected her emotions to the point where she didn't even have dinner.

Qin Ruan hurriedly left, unaware that as Hou Yunjiao watched her depart, an unrestrained intense desire glimmered in the depths of his eyes.

The radiance emanating from his eyes surged with a fearful danger, as if he wished to devour Qin Ruan in the next moment.

Hou Yunjiao's eyebrows furrowed slightly, and a cold, hard line formed on his thin lips.

His enchanting peach blossom eyes narrowed, and a faint blush appeared on his handsome but aloof face.

Hou Yunjiao's jaw tightened as he struggled to restrain himself.

If Qin Ruan were to see him in this state, she would surely be astonished.

It was because, in this moment, Hou Yunjiao exuded a seductive charm.

His half-closed eyes had a hint of bewilderment, exuding a tantalizing allure and radiating an intoxicating charm.

At the instant the door closed, Hou Yunjiao's body relaxed, and he slumped weakly against the head of the bed.

Qin Ruan's departure allowed his rationality and self-control to return to normal.

Every second she stayed in the room was a great test for him.

This unexpected feeling caught him off guard, almost rendering Hou Yunjiao helpless.

Chapter 558: The Words Third Young Master Said to Her Are More Heartwarming than Love Words

Wu Daochang was unaware of the importance of Sixth Brother's mission tonight to rescue Nangong Yunlong and Nangong Chang.

All he wanted now was to find a host and confront Nangong Yunlong openly.

He wanted to ask him why he killed his master.

With his master dead, his hope of being revived was shattered.

This enmity was irreconcilable!

He intended to bring down everyone in the Nangong family.

No one knew how terrifying the hell of the underworld was, where he suffered every day.

Sixth Brother took a turn and walked down another dark alley.

It was at this moment that Wu Daochang rushed forward.

...

Huo Family

Lin Hao stood at the door, occasionally glancing towards the direction of the Hou Mansion's gate.

Third Young Master said he would arrive in an hour.

The time was almost up, but he still couldn't see Third Young Master's convoy.

Suddenly, two beams of light flashed before his eyes.

Lin Hao followed the source of the light and saw several cars slowly approaching.

He quickly descended the steps.

The convoy was fast, and in a blink of an eye, it stopped at the entrance of the building.

Hou Yunjiao didn't wait for the guards to open the car door for him. He pushed it open himself, stepping out with his long legs.

At this moment, Third Young Master looked normal, with no signs of illness on his face.

Lin Hao hurriedly approached him.

"Third Young Master, Madam has already gone to bed, but the servant was worried and went into the room to check. Madam is sleeping restlessly, calling out for you."

This was also why Lin Hao anxiously waited for Third Young Master.

Hou Yunjiao furrowed his brows lightly. "Is Madam running a fever?"

He hastened his steps, walking up the stairs and heading straight into the room.

Even in his hurried movements, he exuded elegance and nobility with every gesture.

Lin Hao followed closely behind. "No, the servant checked Madam's temperature."

Third Young Master's relieved heart eased slightly.

He continued walking into the room, taking off his coat.

"How is dinner coming along?"

Lin Hao respectfully replied, "It's almost ready. Madam can have it anytime she wakes up."

"That's good."

Hou Yunjiao changed into his indoor shoes and raised his hand to acknowledge Hou Qiang, who had followed behind.

"Old Qiang, don't go back tonight. Stay here."

"Yes, Third Young Master."

Even if the master didn't give orders, Hou Qiang wouldn't leave.

The master had taken Master Ling Xu's medicine, and he needed to keep a close eye on him and inform the medical team to be prepared.

If something really happened, they couldn't afford to miss the best treatment time.

Hou Yunjiao turned his gaze to Lin Hao, slightly lifting his chin. His thin lips pressed into a line, cold and sharp.

"You will be on standby tonight, cooperate with Hou Qiang, and follow his arrangements."

Lin Hao replied, "Yes, Third Young Master!"

Hou Yunjiao turned and went upstairs, his steps urgent yet graceful.

This was the first time Qin Ruan hadn't eaten since moving into the Hou family.

Considering she was pregnant now, carrying two children in her belly, her appetite was twice his.

One night without eating, the child in her belly is causing her trouble.

From Lin Hao's mouth, Hou Yunjiao learned that Qin Ruan was still calling out for him in her sleep.

Hou Yunjiao's heart skipped a beat and hasn't returned to normal since.

The little girl was feeling emotional and couldn't sleep soundly because of his departure.

It was ultimately his negligence.

There were clearly better solutions, but he selfishly chose to prioritize his own comfort, causing such an impact on the little girl.

Today, he truly lost his composure.

Walking to the bedroom, Hou Yunjiao gently pushed open the door.

The sleep lamp inside was on, simulating a dim light suitable for human sleep. He could clearly see Qin Ruan lying on the bed.

She was lying on her side, legs clutching the blanket, sleeping somewhat restlessly.

Hou Yunjiao pushed open the door and walked into the room with light and slow footsteps.

Qin Ruan was dreaming, dreaming of the scene when her soul was imprisoned in the Wanbao Mountain Cemetery in her past life.

Every Qingming and Zhongyuan Festival, she would wait for Hou Yunjiao to bring two bouquets of flowers.

He gave her lilies, and sunflowers for the child.

Qin Ruan had also wondered why Hou Yunjiao would give her lilies.

Until one year, the other party came to the cemetery on Qingming Festival.

Hou Yunjiao placed the beautifully packaged lilies in front of the tombstone.

He squatted down, using a cloth to wipe her tombstone, speaking to her in a low and gentle voice.

"I don't know if you like lilies, but I always feel that lilies are very suitable for you. They are like your life experiences.

They have a strong vitality, not afraid of sunlight or rain. No matter how dry the weather is, they still stand tall and upright.

Little girl, I have seen your heavily made-up appearance in Xicheng, and I have also seen your elegant temperament after removing the makeup. It's contradictory, but there is no sense of disharmony..."

Hou Yunjiao used his simple and unadorned language to clearly tell Qin Ruan that he had gone to Xicheng to investigate.

He had even investigated her experiences after returning to the Qin family.

Qin Ruan didn't know if she liked flowers.

Because no one had ever given her any.

But she liked Hou Yunjiao's flowers.

The words he spoke to her were more moving than sweet nothings.

With a cloth, Hou Yunjiao slowly wiped her tombstone clean.

He accompanied her and talked about many things, the developments and changes outside Wanbao Mountain that she couldn't see.

Underneath his gentle brows, his gaze was always cold and ruthless.

But his voice was so gentle.

Every time Hou Yunjiao came to see her and the child, time was always fleeting.

In the dream, Qin Ruan once again watched his figure disappear.

Her soul was attached to the tombstone, unable to leave, only able to call out in the direction he left.

"Third Young Master, don't go..."

"Stay with me and the child a little longer. It's so cold and lonely here."

"It's not Qingming or Zhongyuan Festival, you can come at any time. I'm so lonely here."

"Third Young Master, don't go, don't go, stay with me a little longer..."

Qin Ruan anxiously shouted in her dream.

She wanted to catch up, but her soul couldn't leave, she could only watch several figures disappear from her sight.

Only the slender and perfect figure was deeply imprinted in her heart.

"Third Young Master, Third Young Master--"

In reality, Qin Ruan tightly held the blanket and kept murmuring Hou Yunjiao's name.

Every time Hou Yunjiao pays his respects to her, he would say a lot of things.

When he remains silent, it's when Qin Ruan starts muttering.

She knows he can't hear her, but she just wants someone to talk to.

"I really want to know if our child, if he could be born, would he resemble you more or me."

"A boy should resemble you. You're so good-looking, and a child who resembles you would definitely be handsome like you."

"If his spirit could appear, that would be great. The child would probably blame me, blame me for not protecting him, for not letting him come into this world..."

Hou Yunjiao couldn't bear to listen any longer. His exquisitely beautiful face revealed a hint of displeasure.

The child is perfectly fine, so how did things become so chaotic in Qin Ruan's words?

He gently shook Qin Ruan's shoulder. "Ruan Ruan, wake up."

Being disturbed, Qin Ruan lightly furrowed her brows.

She was still immersed in the brief time Hou Yunjiao spent with her at Wanbao Mountain.

For her, she only has two opportunities each year for that.

Next Chapter▶▶

 Chapter 94: The Big Shot Doesn't Understand Menstruation

Unexpected events always happen faster than planned.

The demand for candied chestnuts increased again, and the thought of frying hundreds of kilograms the next morning led Bai Lu to sleep early to maintain sufficient energy and mental strength.

However, she was awakened in the middle of the night by stomach pain.

Xiao Cheng noticed the trembling in her arms, instantly opened his eyes, and turned on the light.

Bai Lu, under the light, looked pale, biting her lower lip, hands covering her stomach, and the pain furrowing her brows.

Her body curled up, with lazy, drowsy eyes fogged with mist, seemingly forced to open due to the pain.

Xiao Cheng quickly lifted her, pressing his forehead against hers, checking her temperature. "Don't be afraid; we're going to the hospital right away."

Bai Lu gripped his shirt, biting her lip, shaking her head. "No need, I'm fine..."

The pain in her abdomen intensified, and there was a slight dampness below. She probably knew... what was happening.

Xiao Cheng knew nothing, only aware that the girl in his arms was in great pain. He lifted her and prepared to get out of bed.

As the large bed emptied, the glaring red caught his eye. His pupils contracted, breath halted.

His arm stiffened, the action of holding her paused for a moment, then he quickly got out of bed, putting on slippers haphazardly, not even noticing they were on the wrong feet.

"Ah Cheng..."

"I'm really... fine... no need to go..."

Xiao Cheng's mind was a bloody haze; his eyes were red, ears deaf to any sound.

"Lulu, don't be afraid. We're going to the hospital. It'll be okay soon, don't be afraid."

He freed a hand to open the door, walking straight out. Moonlight highlighted the tense contours of his face, the nervousness too evident.

Bai Lu raised her hand, holding onto his neck, enduring the pain, and said softly, "Really, I'm fine; it's just... my period."

Perhaps it was the cold well water in the morning and the spicy food at night that caused the menstrual cramps.

In the future, Bai Lu wouldn't experience menstrual cramps, but due to her original body's poor condition, her menstrual cycle was often irregular. This time it was delayed by over a month.

Probably due to the recent recovery, unstable menstrual cycles, exposure to cold water, and the spicy food, causing intense pain, making her too weak to even stop Xiao Cheng.

Xiao Cheng acted as if he hadn't heard, without a pause, walking to the front yard gate before stopping abruptly.

A gust of night wind blew, lifting Bai Lu's hair on her face, revealing her pale complexion.

Biting her tightly, lips made a sound, "So cold..."

"Ah Cheng, let's go back... skip the hospital... I have something... to tell you..."

Xiao Cheng only heard Bai Lu mentioning the cold. Subconsciously tightening his arm around her, his steps quickened.

It was the middle of the night, and everyone was asleep. The town was quiet, with only the rustling of leaves in the wind.

No streetlights, just dim lights in front of neighbors' gates and doors, like stars lighting the way.

Leading the way in the dark night.

The town's hospital, also called the health center, was not far, and they arrived quickly.

The on-duty doctor, seeing Xiao Cheng carrying Bai Lu, one anxious and the other pale and weak, thought it was some serious emergency, quickly arranging for examinations.

Seeing such a commotion, other patients hurriedly made way.

With limited medical equipment in the town, lacking high-tech instruments, simple body-checking devices were still reliable.

The results of the urgent examination left both the doctor and nurse silent.

"She's having her period," the female doctor explained to Xiao Cheng.

Xiao Cheng's mother abandoned him when he was three, and his stepmother wasn't kind. He had never interacted with girls, not knowing what menstruation was.

Bai Lu lay on the bed, glancing at the slightly puzzled expression of the big shot who seemed clueless about everything. Initially in pain, she couldn't help but laugh more as she looked at him.

Silent laughter eased the pain a bit.

The female doctor, noticing Xiao Cheng staring at the examination sheet, silent and expressionless, seemed to want to ask but didn't know how to start.

Remembering his anxious look when he arrived, she thought he must be a good husband caring for his wife.

The female doctor cleared her throat, starting to educate Xiao Cheng on menstrual knowledge, covering every detail—when it comes, what can be done during, what should be avoided.

How long a gap is abnormal, what to eat, what not to eat, precautions against cold...

Every piece of knowledge about girls' periods was patiently explained by the female doctor to Xiao Cheng, who listened attentively. It seemed like she had spoken more in this session than throughout the entire day.

After a thorough lecture, the female doctor even reminded, "Your little wife's health isn't good. She suffered from malnutrition since childhood. Accumulated small health issues without seeking medical attention. To restore normal health, she needs gradual adjustment. Pay attention to rest, don't let her overwork."

"I see she's quite young; still studying, right? If that's the case, she should take care of her health. Once she enters the workforce, there won't be much time to care for her health. When busy, there's no time even for meals..."

A person who listens earnestly tends to leave a good impression. The female doctor gave Xiao Cheng many more pieces of advice.

After countless words of advice, she even took out two sanitary pads from her white coat pocket and handed them to Xiao Cheng.

Seeing the big shot walk over with two sanitary pads, Bai Lu, who was smiling moments ago, couldn't help but stop.

What needed to happen, happened.

"I... Want to go home?"

Xiao Cheng calmly sat by the bedside. His words covered everything Bai Lu wanted to say.

The room, smelling strongly of alcohol disinfectant, portrayed him with a usual face, neither cold nor warm. His deep eyes, once tainted with blood, now looked normal, fixed on her.

Bai Lu nodded slightly. She had just drunk the hot water the nurse gave her, took the medicine, and her stomach didn't hurt as much.

Let's talk about it when they get home. Bai Lu took the sanitary pads Xiao Cheng handed over and went to the bathroom.

Xiao Cheng helped her off the bed, escorting her to the bathroom door in silence.

Bai Lu quickly tidied up and came out.

In fact, her pants were stained, but they were dark black, making it hard to notice. Also, on the way, Xiao Cheng's arm, which was holding her, happened to block the stained area.

Xiao Cheng wore a dark black shirt, which turned red but wasn't noticeable at a glance.

When Bai Lu came out, Xiao Cheng was waiting at the door with the medicine and other things already prepared.

The road to the hospital was short, but the way back home was long.

The road was quiet, with no wind, and the branches were silent. Nobody spoke.

Only the footsteps, neither

fast nor slow.

Next Chapter ▶▶

 Chapter 93: Whispering to the Big Shot

Big Brother's pace was as fast as lightning, profound and unpredictable, clearly not something ordinary people could keep up with.

Zhang San and Li Si kept quiet, not daring to speak, as they were unfamiliar with Gaofeng Town and feared saying something wrong.

Luo Shiliu rubbed his chin and said, "I heard that Gaofeng Town also has people from Li Chengbin. I just don't know if they are Li Chengbin's subordinates or just some disposable henchmen."

"Dealing with subordinates who work for money is easier. If you can't beat them, they will run away. But dealing with those impulsive henchmen without any martial arts skills, it's hard to make them behave unless you have a couple of small knives or guns."

"However," Luo Shiliu changed the topic, "with a couple of small knives or guns, we can make them obedient..."

Making them obedient didn't mean Li Chengbin would be obedient; Li Chengbin was the key focus.

Xiao Cheng pondered for a moment and whispered something in a small, private conversation within the limited circle of people.

Luo Shiliu was slightly surprised but quickly returned to normal. "That's what we should do. Working as laborers every day, my hands are almost getting rusty."

Zhang San and Li Si stared in amazement, their mouths open for a while before making any sound. "Doing this... If the big boss finds out, it will completely break our relationship."

Luo Shiliu sneered, "Has he given you face? Where does the face come from? Do you think that doing a few things for the big boss will make him treat you like brothers? No, you're just cannon fodder, one less dead means one less expense."

Luo Shiliu had been with Xiao Cheng for the longest time, experiencing numerous big and small events. They had analyzed and resolved countless situations together, and their thinking and direction were generally aligned.

In their line of work, it was essential to always recognize their own position. Being emotionally involved would only lead to a faster demise.

The shotgun incident last time was a lesson. If it weren't for Bai Lu, they would be behind bars by now.

The big boss didn't see them as people. Why rush to throw themselves into danger? Even if they died, they wouldn't even get a tattered mat to cover their bodies. A Biao was a bloody example.

Zhang San and Li Si simultaneously thought of Xiao Zhongbiao's tragic fate, and their minds instantly sobered up.

"It's all about interests. Man dies for wealth, bird dies for food," Xiao Cheng casually dropped a sentence.

Turning around, he left.

Zhang San and Li Si looked at the tall and straight back, feeling that he had returned to his ruthless and cunning self.

But not entirely...

It seemed not so straightforward; he might act directly or use cunning tricks behind the scenes.

Working together for so long, the brothers had never seen this side of the big brother. Could it be taught by his wife?

Bai Lu went to the market to buy vegetables and sensed someone following her. She picked up a brick and put it in her basket.

Walking back home, the footsteps behind didn't stop, maintaining a constant distance.

It seemed like they wanted to accompany her home.

Bai Lu squinted, stopped not too far from home, across from Aunt Zhang's house. She didn't move forward.

A small grocery store had opened recently near Aunt Zhang's house, and it was not crowded. Three or four people were coming in and out.

On the right side of the small grocery store was a corner. Bai Lu leaned against the wall, holding a brick, waiting for someone.

She had looked back just now; it wasn't a robust man but a young, slim guy with a familiar look.

After waiting for a while, no one came.

Bai Lu was puzzled. Suddenly, she saw an outstanding figure, a stern-faced big shot holding the back collar of a person, tossing him in front of her.

Five meters away.

Dust filled the air but couldn't reach her face.

Bai Lu quickly hid the brick behind her and lightly landed it on the ground, a smile on her face as she hurriedly went to greet the big shot.

"You're back. Who is he?" Bai Lu grabbed Xiao Cheng's sleeve, her cold eyes turning warm. She kicked the person on the ground.

"Playing dead?" 

"No, no, I dare not!" The person on the ground immediately raised his head, hands supporting his aching body.

Bai Lu then saw the face that was grimacing in pain, still trying to smile. "Chen Dafu?"

"Yes, it's me."

Chen Dafu looked like he had been hit by a heavy hammer all over his body. Afraid of being thrown by Xiao Cheng again, he quickly explained, "I wasn't following you home. I just... just wanted to talk to you about candied chestnuts."

Bai Lu didn't think there was anything to discuss. Whoever liked Chen Chunli's fiery sales could go to her.

She didn't want to.

Xiao Cheng took the basket of vegetables from Bai Lu, turned his arm, and walked towards the house with her.

Apparently, he didn't want to listen to Chen Dafu's nonsense again.

Chen Dafu's mind was slow to react. It took a while for him to realize that he hadn't mentioned the main point. He quickly caught up.

"I'm not here to plead for my sister or talk about cooperation on her behalf. I want to sell candied chestnuts with you. It has nothing to do with my sister. I'm not cooperating with her."

"I won't sell them in Qingshui Town either. I'll sell them in other towns, and my sister won't find out."

Chen Dafu was also afraid of being discovered by Chen Chunli. If she found out, she would scold him or even snatch his money. He had already identified a market in other towns.

Seeing Chen Chunli receive so much money that day, he felt the urge to make money.

He had never dared to come to Bai Lu, afraid of the consequences of being discovered. But in the end, the temptation of making money overcame his fear.

As long as he sold candied chestnuts a bit far from Qingshui Town, Chen Chunli wouldn't find out, and she wouldn't be able to take his money.

He could have his own money, save it quietly, and do whatever he wanted in the future.

Bai Lu, still holding onto Xiao Cheng's sleeve, leaned over and asked him softly, "Is this person reliable?"

Xiao Cheng nodded slightly. "He's afraid of being oppressed by Chen Chunli and has some ideas of his own."

"Occasionally, he thinks straight."

Bai Lu couldn't help but laugh. The way the big shot evaluated people was unique and distinctive.

"Isn't he afraid of being discovered by Wang Hao?"

"He doesn't care about him."

"If he goes to sell in another town and encounters a situation like Wang Cuihua's, what should he do? Will he abandon the stall and run away, or will he come back to us for help?"

"He'll find his own way to handle it."

Xiao Cheng and Bai Lu continued

 their whispered conversation as they walked ahead. Chen Dafu, not getting a definite answer, wouldn't give up. Since Xiao Cheng didn't drive him away, he followed them home.

The whispered conversation continued until they reached the doorstep.

As the two were about to enter the house, Chen Dafu became anxious, hesitating about whether to follow them in.

Would he be thrown out by Xiao Cheng if he did?

"Come and pick up the goods at eight tomorrow morning."

Chen Dafu had just made up his mind to enter when a big pie fell from the sky.

Looking at the surprise, Bai Lu had already entered the house, and Xiao Cheng was closing the door, cutting off all lines of sight.

Chen Dafu, full of energy as if he hadn't been hurt just now, ran home like a motor.

He was going to make money!

He was about to turn the tide!

Next Chapter ▶▶

Chapter 36: Holding Her Hand Without Letting Go

"Forget it," Bai Zhenhai didn't want to make a scene. Now that he's the wealthiest man in Winter City, he cares about his reputation and doesn't want to cause a scene.

But Xu Aiqin speculated, "Is Dr. Tang attracted to that annoying girl and wants to pursue her? That's why he's speaking up for her now? I told you, his attitude towards us was so bad before, most likely influenced by that annoying girl..."

"Stop it, let's go in and see Mom."

"I don't know when Mom will wake up. I've had the will prepared, once she signs it, our property will be left to us and Yao Yao. Then I can finally relax..."

"Lower your voice!" Bai Zhenhai glared at her, "Are you afraid people won't hear you?"

Xu Aiqin hurriedly covered her mouth and closed the hospital room door.

...

Ou Yan didn't know the purpose of their visit. She told Tang Yiyang behind her, "I have something else to do, you go ahead."

"What about Mrs. Bai's medical report?"

"If there's nothing special, you can handle it."

"Okay."

Tang Yiyang only now noticed the man waiting ahead. With his neat short hair and slender figure, he exuded an aura of nobility.

How could it be him? Si Yechen?

Since saving Grandpa Si, Ou Yan seems to have gotten closer to this man?

Si Yechen saw Tang Yiyang, glanced briefly, then looked at Ou Yan, asking softly, "In trouble?"

"No."

"If you have any problems, you can tell me, I'll handle it."

Ou Yan raised her eyes and saw Si Yechen's serious expression. She replied calmly, "Nothing, just encountered two troublemakers. I'm going in to see Grandpa."

"Okay."

Si Yechen's gaze followed her into the room, then he glanced indifferently at Tang Yiyang nearby.

Tang Yiyang didn't know if he should say hello. The man in front of him, even Grandpa respects him...

While he hesitated, Si Yechen had already withdrawn his gaze and followed Ou Yan into the room.

"Yan Yan, everything okay?" Grandpa Si immediately expressed concern as soon as he saw his granddaughter-in-law.

"Everything's fine."

"If there's anything, tell Ah Chen, he'll take care of it! If you're not satisfied with his handling, you can come to me! Grandpa will back you up!"

Ou Yan's clear eyes shone with brightness. "Okay."

At parting, Grandpa Si was reluctant to let go, repeatedly reminding her, "Yan Yan, don't forget what we agreed on. You must come when I'm discharged the day after tomorrow."

"I'll definitely come."

After leaving the hospital, Ou Yan asked about Grandma Si's condition.

"It's brain damage," Si Yechen replied solemnly. "Apart from spontaneous breathing and blinking, her other symptoms are no different from being in a vegetative state."

In simple terms, she's like a living plant.

Ou Yan understood. She recalled a tricky case she treated long ago, where the patient became a vegetable due to brain damage.

Although it was eventually cured, it required a lot of medication, some of which were rare and even found in illegal areas across the border. It was very troublesome and not easy.

"Dinner together?"

Ou Yan checked the time and was about to mention that her parents were waiting at home when she saw Si Yechen take out his phone and dial a number.

"Uncle, it's me."

"Yan Yan and I will eat out tonight."

"Okay, I'll take care of her."

After seeing him hang up the phone with just a few words, Ou Yan's inner thoughts:...

Did this guy get her consent to this?!

"What do you want to eat?" Si Yechen opened the car door, waiting for her to get in.

Ou Yan:...

"Chinese or Western?"

Ou Yan:...

"Japanese cuisine?"

Ou Yan:...

"Or something else?"

"Whatever." Ou Yan got into the car, no longer dwelling on the issue.

After Si Yechen got in the car, he saw her reach for the necklace, instinctively grabbing her hand.

Her small hand was suddenly enveloped by his large hand, and Ou Yan paused, looking at him as he explained, "It's not appropriate for me to keep this."

"No one is more qualified than you to have it." Si Yechen looked into her eyes, saying each word clearly, "I know you're still young and haven't thought about marriage yet. That's okay, no rush."

..." Ou Yan just felt that wearing such a valuable thing around her neck was too conspicuous. Anyone who knew about this necklace would know what it represented! This is something only the Si family daughter-in-law can wear!

Seeing her still trying to take it off, Si Yechen took a step back, "Considering Grandpa's weak heart, can you wear it for a while? Grandpa will be sad if he doesn't see you wearing it when he's discharged in a few days."

..." Ou Yan was caught off guard by this statement. Her hand had just left the necklace when he took her hand and wouldn't let go.

Si Yechen held her small hand seriously, softly, and suddenly didn't want to let go.

Ou Yan couldn't pull her hand back and could only say, "Let go."

Si Yechen didn't intend to release her hand, instead calmly looking ahead. "Let me hold it for a while."

..." Is this guy polite?! 

"And you're quite close to Tang Yiyang?" Si Yechen suddenly asked.

Ou Yan: ??

In the front seat, Qing Mu couldn't believe how fast things were progressing between Young Master Chen and Miss Ou Yan. He was so excited he could barely hold the steering wheel steady! Unfortunately, the road tonight isn't muddy; otherwise, wouldn't it be great to have Miss Ou Yan fall into Young Master Chen's arms again like last time?

Ou Yan replied casually, "We've had a few dealings."

That kid didn't respect her medical skills before, but after being beaten by her a few times, he obediently bowed down.

"Do you prefer someone who studies medicine more, or someone who doesn't?"

Ou Yan: ??

Qing Mu: *chuckles*

Young Master Chen, you said you weren't jealous, but asking this question, are you sure you haven't eaten vinegar? You've eaten so much vinegar it's gone to the heavens!

"What do you mean?" Euro didn't understand his question, but seeing his gaze seemed to be curious, she realized, "Someone who studies medicine is better than someone who doesn't, right? We can have conversations and learn from each other."

Si Yechen instinctively tightened his grip on her hand, his tone somewhat sour, "Talking about medicine 24/7? Isn't that tiring?"

"How could it be? We talk about things we're interested in. Besides, chatting more, we can progress together."

Seeing Ou Yan raise her eyebrows, Si Yechen couldn't help but smirk, knowing she was teasing him.

Though he knew she was doing it on purpose, in his heart, it felt like he spilled syrup, a sweet feeling spreading.

"Master Chen, we're arriving at the Starlight Restaurant!" Qing Mu said, unable to hold back his excitement. "Miss Ou Yan, this is Master Chen's favorite restaurant. He's never brought any other girl here!"

Ou Yan became interested. "So, does that mean he took other girls to places he didn't like?"

"No, no, of course not."

Qing Mu's car hadn't even stopped when the manager, who noticed them, rushed out to greet them personally.

"Master Si, long time no see... Who is this..."

 Chapter 102: Defeated by a Ladybug

Next Chapter ▶▶

Chapter 35: Lord Chen Gets Jealous

At that moment, Ou Yan's phone vibrated a few times, and it was a call from Tang Yiyang.

"Sorry, I need to take this call," Ou Yan said as she got up and left the hospital room.

"Ou Yan, I heard from someone downstairs that you came to the hospital?" Tang Yiyang's voice came through the phone.

Ou Yan responded with a faint "Yes?" 

"Mrs. Bai woke up for a while today," Tang Yiyang said softly, "Although it was only for a few minutes, during that time, she kept mentioning you..."

"She wanted to call you, but I stopped her."

"Given her condition, getting too excited could be dangerous, so I had to stop her."

Mrs. Bai's most concerned person is Ou Yan. When she woke up, the first thing she wanted to know was about Ou Yan's current situation.

Even if Ou Yan doesn't mention what Mr. and Mrs. Bai did behind her back, just hearing Ou Yan's voice would surely bring tears to Mrs. Bai's eyes...

When she gets too excited, it could be fatal, and all the efforts made beforehand would be in vain.

"Are you still at the hospital? Come and see her, and take a look at today's test report while you're at it."

"Okay."

"I just finished a meeting, and now I have the report to meet you."

"Mm." After hanging up the phone, Ou Yan walked towards Mrs. Bai's hospital room.

Mrs. Bai is still in a coma, but she tightly holds onto a bracelet, the first one Ou Yan bought with her own money.

Ou Yan gently held her frail hand. It's as if the person on the hospital bed could feel her presence as her fingers moved slightly.

Just then, the door to the room opened.

Entering, Xu Aiqin saw Ou Yan first, and was taken aback before erupting in anger, "Why are you here again? Who allowed you to come in? You, you persistent nuisance, you just can't shake off!"

Bai Zhenhai's eyes also showed some complexity when he saw Ou Yan. He never expected this child to be so scheming, running to the hospital every day while they were away.

Why bother!

"Zhenhai, she must be using our daughter's name to freely enter this room. Remind the nurses later that she has no blood relation to our family. Our daughter is Yao Yao, and from now on, if you see her, don't let her in," Xu Aiqin suggested.

Bai Zhenhai also had the same idea. Otherwise, how could she freely enter this place? She must have told the nurses that she is the granddaughter of Mrs. Bai, her own blood relation!

Tang Yiyang saw the scene and spoke up for her, "You really should tell them whose credit it is that Mrs. Bai can live until today!"

"There's nothing to say."

Ou Yan intended to leave without wasting time with them. Mrs. Bai would wake up soon, and staying would only exacerbate her condition.

"What does this Dr. Tang mean? Mother's ability to survive until now is due to our family and the Gao family, right? What does it have to do with that girl?" Xu Aiqin found it incomprehensible and watched them leave in bewilderment, unable to comprehend why Ou Yan would have any significance in Mrs. Ou Yan's recovery.