Chapter 128: Do You Want to Find Him at Anluo Hotel

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  Chapter 63: Missed Opportunity

Ou Yan took a casual glance at He Ning and said, "He Ning, call the police."

Hearing the word "police," Xia Yihui was suddenly frightened. The assertive woman from earlier now softened in front of Ou Yan, leaning on the table and pleading.

"Don't, please..." Xia Yihui's voice trembled as she spoke, "President Ou, let's talk it out..."

"I originally intended to let you off the hook, but you insisted on settling accounts with me."

Ou Yan raised an eyebrow, showing a hint of helplessness, "I didn't plan to make you compensate for the company's losses, nor did I want to see you go to jail... It was you who insisted on reporting to the headquarters and escalating the situation."

Xia Yihui regretted deeply, "President Ou, it's all my fault! I shouldn't have tampered with attendance records to deceive the monthly salary and perfect attendance bonuses! I shouldn't have dishonestly received the annual rewards from the company... I was wrong! I went too far! Can you forgive me? Can you?"

"Is that the only thing you're sorry for?" Ou Yan's gaze fell on her, carrying a hint of oppression.

"Is there... anything else..." Xia Yihui's tears got stuck in her eyes. In panic, she couldn't recall what else Ou Yan could hold against her.

"These days, I logged into the official company email and recovered everything that was deleted. Guess what I found?"

Xia Yihui seemed to realize something but hesitated to confirm, "What is it..."

"It's the complaint letters written by people who left the company in the past year. There were a total of sixty-three complaints against you."

Xia Yihui was shocked, and the colleagues outside were also astonished. So many?

It turned out Xia Yihui had indeed mistreated quite a few people.

"You abused your power, shielded colleagues who engaged in wrongdoing with you, and forced out those who were upright and unwilling to cooperate with you. The reason why the company couldn't retain talents was because of you!"

"President Ou, listen to my explanation. Those people didn't follow the company's rules..."

Before Xia Yihui could finish her sentence, Ou Yan's gaze turned cold, "At this point, are you still trying to frame them?!"

It's true that a guilty conscience needs no accuser!

"President Ou, I was wrong! Please give me another chance!" Xia Yihui pleaded, "I will personally apologize to all those I forced out!"

Seeing Ou Yan's indifference, Xia Yihui choked up, "I will return the entire twelve months' salary and bonuses the company paid me within three days! Please don't call the police! If you report me, I'll be finished! My life will be ruined!"

Ou Yan looked into her eyes and said, word by word, "When you forced those people out, did you ever think about ruining their lives as well?"

"President Ou..."

"Did you think about their feelings when you slandered them?"

Ou Yan stared at the short-haired woman coldly, "In the complaint letters, I even saw that you blackmailed some colleagues with their private matters. Two or three colleagues transferred money to you just to settle things. It's a significant amount, and if we add that to your crimes, you might end up spending at least two years in prison."

"President Ou..."

 Chapter 127: Angry

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 Chapter 120: Making a Cake for the Big Bro

"Big Sister..."

The soft voice vanished around the corner.

Staring at the hand covering his sausage-like mouth, Xiao Wei was stunned, lost in a mix of pain and joy.

It was his big brother's hand!

His big brother had grabbed him... pulled him into the corner!

Moreover, the hand stayed behind him, so close, so clear, and it wasn't taken away!

This kind of closeness had never happened before, but indeed, there was a place for him in his big brother's heart.

While Xiao Wei was filled with joy, four cold words descended from above: "Don't tell her."

"Why?" He didn't understand.

The soft voice struggled to squeeze through the gap between the fingers.

Xiao Cheng released his hand, lowered his gaze to the furry little head, and stated without a doubt, "No reason."

With that, he walked from the shadows into the light.

Passing through the corner, he quickly disappeared from the small and narrow field of view, as if the encounter had been a fleeting illusion. Xiao Wei touched his sausage-like mouth that still felt the pain. It wasn't an illusion!

His big brother did touch him!

His big brother said not to tell Big Sister, so he wouldn't.

On Xiao Cheng's birthday, Bai Lu planned to make him a cake to thank him for taking care of her during this time. With the electric chestnut roaster and increased sales, the roasted chestnut business was thriving.

They were close to the target of thirty thousand yuan. Xiao Cheng would probably reach it on his birthday, and she planned to return the money to him then. She wouldn't need to stay at his place or borrow things anymore. He would surely be pleased with this birthday gift.

On April 12th, Bai Lu finished selling roasted chestnuts and recorded her accounts. She then went to the street to buy milk and low-gluten flour. Eggs and fruits were already at home, so there was no need to buy them.

There were no cake shops in the town, and no one knew what butter was. After searching every street and alley, Bai Lu found nothing to buy. Luckily, she had learned to make cakes in her previous life. She could use yam mashed into a paste as a substitute for butter, making the cake taste sweet and healthy.

During Father's Day and Mother's Day in her previous life, Bai Lu made two cakes using yam paste instead of butter. Her parents liked them, and they finished both cakes.

Xiao Cheng liked to drink malt sugar water, so she added extra sugar to the yam paste to make it sweeter.

Xiao Cheng would surely love the cake.

Today was the weekend, and Xiao Wei didn't have to go to school. He arrived early in the kitchen to help.

The logging project in the Xiao family village had been completed. Xiao Cheng arranged for the large truck to transport the goods to the dock, preparing for an out-of-province trip tomorrow.

Due to various tasks, he was expected to return in the afternoon or evening. Luo Shiliu and Xiao Dashuang also went to help.

Now only Bai Lu and Xiao Wei were at home. They made a simple lunch and then busied themselves in the kitchen making a cake.

Xiao Wei was assigned the task of washing fresh fruits, peeling, and cutting them into small pieces.

On a small table, Bai Lu poured milk into an enamel basin, added a suitable amount of cooking oil, and stirred until emulsified. She then sifted in the low-gluten flour.

Stirring until there were no visible dry particles, she continued adding egg yolks to the mixture. Xiao Wei watched in awe.

Once the yolks were mixed, Bai Lu separated the egg whites from the yolks. She added a few drops of white vinegar to the egg whites and used chopsticks to beat them clockwise until large bubbles formed. She then added sugar for the first time.

Adding sugar for the second time when the egg whites became delicate, and for the third time when the egg whites showed distinct patterns.

Bai Lu's hands didn't stop moving, maintaining a fast and steady rhythm. Xiao Wei, watching in amazement, finished washing the fruits, peeled them, and cut them into small pieces.

Bai Lu encouraged Xiao Wei, "Keep it up! Once the egg whites are successfully beaten, we'll make the cake together. Your big brother will definitely love it when he tastes it!"

"Xiao Wei, keep it up! Learn to beat egg whites and bake cakes now. In the future, you can make cakes for your brother every year, and you won't have to eat the devil's meals made by Luo Shiliu and the others. Your brother will surely appreciate you, clever little one."

Xiao Wei's speed in whipping the egg whites increased.

Bai Lu had to admit, Xiao Wei was a quick learner. In no time, he successfully whipped the egg whites into a stiff peak. Bai Lu praised him and then handed him the task of boiling water and steaming yams on the stove.

The two stoves ignited into a vigorous fire.

Bai Lu poured the mixed batter into a small iron basin and placed it on top of the boiling water to steam. She covered it with a pot lid that had a small vent hole.

After a short while, a soft and fragrant cake emerged, and the yams were mashed and sweetened by Xiao Wei. Bai Lu put the yam paste into a plastic pastry bag she had prepared.

Bai Lu cut the cake into three layers and spread the yam paste evenly on the first layer. Then, she placed fruit chunks on top, added more yam paste, and stacked the second layer on it.

The door to the courtyard was pushed open at some point.

The girl's laughter echoed from the kitchen, and Xiao Cheng closed the door behind him, heading toward the kitchen.

Bai Lu's fruit cake was successfully made and hidden in the bottom layer of the cupboard.

The remaining sweet yam paste was just applied to Xiao Wei's face when the unexpected appearance of the big boss stole her attention. His eyes swept over, filled with a playful smile.

"You're back!"

"We made something delicious, and you'll definitely like it after trying." Bai Lu smiled slyly, playing a little trick.

Xiao Wei quickly wiped off the last bit of yam paste from his face, ate it, and nodded in agreement with Bai Lu's words.

Xiao Cheng walked over, raised his hand slightly, lightly touching Bai Lu's face, and a small something was scraped off by his fingertip.

It was yam paste!

Bai Lu didn't have time to grab a towel, so she directly used her hand to cover Xiao Cheng's fingertip, turning in circles to clean it.

Xiao Cheng's eyes lifted slightly, and the gaze with a hint of ripples moved from the held fingertip to Bai Lu's face.

Next Chapter ▶▶

 Chapter 119: Cute to Swelling

Xiao Cheng glimpsed a fleeting disdainful look in the girl's eyes, chuckled softly, and said, "As you wish."

Bai Lu happily carried the vegetable basket back to the kitchen.

Xiao Cheng looked at the basket of chili peppers with a helpless raised eyebrow, then picked up a smaller basket filled with vegetables and followed suit.

A moment later, a small "creak" sound came from the courtyard gate.

The gap between the fingers widened slowly. Carrying a school bag on his back, a small figure cautiously peeked inside, checking if the courtyard was empty before quietly stepping in.

After entering, the small figure gently closed the door.

Looking towards the kitchen, carefully identifying the route, the small figure exhaled a breath, tightly gripping something sweet-smelling in his hand. Lowering his head to the lowest point, he quickly ran towards the kitchen.

Upon entering the kitchen, the small figure followed the memorized route to the bowl cabinet, opened the door, swiftly took out a large chicken bowl, placed the sweet-smelling thing inside, put the bowl on the table, and immediately turned around to run out.

The entire time, his head never lifted.

Moreover, he failed to notice that there was a person at the stove.

The other person, holding bundles of firewood in both hands, walked back to the kitchen from the newly built small firewood room behind the house.

A big and a small figure collided at the doorway.

To be precise, the small figure with a school bag collided with the tall and sturdy man's long legs.

Bounced backward step by step, on the verge of falling, a pair of seemingly boneless hands reached out from behind to catch the small school bag, stabilizing the small figure in place.

"Why run so fast? Did you hurt yourself?" Bai Lu wanted to turn Xiao Wei around to take a look, but when the little one turned around, they immediately covered his mouth and the corner of their right eye, eyes watering as if knocked out.

"Did you get hurt?" Bai Lu inquired.

The response was a somewhat dazed, "I'm fine."

Xiao Cheng, who got hit on the thigh, paused only briefly, casting a faint glance at the small figure supported by Bai Lu.

Maintaining his composure, he walked into the kitchen, placed the bundles of firewood on the ground in front of the stove, and used a knife to cut the ropes binding them.

Picking up the firewood, he stuffed it into the stove, covering the existing flames. In no time, a larger fire was burning.

He completely ignored the incident that had just occurred.

Bai Lu gently patted the small one's head. "Did it hurt? Lift your head, let me see."

"It's okay." Xiao Wei lowered his head even further, wanting to leave, but the small school bag was caught again, preventing their escape.

Seeing that the small one didn't lift his head, Bai Lu didn't insist, shifting her gaze to the table. "You rushed in so quickly. What did you put on the table?"

"Honeycomb." Xiao Wei's head lowered again, wishing they could bury his head in his neck.

Bai Lu withdrew her gaze, indeed smelling a strong and sweet fragrance. Looking at the bowl on the table with brownish-black wild honeycomb, she raised her eyebrows slightly. "How did you get such a big piece of honeycomb? Did you buy it on the street?"

"No, it seems there's no honeycomb for sale on the street..."

"Picked it up."

Xiao Wei answered with his head still lowered. "When I came back from school, I saw some senior students poking a beehive. After they poked it down, a swarm of bees chased them away, and they didn't want the honeycomb. So, I brought it back."

"What luck! Honeycomb has many benefits—it can soothe the lungs, relieve coughs, beautify the skin, alleviate fatigue, aid in sleep, and can even be used to make honey water for drinking..."

Bai Lu's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Your luck is really extraordinary. Encountering such a great thing falling from the sky, you'd surely win the jackpot if you bought a lottery ticket!"

Xiao Wei had no idea what a lottery ticket was and remained silent.

Xiao Cheng, hearing the conversation, glanced over, paused for half a second, and then withdrew his gaze, seeming to smile without smiling.

The small stool in front of the stove was low, and the angle of vision from that direction happened to cover Xiao Wei's face.

But Xiao Cheng didn't say anything.

After the meal was cooked and the fire transferred to the frying pan, Bai Lu suddenly remembered that she had to consider the swelling injury of Xiao Wei's Mouth and decided to eat later.

After dinner.

Xiao Wei went to the backyard to feed the old mother chicken. The old mother chicken kept staring at his face, seemingly rolling her eyes.

The little chicks also didn't want to be touched by him.

Frowning with an angry little face, Xiao Wei was about to turn around when a breeze blew, and flowers fell from above.

He paused, looked up, and saw a string of pure white and beautiful chestnut blossoms blooming on the tree, and the petals fluttered down with the wind.

At the same time, in the corner diagonally across from the chestnut tree, on the hidden eaves of the wall, a ladder was hanging.

Wasn't Bai Lu looking for a ladder these days?

Xiao Wei immediately turned and ran back.

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 Chapter 128: Another Source of Income

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 Chapter 127: Not So Clever Means

Next Chapter ▶▶

Chapter 12: Saving People (Part 2)

As the onlookers dispersed, the only sound echoing around was the heart-wrenching sobbing.

"Grandpa, your granddaughter is useless, she can't save you..."

Li Yan struggled to crawl to her grandfather's side, tears of despair falling onto his body. With her parents gone, she had quickly grown up, and now, with her grandfather's life hanging by a thread, she felt like she was about to lose him too.

She didn't want to live alone in this world! If her grandfather couldn't make it, she would go with him, so they could be together even in death...

With thoughts of death in her mind, Li Yan tightly held her grandfather's hand, ignoring everything around her. Her eyes, once filled with despair, became empty and lifeless.

This scene was not only witnessed by the passersby but also by the Mo family who had just arrived at Longshi Town!

...

Outside an abandoned temple on the outskirts of Longshi Town.

Outside the temple, Mo Yan was attentively tending to the fire, boiling medicine in a pot. Despite the bubbling sounds coming from the medicine pot, she didn't lift the lid, just pushed the firewood back a bit and let it simmer slowly.

"Miss, you should take a break. I'll watch the medicine for you!" Li Yan came to Mo Yan's side, her eyes red with gratitude.

Mo Yan smiled. "Don't call me 'Miss.' It sounds awkward. Since you're the same age as Xin'er, just call me 'Yan'er'!"

"I can't! I can't! Miss, for your great kindness to me and my grandfather, I can't repay you even if I become your servant!" Li Yan hastily waved her hand, firmly refusing.

If it weren't for the Mo family sending her grandfather here and rushing into town to find a doctor, she didn't know if she and her grandfather could survive until tomorrow. Along the way, they encountered many people, but only the Mo family was willing to help them with money and effort.

Mo Yan blushed at the grateful look in the little girl's eyes. She cleared her throat and said, "We met by chance, and my father volunteered to help you and your grandfather. You don't have to be like this."

It was her father who insisted on saving them. She just didn't object. She wasn't willing to help mainly because their own family was also fleeing, and they lacked the confidence to help others; secondly, with outsiders present, she had to be more careful in her actions to avoid revealing the secret of the space.

But since they had already saved them, she wouldn't stand by and watch. Moreover, helping people could also upgrade the space.

The little girl didn't know her "motives," so seeing how earnest Mo Yan was, she dared not object anymore and timidly called her "Yan'er."

Mo Yan patted her head, feeling a bit emotional. Clearly the same age as Xin'er, but in just a few days, she had encountered so much misfortune!

Originally, Li Yan's family lived in a small town in the south, running a small business. Although they weren't wealthy, they were doing well. However, not long ago, bandits raided the town, killing many people. It was thanks to Li Yan's grandfather's quick thinking that they managed to escape with their lives, heading straight for the capital. Little did they know that shortly after, they would encounter bandits on the road again, losing all their money and valuables, and her Father and mother would be killed. Her grandfather managed to escape with her, but then fell ill due to the stress.

The pain of losing her parents and the double blow of illness and poverty made Li Yan's grandfather sicker and sicker, until he couldn't get up, leading to the scene at the town gate earlier.

Li Yan was an extremely filial child, and Mo Yan didn't regret not stopping Mo Qingze from saving them. If it weren't for their lack of ability, she might even have taken the initiative to save them. It was also fortunate for them to encounter good-hearted people who took them into town and helped them find a kind doctor. Otherwise, they wouldn't have had the money to enter the town, let alone pay for a doctor and medicine.

Fortunately, Li Yan's grandfather's illness wasn't too serious. With a few doses of medicine, he would slowly recover. Otherwise, they wouldn't know what to do. At this moment, Mo Yan didn't know the surprise that she would bring to Li's family, whom she saved today, when she created her commercial empire in the future...

Next Chapter▶▶

 Chapter 11 Saving People (Part 1)

"Dad, the old man said there's a town called Longshi not far ahead. Shall we enter the town first and take a rest this afternoon instead of continuing on the road? We can stay in the town tonight!" Mo Yan said to Mo Qingze while gulping down water from a bamboo tube, relaying the information she had just obtained from an elderly passerby.

Mo Qingze looked at his exhausted daughter and son sitting on the ground, then looked up at the sky and nodded. "It seems like the weather might change tonight. Let's rest in the town for two days until the heavy rain passes."

Mo Yan had great respect for her father's ability to predict the weather. Wiping the sweat from her forehead as she looked at the glaring sun outside the shade of the trees, she couldn't help but feel relieved. It had been half a month since they crossed over, and during this time, they had been rushing non-stop. Fortunately, the journey had been smooth, and apart from encountering some people fleeing north like them, they hadn't encountered any more robberies or kidnappings.

The heat of the past two days had been unbearable, and the two children couldn't take it anymore. If they continued to travel in the rain, they might get sick.

...

"Please, kind sirs, my grandfather is critically ill. Please let us in to find a doctor!"

At the gate of Longshi Town, Li Yan knelt in pain, clinging tightly to her grandfather lying on the ground with barely audible breaths. Unable to hold back her tears, her parents were already gone, and she couldn't bear to lose her only relative, her grandfather.

"You, a poor family who can't even come up with twenty wen, want to enter Longshi Town? Are you daydreaming?" one of the seemingly leading gatekeepers impatiently waved his hand, pushing Li Yan away. The young girl lost her balance and fell to the ground.

Ignoring the pain in her palms, she got up again and knelt on the ground, clutching the gatekeeper's clothes, pleading, "We were on our way to the capital to find relatives when we were robbed. My parents were killed, and all our money was taken. We really can't come up with twenty wen. My grandfather is my only relative left. Please, sir, let us into the town to find a doctor!"

After speaking, she knocked her forehead forcefully on the ground, the sound echoing one after another. In no time, her forehead became bloody and covered in mud.

The gatekeeper's impatience was evident on his face, and he had no intention of letting her in.

Beside him, another sneaky gatekeeper rolled his eyes with ill intent and said ingratiatingly, "Boss, this little girl is fair-skinned. Why don't you take her in as a concubine for Dashuang? Train her slowly, and you can save a lot of bride price! "

"I also think this is a good idea. If others know, they will only praise you for being kind-hearted, boss!"

"Yes, yes, this little girl looks gentle. She will definitely be obedient to your son, Dashuang!"

The other gatekeepers nodded and chimed in.

Thinking of his already adult but hot-tempered and violent son at home, the leading gatekeeper did consider the idea for a moment. However, if he did this, others might laugh at him for being unable to find a wife for his son and resorting to taking in a poor girl as a concubine.

Thinking of this, his face darkened, and he kicked the little girl heavily, scolding, "According to the rules set by the town mayor, outsiders who want to enter the town need to pay ten wen per person. If you don't have the money, even if you knock your head on the ground until it's broken, I won't let you in."

The kick was heavy, and Li Yan's petite body was directly knocked over. She struggled for a long time before she could get up.

Many bystanders watched helplessly, but no one dared to speak out for justice, let alone step forward to help her up.

The leading gatekeeper looked at her disdainfully, snorted coldly, and turned away. The other gatekeepers, who had just been flattering, dared not follow him. They continued to stand at the gate collecting "tolls."

Next Chapter▶▶

Chapter 583: Third Young Madam's Words, Jing Shu Will Always Remember

Hou Yirong's handsome face showed a cold and disdainful smile, exuding a domineering and arrogant aura.

Su Jingshu's deep gaze stared at him intently.

She spoke in a low voice, "Second Young Master, all the past grievances and wrongs were my fault. There's no need to involve others. Although the Su family has made mistakes over the years, we've generally kept a low profile. I don't understand the meaning behind your words just now?"

Hou Yirong's expression seemed lazy, and his voice was teasing, "I didn't mean anything. I just felt a bit idle lately and wanted to find something to pass the time."

Upon hearing this, Su Jingshu couldn't contain her anger, and her exquisite makeup on her face couldn't hide her emotions anymore.

In her heart, she spat out at Hou Yirong.

This guy was just talking nonsense.

During this period, Hou's actions against the Nangong family had caused significant impacts across the entire capital.

The aftermath of the A-level operation initiated by the Nangong family was being personally handled by Hou Yirong. He was extremely busy every day, even letting go of the business of the HEA Group.

Recently, a certain noble from abroad wanted to see Hou Yirong, but because they couldn't find him, the deal was postponed.

Any force that was interested in the Hou family's movements knew about this.

Now Hou Yirong was saying that he was too idle? Who would believe that!

Su Jingshu took a deep breath, trying to maintain a calm tone, and asked, "Second Young Master, please be straightforward."

She wanted to know what this unpredictable man was planning to do.

He spared her last night, so why did he come to make things difficult for her today?

Could it be that he changed his mind?

Hou Yirong leaned back lazily, tilting his body in Qin Ruan's direction.

He spoke with a seemingly casual tone, but there was a hint of seriousness, "Miss Su, I know your abilities very well. You're ruthless and cunning, and you won't hesitate to do anything for your own benefit, even if it means killing and deceiving."

Su Jingshu listened in silence, not refuting his words.

Hou Yirong stared at her calm expression and his tone turned serious, "Over the years, you must have understood where the Hou family's bottom line lies. Su Jingshu, if you have any intentions that you shouldn't have, or if you touch people you shouldn't, I guarantee that the fate of the Su family will be even worse than that of the Nangong family."

His last sentence was filled with a bloodthirsty killing intent.

Su Jingshu's eyes widened in disbelief as she stared at Hou Yirong.

She looked at how Hou Yirong occasionally glanced at Qin Ruan while speaking and instantly understood everything.

So that's it! This man thought that she wanted to harm Qin Ruan or the child belonging to Third Young Master Hou in her belly.

A bitter expression appeared on Su Jingshu's face, and her tense body relaxed.

She thought to herself, this man is just spouting nonsense.

During these ten years, she had paved the way to finally get Nangong Chang.

He was well aware of many of the details of her methods.

A refined lady like Su Jingshu was not Nangong Chang's type at all.

To cater to him, she had sacrificed a lot.

This woman was ruthless, and there was nothing she couldn't do.

After last night, Hou Yirong had been angry, but he also reflected on himself.

He couldn't reveal the truth from ten years ago and cause trouble for his third brother and sister-in-law.

Once Su Jingshu targeted his third brother, with her despicable means, things would truly get messy.

Potential dangers should be eliminated while they were still in their infancy.

Seeing that both of them remained silent, Qin Ruan finally raised her head.

After observing the tense confrontation between the two, she vaguely understood something.

Hou Yirong was afraid that Su Jingshu would harm her and was threatening and warning her.

Today, Su Jingshu was acting differently from before and had lost her high and mighty demeanor she had when they first met at the Hou residence.

Qin Ruan looked at Hou Yirong and Su Jingshu, her eyes wandering between the two.

Her cool and pleasant voice sounded, "Since we've had tea, can we go see Nangong Chang now?"

She didn't know whom she was asking.

Su Jingshu regained her senses and immediately instructed, "Bei Jinzhou, you take them upstairs."

"Understood, Miss—"

Bei Jinzhou took a step forward and extended his hand to Hou Yirong and Qin Ruan, "Second Young Master, Third Young Madam, please follow me."

Hou Yirong got up and went to support Qin Ruan as she stood up.

Her belly had grown larger day by day, and she looked like she was about to give birth.

He had been with her almost every moment today, supporting her as they went upstairs.

Su Jingshu remained seated on the sofa and didn't get up to follow them.

She watched Hou Yirong and Qin Ruan's backs, a restrained shimmer in her eyes.

Those tears fell one by one on her lotus-colored dress.

Seeing this, the surrounding servants retreated one after another.

This scene was not something they should witness.

...

Upstairs.

Hou Yirong and Qin Ruan were led by Bei Jinzhou into the room where Nangong Chang was.

The room was quite well-furnished, and there were advanced medical devices by Nangong Chang's bedside.

From this, one could tell that Su Jingshu still had feelings for Nangong Chang.

Hou Yirong noticed the scene inside the room, and a trace of surprise flashed in his eyes.

He had no idea that all this had been prepared by Bei Jinzhou.

Bei Jinzhou knew about Su Jingshu's feelings for Nangong Chang, so he had instructed his subordinates to pay extra attention when they brought him back last night.

Qin Ruan approached the bedside and looked at the bedridden Nangong Chang.

He had his eyes closed, probably sensing someone entering the room, he slowly opened his eyes.

Locked-in syndrome was a clinical syndrome caused by a lesion in the base of the brainstem.

Nangong Chang couldn't speak spontaneously and could only express his thoughts through blinking and eye movements.

He was completely paralyzed, but his comprehension and skin sensation were still intact.

This locked-in syndrome was a severe and life-threatening syndrome, with a long course and difficult to cure.

Nangong Chang could now be said to be waiting for death.

Qin Ruan stood by the bedside, looking at Nangong Chang with a longing for life in her eyes, feeling so pitiful.

This man could no longer be arrogant; he was now nothing but a pitiful creature.

Qin Ruan lowered her head, leaned closer to Nangong Chang, and looked into his trembling eyes.

"Nangong Chang, I'm going to ask you a few questions. Blink your eyes if the answer is correct, and don't do anything if it's wrong. Do you understand?"

Nangong Chang blinked his eyes.

"Very well."

Qin Ruan was quite satisfied.

She asked, "Before you fell ill, did you see any unnatural events, such as evil spirits?"

Nangong Chang blinked his eyes rapidly.

A look of fear appeared in his eyes, as if recalling some terrifying memories.

Qin Ruan nodded, "Is your illness caused by someone else?"

Nangong Chang blinked his eyes again, and his gaze was fixed on Qin Ruan.

His eyes were complicated, with a hint of expectation, as if he saw Qin Ruan as a savior.

Qin Ruan pursed her lips and asked again, "Do you know the appearance of the one responsible for your illness?"

Nangong Chang blinked his eyes again.

Hou Yirong stood on the side, arms crossed, leaning against the wall in a lazy posture.

Bei Jinzhou, on the other hand, was startled by Qin Ruan's series of strange questions.

He didn't understand what she was doing.

Why were the questions she asked so bizarre and made people suspect her sanity?

However, he did understand the last few words she said.

The death of the Nangong family's head and Nangong Chang's current condition were all manipulated by someone.

Hou Yirong and Qin Ruan's arrival today was to investigate these matters.

After the three of them came downstairs, Su Jingshu's tears had disappeared from her face.

She even found time to touch up her makeup, and her complexion had improved significantly.

When she saw the three of them coming downstairs, Su Jingshu stood up to greet them.

"Have you seen him?"

She was asking Bei Jinzhou.

The latter nodded and was about to say something, but when he saw Hou Yirong and Qin Ruan standing in front of him, he closed his mouth.

Seeing him hesitate to speak, Su Jingshu looked up at Hou Yirong.

The latter gazed at her with a deep smile, "Impressive."

His tone made it difficult to tell whether it was praise or sarcasm.

Su Jingshu's expression remained calm, "Second Young Master, I have already instructed the servants to prepare for Nangong Chang's funeral. He will forever close his eyes in the Su family."

This was her way of showing loyalty to the Hou family.

Hou Yirong's gaze deepened with a hint of smile, "Vicious enough."

He said, not knowing whether it was praise or mocking.

The outcome of Nangong Chang was not unexpected to him.

Su Jingshu's face showed a gentle and calm smile, "This is what I should do. After all, people must pay for the mistakes they make."

"Hmph!" Hou Yirong sneered.

He had seen how casually Su Jingshu spoke about killing Nangong Chang. Many men felt inferior in front of her.

For the past ten years, she had laid the groundwork to finally win over Nangong Chang.

He knew many of the hidden details about her.

A lady like Su Jingshu was not Nangong Chang's type at all.

In order to cater to him, she had sacrificed a lot.

This woman was ruthless, and there was nothing she couldn't do.

After last night, Hou Yirong was angry, but he also self-reflected.

He couldn't reveal the truth from ten years ago and cause trouble for his third brother and sister-in-law.

Once Su Jingshu targeted his third brother, with her despicable means, things would truly get messy.

Potential dangers should be eliminated while they were still in their infancy.

Seeing that both of them remained silent, Qin Ruan finally raised her head.

After observing the tense confrontation between the two, she vaguely understood something.

Hou Yirong was afraid that Su Jingshu would harm her and was threatening and warning her.

Today, Su Jingshu was acting differently from before and had lost her high and mighty demeanor she had when they first met at the Huo residence.

Qin Ruan looked at Hou Yirong and Su Jingshu, her eyes wandering between the two.

"Have you let go of him?"

As if she hadn't expected Qin Ruan to speak to her, Su Jingshu's expression slightly froze before nodding.

"Yes, I've let go. The Great Master of Nan Yin Temple once told me that one should not force a fate that is not meant to be. I understand that pursuing something that doesn't belong to you will only lead to disappointment, just as Third Young Lady once said that using any means to get something that doesn't belong to you will ultimately end in failure."

Su Jingshu's smile looked as if she had seen through the meaning of life.

She became gentle, giving off a faint halo of compassion.

Qin Ruan, on the other hand, felt uncomfortable seeing this.

She frowned and stared at Su Jingshu for a few moments before retracting her gaze.

Qin Ruan's tone was indifferent, "It's good to let go, but I hope your remaining blessings will withstand the consumption."

Her words seemed like advice, yet they carried a hidden warning.

Su Jingshu's soft smile remained as she replied sincerely, "Third Young Madam words, I will remember them well."

Her attitude was genuine, and her tone was extremely serious.

Chapter 582: Qin Ruan is the Third Younger Brother's person, he has to protect her.

Second Young Master Hou straight to the point and wanted to see Nangong Chang.

Bei Jinzhou's expression changed slightly upon hearing this.

Before that, when he was upstairs, he hadn't received any instructions from Su Jingshu to take them to see Nangong Chang.

Just as he hesitated about how to politely refuse, a gentle and slightly hoarse voice came from behind.

"Second Master, if you want to see someone, there's no need to rush. Why not have a cup of tea first?"

Bei Jinzhou turned around, and behind him was Su Jingshu.

She was wearing a casual lotus-colored qipao, with her long hair loosely tied up, giving her a classic and charming look.

All the embarrassment from earlier had been tidied up neatly, and there was no trace of it.

At this moment, Su Jingshu had once again transformed into the imposing head of the Su family she used to be.

She exuded a faint bookish aura and the confidence of a leader.

Hou Yirong saw that Su Jingshu, who was in a sorry state last night after being ruthlessly dealt with by him, had quickly adjusted herself overnight. His eyebrows raised slightly.

He had to admit that this woman was quite admirable.

Among the famous ladies of the capital, there wasn't a second one as ruthless and decisive as Su Jingshu.

Hou Yirong looked at her with a half-smile and asked, "Miss Su wants to see if Nangong Chang is still alive?"

His tone was cold, and his words carried an indescribable deep meaning.

Knowing Su Jingshu's temperament, if she knew that Nangong Chang had deceived her for ten years, this woman would definitely not spare him.

Of course, if she had truly fallen in love with him during these ten years, it would be a different story.

Su Jingshu raised her hand to tuck a strand of loose hair behind her ear and smiled faintly, "Second Master is joking. Young Master Nangong is doing well upstairs, and the servants are taking good care of him."

Bei Jinzhou, who was standing behind her, twitched his lips.

Since Su Jingshu returned last night, she hadn't seen Nangong Chang.

In the short time she had come downstairs, it was unlikely she had seen him either.

This was clearly a lie.

"Alright then, so we won't waste our time coming here."

Huo Yirong's expression turned subtle, and it was unclear whether he believed her or not.

He reached out to support Qin Ruan and walked to a nearby sofa.

"Younger Sister, take a rest, have some tea, and then we'll get to business."

"Sure."

Qin Ruan noticed the strangeness between Hou Yirong and Su Jingshu.

After the two sat down, the servants of the Su family brought tea.

Su Jingshu's seat was close to Qin Ruan.

She held a delicately colored teacup and her gaze fell on Qin Ruan's pregnant belly.

Qin Ruan felt Su Jingshu's eyes on her all the time.

She didn't know what was going on with this woman. Today, she seemed very interested in her.

Qin Ruan took a sip of tea and placed the teacup lightly on the table.

She looked up at Su Jingshu, and her eyes revealed an inscrutable light.

Su Jingshu met Qin Ruan's cold gaze, but her own eyes remained calm without much emotion. She smiled and said, "Third Young Madam, your belly seems to be about to give birth?"

Qin Ruan lightly touched her belly and replied casually, "About four more months."

She was pregnant with twins, so she would likely give birth earlier.

Su Jingshu absentmindedly touched the teacup in her hand, seeming a bit absent-minded, but her eyes were fixed on Qin Ruan's belly.

Her gaze was deep, as if she could see through Qin Ruan's belly and see the children inside.

Su Jingshu made small talk, "I heard that Third Madam is carrying twins?"

"Yes," Qin Ruan replied coldly, showing little interest in chatting with Su Jingshu.

Su Jingshu seemed to be oblivious to Qin Ruan's coldness and continued, "Third Master has chosen names for the children, hasn't he?"

"Sister Su, haven't you said enough?"

This time, before Qin Ruan could answer, Hou Yi Rong spoke unhappily.

He stared at Su Jingshu with a disdainful look, as if he could see through the depths of her heart and all the dirty and unspeakable thoughts within.

Su Jingshu's hand holding the teacup trembled slightly, causing some tea to spill onto her lotus-colored qipao.

"Miss!" Bei Jinzhou quickly handed her a handkerchief.

"No need," Su Jingshu waved her hand and placed the teacup back on the table.

She took a deep breath and looked up, meeting Huo Yi Rong's probing gaze.

"Second Master, I have already lost all my face and dignity in front of you. I'm already living in such an undignified manner. Why do you have to keep pressuring me like this?"

"Hmph!" Hou Yirong sneered.

He stared at Su Jingshu with icy eyes and said, "Miss Su is too modest. Not only have you lost your dignity, but you are also living a miserable life."

Su Jingshu's gaze tightened, and her body trembled slightly. She tightly clenched her fist.

Her delicate face, adorned with exquisite makeup, turned pale, but she tried her best to suppress her emotions.

"Second Master, you are still so aggressive."

Hou Yirong's thin lips curved into a sinister smile, and his refined and elegant appearance revealed a wicked demeanor.

He spoke heartlessly, "You should be honored. After all, you are doing much better than ordinary women. How many women in the capital dare to dispose of outstanding scions of their families and personally take their place?"

"Second Master!"

This time, Su Jingshu couldn't maintain her composure.

This was the Su family's residence, and everyone present was her people.

Many things were well understood by all, but no one dared to bring them up.

Some things were not meant to be spoken out loud.

Once they were spoken, it would stir up restlessness among the family members, putting the Su family in danger.

Hou Yirong's words weren't blaming her; instead, they were a threat.

Su Jingshu felt anxious.

Hou Yirong glanced at Qin Ruan, who was sitting beside him, seemingly obedient.

Her face had the same calm expression as the Third Younger Brother.

This woman was the Third Younger Brother's person, and he had to protect her.

Hou Yirong leaned back on the sofa in a relaxed posture, assuming a demeanor of a big shot.

He tilted his chin up, looking down at Su Jingshu and said with a high and mighty tone, "I'm all ears, Miss Su. What do you want to say?"

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