Chapter 192: Just Want to Roll Eyes at My Son

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 Chapter 191: Ready to Sell Pickled Fish

Next Chapter ▶▶

Chapter 647: A Lavish Pile of Dog Food from the Soft Couple

Qin Ruan really liked the dress she was wearing.

She looked left and right, finally deciding, "Then, this one. I don't feel like choosing anymore."

Huo Yunjiao smiled and said, "Sure."

His gaze shifted away from Qin Ruan.

He fixed his eyes on the tablet screen again but silently recited the Diamond Sutra in his heart.

Having such a beautiful and charming wife at home, he couldn't get enough of her day and night.

Unfortunately, the more he looked, the more entangled he became.

Hou Yunjiao pinched his brow and let out a sigh.

For nearly thirty years, he had lived a simple and desireless life.

Yet, an affectionate little girl suddenly appeared, constantly challenging his boundaries.

After a few minutes, Qin Ruan changed back into her previous clothes and walked out.

She left the dress in the dressing room for easy access the next day.

Looking at the other dresses in the room, Qin Ruan felt a headache. "I can't wear these clothes for now. Let the servants take care of them later."

Hou Yunjiao didn't even raise his head. "Someone will take care of it."

Qin Ruan touched her belly. "I'm hungry."

Hou Yunjiao had just sent the email and finished his work.

Hearing that Qin Ruan was hungry, he put the tablet back on the table, got up, and put on his indoor shoes before heading towards her.

He stood in front of Qin Ruan, raised his hand, and gently pinched her nose, speaking gently, "Let's go downstairs for a meal."

Qin Ruan narrowed her eyes and smiled. She turned around and walked away.

Hou Yunjiao was quick to react, holding the hand that she was about to swing backward.

The two of them held hands and left the bedroom together.

...

The next day.

Qin Ruan stayed at home all day.

She stayed in the upstairs bedroom of Xiangxi Mansion and slept in the morning.

In the afternoon, she ate and drank, complaining about Wei Linchen in her heart.

He asked her to write an 8,000-word paper, making her feel like her emotions were about to explode.

Hou Yunjiao was working in his study and surprisingly didn't disturb Qin Ruan.

The two of them didn't bother each other until the night fell, and Hou Yirong made a high-profile appearance at Xiangxi Mansion.

Hou Yirong was dressed in a well-tailored custom-made suit, standing in the spacious living room with a strong and imposing aura.

Hou Yunjiao, dressed in comfortable home clothes, walked down the stairs with Qin Ruan, who was wearing a smoke-gray dress.

Seeing Hou Yirong appear, the cold aura around him dissipated, replaced by warmth.

He showed a touch of playfulness on his elegant and distant face, "Third Brother, Little Sister-in-law."

Hou Yunjiao supported Qin Ruan as they descended the stairs, being extra careful.

The two of them approached Hou Yirong.

Qin Ruan held a delicate handbag in her hand and greeted him with a smiling face, "Brother Yirong."

Hou Yirong looked Qin Ruan up and down, his eyes flashing with amazement, "Little Sister-in-law, you look really beautiful today."

Qin Ruan's eyes contained a hint of playfulness, "Brother Yirong, are you saying that I wasn't beautiful before?"

"Please don't wrong me."

Hou Yirong protested, and then his gaze shifted to Huo Yunjiao, a meaningful look in his eyes, "Little Sister-in-law seems to have become livelier than before."

Hou Yunjiao's eyebrow slightly raised, he lowered his gaze to look at the carefully dressed Qin Ruan.

He held Qin Ruan's hand and brought it in front of Huo Yirong, "Second Brother, I'll entrust you with taking care of Ruan Ruan."

Hou Yirong's face showed a hint of interest, "Rest assured, I'll bring her back to you just as I brought her out, not a single strand of hair missing."

Listening to this conversation between the two brothers, Qin Ruan felt strangely awkward.

Hou Yirong didn't reach out to hold her hand.

Instead, he bent his arm, looking at her with a smile.

Qin Ruan's hand, held by Hou Yunjiao, slowly moved away.

She reached out and circled Hou Yirong's arm, her beautiful eyes fixed on Hou Yunjiao, not turning away.

Qin Ruan pursed her lips and said, "I'll be back early. Remember to have dinner, and don't work in the study anymore. You've worked for more than six hours today."

Hou Yunjiao's thin lips curved into a perfect arc. In front of Qin Ruan, he always seemed to have a gentle smile on his face.

He reached out as if to ruffle Qin Ruan's hair.

Halfway through the motion, he stopped.

Qin Ruan had her hair styled tonight, and if he messed it up, it would ruin the hard work of the stylist.

Holding the hand that was about to ruffle her hair, Hou Yunjiao lightly touched Qin Ruan's earlobe, where she wore expensive diamond earrings.

He spoke softly, "Got it."

"It's itchy."

Qin Ruan turned her head to avoid the uncomfortable touch.

Every time Third Young Master made such small gestures, she would feel flustered.

In the past half year of getting along, they had grown even closer than this, but she still couldn't get used to it.

Seeing her uneasy expression, Hou Yunjiao withdrew his hand.

"Don't come back too late, your body can't drink alcohol. Tonight, Huo Qiang and Lin Hao will follow you. If you don't like it there, you can come back early."

Qin Ruan nodded, "I know."

Her eyes locked onto the man in front of her, as if asking if there was anything else he wanted to say.

Hou Yunjiao didn't have much to say.

Being stared at by Qin Ruan with those enchanting big eyes, he opened his mouth again, "I'll have the kitchen prepare some soup for you tonight."

Having received such a lavish pile of dog food, Huo Second Master had had enough.

He raised his hand to his forehead, "Third Brother, I'm just borrowing Little Sister-in-law for a few hours. You don't have to be so reluctant."

Hou Yirong's eyes sparkled with mischief as he looked back and forth between Qin Ruan and his Third Brother.

In fact, it was not Hou Yunjiao who was reluctant.

It was clear that this couple couldn't bear to part with each other.

And he seemed to be the one disrupting their affection.

Feeling teased, Hou Yunjiao pressed his lips against his fist, coughing softly twice, "You can go now."

Hou Yirong and Qin Ruan left Xiangxie Mansion side by side.

They boarded the luxurious Hou family emblem-marked car and left in the midst of the numerous other luxurious cars parked

outside the mansion.

...

The Fu family.

Once a powerful force in the south, they already had multiple properties in the capital even before they entered the city.

After the Fu family arrived in the capital, they settled in a luxurious mansion in the East City.

As long as this family behaved without making too many mistakes in their actions, this place would become the Fu family's home in the capital.

When Qin Ruan and Hou Yirong arrived at the Fu family, there were rows and rows of luxury cars parked outside, indicating the number of guests present.

Comparing the parked luxury cars outside, the Hou family's cars were steady and headed straight to the Fu family's entrance.

Outside the grand mansion, quite a few people were walking inside, all dressed in exquisite and luxurious clothes.

At the mansion's entrance, there were people verifying the identities of the guests.

Without an invitation, no one would be allowed in.

The guards outside the Fu family mansion saw the slowly approaching Hou family convoy and fixed their eyes on the family emblem on the car, immediately allowing them to enter without verification.

They didn't even bother to verify their identities.

Behind them, people were all staring at the luxurious car convoy, showing shock and curiosity.

Inside the Fu family mansion, the lawn was also filled with dozens of luxury cars.

The residential area was some distance away from the banquet hall, and the Hou family's cars did not stop on the lawn. They went directly to the banquet hall.

The closer they got, the denser the crowd became.

At the entrance of the banquet hall, a middle-aged man in a suit and leather shoes was chatting enthusiastically with someone.

Seeing the Hou family convoy approaching, he opened his eyes slightly.

Making sure there was no mistake, the middle-aged man handed the guest he was talking to over to someone else and quickly walked down the steps.

Chapter 157: Four Thirty

Who would be willing to push away a large warm stove?

Moreover, it was the warm stove that didn't emit any sense of danger. In the dream, Bai Lu didn't struggle. She allowed the warm stove to hold her, nestling into its embrace and falling asleep.

The next morning.

As the night faded away and the sky gradually brightened, early-rising birds flapped their wings on the branches, chirping and ringing like bells.

Bai Lu opened her eyes in a daze, a perfect and impeccable face immediately catching her sight. Beneath the tightly closed dark eyes were a well-defined and straight nose, deep and three-dimensional features, cold and alluring thin lips. The most distinctive feature was the completely messy and yet irresistibly handsome bald hairstyle that an ordinary person couldn't pull off.

This, this, isn't this Xiao Cheng?

How could Xiao Cheng be in bed?

Wasn't Xiao Cheng in another province?

When did Xiao Cheng come back?

Why didn't she know?

Bai Lu rubbed her eyes again with force, rolling her eyes up, down, left, and right, confirming and ensuring that she was still at home, in bed, not experiencing a teleportation dream.

The man lying in front of her was indeed Xiao Cheng.

How did her vigilance become so low?

She didn't even notice when Xiao Cheng came back, when he lay on the bed, or when he hugged her.

Habit is a lethal poison.

This is bad, really bad!

Bai Lu closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and carefully grabbed the large hand wrapped around her waist.

Move it.

Just move it a little.

"Sleep a little longer."

As soon as she moved the hand a centimeter away, a lazy and deep voice sounded from above, and the hand tightened back around her waist.

Although, to be precise, it was an embrace, the strength of the embrace was like a tightening chain.

Bai Lu could hear his clear and strong heartbeat, feel his even and steady breath.

The warmth of the slightly calloused palms spread on her waist, like the warm stove that held her in her dreams.

However, this warm stove seemed to have been working overtime for many days without rest, wrapped in a heavy dark blue, fatigue accumulating under his eyes, hidden behind the seemingly stable and heavy breathing.

Bai Lu slowly withdrew her hand, accidentally touching the arm wrapped around her waist with her fingertips, and it instantly tightened.

Xiao Cheng, who was asleep, pursed his thin lips and made a half-awake sound, "Lu Lu..."

In his lazy voice, there was a hint of vulnerability that was never present even when he was drunk.

Bai Lu admitted to herself that she had softened.

She couldn't bear to disturb him anymore.

In a soft voice, she asked, "When did you come back last night?"

The man sleeping didn't like to be disturbed, frowned, pursed his lips, and subconsciously tightened the soft warmth, not knowing how long it took for his brain to react to the sound crashing into his eardrums. The voice was gentle, like a crazy tenderness.

The tightly furrowed brows slowly relaxed, and the thin lips opened slightly, "Four thirty."

Bai Lu raised her head slightly, glanced at the faint light coming in from the window; it was still early, she could stay in bed a little longer.

Roasting chestnuts before it gets bright would do.

"Why did you come back so late? What kind of vehicle did you take back? When did you start taking that vehicle?" She asked a string of questions, but in a very low voice.

The man sleeping didn't move his eyes and didn't know if he heard, but with his eyes closed, he answered, "Took a long-distance bus back at noon, arrived in Nan City at three in the morning, changed to another bus back to Ping City, and then another bus home, four thirty."

Economically underdeveloped, inconvenient transportation, it's really hard to take a bus with all those transfers.

Bai Lu asked again, "Did you bring the keys when you went out?"

"Mm..."

"Did all the transactions for the pine wood go smoothly?"

"Mm."

"How much money did you make?"

"Three hundred and ninety-six thousand, eight hundred and thirty-five yuan."

Bai Lu saw a large backpack filled with things placed by the bedside, which Xiao Cheng carried when he left. "With so much money, did you just bring it back like this in your bag?"

"I got a card."

"A bank card?"

"Mm."

"That's good. Put all the money in the card, carry it with you, and pickpockets won't be able to steal it."

"The card is under your pillow."

Bai Lu was stunned, feeling a volcano under her pillow that would scald her scalp, making her dare not move.

Wanting to reach out and touch it, her hands were trapped in front of her by Xiao Cheng, with no space to move.

Forcibly pulling it out would definitely wake him up.

Better to continue the quiet conversation, "Why did you put the card under my pillow? What if it gets stolen, such a valuable thing?"

"It won't."

Who dares to come and steal things from a big shot's house?

They must be tired of living.

However, it's not appropriate to hide so much money in the card under her pillow.

Bai Lu raised her voice slightly, "After you wake up, hide the bank card back under your pillow, okay?"

"I don't have a pillow."

"???"

"No pillow, then what are you sleeping on right now?"

Xiao Cheng, who was still asleep, didn't respond.

Bai Lu increased her voice by one level, "I'll go to the market today and buy you a new pillow, okay?"

The man still didn't respond.

Bai Lu pursed her lips, looking at his tightly closed eyes, and softly spoke, "Ah Cheng?"

Xiao Cheng subconsciously tightened his arms and hugged her tightly, "Mm."

Well, there's actually a special sleep activation nickname!

Next Chapter ▶▶

Chapter 646: Unique Charm, Forbidden and Unrestrained Extremes

Hou Yunjiao pinched Qin Ruan's hand gently and said, "I'll go freshen up, you can pick a dress first."

Qin Ruan didn't let go, holding Hou Yunjiao's slender and cool hand, she spoke slowly, "No, do you want to hug?"

As she said this, Qin Ruan's face remained calm and composed, as if this matter didn't bring her the usual embarrassment.

When Hou Yunjiao lowered his eyes to look at her, the long and dense eyelashes reflected a dangerous glint in his eyes, making his already lazy eyes appear even more dangerous.

The dangerous gleam in his eyes seemed to want to swallow Qin Ruan whole in the next second.

Qin Ruan stared into his deep and dark eyes, feeling as if she could be sucked in by them.

Huo Yunjiao took a deep breath and said slowly and huskily, "Little girl, I was just teasing you earlier."

His tone carried an indescribable complexity.

Huo Yunjiao stepped forward and embraced Qin Ruan.

"Thank you."

He believed he understood Qin Ruan to some extent. This girl relied on him, trusted him, and showed a submissive side that she didn't reveal in front of others.

For Qin Ruan to reach this point, it showed how important he was in her heart.

"Oh, then go ahead."

Qin Ruan replied faintly and let go of the Hou Yunjiao's hand, turning around to continue choosing an exquisite and luxurious dress.

Her lips were tightly pursed, trying hard to suppress the urge to smile.

Hou Yunjiao's lips curved slightly as he turned to leave.

The beast confined in the cage had calmed down for the moment.

After the inadvertent teasing from Qin Ruan earlier, his clothes were stained with some foreign substances, making him feel a bit uncomfortable.

Hou Yunjiao entered the bathroom to freshen up.

The sound of the bathroom door being opened and gently closed reached Qin Ruan's ears.

She turned her head and looked at the closed door, and her lips slowly curled up, no longer suppressing her smile.

The pleasant ringtone echoed inside her pocket.

Qin Ruan took out her phone, and the caller ID showed "Wei Xishi."

She answered the call and brought the phone to her ear.

Wei Linchen's tired voice came through the speaker.

"Qin Ruan, I've dealt with everything at the school. I've captured the rogue students wandering around the campus, and the school has paid the final installment. I'll transfer your share to your WeChat later."

"Okay."

This time, she had also put in some effort, so she deserved her share of the reward.

Wei Linchen continued, "The small grove is heavily damaged. I talked to the school's higher-ups, and they are afraid that there might be some evil spirits causing trouble, so they want to clear the grove."

"Whether they clear it or not doesn't make much difference, let them do as they wish."

Wei Linchen sensed something from her response, "Has the Huangju Tree main body been destroyed? Will it come back?"

Qin Ruan ran her fingers over a smoky gray gown in the wardrobe, which was adorned with handmade embroidery, making her reluctant to part with it.

She said, "The possibility is slim."

If the main body of the Huangju Tree was destroyed and it had fled in advance, it meant that the other party had given up on Audri Academy.

As for whether they would cause trouble elsewhere, she didn't know.

To find the Huangju Tree, she would have to invite Lan An.

The Huangju Tree was cultivated from Lan An the Blue Eucalyptus as a wood spirit, and over the years, their auras had already been imprinted on each other's souls.

Lan An was the original wood spirit, so it would be easy to find the Huangju Tree.

She had asked Qiao Nanyuan to go to the Qishan city and invite Lan An and Ling Feng.

If the child in her belly wasn't so young, she would have gone there herself.

It was tiring to travel to Qishan City and then go up the mountain, and her child might protest.

Wei Linchen breathed a sigh of relief, "That's good then. Audri Academy is still a bit unclean, but it's not a big deal. If you don't have any other arrangements, I'll finish the handover here."

"Okay."

Qin Ruan took off the smoky gray gown and walked towards the wardrobe.

She asked, "Is there anything else?"

Wei Linchen paused for a moment and said, "When you return to school, let's talk together if you have time. I'm quite interested in you."

This "interest" wasn't just about Qin Ruan herself.

It included her mysterious ability, her precious weapon, and the sect she belonged to.

"If I have time, sure." Qin Ruan didn't refuse.

She could tell that Wei Linchen's words carried a hidden meaning.

In the WeChat group [North Tai Emperor Lord], Wei Xishi was someone she considered a familiar colleague.

As for Wei Linchen, he was a young professor at Shengshi Academy and someone she respected and liked as a teacher.

Wei Linchen's tone became cheerful, "Alright then, I won't disturb you anymore. We'll get in touch later."

"Okay." Qin Ruan responded and hung up the phone.

She pushed open the door of the wardrobe and walked in.

Hou Yunjiao had finished his shower, wearing a bathrobe as he walked out of the bathroom.

Not seeing Qin Ruan's figure in the room, he glanced at the wardrobe.

Seeing the faint movement inside, he understood what was happening.

He wiped his hair and walked to the bed, reaching for the tablet on the table.

Seeing the unread emails on the screen, he tossed the towel aside.

Recently, he had been in charge of a project at HEA Group, which required careful verification due to the large transaction amount and many issues to address.

Leaning against the headboard, his crystal-clear fingers slid across the screen.

There was a slight movement from the wardrobe, and the door was pushed open from the inside.

Hou Yunjiao's gaze lowered slightly, taking in Qin Ruan's attire.

He re-tied the bathrobe's waistband that had become loose with a quick motion, concealing the enticing scenery that had been half exposed.

The newly showered Third Young Master exuded a faint charm and a sophisticated air.

In the middle of his restrained temperament, a contradictory meaning was released.

It was a kind of natural charm that didn't need to be deliberately hidden, combined with his stunning appearance, not world-shaking, but out of the ordinary.

It inevitably attracted people, seduced by his aura of restraint.

Forbidden and unrestrained were two extremes.

Either one of them could make people unable to stop themselves.

And Hou Yunjiao happened to possess both qualities, releasing a unique charm of his own.

Qin Ruan walked out of the dressing room wearing the exquisite, noble, smoky gray dress.

The dress had no bare shoulders or arms, it was dignified and elegant, exuding an air of

nobility and grandeur.

Worn by Qin Ruan, it showcased her gentle and delicate side.

The dress was adorned with hand-embroidered patterns on the skirt, and the top had a hollow design with the same embroidery added in a unique way.

On Qin Ruan, the gown revealed her elegance, calmness, and steadiness, a pleasant surprise to the eye.

Qin Ruan held the skirt with her hand and stood in front of the dressing room, turning around.

"Third Young Master, do I look good?"

"Good."

Hou Yunjiao nodded, giving a sincere response.

His eyes remained fixed on Qin Ruan, as if he couldn't get enough of her and couldn't take his gaze away.

Qin Ruan, with her young age and carefully crafted innocent face, was often mistaken for a child.

But when she put on the elegant dress, her every move exuded a woman's charm.

  Chapter 38: Shocked Madam Chen

"Wow, it's actually Yunmu Fragrance!"

Yang Xiaohua looked at the two medicinal herbs on the ground, big and small, unable to utter a word, "How could this kind of herb grow here?"

Chen Xue became curious, "Is this herb very precious?"

"It's extremely precious!"

Yang Xiaohua explained seriously.

Soon Chen Xue understood that this so-called Yunmu Fragrance was a unique medicinal herb in this world, equivalent to the precious wild ginseng in the previous life.

A hundred-year-old Yunmu Fragrance could even prolong life in critical moments.

According to Yang Xiaohua, this kind of herb generally grew in remote mountains and valleys where few people ventured, and it was impossible to grow by the roadside.

"Maybe a bird accidentally carried the seeds of Yunmu Fragrance, and then it accidentally grew here."

Chen Xue shrugged, this situation was quite common, many plants were spread by birds.

Even digging a hole in the backyard at home, filling it with water, and before long, fish would appear.

Returning to the main point, anyway, the two Yunmu Fragrance herbs in front of her were very precious.

Naturally, Chen Xue wouldn't let them go. She carefully dug them out, let the system collect one small one, and naturally planted the larger one in her space.

If the Yunmu Fragrance grew well, it might be able to save lives in dangerous situations in the future.

"Yunmu Fragrance, 5000 contribution points."

"Wow~"

Seeing the system prompt, Chen Xue couldn't help but gasp in cold air. This was the first time she received so many contribution points.

No wonder Xiaohua said this kind of herb was very precious, it was indeed true. This herb alone was worth several days of her harvest.

After collecting the herb, Chen Xue looked around vigilantly. Fortunately, with her subordinates surrounding her, no one else saw it, otherwise there might have been attempts to snatch it.

After collecting the Yunmu Fragrance, Chen Xue looked around, but unfortunately, there were only these two herbs.

However, she did spot several unfamiliar plants.

"Miss, these are not medicinal herbs!"

Yang Xiaohua kindly reminded, and even felt puzzled. Why did the Miss always pick some weeds every time? These had no value and couldn't be eaten.

Chen Xue shrugged and didn't explain. A mosquito's leg was still meat. After being recorded by the system, she could exchange it for more than ten contribution points, enough to exchange for a box of spicy strips.

Then, the two returned to the carriage.

Not long after, it was time for lunch break.

The weather turned cooler, and Chen Xue wouldn't stay outside unless necessary, as she might catch a cold.

"Ah!"

"What's wrong? You're sighing at such a young age!"

Madam Chen tapped Chen Xue's forehead, "It's almost winter, don't run around, lest you catch a cold."

"I feel uncomfortable without meat to eat," Chen Xue said somewhat helplessly. Although there were some chickens, ducks, and geese in the space, she couldn't easily take them out.

Even if she slaughtered them in the space and then brought them out, once they were cooked, the aroma of the meat would spread far and wide.

These prisoners here had never eaten meat, and some hadn't even eaten their fill. If they smelled the meat, they would definitely go crazy.

Moreover, if the bailiffs came over smelling the meat, how would they explain where the meat came from?

"Ah?"

Chen Xue suddenly thought of something and brightened up, "Mom, do you want to go into the space and have a look!"

If they didn't want to be discovered and prevent the aroma from spreading, they could only eat in the space. But she felt a bit lonely eating alone in the space.

So she thought about it and decided to let the whole family eat in the space.

Chen's parents had been in contact with her for so long, and she knew they cared about her and wouldn't reveal this secret.

As for Xiao Die, she had the opportunity to leave but chose to be exiled with Chen Xue, which was enough to show her loyalty.

However, she didn't invite Yang Xiaohua, after all, although she had sold herself to the Chen family, she hadn't gained enough trust from Chen Xue.

"You go in and eat first. I'll help you guard. Otherwise, when someone comes to find us and lifts the curtain, they won't find us, and it will be troublesome."

Chen Yuan was always prudent and didn't act impulsively, so he spotted the loophole immediately.

Chen Xue nodded and took Madam Chen and Xiao Die into the space.

Upon entering the space, Madam Chen and Xiao Die were stunned. According to Chen Xue, this was her master's paradise.

In the hearts of Madam Chen and daughter, this was like an immortal's paradise, and they actually had the qualification to enter. How could they not be excited?

However, their excitement was interrupted by the crowing of chickens.

Looking at the chaotic scene inside the fence, with chicken dung all over the ground, Madam Chen was a bit dumbfounded. This paradise was nothing like they imagined.

Speaking of which, these chickens, ducks, and geese seemed somewhat familiar.

Right, and these bedsheets, blankets... the more they looked, the more familiar they seemed, like the ones they used at home.

It seemed that Madam Chen was puzzled. Although Chen Xue had said that their belongings had been taken away by her master, it seemed that everything from their house was here.

Madam Chen mouth twitched. Although Chen Xue said so, how could everything from their home be taken away, even the pots and pans...

She felt like the Chen family had been emptied, and all their belongings were here.

"Cough!"

"Mom, are we going to eat chicken or duck..."

Chen Xue stood by the fence with a kitchen knife, sizing up the chickens, ducks, and geese inside.

"Do you know how to cook?"

Madam Chen didn't answer but instead asked.

"Uh, no..." Chen Xue had a bad feeling. "Mom, you don't know how to cook either, right?"

"Yes, I don't know!"

"Then who said they knew..."

"I do!"

Xiao Die emerged from behind Chen Xue, startling her, "Ahem, okay, I almost forgot about you."

Definitely something wrong!

Looking at Xiao Die cooking, Chen Xue fell into contemplation. Xiao Die, who was easily overlooked, seemed to have become invisible, and it was possible that she had awakened some talent!

Just like in a certain anime from her past life, there was a character who played with insects and was often overlooked, even forgotten by his companions. Xiao Die's situation was exactly the same.

She could travel through space and had the space, and now these inexplicable situations were happening. If Xiao die had awakened some talent, it might be possible.

While Xiao die was killing the chicken, Chen Xue approached her and asked her in a low voice if she could control insects.

Xiao Die seemed very afraid of insects. Her face changed suddenly, and with a strong swing of her hand, she chopped off the head of the hen, splattering blood all over Xiao Die's face.

Xiao Die turned her head to look at Chen Xue, her eyes full of resentment, making Chen Xue feel scared from the bottom of her heart. After all, Biao Die's face was covered in blood, she was holding a snow-covered kitchen knife in her hand, and her eyes were full of resentment, making her look very frightening.

Chen Xue smiled awkwardly and hurriedly ran away.

Next Chapter▶▶

  Chapter 126: The Bai Family is Doomed

"Madam Bai!" Mrs. Wang didn't want to hear any explanations anymore, "We signed the contract in black and white. During the contract period, there can't be any negative news. Otherwise, you'll have to compensate ten times the penalty... As required, you must pay fifty million within ten days, or else we'll see you in court!"

"Hey, Mrs. Wang, Mrs. Wang..." Xu Aiqin wanted to say something, but the other party had already hung up, and when she tried calling back, she was blocked.

Xu Aiqin felt completely defeated. Fifty million... where could she find fifty million?

Although Bai Zhenhai was the wealthiest man in Winter City, with personal assets exceeding a billion RMB, most of it was in fixed assets such as houses, shops, shares, cars, and so on...

Recently, because big conglomerates like Ouyan Capital suddenly stopped cooperating with them, their funds were tight. Coupled with losses in business, they had already sold quite a few shops and houses.

And now they had to compensate fifty million??

They'd probably have to sell their shares!!

But if they sold their shares, they'd become minority shareholders... the decision-making power would be in the hands of Old Lady Bai and other shareholders!

No, they couldn't sell their shares...

"You can all go!" Xu Aiqin dismissed the housemaids, then anxiously asked Bai Zhenhai in a low voice, "What do we do? Yao Yao violated the contract and has to compensate fifty million within ten days..."

Just as Bai Zhenhai was about to say something, his phone vibrated, showing an unknown number.

"Hello."

"Is this Mr. Bai Zhenhai? I am Miss Tingyin's attorney..."

Bai Zhenhai was bewildered by what the person said, "Compensate sixty million??"

"Yes, Miss Bai plagiarized Miss Tingyin's work, used it for competition without permission, which constitutes severe infringement and must bear corresponding civil liability."

"According to relevant laws and regulations, you must stop the infringement, eliminate the impact, and make a solemn apology, in addition to compensating Miss Tingyin for her losses."

"With Miss Tingyin's reputation, fifty million compensation is already quite lenient."

"If the payment isn't made within three days, we will sue Miss Bai and announce the matter on official channels."

"Don't..." Bai Zhenhai hurriedly pleaded, "Let's discuss everything..."

If it was announced officially, the whole country would know about Yao Yao's plagiarism, which would severely damage her reputation and the Bai family's reputation...

As soon as Bai Zhenhai finished the call, Xu Aiqin rushed to ask, "What's going on? Ou Yan wants us to compensate sixty million? Why?"

"Just because Yao Yao copied her tune!" Bai Zhenhai was incensed at the thought, "Could you stop calling her 'that dead girl'? If it weren't for you driving her out of the Bai family, with her status as Master Tingyin, how much benefit could she have brought us? How outstanding are our two daughters? How much prestige could they have brought us? How many connections would she have brought us when she gets married in the future?"

The Bai family didn't lack the rice bowl of Ou Yan!

They were just too narrow-minded!

It's too late for regrets now...

"How would I know that dead... that girl is Tingyin? She never mentioned it before." Xu Aiqin was indignant, "It just shows she's extremely cunning! The old lady cherished her the most, but she still kept it from her!"

Xu Aiqin was convinced that if the old lady knew, she would have told them.

Bai Zhenhai slumped on the sofa. With the fifty million breach of contract and the sixty million infringement compensation, it added up to over a hundred million!

He didn't have that much cash on hand!

"Zhenhai, shall we try to negotiate with that girl? She might soften..." Xu Aiqin's words weren't finished when Bai Zhenhai couldn't help but rebuke, "You also know she would soften? If you had been more generous back then, even if we had to send her away reluctantly, we could have parted amicably. We might have met on the road later, exchanged smiles, said hello, and our relationship wouldn't have deteriorated to this point!"

Bai Zhenhai realized that since Ou Yan left the Bai family, nothing had gone smoothly...

Yao Yao finally got second place after so much effort, but she was slapped in the face!

Bai Zhenhai couldn't describe his current feelings—whether it was regret, heartache, anger, or irritation...

He remembered Ouyan Capital and suddenly understood.

"No wonder she dined with Wu You and the others, no wonder Assistant Liu treated her with such respect..."

It's likely because of her status as a Master Tingyin, she befriended some influential people.

Bai Zhenhai regretted deeply, "Call Yao Yao down. We can only sincerely apologize to her now and try to get her forgiveness..."

"Why?" Xu Aiqin couldn't help but protest, unwillingly, "Yao Yao already apologized to her on stage..."

Do they have to apologize privately too?

Isn't that making themselves steps for Ou Yan to trample on?

"If saying sorry can reduce the compensation by sixty million, you might as well laugh secretly!" Bai Zhenhai felt things weren't so simple, "I'm worried that the girl has been hurt by us too many times and won't forgive us easily..."

She already blocked their numbers...

"She used to admire Yao Yao's necklace, right? Just give her that..." Xu Aiqin's words weren't finished when Bai Zhenhai laughed.

"Why are you laughing?"

"She's a piano master, can't afford a necklace?"

"Why did she steal Yao Yao's then? And why does she associate with so many men? Just for money?"

Bai Zhenhai pondered for a moment, "What Yao Yao said might not be true. She interacts with so many men maybe because of her status as a piano master, making friends with like-minded people..."

After all, people with status and position like to gather together...

Xu Aiqin found his words suddenly made sense...

But how could Yao Yao lie?

Bai Zhenhai must have overthought it!

Just then, Bai Zhenhai's phone rang again, this time it was from the company's secretary, Yang.

"Mr. Bai, it's bad!! The Li family has threatened that no company should cooperate with us, or they'll have trouble with the Li family!"

"Now, several companies want to terminate contracts..."

"If this continues, our company will be out of business!"

Bai Zhenhai was stunned and extremely puzzled, "We haven't offended the Li family. Did they say why?"

"No..."

"Then go find out!" Bai Zhenhai was in a hurry. They didn't have any conflicts with the Li family at the award ceremony today... they didn't even exchange greetings! How did they offend them?

"Mr. Bai, please calm down. I'll find out right away."

After Yang hung up, Bai Zhenhai had a sinking feeling that he was finished...

He couldn't understand why the Li family

 would issue such a threat. Was it because of Ou Yan?

Is it possible that the Li family likes the Master Tingyin and wants to help her when she's been bullied?

If so, they would have offended two influential figures at once...

 Chapter 125: Compensation of Fifty Million

"Right, right, right! Master, you can rest assured."

"It's indeed Master! When will you create new pieces again? We, the fans, have been waiting too long."

...

Ou Yan smiled faintly, "I'll do it as soon as possible."

"That's great!" Amidst the joy of everyone, they didn't dare to block the Master's path anymore. They all stepped aside, and the host announced the end of the event. The audience in the stands dispersed.

Ou Yan walked towards her parents. Seeing how excited they were, she smiled lightly, "Let's talk in the car."

"Eh, okay, okay..." Li Yuanfu didn't expect his precious daughter's identity to be a piano master!

Back then, Old Wu begged someone to write a piece of music, offering a hundred thousand per note, but he was ruthlessly rejected. When he got home, Old Wu even complained, saying the Master was too arrogant!

Who would have thought that this arrogant person turned out to be Old Wu's own younger sister? This made things more interesting.

Several die-hard fans saw the Master leaving with Li Yuanfu's couple and couldn't help feeling envious.

"As expected, the friends of big shots are also big shots. When will I be able to befriend a tycoon like the Master and the richest man..."

"Close your eyes."

"Huh? Close, close my eyes?"

"In dreams, everything is possible."

"..."

On the way back, Li Yusha felt the championship trophy in her hands heavy, just like her mood...

This junk in the eyes of Master Tingyin probably means nothing...

She was about to discreetly hide this embarrassing thing behind her back when she heard Song Qiaoying say, "Shasha, your sister is Master Tingyin! If you have any questions in the future, you can ask her."

"Oh, okay..."

Ask her? How could Ou Yan possibly teach her?

"I never expected our Li family to produce a musical genius! That's amazing! We must celebrate tonight!" Song Qiaoying couldn't stop smiling.

Li Yuanfu was equally delighted, "Yan Yan has really brought honor to our Li family! She was underutilized in the Bai family before."

"Why mention the Bai family at all! They're a bunch of heartless people, mentioning them affects the mood!" 

"What Madam said is right. Don't worry, I'll make a phone call right away!" Li Yuanfu took out his phone and told the person on the other end, "Spread the word, nobody is allowed to cooperate with the Bai family, or else they'll have trouble with us, the Li family!"

Who dares to bully his precious daughter? Hmph! Let them not survive in Jing City!

Proud for more than a decade, Li Yusha still couldn't accept that Ou Yan was better than her deep down...

At this moment, her heart was filled with envy and frustration, but she had to pretend to be calm on the surface, which was too difficult.

On the other hand.

Qing Mu knocked on the door of the president's office and couldn't wait for Si Yechen cheng to respond before rushing in, "Master Chen... something big happened! Miss Ou Yan is actually Master Tingyin! The well-known musical genius in the piano world is Master Tingyin!"

Si Yechen raised his eyebrows, surprised, but a hint of indulgent smile appeared on his lips.

His girl, always bringing him surprises at every moment, not only was she a medical genius at a young age, but also a piano prodigy.

What else is she, that he doesn't know?

"Today, Miss Ou Yan accompanied her family to attend the piano competition awards ceremony..." Qing Mu described the situation.

The Bai Family.

Bai Muyao locked herself in her room and wouldn't come out no matter what.

"Miss Muyao, weren't you supposed to attend the awards ceremony? What happened?"

"We made a cake for you, and we wanted to celebrate together when you came back..."

"Open the door and look at this cake. It says, 'Congratulations to Miss Muyao for winning second place...'"

The sound of a vase breaking in the room seemed to tell them to shut up and stop talking!

The maids were startled, and seeing Bai Zhenhai and Xu Aiqin returning, looking dejected and disheveled, they hurried downstairs. "Sir, Madam, Miss Muyao she..."

Before they could finish their words, they saw Bai Zhenhai and Xu Aiqin looking defeated, their clothes disheveled, looking like they were about to go bankrupt!

"Sir, Madam... what happened?"

"Miss Muyao locked herself in the room, and you... why do you look like this?"

"Wasn't Miss Muyao supposed to bring back the trophy? Why didn't we see the trophy?"

"Madam, are you okay?"

Seeing Xu Aiqin almost falling, two or three maids hurriedly stepped forward to support her.

Xu Aiqin felt weak all over, dizzy, and almost unable to stand. "Don't... don't mention winning to me..."

"Yes, yes, it's all my fault. Madam, let me help you to the sofa for a while..." The maids hurriedly helped Xu Aiqin to the sofa and poured two glasses of water. "Sir, would you like to have a sip too?"

Bai Zhenhai had never had such a messy day before!

He couldn't understand why Yao Yao would plagiarize someone else's work, and that someone happened to be Ou Yan...

Now, everyone would laugh at them!

"That brat Ou Yan..." Xu Aiqin was almost out of curses.

Several maids thought they were talking about Ou Yan again and hurriedly joined in cursing.

"It's that white-eyed wolf again, making Sir and Madam feel bad? I said, why did Miss Muyao still have tears on her face when she came back? She looked so wronged, it turns out it's because of that white-eyed wolf's mischief!"

"Why doesn't that white-eyed wolf think about it? If it weren't for Sir and Madam's nurturing, could she have survived till now?"

"She's really heartless! Even a crow would repay kindness! She's worse than a crow!"

...

"That's enough!" Bai Zhenhai was irritated to the core, "If Muyao hadn't plagiarized someone else's work beforehand, would someone have slapped her face on stage? Blame it on Muyao for not explaining it clearly beforehand..."

If she had, they wouldn't be at the awards ceremony today, nor would they have caused such a big joke!

The maids were stunned. Miss Muyao plagiarized Ou Yan's work? Got caught and slapped on stage?

This is embarrassing...

No wonder the family of three came back with such expressions...

At that moment, Xu Aiqin's phone rang. Seeing that it was Mrs. Wang calling, her heart trembled nervously, but she still forced a smile, "Hello, Mrs. Wang..."

"Madam Bai, the awards ceremony ended at eleven in the morning, and at eleven and one minute, our official Weibo announced Miss Bai's endorsement identity. But not long after, someone informed me that Miss Bai's entry plagiarized the masterpiece of Master Tingyin, 'Wish,' and was slapped in the face on the spot by Master Tingyin?"

Xu Aiqin knew she had come for this matter, and tried to explain politely, "Mrs. Wang, let me explain..."

Mrs. Wang interrupted forcefully, "Because the news was blocked, I only found out from an informed person after half an hour! Now a bunch of people are boycotting our piano brand! We had no choice but to delete the Weibo! With things going so far, why didn't you give an explanation?"

Xu Aiqin felt her face ache, "Mrs. Wang, let me explain..."

 Chapter 190: Well Aware

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 Chapter 189: Herbal Tea

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