Chapter 124: Abandoning Huo Yuyan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

No, no, no! How could this be?

That was her... her daughter!

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

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

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

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

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

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

Their phones were practically exploding with calls.

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

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

Every single one was asking about Huo Yuyan.

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

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

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

Meanwhile, the calls Huo Xinglang received were no different.

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

Hospital Ward

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Chapter 123: Perhaps the Little Sprout Has Sprouted

“No!” Huo Yuyan denied without hesitation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I’m doomed! I’m doomed!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

…

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

“Hello?” she answered lazily.

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

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

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

Playing with her phone, Huo Yushu smiled brilliantly.

The trap had been perfectly set.

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

Hehehehe…

She could hardly wait.

Picking up her phone, she dialed Mrs. Wen.

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

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

“Hahahaha… she’s ruined!”

Huo Yushu’s laughter was unrestrained.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

…

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

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

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

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

But Yu Fengcai couldn’t accept it!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The phone rang again.

She hung up once more.

But soon, it rang yet again.

“Hello? Who is this…”

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

 Chapter 122: Dealing with Huo Yuyan

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

That man had HIV!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But why was she the one in this room now?

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

Ah! Ah! Ah!

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

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

But when had Huo Yushu swapped the coffee?!

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

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

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

With that, he left without waiting for her response.

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

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

She muttered to herself, her eyes blazing with fury.

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

Blood could transmit it as well.

They were sisters and had countless opportunities to interact.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Then you…”

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

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

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

“Please don’t doubt me.”

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

However, her eyes betrayed her inner guilt and unease.

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

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

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

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

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

Naturally, the two embraced and kissed.

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

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

Shen Cheng was furious.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Huo Xingjian: “…”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Her clear, beautiful eyes stared at him unblinkingly.

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

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

A faint taste of blood filled both their mouths.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The look Huo Xingjian gave Shen Cheng was incredibly suggestive.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“No…”

“Then are you planning to divorce me?”

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

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

Huo Xingjian: “…”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

…

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

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

With great effort, she opened her eyes.

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

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

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

The familiar scent of a man filled her nostrils.

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

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

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

Pfft!

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

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

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

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

Huo Xingjian: "..."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Watching his panicked retreat, Shen Cheng snorted disdainfully.

Tch! Someone like him wants to pursue Huo Yushu?

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

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

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

Damn it, Huo Yuyan!

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

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

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

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

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

Shen Cheng facepalmed.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Great! Today would be Huo Yushu’s downfall.

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

Afterward, she took a sip.

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

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

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

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

Yes! Yes!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Their eyes met.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

With that, she stepped forward.

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

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

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

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

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

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

He looked at her with a kind-hearted expression.

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

Upon hearing this, Xie Shaoheng froze again.

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

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

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

 Chapter 118: Huo Yuyan Digging a Pit for Shen Cheng

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

---

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Could Shen Cheng not understand her words or that look?

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

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

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

No, no, no!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

But Huo Yushu was feeling gloomy.

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

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

Agh!

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

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

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

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

"Yushu, I..."

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

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

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

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

What’s going on?

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

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

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

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

Yes! It must be that!

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

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

It’s all Shen Cheng’s fault!

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

Shen Cheng: "…??"

Completely confused.

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

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

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

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

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

Huo Yushu: "…"

What the hell!

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

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

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

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

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

No, no, no!

Huo Yushu shook her head repeatedly in her mind.

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

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

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

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

She... actually doesn’t remember him?

This shouldn't be happening!

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

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

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

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

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

Damn Huo Yushu, how dare she forget him!

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

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

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

Xie Shaoheng: "..."

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

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

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

What?!

Huo Yushu was shocked.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Huo Yushu: "……!!"

Wuwu...

Sister-in-law, don’t say anymore!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

He extended his right hand toward Huo Yushu.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Huo Yushu shook her head. “No.”

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

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

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

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

“Oh.” Huo Yushu answered indifferently again.

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

What?!

Huo Yushu instantly became excited.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Chapter 115: Old Mrs. Huo Hits Yu Fengcai

When Huo Yunshan arrived at the hospital room, Yu Fengcai was already there, cleaning and changing Old Mrs. Huo's clothes.

Old Mrs. Huo didn’t know whether she was doing it intentionally or if it was just a coincidence, but she was screaming in pain, cursing loudly.

"Do you want me to die? You did this on purpose, didn’t you? Ah! It hurts so much! Yu Fengcai, you wicked woman, are you trying to kill me?"

Perhaps influenced by the screams from the elderly woman in the bed next to hers, Old Mrs. Huo now looked at Yu Fengcai with growing contempt, as if she were a calamity, a disaster.

She wasn’t even pretty, but those eyes, those seductive fox-like eyes… they had completely ensnared her son, Yunshan.

And she was restless, always up to something.

When they had lived together before, Old Mrs. Huo had kept an eye on her, so Yu Fengcai didn’t dare go too far, and thus, Wen Yintong hadn’t noticed anything unusual.

But now…

No wonder this calamity had been whispering in her ear, telling her to go stay at her daughter’s house for a while.

So this was her plan all along!

Look, it had only been a month since she went to her daughter’s house, and she had already turned Yunshan’s life upside down.

If it weren’t for her, would there have been a rift between Wen Yintong and Yunshan? Would Huo Xingjian and Huo Yushu be so upset with their grandmother?

In the past, whenever she had even a slight cold or headache, the two siblings would be beside themselves with worry.

They would find her the best doctors, bring her delicious food, give her money—basically, they would go out of their way to make her happy.

But now?

She had suffered a serious bone fracture and was hospitalized, and not only had they not visited her, but they didn’t even bother to call to check on her!

Furthermore, this hospital was clearly under the control of the Wen family!

With just one word from Huo Xingjian, any VIP room could be made available for her.

Yet, here she was, cramped in the most ordinary, uncomfortable room.

Old Mrs. Huo had never suffered such humiliation in all her years!

At this moment, she truly believed it was all Yu Fengcai’s fault.

The more she looked at her, the more she despised her. If she could, she would have slapped this calamity right out of existence.

"Mom, I’ve been very gentle. But we still need to change your clothes," Yu Fengcai muttered with slight displeasure. "How did you wet your pants again?"

"Couldn’t you hold it a little longer? I... ah!"

Before she could finish her sentence, a piercing scream echoed through the room. Yu Fengcai quickly pressed her hands to her forehead, her face contorted in shock.

Crimson blood oozed from between her fingers, some even flowing into her mouth.

It was Old Mrs. Huo, who had slammed a thermos cup directly onto her forehead.

Yu Fengcai froze, staring at her in disbelief. She couldn’t believe that Old Mrs. Huo would actually strike her.

She had always been Old Mrs. Huo’s most favored daughter-in-law!

"Mom, are you crazy?" Yu Fengcai yelled at her, her face twisted with rage.

It was at that moment that Huo Yunshan entered the room.

"Mom, what happened?" he asked, alarmed.

"Yunshan, you’re finally here!" Old Mrs. Huo cried out as soon as she saw him, her voice filled with grievance. "If you hadn’t come, I’d be dead by now!"

"Do you know how she’s treated me? She doesn’t care about me! Not only does she scold me, but she’s deliberately hurting me too!"

"Son, my old body is falling apart because of her!"

"Me, who has treated her well all these years! I only asked her to take care of me for once, and now she’s so unwilling! Son, there’s no hope for your mother anymore!"

Old Mrs. Huo grabbed Huo Yunshan’s hand, crying so miserably it sounded as though her heart was breaking.

Yu Fengcai could only stare, stunned, unable to believe what she was seeing and hearing. Her hands were still covered in fresh blood.

"Yunshan, don’t listen to her nonsense!" Yu Fengcai snapped back to her senses and quickly explained, spreading her bloodied hands in front of him. "Look, she hit me so hard that my head’s bleeding!"

"Ah! I can’t live anymore! I can’t go on living! What’s the point of living! It’s better if I just die!" Old Mrs. Huo began throwing a tantrum and crying uncontrollably.

"I say, nephew, this is your wife’s fault!" The elderly woman in the bed next door added fuel to the fire. "She knows your mom’s injuries are severe and she can’t move, needing twenty-four-hour care."

"Yet, she just left the patient in the hospital room and went off to the hotel to have fun. And your daughter is unreliable too! No patience at all with the elders."

"She knew grandma urgently needed to pee, and all she had to do was hand over a urinal. But she didn’t do that either, just ran off by herself."

"Your poor mom is left lying in her own mess for hours! If you really don’t want to care for her, just hire a nurse!"

"How much could that possibly cost? Isn’t it your responsibility as women to look after the elderly? You’re both such unfilial people!"

"Who said they’re a couple?" Old Mrs. Huo shot back angrily. "They’re sister-in-law and brother! My son would never marry such a wicked woman!"

"Ah! You’re not a couple?" The other woman asked in shock. "I’ve never seen such a close relationship between a sister-in-law and brother! If I didn’t know better, I would think you two are a married couple!"

"By the way, your son is so outstanding, so handsome. Honestly, when you stand together with him, you look more like mother and son!"

"Not suitable, not suitable! Not in terms of status, looks, or education! If they were forced together... that would be... bad, really bad!"

"Shut up! What’s it to you?!" Yu Fengcai screamed, her face contorted with rage. "Who do you think you are, talking so much!"

"Yu Fengcai, you shut up!" Old Mrs. Huo yelled at her. "Is this how you treat your elders? Get out! I don’t want to see you anymore!"

"Son, make her leave! I don’t want to die in her hands! I want Yintong to take care of me!"

The mention of Wen Yintong’s name made Yu Fengcai even more furious.

She glared at Huo Yunshan with seething anger. "Fine! Let Wen Yintong take care of her!"

After saying this, she turned and stormed out of the room without a second glance.

She was done! She wasn’t going to do this thankless job anymore!

"Son, look at this! Look at her attitude! She dares to throw a tantrum in front of you! Just imagine how she must treat me when you’re not around!" Old Mrs. Huo cried pitifully.

Huo Yunshan only felt his head spinning, unable to understand why his mother’s attitude towards Yu Fengcai had changed so suddenly.

...

Qingzhou, Beach

The weather in mid-October was still very hot.

It wasn’t far from Qingzhou to Tongcheng—just a two-hour drive.

Shen Cheng and Huo Yushu were enjoying themselves, feeling relaxed and happy.

"Yushu? Is it really you? What a coincidence!" A familiar voice came from nearby, filled with excitement. 

 Chapter 114: Li Qingxue and Huo Yunshan...

Huo Yunshan was discussing a potential business collaboration when he received a call from his mother.

Seeing her number, his brows furrowed slightly. He quickly apologized to the business partner, excusing himself, and answered the call. "Hello, Mom..."

"Son, I’m about to die!" The voice on the other end was filled with a mix of grievance and crying.

It was the kind of desperate, labored sobbing that made his heart tighten.

Huo Yunshan, a dutiful son, was immediately alarmed when he heard his mother crying. "Mom, Mom! Don't scare me! What are you talking about, dying? You're at the hospital, you're fine..."

"Son, that woman, Yu Fengcai, she just abandoned me at the hospital, not caring for me at all! She went off to have fun by herself!"

The old woman interrupted him, wailing loudly. "Son, it wasn’t easy raising you! I’m not asking for much, but I can’t endure this kind of humiliation anymore!"

"Huo Yuyan won’t even bring me a bedpan, and just ran away like she was escaping!"

"I'm getting old! I’m a burden to you! If you don't want to take care of me, just send me back to my hometown and let me fend for myself!"

"I’ll go see your father earlier! So he won’t be alone over there! I’m just a nuisance to you!"

On the other end of the line, the old woman cried uncontrollably, gasping for breath.

Huo Yunshan, his anger rising, gritted his teeth.

He had trusted Yu Fengcai to take care of his mother, but she had left the elderly woman alone in the hospital.

"Mom, Mom, don’t cry! I’ll come right away! I’ll call her! We’ll be there soon!" Huo Yunshan quickly tried to calm his mother down, then told his assistant to handle the business partner as he rushed out the door.

Meanwhile, Yu Fengcai was fast asleep in a hotel room.

She had no disturbances, the environment was peaceful, and the bed was comfortable—naturally, she slept soundly.

The sudden ringtone of her phone woke her up, and she was so angry that she almost wanted to strangle the person on the other end.

She grabbed her phone without checking the caller ID and answered the call irritably. "What is it? Do you know it’s…"

"Where are you?" Huo Yunshan interrupted her, his voice cold and tense. "Are you still sleeping?"

Hearing his voice, Yu Fengcai snapped awake, sitting up immediately. When she saw the number on the screen, she quickly tried to explain, "Yunshan, I took care of Mom all night last night. I didn’t sleep a wink, and I’m exhausted."

"I asked Yuyan to stay with her in the hospital, and I just..."

"Do you not know what kind of person your daughter is?" Huo Yunshan’s voice grew icy, and he stressed the words “your daughter” and “my mother.”

Yu Fengcai immediately caught his fury, and the way he said "your daughter" made her even angrier.

"Yunshan, how can you say that? Yuyan is your daughter too..."

"Right now, you get your ass to the hospital! Your daughter isn’t even there! Yu Fengcai, do you want to kill my mother? You left a seriously ill patient all alone in the hospital!"

Huo Yunshan yelled at her, his anger palpable, even using curse words. His fury was undeniable.

"Yu Fengcai, let me tell you, if anything happens to my mom, I won’t forgive you!"

After finishing those words, Huo Yunshan didn't even give Yu Fengcai a chance to respond before hanging up the phone.

Yu Fengcai sat dumbfounded on the bed, the phone still pressed to her ear, the words “I won’t forgive you! I won’t forgive you!” echoing repeatedly in her mind.

"Ah!" Yu Fengcai let out a scream, pounding the bed heavily. "Huo Yunshan, how dare you speak to me like that! How could you say that to me!"

"Have I not done enough? All these years, haven’t I been the one taking care of that old thing?"

"Wen Yintong is her daughter-in-law too! She's also your wife! Why don't you make Wen Yintong take care of the old woman?"

"Am I really that easy to bully? Do I deserve to be a servant to your whole family? What do you think I am?"

The more she thought about it, the angrier she became, and her face twisted with rage.

All that had happened recently played out in her mind like a fast-forwarded movie.

Not only did she have to serve Wen Yintong, but she also had to take care of Huo Yunshan. Now that the old woman was injured and hospitalized, she had to take care of all her needs.

She had done so much, and yet he was still dissatisfied, even accusing her!

She was simply exhausted from everything, yet he was throwing such a fit because she slept for a bit in the hotel room!

Why didn’t he direct his anger at Wen Yintong? Not only did he not get angry at Wen Yintong, but he also transferred so much money to her and even confessed his feelings.

And what about her?

Not only had she never received a single penny from him, but even the house they had lived in for over a decade had been sold by Wen Yintong.

And he hadn’t even tried to stand up for her!

The more she thought about it, the more furious Yu Fengcai became, to the point where she felt like she might explode.

If she could, she really wanted to slap Huo Yunshan across the face and ask him what she had done wrong!

Hadn’t she done enough over the years? Hadn’t she endured enough humiliation? She had given him a son and a daughter, yet she had never received any recognition. She was nothing more than the family servant!

"Ooohh... ooohhh..." Yu Fengcai began crying, feeling deeply aggrieved.

At the same time, Wen Yintong’s phone rang.

She was lying on the bed in the VIP room of the clubhouse, enjoying a facial treatment from a professional.

"That’s enough for today," Wen Yintong said to the staff.

"Yes, Mrs. Huo," the staff replied respectfully before leaving the room.

"Hello?" Wen Yintong answered the phone, her tone cheerful.

"Mrs. Huo, the task you assigned has been completed. The old lady is very displeased with Yu Fengcai now. She just called her son and was crying, telling him about the mother and daughter’s wrongdoings."

The person on the other end spoke with a respectful tone, clearly pleased with the progress.

"Mm, I understand," Wen Yintong responded softly. "Thank you for your help."

"Of course! Your family has done so much for us, we will always remember it! This is just a small favor."

"Now, please continue to maintain a good relationship with her," Wen Yintong said gently. "As for the person, I’ll let you know once I’ve made a decision."

"Actually, Miss Yushu mentioned someone to me, and I think she’s quite suitable."

"Did she mention Li Qingxue to you?" Wen Yintong asked calmly.

"Yes!"

"She’s even thinking ahead of me," Wen Yintong chuckled lightly. "Alright, let’s do it her way. I’ll make the arrangements on my side, and you can mention it to her as well."

"Don’t worry, it’s a simple matter."

Wen Yintong hung up the phone, a satisfied smile curling at the corners of her lips. Her eyes gleamed with sharp focus.

Li Qingxue and Huo Yunshan…

Hmm, just thinking about it was quite thrilling. 

 Chapter 113: You Need to Find a Younger Woman for Your Son

“No?” Huo Yuyan furrowed her brows. “That means she’s blocked you. She doesn’t trust you yet, and she hasn’t opened her friend circle to you.”

“She’s in Qingzhou right now. Senior, this is an opportunity. We need to seize it.”

“How do we seize it?” Xie Shaoheng’s voice came through the phone, confused.

“We’ll go to Qingzhou right now. You absolutely must ‘accidentally’ run into her. Huo Yushu is very easy to deceive; all you need to do is show her a bit of genuine affection, and you’ll definitely win her over.”

“She’s just like her mother—simple-minded and loves handsome men. Senior, you perfectly match her aesthetic.”

“Hurry up and book the ticket. We’ll meet at the station. I’ll head to the station now. Once we meet, I’ll tell you exactly what to do.”

“Just trust me—if you follow my plan, you’ll definitely be able to get Huo Yushu.”

As she spoke, Huo Yuyan walked toward the elevator, completely ignoring the elderly woman in the hospital room. She didn’t even bother calling Yu Fengcai.

Inside the room, the elderly woman lay in her urine, her condition worsening by the minute.

“Trust me, your granddaughter isn’t coming back to take care of you. She’s already left,” the elderly woman in the next bed said with a confident smile, standing at the foot of Grandma Huo’s bed.

Grandma Huo believed it. She just didn’t want to admit it in front of others, especially not in front of this woman, with whom she had a strained relationship. She turned her head away, refusing to respond.

But the elderly woman was persistent. She didn’t let herself be ignored. In a tone laced with schadenfreude and glee, she continued, “Well, we’re both old ladies in the same ward, so let me tell you something honest.”

“Look at us, both at this age. We’re practically old sisters, so don’t be so petty.”

“I’m actually good at reading people. Seeing how miserable you are, I’ll say a few kind words to you. Your son is about to face a huge disaster.”

“Shut up!” Grandma Huo glared at her with gritted teeth. “It’s your son who’s in trouble, not mine. My son is just fine…”

“Has your son recently lost a lot of money? And I’m not talking about a small amount, I’m talking about millions!” The elderly woman interrupted her, speaking seriously.

Grandma Huo froze, her eyelids twitching.

Could it be true? Had Huo Yunshan really lost so much money? That woman, Wen Yintong, had taken so much from him! Two villas too!

The thought made her so angry she could feel her heart burning with pain.

“I’m telling you, don’t feel sorry for that money. Even though it’s a large sum, it’s actually a blessing in disguise for your son. Otherwise, the suffering he would have gone through would have been far worse. At worst, his life could have been in danger!”

“You’re talking nonsense!” Grandma Huo glared at her fiercely. “My son is doing just fine! He has a happy family, his son is successful, and he’s respectful! Do you even know who my grandson is?”

“Is your son really living a happy life?” The elderly woman looked at her with a half-smile, an air of mockery in her eyes. “Isn’t he having his cake and eating it too? Isn’t your eldest daughter-in-law flirting with him?”

“That’s not true!” Grandma Huo immediately denied it. “They’re brother and sister-in-law…”

“Do you really think I’m blind, old sister? I’m telling you this for your own good!” The elderly woman interrupted her again. “Don’t be so foolish, and don’t be too blind to the truth!”

"Yes, I did argue with you these past few days, but it’s because I couldn’t stand your daughter-in-law’s behavior. I’m just straightforward—I speak my mind when I see something or someone I don’t like."

"You, you! How foolish you are! Mistaking fish eyes for pearls and treating dust like treasure. Think carefully—doesn’t stealing involve either none or countless times?"

"If she can have an affair with her brother-in-law, how can you be sure she hasn’t done it with someone else?"

"You’re not with her 24/7. How would you know?"

The old woman went silent, her expression dark, showing she was taking it seriously.

"Do... do you really know how to read faces?" she asked after a while, uncertain.

"Of course!" the other person nodded proudly, "My father is a famous feng shui and face reader, passed down through our family. I’m really good at it—tell me, what have I said about your face that wasn’t right?"

"I need to clarify one thing—I’ve never met you before yesterday. I don’t know you or your family."

"I read all of your family’s matters from your faces."

"Look at your daughter-in-law—fox eyes, a peach blossom face. It’s clear she’s restless. But she’s great at pretending—acts so gentle and reasonable, but her actions are the complete opposite. She only knows how to take advantage of others and never gives anything in return."

"Think about it—doesn’t she flatter you with sweet words but rarely follow through with actions?"

The old woman thought seriously, and indeed, this was true.

Not just Yu Fengcai, but even her granddaughter, Huo Yuyan, was the same.

She could talk sweetly, but when it came to spending money or effort, it was always Wen Yintong and her son who stepped in.

"Now think—wasn’t your son’s family once loving and harmonious, father and son, mother and child, all good?" The other person continued. "But recently, hasn’t it all turned upside down?"

"Isn’t the relationship between your son and his wife strained? And between father and daughter, father and son, it’s tense?"

"Think carefully—didn’t your daughter-in-law have a hand in this? Wasn’t she especially close to your son, making your younger daughter-in-law suspicious?"

The old woman instinctively nodded, "Yes, yes! You’re right!"

Recently, Yu Fengcai had indeed shown a noticeable change in her relationship with Yunshan.

As a woman, how could Wen Yintong not feel something?

"Old sister, tell me, what should I do now?" The old woman looked at her, bewildered.

"Of course, stop them from continuing this wrong relationship!" The other person gave her an annoyed look. "How could you not understand this at your age?"

"Stop?" The old woman repeated the words, confused and conflicted. "But…"

"Don’t be foolish!" The other person interrupted her sternly. "Let me tell you—if you don’t do something now, and let them continue like this, just wait to bury your son in his old age!"

"Your daughter-in-law is a natural widow!"

"Ah?!" The old woman was terrified.

"The only way to fix this is to find a younger, prettier woman for your son!" The other person said seriously. 

 Chapter 112: Grandma Huo’s Incontinence

The pictures accompanying the post were a screenshot of the five million RMB transfer Huo Yunshan had sent her last night, followed by a photo of her enjoying a relaxing moment on a seaside beach.

The first picture showed an array of delicate snacks, fruit plates, and drinks on the table.

The final photo showed two glasses of juice clinking together in a toast.

Huo Yuyan immediately noticed that one of the hands holding a glass of juice belonged to Huo Yushu.

But her attention was entirely consumed by the screenshot of the five-million-yuan transfer.

Her eyes immediately turned red with rage.

With a burst of anger, she leapt up from the chair, her eyes nearly popping out of her head as she glared at her phone.

"Yuyan, can you help me open the box? Feed me some of this, I can’t eat it myself!" The old lady on the hospital bed looked helplessly at Huo Yuyan.

At this moment, Yu Fengcai was not around.

She had taken care of the old lady all night and was now too exhausted. She had gone to a nearby hotel to take a shower and change clothes.

The old lady had been a complete nightmare last night, not letting her sleep at all.

She kept complaining about being uncomfortable in one position. When the bed was raised a bit, she asked for it to be lowered again. When the position was finally adjusted, she asked for a drink.

Because of the hip fracture, the old lady couldn’t sit up, so Yu Fengcai had to feed her through a straw.

When she got the temperature wrong, the old lady scolded her. Finally, after adjusting it, the old lady drank and asked to rest.

But just as Yu Fengcai was about to lie down and close her eyes, the old lady said she needed to pee.

Yu Fengcai had to carefully help her with that, and by the time she was done, the old lady couldn’t sleep and wanted to chat.

If it weren’t for the elderly woman in the next bed, who had gotten so angry from the noise that she had yelled at them, Yu Fengcai might have been forced to endure more.

Grandma Huo was someone who would only be submissive to those who were tough. When the woman in the next bed yelled at her, she quickly fell silent. She wouldn’t even dare make a sound, even though she was used to bullying people.

After a brief nap of about an hour, Yu Fengcai’s phone rang. It was Huo Yunshan calling to ask about the old lady’s condition. He told her that he was busy with work today and couldn’t come to the hospital, and asked her to continue looking after the old lady.

Yu Fengcai nearly gritted her teeth in frustration!

What did he take her for? A free servant?

Just a while ago, she had been taking care of Wen Yintong, and now, once again, she was asked to tend to the old lady?

What about the grievances she had suffered? Who was going to back her up and stand up for her? Who was going to help her get her house back?

She couldn’t show her anger on the outside, though. After all, she was still relying on Huo Yunshan and the old lady to get back at Wen Yintong and get some benefits.

But she had finally had enough of the old lady’s unreasonable demands. Unable to take it any longer, she decided to let Huo Yuyan take over for a while.

Huo Yuyan wasn’t pleased either.

She had been pampered her entire life, always served by others. When had she ever had to serve someone?

Even with the old lady, she had never truly taken care of her. She had only used sweet words and flattery to get what she wanted.

But now…

The old lady was bedridden, and everything—eating, drinking, and even toileting—needed someone to assist her.

Those hands of hers were definitely not meant to be used to care for some old woman on the verge of death.

“Grandma…”

“Yuyan, I really need to pee. Could you help me with the urinal? It's under the bed,” the old lady interrupted her, her face flushed with embarrassment.

“What?!” Huo Yuyan stared at her in disbelief, her eyes full of anger.

She was being asked to help this old woman with her urine? Was she out of her mind? There was no way she would do something so disgusting.

Her hands were meant for much more enjoyable, pleasurable tasks—tasks that brought ecstasy and bliss, not something as repulsive as this.

Like… with Xie Shaoheng…

Helping this old woman with her urine? She would rather die!

“Hahaha…” The elderly woman in the next bed broke into a burst of laughter.

She looked at Grandma Huo with a mocking glance. “You must’ve hit your head too, huh? You really think your granddaughter would be the one to help you with such things?”

“Don’t talk about her. Even your daughter-in-law can’t stand you! Otherwise, why would she have run off?”

“You’ve got two choices, old woman. One, deal with it in bed. Two, get up and crawl to the toilet.”

“You... you're not any better than me!” Grandma Huo glared at her fiercely. “At least my granddaughter is here with me! You, on the other hand, don’t even have anyone by your side!”

“Your three daughters-in-law are so great, why aren’t they here with you? Where’s your son? Haven’t seen him either! Oh, don’t tell me you’re one of those who brings bad luck to your husband and children?”

After saying that, the elderly woman got up from her bed in a show of defiance. “Look at me! I can walk, run, do anything I want. Unlike you, stuck in bed for everything—eating, drinking, and even peeing. I’m here to relax, not suffer like you!”

“You... You... You’re so pathetic. Your son and daughter-in-law clearly don’t want to be around you. That speaks volumes about your character!”

“Look at your granddaughter, too. The way she looks at you—it’s full of disdain and disgust.”

“I told you, didn’t I? You’re a childless old woman. You’ve ruined your own happiness with your actions.”

“You, on the other hand, have a sweet and caring daughter-in-law, but you’re too foolish to appreciate it. Your heart is too greedy, and now look at you... Hahaha…”

“You… You…” Grandma Huo was so angry she couldn’t even finish a sentence. Her lips twitched with fury.

Then…

“Grandma! You… you peed the bed?!” Huo Yushu’s sharp voice rang out, full of disgust and disdain.

Grandma Huo felt it herself, her face turning even more ashamed and humiliated.

“You… why didn’t you give me the urinal earlier? Huo Yuyan, you ungrateful wretch! How have I treated you all these years?”

Grandma Huo pointed at Huo Yuyan, cursing loudly. “I’ve spoiled you for nothing! This is how you repay me? Hurry up and clean me up! Change my clothes! Don’t you want to make my injuries worse?”

“I… change your clothes?” Huo Yuyan looked at her in shock, unable to accept the request. “I… I’ll call my mom.”

Saying that, she quickly ran out of the room.

“Look, look, now you’re being ignored, huh?” The elderly woman in the next bed mocked with glee. “You really just had to deal with it in bed, didn’t you? You… don’t tell me you’ve lost control of yourself?”

Grandma Huo: “…!”

Instead of calling Yu Fengcai, Huo Yuyan quickly dialed Xie Shaoheng’s number. “Senior, have you seen Yushu’s post on WeChat?” 

 Chapter 111: Mr. Huo, Your Task is to Make a Lot of Money

"In Qingzhou! You two?" Huo Xingjian immediately caught the key point. "Why didn’t you tell me?"

He was... a little upset.

He had carefully prepared a Valentine's gift, but now his wife wasn’t even around. Who was he supposed to give the gift to?

He had planned everything to win her over, and she had quietly left for Qingzhou without a word!

A sense of frustration built up inside him, and he felt an urge to reach through the phone and give her a good scolding.

"Sister-in-law, is it my brother?" Huo Yushu's voice came through.

Then...

"Here, you answer. He has something to ask you." Shen Cheng handed the phone to Huo Yushu.

Huo Xingjian: ...

Indeed, he had something to ask Huo Yushu. He needed to ask her properly.

What a great little sister she was—she managed to steal his wife away, and not only that, but took her so far away without even telling him.

"Brother, Sister-in-law and I..."

"In Qingzhou?" Huo Xingjian interrupted, each word coming through clenched teeth. But remembering Zhang Hui’s suggestion, he suppressed the rising anger. "Why so sudden? You couldn’t have at least given me a heads-up?"

"Ah, I forgot." Huo Yushu sounded apologetic but quickly cheered up. "Don’t worry, brother, I’ll take good care of Sister-in-law. I’ll make sure to bring her back home safe and sound."

"Brother, you..."

"Which hotel are you staying at?" Huo Xingjian interrupted again, his tone leaving no room for refusal.

"Brother, are you coming over?" Huo Yushu sounded surprised. "We’re at..."

"We’ve got stuff to do. We won’t talk anymore." Before she could finish, Shen Cheng snatched the phone back and said flatly to Huo Xingjian, "Mr. Huo, just focus on working and making money. That’s it."

"Shen Cheng... beep"

Shen Cheng hung up the phone without giving him a chance to speak.

Frustrated, Huo Xingjian kicked the car door hard.

"Sister-in-law, did my brother upset you again?" Huo Yushu asked cautiously, watching her.

Shen Cheng didn’t respond.

[When doesn’t he upset me? Just that mess with Li Qingxue... I can’t even be bothered to be angry about it.]

[Don’t think just because he’s acting all nice now that I’m going to forgive him. No way!]

Oh!

Huo Yushu finally understood.

It was the phone call from Li Qingxue that caused all this trouble.

Yep! That whole mess with Li Qingxue was definitely worth getting upset about.

This man shouldn’t be forgiven so easily. He needed to be left hanging for a while to reflect on his actions.

"Sister-in-law, I’m definitely on your side. Let’s not forgive him. Leave him to think about his mistakes!"

"Now that we’re doing well, we’re practically little rich women, who needs him? We can make better choices. A man shouldn’t be spoiled. The moment he messes up, sink him to the bottom of the river and let him never see the light of day!"

"Let’s go, let’s have fun. Forget about my brother. We’ll swipe his card and spend his money. No, wait! We’ll spend the money of that clueless old man of mine!"

Huo Yushu said with a laugh, "Watch how I’ll dig his money bit by bit. If he wants to support the Huo Yuyan family of three, he can dream on!"

"Seems like you’ve got a lot of issues with them lately!" Shen Cheng observed.

Huo Yushu nodded vigorously, her expression serious. "Of course! How could I not? They’ve been so obvious about it!"

Then, with a mysterious look, Huo Yushu whispered, "Sister-in-law, I’m going to tell you something serious. I suspect Huo Xinglang and Huo Yuyan’s identities."

"Suspect what about them?" Shen Cheng asked.

"Hmph!" Huo Yushu scoffed, "I suspect that they’re my dad’s illegitimate children, that he and Yu Fengcai secretly had them."

Shen Cheng: "……!!"

[Wow! Your suspicion is spot on! They are indeed your scummy father’s illegitimate children.]

[Looks like my little sister-in-law’s mind has finally opened up. I didn’t think she’d start thinking in this direction!]

Huo Yushu raised an immensely proud smile.

Of course! It was all thanks to her sister-in-law. Her mind had only cleared up because of her.

Not just her—everyone in the family had finally woken up. Otherwise, they would still be kept in the dark by those disgusting people, not even knowing how they’d be taken advantage of.

"First, if he didn’t have an affair with Yu Fengcai, why would he treat her so well? Better than how you treat my mom! Every time something happens, he always sides with Yu Fengcai first."

"Second, Huo Xinglang and Huo Yuyan are both raised by him. Even Huo Xinglang’s position at Wen’s was arranged by him."

"If they’re not his illegitimate children, why would he care so much?"

"Third, don’t you think Huo Yuyan looks more and more like my scummy dad? Huo Xinglang looks more like Yu Fengcai, but that’s hard to tell."

"But has anyone ever seen an uncle treat his niece or nephew better than his own children?"

"Based on all this, I’m 99% sure that they’re my scummy dad’s illegitimate children. So, I can’t let them benefit from this."

"If he didn’t marry my mom, would he have achieved all this? His money—it’s all ours. I need to take it back bit by bit. I can’t let that brother and sister get anything."

Huo Yushu said seriously.

"Huo Yuyan, that ungrateful ingrate, has been living off me all these years—eating my food, using my things—but she’s been stabbing me in the back every chance she gets."

"Don’t think I don’t know. Last time, when she introduced that guy named Xie to me, I saw through it right away."

"I’m awake now! I can tell that they’ve been together for a long time. But they still sent that scumbag to try to seduce me—weren’t they hoping he would follow my scummy dad’s path?"

"Am I that gullible? Sister-in-law, don’t you think so?"

Shen Cheng smiled warmly at her. "Not bad, Yushu. Your mind really has clicked into place. You’re not as clueless as before."

Huo Yushu grinned, affectionately leaning her head on Shen Cheng’s shoulder. "It’s all thanks to you, sister-in-law. You’ve brought my mind back to normal. You’re my lifesaver now. From now on, I’ll listen to everything you say."

"Yes, my life is yours. You tell me to go east, I won’t go west. I’ll follow you entirely."

Upon hearing that, Shen Cheng looked at her in shock, almost not believing her ears.

"Sister-in-law, want to see a good show?" Huo Yushu grinned mischievously. "We’ll set up a stage, and a bunch of clowns will come jumping up to perform."

"What do you plan to do?" Shen Cheng asked.

Huo Yushu smiled mysteriously. "Just watch me."

……

At the hospital

Huo Yuyan cursed under her breath as she walked into the old lady’s hospital room, carrying a packed lunch. "Grandma, here’s your lunch."

Without even opening the box, she just placed it on the table, then plopped down into a chair and started scrolling through her phone.

It was while doing so that she saw Huo Yushu’s new WeChat Moments post:

— Dad loves me the most. A child with Dad is a treasure. 

 Chapter 110: Will You Only Forgive Me After I Die?

Upon hearing this, Shen Cheng's eyes widened in disbelief, staring at her with a shocked expression.

[Oh wow! Huo Yushu, not bad! Quick thinker, huh!]

[If you'd kept your wits about you all along, you wouldn't have been deceived so thoroughly by Huo Yuyan and that Xie Shaoheng, ending up with nothing!]

Ah, right! Right! Right!

Huo Yushu agreed.

From now on, listen to Sister-in-law’s words more. Keep your heart and your money in check. Following her, I'll have free rein wherever I go.

"Look at Li Qingxue," Huo Yushu said with a smug smile, "Her complexion is rosy, she's full of energy—do her legs look like they've atrophied for two years?"

"When I saw her wrap her legs around a man's waist, they were as strong as vines!"

"So, I'm sure her two years of unconsciousness were just an act," Huo Yushu said confidently. "She must've woken up a long time ago, and was just pretending to deceive my brother... us."

No, no! At this point, we can't drag her brother into this. I need to get him out of it.

Shen Cheng smiled and looked at her, "Makes sense, but that hospital is owned by the Wen family, and the whole medical team was hired by your brother."

Uh...

Crap!

Her brother’s not getting out of this one.

Brother, I’ve tried! No choice, Sister-in-law is just too strong. I can't help you now! You’ll have to save yourself!

"It’s all my brother’s fault!" Huo Yushu unhesitatingly sold out her own brother. "His brain’s full of water, and his vision's worse than mine!"

Shen Cheng nodded in agreement. "Makes sense, the thing around your brother’s neck is just for show!"

At that moment, in his office, Huo Xingjian, who had been racking his brain to figure out how to cheer up his wife, suddenly sneezed.

"Mr. Huo..." Zhang Hui, entering the office, paused when he heard the sneeze. "Mr. Huo, have you caught a cold? Is it too cold in the office? Should I turn up the temperature?"

"No need," Huo Xingjian replied without looking up, continuing to check his phone. "What’s up?"

Zhang Hui explained briefly about what had happened downstairs.

"Mm," Huo Xingjian responded indifferently. "Got it. If she comes again, have the receptionist and security call Huo Xinglang."

"Understood." Zhang Hui nodded, placing a stack of documents in front of him. "These need your signature."

After saying that, he turned to leave.

"Zhang Hui," Huo Xingjian's voice called from behind him just as he reached the door.

Zhang Hui quickly turned around. "Mr. Huo, is there anything else?"

"Is it true that the 14th of every month is Valentine’s Day?" Huo Xingjian asked.

"Right!" Zhang Hui slapped his thigh. "Today’s the 14th of October. Yes, yes, yes, it's totally true, absolutely reliable!"

Saying that, he quickly took out his phone, searched online, and grinned as he walked over to Huo Xingjian, holding out the phone. "Mr. Huo, look! October 14th is the Honey Moon Valentine’s Day, perfect for you and your wife."

Huo Xingjian gave a cool glance at his phone, the corner of his lips curving slightly in a barely noticeable smile.

He rested his hand on his chin, deep in thought.

He was well aware of the twelve Valentine’s Days—actually, it was fifteen, including Qixi Festival.

"Mr. Huo, do you need me to book flowers? Or a restaurant? Maybe an aerial garden restaurant?" Zhang Hui said eagerly. "We could decorate the place with romance."

"You hold the flowers and diamonds, and give them to your wife. She’ll definitely be touched. Should I go pick out a diamond for you? Necklace, ring, or earrings... no, wait!"

"I think a anklet would be better!"

"Anklet?" Huo Xingjian furrowed his brows, repeating the words with a puzzled expression.

"Yes, yes, yes!" Zhang Hui nodded vigorously. "An anklet is also a form of confession, wanting to protect the other person. It symbolizes tying this life together, and binding the next life. This is how Mr. Huo feels for his wife."

"Tie this life together, bind the next life?" Huo Xingjian softly repeated the phrase, his eyes filled with anticipation and longing.

He then stood up from his chair. "I’ll choose it myself. You focus on your work."

He grabbed his phone and car keys, quickly leaving.

Such matters, naturally, couldn’t be entrusted to others. What he chose himself would be more sincere.

Little did Shen Cheng know that the thing Huo Xingjian was referring to around his neck as just a decoration was actually part of a romantic surprise he was preparing for her.

Meanwhile, under Huo Yushu’s influence, the two of them had driven out of the city for a trip.

As Huo Xingjian’s car stopped in front of the jewelry store, his phone rang.

Seeing Li Qingxue’s name on the screen, all his good mood was instantly replaced with a cloud of gloom.

After a long pause, he finally answered. "What’s the matter?"

"Xingjian, do you really want to drive me to death?" Li Qingxue’s voice came through, sounding as if the whole world owed her something. "Is it only after I die that you’ll forgive me?"

"But I really don’t know what I did wrong or what made you upset." She sobbed softly, her voice truly pitiful.

If it were before, Huo Xingjian would have urgently asked what happened and been concerned about her.

But now...

He only felt utter disgust.

"Miss Li, your life or death is beyond my control. Right or wrong, it has nothing to do with me. Don’t put the responsibility for your desire to die on me." Huo Xingjian spoke coldly. "If you really have no hope in life, you can make your own decisions."

"Of course, out of moral obligation, I will call the police for you."

With that, he didn’t even give Li Qingxue a chance to respond and hung up the phone immediately.

Then, he called the police and reported Li Qingxue’s phone number.

Li Qingxue never imagined he would be so ruthless.

She hadn’t even finished her sentence when he hung up.

Soon, she received a call from the police, followed by the sound of sirens from both fire trucks and police cars.

Li Qingxue was completely stunned.

At that moment, she was sitting in her car, still not fully processing what had happened, when the car window was suddenly shattered.

"Ah! What are you doing! Why are you breaking my car window?" Li Qingxue shouted in terror.

"The car engine is off."

"There are no sharp objects or tools."

"There are no sleeping pills or anything."

"No..."

"What is the meaning of this?" Li Qingxue glared angrily at the uniformed firefighters and police officers, and then her mind replayed Huo Xingjian’s words: "Out of moral obligation, I will call the police."

She took a deep breath, gritting her teeth.

"Huo Xingjian, you’re going too far! How can you treat me like this!"

The final conclusion was that Li Qingxue had no suicidal tendencies and was only trying to scare people.

In order to avoid being condemned, Li Qingxue repeatedly apologized, claiming it was just a joke with a friend.

Only then was the situation calmed down.

...

Shen Cheng’s phone rang—it was a call from Huo Xingjian.

"Hello."

"I’m at the door of your studio. Come out quickly, I’ve got a gift for you," Huo Xingjian said softly.

"I’m not at the studio. We’re in Qingzhou," Shen Cheng replied leisurely.