ã€ŠMy Beautiful Loveã€‹


 Chapter 1 - Prologue

    Provence caf¨¦

    This was not the best caf¨¦ in the capital, perhaps not even among the best, and not many people came here. Perhaps this was one of the reasons that it was chosen¡­

    Wan Jia ordered her favorite espresso macchiato and sipped on it slowly as she waited for her friend. Four years ago, she had come to this exact caf¨¦ and ordered the same drink, met the same person but under different circumstances. Back then, she made tough choices; some right , others wrong, ruffled a few feathers¡­well, not exactly, she had probably ruffled a lifetime supply of feathers.

    However, given the circumstances back then, she could almost swear that she would make the same choices even if she were given another life. Eer¡­most of them, really. The past was gone. She could not predict the future so how about facing it as it comes?

    After all, it''s not every day that she offends a very influential big shot, leaves the country for three years and comes back intending to offend the same man! Does she have a death wish? Wan Jia laughed at her own mashup of fear and determination. What other choice does she have? Let him take what is hers and lay low and do nothing? If she doesn''t make him beg for her mercy then her surname is not He. Pfft¡­as if her surname is He in first place.

    Oh, wait! That''s not the main point. The main point is¡­can she really make Lu Aotian beg for her mercy? THE Lu Aotian who runs Lu Enterprise, the largest company in the capital which has business running in at least 75% of the industries in the capital( and rumor has it that the CEO Lu Aotian is actually planning to venture into the remaining 25%. Dude! Is he trying to take over the city? He even has power in the underworld not to mention his overseas influence. He''s probably not after the city but the world.)

    Messing with such a man was really¡­..

    At that moment, Yun Xuan came in. she had a 500 mega watt smile plastered across her beautiful face and literally threw herself onto Wan Jia to hug her.

    "Wanwan! I missed you! She exclaimed and kissed Wan Jia''s forehead which was very similar to hers.

    Wan Jia, who was still in a daze after being almost thrown off her seat smiled back, revealing two rows of white teeth which looked even whiter against her pink lips. She hugged her best friend back. This was their third meeting in their lives. The first meeting had only been to make a deal, the second was under a much worse situation¡­

    Strictly speaking, they had not met for almost three years and had become best friends just by chatting online. Even weirder was the fact that they should in fact have been enemies considering the uncountable number of times they caused trouble for each other. Sure enough, women are the most unpredictable creatures.

    Wan Jia twisted her hip which was aching slightly from being uncomfortable for a while. Yun Xuan realized her move and pulled herself from the hug embarrassedly and sat opposite her, ordering the same drink as her best friend when a waiter came around.

    "So¡­are you back for good?" Yun Xuan broke the momentary silence as she took a little sip.

    "Probably not. "

    "How long will you be staying?"

    "Depends on my progress dealing with you-know-who"

    "I see¡­" Yun Xuan fell into thought. Although she claims she wants to deal with him, why does she feel like there''s a trace of loneliness in her eyes? While it''s normal to be lonely in her situation, she seems to be longing for something different, neither justice nor revenge. Eer¡­this girl wouldn''t be still having feelings for Lu Aotian, would she?

    That was quite possible, after all the first love is always the hardest to forget and she and Lu Aotian had loved each other so much that there was almost no love remaining for other couples to love each other, the Lu couple had taken it all! Lu Aotian doted on her to the point of making other men feel self conscious and all other women jealous of her. Really, there''s such a thing as too much love! Yun Xuan subconsciously rolled her eyes just thinking about it.

    While their separation relieved her from having to watch their public display of affections all the way from a very different corner of the planet, she felt bad for her friend who had almost gotten severe depression from their break up.

    After gossiping for long enough to finish three cups of espresso macchiato, the two friends left the caf¨¦ and strode along the street for a while before parting ways. Just before they hugged each other goodbye, Wan Jia spotted something from the corner of her eye.

    A tall man stepped out of a white sports car and helped out a little girl,seemingly three years old. She wore a lace pink princess dress with pink ribbons tied up her long pigtails and was hugging a white stuffed koala. She blinked her cute, big eyes towards her father and stretched out one arm towards him white the other still held her toy, expressing that she wanted to be carried.

    Wan Jia couldn''t stop her tears from running. That adorable little girl was practically a miniature version of herself.

    That¡­that was her little princess, her beloved daughter.

 Chapter 2 - Prologue 2

    That...that was her little princess, her beloved daughter.

    It had been three years.... she had not seen her for exactly three years. Her baby had only been practically a few minutes old when she was taken away from her. She wasn''t even given the sweet chance to hold her. Not even once. She had only glanced at her from a distance and that too was just for a second as her father was in a hurry to take her away.That damn Lu Aotian! Did she take her for a surrogate? He would pay for this!

    The little bundle of joy chatted happily with her father. Wan Jia could not tell what they were talking about but she could feel their love for each other even from a distance.

    ''At least she lives happily'' Wan Jia thought

    ''However, I''ll make her happier when I take her back''

    Yun Xuan at the sideline "....." she didn''t know how to deal with her friend who was currently a sobbing mess. It would be troublesome if Lu Aotian spotted them. Back then, he had threatened to sue Wan Jia for child abduction if she appeared anywhere within three hundred metres of Little Jia''s radius and she was currently within fifty metres.

    Luckily, Wan Jia withdrew her gaze and started walking away just before Lu Aotian turned in their direction. ''Luckily he did not see us''

    Actually, Lu Aotian had long seen them. He just wanted to see if Wan Jia would make a brazen move. There was nothing wrong with a mother looking at her daughter from afar, right? As long as she didn''t disturb his little angel then there should be no issue...at some point, he was so touched watching her look at Little Jia with such loving and longing eyes. He was even tempted to introduce them and let her hold Little Jia for a while...

    Lu Aotian shook those thoughts off his head. Why should he let her near his baby? Clearly he should have stopped her from even looking at Little Jia! That woman had lied to him. She had taken his trust for granted and decieved him in the most cruel way. Just thinking about it made his eyes burn with bloodlust.

    Today was Little Jia''s third birthday. The little girl had requested to go shopping with her father at the best mall in town.

    Lu Aotian bought every single thing his precious little angel liked; from beautiful clothes to toys, tiaras, hairclips, shoes,cute handbags toy ponies, bicycle, game consoles....the list was endless. It didn''t matter even if she wanted things she already had, replacing the old ones never hurt anyone. Besides, since when could he say no to his precious princess?In the end, they had to hire a truck to deliver all the items to Lu Aotian''s home.

    Bodyguards"..."

    You may as well wrap up the mall and take it home!

    They only stopped when Little Jia was hungry and her father instantly brought her out of the mall to find a place to eat. Just when they got out, Lu Aotian saw an unexpected face.

    ''Hadn''t she left?''

    Wan Jia had intended to leave but the urge to see her daughter again was just too strong. She waited near the mall only intending to steal a glance. She didn''t know that Lu Aotian had already seen her.

    "Daddy, why is that auntie crying while looking at me? Did I hurt her?" Little Jia asked in her cute baby voice. She sounded so adorable that Wan Jia was willing to give up everything in life just to hear her speak. She didn''t even notice the fact that the little girl''s question meant she had been discovered.

    The little girl tilted her tiny head when Lu Aotian did not respond.

    "Daddy?" Wan Jia instantly replaced "daddy" with "mommy" in her heart and felt so warm in her heart as her tears fell harder.

    The little girl wriggled out of her father''s embrace, threw away her stuffed koala and ran towards Wan Jia in her little steps.

    When she was a few steps away from Wan Jia, she proceeded nervously as she blinked and looked at Wan Jia as if scared she might hurt her more.

    Having grown up in such a loving environment thanks to her extremely caring father, Little Jia was naturally very sensitive to people''s feelings and could not stand seeing anyone sad.

    "Auntie, don''t cry anymore, let Little Jia wipe away your tears."

    She was stunned as Wan Jia, who had at some point squatted before her, cried even harder. Had she said something wrong? She had made the beautuful auntie sadder. What to do?

    She reached out her tiny palm and patted Wan Jia''s head, the same way her father pats her when she is sad, and caressed her tear-stained cheeks as she blew onto them, as if trying to blow her pain away.

    "There, there....it won''t hurt anymore. Let Little Jia hug you. Don''t be sad anymore, okay? If beautiful auntie is sad then Little Jia is sad too" At this point, her voice was slurry and her beautiful eyes a little watery, obviously she was getting emotional as well. She threw herself into Wan Jia''s arms as soon as she finished speaking. This was the first time Wan Jia had seen her daughter up close. It was the first time she had held her. Her little baby....who knew she would grow into such a sweet child? She hugged her baby''s tiny soft body tightly...

    Lu Aotian suddenly snapped out of his daze. What was he thinking, letting Little Jia get close to Wan Jia and even hug? His eyes immediately turned dark.

    "Little Jia!" It was a half shout.

    The little girl was so frightened by her father''s sudden outrage and his fierce eyes. After all, he had always been gentle to her like she was the planet''s treasure. What had she done wrong? She suddenly started crying. Meanwhile, Wan Jia did not notice it but her breathing was becoming laboured as she slowly drifted into darkness. "Wanwan!" She thought she heard a man''s extremely worried voice as her mind slowly drifted into the past....

 Chapter 3 - Are we twins?(the past arc)

    "Miss, if you can''t pay the rent by tomorrow evening, then I am sorry but you will have to move out," came the landlord''s voice.

    ''Just when I thought nothing else could go wrong'' Wan Jia thought.

    However, the devil seemed to really like messing with her

    "But if you can pay the right price then I''ll not only let you live here, I''ll also give you a well-paying job.

    ''I''ve heard that statement so many times, my ears are about to get calluses'' she sneered inwardly.

    What right price? That old pervert was obviously trying to make her pay with her body. What well-paying job? To work in his bar as an escort?''

    ''Tsk, can''t even let go of a young girl, how shameless. May lightning strike you.'' she cursed inwardly.

    Wan Jia grunted as a response to the landlord before running back to the house. If she hadn''t been desperate for a place to live she definitely would never have had to stay in this torturous apartment. She had only lived here for barely a month while trying to find a source of employment. Previously, she had tried to find a cheap place to stay with no avail, no house would fit the little amount of money she had, after all she was a nineteen year old girl who had unexpectedly been abandoned by her parents, only leaving her with money which obviously would not sustain her for long.

    She had stayed at an extravagant hotel for a few days hoping her father would change his mind and come back for her. Only now did she realize just how naive she had been.

    Not long after, she had to find an apartment: she was running out of money and would not afford any luxury. She had almost given up when she met Landlord Wen who pitied her and even let her use the little money she had for her daily needs, she would pay the rent once she got a job. Who would have thought the old pervert only wanted an excuse to take advantage of the beautiful Wan Jia?

    Stopping her train of thoughts, she took out a letter she had received two days ago from an anonymous sender. [He Wan Jia, I know your situation. Meet me at Provence Cafe on Friday noon, table number 8. I can change your life for the better.] It was currently Friday, one hour to noon. She had to make a decision quickly.

    Should she go or not? Should she trust this anonymous person? Provence cafe was fairly busy and he would not do anything to her in public, right? However how does this person even know her surname which no one in C city knew?

    After pondering for a while, she quickly changed into something more presentable and left for the cafe.

    She had just arrived at the cafe and taken a glance in the direction of table 8 when her eyes grew wide like copper bells. The beautiful girl with very long hair sitting at the table was like a mirror reflection of her. Same eyes, same nose, same lips...everything including the fair skin! Despite Wan Jia''s eyes looking a little tired, they were also just like the strange girl''s.

    Her first reaction was to rush up to her.

    "Are we twins?"

 Chapter 4 - Become a substitute

    "Are we twins?"

    She just smiled and gestured for Wan Jia to sit.

    ''She even smiles like me... What twin? I am looking at a live copy of me, or am I the live copy of her?'' She thought.

    She sat with her brows still furrowed. She waited patiently for the lady opposite her to speak.

    "Miss He, nice to meet you, my name is Yun Xuan" She finally spoke after what seemed like a lifetime for Wan Jia.

    Huh? Yun Xuan? Wan Jia almost fainted. She had seen young Miss Yun''s photos before and she did not look anything like her!

    "Miss Yun, can you please explain why we suddenly look alike?" Wan Jia did not waste time to ask her most pressing question. Of course she knew who Yun Xuan was- the most envied young miss in the capital, Her parents were both government officials, she had three elder brothers who doted on her like the precious jewel she was and a childhood boyfriend who was not only handsome but came from a rich family, just like her. At the age of twenty three, she already had her own successful fashion studio. So, why would a pampered princess, a young miss who was basically a winner at life suddenly look like her?

    "Why don''t you order a drink first?"

    Noticing how nervous Wan Jia was, she chuckled and said, "We are not twins. Heh, I only had a plastic surgery to look like you."

    Wan Jia almost spat out her coffee. "To look like me?"

    "Yeah," she said and smiled as if she had not just said something extremely weird.

    "It''s not weird to have plastic surgery but why on earth would you want to look like ME?"

    "Heh, Miss He, allow me to call you Wanwan." Wan Jia nodded. ''How on earth did she know my nickname though?'' she thought. "Wanwan, I want you to replace me."

    Pfft!

    "Wanwan, are you alright?"

    "What on earth did you say you want me to do?"

    "To replace me, to become the young Miss of the Yun family."

    "And you become Miss He?"

    "Nope, I elope with my boyfriend." As if reading her mind, she continued," My dad already saw me after the surgery. You don''t have to worry about my parents noticing,they are rarely home, and I''ll teach you how to act like me and tell you all you need to know. Tsk...I had to rack my brain to find a beautiful girl who may want such a deal."

    "This is what you meant by changing my life?"

    "Yes, such a great deal,right?"

    "Miss Yun, this is illegal. I cannot do it." She said and stood up.

    "Wanwan, please think about it. You don''t have any money with you. How will you go to school? Do you want to end up dropping out? You''re barely nineteen and can''t even find a decent job on your own. Who will take care of you?"

    Right, school. She had to go to school and find a place to live, or else how would she even survive? Would she end up on the streets? Who would she blame then, her parents? They didn''t seem to care. Besides, that weird landlord...

    "Fine, what''s the deal?"

    "I knew you''d say yes!" Yun Xuan was excited. "Pretend to be me for a month. When one month is over, we''ll switch places. I''ll deposit 1 million into your account when you move into my home and give you another 1 million when we switch back. All your living expenses will be taken care of by my parents. don''t worry about my studio, I''ll handle it on my own but you''ll need to appear in my office once in a while to avoid suspicion. What do you think?"

    "It''s fine. Can I move in tomorrow?"

    "Of course, " She chuckled.

    If Wan Jia knew what exactly she was getting herself into, she would definitely never have made that decision.

 Chapter 5 - Did young miss just...smile?!

    Wan Jia spent the entire afternoon with Yun Xuan, as she taught her how to behave in front of the servants and her brothers, just in case they went back home within the month. Wanjia dragged her tired body into bed.

    ''Just Yun Xuan''s daily routine is able to tire me out this much?''

    Moreover, it excluded the morning routine as she would learn that the next day when she switched places with Yun Xuan tomorrow.

    Just as she drifted off to sleep, the doorbell rang.

    "How annoying! Who rings people''s doorbells at this hour?! Do you want to die?!" She shouted in an extremely annoyed tone as she made her way to the door and opened it, only to see the face she did not desire to see any time soon.

    "I''ll pay all your money tomorrow."

    "You may have to include 50% interest for the delay."

    "Fine." She said and banged the door.

    "You''ll never get a kind-hearted landlord like me!" the old hag shouted at the closed door.

    ''What kind hearted landlord? Ringing my doorbell every few hours? Thank you for your kindness'' she mumbled and drifted off to sleep.

    ___

    The next morning, Yun family mansion.

    "Young miss, your breakfast is ready," called nanny Rung, Yun Xuan''s personal nanny.

    "I have work to do." She replied impatiently and left.

    Not long after she left, the maids started gossiping.

    "Xiao Rong, why do you think young miss had plastic surgery?"

    "Who am I to ask?"

    "Aren''t you the closest to her?"

    "That doesn''t mean I know about her personal matters, not like I wanted to know them."

    "She looks beautiful," a little maid complimented.

    "Maybe she just wanted to look more beautiful than usual? Don''t all women want to look prettier nowadays?"

    "Whatever it is, she looks much younger and more beautiful."

    When Yun Xuan was done with work at her studio, she went shopping. The only way to avoid her bodyguards was to go the changing room. She looked back and forth to make sure the salesperson was distracted before swiftly walking into an occupied changing cubicle, where Wan Jia was waiting. They swiftly exchanged clothes before Wanjia came out wearing the dress that Yun Xuan had chosen to try on. She distracted the salesperson briefly as Yun Xuan hopped into the next cubicle with Wan Jia''s chosen dress. She had already worn Wan Jia''s scarf and huge shades. Wan Jia quickly completed the purchase and left first to avoid rousing suspicion.

    It had only taken less than five minutes, she was now ''Yun Xuan''.

    "Young miss, where should we go next?" the driver asked. Wan Jia was entranced for a while.

    ''What to do? I forgot about my voice! What if they discover I am not Yun Xuan?''

    Just as she was about to speak up, the driver asked if they should head home to which she nodded and thanked the heavens profusely for saving her.

    "Young miss, good evening." Greeted the servants who were lined up in two neat rows at the entrance.

    Wan Jia almost fainted from the nervousness. Although her family background was not shabby, they were not rich enough to have this many servants! Let alone to have all of them greeting her at her arrival.

    She simply smiled at them and went into the house, trying her best to remain calm. The servants were not shocked about her silence. However, did their young miss just smile? Although Yun Xuan would not be considered rude to the servants, she had never really had any interaction with them. If she needed anything done for her, her messages would only be relayed via her nanny. She also liked a calm and quiet atmosphere, therefore the servants were required to complete their tasks before she came back home, they would disappear to their rooms right after greeting her and only the chef and her nanny would stay to serve her dinner . In the morning, they would only instantly vanish when she woke up and only come back after she left the house. Besides, she always wore a poker face and her mood was unpredictable. To say they only saw her when she arrived every evening was no exaggeration. She had never looked in their direction, much less smile at them.

    "Did the young miss just¡­smile?!"

    "I thought I was dreaming"

    "Heh, I lived long enough to see the young miss'' smile. "

    Her smiled seemed contagious and uplifted their moods.

    Wan Jia heaved a sigh of relief when she finally managed to locate Yun Xuan''s room using the photos she had been sent without looking lost.

    However, the devil was not going to let her rest so easily.

    "Second master is here!" a servant exclaimed and ran to welcome him.

    Second master? Yun Xuan''s second brother? Oh no! This happened sooner than expected!

 Chapter 6 - Couldnt avoid forever.

    Yun Xuan''s second brother? Didn''t she say he was out of the country? Could someone explain to her what was happening?

    [Your second brother is home] she quickly texted Yun Xuan for further instructions. She waited for over five minutes but the latter did not reply.

    ''Oh God, please don''t let him look for me'' Yun Xuan had told her how close she was to all her brothers, they would definitely notice if something was wrong with their sister. Who knows what would happen to her if second young master Yun discover her?

    Just as she was praying that he doesn''t look for her, or for Yun Xuan to reply her, can one of these two prayers please get answered?!

    "Where''s Xuanxuan?" Yun Jifeng''s voice rang faintly from the living room downstairs.

    "Young miss is in her room."

    Then she heard footsteps heading upstairs after a short while. According to Yun Xuan''s photos and descriptions, Yun Jifeng''s room should be on the second floor. Why was he walking along the corridor of the first floor? He wasn''t really going to pay her a visit, right?

    Just then, she heard a knock at her door.

    "Xuanxuan?" She held her breath. Why was Yun Xuan not replying?! She had already sent a whole load of texts.

    ''Wait; if I pretend to be asleep he won''t bother me, right? Of course! He dotes on his sister so much he wouldn''t want to wake her. Bah! Why didn''t you think of this, stupid Wan Jia?''

    "Xuanxuan, are you asleep?" Wan Jia so badly wanted to rush to bed but what if she made noise and alerted Yun Jifeng? The man outside attempted to turn the doorknob.

    ''Thank God I locked the door.'' A few seconds later, she heaved a sigh of relief as she heard footsteps going away and took the chance to jump into bed in case he came back. Sure enough, he did come back with a spare key and directly unlocked the door.

    When he had not heard any response from his sister, he had been worried, especially because his sister never locked herself in her room even when she was sleeping, unless she was upset. He loved his sister so much; of course he would never let her be alone if she was upset. For this reason, he had always kept a spare key to her room.

    Wan Jia''s body instantly froze when she heard footsteps approaching. She closed her eyes and pretend to sleep, even breathing slowly and slightly heavily.

    Yun Jifeng stopped by her bedside for a fewseconds and stared at her face while muttering to himself. Wanjia could only make out that he was wondering why his sister would want to change her looks, it was suspicious and that he would ask her when she woke up.

    He kissed her forehead before turning to leave. Wan Jia was so shocked she almost opened her eyes. Apart from her father, she had never been that close to any man much less received a kiss! Even her father had never kissed her before. What kind of situation was this? Was Yun Xuan and her brothers THAT close?

    ___

    The next morning.

    Wan Jia opened her eyes slowly and examined here surroundings, the unfamiliar environment that she had to pretend to have spent 23 years in. 23 years? Even her own life was not that old! She yawned and stretched her tired body. She had not been able to have a good rest thanks to her nervousness.

    She pressed a button according to Yun Xuan''s directions and nanny Rong instantly appeared.

    "Is second brother still home?" she asked in a coarse voice. She had intentionally eaten a lot of ice cream at night to make her voice coarse so no one would detect the difference. She had tried to imitate Yun Xuan''s voice the day before and found it quite similar but she was still scared. What if the people closest to her managed to find the slight difference?

    "Second master is waiting for you to have breakfast together," relpied nanny Rong.

    ''Here we go¡­. I knew I couldn''t avoid him forever''

    She sighed and took a quick shower and headed downstairs.

    "Second brother," she greeted, trying to sound as natural as possible. Yun Jifeng smiled and gestured for her to sit.

    ''Xuanxuan has always called me ''old two''. What''s with this sudden ''second brother''?'' he thought as he looked into her black eyes. ''Last I checked, Xuanxuan had blue eyes¡­''

    Wan Jia noticed his gaze and remembered something. She had forgotten to put on her contact lenses! From the way he was looking at her, he must have noticed it. She tried hard to stop her heart from beating too fast.

    "Second brother, does my new eye color look beautiful?" she asked and smiled to mask her nervousness.

    "They look beautiful, but you can''t have contact lenses on for too long."

    "Got it second brother,"

    "You have flu?"

    "Yes," Wan Jia desperately tried to find a way to make him stop talking.

    She poured him a glass of milk and said "let''s eat now."

    However, Yun Jifeng was staring at her.

    "Se¡­second brother, is something wrong?" she stuttered.

    "Did your memory change along with your face? Since when do I take milk?"

 Chapter 7 - You thought I didnt know?

    "Heh, sorry bro, I was dazed just now and forgot about it¡­." She tried to save the situation and stuffed toast into her mouth to avoid being asked questions, at the same time waiting to see what Yun Jifeng would pick.

    That damn Yun Xuan! How could she forget to tell her such an important thing?! She was literally one step away from being discovered!

    One step, really?

    ''Xuanxuan is allergic to citrus fruits'' thought Yun Jifeng, who had a weird expression on his face.

    Wan Jia pretended not to notice his gaze as she tried hard to stabilize her heart while sipping her freshly squeezed orange juice. ''From the way he''s staring at me, his sister is probably allergic to orange juice. Or maybe she just dislikes it? What to do, what to do¡­''

    An idea striked her and she ran to her room only to come back with two ''unnoticed'' red dots on her arms while she scratched her other hand with a pitiful expression. Her idea was to gamble that it was an allergy, which seemed to work, considering Yun Jifeng''s expression.

    "Who told you to take orange juice, huh? Look at your skin, you''re soon going to be as ugly as a frog."

    She pouted like a spoilt little girl and rubbed off nonexistent tears as she wondered why on earth Yun Xuan was not replying to her messages. How could she just vanish and leave her in this mess? Was she not worried of what would happen if she did too many wrong things and exposed herself?

    Yun Jifeng''s next sentence almost made her knees give way.

    "You should learn Xuanxuan''s likes and dislikes faster or else father will instantly see through your little ploy." He smirked at Wan Jia''s current facial expression; her beautiful eyes were so wide with shock he almost laughed aloud. "Heh, what? You thought I wouldn''t know? Of course I know my sister. Don''t worry. You can relax around me. I wondered what my sister was up to but since it came to having such a beautiful substitute then I''ll show my support."

    "Eer¡­." he was not trying to flirt, right?

    "Come here, let Old Two take a look." He deliberately emphasized "Old two". Wan Jia would be an idiot if she did not understand his meaning.

    ___

    Lu family home.

    Lu Tongyan was currently nagging his eldest son for the umpteenth time that day.

    "Aotian, when did you say you were going to propose to my future daughter-in-law?"

    Lu Aotian furrowed his brows. Hadn''t they talked about this one hour ago, and even agreed to visit the Yun Family the next weekend? Did the old man start having memory lapse?

    "Cough, I''m just too excited. This old man is just quite lonely. You boys are always so busy with your jobs and no one wants to spend time with me."

    No matter how much time we make to spend with you, you still complain, he thought.

    Lu Aotian was the current president of Lu Enterprise, the most powerful and influential organization in the capital, running subsidiary companies in uncountable industries. The Lu family also held immense power in the underworld. The current president, Lu Aotian, was thought to be as cold and aloof as most CEOs. However, only those very close to him knew the story behind his cold appearance.

    Born into such a rich family, he had been the envy of most boys his age until his parents suddenly had a divorce after Mrs. Lu was discovered to have been cheating on her husband with his elder brother, and Lu Tongyan''s second son was suddenly found out to be his elder brother''s son. This incident caused an uproar in the Lu family and hence began a feud between brothers. That was until Lu Tongyan''s ex wife and his brother had an accident and passed on, leaving behind the five year old innocent and clueless Lu Shaoting, who Lu Tongyan adopted and brought up entirely like a son, out of respect and love for his late brother and late ex wife. However, it was not easy for the seven year old Lu Aotian to understand why his mother suddenly abandoned him and his father to become his uncle''s wife and why the younger brother he adored so much suddenly became his ''half-brother-half-cousin''

    He despised his mother even after her demise and grew up avoiding girls, until he met Mo Zilian, who he loved and dated for over three years. However, as fate would have it, it turned out Mo Zilian was only a part of a scheme by an enemy of the Lu Family. Her mission had been to kill Lu Aotian''s grandfather. What was worse than losing two of the few people you value? What more if one of them was schemed against and killed by the other. It was this incident that caused Lu Aotian to shut himself from the world and trust no one, including his father and younger brother who were the only relatives he had left.

    ...

    Presently, his father had already agreed with General Yun to have him marry his daughter, Yun Xuan. Perhaps it was time to put the pat behind?

 Chapter 8 - future wife?

    On Sunday, Yun Jifeng went shopping with Wan Jia. Well, the shopping was just an excuse: his main aim was to show her places where Yun Xuan frequented, as well as tell her other things she did not know yet, like Yun Xuan''s group of close friends and their characters. He also toured her around Yun Xuan''s studio under the guise of looking around his sister''s studio.

    At the same time, Lu Aotian asked around and was told that Yun Xuan was probably in her studio, where he went immediately. He was intending to meet her first and propose before meeting her parents when they came back home the next weekend. He sent his assistant to pass her a message and waited in the waiting room on the ground floor.

    Ten minutes later, the door opened slightly revealing a fair and slender hand. Lu Aotian looked up from his phone to see a very beautiful girl in the company of a young man who Lu Aotian guessed must be one of her brothers. Although she had on a serious expression, her eyes sparkled with life, tempting whoever saw them to draw closer. Lu Aotian felt his throat tighten and let out a dry cough.

    "Nice to meet you, Miss Yun, can I have a few minutes of your time?"¡­." In private?" he added as he glanced at Yun Jifeng. The latter smirked and whispered something in Wan Jia''s ear before leaving.

    She sat nervously opposite Lu Aotian and waited for him to speak.

    "We have not met before, my name is Lu Aotian." He said while extending a hand in greeting. When the little warm and soft palm came into contact with his, he almost had the impulse to smile. Was her palm made of cotton? He scanned the beauty before him. She was way more beautiful than she was before her accident. (General Yun had told the public that his daughter had an accident which affected her face, forcing her to have a cosmetic surgery.The family thought she wanted a new look and he didn''t question his little princess, lest it makes her unhappy. Only his second son knew that her real motive was just to run away from home and have someone replace her, which could make one wonder, why then, did she not make her substitute have surgery instead?)

    "Nice to meet you Mr. Lu." She smiled shyly. Her smile made her beautiful cheeks look even more beautiful.

    Not wanting to waste any more time, he went straight to the point.

    "Yun Xuan, my father and your parents hope that we can get married."

    "¡­!!!" didn''t Yun Xuan have a boyfriend?

    As if the shock he just gave her had nothing to do with him, he continued. "However, I''m only doing it for my father and I can''t guarantee to have feelings for you, but I''ll definitely treat you with utmost respect." Wan Jia stared blankly at him.

    "I have a boyfriend." She said between gritted teeth.

    "A boyfriend who your parents do not trust to let you spend the rest of your life with."

    ''Her parents do not want her to marry her childhood sweetheart? Is this why she ran away?'' Wan Jia thought.

    ''Did she know that I would not agree to marry on her behalf and chose to ignore me as soon as we swapped places?'' how outrageous!

    "I''ll let you think about it." He said and stood to leave."

    "What''s there to think about? I don''t even know you! How am I supposed to think about marrying a stranger?!" she would have shouted at him if she wasn''t scared of his slightly cold presence .

    "I already told you my name is Lu Aotian. I only have my father Lu Tongyan and younger brother Lu Shaoting for family. Am currently a businessman. Am I still a stranger, future wife? He deliberately emphasized ''future wife'' and enjoyed her annoyed expression. She looked so adorable that he was tempted to pinch her soft cheeks. He wasn''t falling in love, right?

    ...

    "Hello, Old Two." Yun Xuan greeted on the other end of the phone.

    "Wan Jia met Lu Aotian today," Yun Jifeng reported.

    "How did it go?"

    "She wanted me to talk to you. Did you block her number?"

    "Of course! Do you want her to keep pestering me if any little thing happens?"

    "You''re so unfair, heh, you should have seen how annoyed she was when she couldn''t reach you. Oh, by the way, father will be back in two days."

    "Do you think she''ll mess up?" Yun Xuan was nervous.

    "Of course not. You have me over here."

    "Thanks, brother."

    "What are brothers for?" After talking to his real sister for a while, he hung up and went to look for his substitute sister.

    "Xuan¡­. He just opened the door when he froze in the next second. Wan Jia had just taken off her top and was about to unclasp her bra. Her beautiful back and slender waist filled his view the moment he opened the door. Moreover, she was standing in front of the dressing mirror which let him see her full breasts which looked even curvier against her incredibly slim tummy. The fact that her bra was bright red and highlighted her fair skin was not helping at all¡­Ay, this Wan Jia¡­.she looked slim on the surface but was curvy in all the right areas. His first reaction was not to turn around, but to stare on as he felt his body react to what he was seeing.

    He only snapped out of his daze when Wan Jia awkwardly pulled a dress from only God knows where and covered her chest as she shrieked.

    Her shyness only made her look more alluring¡­

 Chapter 9 - Secrets

    "Xuanxuan! Dad is back." Yun Jifeng called out for Wan Jia, it was deliberate to remind her how Yun Xuan had always addressed their father. Wan Jia had seen many pictures of General Yun on magazines and articles. She had never dreamed of seeing him up close, much less pretend to be his daughter. She descended the stairs slowly while trying not to panic.

    "Dad," she called out nervously and subconsciously bowed. General Yun froze as his arms remained in mid air. He was expecting his princess to pounce right into his arms. What was this distant behavior? He frowned.

    "Cough, dad, I have a flu and would infect you if I hugged you." One swift lie to settle the awkwardness. Genius! Besides how could she just hug such a prominent figure casually?

    However, before she could sigh in relief¡­

    "My immunity isn''t that low. How can I not hug my princess? Or did my princess not miss me? Mmh?" he said as he pulled Wan Jia into a warm hug.

    In the next second, General Yun felt something was not right, but he couldn''t figure out what exactly it was. Yun Jifeng noticed his father''s knitted brows and acted quick.

    "Are the two of you going to embrace each other forever? I am hungry!" He hollered. The father and daughter pair giggled and joined him at the dining table, where Yun Jifeng kept serving Wan Jia the right dishes and indirectly letting her know the father''s favorites so she could serve him.

    Sigh, that was one tiresome meal.

    After dinner, she joined General Yun in his study room to discuss her marriage. Turned out Yun Xuan had not even been told about it by her father! Had she eavesdropped on a conversation?

    As she tucked herself to sleep, she remembered something that piqued her interest. The Lu Enterprise business records and contacts? Why would there be such a file in the Yun Mansion? It would not be very weird if such a file was in the eldest son''s study room as he was the only one venturing in business in the family, but it was in General Yun''s study room!

    Not only that, it also seemed a little worn out, like it had been subject to detailed study multiple times. This ruled out the excuse of investigating the in laws'' background. What were they hiding?

    If she had known she would be innocently involved in a battle she so badly wanted to be excluded from, perhaps she would not have agreed to this deal.

    ....

    That weekend, Madam Yun, the eldest son and the third son also came over to meet the in laws. Within the past few days, Wan Jia had discovered several unexpected secrets. For example, the second son, Yun Jifeng, was an illegitimate son and had been brought up by Madam Yun against her will, hence she did not like him. Yun Xuan, on the other hand, was a child Madam Yun had met on the street, abandoned in the rain. The five year old girl was so pitiful that Madam Yun had decided to adopt her.

    However, the legitimate brothers did not like her and kept picking on her, while pretending to care about her in front of their parents. Although they appeared close, all the doting rumors were lies! Perhaps that''s why she was close to the second brother, they appeared to share the same fate.

    ===

    Wan Jia looked at herself in the mirror as she admired her beauty in the dress Lu Aotian had bought her for the day''s occasion. They were going to register their marriage. It was a blue off shoulder dress which showed off her long and fair neck. It hugged her curvy body and ended a few inches above her knees. It was paired with a set of diamond jewelry and beautiful high heels. How thoughtful! Her slightly wavy hair was let loose, waving all the way to her slim waist. She sashayed out of her room with a smile.

    This deal was not that bad after all, she got to marry such a handsome and rich Adonis! Of course she was going to enjoy the marriage while she was still ''Yun Xuan'', too bad there was only two weeks left.

    At the same time, H city.

    Yun Xuan was currently bawling her eyes out while trying to stop her childhood boyfriend from leaving.

    "Could you please tell me what I did wrong? We can talk it out. Please don''t leave"

    "Talk it out? It''s too late for that." Yun Xuan blinked her teary eyes. Qin Zhifan''s next words almost sent her to hell.

    "You thought I actually liked you? Dream on! Who told you to run away from home?"

    "Didn''t we agree to elope and start over together?"

    "Did I? You are so stupid. I wanted to use you to get close to that man but you are too useless!" his words cut into her heart like knives.

    "That He Wan Jia is more useful now. Such a young and na?ve child, she will definitely fall for my charm. Tsk, she''s so pretty, I wonder how she tastes." he said as he tied her limbs to the dressing chair and covered her mouth with a scarf.

    "My use for you is done. I''m going to look for Wan Jia. As for you¡­"he threw her clothes on the bed and set them ablaze." Farewell my love," he gave an evil smirk and left her.

    Yun Xuan tried to free herself to no avail. The clothes on the bed were slowly catching fire.

    So all this while Qin Zhifan had only tried to use her? She had loved him for longer than she can remember! She had sacrificed so much for him, to the point of risking offending her parents. Was she going to die here? What would happen to her family?

    Who could warn Wan Jia not to marry Lu Aotian? Someone must warn her! She should not fall for Qin Zhifan''s schemes!

    However, she should have been worrying more about herself as the smoke grew thicker and the flames became stronger.

 Chapter 10 - One long wedding night

    After leaving the civil affairs bureau, Lu Aotian held his wife''s hand and led her to his car. That soft hand...holding it for the second time made his heart feel warm and complete. Her scent wafted into his nostrils, it was mild and incredibly sweet.

    She smiled nervously revealing her delicate white teeth. He swallowed hard as he gazed at her. ''Such beautiful lips... I wonder how they taste.'' Gah! Did he just think about her kiss?

    Their marriage was akin to a contract. It would be best if they don''t fall in love. Heh, don''t fall in love? Neither of them knew it but maybe it was too late to say that.

    Wan Jia''s heart raced as her husband helped her into the passenger seat and fastened her seatbelt. They were so close, just a slight move and their chests would touch. They were both silent for the entire drive home.

    Southside Villas was the most luxurious residence in the country. It only had four villas, each one of them costing a fortune and housing the most influental people. The most expensive and luxurious of them all was villa number 4, Lu Aotian''s villa. It was also the newest, only five years old and rumor had it had been specifically built for Lu Aotian. It screamed of luxury all the way from the entrance to the interior. Wan Jia could swear that any random item in the house would possibly be enough to repay every cent used for her upbringing.

    Lu Aotian beside her was a little surprised by her extremely awed reaction. As General Yun''s daughter, what sort of luxuries had she not seen? Her father''s mansion could not be too luxurious due to his and his wife''s positions, but it was still considered very expensive. Surely his daughter shouldn''t look this shocked?

    "You like it?"

    "Yeah..." Wan Jia was still in a daze and taking very nervous steps. If she accidentally destroyed anything, even selling her off wouldn''t be enough compesation. The extremely proffessional servants welcomed them home and went about with their duties as Lu Aotian showed Wan Jia to her room on the second floor before going to his own room.

    ''This is MY ROOM?'' she wondered. ''He means this is my castle, right?''

    The room was quite girly, pink being the main colour and everything being either lacy or fluffy. She glanced at her supposed bed which would probably make her appear like a pin and took a tour to her bathroom which was as big as someone''s room and was filled with the type of toiletries that she used, wonder how he knew.

    Her walk in closet was filled with all sorts of luxurious dresses for different occassions, accessories, bags and shoes. So this is how the rich live.

    Wan Jia took a shower and wore a little silky nightdress. She lay on the bed nervously. The room was so big she was scared of being alone.

    How could Lu Aotian let her stay alone in a room almost bigger than her former apartment? Was he trying to kill her? She subconciously wondered how big his own room was.

    That''s right! She had an idea. It was their wedding night, right? They should be sleeping in the same room. With this thought, Wan Jia bravely got out of bed and knocked on Lu Aotian''s door.

    The door opened revealing a freshly bathed Lu Aotian. His black hair was still a little damp, a single water droplet rolling down his neck all the way to his bare chest and even lower...

    Wan Jia unconciously bit her lower lip as she followed the water droplet down his stomach....all the way till it disappeared into his towel.

    Eer... was that towel even well wrapped? Why did it look like it would fall if he made a step foward? Her breathing unknowingly hastened as she got tempted to glance at his forbidden territory. Her cheeks flushed at her stupid thoughts.

    She looked up at Lu Aotian who was staring at her. ''Did he catch me checking him out? How embarassing.'' She felt her ears heat up. Who could break this awkward moment?

    Just as she was about to faint, Lu Aotian''s sexy voice sounded in her ears. "Do you need something?" Ah ah ah! He sounded so seductive she almost screamed.

    "No, no. I just.....I came to....to say goodnight." She lied swiftly. If they were to spend the night together in this situation, who could she blame if anything happened?

    Lu Aotian knew she was lying but didn''t expose her little lie and kissed her forehead before letting her leave. He went right back to the bathroom to take a cold shower once she left. Could someone explain to him what was going on? Such a beautiful girl coming to his room in the middle of the night wearing such a sexy nightdress? It was made of silk and perhaps she didn''t notice it herself but it actually highlighted her chest and as for the length.... those long fair and beautiful legs could definitely drive anyone nuts. To make it worse, that beautiful goddess was his wife and it was their wedding night!

    Ignoring her appearance was possible, but how about the fact that she was obviously checking him out? This was definitely going to be one long wedding night.

 Chapter 11 - Two major lies

    Lu Aotian wasn''t the only one having a hard time. Wan Jia tossed and turned as her mind was filled with Lu Aotian''s body. She imagined his firm chest and tight abs pressed against her body...his hands caressing her skin and his beautiful lips kissing her. What if she had hugged him just now? Would he want her too? But if she offered herself to him then he might think lowly of her,right?

    In the end, she dreamt that she threw herself into his embrace and it spiraled out of control.

    The next morning, the atmosphere between the couple was a bit awkward. After all, they just had such dreams about each other. Wan Jia asked for breakfast to be sent to her room to avoid being in Lu Aotian''s presence. Lu Aotian noticed her shyness and didn''t want to make things difficult for her so he let her be.

    He was heading to his study room after breakfast when he passed by her slightly open door and overhead her phone conversation with heaven knows who, he couldn''t make out most of the content but he clearly heard her say to the other party:

    "My backside is already round enough..... Yeah, yeah, that too.... Oh come on! My breasts are so sexy and tender. Of course I don''t need to change anything.....pfft!You''re the one who needs enlargment."

    That sort of conversation, it was obviously not a man on the phone. Did women talk about that kind of thing with each other?

    Most importantly, she her backside is round and all that...he had seen her in a body hugging dress and could testify that her figure was indeed sexy. As for the tender....ahem.... he really wanted to know just how tender they really were....

    Lu Aotian stopped his train of thought when he noticed a certain part of his body reacting to his thoughts. Just as he was about to continue to his study, Wan Jia who was walking out of her room in a hurry and hadn''t noticed someone outside her door suddenly bumped into him.

    Her ears turned red as she swiftly apologized and ran out. How long had he been standing outside the door? Did he overhear her conversation? If he did then that would explain why his body was.....

    ...

    To avoid unnecessary misunderstandings, the couple decided to set their relationship straight on the fourth day of their marriage. Since it was just a marriage to placate their parents, children were out of question and they of course agreed not to have an intimate relationship unless and until they were sure they wanted to really spend their lives together.

    As for getting along with each other, they both had a request each.

    "Everything will be fine as long as you don''t interfere with my personal life." She quickly continued when she noticed his suddenly cold expression "Don''t worry, I won''t make you green"

    "Alright, you better remember your words."

    "Okay, what''s your condition?"

    " I hate being lied to. Even the slightest lie like where you are and what you''re doing. As long as you don''t ever lie to me then everything will be fine. "

    "Okay." Wan Jia nodded guiltily. After all she was lying to him. Everything that happened between them so far was a lie. Not just one lie but two major lies. What if he found out? Would he hate her? Then again she shouldn''t worry about that. She wasn''t really Yun Xuan, right?In less than ten days, the real Yun Xuan would take back her place. That way, the first lie will be corrected. But what if Yun Xuan doesn''t want to play by the second lie?

    Little did she know, Yun Xuan wasn''t even planning to deal with the first lie either. Was she doing this deliberately? The agreed time had already been one week overdue. She was neither answering Wanjia''s calls nor replying her messages.

    Wan Jia had no choice but to keep playing "Yun Xuan" till the real one appeared. But what if she never appeared? That was quite possible since she was being forced to marry Lu Aotian despite having a boyfriend....

    Wait, that wasn''t the biggest problem. The biggest problem was that she and Lu Aotian were getting closer and closer and falling deeper in love.... He had obviously noticed her feelings towards him as he had wanted to take things further with her just a few nights ago and she could only get away by using the old "am not ready" excuse. Thank goodness Lu Aotian was a gentleman.

    Heaven knew how much she really wanted to be with him but couldn''t because...any normal man would notice it if his wife''s body suddenly changed, right? Moreso what if Yun Xuan didn''t have the same feelings for him as she did? As much as she wanted to follow her heart, she was now ''Yun Xuan'' and had to act like Yun Xuan.

    However, thinking of him being close to Yun Xuan and looking at her with that passionate gaze really made her heart ache and hands itch to destroy something.

 Chapter 12 - Theyre pillows

    Wan Jia shook off her ridiculous thoughts of jealousy and switched on the television. A new film was being aired, about a teenage girl who made wrong decisions that ended up ruining her life because her parents never had time for her. Suddenly, it reminded her of her parents.

    Who on earth dumps their daughter in the middle of nowhere without even explaining anything?They had said she was not their daughter but whose daughter was she? Why didn''t they at least give her some information? Were they on bad terms with her real parents?

    While thinking about this, Wanjia didn''t know when she fell asleep.

    Lu Aotian returned home at 11 pm and was surprised to see Wan Jia sprawled on the sofa, asleep. He initially wanted to wake her up but changed his mind when he got close to her. She looked so cute as she closed her eyes obediently, just like an innocent newborn baby. Her cheeks looked so soft that he wanted to place a kiss on them. Her cute innocent sleeping face could compel one to give up all he had just to watch her sleep.

    He couldn''t bring himself to wake her up and carried her instead. When that light, soft and fragrant body melted into his arms, Lu Aotian''s heart was filled with so much warmth and sweetness that he really wished for the trip to her room to last forever. He put her into bed gently and covered her when she suddenly clutched his shirt.

    "Mother..."

    Mother?

    "Father...don''t go..."

    She shook her head and knitted her brows sadly.

    "Wanwan will be good. Please don''t go?"

    She sounded so pitiful....

    Just as he was pondering whether to wake her up, tears started rolling down her face. His heart hurt so much seeing her cry....he reached out to embrace her. Wan Jia cried in his embrace and sobbed sadly.

    "You won''t go right, right?" she asked among sobs. "Please, promise me you won''t leave again, father,mother....Wanwan promises to be a good girl forever." When Lu Aotian did not speak...she became even sadder and cried harder.

    Lu Aotian''s mind was however filled with one name-Wanwan.

    Wanwan? Was that her nickname? How come he had never heard about it? Besides, her father was supposedly leaving her?...and her mother too? How strange. Or was it just a nightmare? But her sadness was so real.... suddenly he remembered something. Yun Xuan was adopted!

    Now it made sense. Perhaps her parents had died when she was little and before then her name was Wanwan, then it was changed to Yun Xuan by the Yun family when they took her in?

    Lu Aotian relaxed as he thought about this. It was indeed a logical explanation. So maybe she just has this nightmare that''s in real sense a memory of her childhood?

    He hugged her tighter and patted her back to console her. He felt as if someone was squeezing his heart when he thought of how she had been probably haunted by this dream all her life.

    "Xuanxuan," He called out softly. This was the first time he had called her so intimately. The little woman in his arms suddenly woke up and looked a little dazed finding herself in Lu Aotian''s arms. She shyly let go of his shirt as she looked at the mess she had created on his chest with her tears.

    "Go to sleep." Lu Aotian said softly as he tucked her in, interrupting whatever she wanted to say.

    "Don''t go..." she suddenly said and held his arm when he stood to leave. Even she didn''t understand why she said that and she bit her lip in embarassment.

    "Scared of being alone?" Lu Aotian asked in a very concerned tone. After all, he had just witnessed her fear a moment ago. Wait, is it because of that nightmare that she was scared of her room? He had noticed her uneasiness when he first showed it to her but hadn''t taken it to heart. Now that he thought about it, it was quite possible.

    Wan Jia nodded without looking him in the eye.

    "Then I''ll sleep here." He said while pointing at the sofa a few steps away from her bed.

    Wan Jia was a little disapponted. No, a lot disappointed. She wanted him to sleep on the bed, not the sofa! But wouldn''t it sound too odd if she directly invited him to the bed?

    Looking at the sofa length, she had a brilliant idea.

    "But you''re so tall you won''t be comfortable on the sofa." her face burned red as she said this.

    "So you''re saying...." He raised an eyebrow teasingly at her embarassed appearance. He obviously didn''t miss the slight passion in her eyes either.

    "Let me sleep on the sofa instead."

    " How can I let my delicate little wife sleep on the uncomfortable sofa?" his tone was disdainful.

    "And how can I let my tall husband sleep on the sofa?" She retaliated.

    "Then..."

    "Then let''s both sleep on the bed." She interrupted him. Lu Aotian was stunned. Did she just say sleep on the bed? Heavens knew how much he had been waiting to hear that! What a golden chance...He instantly went to his room, took a shower at a remarkable speed and returned only to find a few pillows lined up in the middle of the bed, from top to bottom.

    "What are these?" He asked with knitted eyebrows.

    "Can''t you see? They''re pillows."

    "Of course they''re pillows. Why are they here?" His tone was slightly cold.

    "If we have them between us, then we won''t disturb each other''s sleep. Who knows if I have bad sleeping habits, what if I kick you in my sleep..." her voice grew thinner and thinner as she spoke till ot became so thin her last words sounded like an inaudible whisper.

    "How about we remove them?" He said in a slightly whisper as he swept all four of them to the floor in one fell swoop.

    So he knew to get rid of them. Amazing my Aotian! Wan Jia was just about to smile when her smile was interrupted by a pair of warm lips, followed by a hand behind her neck and another pushing her slightly propped body back down.

 Chapter 13 - Blue vs black

    Wan Jia was stunned for a short while before returning the kiss, his lips were just as sweet as she had imagined. She hugged his neck and let him deepen the kiss while his hands started wandering over her body...towards her thigh which had been slightly exposed due to his sudden movement. He rubbed the soft skin on her thigh and looked into her eyes, as if seeking her permission. At this point her eyes were shut, but he could see from her face that she was not against this move. He mustered his courage and slowly lifted the hem of her nightdress. Yet in the next second...

    " What the hell are you doing?!" Lu Aotian stopped in his tracks. Kissing you, of course. Weren''t you okay just now?

    "How dare you simply take advantage of me? Don''t you have any shame?!"

    Lu Aotian was rendered speechless by the sudden outburst.

    Previously when she told him she was not ready, he had a thought that she was trying to hide something but chose not to think too much. But now that he was very sure she really loved him and also wanted him, but she had still rejected him, he was certain she really was hiding something...Well, hiding something should not really be considered as lying,should it? After all, everyone had secrets.

    Even if it''s a matter of not being ready, the reaction shouldn''t be that extreme, right? As if she had not been extreme enough, she glared at him angrily and stomped into the bathroom closing the door with a bang.

    Lu Aotian "...."

    This was.....strange? Anyway, he decided to give her some time to settle her emotional roller coaster first. Although he knew she loved him too, maybe she thought it was too soon to be having such feelings since they had only known each other for a short while but when she was sure about it she would be fine, or so he thought.

    Ten minutes passed...

    Thirty minutes...

    One hour...

    What on earth was going on in the bathroom? Was she alright? Lu Aotian was just about to rush in to check on her when she came out. She was totally fine, except her freshly washed face which none could detect anything from, but Lu Aotian knew instantly that she had been crying.

    He had made her cry? Lu Aotian felt so guilty his heart was suffocating. Just as he was about to offer his apology, Wan Jia''s expression turned worse.

    "What on earth are you still doing in my room?!"

    "Xuanxuan, I''m sorry I...."

    "Get out."

    "Honey..."

    "GET OUT!!!!" She suddenly threw a pillow at him. Lu Aotian did not want to make her more unhappy and quickly left. He heard her bellowing to a servant to change her beddings shortly after he left and sighed. Then he suddenly recalled. ''Yun Xuan'' usually had contact lenses on, or at least that''s what her brother Yun Jifeng had mentioned... However, why did she suddenly put them on late at night? According to Yun Jifeng, her eyes are originally blue but she loves black eyes but according to this situation, why does it seem to be the other way round?

    .....

    The next morning, Lu Aotian specifically prepared breakfast himself to apologize to his beauty for crossing the line. Wan Jia on the other hand deliberately woke up late since Lu Aotian usually went to work early, so she would not bump into him. She didn''t have to go to Yun Xuan''s studio today anyway.

    Unfortunately for her, she saw him busying about in the kitchen just as she reached downstairs. She would have run right back to her room had he not turned just at the wrong time and looked at her, even smiling at her.

    Wan Jia''s heart was instantly filled with immense guilt and regret. She had intentionally been mean to this man last night to make him give up on her but now he was smiling at her? She seemed to have underestimated his feelings....but did he love her or Yun Xuan? That was one hard question and besides, during this short while she had experienced nothing but kindness and love in his presence yet she was lying to him...

    If she told him the truth now before it''s too late, would he forgive her?

    "Morning, breakfast will be ready in a short while," he announced. So he was cooking for her? Indeed, it was all her favourites upon closer inspection.

    They sat opposite each other and ate in silence for a while...

    "Xuanxuan, about last night, I...."

    "I''m full." she stopped eating as stood to leave.

    Just then, Lu Aotian caught a glimpse of something and held her wrist.

    "What''s the color of your eyes?"

    "Huh?" Why the sudden change of topic?

    "What''s the color of your eyes?" he repeated calmly.

    "Oh!My eyes...they''re bla...they''re blue." Wan Jia was just as nervous as she sounded and her heart was beating so fast she almost fainted. Why was he suddenly asking?She had almost blurted out "black" before she caught her tongue just in time.

    "Mmh. So you like the black colour so much that you use contact lenses?"

    "Yes. " Phew! Nice one.

    "Ahuh, so when going out you leave them aside and only have them on at night?"

    Huh? Wan Jia was about to say something stupid when she recalled. She! had! forgotten! those! damn! things!

    "Haha... Lu Aotian, you''re joking,right? Who would do that" she forced a smile.

    "Okay, if that''s the case then why don''t you take them off now?" Lu Aotian sounded serious this time.

    Dead! Dead! Dead!

    "Eer...Lu Aotian, you seem to misunderstand.I meant my eyes are black but I use blue contacts." As expected, his expression worsened. Why would she lie about such a thing as her eyes? That lie on its own doesn''t make sense but if you put it together with her weird rejection, the look in her eyes when she promised not to lie and her dream last night,not to forget how nervous she was....it was all so strange. Lu Aotian thought of a possibility but quickly pushed it at the back of his mind. It''s not like things like those were even possible. What was he thinking?

    Under Wanjia''s nervous gaze, he finally spoke. "Your original eyes look better." he said honestly. Just before she replied, he asked. "Who is Wanwan?"

 Chapter 14 - She did not disappoint

    As expected, her face grew pale as soon as his voice dropped.

    "That.....it used to be my....childhood nickname. Haha...how do you know about it? Why...are you asking so many questions anyway?It''s not like we''re in love and trying to get to know each other..."

    "Remember what I told you." Lu Aotian said indifferently and loosened his grip on her wrist before going to his room and leaving her behind. She was lying to him. It was obvious from her reaction and everything yet he did not want to know the truth. He wanted to believe her.

    Due to his former experiences, Lu Aotian was a very sensitive man and any tiny piece of lie was a big deal to him. He did not trust anyone easily and his trust was lost at the slightest provocation.

    However, he had trusted his wife since he loved her so much and although her lies were obvious, had chosen to turn a blind eye on them.

    ...

    "Time to make your move. Time is running out."

    "Yes father." Wan Jia sighed.

    ''This is totally unfair'' she thought.

    It was already 11pm, Lu Aotian should be in his room. She quietly went to his study room and was shocked to see him typing away on his laptop. ''I thought I saw him going to sleep'' Wan Jia almost fainted.

    "You''re looking for me?" This was a surprise! Ever since he interrogated her about her eyes, they had been in some sort of cold war and she had avoided him by all possible means. It had been two months already but the number of times they had seen each other could be counted on one hand.

    "Yes....I couldn''t sleep." Wan Jia lied, but her guilt was once again caught by Lu Aotian.

    "Does my wife wish for me to sing her a lullaby?" He smiled.

    Wan Jia was very embarassed and shook her head. "Accompanying me for a little while will do."

    Lu Aotian instantly left his work and carried his wife to her room. Who cares about work anyway? The wife''s sleep is way more important. Wan Jia felt even worse. Even after avoiding him for all that while, he still acted like she did nothing wrong and gave in to her demands right away.

    He lay her gently in bed and did not withraw his hand from under her head as he used his other hand to pat her gently. Suddenly, she turned around ,wraped her arms around him and kissed him deeply. Who knew what she was thinking as she ran her hands across his chest and unbottoned his shirt with a slight sense of urgency....

    Lu Aotian obviously could not resist such provocation from his wife and played along, though only letting her do whatever she wanted just in case he did something wrong and accidentally set her off again.

    Before he could rearrange his thoughts, most of their clothes were strewn on the floor, the only pieces of clothing between them being their underwear.

    At this point, Wan Jia looked at him shyly. He chuckled as he understood her look, it was her first time....

    The next morning, Lu Aotian carried his exhausted wife into the bathroom and gently placed her in the tab. "Morning Mrs. Lu," he whispered seductively beside her ear.

    Wan Jia glared at him. How was this a gentleman?She had greatly misunderstood. This dude was obviously a hooligan!

    Lu Aotian laughed at her intense glare. "Is Mrs. Lu not satisfied?"

    "You..."

    Lu Aotian was all smiles. After three months of marriage, they were finally really husband and wife. How could he not be happy? He even looked like he wanted to throw a party.

    The past two months had been hectic to him. Apart from having to deal with his mutant-rabbit species of a wife who always disappeared like a puff of smoke, he had got someone to investigate Yun Xuan and found out that she was currently in a different city. That went to say that his wife was not really Yun Xuan. The news had crushed him for weeks before he decided to forget it and forgive her, yet again.

    To chose the path of becoming a substitute, something tragic must have forced her to do so. Actually, he was just so blinded by his love for her that he would definitely find an excuse for her in his heart even if she commited murder. He had chosen not to investigate her true identity, leaving it for her to tell him by herself.

    So while he bathed her, he gently asked,

    "Honey, what''s your real name?"

    Wan Jia was shocked and was about to reply when he spoke again "You''ve lied to me about everything since we met. Can you please tell me the truth,at least just this once?" His tone was lonely and sad. Wan Jia suddenly felt tears well up and they rolled down without any warning.

    Lu Aotian was stunned and felt guilty that he had made her cry. He swept her into his embrace and consoled her.

    "Baby, it''s alright if you don''t wish to tell me...don''t cry,Forget I asked....I won''t ever ask again...please don''t cry, okay?" He was extremely nervous as he coaxed her like a little child.

    It didn''t matter who she was... She already had a name. A very suitable one at that- Mrs. Lu. Why did he even want to know her name? Was her name more important than her? It was her that he loved so what the hell was he thinking? He scolded himself for a while before he chose his words carefully.

    " It doesn''t matter my love, as long as it''s you I love I''ll simply call you....."

    "Wan Jia." she interrupted him. "My name is He Wan Jia but I stopped using my surname some months ago." Wan Jia?Lu Aotian thought the name really suited her. If her parents gave her a name whose both sylabbles mean beautiful so that she would be twice as beautiful as she should have been then she really did not disappoint them. Lu Aotian nodded as he mentally connected the loose ends.

    Wan Jia.... no wonder she had called herself Wanwan in her dream two months ago, as for the issue about her surname, her parents probably didn''t die, disowning her would be the most possible reason for someone to drop a surname ....she was probably forced into a financial dead end which brought him to his second question.

    "How old are you?"

    "Turning 20 in a few months"

    "...!!!"

    Lu Aotian was so shocked he did not say anymore, simply kissing his freshly bathed wife and helping her dress up for breakfast.

    19 year old wife? He suddenly felt like a bully ruining an innocent flower.

 Chapter 15 - Sneaky Yun

    Wan Jia knew what he was thinking and poked his chest playfully and laughed.

    "Don''t worry... 19 is more than legal, and aren''t you just 25?"

    His expression did not change much. She laughed at him. Maybe a certain someone would not be able to get it up again untill she was of a certain age.

    "So, was the mastermind Yun Xuan or her father?" Wan Jia knew he was asking about the substitution issue. Since he knew the truth and didn''t even look like he was angry at all, why not just tell him the whole truth?

    "Yun Xuan."

    "Does her family know?"

    "Her second brother and her father know."

    Lu Aotian''s eyes turned darker.

    "Her father still thinks I don''t know that he knows the truth..." she continued. "I only overhead him talking to second young master." Lu Aotian nodded. At least this time she looked honest.

    "I''m sorry."

    "Why the sudden apology?"

    "I promised not to lie to you but I broke my promise for so long and..."she sighed and looked down. He had been so good to her. Just which part of him deserved such deception? She wished he was slightly worse, that way she would feel less guilty.

    He lifted her chin and pecked her lips.

    "Hey, it''s all in the past. you don''t have to apologize."

    "I still want to....Lu Aotian, you''ve been so understanding and caring ever since we met but all I ever did was lie....and you didn''t even get angry...."

    Lu Aotian suddenly interrupted her with a kiss. He had already forgiven her long before she apologized. Get angry? Get angry at his precious wife? Why would he ever do that?

    "My love, everything is completely clear now. However, my patience has limits too, you know. Just let there be no next time, alright?"

    She nodded and hugged him. This man....

    Someone impersonated his fianc¨¦e, married him and even went to bed with him but he forgave her within seconds just because he loved her? She actuay hoped Yun Xuan would never return and possibly have things mixed up again. All she wanted now was to love him to the end of earth.

    Since they were still on the topic of truth and lies, Wan Jia brought up something else.

    "Actually, your marriage to Yun Xuan wasn''t really a marriage but a trap." She said as she freed herself from his embrace.

    "Mmm?"

    "It''s a long story, let''s talk about it after breakfast. I''m so hungry thanks to you!" Her last words were filled with anger. Lu Aotian smirked.

    "Are you hungry or "hungry"...Mrs Lu?"

    "You hooligan!"

    "You might be actually hungry but you know I..."

    "Get lost! In fact go get me breakfast here right this instant!"

    Lu Aotian laughed and really brought her breakfast to her room. He was already becoming quite the wife-slave.

    A few days later, Lu Aotian helped Wan Jia enroll into the best campus in the city. It would be quite troublesome if his wife missed out on too much and failed to graduate. The little thing would obviously blame it on his stamina.

    Since the school was not too far from Southside Villas, she would not be staying in the campus hostels. Actually, the main reason was that those two had been practically sticking onto each other recently and couldn''t bear to be apart.

    Her husband would be dropping her off to school every morning on his way to Lu Enterprise and picking her up in the evening. Just by the second day, she had already earned enough admirers to encircle the school twice. It was already justice enough that she knocked out all the other girls mercilessly in terms of beauty. Did she also have to be filthy rich? Just look at the car that dropped her off. Where was justice in this world?

    She had only exhanged phone numbers with the girl that sat next to her and chatted for a while but who knew that she would give it to all the guys in class by the end of the day?The numerous phone calls and text messages from different guys trying to woo his wife made Lu Aotian almost demolish the entire school. He was really going to demolish it.... If not for Wan Jia''s expert pacifying skills, perhaps all those guys would have died a tragic death.

    In the meantime, General Yun kept pestering Wan Jia to steal a certain white USB disk from Lu Aotian. It probably contained everything about Lu Enterprise, classified information from how it was founded to all the overseas and underworld contacts, all its projects and prospects....General Yun probably wanted to take over Lu Enterprise. In the few days she had spent at his house, she had discovered many things, including the fact that some of the anonymously owned companies she knew actually belonged to him. The point was, if he wanted to acquire a company, why would he not do it openly? Why was he being so sneaky?

 Chapter 16 - Even if she asked for the stars.....

    According to General Yun''s plan, ''Yun Xuan'' would ask for a position in Lu Enterprise. Since there was nothing wrong with a wife working in her husband''s company, and since the wife-doting Lu Aotian would obviously give her a position not too far from his own, that would be her chance to steal the USB device and take it to General Yun, then her job would be done. When it was all over, the old man had promised to let her marry her childhood love.

    (He was not aware that Wan Jia had overhead his conversation with Yun Jifeng and was treating Wan Jia as he would treat the real Yun Xuan.)

    Wanjia was forced into a dead end as she didn''t know what to do. Should she follow the plan? That would obviously crush Lu Aotian''s heart into pieces. If she failed, who knew what that dangerous man would do to her now that he knew her identity? She even wondered whether he only thought she was the right person for this job because she was not really Yun Xuan.

    She really did not want to be the one to betray the love of her life. What would she do? Use her ultimate move? It was a very painful move but it seemed like that was her only option.

    Wan Jia sighed as she opened the door to the master bedroom. She had moved into the master bedroom ever since their relationship got physical.

    "Aotian," she called her husband whose eyes were closed as he lay on the bed, but she knew he was not asleep.

    "What is it my love?" He looked opened his eyes to look at his wife who looked like a bundle of nerves. Strange.....?Why did this situation give him a sense d¨¦j¨¤ vu?

    She went up to him and lay beside him, putting her head on his firm chest and rubbing her head against his neck like a little kitten. Such an intimate move but Lu Aotian could still sense her uneasiness.

    "Aotian, do you really love me?"

    "With all my heart." He was being extremely honest.

    Wan Jia carefully concentrated on his heartbeat as she asked,

    "Would you do anything for me?"

    "Honey, even if you ask for the stars, you know I''d find a way to get them for you."

    Well, that was not too impossible for him to do, actually...

    "Then I need you to do me a favour. Can you promise me?"

    "Anything for you."He said as he run his hand through her waist-long hair. His heartbeat was still stable. He knew she was going to ask for something difficult, but he was ready to do anything to make her happy. It''s not like she was going to ask him for the stars anyway....however, in the next second, she asked for something more difficult to get than the entire universe.

    "Aotian, I want a divorce." As expected, his heart almost stopped beating then suddenly hastened. It was so loud she could feel her ears exploding.

    "Hehe...you almost got me, Mrs. Lu" He tried to sound as calm as possible.

    "I''m serious."

    "Of course you''re serious,I know. " He forced himself to calm down.

    " But I am really serious." This time she sounded more serious. Lu Aotian turned around and looked into her eyes. Was she really asking for a divorce? "The thing is...I can''t be your wife anymore.....You already promised me just now. I...I need it as soon as possible."

    Could someone explain to him what was going on? Why did his wife suddenly look like she really wanted a divorce?

    "Did I do something wrong?" His voice was literally breaking down...

    "No, I just.....I have someone else I like."

    "Who?" his eyes already looked murderous.

    "That...It''s none of your business, just...nevermind. Aotian, relationships don''t always work out. Loving someone is just temporary....Let''s not waste any more of each other''s time, okay?"

    "Honey, whatever I did to upset you, I apologize."

    "Aotian..."

    "No, listen to me." He held her hand and kissed it, then cupped her cheek. "Liking someone is temporary, but love is permanent. And I love you, we love each other. Are we really going to divorce for someone you only momentarily like?"

    Seriously? Why was this man like this? Your wife just admitted to be having feelings for someone else. Could you at least be a little angry, hey!

    Wan Jia suddenly got up and retrieved something from her bag....divorce papers. Was it that serious?

    At this point, Lu Aotian''s voice was weak and urgent when he spoke.

    "I know you''re doing this for another reason. There''s no other man...Honey, that''s a lie...please honey, whatever the real reason is, we can handle it together."

    "There''s indeed another man." She dared not look him in the eye. "We really like each other and even....we already got together." As expected, Lu Aotian''s eyes darkened even more. However, he was angry at that man for seducing his precious wife, obviously he wouldn''t be angry with his wife. He still spoke to her gently even when she pushed him away when he tried to hug her.

    "Then, we''ll forget whatever happened between you two. Just don''t leave me, okay?"

    Really? Was this how a husband was supposed to react to such news? Of course his reaction was normal as he knew she was only trying to upset him. However, heaven knew there was 99% chance that he would react the same way even if what she was saying were true.

    "But I''m pregnant with his child."

    "I''ll be his father."

    "But his real father already knows."

    After a series of provocation, Wan Jia finally managed to piss him off and make him sign the papers. This included throwing a tantrum and threatening to throw herself out through the window.

    ''Aotian, I want a divorce...''

    ''I can''t be your wife anymore''

    ''Aotian, I have another man...''

    ''Love is just a temporary feeling...''

    ''I''m already carrying his baby...''

    ''Lu Aotian! I''d rather kill myself by falling out through this window than continue being your wife.''...

    Which one these statements was not heart shattering? Yet he had heard all of them in just one night and more hurtful ones....

    He stepped harder on the accelerator as if speeding away from those voices. He shook his head hard but he still heard them in his ears. He turned on the music so loud his car was literally shaking. I want a divorce! I want a divorce... it became even louder.

    Suddenly, with a loud bang followed a crazy round of shattering of glass, his world turned into darkness.

    ...

    On the other hand, Wan Jia suddenly felt her stomach churn. It only lasted for a second and she was about to sigh in relief when she suddenly recalled something. Her period was late! Don''t tell her...she was really pregnant?

 Chapter 17 - Precious Little Jia (The end of the past arc)

    Wan Jia took deep breaths to calm herself as she planned to check it up in hospital the next day, although she was already sure since her period had never been late and she and Lu Aotian had not been using protection when they did it.

    The grandfather clock in the living room downstairs chimed. Wan Jia was startled. She had been unable to sleep from the moment she suspected she was pregnant but why did she have a premonition of doom? She didn''t know what it was but she felt really spooked, as if something bad happened.

    Wan Jia felt the urge to call Lu Aotian and ask where he was and how he was doing. She stopped herself right before she called. They were now divorced. What right did she have to call him? Even though she only divorced him so that she wouldn''t have to play General Yun''s game.... she missed him

    It''s not that she had not thought of telling him the truth instead but what if it put his life in danger? Besides even if he knew the truth, General Yun would probably kill Wan Jia if she failed to accomplish her mission. However, since they got divorced before the planned day, then it wouldn''t be her fault, right? But she missed him so much...she really wanted to run right back into his arms and tell him that the so called other man was just an excuse...that she might be pregnant but it was their baby...

    Wan Jia was just about to break down in tears when she recieved a phone call from First Nation''s hospital informing her that her husband was involved in a car accident. Boom! The news hit her like an explosion.

    =====

    Wan Jia slowly creased her eyebrows. Her eyelashes flattered slightly from the impact of the bright light before they opened slowly...

    That scene of a beautiful girl slowly opening her long eyelashes to reveal a pair of beautiful, innocent eyes was simply breathtaking.

    She had always been dreaming about her past with Lu Aotian but this time it was so long that she almost thought she had been reborn like what happens in novels. Just how long had she slept?She was just about to use her hands to support herself up when she noticed they were being held by a pair of warm palms.

    Wan Jia''s slight movement woke Lu Aotian up. She had been asleep for two days and two nights and he had not left her side even once. He grew so tired in the end that he fell asleep with her warm hand still in his.

    "You''re awake, the doctor said you would wake up soon so I sent someone to get some food for you."

    Wan Jia was so shocked she almost fainted again. Why was he being so gentle with her? Hadn''t he told her to go to hell the last time they met and even taken away their daughter? When he recovered from his accident of that night that they had divorced four years ago, he had decided to move on and had even sent away Wan Jia when he woke up and saw her in his ward.

    They had only interacted twice since then, that is when he discovered she was expecting his child and when she had given birth to Little Jia, who he had decisively taken away even before she got to hold her...

    Lu Aotian looked at her shocked appearance. Was she in a daze due to his kindness? Yeah, even he could not explain it but when she fainted two days ago, he felt his life almost leave him and before he could process what was going on, he had already carried her to hospital after asking the driver to take Little Jia to her grandfather''s house.

    Back then when he had signed the divorce papers, he had sworn to have nothing else to do with her ever and was even so heartless to her later on...

    But when the doctor said that she had acute gastritis and that her depression was rapidly advancing into a severe case, his world shattered.

    She had depression...and gastritis too? Actually the gastritis was not too unexpected considering her thin and frail appearance. It was obvious she had not been eating properly. Her waist looked so tiny he was afraid it would snap into two if he didn''t handle it with adequate care.

    But depression? Besides, the doctor had specifically mentioned that she had probably been supressing her feelings for too long and had fainted when she couldn''t hold them in anymore.

    No one knew what effect these words had on Lu Aotian. Had he been too cruel? He had seen how heartbrokenly she had cried when she hugged Little Jia. Actually he had felt even worse when she they said goodbye that night in his hospital ward. He had suffered from insomnia for many months until Little Jia was born. The little girl had been like a candle in the dark, bringing him immense happiness ever since he first met her....but what about her? How had she been living for these past three years? Who was she even living her life for?

    He had taken away a newborn from her mother. When she was expecting her, she had obviously been overjoyed by the thought of being a mother, only for her long awaited daughter to be taken away. What was the difference between that and having a stillborn? Was there anything more cruel than that on earth?

    "I''m sorry." He suddenly said.

    "Huh?" Lu Aotian just apologized? What was going on?

    "I''m sorry, for taking Little Jia away."

 Chapter 18 - My Aotian

    Wan Jia was silent. What was she supposed to say? If she accepted his apology, it would seem like she blamed him when in real sense she had only been blaming herself the whole time, and if she rejected it, it would seem like she still blamed him. Just as she was pondering how to handle the situation, Lu Aotian''s phone rang.

    "President, GX Technologies suddenly decided to cancel our collaboration. They even offered to double the compensation." His assistant reported.

    "I''ll be there in a moment."

    Lu Aotian smirked. The other side was making a move. Since it was obvious they could not conquer Lu Enterprise, they were now attacking its subsidiaries. How soon....he missed them too.

    Lu Aotian''s "moment" actually meant feeding Wan Jia, processing her discharge, dropping her home and only when he was sure she was settled down comfortably and properly did he remember that he had an emergency to attend to. Even so, Wan Jia had to remind him before he reluctantly left after planting a peck on her lips as if was the most natural thing to do.

    Poor Wan Jia, she was so shocked that she almost froze into an ice sculpture.

    When Lu Aotian arrived at LSC, the other party was so angry he immediately flew onto rage. He had worked with Lu Aotian''s father for a few decades and had never had to wait this long. Who did this little punk think he was?

    LSC was one of Lu Enterprise''s oldest subsidiaries and was based on web and software.

    Their collaboration this time was to release LSC''s newest antivirus. Lu Aotian sat opposite the chairman of GX Technologies and scanned him. This old man was throwing a tantrum on purpose as he had a hidden motive. Lu Aotian was one to notice the little weird things in his sorroundings and he had picked up enough loopholes to understand this old man clearly.He had probably agreed with the opponents to sell the information he had recieved when they signed the contract. That had been his motive from the very start. However, Lu Aotian only agreed to cancel the contract if he trippled the compesation, which he instantly did without even paying attention to the reasons and implications Lu Aotian was rambling on.

    "Hmmph! He thinks just a few million dollars can scare me? I''ll earn more when I sell their poor little virus. The joke''s on him" The old man scoffed when he left Lu Aotian''s office.

    Lu Aotian stretched his hands and rested his head on the headrest behind him. "He thinks I showed him the real virus when I never even trusted him? That''s a malware, old man...the joke is on you."

    Meanwhile, Yun Xuan had brought snacks over to visit her friend. Wan Jia had just been discharged but she knew better than to bring fruits as they would never be eaten. Once the two women met, gossip was bound to happen.

    "He kissed me!" Wan Jia suddenly blurted out when she had been holding in.

    "Oh my God, what?" Yun Xuan dropped her popcorn and jaw at the same time.

    "Yes!He really did. My Aotian really kissed me!!"

    "Aaaaah! And then? and then? Quick! Tell me EVERYTHING!" The girls were literally exploding.

    At that time, Lu Aotian called Wan Jia to check on her but her phone was on silent. Lu Aotian called severally and it seemed to have been answered accidentally, just in time to hear her call him her Aotian and explode in excitement because of that little peck.

    Did she also have to tell her friend how his lips tasted? Were those two that gossipy? Also, was that little peck that significant to her? She even said she was not going to be able to sleep all night.

    Hey, the main point was those two words- My Aotian. So she still felt he was hers... his heart melted. He suddenly felt the urge to rush over immediately and hug her.

    In Wan Jia''s apartment.

    "Yo, you''re not even watching. Chatting with your underground spy now, huh?"

    "He''s not a spy." Yun Xuan got annoyed.

    Her new admirer worked for the Intelligence Unit and Wan Jia would always tease her and call him an underground spy.

    This man had saved her from the flames. Years ago when her childhood boyfriend, or ex boyfriend to be precise, set her apartment ablaze, it was this man that saved her life. He was living opposite her at the time and noticed the smoke on his way out. That scumbag had even messed with the fire alarm. He really wanted her dead.

    Ever since that incident, Yun Xuan always felt greatful to her saviour but because of his identity, they had not exchanged contacts and only met again by chance recently.

 Chapter 19 - Blocked

    Wan Jia looked at the blushing Yun Xuan like a kid waiting to be given candy. Needless to say, she was waiting for some juicy gossip. She got something even juicier.

    Yun Xuan''s phone rang with an incoming call. Her adonis was calling! Yun Xuan cleared her throat and answered in a deliberate extremely sweet voice.

    "Hello."

    "Come down."

    "Huh? down you mean...you''re below my friend''s apartment?"

    "Mmh."

    Yun Xuan suddenly shrieked before she shyly recovered her ''refined lady'' voice. Wan Jia laughed so hard that she fell off the sofa. Who knew her friend would also act all crazy when in love? She had thought that after being betrayed by the man she loved, she would never fall in love again. She was wrong...wrong in a pleasant way.

    "Okay, coming."

    Yun Xuan paced around the living room while counting her oscilations. After her twentieth oscilation, she bolted out.

    Wan Jia "...."

    Was she buying time so that her adonis doesn''t think she''s too easy going?

    Outside.

    Yun Xuan was trying her best to maintain her image in front of her adonis.

    "You look so beautiful." He said in his seductive voice.

    ''Pfft! I didn''t know my adonis would be the mushy type as well?I obviously don''t look that beautiful with my messy hair and absolutely normal outfit''

    "Thank you." she said shyly.

    "Let''s go watch a movie? I already booked tickets."

    "What?....I mean we can... oh...eer...I don''t even know your name yet..." at this point, Yun Xuan''s face and ears were completely red and hot. She even forgot about her hair.

    "Heh..." he chuckled. "Just call me Tyler. It''s too dangerous for you to know my real identity."

    It was understandable. His identity was after all too special. Thanks to his profession, the people pursuing him were just too many and he had enough enemies to last him ten lifetimes.

    ...

    "How did you know the kind of movies I like?"

    Yun Xuan was dumbfounded when she saw Tyler had naturally selected a fiction movie.

    "Is there anything I can''t find out?"

    He made sense...

    The movie would have been quite interesting if Yun Xuan didn''t have something better to watch. Her eyes were completely fixed onto the side profile of the man beside her. She didn''t even blink while staring at his dark hair that covered his ear halfway, making her slightly jealous. She should be one caressing his ear and not some hair!

    His perfectly carved face made her fingers really itch. Tyler felt the burning stare from beside him and turned. The girl''s eyes were bright and full of adoration. Tyler smiled and held her hand. For the rest of the movie, the two of them watched nothing but each other''s eyes. They even almost kissed at one point.

    When the movie was over, Tyler invited Yun Xuan to his house for dinner. Yun Xuan instantly agreed, despite Wanjia''s constant nagging over text against her spending too much time together when they were only meeting for the second time. She even temporarily blocked the combined nagging and gossip machine.

    Tyler''s house was just as manly as a man''s house could be, just a little brighter and much cleaner,sparkling clean to be exact.

    Yun Xuan walked around the place as Tyler prepared dinner for the two them.

    The apartment had one bedroom and one guest room. Tyler wouldn''t need a very big house since he was almost always alone and never stayed in the same place for too long.Having a huge house would only trouble him.

    Apart from him, there was only a part time cleaner who came everyday and a part time chef who only came when Tyler called him over as he prefered cooking his own meals unless he was too tired.

    Yun Xuan avoided touching anything and only looked at them from afar. Of course Tyler wouldn''t like it if she got too touchy and intrusive. She went back to the living room after glancing around and unblocked her gossip-mate to chat for a while.

    The girl was as naggy as imagined.

    [Don''t drink too much.]

    [Also, make sure you come back here if you can''t make it back home.]

    [Also, don''t think using your bum. He hasn''t confessed yet so you''re not his girlfriend.]

    [Also, no one night stand.]

    [Also....]the next nag was shoved into the blocked contacts list.

    "Dinner''s ready" Tyler had finished cooking and was carrying dishes to the dining table.

    Yun Xuan literally rushed over. She couldn''t wait to taste food cooked by her adonis. She was awed when she looked at the table. Her favorite dishes, Red roses which he presented to her in the midst of her stupor, a beautiful jade candle stand in the middle of the table with a red candle.He had also brought over a bottle of red wine. Yun Xuan suddenly had a rash thought. Was he going to confess?

    Throughout the meal, Yun Xuan kept drinking the wine to calm her nerves. Tyler was just about to speak when he noticed her dazed expression and the almost empty wine bottle. She had drunk all that wine? Was she crazy? He had only drank half a glass, which went to say almost all the missing wine had been drank by her.

    He took his car keys and was preparing to drop her back at her friend''s apartement since he couldn''t just casually go to her parental home and drop their drunk daughter. Wouldn''t her parents kill him?

    However, the girl refused to go home. She adamantly refused to even go back to her friend''s and insisted on staying.

    Tyler allowed her to stay. He changed the bedsheets in the guest room and lay her in bed when she unexpectedly pulled him onto the bed.

    "Yun Xuan, stop fooling around."

    "But I want to fool around with you." she pouted.

    "You''re drunk....stop it."

    The girl crawled onto him to prevent him from getting up and kissed his lips.

 Chapter 20 - Contradicting

    Tyler was at a loss. How does one deal with a naughty drunk girl? If he let her keep playing around, he might do something regrettable. Even if he liked a girl, there''s no way he would take advantage of her when she was drunk.

    He pushed her off him, got off the bed and literally dragged her into the bathroom and let cold water pour on her from the shower head. The girl was shocked by the sudden cold water and tried to run away but Tyler held her firmly. Her hair and clothes were already soaked and clinging onto her body. Her white top, now extremely see-through, did nothing to protect her modesty. Tyler forced himself not to look at her body or he might not be able to control himself.

    When she was sober enough to wash herself, Tyler left and went to take a shower himself.

    After a cold shower, Yun Xuan was now completely sober. She recalled the things she had just done in embarassment.

    Since when was she such a roudy drunk? Wasn''t her alcohol tolerance quite high?Most importantly, what would Tyler think of her now?

    She really wished she could shrink into a tiny molecule that could fit into the drain.

    No matter how much she wanted to hide, she still had to face reality.

    She nervously opened the bathroom door and as expected, Tyler was waiting in her room. His face was devoid of any expression, he just sat on the dressing table and waited for her to sit on the bed before talking to her.

    "Let''s forget about what just happened."

    Huh? Forget? She was let off the hook just like that? Her adonis was the best!

    "Since it''s already late at night, you can stay here and I''ll take you home in the morning."

    Yun Xuan nodded in embarassment.

    "Then goodnight. If you need anything, you know my room."

    "Goodnight."

    Yun Xuan suddenly thought of something and felt her face blushed even more. He only said she could find him if she needed something. Why did she have such dirty thoughts? Simply because he mentioned his room?

    When Tyler went to his room, she quickly took out her phone and lay on her stomach with her beautiful legs crosed at the ankles in the air. She was reading through some entertainment gossip when a text was sent over.

    Gossip mode activated.

    [Little Wan: Let me guess, you''re neither going home nor coming back here]

    [Xuan: Idiot! Shouldn''t you be asleep? It''s 1am already!]

    [Little Wan: How''s sleep more important than my dear Xuanxuan''s gossip?]

    [Xuan: Sigh, What should I do about you]

    [Little Wan: Tell me, tell me! Did you guys do it? How was it?]

    [Xuan: You''re the one who did it!!!!! I''m not talking to you anymore.]

    After that, Yun Xuan really went offline.

    Wan Jia put her phone aside and took a deep breath. Turned out Yun Xuan wasn''t the only one having a complicated night.

    Wan Jia was thinking about her strategy. Although she knew an experienced lawyer through a former campus classmate, going against Lu Aotian by using the law to fight for Little Jia''s custody wasn''t going to be easy. She hadn''t even made the first step yet. This was totally a case of a novice fighting a master.

    She hadn''t even gained any power yet whereas Lu Aotian held immense power and could easily manipulate the law without even having to lift a finger. She wanted to have a source of income that would guarantee Little Jia a decent lifestyle if she took her. With that and the connections she was trying to build recently, it might be a little more difficult for Lu Aotian to sway the court and her chances at getting Little Jia''s custody would increase.

    While working at Yun Xuan''s studio when she was still pretending to be her, she had discovered her own talent in fashion design. Therefore, she studied fashion design and was planning to start her own studio when she got enough resources. That would be her first step.

    However, her thoughts were slightly conflicted.

    On one hand, she needed to accomplish the mission that brought her back to the capital: Take back her daughter and emigrate. On the other hand, Lu Aotian had apologized and he seemed like he would let her get close to her daughter if she wanted to. But the second option was a bad option. If she got close to her daughter, wouldn''t she naturally get close to the father as well?The thought of getting back together with him made her scold herself thoroughly.

    Actually, she didn''t have anything against Lu Aotian. He was such a caring man and she in fact wished their circumstances were different. However, General Yun was starting to act against Lu Enterprise and she didn''t wish for her daughter to be caught in between their feud. She knew that old man would stop at nothing to get whatever he wanted, even if it meant using a three year old as leverage.

    The next morning

    Yun Xuan woke up to find a package containing new clothes on the bedside table.

    He had bought everything....including a bra and panty. Yun Xuan''s face turned red.

    Was this dude a stalker? How did he know so many things about her? He even got her bra size right!

    Serves her right for liking a person whose job was basically investigation. What else would she expect?

    She took a shower and went to the living room. Tyler was reading some documents on the sofa and looked up to smile at her charmingly. He had prepared breakfast for her.

    Since he had to leave for work in two hours, Yun Xuan took breakfast quickly and Tyler drove her to Wan Jia''s as she had some things to discuss with her friend.

    The entire car ride was silent until they reached the gate and Tyler finally said what had been bothering him.

    "I have two things to say to you."

    "You can tell me anything." Yun Xuan tried hard to stop her heart from racing.

    " Yun Xuan, I like you."

    Yun Xuan''s eyes grew wide.

    Tyler, who had never confessed to a girl before, didn''t know how to continue and just waited for her to respond.

    One minute passed.

    Two minutes.

    Five minutes.

    "I''ll give you time to think about it. Oh, that brings me to the second thing. When I leave this time, I''ll come back after one month. I saved my number on your phone last night. We can communicate online once in a while and you''ll tell me your answer when I come back."

    This indeed settled the huge problem. Yun Xuan was still not completely over what happened with Qin Zhifan. She had thought throughout her childhood that Qin Zhifan was the only man she could ever be with and was betrayed so badly.

    Although she sort of liked Tyler, she felt it was too soon to conclude that she indeed liked him to the point of wanting to be in a relationship with him.

    Tyler of course understood this and was not going to rush her either.

 Chapter 21 - The beautiful aunty

    Yun Xuan rushed to find her friend like she had been injected with chicken blood.

    "Don''t ask for gossip or I''ll forget the main point." she quickly said to Wanjia whose mouth was slightly open like she wanted to shriek. Yun Xuan laughed at her little adorable face as she pursed her lips like a kid who had just been denied candy.

    "So about your birth parents, you said that when you visited the hospital all the staff were new and all the records older than four and a half years were erased?"

    Wan Jia nodded indifferently. The topic about her parents brought her no joy. From her former inestigation, she had found out that she had been deliberately switched at birth by a nurse. That nurse had since then left the hospital and her motive was still unknown. She had not even left any loopholes and Wanjia had only got this little information using the connections she had gathered at school. She really did visit the hospital and hit a dead end. She had lost interest since then.

    But now that Yun Xuan brought it up, she didn''t seem to have completely lost interest.

    "What about it?" She said while holding her chin against her hand and doodling circles on the armrest with her fair finger.

    "What you need now is not an information channel. You need a hacker."

    "Xuanxuan, I said I don''t want to ask for Lu Aotian''s help." she stood up impatiently.

    "Who said it was Lu Aotian?"

    "It''s not?"

    "Nope, it''s Tyler."

    Wan Jia''s face lit up.

    "Oh, your underground spy! Of course he can hack. Otherwise how would he be an underground spy?"

    " For the last time he''s not a spy"

    "Fine. But he''s not even that close to you. Why would he help me?"

    "He confessed." Yun Xuan rubbed her temples.

    "WHAT? how? when? did you say yes? Why didn''t you tell me?" Wan Jia was almost flying.

    "That''s not the main point."

    "How''s that the main point? Come here. Was it last night? Does that mean you guys really did it?"

    "Will you stop spinning me? I''m dizzy...Wanwan!"

    Wan Jia might be twenty three, but she still acted like a teenager at times. Yun Xuan just didn''t know what to do about her. When discussing serious matters, she got easily distracted. Sometimes their age different would be too obvious. This was more of a relationship between sisters than between best friends.

    Actually, the few people who had seen them together mistook them for sisters. They looked alike after all and Wan Jia was obviously the younger version.

    At the end of the conversation, Wan Jia still hadn''t decided whether or not she wanted to find her family. It wasn''t really a question of whether she wanted to or not, but there were things she couldn''t tell Yun Xuan. One of those things was that she was afraid her family might be in danger if she found them. Logically, a nurse switching babies wasn''t something experienced everyday.... then there was the issue of the hospital getting restructured, It coincidentally happened just a few months before her He parents abandoned her.

    If one was to think about it, maybe her He parents suspected something and tried to investigate, it triggered the masterminds to destroy all evidence, then they had to use other means which took them a few months and they found out that her real parents were dangerous people?

    However, this was just Wan Jia''s thought. She was still far from finding the truth. But what of her parents really were dangerous people? Or what if they were nice people but General Yun got wind of it and used them to pin her down? That man was still lurking and she still had to be wary of him, but she couldn''t be so mean as to tell Yun Xuan that her father was a bad person. She adored him too much.

    Besides using Tyler was a little dangerous....they didn''t know him well enough. What if he wasn''t as trustworthy as he seemed?

    Wan Jia fell asleep just thinking about all these.

    Southside Villas.

    Villa number 4.

    "Daddy, daddy! Little Jia brought you a flower!"

    The little girl jumped right into Lu Aotian''s arms with a white rose she had asked her nanny to pick from the garden.

    She stuffed the rose into Lu Aotian''s hand and kissed his cheek.

    This gesture...

    His little princess wanted to ask for something. Could it be any more obvious?

    Sure enough, she tilted her tiny head and looked at him nervously.

    Lu Aotian chuckled and embraced his precious daughter.

    "What does my darling princess want?"

    "Daddy," She pouted adorably.

    This tiny thing.... had she inherited her coaxing moves from her mother? She was acting exactly like her! Even the pout was similar. Genetics....

    "Can I go to see that beautiful aunty from the mall?"

    "What beautiful aunty?"

    "That...that crying aunty."

    "I don''t know any crying aunty."

    Little Jia''s eyes drooped and she looked like she was about to cry. She couldn''t see her beautiful aunty anymore? But she was sick that day and even fainted. How could her daddy really forget about her? Then she suddenly threw her tiny fist at her father''s chest.

    "Daddy is a liar! Bad liar daddy! Daddy knows the beautiful aunty. Even called her Wan....wan?"

    Little Jia couldn''t pronounce "Wanwan" properly and knitted her little brows. Lu Aotian laughed. His daughter was too cute.

    When she was born, he had named her Lu Meili.

    The more she grew up, the more she looked and acted like her mother, so Lu Aotian had started calling her Little Jia and that became her nickname. Ever since she started to speak, no one could successfuly deny her anything she asked for. Once she looked at you with those big,beautiful bright eyes, you wouldn''t hesitate to conquer nations for her if she asked for it.

    Now it seemed like he had encountered Wan Jia two whole times. Once as his wife and once as his daughter....

    The little thing in his arms wriggled to remind him that he hadn''t agreed to her request yet.

    She pursed her lips and looked like she her tears would fall right the moment he said no. How adorable...

    How could he ever say no to her?

    "Bring Wan Jia over." He said to his assistant on phone.

    "Yes! yes! Daddy is the best! Little Jia loves Daddy the most!"

    She skipped away happily after successfuly having her way.

    Do you really love Daddy the most, or have you found a crying beautiful aunty that you love more?

 Chapter 22 - Little Jia and Big Jia

    The doorbell rang.

    "Coming!" shouted Wan Jia as she dragged her sleepy body.

    Her eyes widened when she opened the door. Lu Aotian''s assistant? What on earth was he doing here?

    "Assistant Cheng, what brings you here?" She forced herself to sound calm as she tried to recall if she had done anything to offend that powerful overlord Lu Aotian.

    "Miss Wan Jia, President Lu asked me to take you to his place."

    Take her....to his place?

    She had indeed offended him! Had he found out about her unforgivable plans? Had that lawyer betrayed her? She would definitely kill him!

    She took a deep breath and followed Chen Bai into the car.

    "Why... why does your president want to see me?" she asked nervously.

    "Am not too sure either, but it seems to be related to the Little Miss." Cheng Bai was simply guessing by experience. The president always sounded gentle and loving whenever he gave orders regarding his daughter, and that was how he sounded on the phone earlier.

    "Oh," Wan Jia became even more nervous. So it was really about Little Jia. Did that mean she was going to die? If that was the case she hoped Lu Aotian would at least let her see her daughter for the last time.

    As the car neared the familiar residence, Wan Jia''s heart almost leapt out through her throat.

    Lu Aotian was waiting at the entrance.

    "President, Miss Wan Jia is here." Cheng Bai announced.

    Wan Ja literally jumped out of the car and ran to Lu Aotian, almost falling on her knees to beg for forgiveness. She tugged his sleeve slightly.

    "Lu Aotian! Please don''t take it to heart.... I was just joking about it. Hehe... just joking. You know I wouldn''t dare do such a thing even if you gave me guts of steel."

    "Mmh...what?" Lu Aotian looked like he didn''t understand her.

    "You didn''t call me because....because...." She didn''t know how to continue. Maybe he didn''t even know about it and she would give herself away if she mentioned her plan!

    "What nonesense are you spewing? Little Jia wanted to see you." He said coldly.

    So he really didn''t know! How stupid! She almost exposed herself! Surely fear is the worst enemy. Luckily he didn''t ask too much and only led her to Little Jia''s room.

    When Wan Jia was still living here, the room next to the master bedroom was empty. It was this huge room that had been decorated into a typical pink princess room and made the little girl''s bedroom. Although she also had her own playroom, her bedroom was not lacking in toys either.

    The little girl was sitting on the floor dressing up a doll when she heard the door open. She looked over to see her daddy with the beautiful aunty. She threw her doll and its clothes away and ran right into Wan Jia''s arms.

    "Beautiful aunty! Little Jia missed you!" she kissed Wanjia''s cheek.

    Wan Jia''s heart melted. Who knew her daughter would be this sweet?

    Lu Aotian took the initiative to introduce them.

    "Little Jia, this is..."

    "Beautiful aunty! She even stopped crying. She looks even more beautiful when she''s not sad anymore. Look, Daddy,she looks just like me!"

    The little girl was quite a handful whenever she got excited. Lu Aotian shook his head helplessly.

    Wan Jia could only laugh and let the little girl drag her into her room to play together.

    The ignored Lu Aotian was speechless.

    Since she was not sure if Lu Aotian would like it if she introduced herself as the mother, she decided to tell her that her name was Wan Jia, but she could call her Aunty Jia. The little bundle of cuteness once again exploded.

    "Aunty Jia, just like Little Jia? Daddy, daddy! Beautiful Auntie''s name is Jia, just like me!"

    Since this was the right time, Lu Aotian took his daughter into his arms and chose his words carefully.

    "Princess, you look just like Beautiful aunty and share the same name because this beautiful aunty is your mommy. "

    Wan Jia was shocked. She did not expect that. She had not even prepared herself how to face her daughter. Could Lu Aotian at least warn people before dropping such bombshells?

    He looked indifferent as if he had not just said something shocking.

    The little girl tilted her tiny head. As expected, she was shocked. The beautiful aunty was her mommy? All this while, she had never seen her mother but she never asked. Being her father''s little princess, she didn''t seem to ever notice her mother''s absence. However, now that Lu Aotian mentioned it, she wondered why Wan Jia was never with her if she was her mother.

    "Did Beautiful Aunty not want Little Jia anymore?" She asked in a slightly chocked up voice.

    "Eer..." Wan Jia was at a loss. How does one explain divorce to such a young child? would she even understand anything in first place?

    Instead, the matter would only make them seem like bad parents, especially Wan Jia who seemed to have left her deliberately.

    "Of course mommy wanted Little Jia." Lu Aotian tried to save the situation. "However, mommy had to go to campus so that she would be a better mommy for Little Jia."

    What a perfect excuse. Wanjia cheered for Lu Aotian in her heart. Amazing, my Aotian!

    As expected, Little Jia stopped sulking and looked up to Wan Jia sweetly. Lu Aotian was speechless at his daughter''s mood which changed faster than the flip of a page.

    Little Jia was elated. Beautiful aunty still wanted me! She only went to campus to be a better aunty....no, it''s Mommy now! Though she wondered to herself with her head slightly tilted. what''s a campus?

    Wan Jia held her baby tightly as her tears fell freely. She had waited for three years and now she was finaly able to freely hold her and call her her daughter.

    She just didn''t know how to thank Lu Aotian. Should she just give herself to him? It was quite obvious he still had slight feelings for her...

 Chapter 23 - Cute princesses

    Wan Jia shook away her stupid thoughts. Lu Aotian was only being rational.

    Night fell. The mother and daughter pair had played so hard all afternoon that they fell asleep sprawled on the soft carpet.

    As much as Lu Aotian didn''t want to interrupt their quality time, they still had to eat. Little Jia was still little and shouldn''t skip meals while Wan Jia, well.... someone had to take good care of her or her gastritis would relapse.

    He knocked on the door.

    "Princesses, I know you''re enjoying your playtime but you have to...." at this point, he had opened the door and was dumbfounded.

    Two cute sleeping figures were sprawled on the carpet. Little Jia lay snuggled in Wanjia''s embrace with her cheek practically sticking onto her mother''s.

    They both looked so adorable.... just one of them was enough to make one bleed out of cuteness, what more both of them together. A warm smile appeared on Lu Aotian''s face and he couldn''t help whipping out his phone to take a photo of them.

    That became his phone wallpaper.

    Too bad he had to wake the sleeping beauties... he carried Little Jia off Wan Jia''s embrace. This should wake them up.

    Little Jia was naturally not happy about leaving her mommy''s warm embrace. She shot her father an angry look.

    Lu Aotian chuckled.

    "It''s time to eat, princesses." Then he realised what he had just called them. Princesses? He had just indirectly called Wan Jia a princess too?

    Little Jia rubbed her eyes with her little fist adorably and whined.

    "Daddy, Mommy is not a princess. I am the princess. Mommy is your queen"

    Wan Jia "...."

    Lu Aotian''s.... queen?

    Actually, it wasn''t such a bad idea...

    Lu Aotian looked at the two of them dotingly and led them to the dining table.

    After dinner, Wan Jia naturally had to go back to her apartment.

    Little Jia asked with her brows knitted "Isn''t Mommy supposed to live here with Daddy and Little Jia?"

    Wanjia coughed. "No, Mommy has her own house."

    "But other kids'' Mommies live together with their Daddies." She shrugged.

    "Eer, Little Jia, don''t ask too many questions. Go to sleep now, okay? Mommy will come to see you again."

    She secretly glanced at Lu Aotian. She shot him a glare. Damn you Lu Aotian! can''t you even help me explain when this kid is just as interrogative as you?!

    Lu Aotian gave her a look that said: I have to deal with your seduction genes everyday so deal with mine.

    The little girl showed no mercy towards her mother.

    " Is it because Mommy doesn''t want Daddy anymore?"

    When did I ever want your Daddy?

    "Baby, that''s because Mommy and Daddy are not friends." That was the only way to describe their situation in the baby language. "Now go, princesses should sleep early, goodnight baby." She kissed her soft cheeks.

    "Goodnight Mommy, goodnight Daddy."

    Luckily, she ran to her room. Little Jia seemed to be quite obsessed with acting like a princess and would do whatever her father said princesses do, and in this case, her mother too.

    The two adults were left alone.

    "I''ll be on my way now."

    "I''ll get someone to send you."

    "No...no need. I''ll hail a cab."

    Hail a cab? Who was she kidding? Unless she wanted to walk all the way home....

    "I''ll send you." His tone left no room for discussion. She robotically walked to his car, shrunk into the shotgun seat and fixed her eyes out of the window.

    She was trying to avoid Lu Aotian''s presence when she felt his body drawing closer.

    She froze. What was he doing...

    Oh, he was just helping her fasten her seatbelt. She couldn''t help but think about the first time he had helped her fasten her seatbelt. It was the first day of their marriage.

    However, on that day, there were sparks going off between them and her gaze was fixed on his handsome face while today, even though there were still sparks flying, she wanted to run away from them and was avoiding his handsome face.

    Lu Aotian turned on the music to dissipate the awkward atmosphere. Instantly the air was filled with love lyrics.

    Today''s a new day

    But it''s quite boring without you,

    I wish I was there where you are,

    But am all alone

    In this lonely place,

    Baby you are so close yet so far away

    I miss you, I love you

    But I can only wish

    Eer...these lyrics made her feel quite self conscious.

    Lu Aotian was gripping the steering wheel tightly but it couldn''t be any more obvious that he was listening to the song intently. Did this artist have a grudge against her?

    Suddenly, she felt the familiar presence again.

    He was not.....was not going to kiss her, was he?She shrank into her seat like a kitten whose tail has been stepped on only to realise he was just helping her unfasten her seatbelt.

    Oh, they had arrived. She had been too absorbed into the lyrics to realise it.

    She stepped out of the car and was about to run into her apartment.

    "Wanwan"

    She turned around. It was quite rare for Lu Aotian to call her that. Before their divorce, he had always called her Mrs. Lu, honey, my love and other sweet nicknames. As for after the divorce, she had always been Ms. He to him. He knew that she hated her surname to the bones but that was exactly what he called her the two times they met and all the people he sent to her would use that terrifying name. Perhaps it was deliberate...

    Lu Aotian was standing outside the car and looked at her with a deep gaze. He looked like he wanted to say something but changed his mind.

    "Goodnight." He finally said.

    "Goodnight."

    "Rest early," princesses should sleep early were his unspoken words.

    "You too." She ran off.

    Lu Aotian watched her back as she disappeared and waited till he saw the lights turn on on the seventh floor.

    No matter what it takes, he would make her his again. He just needed some time and a certain little angel...

 Chapter 24 - Hopes of starting a studio

    Back at her apartment, Wan Jia made her bath water slightly hotter than usual and soaked in. She closed her eyes as she let the water relax her.

    Today, she had achieved a feat she wouldn''t have dreamed of even in a thousand lifetimes. After racking her thoughts for months and coming up with such a solid plan, perhaps she may need to forfeit it and use a much easier way to handle things.

    When she enrolled in H City University after leaving the Capital, she instantly became the unrivaled school goddess and successfuly harvested the hearts of all men and even bent ladies.

    Everyone naturally wanted to befriend her or at least appear to be in her circle of friends. Of course everyone would want to be associated with the school goddess.

    She had a whole bunch of fake friends and never lacked anyone to go shopping, gossip or watch movies with. She would smile at everyone who wanted to get close to her and only showed her happy side to the world. Her "cool" lifestyle made all guys wish to date her and all girls wish to he like her. Yet no one truly knew that behind their dear goddess'' beautiful smile, there were tears enough to soak her pillows every night.

    Not even a single person realised that she was falling into depression. That was until she met Lawyer An. He was already a slightly famous lawyer in the nation at the time and only went to H City University to complete a side course.

    When they met, he had tried to woo her and she politely turned him down claiming to be married, but using his experience in psychology, he knew things were not as simple as they appeared.

    Although she refused to seek therapy, Lawyer An became a friend she could trust and she let down her guard around him, even telling him anout her situation with her ex husband.

    It was this very lawyer that was going to help her sue for Little Jia''s custody.

    However, at this point Wan Jia was starting to doubt her decision. The idea was just too risky and she wasn''t even sure she would succeed. If she failed then Lu Aotian would really not let her go near her daughter ever again. Maybe she should just take the little girl and leave while he still has his guard down...

    Wan Jia only left the bathtub when the water started getting cold. She remnisced her life in University as she applied cream onto her soft skin. She remembered how in the first week, she had caused such a stir in the institution that she had been summoned by the higher ups and given a warning. Her mouth twitched. Was it her fault for being too beautiful?

    She remembered the first banquet she attended. It was the first time she had worn a dress ever since joining H City University. She had looked so beautiful that a certain foreign designer accompanying a friend had approached her...

    That was right! That foreign designer! He had given her his business card and told her to look for him if she ever needed any help in the fashion industry!

    But it had been long ago already. Would she really get the card? Even if she did, what if the man had changed his contacts?

    Sigh, only one way to find out.

    She bolted into her study room and rummaged through her books for a long time.

    "Got it!" she exclaimed.

    If this man could help her, then she would be able to debut in the fashion industry.

    That night, she literally didn''t sleep and took out her phone first thing when she woke up.

    She took a deep breath and dialed the long string of digits.

    After three rings, the call was connected and a slightly hoarse voice bellowed through

    "Hello, Mondial Studios, this is Alex Baker."

    Yes!yes! Yes! it was him! Wan Jia almost praised eight generations of her ancestors.

    "Hello?" the voice came through again.

    "H...hello Alex, this is Wan Jia....the one from H City University, we met at the school president''s banquet. Do you remember me?" She scolded herself inwardly for sounding so stupid.

    "Oh! It''s goddess Wanwan! I thought you forgot about me! Does the goddess need me for something? Wait, let me call you with my personal number."

    "Ok"

    The seconds felt like years. Almost a minute later,her phone rang.

    "Does the goddess need me for anything?" The other party sounded like he was going to throw a party just for recieving her phone call.

    "Yes, I indeed need your help, fashion- related."

    "That... are you in the capital? I coincidentally have a business meeting there in two days. Why don''t we meet then and talk about it?"

    "Okay, I''ll be waiting."

    "I''ll contact you when my meeting is over. If there''s nothing else I should get back to work."

    "Thank you, see you then."

    Wanjia was too excited. Did she just set up a meeting with a fashion icon? When she had almost gotten a brain haemorrhage just trying to start a studio... pfft! Why did she forget about such an important person before?

    She took out her drafts and examined them. Although they were quite beautiful, she had a feeling they lacked something....

    Whatever! She had just found herself a mentor and he would help her point out what was lacking.

    Fashion industy, here I come!

 Chapter 25 - Morning tantrum

    Ring! Her phone rang. Wan Jia glanced at the string of digits she would recognize anywhere even with her eyes closed. Why would Lu Aotian call her?

    She took a deep breath.

    "Hey, Lu Aotian!"

    "Are you too busy?" He asked in his deep sexy voice.

    "Mmh¡­not really, is something up?"

    "Yeah, can you come over and look after Little Jia? She''s crying for you."

    Her baby! She would run to her immediately even if she was in the north pole. Without even hanging up, she took a quick shower, stuffed some stationery into a satchel and left the house.

    Much to her surprise, a black Maybach was waiting when she got downstairs. He had already sent someone over to pick her? How thoughtful.

    At the same time, Southside Villas.

    Lu Aotian sat at the dining table with a serious expression. Little Jia was sitting beside him on her raised chair with her tiny legs dangling under the table.

    "Eat." The little girl ignored him.

    "I already called her over." The girl turned her face to the side. She was not giving her father any face.

    Lu Aotian scooped some cereal in milk and brought it near her mouth.

    "Waaaaa¡­" she started wailing from nowhere. She hit the spoon with her fist and swept the entire bowl onto the floor as she bawled her big eyes out.

    Lu Aotian "¡­''

    The butler and maids at the side "¡­"

    Today they were really done for. Even though their master had never disagreed with the Little Miss, they had all seen him become quite the King of hell when anyone offended him.

    Was he going to shout at the Little Miss? After all she had thrown a tantrum all morning and even being at the dining table was a result of her father forcefully carrying here there and glaring at her when she wanted to leave.

    Just as Lu Aotian was about to lose patience,

    "Mommy!" Little Jia jumped down and bolted like an arrow towards Wanjia who had just stepped into the house.

    "My baby!" Wan Jia took the little girl in her arms and kissed her soft cheeks. She hadn''t thought that Little Jia was literally crying¡­

    "Your mother is here. Can you have breakfast now?" Lu Aotian''s cold voice interrupted them.

    Wan Jia "Eer¡­''

    Why did it seem like they were fighting? How rare¡­

    "Waaaaa¡­" Little Jia cried even harder and buried her head into Mommy''s shoulder for comfort.

    Wan Jia''s heart clenched. She looked at Lu Aotian

    "What happened?" It was a half shout, as though she was blaming him.

    "She missed you so she''s throwing a¡­"

    "Daddy bullied me! Bad Daddy bullied me!"

    Lu Aotian ''¡­''

    What happened to ''Little Jia loves Daddy the most''? He was now the bad guy.

    Wan Jia patted her baby''s back lightly as she consoled her.

    "I won''t let Daddy bully you again, okay? Mommy is here, don''t cry anymore."

    "Daddy is bad." She slurred in an adorable coarse voice as she rubbed her eyes.

    "Yes yes Daddy is bad. Daddy is the worst. I''ll feed you breakfast okay?'' She nodded

    "Mmm Mommy is the best."

    She proceeded to feed her.

    Lu Aotian "¡­."

    He had been completely ignored. Little Jia only had to cry and act wronged to receive so many kisses, hugs and was even being fed breakfast while he¡­ hehe.. all he had received was a glare and not even a ''good morning'' greeting. Would he make it if he cried too?

    When his two precious girls were settled, Lu Aotian left for work. He still hard an antivirus to launch in one week and the people opposing him were becoming more and more daring. First, it was the failed collaboration with GX Technologies. The other party must have realized that Lu Aotian had outsmarted them. This time they even went as far as to try to bribe his younger brother to steal from him.

    Even though they were just half brothers, Lu Aotian and Lu Shaoting had mutual respect for each other and although they did not pass as close brothers in the public eye, they were more loyal to each other than anyone could ever be.

    The other part had used such flowery words and even promised to Make Lu Shaoting the head of Lu Enterprise if he helped them topple Lu Aotian. Little did they know that while Lu Shaoting was not the head of the Software subsidiary, He did not pale too much in comparison to his brother. Hiding his strength and letting him work behind the scenes was the brothers'' way of luring their enemies.

    "Brother, I hacked the anonymous email they sent me and it''s indeed from General Yun''s person."

    "The nerve of that man." Lu Aotian looked ahead coldly.

    "He should pick on someone his own age. Doesn''t he feel any shame fighting with someone of the younger generation?"

    "We need a plan to shut him down once and for all." Lu Aotian declared.

    "I suggest we investigate and expose all his dirty deals."

    "That would put Wanwan in danger."

    "What''s this got to do with sister-in-law?"

    "There''s a possibility that Wanwan is his biological daughter."

    "What?" Lu Shaoting almost fainted. Wanjia was General Yun''s daughter? It would be especially funny if she was the daughter of the man whose daughter she impersonated.

    ¡­..

    In a secret underground winery

    "You know why I called you here, don''t you?"

    The woman before General Yun shivered like a kitten soaked in ice cold water despite the warm temperature.

    "Yes¡­ she¡­ our daughter¡­she''s still in school. Can I bring her over after her graduation?"

    "Bring her tomorrow!"

    "But¡­her studies¡­"

    "I want to use her! That''s more important!"

    "But Yun, she¡­"

    "Do you want to die?" He roared

    The woman scurried away.

    The man swirled the red wine in his glass.

    "Lu Aotian! Golden CEO, huh? Let''s see how you manage to escape this."

 Chapter 26 - Just fulfilling my princess request

    When Lu Aotian went back home, what greeted him was not his usual cheerful princess with a flower in one hand and a stuffed toy in another. This time it was a sulky little girl looking up to him with big teary eyes.

    "What''s wrong?" He gently asked worriedly as he bent down to pick her up. However, she pushed him away with her little hands.

    "Daddy is bad! Very very very bad!" tears instantly started falling.

    Lu Aotian was speechless. What had he done to offend this little princess again? What was it that it was bad enough for her to use "very" three times? Between the two of them, only extremely important things were to be said three times.

    This day was really not his best day. It was already bad enough that the wife ignored him. Now even the daughter didn''t want him anymore? Where was justice in this world?

    "What did Daddy do wrong this time?" He asked gently and hugged her, but she wriggled out of his embrace. What was with this familiar act? Was it hereditary?

    "Boohoo... don''t touch me! Daddy bullied me. Daddy is very bad... doesn''t want Little Jia to live with Mommy."

    So that was the problem.

    "Did Wanwan already leave?"

    "Master, Miss Wan Jia already left an hour ago." The trembling butler answered. The Little Miss was really going all out to make sure they die today.

    "Send someone to bring her back." He rubbed his temples and looked at his bawling daughter. This little girl...was she doing it on purpose? It''s not that he had any problem living with Wan Jia, in fact he really wanted too,... but wouldn''t her head hurt from crying too much?"

    The little girl was currently smiling at her father mischeviously after having her way.

    "Welcome home, Daddy!" She lifted her little hands to indicate she wanted a hug. After a quick hug, she ran with her short legs to find her nanny for a flower and ran back to present it to him shyly. She even kissed him on the cheek.

    So she really was acting! Little girl, do you believe that I can retract my orders right now? She was just lucky that he also saw this as an opportunity to get close to his wife.

    Some time later.

    Wan Jia stomped into the house and glared at Lu Aotian who was reading a newspaper on the sofa.

    "Mommy!" A cuddly bundle of cuteness ran into her arms.

    "This father of yours sure is something! How dare he order people to carry me out of my house without saying a thing? I thought I had been kidnapped!" She shot an angry look at the poker faced man who acted as though the Lu Aotian in her story wasn''t him.

    Wan Jia was truly angry. She had opened her door only to be literally carried away and was scared to death. Especially when the men didn''t blindfold her, she really thought they didn''t mind her knowing where they were going because they were going to kill her. They even specifically used a different route to his house! What was Lu Aotian trying to do?

    Mmph! I''ll get back at him in the most cruel way. She thought as she looked at the silent idiot.

    "Hey, those are my bags! Where are you taking them?!"

    Could someone explain to her what was going on here? Why were the servants moving her luggage? Who gave them the audacity?

    The man on the sofa finally spoke. "My princess wants you to move in. So I am just fulfilling my princess'' request."

    "...!!" How could he say it so proudly?

    "Did she also ask you to abduct me?"

    "Why would my princess say such a thing?" He asked leisurely as if she had asked a very stupid question.

    "You..." Wan Jia was so angry she wished to beat him up. She though he had stopped being a hooligan after so long. Turns out she was being just too na?ve.

    "Don''t die in anger. Come, I''ll show you to your room."

    Actually, he didn''t need to show her anything. Her room was the same one she used to stay in when they were married before moving to Lu Aotian''s. She had moved all her things from his house after their divorce but now, her room was just the same as before, all the beauty products she used were replaced, her wardrobe was filled with clothes and accessoires of her taste.

    It was as if someone still lived here. If she went to the master bedroom right now, she would find that the situation was exactly the same. He had bought all the things she used and kept them in his room too. If one was too walk into the two rooms, they would think that he had two identical wives.

    "Aren''t you going in?" She walked in following Lu Aotian''s reminder.

    This feeling was something she had experienced before.... Lu Aotian had showed her this room and even urged her in the same way. She looked at the dressing table. That was where Lu Aotian would help her dry her long hair...

    She looked at the walk in wardrobe....Lu Aotian would help her pick her clothes there.

    Then she involuntarily looked at the bed where they had their first time. She blushed just thinking about it. What''s with these dirty thoughts? Lu Aotian is still around! Wan Jia wake up!

    She felt the urge to look at him and turned around. Lu Aotian was also looking at the bed. Apparently he was having the same thoughts.

    Wan Jia blushed even harder as she tried not to remember that night. Her breathing involuntarily hastened....

    At this point, Lu Aotian shifted his gaze and looked at her. His gaze was deep and she thought she could detect a tinge of seduction from his eyes. She swallowed hard. She tried not to look into his eyes and looked aside instead.

    Lu Aotian moved foward. Just a few centimetres more and their bodies would touch.

    She instinctively wanted to take a step back but Lu Aotian beat her to it and held her hand. Then he lifted her chin and inched closer....

 Chapter 27 - First theme

    Wan Jia''s brain was foggy. She knew exactly what he was trying to do. She really wanted to stop him but her body seemed to have a brain of its own. Her heart raced faster than it ever had.

    The cool addictive scent of his cologne became even clearer as the distance between them became thinner. He held her slim waist with one arm and pulled her even closer. Their lips were now less than a centimeter apart. Wan Jia''s eyes were closed as her lips parted slightly in anticipation. Their lips touched slightly...

    "Mommy, Mommy! How could you leave Little Jia alone? Little Jia is scared."

    From somewhere, a whine interrupted the mood as a weak knock sounded on the door. Wan Jia reorganized her thoughts and pulled herself out of Lu Aotian''s embrace awkwardly.

    "I''m coming, baby." She was glad Little Jia didn''t just barge into the room as she would have expected. So she even knew that entering people''s room without knocking was disrespectful...

    Turned out having Lu Aotian for a father wasn''t such a bad thing after all.

    Lu Aotian who had fallen out of favor in less than two days was speechless.

    Wan Jia opened the door in slight embarassment.

    The little girl wanted to speak but suddenly stopped and looked at the two of them curiously. She blinked at her mother then at her father. "Did Mommy and Daddy become friends?" She asked with her head tilted.

    Indeed according to three year old logic, if people were not friends then they would not spend time together.

    Wait that wasn''t the main point. She even remembered the random excuse Wan Jia had thrown her way? What kind of memory was this?

    No need to ask. It was quite obvious who she had inherited it from. Wan Jia was about to say something when Lu Aotian beat her to it. "Mommy is Daddy''s wife. Of course we would be friends."

    Wan Jia glared at him. Misleading a three year old. Is there anyone more shameless than him on earth?

    After dinner, Wan Jia coaxed Little Jia to sleep before going into her own room. She lay in bed as she thought about the meeting she would have with the foreign designer in less than fourty eight hours. A whole day had passed and she hadn''t managed to come up with any new theme. What would she show to her mentor? While worrying about this, she drifted off to sleep.

    In her dream, she some heard voices from her past. "Don''t call me Mother. I''m not your mother!" "Don''t ever look for us and don''t ever come back here."

    "Go look for your own father and stop clinging onto me"

    "Wanwan, this deal will change your life forever."

    "Was I wrong? Wasn''t your life changed after all?"

    She bolted awake. The day she met Yun Xuan, her life had indeed changed. Yun Xuan suddenly went missing and left her with full responsibility of everything, especially her studio. She was faced with the challenge of handling things like someone four years older than she really was. She found it extremely difficult at first but with the help of Lu Aotian she got used to it and became even slightly better than Yun Xuan herself. Even when Lu Aotian enrolled her into school, she managed to balance both school and work like a mature person. The way she handled the studio''s management surprised even herself. It was as if she had become a completely different person.

    She suddenly found a theme! Wan Jia bolted out of bed and started sketching on plain pieces of paper. Such was the life of a designer. They get inspiration anywhere, at any time and when least expect. They naturally won''t wait for a second before putting it down. It wouldn''t be as perfect as it should be if they were to procrastinate it.

    By the time Wan Jia was done with her sketches, the sun was almost rising. She looked at her eight finished sketches and smiled in satisfaction. She put them away and got into bed to catch on some sleep before Little Jia woke up.

    Yet just before she closed her eyes, she heard a knock.

    "Do you want to die?" she groaned.

    Lu Aotian laughed and opened the door.

    "What do you want?" She asked in an irritated sleepy tone.

    "Heh...what I want?You better not find out."

    This man was even flirting... "Speak or leave...." she threw a pillow at him weakly and rolled over lazily to sleep on her belly.

    "I need to talk to you about some things, but I am going to the office right now. Come to my office later okay?"

    "Wanwan?"

    She had really fallen asleep. Lu Aotian looked at her and chuckled at his naughty plans as he walked closer to her.

    "Aaah!" Wan Jia woke up with a start. "Lu Aotian you bastard! How could you spank me? You shameless hooligan! So so shameless!" She glared at the man who was currently sitting on her bed.

    "Blame it on your backside for sticking out." He smiled.

    He even has the guts to smile! Wan Jia was so angry she could puke blood. "Can''t you look elsewhere? Don''t you have any shame?"

    "Haven''t hooligans always been shameless?"

    "I don''t want to argue with you. I''ve been up all night... I...am...so...slee..py" she yawned. The next second, her head dropped on his lap. Lu Aotian saw her dark eyebags. So she really had stayed up all night. What was she doing? Lu Aotian fixed the hair sticking onto her adorable sleeping face and caressed her lovely cheeks. It had been so long since he last watched her sleep like this. He didn''t move and let her sleep peacefully, just watching her baby-like appearance.

    She looked exactly like a pure innocent angel when asleep. It was really hard to link her to the demoness she was when awake. Only when the girl shuffled uncomfortably did he place her in bed properly.

    "Aotian..." she softly called out and tugged his sleeve subconciously.

    "Go to sleep. I''m right here." He kissed her forehead.

 Chapter 28 - Little prodigy

    When Wan Jia woke up, it was just a few minutes to midday. An extremely adorable cuddly Little Jia was sitting on the sofa with a stuffed bear and a drawing book in her hand. Her pink fluffy pajamas had a drawing of a princess at the front. She little girl was examining her drawing seriously while struggling with her loose long jet black hair.

    "Baby you''re here, good morning"

    "Mommy, look! Little Jia drew!" the kid was overly excited and couldn''t wait to show her drawing to her mother. She ran up to Wanjia''s bed and held the book up to her shyly. While she called it a drawing, all Wanjia could see was a chaotic mashup of sticks and circles. Only upon very close inspection and the little girl''s guidance did she make out a figure with a huge circle for the head, a long stick with two sticks sticking out from it as the body and an extremely chaotic triangle for a skirt. The huge "head" with disorganized circles for eyes, nose and mouth was big enough for the "body" to be fixed into it comfortably.

    Goodness! Was that her? Wan Jia subconsciously turned to look the dressing mirror. There was a smaller version of Wan Jia''s character next to her. That was supposedly Little Jia. As for Lu Aotian¡­ Wan Jia almost couldn''t hold in her laughter. A huge circle for the head, even huger than her own, towered above the other figures. A long stick followed down and only had two sticks along the way for hands. The little girl probably forgot to draw her father''s legs.

    "It''s so beautiful" Wan Jia said with a warm smile and embraced her daughter. She was just a baby after all. Besides, Wan Jia had already noticed that her daughter lacked interest in things like drawing. However, she would complete her letter puzzles shockingly perfectly and even the picture puzzles meant for children had become too easy for her. Her memory was just too bright.

    Wan Jia naughtily took a photo of the drawing and sent it to Lu Aotian to tease him.

    At the same time, Lu Enterprise meeting hall.

    Lu Aotian was listening seriously as a manager reported his proposal. The manager rambled on and on until his lips were about to tear only to receive a grunt for an answer.

    What was ''Mmh''? Should he start the project? My dear president, would you die if you said a few more words? The president seemed to have eaten explosives for breakfast today. While he was not exactly friendly on other days, he wasn''t too overbearingly cold either.

    The manager was just about to test his luck and ask for a precise answer when Lu Aotian''s phone rang to indicate a new message.

    Then they saw something extremely rare¡­ Lu Aotian actually smiled!

    Although Lu Aotian was very friendly to Wan Jia and his daughter, he never smiled at outsiders and always had an expression that made people keep their distance.

    Yet today he had smiled. Was the sun going to rise in the west tomorrow? That wasn''t the end.

    "The meeting is over." He left the meeting room in large strides with a smile still plastered across his handsome face.

    "Eh? Did president Lu just smile? Am I dreaming?" the managers went into gossip mode instantly.

    "I thought I was dreaming! It''s been eons since I last saw his smile."

    "Who do you guys think just texted? Could it be the lady boss?''

    "Are you stupid? They divorced three years ago."

    "You''re the one who''s stupid. Who said he can''t remarry?"

    "Remarry? Are you kidding me?"

    "You lot are stupid. Mrs. Lu obviously texted him. With the deep love they have for each other, obviously that divorce wasn''t going to last too long."

    ¡­.

    Lu Aotian sent a reply over. It wasn''t the first time Little Jia was drawing him and he was used to it, though he would always laugh at himself each time. As for a certain big headed thin bodied Mommy¡­

    [Lu Aotian: She drew you perfectly]

    [Little Wan: What are you implying?]

    [Lu Aotian: I don''t know, she got her skills from her mother after all.]

    [Little Wan: Hey!!!!!!!!]

    Lu Aotian laughed after successfully teasing her. Want to tease me? Good try.

    Wan Jia was exploding. What did this idiot mean by ''she got her skills form you''? This hooligan was obviously criticizing her! Mmph! He should see how perfectly she draws her sketches!

    Wan Jia took her anger into the bathroom and took a warm shower before going to find something to eat.

    Lu Aotian just you wait! This is the second grudge. I''ll revenge thoroughly! She stabbed a fork into her pancake and harrumphed .

    The entire day was spent playing with Little Jia in the garden and gossiping with Yun Xuan on phone. That evening after dinner, she went to her room to prepare for the next day''s meeting. This would probably be the most important meeting in her career life. She chose professional attire and set it aside in preparation.

    She heard a knock just as she was about to call Mr. Baker for confirmation and as expected, Lu Aotian waltzed in.

    "You again¡­"

    "You didn''t come to my office."

    "That¡­ I forgot. Why don''t you just tell me whatever it is now?"

    "Don''t work for Mondial studios."

    "Why?" how did he even know she was meeting someone from Mondial?

    "Just don''t. You''ll thank me later." As overbearing as ever.

    "And what makes you think I''ll listen to you? Am just the mother of your daughter, not your wife. Aren''t you being a bit too controlling, Mr. Lu?"

 Chapter 29 - Mondial Studios CEO

    Hearing her heart shattering comment, Lu Aotian was not annoyed. She was right anyway....to some extent. His voice became even more gentle.

    "Wanwan, you have to trust me on this. Just don''t work there, alright?"

    "Then tell me why." You can''t just be all mysterious and expect people to follow your orders, okay?

    "Just don''t. It''s not the right place for you ." Lu Aotian sighed. It was just not the right time to explain such things. He hoped she would just stop being stubborn and listen.

    "Okay, I wasn''t even planning to work with them anyway. I only need Mr. Baker to help me with something."

    Lu Aotian was relieved. At least she would not meet people she shouldn''t.

    "Then, if you want to work for a studio, Elite Fashion World is always open for you." Lu Aotian took the chance to scout a designer.

    Elite Fashion World was a subsidiary of Lu Enterprise. It was a gathering of many award winning designers and was totally unrivaled.

    Even the best known designer, Dai Yuran, came from Elite Fashion World. They had set a record of producing winners in ten out of twelve of the design awards two years ago. Previously if Wan Jia was not working for Yun Xuan''s studio then Lu Aotian would have recruited her into Elite Fashion World.

    "Not interested, I want to start my own studio." She said indifferently.

    "Then I wish you all the best." How regretful. If Wan Jia was to join his studio, with her talents and determination, she could easily topple those golden designers from Elite Fashion World in just a short amount of time. He naturally knew this better than anyone else since he had seen her drafts before.

    The next day, Wan Jia woke up earlier than usual and scrutinized her design drafts thoroughly before she made her way to the restaurant Mr. Baker had told her to go.

    The man was already there when Wan Jia arrived. The girl was wearing a formal navy blue skirt and a white blouse. She had tucked her blouse in, making the skirt outline her slim waist and slightly curvy hips.

    Her long wavy hair was tied up in a neat high ponytail and swayed slightly when she sashayed in her long beautiful legs. Together with her very light make up, she looked like a typical young office beauty.

    "Mr Baker." She smiled lightly as she shook his hand before sitting at his signal.

    "Just call me Alex."

    "We met for official business, so of course am going to call you Mr. Baker" she smiled.

    "As you wish then, but I''ll still call you Wanwan."

    After some small talk, Wan Jia went straight to the point.

    "You want to start a studio?" Mr. Baker looked extremely shocked. "I thought you wanted to become a model."

    "Become a model? Mr. Baker, you''re too funny. Designing is my forte. I only lack business patners." Actually, she knew many people in the field but all of them were from Yun Xuan''s studio. Of course she wasn''t going to scout people from that side. After all they thought she and Yun Xuan were one person. Only a few very close people knew the substitution issue.

    "Why don''t you try modelling? You''re beautiful enough and you used to be a goddess after all." Mr. Baker gazed at her. She didn''t know it but he had even come with a contract to sign her in as a model thinking she wanted to become one.

    "Mr. Baker, you''re too kind. But I settled on this permanently."

    After a few hours of discussion, they finalmy came to a conclusion. Starting a studio out of practically nothing was too hard. She would face many challenges especially when it came to the market.

    Therefore, he adviced her to participate in something that would make her popular, something like the Golden Rookie Designer Awards that was going to be held in one month. The Golden Awards were split into two categories.This was because the public had complained about new inexperienced designers competeing in the same frame as those who have been in the field for years. Therefore, the Golden Rookie Designer Awards always preceeded the main Golden Designer Awards.

    Each studio was given a chance to nominate two rookies. Although it was a competition among designers, the ultimate reward had to go to a studio. Therefore, no individual designers were allowed.

    For this reason, Mr. Baker led Wan Jia to Mondial Studios. The two of them agreed that since she only wanted to gain exposure, her contract clearly stated that she belonged to Mondial Studios for a month and if she won the award, she would be free to leave but if she lost she would have to continue working for them for a year. Of course Mr. Baker would only agree to such an arrangement after seeing just how talented she was. She would definitely elavate their studio within just one month.

    He even found himself wishing for her failure... After reading the terms and conditions, Wan Jia put her signature on the contract before remembering something and her back stiffened.

    Southside Villas.

    In Lu Aotian''s study room.

    Wan Jia was trembling nervously.

    "Why did you not want me to join Mondial Studios?" She asked coyly.

    "Did you join?"

    "... I''m just curious."

    Lu Aotian looked at her and sighed.

    "You definitely did. I know that look."

    "Then can you tell me why so that I''m at least prepared?"

    "I''ll tell you if you call me ''husband''."

    "Lu Aotian!" She gritted her teeth. She was dying out of fear. Could he assess the situation first?

    "Fine, since you''ll know anyway.

    The CEO..."

    "What''s wrong with the CEO?"

    "Not the CEO, it''s his daughter...."

    "If you don''t speak, I''ll slap you!"

    Sigh, "The CEO''s daughter is Mo Zilian."

 Chapter 30 - Love Mommy the most.

    Wan Jia dropped the glass of water she was holding.

    "What?" Lu Aotian gave her a I-warned-you look.

    "You''re lying, right?"

    "What would I gain from lying to you?"

    "Mo Zilian is really the CEO''s daughter? " Lu Aotian nodded. "Then why didn''t you tell me?"

    "You never asked." Wan Jia massaged her temples. "Wanwan, I told you not to go there. She''ll obviously make things difficult for you but you..." Lu Aotian really didn''t know how to deal with this stubborn brat of his.

    "Just cancel the contract now before it''s too late. I''ll help you pay the compensation fees."

    Help me pay the compensation fees...why would he help me?Unles..., she mumbled under her breath. Then she gave him a sharp look.

    "Just say it directly if you''re trying to get me into your bed!" She snarled.

    "Who''s trying to get you into bed?" He knitted his eyebrows.

    "Why would you help me? What do you want...how will you want me to repay you?"

    Lu Aotian looked at her coldly. Could this brat not have such dirty thoughts? Did she take him for that type of man? While he indeed wanted her in his bed, he couldn''t do such a disrespectful thing as take advantage of her vulnerability!

    Was this supposed to mean that since Mr. Baker helped her then...

    Lu Aotian suddenly lost his cool. He banged his laptop shut and stormed out of the study room.

    Wan Jia knew he was truly angry. Even when they were married, he never got angry with her no matter what she did or said. She could swear that this was the first time he had ever flipped out on her.

    She shrugged her shoulders and went to look for him. As expected, he was on the balcony of the third floor gazing at the stars. This was where he always went to cool off his emotions.

    Lu Aotian heard footsteps behind him and knew immediately who the intruder was.

    "What do you want now?" he asked without turning.

    Wan Jia said nothing and just went and stood beside him, putting one hand on the railing and looking at him. She waited till he was no longer too angry before choosing her words carefully.

    "I''m sorry." He didn''t speak. "I didn''t mean what I said, I just thought...I..." Wan Jia was not good with apologies. Apart from saying she was sorry, she just couldn''t explain herself. She drooped her head pitifuly.

    Lu Aotian turned and looked at her. His heart softened at her pitiful demeanor. He lifted her chin and looked into her eyes.

    "Wanwan, I would never force you to do anything you don''t want to." His meaning was clear. No matter how much he loved her, missed the old times and wished for them to be together again, he wouldn''t ever use such tricks to get to her. He was just helping her because he wanted to, not because he expected anything in return.

    Wan Jia couldn''t stop her eyes from tearing. Without thinking, she flung herself into his arms and before Lu Aotian could react, she ran the way into her room leaving behing a stunned Lu Aotian. Did Wanwan just...hug him?

    The next morning.

    Wan Jia was supposed to go to Mondial Studios by 10 am but Little Jia was clinging onto her neck and refusing to let go. Thus she used the chance to ask. "Who does Little Jia love the most, Mommy or Daddy?"

    "Of course Little Jia loves Mommy the most!" She pursed her cute lips and gave Wan Jia a kiss on her cheek.

    "Then Little Jia prefers to be with Mommy, eh?"

    "Mommy, Little Jia wants to be with Mommy forever!" she declared in her baby voice. then continued. "If Mommy ever leaves Little Jia again, Little Jia will die of heartbreak." She held onto her little chest with her cute little hand and feigned heartbreak. She even rubbed non-existent tears from her eyes.

    How realistic.... would she be an actress in future?

    "Mommy will never leave Little Jia." She hugged her baby tightly.

    "Really Mommy? Pinky promise?" she stuck out her tiny pinky finger.

    "Mmh pinky promise." Wan Jia stuck out her pinky and crossed it with hers.

    "Mommy is the best! I love you Mommy. Love for a thousand years."

    "And so Daddy is no more?" Lu Aotian, who had been banished into the cold palace came downstairs looking unhappy.

    "Daddy!" The little girl ran up to him and lifted her hands for a hug. She very fairly kissed her father''s cheek. "Little Jia loves Daddy too."

    Too? Shouldn''t girls love their fathers more?

    she blinked then quicky added, afraid her mother would be jealous.

    "But Daddy said that girls should get more love. So Little Jia loves Mommy the most!" She broke into a sweet smile.

    Lu Aotian "...." was it too late to take that back?

    He was unhappy with this whole matter.

    To be exact, he was not unhappy that Little Jia loved her mother, in fact he was happy for them. But what was she doing, asking the little girl who she prefered and who she could do without? He had a certain thought. Could it be...

    Maybe he made a wrong decision in allowing them to be close?

    "I want precise details of everyone who has been in contact with Wan Jia since she came back." He roared on phone as soon as Wan Jia left.

    "E...everyone?" The assistant was shocked. What kind of task is this, my dear president?

    "Do I need to repeat myself?" He was losing his temper.

    "No! Right away president."

    "I want them by evening." He hung up.

    Assistant "...." Evening? What did they serve the president for breakfast today?

 Chapter 31 - Discovered

    Mondial Studios. Wan Jia walked into the building with light steps like it was holy ground. She took the elevator to the twentieth floor. Mr. Baker had arranged someone to show her around the studio.

    "You must be Miss Wan Jia, hello. Mr. Baker asked me to show you around." A pretty secretary greeted her as soon as she got out of the elevator. She jovially showed her to various departments and finally to the design department. Wan Jia entered the office and sat at her station.

    However, her first day of work wouldn''t end before she got into some trouble.

    "Well, well....if it isn''t the least welcome employee ." the other party snorted.

    Wan Jia turned around and it was Mo Zilian. She leaned against the door in her terribly bright red skirt and her eight inch high heels. She had thick make up and bright red lips to match her outfit.

    Wan Jia rolled her eyes. Was there no better time for this woman to appear?

    "Oh, or should I say Mrs. Lu?" She deliberately emphasized ''Mrs. Lu''

    The other employees were shocked.

    "Huh? Mrs. Lu? Surely it''s not THAT Lu ?"

    "Not possible. Lu Aotian is divorced."

    Hearing the employees'' chat, Mo Zilian got even more excited.

    "It seems like someone hasn''t been living in luxury ever since she got dumped, huh?"

    Wan Jia humphed. "Is your brain fried, Miss Mo? Were you so heartbroken when Lu Aotian dumped you that you think every other person his ex?"

    Gasps filled the air. Mo Zilian was dumped by Lu Aotian?

    "You! Who did you just say was dumped?"

    Wan Jia had hit her sore spot. Back when she was sent to seduce Lu Aotian, she had actually truly fallen in love with him but Lu Aotian naturally wouldn''t tolerate her after all the chaos she caused. She tried to get back together with him when Wan Jia left but had been humiliated thoroughly. Now, she could only look on jealously and guiltily and wish she had forfeited the evil plans back then.

    However, she felt the gods had shown her favor by sending Wan Jia to her father''s studio. She wasn''t going to hesitate to make things really unbearable for her. Initially she wasn''t sure who of the two identical girls was Lu Aotian''s wife. In fact, it was already too much luck for her to find out about the existence of someone who looked exactly like Mrs. Lu. Wan Jia''s reaction, however, made her a bit doubtful. Why did she act like she wasn''t the right Mrs. Lu? Had that damn man lied to her? She had only recieved a photo of Wan Jia and Mr. Baker having a meal together and a caption stating that Mrs. Lu would be working in Mondial Studios very soon. She immediately believed it but now she wasn''t quite sure anymore. Why would that person really tell her the truth? They weren''t even close. Was it a prank? The consequences would be dire if he dared lie to her!

    Of course Mo Zilian knew nothing about Little Jia, whose existence Lu Aotian had kept completely under wraps.

    To avoid the substitution issue blowing up in future, Lu Aotian purposely did not reveal his wife''s name.

    Actually Lu Aotian wasn''t afraid of Mo Zilian torturing Wan Jia, she was stubborn enough to handle such small fry thanks to his ''bullying''. He was afraid the masterminds from years ago might make a move on her.

    Whoever it was had after all wanted to finish the entire Lu family and there were still three major survivors. Wan Jia and little Jia were both vulnerable and their lives could easily be in danger if their relationship with him was revealed.

    ...

    Southside Villas.

    Villa number 4.

    Little Jia threw herself into her mother''s arms as soon as she arrived.

    "Mommy you''re back! Daddy suddenly turned into an ice statue. Do you know how we can fix him?" The little girl looked so sad she was about to cry.

    Wan Jia''s gaze shifted to Lu Aotian who was sitted on the sofa. Pfft! that look. No wonder Little Jia thought he had turned into an ice statue.

    Eer this was...difficult... how was she supposed to fix her baby''s Daddy? He looked so cold that even she was scared to approach him. Just what on earth happened?

    "Baby, go to your room for a while, let me talk to your father for a while, okay?"

    "Yes Mommy." she kissed her and ran upstairs in her little steps.

    Wan Jia bit her lip and sat next to him nervously.

    "What happened?"

    "Wanwan, who is Lawyer An?" He asked without even looking at her.

    Wan Jia''s heart skipped a beat. Had he found out?

    ''Deep breaths, deep breaths. He''ll only find out if you admit it. Calm down, calm down, calm down...''

    "Erm, Lawyer An? Who is that? I....don''t have any lawyer friend."

    Lu Aotian shot her an icy cold glare.

    "I really don''t. Maybe I met one and forgot? I meet many people everyday, you know."

    "Wan Jia!" He gritted his teeth. If his look was proportional to atmospheric temperature, the entire estate would have been frozen to icicles by now.

    Wan Jia was stunned. This was a very foreign way of adressing her. She knew he was truly angry. No need to ask, he found out everything.

    "Aotian I..."

    "Leave."

    "What?" He was asking her to leave?

    "So much for letting you get close to my daughter. I was very stupid. No, I was extremely stupid." He stood to leave.

    "Lu Aotian, he''s just someone I met once or twice. I didn''t actually plan to.... Well...I did plan at first, but gave up." Her tears were already falling freely. She tugged onto his sleeve to beg. If he really forbade her from seeing her daughter then she would really die...

    "Let go!" He shrugged her off. "I''m giving you thirty minutes to be out of here."

 Chapter 32 - King of hell

    Wan Jia looked at his disappearing back. Although she felt bad that he had stormed off on her, who could she blame? She was the one at fault and he had only acted like any normal person would. She had hurt him too much this time.

    Perhaps if she apologized he would change his mind? Who was she kidding? Even she herself wouldn''t forgive herself if she were him. She went to her room in tears and started packing her things. She only packed those she had bought herself and left those Lu Aotian had bought for her. They were too luxurious.

    She wiped away her tears and was just about to open the door when it was opened from outside.

    She looked up at the icy cold face. She could swear that he looked scary enough to give her two months worth of nightmares. Before this, she had always laughed at other people who encountered his scary side when they messed up his business. Was this karma coming back at her too soon?

    Wan Jia even dared to think that if he wasn''t looking that scary, she would dare to think that he had changed his mind.

    "Why are you still here?" As if the face wasn''t cold enough, his voice sounded like the King of Hell calling out her sins one by one just before passing eternal judgement on her. She looked down, not daring to look into those scary eyes.

    "Do you want me to ask a second time?" He sounded even colder this time.

    "I... I was just leaving." her voice was just as shaky as her body.

    Yet she made an extremely bold move.

    "C-Can I say goodbye to Little Jia?"

    "No."

    "Oh..." As expected. He wasn''t going to trust her around his daughter for even one second again. Besides, the little girl would obviously cry if she said that she was leaving and the last thing he probably wanted to see was his precious princess'' tears. Of course her tears was just one thing. She would also insist to have her mother stay and he was totally powerless against her.

    That little girl could exaggerate her sadness so much that no single person would hesitate to give her all the nations in the world if she wanted them.

    He suddenly took her hand while she was still engrossed in her thoughts. Before her fogged brain could even register what was going on, he released the bag from her hand and dragged her behind him.

    Wan Jia "...."

    What''s going on? As if irritated that she was walking too slowly, he turned around and lifted her onto his shoulder.

    Wan Jia "...." You should at least give a warning before carrying people off like that, ok?

    This was much different from how he used to carry her off when they were together. Wan Jia scolded herself for even thinking about such a happy memory at this time but she continued to remember it anyway.

    From the first time he ever carried her, he would always sweep her off the floor every time he saw her. It didn''t matter whether she was in the kitchen, study room, garden, balcony or even bathroom.

    When she asked him why he kept doing that, his reply was that she smelt so nice and felt so light and soft that he always wanted to embrace her like a cute little doll.

    Wan Jia was placed on a chair before she realised where they were. The interrogation room on the underground.

    Lu Aotian seemed to have a thing for interrogation rooms. He had one each in all company buildings and even his villa was the only house in Southside Villas that had one.

    He was going to interrogate her? She suddenly felt nervous. Was he going to treat her like those moles and traitors he tortured to make them tell the truth?

    Lu Aotian''s psychological warfare was top notch and even spies who were sent to his company were always afraid of getting caught alive. Most of them even chose to commit suicide when they got discovered. They would rather die than live forever in psychological trauma. He wasn''t really going to do that to her, was he?

    He sat opposite her with a devilish presence.

    "I''m trusting you for the last time." he put a lot of emphasis on ''last time'' before shooting her a glance.

    Those eyes... were those really the same eyes that looked at her with love and tenderness?

    "I... I....I..." She felt her tongue stuck and teeth chatter a little.

    The man opposite her relaxed his glare a little when he saw how frightened she was. She looked like a lamb ready for slaughter with goosebumps all over her skin.

    "Tell me everything." This wasn''t the time to feel pity on her.

    "What-what are you talking about?" What was ''everything''? Would this man''s mouth hurt if he said something clearer? He was really going to treat her like a spy.

    Lu Aotian was getting impatient.

    After lashing out his anger on her, he calmed down a little and thought about her actions in detail. This girl obviously loved him, but she would rather take their daughter away on her own than be with him, when she obviously knew the latter was the tripple win situation for him, her and Little Jia.

    Also, she didn''t seem to be afraid of getting discovered. Or perhaps she was afraid of something else and he wasn''t half as scary to her as that thing she dreaded.

    After going hacking, he had found out that she had told Yun Xuan something about emigrating with her daughter. Thus he was sure this wasn''t just her decision. She was under pressure.

    "Are you going to talk?!" He whipped out a box of needles from somewhere.

    Wan Jia''s eyes widened. Was he going to stick those into her fingernails? She felt so much pain just from thinking about it that she burst into tears.

 Chapter 33 - He chewed my lips

    As usual, he had the urge to embrace her when he saw her tears. Anyone very close to him would know that he had one extremely sensitive weakness, and that was Wan Jia''s tears.

    However, this time he wasn''t going to look at them. If he turned soft on her this time then he would never know the truth.

    "I am asking for the last time." He deliberately made his voice intimidating. Just the same way he could be warm when he wanted to be, he could also be extremely intimidating. When he saw that she still remained silent, he look her fair hand and teased her with a needle.

    "Waaaa..." she yelled her lungs out as her eyes bawled out like broken dams. This little thing was really afraid of pain. He couldn''t help but remember their first time...

    Wan Jia cried so hard that her voice was stuck. In the end, she just took her phone and typed him a message.

    Lu Aotian''s eyes darkened when he saw the message. Just one of his suspects. He wondered just how na?ve Wan Jia was to think that she and Little Jia would be safe if she cut ties with him. They would in fact be in more danger. Could this little thing not understand? Who on earth was more capable of protecting her than him?

    He put his phone aside and moved stood up. He moved closer to her and took her hand.

    "Don''t! Please don''t! That...that...that''s the whole truth." she almost swore on all eight of her generations.

    Lu Aotian "..."

    He was only going to hug her, okay?

    His heart broke. He shouldn''t have frightened her like that. He took her into his arms in one fell swoop. The girl''s body was shaking as she cried.

    "Lu... Lu Aotian"

    "Mmh? What is it."

    "Do you believe me? Will you pierce my fingertips?"

    He rubbed her back and kissed her forehead.

    "I would never do such a thing. I was just scaring you."

    "Oh."

    It''s not that she wasn''t aware. She knew that Lu Aotian would never hurt even a single hair on her head. But just now he was scary that she thought he was really going to physically torture her.

    She felt comfortable in his arms and was exhausted from all the tears. She was just about to fall asleep when she felt a sharp pain in her lower abdomen.

    "What is it? I''ll take you to hospital." Lu Aotian noticed she was in pain just a second after she felt it.

    "It''s nothing. It''s just ...aah!"

    Lu Aotian carried her off without speaking anymore and dashed out.

    "Lu Aotian, it''s just my period." she said embarassedly. He relaxed a little. She always took medicine when she experienced period pain and he had taken care of her in the past.

    He would massage her lower abdomen, place hot packs on it and from his experience, most of the time she didn''t even notice her pain anymore when he took care of her.

    This wasn''t something new to him. He took her to his room, naturally prepared a bath and brought clothes to change into. Then he carried her gently like she was made of glass and placed her in the tub to wash her.

    Wan Jia was embarassed. It was alright if he did there things when she was his wife but now she felt it was inappropriate.

    As if reading her thoughts, he teased. "Which part of your beautiful body have I not seen before?"

    She blushed as she glared at him. He didn''t want her to be uncomfortable so he left to get hot packs. When he came back, she had falled asleep in the tub. He carried her carefully, helped her dress up and tucked her in his bed. He kissed her forehead and left the room. He went to her room and unpacked all the things she had packed to leave.

    He was letting her stay just because she had told him everything she knew this time and it had narrowed down his list of suspects. However, if she ever had plans to take away his daughter again, he would deal with her the same way he dealt with people who messed with him- the underworld way.

    He entered his daughter''s room and kissed her forehead softly. These two identical people were his life. He couldn''t bear to lose either of them. This evening if Wanjia had really left, he knew he would find her wherever she went and carry her right back into his house.

    The next morning. Little Jia woke up and carefully went to look for her father. When she saw that he was taking coffee in the living room and not looking like the scary Hades he was the night before, she excitedly kissed him on the cheek and ran to find her mother.

    "Mommy! Mommy! You fixed Daddy. Little Jia is so happy!"

    Eer...fixed? Did the little girl actually believe that her father literally turned into an ice statue?

    "How did you fix him, Mommy? Teach Little Jia so that I can help if he ever turns into an ice statue again." She jumped up and down excitedly making her long pigtails shake wildly.

    "Well..."

    Honey, I didn''t fix your dear daddy. I don''t know if he was dreaming about food but he gnawed on my lips all night. Can''t you see? I can''t even put on lip gloss.

    ___

    Yun Xuan had been super excited for the past few days. She went to her studio humming all the way and greeted her employees on her way.

 Chapter 34 - Boss is in love?

    "Good morning, boss!"

    The employees greeted in unison. The boss seemed to be in a very good mood these past few days. How could she not be in a good mood? Her beloved Tyler would be back in a few days. He would in fact very coincidentally arrive on the night of the Golden Rookie Awards. If the rookie from her studio won the award, she would receive two surprises in one night! What else would anyone ever need to be happy?

    "Is the boss in love?"

    "That''s possible¡­it''s high time she forgot about her scumbag boyfriend after all."

    "I don''t believe they really broke up. Such a shame."

    "Are you an idiot? That idiot cheated on our boss. His loss! He won''t ever get an outstanding woman like boss."

    "He cheated on her? I heard that boss''s father didn''t like him."

    "And I heard that his mother didn''t like boss. What a blind woman."

    "Whatever it is, our boss is in love. Did you see how much she was blushing while looking at her phone?"

    "She''s so happy. Just look at her. Yesterday I just got a monthly bonus simply for being there."

    "And you never told us? How mean!"

    "Not like I can share it with all of you, hey!''

    The female employees were lost in endless chatter as they were all happy for their boss. The male employees on the other hand looked sad. Their boss was taken. Many of them had carried a torch for Yun Xuan for ages. It was just a shame that they weren''t brave enough to face her and tell her how they felt. Sight, they had thought that they at least had 2% of a chance when she broke up. Now it seemed even that tiny chance was gone.

    "Who knows if they''ll really get married?" a bitter male spoke up.

    "Yeah, who knows if she''s even happy about being in love? Maybe it''s just something else." Another male echoed. He had the deepest crush on Yun Xuan and literally worshipped the ground she walked on.

    "Get lost! All you males just admit you like our boss, but sorry. Can you match up to her status?"

    ¡­.

    Yun Xuan walked into the design department with a 500 megawatt smile on her face.

    "Ran Ran, how are the dresses going?"

    The girl named Ran Ran looked up at her boss with a smile. "Just two more and I''ll be done." She showed Yun Xuan the completed designs ready for production.

    "How beautiful!" You''re so talented Ran Ran.

    "Thanks Boss," the girl smiled shyly.

    "This year''s Rookie Award will definitely be ours! I''ll double your salary if you win."

    "Then I''ll work hard, boss."

    Double salary? The girl was super excited. She really needed it. Her grandfather was quite sickly lately and her normal salary was barely enough to cater for his needs. She had many debts already and their house would be at risk if she didn''t start repaying them soon. Their boss was really kind!

    ¡­.

    Mondial Studios.

    Office of the Vice President.

    "Did you really nominate that Wan Jia?"

    "Mmph! You think too lowly of me. Did you really think I''d nominate her?" Mo Zilian said as she caressed her extremely long nails.

    "You''re saying..?"

    "While I did nominate her, she''s only going to act as an assistant for the real winner."

    "Surely you don''t mean you''re going to steal her designs?" the man laughed.

    "Steal is a strong word. The right word, still," she swung around in her rotating chair and stopped to place her hands on the table. "It''s a shame she''s too talented. Whatever, her designs won''t really go to waste. They''ll be presented on behalf of the company by my most capable designer. This award will definitely be all ours this time."

    "As for her, I''ll totally humiliate her in front of hundreds of people. Huh, thought she could defeat me? I''ll bring out all the foolishness buried deep inside her."

    "Go easy on her. Aren''t you being too harsh?"

    "Serves her right for stealing my Aotian."

    "Am I not your man now? Are you trying to make me jealous?"

    "Not like you have the right. You''re just a plaything. Aotian is the real deal. "

    "Honey, you''re just too wicked." The man was slightly hurt by her remark.

    "Don''t you want to have a taste of my wickedness?" she pulled him closer by the tie.

    The Golden Rookie award was nearing. Every studio''s design department was buzzing with activity. Hundreds of breathtaking dresses were being produced everywhere. If those were released into the market, there would be no lack of original ideas.

    Wan Jia looked at the ten drafts in her file. Her theme was Rebirth, but she had not told anyone about her inspirations, choice of colors and any other detail yet. She hadn''t even shown them to the higher ups and simply urged them to trust her. She smiled like a mother looking dotingly at her child. This was her hard work.

    In situations like these, it wouldn''t hurt to be more careful than usual. Who knew if anyone had plans against her? Her intuition had always been right and these past three weeks she always had a feeling that someone was studying her closely. Even after looking around for a while, she didn''t notice anyone suspicious. Hence she decided to have her guard up at all times.

    Her intuition was right. Mo Zilian and her lackeys¡­ they were definitely planning something outrageous.

    Wan Jia was the last person to leave the office today. She put the file into her locker and left the office, closing the door behind her.

 Chapter 35 - Bride play

    On her way home, Wan Jia kept feeling she was forgetting something. No matter how hard she racked her brains she just couldn''t remember what it was.

    "Maybe I''m just being too sensitive."

    "Mommy!" her little girl ran towards Wan Jia and jumped into her arms and as usual, she had a white rose in her hands. She kissed her on the cheek. "Mommy looks beautiful!"

    Wan Jia chuckled and returned her kiss. "Isn''t mommy beautiful every day?"

    "Mommy looks beautiful everyday! Just like a queen. But today mommy looks even more breathtaking." She smiled

    What a sweet talker. Her heart melted as she took her daughter up n her arms and walked towards the house.

    "Is your father home?"

    "Looking for me?" a seductive voice interrupted before Little Jia could answer. He was right behind them. Turns out he had just arrived right after Wan Jia but they just hadn''t seen him yet.

    "Princesses," he greeted the mother and daughter pair.

    Little Jia wriggled for her mother to let her down. She ran to her father and instead of raising her tiny arms for a hug as usual, she curtsied. "Your majesty." Because of her tiny frame, she looked too cute curtsying exactly like her favorite animation princess character.

    Lu Aotian smiled and hugged his precious princess. She was becoming more and more like a princess. The little girl quickly ran off to get a rose for her father. Whoever taught her to give flowers?

    "Hey!" Wan Jia yelled when she suddenly felt her body floating. Lu Aotian was becoming more and more daring.

    "What?" he asked like he had just done something completely ordinary.

    "You can''t just carry off a goddess casually just like that. Put me down!"

    This bastard! He had someone else to carry around. In fact she was lighter, cuter, softer and more adorable. Why did he still want to carry her? What crazy addiction was this?

    "What if the goddess is MY goddess?"

    "Lu Aotian! Put me down right now."

    "Why is it that you always call me ''Lu Aotian'' in my presence but switch to '' my Aotian'' in my absence? Could it be that you actually have hidden feelings for me?" he teased.

    "Who would have feelings for an idiot like you?"

    He looked at her meaningfully.

    "The one with a red face right now." Wan Jia unconsciously touched her face. "I didn''t say it was you. Now I know just who has feelings for me."

    This bastard! Little Jia had been gone for quite some time. It would be quit embarrassing if her daughter saw her being carried around like some soft toy. Just as she prepared to bite him, a cute voice filled the air.

    "Daddy, that''s not how you carry a bride. Let Little Jia show you." She ran up to her parents. "You should carry her like this" she used the rose in her hands to demonstrate after looking around and not finding anything suitable.

    Wan Jia "¡­"

    Bride?

    "No, not like that Daddy! You should hold her back and lift her from her here." She touched her own knee pit to demonstrate.

    Wan Jia "¡­"

    Where did she even learn how to carry brides? Was it the animations she kept watching? Do they air that kind of thing? Even worse was Lu Aotian. He was pretending not to know and using the opportunity to grope her. She would make him pay! Now that she thought about it, she hadn''t even punished him for the first and second grudges yet.

    "Daddy, no not like that!" the little girl was getting annoyed at her slow learner Daddy. Even she herself wasn''t that slow in learning letters and numbers! Was something wrong with him today? She paced up and down in thought then suddenly frowned.

    "Bad pretender daddy! Daddy knows how to carry a bride. Daddy carried Mommy that day at the mall."

    Wan Jia "¡­"

    Lu Aotian "¡­"

    She even remembered that? This sharp memory thingie was becoming dangerous.

    Just then, she ran to find her nanny after ordering the two to wait for her and not move. Then she came back and under her parents'' watchful gazes, she asked a few servants to help her sprinkle rose petals at the entrance.

    The servants broke into cold sweat. Should they follow Little Miss'' orders? What if it made the master angry?

    "Please hurry up, Daddy shouldn''t wait too long to carry the bride."

    Wan Jia was dumbfounded.

    The servants'' jaws dropped. What kind of situation is this? They turned to look at Lu Aotian.

    "Don''t even bother to look at Daddy. Daddy will obviously tell you to do as I say"

    Indeed, he was smiling dotingly at her. His daughter was too cute.

    "Why does Daddy want to know how to carry a bride, though? Are you two getting married?" she looked at them starry eyed.

    "Aren''t you concerned that our daughter knows too much adult stuff?" Wan Jia finally couldn''t hold back and smacked Lu Aotian''s head.

    "Mmh, she''s a fast learner."

    "¡­"

    "Why are you giving me that look? She would learn them later anyway. As long as she''s not learning too much mature stuff." He shrugged his shoulders.

    Wan Jia sighed. At this rate, it wouldn''t take long before her daughter was spoilt rotten if she relied on this hooligan.

    In the end, Lu Aotian really carried Wan Jia like a bride into the house. As if the whole thing wasn''t already embarrassing enough, the hooligan, Lu Aotian proceeded to carry her into his bedroom.

    "Hey!"

 Chapter 36 - Do you want to see my body that badly?

    "Hey!" she exploded. Had little Jia''s carry the bride game really gotten into his head?

    "What are you doing?" she asked Lu Aotian who put her gently on his bed.

    "I just carried my bride home. What else would I be doing?"

    She squinted her eyes.

    "I''m not your damn bride! Has your brain been eaten up by worms?" he ignored her and proceeded to take of off his coat then his tie. He slowly started unbuttoning his shirt while looking at the girl on the bed.

    Wan Jia had to swallow her drool as she watched his long slender fingers slowly play with the top button before unbuttoning it. He looked so seductive that she wanted to jump onto him. His fair neck was revealed before her. She glanced at his Adams apple which moved slightly when he swallowed. Slowly the second button followed. Her breathing turned slightly heavy as her heart raced.

    Why did he suddenly stop? She really wanted to see his chest. Was it the same as before? Was it even better? Even though he had only undone two buttons, the girl had already pictured his whole chest and stomach bare and her imagination was slowly moving downwards¡­

    "Seems like someone really can''t wait to see me naked. Do you want to see my body that badly?" Her gaze shifted to his lips when she heard his voice. They looked soft and tortuously delicious. The last time they had only brushed slightly against hers. She didn''t want a slight brush, she wanted to kiss him¡­.really wanted to kiss the air out of him.

    Eer wait. Someone wants to see him naked, he said? Wan Jia snapped back to reality. Lu Aotian was raising an eyebrow at her. Gah! She had really embarrassed herself.

    "Who wants to see you naked? What''s there to see?" she defended herself.

    "Oh? Then why are you blushing so hard?" he inched closer seductively. Wan Jia''s heart almost stopped beating. This was too much! He was doing it on purpose. She wasn''t going to fall for his sick trap again.

    "I''m not blushing! You''re the one who is blushing. Your whole family is blushing!"

    "Hehe..."

    "What''s so funny?" she meant to glare daggers at him but the look turned into a passionate gaze.

    "I wonder why your hand is touching your breast then?" he raised an eyebrow.

    "Idiot! I''m not¡­" shoot! He was right. Her hand was really¡­ she couldn''t get out of this.

    ''God this so humiliating''

    Lu Aotian almost laughed his butt off.

    Just then, his phone rang. Seizing the perfect opportunity, Wan Jia fled.

    "Hey, don''t go!" she heard a shout from behind.

    Lucky enough Lu Aotian was too busy and didn''t have time to have dinner with them. Wan Jia coaxed her naughty baby to sleep and locked herself in the study room. Several pieces of paper were strewn across the table. All those were finished drafts. She was trying to find the best of the best to be worn by the first model.

    One of the unspoken rules of designer awards ceremony was that the best piece was worn by the first model to give a good first impression to the judges. Many designers would also make the best model to wear this piece to promote fame. Wan Jia was pretty much ready for the ceremony apart from not having produced the dresses yet which she would do on the second last day and she still had seven models.

    She had contacted two and would meet them the next day while Lu Aotian had offered to help her find two more from his connections. Actually, she was finding it hard to find enough models because most of them were already taken by other competitors. As for the ones affiliated with Mondial Studios, Mo Zilian had deliberately warned them not to have anything to do with her.

    The next day, Wan Jia woke up early to go to the office an understood what she had forgotten the night before with one glance. The locker was wide open; she had forgotten to lock it! Without even having to check, she knew her draft file was gone. Her mouth twitched. Whoever was paying attention to her sure was observant. To have someone follow her around like a bodyguard, she was honored.

    "Mo Zilian just won''t give up." She sighed. She was sure this Mo Zilian had something to do with this. After all, everyone in the designing department was fairly busy and wouldn''t have time to scheme against others. Only people like Mo Zilian who were vice presidents by name and had no actual skills would have so much time in their hands. She waited to see what their ultimate plan was.

    Her fellow designers trickled in one by one. She lay on her office desk lazily with her hands dangling from the side of the desk as she counted them under her breath. She was getting tired of waiting. Could these schemers please hurry up?

    "Designer Wan, are you alright?" a concerned colleague went up to her when he saw her dazed look.

    "I''m fine."

    "Designer Wan, you''re too mysterious with your work. Your designs must be just as gorgeous as you."

    "¡­.thanks?"

    Did these men not have any new pick up lines?

    The door opened and Mo Zilian entered with another woman in tow. The two looked like a pair of proud b*tches. Wan Jia had a feeling that other woman was the bomb. sat upright and scanned the woman. Standing next to Mo Zilian, all that lacked was a very beautiful princess and those two would qualify to be the two evil step sisters.

 Chapter 37 - Wan Jias welcome gift

    "This is Su Ling, your new colleague." Mo Zilian introduced her friend proudly. Su Ling smiled and the other employees except Wan Jia faked smiles. Why would she smile if she didn''t want to? She didn''t want to grace a schemer with the opportunity to see her beautiful smile.

    "While she looks extremely cute, Su Ling is much better than designing than other newcomers." Everyone knew what she meant by ''other newcomers'' After all, she had been so much against Wan Jia right from the first day and deliberately made things difficult for her.

    They looked at Su Ling. Extremely cute? She was just another face reeking of too much cosmetic surgery and thick make up to cover up for the flaws. They had been with Wanjia for three weeks and could hardly take their eyes off her. She also had a good temper and although she was always busy even at lunch hour and rarely talked to them, they knew clearly that it was out of the urgency of her work and not arrogance. This Su Ling seemed to be just like their vice president.

    Everyone knew Mo Zilian became the vice president only after literally begging her father and she actually had no skills in her job. Her job was always done behind the scenes by people hired by her father and the VP post was just but a name. All the employees had significantly more work to do thanks to their vice president who only knew to put on airs in the company and walk around in every department to hire and fire people as she pleased.

    Everyone lit a candle for the CEO in their hearts. His hard work would very soon go to waste in the hands of this useless daughter of his. The design department instantly disliked this Su Ling. After all, birds of a feather flock together. A friend of such a useless person would also be just as useless.

    "Let Su Ling show you her drafts." The woman took out a file and gave it to be passed around. It received nods of satisfaction from everyone. Finally it got to Wan Jia. These were the drafts from her missing file! She had only transferred them into another one.

    "Is there something wrong, Wan Jia?" Mo Zilian asked mockingly.

    "Of course not! Miss Su''s is quite talented. Why would there be a problem. Unless these designs don''t belong to her?" Wan Jia mocked back.

    "You! What nonsense are you spewing?" Mo Zilian instantly exploded.

    From the short exchange and the knowledge that Mo Zilian always lost her temper if someone uncovered her schemes, they could roughly guess what was happening. This deepened their disgust towards Su Ling even further.

    Mo Zilian swallowed her anger. She would deal with Wan Jia very soon.

    "You have all seen what Su Ling can do. Therefore the company has decided in the last minute to nominate her for the Golden Rookie Awards."

    Silence followed. Hadn''t the company nominated Wan Jia?

    It was as if Mo Zilian read their thoughts. "The company did indeed nominate Wan Jia but has any of you seen a single piece of her work?" she sneered. "I haven''t either, so she''ll be replaced by our capable designer here." Then she looked into Wan Jia''s direction.

    "Don''t worry honey, better luck next time."

    "Pfft¡­" Wan Jia couldn''t hold it in anymore and burst out laughing. She held her tummy and laughed her soul out. Her laughter was infectious and soon the whole room was vibrating in laughter.

    "What are you all laughing at?" Mo Zilian was irritated.

    Wan Jia was stunned. So this was their plan? The grand plan they had used up days of eternal scheming to come up with? She looked at them like twin idiots.

    She thought that since Mo Zilian was good for nothing, she should be an expert schemer capable of ruining the entire nation. Who knew she would turn out to be such a rookie even in the only thing she was good at? Wan Jia suddenly wondered just how exactly this woman had successfully seduced Lu Aotian in the past. She felt ashamed on his behalf.

    Mo Zilian ordered Su Ling to have a seat before she left. The latter looked around and no one welcomed her to seat next to them, so she could only grit her teeth and head towards the back. Mmh¡­ she was going to pass near Wan Jia. She tittered proudly in her extremely long high heels with her chest puffed up. Apparently she was concentrating on Wan Jia but on the handsome guy sitting closest to her. There was a lot space around every work station for convenience but Su Ling purposely used the path between Wan Jia and the handsome guy intending to make him notice her and at the same time to do something naughty like stepping on Wan Jia.

    Everyone obviously knew what she was thinking and shot her looks of disgust.

    Wan Jia was getting impatient waiting for her. Is she a snail? I have better thing to do than this.

    Just when she was going to kick Wan Jia, she suddenly felt pain in her ankle. "Aaaah!" she screamed and felt herself go down backwards. To save herself, she instinctively held onto the first thing she could catch. Unfortunately, it was the open bottle of water Wan Jia had placed near the edge in respect of her ''welcome''. The water poured all over her face and chest. All dignity lost, she hoped for the handsome guy to hold her but all she heard was a thud as she felt excoriating pain on her backside.

 Chapter 38 - Couldnt she make a more normal appearance?

    The guy didn''t even look her much less offer a hand.

    "You b*tch!" she shouted at Wan Jia in humiliation. Wan Jia held in her laughter.

    "Sorry, my legs are long. Are you okay Miss Su? You won''t need a surgery, right?" she deliberately emphasized ''surgery''

    Everyone giggled under their breaths. They knew Wan Jia had done it on purpose but were not mad at her. Instead, they thanked her for dealing this that schemer of Miss Mo''s variety. How dare she use someone else''s work to make the company nominate her? Although they didn''t exactly know that she had stolen Wan Jia''s drafts, it was still too unacceptable.

    The fallen woman stood up with her smudged make up and left angrily.

    "Did you see her look? Haha Wan Jia is the coolest."

    "Even her make up got smudged. Jeez! Can''t she afford water proof make up to go with those expensive clothes and shoes?"

    "You should see her bum."

    "We should always carry extra water from now on."

    In the vice office of the vice president.

    "I HATE THAT OFFICE!!!" Su Ling exploded.

    "My dear, calm down. Forget about that idiot. Don''t you have her designs? She won''t have anything to show and it''s too late to come up with something new. You''ll have her all to yourself when she loses then you can torture her as much as you want."

    The two women revised their schemes and realized for the first time that Wan Jia''s drafts had no color. Besides, none of them looked outstanding enough to be the first piece.

    "Let''s use the fourth one. It''s quite different from the rest."

    "Aren''t they all quite different?"

    "Not that much."

    "Then it''s decided."

    Wan Jia met her models in the company meeting room. When the two looked at the old designs she casually played around with, they fell head over heels and wanted to wear her clothes. It was decided all too easily. The three of them were just leaving the building when they met Mo Zilian.

    "Wan Jia, aren''t you afraid of being fired for scheming against your colleague?"

    Wan Jia ignored her. She had some serious business to do.

    Lu Enterprise.

    Lu Aotian was having a web conference with some business partners, completely oblivious to the storm that was brewing at the lobby of his company.

    At the lobby. A secretary and a few other employees were trying to stop a woman from entering the president''s personal elevator. It led directly into his office and everyone was forbidden from using it. The woman was wearing a mask that covered her entire face and head except her eyes. They only knew it was a woman from her body. Her outfit was tight outlining her beautiful curves and thin waist. She seemed to be a beauty even when masked.

    Why would a beauty appear in their company dressed like that? Was their president going to be assassinated? Someone had to send him a signal. By the time someone reacted and called security, it was too late.

    "Aaaah! She entered the elevator!" someone please hold me. I''m going to faint!"

    "Who is she? Is president Lu in danger?"

    "Weren''t you sending an emergency alarm?"

    "It''s not working. She must have hacked the security system!"

    "Eer, guys? She''ll have to pass the identity scanner before entering the elevator. And she passed. Doesn''t that mean she has special access rights?"

    "Now that you mention it, she really passed. But what if it''s because she hacked the system?"

    "That was created by our dearest President Lu. Are you saying something he personally created can be hacked into?"

    "I h-hope you''re right."

    In the president''s office.

    Lu Aotian had already adjourned the video conference and was waiting patiently on his chair. It was he who had interfered with the security system so as not to alarm his employees.

    No one else knew but the company had identity scanners not just before his elevator but at the main entrance as well. They were all programmed to send him signals if any person of questionable identity entered the building. Also, if any of the three people who were permitted to use his elevator appeared, a signal would be sent.

    This time, they had recognized Wan Jia. He wondered why the employees were so alarmed but he understood when she walked in.

    "What are you doing, wearing such an outfit and a mask?"

    "I am here to kidnap the president!" she declared then walked toward him. She pulled off the tie from his neck and used it to tie his hands together.

    Lu Aotian just smiled at her dotingly and let her do her thing. "Move!" she commanded and attempted to pull him up. However. The man did not budge.

    "Hehe is that all you got?"

    "You¡­ don''t you know how to be kidnapped?"

    "It''s not every day I meet a kidnaper with such a sexy body."

    "Lu Aotian!" she screamed. She was only trying to repay him for the way she was carried out of her apartment but now he was making fun of her.

    Later, in the lobby

    "Is that the woman who went into president Lu''s office?" the receptionist nudged her friend.

    "That''s not the main point. Is THAT president Lu?"

    "Are you kidding me? I thought she was a mercenary. Who knew she''d just tie up president Lu''s hands and drag him?"

    "He actually allowed such a thing?"

    "What do you know? She must be the lady boss. She even has access rights to use his elevator."

    "Oh! The lady boss has such a beautiful body. She must be a goddess."

    "The point is, couldn''t she make a more normal entrance? I was scared to death."

 Chapter 39 - They were using the same trick

    "So where does my pretty kidnapper want to take me?" Lu Aotian asked as they walked out of the building. "And can you take off that mask? It looks so ugly on you."

    "Who did you just say was ugly?" Wan Jia was furious. How dare he say such a word to a woman? Was he even a man?

    "I said the mask looked ugly." He laughed at her defeated look. "Honey, am only worried my bodyguards will think am really in danger and attack you. It will be too late to save you then." Sure enough, one of the bodyguards in hiding was just about to attack when his friend stopped him.

    "Are you mad?Don''t you see how the boss looks happy and obedient being pulled away? It must be just a prank."

    Who pulls such pranks?

    Wan Jia chose the fanciest restaurant in town to have lunch. She didn''t even care about how it was the best and what not, all she wanted was to put a dent in his wallet.

    "You can''t spend all my money even if you squander it for ten lifetimes." It was as if Lu Aotian was reading her thoughts. Of course he knew she was doing it on purpose. It wasn''t all that new to him.

    The two of them booked the best spot and soon their meals were served.

    "Is Mo Zilian bullying you?" He asked.

    "Seriously? I don''t even know what you were so worried about. Does she even know how to bully anyone? She chose a totally useless lackey and came up with the most ridiculous scheme on earth. Really, stealing my drafts and giving them to her friend to present in the name of ''the company nominated her to replace me''? Is she crazy?" Wan Jia rambled on and on as she criticized Mo Zilian.

    "She stole your drafts?" Lu Aotian was worried.

    "Yeah" she said indifferently. "They are incomplete. The complete ones never left the house. I only use the initial ones for refference. Would I be so stupid to let them really see my work?"

    So that was how it is. No wonder she wasn''t worried about them at all.

    "Seriously Lu Aotian, how could such a foolish woman even trick you? Just how foolish were you back then?" She blurted out without thinking.

    Then she realised his expression didn''t look right. Was it because he still hadn''t forgotten about Mo Zilian yet? After all the first love was always the hardest to forget.... She frowned. Was she not the one supposed to be his true love? They had such a past together, they even had a daughter. She suddenly got angry. She was jealous!

    Just as she was about to erupt, Lu Aotian spoke up.

    "Mo Zilian was always useless even in scheming. That''s how she got me. I thought she was a kind hearted person."

    Wan Jia gave him a dirty look. He was reminiscing their past now, huh?

    Lu Aotian laughed at her adorable pout. He didn''t understand why she was looking at him like that and went on " The mastermind must have wanted to chose a good for nothing type of schemer to make me let my guard down. They''re doing the same for you. They want you to think she''s harmless."

    "What?" she was shocked.

    "That''s right. It''s how they handled things back them. I can''t believe they used the same trick twice." He scolded them a billion times in his heart. Couldn''t they come up with new ways? "They know who you are. You have to leave that place."

    He hadn''t thought about this possibility either. He initially thought that the only thing Mo Zilian had against Wan Jia was the fact that she was his wife. A man would always know if a woman had feelings for him or if she was putting on an act and he knew that Mo Zilian did indeed love him years ago. Perhaps that was why he had believed her and fallen into her trap.

    If his guess was correct this time, they were going to use Mo Zilian''s hatred against Wan Jia.

    Wan Jia hadn''t got the hung of what Lu Aotian was going on about yet. Her heart was filled with so much jealousy that she thought he was praising her for being kind hearted. Kind hearted, he said? Can she compare to her, the beautiful goddess loved by all?

    "Wanwan?"

    "You still love her, right?"

    "What nonesense are you thinking about?" He thought of a possibility. He smiled and raised an eyebrow. "Are you jealous?"

    "Who is jealous? What''s there to be jealous about?"

    A voice in her heart said, Of course am jealous! You''re praising another woman right under my nose and you ask if am jealous?

    He held her hand.

    "Wanwan, it''s for the sake of your safety. Leave Mondial Studios. If you don''t leave then I''ll have no choice but to pull you out of there by your hair."

    Wan Jia understood his concern. She was happy that he cared about her. "I''ll leave in a few days. The deal was to stay till the Awards Ceremony anyway, if I win I leave. What can they do in a few days?"

    "What if they have been planning their attack for long and you just fell into it?" He made sense. It was even possible that after collaborating with Mr. Baker, they bought him over to help them.

    "Then I''ll have to trouble President Lu to protect me." she replied boldly.

    "Now that''s a good girl. I''d protect you even if you didn''t ask for it." He rubbed her hair like she was a little kitten.

 Chapter 40 - Whats with all these babies?

    "You''re so mean! How could you order all my favorites? Are you trying to make me fat?" She whined.

    "With that tiny waist? What''s with that look? You should add a little weight. You''re too skinny."

    "Skinny, you say?" she puffed her chest up.

    "Are you trying to seduce me?" he raised an eyebrow seductively.

    "Am not going to argue with you. Come here, Yun Xuan is busy so you''re going shopping with me."

    "What?!" Lu Aotian''s eyes grew wide as his collar was grabbed.

    Three hours later, Lu Aotian forcefully pulled her out of the mall and asked the staff to deliver all the goods to Southside Villas.

    "It''s all in the blood." Lu Aotian sighed on their way out.

    "What''s all in the blood?" she asked while looking at a bracelet through a display window.

    "Nothing. You want that bracelet too?"

    "I''ll go get it really quickly."

    Wan Jia''s shopping skills were not to be underestimated. She only intended to buy a dress for the Awards ceremony but she ended up buying more than fifteen dresses, lots of shoes, bags, jewelery and uncountable gifts and toys for Little Jia.

    It was no wonder the little girl was such a talented shopper.

    At home, she tried on different dresses and sent Yun Xuan photos to help her decide.

    [Xuan: The lacy pink one suits you best.]

    [Xuan: What''s the occassion anyway?]

    [Little Wan : Oh, I forgot to mention. The Golden Rookie Awards Ceremony]

    [Xuan : They invited you? You know one of the organizers?]

    [Xuan: Oh, Lu Aotian was invited and wanted you to be his companion?]

    [Little Wan :No, am competing]

    Yun Xuan stopped replying for a while then called.

    "Wanwan, did you just say you''re a competitor?"

    "Indeed. Wish me luck. I''ll need lots of it." she laughed

    "And you never told me such important news?"

    "It slipped my mind. Besides you were so busy with Tyler and your studio and all that."

    "Forget it. Am attending to support Ran Ran from my studio. See you then!" She hung up.

    Wan Jia knew she was unhappy. Perhaps she felt that Wan Jia was intentionally hiding this from her when they told each other almost everything. However, Yun Xuan was only unhappy because she wished Wan Jia was participating on her studio instead. With her there for another studio, Yun Xuan''s chances of winning decreased immensely.

    Wan Jia took a deep breath and went to Lu Aotian''s room to ask about the models.

    "Lu..."

    Her vision was filled with bare skin as soon as she opened the door.

    "Sorry, I forgot to knock!" she said with no intention to look away.

    That night, Wan Jia had the craziest dreams pf her life. She dreamt of an adorable little boy calling her ''mommy''. He looked exactly like Lu Aotian. She also dreamt of him and her holding a baby each in a christening ceremony.

    She woke up mentally exhausted. Fist it''s the adorable boy then twins? What''s with all these babies?

    ...

    The day of the awards ceremony finally arrived. The venue was filled with people with a good eye for fashion, celebrities and people out to skout capable designers.

    The backstage was bustling with activity. The media took the chance before the ceremony began to interview known public figures.

    To prevent designers from panicking when they saw their opponents'' dresses, the dressing hall was partitioned into big cubicles.

    Wan Jia gave her ready dresses to the models then she discovered she had a problem. One model was missing! In fact, she was the one supposed to appear first.

    She took her phone and called her numerous times but her phone was off.

    The ceremony was about to start. They were going to be up on stage fourth. It was already too late to start looking for replacement. Besides, if she removed one piece and gave the best one to someone else, it was going to interfere with her theme.

    "Welcome ladies and gentlemen. The thwelth Golden Rookie Designer Awards is about to start." The host rattled off the opening greetings.

    "Huh? It''s over!" she exclaimed.

    "Designer Wan, is something the matter?You look so pale" a model asked.

    "No no am fine. Am okay." she took deep breaths but even that wasn''t good enough to calm her this time.

    "Right, where''s Lili? We''re up on stage in fourth place." another model asked, making her feel even worse.

    In her panic, she ran out of the dressing room with her phone and dialed Lu Aotian''s number. She had initially thought of asking Yun Xuan for help but she surely had enough on her plate already. Besides, Lu Aotian''s capability was unlimited.

    "The number you have dialed is temporarily out of reach."

    ''Oh no no Aotian you''re my only hope.'' she slapped her forehead in distress.

    "And now let''s present our first contestant, Su Ling of Mondial Studios." she heard the male host say.

    She looked in the direction of the stage just out of curiosity. She really wanted to know what the scheming duo were planning to do. They had after all come up with the tiring idea of stealing her drafts and even used all their connections to make the organizers allow them to participate too. Of course they were not to switch her out, thanks to Lu Aotian''s influence.

    They even managed to appear first. The first place was quite important. The judges wouldn''t have seen other designs yet and would award points deservingly.

    The stage went dark with soft music playing in a distance. Then a model appeared out of the shadows wearing a white gown as the stage slowly lit up.

 Chapter 41 - Plagiarized

    The girl walked foward and her face was revealed to the crowd.

    "Lili?" Wan Jia gasped. She bailed out on her on the last minute? She gritted her teeth as she watched the models walk out one by one in white dresses.

    "Seriously, they ruined my dresses! How could they make them all white? Can''t they even plagiarize correctly? The second dress is too short. The third one should be made of lace. How could they cut short all nine dresses? Can''t the see the seventh one now looks too showy? The last one...."

    "Wanwan?" While Wan Jia nitpicked on the dresses on stage, she didn''t realise Yun Xuan was right beside her. She jumped into her friend''s arms and cried like a baby as soon as she saw her.

    "Honey, what happened?" Yun Xuan asked as she rubbed her back gently.

    "They stole my model! Now what should I do?I don''t even have much time." she sobbed.

    "Don''t cry, you can''t get a solution by crying. Erm, I''m sorry but I can''t help you much right now, I''d let you use one of Ran Ran''s models but she''ll go in right after you."

    "I understand." she wiped her tears away with her fist. Yun Xuan thought of something. "Can I make an extremely audacious suggestion?"

    "Uh huh" Wan Jia was still sniffling.

    "Why don''t we contact Lu Aotian... Don''t yell at me, it''s really urgent this time and we don''t have many options."

    "His phone is off. I tried calling him already."

    "You already did?" Yun Xuan was about to ask for gossip but stopped herself. It wasn''t the right time. "We seem to be out of options then. Besides even if we called anyone to help us get a model, she would be too late." Yun Xuan was extremely sad for not being able to help her friend. Even using her connections, all she could do was get a model but Lu Aotian could get the organizers to change her position to last without even using the slightest effort . How could his phone be off? What happened to romance stars who always appear even without being summoned when their women need them the most?

    Inside the hall.

    "Those dresses are so....white"

    "Although they''re quite beautiful, why are they all white? Are they trying to imply that color doesn''t match the theme of ''life''? someone critiqued.

    "They''re too short as well. Look! that one ends just a little below the bum."

    The judges soon presented their points.

    First judge 7 points.

    Second judge 6.5 points

    Third judge 6 points. The judges didn''t seem too impressed. The other two also gave 6.2 and 6.3 points respectively.

    The audience broke into discussion. "Eh? Why did they lose so badly?"

    "I don''t know, it must be because of the crazy lenghts. I say most of them would look much better if they were longer."

    Mo Zilian was embarassed. How could she lose even with Wan Jia''s designs? She had in fact made them even better looking. Were the judges blind?

    Outside.

    "Wanwan, they lost! Yours are the original ones, right? Go show them who''s boss. Even if I''m sure I won''t win anymore, I''ll be happy for you if you win."

    The girls embraced each other in a tight hug. "Hurry now. The second one is already on stage."

    "But...the model..." Wan Jia looked sad.

    "Come on, what happened to my strong Wanwan? Keep the best dress for a better use and present ten." It was the best solution. The requirement was nine to twelve and ten was still enough. Wan Jia''s eyes lit up.

    "Thanks Xuanxuan"

    "Run along. I''ll cross my fingers for you!"

    Wan Jia ran into the backstage.

    "Designer Wan, you disappeared on us. We were worried."

    "Listen girls, Lili isn''t coming. You girls just assume she wasn''t part of us."

    She crossed her fingers. The third group was now on stage. Just a few more minutes and they would be out there. She couldn''t help feeling nervous. This was her first time in a competition. Finally, her models got into position. Her phone rang with a new message. [All the best. I''m watching with Little Jia -- Lu Aotian]

    Curse you! Where were you just now when I tried to call you? I had to keep my best dress in the end. Do you know how much of a bonus it would have made? She scolded him in her heart.

    "Up next, Designer Wan Jia from Mondial Studios!" the host announced.

    "Huh? Why are there two participants from Mondial?" someone spoke up as soon as the host dropped his last word.

    "Yeah, other studios have only one." another echoed.

    "It would be something else if their designs were good enough but the first was terrible. We don''t want another."

    "Call out the next contestant! We don''t want Mondial!" someone shouted at the top of their lungs. Mo Zilian and Su Ling exchanged evil looks.

    Mo Zilian sent a message and a young man hopped onto stage unceremoniously. "I''m here to explain why there are two contestants from Mondial Studios." It was too late for the organizers to remove him. If he was kicked out now, the audience would just cause trouble to know the so called truth he was going to say.

    The man smiled and secretly winked and Mo Zilian who was urging him on wordlessly. "It''s like this because designer Wan from our studio is a thief."

    Gasps filled the entire hall. Wan Jia was also stunned. Thief?

    "She not only stole the designs belonging to Miss Su Ling, she also used underhanded methods to be allowed to participate despite the company nominating Miss Su Ling.

 Chapter 42 - The magic words "your wife"

    "Stole Su Ling''s designs?" Yun Xuan muttered. She knew her friend wouldn''t do that even if she didn''t have the talent.

    She humphed and texted Lu Aotian. [President Lu, someone is messing with your wife.]

    Right after she sent the text, she regretted it. She had saved his number long ago when Wan Jia''s pregnancywas acting up. When she called Lu Aotian for help, the man didn''t even listen to her. He simply warned her never to contact him again and hung up on her. Right now she hoped he wouldn''t reply.

    Ring! A new message. [I''m watching the livestream but thanks for caring]

    She double checked to confirm it was Lu Aotian who sent that message. What happened to the scolding and possible blocking?

    Only the man knew how happy he felt when he saw the notification. It was all because of those two words- your wife. From the tone, he knew it was Yun Xuan. There was this saying that your friends will treat the people around you the same way you treat them. So did this mean Wan Jia thought of him as her husband so her best friend automatically thought the same way?

    He had initially wanted to see if his woman was strong enough to deal with this tiny little problem but he had second thoughts. Why would his wife need to take care of problems? She should use her time to admire her beauty while those minute problems, he''ll handle them himself.

    He made a phone call.

    On stage, the most strict and intimidating judge among the five judges stood up and walked to the young man. "How do you know about all those things you say?" His voice was hoarse and overbearing.

    The young man looked a little nervous."I work at Mondial Studios.

    The judge looked at him sharply. "Do you have your employee card?"

    The man didn''t expect such a question and shook his head like a ruttledrum. "I wasn''t going to work today so I didn''t carry it around."

    "Then, do you have evidence for what you claim?"

    Evidence? of course he did. Only that it was very useless and stupid. He still said it anyway, "Let Wan Jia present her dresses. All of you will see that they look just like an altered version of Su Ling''s."

    "How can we be sure it''s not Su Ling who plagiarized?" someone in the crowd asked.

    The judge looked stern. "Let the models in. You must know that since you interrupted the program and tried to sway public opinion by slandering a contestant, you will pay the price."

    Then the lights on the stage went dim. Wan Jia held her breath. In the audience. The screen displayed the theme ''rebirth''

    "Wow!" The first model stepped out wearing a pink lacy dress. It was just slightly pink at the chest area and the color deepened from the waist all the way down. It reminded everyone of a newly blossomed turlip.

    "So beautiful! I''ve never seen anything like it before."

    "Aaah! the second one is out! How can a dress be this beautiful?"

    The models went on stage one after another wearing the ten dresses named Turlip, Red rose, Daisy, Iris, Peony, Lotus, Snowdrop, Lily, Geranium and Cherry. They all looked like heavenly beauties. The crowd cheered as they went back.

    Just as they thought they had seen enough, another model appeared.

    "Aaaaaaah! Those legs! Are there such beautiful legs in real life?"

    Thud! An unlucky fellow lost balance and fell.

    "Aaaaaah! she''s such a goddess!" Soon, everyone echoed in cheers

    "Goddess! goddess! goddess!" The goddess was wearing Wan Jia''s most beautiful outfit. It was a two piece dress, just as blue as a bluebell and she had a jade waistchain around her beautiful slim waist.

    "Is the goddess really a model?" someone asked when they noticed she looked a little nervous and it seemed to be her first time on a runway.

    "Are you blind? That''s designer Wan. She wore her own dress. How patriotic!"

    That was right. It was Wan Jia. Although she looked beautiful wearing anything, the blue color always seemed to pull out all the beauty from her making her beautiful enough to have the world at her feet. She felt it was a shame to leave this magnificent dress out so she may as well wear it.

    To calm her nerves, she smiled slightly at the audience. Her nervous smile appeared bewitching, making the shrieks and screams so loud that the venue almost exploded.

    "Goddess marry me! Goddess I love you!" Some men began to confess while others leaned weakly in their chairs. A few unlucky ones even passed out. Women were not too safe either.

    Amidst the excitement, the judges presented their points. 10 points 10 points 10 points 10 points 10 points

    The rooftop was almost blown off by the screams. It was right to assume that although they were going to present very high scores, they would be around 9.5 but once Wan Jia appeared, they were charmed silly by both the dress and the beauty donning it.

    Even the two female judges could swear that if all the models looked like Wan Jia, they would forget to assess the dresses and assess the models instead. That was why most people didn''t chose overly beautiful models as they may be critisized for shifting the attention.

    The youngest female judge suddenly lost her compusure and shrieked while standing to bow towards the stage. What followed was the other judges following suit then the audience stood too.

    A standing ovation! This was even more rare in the fashion industry than all the judges giving full points.

 Chapter 43 - Trouble is brewing

    Wan Jia stood on the stage with a stunned expression. No matter how much she hoped to win, no matter how hard she had worked for the past one month in addition to her outstanding talent that earned immense praise from Lu Aotian, she never expected such a result. It was obvious that from this night, every company would want to scout her.

    Wan Jia felt her eyes tearing up but she didn''t allow her tears to fall in such a public place. Later she would go and hug her Little Jia tightly to down her emotions.

    Everyone completely forgot that there were more contestants. Only one judge barely remembered and reminded the host.

    After seeing Wan Jia''s dresses, the others that came afterwards seemed too unattractive. The other designers complained.

    "How could the organizers place Designer Wan so upfront?She should have been the last one!That way my I wouldn''t get all eights."

    "You got all eights and you''re still complaining? Appreciate that you didn''t get two. The judges look like they''re being forced to sit there. Getting anything above six is enough face."

    "Who knew she would be so good? She looks so young."

    "Next time am not letting her come before me."

    "If you''ll ever be a rookie again, that is"

    "Urgh, don''t poke my wounds"

    They were all very jealous of Wan Jia but bore no evil thoughts. As designers, it was just right for them to appreciate talent so they willingly admitted defeat.

    Of course not every single one of them. Mo Zilian was exploding.

    "You told me you''d definitely win! Look what you did!"

    Su Ling rolled her eyes at her. "Look what I did? Look what YOU did! It''s all your fault. You stole unfinished drafts and made me present some unpalatable outfits."

    Mo Zilian pointed her finger at Su Ling. Her extremely long finger nail nearly tore into Su Ling''s nose. "You''re the one who didn''t know how to complete them and ruined them instead. I even helped you pull strings but you still lost. You call yourself a designer? Just what type of designer are you?!"

    "The same type as the type of Deputy CEO you are!" Su Ling rebutted. "When did I even ever say I was a designer to begin with? You''re the one who forced me here just because you wanted to humiliate Wan Jia! Aren''t you ashamed of yourself? You can''t even measure up to a little girl five years younger than you." Su Ling then walked away.

    The dumb and dumber schemers were bound to fall apart one day anyway. The ceremony just gave them a reason to do so earlier.

    Inside the hall, almost no one was concentrating on the stage. They had already seen the epitome of beauty. What else was there to see?

    They kept flooding the official website of Golden Designer Awards with comments like

    [Please let us see our goddess again] and

    [Let Designer Wan do the finishing]

    They were literally begging. In the end, the organizers felt it would increase their views and ratings insanely so they got Wan Jia to do the finishing.

    The judges took advantage of her second time appearance on stage to present the award. Although they had already known their winner for over an hour, the audience still erupted in cheers when she was announced as the Golden Rookie.

    The girl kissed the trophy as she organized her thoughts. The audience looked at her in pin drop silence as they waited to hear her voice.

    Just then, an organizer suddenly exclaimed.

    "Aaaaaah! I touched that trophy before. And she kissed it. Does that equal to her kissing my hand?" The voice travelled into every corner of the hall thanks to the silence.

    What followed was a long round of laughter and more comments as journalists got more headlines. This was just the right amount of time Wan Jia needed to collect her thoughts.

    Her voice was quite shaky but still very beautiful.

    "Well, giving speeches isn''t really my forte..." Deafening screams filled the hall.

    What was so good about what she just said? She wondered.

    "I''d like to thank the organizers...." she rattled on her thanks as the official webte filled with more comments about how they had heard the goddess'' voice and could now leave this life in peace, others asked whether she was single while others asked if she wished to join the modelling industry and if she wished to leave Mondial Studios.

    At the mention of Mondial Studios, one big shot who was an organizer stood up.

    He looked around before speaking. "Everyone seems to be forgetting something." He earned questioning looks.

    "Before your dear beautiful designer appeared, someone slandered her for plagiarism.

    I know you''ll ask how sure we are that she wasn''t the plagiarizer. Coincidentally we have evidence." The man gave a portable disk to the host and in the next moment images appeared on the screen. They were Wan Jia''s drafts in comparison to Su Ling''s. It was obvious who stole whose drafts.

    Then the speakers suddenly rang out with an audio file.

    ("You told me you''ll definitely win! Look what you did!"

    "Look what I did? Look what YOU did! It''s all your fault. You stole unfinished drafts and made me present some unpalatable designs!")

    Mo Zilian''s face turned as pale as paper as her argument with Su Ling filled the air. This way of handling things was quite familiar to her....

    She had an omnious premonition. Could it be that Wan Jia was still Mrs. Lu?She had messed with Lu Aotian''s woman. Trouble was brewing.

 Chapter 44 - Entirely blacklisted

    Everyone exclaimed in shock. Mo Zilian stole Wan Jia''s drafts and gave them to Su Ling?Then Su Ling pretended to be a designer? No wonder she flopped even with such a good foundation.

    Someone exclaimed "No wonder goddess Wan''s dresses are as beautiful as her."

    The organizer continued. "Just so you know, the Golden Rookie Designer Awards provides the chance for each studio to nominate two people. Most of them end up with one just because they chose to or the second doesn''t qualify.

    However, you have all heard that the Vice President of Mondial Studios pulled strings to have her friend nominated." The man sounded extremely angry.

    "The two of them even went so far as to interrupt the event we worked so hard to organize.

    Therefore, from tonight henceforth, Mondial Studios has been blacklisted from The Golden Designer Awards and all events in collaboration with the Golden Designer Awards.

    Anyone who collaborates with them in future shall also be treated as the friend of an enemy. This is to warn everyone else who has intentions who sabotage our participants in future and ruin our reputation."

    This was even fiercer than expected. They only expected Mondial Studios to be disqualified but who would have thought that not only would they directly push Mo Zilian to her path of destruction, they would also blacklist them and all their future allies?

    Mo Zilian, who was crying in a corner somewhere, knew that only Lu Aotian was capable of making them do such a thing.

    The man took out his phone and made a call.

    "President Lu, I''ve handled the matter. Are you satisfied?" He was grinning from ear to ear. It was really difficult to get on Lu Aotian''s good side. He had tried to butter up to that overlord for years in vain! The fact that he was the chosen one to handle Mondial Studios was already all his good luck from eight lifetimes.

    "No." The man''s voice was stern.

    ""Then...what else should I do, President Lu?" He was willing to do anything. If he could get support from Lu Enterprise, his influence would increase by leaps and bounds.

    "Forget it."

    The man heard a busy tone from the other side. Eh? He hung up? Did this mean he didn''t stand a chance? Lu Aotian was known for not having time to chat about things in detail. Probably he was unimpressed and he didn''t get to be on his good side after all? But then again Lu Aotian was known to never allow himself to owe people favours. Maybe silence meant they were now aquitances?

    Lu Aotian made a phone call right after hanging up.

    "Hello Brother!" Lu Shaoting greeted in a sleepy voice.

    "Give Mondial Studios my ''special greetings'' before the sun rises." he said and hung up to resume driving. He was going to pick up his wife.

    As for the blacklisted studio, he had wanted to keep his distance from them but by scheming against his precious wife, they successfully ruffled his shoulders.

    Outside the Hall, when the event was officially over, Wan Jia''s path was blocked by reporters and a hoard of admirers.

    "Goddess, please say a few words."

    "Goddess, could we please interview you?"

    The media was surprisingly very respectful towards her and even looked scared to ask her questions.

    "Goddess, are you going to debut in the modelling industry?" one of them shyly asked.

    "No, fashion design is my forte. I only walked the runway today because I loved the dress so much that I wanted to be the first to wear it."

    "Oh! how beautiful! she loves her own creation so much."

    "Goddess, can I have an autograph? Am your greatest fan."

    Fan? Wan Jia almost cried. She was not a celebrity!

    "Will you be selling the dresses? Can I place an order?"

    "Can you specifically design one for me?"

    "Goddess, since Mondial Studios has been blacklisted and coincidentally other studios are trying to scout you, which studio will you go to?"

    They were asking so many questions that she couldn''t keep up.

    "About the designs, I''ll let everyone know when I decide what to do with them.

    As for my next studio, I believe I''ll follow what fate has in store for me."

    It took a long while before she could finally get away and went to look for Yun Xuan.

    Her phone had already run out of battery so she could only guess that she was probably with Ran Ran in the dressing room. She held onto her dress and slowly walked over. She was exhausted. All the screams tonight and countless questions from the media had made her so worn out she was almost dropping. Oh, where was Lu Aotian? She really wanted someone to carry her home, even if that someone had to be a certain hooligan.

    Just as she walked along the corridor, she heard questioning voices from the intersection. She stopped moving and listened in.

    "Mo Zilian what''s wrong with you? I came up with such a solid plan and you still lost?" It was the man from her office the last time, the one who she had called a plaything.

    "I tried okay? Who would have told me that Aotian still suported her? Am a victim here too. My father''s studio is ruined!"

    "Mondial studio shares are plummeting by the second. We''ll be bankrupt before morning! Quickly ask your father for a solution. Am not going to lose my job because of you!" The man shouted.

    Wan Jia was did not even hear the rest of their conversation. He mind was all foggy. That man''s voice....

    That was... Alex Baker!

 Chapter 45 - More friendly greetings

    Alex Baker? That went to say that he was the one behind Mo Zilian''s ploy? And to think that she actually trusted him! Never mind. They were not close friends to begin with. Why did she think she could trust him? He was only business minded. Now that she thought about it, it was no wonder his condition was that if she failed she would have to work for him for a year.

    No wonder when she signed the contract, he was reluctant to give her a copy.

    No wonder she always felt like someone was watching her closely. How could she not think about it before? He was the only other who wasn''t a designer but frequented to the design department. She hadn''t thought too much about it and assumed that since he was the talent scout it was just natural for him to check on the people he recruited.

    Now that she won, would he go back on his words?

    ''It''s a good thing I insisted on keeping the copy of the contract'' she thought. But what if the cunning fox did something even crazier?

    Wan Jia''s face was extremely pale when she walked out. She even forgot about Yun Xuan. She really wanted to sleep.

    "Wanwan!" Lu Aotian called out. He had searched everywhere for her as her phone was off. He even thought that she had gone out to celebrate with friends before he dismissed the thought. If she wanted to go out with friends, she would most probably inform him even using a friend''s phone so that Little Jia doesn''t worry about her. Finally he had found her. Waiting at the exit was the best option after all.

    When she saw Lu Aotian, she rushed up to him and wordlessly hugged him. Her legs became weak as soon she was in his embrace.

    Just as she was about to collapse, Lu Aotian lifted her in his arms. It was as if the two had combined reflexes.

    Lu Aotian frowned at the girl''s dejected look. "What happened?"

    "Oh, I''ve been bullied! You must get justice for me." For some reason, she felt it was completely normal for her to rant to Lu Aotian. She held onto his neck looking very pitiful.

    Her wronged expression compeled Lu Aotian to employ his universal fighting skills to protect her. "Who bullied you?" He asked looking like he was going to massacre them in a second.

    She snuggled deeper into his embrace and whined "Alex Baker tricked me! That moron. He wanted to make me lose. He came up with that weird plan to sabotage me and make me remain in his company." Her tone was completely like that of a spoilt wife complaining to her husband after being bullied.

    Alex Baker tricked her.... Seemed like he needed to send out more ''friendly greetings'' tonight.

    Lu Aotian put her carefully into the passenger seat before turning around and getting into the driver''s seat. The wife had asked him to get justice for her, and justice she would get.

    The sleepy girl in the passenger seat soon started drifting off to sleep. Lu Aotian drove slowly so as not to wake her up and stole glances at her several times. One of his top hobbies was watching her sleep. She looked just too beautiful. Especially whenever she rubbed her big beautiful eyes as sleep crept in and her eyelashes drooped slowly, and whenever those long lashes fluttered slightly as she woke up, one could just die and come back to life from watching her.

    At Southside Villas, Lu Aotian carefully took the girl in his arms and walked into the house. He laughed as he passed by the living room and saw a ridiculously cute Little Jia rubbing her very sleepy eyes but still refusing to sleep.

    He had left this tiny thing in bed. How did she appear in the living room? Since Little Jia wanted her father to accompany her to watch Wan Jia, he had to change his plans and not go to the venue. It was quite regretful as he wanted to watch her up close as she recieved her award. However, he could not bring Little Jia to such a place so he could only suck it up and watch the livestream with his daughter. It was a good thing that his capable wife brought him a good surprise by personally appearing in her design. She looked so gorgeous that he wished he could pull her off the stage and hide her away from the drooling eyes of the other men. They were staring at her too much! Could they please look elsewhere? Hey! That was his waist to hold. Not for them to drool over. He had almost hacked into the system to cut off the livestream then he remembered that there were hundreds of men in the venue and stopping the livestream wouldn''t stop them from admiring her. His lungs were exploding! He really wanted to stop the whole event altogether.

    When they requested to have Wan Jia do the closing, Lu Aotian wanted so badly to close down the Golden Designer Awards and make them disappear for good.

    Yet he had to hold back. He knew that she cared about this award so much and would be sad if it didn''t exist anymore.

 Chapter 46 - The abandoned consort

    He was only slightly happier now that she was now all his... yet someone else was trying so hard to keep herself awake just so she could compete him for her attention! It didn''t matter that that person was a little girl and their daughter at that, he was jealous. So jealous that his lungs were exploding with enough force to make the whole house burst into flames if he let it out.

    Just as he feared, the adorable little thing brightened up when she saw her mother being carried in.

    She rushed over in her tiny steps "Mommy!"

    Lu Aotian frowned. "She''s asleep. Go to sleep too. You''ll play with her tomorrow." his voice carried a tinge of coldness.

    To his disappointment, Wan Jia had already been awakened by Little Jia''s voice.

    "Baby!" she got down from Lu Aotian''s embrace and hugged her baby.

    "Mommy, congratulations!" she said sweetly.

    Wan Jia smiled and kissed her daughter''s cheek. "Thank you baby."

    The mother and daughter duo embraced each other for literally ages before Wan Jia finally said "Baby, let''s go to sleep. It''s already late. "

    "Mommy, accompany Little Jia to sleep tonight, alright?" she blinked cutely.

    Wan Jia chuckled and tapped Little Jia''s nose. There was no way she would reject this tiny little request from her baby. Then she held the little girl in her arms and went to her room.

    Lu Aotian was speechless.

    How could the two of you simply ignore me?

    I''m the one who carried you home! It was all me! I even did so all alone yet you didn''t even acknowledge me and now you go to accompany someone else? Why was everyone trying to take his wife away? Where was the so called justice in this world?

    A certain sulky abandoned consort dragged his tall figure into his room in frustration. He had even prepared a surprise to congratulate her but now she wasn''t even going to look at it. Never mind, it''s the thought that counts. She''ll see it tomorrow.

    The next morning, Wan Jia woke up feeling refreshed and happy. She could finally confirm that she wasn''t dreaming. She was really the reining golden rookie!

    She took out her phone to check the news.

    All the headlines read:

    [Golden Rookie Designer Awards ended. The winner will amaze you!]

    [Designer Wan Jia dazzles the world with both beauty and talent *photos]

    [Golden Rookie Designer Awards won by a goddess. Upcoming model? *video]

    [Goddess has slain everyone. Even big shot organizers can''t escape!]

    Attatched was a narration about how a certain organizer asked if Wan Jia kissing the trophy he had touched could be counted as an indirect kiss.

    Then the headlines started changing

    [Mondial Studios goes bankrupt]

    "Bankrupt?!" Wan Jia gasped.

    Yet there was more.

    [Wickedness exposed. Talent Scout Alex Baker of Mondial Studios exposed for forcing his surbordinates into illicit affairs *Photos]

    Attatched were photos and confessions from young girls who were unfortunate enough to be exploited by him.

    This Alex Baker was just too unlucky. Not only did he bully Lu Aotian''s woman, he even did so in a way that made Lu Aotian suspicious about his intentions towards her and on a night when Lu Aotian was dying of anger.

    The man uncovered every single one of his evil deeds including past records of bribery. No one would ever employ him in future. His career path was now totally ruined.

    He wasn''t the only one crying. The CEO of Mondial Studios and his daughter were both kicked out by the shareholders in a final attempt to save their studio. Those in the know knew that whatever happened was a result of offending someone they shouldn''t have. They hoped that by kicking out the troublemakers, the other party would show them a tiny bit of mercy.

    Mo Zilian fell from her perch as the CEO''s daughter and Vice President right into the depths of hell. She swore that Wan Jia would pay a hundredfold for all this.

    Wan Jia took a shower and went downstairs for breakfast. Lu Aotian was sipping on his coffee in the living room as he read the newspaper with a grin on his handsome face.

    Wan Jia walked to him and pointed onto the news about Mr. Baker as she asked "Did you do this?"

    The man smiled and glanced at her "He bullied you, so I bullied him back. Are you impressed?"

    She was not happy about other people losing their jobs and power but if those people bullied her first then they had themselves to blame. She flung herself into his arms and rested her head on his chest. "Thank you"

    "No need to thank me." Lu Aotian said as he rubbed her hair feeling giddy from the sudden long desired hug.

    "Did you..."

    "Mommy! Little Jia wants a hug too." He was just about to ask if she saw his gift when a whine interrupted him.

    She jolted from his arms like his chest was burning her. "Baby!" she rushed to the little girl.

    Lu Aotian "...."

    Aren''t you supposed to fight your mother for my attention? Why are you competing me instead? Also, what''s with this familiar act of ignoring me?Are the two of you in this together?

    Lu Aotian knew that the little girl was doing it on purpose when she gave him a funny look and burried herself deeper into her mother''s shoulder. It was as if she was telling him "look! you can only hug her a little after working so hard. And even then I can steal her from you so easily."

 Chapter 47 - Father vs daughter glare off

    Lu Aotian gave her a look that said :watch me get rid of you then he asked. " Don''t you think Little Jia is old enough to go to Kindergarten? The little girl froze and gave her father a dreaded look from over Wan Jia''s shoulder. Lu Aotian smiled proudly and continued "I know a few top tier schools. We can enroll her tomorrow."

    Little Jia looked at her evil father speechlessly.

    Is this necessary? Why don''t you just accept the fact that Mommy loves me more?

    Wan Jia turned around and faced Lu Aotian. "Is she really old enough? She''s just a little over three. She still needs to grow up a little more first."

    Little Jia struggled from her mother''s embrace and shot her father a negative twenty degrees cold look. Those cold eyes at this point didn''t pale too much in comparison to her father''s when he turned serious.

    Lu Aotian coughed to hold in his laughter from his daughter''s deadly glare. He pretended not to notice her and continued. "She may look young, but Little Jia is way more intelligent than children of her age bracket. It''s not too soon to take her to school. Besides, she needs to interract more with other kids."

    Wan Jia paced around as she thought about it.

    She didn''t notice the glaring contest going on between the former eternal lovers-turned enemies. They wordlessly berated each other with their glares:

    Little Jia: How shameless! Sending me to school just because Mommy loves me more? I still have an ultimate weapon, you know.

    Lu Aotian: Let''s see who she listens to this time.

    He looked at Wan Jia "You don''t have to worry about her not being able to understand what''s she''s taught. Little Jia''s comprehension skills are not to be taken lightly." He smiled at his daughter who looked like she was going to be sold off.

    Little Jia: The same way my crying skills are not to be taken lightly.

    The villa was suddenly filled with Little Jia''s ear piercing scream. Lu Aotian was speechless.

    I forgot you have a reactive weapon of mass destruction called tears.

    "Little Jia doesn''t want to go to schooooool!" she screamed and looked up at Wan Jia, her little tear-stained face looking extremely wronged.

    Lu Aotian "...." it only takes half a second for you to bawl your eyes out? Where do your tears even come from?

    In the end, he temporarily conceded defeat. No one in their right mind would send such a screaming child to school. Did they want the school to shut down from the screams?

    At the breakfast table, the battle continued with both competitors trying to scoop dishes for Wan Jia. Lu Aotian of course won this one since he had the advantage over Little Jia whose hands were too tiny and too slow. The maids went into low key gossip mode

    "Why does it seem like Master and Little miss are fighting over Miss Wan Jia''s attention?"

    "Who can I ask?"

    ==============================

    The Yun family mansion.

    Yun Xuan rummaged through her closet as she looked for the best outfit to wear to welcome her adonis back.

    She had looked for over two hours and none of the outfits was satisfactory enough.

    Her brother Yun Jifeng couldn''t help but tease "Is my dear little sister going on a date? Look at you trying on all the clothes in the world."

    Yun Xuan suddenly saw a saviour. She dragged her brother into her room. "Old two! come here. How does this red dress look on me? Is it too short?"

    Yun Jifeng looked on as his sister twirled around before him. "What''s the occassion?"

    "Picking a potential boyfriend from the airport." she noticed her brother''s odd look. "What''s with those eyes? I want to give him a good impression, alright?"

    "Aren''t you a fashion icon yourself?" Yun Jifeng sighed. It was true that women broke their brains when then fell in love.

    Yun Xuan rambled on and on about how handsome Tyler was and she didn''t want to appear too shabby before him before Yun Jifeng gave her a killer idea. "Why don''t you ask your identical friend for a dress? You said her award winning dresses are all top notch"

    She slapped her head." Why didn''t I think about this?"

    Wan Jia was very efficient. Within twenty minutes, the most beautiful purple dress was delivered to her.

    "Tyler will definitely not restrain himself when he sees me in this!" she shrieked, forgetting her brother was still with her. Yun Jifeng laughed.

    "What are you laughing at? Get lost. I want to dress up."

    "Okay, am leaving. Just a tiny piece of advice."

    "What?"

    He whipped out a little box from his pocket."Use protection."

    An angry blushing Yun Xuan threw a pillow at him. "Out!" Why was her brother walking around with such objects? Was he on his way to find a girl? How embarassing....

    She dressed up in record speed before heading out in excitement.

    After waiting for almost an hour at the airport, Tyler''s flight finally arrived. It seemed to have been delayed.

    "I missed you!" She jumped into his arms as soon as she saw him.

    "I missed you too" he smiled. Something seemed to be different about Tyler but she couldn''t pin point what exactly it was.

    Then she realised there was a beautiful woman walking behind Tyler. Her expression stiffened.

    The woman went foward to greet Yun Xuan. "Hey, I''m Ruolin, Tyler''s wife. Nice to meet you. You are?" she smiled sweetly.

 Chapter 48 - Ruolin

    Yun Xuan''s eyes flew wide open. Wife? She had come to pick him at the airport and he came with his wife? She couldn''t believe she was even considering being with him.

    During their video chats in the past month, Tyler had told her many things about himself. From his family to his school life, the challenges he faced during his training, the difficulties he faces every day. Although he didn''t mention any names or directly reveal places, Yun Xuan felt like she understood her better and thought he qualified to be her boyfriend. Who would have thought that not only was he already married, he even brought his wife along. Was he going to ask to stay away from him as he is a married man et cetera? She blinked her eyes and sighed. She felt like a complete idiot.

    "Ruolin!" Tyler berated and glared at her. Then he looked at Yun Xuan awkwardly. "Ruolin is my godsister. The agency made us pretend to be a married couple in public. It''s a form of disguise.

    Ruolin, this is Yun Xuan. The girl I want to marry." he introduced naturally.

    Ruolin covered her mouth awkwardly. "Oh, I''m so sorry. I didn''t know you''re my sister in law and said such a thing. You won''t hold it against me, will you?"

    Tyler glared at her. "What do you mean you didn''t know? I mentioned her to you practically every minute and even showed you her photos. I even told you she''s coming to pick me up. Is your brain fried?"

    "Will you stop it? You''re too naggy. I''m speaking to my sister in law. Sis in law, you won''t hate me for that mistake, will you?"

    Before Yun Xuan could answer, Tyler held Yun Xuan''s hand and shooed Ruolin away. "Where is your boyfriend? Go find him or go home on your own. I''m going with my sweetheart."

    "Brother, how could you be so mean?" Ruolin pouted. Tyler didn''t have any of it, instantly taking Yun Xuan away.

    Although Tyler had cleared the air just now, Yun Xuan just couldn''t stop herself from thinking that the godsister Ruolin''s eyes held a certain degree of hatred towards her.

    She didn''t want to think too much into it and started the engine. "Where do you want to go?" she asked the man in the passenger seat.

    He had his eyes closed revealing his dark circles. Probably because of the long night flight, he looked very tired. "My apartment."

    Yun Xuan didn''t bother him too much despite his grumpy mood today. He had worked very hard and probably boarded the first flight out right after completing his mission just to celebrate her victory with her.

    She sighed in shame. She hadn''t won the award in the end. Had he rushed over all for nothing? Would he be angry with her for making him rush overnight for nothing? All those self conscious thoughts kept running in her mind.

    Tyler woke up just as they arrived at his home. He looked slightly more lively and energized. Sure enough, his bad mood was due to his lack of sleep.

    Yun Xuan''s heart ached for him. "Why don''t you go to sleep first. I''ll prepare some food for your breakfast."

    Tyler wanted to reject the offer and call the chef instead but couldn''t say no to her bright eyes.

    "Thanks for the trouble then. I''ll leave the door to my room open. Call me when you''re done." He went to his room to sleep a little.

    Yun Xuan saw how rushed he was to sleep and pitied him. She decided that she would cook slowly and allow him more time to rest.

    She went to the kitchen and checked the ingredients.

    She fell deep into thought. She had not yet said yes to him. What was their relationship now? Friends? What would they become then if she said yes? Why was she in a man''s house and even cooking when they were not married? She remembered how in their second meeting she already spent the night in his house and caused such an embarassing ruckus. Did he think she was an easygoing girl?

    Maybe she should just wait and find out what he thinks about her from his reactions.

    Yun Xuan checked the time and decided to let him sleep a while longer. The dishes could be warmed when he woke up.

    After thirty minutes, she went to wake him up. She stood nervously at the door before pushing it open. The man way lying shirtless on the bed. Yun Xuan frowned. He knew she was going to wake him up. What was he doing exposing his chest like that? Trying to seduce her with his firm muscles? The man opened his eyes. He was a very light sleeper and instantly woke up when he felt someone enter his room.

    "You''re awake." she smiled.

    He smiled back. "I''ll take a shower and be there in a short while."

    Yun Xuan tried not to imagine him in the shower and nodded. She left the room at lightning speed and almost tripped. That smile just now! Was he trying to charm her to death?

    The man smiled at her fleeing back.

 Chapter 49 - Divorce and marriage

    Tyler sat with Yun Xuan at the dining table after his shower. He smelt especially nice and fresh.

    "Why are you looking at me?" Yun Xuan had goosebumps when she noticed how attentively he was staring at her.

    "You look beautiful." he complimented.

    "Thanks" she smiled lightly and stuffed a steamed bun into her mouth to prevent herself from blushing too much.

    Tyler actually wanted to ask her if she had thought about their relationship but was afraid to rush her.

    "I''ll wash the dishes." she said and stood up when they were done.

    "No, I''ll do it"

    After both insisting for a while, they ended up in the kitchen together. That''s when Yun Xuan noticed a strange glaring scar that she hadn''t seen before on his arm.

    She held his arm without thinking "What happened to your arm?"

    Tyler looked at her hand holding his arm. "I got injured during a mission. It''s completely healed now."

    He held her other hand and looked into her blue eyes. She looked at his handsome face and felt intoxicated.

    He gazed at her deeply, feeling tempted by her lips. They looked pink and full tempting him to give them a bite, which is exactly what he did before he knew what hit him. Yun Xuan''s eyes flew wide open.

    "Sorry" he apologized. Her face turned red with embarassment. She wasn''t offended at all. She was just confused.

    "How about going out for a movie?" he suggested. Their interaction was too awkward. She instantly agreed. For some reason, she was more nervous than the last time they met. Could it be because he had confessed?

    "I don''t bite, you know." he laughed."You don''t have to be so nervous around me."

    "Well you sure really don''t bite" she smiled at him.

    .....

    At the break of dawn.

    Yun Xuan woke up with a split headache. She glanced around at the new environment. It was obviously a man''s bedroom....men''s and women''s clothes lay carelessly around the floor. Her blue eyes widened as she looked at her skin and noticed the obvious hickeys.

    Had she...?! Had they?! Her innocence was gone just like that?

    She instantly burst into tears. She had kept herself pure even when she was with Qin Zhifan and would only agree to do it after their marriage. And now she had lost it just because they got drunk?

    Tyler walked into the room and was not entirely surprised to see Yun Xuan crying. He somehow expected it. After all they were not even dating. Whatever happened was a result of them losing control after getting drunk the night before. There''s probably no single woman who would accept that she lost her first time in such a careless way.

    "Yun Xuan" he called softly.

    He went closer and hugged her in his arms.

    "I''m sorry. I''m so sorry about what happened." The girl cried for half an hour in his arms before slowly calming down.

    He kissed her forehead. "Take a shower and find me in the living room. The sooner we face this the better."

    She nodded and went into the bathroom. She came out an hour later and found him waiting with a stern face. She sat a little distance away from him and waited nervously. He looked too serious. He wasn''t going to treat it as a one night stand, right?

    "Yun Xuan"

    "Get to the point." she wasn''t going to waste time with all that ''it was an accident'' talk.

    Tyler raised an eyebrow. She wanted him to e straightfoward, huh? Hope she doesn''t regret it.

    "I''m sorry about last night." he sighed. "I hope you can forgive me." Her tears once again started falling.

    "Yun Xuan, let''s get married."

    "What...what did you say?" she was expecting something like ''we can''t be together'' or a reminder to take the morning after pill.

    "I said let''s get married." he took a little box with a ring from his pocket, took her hand and put the ring on her ring finger without waiting for her answer.

    The first thing he had done that morning when he woke up and saw the state they were in was measure her finger and order a ring. The delivery luckily didn''t fail him.

    The girl just looked at him too stunned to speak.

    "Look, we already.... you know. We can''t just treat it like nothing happened."

    Yun Xuan finally showed a reaction by nodding.

    They headed to the civil affairs bureau right after breakfast.

    "Divorce?" the man asked looking at Yun Xuan''s swollen eyes.

    "Marriage."they said in unison.

    They filled in their details before the clerk gave them a curious look.

    "Ma''am, you have to divorce your current husband before you can remarry.

    Yun Xuan was shocked. "Huh? Divorce my current husband? You''re joking, right?"

    The clerk was annoyed. "I don''t joke about such things."

    Tyler frowned. "You say she''s married. Who''s she married to?"

    The man was annoyed at this weird duo but answered since it was his job.

    "The record says your husband is Lu Aotian. You signed your marriage on the fifth of July four years ago."

    "Yun Xuan? What''s going on?" Tyler asked the dazed Yun Xuan. He knew the claim was true from her shock or realisation sort ot reaction.

    "You''re actually married? And to the overlord Lu Aotian? And you were still dating Qin Zhifan? And now you and I even....."

    "Tyler, it''s not what you think. I can explain.... let''s go home first okay?" She held his arm.

    He shrugged her hand away.

    "No. There''s no excuse for infidelity." He stormed off.

 Chapter 50 - It must be your identical friend.

    Yun Xuan followed Tyler out just catch sight of him leaving. How fast! She hailed a cab to follow his car but she lost him too fast. She ignored the cab driver''s thousands of questions about where to go next and cried her eyes out. If she knew such an issue would arise then she never would have found a substitute.

    When she finally managed to calm herself down, she stuffed a big red packet into the driver''s hands and asked him to take her to the Yun family mansion. The driver had been displeased by all her crying but feeling the thickness of the red packet he smiled and drove her home.

    "Since when do you come home in cabs and walk around without your bodyguards? Do you not care about your safety? What happened to your car?" Yun Jifeng scolded as soon as he saw her. Then he noticed her swollen eyes.

    He walked up to her and held her hand frowning "What happened? Did that man bully you?"

    Yun Xuan burried her face into her brother''s chest and started a fresh round of heart breaking tears. Yun Jifeng patted her back in consolation as he secretly swore to chop that man into pieces for bullying his sister.

    "Stop crying now, you won''t be pretty anymore if your eyes swell too much" he said and led her into the house, got her a glass of warm milk and waited for her to calm down.

    "Tyler left me." she blurted out.

    Yun Jifeng remained silent for a moment before firing off a string of questions. "Left? Am I missing something? He was just a potential boyfriend yesterday. How is it that you two have already dated and broken up? Is there something you''re not telling me?"

    Then he thought of something and his back stiffened. He narrowed his eyes "Don''t tell me.... that idiot did it and ran?"

    Yun Xuan frowned. "Tyler is not like that!"

    "You''re still defending him?"

    "Look, what happened was a result of me not telling him everything from the start. He proposed to me this morning and we were going to get married but then....He found out about Wanwan." she sighed.

    "He did what? How did that even happen?"

    "Turns out Lu Aotian didn''t divorce ''me''. I don''t understand either. Wanwan told me they got divorced more than three years ago. I don''t know what happened."

    Yun Jifeng fell into thought as he held his chin before revealing an expression of bloodlust. "Huh! It must be your little substitute." he declared.

    She cast him a side glance "Don''t say that, Wanwan is a nice person. I''m sure there''s a misunderstanding."

    "Nice person, you say? Do nice people pretend to be other people for the sake of money?"

    "It was an emergency! I needed her help and went through so much struggle just to find her."

    "And you found a nineteen year old with such excellent acting skills, even good enough to decieve our own parents. How can someone be an expert scammer at such a young age?"

    "I don''t understand what you''re going on about but Wanwan helped me. She''s a nice person. We trust each other." she said in one breath.

    "She helped you lie to your parents, ahuh. And you trust each other?" he raised his eyebrow.

    Yun Xuan shivered. "What are you getting at?"

    Yun Jifeng eyed his sister before dropping a heavy duty atomic bomb" Then, did your dearest trusted friend ever tell you that she''s your sister?"

    She was stunned for a second before she found it hilarius and laughed. "She''s my what now? Please, I don''t have a sister."

    "Oh, but you do. Our parents''s biological daughter." he looked at her shocked expression and laughed "I see your trusted friend never told you such big news? You know, she''s known it for a long time. Who is to say that she didn''t take advantage of you to get close to her birth parents?"

    "Ha ha! so funny. Old two, just how many melodramatic TV series have you been watching?"

    "You can refuse to believe that. But then why did your friend not tell you that she was not divorced and let you fall into such a predicament?" Yun Xuan thought hard about it and couldn''t find a good reason.

    "I''ll rest for a while." she shooed her brother away.

    She racked her brain the whole day but still couldn''t come up with a logical explanation. If one could say that Wan Jia didn''t know about her relationship with General Yun, then how did Yun Jifeng know? And if she knew, they why did she agree to be kicked out?

    She was even pregnant at the time and made Yun Xuan promise never to tell anyone about her pregnancy. At that time Yun Xuan thought that Wan Jia just didn''t want Lu Aotian to find out but thinking about it now, it really seemed like she was hiding something.

    The last time they talked about Wan Jia''s birth parents, Wan Jia looked extremely defensive and brushed her off. Could it really be true that Wan Jia was General Yun''s daughter? How did she end up in the He family in that case and how come the Yun couple didn''t seem to know anything? Most importantly, she didnt know anything about a lost daughter from the Yun family!

 Chapter 51 - It was deliberate

    Instead of spending all that time thinking her brain out, why not just call Wan Jia and ask? She thought and swiftly dialled her number.

    Wan Jia was playing princess dress up with Little Jia when her phone rang.

    Her gossip mode was immediately turned on. "Xuanxuan! How''s the going? You met Tyler and went off for all those hours?Don''t tell me you guys did it all night?"

    Yun Xuan sighed. "Wanwan, I need to ask you something."

    "Go ahead, why do you sound so serious?"

    "When exactly did you divorce Lu Aotian?"

    Wan Jia was shocked."Can we not talk about those unhappy memories? Why do you ask anyway? Did something happen?"

    "Can you just answer me? Oh, and can you be precise?"

    Wan Jia thought it was strange but still answered "Fine. We divorced exactly three years seven months ago, precisely on the twentieth of October, at around 9 pm, I was one month pregnant. Is that precise enough?"

    "Are you sure you really divorced?"

    "A hundred percent. We both signed the papers and I personally took them to the civil affairs bureau."

    "I see."

    "Xuanxuan, don''t hang up! Could you now be so kind as to explain your strange questions to your friend who''s currently extremely confused?"

    "I went to the civil affairs bureau today." Yun Xuan stated.

    "Went to the civil affairs bureau for what?"

    "Oh, Tyler asked me to marry him." she then went quiet for a long while.

    "I see. So what''s all this got to do with my relationship with Aotian?" Wan Jia didn''t know why but her heartbeat was unusually fast.

    Yun Xuan was starting to lose it. "The clerk said that I''m still married... to your dear Aotian and I have to terminate my marriage first, Tyler stormed off by the way and I can''t find him!"

    "What? But..."

    "But what Wan Jia? You lied to me about the divorce, didn''t you? You call yourself my friend but hide so many things from me! Are you happy now that Tyler misunderstood me?"

    "Hey! That''s rude. I don''t know what happened either. I''m shocked as well...hello?"

    She had hung up on her. Wan Jia raised an eyebrow at her friends weird character. Why was she being too grumpy?

    Urgh, it wasn''t such a difficult thing to deal with, it was just a matter of asking Lu Aotian to reprocess the divorce with Yun Xuan and everything would be solved. Maybe it was just a hitch in the system.

    Yun Xuan''s room was a complete mess in just ten minutes. How could Wan Jia do this to her? It was all so weird. Wan Jia loved Lu Aotian. If she intentionally refused to divorce Lu Aotian on behalf of Yun Xuan then that would make him someone else''s husband. She definitely wouldn''t gain anything from doing that. Someone else was bound to be the benefactor.

    She recieved two messages.

    [Little Wan: There must be a mistake. I''ll ask Aotian to deal with it, okay? I''m sorry]

    [Tyler: meet me at my apartment]

    She blinked and rubbed her eyes to make sure Tyler really texted her. After ensuring that she wasn''t dreaming, she bolted off to Tyler''s apartment.

    "Sit." he told her.

    She sat opposite him and took the golden chance to explain "I''m really not married to Lu Aotian." Tyler was looking at her like she was an idiot so she continued "You don''t believe me? "

    Tyler looked at her seriously."I''m sorry for storming off like that. My temper isn''t quite good and I''d do something regrettable if I didn''t leave."

    "I understand" she replied.

    "I looked into the whole thing but no matter how much hacking I did and how many channels I used, I got completely nothing out of it." He held her hand. "So I want to hear everything from you."

    Yun Xuan sighed. ".....and then I tried to stop the marriage but they had already signed the papers."

    "So you''re saying that you got someone to pretend to be you and ended up marrying Lu Aotian?" For a reason she couldn''t explain, Yun Xuan didn''t tell Tyler her substitute''s name. She just felt it would be completely wrong.

    "Yes. And she insists that she took the signed divorce papers to the civil affairs bureau. Mmph I don''t know why she would tell me such a lie. I mean, what''s in it for her?"

    "She didn''t lie." he suddenly said.

    "What?"

    "She must have really told you the truth." he explained. "Although I couldn''t get any questionable information about you or Lu Aotian, I did find a loophole." He presented a photo to her. "This man, he disappeared from the civil affairs bureau exactly three years and seven months ago. I can''t tie that timeline to anything yet but he sure is questionable."

    Yun Xuan''s heart was racing. "What''s so strange avout him?"

    "His daughter had been having kidney failure for years and needed a kidney transplant. Then when he seemed to have lost all hope, a donor suddenly popped up exactly three years, seven months ago, and voluntarily donated his kidney, then coincidentally the man disappeared with his daughter without a trace right after the surgery. Something must have happened before the donor appeared."

    Yun Xuan pressed her hand against her mouth to avoid screaming. She muttered under her breath "three years seven months ago...Wanwan said that''s when they divorced...." just as she was about to blurt that out, she looked at Tyler.

    It''s one thing to be able to retrieve whatever information one wants to, but what on earth compelled him to look into such an unrelated thing as the civil affairs bureau?

 Chapter 52 - The whole story

    Yun Xuan glanced at the man who appeared deep in thought. She decided it wouldn''t hurt to ask. "Why did you investigate the civil affairs bureau?"

    He snapped out of his thoughts and answered "I simply thought about it carefully. You looked surprised about being married as well, and since investigating Lu Aotian couldn''t work out, I figured I may as well check places he may have been to and if you the two of you were to get married then that''s one place with high probability of him visiting."

    Tyler rambled on his analysis and Yun Xuan thought it made perfect sense. Maybe she was being too sensitive after recieving that bombshell from her brother. Thinking about it, she really wanted to know the truth before her head burst.

    "So what''s up with that man? You''re going to find him and get information from his side?"

    "Logically that''s what I need to do."

    "Why don''t we ask Lu Aotian? He might help." she shyly siggested.

    He pulled her onto his lap. "That won''t be necessary. The fewer people know about this the better. We don''t want to raise unnecessary alarm. Besides, I don''t need to ask another man for help regarding my issues with my wife."

    Yun Xuan nodded and sent Wan Jia a text. [It''s all good. Tyler dealt with it. Don''t bother Lu Aotian about it.]

    Wan Jia sent over an [Ok] but made her promise to explain everything later.

    "So, now what''s your next step?" she curiously asked.

    "I''ll look for that man as I handle my next mission."

    "Next mission? Already! You haven''t even stayed for three days!" she complained.

    "I''m sorry darling, that''s the nature of my job. But don''t worry, I won''t be going anywhere for more than a few hours this time and besides, if you get bored you can always call Ruolin over."

    She frowned when he mentioned the name she least expected to hear.

    Tyler laughed. "Don''t worry. Ruolin can be a little naughty at times but she''s actually quite friendly. The two of you are so much alike. You''ll get along quite well."

    "Then I''ll give it a try."

    "Good girl." he patted her head. Then they fell silent for a while.

    "You never gave me an answer." he broke the silence.

    "To what question?"

    "To being with me." he smiled. It would be easier if they simply got married but since it involved investigation and he guessed it might take a while, it would be awkward if they didn''t define their relationship.

    "Well...you can take that as a yes." she said.

    He pinched her chin playfully. "so, since we were already ready to get married, can we be counted as an engaged couple?"

    Well, that was the only logical relationship they could have and she nodded. Then they chatted about the details like meeting her family and his, how many kids they would have in future, their names, who they would look like....Tyler suddenly remembered something.

    "So why exactly did you want to change your appearance?" he asked.

    She dropped the answer she had told her parents "I just wanted the look. Have you seen my previous photos? I definitely look way more beautiful than before." However, she noticed Tyler was still staring at her curiously. Urgh, it was better to marry the observant Lu Aotian from Wanwan''s story than this guy. Could anything ever escape him? Not even a molecule of air? Well, that molecule of air wouldn''t escape Lu Aotian either.

    She sighed and was about to tell him the long version when he cut her off. "You don''t really have to tell me. I just casually asked."

    "No, I don''t mind telling you. Oh, you may need popcorn, thank me later."

    She thought about it and narrated.

    "Remember how I told you that my dad made me feel cornered?"

    "Mmm"

    "The thing is, I overheard him talking to my mum about my marriage, they felt that Qin Zhifan wasn''t good enough for me and his character was questionable, that kind of thing. So they talked about setting me up for marriage with someone from the Lu family, and that just happened to be Lu Aotian."

    She sounded scared when she mentioned Lu Aotian. "Why would I marry an ice statue anyway? I knew talking my dad out of it would never work in a billion years so I may as well take matters into my own hands. Well, that wasn''t the main reason, there are others but that was just the trigger.

    At first I only wanted to find someone who looked like me or was ready to go under the knife to look like me."

    "Then how did it change into you being the one going under the knife?"He asked.

    "I am getting to that.

    Well, the surgeon started looking for girls with unfortunate circumstances. You know, those who would easily agree to such a deal... He found quite a few but they all said it was risky and all.

    Then one day he showed me a photo of my substitute. Just one look and I fell in love with her beauty. She indeed really needed money but the more I wanted to find her, the more I felt it would be such a waste if such beauty was lost to look like my original face.

    Don''t get me wrong, I appreciated my fairly beautiful face back then. But if I was considered fairly beautiful, then my substitute would be considered beautiful enough to massacre nations.

    That''s how I decided that I wanted to look like her instead. In fact it would be even easier that way since my parents were already used to my face. A completely new face would be much harder to see through."

 Chapter 53 - He let me meet you

    "So your family never found out?" he asked as he munched on his popcorn. He had taken her piece of advice quite seriously.

    "Well, she was quite good at it. My second brother saw through her only because I had already told him about my plans beforehand.

    Everything was going on perfectly until she decided to leave the country. I had been avoiding her for months and made her trapped in my life. It''s all my fault, actually." she sighed.

    "It happened after her divorce with Lu Aotian. At first she tried to convince my parents to let her leave the country for a year or two, to move on after getting divorced. She was going to use the chance to leave and never return." Yun Xuan didn''t mention that the girl wanted to leave because she was pregnant. She was going to keep her promise of never mentioning her pregnancy all the way to the grave.

    "Well, as you know my parents, always being protective and all, they rejected the suggestion and would only allow it if she returned home once every month and if she went with some arranged servants and bodyguards. Urgh, too much ''protection''

    Anyway, she knew that would never work as she only wanted to escape so she asked my brother to call me. She said that if I didn''t appear within a week she was going to tell the family the truth.

    I thought it was one of those paper-tiger threats of hers. Sigh, I didn''t take it seriously, so she really told my mother the truth."

    "Only your mother?"

    "That was the only safe way to leave. If my father and other brothers knew about it then the consequences would have been unimaginable. Especially my father, he would skin her alive."

    Yun Xuan was not aware that her father found out ages ago.

    "So not even your father knew?"

    "He found out eventually. The consequences were extreme. Actually she was just lucky that my mother took a liking to her kindness and gentleness so she begged my father to let her live. Otherwise she would have died on that day."

    Tyler held his chin. It seemed really dramatic. He could picture how Yun Xuan was found wherever she was and dragged home to be welcomed by punishment and lecture.

    "Oh, by the way, why did she and Lu Aotian divorce? Didn''t you say she liked him? And did he ever find out? How did he react?" He rattled off questions.

    "From what she told me later, Lu Aotian found out long before they divorced but he had fallen in love with her already so they stayed together...and their reason for divorcing, she said it was personal and didn''t tell me."

    Tyler sighed. "You guys have quite a dramatic life story. You should turn it into a tv series or novel. It would have quite some views."

    "Silly" she smacked his head.

    "Oh right, how did the two of you even end up as friends after all that?"

    "How did you know we ended as friends?" she raised an eyebrow.

    He chuckled." Isn''t that quite obvious? You seemed quite worked up when you thought she betrayed you. Goes to say you trusted her words. Besides the issue ended years ago, you wouldn''t be keeping such close contact if you weren''t in good terms."

    "Oh, right" he made so much sense, again. He was just too observant she was finding it hard to catch up.

    "I helped her keep a secret so she trusted me. As for why I trust her, she''s just so kind and wouldn''t even hurt a fly." she said guiltily. Although she had indeed never told anyone, it was due to her carelessness that Lu Aotian found out Wan Jia was pregnant. found out Wan Jia was pregnant. She had gone to buy baby dresses on the night after the baby''s gender was revealed, intending to surprise her friend. However, she was too excited to notice Lu Aotian tailing her. The man had followed her after seeing her from a distance and thinking she was Wan Jia. Even after seeing that that was Yun Xuan, his instincts made him want to find out where she was going. Shockingly, he saw her enter the baby clothes store. He had a strong hunch Yun Xuan was not pregnant so he began investigating.

    Yun Xuan snapped from her thoughts as she looked into space and sighed. "All this happened because I didn''t trust my parents'' judgement on Qin Zhifan. Turned out they were right." She shrugged.

    "You wish you trusted them?" he frowned.

    "Naturally. But then if I trusted them then I would have married Lu Aotian and who knows, perhaps he wouldn''t like me and spoil me like he did with her. After all it was her that he fell in love with, not me.

    Most importantly, if I married him, I wouldn''t have run off with Qin Zhifan then I wouldn''t have met you." she wrapped her arms around his neck. She already knew how to placate him. He looked jealous when she mentioned marrying Lu Aotian.

    "Mmh, thinking about it, I should really thank him. He let me meet you." he replied and pecked her lips. "So when do I get to meet that hard to please future father in law?" he asked as he tickled her waist.

    "He should be coming home next week. Also, he''s nothing close to being hard to please. You''re outstanding. He''ll like you. " she said amidst laughter.

 Chapter 54 - Getting a bribe

    "That''s because you''re his daughter." he replied. "However, he has to make sure his daugher is in good hands so he''s definitley going to be hard to please."

    "Oh Tyler, you''re the best hands I can ever land in." She kissed pulled his neck and kissed him.

    .....

    A few days later, at the Yun family mansion.

    "Dad, this is Tyler. My fianc¨¦." Yun Xuan introduced him when they walked in. She did not expect the whole family to be present including all the brothers, her mother and her paternal grandmother. It wasn''t an engagement party, okay?

    General Yun scanned the man beside his daughter curiously. "Did you say his name is Tyler? What''s his full name? Where does he come from?"

    Yun Xuan freaked out. "Slow down dad, you see...for the sake of his career he can''t reveal his real identity, but he''ll take me to meet his family in a few days."

    "Can''t reveal his identity? How do we know he''s not a scammer?" Yun Jifeng instantly exploded. He had a bad impression of Tyler for storming off on his siter. He believed that no matter how angry a man was, he should not fly into such rage.

    "We''ve met one before." the youngest brother echoed referring to Wan Jia. This earned a glare from Yun Xuan.

    The eldest brother walked up to him. " We just want to make sure our sister ends up with a trustworthy man."

    Tyler temporarily ignored them and greeted her father. "General Yun, it''s nice to meet you. What Yun Xuan just said is true. It would be dangerous for me if my identity was revealed. However, I love Yun Xuan very much and I would trade my life for her safety."

    "Do you work for a secret intelligence unit?" Madam Yun asked.

    "Yes."

    Silence lingered for a while before General Yun said to his daughter. "I don''t know where you got such a man but there''s no way I''m letting my daughter marry someone we don''t know."

    Yun Xuan''s jaw went slack. "Dad, we love each other. Who cares about his identity?Besides, he''s really going to show me his family. I met his sister by the way. Why don''t you trust my judgement?"

    "The last time I trusted your judgement you were almost burnt to death!" he bellowed and left the room angrily. "No one is marrying some secret...whatever he is."

    "But the man who saved me from that fire is Tyler!" she shouted at his retreating back.

    As expected, General Yun stopped in his tracks, thought about it then frowned again. "Who''s to say it wasn''t a plan that both of them came up with?" he scoffed.

    Yun Xuan narrowed his eyes. A plan that he and Qin Zhifan came up with? What happened to General Yun''s legendary high Intelligence quotient? What kind of crazy thoughts were those?

    Yun Xuan looked to her mother. "Mum,...."

    "Xuanxuan, your father and I already found you a man. He''s so capable and outstanding. Why don''t you marry him now that he''s divorced?"

    Yun Xuan gasped and looked at Madam Yun in disbelief. "Are you kidding me mum? We yalked about this already and besides, he already has someone he likes."

    "But you said they''re not together anymore. Why don''t you try your luck? After all you look just like her and you come from a much better family. Which man on earth would resist you?" Try her luck...in seducing Lu Aotian? No man would resist her?

    Yun Xuan was speechless. Did those words just come from her mother?

    ==========================

    Lu Aotian sat dully in his office listening to his younger brother''s rambling. He didn''t even know what Lu Shaoting was going on about but listened just for entertainment''s sake. He was too bored from looking at all those never ending documents.

    Well, actually he was just in a bad mood.

    "Amazing brother! You''re a genius! No no, you''re a supergenius! You totally nailed it. That old fart

    will never try anything funny with our company again..."

    "Where are you?" Lu Aotian interrupted.

    "Eh?" He was busy praising him. Why did he change the topic without warning? He was used to it anyway, his brother always did unpredictable things.

    "I''m at Jolie toy store." he answered. Lu Aotian thought about something.

    "I''m coming over." Lu Aotian said as he took his coat and car keys.

    Coming....coming over? His brother was going to the toy store? He only went to such places when he was dragged along by Little Jia. It wasn''t all that weird if a man like him went to a toy store with his child but such a serious man walking there alone? Wouldn''t it look too....

    Besides, his brother had always called him when he wanted to talk to him. Since when did he come over? Wouldn''t that make him a disrespectful younger brother?

    A few minutes later, Lu Aotian arrived. That cold appearance in a black suit and extremely serious face really contrasted the fluffy cute toys. Even the attendants were afraid of going over to help him.

    "Brother, you are here. Is there something you want to talk to me about?" Lu Shaoting was also a bit scared. He had thought that his brother was in a very good mood and wanted to buy a new toy for Little Jia. What was with the polar appearance?

    "What are you doing here?" Lu Aotian asked as he looked around.

    "Oh, I''m buying a birthday present for my friend''s child. Eer, why did you come here?"

    He spotted something from the corner of his eye."To get a bribe."

 Chapter 55 - First class emergency

    "A bribe?" Lu Shaoting looked at his brother curiously. Since when did he, the powerful tycoon who could get things done his way without even lifting a finger need to bribe people? And even if he wanted to bribe someone, why would he get something from a place like the toy store?

    Lu Aotian ignored him and focused his gaze on the toy he had noticed. It was a very big white teddy bear, towering at a height almost as tall as him and big enough for him to hide behind it.

    He went towards it and assesed it.

    An female attendant quickly ran over. "Mister, would you like to buy this teddy bear? It''s a limited edition, the only one of its kind ever made and is fluffier than most stuffed toys." Although all of them were afraid of Lu Aotian''s cold aura, it took one glance to know that he was a prominent figure.

    They would not be able to handle the consequences if he was dissatisfied by the service provided at their store.

    "Remove the red ribbon around its neck, replace it with a pink one." Lu Aotian commanded.

    "Right away." the attendant ran off to find a ribbon. Lu Aotian looked at the teddy bear carefully and even touched its fluffy body.

    The females in the store started gossiping in low tones.

    "How handsome! He looked so cold earlier but now he looks just too handsome. Who is he?"

    "Which planet do you live in? That''s the CEO of Lu Enterprise, the infamous unrivaled King of business, Lu Aotian."

    "Are you being serious? No wonder he looked so charismatic. Who could he be getting the teddy bear for? Does he have a child?"

    "Who knows? It might be a friend''s child..."

    Lu Aotian was really getting the huge teddy bear for his daughter. For the past few days, their relationship was detariorating to the point of almost losing all the affection they held for each other.

    She had stopped running to greet him with a rose when he returned home, crying at his door to ask for a hug when she suddenly woke up from her sleep, pulling him into her playroom to play girlish games like dressing up dolls, dragging him to go shopping for clothes and toys and even kissing his cheek when she wanted to ask for something.

    Wan Jia seemed to have totally replaced him in her little heart. Now that he thought about it, maybe most of these things were done by mothers. She might have been that close to him only because she didn''t have her mother by her side. But he was used to it, so sad...

    The tiny thing now practically stuck to her mother at all times and even cried out of jealousy whenever he got close to them.

    Huh, not anymore. He smiled charmingly.

    Little Jia loved stuffed toys. No, she adored them. No no, she was obsessed with them. There were uncountable stuffed animals in her playroom, that room even had a special section for them and looked exactly like a zoo but she wouldn''t part with them no matter what. Not even those she had accidentally ruined or those she stopped playing with. There were even some in her bedroom, enough of them to make someone spooked when the lights go off.

    She loved everything that was fluffy, soft and cute. If he gave her this bear, she would be so happy that she would instantly return to being the bubbly little daddy''s princess who loved daddy the most and who knows, she might even help him get together with Wan Jia, killing two birds with one stone. Well, just maybe.

    The staff came by and after replacing the red ribbon on the bear''s neck with a cute baby pink one, they put it in a box and asked for the next instructions.

    ....

    Wan Jia had just woken up from her late afternoon nap when she heard an embarassing grumble from her tummy. She had forgotten to eat lunch thanks to all the phone calls threatening to explode her phone.

    Since winning the Golden Rookie Designer Awards, she was not sure who had given her phone number to those people but she hadn''t had enough rest in a long time. Her phone was constantly ringing with calls to scout her and others with orders for dresses. The countless emails in her mailbox were not helping either.

    Jeez! She couldn''t even play a game on her phone or gossip with her friend. How torturous was that!

    She rubbed her sleepy eyes and walked down the stairs, just in time to catch sight of a huge walking teddy bear. Her sleep disappeared in a swoosh and her eyes flew open. Upon closer inspection, the butler was behind it, struggling with all his might to carry the huge heavy thing.

    She stood there frozen then ran over, shrieking "Aaaaaaaaah! A teddy bear!" She threw herself at it causing the butler to lose balance from the sudden inertia and almost fall.

    "Sorry, are you alright butler?"

    "I''m fine." he smiled.

    Wan Jia couldn''t hide her excitement. She acted like a little teenage girl who had seen her dream man. "Aaaaaaaaah! so big and cute! So so cute!"

    Then she saw of Lu Aotian coming in. She shoved the bear to the butler who almost fell again and ran right into Lu Aotian''s arms throwing her arms around his neck in a very tight hug.

    "I love it so much. Thank you Aotian, thank you so so much. I love you!"

    Lu Aotian "...."

    Oh no!

    Emergency.....

    He had forgotten something very very very important.

    There was someone more attracted to stuffed toys than Little Jia...

    And that was Wan Jia....

 Chapter 56 - Daddy loves us both

    Lu Aotian''s head hurt as Wan Jia kept shrieking in excitement and even jumping around in his embrance. Even kissing his cheek. She suddenly came back to her senses and looked down in embarassment "Sorry, I got too excited."

    Lu Aotian swiftly grabbed the long desired chance to shift her attention. "What did you just say?"

    She looked even more embarassed as her cheeks turned red and her long lashes trembled slightly. "Thank you"

    Feeling his fiery gaze on her, Wan Jia wished she could just vanish. She hesitated slightly then continued. "Thank you, for the cute teddy bear."

    "Not that." He said sternly.

    ''Heh, you think I''ll let you off? Not this time'' he thought.

    "I love it." Her cheeks turned even redder. Of course she knew what exactly he was talking about. She had been so excited just now that she couldn''t control her emotions.

    As expected, Lu Aotian lifted her chin giving her a serious look. Her knees almost gave way.

    "Not that either." His heart raced with anticipation but at the same time he was afraid of being disappointed. Please just say it...he pleaded in his heart.

    Wan Jia bit her lip. Even if she hadn''t said it, he already knew. What was the point hiding it? "I said....I said I...."

    Just before she said it, a shriek from the stairs interrupted her.

    "Aaaaaaah! Teddy bear! That is the most beautiful stuffed toy in the universe!"

    Lu Aotian almost fainted.

    You! ruined! the! mood!

    Couldn''t you appear at a different time? You just had to come when your mother was about to confess to me! Do you know how much I''ve been waiting for this moment? Furthermore, what are you doing, rushing to your mother''s stuffed bear, even almost falling down?

    According to Lu Aotian, Wan Jia was the harder one to placate so the toy should be hers. It had the power to even unexpectedly pull put a confession from her, it should definitely be hers. The little girl should be placated with something her own size.

    Just like her mother, the little girl ran over and hugged the teddy bear with a thousand mega watt smile, shouting "Thanks Daddy! Little Jia loves Daddy the most!" Harder than expected...

    Lu Aotian "...." Why did it feel like having two girlfriends and both of them wanting the same thing?

    Wan Jia''s expression changed. She looked at her beloved bear being hugged by Little Jia, then she turned to Lu Aotian and pouted unhappily. Wasn''t it hers?

    Lu Aotian rubbed her head and forced a smile. "I''ll buy you a better one, mmh?"

    Wan Jia ignored him. Lu Aotian glared at the butler. Wan Jia was distracted just now. Why didn''t you take that thing away?

    The little girl was extremely excited and ran to her mother.

    "Mommy, mommy! Daddy bought Little Jia a teddy bear! Look how cute it is. Isn''t Daddy just the best?" Wan Jia suppressed her jealousy to hug her giddy daughter. She secretly gave him an ''I don''t care, I only want that one'' expression.

    She looked really bitter as she waited to see whose side he would take.

    Lu Aotian sighed. She wasn''t childish enough to snatch it from the baby, was she? If she did that then not only would Little Jia get mad at him for trying to take her mommy''s attention, it would also cause a cold war between the two of them and it would be his fault.

    He tried to liven up the increasingly tense atmosphere. "Princess, why don''t you show grandpa butler where to place it?"

    "Okay!" she skipped away happily.

    Now it was time to placate a certain childish person who looked like she was on the verge of tears.

    He hugged her "Baby, I indeed bought it for Little Jia, but if you like it then I''ll have whoever made it make another one specially for you."

    "I don''t want another one!" she whined. "I wasted so much of my excitement for nothing."

    He stroked her hair and spoke in the gentlest voice he could pull off "I know baby, but she''s just a child. She wouldn''t like it if we took it back from her."

    "And I''m supposed to like it? I saw it first! It should be mine." Her lower lashes were slightly wet and she looked like she was really going to cry. Lu Aotian had a headache. Did someone just become a real baby? No level of coaxing could pacify her at this point.

    "Don''t be stubborn, I''ll take you to the mall to pick the best one you want, okay? You can have as many of them as you wish."

    She pursed her lips and shook her head.

    "Becoming a baby now, eh?" he teased. "Let''s go right now before the store closes."

    "Will I get one exactly like the one you bought Little Jia?" That was her only compromise.

    Lu Aotian was troubled. "I wish you could baby, but it''s limited edition. That''s why I said I''ll get the creators to make you another one."

    She looked even sadder. Just as she was about to grumble about how she could only accept it if she got an identical one that very day, Little Jia reappeared.

    "Mommy also likes the teddy bear?" Apparently, she had overhead her parents conversation.

    Lu Aotian thought that fate really didn''t want him to see past that day.

    However, in the next second, the little girl broke into a smile and ran towards them. "It''s okay, we can share it. Aren''t we both Daddy''s princesses? Besides, Daddy loves us both."

 Chapter 57 - Was she seeing someone?

    "Really? Really?" Wan Jia was instantly excited. Her baby way too kind. She almost cried tears of joy as she hugged her little body tightly.

    "Then let me go play with it a little." she said and ran off.

    Lu Aotian sighed in relief. Not only had he placated the little princess, even the wife was exceptionally happy. Next time, however, he would get identical presents to avoid starting a war.

    Little Jia looked up at her father nervously, as if she had something to say but was afraid to say it. He chuckled, took her in his arms and kissed her soft little cheek. "What is it?"

    The tiny thing covered her face in her little hands in shyness before speaking "Daddy, will Mommy be taken away from us one day?"

    His face suddenly froze. Will mommy be taken away from us? What did she mean?

    "No," he answered. Little Jia sighed in relief before kissing her father''s cheek and disappearing like a puff of wind.

    Lu Aotian was lost in thought. Did the little girl mean someone wanted to take Wan Jia away? That could only mean one thing to him: a romantic rival. He was right. Little Jia did indeed accidentally walk into Wan Jia''s room while she was having a video chat with someone. Although she couldn''t understand anything as she had only heard a very tiny bit, the other man had said he loved her. Why would a strange uncle say he loved her mommy?

    She was too young to understand love between couples but she knew that her mother stayed with her because she loved her. Didn''t that mean that if her mother loved that strange uncle, then she would go stay with him? She was growing closer and closer to her mother. If someone took her away, she would bite him to death even with her tiny milk teeth.

    Lu Aotian kept thinking about it. Was Wan Jia seeing another man? Just the thought of it made him want to destroy the planet''s male population.

    ============================

    A few days had passed, Tyler had found the whereabouts of the man from the civil affairs bureau. He had been in the country just a day ago and suddenly went back to the neighbouring country where he had been hiding out for the past three years.

    It seemed someone had suddenly tipped him off. Tyler couldn''t help but feel extremely cautious. It was just a little error. Why was the man running away? Was Yun Xuan''s life in danger?

    At night. Tyler had just got back home when he saw a freshly bathed Yun Xuan busy in the kitchen. The girl was barefoot, wearing a big tshirt of his and her hair was tied up in a messy bun. It was a sight that made one thirsty.

    "Hey," he greeted her as he hugged her from behind. He immediately pulled away as he felt a certain mischevious part of his body quickly react. This girl seemed to really rile him up too easily.

    "You''re back." she smiled. " I wanted to stay over tonight and I liked your tshirt so I casually wore it. Sorry for not asking....about both."

    "You''re my fianc¨¦e. Everything I have is yours." he gazed at the vague outline of her body through the tshirt "Well....except the tshirt."

    Yun Xuan almost apologized then she noticed his gaze. She covered her chest like an innocent girl who had just been flirted with "You pervert! Just admit you want me to take it off." She blurted out without thinking. She almost bit off her own tongue. How embarassing. How could she say such a thing?

    Tyler laughed. "Well, I really want you to..."

    She punched his chest playfully. "Get lost. Go take a shower. Dinner will be ready soon."

    .....

    "So how''s the investigation going?" she asked as they ate.

    "That man is quite cunning. Someone told him that he was being searched so he disappeared."

    "We really should get help from Lu Aotian." She suggested.

    He looked annoyed. "No. I told you I can handle this on my own. Do I need another man to help me settle my marital issues?"

    "The thing is, Lu Aotian is very capable and can pull him out in..."

    "And I''m not capable? Are you saying that he is more capable than me?" He frowned.

    "I wasn''t comparing you to him, I was just saying that he... forget it. It''s just that this whole thing seemed like a prank at first. Who knew it would involve so many secrets?"

    "Which gets me thinking, what would anyone gain from playing such a prank on you?" It made no sense at all.

    Yun Xuan thought about it then declared between gritted teeth. "Someone who doesn''t want my substitute to get together with Lu Aotian. The person wants to use me because I don''t have feelings for him and at the same time my relationship with her will eventually break apart." She thought about Mo Zilian. That woman was Lu Aotian''s traitor ex girlfriend and from Wan Jia''s story, she still had feelings for him and was trying to sabotage her out of hatred. However, how could she have known that long ago about both Wan Jia and Yun Xuan? It didn''t seem possible at all. She ruled out the possibility.

    Tyler looked at her and his mind trailed off for a while.

    Yun Xuan noticed that he looked strange and felt goosebumps. "What is it?"

    He looked at her with a smirk. "Either that, or someone who actually wants you and Lu Aotian to be married." He became even more serious as he secretly clenched his fist. " Someone like... your father."

 Chapter 58 - Parents

    "Someone like my father?" Yun Xuan was dumbfounded. "It would make sense if he did that after my return but..." she didn''t know why she shut up.

    "I''m sorry. I don''t mean to drive a wedge between you and your family but your father is not a good person." Tyler said straightfowardly.

    Yun Xuan raised an eyebrow. "What makes you think he is not a good person?"

    Tyler took a deep breath and looked at her helplessly "I don''t have any reason to slander my future family. Just trust me okay?"

    Yun Xuan was annoyed "On what grounds do you make such a claim? Tell me right now or keep it to your grave and never say such a thing to me."

    Tyler thought about it. It was going to be very difficult and cruel to shatter a girl''s perfect image of her father. "Forget it, it''s just my intuition." he smiled.

    The girl became even more annoyed. "You know, you can''t just use your intuition to cast judgement on people. Is that how you were trained?"

    "I know, I''m sorry." he just couldn''t bring himself to tell her what he knew. Sigh, as long as that old man doesn''t hurt Yun Xuan, he shouldn''t care about his other deeds.

    "Let''s meet my parents tomorrow." he said after a while.

    "Okay" she said as she casually sat on his lap and kissed his lips.

    ...

    The next day, the two rose a bit later than usual thanks to their nighttime activities. After taking a warm bath to refresh her worn out body, Yun Xuan wore the black knee length dress Tyler had prepared for her. It was elegant and not too bright, showing off her beauty but at the same time not standing out too much. She looked quite pretty.

    "Let''s go," Tyler said after she was done dressing up and helped her into his car.

    Tyler laughed at her nervousness. "Stop being so nervous. My parents will definitely like you."

    "They will? They aren''t going to reject me, and they won''t be overly hard to please?"

    "They can''t do that. Though I must give you a heads up. My parents are...." he couldn''t find the right words "....a lot different from your imagination"

    "I see. As long as they accept me." she sighed. She didn''t know why she really feared that they may not like her.

    "Shouldn''t we get some gifts for your parents?" she asked as they passed by a shopping centre.

    "Don''t worry about it, the flowers are enough." he casually said. He had bought two bouquets of white roses. She figured those were obviously for his mother. Perhaps his family was so wealthy that they did not care about presents and could only accept things like flowers? It was quite possible considering his own lifestyle...

    "Ok" she didn''t think too much about it.

    As the road advanced into a remote area, she started feeling something was odd. She thought about the white flowers Tyler had bought and glanced at her black dress. Was it what she was thinking..... could Tyler''s parents be.... Were they heading to the cemetry?

    Tyler noticed her curiosity and gripped the steering wheel tightly taking a deep breath. "I didn''t know how to explain it to you." he looked carefully at her facial expressions "We''re indeed going to the cemetry." The car stopped as they arrived.

    She was more scared than shocked as she trembled slightly.

    She suddenly recalled a long forgotten incident of her childhood.

    ...

    She had come to this very place with her mother when she was five. It was her father''s memorial, or so she thought.

    After a short while, her mother''s phone rang and the woman had a troubled expression on her face. She told her that she had a little problem to settle and that Yun Xuan should wait for her for a minute and not go anywhere.

    However, she waited for a long time and her mother did not come back. She waited till the sun set, the moon rose... she began getting scared. She was hungry and cold and could only remember her mother''s worried expression when she left?

    Who had called earlier? Was it a bad person? Was her mother in danger? She decided to look for her. In the cold night, the lonely little girl could only rely on her own instincts to get to the main road in search for her mother.

    However, even after searching till late at night without even knowing where she was going, she didn''t see any sign of her. Luckily a traffic officer took notice of her just as she was about to break down from hunger, fear, tiredness and cold.

    The man took her to his home and gave her food, even bought her some clothes to change into as he coaxed her to wait for a while as he will investigate her mother''s whereabouts the next day. Yet it was not sure what the five year old girl thought of as she ran away early the next morning to look for her mother on her own.

    ...

    "Yun Xuan?" Tyler had called her several times but the girl was in a daze for so long with tears rolling down her face prompting him to shake her arm.

    "Are you okay?" he asked worriedly.

    She wiped the tears she hadn''t known were falling and said in a chocked voice "Am okay. Let''s go"

    "No." he could pretty much guess that she had a bad memory about this place and from the looks of it, it must be one that still traumatized her. "I''ll only tell you their story if I have to." he looked at her guiltily.

 Chapter 59 - She had feelings for her godbrother?

    He blamed himself for bringing her to a place that made her emotional. Yun Xuan suddenly held his hand that was reaching for the steering wheel to turn around.

    "Don''t worry about it. It''s something in the past. Let''s go." she said in a rapy voice. He wiped the remaining teardrop on her lashes before leading her out.

    ....

    "They were ambushed at home." he told her. "My father was just like me, a private investigator. He uncovered some dirt about a powerful person, that''s why this happened. I was only twelve then." He looked indifferent, as though it was long forgotten and the scar had long been healed.

    Yun Xuan looked at him and was surprised. Most people would want to stay away from such careers after experiencing such trauma but he followed his father''s dangerous path?

    It was as if Tyler was reading her mind "Apart from my love for my career, I want to complete what he didn''t."

    "So how did you grow up?" Yun Xuan asked when they went back to the car.

    "There was an elderly lady living close to our home. She only had one granddaughter living with her and was close to my parents. She took me in." he explained.

    "And you had no siblings?" he asked.

    "My foster grandma''s granddaughter is my only sibling. You know her too, she''s Ruolin."

    "So it''s like this..." Yun Xuan didn''t expect his past to be that way. The way he phrased it online seemed like any normal family with both parents and siblings but now...

    It was no wonder his relationship with Ruolin seemed pretty close. They had grown up together.

    "I''ll take you to see my grandma before it gets late. I already told her, we''ll have lunch at her place. Her culinary skills are perfect, by the way." he smiled.

    Yun Xuan nodded but just as he was about to start driving, his phone rang. His expression changed in the next second.

    "What''s wrong?" she asked.

    He had a troubled expression. "It''s a call from the office. They need me there immediately."

    Yun Xuan tried to remain calm "You should rush over. We can go to your grandma''s on another day." She felt it was such a pity as she really looked foward to meeting her.

    He put a hand on his forehead. "Grandma really looks foward to seeing you. She''ll definitely beat me up thoroughly if you don''t go today. " He thought about it "How about we go after I check what''s happening at the office.....oh wait, how about Ruolin takes you there?"

    Yun Xuan was stunned. "Will that be appropriate?"

    "Why not? The old lady only cares about you anyway. We''ll go together the next time. Or else if you don''t go today then she''ll sulk at me for ages." he was almost pleading.

    "Okay."

    "Then I''ll call Ruolin over."

    .....

    An hour later.

    "That used to be Tyler''s home. Another family lives there now." Ruolin said as she showed her various places in the neighbourhood where the two of them supposedly used to play when they were young. She told her how naughty Tyler used to be, how all the girls in school had a crush on him and some of his embrarassing childhood stories.

    Yun Xuan laughed her heart out as she followed along.

    Grandma Wang''s house was neither too big nor too small, just enough for three people to live in. To be exact, it only had a master bedroom and two other bedrooms, one of them having been modified from a guest room. The rooms were basically small in size without much color or decoration. The living room didn''t look big either.

    Her grandchildren had offered to buy her a new, bigger and more luxurious house when they had stable jobs and earned a lot but she rejected them saying that she had lived in that house all her youth and wouldn''t move. Inside the old house, a healthy vibrant old lady hummed as she set the table. She had already been informed of Yun Xuan''s visit and she looked as pleased as punch.

    "You''re here at last!" she was happy when Ruolin finally led Yun Xuan in.

    "You must be Xuanxuan, I''ve heard so much about you. " she said jovially and hugged Yun Xuan, momentarily forgetting about Ruolin and pulling Yun Xuan in.

    "Come in, I prepared your favorite food. Tyler and Ruolin mentioned that you like sweet and sour pork ribs." she rattled on.

    "Thanks Mrs. Wang,."

    "Oh, silly girl. We''re a family. Call me grandmother." she pinched Yun Xuan''s cheek playfully. Yun Xuan''s mood was also uplifted. The old lady was much friendlier than she had imagined. She kept scooping dishes for Yun Xuan and chatting on happily, asking her about her family, occupation and all that.

    However, Yun Xuan still felt something was a little odd about Ruolin''s attitude. It was as if she had mood swings. Although she was friendly to her on her way here, right now she looked at Yun Xuan with some degree of despite.

    Yun Xuan frowned as she thought about it. Could it be that earlier when she showed her all those places and told her all those stories, her intention was not to strike a conversation with Yun Xuan but to let her know her place? Let Yun Xuan know that the two of them had grown up together and knew each other better?

    This Ruolin....Tyler was her godbrother! Did she have feelings for him?

 Chapter 60 - A worm in her stomach

    Grandma Wang chatted with the two girls all afternoon before she reluctantly let them leave after making them promise to visit again soon.

    Sure enough, Ruolin''s attitude wasn''t as good as it was when she brought her.

    "Since you know your way, you can come on your own next time." she said as soon as they were far from Grandma Wang.

    Yun Xuan rolled her eyes. "Or, Tyler will bring me next time."

    Ruolin seemed even angrier "Whatever. If he has the time, that is." the last statement was a mumble.

    Yun Xuan couldn''t understand her at all. They were meant to be sisters in law and hadn''t crossed paths so why did this girl hate her? Hence she couldn''t help but ask "Do you like Tyler?"

    She was shocked for a second before she tried to be calm and indifferent. "He''s my brother. Of course I like him."

    "I mean....are you in love with him?"

    Ruolin knew she was going to ask that and gave her a sharp look. "Can you mind your business? I just pity my brother for being with a pretentious woman who only knows tricks of seduction. You think my grandma will still like you when she knows what type of person you are?"

    That was one poisonous mouth. Yun Xuan''s mouth twitched.

    ....

    "How did it go? I guess grandma was all over you all day." Tyler asked as he looked through documents on his laptop.

    "It was all good. Grandma is so friendly." she smiled to disguise her bad mood.

    "Told you so, but why do you look like you''re in a bad mood?"

    Did this guy possess special eyes? Not even her mother or brother could tell when she concealed her mood. How did this guy know?

    Well, he did possess special eyes...

    "I''m not. I''m just tired." she denied swiftly, not wanting to report to him things that mattered as much as a fart.

    "Really?" He did not believe her. "Did Ruolin make things difficult for you?"

    Yun Xuan frowned. Nailed it again? Hey, are you a worm in my stomach?

    "She really did." his tone was of certainty this time and he was unhappy. That Ruolin! She had promised to be nicer to Yun Xuan. What was she doing by making her unhappy now? She would deal with her later.

    "How''s work?" She changed the topic as she sat on his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck.

    The man looked a bit down when she asked that. "Well, I''m going away on another mission tomorrow." he seemed sad to break the news.

    She caressed his chin. "Why the long face? Is it going to take too long?"

    "Two months." he sighed.

    "Two months? That long?" she looked sad. Why were his missions so long?

    "I may come back earlier but at most I''ll be away for two months"

    "Can I come with you?"

    "Of course not. Why would I take you with me to dangerous places? I''d never do that." he instantly rejected.

    Yun Xuan sighed. She was just about to ask where he would be going when he answered ger unasked question "I''m sorry, I can''t tell you my location this time. But don''t worry, It''s within the nation." he said as he hugged her closer.

    She frowned. "Being with you is quite troublesome. You disappear as mysteriously as you appear, I don''t truly know you, you stay away in a place I don''t know for so long... how would I find you if one day you decided to disappear for good or if, God forbid, something happened to you in an unknown place?

    He laughed and kissed her." Don''t be troubled. If something were to happen to me, that would mean my identity has been leaked. That way you will find me and besides, don''t you know my home now?"

    She was just feeling uneasy. What kind of answer was that?

    "That''s why there are things I can''t tell you. Some people always know the people close to us and what information they could possibly have. I don''t want your existence to be known to them. Talking of which.....I''m sorry but we can only marry without a wedding."

    "I was aware of that." Of course she was aware of this from the day he told her his occupation.

    "Oh, isn''t Ruolin''s life in danger then? After all they think you two are husband and wife...and why did the two of you have to use that as a cover?

    "Ruolin is one woman not just anyone can track down. She vanishes like a puff of wind when she wants to and her martial art skills paired with her gunsmanship are top notch. At least I can be certain that she is able to protect herself.

    As for why the agency had us act as a couple, it''s because using a couple that loves travelling as a disguise is easier to work with when going to some places."

    "Oh..." she sighed slightly sadly.

    "What''s wrong? You''re uncomfortable about her acting as my wife?" he pinched her jealous cheeks.

    "Don''t worry. Only you can be my wife. She''s my sister remember?" he laughed. "If it troubles you, however, I''ll speak to my superiors and tell them about my real life marriage so they can change the arrangement."

    Satisfied now, she smiled. "Okay." Her man was just so thoughtful.

 Chapter 61 - What kind of weird addiction is this?

    Southside Villas.

    Wan Jia opened her beautiful eyes as the rays of the early morning sunlight illuminated her fair face. She rubbed her eyes and was about to get out of bed when she felt something was wrong with her lips and tongue.

    Her tongue was numb and her lips felt like they had been bitten.

    It wasn''t the first time she woke up feeling like this. One time might be a coincidence and she might believe that she accidentally bit herself in her sleep, but she wouldn''t believe such a thing especially when she first had that feeling after sleeping in Lu Aotian''s room.

    She cursed in an annoyed tone. "Damn that Lu Aotian!"

    If he wanted to steal kisses from her at night, he should just kiss her. What was up with the biting? What kind of weird addiction was this?

    She looked at her slightly swollen lips in the mirror sulkily and swore to revenge.

    After taking a warm refreshing bath, she went downstairs wanting to prepare breakfast as Little Jia was still asleep and she was bored.

    However, she caught sight of something on her way to the kitchen.

    Lu Aotian was resting on the sofa in the living room with his laptop beside him and his eyes shut. His handsome face looked even more alluring than when he had his eyes open.

    Hmmm, just when she swore to revenge, he appears before her and asleep at that. Perfect chance or what? She smiled. If he was asleep, then she would take the chance to bite his lips just like she bit hers last night.

    As if her legs had a brain of their own, she walked robotically and stood before him.

    What to do...to kiss him or not?

    "Pfft! Wan Jia, it''s a bite, not a kiss." she scolded herself.

    She looked at the handsome face she had so long wished to touch. She knew he was a light sleeper, she knew he might wake up if she touched him...

    But it wasn''t often that she found him asleep and got to be close to him.

    For him to be asleep on the sofa early in the morning, he must have stayed up all night and was probably in deep sleep. Besides he looked so seductive breathing slowly with his eyes closed. Even if her brain wanted her to leave, her legs wouldn''t move . Before her brain could process it, she reached her slender soft fingers to touch his forehead, eyebrows, cheeks and rested at his lips.

    "Aotian, " It was best to confirm that he was really asleep. When she heard no response from him, her heart raced faster as she inched closer.

    Her desire for his beautiful lips overrode her rationality and without even thinking about how awkward it would be if he woke up, she bit his lower lip slightly.

    As if biting alone could not satisfy her, she pried his lips open and kissed him deeper, unknowingly sitting on his lap and wrapping her arms around his neck.

    The man fidgeted. It took a while before she regained her senses and scurried away like a mutant right before he opened his eyes.

    "Phew! That was close" she held her chest as she ran into the kitchen, blushing hard.

    What she did not know was that the man on the sofa was aware of everything that had transpired.

    He had just entered the living room and sat on the sofa intending to do some work on his laptop when he heard her footsteps from upstairs. He knew that she was probably mad after realising what he had done the previous night.

    Befire this, he had always left early in the morning and had never met her after stealing a kiss from her at night. Knowing it would be awkward, he put his laptop aside and pretended to be asleep.

    Then he felt the girl''s footsteps come closer and stop right beside him. From his insticts, he knew she was staring at him.

    Then he heard her scold herself softly that it was a bite and not a kiss. She wanted to kiss him? His back froze. Although he really wanted to open his eyes, he also wanted to know if she was really going to do it. What came next was the girl''s soft fingers caressing his face. He almost couldn''t pretend anymore, especially when he heard her soft alluring voice calling out his name.

    He almost responded but his instincts told him she was only testing whether he was asleep.

    He had thought caressing his face was already her peak of teasing him when she suddenly sat on his lap and even hugged him in the most intimate way she had ever done ever since they met again.

    While he hoped she would kiss him, he also hoped she wouldn''t or else he wouldn''t control himself anymore. She first bit him with those tiny sharp teeth so hard that he almost winced in pain. So it was a form of revenge... the girl held the back of his neck even tighter as he felt her quickened breath igniting a raging fire under his skin.

    Then came the long anticipated kiss. The girl''s lips were slightly cold as they pried his own open. She was a good kisser thanks to his ''training'' back then, driving his rationality away and tempting him to hold her waist and deepen the kiss.

    Too bad she fled just as he was about to lift his hand....

 Chapter 62 - Because I love you

    "Miss Wan Jia, do you need something?" the chef asked respectfully when he saw Wan Jia walk in.

    "I''m here to prepare breakfast" she smiled. The servants had a good impression of her, she was kind and neither put on airs nor bullied them.

    "I''m sorry Miss Wan Jia, but I cannot let you cook." he smiled back.

    "Huh? Why?"

    "Master does not allow you to do such tiring things. Please wait a while, breakfast will be ready soon." Besides, do you know how to cook?

    Wan Jia knew what he was thinking "It''s not that hard, actually I know how to cook. It won''t be a problem."

    The chef looked depressed. They had all been told to obey her orders but at the same time they had been ordered not to let her do anything tiring. What should he do? Disobey the master or her? "I''m sorry Miss Wan Jia, Master would punnish me if I let you stay in the kitchen. It''s oily and smoky in here." He hoped she would understand.

    But still she insisted, pleading with puppy eyes "I guarantee you will not be in any kind of trouble."

    She had long waited for a chance to show off her culinary skills. She had never cooked for her daughter before. As for Lu Aotian, that guy always forbade her from doing any chores even in the past hence she had never cooked for him either.

    Although she was not exactly on the same level as experienced chefs, she was not tooting her own horn by saying that she was a natural talent and her cooking skill was worth being praised.

    Back at the He family, everyone loved it when she prepared meals. She had a few kitchen tricks up her sleeves that impressed even madam Yun when she was still pretending to be Yun Xuan.

    The chef did not know any of this and thought that her so called culinary skills were simply being able to cook instant noodles. She did not believe that such a delicate and beautiful girl could even hold a kitchen tool.

    Besides, the little Miss was very picky with her food and could not eat anything that wasn''t extremely perfectly cooked, just like her father.

    "I..." he was at a loss.

    "Let her." a stern voice interrupted from behind them.

    "Eh?" the chef was shocked. Master actually let her cook? He knew his master very well. He didn''t allow anything to tire her out and said that her free time should be used either doing things she enjoyed like shopping and watching movies or admiring her beauty.

    Having recieved the order, the chef scurried away.

    It was now just the two of them in the huge kitchen which Wan Jia felt was significantly smaller with him present.

    She felt goosebumps rise on her skin as Lu Aotian walked in. She dared not turn to look at him but she could very much guess that he had a grin on his face.

    "What are you cooking?" he asked in a low sexy voice.

    She held her breath wordlessly hoping he would leave sooner but only felt him move closer and closer till he was right behind her.

    "Can I hug you?" he asked in the same sexiness as he placed his hands beside her on the kitchen counter. His voice was so seductive, there was no cure.

    She was trapped between the kitchen counter and him. She instinctively wanted to turn around but if she did, that would be a direct hug and even if she didn''t, their position right now could already be considered as two thirds of a hug.

    "Hmm?" he prompted when she didn''t reply after a long while.

    Her heart felt like it would roll out of her chest at any second.

    Throwing all other thoughts at the back of her mind, she slowly turned, wrapped her arms around him and burried her head into his chest.

    Lu Aotian had only intended to tease her a little and did not expect this move, so he was momentarily stunned.

    He held her waist with his arms tightly feeling the warmth emanating from her slim body.

    The hug lasted longer than he could ever hope for, the girl didn''t seem to be in a hurry to let go. Not that he wanted to let go either anyway, he simply held her closer and stroked her waist long wavy hair.

    After several minutes, her legs probably grew numb from standing in the same position for too long and she tried to free herself from his embrace. He held her even tighter and lifted her by the waist, making her sit on the kitchen counter with him between her legs. Wan Jia felt her face burn looking at their embarassing position.

    Before she could say anything, he lifted her chin, inching closer and whispered against her ear "why did you bite me?"

    The girl blushed and tried to hide away but her red ears were very visible to Lu Aotian. He laughed and teased her even more "Could it be that you always wanted to kiss me but you were too scared so you bit me instead?"

    "No..."

    "Then why?"

    She kept quiet for a moment before replying "Because I love you."

    Lu Aotian''s heart skipped a beat. He froze for a good few seconds before his mind reacted. "What did you say?"

    "I said, Lu Aotian, I kissed you because I love you."

 Chapter 63 - You dont trust me?

    Lu Aotian froze even more.

    He had waited for ages to hear those words from her...yet now that he finally did, his first reaction was to think that it was a dream.

    He reached out to pinch his hand that was still holding her waist.

    No pain...so it''s a deam after all. He felt disappointed.

    "Hey! Pinch yourself! Why did you pinch me?" Wan Jia exploded unhappily.

    Oh... so he had not pinched himself but pinched her waist. He was really not dreaming, she had said that she loved him. Well, he already knew it, but she kept denying before. She actually confessed it....

    In fact, if her eyes were not looking at him with so much affection, he would think she was pulling a prank.

    He, a man who always uttered golden words whenever he opened his mouth and never lost to anyone, just kept opening and closing his mouth with nothing to say.

    Wan Jia found his surprised expression adorable and sealed his lips again. His brain was in a turmoil. Did she mean it? Was she really not pulling a prank as part of her revenge?

    "Aren''t you going to say anything?" she was unhappy that he only looked at her with that shocked expression and did not utter a single word.

    "I don''t know what to say. What should I say?" he was breathless.

    "Idiot." she smacked his head. Did he really not know how to react to a confession? He was making her feel awkward.

    He took her hand and held it against his racing heart. "Wanwan, you already know how much I love you, don''t you? I just....I didn''t expect this... I''m overwhelmed."

    "Pffft!..." she laughed out loud.

    "What''s so funny?" His expression turned deadly. "If this is a prank Wanwan, I''m going to strangle you!" he said in an extremely scary voice.

    "Haha...relax" she said as she swung her legs that were dangling beside him. "I just haven''t seen you being this cute in a long time."

    "You''ll get more chances in future." He held her chin and kissed her lips lightly as if tasting something extremely valuable before prying her lips open to deepen the kiss slowly. She closed her eyes as her hands felt for his shirt buttons to unbutton them.

    Crash!

    They both looked at the doorway when they heard the sound of something falling.

    Little Jia stood there facing away from them with her little hands tightly covering her eyes. Her huge princess doll had been thrown carelessly on the floor.

    Now... this was awkward.

    "Baby!" Wan Jia straightened her disheveled clothes, quickly buttoned up his shirt and went to hug her baby.

    The little girl''s first reaction was

    "Ew, daddy!" she gave her father a murderous glare.

    Lu Aotian was speechless. How was it his fault? Little girl, it''s your mother who confessed to me and seduced me. Can''t you see?

    His mood was, however, too good for him to argue with his love rival at the moment. The little girl joined them in the kitchen to prepare breakfast.

    "How about Little Jia and I go to the theme park? I suddenly feel like celebrating." she suggested.

    His back stiffened for a few seconds. "Just you and Little Jia?"

    "Yes yes Daddy! I want to go with Mommy!" the little girl butted in bubbling with joy.

    "Yes," Wan Jia replied excitedly, not realizing how cold his expression was turning.

    "Princess, let me talk to your mother alone for a while okay?"

    "Mmh." she said unhappily. If father was sending her away so he can prevent her from going out with Mommy, she would not forgive him.

    "What''s the matter?" she finally realized something wrong with the way he looked at her.

    He held her wrist tightly. "I thought you gave up on these stupid thoughts!" he snarled.

    "What stupid thoughts?" she did not understand.

    "You think I''m stupid? You''re the stupid one. Such a perfect plot. I almost got fooled but thanks to your impatience I got to see through you within just a few seconds."

    "I really don''t understand what you mean... ow! My wrist hurts."

    He loosened his grip on her now red and slightly swollen wrist. "You knew that I wouldn''t let you go out with my daughter alone didn''t you?

    So you came up with this pretence confession, huh? Heh... what a brilliant plan, Gaining my ttust so that you can go away with her? You think I''m an idiot?" he bellowed.

    Huh? He had misunderstood her? That wasn''t her intention at all!

    "I really meant to confess to you. It wasn''t so that I could escape... if...if I really wanted to escape, wouldn''t I wait for at least a few days and totally gain your trust first?" she shakily explained.

    He narrowed his eyes "You knew that if you waited those so called few days I would be even more suspiscious."

    "You... you don''t trust me?" she looked shocked. He was not going to buy that look.

    "Do you deserve to be trusted?"

    This girl was an expert trickster. If she wanted to use psychological tricks, she wouldn''t do it like normal people. She would in fact think of what the other person would do to counterattack and scheme against the counterattack measure instead. Having one''s guard up would not help at all.

    To put it simply, her thought process could not be deciphered using an ordinary person''s common sense.

    Humph! She had done it to him before. Not once but twice. This time he completely had his guard up against her.

 Chapter 64 - Too understanding

    He inched closer to her ear in a threatening manner. "Don''t do anything regrettable, or else you won''t even know how you died." With that, he spun on his heel and went to his room.

    Her knees gave way and she slumped to the ground with a thud.

    "Mommy?" Little Jia''s room wasn''t completely closed. She didn''t pay attention to their discussion but she was sure her father had scolded her mommy before storming to his room and banging the door shut.

    Her heart ached when she saw her mother hugging her knees and trying to fight back her tears.

    She looked in the direction of her father''s room with a sad expression for a while before she changed her mind and went to her mother instead.

    "Did he bully you?" she asked in a coaxing voice as she patted Wan Jia''s forehead in consolation.

    "He didn''t, mommy is just a little tired and decided to sit down for a while." she forced a smile while playing with her baby''s long pigtails.

    The little girl looked at her pitifully. "Mommy, little Jia knows mommy has been bullied." she said miserably as she tried to think of ways to comfort her.

    "Mommy, little Jia has two new dolls. Let''s go and play." she said as she pulled onto Wan Jia''s arm.

    She stood up and let her daughter drag her into her playroom. It wouldn''t look too nice if she lost control of her emotions and cried in front of her daughter.

    However, neither the mother nor the daughter was really playing, they got distracted into their own separate thoughts.

    Little Jia thought about the pink lacy princess dress she had mentally decided to wear to the theme park.

    She had urged her father to buy her that dress after seeing Wan Jia wearing a body hugging pink dress of the same color. They looked just like parent-child outfits.

    When she heard that they were going out together, she hoped to wear this dress together with her mommy. Besides, it was the first time they were going out together.

    "Daddy doesn''t want us to go to the theme park?" she couldn''t restrain herself from asking in the end.

    Wan Jia kissed her forehead, not knowing just how to break the news to her. " Let''s go downstairs for breakfast, okay? I''ll go try to convince him."

    "Yes Mommy." she let Wan Jia lead her to the dining table. The chef had already finished preparing breakfast. "Mommy, if Daddy doesn''t agree, Little Jia understands, maybe Daddy has a good reason. " she smiled. Wan Jia smiled back. This little girl was too understanding for her age. Other three year olds would have cried their lungs out by now.

    Wan Jia walked nervously to his door and hesitated. Would he lose his temper on her again if he sees her?

    Inside the room, Lu Aotian was on a phone call with his brother.

    "I just don''t understand her thought process at all. I haven''t ever thought of separating them. Why does she still want to do this?" Lu Aotian was basically complaining. His mood was terrible.

    "Well, women are unfathomable for the most part. But, brother, you can''t rule out the possibility that she genuinely wanted to be with you."

    "If she has ever been genuine, that is."

    .....

    The door was soundproof hence Wan Jia didn''t know that he was on phone. She knocked lightly and tried to push the door open.

    She waited for a few seconds before it was opened from the inside and an inhumanely gloomy Lu Aotian appeared.

    "What do you want?" his expression didn''t change much when he saw who it was.

    "May I come in?" she asked although she was almost entirely sure she was going to be sent away.

    To her surprise, he stood aside to let her in and locked the door. "What do you want?" he asked monotonously.

    "Breakfast is ready."

    "You could have asked the butler to call me. Why did you come here yourself?"

    Wan Jia almost broke down from the cold aura emanating from his face and his chilling voice. Had she been transported to the north pole?

    "Well,..." she didn''t know where to begin.

    "Go straight to the point." he didn''t even spare her a glance and looked like she was wasting so much of his time.

    She took a deep breath "I already promised not to try anything funny, I wouldn''t even dare. I only wanted to have some fun. Besides..."

    "Besides what?"

    "I really want to be with my baby forever, but if I took her away, then wouldn''t I have left you behind? My heart would hurt."

    It wasn''t clear to him whether she meant her heart would hurt because she would feel pity for him or because she would miss him. He gave her a questioning look."

    "I meant it when I said that I love you." she finished it off in one breath.

    The man finally had a change in expression. "If that''s the case then why did you not say it earlier?"

    "I didn''t want to be a burden to you." she replied honestly.

    "I see...then why did you change your mind?"

    "Well, I realised if I don''t own it up and am too late I will lose you...." she looked down "You were beginning to lose interest in me."

    He raised an eyebrow. Beginning to lose interest? How did she come to such a crazy conclusion?

    "Erm, the last time you brought such a huge gift for Little Jia and forgot about me, isn''t that a sign of losing interest?"

 Chapter 65 - Unrivaled queen of jealousy

    "Erm, the last time you brought such a huge gift for Little Jia and forgot about me, isn''t that a sign of losing interest?"

    "Huh? When..." then he recalled. She was talking about the incident with the teddy bear? So she still held it in her heart so seriously.

    How could he expect her to have forgotten? Wan Jia was the unrivaled queen of jealousy. She had always been the queen of jealousy even in the past.

    ***

    On a certain day, Lu Aotian went to pick Wan Jia from school as usual. On this day, however, she was late by more than thirty minutes. Lu Aotian felt bored and got out of his car to take a breath of fresh air. The girls leaving the school all gasped in amazement when they saw him.

    "Aah! Who is that? So handsome!"

    "He''s too dreamy. I want to strike up a conversation with him!"

    "Are you done with living? That''s Goddess Wanwan''s man."

    "Wan Jia''s man? How would you know? It''s not like he has the name Wan Jia written on his forehead." a bold girl in red sneered.

    "Can''t you see that''s the car that picks Wanwan up everyday?"

    The other girls were awed. They had seen the car severally, but it didn''t look too flashy. They thought that at most her man would be an heir from a slightly rich family. They did not expect him to be this handsome either...and so classy.

    This car, in fact, stuck out among Lu Aotian''s cars like a sore thumb. He only bought it because she didn''t want too much fame from his limited edition ridiculously expensive cars.

    "I never thought the goddess'' man would be this handsome. And he looks so rich. Clearly that car doesn''t suit his status."

    "As expected of the goddess. She''s so beautiful and her man is so handsome and charismatic. I am so jealous of her."

    While they were chatting, one of them suddenly exclaimed. "Hey! What''s Xiao Xue doing?"

    The girl named Xiao Xue was the girl in red just now, she was famous for being obsessed with guys from classy backgrounds. She was currently walking proudly towards Lu Aotian.

    "Does she feel like her life is too long and boring?"

    The girl walked up to him and smiled. "Mister, are you waiting for Wanwan? I''m her friend."

    She intentionally touched her neck and puffed up her breasts feeling glad that her dress today was quite showy. No man would be able to resist this, right?

    The other girls felt disgusted. "Is she crazy? Straight up seducing another girl''s boyfriend. How shameless!"

    "Tsk, that guy already has Wanwan. How can he be interested in other girls? Wanwan''s pinky finger alone can fling that scheming b*tch twenty streets away, alright?"

    The girl frowned when she heard the gossip around her. How can she not compare to Wan Jia? She always felt she was way more beautiful than Wan Jia.

    She smiled at Lu Aotian who hadn''t even glanced at her once. She felt that Lu Aotian would fall for her once he saw her face. Hence she pulled her killer move.

    "Ah--!" She pretended to lose balance and started falling foward. Just as she thought she was going to fall onto Lu Aotian''s chest, he moved aside and let her fall onto the ground in a thud. "Pfft! She thought every man is interested in her fake face?"

    "Haha as expected of the goddess''

    man."

    " So cool"

    "What''s going on here?" Before Lu Aotian could order his men to take care of the idiotic girl, Wan Jia had arrived. It only took her one glance to understand the situation.

    "Darling, what''s going on?" she asked as she glared at the girl in red. Before he could even answer her, Wan Jia glared at the girl fiercly. Just one single glare was able to scare her far away.

    What followed as soon as they got home was her dragging Lu Aotian into the bathroom to was off that girl''s scent...

    After that, the girl named Xiao Xue would always scurry away whenever she saw Wan Jia.

    ***

    Lu Aotian came back to his senses and glanced at the girl looking down nervously as though she was waiting for his verdict.

    "I indeed love someone else." he said.

    "What?" she looked up with tears in her eyes. Lu Aotian was amazed at her ability to draw tears within just a few microseconds. Was it a superpower?

    "Don''t cry, it''s the truth. You had left me and she arrived. She was so beautiful and..."

    "Stop it!" She interrupted. Her tears were already forming an ocean.

    "Let me finish. She..." This time, she used her lips to make him shut up. When she closed her eyes, he found her long eyelashes that were now wet quite beautiful. How adorable! He wanted to tease her even more.

    "I don''t care Lu Aotian! You''re mine.  Whoever that woman is, let her not dare come your way or I''ll throw her into the ocean to feed the sharks. sob sob"

    Lu Aotian grinned. "Throw her into the ocean to feed the sharks, are you sure?"

    "What''s so funny. I''ll really throw her."

    "But I love her so much, I won''t let you." he smiled.

    "You!.." she was so angry she almost pulled her hair off her scalp. "You''re even defending her? And you said you love her? But you said you love me just less than an hour ago, sob sob sob sob"

 Chapter 66 - Are you a one year old?

    "You!.." she was so angry she almost pulled her hair off her scalp. "You''re even defending her? And you said you love her? But you said you love me just less than an hour ago, sob sob sob sob"

    "That''s because I love you both, is it not obvious?" he smirked.

    This time she threw her little fists at his chest making Lu Aotian laugh at her even more. Although she was crying this hard, he was happy. It made him happy that she was mad about him loving someone else. That meant that she wasn''t faking her feelings for him.

    The girl wiped rubbed her big teary eyes with her fist and clung onto his arm, looking up at him. "Is she prettier than me?" she blinked pitifully.

    "I can''t compare. You both look alike." Besides, he would like to stay alive much longer.

    "Yun Xuan? You idiot! How could you love my friend? How shameless!" she pushed him away angrily as if he had forced his arm into her hands.

    It was getting too serious. "Who said it was a woman?"

    "Of course it can''t be a man," she rolled her eyes.

    "It can''t. But it can be a little girl." he continued just before she called him a disgusting pervert, "She''s only three."

    "You....wait. Little Jia?" realization struck her.

    "What do you think?"

    She threw a playful punch over. "You did this on purpose, right?"

    He held the soft little hand in his, placing little kisses on her fingers. "I only said I love someone else. Who would have known you''d let your imagination run so wild?"

    She glared at him furiously.

    He pinched her adorable cheeks lightly. "Call that your punishment."

    "What punishment?" she didn''t remember doing anything wrong.

    "For leaving. You didn''t think I was simply going to let you off, now did you?"

    "..." fine, you win.

    "Look at you, you look just like a baby." he wiped her remaining tears and kissed her lips lightly. "Even Little Jia doesn''t cry this hard. Are you a one year old?" he teased.

    She was so tired from crying that she didn''t want to argue with him any longer.

    "So now that we''ve cleared the air, why don''t we all go to the theme park? Little Jia will be so sad if we don''t." she dared to ask.

    ''Are you sure it''s Little Jia who will be sad and not you who''ll flood the whole villa in tears?'' he thought.

    He didn''t get angry as she feared. In fact, he looked like he had been waiting for her to ask. Turns out he was only angry the last time because she asked to go with Little Jia alone. Wait, it couldn''t be partially because he was jealous, could it?

    "Wanwan, for Little Jia''s safety, she doesn''t go anywhere without me. Many people don''t even know of her existence yet, and I only take her to places with excellent security."

    She understood his reasoning. Even she was scared that something could go wrong if Little Jia''s security was taken lightly.

    "So we''re going?" she asked for confirmation.

    "Mmh, let''s eat breakfast first." he said as he swept her off the ground.

    "Hey, the door is not that way." he was carrying her towards his bed instead of the door.

    "I know. Can''t I have you for breakfast?"

    Wan Jia sighed. She had delivered herself right into his hands. Who could she blame?

    ...

    The mother and daughter practically ate at the speed of lighting before flying off to find dresses to wear. Lu Aotian was helpless. If he really didn''t let them go, those two would bite him to death.

    In Little Jia''s room.

    "Little miss, which dress would you like to wear?" the nanny asked.

    The little miss was quite picky with her clothes as well and would not let anyone choose for her what to wear. What she wore depended on her mood although she basically loved all her clothes.

    "The same color as Mommy." she said.

    "What color is your Mommy wearing?"

    "I don''t know."

    The nanny was at a loss. How was she supposed to know such a thing as the color someone else was wearing without seeing them? She couldn''t just knock on her door and ask...

    "Then how about we wait for her to finish dressing up first?" she suggested. Good thing the little girl complied.

    After the quickest of showers, Wan Jia almost tore down the whole closet just trying to find the right outfit. Since they had just confessed to each other, this would be like their first date. As for what their relationship would be, she would let nature take its course.

    She tried on all the latest dresses but still couldn''t feel beautiful in them. She was frustrated. Just what was a girl supposed to wear when going to such a place as the theme park but still look dashing enough to make her man glue his eyes onto her all day?

    Unknowingly, two hours had passed.

    "Is Mommy not done yet?" Little Jia complained to her nanny.

    "Little miss, let''s wait a little longer." she said nervously.

    You''re not the right person to complain, she sighed in her heart. For special occassions, this little girl could try on dresses for half a day and if none of them satisfied her, she would ask her father to get her new ones on the spot. The servants were used to it.

    Lu Aotian, on the other hand, was sorting out documents in his study room. Apparently, he already predicted those two would take at least three hours.

 Chapter 67 - Nicknames

    Much later, Lu Aotian couldn''t wait any longer. Dressing up for three and a half hours? Dude! we''re going to a theme park. The theme park, okay? Not to the moon. Or are the two of you planning to on a nighttime adventure?

    He was just about to knock on Wan Jia''s door when he saw her coming out of Little Jia''s room. To be exact, he saw both of them coming out but his eyes were fixed on Wan Jia the moment he saw her. The girl was wearing a very beautiful slightly fluffy pink dress with pink boots. Her long wavy hair had been pulled into a ponytail. The white crystal butterfly near her ear was identical to the ones on her boots.

    She looked exactly like an adorable magical fairy princess.

    "Do I look pretty?" she twirled before him happily.

    "Very pretty." his voice was unrecognizably hoarse. "Can I take a picture of you?"

    "Of course!"

    Little Jia two steps behind her "..."

    I waited for more than three hours, wore my best dress and my best shoes, yet you shower mommy with all the praises and don''t even spare me a glance? she looked like she was about to cry.

    Only when Lu Aotian took Wan Jia''s photo did he notice a miniature version of her behind her. Although their dresses were not identical, they were of the same pink color. Little Jia had two tiny heart shaped crystals each beside her long pigtails and looked extremely adorable.

    "Oh, baby looks beautiful too. Neither of them looked happy with the praise.

    ''You only noticed me when I became a backdrop.'' little Jia thought.

    ''I''m the baby, okay? You shouldn''t casually use my nickname on other people.'' Wan Jia glared at him.

    Lu Aotian didn''t understand their looks and brushed it off. "Let''s go."

    Little Jia wanted to sit in the backseat with her mommy alone.

    "Daddy could you sit in front?" she asked innocently, although Lu Aotian knew her thoughts were far from innocent.

    "There''s enough space for the three of us at the back." he said. Of course the little girl knew he wanted to sit next to his wife!

    "But, our dresses will be ruined if we get too squeezed." she insisted shyly.

    Lu Aotian glanced at the backseat which was big enough to comfortably fit the three of them plus the huge teddy bear from days ago.

    "Then how about Mommy sits in between us?" he tested her.

    "No! I want to sit between you."

    Indeed, she was doing it on purpose. Whatever, it was a happy occassion. Starting a rivalry now wasn''t quite a nice way to start it. Thus he could only sit in the shotgun seat sulkily and watch the mother and daughter pair being lovey dovey at the back.

    An hour later, they arrived at Universal Amusement park. This was a privately owned theme park and not many people went there. The few people there came from powerful backgrounds hence their security was extremely tight. Of course, Lu Aotian would never be sure about such measures so several bodyguards followed them secretly.

    The first thing Wan Jia saw when they entered the theme park was "Cotton candy!" she was so excited that she almost flew off to the sky. "Baby, can I have one?"

    Little Jia humphed. How despicable! Not only do you want to steal mommy''s attention from me, you also want my nickname?

    Lu Aotian noticed her glaring at him and secretly gave her a funny look.

    "Can I, can I, can I?" Wan Jia shook his arm like a spoilt little girl.

    "Okay, okay...but just one."

    "Baby, you''re the best." she said as she held little Jia''s hand and pulled the two of them to the candy counter.

    She bought the biggest rainbow colored one.

    "Baby, do you want to have a taste?"

    Lu Aotian looked at her.

    Little Jia also looked at her.

    Obviously, they both wanted to know who she was reffering to.

    "Eer..."

    Are you both fighting for a nickname? She totally forgot about how she also almost blew the rooftop for the same nickname.

    To prevent a war from breaking out, she pinched a piece and fed it to Little Jia. Her eyes lit up. She had never eaten cotton candy before and she felt happy.

    "Nice, eh? We''ll convince your daddy to let us buy another one later." the last statement was a whisper.

    Then she pinched another piece and put it in Lu Aotian''s mouth. No one would ever imagine that the powerful and serious Lu Aotian would actually allow such a thing as cotton candy into his mouth.

    He was initially unhappy about the ''baby'' being Little Jia but when his wife personally fed him the fluffy thing and he even got to lick her fingers slightly, he forgot about it.

    "Quick! Let''s go to the rides. I want to try the roller coaster. I heard it''s pretty scary. Oh, oh, I want to try the ferris wheel too, and the drop tower." she rambled on and on when they finished the cotton candy.

    She really wanted to go to the drop tower with Lu Aotian. Too bad they couldn''t go with Little Jia on those child unfriendly rides. She didn''t feel safe about leaving her in the kids zone alone either. In such foreign places, it was best to watch her closely as she played with the other kids just in case she got scared in their absence or caused trouble.

    "I''ll bring you here alone the next time." he said when he noticed her longing look.

 Chapter 68 - Just like that, he had gained two romantic rivals?

    After watching Little Jia go on a few children rides and Wan Jia sneaking onto the roller coaster once when Lu Aotian wasn''t looking, the three of them were tired and a little bored.

    Just as they were about to get going, a staff approached them. Lu Aotian looked too scary so she talked to Wan Jia instead. "Ma''am, have you tried our latest game? It''s called pick up a toy." she gave her an invitation and explained to her the rules of the game.

    The game was to be played by three people. It was mainly aimed at entertaining children but it was more like a family game.

    There were many stuffed animals, toy cars, female porcelain dolls and superhero toys at four different stations. The cars were obviously for the boys, the dolls for girls while the stuffed animals and superheroes were unisex.

    Both Wan Jia and Little Jia chose the stuffed toy station. The stuffed toys came in form of many animals: bears, pandas, koalas, monkeys, bunnies, kittens and many other animals.

    Each one of them had a number stuck on it. The game lasted for five minutes.

    As for the rules, the players of a team would sit at a table and in the presence of a dealer, they would each randomly pick a folded card with a hidden number. The three of them would decide which card(s) to continue with and the teammates who discard their card would pick a diferent one until the numbers on all the cards tally.

    This was a fairly difficult game and it depended purely on luck. If in five minutes they didn''t manage to get identical numbers, then they would lose.

    During the whole two hours that they played, Lu Aotian''s group didn''t manage to win even a single little toy. However, this was not because they had particularly bad luck. It was simply because Lu Aotian''s little lovers both had eyes for two different bunnies and wouldn''t accept each other''s number. Apparently, they were the toy versions of a popular and very rare animated sidekick bunny called Eli. Since they had the same origin and form, they were identical with only the number as the difference.

    Lu Aotian was amazed at how childish these two could get. If they decided on one number first, wouldn''t they have a higher chance of winning? They could even possibly win both. But Little Jia stuck to her number 6 and Wan Jia too refused to let go of her number 14. At the end of the day, they lost even without trying hard.

    The mother and daughter pair left the game station looking sulky and dejected as if they had just been rejected by their mutual love Lu Aotian.

    "It''s getting late. Let''s go home." he urged them. They both kept looking back at their beloved bunnies like teenage girls being separated from their first love.

    In the car, neither of them even glanced once at the desserts they had fawned over excitedly and convinced Lu Aotian to buy them.

    "Princesses, don''t be too sad. Next time we''ll play all day and try to win your beloved bunnies, okay?"

    They sulked even more and ignored him. Lu Aotian sighed. Wasn''t it supposed to be a happy day?

    "The both of you must be tired. Wash up and come down for dinner, okay?" he kissed their foreheads. Little Jia frowned. He kissed Mommy first. This inhumane world!

    .....

    An hour later.

    "Ahhhhh!! a squeel was heard from Wan Jia''s room.

    Seconds later, the same squeel in a sharper and more deafening tone emananted from Little Jia''s room.

    "Eli! It''s Eli!" Little Jia screamed as she hugged and kissed the little bunny toy from a gift box she had just opened.

    Wan Jia''s squeel was for the same reason. She had just dressed up and opened the gift box she had found on her dressing table when she left the bathroom. Who would have thought that the bunny she almost cried over would appear in her room? In fact it was the exact one. It even had the number tag on. How did Lu Aotian get it?

    Actually, he couldn''t bear to see them so sad. He had just told one of the staff casually that his wife and daughter love the bunnies earlier when they threw a tantrum refusing to leave.

    At the same time he made a mental note to find similar stuffed bunnies for them.

    Who would have thought that the owners would want to curry favour with him so much as to call him later and ask if he wanted the toys? They even offered to wrap them up as gifts and have them delivered to his house. Naturally he wouldn''t care that these people were intentionally sucking up to him. As long as his princesses stopped sulking.

    Having recieved the best gift they could ever ask for, the mother and daughter were now happy.

    Soon, the two of them emerged from their rooms holding their bunnies like the most treasured possession.

    "Thank you daddy"

    "Thank you Aotian"

    They almost competed to thank him.

    "Are you coming to neat now, or are you going to eat your ''Eli''s?"

    "Nope. No toys at the dining table." he sternly reprimanded the pair who still had their bunnies in their hands as they made way to the dining table.

    The instant he said that, they both looked sad again.

    Even sadder was Lu Aotian. Just like that, he had gained two love rivals?

 Chapter 69 - Little Jia is unwell

    Some time after dinner.

    In little Jia''s room.

    "Baby, are you feeling pain anywhere?" Wan Jia asked the little girl in her arms.

    "Where do you feel uncomfortable? Can you tell Daddy?" Lu Aotian asked patiently. The little girl seemed to be very tired but still wouldn''t sleep even after he and Wan Jia had tried coaxing her for over two hours.

    To make it worse, she simply remained quiet and wouldn''t answer them no matter how many times they asked. Lu Aotian dramatically massaged his temples and called Little Jia''s personal doctor over.

    "Is the little miss feeling unwell?" asked Doctor Cui.

    Lu Aotian glared at him. "Why else do you think I would need to call you over?" he was already in a very bad mood worrying about his daughter. This man was just making it worse. This Doctor Cui was very talented in pediatrics. He was among the most remarkable pediatricians in the world and had won several awards in the field despite his fairly young age.

    However, all his titles and achievements aside, he was quite a chatterbox. Apart from giving extra detailed information about every little thing including those complicated medical terms and their explanation, he would ask the most irrelevant questions making one wonder, how did he even have enough time to study if all he did was talk? At least his written books about medical knowledge were pretty helpful to students studying the course.

    Thanks to his ability, many high end hospitals had tried to employ him before in vain. Probably only Lu Aotian was able to make such a man his daughter''s personal pediatrician in the whole country.

    "I''ll run the tests on little Miss." The man said, to Lu Aotian''s delight.

    "How strange, she neither has a change in temperature nor pulse."

    "How''s that possible? Can''t you see how pale she looks?" Wan Jia rebutted. She was so worried that she was about to cry. Seeing little Jia looking so unwell, she couldn''t help but feel her heart ache.

    "That''s indeed the result, cough" Doctor Cui looked nervous. "Say, how did little miss spend the day?" he nervously asked Lu Aotian who was giving him a murderous glare.

    "We went to the theme park." He answered coldly.

    "Which theme...cough, I mean, did she eat anything or drink anything unhealthy?"

    "Cotton candy and a few snacks she has eaten before."

    "I see, I see¡­and how long did she play? Did she interact with other children unsupervised? You see, she may have made a few friends who shared their food with her. Children are such kind creatures after all, and she may have eaten something that caused an allergic reaction or food poisoning." all doctor Cui could do now was question the parents since the child would not speak no matter what.

    Wan Jia looked at Lu Aotian. "I was with her the whole afternoon." For every kids ride, there was a zone nearby where parents would sit and watch the young ones play.

    "All afternoon" doctor Cui muttered. "That long? Does that mean she played all afternoon? Did she take any breaks?"

    "If one or two minutes after every ride counts."

    "That''s it. The little miss is tired from playing too much and may be a little dehydrated. Taking warm milk will help induce sleep." No wonder she felt uncomfortable but didn''t have any visible changes. She had never played that much all her life.

    Both Wan Jia and Lu Aotian heaved huge sighs in relief when she drank her milk and drifted off to sleep. They stayed a little longer and made sure there were no signs of discomfort on her face before they left.

    "Aotian, I''m still a little worried." Wan Jia said when they were in her room.

    "Don''t think too much about it. Doctor Cui is staying over in case of any emergency." He held her in his arms and comforted her. Of course, the fatigue was just a speculation. He would not simply make an assumption either, unless she was really proven to be a hundred percent alright.

    She thought about it and decided it was best to tell him. "The thing is, I didn''t have the chance to tell you this before but¡­well¡­my gynecologist once said that Little Jia might possibly have a weak immune system. I''m afraid that¡­"

    Although she could not complete her statement, Lu Aotian understood her. She was afraid that Little Jia may have contracted something serious.

    "But her immunity turned out strong in the end. I had several tests run on her when she was little and the doctor said she was in fact stronger than other children."

    "You knew about it?" she was surprised.

    "Of course. My baby was on her way to this world. How could I not ask about your check up results? Your gynecologist kept me updated." She smiled at his thoughtfulness. She had thought that he didn''t ever care about her pregnancy and only cared for her to deliver the baby and hand it over. Now that she thought about it, the hospital was just a little above average but they took special delicate care of her like a VIP, yet still charged her the same fee as regular patients. She had thought that that was how they treated all their regular patients¡­

    "Since the worst didn''t happen then there shouldn''t be any problem, right?"

    "Mmh," he thought about something. "If it will make you feel more assured and safe, how about we take her for a full body check up tomorrow?"

    "Indeed, you understand me the most. You always know what I have in mind."

 Chapter 70 - Hasnt she always been obedient?

    "Indeed, you understand me the most. You always know what I have in mind."

    He lifted her in his arms, placing her onto the bed and lying beside her with one arm still holding her. "Of course I understand you the most. Aren''t I your better half?"

    She snuggled herself even deeper into his warm and comforting embrace "More like a worm in my stomach." she laughed.

    He smiled as he pinched her neck playfully "To be a worm in your stomach, how nice would that be.... I would never leave no matter how hard you try to make me leave."

    "I''d never want you to leave." she replied.

    The two of them chatted for a while longer before her eyes started drooping slowly.

    Although he really loved watching such moments, he was afraid he might lose control especially now that they were together again.

    " I''ll make an appointment with the hospital, we can go in the morning. I''ll go to my room now, goodnight my love." he kissed her lips tightly and got up.

    Wan Jia''s originally drooping eyes instantly became clear and alert. She held onto his arm stubbonly. "Don''t go... just sleep next to me."

    Her voice was slightly raspy probably due to her sleepiness and terribly alluring.

    Lu Aotian rubbed his forehead helplessly. "Should I take that as an invitation?"

    He knew that wasn''t what she meant but such words were enough to light up a huge fire in the pit of his stomach.

    "You corrupt hooligan! I didn''t say ''come to bed and do some corrupt activities''. I only want you to hold me for a little longer." she looked up at him with pleading eyes.

    Even if he wanted to say no, he wouldn''t bear to faced with such beautiful begging eyes.

    In the end, he lifted the quilt and lay back down with her. As for the so called corrupt activities, although they had already done it years ago, the couple silently agreed to wait until they were really legally married.

    .....

    The next morning, they woke up a bit early and went straight to the hospital.

    Since Lu Aotian had already sent a message of his visit beforehand, the hospital''s security measures were trippled and the whole place was quiet with no obvious trace of activity.

    Little Jia was taken into a VIP hospital room and laid on the bed. Wan Jia and Lu Aotian were asked to temporarily remain outside and a nurse came in to take her blood sample. Looking at the adorable bundle of cuteness on the bed, her heart was filled with warmth as she envied her parents.

    She did not even know how to coax her. "Little girl, let auntie take your blood sample, okay? This might not feel very pleasant but it''s important for you to feel better."

    Little Jia neither agreed nor refused so the nurse cautiously went up to draw a blood sample. The next second, Little Jia looked miserable and huge drops of tears rolled down her soft little cheeks. She had thought that she was a very good and obedient girl. Why was this auntie poking her hands with painful sharp objects?

    ...

    After a long torturous wait, the test results were finally presented to them.

    "Her health is quite good and her body is especially strong. The incident from last night was purely out of fatigue. Her vitals....." the female doctor explained the results to them in detail before turning to Wan Jia.

    "May I ask why you especially thought that her immunity would be weak?"

    Wan Jia briefly glanced at Lu Aotian before answering. "Well....in the first trimester, I wasn''t really taking good care of my body, I was diagonised with mild signs of depression and the doctor suggested that I have an abortion but I insisted on keeping it.

    The consequence was that the chances of giving birth to a preterm baby or even losing it altogether were quite high."

    "So it''s because you know that many preterm babies have low immunity?" Wan Jia nodded. The female doctor finally understood.

    "That''s not always the case. In actual fact most babies born at seven or eight months that I''ve come across are really healthy. It all depends on how you take care of it before and after it''s born. However, if the two of you plan to have other children, you should be more careful and attentive especially in the first three months. That''s normally the most delicate time and it must be your luck from eight lifetimes to not have lost your daughter." she kindly explained.

    Wan Jia felt relieved. Not only did the doctor''s words relieve her fears, she also didn''t scold her unlike she imagined. After all she was quite careless with her baby in the first four months...

    "Thank you doctor," she finally said.

    After being given a few vitamin supplements for Little Jia and lots of advice in case they planned to have other children, the family of three happily left the hospital.

    "Daddy, daddy! can Little Jia buy some chocolate?" the little girl was finally lively again and jumped right into her father''s arms.

    Although she was already perfectly fine when she woke up in the morning, she was brought to the hospital right after she finnished her breakfast. The sight of many people in white running tests on her made her unhappy. Especially that auntie with a cap on her head. She pierced her hands with those very painful sharp objects.....Just what had she done wrong to provoke her?

 Chapter 71 - Shouldnt you be jealous

    "Daddy will get someone to buy you chocolate, but just for today, mmh?" Perhaps it was because his little princess had been wronged earlier, Lu Aotian relented to letting her have chocolate. She had always been restricted when it came to sweet things and she didn''t even dare ask for them. She would only wait for her daddy to voluntarily buy them for her....

    "Yes Daddy," after having her way, the little girl was happy now, so she rested sweetly in her father''s embrace.

    Wan Jia looked at them jealously at the side.

    Hugs! Hugs and chocolate! I want them too. She pursed her lips.

    Lu Aotian rubbed her head with one hand, chuckling at her adorably jealous gaze. He had embraced her all night. Was she still jealous of Little Jia?

    Wan Jia''s phone rang. She froze slightly at the caller ID. Yun Xuan? What could she want? It''s not that she didn''t want Yun Xuan to call her, she was just scared that it might be something confidential and she was with Lu Aotian.

    "You finally remember I exist." she scolded cautiously.

    "Wanwan, please scold me later, okay? I need you to do me a very very very important favor. No matter how much you reject me this time, I''ll bug you billions of times. Only you can help me."

    "Well, we can''t talk about it on phone. How about we meet up?" she scratched her ear and sneaked a peek at Lu Aotian whose ears were perked up.

    "Okay. Usual place, thirty minutes later."

    "An hour later."

    "Okay." Yun Xuan hung up.

    "Baby, I''m meeting Yun Xuan in one hour. You won''t mind, right?" she blinked her eyes beautifully as she clung onto his arm.

    Of course Lu Aotian had taken a day off and he anticipated spending time with her, they even agreed to go on a date today if all went alright. Now Yun Xuan just called to take his wife away. How could he not mind?

    Knowing he was going to reject her request, Wan Jia purposefully kissed his cheek and nibbled on his ear slightly. This should be his weak spot. "Baby, I''ll be back before you know it. You can play with Little Jia as you wait for me."

    Little Jia, who was curled into a warm ball in Lu Aotian''s arms gave her a greatful smile. Mommy was leaving her to spend some quality time with Daddy! Oh, I love Mommy so much.

    "Baby....Little Jia wants to play with you too. Let me go just this once, pretty please?....Okay?" She looked at Little Jia silently for help. This guy was being difficult on purpose. Since when was he this hard to coax?

    "Daddy, didn''t we agree to have a little picnic in the backyard, just the two of us? Since Mommy wants to meet her friend, how about we have the picnic today?"

    Lu Aotian "..." When did we ever agree to such a thing?

    "See, Little Jia in fact wants to spend time with you alone. "

    Lu Aotian: Shouldn''t you be jealous if I were to really spend time with Little Jia alone? How important is that meeting with Yun Xuan?

    Fine, he had to admit that with both of them coaxing him, he was totally helpless and could only agree reluctantly.

    ....

    Provence caf¨¦

    "Sorry am late." Wan Jia said apologetically as she took a seat opposite Yun Xuan.

    "I just got here." she smiled. If not for the obvious tired look in her eyes, Wan Jia would have believed her.

    "What''s up with you? Not having enough rest? Is Tyler bullying you? I''ll...."

    "Whoa, whoa, slow down missy." Wan Jia was rambling on looking like she wanted to find Tyler and kill him and Yun Xuan could only stop her.

    "I met Tyler''s family." she said after a tormenting wait.

    "Big news! How could you not tell me, future Mrs. whatever his surname is?" then she thought about it "What''s his surname anyway?"

    Yun Xuan varessed her neck and replied "That''s not important. The main point is... his grandma is nice and kind, but his sister is the atomic bomb."

    Wan Jia looked on curiously. "Can you not tease me like that, and tell me exactly what happened?"

    Yun Xuan replied "She looks at me like a wife looking at her husband''s mistress. Gee, it gives me goosebumps."

    "Wait, did you just say his sister looks at you like a wife and all that, I mean, isn''t he her brother?" Wan Jia''s eyes were just on the verge of rolling out.

    "Godsister." she said indifferently.

    Wan Jia was still shocked. "So what if she''s his godsister? It wouldn''t look moral for her to lust over her brother, even if they are not related by blood. Moreso since her dear brother has a girlfriend." "Wait, did she bully you? If she did, I''ll strangle her."

    Yun Xuan''s expression relaxed. She had been feeling bad about the whole thing and blaming herself for snatching Tyler away from Ruolin. Now that Wan Jia felt that their relationship wouldn''t have been quite right, she felt more relaxed. "Forget about her. That''s not why I called you here."

    "Oh, oh, why did you call me then?"

    "It''s a long story but my father met this weird old friend and apparently he has a son slightly older than me so am now set up for a weird blind date."

    "What? What about Tyler?...and what''s this got to do with why you called me?"

    "Tyler went on a mission: I hope he never finds out about this. Sigh, as for the favor, I want you to go in my stead."

 Chapter 72 - In bad terms

    "Tyler went on a mission: I hope he never finds out about this. Sigh, as for the favor, I want you to go in my stead."

    Wan Jia almost spat out her coffee. "You...what?"

    "Wanwan, I cannot go. What if that guy likes me? I can only rely on your help to piss him off and make him give up on me." Yun Xuan knew one of Wan Jia''s excellent special skills was being annoying. If she wanted to make someone pissed off, she would make sure the person was so angry that their heart burned like a furnace.

    However, she had a boyfriend now. Wouldn''t it be inappropriate to go out with another man? The reason wouldn''t matter. "I''m sorry, I can''t help you this time."

    Yun Xuan looked dejected. "How could that be? I really don''t want that guy to have hopes about me for nothing.

    "Then why don''t you just meet him and tell him you didn''t willingly agree to the blind date and you have someone you like?"

    Yun Xuan looked into space. "I just don''t even want to meet him. From father''s description, he should be hard to deal with."

    Wan Jia remembered something and felt a chill down her spine. "Do you remember how I ended up with Lu Aotian?"

    Of course Yun Xuan remembered. It was all because she pushed Wan jia right into the eye of the storm and refused to come back. In the end, probably because they had spent a lot of time together, she had fallen for Lu Aotian and was even reluctant to leave him.

    "Wanwan, I promise, what happened before won''t reenact. Furthermore, I just need you to annoy this guy and make him give up. If he doesn''t give up after that one meeting then I''ll deal with him myself."

    Wan Jia was helpless. "But....what if Aotian found out? Wouldn''t I be in trouble?"

    "What trouble?" Her going out with another man shouldn''t matter to Lu Aotian, right? Or so Yun Xuan thought.

    Wan Jia looked straight at her "Aotian and I are together now. So it wouldn''t be very nice of me to..."

    "You...what did you say?" Yun Xuan was utterly shocked.

    "Aotian and I are together? Oh, we''ve been together for two days now, I forgot to mention it."

    Yun Xuan was happy and sad at the same time. "That''s... explosive news. I am happy for the two of you.... But what will happen now?"

    Before Tyler left, they had got into an argument. Just the same way Yun Xuan disliked Ruolin, Tyler also disliked all her family members. It would be acceptable if he only had something against her first and third brothers but she would never allow anyone to have negative thoughts about her parents and Yun Jifeng.

    She respected her father to the end of the world and although they had argued once or twice about the substitution issue, she still loved him with all her heart.

    As for her mother, that was the woman who adopted her. She had taken her in when she was at her lowest and on the verge of breaking down.

    Twenty one years ago, on the day she had escaped from the traffic officer''s home to look for her mother, she had seen Madam Yun from a distance and due to her short dark brown hair like her own mother''s, she had mistaken her for her mother and ran after her.

    Only when she was too close did she realize that not only was Madam Yun not her mother, she was too tired to continue running around and just burst into tears.

    On that day, Madam Yun had asked her about her parents and helped her track her mother in vain. Since not even the police could help and wanted to send her to an orphanage, Madam Yun decided to adopt her instead. Yun Xuan had long held a lot of respect for this mother who saved her life and loved her.

    Although they drifted apart due to Yun Xuan''s closeness to Yun Jifeng, Yun Xuan still held nothing against her foster mother.

    She could not stand Tyler calling her family a group of bad people. Especially when he called General Yun a two faced pretender...she had lost control and flared up on him.

    "Hey! Daydreaming again?" Wan Jia waved her hand in front of Yun Xuan annoyingly. "I said why don''t you explain to Tyler? Surely he can understand."

    "Tyler doesn''t like my family. What if he dislikes me along with them?"

    Wan Jia laughed "My dear, you are twenty six, not six. When will you ever understand that a man who loves you won''t care about your family? Will he marry you and spend the rest of his life with you, or will he marry General Yun and Madam Yun?"

    "Of course the one he''ll marry is me, but can we talk about that later? We''re not really in the best terms possible for now. Can you help me come up with a way to handle this?" she pleaded.

    Wan Jia racked her brain for practically a century. "When are you meeting him?"

    "My parents decided on tonight." Yun Xuan answered.

    "Tell your parents you cannot make it tonight and ask him out for lunch tomorrow."

    "Huh? Why?"

    "I have a dinner date with my sweetheart tonight and won''t have time to help you." she said coyly.

    "Okay, okay, no need to display your affection. You already have a plan?"

    "A very interesting one. Just trust me and do as I say, okay?"

 Chapter 73 - Just how strong was his charm?

    "Do I have a choice? Yun Xuan replied.

    She indeed had no useful idea of her own and could only rely on Wan Jia to get her out of this mess.

    "In that case I should get going before my sweetheart dies from missing me too much." Wan Jia was bashful like a little girl experiencing her first love.

    Yun Xuan held her back. "Wait, I haven''t asked you yet. How did the two of you end up together? Wasn''t he your arch nemesis?"

    "Wan Jia rolled her eyes at her like she had asked a very ridiculous question. Isn''t it obvious? We kissed and made up."

    "Kissed and made up¡­ that did sound like something these two idiots would do.

    ¡­

    Baby, I am back!" Wan Jia called out when she reached the house.

    "Mommy!" Little Jia immediately flew over, even accidentally knocking over the building blocks her father had so painstakingly helped her build. She ran all the way downstairs and into her mother''s arms.

    Wan Jia took the little girl into her arms and inhaled her sweet refreshing scent. "Did baby miss me?"

    "Yes mommy, Little Jia missed you so so much."

    "Yes." Lu Aotian''s voice filled the air. He had left the room at some point and had replied at the same time with Little Jia.

    ''I have to use different nicknames for these two'' Wan Jia made a mental note.

    "My love, did you wait too long?" she went up to him and pecked his lips when she thought Little Jia wasn''t looking.

    Lu Aotian smiled. "Not too long. Don''t forget we have a date a 7pm" he reminded. He was afraid she might have gossiped so much with her friend that she forgot about it.

    "Of course we do. I still have four hours." She rolled her eyes. It was only 3pm. Why was he already rushing her?

    She was quite nervous. The other day they spent at the theme park couldn''t really be counted as a date after all; this was their first real date.

    "Xiao Lin, help me contact the makeup artist." She said to the maid who usually handled all matters related to her.

    Although she had only been living in Southside Villa for less than two months, Lu Aotian had brought back her old stylist and makeup artist.

    She took exactly three hours dressing up. The make up artist had been tortured to redo over and over despite Wan Jia already looking like a goddess in the first attempt. She didn''t like make up since she already looked perfect without it, but for their date she was definitely going to have youthful make up and it had to be perfect to the core.

    "You look handsome!" Wan Jia looked at Lu Aotian who was waiting for her living room with eyes full of awe. "So so handsome. Otherworldly cool!" she was practically a fan girl in love at the moment. It was her first time seeing Lu Aotian in a sapphire blue tuxedo. Although she had already seen him in other colors including navy blue, she had to admit that this color made him look like a show stopper.

    "You look beautiful" his eyes were a little dazed and fiery as he looked at the beauty before him. She had really worn red tonight, and it was even the best evening dress he had bought her. Such good taste, she did not disappoint him. The two of them looked like a couple that had just landed straight from heaven as they held hands and made their way to the door.

    "Will Little Jia stay alone till we come back?" even though she was with her beloved, she still held a little affection to care for her daughter.

    Just as she finished speaking, "Second uncle!" Little Jia''s baby voice shouted from the house followed by a cheerful little girl dashing out of the house like an arrow. Lu Shaoting had just arrived.

    "Shaoting will take care of her." Lu Aotian answered, although he didn''t really have to.

    "Second uncle hug, second uncle hug, second uncle huuuuug!" the little girl was brimming with excitement in the car park even before Lu Shaoting got out of the car.

    He quickly got out and picked up the adorable little girl who already had her arms open for a hug. "Uncle''s favorite baby, second uncle missed you."

    "I missed second uncle even more!"

    "Ay, you have become slightly taller and your hair is even much longer."

    "Hey bro, sister in law." Lu Shaoting finally noticed the two people at the side after exchanging pleasantries with his little niece and giving her candy.

    "He he, my dear brother, I didn''t really think you would actually reconcile with sister in law so easily. Tell me, how did you manage to seduce her?" he looked like he wanted to find a notebook to take down the tips. He had to hand it to his brother when it came to romance. Although he had been deceived by women twice, both of them had fallen in love with him and were unwilling to part ways with him. Just how strong was his charm?

    As for him, he he, he had only ever fancied one girl since he was a teenager and had done his best to please her. He had not even cared when the girl ignored him. She had even broken up severally and been in many relationships but he who bore the torch still believed that she would one day notice him. That was until she finally stopped fooling around and married his best friend.

 Chapter 74 - Tear down the earth

    He had been terribly heartbroken since then and hadn''t laid his eyes on any other woman. Now that he thought about it, probably every single member of his family had experienced a romantic calamity before. His father''s was the terrible case of his wife leaving him for his brother.

    His brother''s was the worst. He had to be brutally plotted against two whole times. It was not sure who Lu Shaoting''s dear brother had offended in his previous life to deserve such an experience. Well, at least one of them was slowly turning into a romantic fortune instead¡­

    "How exactly did you do it?" He asked again.

    "Do you think I even need to seduce her?" Lu Aotian''s teasing voice rang out. "This little thing was head over heels for me all along."

    Wan Jia glared at him impatiently. What happened to their date? Seeing that the wife couldn''t wait to be alone with him, he quickly bade goodbye to his brother and daughter. The little girl didn''t look bothered about her father leaving. In fact, she looked like he was wasting too much time: he should leave faster and let her be with her second uncle.

    "Where are we going?" she asked when they finally left Southside Villa.

    "It''s a surprise." He smiled as he drove them to one of his property in the north side of the city.

    North side Villa.

    "Seriously Aotian, you don''t intend to have an Eastside Villa And a Westside Villa too, do you?" Wan Jia asked when she realized where they were. This was one of Lu Aotian''s properties that she hadn''t been to before.

    "Nope, just North side and Southside¡­and what did you just call me?" he looked at her sharply.

    "My love."

    "Good." He lifted her and carried her to the door. She hadn''t noticed it a while ago but there were tiny heart shaped blue crystal lamps in two rows from the entrance trailing all the way into the villa, onto the stairs and who knows where they led to. In the somewhat dimly lit villa, the blue rays of light fell onto her face and body, making her look even more dazzling.

    Lu Aotian led her to the dining table where a candlelit dinner was already waiting. He had really put in his all. Why did this look like a set up for a proposal?

    In the dimly lit dining room, the couple quietly had their dinner, stealing a few nervous glances at one another. Lu Aotian was nervous because he was afraid he might wake up and find that all this was a dream. Wan Jia was nervous because all this preparation seemed like what a man would do before proposing to his beloved. Although she was sure that she wanted to be with him, she still wasn''t sure that she wouldn''t ever regret marrying him.

    It wasn''t that she was in doubt about wanting to spend the rest of her life with him; she was only worried about his and Little Jia''s safety, and the possible repercussions of marrying him.

    "Don''t drink too much." He warned. That was her third glass of wine and she didn''t seem to have any intention of stopping.

    "So what if I drink too much? I have you with me; you''ll be responsible for taking me home."

    "Indeed." He chuckled. Then he looked into her eyes seriously. "Wanwan,"

    Those beautiful eyes gazing deeply into hers and that deep voice seemed to send ripples straight into her heart. "Mmh?" Is he going to propose? No, please no¡­.

    He unceremoniously took her hand. "You are not allowed to leave me."

    "Huh?" where was the going down one knee and whipping out a ring from nowhere to propose? She was happy yet disappointed.

    "Since you decided to be with me, you are not allowed to leave me ever." He declared in the most tyrannical and overbearing voice she had ever heard from him. "Understood?

    "What would you do if I left?" she asked in a teasing tone as she leaned back and twirled the red contents of her wineglass slowly.

    "I''ll tear down the earth to find you if I have to." There was no trace of joke in his eyes, as if he would really do it.

    "You don''t have to, I won''t ever leave." She held his hand.

    He squeezed her little hand habitually and held her chin with his free hand, making their gazes collide. "Promise me."

    "I promise."

    He looked at her for a while as if gauging from her eyes if she was really telling the truth. Satisfied with her clear and honest gaze, he pulled her fair hand a little. "Then when will we get married?"

    "Cough, cough, what?" She definitely did not really see that coming. Does such a question pop up out of nowhere?

    "We''re dating. Shouldn''t the next step naturally be marriage?" In reality, he was just afraid she might change her mind later and wanted to lock her down with marriage before that happened. He noticed her dazed expression. "Oh, forgive my manners. I forgot to propose. Will you marry me?"

    Wan Jia frowned. Dunce, that''s not how you propose! By asking me when we will get married, haven''t you already given yourself a yes? What''s the use of asking me a question you already answered? Also, your gaze was slightly diverted into space just now when you asked the big question. Besides, you already made me promise never to leave. Who on earth is your romance teacher? Most importantly, she looked around. Where is the ring?

 Chapter 75 - Doesnt your heart ever ache?

    Wan Jia''s expression gradually changed from the cheerful one into a slightly cooler one. She released her hand from his fearfully. Lu Aotian froze at her uneasy look. Was he being too rushed?"

    "Wanwan,"

    "Aotian"

    They called each other at the same time.

    "Speak first." Wan Jia urged. She didn''t know what to tell him anyway and he was afraid if she felt he was being too rushed she might say something that would shatter his heart.

    "Then, I''ll speak. I''m sorry for being too rushed, I''m just anxious that you may your mind¡­anxious that you''ll leave me." He took a deep breath. "You¡­"

    Don''t have to answer? Wan Jia guessed his next statement in her mind. That would make things even more awkward between them. She did not want to hear him say that. Her brain was in turmoil and before she could think about it, she had already interrupted him "Yes."

    "¡­You don''t have to¡­you¡­what did you say?" He was still speaking and didn''t expect her to suddenly cut him off.

    "Yes, I''ll marry you." She repeated under his scorching gaze. She bet on all the starts in the sky that her cheeks were as red as beet at the moment.

    Lu Aotian remained silent, probably processing what she had just said. She had agreed to marry him¡­ he could now confirm that she really was his again. He had to calm down or else he was going to erupt into shouts and possibly scare her.

    "Woohoo! You mean it, right?" he couldn''t really contain himself in the end and stood up to do a happy dance around the dining table.

    Wan Jia was annoyed. "Idiot, will you stop spinning around? I''m getting dizzy just watching you."

    He instantly switched back to the serious President Lu in less than a second. "Sorry, I was too excited."

    "That''s alright, but we cannot rush into marriage." He nodded. He understood her. Not everyone was like him who wanted everything done as soon as possible. Marriage was, after all such a serious matter.

    At the end of the day, Lu Aotian really hadn''t prepared any ring. Wan Jia was speechless.

    After dinner, she was brought to the master bedroom on the second floor. Without even paying attention to the decoration and all that, her eyes were drawn to the clear circle on the roof, right above the head of the bed. She could see the stars clearly while lying down.

    "It''s beautiful¡­Are we spending the night here?" she sat on the huge bed and gazed at the stars above.

    "Is that even a question? Everything will be alright at home. They don''t need us for now. I''ll call Shaoting later and ask..."

    "Look! That''s my favorite star; the one closest to the moon." Wan Jia hadn''t even heard him."

    "Can you leave that for later? I still have something¡­"

    "I hope I see a shooting star tonight, and then I can make the greatest wish of my life."

    He was getting annoyed¡­.or strictly speaking, jealous. Perhaps making that roof modification was not such a good idea after all."

    He pulled her off the bed and showed her a jewelry box.

    Wan Jia, who was momentarily unhappy about being dragged away from the stars, was stunned by what she saw. Twin diamond necklaces lay in the jewelry box. Even though she was not very well versed in jewels, she knew just from a glance that these were very valuable and probably cost tens of millions of dollars.

    "These¡­these are¡­?" she dared not imagine them as hers.

    He checked for something on them and took one of them, going behind her and putting it around her neck.

    "This is for you. My grandma bought it for my mother when she was little. My mother wore it on her wedding and so will you." He explained. She felt her eyes well up. How could he give her something so valuable, and it even belonged to his late mother?

    "Thank you." She couldn''t stop her tears and hugged him.

    "It''s not that precious. You''re way more valuable." He said truthfully. Only he knew just how important she was to him. He would not trade her for anything in the whole universe. Not even the universe itself.

    When she stopped sobbing, he gave her the other necklace. "This one is for Little Jia. My grandma first wore it on her coming of age party. I hope my daughter will wear it on her coming of age party as well; you can give it to her on that day."

    "You really don''t expect me to keep these with me, right? What if I lose them? They''re too precious."

    "Don''t worry about that." He pulled her in for a hug.

    "Wanwan," he whispered.

    "Mmh?"

    "I love you."

    "I love you too Aotian." He held the back of her neck and kissed her deeply, slowly pushing her towards the bed

    ¡­

    The next morning.

    "Ow---!"

    Wan Jia howled as she got startled awake. The skin around her waist was burning in pain.

    "LU! AO! TIAN!!!

    When did you take a liking to pinching me? Doesn''t your heart ever ache?" she scolded the man who had his arms wrapped around her."

    "Mmh? What did you call me?" he asked lazily.

    "Lu¡­hey!!" she slapped his hand away. Why did this bastard pinch her again? Did he not know how painful it was to be pinched in the morning? More so on the waist, she felt as if her skin was being peeled away.

    "I just wanted to confirm I wasn''t dreaming."

    "Then why don''t you pinch yourself?!"

    "Are you kidding me? How would I remain handsome if my skin got scarred?"

 Chapter 76 - Sisters?

    "You only care about your skin? What about mine?" she bit his hand angrily.

    "Ouch, are you a wild kitten?" her teeth were too sharp.

    "You''re the wild kitten. She got out of bed. She had something to deal with today. Something regarding Yun Xuan¡­and she believed the lazy man on the bed also had to go to his office.

    Thinking about it, she dragged him out of bed and pulled him towards the bathroom. Lu Aotian felt his skin itch. "Baby, I can bathe when I want to, okay?" he said, trying to resist being pulled by her.

    His strength obviously exceeded hers by leaps and bounds, but today he was just too lazy. He finally gave up. "Okay, you win. I''ll take a bath now." She was still holding his hand. "¡­or¡­do you want to bathe together?" he looked at her with those typical teasing eyes.

    "Who wants to bathe with you? I want to wash y¡­"

    Bang!

    Lu Aotian had pushed her out and closed the bathroom door. Was he that traumatized?

    ¡­

    The first thing Wan Jia did after leaving North Side Villa was rush home to hug her baby girl. She had missed her terribly!

    "Baby, Mommy is home!" she called out as usual.

    "Miss, Little Miss hasn''t returned yet." A maid said while trembling.

    "Returned from where?"

    "Second master took her with him."

    "Oh"

    She had almost forgotten. The little girl must have insisted on going with him to his house last night. Boring day ahead¡­

    She took her phone and dialed a number.

    "Hey, darling, let''s hit the mall."

    "What are you shopping for?" Yun Xuan, on the other side of the line, was speechless. Had this girl not gone shopping a few days ago? She still had lots of new clothes. Forget about those she said had been bought by Lu Aotian, she also had lots of those she had bought herself.

    "I have a banquet in five days." She replied.

    "What type of banquet and why am I not invited?" she joked.

    "It''s just Elder Qian''s eightieth birthday, he invited many influential people in the fashion industry. I''m just going as Aotian''s tag along."

    Elder Qian was one of the best fashion designers of his time, winning every single award he was nominated for. To put it simply, he had about twenty major awards to his name, equal to the number of years he had been in the industry. He won some of them simply for existing.

    He had only started out as a teenager and retired before he was even forty. Still, he kept winning special contribution awards. As a legend in the industry, his birthday banquet would of course host people from the industry. Most invited guests were people with great talent and had won awards in the past. People like Lu Aotian got invitations only because they were influential bosses behind the scenes.

    Since this would be a great opportunity for her to interact with people who may be helpful in her career in future, he didn''t hesitate to invite her as is female companion.

    "Oh, elder Qian''s birthday, how could I forget? I have an invitation too. Let''s meet at the mall then." It wasn''t unusual for Yun Xuan to receive one too, since she was the daughter of General Yun and owned a studio.

    Half an hour later, the two girls met at the mall.

    "You''re not starting from the dress section this time?" Yun Xuan asked. This girl would always start by gathering enough dresses to set up a new shopping centre although she would only dresses for special occasions.

    "Not interested, I want to buy jewelry first." She replied and dragged Yun Xuan into a jewelry store owned by Elite Fashion World.

    "Boss, may I take a look at this diamond bracelet?" she pointed at the first beautiful item she saw."

    "Miss, you have good taste." The middle aged lady said before explaining to her the value, price and even offered to give her discount.

    "Thanks for the trouble, but I haven''t decided what to buy yet." She gracefully rejected the lady''s offer to wrap it up as a present.

    "Oh, how about your sister? You sisters are both very pretty and would look dazzling in any of our pieces. Oh, we have jade bracelets too, on your right. I''ll help you find two that look as similar as possible if you both have the same taste."

    Wan Jia looked a little stunned. Sisters? Same taste? Had this lady mistaken them for identical twins?

    Although Yun Xuan had blonde hair with long bangs that almost covered her eyes and was wearing sunglasses today, this lady seemed to have drawn the similarities between them too easily.

    She obviously took Wan Jia for the cheeky troublemaker judging from how she came dragging Yun Xuan in, while the latter looked like the meek and obedient child.

    Urgh¡­ it would be too troublesome to explain. "Can we get something for an elite banquet?"

    ¡­

    Yun Xuan suddenly dropped her shopping bags and pulled Wan Jia''s arm. "Wanwan!"

    "Yo, you almost scared me to death. What is it?" her heart had almost left her body from the scare.

    "Don''t talk to me about death. I''m totally dead. I''m finished."

    Wan Jia peeked at her friend. "Is anything¡­the matter?"

    "I forgot about the blind date. I should have been there at 12pm. It''s already 2pm." She pulled her hair.

    "He''s not your boyfriend. Why are you so worked up?" she sounded so indifferent.

    "But I made plans with him. Isn''t it too rude to be late?"

    "So?"

 Chapter 77 - They wanted Wan Jia

    Yun Xuan was angry. "What do you mean ''so''"? Besides, had you not agreed to help me come up with a plan?

    "Yeah¡­" she said leisurely.

    "WANWAN!" Yun Xuan roared.

    "Becoming a tiger now huh? Hahaha" she enjoyed Yun Xuan''s anger for a while. "Why don''t you call him and apologize for being late? Oh, let me talk to him instead."

    She snatched the phone from the confused Yun Xuan and looked for his contact. "Luo Gishen, is it?" Yun Xuan nodded like a lifeless robot.

    [Mr. Luo, I apologize for being tardy. I have a very important matter to handle; I''ll be there in thirty minutes.]

    Just a few seconds later, she received an [Ok]

    "Pffft!..."

    "What did you send him? Let me see." She peered over.

    "Wanwan! How am I supposed to appear in Royal Hotel within thirty minutes, I haven''t even dressed up! That, and the fact that it should take at least two hours if I''m going to go back home and dress up, not to mention make up."

    "Did you not say you want him to hate you? No man likes exaggeratively late women. Let''s get you dressed up." She dragged her to Southside Villas after ordering something online.

    Thirty minutes were long over.

    [Mr. Luo, I''m almost done. Please help me order Australian lobster, braised pork ribs...] she ordered a few of Yun Xuan''s favorite dishes.

    [Don''t rush too much]

    [Be careful on the road] the man added, gaining a sneer from Wan Jia.

    "Now let''s dress up the queen of the date." She looked at the freaked out Yun Xuan.

    She was done pretty fast.

    "Boo! What the heck am I wearing?!" Yun Xuan''s scream almost blew off the rooftop. She looked at the dress Wan Jia had ordered online just now and the thick make up that made her almost unrecognizable.

    "Wanwan, there''s such a thing as too much makeup. And the dress is too sparkly and the perfume---- do you think I''m going to the night club? It''s a date and.it''s.still.daytime! How can I go looking like a disco ball? How are you even a designer?"

    Wan Jia ignored her barrage of questions and added a dark colored wig on her head and shiny earrings.

    "So the important thing you were doing was looking for your earrings, okay?"

    Yun Xuan looked like her life had been hollowed out of her body. "I don''t like this idea at all but if it''s what it takes to avoid this marriage then fine, I''ll look like an ugly frog just for today."

    "What ugly frog? You would look perfect if you were going to¡­you know¡­ unspoken places."

    ¡­.

    Did you wait too long, Mr. Luo?" Yun Xuan deliberately dragged a chair noisily and sat down. Even her sitting posture exuded of rudeness. This was not how a carefully brought up lady should act. It should rile him up. To her delight, he scowled at her. Hmm, this disgusting look was worth it.

    "If you didn''t want to come on a date with me, you should have been honest."

    "What?" she froze guiltily.

    "I expected such a trick. Don''t you have a boyfriend? "So he had seen through her trick? How troublesome. On the bright side, he would be mad at her.

    "I didn''t have a choice, and since you knew I have a boyfriend, why did you insist on this blind date?"

    The man studied her eyes. He had been studying them since she walked in.

    He picked his ringing phone to answer a call in a low voice. All she could hear from his mumbling was...

    "Mmh.

    The blue folders¡­no those are the fake drafts¡­forget about the real ones¡­ok"

    "Since you don''t want to be married to me, how about we become friends?" he gazed at her eyes again.

    Yun Xuan felt uneasy. Was there something especially attractive about her eyes? Before she could answer, the door to their private room banged open and several masked men hopped in.

    "What''s happening? Who are you?"

    Yun Xuan was tied up even before she could think of fighting back and her mouth was covered. Everything happened extremely fast. Before she realized what exactly was happening, she was bundled up in a van.

    Who were these people? Where were they taking her?

    Wait, she realized something.

    When those men came in, Luo Gishen seemed to be entranced for a moment before he tried to fight them. In just a few seconds, he had hit two of them onto the floor.

    However, if anyone were to use common sense, if someone you care about were to be tied up, the first instinctive reaction would be to fight the one closest to them, not the one farthest.

    Also, she wasn''t skilled in martial arts herself but from what she had learned from her father and brothers, she could see that Luo Gishen''s fighting was quite sloppy. Yet he managed to topple two mercenaries. Wasn''t that too questionable? Unless it was all planned out.

    Most importantly, that man kept staring at her eyes¡­. And that phone call¡­ could it be his way of discreetly passing a message to the other party?

    If things were just as she was imagining, then it was terrifying. That man set up this whole blind date thing, betting that she would do what she did in the past ¨C ask Wan Jia to replace her.

    Then earlier he was just trying to confirm her identity and had that ''blue'' ''fake'' conversation to tell them that she was Wan Jia? That meant she wasn''t their target, Wan Jia was!

 Chapter 78 - Who was he?

    "Mmh, I wonder how Yun Xuan''s date went." Wan Jia mumbled to herself. She was bored as hell. Her baby had adamantly refused to return home when she called, her sweetheart was still busy, hey! Did these two punks want her to die from boredom?

    It was already 7pm; she had just finished arranging the shoes and jewelry she had chosen for the banquet. She sent Yun Xuan another message asking if she was alright. She had tried to call severally but the phone was switched off. If she was meeting Tyler, Wan Jia would have relaxed and taken it as they were too engrossed in displaying their affection for each other to care about her; however, this was a stranger. They were meeting for the first time. How sure could they be that this man did not harbor ill intentions?

    Pondering for a while, she gave Lu Aotian a call.

    "Miss me already?" the voice on the other end was deep and cheerful.

    "Can I miss you later? I''m worried about Xuanxuan." She said.

    "What about her?"

    "She went on a date with a strange man and now I can''t reach her." She explained briefly.

    Lu Aotian sounded annoyed. "Went on a date with a strange man? Is her brain alright?"`

    "It''s a blind date but that man...whatever it is, her phone is switched off and I don''t have a good feeling about this. Help me check her location, okay?"

    The other side was silent for a while.

    "Lu Aotian?"

    "Mmh, what did you call me?"

    "Gah! Can you focus on urgent matters first? I''m worried to death here."

    "Call me ''husband'' and I''ll look for her."

    "Fine, husband. Hanging up now." She rushed him.

    He giggled after successfully getting that long anticipated word out of her mouth. Finding Yun Xuan''s location? That should take less than thirty seconds with his personally modified software. In fact he had already started checking before she hung up and had just a few seconds left.

    Lu Aotian looked at the screen and his heart skipped a beat. He took a deep breath and texted Wan Jia [she''s alright] then he took his car keys and blazed out of the office. Tsk, good thing he was the only one working overtime. Otherwise his employees would freak out if they saw him rush out at that speed.

    "Get 20 E class men ready and follow me." He shouted orders to his assistant on phone as he switched on his car tracker. His bodyguards were classified in groups according to their skill and experience. The E class, Excellent class, were the second most experienced and fiercest among them all.

    The assistant arranged for them right away. For the boss to summon so many of them, something urgent must have happened.

    ¡­.

    At the same time, in a hidden room of a blurry underground casino.

    "You guys let me go! Do you know who I am? Do you know who my father is?" Yun Xuan threatened.

    "Tsk, just an impostor acting all high and mighty." One of the kidnappers sneered.

    "If you tell us what we want, we shall let you go." Another added.

    "I don''t know what you guys are talking about." She cried. These men had been interrogating her for ages about General Yun and the Yun family. How could she say a thing? That was classified information about her family they were asking about and logically Wan Jia shouldn''t know any of it unless¡­unless she had learnt too much from the time she was living in the Yun family mansion.

    "Since you don''t want to talk, I''ll help you talk." A bulky man said as he made his way to her.

    "You...what are you¡­I really don''t know anything!" she said, trembling like a leaf. If she proved to them that she was not Wan Jia, maybe they would be afraid of offending her father and set her free. However, she really wanted to know who it was that wanted to kidnap her friend. Besides, she would have delivered herself as the real daughter who knew what they were asking about and the one to be tortured would be her. Of course she knew it was dangerous.

    These men were bloodthirsty maniacs who would resort to violence if they didn''t have their way and could even decide to kill her.

    The bulky man ordered for a bucket of ice cubes to be brought over and held Yun Xuan''s neck roughly, about to shove her head in the ice cubes.

    At that moment, the door flew open and the men retreated, cowering in fear.

    "Boss, we didn''t get anything from her." The bulky man reported with shaking legs.

    Yun Xuan kept her head hung low silently as she heard the newcomer''s firm footsteps get closer¡­

    ''A man that could manage to bribe Luo Gishen and his father... Who could it be? Luo Gishen himself? That was not right. That idiot seemed to have been made to create a trap. Her father''s political rivals? That would be a possibility if the target was Yun Xuan.

    Someone close to her father? It was quite possible¡­considering this idiotic mastermind knew about Wan Jia and purposefully chose to aim for her. Of course anyone close to the Yun family would know that Yun Xuan would never tell on her father even on the brink of death.

    She really wanted to know who that despicable man was. She would warn Wan Jia next time. She would also know who among her father''s people was a traitor and would warn him too if she left this place alive.

    Making a difficult decision, she lifted her eyes slowly and looked up at the man.

    "What the---!" She was so shocked that her first reaction was to faint.

 Chapter 79 - Do I know you?

    "Wake her up." The man ordered the bulky man.

    "Yes boss." The bulky man brought a bucket of ice cold water and poured it on Yun Xuan.

    "Ah!"

    "Heh," the so called boss laughed sinisterly. "You could have chosen the path to heaven, yet you decided to barge into hell."

    That voice sounded so creepy that Yun Xuan almost fainted again.

    "He Wan Jia, or is it Wan Jia...did you really think that by acting cute and humble, I would let you off?"

    Yun Xuan froze, not daring to raise her head.

    "Wan Jia, I didn''t ''invite'' you here to have a sick discussion. Not even your stupid lover Lu Aotian can save you. Today you must die here."

    Having heard all that, Yun Xuan couldn''t take it anymore.

    With her eyes closed, she lifted her head and took off the dark wig slowly...then she opened her eyes cautiously.

    The man felt his soul leave his body. "You...Xuanxuan?"

    What on earth was Yun Xuan doing here? Was it not Wan Jia they had kidnapped?

    Yun Xuan pulled the pins off her blonde hair, letting it fall on her shoulders freely. She looked at the man before her in disbelief. "Dad?"

    General Yun felt desperate. How careless had he been? He had been so blinded with bloodlust that he had not even taken a good look at the girl.

    "You... Xuanxuan, what are you doing here?"

    "You want to kill Wanwan?" she asked as tears lingered on her long eyelashes.

    General Yun remained silent. Had he been careful and checked who he was speaking to, he would still worm his way out and pretend to have come to rescue her. But now that she had clearly heard his intention, how could he explain himself?

    "Dad, why?" she cried.

    "All of you, disappear." He shooed away the gang. "And punish yourselves for your mistake." The man scurried away in fear.

    "She betrayed us." He threw a random excuse.

    "Wanwan would never do such a thing! She''s my friend. Even if she knew anything she shouldn''t and could use it against our family, she wouldn''t because she''s my friend!" Yun Xuan instantly expressed her trust towards her friend.

    General Yun made himself sound helpless and desperate. "Xuanxuan, why do you trust her so much? You don''t know that girl properly. What if she really did?"

    "I know she wouldn''t. She wouldn''t gain anything from it anyway. But you would harm her for nothing. You created this whole blind date trap just to kidnap her, had your men ask ''her'' questions she obviously cannot answer and planned to kill her?" she asked.

    "Sigh, my daughter, don''t misunderstand daddy. I just wanted to make sure she really knows nothing."

    "I see, then what about ''You must die here today''?"

    The man held her hand delicately. "It was just a threat to know if she really was telling the truth." He lied. "Come on, let''s go home quickly or you''ll catch a cold."

    Yun Xuan pushed his hand away. "Dad, do I really know you?"

    "No, you don''t." Came a voice from the door. They both looked towards the entrance. The man had entered sneakily and stood there without them noticing him. General Yun had his back facing the door and blocking Yun Xuan''s vision at the same time.

    "Ah!" Yun Xuan felt creeped out like she had just seen a ghost. Does this man not make sounds while walking and opening doors?

    "Lu Aotian." General Yun smirked.

    "Long time no see, Mr. Yun. I missed you too" He was just as arrogant as ever.

    The last time they had encountered each other was the year he and Wan Jia had divorced. He had sent his henchmen to kill Lu Aotian but not only did the man beat up all those henchmen into pulp, even the most skilled assassin had sustained severe injuries and hadn''t ever recovered even three years later. He wondered why such a man even had bodyguards, and so many of them at that.

    Actually, General Yun only bluffed to give himself some face. He wouldn''t dare provoke Lu Aotian directly. That was why he had decided to face all the later consequences and attack his woman. The worst that could happen was Lu Aotian killing him but he would have already taken away his most precious possession, so he would still die with no regrets.

    "I see you intend to join our family discussion. Could it be that you have given up on that vixen and want to marry my daughter instead?" he said and turned his back to Lu Aotian.

    "You think too much" he sneered.

    He had rushed over to save Yun Xuan simply because she was his wife''s friend. Who would have thought that he would bump into a family drama of a father kidnapping his own daughter? However, this was General Yun. That was not something he wouldn''t do.

    "To have a father like you, Miss Yun Xuan sure is pitiful." He said, crosssing his arms on his chest.

    "Useless punk!" He turned around sharply. "Don''t you dare drive a..... eh? Where did he go?" the man had disappeared just as mysteriously as he had appeared.

    This time, Yun Xuan had seen him dash out and she could swear that that was the swiftest man she had ever seen. Her jaw was currently almost touching the floor. Was he even human?

    "D-dad, let''s....let''s go home." Yun Xuan''s body was shaking vigorously. She had even forgotten all about the billions of questions she wanted to ask her father.

    "D-dad..." she felt her body go limp.

 Chapter 80 - He owed him a life

    How unlucky. She just had to faint two whole times within half an hour. When she woke up, it was late at night and she was in hospital. She saw her mother''s familiar bag on a nearby chair and immediately knew that she had rushed over to visit her.

    After looking around the room for a while, her mind couldn''t help but wander. Could it be that her father was really a bad person? Was Tyler right about him?

    It wouldn''t make any logic sense for the kind hearted father she knew to be capable of wanting to murder someone for the laughable excuse of "they might have information that could destroy him". Unless he was hiding something, that reason wasn''t in the very least plausible.

    Now that she thought about it, it was quite possible that he and Tyler had met before. After all Tyler was working for a private intelligence unit and wouldn''t just frame people if he knew nothing. On the other hand, she did not want to believe that the father she had looked up to for years could possibly be a criminal.

    Unbeknowsnt to her, her beloved father was currently torturing the mercenaires from earlier. It would have been a little better if he were to punnish them for kidnapping his daughter, but his main point was that they did not kill Wan Jia.

    ¡­.

    Southside Villas.

    "Where did you go? You were unreachable." Wan Jia complained as soon as she saw Lu Aotian walk in.

    He changed his shoes before sweeping her off the sofa. "I still had a company matter to handle." He said while heading upstairs.

    "I missed you." She whined.

    He kissed her soft lips. "I''m so handsome. It would be a surprise if you did not miss me."

    Wan Jia''s mouth twitched. Just how self loving had this man become?

    "You''re not going to look for Little Jia?" she asked when he kicked open the door to the master bedroom.

    "I''ll look for her later" He noticed her weird look. "What? You''re scared you won''t be able to stop yourself from wanting to eat me up?"

    Wan Jia''s expression indicated that she did not wish to argue with him.

    Who the h*ck will want to eat you up? Can you not be too narcissistic?

    "I just miss her, okay? She hasn''t come back yet and it''s already late." She said.

    "Don''t worry. She''s always been like that. She won''t leave that house too easily once she sees her grandpa."

    What he did not say was that every time she left the old residence, she would be in tears.

    Apart from her second uncle Lu Shaoting, Little Jia had someone else she loved even more¡­and that was her grandfather. In actual fact, the only reason why she loved Lu Shaoting so much was because he lived together with her grandfather and could take her to see him whenever she wanted.

    While her mother was busy fussing over her disappearance, the tiny thing was currently snuggled comfortably on her grandfather''s lap, refusing to let go even when she was asleep.

    "Haih, Little Jia indeed loves grandfather the most." The old man sighed.

    Lu Shaoting, who was jealously watching the scene, almost coughed out blood. Little Jia loves grandfather the most? More like she loves everyone the most. In fact, there was no single person she had met and not told that she loved them the most.

    She looked too cute clinging onto her grandpa''s clothes like he would be snatched away from her. How he wished to get married and have a child too¡­A daughter would be nice. She would grow up and become her cousin''s playmate.

    No, a son would be better. Although he would be a few years younger than Little Jia, he could still protect her in future. Later, if Lu Aotian and Wan Jia had a son, his son would protect Little Jia''s brother, just like Lu Aotian had protected him when they were younger.

    When they were still young boys, he had always thought that Lu Aotian hated him. Of course his assumption was not unfounded. The two of them had been best friends when they were little children.

    Then suddenly Lu Aotian started playing with the older boys in school and ignoring him. He would no longer bring him along wherever he went and at one point he even requested to be taken to school by a different chauffer and in a different car from Lu Shaoting''s.

    One day, he even confronted him while he was playing basketball with older teenagers and asked him, "Why do you keep shutting me out, I''m your brother!"

    Lu Aotian had corrected him coldly,"Half brother."

    Hence began the familiar ''cold war'' between brothers.

    That was until one day, when a fire broke out in the school lab. He was a very cheeky teen then and by not paying close attention, he had accidentally messed up an experiment and started the fire.

    For a long time, no one noticed that one of students who were in the lab when the fire started was missing. No one except Lu Aotian who was just coming out of the library when the news broke out and his first reaction was "My brother!"

    He had seen him enter the lab. However, he was not among the assembled students.

    Losing all rationality, the young man had broken through the security defenses before anyone could stop him and when the situation got sticky with only the two of them inside, he had declared that if the circumstances would only allow one of them to survive, that would have to be Lu Shaoting¡­

 Chapter 81 - She was dead

    "Urgh..." what was he thinking? He didn''t even have a girl he liked, much less a wife and son to protect Lu Aotian''s future son.

    ...

    The next morning, Wan Jia was extremely restless. She had not even slept a wink all night. It was just lucky that her skin was so flawless and healthy that she would not ever have dark circles.

    She didn''t even take a bath before going to Lu Aotian''s room.

    "Aotian, how about I go and get Little Jia?"

    "Mmmh...What did you call me?" The man groaned groggily as he stretched himself with his eyes closed."

    It was rather early and he had stayed up for the most part of the night; he was planning to sleep in. His pajamas revealed a sliver of his firm chest muscles. When he stretched out his arm muscles, his chest appeared to bulge and looked even more firm and defined.

    Despite his usual manly air, his currently unruly hair made his face look quite different from usual. He looked quite...uhm...cute? It was extremely rare for Lu Aotian to look like he could be described with any word close to that.

    Wan Jia had to swallow her drool as she stared at the thirst-inducing sight before her.

    "Husband." She corrected herself as she walked slowly towards him.

    ''I''ll just peck his cheek lightly and flee.'' She thought. ''After all, he steals kisses from me too. Many of them at that.''

    She stood beside his bed for a while before using one knee to support her on the bed and edging closer to his cheek. He had stopped moving around actively and was breathing slightly heavily, he should be asleep.

    She blushed as she planted a kiss on his cheek, then she felt it wasn''t enough and kissed his forehead as well. In no time, his whole face had been rained with her kisses.

    Just as she was about to forcefully turn away and dash out, she caught sight of his lips. They were thin and soft; slightly parted and according to her, just begging to be kissed.

    "Why am I being so silly?" she scolded herself. He was her man. She was free to kiss him as much as she wanted.

    She finally took a deep breath and connected her lips with his. She only intended to give him a slight peck, but somehow her lips moved against her wish as she pried his lips open, kissing him deeper and curling his tongue around his.

    The man on the bed felt immense heat rising from the pit of his stomach, making him feel like his body was being scalded. Unable to continue playing ''dead'', he hurled out a hand and in the next second the girl landed right smack on his body.

    Wan Jia was slightly shocked from being suddenly pulled into his embrace but forgot about it a second later, caressing his hair as she resumed kissing with a certain sense of urgence.

    She felt his hand snake around her body. Even with the nightdress barring his hands from being in direct contact with her skin, it sure was more than enough to send desire down her spine...she was losing her mind. Just as she was about to stop the kiss, she felt her world spin as Lu Aotian flipped her over, supporting his weight with an elbow while being on top of her.

    Their position was becoming increasingly ambiguous and dangerous...

    His hand slid under her nightdress to touch her bare skin, sending shudders all over her body. He moved away from her lips to her neck and collar bone leaving trails of kisses on her soft fair skin.

    "Aotian..."

    "Mmh?"

    his hand continued moving upwards as if he hadn''t even heard her.

    "Mmh..." her next words were interrupted by an especially fiery kiss.

    Just as his hand came into contact with her bare breast, he suddenly stopped as he realized what he was doing.

    "D*mn it!" he cursed softly and dashed into the bathroom.

    The sound of running water echoed in the room seconds later.

    "He won''t be done for at least one hour." Wan Jia muttered, lighting a candle for him in her heart as she decided to go and take a cold shower herself.

    ....

    "Daddy! Mommy!"

    An incredibly voice greteed as soon as they arrived at the old residence.

    Under Wan Jia''s incessant nagging, Lu Aotian had to relent and bring her to take back her baby, or else he wouldn''t have a single moment of peace in the house.

    "Mommy?" Lu Tongyan mumbled. Did Little Jia just call -- her mother?

    When did Lu Aotian, that rascal, get a wife and even introduced her to Little Jia without caring to inform him?

    "Why didn''t anyone tell me that Aotian has found a wife?" he complained to his younger son.

    Lu Shaoting, who was taking water, almost chocked on it.

    No one told you? My dear father, how could you even manage to say that with a clear conscience? I mentioned it twice. Two whole times! I even told you it''s Wanwan.

    Forget it, the man was paying all his attention to Little Jia and probably on heard inaudible mumbles.

    The man rushed out to see just what goddess was able to make his son, who had vowed never to love any other woman, fall in love with her. She must be an angel sent straight from heaven.

    Wan Jia squatted to hug her little baby. At that moment, she heard the sound of familiar footsteps approaching from inside the house.

    She did not need a fortune teller to tell her...that she was dead!

 Chapter 82 - Do you think its difficult?

    She did not need a fortune teller to tell her...that she was dead!

    She unconciously held Little Jia tightly with shaky hands.

    "Mommy?" the little girl wondered why her mommy was suddenly acting strange. She struggled out of her embrace and looked at her worriedly with her big eyes. "Mommy, are you okay? Are you sick? Should we send you to hospital?"

    "Aotian," Lu Tongyan called out. Of course Lu Aotian understood why his father came out. He wanted to know who his woman was.

    It was exactly for this reason that he wanted to bring Wan Jia with him.

    Wan Jia was just joking about going to get Little Jia. Perhaps the only person she feared on earth, apart from General Yun, was Lu Tongyan. However, if the father-in-law and daughter-in-law were going to chase each other for past conflicts, they had better start soon so that they would be done before Little Jia grows old enough to understand adults'' battles.

    Under Lu Tongyan''s intense gaze, Wan Jia nervously stood up.

    Lu Tongyan was visibly shocked upon taking a good look at her.

    He turned to his son. "You... you... you got together with Yun Xuan?"

    His first impression was that after Wan Jia left him, he decided to look for his intended fianc¨¦e.

    "Father, you know her. That''s Wanwan."

    The man''s expression shattered. Wanwan...that should be Wan Jia, that little deceitful traitor who dumped his son.

    "Father," Wan Jia greteed nervously since her identity had already been exposed.

    "You...! How can you casually call me ''father''? I have not acknowledged you!" he hollered.

    "Aotian, what is this woman doing here?"

    Both Lu Aotian and Wan Jia seemed to have expected this reaction. "Father, let''s go in and talk." Lu Aotian coaxed his father.

    "Who is going in to talk? You and I are going in to talk. This woman is not allowed anywhere near here. Scram!" he was becoming angrier by the second.

    "Could you give me some face? She''s my fia..."

    He did not even get to complete his statement. "She''s your what? Are you going to say the both of you are engaged? Aotian, there are so many women in the world. Why do you have to take back a vixen who left you?"

    Lu Aotian pulled the sad Wan Jia into his arms. Lu Tongyan was even more incensed when he saw his son''s protective gesture. He was even protecting her? Was his son utterly dump or had he not learned his lesson?

    "If only it were Yun Xuan..." he mumbled.

    Wait, he did not want Yun Xuan either. That woman had despised his son and found another woman to pretend to be her. She was the reason all this fiasco was happenong in first place.

    Initially, Lu Tongyan had liked Wan Jia from the first moment he saw her. Even when Lu Aotian told him the truth that she was not Yun Xuan, he still liked her for her kind nature.

    It was not until his ''kind'' daughter-in-law turned out worse than he imagined that he began to hate her.

    It was not funny to find his dear only son in such a terrible state. Well, even though he loved his sons equally, it was still an unchangeable fact that Lu Aotian was his only biological son.

    He could still feel his heart ache when he recalled that night when he rushed to hospital and found his son, injured beyond recognition and the only thing he kept murmuring was "Wanwan, don''t go."

    That coming from a man who never told anyone of his real pain was too heartbreaking for him to bear.

    As if that woman had not upset his son enough, she even had the nerve to hide her pregnancy. His sons child and his granddaughter!

    He couldn''t help but sneer in disgust when he saw his forgetful son siding with her.

    Wan Jia decided to speak up. "Father, I was wrong. I..."

    "Who did you just call ''father''? Who is your father?" he wouldn''t even listen to her.

    "Wuuu.." Right at that moment, the trio remembered that they had forgotten something they shouldn''t have. Little Jia was still with them!

    "Grandpa is scary! Grandpa is scary, Daddy, I''m scared...boohoo..." the little girl suddenly burst into tears.

    Lu Tongyan was toungue tied.

    Wan Jia remained silent.

    Lu Aotian was helpless.

    "Daddy, daddy! Why is grandpa shouting at Mommy? Does grandpa hate Mommy very much? Wuuu..." she cried heartbreakingly as she hid behind her father as if seeking protection.

    Lu Tongyan could not let his granddaughter hate him! This little girl was heaven''s biggest blessing to him. He loved her more than he loved his own sons. "Little Jia, come to grandpa. Grandpa is not scary, okay?"

    The little girl clutched her father''s clothes even more tightly. "Grandpa is scary! Grandpa hates my Mommy! So grandpa hates me too!" she wailed.

    "Princess, go to your second uncle, okay?" Lu Aotian intervened.

    Yet the little girl became even more upset. "No! If I leave my Mommy alone, who will protect her when bad Grandpa bullies her? Not going, not going, not going, ..."

    "Bad Grandpa..." Lu Tongyan felt his bones weaken. Had he been too extreme? His granddaughter was now afraid of him. What had he done?

    As for a certain crying baby who was about to flood the earth with her tears, she laughed inwardly. ''Pfft...since the two of you hate each other, how about I help you? I helped Mommy and Daddy become friends. Do you think this is a difficult task?''

 Chapter 83 - Chase each other to your hearts content

    As for a certain crying baby who was about to flood the earth with her tears, she laughed inwardly. ''Pfft...since the two of you hate each other, how about I help you? I helped Mommy and Daddy become friends. Do you think this is a difficult task?''

    Although Little Jia did not really understand the concept of conflict and hatred, she was clever enough to know when people did not like each other or in her own childish understanding, ''they were not friends''.

    Being sensitive, she had sensed that hostility between her parents before and deliberately acted out to draw them a little closer. The results were even way faster and better than she expected.

    This time, she saw her mother trembling in the presence of her grandfather. Paired with the angry Lu Tongyan, she guessed that it was most likely Grandpa who did not like Mommy.

    "Daddy, I don''t want to go to Second Uncle. Let''s go home..." she lifted her tiny head to look at her father miserably, as if she had suffered a huge grievance.

    Lu Aotian could only relent. After all it was his fault for bringing Wan Jia over in the presence of the easily scared little girl. "Then, princess, let''s go and say goodbye to second uncle."

    Lu Aotian took her in his arms and pulled Wan Jia along.

    All the while the two brothers made their small talk, the little girl would peek over her father''s shoulder to the entrance at practically a five second interval.

    "What''s Second Uncle''s favorite baby looking for?" Lu Shaoting asked.

    Little Jia frowned and looked like she was in deep thought. As if she was making a very didfficult decision.

    Grandfather had remained outside alone. If she called him in, she would have to drop the ''grandpa is scary, I''m scared'' act. On the other hand, if she really let him stay outside alone, what if he thought she was a bad girl and stopped liking her?

    She wanted grandpa and mommy to be friends, but she did not want to lose either of them.

    While these were the thoughts running through her little brain, from an outsider''s perspective it looked as though she was afraid that her grandfather will come in.

    "We have to go." Lu Aotian finally said.

    "Princess, say goodbye to grandfather." he put her down as soon as they were out again.

    The little girl immediately clutched to his trousers in what appeared to be ''a life and death grip'' as she tried as hard as possible to hide behind him.

    Lu Tongyan felt his heart shatter into tiny pieces as he watched the little girl''s actions. Just how much had he scared her? Children were sensitive, it could not be helped.

    "Baby doesn''t want to give Grandpa a hug?" he asked coaxingly. "You don''t want Grandpa anymore?"

    She blinked innocently with her still slightly wet eyes. Of course she wanted grandpa! Grandpa, can you please stop making things difficult for me?

    She almost fell for Grandpa''s sweet coaxing. No! I must focus. She made her face look even more serious but to an outsider, she looked even more adorable, compelling people to want to hug her.

    "Grandpa hates Mommy. If grandpa doesn''t want Mommy, then grandpa doesn''t want Little Jia." she whined as she clung tightly onto her father''s leg to ''evade'' the approaching grandpa.

    "Grandpa does not hate your mommy." he had no choice but to lie.

    Well, he could not exactly call it lying. He really did not hate Wan Jia. He was just angry with her for leaving his son.

    Wan Jia, who had kept quiet all this while, was feeling awkward.

    "Grandpa likes Little Jia''s mommy very much." he continued.

    Huh? Was she having an auditory hallucination? Did she just hear Lu Tongyan say that he liked her? Very much at that?

    Even Little Jia widened her already big eyes. Was this not progressing too fast?

    It was "She is not welcome here" just a few minutes ago and now it''s already "I like her very much"? Did she possess some kind of special powers she knew nothing about?

    "Aotian, take Little Jia away first. Let me talk to Wan Jia for a while."

    Wan Jia immediately had an apocalyptic expression on her little face. She silently looked up to Lu Aotian for help.

    "Father, are you sure you don''t want to go in and rest?" he asked.

    "You punk!" his father shot him a look. "Do you think I want to swallow your woman alive? When you marry her, whose daughter-in-law will she become?"

    When you marry her, whose daughter-in-law will she become? Lu Aotian caught onto the meaning behind the second part of the statement. Did that mean he acknowledged Wan Jia and could even possibly consider giving her a chance?

    Hey, did you say you wanted to speak to my wife? She''s all yours. You can chase each other to your heart''s content.

    "Wanwan," he looked at her tenderly when Lu Aotian left.

    W...Wanwan? Wan Jia herself was shocked at how he adressed her. "I don''t really hate you, please don''t get me wrong." he corrected the misunderstanding without any delay.

    What would he do if Little Jia really hated him thinking that he was a bad and scary person?

    Hence, he continued, "I''m just afraid that you will lead my son on again then dump him in the end." He looked at her slightly nervously. "Didn''t...didn''t you do that before? My stupid son is just...so stupidly blinded by love" he sighed.

 Chapter 84 - Lu Aotian, the sore loser.

    Wan Jia looked at Lu Tongyan silently. Although what he said was quite detrimental, it was all true. It was she who had deceived the Lu family. They had all treated her like one of their own but she left them heartlessly in the name of protection.

    She could very much understand Lu Tongyan''s fears. Indeed, he was being very lenient by talking to her this kindly. If someone did that to Little Jia, she would not stop herself from killing them.

    "I''m sorry." She said, not being able to stop her tears on time.

    "It''s all in the past." He sighed. "When will the two of you get married?" he asked.

    Wan Jia was stunned. Noticing that his change of attitude had been too abrupt, he explained "Wanwan, you''re a very nice girl. I won''t ask why you did what you did back then but I believe you had your reasons. However, I''m still worried that you may leave again. That''s why I want you to marry Aotian as soon as you can. Since you came back it must mean that you love him and you are willing to spend the rest of your life with him, right?"

    Just as she thought the conversation couldn''t get any more emotional, he added "I always wished that I had a daughter, I always envied my friends who have daughters and flaunt them to my face; and then I met you. With a daughter like you, what could any father ever hope for? It''s even through you that I got such a lovely and adorable granddaughter.

    How could I bear to hate you? Even though I''m still afraid that you may hurt us again, I still hold a sliver of hope in my heart that you will stay forever this time."

    "I won''t ever leave, Mr. Lu." She sobbed.

    Hearing such heartbreaking words, even if she actually wanted to leave she would stay, much less now that she had decided to stay by Lu Aotian''s side no matter what.

    "What ''Mr. Lu''? What happened to ''Father''?" he scolded lightly before he recalled that he was the one who had forbidden her from calling her ''father'' just a few minutes ago.

    "Now, wipe your tears before that punk thinks that I bullied his wife." He smiled as he wiped the trail of eleven rolling down her cheeks. He really still treated her like a daughter and pampered her to the maximum. Even in the past, he had made the two pools of vinegar, Lu Shaoting and Lu Aotian, complain endless times that he was treating her like his real child and them like outsiders.

    "Girl, have you eaten? Let''s get inside. I''ll cook whatever you want to eat." He dragged her into the house, completely forgetting about Lu Aotian and Little Jia who were waiting in the car.

    Lu Aotian was incensed. You make my wife cry, and now you casually pull her into the house and forget all about me? Are you not the one who made me wait here?

    Little Jia was furious. I was trying to make you and Mommy have a peaceful conversation. Just a little bit of peace. Who mentioned loving her more and even taking away my Mommy from me? She puffed up her cheeks in annoyance, feeling like she had experienced two heartbreaks at the same time.

    She was Grandpa''s favorite baby. Now Mommy had taken her place. As if not enough, both of them were smiling and looking like each other''s favorite. Now she wasn''t even Mommy''s favorite anymore. First it was Daddy and now Grandpa. This inhuman world! If anyone else had a war going on with her Mommy, she would let them fight to the end of the earth.

    Seeing her dejected look, Lu Aotian carried her onto his lap and comforted. "Don''t worry, you''re still Daddy''s favorite princess."

    Little Jia glared at him. What favorite princess? Mommy already took my place in your heart and you took mine in hers. Thinking about it clearly, the little girl suddenly burst into piercing screams.

    That reminded Lu Tongyan that he had forgotten about some people. "Shaoting, call your brother back." He yelled from the kitchen. He was too busy warming steamed buns for his daughter-in-law to send a message to him.

    Lu Shaoting didn''t even need to make a call. A teary eyed Little Jia bolted into the house followed by Lu Aotian. "Mommy! Mommy! Mommy¡­wuuuu" she cried.

    "Baby, what happened?" she quickly carried her baby and shot a cold glare at Lu Aotian. What had this idiot done to her baby?

    "Did daddy bully you?" she asked as she gently patted the little girl''s back."

    "He¡­ he said that Little Jia is not..." she hiccupped.

    "What did he say?" she asked patiently.

    Lu Aotian also listened attentively. What on earth did he say?

    "He said that Little Jia is not Mommy''s favorite baby! Daddy bullied me. Wuuuu¡­"

    Lu Aotian "¡­" when did I even such a thing? Where did you learn to tell such blatant lies? Was I not trying to make you feel better?

    Sure enough, Wan Jia glared daggers at him and gave him a good thirty minute long scolding.

    He held his chest in mock heartbreak. Not only did he not get on his daughter''s good side, he was ignored by his father and worst of all, he even suffered getting scolded by the wife. Hey! He wanted to fight for his justice!

 Chapter 85 - Art

    For the next few days, Wan Jia was busy preparing for Elder Qian''s birthday banquet. Little Jia, on the other hand, spent so much time in the old residence; she might as well move in with her grandfather.

    Actually, she would have if her mother had not rejected that request sternly and even threatened to send her to school.

    ''You spend all your time away from me and make me miss you then you want to move there permanently? Bloody hell!''

    .....

    In the blink of an eye, it was the day of the banquet.

    Wan Jia sat in front of the mirror trying to style her hair. She had not wanted to call the stylist since she wanted a simple style but her hair was growing too long it was getting harder to style.

    "Let me help." the already handsomely dressed Lu Aotian offered as he entered her room.

    "Mommy, let Little Jia help you." a sweet voice sounded from the door.

    The little girl was on her way to the kitchen to ask for a snack but upon hearing her father offer to comb her mother''s hair, she could not think about food anymore.

    Thief alert: Daddy was using more tricks to get closer to Mommy!

    Lu Aotian gave her a cold look when Wan Jia was not looking. This is your father''s job. Don''t try to snatch it.

    Little Jia glared back at him. Humph! You had all the time before I was born. You should have used it wisely.

    Wan Jia glanced at them just as he was about to shoot Little Jia the most piercing of all glares. "Baby, you know how to?" she smiled at Little Jia sweetly.

    She rubbed her palms on her shoulders as she suddenly felt chills down her spine. Why was the atmosphere suddenly so tense...

    "Yes Mommy, " Little Jia said as she secretly stuck out her tongue and made a funny face at her father.

    "She''s not one of your dolls. She''s...." my wife.

    The words were already half way out of his mouth by the time he realized he had said it out aloud.

    Dead...he was dead... he was going to get scolded again.

    The drama queen, Little Jia, did not waste the heavenly chance and sobbed like he had said something utterly heartless.

    "Get lost." Wan Jia angrily shooed him out.

    At least he did not get scolded but what was the difference? His wife had sent him out. He even heard her coaxing Little Jia and telling her that she was the only she loved, not him.

    In the car, she still ignored him. It would be slightly better if she wasn''t looking too beautiful. But how was it fair that he could only admire her beauty from a distance like other men? She was wearing a white gown that outlined her slim waist and curved bottom perfectly.

    Her hair was let loose with the simplest of hairpins. She had very light makeup and a diamond necklace and bracelet. Although her dress looked simple on the surface, it made her look even younger and more beautiful like an angel straight from heaven.

    Lu Aotian wished he could ask the chauffer to turn around and take them back home. The thought of other men also admiring his wife''s beauty made him wish there was a way to make her invisible to everyone except himself.

    What riled him up even more was the fact that a sliver of her cleavage was visible.

    If other men saw her like this, they would surely try to steal her away from him. He scanned her body inch by inch trying to find a flaw that would make her change out of that dress.

    Finding no flaw at all, he could only sulk and imagine all the men drooling over her, casting her lustful glances and even....! This wouldn''t do. He had to make her change.

    Step on the dress? She would be angry if she found out that he did it deliberately. ''Accidentally'' spill a drink on her? Urgh... doing that would embarass her in public. Besides, it would be too late and who knows, maybe those crazy men would even find her more alluring.

    They were approaching the venue too fast.Lu Aotian racked his brain until his head ached.

    "Are we almost there?" Wan Jia glanced at him as she asked.

    "Yes." he said half heartedly.

    Then he caught sight of something. "Yes!" he exclaimed.

    "What is it?" Wan Jia looked at him like he was an idiot. Who yells out of nowhere? Even the chauffer almost lost control of the steering wheel.

    "It''s nothing." he coughed. "I just recalled something I had forgotten."

    "Oh." It was rare to hear that Lu Aotian of the sharp memory had forgotten something. No wonder he would be this excited.

    Amidst the ''excitement'', he held her chin and kissed her lips.

    She was wearing red lipstick today. He was not really kissing her but rubbing his lips against hers, applying the lipstick from her lips onto his own.

    If Wan Jia ever found out about his sinister plan...the consequences would be dire.

    "Sorry, I got too carried away." he turned to the other side quickly. His plan would be ruined if she saw his currently red lips.

    They were very close to Elder Qian''s home.

    Lu Aotian had no more time left. He pulled her into his arms ''uncontrollably'' and kissed her neck.

    "You look beautiful."

    "Thank you," she smiled.

    He glanced at the red mark he had left on her dress while ''kissing her neck''. Seeing that it was very conspicuous, he smiled, satisfied with his art.

 Chapter 86 - Art(2)

    After sneakily adding his ''honorable work of art'' on Wan Jia''s dress, Lu Aotian calmed himself down as they arrived at Elder Qian''s residence.

    Many people had already arrived. It was such an amazing sight to see well dressed men and women looking elegant as they got out of their cars. However, to Lu Aotian, all of them looked ordinary. His wife was the most beautiful.

    The time had come for Lu Aotian to make a move. He got out of the car and decisively turned around to open the door for her, holding out his palm for her to hold. Although she wanted to punish him a little longer, she didn''t want to embarrass him in public hence she ''very reluctantly'' put her soft little palm in his.

    "There are too many people." She got a little nervous.

    "Ignore them." He said simply.

    Then he pretended to have noticed something and furrowed his eyebrows.

    "What is it?"

    "My love, you have a stain here." He said as he touched the part where he had ''accidentally'' left a lipstick stain.

    "How troublesome." She frowned.

    "Let''s get back in the car. I''ll ask the chauffeur to get you a new dress." He said. "Or do you want to cover it up with your hair?" her hair was very long and thick after all¡­ The effect would be men keeping their distance since they would know that she was taken.

    Wait, that was not right. She was a woman. A man having a lipstick stain would announce his unavailable status but for a woman, it would be a different story. He suddenly wished he had left a bite mark on her neck instead.

    She glared at him. "How can you even think of something ridiculous? I have a spare dress with me, don''t trouble the chauffeur."

    She had a spare dress? Just perfect. Everything was going according to his plan.

    "You go ahead first, I''ll get changed in the car and join you." She said.

    "Alright." He almost broke into a joyful dance.

    ¡­

    "President Lu." Someone greeted as soon as he went in.

    "Did you say President Lu? Lu Aotian?"

    "It''s really Lu Aotian. He''s too handsome."

    All the young ladies present held their hearts as they admired him. Too bad no one had enough courage to walk up to him. Otherwise, he would be surrounded by a bevy of beauties.

    "Elder Qian," Lu Aotian walked up to the elder who was chatting with the guests.

    "Oh you! Lu Aotian, long time no see." Elder Qian greeted enthusiastically. He had quite a good impression of this young man who had taken over his family business at a very young age. Too bad he did not have any granddaughters. He would have loved to be in the same family as such a reputable man.

    "Mmh long time indeed."

    The Elder momentarily forgot about the other guests and dragged Lu Aotian to a table on the balcony for a game of chess.

    "Is your old man coming?" Elder Qian asked. He had invited Lu Tongyan too but the latter was probably too busy.

    "He had to step in for me temporarily. My younger brother will come later on his behalf."

    "That''s good, that''s good."

    He liked Lu Shaoting too. Just how many good deeds had the late Elder Lu done in his past lifetime to deserve two capable grandsons? He was jealous!

    As they chatted, there was suddenly some commotion downstairs. Both of them peered over.

    "Whoa! She''s so beautiful. Whose daughter is that?"

    Everyone was gaping in awe at a young lady that had just arrived. Taking bold steps, everything about her exuded of beauty. Her soft skin was devoid of any blemish as the white gown on her emphasized its fairness. Gliding into the mansion with a hint of a smile on her face, she was no different from a royal pacing around in her own territory. Suddenly all the dolled up young ladies looked too ordinary.

    "She''s too gorgeous. And the gown on her, I don''t recognize it from any famous brand but it looks like it was made specifically for her!" one middle aged woman exclaimed.

    "Aaah! My son should be just a few years older than her. Do you think I could set them up?"

    "Hey! I thought about that first. She''s my future daughter-in-law. Don''t you get any funny ideas!"

    Lu Aotian almost spat out blood when he saw her.

    She had really changed out of her former dress but this¡­

    "Isn''t that Designer Wan?" someone recognized her.

    "Aaaaah! You''re right. She looks so different from the last time I almost couldn''t recognize her. My goddess! I have to get an autograph."

    Suddenly, Wan Jia''s way was blocked as she was surrounded by the younger ladies who wanted autographs.

    "Goddess, you look so beautiful today."

    "Today? The goddess looks beautiful every day."

    "Goddess, can I take a selfie with you?"

    "Goddess, your gown is so beautiful. Is it your new design?"

    It was indeed her own design. She had only shopped for shoes and accessories but the dress was designed all by her and produced by Elite Fashion World with Lu Aotian''s permission. It was from the same line as the one that had gotten stained- there were only two of them.

    "Hey, could you ladies move aside? We want to see the goddess, not your coarse backs." The men complained.

    Lu Aotian clenched his fists tightly. How could she do this?

    He had wanted her to change into something less beautiful. Not an off-shoulder gown that made her breasts look fuller and was even much more seductive than the previous one!

 Chapter 87 - Bumping into people

    He immenseny regretted making her change. She should have just retained her previous gown. What was he thinking?

    As if to pull her away from those wolfish eyes, he rushed up to her and held her hand. "Let me introduce you to Elder Qian."

    He was not just holding her hand, he had actually pulled him so close that she could almost not walk comfortably.

    He held his jead high proudly. Look all you want. After all you wolfish creatures can only look from afar. She''s mine anyway, so I don''t mind you admiring just for today.

    "Aiya, this little girl is your fianc¨¦e?" Elder Qian was keeping his old friends company when Lu Aotian introduced Wan Jia.

    "Yes...." Wan Jia was surprised at how his reaction looked like that of someone who was familiar with her.

    "You rascal. You have quite a good eye. This young lady is already so amazing at her age." The elder complimented jealously. How he wished Lu Aotian was really his grandson! That way, this young lady would be his granddaughter-in-law.

    Wan Jia was relieved. So he knew her from the field. Having such a reputable man recognize her talent, she felt really honored.

    "Little girl, how about I take you in as my disciple?" He suggested.

    The people near them all gasped in shock.

    "Elder Qian actually asked that little designer to be his disciple!"

    "How lucky. She must have accumulated good luck from ten previous lifetimes."

    "I''m not too shocked. She''s a rare talent. Just look at the dress she''s wearing." Many others agreed with this point as well. People with great talent were bound to come across great opportunities.

    "I''ll give you time to think about it." He said when he saw her stunned expression. Although this was going to be his first disciple, he did not want to rush his little disciple and scare her away.

    "I''ll let you know then, Elder Qian." She replied. She was not really conflicted about grabbing such a great opportunity, she was just afraid that the time may not be exactly right.

    "Little girl, you don''t have to be too polite with me. You can just call me Grandfather Qian." He said.

    She smiled. "Okay then, Grandfather Qian."

    Lu Aotian was once more jealous. Why was his wife gaining more and more friends? He wanted her to belong entirely to him. However, it would not be of benefit to her if he locked her away from the world.

    "The goddess just got such an amazing master. I''m so jealous. I haven''t accomplished such a feat even after being in the industry for years." A jealous girl cried.

    Many others were still wondering why Lu Aotian was close to Wan Jia. What exactly was their relationship? Although they were curious, it was very safe to stay away from gossip about the Lu family.

    Brimming with excitement, Wan Jia had to make a trip to the bathroom to calm her nerves or she was really going to embarass herself in public.

    She bumped into someone she did not expect to see at the corridor.

    "Shaoting?"

    "Ah, sister-in-law, you came too?"

    "Yeah...but I don''t remember you mentioning that you would come. We could have come together."

    "Father couldn''t make it." He replied.

    She understood the situation instantly.

    "Oh...that, I have to rush now." She said and fled like a puff of smoke.

    While Lu Shaoting secretly laughed at his fleeting sister-in-law, someone who was probably too rushed and did not see him bumped right into his chest.

    "Ow--!" Whoever it was cried out in pain. The impact was too much.

    It was a girl. She rubbed her almost broken nose awkwardly. "Sorry, I wasn''t looking where I was going." She apologized.

    "Mmh" he grunted to indicate he accepted the apology before going his way. But wasn''t he the one who should apologize? His firm chest almost broke the poor girl''s nose.

    He turned after a few steps to glance back and saw the girl disappear into a corner in the corridor. He stared at her back for a while.

    "Ouch!" he had hit his face into a wall.

    What was that? Did he just feel his heart race?

    .....

    Wan Jia splashed cold water onto her face, made sure her heart was calm and took out her phone to text someone.

    [Little Wan : I haven''t seen you at the banquet. Not coming?]

    [Xuan: Something came up at my studio. I''ll be on my way once I handle it.]

    She was about to reply when another text came in.

    [Miss me too much? Are you terribly bored without me?]

    [Why would I miss you? What''s there to miss? I just don''t know many people around here, okay?...and something super great just happened. Of course I want to share the good news with my friend.]

    Yun Xuan''s gossip mode was ignied immediately. [What is it? Tell me, tell me quick.] She pried.

    [No can do. I''ll tell you when you arrive.]

    [Xuan: You''re not being fair at all! Do you miss me that much? Is Lu Aotian too boring?]

    [Little Wan: *Furious. Whose husband did you just say is boring?!

    I won''t talk to you anymore.]

    [Hey, I was only kidding.] Yun Xuan replied hurriedly. She would die of curiosity if Wan Jia really decided not to talk to her.

    Wan Jia really ignored her. No one was allowed to insult her Aotian. Not even if it was a joke.

    She took a deep breath and left the bathroom.

    Just as when she thought everything was going on perfectly, she bumped into someone else at the door.

 Chapter 88 - The goddess is taken

    Just as when she thought everything was going on perfectly, she bumped into someone else at the door.

    Worse still, she did not know how to adress this lady that had suddenly crossed paths with her. She had adressed her as ''mother'' before but what about now?

    The lady seemed to sense her internal questions. "Just call me Auntie." she said.

    Wan Jia coughed lightly. "Auntie, you''re here too."

    Her heart melted when she heard the sweet sounding ''auntie'' from Wan Jia.

    "I came to accompany Xuanxuan, but she isn''t here yet." she replied. "Little Wan, how have you been? You''ve become skinnier." she took Wan Jia''s arm and examined it carefully. Although she was still slim before, she had lost a lot of weight in the past few years. Madam Yun''s heart ached for her.

    "Wanwan." Lu Aotian interrupted before she could reply. He went over and pulled Wan Jia close to him before leaving with her.

    He had nothing against Madam Yun, but he nonetheless hated people from that side. He would not allow those people to get close to his wife.

    It was already a very huge compromise that he could Let Yuan have such a close relationship with her.

    Watching their disappearing backs, Madam Yun looked at Wan Jia with a complicated gaze...

    ....

    "Just how long do you take to get ready?" Wan Jia scolded her friend when she arrived. She had said that she was getting dressed but took two whole hours to arrive!

    "I only took one hour, okay?" she sighed, feeling that Wan Jia was being overly naggy.

    "A whole hour? Yun slow-dresser Xuan!" she berated mercilessly, forgetting that she had already broken her own slow-dressing record by taking almost four hours today.

    Yun Xuan did not expose her and changed the topic. "Tell me the good news. Haven''t you kept me dangling in anxiety enough?"

    "Huh, what''s in it for me?"

    "Wanwan! You even want a bribe for this? Are we even friends?" Yun Xuan was heartbroken.

    "Why not?" she smiled evilly.

    "Fine. A box of candy?"

    "Nope."

    "Two boxes?"

    "Deal." She cleared her throat before narrating the incident. For a gossipy soul like her gossip-mate, it would be better to include all the details or she wouldn''t stop nagging her. "So, after some small talk, Elder Qian asked to take me as a disciple."

    "What? Congratulations Wanwan, that''s definitely worth my candy. You''re so lucky." she congratulated genuinely.

    This friend of hers seemed to be on a high streak of luck lately.

    "Xuanxuan, Wanwan, you girls are here. Why don''t you join the other guests and chat a bit? You may even meet people you have common topics with." Madam Yun said as she approached them with drinks.

    "Can''t we gossip a little?" Yun Xuan whined.

    Her mother laughed. "You silly girl, you only know to gossip. Even if you don''t want to make friends, don''t stop Wanwan from meeting influential people from your industry, alright?" she nagged as she patted Wan Jia''s shoulder.

    Lu Aotian witnessed this scene from not too far away. He immediately rushed over and pulled his wife away, not forgetting to glare at Yun Xuan as if telling her to hold her mother back.

    "Why did you pull me away?" Wan Jia was displeased. She liked being in Madam Yun''s company as well and although this was their first meeting since three years ago, she did not feel that Madam Yun was dangerous at all.

    "I want to introduce you to some people." he gave a lame excuse, despite knowing that she would not believe him.

    "Aunty Yun is not dangerous." she complained.

    Aunty Yun??

    What in the world?

    He clenched his free fist to calm his shock. "She may not be dangerous, but her husband is. The farther you stay away from people related to him the better." he said indifferently, but there was one thing he did not mention.

    He pulled her along to a table to introduce her to some of the influential people in the circle who loved to suck up to him.

    "This is my fianc¨¦e, Wan Jia. She doesn''t drink, I''ll toast on her behalf."

    The young men present at the table looked heartbroken.

    This was the exact effect he wanted- to let all those who were casting lustful glances at her know that she was taken. He even exaggeratively pulled her so close to his body, they might as well merge into one.

    The young men could only look on with burning jealousy.

    They introduced themselves as she listened unattentively. However, one man piqued her interest.

    CEO Guo of Climax Studio. Since she was still unable to start her own studio considering her lack of business patners, she had decided to join a studio for the time being.

    As for which she would join, it would be any studio that was not related to Lu Enterprise. She knew Elite Fashion World was the best there could be but Lu Aotian would definitely be biased towards her if she went there.

    Thus she chose Climax Studio which was also among the best fashion studios. However, her portforlio had been rejected when she sent it over.

    Among the people on the table were CEOs of companies affaliated in the fashion industry and had tried to poach Wan Jia in vain.

    Among them, CEO Guo of Climax Studio looked particularly disappointed. He had really wanted yo recruit this incredibly talented young lady. Too bad she had rejected their invite.

    Seeing the two of them look at each other for a little too long, Lu Aotian frowned and pulled his wife towards another table.

 Chapter 89 - Romantic rival out of thin air

    Despite Lu Aotian''s extreme protection, there was bound to be a time when he would be a little distracted.

    It was during the time that he went to take a phone call that an ardent admirer ran over to Wan Jia to try out his luck.

    "Hi beautiful," he greeted in a gentlemanly manner.

    Wan Jia was not in the mood to talk to men who were obviously trying to hit on her and only nodded half heartedly.

    The man was content that he was not ignored and pushed his luck a little further.

    "My surname is Guo and my name is Guo Haisheng. Beautiful, how should I adress you?"

    "Mrs. Lu." she answered.

    The man suffered a blow but laughed it off. Mrs. Lu? They were only engaged. Who knew if they would actually get married?

    However, seeing that the beauty was obviously keeping a distance, he changed his tactics.

    "I''m the Vice President of Climax Studio. I see that you have a very impressive talent in fashion design. If you don''t find our company too shabby, I would like to invite you over. The terms will be adjusted to suit your requirements."

    At the mention of Climax Studio, her expression changed.

    "But I sent my portfolio over and was rejected." She said.

    The man frowned. Sent her portfolio? He and his brother, CEO Guo, had tried to invite her by all means. He was in fact just striking a conversation believing that she would not agree. Who knew that he would come across such a shocking truth?

    "What are you talking about? We, Climax Studio, have always been appreciative of talent. How could we..." he thought about something and his expression changed. President Lu seemed too protective of this beauty. Could he have interfered with the invite they sent over as well as her portfolio?

    "Something might have gone wrong in our offices. Please forgive our carelessness and consider us." he said.

    If even he could think of such a possibility, how could Wan Jia not have discovered?

    Damn that Lu Aotian! He could really go to any extent to make her have no choice but to go to Elite Fashion World. No wonder she had not recieved a single invite.

    "I''ll think about it, Vice President Guo." she said distantly.

    The way this man was looking at her, it would be best to keep her distance.

    "So, designer Wan, do you think we could exchange phone numbers?"

    Wan Jia frowned. "Vice President Guo, I don''t think it would be a very good thing to flirt with a potential subordinate."

    "Sorry, my bad. I just...nevermind. If you really come to our company, you don''t have to worry about me trying to get close to you. The company is very strict against relationships between superiors and subordinates."

    Well, at least that was true. She did not have to worry about him pestering her in the company. "However, if you decide not to come, will I be allowed to go after you?" he laughed, making it sound like a joke.

    Wan Jia saw Lu Aotian approaching at terrific speed from the corner of her eye. This man before her was courting death! "I''m sorry but no. As my fianc¨¦ previously mentioned, I''m engaged. It wouldn''t be so nice to try and interfere with a solid relationship, don''t you think?"

    Her fianc¨¦, solid relationship...

    Lu Aotian smiled.

    The man scowled.

    He did not believe that he had completely lost. After all, although he could not compare to a pinky finger of Lu Aotian''s in terms of wealth and influence, he was also handsome in his own way-even though Lu Aotian was at least ten times more handsome than him.

    "If fate has it, may we meet again, beautiful." he said as he cowered in fear when Lu Aotian held Wan Jia from behind and glared at him.

    "Let''s go home." he said. This was one of the worst banquets of his life. Not only had he not managed to make her less attractive, he had gained a romantic rival out of thin air.

    "Okay." she was also getting tired of these pestering men. "Let''s say goodbye to Elder Qian." They had already previously given their presents.

    "Grandfather Qian, we have to deal with some matters later so we should leave now." she said sweetly.

    "Oh, good child. Remember to pay this old man a visit." he said. He had made Wan Jia promise to visit him. "Don''t let this rascal stop you. If he doesn''t want to come, just ignore him."

    Lu Aotian instantly erupted in jealousy. "Why is it that you have never told me to call you ''grandfather'' and only told Wanwan? Who is it that plays chess with you? Humph!"

    "You rascal. Just say you''re jealous that your fianc¨¦e looks up to me." he laughed.

    Wan Jia recalled something. "Now that you mention it, Grandfather Qian, I agree to be your disciple."

    The old man was elated. "Little girl, you made the right choice. This old man will definitely hand down all my knowledge to you."

    After years of searching, he had finally found someone worthy of his knowledge. He could now spend the rest of his life in peace.

    =====

    On the other hand, Yun Xuan was also being urged by her mother to leave.

    "Mom, have you even said hi to Elder Qian?"

    "I already did. I''m tired. Are we going home or do you prefer to stay and come on your own?" she asked impatiently.

    "Fine, fine. We''re going." she sulked. Her mother was acting a little strange today, especially near Wan Jia.

 Chapter 90 - Jealous

    For the next few days after the banquet, Wan Jia focused her energy on creating a few drafts for her portfolio.

    In the end, she actually sent one of them to Qing Tai Media and recieved an invite for an interview. After some consideretaion, she had decided that going to a company whose Vice President was trying to hit on her would not be a great move.

    Not only would that upset Lu Aotian, that man might even make things difficult for her if she rejected him.

    On a Monday morning, she woke up quite early and dressed up formally for the interview.

    Although she had very little experience, it was no exaggeration to say that her talent was out of the roof and would crush all those current designers in Qing Tai Media within just a few weeks.

    As expected, the manager of the design department was quite impressed with her designs.

    "I''ll show you to your new office. You can come to work starting from tomorrow. However, since you have no experience, you will have to undergo a training period of two months." Said the manager.

    "Thank you," she said courteously.

    A young lady met them just as they stepped out of the office.

    The manager glared at her coldly. "What took took you so long? Quick, take over and show Designer Wan around the company."

    He turned to Wan Jia to introduce them "This is Xiao Li, your assistant. Xiao Li, this is Designer Wan. Take good care or her."

    The little assistant shook hands with Wan Jia. It seemed like this company was already set on hiring her and had even prepared an assistant beforehand.

    From the chatterbox assistant, Wan Jia learned that the best designers in the company got to style well known artists. This was a company thriving in the entertainment industry and most of their artistes were famous figures in the industry.

    The best of the best designers got to be artistes'' exclusive designers. That was the greatest honor.

    Wan Jia only wanted to gain experience and did not care too much about such things.

    During her training period, she would be required to create costumes required for dramas and movies produced by Qing Tai Media. If any of her costumes were acceptable, she would have passed training and would be assigned an artist.

    The company building was fairly big and after being taken for a tour around it, she felt very tired.

    Her phone rang just as she was about to drop to the floor from exhaustion.

    The caller ID swept away all her tiredness away.

    "Hello, sweetheart."

    The little assistant beside her coughed lightly. She was thinking about introducing Wan Jia to her elder brother. She was just so admirably beautiful. How could she have expected such a goddess to be single?

    "Done the interview?" the man asked in a hoarse voice.

    "Mmh...I''m so tired and hungry." she whined in a spoilt tone.

    "Where are you?I''ll come and get you."

    "You don''t have work to do?"

    He glanced at his mountain of documents requiring his attention. "I don''t. Send me your location, father wanted to call you over for lunch."

    At the mention of her father-in-law, she did not hesitate to share her location.

    An hour later, at the old residence.

    "Little Wan, eat a little more. You''re too skinny." Lu Tongyan urged as he placed more food into her bowl.

    "She wants to maintain her figure." Lu Aotian scoffed. He was just jealous that his father had never scooped a dish for him or urged him to eat. Yet he did all this for his wife like it was the most natural thing to do. He had even been shooed away from his father''s side and only Wan Jia was allowed to occupy that seat.

    "What nonesense! My Little Wan is extremely beautiful. Even if she gains a little more weight, nothing would change." he glared at his obviously jealous son.

    After the meal, he finally went down to the main reason he had called them over.

    "So, Little Wan, when do the two of you want to start planning your wedding?"

    Wan Jia froze. She should have expected such a question.

    The old man saw her frozen expression and sighed. It couldn''t be that she still hadn''t made up her mind, right?

    "Father, we still have some...things to settle first." she said, referring to the issue about her birth and family. She glanced at Lu Aotian for help.

    "There are indeed some things that we need to be clear about before we can safely settle down."

    Lu Tongyan glanced at his son, then at Wan Jia. Although he trusted that what they were saying was true, he could still not be too sure.

    The problem was that he was still a little guarded against Wan Jia. What if she was threatened later to leave him? Or what if she was in fact under a threat to play him again?

    He would only be completely settled when they really got married and had more kids. The Lu family was too small.

    Thinking about it, it was time to start nagging Lu Shaoting, that log of wood, to find a girl and settle down. Maybe he should even find a perfect girl for him among his friends'' daughters.

    "Little Wan, don''t worry too much. Father doesn''t want to put pressure on the two of you. I only want the two of you to be happy." he sighed.

    "Alright, stop nagging. Do you want to scare my wife away?" Lu Aotian was annoyed.

 Chapter 91 - Too shameless

    While Wan Jia was busy having a peaceful chat with her fianc¨¦ and father-in-law, someone had entered the manager''s office as soon as she left.

    "Manager Zhao." the man greeted with a smile. Although he was smiling and appearing polite, Manager Zhao was not stupid enough to not realize that this man was up to no good. "Vice President Guo, what brings you here?" he tried hard to maintain his calm.

    "I see Manager Zhao is not happy to see me?" he laughed.

    To other people, he would look handsome and charming but to people like Manager Zhao who knew just what kind of person he really was, he looked like a devil straight from hell.

    Still, he pretended to be alright. "Of course...of course I''m happy to see you again."

    "I see. Since we both missed each other so much, I will not waste any more of your time. I see Manager Zhao managed to recruit someone very interesting."

    Manager Zhao broke into cold sweat. "Vice President Guo, I don''t know who you''re talking about?"

    "Tsk..." The evil cold man sneered. "Do you take me for a fool? You knew very well that Climax Studio wanted to employ Designer Wan, yet you went ahead and took her from us. Aren''t you scared of us anymore?"

    Manager Zhao was at a loss. Sure enough, this man was still as sinister as ever. They had some past grudges but it was Guo Haisheng who had betrayed him; yet now he was acting like he was the one who had been wronged.

    "What are you implying?" he asked as he held his trembling hands together tightly.

    The man on the sofa deliberately made a long torturous pause before looking at the bodyguard standing at the door, who knew to pass over a briefcase full of cold cash and open it in front of Manager Zhao.

    "What do you mean by this, Vice President Guo? I''m not willing to give up on a rare talent for lousy money!" he refuted.

    "Then please wait for my lawyer''s notice." Guo Haisheng sneered.

    "You''re being despicable! Both you and I know that what happened back then..." the man clenched his fists to prevent himself from flying into rage and killing this bastard before him.

    Faced with such blackmail, he could only agree to let go of Wan Jia. Sure enough, these morons from the Guo family were not going to let him ever have a moment of peace.

    He had just recruited a very influential chess piece. Despite only having participated in one show, Wan Jia had exploded in fame and any company would have extremely good luck if they were chosen by her.

    He had been prepared to guide her like a younger sister and make sure she follows the right path and improves her skills. If it wasn''t for this devil...

    ==========

    Lu Enterprise.

    Lu Aotian had brought his fianc¨¦e over to play a little since she had the day off. It wasn''t her first time visiting the Lu Enterprise building but she was still awed looking around.

    The inside of the building was filled with cold metallic colors, but they did not look odd at all. Instead, they looked consistent with the owner''s style and the high technological advancements made it look like a futuristic building.

    "Why did you not chose Elite Fashion World?" A certain whiny jealous husband complained as soon as they were in the office.

    "Who wants to be your subordinate?" she humphed. She was not stupid. Having a boss like Lu Aotian was not going to be an easy task for her. If this man did not intentionally make her work extra hard, he was going to pay more attention to Elite Fashion World and pamper her in the company. She was not ready to recieve glares of hatred from her workmates.

    "My love, it''s only in your husband''s company that you would be treated fairly. What if you are bullied in my absence?" he sounded worried.

    "Do you think anyone can bully me?"

    Lu Aotian: "..."

    She was right. Who could bully her? She was the type of person who would take a hundred miles from you if you took an inch from her.

    Still, he was worried. "What if some other handsome men snatch you away from me?"

    Wan Jia was speechless. Why did he sound like a jealous wife afraid of her husband getting seduced?

    She pushed him to the sofa, sat her backside on his lap and kissed his lips. Is there anyone more handsome than you, huh?"

    Lu Aotian: "...."

    You have a point, but that''s not the point, can''t you tell?

    "Even if I''m the most handsome man in the world, that won''t stop other men from looking at you. What if they act overly nice to you and make you fall in love with them?" The pool of vinegar insisted.

    Wan Jia nibbled his ear playfully. "Baby, be good. It doesn''t matter how good looking, nice and whatnot all those other men are, they matter no more than a fart to me, okay? In this life, I''ll only ever love you. Do you still doubt this point?"

    Placated now, the overly jealous husband held her chin and kissed her deeply. "Remember what you just said. If anyone takes you away from me, I''ll destroy his entire clan." he said in a hoarse voice.

    "I won''t let you dirty your hands." she replied. The implication was that no one would be able to seduce her, so he wouldn''t have to destroy anyone. Oh, his wife was too cute!

 Chapter 92 - Harem of daughters

    "Honey," he called her softly while leaving little kisses on her neck.

    "Mmh?"

    "When will we get married?"

    This question again?! She had thought that she had escaped it during the day.

    "When we can really visit my maiden home." She replied. The last time they were married, they had gone to someone else''s maiden home and he couldn''t have gone to the He family either. She wanted to marry him with honor and blessings from both of her birth parents if they were still alive. If they were not or if they did not accept her, then she would assume that she had always been a member of the Lu family.

    Lu Aotian looked at her silently. How could he ever tell her that they might have already visited her maiden home in the past? That the man she hated with all her strength was possibly her father? What was even worse was that he had her with one of his harem of mistresses. As for which one it was, Lu Aotian wished he did not investigate.

    "Aotian, what are you thinking about?" she asked when she noticed he was deep in thought.

    "What did you call me?"

    A very familiar line.

    "Don''t change the topic. How can you think of other thinks when I''m kissing you, huh? What or who are you thinking about?" she punched his chest.

    "I''m thinking that it''s time to enroll Little Jia into kindergarten and make siblings for her." He said.

    "How can you think about other women when you''re with me?!" she pouted angrily. It didn''t matter even if that other woman was three years old. Also, make siblings for Little Jia? She blushed. She would actually love to¡­perhaps a son that would be a miniature version of Lu Aotian would be perfect.

    As if reading her mind, Lu Aotian chimed in. "How about we have a bunch¡­ no, a harem of daughters?"

    Bunch? Just how many was he thinking about? Also, what in the world was a harem of daughters?

    "That way, you wouldn''t have to worry about lacking models for your runway shows. "

    "¡­"

    "Oh, and I''ll also need a committee of sons to take over Lu Enterprise. It''s too tiring to be just me and Shaoting."

    "¡­"

    "When the boys are old enough, I''ll have them join the army. We can make a team of our own later and protect you."

    Wan Jia felt all her strength leave her body. "How many kids are we talking about here?" she raised an eyebrow.

    "At least twenty. Ten girls and ten boys. Together with Little Jia, that will be twenty-one. Father would be very happy."

    "Are you crazy? You idiot! I can''t have all those kids even if I were to start now!"

    "Don''t worry, we can have them in pairs of twins or groups of triplets." He smiled.

    Wan Jia did not know what to do about him. Did he take her for a pig? "I''ll tell Little Jia that you plan to have a harem of daughters to compete for her affection." She threatened.

    "I think someone else will be jealous if I had many daughters, and that''s not Little Jia."

    "You¡­you..I don''t want to talk to you anymore. Sit upright. I want to sleep." She pulled his hand away and rested her head on his lap. Lu Aotian watched the little beauty closing her eyes and smiled.

    Such a beautiful girl, how could her life be so unfortunate?

    He sighed as he rubbed her back softly and used his other hand to make a phone call.

    "Hello bro."

    Lu Aotian let Wan Jia rest on the sofa gently and went to the balcony. "How''s the matter coming?"

    "Our initial speculation was right. Yun Jifeng''s mother is indeed still alive, and she has been trying to find a chance to get close to her son."

    "Mmh." So he was right. That woman had fake her own death and left her son to be raised by Madam Yun. Why was she trying to contact Yun Jifeng, though? Was it so that she could have someone to rely on since her son was the second heir of such a powerful family?

    "What else did you find out?"

    "Oh, I almost forgot the main point.

    Brother, this woman is indeed interesting. She was abducted by General Yun then she had a daughter with him twenty three years ago, but she did not stay with her. Instead, she gave her up to someone else for adoption."

    "That doesn''t make her Wanwan''s mother."

    "The main point is, that woman''s daughter was born on the same day as sister-in-law."

    "Investigate all the details related to that child, including the hospital where she was born."

    "Got it, bro. But on a side note, that woman looks a lot like sister-in-law."

    "Even Yun Xuan looks a lot like your sister-in-law." He dismissed. His point was that with cosmetic surgery being so common, one could not use looks to determine if two people were related. "Besides, Wanwan has the exact same eyes as Madam Yun. Does that make her Madam Yun''s daughter?"

    "Got it bro, I''ll investigate this matter clearly."

    "I''ll give you ten days."

    The other party almost fainted. Ten days?! Was his brother nuts? Anyway, it was better to just agree and try his best than offend that overlord.

    His first lead, among all of general Yun''s mistresses, there was only one whose daughter should be of Wan Jia''s age. Coincidentally, that daughter was missing. It was best to follow such leads than go for stories like being switched at birth which could have been altered.

 Chapter 93 - Someone had done something behind the scenes

    Late at night, Southside Villas.

    "Why are you still awake? It''s already past midnight." Lu Aotian reprimanded his little fianc¨¦e as he held her shoulders from behind.

    "Does anyone complain when you stay up all night?" she snorted and continued arranging the sheets of paper neatly in a file.

    "That''s because I have to provide for the family, logically I should work hard. What about you? Who are you working this hard for?" He snatched the file from her hands and held it up high.

    "Hey! Give that back." she exploded.

    "No can do." he answered sternly with a poker face. This naughty little thing had skipped dinner just for the sake of work. It was only the first day. If he didn''t keep a close eye on her, would she work all her blood out?

    She tiptoed and tried to snatch it back but due to her height which was pitiably overshadowed by Lu Aotian''s tall frame, she couldn''t reach it no matter how hard she tried.

    "Give me back my file." she pouted and looked like she was about to cry.

    Lu Aotian had hardened his resolve and would not give in to letting her stay up even if she really cried."I''ll only give it back in the morning." He said and took her hand, pulling her out of the study room. "Come here, I''ll sing you a lullaby."

    She pretended to be obedient and when he let his guard down, she tried to snatch the file back.

    Alas, Lu Aotian had expected such a move and reacted faster by holding it high above her head. "Be good. Girls should rest early." he coaxed. Although his tone was that of coaxing, what he did next was the exact opposite. He opened the safe in his room, placed the file in and changed the passcode.

    Wan Jia pursed her lips. Did he really think she could still remember the passcode after all those years?

    "Come here." he beckoned her over. She was still standing at the door.

    "I don''t want to sleep in your room." she said in a very spoilt tone.

    He glared at her.

    "I mean, I want to sleep in your room....How can I not want to sleep in your bed? Your bed is the cosiest bed on earth hahaa." she rattled and ran over with a swoosh.

    Lu Aotian sighed helplessly and took her in his arms, placing her gently on the soft bed.

    At the end of the day, Lu Aotian really did sing her a lullaby. She nestled comfortably in his warm embrace. That sweet mellow voice singing her favorite song lulled her into sweet dreams.

    The next morning, Wan Jia woke up and found the space beside her empty- Lu Aotian had already woken up. She sneakily tried to open the safe but failed.

    So she freshened up and went to take breakfast. Lu Aotian was sitting elegantly on the sofa in the living room. She intentionally avoided attracting his attention and sneaked into the kitchen to grab a fruit. She was not in the mood for breakfast either.

    "Why are you being so sneaky?"

    She almost dropped the apple she was peeling. "Don''t you make sounds when walking? How can you just appear like a ghost?" That wasn''t the main point, okay? How was she being sneaky?

    "Don''t try to change the topic. You''ve been skipping meals recently. Do you have a bad apetite?"

    "Sort of." she said. Perhaps it was because of having take out too frequently, her apetite had been poor for the past few days.

    "You''re not pregnant, right?"

    "Pfft....Who said people with bad apetite are pregnant?"

    He took her hand. "Come, I''ll feed you. I understand your stomach. It probably doesn''t accept any food that isn''t fed by me."

    True to his word, she really ate quite a bit. However, she kept feeling chills on her body. As though someone was glaring at her. But she couldn''t figure out who it was.

    ....

    Qing Tai Media.

    Wan Jia was called to the manager''s office as soon as she arrived in the company building.

    He gestured her to have a seat and even wanted to have the secretary prepare a cup of coffee which she declined.

    She had a bad feeling about this meeting.

    "Designer Wan, you are the most gifted rookie to ever appear in Qing Tai Media."

    Huh, of course it was meant to be bad news. Her good mood from being fed by her man instantly dropped.

    "However, the trainees this time are too many."

    So she had been switched out? Of course she had not signed any contract. Switching her out was as easy as eating rice.

    "Therefore, the company has decided to give all of you an equal chance. You will be given one week to propose a costume for the female lead of the drama "The consort". The best five designers will proceed to the training period. The rest will have to try harder the next time." he said.

    Wan Jia sneered in her heart. She had thought that this manager had a good impression of her...She could already guess that someone had done something behind the scenes and this was their way of pushing her out of Qing Tai Media.

    It did not matter how good her costume was, it would definitely not pass.

    Still, she would try her best and at least come up with something that any normal human being could not bring himself to reject. "May I meet the female lead?"

 Chapter 94 - A sense of familiarity

    Eer, meet the female lead? Was that even possible? Manager Zhao rolled the pen in his hand.

    "It''s not that I don''t want you to meet the female lead, but she is Lin Lihua."

    "What''s wrong with Lin Lihua?" she frowned.

    Manager Zhao looked at her in disbelief. She did not understand? Who in this nation did not know what type of person Lin Lihua was?

    She was the most popular actress in the country and with the strong support of her family behind her, she was quite arrogant. Qing Tai Media felt lucky to have her. Not only was she very talented, she was blessed with a beautiful face and attractive body. Meeting such a person was like trying to retrieve a lost pin from the ocean.

    Of course Wan Jia understood this. She was just going to try her luck. If Lin Lihua did not agree to meet her, then she would do with photos. To make a perfect costume, one had to understand the person they were designing it for. How could she just blindly come up with anything?

    "Manager Zhao, just pass me her personal contact number. I''ll deal with the rest." She said.

    "For confidentiality purposes, I''m afraid I can''t. How about I call her myself and tell her you want to speak to her? The effect will be the same. Besides, she may not answer calls from an unknown number."

    He made sense. "Then I''ll have to trouble you, Manager Zhao."

    He told her that it was no trouble before dialling a string of digits on his phone. The call was recieved after a few rings and a sweet voice came through. "Manager Zhao, do you need me for anything?" The girl on the phone was as arrogant as ever, not even bothering with greetings.

    "That...Lihua, there''s someone who would like to meet you. Wan Jia, a new trainee in our..."

    "Aaaaah!" a shriek sounded on the other end before he could finish his statement. Had he offended that great grandaunt? Today, he would die of an unjust cause.

    "Wait wait wait, Manager Zhao, are you bluffing? Did you say Designer Wan wants to see me? Goddess Wanwan?" the girl had turned into an excited fangirl.

    The poor manager was confused. Was she so angry that she was screaming? "Yes, she''s here in my office."

    The other side went silent for a while before the girl returned to her usual composed state. "Tell her that I''m willing to meet her. I''ll send my location over after this call. However, I have a condition."

    "What''s your condition?" he said between gritted teeth. That was the hard part.

    "She has to create a super cute outfit for me." she said. Manager Zhao could practically imagine how she gazed at her perfectly polished nails with her legs crossed at the knee while making that request.

    "That...please give me a minute to ask her." he said and held the mouthpiece to ask Wan Jia for her opinion.

    "That''s a piece of cake." said Wan Jia, earning another round of shrieks followed by her assistant being ordered to go over and pick her up.

    Before the call was hung up, the two of them heard the girl shriek to her friends on the other end. "I told you I''d get the perfect dress, didn''t I? Guess who''s designing my birthday dress? This will be the best birthday ever?"

    Wan Jia felt it was strange, but that girl sounded familiar, like she had heard her voice before; not in the movies she acted but in real life.

    Her way of handling things also gave her a weird sense of familiarity.

    The manager, on the other hand, was dumbfounded. Just what power did this Wan Jia possess to make that arrogant girl so excited? Had he underestimated this little girl?

    ...

    Two hours later, in a high end apartment at the west side of the city.

    Wan Jia was welcomed by a very beautiful girl in homey clothes and bare feet. She looked very gorgeous. Even she, as a woman, could not doubt this point.

    As soon as Wan Jia arrived, she shooed all her friends away and poured her a glass of orange juice.

    Wan Jia laughed and looked at the lady beside her. "Could it be that Miss Lin is very good at making guesses? How did you know I like orange juice?"

    "Obviously, I guessed." Lin Lihua pretended to think and said. "Let me guess, you also really like candy and shrimp."

    Wan Jia''s eyes flew wide open. "How did you know?"

    The girl suddenly threw herself onto Wan Jia for a hug as she cried. "So it''s really you."

    "Miss Lin? What are you talking about?" she was dumbfounded.

    "Stop it, silly. You''re He Wan Jia, aren''t you?" she asked as she rubbed her eyes.

    "Yes...I am. But I don''t remember ever meeting you."

    "That''s because you never did." she said.

    "Then how do you know me, and even know so much about me? Also, why do I find you familiar?"

    Lin Lihua shut her mouth, noticing that she had spoken too much.

    "Let''s talk about why you wanted to meet me." she changed the topic.

    Wan Jia knew she was intentionally avoiding her question but did not expose her. "I just wanted to know the muse of my design by heart. It''s just much easier work if I know your character and temperament. That way I''ll know which color and material suit you best. " she explained.

 Chapter 95 - She is really my little sister

    Lin Lihua had no issue with that. Of course as the female lead, it would be best if the designer put enough effort into her costume. If such words came from someone else, she would dismiss it as talking big but coming from Wan Jia, it gave her more confidence.

    "What about my birthday dress?" she asked when they were done discussing the costume.

    "When is your birthday?"

    "This saturday."

    "Don''t worry, you''ll have a super cute dress before Friday." she used her own words.

    Lin Lihua blushed and looked at the young girl before her in amazement.

    When Wan Jia left, Lin Lihua made a phone call emotionally. "Mommy, guess what? I met Wan Jia. She''s so beautiful. Just as beautiful as you and she does everything as if she were the past version of you. She really is my little sister!"

    _________

    One week went by pretty fast. In the blink of an eye, it was the final day when the designers would present their costumes.

    Wan Jia looked at her phone. She had recieved several texts.

    [Lin Lihua: Good luck baby girl, I only want to wear your costume.] Since recieving her birthday dress from Wan Jia, she had almost sworn never to wear clothes from other brands. The only thing that held her back was the fact that Wan Jia was still too inexperienced to cater for her extravagant fashion needs. She could also not bring herself to hold back Wan Jia''s advancement in career by making her her personal designer.

    Wan Jia moved to the next text. [Xuan: Cheering my beautiful Wan. I know you''re the best.]

    [Handsome Lu: Do you still need luck?] This idiot, did he think she was as narcissistic as he was?

    She had saved his contact as ''Handsome Lu'' because she couldn''t help but think of his handsome face every time he called.

    Little Jia had also sent over a photo of a crazed up painting with the words "Congratulations mommy." Obviously, her nanny had helped her take and send the picture.

    Wan Jia could only sigh. Truly, like father like child. While people were wishing her luck, these two idiots were sure that she would make it.

    It could not be helped. Her costume was different from the rest and had the highest chance of being selected. While the others focused on exposing Lin Lihua''s full breasts with deep cleavages, hers shifted the focus from her chest area to her legs.

    Everyone was obsessed with Lin Lihua''s chest so much that they overlooked the other parts of her body. From their meeting, Wan Jia discovered that this beauty was actually blessed with a lovely pair of long legs.

    Who was it that told these designers that Lin Lihua''s chest was her only advantage? That wasn''t the only thing that could make her look alluring!

    Wan Jia''s costume was a short black dress. Lin Lihua''s legs would obviously look stunning in it. Overally, she would look seductive without being vulgar.

    Unfortunately, her speculation was right. She really didn''t make the cut. After spending long nights on this project, she had actually failed.

    Not wanting to make a fuss unnecessarily, she left quietly.

    "I didn''t make it." she complained to Lu Aotian who was hugging her affectionately in his arms.

    "There''s always a next time. Don''t think about it too much, alright?" he coaxed her.

    "But I spent so much time and effort on it!" she whined.

    "Baby, forget about those idiots who don''t know how to appreciate talent. I''ll get you many huge boxes of candy, mmh?"

    "Mmh."

    Placated by the mention of candy, the girl stopped sulking and found a more comfortable spot in his embrace to rest like a baby.

    Unbeknowst to her, a storm was brewing in Qing Tai Media.

    "HOW COULD YOU LET MY COSTUME GO!" Lin Lihua bellowed in the CEO''s office. "Is there something wrong with the design department? Are they all blind? ARE THEY ALL FREAKING BLIND?! I DON''T CARE, I''LL ONLY WEAR A COSTUME MADE BY DESIGNER WAN OR PREPARE TO FIND ANOTHER FEMALE LEAD!"

    "Lihua, could you please calm down? Let me talk to them."

    It was rumoured that Lin Lihua''s father was one of the top ten most powerful men in the country. With such a background, even the CEO dared not offend her. These people from the design department were tired of living.

    He rushed to the design department followed by the fuming Lin Lihua.

    "CEO, Wan Jia''s design did not suit our requirements for this costume. The color is too dull, it''s too short and..."

    Lin Lihua could not have any more of it. "What do you mean too dark, huh? Designer Wan chose the color according to what suits me best and even I know that you like her dress very much. Just admit you were planning to let her go then plagiarize her dress and come up with something similar!"

    The manager froze. He did not expect Lin Lihua to see through his plans that fast. He had indeed resorted to do that, but he had been forced.

    Those rascals from Climax Studio wanted him to steal one of Wan Jia''s drafts and offend her, then they would play the hero that saves the beauty and seek justice for her. That way, Wan Jia would appreciate them and go over to their studio.

    Now that Lin Lihua had uncovered the whole plot, he was more or less glad. At least he wouldn''t have to dirty the reputation of his company and lose his job. But those idiots would never let him go!

 Chapter 96 - Protecting her little sister

    "Hmph! Since you dared to offend a Lin, be prepared to face the consequences." she said and stormed off in her high heeled shoes.

    Lin Lihua was feeling elated. This was her first time protecting someone, and that just happened to be her little sister. She was literally floating on the clouds.

    Knowing how nice it felt to be a protective elder sister, she vowed to protect her forever.

    Although no test had been done to verify Wan Jia''s relationship with her mother, she did not believe that two unrelated people could possibly exist with such strikingly similar characteristics. She had been watching this girl closely.

    Not only was she the abandoned daughter of the He family, she was too much like her mother! They even exuded the same aura. She had even inherited her design talent from her mother. She was afraid of approaching her herself; it would be too suspicious. Since luck came her way and allowed them to meet under different circumstances, she would make good use of this opportunity.

    However, she had to tread carefully. According to her mother, Wan Jia''s father was a very dangerous man that she should never mess with. Even if that man could not topple the influence of Lin Lihua''s father, he still had his ways of dealing with Wan Jia. Who knew what that shameless man might do?

    Now, her first mission was to slowly make her little sister stay away from that man''s daughter.

    She dialled Wan Jia''s contact number.

    "Little Wan, are you busy?" she asked sweetly.

    Wan Jia was just about to say that she was not busy when Lu Aotian glared at her. She immediately changed it to "Do you need anything? I''m with my...um...husband."

    Lin Lihua blushed. She was married? "Well,...I just wanted to invite you over for dinner. We could catch a movie and have some fun. Call it a girls'' night. What do you think?"

    Wan Jia looked at Lu Aotian for further instructions. The speaker was turned on, he could hear their conversation. The man simply acted like it had nothing to do with her, but she knew that he would not be happy if she went on such short notice. "I''m sorry Miss Lin, I can''t make it." she carefully didn''t promise to go over the next time.

    Lin Lihua sounded disappointed. "I understand, you can come over when you''re not too busy. Also, don''t be too polite with me. You can just call me ''sis''. She said meaningfully. She would have to call her ''sis'' one day anyway, it was better to get used to it this early.

    Before she hung up, she remembered simething more important. "Oh, Little Wan, I''ve already spoken to the company CEO. Those fools from the design department wanted to use you for their own gain. Luckily, I found out in time. If you come back, no one will ever treat you unfairly again."

    Wan Jia was surprised that such a proud person had taken the initiative to stand up for her. She regretfully said, "Thanks for the trouble, but I have already made up my mind not to go back."

    Lin Lihua felt terrible. "Then what will happen to my costume? I only like your designs." she complained.

    Wan Jia laughed. "If your company allows you to use something produced by an outsider, then I don''t mind giving it to you. It was made to suit you anyway."

    They chatted a little more before ending the call.

    After ending the call, Lin Lihua started asking among her friends for restaurants that served the best dessert. Since her little sister liked sweet things, she would buy her some.

    ===

    On the other hand, Yun Xuan had only been communicating with Tyler online since he left. He would send her messages when he woke up since he did not want to wake her up too early; she was not too much of an early riser like him.

    At first, they would have a video chat every night before Yun Xuan''s bedtime but the frequency of that started detoriorating when he got too busy. He would only take a few minutes from his work to call her. However, that was more than enough for her to feel happy. At least he was trying his best.

    With a lot to think about, time flew very fast and two months were almost over.

    "I''ll be back in three days." he said over their videocall that night.

    "You''re almost done? I thought you would come after more than a fortnight." she questioned while doing her routine skin care.

    "Indeed, I still had a lot to do. But I miss you so much, so I sped up."

    "You sped up? Oh, is that why you suddenly became so busy?" She felt touched. For a man to speed up his work just to get back to her, just how much did he love her?

    "You could say that." he smiled.

    "Oh you...look at you! No wonder you look so skinny. Haven''t you been eating?" she nagged.

    It did not make him feel annoyed, he felt happy that she cared about him. "Be good, it''s one minute past your bedtime. Don''t get dark circles."

    "I don''t want to sleep! I want a kiss."

    He chuckled and blew her a kiss. She whined for more kisses before she finally went to bed.

    Three days. In just three days, she would finally be able to see her sweetheart again.

 Chapter 97 - He would never hurt you

    Three days later, Tyler sent Yun Xuan a text early in the morning, informing her of the time of his flight and arrival time. He wanted her to pick him up at the airport.

    Yun Xuan had not slept all night due to excitement and was awake. She replied almost instantly

    [If Ruolin is there too, I''m not coming.]

    Tyler laughed at her jealous demeanor and replied [She''s still busy. Don''t worry about her.]

    Yun Xuan seemed to dislike Ruolin more with each passing day.

    When Tyler left, Grandma Wang had invited her over for lunch quite a few times. However, Ruolin would also be present and her temperament was just the same as before- she was very kind and friendly to her in the presence of her grandmother and exploded in fury as soon as they were alone.

    That weird woman had even confronted her and offered a blank check in exchange of her breaking up with Tyler.

    Tsk, that woman sure was something. She was the daughter of a very prominent man. As if she would need money.

    "Going to see your gigolo again?" Her eldest brother mocked when he saw her leaving her room all dolled up.

    "My fianc¨¦ is not a gigolo!" she said angrily. It was okay if this moron wanted to insult her. Why was he dragging Tyler into this? He was lucky that she loved her mother and didn''t want to do anything that would hurt her feelings. Otherwise, she would have finished him off years ago.

    "Then what is he, an underground spy?" Yun Jifeng echoed.

    "Tyler is not an underground spy." Had Old Two woken up from the wrong side of the bed? She should consider convincing her parents to let her find her own apartment.

    ....

    "You''re finally back." Yun Xuan smiled like a fangirl meeting her idol for the first time when she saw Tyler.

    He speechlessly pulled her into his arms for a warm hug. Sometimes, there was no need for words between a couple. He had missed her a lot. Getting a hug from the soft body of his girl drove all his fatigue away.

    "You look even thinner than you looked on phone. Was work too difficult? Do you even ever eat?" she expressed her concern with a frown on her face.

    He smiled as they got into the car and he insisted on driving."You''re worried about me?"

    "Uh huh." her heart ached. Would she have to follow him around and make sure he had his meals and rested on time?

    "If your heart aches so much, why don''t you kiss me?"

    Her ears slowly turned red. She was so embarassed to kiss in public and had only hugged him. Now that he asked for it...

    She shook her head and pushed those ridiculous thoughts out of her mind.

    She would kiss him as much as he wanted, but when they were home. Kissing in the car was no different from out in public.

    In the end, they did get home before they kissed; but having stayed away from each other for all that while, Tyler did not hesitate to have her.

    "So, about our marriage..."Tyler started with his breath still ragged.

    Yun Xuan slapped her forehead. She had just been laughing at Wan Jia a few days for being nagged about marriage by her husband and in-laws. It was already her turn? Karma came at her too quickly, eh?

    "You don''t wish to get married?" he asked when he noticed how strange he looked at the mention of marriage.

    "It''s not that, please don''t misunderstand. I just remembered something and found it funny."

    He found her statement weird but ignored it. "I already locked down that man I was looking for. His name is Jing Ye. He was indeed ordered to deliberately give a fake divorce certificate."

    "Ordered by who?"

    "That, I do not know yet. I''m thinking about looking for him tomorrow and have him clarify things. It''s okay if he doesn''t tell us the mastermind, I only need him to give us the real thing.

    If he processed a fake one, he could also process a real one in a hush manner and the matter would be over.

    However, if he refused to comply and wanted to cause a ruckus, Tyler would approach him legally.

    "You''ll let the mastermind off just like that?" she asked. Whoever it was had made them delay their marriage and even caused them to misunderstand each other. How could they let him off?

    "He would have to tell me if I didn''t know already."

    So he knew already. Was it her father? He seemed to be very obsessed wuth the idea of her marrying Lu Aotian. "Is it my dad?"

    "Don''t worry about it. It doesn''t matter who he is, he will never hurt you." he said as he ran his fingers through her hair.

    Any dumb person would know. The meaning behind his answer was obvious. It was definitely her father. No wonder that man would keep running like that.

    "Let''s go find him tomorrow then." she said.

    "You want to come along?"

    "Of course. You were away for so long and I missed you. I want to cling onto you and follow you wherever you go." she said coyly.

 Chapter 98 - Jing Ye

    The next morning, the first thing the couple did when they woke up was go to a very remote area in C city. That was where the man they were looking for, Jing Ye, lived.

    "We can''t notify him of our presence. We have to ambush him." Tyler said.

    "Why?"

    "He knows he''s being looked for. Do you think he''s stupid enough to let us catch him?"

    That was logical. Of course the man knew that if he got caught, his life would be hell. Not only did he risk getting arrested for bribery and fraud, the man who contacted him on that day would surely kill him.

    "Your sustitute personally took the signed divorce papers to the Civil Affairs Bureau?" He asked when they were almost at his house.

    "That''s what she said." She answered.

    "Then you should wait here. I''ll check if he''s at home and call you in later. He may get paranoid and flee if he sees you."

    "Okay."

    Tyler proceeded and very conveniently found the man at home with his daughter.

    "Mr. Jing, long time no see." He said as he leaned lazily on the doorframe. At the same time, he texted Yun Xuan that the man was home.

    "Who are you?" The man was sure he had never met Tyler before.

    "May I come in?" He asked, although it could be said that he was already halfway in. This was to avoid the man banging his door on him.

    The man reluctantly let Tyler in as he scrutinized him. He didn''t seem like a gangstar or mercenary. Who was he?

    "I don''t know you." He said after racking his brain for practically half the day.

    Tyler saw that Yun Xuan was already at the door then he said, "Of course you don''t know me, but I''m sure you remember my fianc¨¦e." He gave an evil smile as he presented Yun Xuan.

    The man''s jaw almost dropped to the floor. This...this young lady?

    The previous day, Tyler and Yun Xuan had agreed to have Yun Xuan appear in disguise with a long black wig and black contact lenses. Hence Jing Ye thought he was looking at Wan Jia.

    "Do you remember me?" She taunted.

    Jing Ye felt he could still turn the tables. "No." He swiftny denied.

    "Oh, how unfortunate. I remember you from three years ago," she took out the fake divorce certificate she had previously got from Wan Jia and presened it before him. "Does this ring any bell?"

    "I....I..." If it were not for the fact that his daugher was on the brink of death at the time, he would never fake any document even at gunpoint!

    "Don''t worry," Yun Xuan interrupted. "We won''t chase you for something you were forced to do."

    After all, it was just a matter of the other party wanting to tie her down in marriage with Lu Aotian. If it were something that threatened her safety, they would definitely make things difficult for him.

    "You...you won''t?" He asked in disbelief.

    Yun Xuan nodded. "You just have to tell us who gave you the instructions. We just want to be sure. We definitely won''t let the other party know that you told us."

    "You won''t hand me over to the authorities?" He pushed his luck a little more.

    "We will not. You can be rest assured." She was just being compassionate. This man''s daugher was still a teenager and had no one else to take care of her. Her illness was not completelh healed either. If she were to make him get locked up, wouldn''t that be terrifying?

    Seeing how genuine and kind she was, he decided to speak up. "On that night, I recieved an anonymous email with a picture and instructions. It was your picture." The man did not know that Yun Xuan was not the woman in the picture. "They told me that you would come to submit divorce papers in the morning; I should give you a fake certificate and they would send a kidney donor for my daugher. True to their word, they sent a donor. They never sent any money and simply paid for her hospital bills and even left extra money for upkeep at the hospital."

    Yun Xuan felt it was strange. That did not explain why he left the city.

    "And why did you quit your job and leave the city?"

    "I....I felt my daughter needed a place to recuperate and the money they left was a lot so I found a better place."

    Tyler''s expression darkened. "I recorded everything just now. If you won''t say everything, then..."

    "I''ll talk! I''ll talk!

    Later when my daughter had already completed surgery, they sent me another email telling me to leave the city and never go back to the capital. They deposited a huge sum of money into my account. I suppose they thought I would reveal what I did if you..." he looked at Yun Xuan..."came and interrogated me about it."

    He knew he was risking his life by telling them but did he have a choice?

    "That does sound like General Yun''s way of doing things." Tyler muttered inaudibly.

    "I want the anonymous emails and account number used to send the money." Tyler said.

    The man complied and quickly brought his laptop over.

    Tyler skimmed his eyes over the account number and took out his own laptop to transfer the content. He had brought it for such situations.

    After typing a series of codes on his laptop, he looked at the screen and smirked. Just as he expected...

 Chapter 99 - Contract of a century

    Completely oblivious to the storm brewing on Yun Xuan''s side, Wan Jia was currently nestled in Lu Aotian''s arms in the living room. She teased him by planting tiny pecks on his chin and neck.

    Lu Aotian glanced at the trouble making girl wriggling on his lap. "Back to the starting point, huh? I told only Elite Fashion World is suitable for you."

    Wan Jia rolled her eyes so hard that they almost fell onto his chest. "Those dumba**es purposefully came up with the so called test to get rid of me. There was definitely someone behind this."

    "That was expected. How many companies want to hire you? No matter where you go, a more powerful company will try to poach you by all means.

    Of course, the exception is Elite Fashion World. Since you''ll have the support of big shot (me), no one will dare try to snatch you."

    "The point is, I''m not qualified to breathe the same air as those big shot designers from EFW okay?" She said. This was in fact her biggest worry. She was just a rookie. How could she go to a world full of masters and grandmasters? What if she could not catch up and made a fool out of herself?

    "How can you say that? My beautiful wife is very talented and hardworking. Surely those small fry you can handle yourself." He expressed his confidence in her abilities. "Do you want to try out?"

    If she was willing to try, he was ready to draft a contract for her. He sneakily decided that the contract would be unterminable and would last up to a hundred years after her death. The little woman obviously knew none of this and was seriously considering it.

    "I don''t know for now...let me gain some knowledge from my mentor first then I''ll think about it." She said.

    Talking of her mentor, Elder Qian had been giving her some tips for the past approximately three weeks. Just within this short period pf time, her insights were begining to change and she could feel her skill improving already.

    "Mmh." He suddenly pushed her down with him on top of her and kissed her deeply. This troublemaking girl only knew how to start flames and not extinguish them.

    "Mommy, Daddy!" An incredibly cute baby voice interrupted, followed by a fluffy little bundle of pink rushing up to them.

    Wan Jia pushed Lu Aotian away and glared at him. How could he do such child unfriendly things in the living room? Did he not know that they had a little child? Luckily, the little girl probably did not understand what they were doing and ran to them.

    She pounced onto her mother and kissed her cheek before pouncing into her father too.

    She presented a lollipop from who knows where and looked up at him shyly.

    Lu Aotian found her extremely adorable and laughed. "What is it?"

    "Daddy, can Little Jia play with Tangtang?" She blinked at him cutely.

    "Who the hell is Tangtang?" Wan Jia asked.

    Lu Aotian replied, "Shaoting''s godson."

    Wan Jia frowned at Lu Aotian''s answer and almost spewed blood. What kind of answer was that?

    "Baby, who is Tangtang?" She asked Little Jia sweetly.

    The little girl sucked on the lollipop she had intended to gift to her father as Wan Jiawaited for ages before she said, "I don''t know, Second uncle brought him to play."

    "..." What''s the difference?

    =====

    At the same time, in Jing Ye''s apartment.

    Tyler looked at the details he had uncovered from the bank account and was filled with rage.

    A certain someone sure went all out to make his daughter remain in the Lu family, eh?

    "I...I didn''t really believe this." Yun Xuan mumbled. "What do we do now?"

    "Don''t be too worked up, take a deep breath..." Tyler tried to calm her down. "Since we already know who did this, all that''s left is for you to get a real divorce."

    He looked at Jing Ye. "This gentleman will help us, right? You already have the signed divorce papers after all."

    He nodded vigorously. "I still have them, I kept them safe just in case." then he rushed to his study room and came up with them. They were still valid and in good shape.

    "We have you to thank Mr. Jing." he said. His tone had changed. Even Yun Xuan was finding it quite scary. Is it because all this drama was indeed caused by her father?"

    "Don''t mention it, It''s thanks to your girlfriend that my daugher was saved."

    He looked at him indifferently. "Mmh, I''ll take this to a more credible clerk. As for you..." he took his phone and said "come in."

    Two police officers suddenly appeared.

    Jing Ye was puzzled. "This...didn''t you promise not to hand me..."

    Tyler interrupted me. "My fianc¨¦e promised not to hand you over to the authorities, but did I say anything of that sort?" He turned to the officers. "I''ve sent a recording of him confessing to your phone. Enjoy."

    Yun Xuan held his arm emotionally as they took him away. "Tyler, this is totally unfair. How could you

    play such a trick on him? Did he not help us solve everything? Quick, stop them!"

    "He plotted against you. He must pay for it."

    "But I promised him just now..."

    "You made that promise, I didn''t."

    .....

    Two days later, Yun Xuan read read the headlines on her phone.

    [Man found dead in police custody.]

 Chapter 100 - Want to cut ties

    Two days later, Yun Xuan read read the headlines on her phone.

    [Man found dead in police custody.]

    The news continued to state that his death had been caused by an allergic reaction, he had come into contact with a type of metal that he should not have.

    Yun Xuan was not that gullible. It was no coincidence that this man had been detained just two days ago and died two days later. Obviously, someone deliberately killed him and made up all this allergic reaction lie.

    Her head was spinning. The only people who knew about that little case were her, Tyler and the mastermind who was incidentally her father.

    Since she and Tyler had already found got what they wanted and had no more business with him, did that mean her father did it? Her father was really that kind of person?

    "Darling, are you okay?" Tyler asked when he noticed how pale she looked.

    "My dad... he...he..."

    "What about your father?" He became worried.

    She couldn''t talk anymore and passed him her phone. He kept quiet for a while and sighed. "You found out."

    "I wasn''t supposed to find out?" she gave him a puzzled look.

    He looked away to avoid her gaze. "I knew you would think that way, so I tried to hide it from you."

    Yun Xuan looked at the man before her in confusion. "Didn''t you say before that my dad was not a good person? Why are you suddenly speaking up for him?"

    "He''s indeed not a good person, and likes to play dirty tricks; but this incident might have been a real accident."

    However, before he could placate her with this excuse he had come up with, someone sent him more information.

    "What happened?" she asked, frightened by his frozen expression.

    "Jing Ye''s daughter commited suicide by burning charcoal."

    "What!"

    She was about to say something when her thoughts reshuffled. D*mn! It must have been a set up by her father!

    Just because he had failed in forcing Yun Xuan together with Lu Aotian, he decided to take people lives and make it look like accidents and suicide? Those who didn''t know might believe it but those who knew him knew that that wasn''t the first time he did something of that sort.

    Yun Xuan clung onto Tyler''s arm and cried. "Help me cut ties with the Yun family. You have to help me. I don''t want to be that man''s daughter anymore!"

    "Calm down." he wiped her tears. "Even if he has killed people, he''s still your father; he raised you all these years and he wouldn''t hurt you."

    If this was before, she might have believed him but she had seen with her own eyes the murderous glint in his eyes. She had heard him swear to kill Wan Jia. Even the way he looked at Lu Aotian that day was the gaze of a bloodthirsty maniac. How could she keep lying to herself that he was harmless?

    She couldn''t help but wonder; if for such a small reason, that man and his daughter were murdered just like that, how lightly did he take human life? What kind of beast was he? And...

    "Why the hell are you standing up for him? He wanted to hurt my friend not too long ago. I might be his next target." she sobbed.

    Tyler looked at her silently. He should be happy that this girl was starting to know how dangerous her dear father was. But why did he feel heartbroken instead? Maybe it was because he knew how hurt she was feeling.

    ========

    Still unaware of the current news-or to be strict; thinking that it had nothing to do with her, Wan Jia went about her daily life activities as usual.

    Apart from spending time with her darling baby girl and Elder Qian, Lin Lihua had topped up her game in inviting her over.

    Her coaxing skills were the best she had ever seen and Wan Jia could only go to avoid her constant making phone calls to convince her.

    They had spent the last two days shopping, watching a movie, hitting the beauty parlor and chatting about nothing in particular.

    Lin Lihua seemed to be very relaxed around her and shared with her embarassing moments of her childhood and things that weren''t too secretive. Within just two days, the girls had grown a tiny little bit closer to each other.

    Wan Jia felt that she could trust her but also knew that this might be a tactic to make someone open up, so she did not let down her guard.

    [Little Wan, a friend of mine just recommended a new restaurant. Their Shrimp is amazing! Let''s go over tomorrow, okay?]

    [Little Wan, I like this dress design. Help me decide. Does the red color suit me best?]

    [Little Wan, My mother came over and brought lots of tiramisu. Don''t you like sweet things?You should come over and eat some.]

    [Little Wan this...]

    [Little Wan that...]

    [Little Wan, I just breathed in oxygen...]

    Her phone was exploding so much that Lu Aotian and Little Jia were starting to get jealous.Just replying to this girl''s texts was enought to keep her busy through the whole of her free time. Was this really the proud and arrogant Lin Lihua everyone was talking about?

    Unknowingly, she had not contacted Yun Xuan for these two days, something that had never happened before.

 Chapter 101 - Why not self-destruct together?

    Meanwhile, Lin Lihua reported her progress to her mother.

    "I got her to go out with me twice, but I can''t try to get a DNA sample for now lest she gets suspiscious.."

    "Twice!" the woman on the other end was pleasantly surprised. The progress was even faster than she imagined. Who cared about DNA? That girl was obviously her daughter, okay? Even any random outsider would be able to tell.

    "Yes Mommy, it''s all thanks to my charm that little sister likes me and also wants to be my friend." she gave herself all the credit.

    The woman suddenly sounded emotional. "How is she? Is she doing well? She must have undergone so much struggle on her own, right?" Lin Lihua could hear the sniffles.

    "Mommy, she''s alright. She found a good husband. He pampers her so much that he wouldn''t let her go out with me without trippling the already tight security measures."

    "But I failed as a mother. I did not protect any of my daughters."

    "It''s not too late." Lin Lihua consoled.

    "What if she hates me? What if she thinks I left her deliberately?"

    "Mom, you think too much. You''re definitely the best, kindest person on earth. How can anyone even hate you?"

    "Sigh, Lihua, I''ll still love you as much as I do now even when she comes back." She was worried that her daughter would feel unloved if she fawned too much on Wan Jia. Actually, Lin Lihua was adopted.

    When that evil man made her lose both of her babies, she had suffered quite a huge blow. To console her broken heart, she adopted Lin Lihua from the orphanage when she got married.

    At least Wan Jia was still alive. With Lin Lihua who was more filial than most daughters, she felt as though both her little baby girls had come back to her.

    "Lihua, you must help mommy keep Little Wan away from that family. Don''t let that perverted maniac find out about her." she recalled and said.

    "Of course mom, I don''t want her to be close to them either. Oh, right, mom, that weird second son is quite something. I think he and his mother are setting a trap to make Little Wan believe that she is his sister."

    "What did you say?"

    "I made that out from his conversations with his mother. I don''t know what they plan to do either." She had found an expert to hack into Yun Jifeng''s computer and found a few interesting exchanges between him and his mother, who they had thought was dead.

    "I knew that b*tch wasn''t dead. What does she want from my baby? That damn family! I''ll kill them if they dare to decieve my baby!"

    The woman on the other end was sitting in front of the mirror. Despite her age and poor health, she was still very beautiful with flawless skin and very clear eyes.

    Looking at a picture that had been sent over by Lin Lihua, Xia Rou was in tears. "You look so beautiful. My baby, when will I get you back?"

    =======

    In a hidden room in an underground casino.

    A middle aged woman stood trembling in front of General Yun, who had an icy expression on his face.

    "You know why I called you."

    The woman trembled so much that she fell to her knees. "No."

    The man twirled the gun in his hands. "Heh...you don''t?"

    "Yun, what elese do you want? I already told you everything I know about my daughter, didn''t I?" she said in tears. "I betrayed my own daughter. I shouldn''t have had her with a shameless man like you!" she snarled.

    The man''s expression became even scarier."Becoming even braver, huh? Even lying to me. That little girl you told me about is not my child."

    "So what? I had her with another man."

    "Woman, do you know who you''re playing with?"

    She became scared. "Yun, you know me better than anyone. I would never play around. That girl really is our daughter. You can have a paternity test to confirm."

    "What if she is not?"

    "She really is."

    "If she is not, I''ll kill your dear Jifeng."

    The woman sneered. This man was too evil. She wondered why he had prefered girls to boys in the past. Turned out he only wanted to use his daughters in his revenge plans. No wonder he had uncountable mistresses.

    Who cares about Jifeng anyway? She had been contacting him, hoping he would protect his sister but that boy grew up to become just like his father.

    Sigh, all she ever wanted was power and fame. Who told her to like such a man? In the end, not only did she not get any power or fame from that bastard Yun, her daughter was the one to pay the price for her wrong choices.

    Hmph! It was a good thing that Xia Rou, that woman, also had a daughter on the same day as her. In fact that daughter had grown up to become incredibly beautiful and was even gaining fame with her design talent. Such a pity! Her own daughter was going to be used as a chess piece while the vixen''s daughter lived a comfortable life.

    Hmph....since she was being destroyed, why not self-destruct together?

    Now that she thought about it, getting close to Jifeng wasn''t such a bad thing after all...

 Chapter 102 - Whats with the strange attitude?

    For the next couple of days, Lin Lihua continued calling Wan Jia to go shopping, movies, hiking or for meals. Even if Wan Jia was a total idiot, by now she would have realized that Lin Lihua''s attitude towards her was quite unusual.

    Thus, that afternoon when they were muching on snacks at her apartment, she decided to ask her about it.

    "Sis Lihua, may I ask..."

    Lin Lihua tensed up a bit but forced a smile. "You can ask me anything."

    "Don''t you have very many friends?" She was referring to the first time when she was brought to Lin Lihua''s apartment and found at least five girls fawning over her.

    Lin Lihua didn''t find anything suspicious about this question. "I think it''s quite normal, I''m a celebrity after all. Naturally, I would have more friends than most people." She looked at Wan Jia who looked like she was thinking hard. "Why do you ask?"

    "That...it seems to me like you''re deliberately trying to get close to me." She said frankly.

    Lin Lihua suddenly chocked on what she was chewing and coughed profusely. Damn it! She had been too obsessed with trying to make her keep her distance from Yun Xuan that she forgot to be cautious.

    "Sis Lihua, are you alright?" Why was she so shocked?

    Lin Lihua conveniently brought out her superb acting skills and looked sad. "I''m indeed trying to get close to you..."

    Wan Jia frowned. "Why would you even...why me?"

    She looked even sadder and embarassed. "Little Wan, you don''t know but all those girls you see littering themselves around me are not really my friends. I mean, they really are my friends, but they are not true to me. Let''s just say...they''re friends of my fame and status."

    Wan Jia felt her heart ache when she saw how depressed she looked. "So you don''t have any real friends?"

    "I indeed don''t." She dramatically looked down. "I just felt you are a truthful person and wanted to befriend you. I didn''t know it bothered you so much. I''m so sorry..."

    Wan Jia felt even more hurt seeing the proud lady fly into waves of apology. "It...doesn''t really bother me. It just...felt weird."

    It was indeed weird. As an adult of her age, did she really not have any friends? Not even a single person she trusted? She couldn''t help but ask curiously, "You don''t trust anyone? Not even..."

    "I do trust two people, my parents." She secretly thanked heavens for this golden opportunity to put in a few good words for their mother. "My mother is especially too kind and loving, she spoils me like a treasure too. She''s my best friend."

    Wan Jia felt envious of her. To be able to talk about her mother''s kindness so proudly, she was so lucky. What about her? Her own mother did not want her.

    Lin Lihua obviously detected the envy in her eyes and secretly smiled. If she knew that the woman she was feeling jealous over is her mother too, how happy would she be?

    She was going to ask if Wan Jia was willing to be her friend when the latter''s phone rang. She laughed at the caller ID. Handsome Lu? What kind of ID was that?

    "Miss me already? Am I that beautiful?" Wan Jia teased.

    "Who misses you? Work is just so boring that I found an excuse to call you." The other party grumbled.

    "Isn''t that what it means to miss someone?"

    "Fine. I miss you. When will you remember I exist? You''ve been going out with your new friend so often and forgot about me." The abandoned consort complained unhappily.

    "Oh, come on. How could I forget about my beloved? Would I even be able to breath?"

    Lu Aotian sounded obviously happy when he recieved such high praise and hung up after making her agree to be home for dinner.

    "You and your husband are truly loving towards each other. How long have you been married?" Lin Lihua commented after being forced to witness a brutal public display of affection.

    "Actually, we''re not yet married. We''re engaged." She said shyly.

    "And he already spoils you so much?"

    "Which part of him spoils me? He''s obviously a bully." She pursed her cute lips.

    "You should be glad you have a loving man to ''bully'' you." If that was bullying, she would also love to be bullied.

    Wan Jia became curious. "You..." she didn''t know how to ask her question and blushed.

    Lin Lihua laughed. "You want to ask if I don''t have a boyfriend?"

    "Mmh."

    "I indeed don''t." she said indifferently. "I never fancied any man; my standards are too high. Sigh, I guess I''ll die as an old maiden." she joked.

    "Sis Lihua, how can you call yourself an old maiden? You''re still so young and so good looking. You''ll definitely find a man you like."

    Lin Lihua looked troubled. "But almost all the thirty year olds I know are married with at least one kid."

    "Thirty?!" Wan Jia was puzzled.

    Lin Lihua glanced at her shocked face as if she had heard something outrageous. "How old did you think I am?"

    "Twenty five at most."

    "Pfft...if I were that young, wouldn''t you be a teenager?"

    Wan Jia looked at the delicate woman beside her. Was she perhaps aging backwards? In fact twenty five sounded too old for her. She looked so young. Just how well had she maintained her skin and body? She was even slightly older than Lu Aotian!

 Chapter 103 - Theres something you need to know

    "I admire you so much." She said to Lin Lihua.

    "Don''t exaggerate it, Little Wan. You''re too beautiful yourself, and you look just like our mo...cough... like a teenager. If I had a face and body like yours, I''d be at least a hundred times more popular than I am right now."

    Wan Jia felt embarassed. "Sis Lihua, you flatter me too much."

    The girls chated a lot more before Lin Lihua shyly asked. "Little Wan, erm...can we be considered friends now?"

    "We get along very well, of course we can be considered friends." Then her eyes narrowed a little. "Speaking of which, how did you know so much about me before we even met?"

    Lin Lihua''s heart skipped a beat. "I had someone do a quick background check on the day we met."

    "But some things are too detailed, don''t you think?" Things like her surname were well hidden. She had always been known as Wan Jia since three years ago.

    "Let''s say I have lots of connections." Lin Lihua said, feeling like she was sitting on needles.

    Of course she knew everything about her. She had spent a lot of time and resources looking for her little sister. How could she not know such things? But it was just not the right time to tell her...

    In the next moment, Lin Lihua had to profusely thank Lu Aotian and all his ancestors for he called at the right moment. No need to ask. He was rushing the wife home.

    ...

    "Why did you rush me? Don''t you want me to have friends?" She complained as soon as she reached home. She was really enjoying spending time with Lin Lihua. She gave her all the much craved juicy gossip about the entertainment industry and bought her dessert. It was also inexplicable but she felt really safe in Lin Lihua''s presence. Perhaps it was because Lin Lihua was much older than her, Wan Jia felt she was being cared for like a little sister.

    "Not only do you have new friends, you''re even thinking about them when I''m talking to you? Did you even hear what I said?" The jealous husband was at it again.

    "Why do you have to be so jealous? Didn''t I already say it- you''re the most important."

    "Mommy!"

    The little girl in a white fluffy dress and adorable pigtails rushed towards her.

    "Baby, I missed you." She picked the little girl up and kissed her soft flushed cheeks.

    "Baby missed Mommy too."

    While the mother and daughter were being lovey dovey, Wan Jia''s phone rang. It was Yun Xuan.

    "Wanwan, there''s something you need to know."

    ___

    Two hours ago, in Tyler''s apartment.

    Yun Xuan was sitting in bed in a fetal position and hugging her knees.

    Tyler was at a loss. "Darling, you can''t be like this forever." Yun Xuan had been like this ever since she found out about her father''s two evil deeds. He really wondered how she would react if she found out half of what her father had done to innocent people. Wouldn''t she die of shock?

    "You should eat something." he brought over some congee and coaxed her while feeding her.

    "Your father is coming home tomorrow." he reminded. This was a message she had recieved in the morning and didn''t even glance at it.

    "I''ll ask him."

    "Huh?"

    "I''m going to ask him!" she declared. "How can he be so sinister? I need an explanation." She pushed him aside and made for her phone.

    Tyler forcefully took the phone from her trembling hands. "Wait, darling don''t be rash. Trust me, you.do.not.need.any.explanation." he gravely emphasized the statement word by word.

    "But I really do!"

    "No! Wait, listen to me." he pulled her into his arms. "No matter how evil your father is, he clearly loves you a lot. He''s under the impression that you do not know anything. If you suddenly let him know that you found out his evil schemes and ask for an explanation, don''t you think he''d view you as someone who is against him?"

    "So you expect me to sit back and watch him play with innocent lives like they mean nothing? He must be brought to justice!" she exploded into tears.

    "Yes, he must. I also want him to pay for all his crimes, but you''re not the right person to go against him." He was right. If the only person he cared about was the one to try and expose him, who knew what crazy things he might do in retaliation? "That, and what power do you have to fight such a person? Do you have any evidence?"

    She cried even harder. "I don''t care! We must expose him no matter what. Living with such a sinister maniac, isn''t my mother''s life in danger?" her assumption was that her mother must know at least one or two things about his evil deeds. She was his wife, of course she must know her husband best. The fact that she had not done anything about it, there were only two options.

    Either she did not mind any of it and could even be he accomplice or she was living under a threat.

    Her mother was obviously a very gentle person who wouldn''t even hurt a fly. Did that mean she was really under a threat?!

 Chapter 104 - Theres something you need to know(2)

    Her mother was obviously a very gentle person who wouldn''t even hurt a fly. Did that mean she was really under a threat?!

    "Tyler, I think I realized something." she said.

    Tyler had let go of her and was solemnly staring at his laptop screen. "I think I realized something too."

    "I''ll go first." she said.

    "Okay."

    "My mom has been with dad for very many years. Do you think she knows something, but is only afraid of him? If we talk to her, maybe we can find the evidence we need."

    Tyler pondered over what she just said. "What I found out may have a direct effect over what you just said."

    "What do you mean?" she looked over.

    "Just because someone has a past record of crimes doesn''t mean he''s the culprit every time something wrong happens." his tone was of utter shock.

    "Can you speak human?"

    "I just noted, the two emails Jing Ye recieved...the style is quite different."

    "Tyler, can you speak a language I understand? What are you even saying?"

    "I hacked into the bank account and the second email, but left out the first one assuming it was sent by the same person."

    She finally got the gist of it. "So you''re saying, you think it was two different people?"

    "Correct." He looked even more scary. "Darling, what if we accused the wrong person?"

    "What nonesense are you talking about? My dad is a criminal! I heard him swear to kill someone with my own ears."

    "Of course. But just because he''s a murderer doesn''t necessarily mean every murder was commited by him, right?"

    "Can you stop being so strange? It''s getting rather annoying."

    "The point is...never mind. I''ll hack into this email." He said as he sat straight and started flying his fingers over the keyboard at rapid speed, leaving behind a trail of complicated codes.

    Yun Xuan could only watch from the side and try to make her presence as scarce as possible. Time ticked by in minutes and seconds.

    She saw his dejected expression and sensed something was not right. The other email was hacked into by him within less than five minutes. Why was this one taking more than an hour?

    She spoke up. "You found nothing? Why is it taking too long?"

    He gave up. "I found nothing."

    This was the first time she had seen him fail in anything. "At least it proved a point. They were indeed sent by different people."

    "Not necessarily."

    Yun Xuan felt her head ache. "What do you mean? Dear incredible genius, I beg you, please don''t start with the complicated language."

    "If one person wanted to tie you down in marriage, and a different person sent a lot of money asking the related party to leave the city, what sense does it make?" Indeed, no one would just ask another person with no good reason. It would only make sense if it was the same person.

    "So, you think the other account also belongs to dad, and it was a false alarm just now?"

    "I doubt your dad could use one secure email account and later use another one that could be so easily hacked."

    Yun Xuan glared at him.

    "Cough, I think this genius with a secure account is the one who deliberately used General Yun''s account to make the transactions."

    Yun Xuan laughed out loud. Was he trying to say that the genius planned everything out from the beginning? He hacked into her father''s accounts and used them to send the second email and the cheque? Someone framed her father? How was that even possible? "What would they gain if my dad was accused of murder?"

    Tyler thought about it. "They may not gain anything, but your dad would lose your trust. Perhaps they want to use your insecurity against him."

    She felt it was a rather strange idea. Thinking about the divorce certificate issue and that murder incident, she thought it sounded like something her father would do...did Tyler mean the genius used this mentality to frame her father?

    "Although it sounds rather far fetched and especially hard to be possible, who do you think this genius is, an enemy of dad''s?" For someone to frame General Yun, how terrifying was he?

    "That I can only know when I successfuly hack into his email." he sighed.

    Yun Xuan gave him a curious look. "I thought you were the best hacker in the country?"

    "Nope. There''s always someone better." he said and got back to business.

    Yun Xuan mumbled. "Only very few people know that it was I who was the wife of Lu Aotian..."

    Tyler also seemed to have remembered something. "There''s only one person in the hacking world whose accounts I can''t hack into."

    "Lu Aotian!" Yun Xuan exclaimed. "He''s a sworn enemy of my family, he knew about the marriage, he''s a genius hacker. Why does he fit perfectly in the criteria?"

    Tyler stopped her. "Don''t be rash. We don''t know anything yet. It''s just a speculation."

    "Yup. A speculation that we need to be sure about. That''s why we need to ask."

    "Who are you going to ask? Don''t be impulsive."

    "Someone who knows him better than I do." She did not want to make a conclusion unless she was sure, so she took her phone and went to the balcony.

    Behind her, Tyler had an indescribable expression.

    ....

    Wan Jia went to the balcony to talk to Yun Xuan.

    When she came back, she had a very terrified expression as she eyed Lu Aotian.

    "Aotian, let me ask you something."

 Chapter 105 - His muddle headed mistake

    When she came back, she had a very terrified expression as she eyed Lu Aotian.

    "Aotian, let me ask you something."

    Lu Aotian was curious about her look. "Go on."

    She looked at Little Jia. He immediately knew to tell her to go to her room and play for a while. Then she sat quite a distance away from him.

    "What have you been up to these past few days?"

    He did not find it weird that his wife was checking up on his schedule. "Working, spending time with my wife and baby and sleeping."

    She got annoyed but maintained her temper. "Say, for the past two weeks, that''s all you have been doing?"

    "Anything else I didn''t mention was part of the three." he was starting to find her questions a bit weird.

    "You didn''t do anything illegal?" she looked at him curiously.

    Lu Aotian now guessed something was wrong. "If you consider hacking illegal then I may have done a few illegal things for fun." he replied.

    "Lu Aotian, this is a serious matter." she was supressing her fear and anger.

    "Baby, if you go straight to the point, it will save a lot of your emotions and time."

    "Fine, you tell me. Did you do anything illegal three years ago? Something like...bribing a certain person from the civil affairs bureau to give me a fake divorce certificate?"

    "Why would I..." he suddenly stopped..."Wait, damn! I did do such a thing."

    Wan Jia: "What?! You...you really did it?" Her eyes were as wide as breakfast bowls.

    He looked panic striken as he rushed closer to embrace her. "My love, you must listen to me. I was muddle headed...I forgot I wasn''t actually married to you."

    =======

    On the night he had left the house after signing the papers, he had thought about everything that he could possibly do to make her stay.

    He thought about abducting her, locking her up, but such methods...He didn''t want to do anything that would hurt her.

    The best solution he thought about was stopping the divorce so that she would never remarry and solely belong to him. The method he chose was that--contacting Jing Ye.

    However, he forgot the most crucial point- they were not even married; he was married to Yun Xuan. So he ended up stopping his and Yun Xuan''s divorce.

    ====

    As he recounted the events to her, his biggest worry was that Wan Jia thought he wanted to be with Yun Xuan.

    Well, that was the reason why she was angry. Who would tolerate their husband not wanting to let go of another woman?

    "My love, I definitely didn''t want to make Yun Xuan stay. It really slipped my mind that it was her and not you whose name was on those papers."

    "That''s all you have to say?" she raised an eyebrow.

    "Oh, I...I''ll apologize to her and rectify my mistake. I hope it didn''t cause her trouble."

    She continued eyeing him, as if checking if there was something he was hiding.

    "What happened? Why are you giving me that look? Anyway how did you find out? That man promised to keep his mouth shut."

    "You asked him to leave, of course his mouth would be shut."

    "Asked him to leave? I knew you would surely link it back to me. Why would I ask him to leave?" His plan back then had been; if she wanted to get married and found herself still attached to him, he would use the chance to woo her back.

    Fate had it the easier way and brought over Little Jia to make them reunite, hence he forgot he even ever did such a thing. But, what did she mean he made the man leave? He had only paid for the donor and medical bill aside from just enough money for upkeep. He obviously wouldn''t use that to leave.

    "So you never asked him to leave?"

    "Nope."

    "Okay."

    Wan Jia naturally trusted her man. Since he said they only communicated once, he definitely neither asked him to leave nor killed him.

    "Did you get all the answers you wanted?" he asked.

    "I think so..."

    "Then it''s my turn to ask."

    "Sure."

    He glanced at her. "What''s with the questions?"

    The matter was about him, so she could only narrate according to what Yun Xuan had said. "Yun Xuan wanted to get married but they found out that she was still married to you.

    After weeks of investigation, her boyfriend found this man who told them that he was bribed to fake the divorce certificate, then later on he recieved another message and a lot of money to leave the city so he left.

    In the end, Yun Xuan''s boyfriend found him but then...he handed him over to the police after he revealed the truth.

    And then....and then he died in police custody. His daughter too died in their home. According to Yun Xuan, she believes it wasn''t a suicide but a murder. Yun Xuan''s Xuan''s boyfriend tried to hack into the accounts and got one but couldn''t get to yours...so they suspected you were the mastermind and called to ask me."

    "How did they know the account was mine if they couldn''t hack into it?"

    "She said something like...you''re the best hacker and her boyfriend is second, so you''re the only one he can''t beat."

    "Such a weak assumption..." the correct one still. "Let me guess, the other account belonged to General Yun?"

    "Huh? How did you know?" she was shocked. She deliberately avoided mentioning that man.

 Chapter 106 - I could teach you.

    Did this man have special ears that heard even things that people chose not to mention?

    "What do you mean ''how did I know''? Is it not obvious?"

    "What''s so obvious about what I said?" Geniuses were really hard to phantom.

    "The dear general wants to play. Tsk, I missed him too."

    "Are you trying to say that General Yun intentionally stalked you and found out you bribed that man, so he used that man to frame you? He even went as far to kill him?" It seemed too far fetched even for General Yun.

    Lu Aotian gave her a side eye. He was so disgusted. "Or else you think that I framed him instead? Hacked into his account and used it to send out money, then killed the man to pin it on him?"

    When he said it like that, it made more sense if General Yun was the culprit. He was extremely mannerless. Probably the only thing he wouldn''t do was making the earth explode.

    "Does he want you jailed?"

    "No. He just wants to get my attention."

    Just wanted to get his attention by commiting such an explosive crime? Just how intense were their battles? Urgh... she''d rather not think about it. "Do you trust me?" he suddenly asked.

    She leaned onto his chest. "Of course I trust my man wouldn''t be so idle as to do such lowly things." before he could heave a sigh of relief she continued. "But what''s the deal with forgetting who your wife in name was? Do you really think I''ll buy that?"

    "Whether you buy or sell it, it''s the truth. Otherwise do you think I actually liked Yun Xuan and wanted to be with her?"

    "Who knows, she was your original fianc¨¦e." She blinked her eyes and pouted jealously. She looked so adorable he reached out to pinch her cheek lightly.

    "But I only love you. Whether in the past, present or future, I''ll only ever love you. Don''t you know that?" he carried the jealous woman onto his lap to placate her.

    "You only know how to flatter me! Don''t we look alike? Who knows if you fell in love with her, hmph!"

    "That''s impossible. My heart was already filled with you."

    "But I was just a stand-in. Wouldn''t anyone else prefer the original?"

    He tousled her long hair. "Of course anyone would prefer the original."

    "See?" she glared at him and wriggled away from his lap angrily.

    "Hey, I haven''t finished my statement...." ...but I only like you was what he had intended to say. But the girl had already stormed upstairs.

    "Baby, open the door okay?" he said as he blew kisses from outside her room.

    The little woman inside obviously just wanted to throw a tantrum for the sake of it. She was not even angry.

    Anyway, it was his job as a husband to coax her when necessary. Who told him to spoil her too much? "Honey, if you don''t open the door, hubby will kick it open and you won''t like the outcome."

    Wan Jia who was sitting on the bed slapped her forehead. What a naughty threat.

    "Baby, it''s okay if you don''t want to open the door. I just wanted to inform you that Little Jia and I are going for a str..." he didn''t even finish the word ''stroll'' before the door was magically opened.

    "Stroll? Where? Can I join you?"

    "..."

    _____

    "Heh, I didn''t think the ''almighty'' General Yun would miss me so much."

    Lu Aotian was on a phone call with General Yun.

    General Yun erupted. "You punk! You''re just a child. You were probably still in your mother''s womb when I rose into power. Show some respect!"

    Lu Aotian sneered. "Since you know I''m a child, why don''t you play with someone your own age?"

    Up to date, Lu Aotian did not understand just what this man had against him. Why did he hate him so much?

    "You''re in no place to tell me what to do!" he roared into Lu Aotian''s phone.

    "Oh? Then I do have a right to tell you how to do it? I''ll gladly teach you a little."

    Since the man was so idle as to play with people of the younger generation, he would teach him how to play. "Your pity card was too lowly. Tsk, did you think you would drive a wedge between Wanwan and I using such a lousy act? Your tricks are becoming worse by the day."

    "Thanks for the pointer, but it would only never work for you." he harrumphed coldly.

    Lu Aotian cursed him softly. So that''s what he wanted. The maniac was not trying to make him look like a criminal in front of Wan Jia, he was playing a pity card with his daughter. He wanted to gain her sympathy and make her hate Lu Aotian so that she would help him ''revenge'' against him?

    What was wrong with this man? He would disregard two whole innocent lives just to make his daughter think he was wronged?

    "Maybe I should seriously teach you, Yun, some scheming tricks. In exchange, you can teach me how to sire many daughters with different women to use them for schemes." With that, he hung up.

    It was priceless to imagine the look on his face right now. Heh, he obviously thought he had decieved everyone into thinking that he had only ever had one mistress. Did he think everyone was as stupid as him?

 Chapter 107 - She felt cheated

    In Southside Villas the next day, Yun Xuan was bawling her eyes out in Wan Jia''s arms.

    "Wanwan, are you really sure?"

    The girl was finding it really hard to believe it when the ''virtous and honest'' image of her father came crambling down in a flash. Wan Jia understood that feeling the most. After all, their situation was a little similar. Having a loving father since your childhood then suddenly finding out he wasn''t who you thought he was, it was the worst feeling.

    Although hers was a different case of being abandoned while Yun Xuan''s was that of feeling decieved, the feeling was more or less similar.

    She didn''t even know how to coax her. "I''m so sorry, but I know Aotian wouldn''t unreasonably kill people." Saving someone''s life then killing them, how was it logical?

    "I feel so horrible. I respected him ever since ha became my father. I feel cheated." she cried.

    Wan Jia rubbed her back lightly. Although what she was going to say was quite hurtful, it was about time Yun Xuan started learning the truth. Otherwise, wouldn''t she feel even worse if they all lied to her and that man did something to her in the long run?"Xuan, he never lied to you. He never told you he was a good person who didn''t have a single bloodstain in his hands. It was all in your head."

    Yun Xuan stopped sobbing. Wanwan was right. He truly never mentioned being good and all that, she just had that impression on her own. However, it still hurt. Is there anyone who announces themselves as a bad person to others? I wouldn''t either.

    The sobbing girl slowly calmed down and her speech became coherent. "Wanwan, help me find an apartment."

    "Eh? Why do you want to find an apartment?"

    "I want to move out. How can I stay under the same roof with a vicious person?"

    Wan Jia couldn''t help but sigh. Vicious people? If you call him vicious for only one crime, what will you call him when you learn about all he has done?

    Still, she stopped her. "You cannot move out."

    "Why?" That would be torture.

    "Think about it, he commits a crime then a few days later you want to move out, wouldn''t he suspect your motives? Do you want to die?"

    "But it''s dangerous to live with him! He''s already back at home. How will I even breath in that house?" Let alone breathe. Will she even be allowed to exist?

    Wan Jia didn''t know how exactly to say it withiut really saying it. "You should put on an act."

    "What act?"

    "Xuan, you don''t know any single thing about what happened. Not even a punctuation mark in between the sentences. Feign complete ignorance and you will be safe for now. He will not feel threatened if you know nothing. You can get married soon and move out as a married woman."

    "But he already knows Tyler handled the matter." she tilted her head.

    Wan Jia helplessly held her head as if Yun Xuan was an idiot. "So what? Are you a worm in Tyler''s stomach?" Yun Xuan shook her head. "Then you should pretend Tyler did everything on his own without telling you even a single breath of the whole matter."

    Yun Xuan looked at her friend curiously. Where did she get such an idea? Will it even work?

    Wan Jia picked a pillow from her side and smashed Yun Xuan''s body with it. "Don''t give me that look. It will really work. How do you think I...." Shoot! She almost said out loud ''How do you think I survived as your substitute?''

    That sentence would mercilessly give her away. Luckily she had retracted it on time.

    "How do I think you what Wanwan?"

    So she was attentive.

    She had to fabricate something fast. "Nothing important. It''s just an incident that happened when I was in high school. I only survived because I feigned stupidity."

    "Oh..."

    That...that actually worked? What a close shave.

    To shift her attention further, she changed the topic. "Since you just happen to be officially divorced, when are you and Tyler getting married?"

    Her attention was successfuly diverted. "I don''t know, it should be soon."

    "Will you hold a wedding? I want to be the maid of honor! I''ll fight anyone who tries to compete me for that position." Wan Jia declared childishly.

    Yun Xuan looked a little forlorn. "You would be, but with Tyler''s identity, we cannot hold a wedding. We can only get married in secret."

    Wan Jia was upset that she would not get to be a best maid in this lifetime. Then something else piqued her interest. "Sweetheart, I''m not deliberately being pessimistic but are the two of you really...in a relationship?" She held up her long fair fingers to start counting. "You don''t know your man''s name, you don''t know any of his friends, you can''t even publicize your relationship and can only sneakily get married in secret...hey! Are you even his woman?"

    Yun Xuan had never been concerned about any of that. "Forget it Wanwan, what matters is that we love each other and he''s true to me. Who cares about his true identity?"

    Wan Jia was not in the least settled. "I''m saying...what if he uses a different identity and has another woman?"

    Yun Xuan felt her friend was being too paranoid. "Don''t be ridiculous. Tyler wouldn''t have other women considering how much he loves me." People could cheat on their girlfriends, but Tyler had proven himself trustworthy. Why would she doubt him?

 Chapter 108 - Why would she doubt him?

    People could cheat on their girlfriends, but Tyler had proven himself trustworthy. Why would she doubt him?

    Although she trusted him whole heartedly, what Wan Jia said earlier struck a chord in her mind. She really had not met any of his friends. Even if he was so secretive, he should at least have a few friends who, like her, don''t know his identity, right?

    Hence that night, as she lay her head on his chest, she casually asked. "Why is it that I haven''t ever met any of your friends?"

    "You want to meet them?" He asked.

    "It''s just normal for me to get to know my man''s circle of friends, don''t you think? Unless my existence is a secret and..." they know you have someone else.

    He pinched her ear lightly. "What nonesense are you thinking? Of course you''re my only woman. I don''t have any close friends I trust so...." He paused as though there was something else he was hesitating to say.

    Yun Xuan completed the puzzle. "The ones you have think your wife is Ruolin?" She remembered he had mentioned that the agency wanted them to pretend to be a couple. So to make his life seem normal to the people he hang out with, he introduced his ''wife'' to them?

    "Darling, in case someone wanted to look me up, they have to see that I have a complete lifestyle with friends and family. But that''s not the main issue."

    Of course she understood the first part. It was just as she thought. "If that''s not the issue then what is?"

    "There is something I didn''t tell you before....it''s not that I didn''t trust you, but I''ve been trained not to let my guard down."

    Many men in his profession had gone down as a result of tricks of seduction. Women were their most feared species, he just had to be extra careful. But since Yun Xuan was already his woman and loved him so much, there was nothing wrong with coming out clean.

    "What is it? Wait wait, if it''s something too shocking...could you phrase it in a not so shocking way?" her emotions were too unstable lately and she could not handle too much shock.

    "It may be quite shocking..." he hesitated.

    "Just say it. If you''re not coming out of the closet then it should be fine."

    "Who''s coming out of the closet? I had a girlfriend before you."

    "Only that?"

    "We have a five year old son together."

    "Oh, so what''s the shocking thing you wanted to say?"

    Tyler shot her a puzzled look. "You''re not shocked?"

    So the shocking thing was the news that he has a son. But he was already thirty two. It would in fact be even weirder if he had never been with a girl before her.

    "Wait, if you have a son, why have I not ever seen you together with him?"

    She was with him most of the time. Did he not ever care about him?

    "His mother was granted custody of him. I can only support him from behind the scenes for now."

    How tragic. It made sense, though. How would Tyler manage to raise a child on his own with his frequent movement? It seemed like he and his ex girlfriend were really in bad terms with each other.

    He suddenly turned serious and looked at her. "Darling, the main point is I don''t plan to keep running around for work matters. Once I fulfil the prerequesites, I''ll be promoted to a senior position and I will permanently stay in the place I''ll be allocated. When that time comes, I want to fight for my son''s custody."

    Now she got the point. He was worried she wouldn''t like it that she would become a step mother?

    "I don''t mind. As long as he''s well behaved, we''ll get along pretty well." she said.

    He hugged her affectionately. This matter had weighed him down for months. Now he felt like a huge load had been lifted off his shoulders.

    _______

    Wan Jia didn''t know when she started feeling such a strong sense of security towards Lin Lihua. Some things could not be discussed with someone who knew you too much. Before she realized it, she had made her way to Lin Lihua''s place.

    "Little Wan!" she was pleasantly surprised.

    "Sis Lihua, I missed you, so I came over to say hi." she handed over a pink plastic bag containing some cookies she had bought for Lin Lihua.

    "I missed you too. You didn''t have to bring a present, your presence is already enough." she said.

    "But you like cookies. Try them out, they''re from the best cookie shop in the capital."

    Lin Lihua looked at the plastic bag, secretly swallowing hard. "since it''s a gift from my beautiful Wan, I''ll reluctantly accept it." Although she said she was reluctantly accepting it, her hands had already reached out to grab the bag and anxiously open the package to take one out.

    Wan Jia: "..." How reluctant.

    Lin Lihua knew from her thirty years of life experience that Wan Jia had not merely come over to give her cookies. She had something weighing her down. She shoved a cookie into her mouth to prevent her smile from being too obvious.

    Her progress wasn''t too bad, eh? Her little sister was finally beginning to show signs of trust.

    After a long while of pondering, Wan Jia finally spoke. "Sis Lihua, I have a friend who is undergoing a phase of confusion. Can you help me hypothetically answer some of her questions?"

 Chapter 109 - Psychological threat

    After a long while of pondering, Wan Jia finally spoke. "Sis Lihua, I have a friend who is undergoing a phase of confusion. Can you help me hypothetically answer some of her questions?"

    Lin Lihua knew it was for her and not for a friend so she looked at her seriously. "Sure. This big sister will use all my lifetime knowledge to advice your friend."

    Wan Jia avoided her gaze. "My friend has a friend whose father is not really as good as he seems, and my friend knows it. Should she tell her the truth?"

    Lin Lihua squinted her eyes. "Wait, I''m lost. Whose father is bad?"

    Wan Jia scratched her head before deciding to use pseudonyms. "My friend W has a friend called X. W witnessed X''s father commiting some unbearable crimes. But X thinks her father is an angel straight from heaven although lately she may have...encountered some situations that made her doubtful of her father. Do you think it''s the right time for W to tell X the truth?" She killed 50% of her braincells to frame it this way.

    Lin Lihua instantly mentally filled in the blanks. Wan Jia was wondering whether she should tell Yun Xuan about her father...

    "Did X''s father hurt your friend?" she asked. Since Wan Jia was using an anonymous identity, she would probably tell her if General Yun bullied her.

    If that man bullied her sister, she would rip off his skin!

    Wan Jia looked up at Lin Lihua and thought back, feeling her body shudder in fear. She shook her head. "Superficial threats at the most."

    Although she called it superficial threats, she was the only one who knew that they were not as superficial as she made them sound.

    Maybe it would have been better if he threatened her. What he did was way worse.

    ===

    It happened when Wan Jia was still living in the Yun mansion after divorcing Lu Aotian.

    That night, Wan Jia was unable to sleep thinking about how he had made her leave her beloved just to escape his schemes.

    She made up the excuse of ''being unable to sleep and finding her father for a chat'' and silently went towards his study.

    This was just an excuse, her main reason was to try her luck looking around. Maybe she could stumble upon something helpful in finding answers to her numerous questions.

    Little did she know that she would not find what she was looking for; she would stumble upon something worse....

    The door to the study room was slightly open. She peered from the little space, then her jaw dropped.

    General Yun sat on the sofa in the study room with a murderous expression as a sturdy man at the side whipped a young girl. She had her mouth closed with tape and could only cry with muffled voices. She looked like a high school student in her mid teens. Her mother knelt at General Yun''s feet begging him to let off her daughter.

    From their conversation, Wan Jia found out that the woman was General Yun''s mistress, but she had a child with another man.

    Wan Jia had stood on the same spot for too long so she shifted her body. The devil really seemed to have a grudge against her. She accidentally knocked her knee on the door, startling the people inside.

    When the man found out that she was peering through the door, he pulled her into the room, throwing her onto the floor. Wan Jia felt her heart leave her body as she subconciously protected her belly. Luckily he did not use too much force, or else the unborn Little Jia would have been lost on that night.

    She had thought that the maniac Yun would kill her...but he did not. He roared at her "Why are you peering? What do you want to see? Since you want to watch so much, sit here and watch!"

    Then he ordered the man beside him to finish off the mother and daughter.

    Wan Jia watched with her own shocked eyes as the man cut into the flesh of the young girl, cutting her veins and letting her bleed out to death amidst her mother''s wails, then the mother was also murdered in an identical way.

    "What did you see?" he asked Wan Jia when the two bodies were carried out of his study.

    Wan Jia knew her life hung on a thin thread. She could only pretend to be unbothered. "That woman betrayed you, so you punished her. Who dares to cheat on my dad? You should have used more torturous ways."

    That was the worst, most hurtful thing that had ever come out of her mouth. She remembered hating herself for that one statement and feeling guilty for years.

    Psychological torture. It was way worse than a physical threat.

    ===

    If Lin Lihua had not already been told that that man was evil, perhaps she would believe it when Wan Jia said ''her friend W'' was not hurt.

    She just knew the situation too well. The fact that her little sister was still alive meant she had been hurt at least several times.

    But she played along. "It''s hard to say if your friend was not hurt. Are you sure? She may have been too scared to tell you everything."

    How could she not have noticed Wan Jia''s lost look?

    Wan Jia was still unwilling to share that experience with anyone, even with a pseudonym identity. "Why don''t we talk about both scenarios then?"

 Chapter 110 - Underaged Wan Jia

    Wan Jia was still unwilling to share that experience with anyone, even with a pseudonym identity. "Why don''t we talk about both scenarios then?"

    So she was really bullied. Lin Lihua thought. She did not expose her lie, it would make her feel worse.

    She pretended to think before she said the one thing she had been trying very hard to find an opportunity to say. "Your friend should stay away from X and her family."

    "Stay away?" She did not expect such an answer.

    "Didn''t you say X was beginning to find out her father''s real personality? If I''m not wrong then your friend was most likely bullied multiple times." Wan Jia secretly marveled at Sis Lihua''s ability to analyse the situation. "Even if she doesn''t mention it, she wouldn''t be very conflicted if that man did not do anything to her."

    She bit her lower lip, trying to supress her tears. "You may be right, Sis Lihua. But will it not be selfish to leave a friend in such a state?"

    "Little Wan, if the man is too sinister, he may create misunderstandings and use his own daughter to trick your friend. Unless she is willing to help her friend get a clear picture of who he really is, then she should not stay in close contact with them."

    Wan Jia had to admit Lin Lihua had a point. What happened not long ago was a good example. If she doubted Yun Xuan''s father and Yun Xuan doubted her man at the same time, wouldn''t their friendship end tragically?

    "Thanks sis Lihua."

    Lin Lihua saw her biting her lip hard and knew she was having a turmoil of contradicting thoughts in her brain.

    "Right, Little Wan, I saw a beautiful hairstyle that will look really cool on you. Do you want me to help you try it?"

    Wan Jia loved her hair and especially liked trying new hairstyles. She nodded.

    Lin Lihua took her hand and pulled her into her bedroom. She let Wan Jia sit on the chair in front of the dressing table. Then she brought over a set of new styling brushes, two beautiful ribbons and her own styling tools.

    "You style your own hair?" Wan Jia asked when she saw that she was preparing to do it herself.

    "Yeah, I like doing it myself."

    Then she brushed Wan Jia''s hair carefully for a rather long time before flat ironing it. When she was done, she made two tiny braids beside Wan Jia''s ears before pulling her hair into pigtails and fixing them with ribbons.

    Wan Jia looked at her own reflection in the mirrow with Lin Lihua standing cheekily behind her.

    She looked heaven-defyingly adorable. Even Lin Lihua as a woman couldn''t tear her eyes away from her. With her big eyes and soft pink lips, She would look like Little Jia''s elder sister if they stood side by side.

    "It looks so beautiful, but don''t I look underaged?" she said shyly. Even the way she blinked her eyes looked like the way a young girl would.

    Lin Lihua laughed. "You do look underaged. But don''t you think you''re cuter that way? Oh, oh..I happen to have a dress that would complete your adorable look." she said as she ran off to her walk in closet.

    She didn''t even search for long before finding a package which she opened and took out a very cute light pink dress. This dress was given to Lin Lihua by Xia Rou. She wanted Lin Lihua to give it to Wan Jia but she had not found the right opportunity.

    Xia Rou had been designing clothes for her lost daughter over the years. Because in her mind her daughter was a little girl, the clothes were all very girly and cute. This one was the most recent.

    Wan Jia frowned when she saw the dress Lin Lihua came out with. "That looks miles away from your style. A fan gave it to you?" She reckoned Lin Lihua would never buy such a cute dress. She liked more mature looking outfits.

    "No, my mother gave it to me. She conveniently dropped her mother into the mix. It was not a lie after all.

    "She must love you so much." she sounded envious.

    "Come, come. Try it on for this big sister to see." Lin Lihua urged.

    "Is it really nice of you to give it away?...Your mother gave it to you. You should treasure it."

    "I can''t wear it anyway, and I treasure you. You can have it, it suits you."

    "Then I I''ll reluctantly accept it." she said and took it in their familiar ''reluctance''. Lin Lihua laughed. Her little sister was too good in catching up.

    Lin Lihua left the room and sent her mom a text message to notify her that she was going to livestream Wan Jia wearing the pink dress. She held up her phone as she waited for Wan Jia to come out.

    A few minutes later, the door opened.

    Lin Lihua who was in the living room held up her phone as she held a glass of fruit juice in her other hand. In the next second, the glass dropped onto the floor as well as her phone.

    An adorable little doll made her way downstairs in her pink dress looking like it was made for her. Well, it was...

    Lin Lihua held in her gasp. Was this really Wan Jia? She looked like a sixteen year old girl!

    "How adorable! So so cute! Come here, let big sister hug you!"

 Chapter 111 - We must have been sisters

    Lin Lihua held in her gasp. Was this really Wan Jia? She looked like a sixteen year old girl!

    "How adorable! So so cute! Come here, let big sister hug you!"

    Wan Jia rushed over obediently. To recieve such a loving hug from an older woman, it felt really nice. She did not know why Sis Lihua was nice to her but she made her feel like she had an elder sister.

    Jeez...what''s with these emotions? Wan Jia, she''s just your friend, not your sister.

    "Little Wan, can I take a picture of you using your phone? You can share it with me later." she had just broken her own phone earlier from the shock of seeing her cute little sister.

    "Wait, wait. Let me dress up too. We can take photos together." Wan Jia liked the idea too.

    Lin Lihua wore a little black strapless dress. She called over her friend who lived not too far away to take photos of them.

    They contrasted each other in their styles yet neither overshadowed the other''s beauty.

    One looked like a cold yet elegant queen in her black dress while the other looked like a warm and obedient little princess in her pink dress. They both had lovely long legs. From an outsider''s perspective, they looked different but the beauty of the two of them in the same frame was simply off the charts.

    They took several photos hugging, making cute poses and teasing each other. In the end, they had more than twenty of them. One particular photo would catch everyone''s eyes.

    Lin Lihua was standing behind Wan Jia, overshadowing her since she was wearing high heeled shoes while Wan Jia had a pair sandals on. Lin Lihua was pretending to pull Wan Jia''s hair while the latter rolled her eyes in mock disdain. They looked exactly like a pair of loving sisters bantering with each other.

    .....

    At a high end Villa in the north side of the city.

    "Mom, we have to go to the hospital right this instant!" Lin Lihua was out of breath as she ran into her mother''s room.

    Hearing the mention of hospital and seeing her daughter trying to catch her breath, Xia Rou was worried. "Lihua, are you sick? Where does it hurt? Quickly tell Mommy."

    "No. Calm down mom, I''m not sick. Look." She gave her mother a little package.

    "This is...?" Xia Rou was suspicious.

    "Open it."

    Xia Rou opened it nervously only to find a hairbrush.

    "You bought this for me?" she asked with her eyes squinted. It had a few strands of hair stuck between the bristles. Obviously it had not been bought. "Could it be..." She dared not think about that.

    "Yes! I helped Little Wan style her hair today. Don''t worry, I haven''t used that brush before."

    "She won''t suspect a thing?"

    "She will not. We both dressed up."

    Xia Rou was elated. "Then what are you waiting for? Let''s go right now, quick!"

    "I also took a few photos with her. She looks so adorable. You should..."

    "Show me later." Xia Rou grabbed her daughter''s hand and ran out with her. You would think it was an emergency.

    ______

    "What took you so long?" As expected, a certain consort who had been banished to the cold palace was unhappy.

    Wan Jia on the other hand was bursting in happiness. She kicked off her shoes into different directions and literally collapsed onto the sofa. "I was with Sis Lihua. She gave me this dress and even styled my hair. Don''t I look cute? We took photos together. You don''t know but Sis Lihua is too cool! She must have been my sister in my previous life." The girl rambled on and on making Lu Aotian wonder just how she was able to make friends and become so close in such a short amount of time.

    "Why do you still look sulky?" She asked when she noticed his mood didn''t look too good.

    "You left me for a whole day and didn''t even answer my calls. Can''t I be unhappy for a bit?"

    "You can''t." she rejected. "I order you to be happy. Aren''t I here now?"

    He scanned her face and body speechlessly. How could this little girl look this adorable? Moreso, she looked even younger than she looked before he married her. If anyone publicly said that this ''underaged'' girl was his woman, wouldn''t he be jailed for life? But she looked kind of...sexy...

    "Why are you looking at me like that?" she covered her chest when she saw what this hooligan was looking at.

    "You look too adorable." he couldn''t resist anymore and took her into his arms. She was so soft and warm in his arms. No matter how many times he held her, he would never have enough.

    "Stop messing around. Where is Little Jia?" she asked.

    "Mommy!" Talk of the devil, the little girl ran downstairs from her playroom.

    When she saw her mommy, the little girl stopped in her tracks and tilted her head.

    "Mommy looks so pretty." she complimented in awe. She was happy that her Mommy had pigtails today, just like her.

    "Baby, what did you do today?"

    "Mommy, Little Jia played with toys and drew Mommy and Daddy."

    At the mention of drawing, she ran to her room like she had remembered something, then she came back with her chaotic ''drawing''. At least it was slightly better than the previous one.

    ...

    That evening at the dinner table, something unexpected happened to Wan Jia.

 Chapter 112 - Hes going down

    That evening at the dinner table, something unexpected happened to Wan Jia. Or to be strict, she did something unexpected.

    She was peacefully eating her roast pork when she suddenly fell into a daze. Her mind was blank for a few seconds before she unceremoniously swept her bowl onto the floor.

    "Wanwan?"

    "Mommy..."

    The two other people at the table were alarmed.

    Wan Jia too was startled when she snapped back. What just happened? Why did she suddenly feel so upset? She did not remember ever losing control of her emotions like that.

    Lu Aotian seemed to remember something but did not want to jump into rash conclusions.

    He asked a maid to clean up the mess, moved to her side and gently tried to coax her. "You don''t like the food?Then I''ll go cook for you something else?"

    She did not even notice him next to her, much less hear him. She was still in a daze, wondering why she would feel what she just felt earlier.

    "You don''t feel hungry?"

    "Should I cook for you later?"

    After asking for what felt like a whole day, Lu Aotian did not get a single answer.

    In the end, he signaled Little Jia''s nanny to take over and feed her. Explaining to the little girl that her mommy was tired and needed to rest, he left the dining room carrying her in his arms.

    After checking thoroughly and ensuring she was not hurt anywhere, he placed her in bed gently and covered her.

    "Are you feeling unwell?" he asked. "Are you on your period?"

    Even though he knew she may be unusually irritable when on her period, he knew she wasn''t. Lu Aotian would never forget anything related to Wan Jia. He clearly remembered that when they met on Little Jia''s birthday, the doctor said she was depressed. After analyzing the possible causes, he adviced that he should keep a close eye on her and if she showed any signs of aloofness or emotional instability at any time, she should be taken in for therapy.

    The doctor was under the belief that one of the main reasons of Wan Jia''s depression was Lu Aotian taking away her baby. He was not wrong.

    Lu Aotian had been careful with her change in emotions and was sure that in these few moths, nothing triggered any extreme reaction from her.

    For her to suddenly lose control like that and not even hear voices around her, something must have triggered her. Just what in the world happened?

    "I''m scared." she mumbled for the first time.

    Lu Aotian hugged her closely. "Don''t be scared, I''m right here."

    The main point was, "Baby, what happened?" he asked her in a very gentle tone, as though he was coaxing a two year old girl. "Did someone bully you?"

    Still, he got no response. "Was it Lin Lihua?" She had been spending a lot of time with Lin Lihua lately. Did she do something to upset her?

    "I want to sleep." she said.

    He adjusted her position and held her as he tried to soothe her. However, as soon as she closed her eyes, her mind was filled with images of blood. She could even hear muffled screams in her ears.

    She wrapped her arms around Lu Aotian''s waist tightly. Lu Aotian knew it was best to find a psychologist for her as soon as possible. He took his phone and started dialing a number.

    As if reading his mind, the woman beside him looked up at him sweetly. "Aotian, don''t bother yourself. I''ll be fine. I just suddenly remembered something from the past today."

    "Is it related to General Yun?" he guessed. Lately, that man had been trying to make way into their lives more often. It was not all that weird that Wan Jia was getting emotional.

    "My love, you should not supress your feelings. If you feel like crying, just cry. Keeping it in is not good for your body." As soon as he said that, all those feelings burried inside her came bursting out in form of tears.

    "He...he made me watch him do horrible things." she sobbed. "I was a witness to murder besides...besides..." that wasn''t the only thing she had witnessed. She came across some by accident, others were broadcast to her by him.

    It was as if he was afraid the whole world would not know that he knew how to kill.

    "Is that...is that how he treats Xuan? He let me see...does that mean he lets her watch such things too? If so how come she doesn''t know?"

    As for what things she meant, Lu Aotian understood. His eyes looked scary as anger boiled inside his veins.

    "Although Yun Xuan is not his biological daughter, he raised her and he loves her. He would only do such things to you." even his voice was shaky and full of rage.

    He tried to be as gentle as possible when speaking to her. "I''ll ask Little Jia to accompany you, okay? Go to sleep, I''ll come back in a while."

    The man went to the balcony and called someone.

    "Brother, you finally remember me."

    Lu Aotian had no time to joke around with his brother. "We have to come up with a once and for all plan. That man is going down as soon as possible."

    Lu Shaoting trembled at his brother''s scary voice that sounded like thunder in his ears. "Bro, did...did something happen?"

 Chapter 113 - How dare he?!

    Lu Shaoting trembled at his brother''s scary voice. It sounded like the angry roar of thunder in his ears. "Bro, did...did something happen?"

    "He bullied my wife!"

    Lu Shaoting shuddered again. Goodness! Had his brother transformed into the king of hell? Even though he had always been scary, today his anger was off limits. In that instance, he did not know how to talk to his elder brother.

    Lu Aotian''s cold voice came booming into his phone again. "He made her see bloody scenes...My wife must have been scared into depression because of him!"

    No wonder. Lu Shaoting held his breath. Bloody scenes...he killed someone in the presence of sister-in-law? Wan Jia must have been scared of telling anyone and it ended up tormenting her. That man was really asking for it.

    "Bro, I''m coming over to your place first thing tomorrow morning. We must finish him off this time."

    "I''ll summon you." he said. It was better to talk about such matters in the absence of Wan Jia and Little Jia. Discussing it in his office was even better.

    Lu Aotian paced a little before hanging up.

    That man had really crossed his bottom line. All this while, he had thought that Wan Jia was alright. He had even thought that the previous depression had been caused entirely by him. Who would have thought that she had something that huge bothering her? His head was exploding.

    That man had tortured his beloved treasure. More so from the timeline, it was the time when Wan Jia was expectant. How dare he?!

    Lu Aotian had to use up all his lifetime supply of self control to stop himself from going over and wiping out the whole of the Yun family.

    Somehow, it was his fault. He shouldn''t have let her go. That night years ago, he shouldn''t have let her go. He shouldn''t have let her go back to the Yun mansion.

    "Aotian," a beautiful voice came from behind him.

    He turned around sharply. "You''re not sleeping?" he asked the girl. She was wearing a long pink nightgown and was barefoot. He frowned and carried her in his arms. "Why are you walking around barefoot?"

    "I can''t sleep without you." she said. She was worried he might be too angry and do something unpleasant.

    She wrapped her hands around his neck sweetly. "Let''s go to bed."

    Little Jia was already asleep. She lay in the middle of the bed looking like a cute doll. Lu Aotian tucked Wan Jia in before lying on the other side of Little Jia. His two beloved girls calmed his angry heart.

    Wan Jia also had a peaceful night. As for the loss of control earlier, perhaps it was because she was conflicted as to whether to break ties with Yun Xuan, or maybe it was because Lin Lihua''s question of whether she was bullied made her recall some dark forgotten memories.

    ...

    She woke up feeling much better in the morning. For Lu Aotian, it didn''t matter whether she was fine or not. He insisted on calling a psychiatrist to make sure she was alright. It would be terrible if her depression relapsed.

    It was the weekend and Little Jia was bored of playing on her own. "Mommy, can Little Jia go visit grandpa?" the little girl held onto her mother''s hand and asked.

    Wan Jia turned to Lu Aotian who was reading a document on the sofa. "Now that Little Jia mentions it, the house is quite boring. Aotian, can we go?"

    Lu Aotian frowned. Although she had said the house was boring, it sounded to him as though she had said he was boring.

    Wan Jia giggled. "Why do you look like I said something heartless? Is it not true? I miss..." she wanted to say that she missed her father-in-law, but they were not married yet. She did not know how she should adress Lu Tongyan.

    "Daddy, can we? Can we?" Little Jia looked up at Lu Aotian with stars in her big eyes. Even if he was planning to reject their request, the sparkle in Little Jia''s eyes would make him admit defeat.

    "You win, Let''s go." he said. He could also use this opportunity to discuss some matters with his brother.

    ....

    "Little Jia my baby! Grandpa missed you so much! Quick, give grandpa a hug." Lu Tongyan was elated when he saw Lu Aotian arrive with Wan Jia and Little Jia.

    The little girl ran foward and hugged her grandfather. "Little Jia missed grandpa too. Little Jia was very bored without grandpa." she said sweetly.

    Lu Tongyan''s heart melted into a mess. What a cute child.

    Then he greeted Wan Jia. "Wanwan, it''s been a long time. How have you been?"

    Wan Jia looked like she had suffered a huge grievance. "I would have been much better if you were there."

    He smiled even wider. "Looks like everyone missed me. Didn''t Aotian play with you?"

    Wan Jia shot a look at Lu Aotian beside her and complained. "Play with us? He''s so boring. He''s always working or preparing to work." Even Little Jia peeked over with a frown as if seconding her mother''s complaint.

    "Forget about this ice block. He''s always been boring, don''t you know? Come in, I made you girls your favorite pineapple buns." He said and led them in cheerfuly.

    The forgotten Lu Aotian, who had not even been spared a glance and had even been falsely accused of being boring, was speechless.

 Chapter 114 - How could you

    Lu Aotian took the chance when Wan Jia and Little Jia were having fun with Lu Tongyan to find his brother.

    They sat in the study room facing each other.

    "Brother, what''s the situation?" Lu Shaoting couldn''t wait to ask. He was still scared and trembling slightly.

    Lu Aotian gave him a detailed explanation of the recent events.

    Lu Shaoting was shocked witless. "You are saying, that man was always snooping around you, waiting for you to make a mistake? So he found out you were trying to stop sister-in-law from divorcing you. You saved his daughter and then General Yun anonymously gave him money to leave? Wait...Bro, how could you forget who you were really married to?"

    Although he was really surprised that his smart brother could make such a mistake, he could understand. At that time he was just a normal man anxiously trying to make his wife stay. Who wouldn''t make mistakes?

    Lu Aotian kept quiet so Lu Shaoting continued. "So that Yun idiot had always kept quiet all this while and waited for his daughter to find out, then you would have fallen into his trap?"

    Lu Shaoting looked like he wanted to inscribe this incident in the books of history. His brother had always been the one to trap others. He never knew that he would live long enough to see him fall into one.

    "Why did he kill the clerk and his daughter then?" Lu Shaoting asked.

    "How else would he make Yun Xuan side with him?" Lu Aotian sneered.

    "You mean this incident should have made Yun Xuan afraid of you and hate you?"

    Lu Aotian looked at him, silently agreeing.

    "Tsk, he was totally using you as a chess piece. Bro, luckily Yun Xuan is friends with sister-in-law. Otherwise, she would have really misunderstood you."

    "Do you think I would care?"

    Lu Shaoting inwardly scolded himself as an idiot. Of course his brother would not care. He only had sister-in-law in his mind. Why would he care what other women think about him?

    Lu Shaoting took a deep breath. "I wonder what that man really has against our Lu family. He started attacking our family ever since we were little."

    "Whatever his reason is, he will never succeed as long as I''m alive." Lu Aotian responded.

    He was actually getting tempted to kill him and end this once and for all. If not for the fact that he liked to stick to the law as much as possible, General Yun would have already died a thousand times in his hands.

    Lu Shaoting rolled a pen in his hand. "I thought such men only existed in the melodramatic series I''ve been watching."

    Lu Aotian gave a very serious look as he reclined on his chair.

    "Eer, bro...my dearest brother, you''re scaring me. What''s with that look?" Why did his brother look like he was about to shatter him into pieces with his eyes?

    "Forget about the villain for now. Let''s talk about your marriage." Lu Aotian said sternly.

    Waaaa... Lu Shaoting''s legs almost gave way. He was going to kneel to his brother right now.

    "Why are we suddenly talking about marriage?" and in such a solemn mood? Couldn''t they talk about happy things?

    "I''ll help you find a girl." Lu Aotian offered.

    "No thanks...I can find one myself." Who was he kidding? If his brother were to find him a girl, he would be married within twelve hours. "Bro, why are you rushing me? You and sister-in-law aren''t even married yet." he hang onto his last straw, then he remembered that his brother had been married before.

    "Eer, bro...don''t be like father. Good brothers don''t nag their brothers to get married."

    Lu Aotian shot him a certain look that wordlessly accused, I remember you were the champion of helping father nag me back then.

    Luckily, their father called them for lunch.

    Phew! He had survived a calamity. His brother had nagged him on and on for two hours straight.

    As they were eating, Lu Tongyan presented a photo on his phone. "Shaoting, this girl is my close friend''s daughter. What do you think about her, isn''t she pretty?"

    "I''m full." Lu Shaoting lost his apetite. What was going on with the two of them? Were they in this together?

    Left with no one to nag, Lu Tongyan could only turn to his eldest son. "Ahem, Aotian, have you not yet solved your matter?" Basically he was urging him too since he and Wan Jia had said that they would get married once they solved a certain matter.

    Lu Aotian gave his father a side eye. "Father, haven''t I already made you a grandfather? What else do you want from me?"

    "You punk! Who said I only wanted one grandchild? I want lots of them to play with. And can''t you see my baby Little Jia is very lonely being the only child?"

    Wan Jia awkwardly shoved a deboned fish into her mouth. Little Jia was too busy eating to understand what was going on around her.

    Lu Aotian expressed his disdain. "Then you should go nag your second son. He is already old enough. If he has a few good children, not only will you have grandchildren waddling all around you, Little Jia will also have many playmates." he pushed the ball back to his brother''s court.

    Lu Shaoting who was not too far away was on the verge of tears. Brother, how could you?

 Chapter 115 - Engagement

    Lu Tongyan pulled Lu Shaoting back to the dining table to continue nagging him. "Even though Lu Enterprise already has a successor, you should seriously consider finding a girl. Do you want to spend the rest of your life alone?"

    "I know father, I''ll find a girl. Can your dear son go now? Please look at me, I''ve been nagged for half a day." Lu Shaoting complained before he fled.

    "You rascal..." his father scolded. Although he was scolding him, his tone was filled with love.

    "Aotian, you should help your younger brother."

    "Mmh."

    "I''ll send over some information about the girls I know. Help check their backgrounds."

    "Mmh."

    Lu Tongyan shot a look at his older son. What was wrong with these two idiots? Why were they both acting like he was their enemy? He was only concerned about their happiness. Couldn''t they see?

    As for why he wanted to check the backgrounds of all the girls he knew, it would be great if the girl Shaoting married was one with a simple background. It would be very troublesome if she came from some complicated background like Wan Jia.

    One must know that Lu Tongyan had nothing against Wan Jia. He in fact cared about her. However, her life was just too complicated. If he had two daughters-in-law and both of them had such complicated lives, wouldn''t it be hard on him?

    Lately, Lu Tongyan was trusting Wan Jia a little more every time they met. The girl seemed to be genuinely in love with his Aotian. Looking at her puting dishes into Little Jia''s bowl dotingly, he thought that he should help them with their investigation. That way, they would marry sooner and have more children earlier.

    "Little Wan, have you made any progress in finding your birth parents?" he asked gently.

    Lu Aotian shot him a look and interrupted. "She doesn''t need to." He meant that she did not need to look for thel herself, he would do it for her.

    Lu Tongyan turned to his son. "Then, have you made any progress?"

    "A lot of it." Lu Aotian answered.

    _____

    Meanwhile, at Tyler''s apartment.

    "I''m going home." Yun Xuan said.

    Tyler had no objections. That was her home. She had to go even if she did not want to. After being in an emotional turmoil for a while, she had finally settled down. It was hard on her but at least, at last the two of them were free to get married. "You''re going right now?" he asked.

    "Yes," she replied.

    Tyler held her hand. "Can you delay that a little?"

    "Why?"

    "I want to spend a little more time with you...and, aren''t we both free now? We should get married."

    Yun Xuan agreed with him. The only thing that was preventing them from getting married was her ''married'' status. Now that she was divorced, she was free to announce her engagement and get married . "You don''t have any missions coming up soon, right?"

    "I don''t. I''ll be staying much longer this time." She was pleased. "Then we should have an engagement party." she suggested.

    Tyler ran his hand through his hair. "Darling, did you forget? We are getting married in secret." he said.

    "Uh, yes. I forgot."

    He took in her upset look. "Darling, one day we will be able to do all that- have a wedding, throw parties, tell the whole world that we are together...we will not hide forever."

    "You don''t have to say that just to make me feel better." she sighed.

    "It''s not only to make you feel better. We really will. Just not very soon." he said.

    She looked him in the eye. "Then I''ll wait for that day."

    Tyler held the back of her neck and kissed her. This girl always drove him insane. Those seductive eyes of hers were always able to make his mind run wild in seconds. He wrapped his other hand around her back and deepened the kiss, taking away all the air from her lungs. The kiss lasted longer than usual before it finally stopped with both of them out of breath.

    Actually, Tyler wanted to take it further but was stopped by her. "No,no. Didn''t you have enough last night?"

    "I''ll never have enough of you." he said in a coarse voice.

    Yun Xuan glared at him. This man''s needs were getting off the charts.

    She changed the direction of the conversation to avoid talking about that. "Although we cannot throw a party, we should be able to invite our friends over for a meal, shouldn''t we?"

    Tyler took a while to come back to his senses. "Yeah,"

    "Why do you sound half hearted?" Yun Xuan had learnt to detect his emotions and already knew he did not seem very okay with that idea either.

    Tyler sighed. "You know the situation with my friends, I cannot invite them."

    "Oh that..." she had almost forgotten. How could she forget that Tyler''s friends thought he was already married? "Then I''ll call my friends over. Don''t worry, just the close ones and my second brother."

    She would have loved to invite her mother too but Madam Yun was quite busy. As for General Yun, Yun Xuan had decided to slowly start keeping a distance from him.

    "Then I''ll make arrangements and find the perfect restaurant." Tyler said. "Tell me how many friends you want to invite."

    "I have a different plan in mind. Can we hold it here? The place is spacious enough, I''m not calling many people anyway, and I''ll cook for them."

 Chapter 116 - Engagement (2)

    "I have a different plan in mind. Can we hold it here? The place is spacious enough, I''m not calling many people anyway, and I''ll cook for them."

    Tyler gave her a side eye to indicate that he was unwilling.

    Yun Xuan pinched his chin and laughed. "What''s with that look?"

    "I only want you to cook for me. Must they fight me over your home cooked meal?" he lamented like a spoilt little boy.

    Yun Xuan laughed at her ''spoilt husband-to-be'' and hugged his waist. "You get to eat it quite often. Won''t you let them at least have a taste this once?"

    "No."

    "Then we''ll call over the chef." Tyler had a part time chef, he did not come this time because Yun Xuan liked to cook for him.

    In actual fact, Yun Xuan was not all crazy in love with the kitchen. It was only because she was cooking for the man she loved that she had taken a liking to cooking.

    Her meals were not perfectly cooked either, Tyler only liked them because they had been cooked by her. Since they would be having guests over, it was better to call the chef.

    "When will we have the meal? I''ll inform Old Two and my friends."

    "How about on Tuesday?"

    "That''s too soon, and my dad won''t have left yet." She wanted to hold it in the absence of her father so that she could try and invite her mother.

    They both agreed on the next weekend. Seven days was enough to inform the people they would invite. It was not a grand party after all.

    "I''ll talk to Old Two and Mom. I''ll be happy if she can make time and come. Are you calling anyone from your side?"

    "No."

    "Oh come on, you should invite grandma Wang and Ruolin too." She liked Grandma Wang. As for Ruolin, she would really love to invite her and let her know who Tyler''s true love was.

    "Grandma wouldn''t like such a gathering. We''ll go over and tell her the good news. I''ll talk to Ruolin." he said.

    Yun Xuan remembered two more people. "Right, I''ll call Wanwan too. She can not miss out on such an important event."

    "Who is Wanwan?" he asked.

    "Oh, that''s my friend, the one who was my substitute before." she explained.

    "So her name is Wanwan..."

    "Yes, forget about her. We should go visit grandma before saturday then." Yun Xuan suggested. Since she was not joining in their fun, they should give her the honors of visiting her and she mentally planned to cook for the elderly lady.

    "Okay, I''ll call Ruolin now. It''s better to tell her earlier so she can free her schedule."

    Yun Xuan nodded as a response and Tyler took his phone in her presence and called Ruolin.

    "Tyler, what is it?" the girl on the other side sounded busy but happy to have been called.

    "Xuanxuan and I are hosting a meal at my apartment to celebrate our engagement. We didn''t have a proper engagement party. Are you free on saturday next week?" Tyler asked.

    The line went quiet for a while before Ruolin''s serious voice came through. "Tyler, don''t tell me you are really in love with Yun Xuan?"

    The line went dead. She had not even waited to hear his reply.

    Yun Xuan frowned. Why did she feel like Ruolin''s tone was that of strong jealously and hatred?

    A woman''s intuition told her that Ruolin did not merely like Tyler. She was in love with him. Did you notice how she adressed him by name instead of "Older brother"?

    Tyler saw how irritated Yun Xuan looked. He reached out to tousle her hair. "Forget about her. She''ll come."

    Yun Xuan nodded. It would be better if she came. That way she would know that Tyler was seriously in love with her and give up on him. Who on earth has romantic feelings for their brother anyway?

    "Then I''ll go home tomorrow. I shouldn''t be too obvious." she said.

    If she totally avoided her father, he would get suspiscious. Also, she intended to take the household register while at it. She would need it when the time came to register their marriage, so she should keep it in Tyler''s apartment in advance. Without realizing it, Yun Xuan was starting to lose trust in her family.

    Tyler of course took note of her attitude and could only sigh.

    ...

    The next day, Yun Xuan made her way to the Yun family mansion.

    "Dad," she greeted when she entered the house and saw General Yun sitting on a sofa in the living room.

    "You finally know your way back." He looked like he was in a bad mood.

    Yun Xuan swallowed down her disgust and acted apologetic. "I''m sorry, I had missed my man very much so I wanted to stay with him a little longer; but of course I missed you even more dad."

    She almost bit her own tongue. Why was she sucking up to him? Which part of her looked like she missed him? She was freaking afraid of him, okay! However, Wanwan was right. The man did look a little warmer when she acted as sweet as usual.

    She looked up at her. "Did you really miss me? If you did, you would have hugged me by now." he said.

    Yun Xuan bit her lip and went to his side. "But you look so scary, what if you infect me with your bad mood?" she joked, although her legs were really urging her to take off.

 Chapter 117 - Engagement(3)

    Yun Xuan bit her lip and went to his side. "But you look so scary, what if you infect me with your bad mood?" she joked, although her legs were really urging her to take off.

    When she said that, the man''s gaze notably turned darker before he laughed and turned gentle. Before, Yun Xuan would have thought he looked loving but right know all she saw was a homicidal maniac straight from hell. Even his laugh sounded like that from the devil himself.

    Still, she held on and went over to hug him briefly before she made an excuse and fled into her room.

    She looked around her room which she had loved for eighteen years and her heart sunk. In the end, she could not stay much longer. It did not matter to her that she would trigger General Yun anymore. It was already good enough that she wasn''t venting her anger on him.

    She took a deep breath and started searching for something. The main reason she had come here was to tell Old two about her dinner party, and to take the household register.

    She remembered keeping it in her room. How come she couldn''t find it now?

    She rummaged through the bedside drawer, among all her documents and couldn''t find it anywhere. She scratched her head and took out a purple little box from her closet.

    She had kept this little box ever since entering the Yun family mansion as a child. It contained her precious memories.

    Maybe she had kept that little booklet in here?

    Indeed, she had not. The first thing she found was a photo of her seven year old self in her school uniform. General Yun was holding her hand.

    When she was brought in by Madam Yun, she had taken a while to get used to him. This was their first photo together.

    Her father was such a loving person. She could feel it even from such a lifeless object as a picture. What had changed?

    Yun Xuan pushed those thoughts off her mind and closed the purple box. She left her room and went to the study room.

    It was possible that she had kept it in the safe in the study room and forgotten about it.

    However, she searched for three whole hours, disorganizing all the books and documents. She started arranging them back neatly. Just when she was done, she heard a voice at the door. "Looking for this?"

    Yun Xuan felt chills running down her spine. She turned robotically. General Yun stood there, leaning on the door frame with the statement "keep wasting your time" dangling in his eyes. His left hand was slightly raised and between his evil fingers was a red booklet.

    Yes, she was looking for that.

    She calmed her nerves and acted cute. "Yes. Dad always knows me best. You even know what I''m looking for. Where did you find it?"

    The man seemed to buy her fake closeness. "In your room."

    He had taken it from her room in her absence? How shameless. She continued putting on a cute act. "But I turned my room upside down and couldn''t find it? Your eyesight is better than mine."

    "I took it before you came." he said with a face devoid of expression.

    "Why?" she asked, although she could somehow guess the answer.

    As expected, his answer was within her prediction. "Xuanxuan, can you not marry that man?"

    Yun Xuan almost coughed out blood. "How did you know I was planning to get married?" she pretended to be curious.

    The man narrowed his eyes at her, feigning a pained expression. "Don''t I know my daughter the most? You have been staying with him so much that you don''t even have time to reply your father''s messages. Shouldn''t a father be able to guess what is going on?"

    Hearing that ridiculous explanation, Yun Xuan scolded herself billions of times internally. How had she not ever known that her father was such an actor? The oscars owed him an award.

    Huh, since they were both acting, why not continue acting? She wanted to know what he was really thinking.

    "Dad, I indeed like Tyler and want to be his wife, but what do you have against him? You hated him from the day I brought him home."

    General Yun seemed to have exoected this question. He gave an answer he had prepared for a long time. "Xuanxuan, Daddy just wants to make sure you marry the right person. While that man might be nice and capable, he''s not as capable as Lu Aotian."

    "Dad, you can''t compare every man to Lu Aotian. Not everyone is able to take over a family business at a young age and advance it to such scary heights." she protested. Although it was almost every woman''s dream to marry a man like Lu Aotian, he was not her type.

    That man was too powerful, too intelligent, too cold and too perfect for her. Although Wan Jia always said he was warm and protective towards her, she thought her friend was lying. How can such a man be described as warm? With that pair of black scary eyes? Let''s not mention how even his martial arts was terrifying. She had only seen him in action once and he had almost scared the life out of her. Thinking about it made her body shiver.

    Indeed, such men only needed cheeky little girls like Wan Jia to tease that coldness out of them.

 Chapter 118 - Engagement (4)

    Indeed, such men only needed cheeky little girls like Wan Jia to tease that coldness out of them.

    Yun Xuan had a nervous expression as she waited to hear his reply.

    After a long wait came the man''s ''pained'' voice. "Are you trying to say that you are not good enough for him? My Xuanxuan deserved the best."

    "Dad, I deserve the best and that''s why I can only marry Tyler. Besides, isn''t Lu Aotian already in love?" she said stubbornly.

    General Yun looked at his daughter in curiosity. Isn''t she supposed to be exploding at the mention of Lu Aotian? He had believed that since Lu Aotian and Wan Jia knew what happened, then Wan Jia must have told her about it. Weren''t they always sticking around each other as friends?

    He took the chance to twist the facts. "Xuanxuan, you are too na?ve. That man didn''t want to let you go. He even..." at this point, he sighed.

    Yun Xuan almost bit her tongue. Keep acting! It''s fun to act anyway. She forced herself to put on a curious expression and asked between gritted teeth. "He did what?"

    The man flipped the whole story. "He intentionally faked your divorce so that you couldn''t marry anyone else."

    "What?" She was trully shocked at her father''s ability to lie. Had he always been like this?

    But General Yun thought she was shocked at how sinister she must think Lu Aotian was. He continued to sow misunderstandings. "Xuanxuan, he even...he even wanted to frame me for murder." his pride was all shed off and he put on an extremely wronged facade silently begging for sympathy.

    Since his daughter loved him so much, she would surely explode in anger and would then help him go against that man.

    Little did he know that in her heart , she was crying at how stupid this man looked right now.

    Such terrible things to think of the man who brought her up but circumstances had forced her to that point.

    She probed further. "You plan to let it go?"

    "Of course not!" he shouted. "I want to make him regret everything. It''s not the first time he''s going against me."

    "You still want me to marry a man who is against you?" This was of course the main point. Since he hated Lu Aotian so much, why was he still praising him so much and wanting to give her to him in marriage? They were visibly enemies. Was he going to use her to make amends with Lu Aotian?

    "Xuanxuan, there are things you don''t really know. Such as, marriage is not always meant for peace." he said.

    "What do you mean?"

    "My daughter is so beautiful that no man can resist.... If you marry Lu Aotian, you only have to be together for one year. One year is enough for me as long as you help me, then you will divorce him and marry whoever you want. Just....just don''t get pregnant with his child."

    Yun Xuan : "WHAT!!!"

    ...

    Yun Xuan forgot about inviting Yun Jifeng to her engagement party and left the house. Actually, she had fled at top speed. If she had wings she would have flown instead.

    What did her father mean "marry Lu Aotian for a year but not get pregnant, it would be enough time for him"?

    So he was not trying to really matchmake them for marriage but for a temporary marriage?

    The main issue was he was a man with a fianc¨¦e. How could her father still want her to be wife? She was also engaged for that matter.

    That wasn''t all. What was he planning to do?

    Marry for a year? Who does that?

    As long as she helped him? Helped him do what?

    Then she could divorce and marry who she wanted?

    What in the world?!

    Yun Xuan took a whole lot of water to calm her spinning brain and chose to ignore her father''s words. He had said that he was giving her time to think about it. What was there to think, huh? About how she was supposed to betray her man and her best friend by seducing and marrying Lu Aotian? There was definitely something wrong with the way she had entered the Yun mansion.

    She took a deep breath and called Wan Jia.

    ____

    At southside Villas,

    the ''boring'' Lu Aotian was sitting on the sofa reading a business magazine as his cheeky woman teased him. Little Jia, as usual, had insisted on remaining in the old residence for a day.

    She had nothing to do in Southside Villa apart from play and eat anyway, so they let her stay a little more.

    Wan Jia made funny faces at him when she saw how absorbed he was in reading those complicated business statistics and achievements of legends in the business world. She found such things terribly boring.

    "What''s so nice to read there? How are those boring things more beautiful than me?" she asked when he didn''t give her any reaction no matter how many animal faces she made.

    "How are you more beautiful than them?" he asked back.

    Wan Jia took a while to understand him and slumped beside him angrily. Did he mean she was uglier? She looked at him miserably then looked down like she was about to cry.

    Lu Aotian reached out to rub her head. "Don''t cry. Don''t you know you''re the most beautiful thing that has ever graced the earth?"

    Wan Jia was about to throw a mock tantrum when her phone interrupted.

 Chapter 119 - Engagement (5)

    When he saw the caller ID, Lu Aotian erupted like a volcano. "What''s wrong with that Yun Xuan?! Always calling at the wrong time. I should come up with a permit for your phone calls. Everyone will only be allowed to call you once a day and you can only talk for two minutes."

    Wan Jia laughed at how jealous he was just because of a mere call. "Honey, don''t be like that. Does it matter how many times those unimportant people call? I belong to you after all."

    The phrase ''those unimportant people'' pacified Lu Aotian, so he let her be just this once.

    "Wanwan, are you free on saturday?" Yun Xuan asked.

    "I don''t have much going on, is anything the matter?"

    "Tyler and I are hosting our engagement dinner." although her father had taken the household register, Yun Xuan decided that she would wait for a chance to grab it back even if it took forever.

    "Sure, I''ll go." Wan Jia said, then she asked. "Can I bring Aotian along?" Who was she kidding? If she went to an engagement dinner alone, wouldn''t she die from their displays of affection?

    Naturally it was a simple request, Yun Xuan would grant it. However, she made a more complex one. "Can I also bring my new friend?"

    Yun Xuan sounded regretful. "Wanwan, Tyler''s real relationship can''t leak out."

    Too bad...she would have loved to go with Sis Lihua. She was not sure when it started but she felt like she really wanted to make Lin Lihua a permanent part of her life.

    Before ending the call, she tried to convince Yun Xuan a little more.

    "I''m back my love, did you miss me?" she asked as she bounced back to Lu Aotian. The man ended the call he was on and looked at her speechlessly. Indeed, even if she had just gone aside for a few seconds, he missed her.

    "Xuan invited me to her place on saturday. Can we go?"

    "Mmh."

    Of course he wouldn''t deny his beauty anything.

    ____

    Yun Xuan ended the call and looked at Tyler. She was thinking, Wan Jia sounded sad when she rejected her friend. Although she was jealous that her best friend had a new friend she treasured, Wan Jia''s friend would also be considered her friend.

    "Wanwan wants to bring her new friend over." she said softly. It was best to ask for his permission since he was the one who wanted to be secretive.

    "Is it not enough that we''re having some sort of dinner party? Do you also have to call strangers?" Tyler''s mood was quite foul.

    She frowned. "Hey, I just asked. What''s with the grumpy mood?" Was he on his period?

    ....

    In the end, Yun Xuan insisted on inviting Lin Lihua too. In reality, she just did it to piss him off. She really hated how he acted when he was a bad mood. Did he always have to take it out on her?

    Obviously, Tyler did not like it but decided it would be best not to argue about it further.

    ...

    "Aotian, do you think I look too outstanding?" Wan Jia was a little nervous as she got out of the car. She had tried on every dress there was to try and all of them made her look too beautiful.

    In fact, the simple dresses made her look even more refreshing and pretty. Gah! It would not be nice to steal the bride-to-be''s limelight. But who told her to have such amazing looks?

    Lu Aotian glanced at her black dress. She had chosen a dull color but the effect was that it made her look even fairier and slimmer.

    "No." Of course his wife was beautiful. Was he supposed to hide her in a closet just because she was pretty? They were already lucky enough that he did not buy the most expensive dress in the world for her to wear.

    "Little Wan!" Lin Lihua had arrived. Wan Jia had sent her the adress and she came just on time. Yun Xuan came up to them and invited them in before introducing them.

    She held Tyler''s arm. "This is my fianc¨¦e Tyler,"

    Then she went ahead and introduced Yun Jifeng, Wan Jia, Lin Lihua and Lu Aotian. Her mother was not able to make it.

    Ruolin was very angry with the way she was ignored.

    Even while they were having their meal, Yun Xuan deliberately ignored her.

    Ruolin was so angry that she would instantly kill Yun Xuan if someone gave her a dagger. She had deliberately worn a fiery red dress tonight hoping to steal the limelight but she ended up ignored by everyone! In fact, Yun Xuan was wearing the same color and she pulled it off better.

    As the meal progressed, it was hard to notice but Yun Jifeng''s eyes were glued onto Wan Jia. Lin Lihua who had her guard up against him obviously noticed it.

    If Lin Lihua had noticed it, how could it escape Lu Aotian''s eyes? He had in fact long seen through this man''s motives.

    His main reason for coming here tonight was actually to keep an eye on Yun Jifeng. He knew that guy was up to something unpleasant.

 Chapter 120 - The DNA results

    His main reason for coming here tonight was actually to keep an eye on Yun Jifeng. He knew that guy was up to something unpleasant.

    Tsk, like father like son. Lu Aotian scoffed in his heart. The group remained to chat a little after the meal. Probably because she had taken some wine, Wan Jia was feeling a bit dizzy and went to the balcony for a breather. Her alcohol tolerance was pitiably low.

    Lu Aotian remained with the rest to let her have a minute on her own. Or rather, to check on someone''s intentions.

    As expected, Yun Jifeng also left not too long after. The fish had taken the bait...

    Lu Aotian really wanted to know what they were discussing. He had the perfect idea. "I heard Wanwan mention that you are good in hacking. How about we compete a little?" he asked Tyler.

    Tyler had been looking for an opportunity to compete with big shot Lu and would obviously not let it pass. "Okay, let''s go to the study room."

    Lu Aotian followed him. There were two computers, Tyler chose the one whose software he had already altered.

    Lu Aotian didn''t mind, it wasn''t like he was even planning to even compete. What was there to compete?

    He immediately took his place after going through the rules of the game and started typing away codes. He was very detailed. All those codes would turn invisible once his fingers left the keyboard. Such was the world of geniuses. How could he let it be traced?

    Within the game, Lu Aotian had already hacked into the security camera and sent the footage from the balcony into his email. All without being discovered.

    Tyler on the other hand was gloating. What incredible hacker? He was able to beat him by leaps and bounds!

    He couldn''t help but brag when they went back. "I just won against Lu Aotian in what he''s best in. Aren''t I a genius?" he smiled at Yun Xuan as if telling her that her man was the best.

    Wan Jia returned just in time to hear Tyler''s statement. He beat Lu Aotian? How strange...

    She raised an eyebrow at him. Surely Aotian wouldn''t have gone there to hack into the security footage, right?

    No doubt. She knew him best. She had to be right.

    Lin Lihua was paying attention to Tyler all this while and she saw something out of place. Tyler was...looking at Wan Jia...in a way he shouldn''t be.

    She widened her eyes briefly then relaxed.

    It was quite normal...her sister was terrifyingly beautiful. Who wouldn''t look at her that way? Hence she did not think too much about it.

    Although Yun Xuan had had a cosmetic surgery to look like Wan Jia, that was Wan Jia''s look years ago. As the months passed, there were some slight differences in Wan Jia''s appearance that made her much more beautiful than before. Hence although they looked the same, everyone who looked at them would feel that Wan Jia was more beautiful.

    ...

    The so called engagement dinner came to an end and Lin Lihua did not go to her apartment. She went home.

    She was her mother''s little spy, of course she had to report about tonight.

    "Mom, I think Yun Jifeng is starting to make a move." she reported.

    "He was there too?" She had told Xia Rou about the dinner.

    "Yes, and he followed Little Wan outside for a while."

    "What''s he trying to do?" Xia Rou was incensed.

    "Don''t worry Mom, whatever it is, Lu Aotian must already know by now." Lin Lihua consoled.

    "Lu Aotian? You asked him to help you investigate?"

    Lin Lihua laughed. "Mom, do you think I need to? That man is too capable. He acted so fast that I almost couldn''t tell." Incidentally, Lin Lihua had guessed the little prank Lu Aotian had played Tyler after pinning the pieces together.

    "Why is he helping you? Lihua, don''t tell me you finally fell in love?" she was excited.

    She almost fell to the side. "Gah! Mom, can you not say such creepy things? Lu Aotian is your soon to be son-in-law, but he is Little Wan''s man!"

    Everyone knew Lu Aotian, Xia Rou was no exception. She had thought just now that her Lihua liked him. Although she was slightly older than him, Xia Rou was not going to mind as long her daughter was happy. But who would have thought that he was not Lihua''s man but Little Wan''s? She suddenly felt embarassed.

    "Sorry, I didn''t know he was...I thought...nevermind. My little baby''s taste is incredible." Indeed, if Little Wan''s man was Lu Aotian, then she had nothing to worry about.

    "Of course she has good taste, just like yours. One would need to have a particularly good taste in order to take a daughter like me, okay?" as she rambled on about her beauty and whatnot, she noticed something on her mother''s bedside table. "Eh, mom, you haven''t opened this yet?"

    It was the DNA test results. It had been sent from the hospital six days ago in a white package. Her mother was too nervous to open it and had kept it in her room.

    Lin Lihua, on the other hand, already knew the results. What was the point looking? Unless clonning of different generations existed, there was no way Wan Jia was not her sister.

    "I''ll open it for you." she said and opened it. Xia Rou wanted to protest but it was too late.

    "Are you going to read the results or should I read them for you?"

 Chapter 121 - Can I see her

    "I''ll open it for you." she said and opened it. Xia Rou wanted to protest but it was too late.

    "Are you going to read the results or should I read them for you?" She looked at her spacing out mother. "Come on mom, you''ll have to face it sooner or later."

    "What if....she''s not my baby?" this was her only fear.

    "Are you kidding me? You should take a good look at Little Wan. Anyway if she isn''t my little sister, I''ll find my little sister within 24 hours. How does that sound?" Lin Lihua knew for sure that there was no way she would be wrong. She had been extremely careful when handling this matter. How could she ever get the wrong person? She was only trying to convince her mother.

    Xia Rou was at ease now, so she looked at the report.

    Moments later, her cries could be heard in the night. "My baby....she really is my baby...you really found her. Thank you Lihua." she hugged Lin Lihua in tears.

    "Mom, why are you thanking me? She''s my sister, I was glad to look for her."

    "Oh, I found my child. Lihua, can I met her?"

    Lin Lihua was flabbergasted at this request. Meeting her was not really a problem but..."Mom, you look so much alike. Are you going to tell her the truth then?"

    If she wasn''t going to tell Wan Jia the truth, it would not be safe to really meet her. "I can''t tell her yet. It''s too soon. What if she hates me?" Xia Rou was defeated.

    Lin Lihua understood her. After all, she had been away from her all her life. Wouldn''t Wan Jia act out if someone popped up from nowhere and claimed to be her mother? She had to wait and build a few ties first.

    An idea flashed in her mind. "Mom, you can disguise yourself. My disguise skills are remarkable. No one ever notices it''s me when I''m disguised. Then I''ll call Little Wan over and you will pay me a ''surprise visit''."

    Such an awesome idea. It was decided.

    ___

    The couple arrived at Southside Villas quite late.

    "I have to go to work early in the morning, I may not be able to drop you off at Elder Qian''s." Lu Aotian said.

    "What''s the big deal? I''ll have the chauffer drive me there." she replied.

    "The big deal is that my little love likes to spend as much time with me as she can." he went on and pulled her to his side. To be exact, he used one arm and held her by her waist, sweeping her off the floor like a doll and carrying her into the house.

    Wan Jia rolled her eyes at him. "Why do you like carrying me off like that? Do you think I''m some stuffed toy?" Although she complained, she couldn''t deny that she inwardly liked being swept of the floor like that. His arms were just too strong. Or perhaps, she was just so little and adorable that she gave people the impulse to carry her off.

    Lu Aotian smiled when he saw that her attention had been shifted successfully. He had seen how she had looked at him at Tyler''s apartment and knew that she suspected what he did.

    It would be troublesome to explain it if she asked. Wouldn''t he look like an unreasonable man spying on his wife? Although he was not doing anything wrong and was only looking out for her safety, it would still be better if she didn''t find out for now.

    The two of them went to check on Little Jia first.

    "Shh, quiter. She must be asleep." Wan Jia told Lu Aotian who was being a little noisy.

    The little girl was sleeping soundly while holding a white stuffed koala. This koala was her favorite toy. Wan Jia had seen her with it more times than other toys. She held it closely and turned in her bed adorably. Wan Jia felt like she was holding that toy just the way she would hold her arm when she wanted to be coaxed.

    "She looks a little like you." Wan Jia remarked. Especially the way she knitted her little brows and turned in her sleep. Her mannerisms were a little similar to her father''s.

    "Of course she would look like me. Did you expect her to be completely a clone of you?" He was swelling with pride.

    Wan Jia saw her baby turn again. "She looks a little restless. She misses her mommy. I''ll take a shower and sleep with her with my room."

    "Can I come too?" he asked while looking at his daughter who was about to steal his wife away.

    Wan Jia shook her head. How could you be jealous of your own daughter, not even letting her spend a night alone with her mother?

    "No." she said seriously.

    The abandoned Lu Aotian had to spend the cold night alone.

    After freshening up and wearing warm pajamas, Wan Jia went back to Little Jia''s room and ''stole'' the little girl from her bed very carefully.

    "Mommy," the little girl was still awoken by the familiar presence.

    "I''m here. Go to sleep." she kissed her little forehead and proceeded to her room. The little girl clutched onto her mother''s pajamas and fell back asleep happily.

    She had missed her mommy all evening. Oh, how nice it felt to be stolen away in her sleep!

    ...

    Compared to the warm atmosphere in Southside Villas, elsewhere trouble was seriously brewing.

 Chapter 122 - Sister-in-law was ruthless!

    Compared to the warm atmosphere in Southside Villas, elsewhere trouble was seriously brewing.

    Apart from the attentive Lin Lihua, the other one person whose attention would always be on Tyler was undoubtedly his fianc¨¦e.

    Yun Xuan had narrowed her eyes when she noticed his gaze on Wan Jia but since they had guests over, she did not want to cause a ruckus.

    Even now that they were alone, she still showed no intention of confronting him. Instead, she kept to herself and did not talk to him.

    "Darling, are you okay? You''re too silent." he asked.

    "I''m okay. Just tired." she said and climbed onto the bed, covering herself and closing her eyes.

    It could be said that this couple was not very good in opening up.

    At least a certain couple that they liked comparing themselves to would always seek answers if they had any doubts about each other. Yun Xuan, on the other hand, was different. If Tyler could not figure out why she was upset they he would only have to deal with her silent treatment.

    He was used to it by now, he knew that something was definitely wrong.

    "Darling, did something happen?" he probed further.

    "Did Ruolin do something to upset you?" he knew Ruolin was so far her only nemesis. If something went wrong, it had to have been caused by that queen of troublemaking.

    Yun Xuan was getting irritated by his incessant questions. She blurted out, "Tonight was your engagement dinner."

    "Our engagement dinner." he corrected. "What about it?"

    She uncovered herself and looked at him, her blue eyes burning like a furnace. "Since you know very well that it was our engagement dinner, as the groom to be, why were you staring at another girl?"

    "Staring at what girl?" then it struck him. "You...you mean your friend Wanwan?"

    Yun Xuan rolled her eyes in distaste. He still had the nerve to ask!

    Tyler finally realized what she may have thought. "Darling, please don''t misunderstand. I was just curious how two unrelated people could look so much alike. Is it even real?"

    "Are you dumb? I said I had a cosmetic surgery."

    "I know....it''s just, how skilled was the surgeon? You look like you can actually switch lives without anyone noticing."

    Yun Xuan did not want to talk about it any longer, she dismissed him and faced away from him.

    Tyler climbed onto the bed and held her waist. "Darling, do you still not trust me? I love you so much that even if another woman were to undress before me, I wouldn''t notice her."

    The girl ignored him all night and even in the morning.

    ___

    At southside Villas, a beautiful dedicated fianc¨¦e woke up early to prepare a loving breakfast for her man. He had said that he would be busy today, a nourishing breakfast would be a perfect way to start the day. She also specifically made him a bento.

    Knowing her man too well, he would probably work so hard that he would forget to eat. Keeping this in mind, she sent Lu Shaoting a text, tasking him with making sure that Lu Aotian ate lunch on time.

    Lu Shaoting on the other hand almost exploded in rage. He was just eating his breakfast quietly and minding his own business. Why did he have to be shoved with this early morning display of affection? His sister-in-law was too ruthless!

    ..

    Lu Aotian took a shower and was about to sneak out of the house when he met the stern eyes of Wan Jia. He froze on the staircase.

    "Going so fast? You haven''t had breakfast."

    He patted his chest in horror. "My love, I didn''t know you''re awake. You didn''t have to do this you know," he said as he looked at the table of dishes set for him. His words were different from his actions. He had decided not to have breakfast to avoid her, but his legs quickly led him to the table and he sat down to eat.

    Who would resist such dishes made with so much love? He knew he was digging his own grave but he let her serve him and stood up when he had his fill.

    "Wait, take this with you." she gave him the bento. He took it and just as he was about to dash out, her voice froze all his vitals. "Why are you being so sneaky? Oh, I should be asking, what did you do last night?"

    Really? As expected, she still remembered that. Still, he thought he could get out of it. "What did I do last night? I accompanied my wife to her friend''s dinner, brought her back home, took a shower and was chased off to sleep on my own."

    Wan Jia gave him a ''you-cannot-trick-me'' look.

    "You knew Yun Jifeng was looking for me, right? So you went ahead for a game with Tyler but in real sense you were just trying to eavesdrop on our conversation?"

    Bingo! She got it right. Except, he did not try to eavesdrop, he copied it from the security camera.

    "My love, I was just scared he would seduce you, or even lie to you." He was being honest...except he was more concerned about the second part.

    "Haha, oh Aotian, Jifeng is Xuan''s brother. Why would he lie to me? And what makes you think I can be seduced by just anyone? Don''t you trust your own charm?"

    He did not dwell on the second part of her statement; he knew that. But what...?! She already trusted Yun Jifeng that much? He really had to act fast.

 Chapter 123 - He wanted to complain to his sister-in-law!

    He did not dwell on the second part of her statement; he knew that. But what...? She already trusted Yun Jifeng that much? He really had to act fast.

    "I''ll be on my way now." he said as he looked at his watch.

    She pouted and looked sad...

    "What''s wrong, you want to come with me?" he asked gently as he rubbed her head.

    "My kiss!" she whined.

    "Oh.." he kissed her and only then was he allowed to go.

    ....

    "Little Wan, is something wrong today?" Elder Qian asked. After being master and disciple for a while, he had begun to treat her like he would treat his granddaughter and started adressing her fondly as "Little Wan".

    Today, he had given her a task of coming up with an outfit that people who don''t like dresses could wear to a banquet. It was a very important task, yet he saw the young lady''s mind was preoccupied with other things.

    Not only that, his decades of experience let him see that every stroke she made on that sheet of paper was filled with sadness and bitterness.

    "Little Wan?" he waved his wrinkled hand in front of her face when he noticed she didn''t hear him.

    She snapped back. "Grandfather Qian?"

    He became even more concerned. "Little Wan, are you having trouble somewhere? Is Lu Aotian, that punk, bothering you?"

    "Of course not Grandfather Qian, I''m alright. Aotian would never do anything to make me feel troubled."

    The old man''s face turned dark when he heard her. "Little Wan, you don''t have to speak up for him. If he bullies you then let me know. I''ll teach him a good lesson."

    "Thanks Grandfather Qian." she smiled.

    "Do you need a day off today?" he asked her. "If you have unsettled issues on your mind, you will not be able to concentrate on anything else. Why don''t you take a day off and settle your problems with that punk?" He still believed she was having trouble with Lu Aotian.

    Wan Jia thought about what he had just said. Yes, he was right. If she had issues on her mind, how could she come up with anything? Peace of mind was one very important thing for her to be able to design anything. She tended to always reciprocate her feelings on paper.

    "Then, I won''t be too polite, Grandfather Qian." she smiled and packed her stationery.

    "Should I call that rascal to pick you up?" he asked, referring to Lu Aotian.

    "Thank you Grandfather Qian, but the chauffeur shouldn''t be far away."

    On the way, Wan Jia couldn''t help but feel happy. Her lucky streak was quite unlimited lately. She was finally engaged to her beloved, her relationship with her father-in-law was getting better by the day, she had met Sis Lihua and now even her mentor, Grandfather Qian, was becoming kinder by the day. What good luck! She must have done tons of good deeds in her past life.

    As some people say, whenever life is too peaceful, something bad was bound to come lurking.

    Wan Jia did not have the slightest idea that her bad luck was already on its way.

    ___

    At the Lu Enterprise building.

    Lu Shaoting dropped by to remind his brother to eat as per his sister-in-law''s instructions.

    Well, the actual truth was that he was hoping to leech on his brother''s bento. Wan Jia had sent him a message in the morning, telling him that she was giving his brother a bento; he should remind him to eat at lunch time.

    He knew how warm hearted his sister-in-law was. Obviously she would not only care for her man and forget about him, the messenger.

    He was right. The sister-in-law had prepared a big bento box with enough food for both of them.

    Actually, Lu Aotian did not need any reminder. This meal was of course very special to him. He had proudly placed the bento box at a very conspicuous spot on his desk so that every one who entered would see it. Did anyone need to ask? Such manenrisms paired with his good mood, it was obvious that the lady boss had prepared it for him. The end result was the unlucky employees complaining that the president was displaying his love too brutally.

    When the messenger Lu Shaoting arrived, he excitedly went to warm it and came back ready to eat. However, he had underestimated his brother''s wickedness.

    The man ate on his own and disregarded his little brother who only had his own drool to swallow. When he complained about it, he was mercilessly told to find a wife to give him packed lunch.

    It was such a rare occassion for Lu Aotian to be cooked for by his wife, much less to be given packed lunch. How could he let it off? He savored the meal as if it was something very sacred and even looked like he wanted to spare some to be kept as a treasure.

    Lu Shaoting could only watch his wicked brother bitterly.

    It was one thing to eat under his younger brother''s jealously drooling gaze. Did he also have to finish every single thing and even describe how delicious the meal was?

    How vicious! He had not even let a single piece of onion off. Lu Shaoting really wanted to cry. How could his brother do this? Were they even brothers?

    Only the last strand of brotherly love left for the fuming Lu Shaoting let him order him a meal from the best restaurant around.

    Still, it was not the same!

    Hey, sob, sob, where was his phone? He wanted to complain to his sister-in-law!

 Chapter 124 - Bump into a beautiful girl

    Lu Shaoting was still sulking unhappily when Lu Aotian''s phone rang. From the smile on Lu Aotian''s face, he did not need anyone to tell him who the caller was.

    "Baby," Lu Aotian was in an incredibly good mood when he answered, in fact he looked a little embarassed.

    Lu Shaoting did not know what his sister-in-law had said to him but his expression suddenly changed. He kept quiet for a while then hang up.

    "Brother, what''s wrong? Is sister-in-law okay?" Lu Shaoting asked carefully. Did something happen to her? His brother was looking scarier than a devil!

    "Call her using your phone, tell her I''m not feeling well." Lu Aotian coldly commanded.

    "Huh? Why?" Although he looked scary, he was definitely looking alright. Why was he asking him to lie to his sister-in-law?

    "Do it." he spat out.

    Lu Shaoting said no more and hurriedly took his own phone and dialled Wan Jia''s contact.

    "Sis...sister-in-law, what did you just say to my brother?"

    The other party seemed to have suspected something was not right. She asked anxiously as soon as the call connected. "Shaoting, are you in the company?"

    She probably did not even hear what Lu Shaoting asked her. Her voice sounded like she had just recieved bad news from the king of hell.

    "I''m in my brother''s office." he answered. Before he asked her what was going on, Lu Aotian glared at him. He swallowed his raging questions down and passed the message that his brother was feeling unwell.

    He vaguely heard Wan Jia anxiously ask the driver to turn around and head to Lu Enterprise.

    "Now, dear brother, could you be so kind as to let your beloved little brother know what under the sun is going on? Please and thank you."

    Lu Aotian looked at him briefly and said one statement. "If she does not come here, she might go to the He family home right now."

    "What?!" If Lu Shaoting was taking coffee or water, he would have sprayed it all over Lu Aotian''s handsome face.

    Why was Wan Jia suddenly going to that place?

    "Wait wait, am I missing something?" he curiously asked. There was no way in the world that Wan Jia would want to go to that place unless she was triggered by something.

    Lu Aotian played a video on his laptop and passed it to him.

    It was the video he had obtained from Tyler''s security footage the night before. For advanced security purposes, Tyler''s security cameras all had inbuilt microphones. Lu Aotian did not even need to lip read to understand the conversation.

    Lu Shaoting''s eyes grew darker and darker as he watched Yun Jifeng conversing with Wan Jia. "That bastard!" he cursed.

    "Now you understand why she must come here?"

    Lu Shaoting indeed understood. Yun Jifeng was getting better at playing dirty. If Wan Jia went to the He family, even if it did not involve life and death, that bastard was obviously planting a trick. However, how was his brother so sure that she was not going somewhere else?

    "Bro, why don''t you just tell her the truth?" Lu Shaoting asked. "Wouldn''t it be much better than to always be on the lookout and resort to lying?"

    "Did I lie?" Lu Aotian asked coldly.

    Lu Shaoting was about to accuse him when he stopped himself. Indeed, his brother did not lie. He was feeling unwell, only that he was emotionally unwell and not physically.

    "I want to be sure of everything first." said Lu Aotian.

    Before he could explain further, the door was pushed open urgently and the girl flew to Lu Aotian''s side. "Honey, are you alright?"

    She turned to Lu Shaoting and scolded. "You idiot! Why haven''t you called a doctor yet? Can''t you see my man is in pain?"

    My man...

    Lu Aotian smiled while Lu Shaoting felt the world was unfair.

    "Relax, I''m okay." Lu Aotian held her hand that was moving around his body checking his temperature and pulse. If her hands kept ''misbehaving'' like that, his thoughts would turn impure.

    She still sounded worried. "What happened to you? I only said I was rushing to the Western outskirts to settle something. Did that make you feel unwell?"

    The Western outskirts...indeed the He family lived in an estate in the Western outskirts of the capital. Now Lu Shaoting understood how his brother was so sure that she had fallen prey to Yun Jifeng''s swindling.

    "If you went alone, I would miss you too much. My body always knows when I miss you." he took Wan Jia''s hand and kissed her soft fingers.

    Wan Jia blushed and playfully pushed him away. "Idiot."

    Lu Shaoting felt he had had enough. Really, brother? You selfishly eat all the food, have me help you call sister-in-law and now you want to torture my broken single soul?

    Lu Aotian looked at his younger brother who knew to find his way out of the office.

    The broken Lu Shaoting lamented in his poor soul. Oh, how he wished to bump into a beautiful girl on the corridor!

    Apparently, he was imagining himself as the male lead of a soap opera.

    If he met his future wife by bumping into her on a corridor, he would skip all that tiring process of coincidentally meeting and chasing each other.

    Instead, he would immediately hold her in a very romantic dance-like position and whisper in her ear. "Since we already bumped into each other, why not skip all those boring formalities and just get married?"

 Chapter 125 - Her man was not one to do unreasonable things.

    As soon as Lu Shaoting left, Lu Aotian sat Wan Jia on his lap and looked at her seriously.

    "Where were you planning to go?" he asked.

    "To my former family. I was going to ask them something but I thought you were really sick and rushed here." she said, not at all angry that he had tricked her. Her man was not one to do unreasonable things, he must have had a plausible reason.

    Lu Aotian nodded gravely. Indeed, that was where she was going. "Why?" he questioned.

    Wan Jia fell into thought.

    The previous night, Yun Jifeng had told her things that made her really want to find out the truth about her birth once and for all.

    "To find answers." she finally said.

    Lu Aotian understood the answers she was talking about better than anyone. He had watched their conversation.

    Lu Aotian replayed the video from the footage. She had guessed about it already, there was no point hiding anymore. Right now, he wanted to see if there was something he had missed out when he played it before, as well as use it as a starting point to explain some matters to her.

    ...

    Wan Jia was humming lightly as her hair swayed in the breeze when she felt someone approaching. She looked over then arched her brows in curiosity. What was Yun Jifeng doing outside? From the looks of it, he seemed to have been looking for her.

    "After not seeing for a while, someone became more beautiful and elegant." Yun Jifeng complimented.

    Wan Jia thanked him in a rather distant manner.

    Yun Jifeng smiled at her and said, "So that certain someone learnt to keep their distance too? What happened to being brother and sister forever?" he looked pained.

    Wan Jia kept quiet. She couldn''t help but recall that almost four years ago, Yun Jifeng had indeed made such a promise. That was on the day she was sent away from the Yun family mansion. He had said that he would protect her to the end of the world.

    Although Wan Jia trusted him because he was Yun Xuan''s most beloved brother, she had never asked him for help no matter what she faced. She had kept a further distance especially when she noticed that the man had started to develop romantic feelings for her.

    "What brings you here?" the girl asked him.

    "I didn''t expect you to come." he said. Then he looked at her with a serious expression. "After all, you and my sister should logically be enemies. After setting each other up who would think..."

    Wan Jia rolled her eyes. She had heard this statement from Lu Aotian before but she didn''t find it this annoying. Furthermore, she was trying to find ways to distance her relationship with Yun Xuan. What was her brother doing, striking a conversation with her?"

    Wan Jia turned to the side and ignored him.

    Yun Jifeng scoffed. "Tsk, truly like mother like daughter. Although you don''t look alike, your character is in sync. Even the way you turn away to ignore people is similar."

    Wan Jia''s heart skipped a beat. "What did you say?"

    Yun Jifeng seemed to realize he had said the wrong thing and turned to leave. "Forget about it, I was just speaking mindlessly."

    Wan Jia''s heart was beating with quick loud thuds as she rushed to block his way. "No, Yun Jifeng, repeat what you just said."

    This was the exact effect he had hopped for. He appeared cornered and unwilling to speak. "Well, I said the wrong thing. Just forget it. It''s not related to you."

    Wan Jia was annoyed. "What do you mean not related to me?! You clearly said "like mother like daughter and that our character is similar. How is that not related to me?"

    Yun Jifeng tried to get away but was pulled back easily by Wan Jia. It''s not that he was really trying to get away in first place; it was just an act.

    Wan Jia knew nothing of this and was determined to force information out of his mouth. She turned him,pushed him to the wall and held her fair palm against his neck in a chocking position. Her eyes were the highest degree of murderous he had ever seen. They were not paling too much in comparison to Lu Aotian''s when he was angry.

    To other people, those eyes would be scary enough to give them a lifetime supply of nightmares. However to him, they were simply too alluring.

    "Speak." she ordered.

    "It''s really not related to..."

    her glare intensified. He thought he had had enough fun playing around with her and told her. "It''s really nothing. A woman just approached me recently and told me to help her speak to her daughter."

    It was brief, but she understood his words. "And that daughter is me? Why then did she contact you and not the people close to me like Lu Aotian?" she raised an eyebrow.

    Yun Jifeng blinked like it had nothing to do with him. "That woman does not know who her daughter is. She just recieved a photo of her child and mistook my sister for you. You and Xuanxuan look alike after all." he shrugged.

    "Recieved a photo? How is that a way to find to find your lost daughter? Where did she even get it?" Wan Jia thought none of it made sense.

    Yun Jifeng shrugged again, as if he was just repeating what he was told. "Who am I to ask? She said she got it from the He family."

 Chapter 126 - What if its true?

    Yun Jifeng shrugged again, as if he was just repeating what he was told. "Who am I to ask? She said she got it from the He family."

    "The He family?" Wan Jia thought it was strange. If that family knew who her real parents were, why did they not tell her and instead just dumped her?

    Wan Jia wondered about something else. "How did she link me back to the He family?"

    Four years ago, Lu Aotian had taken down all her background information and the only people who knew about her He family were those who knew it before.

    So, she couldn''t understand how on earth people could still find out. Fist it was Lin Lihua and now some strange woman claiming to be her mother? How was that even possible? Lu Aotian''s hacking skills were not to be triffled with.

    As a person who wanted to trick her, Yun Jifeng knew this fact and turned it around before she asked. "The woman claimed to have recieved information from a former nurse who worked in the hospital you were born. She said it was the nurse who switched you with the He family''s baby."

    Now, it got even weirder. Would someone commit such a crime and years later confess of it? Unless that nurse was forced...

    Yun Jifeng continued. "She said that when she went to the He family, they were cold to her and shoved your photo in her face."

    Wan Jia asked. "If she is my mother, why did she not look for me earlier then?" she sounded bitter.

    Yun Jifeng replied, "I cannot be too sure about that, but Lu Aotian locked down everything about your past. It''s as if you appeared out of thin air when you were nineteen. Even the little details that were still lingering around were cleared out later. The fact that she even found such a clue must have been great effort on her side."

    Hearing this, Wan Jia felt a little warmer. If she used effort to look for her, it must mean that her mother missed her and wanted her back, right?

    "Then can I meet her?" Wan Jia still had suspicions about this whole story but she trusted Yun Jifeng. Just for the fact that he was her friend''s brother, he would not do anything to trick her, or would he?

    Yun Jifeng considered her request. He even gave a gentlemanly piece of advice. "Wanwan, I wouldn''t advice you to meet her."

    "Why?" she asked.

    "What if she''s lying? You should ask the He family if what she said was true, if they really gave her your photo. It wouldn''t be too nice if she is a fraud."

    "You''re right. She could be lying." Although she thought, if someone could make up such a lie, they had to be devilishly terrifying.

    Leaning against the wall, the ''devilishly terrifying'' Yun Jifeng scoffed in his heart. How gullible! He just had to set a little trap about her most sensitive topic and down she went.

    ...

    When Wan Jia snapped back from last night''s memory, the video on Lu Aotian''s laptop had long stopped playing.

    She now thought about asking, "Why did you play that? I''m the main lead in that video, of course I know the content."

    "About those things Yun Jifeng said..."

    Without letting him finish, she interrupted him. "Are you going to say that he lied to me? Why would he do that?"

    Lu Aotian looked at her helplessly. "Don''t be stubborn. He may have colluded with someone to make this up."

    Wan Jia did not believe Yun Jifeng was that kind of person, but Lu Aotian had never been wrong about anyone. Besides, if she were to chose who to trust between Yun Jifeng and Lu Aotian, the answer was quite obvious.

    "What would he achieve by doing that?" she was curious.

    "That, I don''t know yet. But he really did plan with someone to do such a thing. Shaoting and I were almost tricked too." he said.

    Wan Jia looked on in disbelief. Lu Shaoting and Lu Aotian, those two geniuses, were almost tricked together? That must have been a brilliant scheme.

    This morning, Wan Jia had been torn between going to the He family home and not going, so much that she could not concentrate on anything. In the end, Elder Qian even let her leave hours earlier.

    "But the He family wouldn''t lie." she said.

    "They indeed wouldn''t lie." he seconded. "However, just because they wouldn''t lie to you doesn''t mean they would tell you what you need to know. Think about it, why do you think they left you so bitterly? They must hate you a lot."

    It was very painful hearing that, but it was the bare truth. They really hated her. They must have hated her to the bones for them to dump her in the middle of nowhere and not even care. What happened for them to have such feelings?

    She took a deep breath. Lu Aotian did not like dwelling on this topic either, so he said sternly to end it, "Yun Jifeng and his minion are counting on the fact that the He family would not tell you the truth. That''s why he used their name."

    He added, "You don''t need to go. Whoever the woman he talked about is, she is not your mother."

    "What if...what if it''s not really a lie? He said that that my character was just like that woman''s. What if she''s really my mother?" Her tears were rolling in quick drops.

 Chapter 127 - The glaring scar

    "What if...what if it''s not really a lie? He said that that my character was just like that woman''s. What if she''s really my mother?" Her tears were rolling in quick drops.

    Lu Aotian was at a loss. Should he tell her that he was sure because he already knew very much about her mother?

    He would have loved to, but he wanted to make sure he had got the right person this time. The last time, he had almost believed that Yun Jifeng''s mother was Wan Jia''s mother too. In fact that woman was acting so nicely, even putting out word to the police....

    This time, he wanted to complete his investigation, have the woman he was looking for take a DNA test with Wan Jia and only then would he be sure. Even then, he would only tell Wan Jia about it if that woman acknowledged her daughter and wanted her back.

    "Aotian..." she cried.

    Lu Aotian felt his heart ache terribly as he hugged her tighter, wrapping his arms around her body. "Don''t cry, I''ll find your mother. I''ll definitely find her."

    "You will?" she was in disbelief.

    Seeing her heartbreaking look, Lu Aotian could not hold it anymore and said. "I already have some leads."

    "You do? You didn''t tell me about it?" she blinked at him.

    "I have leads that I''m sure about. I know many things about her but her name, family background and physical appearance are missing."

    "That''s strange." she said. If he had already found events or things leading him to her, what was so difficult about locating the suspect?

    "I know, she erased all traces of herself and might be using a fake identity."

    "Erased her information? What...what if you get the wrong person?"

    "That''s not possible." The only thing he had not found yet were things that he could not get by hacking. The lady must have been escaping something for her to go through all that trouble. Also, he was just a little afraid that if he retrieved her information, he may find out that she was an evil woman. After all, it was rare for people with simple motives to change identities. What he did not mention to her was that when that woman was with General Yun, she lied about being an orphan and used a different name. Who knew, maybe she underwent a facial transformation after giving birth to Wan Jia and looked different now. He feared that if she was not a good person, she may break Wan Jia''s heart by not accepting her.

    Never mind, if that happened, he would just tell her that he got the wrong person and find a way to cover up.

    "How sure are you?" she still did not want to be wrong.

    "She has a unique scar."

    Wan Jia looked at him blankly, obviously waiting for him to continue.

    "She has a conspicuous scar on her neck. Someone tried to kill her years ago."

    This time too, he kept something else from her. From the information he had, General Yun had tried to kill her by chopping off her neck. Luckily she had been saved before he cut too deep.

    As for the reason why he did that, Lu Aotian''s source of information was not entirely sure, but they guessed that one of the reasons could have been because he suspected the woman was cheating on him.

    Wan Jia felt her heart hurt when he talked about the scar. Someone had tried to kill her mother?

    Shoot! Lu Aotian had not even confirmed yet. Why was she getting all emotional?

    ___

    Yun Jifeng called his mother.

    "I''ve done what you asked. Don''t call me ever again!" he bellowed.

    The woman on the phone sighed. "Jifeng, why do you keep saying such heartbreaking things? Mother''s heart breaks when you say that."

    Yun Jifeng''s voice became even colder. "If you call again, I''ll tell father the truth. You know the end result, don''t you? That little slut you are protecting will be dead before you know it."

    "Jifeng, how can you say such a thing? She''s your sister." she berated.

    "What sister?" he sneered. "I only have one sister. Yun Xuan. If I ever need another one, I may as well adopt Wan Jia."

    "Sigh, Jifeng, will you ever come home?" she changed the topic to not anger her son further.

    Yun Jifeng got angry. "Woman, you''re becoming braver, huh? Now even pushing your limits!"

    He had only agreed to trick Wan Jia as per that woman''s instructions because she had dirty records of crime about him.

    Did that woman have any fr**king idea that for her daughter, he had fooled his beloved sister into telling him about Wan Jia''s weaknesses?

    Actually, he would not ever treat Wan Jia like his sister even if she miraculously turned out to be one. She had no feelings for him.

    Tsk, was there someone who dared not have feelings for him- Yun Jifeng? He would make sure her end is tragic.

    ___

    A few days later, Lin Lihua and Xia Rou started executing their plan.

    Lin Lihua had invited Wan Jia to her place for some games and lunch.

    Xia Rou sat in front of the mirror, ready to let her daughter do her disguise magic.

    When Lin Lihua pulled her long hair back, Xia Rou unconciously touched the left side of her long fair neck.

    The very faded scar did not diminish her beauty in an outsider''s perspective.

    However to her, it was extremely ugly, always reminding her of the dark past.

 Chapter 128 - Feeling the mothers presence

    The very faded scar did not diminish her beauty in an outsider''s perspective.

    However to her, it was extremely ugly, always reminding her of the dark past.

    "Mom?" Lin Lihua called out when she noticed her mother looked rather pale.

    What was the scar all about? No matter how many times she had asked in the past, Xia Rou would always evade the question. With time, she had stopped asking.

    However, her mother seemed to be bothered by it now that she was going to see Wan Jia. Was it related to Wan Jia''s disappearance? Lin Lihua wondered.

    "Mom, I''m done, but you''ll need to wear a scarf." Lin Lihua said when she completed the make up.

    Xia Rou looked at the woman in the mirror and indeed she was quite different, but people who knew her would still find some familiarities if they saw her like this.

    Make up alone was not able to conceal everything, a scarf was necessary.

    Three hours later, Lin Lihua and Wan Jia were laughing happily as they baked a raspberry cake in Lin Lihua''s apartment.

    Wan Jia had never baked a cake on her own before, Lin Lihua was teaching her. Unfortunately, they did not know what they messed up, or maybe they were too engrossed in chatting, the end result was quite tasteless.

    "Urgh!" Lin Lihua groaned. It was her first time failing in anything.

    Wan Jia also frowned when she took a bite. "How about we just order a cake?" she had wanted to take some of it back for Lu Aotian and Little Jia, but she would only be calling for endless teasing if she took this back.

    "I wanted to cook for my Little Wan, I''m not even in the mood to cook anymore." Lin Lihua pouted.

    "It''s okay sis Lihua, I don''t feel like cooking either. Let''s just order something."

    What Wan Jia did not know was that her mother was on her way. Lin Lihua had already sent a message.

    Xia Rou had a key to Lin Lihua''s apartment so she just entered.

    The two girls looked over at the same time.

    "Mom?" Lin Lihua acted surprised.

    "Oh, Lihua, you are home! I thought you were filming and wanted to surprise you on your return."

    The woman was carrying what seemed like a bag of food. She went ahead and placed it on the dining table before going to her daughters.

    She hugged Lin Lihua and sat beside her. "You have a new friend."

    Lin Lihua introduced. "Yes, this is my friend, Little Wan. Little Wan, meet my mom."

    Wan Jia shook Xia Rou''s hand, then she felt something and frowned.

    She did not know why but her mind was already lost. Her heart was beating so furiously that she was out of breath.

    Why was it that Lin Lihua''s mother had such gentle hands? She felt as though they were coaxing her, gently soothing her, making her want to be embraced. It was something she had never felt before.

    Most importantly, her voice. Although she had not even directly talked to her, Wan Jia felt as though she was singing to her and not just talking. So sweet...it made her eyes want to well up for some reason.

    She could only blink like and innocent child and study this woman behind a scarf who made her heart uneasy. She studied her eyes that were the only exposed part of her body. She really wanted to get closer to her and study her properly, or even....hug her...

    Wan Jia did not know whether she was dreaming but she felt like this woman was looking at her lovingly. When she blinked and looked again, the feelings she thought she had seen were replaced with a normal look.

    Lin Lihua at the side looked at the way Wan Jia was looking at her mother and was flabbergasted. Wasn''t her little sister too sensitive?

    It was said that newborn babies would recognize their mothers'' presence easily. However, it had been twenty three years and a few months already. Did Wan Jia still remember her mother''s presence? This was a rare case.

    If these two continued staring at each other lovingly, Wan Jia was going to suspect something.

    "Ahem, Little Wan, weren''t we feeling hungry just now? Mom brought over some dishes. Let''s go eat."

    Mom...

    Lin Lihua had said "Mom" and not "my mom"...

    She would never know the effect that word had on Xia Rou and Wan Jia.

    Xia Rou knew she had said that because she was not only her mother but Wan Jia''s too.

    For Wan Jia, it made her even more confused. It was as if her heart was itching to be closer to her....her mouth was itching to call her "Mom" too.

    Crap! Was she crazy? She must have been fazed by the way Lin Lihua said her mother was loving, or she was just longing for her own mother. Yes , that had to be it.

    She scolded herself. Wan Jia, don''t go longing for other people''s mothers!

    Xia Rou noticed her own and Wan Jia''s uneasiness was becoming too much and decided to leave.

    As they ate, Lin Lihua kept studying Wan Jia and could see the unmistakable feelings in her little sister''s eyes.

    Damn it! These two really had deep feelings for each other. You would think they had only been separated for twenty three days and not thwenty three years.

    At least, she was sure of one thing. Even if Wan Jia blamed her mother for leaving her, she would not entirely hate her.

 Chapter 129 - Ill torture you to death!

    Wan Jia went home a short while after eating. Lin Lihua quickly followed her mother home. She knew her mother very well- she was the type of person to supress her true feelings and act like nothing ever really hurt her.

    Right now, Lin Lihua knew that she was dfinitely feeling emotional. She bought some of the desserts that her mother liked and went home.

    "Mom, are you there?" she called.

    Xia Rou came out of her room looking a little pale. She had already changed out of her disguise and turned back to the usual Xia Rou. Her eyes, which should have been bright from seeing Wan Jia, were dim and sad instead.

    Lin Lihua''s heart broke seeing her like that. She went over and hugged her. "Oh mom, don''t be too sad, Little Wan will definitely understand you."

    "She''s so lovely." Xia Rou said in tears. Only she knew just how much she wished to have pulled Wan Jia into her arms. Especially when she blinked at her so innocently, she gave a one in the world type of sentiment.

    Lin Lihua thought that she was sad because she was scared that Wan Jia would blame her and hate her, but she knew that it was not the case.

    The way her daughter opened and closed her big bright eyes and the way she frowned and raised her eyebrow slightly in curiosity, she really reminded her of someone.

    ___

    When she left Lin Lihua''s house, Wan Jia went straight to Lu Enterprise.

    There was a highly secure private entrance to the company, hence no one ever saw her enter the building.

    She took Lu Aotian''s elevator to his office.

    "Aotian!" she whined like a spoilt little girl as soon as she arrived.

    "What happened, were you bullied?" he asked.

    She wanted to talk about Lin Lihua''s mother, who made her have complicated feelings but she stopped herself. Her man had said that he was looking into it. Wouldn''t it look like she was rushing him if she talked about that?

    "I want to go on a date." she said and threw herself onto him. Disregarding his work, he sat her carefully on his lap and asked her where she wanted to go.

    He had almost forgotten, ever since they went for their first date, they had never really gone on another date.

    Then, he called Lu Shaoting to stand in for him and carried Wan Jia out of the office.

    The tortured little brother was at Elite Fashion World when he recieved the call and rushed over, only to witness such a cruel display of affection. Brother! Just you wait! When I get a wife, I''ll torture you to death.

    ...

    In the evening, Lu Aotian took Wan Jia to Golden Stars. Their sea food was second to none, and despite the high prices, the food was delicious and worth eating.

    "What do you want to eat? I''ll order for you." Lu Aotian asked when they were presented with the menu.

    "Order anything, I''ll use the bathroom first." she said and stood up, giving him the liberty. She could only do so because he knew everything she liked.

    The girl pulled the stray hair from her hair and walked gracefully in her high heeled shoes.

    She had given her all in dressing up this evening. Her red dress was a little revealing, yet it still made her look like an innocent beauty.

    Lu Aotian gazed at her back with desire written all over his face. She was his, he could look at her as much as he wanted.

    Wan Jia did not expect to meet a certain person here. In fact, that person deliberately or otherwise ran into her and almost toppled her, then held her shoulder to steady her.

    "Vice President Guo?"

    "I did not expect to meet you here, beauty. I''m sorry for knocking into you. Allow me to treat you to a meal as a form of apology." the man rambled a series of sentences.

    "It was an accident and I''m alright. You don''t need to treat me." she turned the offer down politely.

    Let a man treat her to a meal? She could only ever give Lu Aotian that honor.

    However, Guo Haisheng blocked her way insisted. "Beauty, you don''t need to be too polite. I was planning to have a meal anyway, you can just join me."

    "..."

    Who wants to have a meal with you?

    And who on earth is ''beauty''?

    This man had no principles!

    The man seemed to think of a possibility. "Is it because great beauty Wan is with her boyfriend?"

    She felt irritated and snarled. "It''s great that you know I''m with my man. Also, he''s my fianc¨¦, not my boyfriend." Wan Jia seemed to be very particular about the two terms.

    Guo Haisheng smiled awkwardly as if he had expected this. "That''s not a problem beauty, you can just go out with me another time, or come together with your patner. It''s an apology after all." he insisted.

    Wan Jia glared daggers at him. This man was getting onto her nerves! She really needed to use the bathroom! Couldn''t he see?

    Well, he saw her slight discomfort and knew that she needed to go, that was why he kept blocking her way and insisting that she have a meal with him.

    "I don''t want to have a meal with you! Move out of my way, and stop calling me ''beauty'', it disgusts me! Next time call me by my name or Mrs. Lu!"

 Chapter 130 - The one who just croaked is a frog

    "But beauty, it''s just a meal. Also, I can''t stop calling you ''beauty'' because that''s what you are."

    "I only have meals with my husband and he doesn''t need your lousy meals! Get out of my way!" she growled.

    "Promise to have a meal with me and I''ll let you go." He was shamelessly taking advantage of her discomfort.

    "Don''t you have any shame? I''m an engaged woman. Do you want to be a third party in a stable relationship?" She was determined not to waver.

    However, Guo Haisheng''s persistence was too irritating. In the end, she had to promise to have a meal with him on another day before he let her go.

    While washing her hands after using the bathroom, Wan Jia spotted a seductively dressed woman staring at her. She was looking at Wan Jia''s body critically then comparing it with her own. How creepy...

    Wan Jia ignored her and continued what she was doing.

    "Huh, some women are just too much! You really think you can marry into the Lu family?" the woman scoffed. She had oveheard their conversation.

    Wan Jia ignored her and made to leave, but the woman held her hand.

    "What do you want?" Wan Jia was in a bad mood after having to deal with Guo Haisheng and was not about to tolerate some foul mouthed woman.

    "What would I want from you? Do you think that with your fake face and body, you can sleep around with all the reputable men in the country?"

    What was wrong with this woman? Had they ever met? Wan Jia wondered.

    "Not all men fall for cheap women like you! Just because you''re slightly good looking doesn''t mean you can seduce everyone!" the woman sneered.

    Wan Jia was not intending to retaliate but this woman was just too insulting. She turned around and asked while looking at her green dress, "Oh? If they don''t fall for slightly good looking women like me, who do they fall for? Frogs?"

    "You..! Who did you just say was a frog?"

    "The one who just croaked."

    ...

    Lu Aotian waited for Wan Jia for so long that he started wondering if she was alright. Why did she take so long? Did she run into some trouble?

    She had left her phone on the table, he would have called her. Just as he was about to stand and go find her, she walked in.

    Since it was a private room and no one else was around, she casually went to him and sat on his lap.

    "Aotian, I met a despicable bastard." she complained.

    He held her gently and whispered in her ear. "What did you call me?"

    "Husband. Husband, I''ve been bullied. You must get justice for me." she sulked.

    "Who bullied you? How dare they bully my beautiful love?"

    "Guo Haisheng, the deputy CEO of Climax Studio. He made me promise to have a meal with him."

    Lu Aotian''s expression turned scary.

    "Husband, don''t look at me like that. I''ll get scared." she pursed her lips like a little girl. Even her mannerisms were like those of Little Jia when she threw a tantrum.

    "Mmh, I won''t." he asked the waitress to bring in the meals before personally feeding her.

    Just like that, the date was not as perfect as it should have been. However, what mattered to them was being together, they were still very happy.

    Like on their first date, they spent the night at Lu Aotian''s North side villa.

    Once they were home the next morning, the couple went to discuss something with Lu Shaoting who had stayed over to take care of Little Jia. Despite the many nannies in the house, they always called Lu Shaoting over to stay with her if they were going to be away for longer than usual.

    In the study room.

    Lu Shaoting acted blind to his brother and sister-in-law''s affection and spoke about his findings and suggestions.

    "Bro, I could not find out what exactly Yun Jifeng is trying to do. He doesn''t seem to have told anyone about it."

    "What about that woman?" Lu Aotian asked, reffering to Yun Jifeng''s mother.

    "The last call they shared was the one after Yun Xuan''s dinner."

    Lu Shaoting had hacked into Yun Jifeng''s phone and all sorts of communication on that phone would reach him. However, that man was just too sly. He rarely used his phone and they guessed that most of his dirty deeds were done through a third party.

    "He hasn''t talked to General Yun lately either." Lu Aotian said.

    "What if he doesn''t have any evil intention?" Wan Jia, who had been silently listening to their exchange of complicated information, asked.

    The brothers had allowed her to be present in their meeting because this matter was directly related to her. As the target victim, it would be hard to convince her of the other party''s intentions if she was kept in the dark.

    "He does have dirty deeds and evil intentions." Lu Aotian said.

    "Then there''s only one way to find out what his plan is." she said.

    Lu Shaoting: "Are you trying to say that..."

    Wan Jia nodded.

    "No way!" Lu Aotian exclaimed.

    "But there''s no other way. If he''s given too much time then he might strike before you know it." she said.

    Lu Aotian and Lu Shaoting looked at each other. She did have a point, if they delayed any further, they would give him time to execute his scheme. But how could Lu Aotian let his woman walk into danger?

 Chapter 131 - To the moon and back

    Lu Aotian and Lu Shaoting looked at each other. She did have a point, if they delayed any further, they would give him time to execute his scheme. But how could Lu Aotian let his woman walk into danger?

    Wan Jia knew what he was thinking and said, "they were my family for years. What''s the worst that could happen? At most they could only collude with him to lie to me."

    "Who said they can''t do bad things?" Lu Aotian really wanted to know what exactly would happen if she went, but he was afraid that she may run into trouble.

    Lu Shaoting spoke up too. "My brother is right. While they were your family, that was years ago. Right now they believe that they lost their child because of you. Do you think they still like you? Even if it does not involve life and death, it''s still suicidal to go there on your own."

    "Who said anything about me going on my own? I''ll have to trouble both of you to protect me.

    My love, why are you looking at me like that? I''m going for the sake of helping you find out a villain''s motives and not just for the adventure."

    Lu Aotian continued scanning her, not at all believing what she just said. It seemed, he had to limit her exposure to crime movies.

    ...

    The trio spent a large part of the morning coming up with the most effective plan.

    Thay decided to play along with the other party''s game. Wan Jia would pretend that she did not know Yun Jifeng was lying to her and go to the He family home. She would not be alone, however, there would be many bodyguards in hiding in case anything happened.

    Lu Aotian would also follow her while in hiding and keep a maximum distance of a hundred metres from her. Only then would he be assured.

    As for Lu Shaoting, he would remain in the car and be on the lookout. As they were going to prepare tiny cameras to hover around the compound, Lu Shaoting''s role was to inform his brother if anything happened away from his line of vision.

    That was how the brothers had always worked. While outsiders often thought that Lu Shaoting was nothing but his brother''s sidekick, the two of them actually complimented each other.

    "Why didn''t anyone mention giving me one of those tiny listening devices?" Wan Jia complained.

    "Why do you think I''m following you? I don''t want you to get distracted by anything." Lu Aotian said.

    Although Wan Jia was the star of this little ''adventure'', Lu Aotian felt it was dangerous to make her have a listening device. If she listened to their conversations and instructions, what would happen if someone noticed she was recieving instructions?

    She pouted and looked sad. Lu Aotian patted her head lightly. "Don''t be too sad, it''s just because I love you too much that I don''t want you to do anything that might cause suspicion."

    Hearing that, she was happy now, so she turned to kiss his lips.

    "Ahem," Lu Shaoting coughed. "When are we going to do all this?"

    "Today." Lu Aotian answered.

    "Today!" Wan Jia could not hide her excitement.

    "Mmh. Shaoting and I are alright. Honey, go get changed into something more comfortable." he told her.

    Wan Jia ran off to her room.

    The brothers went to wait for her in the living room.

    "Daddy!" a certain adorable little doll called out when she saw her father.

    "Daddy, hugs." she lifted her little arms. Lu Aotian took her into his embrace lovingly. The little girl rubbed her head against her father''s warm chest then noticed her uncle.

    "Second uncle, second uncle hug!" she asked her father to put her down before clinging to her second uncle.

    "Uncle''s favorite baby!" Lu Shaoting chuckled as he carried her. The little girl proceeded to kiss her second uncle''s cheek before hiding her face shyly.

    Lu Aotian felt jealous. He had not recieved a kiss!

    Now that she was with her uncle, she remembered something.

    "Second uncle, is the moon very far away?" she asked adorably.

    "Yes, baby. The moon is very far away. Why do you ask?"

    "Tangtang said that his mommy loves him to the moon and back." she answered, looking at him curiously with big bright eyes.

    Tangtang was Lu Shaoting''s godson,he had played with Little Jia only twice. Little Jia seemed to like playing with him, but he was five and already going to school so he thought Little Jia was too little to play with him.

    "It means that Tangtang''s mommy loves him very much." he answered.

    Little Jia tilted her little head, making her pigtails dangle. "More than my mommy loves me?"

    "Eer..." Lu Shaoting did not know how to answer. The little girl took his hesitation for a yes.

    She blushed and pursed her lips then said. "Then Little Jia loves second uncle to the moon and back." She wrapped her little hands around his neck and hid her face.

    Lu Shaoting''s heart almost melted.

    Even though he knew his niece was acting cute so she could ask for something, he still felt very warm.

    Lu Aotian felt like smashing the house.

    Why was it that the first time his daughter said such a thing as loving people to the moon and back, she had said it to his brother and not to him? What happened to "Little Jia loves Daddy the most"?

    Wan Jia had finished dressing up and came downstairs. "I''m done." she said.

 Chapter 132 - Visiting the He family.

    Wan Jia kissed her daughter goodbye and the trio were about to leave when the little girl clung onto Lu Shaoting''s leg.

    "Uncle''s favorite baby, what is it?" he gently asked her.

    Perhaps because she felt her uncle was more easy going than her parents, she asked him shyly, "Second uncle, can Little Jia go play with grandpa...and Tangtang?"

    Obviously the second part was the main point.

    Pfft...so that was what all that love to the moon and back was all about.

    "Baby, second uncle is busy today.Your nanny will send you to Grandpa. Okay?" He intentionally avoided Tangtang.

    The little girl was a little disappointed. But, second uncle said he was busy. Every time her daddy said he was busy, he meant that he did not wish to be bothered. So since second uncle doesn''t wish to be bothered either, she would not be too stubborn.

    When they left the house, Wan Jia sighed. "She really wants to play with her fellow children. We should take her to school."

    "Mmh, let''s handle this matter first, then we''ll talk about that."

    "Okay."

    It took them more than an hour to reach the He family home.

    Since they were not very rich, their home was not very big. The car stopped in a hidden spot a little far away from the He family compound.

    "Spy adventure, here I come." Wan Jia said as she secretly wondered if these were the type of things Tyler often did. If the jealous Lu Aotian knew that she was thinking about another man''s profession right now, she would be dead.

    "Focus. It''s not an adventure." Lu Aotian scolded. Then he pulled her into his arms.

    "Really, I''m not going to be too far away from you. Do you need to act like we''re separating for a year? Hey, what are you...where are your hands going?...Shaoting is still in the car...Aotian!"

    She glared at him furiously. How could this idiot grope her in the car, in broad daylight and with his younger brother still in the driver''s seat?

    "Since you have a friend who is an actress, and you have acted in real life before, you can do this, right? Go ahead. I''ll follow you." he said. It would be better if she didn''t know where exactly he was. Else, she would get distracted.

    "Bro, good thinking." Lu Shaoting complimented when she left.

    "You too, focus." He placed a very tiny listening device on his ear. His hair reached slightly below his ear; if he accidentally bumped into anyone, they would not notice anything. He followed her for a while and stationed himself less than a hundred metres from the gate.

    ....

    "Master, Madam, young Miss is here." a servant announced.

    "What nonesense are you speaking? How long have you lived here, huh?" Mrs. He shouted at her. Was this maid dumb? Their He family only had a young master who was not even married. What young miss was she talking about?

    "Madam, it''s...it''s...Miss Wan Jia." she maid shakily said.

    As soon as she said that, Mrs. He saw the girl who had been her daughter for nineteen years walk in.

    "What do you want?" she asked harshly.

    Wan Jia had already mentally prepared a script but Mrs. He was way more hostile than she imagined. She opened and closed her mouth, nothing coming out of it.

    "You! How can you simply let stray dogs waltz into our house? Get her out of here! And disinfect every single spot she walked on!" Mrs. He yelled.

    "What stray dog?" A deep voice filled the air. It was Mr. He.

    He saw Wan Jia as soon as he came in. "You?"

    "Father, Mother, please don''t send me out, I only came to ask something." she cried.

    If there was anything Wan Jia would win the highest ranked award for, it would be acting pitiful. She could cry so much that one''s heart would ache.

    Mrs. He didn''t seem willing to let her in but seeing her tears, she felt conflicted. Even though this girl had been swapped with their child, she had raised her into adulthood. If she never knew the truth, she would always love her. This girl....she had always been so obedient that she had loved...

    Crap! What was she thinking? She should not be swayed by her tears!

    "What do you want to ask?" Mr. He asked.

    "What a coincidence, we need your help for something too."

    "Husband..." Mrs. He tried to interrupt. What was her husband trying to do? Was he going to let this girl into their home?

    "It''s okay." Her husband calmed her down. "Wan Jia, have a seat." he instructed.

    Wan Jia sat on the sofa closest to the door. In case they got angry and wanted to kill her, it would be easier to run away. Now she seemed to understand why Lu Aotian had bodyguards secretly follow them. This family''s hatred for her....

    "Wan Jia, what do you want to ask? Go straight to the point." Mr. He seemed impatient.

    "I...it''s just..." Wan Jia was hesitant. "Did you guys... Cough, I mean, did a middle aged woman come here and ask for some information...and was given a photo by you?"

    She silently observed the couple''s reactions. They looked at each other to worldlessly ask if the other knew what Wan Jia was talking about.

    Wan Jia frowned when they both shook heads at each other. It must mean they were not aware. Did this mean Yun Jifeng really lied to her? Unbelievable!

 Chapter 133 - Who said we would let you go?

    "What type of photo are you talking about?" Mr. He asked.

    Since she had already reached this point, she could only push it futher. "My photo." she said.

    Silence lingered for a few minutes.

    How could they not understand? She was obviously asking if a woman who was supposed to be her mother dropped by.

    "We don''t recall such an incident." Mrs. He brushed her off.

    "I do." A voice said, followed by footsteps.

    "Elder brother?" Wan Jia smiled at the newcomer.

    "Don''t call me that, you don''t deserve it." he said coldly. "That woman came and I gave her your photo. She''s your mother."

    "What?" The He couple were both shocked.

    "How could you not tell us such a significant thing?" they berated their son. He should have told them. They would ask that woman about their child.

    Wan Jia thought about what Yun Jifeng had said again..."Got it. Thank you very much. I''ll be leaving then." she said and stood up. Jeez ..these people were spooky!

    "Wait!" said Mr. He. "I remember saying that I would need your help."

    "Oh, yes. I almost forgot."

    "When you reunite with your parents, help us find our child." he said.

    "Yes, I will." that would be the best form of gratitude.

    __

    Outside, a few minutes ago.

    "Bro, there''s a man approaching from the distance. He looks quite familiar." Lu Shaoting said as he looked at his laptop screen. The man had been captured on one of their ant-sized flying cameras. Since all the cameras were inside the compound, he did not see him entering. He must have entered through a secret gate.

    "Have the camera follow him. Send me his photo."

    "Okay."

    Lu Aotian looked at the photo that had just been sent. Hmm, he was not even masked. How arrogant. Good thing they were arrogant. He looked the man up using his phone and found him to be one of Yun Jifeng''s men.

    "He''s one of Yun Jifeng''s men." he said.

    "Is he here to cause trouble?" Lu Shaoting was worried.

    "I''ll alert your sister-in-law, keep watch." he said. Before he moved, he saw someone else in his line of sight.

    "That seems to be the son of the He family."

    "The man in blue? I think he''s going towards Yun Jifeng''s man."

    "You know what to do." Lu Aotian said. He was getting anxious.

    "Bro, wait. He took something from Yun Jifeng''s man and rushed into the house."

    Lu Aotian paused. If that was a bribe, then he must have gone into the house to lie to Wan Jia. He sent Wan Jia a text.

    ...

    Inside the house.

    Young Master He looked scornfully at Wan Jia. "And what makes you think you''re leaving? We''re keeping you hostage. Your parents will only take you by giving us back our child."

    "What?"

    Her phone rang with a new message. [Handsome Lu: What''s taking you so long? Find an excuse and leave.]

    She sent an okay and looked at her former parents and brother. "Father, mother, brother, I promise to have my parents..."

    "Shut up!" Young master He yelled. Capture her!"

    Outside.

    "Bro, bro, it''s a bigger issue than we imagined. That man he...he snuck something into the house through a window then ran off."

    "What?"

    "It might be an explosive. Tell sister-in-law to get out of there. I''ll try to check if it''s an explosive."

    At the same time, the subordinate sent a message. [Boss, it''s done. I set five minutes.]

    Then, he grinned and left the compound. Setting up bombs was his forte. How nice of the boss to give him this mission! Too bad, the boss wanted an improvised one so that it would only affect a small radius.

    ...

    Wan Jia''s phone rang with another. [Get out of there, right now!]

    She was afraid to look at her phone, thinking that if they thought she was calling for help, she would surely die.

    [All of you, leave the house. No, leave the compound] Lu Aotian sent another text over. Four and a half minutes left.

    Wan Jia tried to reason with them, telling them that if they captured her, her parents might rid themselves of the trouble and not come to her rescue.

    Three minutes left.

    "Just let her go. What if they harm our child because of her?" Mrs. He chimed in.

    "Let her go. She promised to help us, didn''t she?" Mr. He seconded.

    The young man pondered for a bit. He had always obeyed his parents no matter what. And this girl...in fact she had a point. What if her biological parents were powerless and didn''t come to her rescue? That woman didn''t seem very well off to him.

    "Huh! If it helps you find them faster so that you can help us find out child, that woman''s name is Zhang Li." snorted young master He.

    Unbeknowst to them, time was running out. They had less than two and a half minutes left.

    Lu Aotian tried to call her but she did not answer. He became more anxious.

    "Retrieve the cameras, I''m going in." he shouted orders and lept foward. He even forgot that he should have ordered his bodyguards to go instead.

    He had moved less than ten metres when he saw her coming out. He rushed up to her.

    She spoke before he did. "They did give a woman my photo. Her name is Zhang Li. Is it possible..."

    "Where are the rest?" He interrupted anxiously.

    "Eer...The rest of what?"

    "Didn''t you check your texts? I told you to..."

    BOOM!

 Chapter 134 - Who did this?

    The sudden sound made Wan Jia scream.

    She was just about to turn when Lu Aotian blocked her sight using his hand. "Don''t look." he said.

    "What in the world!" Exclaimed Lu Shaoting whose eyes were wide open.

    "I''ll call the police." Lu Aotian said as he took out his phone using his free hand. He looked like he was not entirely surprised.

    Wan Jia tried to pull Lu Aotian''s hand away. "What happened? Let me see." However, the man''s hand did not move no matter how hard she pulled it.

    That scene was too scary.

    Her heart was beating fast. Was that an explosion she just heard? "Aotian, let me see. I won''t be scared." she knew the scene had to be bloody for Lu Aotian to stop her.

    "You''ll be scared." he said.

    "I won''t. Trust me." She insisted.

    "Bro, she''ll see it in the news." this was such a big incident, it would not be swept under the matt.

    "It''s scarier than you think." Lu Aotian said to her. Then he removed his hand from her face slowly.

    One look and Wan Jia''s jaw dropped. She covered her mouth with her hands as she broke down in tears.

    Was that her family home? The house had collapsed and...some things seemed to have been thrown out by the force. Among them was...a servant''s body. She just looked for a few seconds and did not dare to keep looking. What if she saw...her family.

    They were not her real family, those were not her parents, they hated her...but how could such a thing happen to them? She did not wish for this. Who did this?

    Just now...just now they had agreed that she would help them look for their child.

    She hoped they were still alive. Even if it''s just one of them. but from the way the walls caved in, what were the chances of survival?

    She did not even stop to think that if she was just a minute late, she would have suffered the same fate.

    "Let''s go home." Lu Aotian urged. "The police are on their way and..."

    She passed out.

    "Wanwan!"

    "Sister-in-law!"

    ...

    Wan Jia woke up in a daze. The morning rays of sunlight hurt her eyes.

    "Where am I?" she groaned and tried to get up.

    "Don''t move. You''re in hospital." Lu Aotian said. She had fainted since the day before.

    Wan Jia stayed in a daze for a while as Lu Aotian fed her and had the doctor check on her, then he proceeded to complete her discharge procedure.

    "What happened to them?" she asked when she saw him come back.

    He knew she was talking about the He family.

    "Wanwan..." he sighed. How would he explain it?

    "Are they all...?"

    He nodded. They had all passed on. There could have been one survivor, Mrs. He. She had been thrown out by the force of explosion and was in coma when she was taken to hospital. However, someone intentionally disconnected the ventilator. This was too much for anyone to take in. What would happen to Wan Jia if she knew? It was better for her to only know that they had all passed away.

    Wan Jia sighed. Who held such a deep grudge against that family? Who had they offended?

    "Does General Yun have a hand in this?" she asked.

    "He doesn''t. His son does."

    "Yun Jifeng?" that was the only person she had heard mention the He family recently.

    "Yes. Shaoting saw his man plant the bomb." he answered.

    "Then why didn''t Shaoting tell me? I could have warned them." she cried.

    Lu Aotian sighed. "I tried to warn you. You weren''t answering your phone and when I wanted to come in it was too late."

    Wan Jia could not blame him. It was not his fault.

    At the time when her phone kept ringing, she had been too careless. She should have disregarded the danger and answered it. Maybe then they would have left with her.

    "It''s my fault. It''s all my fault." she sobbed.

    Lu Aotian held her in his arms and rubbed her back. "My love, don''t blame yourself. You''re a victim too. For Yun Jifeng to lure you into that home then set up an explosive on the same day, he must have wanted to kill you."

    "What do the Yuns have against me? What did I do to them? Did we cross paths in our past lives?" she lamented in tears.

    First it was the father and now the son. In fact the father had not stopped having bad intentions against her. In fact, she was sure that he was definitely planning something.

    "Those two are maniacs with no specific motive." he said.

    After a long while of searching, he found that the only rivalry the Lu family and General Yun could possibly have was for power.

    He had long made his intention obvious- he wanted to take over Lu Enterprise.

    However, what was up with his grudge against Wan Jia? Was it because she refused to help him with his plans in the past?

    ...

    The He family was quite small and the number of distant relatives from both Mr. He and Mrs. He''s sides could be counted using fingers.

    Wan Jia organized for their funeral service with the help of Lu Aotian. It was hard to believe that a whole family was gone just like that. Including the servants who were in the house at the time of the explosion, those were many lives.

 Chapter 135 - Those two animals

    On the day after the funeral, Yun Jifeng entered his father''s study room with a smirk on his face.

    "I disappointed you." he said.

    General Yun rolled a pen as he tore his eyes from the file about Lu Enterprise that he was studying. He looked at his son coldly.

    "Father, I''ll correct the situation immediately. I''ll have my men slice her throat."

    "Forget it." said General Yun. "If she dies, who will take the blame for the He family''s death?"

    "You mean..!" Yun Jifeng''s blood ran cold. Indeed, no matter how many evil things he did in this lifetime, he would never rival his father.

    "You didn''t go there yourself, did you?" he asked his son.

    "I sent my man. Also, he entered via a back gate so the city surveillance did not capture him entering the He family home." he explained.

    "What about the security cameras in their house?"

    "Please, father. There was an explosion. How could the security cameras even be recovered?"

    He made a lot of sense. If they could retrieve such a thing, they would have to have some superpowers. For privacy reasons, the footages would only be kept at one''s house and there was no central place for them.

    Which went to say, Wan Jia had no alibi.

    General Yun snorted. Huh, Wan Jia, I gave you such an easy task but you avoided it. I''ll make your man watch you get killed for a crime you knew nothing about.

    __

    The next day, Wan Jia was happily shopping with Lin Lihua when the police approached her.

    "Miss, please come with us. You are under arrest." their leader said.

    "What?" Wan Jia exclaimed. She had never commited any crime!

    "Miss, please don''t make it hard for us."

    "What has she done? How can you just arrest people without a reason?" Lin Lihua gave them a fierce look.

    "She commited murder. Anyway that''s not very important. Miss, this way, please." he tried to cuff Wan Jia''s hands when she did not cooperate.

    "I dare you!" Lin Lihua snarled, then she took out her Identity card and showed them. "Do you know who I am? Do you know who my father is? How impudent of you to try and take my sister away!"

    In a fit of anger, she did not hesitate to use her family''s name and even blurted out "my sister". Luckily, Wan Jia did not think too much about it.

    When the police officers saw her ID, they were hesitant. This was Lin Lihua. She was very famous as an actress and everyone said her father was a powerful figure in the country.

    Could they really offend her?

    But, Yun Jifeng was also from a powerful family and he had personally told them to arrest her for this crime.

    Well, since this was Lin Lihua they were dealing with, they could only divulge the details.

    "M-Miss, you indeed commited a crime. You planted a bomb in the He family home and caused the loss of many lives."

    Lin Lihua raised an eyebrow.

    "Oh? How come I didn''t know any of that?" Wan Jia asked. No need to ask, she was being framed.

    "The city surveillance cameras captured you entering the compound, and the explosion happened as soon as you left."

    In real sense, it was really a coincidence that the bomb detonated as soon as she left. But who would believe her? There were no witnesses.

    "Sis Lihua, I didn''t do it." she cried.

    Lin Lihua scolded her inwardly. Idiot, you''re about to be arrested here but the first thing you care about is what I think of you?

    "I know, I know you didn''t." Lin Lihua hugged her.

    The girl cried in her arms like a little child. It was her first time handling something like this and she didn''t know what to do.

    Lin Lihua could only temporarily handle it for her. "You go back to your work first. Little Wan will make time and come to the police station later."

    This was the only compromise. Even if she was innocent, she had to go over and tell her side of the story. As the accused party, it would only be right for her to aid in investigation.

    The police officers left, hoping they would offend neither General Yun nor the Lin family.

    "Little Wan, don''t cry. Let''s go to my apartment first. I''ll call your husband, I''m sure we''ll be able to prove your innocence."

    "You...you trust me?" she looked up, surprised.

    "Of course. If I don''t trust you, should I think that you really planted a bomb? Do you even look like someone who can do that?"

    Wan Jia blushed at what Lin Lihua said. It was quite unreasonable. She looked so young and innocent. If you told anyone that such a girl was a murderer, they were bound to be shocked.

    Lin Lihua consoled Wan Jia a little more and took her to her apartment.

    Were these people crazy? Her little sister was still recovering from the shock of suddenly losing the family who brought her up. How could they accuse her of murder?

    The corner of her lips twitched. If Wan Jia went to the He family and the explosion happened immediately after she left, whoever was trying to frame her must have known her whereabouts to achieve such a feat.

    She did not need too much time to think about it. If it was not General Yun, it had to be that weird second son of his. Hmph! Those two animals!

 Chapter 136 - In their dreams

    Inside the apartment, Lin Lihua was consoling Wan Jia but outside, chaos was breaking out.

    Well, one had to know that if Yun Jifeng set his eyes to destroy someone, he would only stop when that person was completely destroyed. Wan Jia was his latest aim and appearing at a time when he was trying to prove his worth to his father, she was quite out of luck.

    "Boss, they did not arrest her." one of his men reported.

    Yun Jifeng looked at him coldly. "Such an easy task yet you could not achieve? I asked you to tell them to do it when Lu Aotian is not around!"

    Damn it! This was a very brilliant idea that his father had given him. How could these incompetent people mess it up?

    "B-boss, Lu Aotian was really not around. They said that she had someone powerful on her side, Lin Lihua." the man trembled.

    "Lin Lihua, you said?" he held his chin.

    "Yes."

    He had quite an impression of Lin Lihua. She was an actress and they had met once at Yun Xuan''s dinner. Something told him this woman was not simple. She appeared out of nowhere and became close to Wan Jia. Was there some sort of connection between them?

    Whatever. He would destroy whatever friendship they have. "Where is the video?" He asked.

    He was talking about the scene when the police confronted Wan Jia to arrest her.

    For all the tasks they were given, they would be required to record the scenes. This was because their boss and General Yun liked to watch evil scenes when they were in a bad mood. Especially General Yun, the sight of people getting tricked and framed or murdered in cold blood really excited him.

    The man retrieved the video from his email where he had sent earlier and showed it to his boss.

    "Good." he said and transferred it to his laptop.

    If he wanted to get to Wan Jia, he first had to deal with the people around her, starting with Lin Lihua.

    He played the video slowly, taking photos.

    In the end, he had one very interesting photo. The police seemed to be taking something from Lin Lihua while Wan Jia stared at her. He who knew the situation knew that she was just telling the police who she was by showing them her identity card.

    But those who didn''t know would only see a blurred card and a wide eyed Wan Jia. He had even edited them to look wider. That really looked like a scene of someone bribing the police.

    Why would a celebrity bribe the police? The answer was simple: she must have commited a crime.

    Yun Jifeng smirked. His father would be very proud of him. Hah! Lin Lihua, say goodbye to your beloved career.

    Sure enough, news of actress Lin Lihua bribing the police after commiting a crime erupted.

    "Damn those Yuns! I''ll kill them!" Lin Lihua cursed. She was in her mother''s house when she saw the news.

    "Lihua, what have the Yuns done?" asked Xia Rou worriedly.

    "It''s not something I can''t handle, mom. Just a little brainless slander."

    "If you can''t do it, then tell me and your father. Don''t tire yourself out, okay?" she patted her daughter''s head.

    "Okay mom, Lihua is a big girl now. I can deal with this small issue on my own."

    While it was ''brainless slander'' to her, this could have a huge impact on her career.

    Very soon, people began to notice the girl beside Lin Lihua in the photo.

    Yun Jifeng took advantage of the roar of questions to make the news more juicy.

    [Miss He is a wanted criminal.]

    [Actress Lin Lihua is hiding a fugitive. That''s a crime too] went the next headlines.

    As for the main story, they explained how Wan Jia was the daughter of the He family and separated from her parents at the age of nineteen, but she came back and set a bomb at her home.

    Lu Aotian read the newspaper and sneered. "Keep playing. When you reach the final level, I''ll join the game."

    "Brother, how should we deal with the relatives?" Lu Shaoting who was also looking at a newspaper asked.

    If the families of Mr. He, Mrs. He and the unfortunate servants learnt of this news, they would definitely want to sue Wan Jia or even kill her.

    These stupid Yuns had really pushed her into the eye of the storm.

    "We will not deal with them. I''ll just keep Wanwan safe." Lu Aotian said.

    "What if they take her away for interrogation?"

    "Take who away for interrogation? My wife?" In their dreams. "They will have to make sure she is free and willing to talk to them before they can come and talk to her at my house." His wife was innocent. Why would she have to go the police station?

    Lu Shaoting thought his brother was joking until he heard him arrange a date and time with the head of the police department.

 Chapter 137 - What is police?

    Yun Jifeng and his evil father almost died or rage when they heard Lu Aotian''s arrangement.

    "Who does he think he is to boss people around?" General Yun fumed.

    "He does have the power..." shrugged Yun Jifeng.

    "Well, he won''t be holding onto it much longer." General Yun scoffed and took out his phone.

    "Xuanxuan, are you free right now?....Yes, come home okay?"

    "Father, why are you calling that girl over?" They were doing something ilegal. Why would his father call Yun Xuan?

    "I need her help." he said.

    "Father, are you crazy? She''s your daughter and my sister."

    "All those girls I''ve used before are my daughters too, and aren''t you my son?" he was indifferent.

    "That''s different. Yun Xuan is the only daughter you love. You said you would never expose her to wickedness."

    "And I also promised to pamper her all her life. Haven''t I always loved her and given in to most of her demands? She should be glad that I kept one promise.

    Besides, she has never done anything useful all these years. She should be happy to return me this favour."

    Yun Jifeng looked at his father and sighed in his heart. He did not wish for Yun Xuan to be involved in this. Ever since they were children, he loved this sister of his very much, and he knew that she would never agree to do something of that sort.

    "Fine. If your daughter starts to hate you, just blame yourself." he said and walked off.

    General Yun frowned. His second son was becoming too brave. Now he could even walk out on him?

    Whatever! He''ll deal with him when he''s done.

    A while later, Yun Xuan arrived.

    "Dad, you interrupted my bonding time with Tyler. Is it because you miss me very much?" she had a fake smile on her face. Only heaven knew how much she hated being called by this man lately.

    "Yes, I miss my baby girl too much. Aren''t you going to give Daddy a hug?"

    Yun Xuan hugged him very briefly and retreated.

    "Haih! My daughter is all grown up and now prefers to hug another man to me. What can I do now?" he lamented.

    Yun Xuan secretly rolled her eyes. Can this man go straight to the point?

    "Xuanxuan, are you still with Tyler?" he asked.

    "Yes." she was honest.

    "Didn''t daddy ask you to think about something? Now that you are still with Tyler, should I take that as you rejected my arrangement?"

    "Dad, I can''t seduce an engaged man. Can you not ask me to do this? Why should I seduce him anyway, what do you want me to do to him?"

    "I''m not being unreasonable." he sighed. "Let me show you something."

    Then he showed her an email sent by Lu Aotian weeks ago. [Old man, I''ll destroy your whole family!]

    "Xuanxuan you see, he wants to destroy our family."

    The email had been sent when General Yun tried to mess with Lu Enterprise again. However, he did not tell his daughter this, making her think that Lu Aotian bore a grudge against her father.

    "Dad, if a man wants to destroy our family, wouldn''t he start by killing me?" she was scared.

    "The Lu family can''t hurt their family members. If you marry him, you''ll be part of the Lu family. Your safety will be guaranteed." he said.

    No wonder he wanted her to be Lu Aotian''s wife and not a girlfriend. Yun Xuan sighed. "Then, let me think about it a little more. You know if I lose Tyler..."

    "Xuanxuan, Daddy understands. Just don''t take too long, okay?"

    "Mmh."

    Keep waiting! Damn wicked man! Yun Xuan cursed mentally.

    ...

    Lu Aotian had agreed with the head of the police department that they would go to his home after a few days.

    Although they were displeased, this Was Lu Aotian they were dealing with. They could not complain.

    Hence on that friday, they arrived at Southside Villa wearing their uniforms but not in a police car. Lu Aotian had a servant bring them to the house.

    "You don''t have any funny items, do you?" Lu Aotian asked.

    The so called funny items were handcuffs.

    "No funny items." their head replied. They were all slightly scared being in Lu Aotian''s house.

    They sat in the living room quietly with Lu Aotian waiting for Wan Jia to dress up.

    "Daddy!" a beautiful childish voice filled the silent air. The little girl who was wearing a white dress rushed to her father to show him a drawing. To be exact, she had done her chaotic drawing again.

    "Daddy, who are these uncles?" she tilted her head to ask, looking curiously at the police officers.

    Lu Aotian chuckled. "They are called police." he said."

    Little Jia furrowed her little eyebrows.

    What on earth was ''police''? Why were they wearing the same clothes? And what was that black thing protruding from the waist of the uncle in the middle?

    Lu Aotian smiled at his daughter''s adorable questioning look. He beckoned her over and carried her on his lap. "Police are people who maintain law and arrest criminals."

    "What is ''criminals''?" In fact, what is ''law''?

    "People who do wrong things."

    She was silent for a few seconds before she widened her already big eyes. "Like eating candy when Daddy said not to?" she looked shocked then sad. Just a few days ago her daddy had said not to eat candy, but she convinced her uncle to buy her some. Was this why her daddy had called these uncles over? Were they here to arrest her? What did ''arrest'' mean anyway?

 Chapter 138 - Useless interrogation

    "Wuu..." the little girl burst into tears.

    The policemen in the living room cowered in fright. This little girl just called Lu Aotian "daddy". Lu Aotian had a child? That wasn''t the point. Their presence had made a prominent little miss cry, weren''t their lives over now?

    Lu Aotian laughed at his scared daughter, making the policemen even more shocked at how gentle he could be.

    "Princess, why are you crying?"

    "Are they here to...to..." she sniffled as she rubbed her teary eyes.

    "To arrest you? No, you''re not a criminal. Why would they arrest you?"

    She burried her face into her father''s chest for protection. "But...but...Little Jia ate candy."

    She was admitting her crimes? What a good citizen.

    He rubbed her back as he smiled. This little girl''s logic..."Now, for that you will get a punishment from Daddy. These uncles will not arrest you for that."

    Hearing that she was safe, she stopped crying. Then she looked up to her father''s face and asked, "Daddy, what is to ''arrest''?

    Lu Aotian had a headache. Was she this ignorant?

    "Oh, you''re here already." Wan Jia had finished dressing up and came down.

    She looked at Little Jia whose eyes were still wet from crying. "Aotian, what did you do to my baby this time?"

    "She was just scared." he said to her, then looked at the men. "You guys may start now. Princess, go play with your nanny for a while."

    Little Jia shook her little head. She did not want to go.

    "Let her stay. She will not understand anything anyway." Wan Jia said.

    The room turned serious.

    With Lu Aotian present, they would not be able to make things difficult for Wan Jia and could only be polite.

    "Miss Wan Jia, what was your relationship with the He family?" their leader asked.

    "No beating around the bush." Lu Aotian scolded before she could answer.

    Who were they kidding? He already knew who was pushing them to frame her and of course that wicked man they were working for must have told them her identity.

    The leader cowered and rephrased his question. "Miss Wan Jia, could you explain in detail what happened?"

    "Wait, Miss Wan Jia, do you mind if I record this conversation?"

    Wan Jia did not mind, but Lu Aotian gave him a warning look, if he had any funny motives...

    Wan Jia gave them a brief narration. "I only went to ask them something. They answered me and I left."

    "Miss Wan Jia, could you be precise? What did you ask them and what was their answer?"

    "I''m sure you know that I grew up in that family. I only went to ask if my biological mother had ever dropped by."

    Wan Jia did not want to reveal too many details because Lu Aotian had already alerted her that this could be part of Yun Jifeng''s scheme. She had to be careful in case her words were used against her.

    After asking her a few irrelevant questions, they ended their interrogation and were ready to leave.

    All this while, a certain little girl did not hear a thing. She was busy studying the leader''s waist. What was that black thing, was it part of his belt? She was really curious. She really wanted to go near it and poke it. If she knew that it was a gun, she would probably scream in fear.

    "I won''t see you off." Lu Aotian said.

    Then he looked at them sternly. "Who else did you see apart from Wan Jia and I?"

    "No one!" they shook their heads in unison.

    How unfortunate! They would have earned a huge bonus from Yun Jifeng if they told him that Lu Aotian and Wan Jia had a daughter, but they would rather keep it to themselves and preserve their lives.

    ...

    "Honey, will they really keep quiet? We should have sent Little Jia to the old residence before they came."

    "Don''t worry. They wouldn''t speak a word of it."

    They were scared of Lu Aotian''s vengeance just as much as they were scared of hell. Besides, it was good for Little Jia to meet different people. She was going to be taken to school soon, and she would come in contact with different people. Also, when that time comes, her existence would be known. Even if those officers spoke about her, it wouldn''t cause too much of an impact.

    "Okay, so what now?" Wan Jia asked.

    He held her waist and pulled her against his body. "Obviously, they wanted to use tricky questions and misinterpretation to make it seem like you admitted to the crime. They were just scared because I was present. Just keep calm and let your man deal with these things, mmh?"

    "If you say so." she kissed his lips.

    ___

    "What in the world! This is all you got?" Yun Jifeng bellowed.

    What kind of questions were they even asking? Didn''t they know to ask questions that would make that girl implicate herself? How useless!

    "Boss, they said that Lu Aotian was present. They didn''t dare to ask any of those questions."

    Yun Jifeng who had always been proud and full of himself erupted. "So what if Lu Aotian was there? Is he a god? Am I any less powerful than him? Don''t they know to respect me? Would they rather offend me, huh?"

    The poor subordinate was struggling in his heart. He really wished he could tell his boss that Lu Aotian was indeed way more powerful than him, and that he and his father were digging their own graves by messing with his woman.

 Chapter 139 - The grand plan

    After failing to use interrogation to frame her, the Yun father and son resorted to incite the deceased''s relatives. It did not even require much effort.

    The relatives were already agitated to begin with, they only had to push them a little.

    "The best outcome is that she gets sentenced to death. But just in case that doesn''t happen, I will make sure she stays in the headlines for some time. Even if that damned Lu Aotian pulls some connections and clears her name, she''ll forever be named a murderer. Everyone will shun her and she will never be accepted in society." An evil glint flashed in Yun Jifeng''s eyes as he said.

    General Yun let out a spooky chuckle. "My son is finally growing up. It seems I did not teach you for nothing."

    Yun Jifeng smirked, not knowing that one day he would have a generous amount of regret for following his father.

    He thought about his mother. That woman was too stupid. She wanted to use Wan Jia to protect her own daughter? How stupid. She should take a good look at herself and see if she could give birth to a girl with that face.

    Yun Jifeng did not know who Wan Jia''s mother was, but he was sure that they must look alike since Wan Jia did not look anything like General Yun.

    ...

    Southside Villas,

    In the study room.

    "Bro, the fish is hooked. Old Master He is planning to sue sister-in-law."

    Lu Aotian tapped his fingers on the arm rest and gave a generous smile. "This should be their most grand plan. To send Wanwan to prison."

    Lu Shaoting silently lit a candle for the Yuns in his heart. Just how idle were the Yun father and son to try and frame his brother''s woman? Were their lives too long and boring?

    Sure enough, Wan Jia recieved a summon from court just three days later, she had been accused of murder. Considering the number of people involved, she would surely be given the death sentence if not proven innocent.

    That night, Lu Aotian found her standing silently on the balcony with the wind swaying her long hair. She looked distressed.

    He hugged her from behind and kissed her neck."Do you not trust your man anymore?"

    Wan Jia rubbed his arms that were on her tummy. "I trust you. I''m just scared that even if I''m proven innocent, I''ll have to bear the title of a suspect of murder....I can''t believe my grandpa sued me." She sighed. The second part was the most sensitive. As her grandfather, he had watched her grow up and knew her character.

    Even if, just like her parents, he was hurt by the discovery years ago, even if he was grieving his only son, grandson and daughter-in-law, shouldn''t he know best what her character is like? Surely he knew she was capable of doing such a thing...

    But he chose to believe the false accusations..

    Or perhaps, he believed she was innocent but only wanted to vent his loss...

    Wan Jia balled her fists and blinked rapidly to avoid tears from falling.

    This was totally the case of being robbed and then being accused of robbery.

    Well, it was way worse. This involved more than five lives. All thanks to The Yuns'' influence on the news, the matter had blown up and practically everyone had heard of it.

    Everywhere she went, she would hear people gossip about the girl who was so ungrateful as to kill her own family. They called her a psychopath and a monster, a devil in the guise of an angel. Wan Jia did not even feel like going out of the house anymore.

    Lin Lihua too suffered endless insults from her fans for siding with a criminal.

    "What''s your plan?" She asked Lu Aotian softly.

    "How did you know I have a plan?"

    "You just told me to trust you. Doesn''t that mean you have a way of handling it?" She said as she playfully pinched his arms.

    Lu Aotian let her pinch him to her satisfaction. "Turns out my darling is not entirely silly." He smiled.

    "Are you saying that I''m silly?" She was unhappy.

    "Not anymore." Before she could complain, he added. "Let it be a surprise then."

    "Okay. I wouldn''t understand it if you told me some of those complicated methods of yours anyway." She said.

    "Let''s go to sleep. It''s getting late." He said and swept her off her feet.

    "Aotian, aren''t you scared?" She asked with slightly wet eyelashes.

    "What should I be scared about?"

    "You know what they say, the company you keep depicts your character. Don''t you know that you will forever be labelled as the psycho''s husband? Even worse, Little Jia will be called the murderer''s daughter?"

    Lu Aotian silently took her into his room and lay her gently on the huge soft bed. "You should know better than anyone if you''re a murderer or not."

    "But the news...you know not everyone will believe my innocence, right? It just had to happen when I''m slightly popular. Couldn''t it happen before I became known?" She sighed.

    Lu Aotian kissed her forehed. "Don''t think too much about it. You have me by your side. Even if you were really a bad person, I would stand by your side. Let alone now that you are innocent."

    Wan Jia put her insecurities aside and nestled in his embrace. With constant comfort from her man, she drifted off to sleep.

 Chapter 140 - The perfect couple

    In the blink of an eye, a few days had passed. Lin Lihua lay casually on the sofa in her mother''s house as she read the ridiculous news. It was the night before the court hearing.

    Too bad she had no way to help her sister this time. If she stepped in, she would cause even more implication. Fortunately, Wan Jia had Lu Aotian. She really hoped he had a way to prove her innocence.

    He had to have a way...or else he wouldn''t be Lu Aotian.

    Her mother, who was preparing dinner in the kitchen, suddenly cursed. The loud clattering of things falling was heard.

    "Mom!" Lin Lihua ran to the kitchen. She held her mother''s hand and spun her, checking if she was hurt anywhere.

    Xia Rou pulled her daughter aside and stormed to her room. Moments later, Lin Lihua heard her scolding like thunder on phone.

    "Yun, You f*cking b*****d! What the f*ck do you want?!"

    Lin Lihua froze. She had found out?

    Due to her poor health and past record of heart problems, Lin Lihua had tried her best to hide the news about Wan Jia being sued from her. How did she find out?

    ___

    Tonight was a very good night for General Yun. Sitting on a mighty sofa in a casino, his mood was especially nice. Just a few hours. In just a few hours, Wan Jia would be dead. And for a crime she did not even commit...it made him happy.

    At last, he would get rid of that little disobedient thing. The best part was if she was killed, Lu Aotian would surely break down, making him vulnerable. He would use the chance to sieze Lu Enterprise, killing two birds with one stone.

    The evil man poured wine into a long wineglass and sipped on it, two beautiful voluptious girls trying to please him by dancing and massaging him. They looked quite young- not older than twenty five.

    An unknown caller ID flashed on his phone screen. He swiped the screen mindlessly then in the next second he heard a voice he had not heard in years.

    Yun, you f*cking b*****d, what the f*ck do you want?

    He breathed in to calm his suddenly racing heart, then he pushed away the girl who was just about to sit her seductive backside on his lap.

    "Heh, my beautiful flower. I knew you were alive." He taunted. He was both excited and angry.

    The woman on the other end was angry at his way of speaking. "Beautiful flower your dirty backside! What exactly do you want?" She screamed.

    "She''s your daughter, isn''t she?" He asked in an angry tone.

    "What does that have to do with you?! Just leave her alone!"

    He lowered his tone significantly. "Rou, you know how much I loved you, don''t you? I still do. Come back to me. My flower, if you come back, I''ll stop bothering that little girl. She isn''t that fun to mess with anyway."

    Xia Rou sneered. Go back to him? As if she had wanted to be with him in the first place! "Yun, I''m warning you! I''ll expose you if you don''t stay away from her." She threatened.

    General Yun sneered. "Huh, expose me? You and what army? Do you even have any evidence?"

    Right, evidence. Xia Rou slapped her forehead. She had none. If she had any, would she stay in hiding like this? Would she hide from her daugher in fear? She would have brought him to justice years ago.

    General Yun enjoyed the silence and knew from the silence that she was feeling defeated. He twirled his glass and said smugly, "You know, flower, I can tolerate it if you treat me a little badly because it''s you. I''m quite used to your hostility." He sipped his wine.

    "Since you called me, you can choose to come back. I''ll divorce my wife and marry you.

    I''ll forget about that person. We can be the perfect couple we failed to be." He paused tauntingly, before he changed his tone into an evil one.

    "However, that little Wan Jia is not you. If you offend me, I''ll take it out on her. I don''t care even if she is my daughter."

    "..."

    "Rou, she looks just like you when you were younger. Do you know how much that irritates me? It makes me miss you and hate her. But if you come, it will be different. I''ll acknowledge her and marry you. We''ll be the most perfect family."

    Xia Rou almost threw up. How can that man say such disgusting things? With a straight face? She hung up the call and stared into space.

    Some things had been kept hidden for years. She had avoided him for two whole decades. Why did she call him? Why did she have to hear some of those disgusting things he had said years ago?

    What was she thinking?

    Xia Rou, you idiot, what were you thinking?

    What if he makes it even worse for Wan Jia? what if he tells her the truth right now and makes her daughter hate her?

    "Mom! Mom, are you alright?" Lin Lihua knocked the door.

    "Mom, open the door."

    "Mom?"

    The knocking came to a stop and she heard foosteps rushing away.

    A while later, she heard them rushing back then the door was unlocked from outside.

    "Mom, are you okay?" The worried Lin Lihua rushed to her. She had sat on the floor in tears.

    Lin Lihua''s heart clenched. "Get up, mom. The floor is cold."

 Chapter 141 - Who exactly had evil intentions?

    Lin Lihua had very many questions to ask. She wanted to ask, Was General Yun really Wan Jia''s father? Why was she with him years ago? What did he do to her to make her break down like this?

    However, she decided against it. The only person who could talk to Xia Rou about that man was her father.

    ...

    The next day.

    The number of people in the courtroom was a little larger than expected. Apart from a few fake witnesses hired by General Yun, there were also friends of Grandfather He, the few family members and a few media personell who had been allowed entry.

    Since Wan Jia wanted to keep a low profile, no one from the Lu family was present. However, Lu Aotian had hired the best lawyer for Wan Jia. He also had his ways of watching the livestream. Lin Lihua made her way to court too and would secretly livestream the proceedings to her mother.

    General Yun did not want to waste too much time on that little girl and had especially pulled strings to make it fast.

    Without wasting any time, Grandfather He''s lawyer produced evidence.

    This was the recording from the city surveillance cameras. It had been cut into two parts; the part where she entered the compound and when she left just before the explosion.

    After exhibiting the evidence, the judge looked like he was in a rush to pass his sentence. "Since the evidence produced is undeniable, I..."

    "Objection." Wan Jia''s lawyer spoke up. This was Lawyer Zhen. He had never lost any case before. In fact the judge was a little shaken when he saw him earlier.

    He shot Lawyer Zhen a glance while he hid his nervousness.

    "You have only listened to the plaintiff''s side and now you want to pass a verdict, without giving my client a chance to defend herself? What judicial law are you following? Hey, have you been bribed?"

    Lin Lihua bit her lip to hold in her laughter. Apart from Lawyer Zhen, who would say such brave things in a court session?

    The judge adjusted his glasses awkwardly. "If you have anything to say in your defense, speak up and not waste everyone''s time." He said.

    Why were they wasting time? There was no evidence to clear this girl''s name. She did not even have a single witness. That man had promised him, he only had to sentence her to death.

    He had already recieved ten million and would be given another ten when the girl was killed. Then he would flee the country with his family. His family would live in luxury even if he died. Even if the truth would be revealed later, it would be too late.

    Still, he feinged a relaxed attitude and listened to this cunning lawyer. Whatever! Unless they had solid proof, she would not get away.

    He even made a back up plan mentally. If they produced evidence that was slightly valid, he would just stall for time and ask for the girl to be detained until the next hearing.

    Before the next hearing, he would just ask someone to create an ''accident'' and kill her.

    Lawyer Zhen looked at Grandfather He''s lawyer.

    "You claim my client killed the He family. What motive would she have to do that?"

    Before he could speak, Grandfather He bellowed. "She hates us! She was brought up by my son but just because she was sent out, she bore a grudge and came back to kill us off. She always bore ill intentions."

    Lawyer Zhen''s mouth twitched. Such a stupid teammate is bound to burn you to death.

    He asked for a certain video to be played.

    (Young master He: Who said we were going to let you go? ....Capture her!)

    "I wonder who haboured evil intentions against the other?"

    Everyone was silent.

    Not giving them time to retaliate, he went ahead and played a full video, of Wan Jia entering the house, talking to them then leaving.

    "You can all see that my client did not do anything apart from talk and leave. When did she plant a bomb?"

    "How could she do that on her own? She may have colluded with someone else." the other laywer argued.

    "You won''t give up will you?" Lawyer Zhen smirked then played two more videos. One of Yun Jifeng''s man giving something to young master He then another of that man slipping something through a window.

    "This man was not seen entering the compound, but the host was not surprised to see him. Doesn''t this mean they knew each other?"

    The other lawyer had no way to retaliate. They indeed looked familiar with each other...

    Minutes ago he had already given the city surveillance video to prove that Wan Jia was the only outsider who entered the compound. How could they explain this person?

    Lawyer Zhen had not only proven that Wan Jia did not do anything apart from ask them about that woman, he had also pushed the ball back to them. How were they going to explain that man?

    There was nothing to tie him to Wan Jia, but he had been proven to have connections with a member of their family.

    With such irrefutable evidence, the judge had to regretfully declare Wan Jia innocent and talk about investigating the real murderer.

    Lawyer Zhen added at the end of it, "My client has been accused of such a grave crime, affecting her reputation and that of the people close to her. Therefore, allow us to sue Elder He for defamation."

 Chapter 142 - Devils from hell

    So much like Lu Aotian. Wan Jia smiled. Indeed, birds of a feather flock together.

    In the end, not only was Grandfather He sued, even the media houses that reported Wan Jia as a criminal and pulled Lin Lihua into the matter were also in trouble.

    They were sued for reporting false news that caused misunderstandings and defamation.

    Lawyer Zhen gave the judge a ''you''re-next'' look.

    He had dared to take a bribe to judge a case with a possible death penalty. Some people''s level of humanity...

    ...

    Later that day.

    "You damn fools!" Yun Jifeng growled. "Can''t you do something so simple? You have wasted all my efforts!"

    Then he looked at the man who planted the bomb. "And you! Couldn''t you disguise yourself? Did you want to proudly show it to the world that you know how to plant explosives? Take the blame yourself! Can''t even do one simple thing, all of you are going to pay!"

    He had failed again. How would he explain this to his father?

    ...

    Wan Jia went home happily. She hugged her man who had taken the afternoon off to be with her.

    "Lawyer Zhen is so cool! Too too cool and so handsome! No wonder he can get hired by my man!"

    Lu Aotian was a little unhappy about his woman praising another man to the heavens and calling him handsome. Can''t you praise me instead? I arranged all the evidence.

    "More handsome than me?" he asked unhappily.

    She wrapped her arms around his neck. "Please, is there anyone more handsome than you? Even if there is, he would not be that handsome. My eyes only have you in them." she pacified.

    "Aotian, how did you get all those videos? Can those tiny cameras of yours really capture such clear videos with perfect audios?"

    "Nope. They only get videos. You helped us with the audios then we combined them."

    She was confused. "Eer, what are you saying? How come I don''t remember anything of the sort? Did you hypnotise me at some point?"

    Lu Aotian smiled and pinched her chin. "Do you even need hypnosis? I simply hugged you."

    "Hugged..." she remembered the very embarassing hug right before she got out of the car. This man disregarded his brother''s presence and just groped her. Could it be..."

    "Did you put something on me?" she looked into his eyes.

    "Correct. Turns out my little wife is not entirely stupid."

    "Who did you say is stupid?! You are stupid.

    Anyway, why did you not tell me clearly? You just had to do it in such an embarassing way!" she complained.

    "If I told you, you would look distracted in the video. Wouldn''t you get suspected?"

    She furrowed her eyebrows. "What''s with all this arrangement? Did you know they were trying to frame me?"

    "Not really. We only wanted to monitor the sorroundings. Shaoting recorded everything to view later. It''s just a coincidence that we needed the recordings later." he explained.

    Wan Jia was impressed. This pair of brothers...

    ___

    After the latest news spreading, Yun Jifeng was not the only one in shock.

    "I knew she was being framed!" Yun Xuan exclaimed in Tyler''s apartment. "I knew Wanwan would not do such a thing."

    Due to an emergency in her studio, she was not able to go and show support to her friend today. However, she had believed from the beginning that Wan Jia was innocent. She was just shocked that there was someone on earth who could come up with such a crazy scheme just to frame someone.

    Just who on earth had her friend offended? Was that person even human? They were practicaly a devil from hell!

    The devils from hell, Yun Jifeng and General yun, sneezed from the curses.

    Yun Xuan continued lamenting. "Oh Wanwan, such an innocent little thing. How could she be framed for such a huge crime? Does she even look like she can do it?"

    Tyler gave her a side eye. "That''s just what you think. Honestly I don''t think she''s really a hundred percent innocent. How did she know what was going to happen and secretly recorded videos?"

    Yun Xuan listened to what he had to say then her heart sank. "Hey! Can you not try to slander my friend? I''m her friend, I trust her. I know her character very well. Don''t you know how long we have known each other?"

    "Darling, it doesn''t matter how long you have known her. You can know someone all your life, but they could still turn out to be different from what you thought. I don''t want you to be decieved." he said with a double meaning.

    "Are you talking about my father? Tyler, Wanwan is not my father. Even if someone has hidden intentions, it has to be close to their personality. Just think of how innocent Wanwan is. She''s always the one at the end of the stick. If you try to slander her, I won''t have it going nice with you!" she pushed him off her.

    Tyler shut up. He really wanted to tell her, if someone has evil intentions, you can tell it from their character. You just have to think about it closely, you will surely find traces.

    Yun Xuan ignored him for the umpteenth time and called Wan Jia.

    "Wanwan, let''s have dinner together....You''re having dinner with Lu Aotian? Then let''s go shopping tomorrow....Urgh you''re so boring. Dinner tomorrow then."

 Chapter 143 - As expected

    The next day, Wan Jia went shopping with Lin Lihua.

    Lin Lihua was going to buy a gown for Qing Tai media''s anniversary. She dragged Wan Jia along to help her chose the best gown, as well as to congratulate her on winning the case.

    After they looked around for a long time, Wan Jia finally spotted a beautiful gown.

    "Sis Lihua, you are bold and elegant, I am sure this red gown would suit you best. Its design looks good and the color is bright." Most importantly, it would compliment her beautiful skin perfectly.

    Lin Lihua''s closet was mostly full of black or equally dull colors, perhaps she had never worn anything red since she started her acting career.

    Since Wan Jia said it would look nice, however, she didn''t give it a second thought and bought it. Trying new things never killed anyone anyway.

    "Sis Lihua, I made a promise to go for dinner with Yun Xuan." she said after the attire was chosen.

    "What a bummer, I wanted to cook for my beautiful Little Wan." Lin Lihua said. Serves her right for not speaking up in advance. Not only was she going to cook for Wan Jia, she was also planning to call Xia Rou over.

    "Sorry Sis Lihua, I''ll let you cook for me the next time. We can cook together." Wan Jia smiled.

    Lin Lihua secretly glanced at her delicate hands. Those little hands can cook? She would really like to see them in action. The last time she tried to teach her to bake, the result was tragic...

    ...

    After parting with Lin Lihua and promising to go over to her apartment soon, Wan Jia made her way to The Best restaurant.

    She texted Yun Xuan [I''m already at The Best. Where are you?]

    Yun Xuan arrived in less than a minute. "Right on time!" she exclaimed and hugged her friend.

    "Wanwan, I''m sorry I didn''t come to show my support yesterday. My studio is quite busy, you know, with the Jade Fashion Week coming up and all that."

    "Oh, I understand."

    "You''re not participating?" she asked.

    "No. I don''t belong to any company yet." That, and the fact that she was not even qualified. After all, she had only amazed the world with one competition and gone all silent after that. Most importantly, her forte was clothes and not jewelery. The Jade fashion week was mainly focused on jade jewelery.

    They chatted for a while before Yun Xuan asked the question she was most concerned about. "Who would want to frame you so badly? I heard that man was arrested yesterday but this morning he bit his tongue and chocked to death."

    "Hmmh!" Wan Jia had been busy picking out an outfit with Lin Lihua and had not heard this news.

    "Wanwan, don''t you think it''s a coincidence, you were clearly accused of what he did but then just as soon as he is arrested, he dies even before the day of his court hearing is set."

    Wan Jia sipped on her freshly squeezed orange juice and didn''t say anything about it. It was just as she and Lu Aotian had predicted the night before. In fear that the man would tell on them, the other side were definitely going to find a way to kill him.

    She had expected it. It just happened sooner than she thought. Sighing, she really pitied Yun Xuan in her heart.

    My dear innocent Xuan, I''m afraid that man did not bite his tongue. I''m sure it was cut off. As for who was the mastermind, did she need to think aloud?

    "Wanwan, are you even listening?" Yun Xuan nudged her. "Just who did you offend?"

    Wan Jia absentmindedly spoke. "Who did I offend? Could it be anyone else?"

    "Are you saying my dad did this?" Yun Xuan widened her blue eyes.

    Wan Jia looked aside. "Not your father, your brother."

    Yun Xuan''s heart trembled. "Which brother?"

    "Yun Jifeng."

    "Haha!" Yun Xuan laughed. "Wanwan, you''re taking freshly squeezed orange juice, not wine. Are you drunk from that?"

    Wan Jia remained silent.

    "You''re joking, right?"

    Wan Jia sneered sarcastically. "Yes, I''m joking. It''s quite funny, isn''t it?"

    Yun Xuan did not understand. "Why would Old Two do that?"

    "To use the hands of the law to kill me. Since I didn''t die in the explosion, he wanted to get me to take the blame and die for that. He would have covered his tracks and used someone else to get rid of me, killing two birds with one stone."

    "And what makes you very sure that it is Old Two and not anyone else?" she asked.

    Wan Jia looked cold. "He''s the one who made me go to that place. He came up with this weird story about meeting my biological mother...now that I think about it, that story had too many loopholes. And when I went, that incident happened It must have been his set up."

    "That''s scary.." Yun Xuan mumbled. Was that really her brother that Wan Jia was talking about? Then she remembered Lu Aotian''s email that her father had shown her. She raised an eyebrow and asked,"If I''m correct, You and Old Two are not close. When did he tell you that so called story?"

    "On the day of your engagement dinner, he followed me out."

    Yun Xuan thought about it even harder. On that night, Yun Jifeng was on her left and Tyler on her right. How come she didn''t remember seeing Yun Jifeng follow Wan Jia?

 Chapter 144 - Dramatic outburst

    Yun Xuan looked at her friend and thought deeply...

    Then she asked Wan Jia, "On my engagement dinner, Old Two spoke to you? But I didn''t see the two of you speak to each other."

    Wan Jia decided to be honest. "I only went to take a breather. He followed me out and told me all those lies."

    "That''s weird. The only time he left my side was when he went to call his girlfriend."

    Wan Jia felt like this Yun Jifeng was not your everyday schemer. So he had even been cautious against his sister suspecting him..."He really looked for me. What if he called his girlfiend first then came to me, or what if the girlfriend was just a cover?" She reasoned.

    Bang!

    Yun Xuan suddenly slammed her hands on the table. "That''s it Wanwan! Why are you trying so hard to frame my brother in front of me?" She snarled.

    Luckily, it was a private room and the sound proofing was quite good. Otherwise, this outburst would have made dramatic headlines.

    "Why would I frame your brother? He really did find me, he talked me into believing his lies and...it can''t be coincidental. He must be behind this."

    Yun Xuan got even angrier. "Are you done?"

    Wan Jia wanted to change the topic but this matter was too much to be casually tossed under the matt. "Why would I lie to you? Lu Aotian has the recording. If you don''t believe me..."

    Yun Xuan glared at her and shouted. "Lu Aotian has a recording? What recording? Something you pieced up together to sow discord between me and my brother? I''ve known Old Two for twenty one years. I grew up with him. Are you trying to say I don''t know him well enough? You think I don''t know his character? It''s in fact you whose motives I don''t know!"

    She did not let Wan Jia speak and continued. "You know, I didn''t realize before but now I do. Your stupid man clearly swore to destroy my family. Why did I believe you?

    You are clearly on his side. Haha, how stupid was I? You made me believe that my dad is a criminal and now you are doing the same for my brother? I was so crazy to trust you, to treat you as my friend."

    "Xuan..."

    "Shut up! Shut the hell up! Ha ha! The joke is on me for thinking I had a good friend. What good friend? More like disgusting lying b*tch! I didn''t understand before why the He family threw you out but now I do. It is because you''re such a disgusting liar! They must have seen your true colors back then. If I was your parents, I would have thrown you out when you were nine. I pity them a lot for having to withstand you for all those years. You know what, He Wan Jia? No wonder all you could do best even years ago was be a cheap substitute!"

    Cheap substitute?.... Was this what her friend thought of her?

    As if not enough, she added even more hurtful words.

    "Even the company you keep these days are actresses, liars and pretenders just like you! Hah! No wonder even your own mother couldn''t stand you and swapped you out!"

    Forget about dragging Lin Lihua into this inocently.

    ''No wonder even your mother couldn''t stand you and swapped you out...?''

    That was the most hurtful thing she had ever heard.

    It was her weakness. Yun Xuan, her so called friend of three years, just had to trod ruthlessly on her weakness...

    Wan Jia wanted to scream at her. She wanted to curse her, grab her hair and yell at her to take it back. However, she just sat there dumbfounded, then she stood, paid the bill quietly and left.

    Ha ha. They had been friends. For more than three years, they had called each other ''best friends''.

    Was this what friends did to each other? She knew Yun Xuan had always had a bad temper but this?

    Even if you don''t trust what your friend is saying about your family and believe in your family instead, is it necessary to say such hurtful words?

    ....Your mother couldn''t stand you...

    Those words kept replaying in her mind as tears stubbonly clouded her vision. She did not want to cry. She did not want to waste her emotions on a woman who had no feelings for her. Did she really not miss her? Not even a tiny bit?

    ''Mother, is what Xuan said true?

    Did you really leave me because you couldn''t stand me?

    Is that why, even years after I was thrown out by the He family, you never showed up?

    Mommy, do you know how much I wish to know you?

    I don''t care about the past. I''ll forget about the past, alright?

    Even if you don''t like me, can I please see you once? Just once...''

    ...

    Wan Jia did not know how she arrived home. The first thing she did was search "Zhang Li" on her laptop.

    She got no information. Not even a single word about her.

    Switching off her laptop, she broke down in tears.

    "My love, what happened?" Lu Aotian came home from work only to find his little fianc¨¦e curled up in bed, crying like a baby.

    She threw herself into Lu Aotian''s arms and sobbed her heart out. Lu Aotian held her gently and patted her back until she stopped crying.

    "Yun Xuan and I...we are not friends anymore."

 Chapter 145 - Childish

    Wan Jia did not talk about the reason she and Yun Xuan had a fall out. She only cried in Lu Aotian''s arms. Of course, he did not ask about it either. If she wanted to talk about it, she would open up on her own.

    The little woman in his arms hugged his waist and burried her head into his chest, letting all her sadness out.

    Eventually, she told him about how Yun Xuan had scolded her and called her a lying b*tch for slandering Yun Jifeng. She ommited those painful parts about her parents not wanting her because they were just superficial insults.

    Had Yun Xuan met her mother and heard those things from her? Of course not. No one had.

    I haven''t either.

    "My love, you just broke up with a girl. One who isn''t worthy of your love and affection for that matter.Why are you crying so much? If I didn''t know better, I would think you have broken up with your husband." he pinched her now reddish cheeks.

    She looked up at him and sniffled. Did he mean that if she broke up with her husband, she was free to cry as much as she wanted? Urgh...can he not curse their relationship?

    That wasn''t the point. The main point was, someone who was capable of using her weakness to shame and humiliate her really did not deserve to be called her friend.

    Right. Why was she wasting her tears on her?

    She had better people to think about: Grandfather Qian, Sis Lihua, Little Jia and Lu Aotian. In fact, she also had Lu Tongyan and Lu Shaoting.

    ***

    In the next four months, Wan Jia really forgot about Yun Xuan. Or rather, she did not care about her at all.

    Ever since that evening at The Best restaurant, she completely pushed Yun Xuan out of her mind.

    The position of ''best friend'' was confidently occupied by Lu Aotian, Little Jia and Lin Lihua, who seemed to fight for her attention all the time. Every time Lin Lihua called her out, Lu Aotian and Little Jia would collude to stop her from going.

    Talking of Lin Lihua, Wan Jia had her guard up a little just in case they fell out. However, overally, she trusted her a lot.

    To put it simply, it was enough trust for Wan Jia to share with her important things in her life, such as her history with Yun Xuan and the existence of Little Jia.

    She had once told Lin Lihua that she had a daughter called Little Jia, she was going to let them meet the next morning.

    Ever since their first meeting, it would be the first time ever for Lin Lihua to visit her home. All this while, it had always been her going to Lin Lihua''s apartment. She had even gone to Lin Lihua''s parents'' home two or three times and her parents were especially kind.

    "That was fast. Four months have already passed." she sighed warmly onto Lu Aotian''s bare chest. He had just finished taking a shower when his little love clung onto his waist.

    "Yes yes, four months. Yet you haven''t married me yet. You don''t even look like you want to." he complained.

    Wan Jia laughed, delivering warm air onto his skin. "That will happen soon. Let''s settle everything else first."

    Her everything else was all about her career. As for who her parents were, she had mentally given them six months. If they did not appear, she would forget they exist.

    "My love, should I remind you that my chest is currently exposed?" Not only was his chest exposed, he only had a towel losely drapped around his lower body. It looked like it would fall if she tugged it a little.

    However, this naughty thing did not mind at all. She in fact liked to hug his firm body after his showers. Strange addiction....was she forgetting that he was a man?

    Wan Jia retreated shyly when she felt something hardening between them.

    Lu Aotian cursed. Naughty thing! She only knew how to ignite fires without any intention of extinguishing them.

    "Sis Lihua is coming tomorrow." she changed the topic.

    Lu Aotian played along since he would not have his way, "You are too close to her. I''m getting jealous."

    "Don''t be childish. What''s so close about letting her meet Little Jia? She would meet her soon anyway."

    "But you spend a lot of time with her and do things only people who are very close would do."

    "What have I done with her that I haven''t done with you?" she rolled her eyes.

    "It''s exactly because you''re treating us the same way that I feel jealous."

    Wan Jia held her forehead helplessly. This logic of his...Was he a two year old boy? Which grown up man would talk about his jealousy as if it was something to be proud of?

    "Just don''t pick unnecessary fights with her, okay?" she said.

    "Do I look that unreasonable to you? Why would I pick fights with a woman?"

    Wan Jia picked a set of clothes from the closet and shoved it to him. "Not only will you pick fights, you will throw tantrums and fight my baby Little Jia as well."

    "If you help me get dressed, I will not pick a fight."he smiled.

    "Childish!" she scolded, but still helped him. She blushed as she tried very hard not to glance at a certain territory while she was at it.

 Chapter 146 - Visit from Aunty Lihua

    The next day, Wan Jia dressed Little Jia in adorable dangarees. The pink top had a cute kitten print and her soft hair was in a ponytail.

    Unlike most young children, Little Jia was not shy to meet strangers and was even excited. She especially wanted to know this aunty Lihua that kept calling her mother and stealing her mommy from and her daddy.

    "Is Mommy also going to wear the same clothes?" she asked in a cute baby voice.

    Wan Jia almost laughed out loud. Wear such an attire...it looked so childish.

    Well, it was just meeting Lin Lihua. If they were going to an amusement park, the zoo or such places, it wouldn''t look odd to wear parent-child outfits.

    Nonetheless, her baby wanted it, so she asked the stylist to get her two more sets of those pink kitten tops. She would just wear them with jeans.

    An hour later,

    "You''re not asking me to wear this, are you?" Lu Aotian frowned as he looked at the childish tshirt in his hand.

    "Ha ha, yes you are. We are dressing up with Little Jia."

    It''s okay to dress up with Little Jia. But did she have to pull out the most girlish and childish thing on earth? It was even a babyish pink color.

    "Come on, you haven''t ever dressed up with Little Jia. Do it this once, okay?"

    It''s not that he hadn''t ever dressed up with Little Jia, he had. Many times as that. The only difference was that Little Jia would always dress as a little princess and he in his fancy suits would assume the role of a king.

    Lu Aotian looked at his naughty little fianc¨¦e who was wearing jeans with the same kitten top and on her head were kitten ears that she had just had the stylist prepare.

    In the end, he played along. They were not going anywhere after all.

    Lin Lihua arrived and was brought in by a servant while Wan Jia was almost done cooking.

    "Aunty!" Little Jia''s cute voice was heard.

    She had already been informed that Mommy''s friend called was coming over today. When she saw Lin Lihua, she knew that she had to be that friend they talked about.

    However, Lin Lihua''s name was a little difficult for her to pronounce so she just called her "aunty".

    Lin Lihua felt her heart melt when she heard the beautiful sounding "aunty". She looked at the little girl''s big bright eyes that looked even brighter when she smiled and called her. The kitty ears on her head made her look even more adorable.

    She bent down to pick the little girl up. "Oh, are you Little Jia? Such a good girl.

    How cute! So adorable. How can Little Wan have such a cute baby!"

    "Sis Lihua, you''re here. Please have a seat and take some juice. I''ll be done in a while." Wan Jia said as she rushed back to the kitchen.

    "No problem. This cute princess will keep me company." she took the little girl and sat her on her lap.

    Little Jia felt happy when Lin Lihua kept calling her cute and adorable. She pursed her lips timidly and placed a kiss on Lin Lihua''s cheek.

    Lin Lihua almost bled out of cuteness. She reached for her purse and took something out.

    "Little Jia, do you eat candy? Aunty Lihua brought you some." She had also brought her presents.

    At the mention of candy, Little Jia looked conflicted. Daddy always warned her not to eat too many sweet things to avoid harming her teeth. He was always the one to give her snacks once in a while.

    However, this aunty was giving her candy, and she had just called her cute. Would aunty be sad if she rejected it?

    "Aunty, can I ask Daddy?" she asked.

    Lin Lihua chuckled. "Of course. Before Daddy comes, take a look at these presents."

    She took out two wrapped presents from the bag she had brought.

    Little Jia loved presents. Since this was Mommy''s friend, she would not be too polite. She clumsily opened the first package while still sitting on Lin Lihua''s lap. "It''s a doll house!" she exclaimed.

    Lin Lihua smiled as the little girl examined the doll house happily. She even secretly took a photo of the little girl. This doll house had been carefully selected by Xia Rou when she heard that Lin Lihua was going to meet Wan Jia''s daughter.

    Then she proceeded to open the other package and took out a little fluffy kitten. "A kitten! Aunty, Is it real?" she looked at it in awe.

    Lin Lihua laughed. "No, it''s a toy. Aunty will get you a real one when you''re old enough to keep pets."

    She kissed Lin Lihua''s cheek again. "Thank you aunty! Little Jia loves aunty the most!"

    "Aunty loves Little Jia the most too!"

    "Really?" Lu Aotian groaned as he came down the stairs.

    Enough with this Lin Lihua! Not only had she stolen away his wife, now she was stealing his little princess too?

    "Long time no see Mr. Lu" Lin Lihua greeted.

    Lu Aotian simply greeted distantly and turned to Little Jia. "What happened to ''Little Jia loves Daddy the most''? Daddy is no more, huh?" he asked jealously.

    "Little Jia loves Daddy the most of most!"

    Lu Aotian smiled happily.

    "What about Mommy?" came the unhappy Wan Jia who had just finished setting the dining table.

    Little Jia fell into thought for a while.

    "Little Jia loves Mommy the most of most''s most!"

 Chapter 147 - Past, present and future

    What in the world was most of most''s most?

    Although Wan Jia wanted to laugh at what her baby just said, her heart was filled with warmth. Ultimately, she was Little Jia''s favorite. She smiled at Lu Aotian and made a face gloatingly.

    As they ate Lunch, Lin Lihua studied Little Jia in awe. She even took a few more photos.

    How even...? If it was only Wan Jia, it could be understood. But Little Jia also looked at least 70 percent like Xia Rou! Was there such a thing as multiple younger generation clonning in the world? The little differences were of course brought about by age difference and Little Jia''s slight resemblance to Lu Aotian.

    Apart from that and Wan Jia''s slight differences from her mother, they would look identical.

    Lin Lihua couldn''t help but wonder if that was how Wan Jia and Xia Rou looked when they were three.

    "Little Wan, your baby looks like she could be your past version. Can I take a photo of you two together?" She asked.

    Wan Jia nodded and let her take several photos as she fed the little girl.

    After the meal, they also took many more in the garden.

    "She seems to like you." Commented Wan Jia when the little girl practically stuck onto Lin Lihua. After playing around a lot, she clingily clutched onto Lin Lihua''s clothes and fell asleep. She even rejected her mother who wanted to take her to her room to sleep and nestled comfortably in her aunt''s embrace. Her cute sleeping face made Lin Lihua really wish to get married and have a child of her own.

    Lin Lihua smiled and thought. ''I''m her aunt. Of course she would like me.''

    "Little Wan, I need to prepare for a business meeting tomorrow. I will not stay much longer." She said after some time.

    Little Jia was the first to react. She woke up in a daze and looked up to Lin Lihua. "Aunty wants to leave?"

    "Mmh, aunty has work to do so aunty is leaving."

    She looked down sadly, then thought of something and became cheerful. "Then, aunty will come to play with Little Jia the next time?"

    "Yes." She promised and picked the little girl up. She kissed her on the forehead and tickled her neck a little.

    Little Jia was happy and returned the kiss onto Lin Lihua''s cheek.

    Lin Lihua smiled widely. That was the third kiss she had recieved from her niece! Her mother would be very jealous.

    ...

    As expected, Xia Rou felt very jealous. "Why don''t I get to see my granddaughter and hold her?" She couldn''t stop herself from smiling as she saw the beautiful photos of Little Jia.

    At the beginning, she was all neat and pretty then as the day advanced, she had played so much that her hair was now quite messy and her clothes looking crazy.

    "If Little Wan is the present, Little Jia is the past and you are the future." Lin Lihua joked.

    "Mom, when do you plan to tell her. Hasn''t it been very long?"

    "When I can make sure that man is put in prison. The evidence I gathered so far does not directly implicate him. He can push the responsibilities to other people." Xia Rou replied. This time, she was not as hopeless as she was months ago. At least she had gathered something. Besides, she knew Lu Aotian was also making his own plans. When General Yun is brought down, the risk would be gone so she would step out and reconcile with her daughter.

    ___

    Wan Jia bathed her daughter at night and put her to bed, then she went to find Lu Aotian in his room.

    "I think I''ve gained enough tips from Grandfather Qian."

    Lu Aotian pulled her into his arms. "So you want to enroll into a competition?"

    "Yeah. The Golden Hand Awards." That was the next designer Awards and it would happen in just over one month. That was coincidentally just enough time for her to prepare.

    In fact, Grandfather Qian had been grooming her for this lately. He knew that this would be a very important point in her career.

    "Under what studio?" Lu Aotian asked.

    Wan Jia rubbed her head against his chest, igniting a fire as she said, "that''s where I may need president Lu''s help."

    "Mmh...you mean you finally made up your mind to join Elite Fashion World?"

    "Mmh." She said timidly. She had not wanted to, but she had no choice as most of the other studios wanted weird terms such as to make her sign a life contract, make her work behind the scenes or make her the head designer. She only wanted a temporary contract because her ultimate goal was to start her own studio. These crazy people!

    Well, instead of getting into arguments with unreasonable CEOs, she may as well get help from her man.

    "It''s just temporary. I still want to start my own studio when I gain enough experience." she said.

    "You can just sign a lifetime contract. Your studio will be a subsidiary of Lu Enterprises." He reasoned.

    "What about Elite Fashion World?"

    "Don''t worry, EFW will be the husband, your studio will be the wife." He said. He was serious about it.

    Some time ago, he had painstakingly drafted for her a one in a million contract. It would last up to a century after her death. That went to say that even if she died and reincarnated, the new her would still belong to Lu Enterprise.

 Chapter 148 - Aotian, lets...

    That went to say that even if she died and reincarnated, the new her would still belong to Lu Enterprise.

    "So is president Lu willing to sign me?" she asked seductively as she leaned on him.

    "For matters regarding subsidiaries of Lu Enterprise, please consult Vice President Lu." he said.

    She nodded then proposed, "My love, let''s make a deal. I''ll stay in EFW and my future studio will be a subsidiary of Lu Enterprise."

    "What''s the condition?"

    "The condition is that you cannot interfere with my work. That means you cannot deliberately make me work harder and you will not make it easier for me either. To put it simply, when we leave the house, you are the President of Lu Enterprise and I am a simple designer signed to Elite Fashion World."

    "What if you get bullied on your own?" That was his biggest worry. This little woman of his seemed to really attract attention wherever she went and those who were jealous of her would always try to sabotage her.

    She was a little brave but at the same time a little frail. Would she manage on her own?

    "If I get bullied then I''ll simply cry a little and retaliate. I''ll get stronger with time." she replied.

    "Then I''d like to see you transform from a frail little flower to a diamond." he kissed her forehead.

    In the next second, she looked at him in the eye. "How about I prove to you that I''m not frail?" Before he could say anything, his mouth was covered with warm soft lips.

    The girl seemed a little out of her mind. She wrapped her arms around his neck, deepening the kiss and pushing him towards the bed.

    He complied and let her push him to the bed. Her beautiful eyes gazed at him deeply, passion written all over them. She climbed on top of him with her hair falling onto his shoulders. Before he realized it, the shirt of his pajamas was gone.

    Wan Jia took his hand and led it towards her chest. She leaned in closer to whisper in his ear, "Aotian, let''s do it tonight." Her warm breath tickled his ear, making him impatient.

    With that one statement, it was as if something had been released from its cage in his body. He speechlessly turned her over and pinned her under him, kissing her neck, collarbone and chest as he got rid of her beautiful pajamas.

    Now, there was only underwear between them.

    He stopped kissing her body to look into her eyes. "You''re sure about this?" he asked hoarsely.

    "Mommy wuuu..."

    Before he got an answer, a pitiful cry from outside the door interrupted.

    "Damn it!" he cursed. Why was his daughter always the one to ruin his moments? He really wanted to ignore her.

    However, Wan Jia reacted fast. She pushed him aside, put on her pajamas at record speed as she shouted, "coming baby!"

    She forgot about Lu Aotian as she opened the door and picked her daugher up, carrying her into her room.

    "Baby, what happened?" she asked gently.

    "Mommy!" she cried.

    "Mmh?"

    "Mommy..."

    "What is it baby?"

    "Little Jia had a very bad dream. Very very bad." she rubbed her eyes using her little fists to wipe away her tears."

    Wan Jia hugged her closely. "Sorry baby. Mommy will help you kill the ghosts. Then you will sleep with Mommy tonight, okay?"

    "Yes mommy."

    The ignored Lu Aotian whose perfect moment had just been ruined must have been speechless.

    ___

    In another part of the capital, Yun Xuan was worriedly going through some files in Tyler''s apartment. Within the past four months, their relationship had progressed so well that she permanently moved in with him. Her father had no problems about it since she would still go to spend time with him whenever he was home.

    Compared to the time when she deliberately ignored him after finding out some dark things about him, they were now very close.

    She had decided to believe that, even homicidal maniacs have people they love. It does not matter how many people one has hurt, as long as they genuinely love you, they would never harm you.

    That''s the logic she used to forget about that divorce incident.

    "It''s already very late. Are you not going to sleep?" Tyler asked her as he came to the study room with a glass of warm milk. He gave it to her after warning her that it might be too hot.

    "Thank you, I just want to make sure my studio wins the Golden Hand Awards." she said as she turned to him.

    She was currently selecting the best drafts from her designers to present under one person.

    "So you are the one selecting what designs to present on the runway?" he took a closer look.

    "Yes, I only want the best from each person. I just hope Wan Jia doesn''t participate."

    "Why, you don''t want to run into her?"

    "Running into her is the least of my concerns. Don''t you know? She''s too talented. On top of that, she has Elder Qian as her mentor. If she participates then my chances of winning are practically zero."

    Tyler frowned. "She''s so talented? How come I never heard of her?"

    Yun Xuan rolled her eyes. "Dunce, that''s because you are not interested in women''s clothes. Of course you would not hear about her. Besides, she only participated in one awards ceremony then practically disappeared from the fashion world. Although we were close, I have only ever seen two series of her clothes." she analysed.

 Chapter 149 - Too proud

    "Is she really that good?" Tyler asked.

    "Yes."

    "Then you should collaborate with her. Her designs would win, your studio would also win. That would be a win-win situation for both of you." he suggested.

    Yun Xuan looked at him like he was an idiot.

    Collaborate with Wan Jia? May as well ask her to die.

    "You hate her that much?" Tyler noticed her scornful look.

    "Don''t get me wrong. I don''t hate her. We just didn''t end it peacefully." Yun Xuan would tolerate anything but anyone talking ill of her Old Two. Yun Jifeng had been nice to her ever since she was a little girl. She believed that she knew him even better than he knew himself. How could Wan Jia label him as such a person?

    Aside from all that, she did realize she had gone overboard with her words. It''s not that she never regretted saying those things to her.

    However, she was too proud to be the one to apologize. She missed her friend a lot but she would rather die than lie that she believed her and apologize.

    Right now, what she wished for the most was for Wan Jia to not participate in this Golden Hand Awards.

    Unluckily for her, Wan Jia was currently coming up with the best drafts. She had already made five of them, so she called Lu Shaoting and arranged for a meeting with him.

    "Sister-in-law, what is it you wanted to talk to me about, that you wouldn''t talk to my brother about instead?" In the office of the Vice President, Lu Shaoting was very curious.

    "Business in one of your subsidiaries." she said plainly.

    "Did you have to tire yourself out to look for me? The President is your man." he almost rolled his eyes.

    "He told me to look for you."

    Lu Shaoting took advantage of the situation. "It''s Elite Fashion World, right? I''ll talk to the CEO right away. You can start working today if you want to, but can I give you a condition?"

    "Vice President Lu, you can name your condition. I have a request too; when at work, don''t adress me as sister-in-law."

    Lu Shaoting was not used to being called ''Vice President'' by his sister-in-law but he tried to adjust. "Then my condition is....make me specially prepared lunch today."

    Wan Jia laughed. This guy liked her bento the last time, but he did not request for her to make him one until today, months later? "Okay, that will do. I''ll go back home now and send it over. I''ll go over to EFW tomorrow; I still have a lot to do today."

    Lu Shaoting grinned from ear to ear. Hehe, he would only tell his brother about it when he''s done eating.

    However, he was still bound to get the short end of the stick.

    Wan Jia prepared two bentos and had someone send it to Lu Aotian. Unluckily for Lu Shaoting, his brother confisicated his lunch.

    "Bro! That''s my lunch..." he almost cried. Did his brother know how much effort he had put in to get it?

    "It was prepared by my wife." ...so it''s mine. Go find your own wife to cook for you.

    "I''m telling sister-in-law about this. Let her be the judge to this matter." he said bitterly.

    "Who do you think your sister-in-law would support- her husband or other men?" Lu Aotian smirked.

    Wan Jia would probably be very shocked if she knew that two big company heads were bickering over lunch.

    "Then let''s call her and ask." Lu Shaoting was confident since his sister-in-law had promised him. His brother was even riding in his glory yet he was being so ungreatful!

    "You''re childish. Are you a little boy going to report everything?" Lu Aotian shot him a look and grudgingly pushed his lunch to him.

    ...

    The next day, Wan Jia was taken to an exquisite building with a huge EFW engraved on it. Since Lu Shaoting had proven himself capable enough and was promoted to the position of Vice President of Lu Enterprise, his visits in the subsidiaries were quite frequent.

    Hence, no one was surprised to see him in Elite Fashion World. However, who was that beautiful girl beside him?

    Elite Fashion World was considered a gathering of many talented designers who were widely known in the fashion industry. They were big names who did not care about people below them. Naturally, it was not a surprise that almost no one recognized Wan Jia.

    In fact, even the secretaries and assistants were so full of their own designers that perhaps not even a single soul had paid attention to the rookie Awards from many months ago.

    Amidst the pairs of curious eyes, Lu Shaoting walked into the elevator with Wan Jia as they headed to the most important department of this building, the design department.

    As they left, someone who had seen them asked a friend, "Who is that lady, the Vice President''s girlfriend? She''s quite pretty."

    Wan Jia had not made very many appearances, and she was wearing an official attire which was different from her usual style. She would not be easily remembered in Lu Enterprise, let alone this place she had never been to before.

    Lu Shaoting had not been seen with girls around him before either, it was not shocking for someone to assume that Wan Jia was his girlfriend.

    "You think too much. Although she''s very pretty, they don''t look like a couple at all. Besides, if she were the Vice President''s girlfriend, why would he bring her here?"

 Chapter 150 - Met a senior

    The two women did not linger too much on gossip and went on with their work.

    In the design department, Lu Shaoting showed Wan Jia to her office. Lu Aotian had told him to take good care of her in EFW. In fact, he would leave most matters for his brother and his brother''s assistant to handle. He, on the other hand, would focus most of his attention on EFW and make sure Wan Jia is comfortable.

    He led Wan Jia into an office at the end of the corridor. "This is your office. If you wish to redecorate it, just let me know. You will meet your colleagues with time and I will organize a welcome banquet for you after the Golden Hand Awards. Your contract will be sent over by my brother. You will hire your own assistant if you need one. If you encounter any problems, please call 110."

    Wan Jia slapped her forehead. She had been very touched when he gave her such caring instructions but what the hell was that last part? Call 110? Tsk, I''ll call the office of the president of Lu Enterprise.

    When he was gone, she looked around. The office was neither too big nor too small- just the perfect size she would love, with a dull color theme and large window.

    She stood by the window and looked out. The view of the city was quite beautiful from this spot. No need to ask. Her sweetheart must have ordered for such an arrangement.

    Looking at this view, her mind would surely overflow with beautiful inspirations.

    However, the office needed a thorough make over. What sort of theme was this?

    It made the office look cold even as rays of sunlight seeped in warmly.

    Wan Jia spent most of her day deciding how to decorate her new office. Before she realized it, it was already evening.

    She had promised to go out for dinner with Lu Aotian and Little Jia so she packed up and left the office.

    Just as she was leaving, she met someone in the elevator. It was someone she would recignize from anywhere. Her idol, Dai Youran!

    Who in the country did not know who Dai Youran was? If you asked any random person from the streets, they would tell you.

    She was the best designer Elite Fashion World had to offer. All other outfits produced by Elite Fashion World would have an EFW logo on them except the ones she designed- those would have a DY on them.

    That went to show just how special her status was in the company.

    "Miss Dai." Wan Jia smiled like a fangirl and greeted her.

    Dai Youran who was very tired from working all day looked at the cheerful girl. "Who do we have here? Designer Wan?"

    "You know me?" she was quite surprised.

    "Of course I know you. You were brilliant months ago in the Rookie Designer Awards then disappeared, but I would never forget a unique talent."

    Wan Jia felt flattered. "It''s such an honor that Miss Dai remembers me. I didn''t know you watched such events."

    Dai Youran seemed to be in the mood to continue the conversation. "Not usually. My friend was participating."

    "Oh..." she kept quiet for a while then made the comment she had been holding in. "Miss Dai, I''ve always admired you...always hoped that one day I''ll be like you."

    Dai Youran smiled while looking aside before she said, "You started at such a high note, it will not be too long before you surpass me."

    "Thanks for the compliment, Dai Youran, but you''re too kind. You already are amazing while still so young. I wouldn''t ever dream of surpassing you." She was speaking to a senior in the industry. It would be much better to be humble than to cause herself trouble by agreeing that she would surpass her in no time. That would make her look like she was trying to compete against Dai Youran.

    She did not answer that, but instead said, "We''re in the same company. Just call me Dai Youran."

    The elevator had already reached the floor she wanted to go so she left. Wan Jia was left behind wondering, ''I thought it was an internal decision for me to come to EFW and the news will be announced after the Golden Hand Awards ceremony. Dai Youran already knows?''

    ...

    Since both Wan Jia and Little Jia loved seafood, they chose to go to Seaside Restaurant.

    Lu Aotian who did not really like it as much as them only ate a little and kept picking food for them.

    "Mmh the grilled octopus is awesome!" Wan Jia kept munching on the octopus pieces with her head down and rarely looked at him. Little Jia who was beside her was busy chewing like a squirrel. If he did not look in her direction from time to time, he would really forget about her presence.

    What was so delicious about it? He did not have a particular preference himself, so he only watched them eat and later drove his two princesses home with their full stomachs.

    "I met Dai Youran today." she bragged when Little Jia was asleep and they were alone in Wan Jia''s room.

    "Who is Dai Youran?" he asked.

    Wan Jia''s eyes shot open. "You don''t know her?"

    "Why would I?"

    She did not even know what to say to him. "She''s one of the best designers in the capital and she''s from Elite Fashion World. How can you not know your most outstanding employees, President Lu?"

    Lu Aotian looked like he really didn''t know.

 Chapter 151 - Bullied yet again

    "She''s the best designer in the capital. She''s from Elite Fashion World. How can you not know your most outstanding employees, President Lu?"

    Lu Aotian looked like he really didn''t know. "I only know that the former most outstanding designer of Elite Fashion World is DY."

    Wan Jia did not know what to say to him. "DY is Dai Youran. I met her today. Wait, why did you call her ''former''?"

    "Isn''t it obvious? She will soon be replaced by my little wife." he pinched her cheek as he said so.

    Wan Jia blushed from the sky high compliment and kissed his lips. "I''ll do my best not to disappoint you."

    "I''m sure of that. However, don''t be too close to people in the company. It will save you from getting into unnecessary trouble."

    "Mmh, got it."

    "Should I help you find a suitable assistant? The company lets you chose your own assistants to avoid complaints about bad relationship between you and your assistants. Your CEO must have recieved some applications by now. If you decide on one, I''ll help you check their background."

    "President Lu, we made a deal that you would not interfere with my work." she pouted.

    "How is this interfering? I only want my woman to be comfortable at work."

    She playfully tapped his nose. "Then President Lu should keep his nose to himself. I do not wish to hire an assistant for now."

    He grabbed her waist and tickled her hard as if punnishing her for what she had just said. She laughed so hard that her stomach ached. "Stop...stop it!" The room was filled with her pleas for him to stop tickling her.

    "Go to sleep now." He finally stopped and hugged her closer.

    "You''re not going to your room?"

    "You don''t want me here?"

    She indeed did not. How would she be able to sleep? She needed to wake up early the next morning and could not afford to have a sleepless night.

    Lu Aotian held his chest in mock heartbreak when he saw how silent she was. She did not want him to sleep next to her! How was this fair? She was being such a bully.

    Whenever she needed protection, she would appear in his bed unannounced and occupy the space right in his arms; but when he wanted to sleep in her bed, he would be barnished back to his lonely room. He wanted to fight for his justice!

    ...

    In the next few days, Wan Jia spent most of her time in her office. The view from her office window really proved to work wonders as it kept her in an incredibly good mood. She had also been spending some of her time to redecorate her office in a warm color theme. There were also two beautiful paintings on the wall in addition to an exquisite flower pot with white roses by the window.

    Although the office had been basically turned into a white parlour with a tiny bit of pink, it looked beautiful and classy, like it belonged to a very elegant lady.

    "It finally looks like a lady''s office." she remarked in satisfaction as she sat behind the desk.

    Her phone flashed with the name ''Sis Lihua'' displayed on the screen.

    She picked it up. "Hello, Sis Lihua?"

    "Little Wan, are you very busy? I may need to trouble you again."

    "You have never been trouble to me. Coincidentally, I also have a favour to ask of you. I''m in my office right now. How about I meet you at lunch time?"

    "Sure. I''ll send you the location."

    At lunch time, Wan Jia made her way out amidst some whispers from her colleagues.

    "Who is that girl? I haven''t seen her before."

    "I saw her walking in with Vice President Lu a few days ago. Maybe she''s a trainee or a new designer."

    "Trainee, new designer? Are you kidding me? She was assigned the corner office. Is that something just anyone can enjoy?"

    "You must be joking, right? That can''t be true."

    The corner office was the one at the end of the corridor on the top floor. Simply put, Wan Jia''s current office. Due to its beautiful view, every designer at Elite Fashion World desired it.

    It had always been empty and had not been given to anyone. Not even Dai Youran. Just who was Wan Jia to be given this much privilege?

    They were very envious. However, they could not cause a fuss. Who told their luck to not be as good as Wan Jia''s?

    __

    Wan Jia met Lin Lihua over lunch. The latter seemed to be very tired today.

    "Sis Lihua, are you alright? You look very pale." she asked worriedly as she touched her forehead.

    "Look at me. Which part of me looks okay?" she lamented.

    Wan Jia blinked uneasily. "Sis Lihua, you''re scaring me. What happened?"

    "A fashion disaster happened! You know how I''ve been attending very many events lately, right? I have a movie premiere tomorrow!"

    Wan Jia frowned. "How is that a fashion disaster?"

    "It''s not just a disaster. It''s the worst kind of emergency. Little Wan, I just can''t get the right attire. My manager keeps showing me gowns but I don''t like any of them!" she pouted like a child. If Wan Jia did not know her age, she would never believe that she was a thirty year old.

    Well, the truth was her manager had shown her very beautiful and elegant gowns. She was just being so paranoid that she did not even spare them a single glance and simply dismissed them.

 Chapter 152 - Im Lin Lihua, I answer to no one

    Well, the truth was her manager had shown her very beautiful and elegant gowns. She was just being so paranoid that she did not even spare them a single glance and simply dismissed them.

    Wan Jia looked at her speechlessly. She was a very influential actress with a high status and powerful background. How could she not find a suitable gown? She should just admit that she had been so blinded by the ones she chose for her that her eyes found every other piece too ordinary.

    "Sis Lihua, I''ll help you. You will definitely be the most beautiful woman tomorrow." she promised.

    Lin Lihua became cheerful and hugged her abruptly. "Thank you so much Little Wan. You''re a life saver. Right, you said that you had something you need me for?"

    Wan Jia looked down in embarassment. "Yes, Sis Lihua...before you became an actress, you were a model, right?"

    Lin Lihua raised an eyebrow curiously. "Yes, what about it? Does designer Wan want me to wear her clothes? I would be very glad to do that."

    Wan Jia was once again rendered speechless. "That would be awesome! However, that''s not what I had in mind." she peeked at Lin Lihua shyly. "I was hoping you would teach me how to walk on the runway. I would like to wear my own top dress."

    Lin Lihua chuckled. "Why are you being so shy? Aren''t we friends? Look at you, all red with embarassment."

    How could she not be embarassed? She knew that Lin Lihua did not have too much time to spare lately. She was afraid she would bother her.

    Lin Lihua looked upset. "I was hoping my Little Wan would ask me to do the opening or closing but..."

    "You can do that?" she shot her eyes open.

    "Why not? As your friend",...she paused and filled in her mind, ''and elder sister''... "how could I not show my support?"

    "But you belong to Qing Tai Media. Won''t you get in trouble with your management company?" she was worried. As an actress of Qing Tai Media, would it not be troublesome if she went to support an outsider? Especially since that outsider is at loggerheads with Qing Tai Media and also belongs to a rival company?

    Lin Lihua simply chuckled as if Wan Jia had cracked a silly joke. "Please Little Wan, I''m Lin Lihua. I answer to one."

    What an arrogant answer. Well, she was right. Even the CEO of Qing Tai Media respected her and would not dare to offend her.

    "Then I''ll have to trouble you twice, Sis Lihua."

    "Okay, I''ll send you my schedule but you have to pay a fee."

    "What fee?"

    "You have to let me play with your baby." she smiled, as if afraid Wan Jia would say no.

    "That''s easy. Little Jia also likes you. But Sis Lihua, will you come over to my place? Little Jia''s security cannot be compromised. She can only come to your place in Aotian''s presence." Wan Jia was inwardly praising her daughter. She was so adorable that her Sis Lihua wanted to play with her again. Amazing, my baby!

    "I don''t mind. I''ll come over." They remained silent for a while as Lin Lihua contemplated before asking. "Little Wan, how come your daughter shares the same name with you? Is it because she takes after you?"

    Lin Lihua was not sure she was going to answer this because she knew it might be personal.

    Wan Jia explained. "I told you about how I acted as Yun Xuan''s substitue, didn''t I?"

    Lin Lihua nodded attentively and Wan Jia continued. "I married Aotian as Yun Xuan then Little Jia happened. At the time, we were divorced because of some misunderstandings and he thought we would never get back together, so he named her after me."

    "So that''s her official name?"

    "Nope. Her name is Lu Meili. Little Jia is just her nickname."

    "Wait, he didn''t know that you were Yun Xuan? Did you divorce because he found out?"

    Wan Jia did not want to tell her the real reason so she nodded. "We got back together when Little Jia was three."

    "Interesting..." Lin Lihua smirked when Wan Jia was not noticing.

    She had only taken note of one fact. Wan Jia married Lu Aotian while pretending to be Yun Xuan. Did that mean that if Wan Jia did not act as Yun Xuan, Lu Aotian would have be married to Yun Xuan?

    ...

    A few days later, Lin Lihua was cheerful as she baked cookies in her parents'' house.

    "What''s the occassion?" Xia Rou asked as she walked into the kitchen. Lin Lihua seemed to be in a very good mood. She hummed as she wore thick kitchen mittens and took a tray out of the oven. Cute cookies on the shape of kitten heads appeared in view.

    "Who did you bake those cute cookies for?" Xia Rou asked as she looked at the beautiful little things.

    "They are for Little Jia. I''m going over to Little Wan''s house today."

    "She will really love them." Xia Rou said.

    Lin Lihua of course noticed the envy in her mother''s tone and laughed. "Mom, I''ll have Little Jia go to my apartment, then you can come over and meet her. She is so friendly, I''m sure she will love you."

    Xia Rou smiled from ear to ear and hugged her daugher. She had been hoping for that! "Lihua, you are so thoughtful. Will Little Wan be comfortable with that?"

    "Of course I''ll have to ask for her permission first."

 Chapter 153 - Nothing is fair

    "Of course I''ll have to ask for her permission first." Lin Lihua said as she thought about the many occassions she brushed aside. That''s it! She could use celebration as an excuse.

    If Little Jia and Xia Rou became friends, Wan Jia would become closer to their mother and get to know her better. That way, she would not misunderstand her too much when the truth came out.

    What a genius! Xia Rou praised herself.

    "Mom, I''ll be on my way now." Lin Lihua said after she packed the cute little cookies. "I''ll spend most of the day with Little Jia and Little Wan. I have to teach Little Wan some things."

    Today, Wan Jia had not gone to the office and was waiting for Lin Lihua.

    After collecting the tutuion fee, which was in this case spending time with Little Jia, the two of them went to a big empty room on the top floor.

    It turned out not be as hard as she thought. She caught up very fast and impressed Lin Lihua.

    "Not only are you very beautiful, you also possess a lovely figure. Little Wan, why don''t you become a model?"

    It was not her first time hearing this. She smiled at the compliment. "I do plan to be a model, but that will only be for my studio. I can''t afford to be a professional model as well as a designer."

    "You have a point. You would have too much pressure to handle." Lin Lihua sighed. "Well, it''s not too regretful. You were born for the fashion industry."

    "Thanks for the compliment Sis Lihua."

    "Right, do you already have enough models? I have friends who are models and they would really love to wear your brand."

    A few days ago, after looking for a gown for her movie premiere in vain, Wan Jia had given her one of the two dresses from her second series. She had looked so dazzling in the white gown that practically everyone was around her asking which brand it was from and if they could get some of those too.

    When they learnt that it was from her designer friend and that that friend was even participating in the upcoming Golden Hand Awards, they all wanted to be on her show and in exchange, the designer would let them buy her beautiful dresses.

    Wan Jia was in a dillema. Lin Lihua''s friends had to be known figures. However, "Sis Lihua, I would really love to, but I may get into an argument with the higher ups of Elite Fashion World." Besides, she was still considered too new to have known figures wear her brand. Wouldn''t it spike negative rumours?

    "That''s such a pity. They wanted to order the dresses right after the show. To put it simply they are trying to suck it up to you."

    Wan Jia laughed, not believeing that these were her designs Lin Lihua was talking about. "After the show, Elite Fashion World will be able to accept orders. They don''t have to worry. Since they have you as their friend, I may also accept custom orders from them."

    Lin Lihua instantly became jealous. "They get that much privilege? But I haven''t had the honors yet." she complained.

    "Ha ha, but I remember making you a special costume before."

    "That was so long ago and it was for a movie. What about a very special one just from my beautiful Wan to her dearest Sis Lihua?"

    Wan Jia laughed so hard that her ribs were cracking. This woman trying to suck up to her so much, was she really Sis Lihua? "Okay, I''ll make you two."

    "Oh Little Wan, I love you so much."

    ___

    The day of the Golden Hand Awards ceremony was approaching.

    The uneasy Yun Xuan held a meeting with the four designers from her studio.

    She presented seven drafts in front of them and cleared her throat. "This time, it does not matter who participates in the Golden Hand Awards ceremony, the winner should be us no matter what."

    She looked at them seriously and continued. "The company will produce these seven pieces and they will be presented under Ran Ran."

    "What?"

    "Why"

    Came the whispers of dissatisfaction. These were obviously not made by Ran Ran. Why was the boss doing this?

    "Does anyone have opinions?" she asked in a cold tone.

    Apart from the designer called Ran Ran, the other designers were displeased. They were silent except a youthful man called Lin Ye. "Boss, these were obviously designed by all of us." In actual fact, four out of them were painstakingly made by him. "Don''t you think presenting them to the public as the work of one person is too unfair?"

    Yun Xuan glanced at the young man. The man looked down when he noticed her gaze. Ever since entering this studio, he had carried a torch for their boss Yun Xuan. He liked and admired everything about her and literally worshipped the ground she walked on.

    Normally, he would never retaliate against anything the boss did but wasn''t this crossing the line?

    Those drafts were a result of his sweat and blood. How could he let them be presented to the world as someone else''s work?

    Yun Xuan averted her gaze and sighed. "Mr. Lin, the world is unfair. Whatever is fair to you is unfair to other people. Whatever other people consider fair is also unfair to you.

    Must we be fair to the world and lose? You do know how much this award means to the studio, don''t you?"

 Chapter 154 - Unbeatable legend

    "Must we be fair to the world and lose? You do know how much this award means to the studio, don''t you?"

    Lin Ye was speechless. Who in the world was talking about her being unfair to the other participants?

    "Boss, I am talking about your unfairness to us. Each one of us worked hard to come up with those drafts. Don''t you think it''s unfair to give all the credit to one person?"

    Although the other two shared the same thoughts as him, they were too frightened to speak up.

    This was the first time the boss was doing something of this sort. What if they spoke up and offended her?

    They all knew just how important this award was. In the past two years, their studio had been doing poorly and had not produced any outstanding outfit. If they won this award, all their glory would be earned back.

    Every time they failed to win an award, the boss would be in a very bad mood and scold them. The last time she even deducted their monthly bonuses. Thus they knew just how much the boss treasured this award. They could not retaliate even when they were being treated unfairly.

    However, Lin Ye was not one to keep quiet about everything. "Boss, we worked very hard this time and gave you our best drafts. Doing this is..."

    Yun Xuan rubbed her temples with her elbows on the meeting table. "Are you done?"

    Lin Ye instinctively stopped talking and waited for her to speak.

    "All of you work hard, don''t you think I know that? Since you asked why I chose to use this method, I''ll explain it to you. All of you are experienced in this field, except Ran Ran. Ran Ran is still considered a newbie. The judges will obviously go easy on her."

    "Then why don''t you nominate her with her designs?" the woman sitting next to Lin Ye had gained confidence and decided to ask.

    "Her designs will never win. We can only win by combining efforts."

    "Then we should submit them as a group." said Lin Ye.

    Yun Xuan rolled her eyes at him. "I see Mr. Lin is interested in teaching me how to run my own studio?"

    "I wouldn''t dare." he trembled.

    "Good."

    Although he was very dissatisfied, he complied in the end. On one hand, it was because this was his boss and he naturally had to obey her. On the other hand, he did not want to lose his job. If he was fired, how else would he be able to see the boss every day? Since she already had a man, he did not intend to pursue her- that would be too outrageous. Seeing her every day was enough to keep him going...

    ___

    Southside Villas

    "Little Wan, it''s so beautiful!" Lin Lihua exclaimed when she tried on the dress she would wear on the runway.

    Wan Jia had already finished eight drafts and produced them. Since this was Elite Fashion World, it was very fast and efficient.

    Apart from Lin Lihua, all the other models would only see their dresses in the dressing room. This was to avoid cases of plagiarism.

    "That''s because you are very beautiful and look pretty in anything you wear, Sis Lihua."

    Lin Lihua blushed as she twirled around in front of the mirror. "You flatter me too much. It''s because you have a pair of magic hands. I have a few dresses from DY and they don''t look this good on me. Talking of which... isn''t DY also from Elite Fashion World? Is she participating too?"

    "Naturally. Her dream is to break Elder Qian''s record of winning twenty consecutive awards. However, since she wants to win them in a short period of time, she participates in every show there is except those for the rookies."

    "She has such big dreams." Lin Lihua smirked.

    "You think she can''t do it?" Wan Jia asked when she saw Lin Lihua''s look. She looked like she was inwardly scolding Dai Youran for being too confident.

    "It''s not that I don''t think she can do it, but my beautiful Wan is now in the industry. Do you think she will survive for long? Also, do you think Elder Qian''s record of twenty consecutive awards can be broken by just anyone?

    Does she know how many awards are hidden within that ''twenty consecutive awards'' crap?

    "What do you mean?" Wan Jia was puzzled.

    "You''re a designer yet you don''t know? Elder Qian did not win twenty consecutive awards. Whoever put that information up had lost count of them.

    Since he was twenty, he won the Annual Golden Awards every year. For twenty whole years, it was as if no one else existed in the fashion industry.

    What about the fashion weeks? What about the special contributions awards he kept winning? What about those awards he did not even intend to participate in, but the organizers used his name to boost their viewer ratings? What about those he won even after his retirement? How could all those be twenty? They should be at least twice as much." Lin Lihua rolled her beautiful eyes.

    She continued, "To think of breaking such a record by participating in anything that comes her way, isn''t she thinking too much of herself?"

    "Wow, Sis Lihua, I didn''t know you were such a die hard fan of Elder Qian." Wan Jia was quite surprised.

    "How could I not be?"

    Well, although he retired years ago, he was still the unbeatable legend, it would be weird if anyone who likes fashion was not his fan.

 Chapter 155 - Trump card delivered

    Well, although he retired years ago, he was still the unbeatable legend, it would be weird if anyone who likes fashion was not his fan.

    Not to mention, Lin Lihua was a star who was practically obsessed with fashion.

    "I didn''t know that much about Elder Qian."

    Lin Lihua shot her a look. "Are you kidding me? He''s your mentor. You should be the person who knows him better than anyone."

    "He never talks about himself."

    Lin Lihua sighed and changed the topic slightly. "Even if Dai Youran is your competitor, your chances of winning are still very high. I''m sure there can''t be any series better than this."

    Wan Jia laughed at how Lin Lihua had stopped being DY''s fan within a minute. "Right, Sis Lihua, could you do the opening?"

    "Of course I will. I''m glad I am of that much importance in your eyes.

    ...

    Not long after, it was the eve of the Golden Hand Awards ceremony. Since General Yun had been given one week off work, Yun Xuan was spending the better part of the week at home.

    They sat on rattan chairs in the garden as General Yun gave her some ideas on how to deal with her studio''s current situation.

    "Xuanxuan, the Golden Hand Awards is not the only way to revive your studio." he said as he looked at the documents she was showing him seriously. She had incurred a huge amount of loss in just a short period of time.

    "Then, what else can I do?" she asked.

    "You could collaborate with a jewelery brand."

    Yun Xuan did not know how collaborating with a jewelry brand would boost her studio but thinking about how Elite Fashion World had always been at the peak and they also had their own jewelery brand, she felt it was quite possible.

    General Yun saw her thinking hard and continued. "If you don''t have enough money for a collaboration, you know that your daddy can always help you, don''t you?"

    Indeed, money was her biggest problem at the moment. Aside from the huge losses she had recieved lately, she had used most of the studio''s income to prepare for the Golden Hand Awards ceremony. But, "Dad, I''m a grown up woman now. How can I still use your money?"

    "What nonesense! Who said there was an age limit to when you can use your parents'' money? Who do we earn it for then if you cannot use it? Even if you were eighty years old, you would still have a right to it."

    Yun Xuan felt touched and hugged her father''s arm "Then in that case, I will not be too polite."

    "Now that''s a good girl." he patted her head. "Still on other ways to improve your studio, you could also hire better designers. It always works wonders."

    She frowned. "I thought about that too, but all the famous ones have been swept over to those big companies like Climax Studio and Elite Fashion World."

    Her father looked at her like she was being silly. "Who said they had to be famous?"

    "They don''t?"

    "No. You are not using their name. You are using their work and talent. For instance, your little friend is quite interesting. She took her inherited talent cuts higher and since you are friends, the fee for hiring her will not be too exhorbitant."

    Yun Xuan was about to reply when she found a flaw in what he just said. He said that she took her inherited talent cuts higher? The key word was...inherited. "Dad, how do you know if her talent was inherited?"

    How did he know? How could he not know? It was obviously from Xia Rou. He knew many years ago that Xia Rou was interested in such things but he did not expect that her daughter would be so terrifyingly talented. Actually, when he said ''inherited talent'', it was not a mistake. He had done it deliberately.

    After Xia Rou called him months ago, he had been unable to find her no matter how much effort he spent looking for her. With her personality, he believed that she would obviously try to get close to Wan Jia with a different identity.

    He had no way to investigate Wan Jia with Lu Aotian protecting her like a jewel. However, if that little girl came back to his daughter''s side, he could indirectly make his daughter curious about Wan Jia''s identity. Then she would want to investigate her and things would become fun.

    "Dad, how did you know such a thing?" she asked again.

    General Yun acted like he had just said something random. "Nothing. I just guessed it."

    When he saw her frown as if she did not believe him, he smiled. Mission accomplished. The trump card had been delivered.

    He deliberately changed the direction of the discussion. "Xuanxuan, if you need more business strategies, you can always ask your eldest brother for help."

    "Urgh... no, thanks."

    ___

    The next day.

    The venue of the Golden Hand Awards was a huge hall in the biggest exhibition centre. Apart from the thousands of people with a good eye for fashion, there were also many media outlets who had been invited. The livestream site was also exploding with viewers. At least thirty percent of these people were there to see DY''s new release.

    Among the famous brands, Elite Fashion World had nominated both Wan Jia and Dai Youran, Climax Studio had one of their trump cards, Qing Tai Media had two and Yun Xuan nominated ony Ran Ran with the combination she had insisted on.

 Chapter 156 - The Awards Ceremony

    She had never done anything so selfish before, but just because she wanted to win, she had to treat her employees unfairly for a while.

    "Ran Ran, are you nervous?" She asked as they entered the dressing room.

    "I''m alright boss." the little girl said. Although she also felt that the boss was unfair in what she did, she did not have the courage to complain.

    Yun Xuan left Ran Ran alone and went into another dressing room. She changed her clothes, put on a long black wig and very light makeup. When she was done, she went to look for someone.

    Her target was a man in his mid thirties. She purposefully bumped into him.

    "You may want to keep your eyes focused." the man steadied her. He was just about to brush past her when he frowned and was about to speak. Upon taking a closer look, he remained quiet and deliberately waited to see if the woman would speak.

    "I''m sorry." she apologized, then acted like she realized something. "Hey, aren''t you a judge today? I did not expect to bump into a judge. It''s so nice to see you." She paused and chattered on. "Since we already met coincidentally, allow me to ask, was I nominated? You see, some misunderstandings happened and I am not really sure if I was. It would be very embarassing if I came all prepared only to realize I am not on the list.

    Oh, forgive my manners. My name is Wan Jia."

    The man furrowed his eyebrows and brushed her aside, leaving.

    Yun Xuan sneered. She really wanted to find out if Wan Jia was a participant.

    Why were they being so secretive? Actually, no one knew who would be participating in these shows. The public would only guess about people who wouldn''t miss it like Dai Youran. Otherwise, Yun Xuan wouldn''t have to go through all that trouble.

    Urgh, how troublesome. If only she could bribe the organizers. However, this was the Golden Hand Awards. The organizers were quite arrogant and unapproachable. Even the judges were always a mystery and she had only found out that this man was one of them using her brother''s connections. All her hard work had gone to waste. Mmm...time for her backup plan.

    The judge, not too many steps away from her, scoffed. He had just met Wan Jia a few days ago and he knew she was not that timid. In fact, Wan Jia only thought he was someone interested in Elite Fashion World''s attires and did not know he was a judge. They did not know each other personally, but everyone wanted to suck up to people from Elite Fashion World and he did too. Who was that woman trying to impersonate her?

    ...

    Not too long after, the venue was full. The ceremony was just about to begin. Yun Xuan had changed back to herself, worn glasses and her blond hair bangs reached just above her eyes. If one did not look closely, they would not tell that she looked like Wan Jia.

    As she made her way to her seat, she spotted something. Or rather, she spotted someone in the VIP section that made her blood chill. What in the world was Lu Aotian doing here?!

    She was just about to conclude something and change her plans when she remembered. Lu Aotian could be here because of DY. When she looked around, she indeed saw the CEO of Elite Fashion World behind Lu Aotian. Phew! They must really be here for DY.

    She took her phone and drafted a message. [Do it.]

    She pondered for a while. Should she really do this? What if she regretted it later?

    Whatever. All that mattered now was rejuvinating her studio. With that, she tapped the send button and walked confidently to her seat.

    ...

    It was not sure what the organizers were thinking, but Dai Youran was the first one up. Yun Xuan saw her theme and sighed in relief. She was sure that what Ran Ran was presenting was not much worse than that.

    However, in her excitement and tension, she did not realize that the name on the screen was DY and not EFW.

    That was right. She was representing her own brand. Their CEO had requested for her to go right before Wan Jia and promote Elite Fashion World in the process. Dai Youran only had five attires and the models left the stage in no time.

    Right after the screen displayed EFW, it went blank for a very brief moment and then displayed another studio''s name.

    Lu Aotian knew the arrangement already so he was surprised. Although very few people noticed the change, he was paying close attention. In fact, Lu Shaoting who was at Southside Villa keeping Little Jia company and watching the livestream with her was paying close attention and he noticed that too.

    When there was no explanation for what just happened, Lu Aotian sent a sharp glare to the CEO behind him.

    The man felt cold chills down his spine and immediately rushed to check the situation.

    "P-president..." he was out of breath as he rushed back to Lu Aotian who looked like he was going kill everyone here tonight if anything went wrong.

    "What?"

    "The host said...said that he had to change the order in the last minute because...because..."

    Lu Aotian impatiently glared at him. The poor man almost passed out from the fear.

    "Designer Wan is not here."

 Chapter 157 - The Awards Ceremony(2)

    "Designer Wan is not here."

    "What did you say?" Lu Aotian almost shouted out loud.

    The CEO trembled as he explained, "I have just been informed that she has not yet arrived. The organizers know you are attending and they did not to want to offend you so they put her at the end."

    While the CEO fearfully went on with his explanation, Lu Aotian took out his phone immediately and glanced at their last conversation. She had said that she was almost there. What happened?

    They had not gone together because apart from not wanting to attract attention by arriving with him, she had been busy until the last minute and only left the office when she was done.

    She had sent him a message to let him know that she had almost arrived.

    However, now that he looked at it properly, there was something missing. She would always attach a heart emoticon to all her messages to him, which was absent in the message she sent earlier. Someone had used her phone!

    He silently asked an organizer to instruct a cameraman to skim the audience.

    No one noticed anything amiss. While the other cameras focused mainly on the T stage, one of them scanned the audience slowly as Lu Aotian watched the screen to the far left unblinkingly. He was looking for any suspicious persons and he found one!

    He had thought that this woman would stay away from his wife since they fell out. Why on earth would she still seek trouble and try to sabotage her? Just how much do these people from the Yun family hate their lives?

    Lu Aotian did not waste too much time and took advantage of the crowd''s cheers to drag Yun Xuan out. He dragged her all the way into an alley.

    "What do you want?" Yun Xuan was shocked by Lu Aotian''s sudden actions.

    The man glared at her. "Where is she?"

    "W-who are you talking about?"

    Lu Aotian intensified his glare. Yun Xuan felt her life leave her body. How could she ever forget how scary Lu Aotian was? She was perhaps more scare of him than she was scared of death.

    "I...I really don''t...I don''t know what you''re talking about." her voice was shaky and incoherent. Lu Aotian''s sharp gaze was practically making her unable to even breath in fear that moving in the slightest would cost her her life.

    "Yun Xuan, don''t let me ask a second time." Every word sounded like a call from hell, as though she was being barnished to eternal darkness.

    She found her voice amidst her chattering teeth. "Is...Is Wan Jia missing? I promise! I don''t have anything to do with it. I swear that if...if I do, my whole family would be struck by lightning."

    Lu Aotian found her annoying and showed her his phone screen. The words [Do it] were displayed on it, it was a chat screen between her and her second brother.

    She did not know when and how he found that, and she was better off not knowing, but she knew he was using it as evidence.

    "I...I..." she chocked on her words.

    "Speak." his patience was running out. His presence was making her tremble so much that she was on the verge of passing out.

    "I did not kidnap her! I only wanted to manipulate the results!" she blurted out. It didn''t matter if her plan was found out at this point. Her life was more important. She unknowingly started crying when she saw that he did not believe her.

    "I swear. President Lu, although Wan Jia and I ended our friendship, I would never do anything that would cause her physical harm." she almost swore on all her ancestors.

    Lu Aotian saw that she indeed looked like she was telling the truth. However, he still couldn''t help but scorn at what she had just said. "Miss Yun is probably unaware, but homicidal maniacs who view human life as child''s play also started out by setting up little ploys like these."

    As for who the ''homicidal maniacs who view human life as child''s play'' were, Yun Xuan understood better than anyone. He had left before she could process his words properly.

    But, how was what she did a little ploy? It was already a very huge deal, okay? This was the Golden Hand Awards. No one had ever been able to manipulate the results before.

    Despite that, her brother Yun Jifeng had not only been able to find out beforehand who the judges were, he had also dug up some dirt about three out the four judges. He had used it to threaten them into making Yun Xuan the winner.

    As for how that would be done, it was none of Yun Jifeng''s business.

    The previous night, Yun Jifeng had presented his plan to his sister. She was very happy and would not ever thank her brother enough for his help.

    She had kept this up her sleeves as a backup plan in case the competition got too tough. That was why she wanted to know if Wan Jia would participate. Aparently, she feared her former friend the most.

    After seeing Lu Aotian in the venue earlier, she sent Yun Jifeng a text telling him to go ahead with the plan. To put it simply, to signal the judges he had blackmailed.

    She brushed all that aside. Did Lu Aotian just say...Wan Jia was missing?

    Old Two wouldn''t have taken it too far and decided to kidnap her, right?

 Chapter 158 - The Awards ceremony(3)

    Old Two wouldn''t have taken it too far and decided to kidnap her, right?

    Yun Xuan froze as she took her phone with shaky hands. She was just about to call Yun Jifeng when she stopped. That was not a nice move. Lu Aotian was a hacker! What if he had hacked into her phone and was waiting for her to slip up?

    At the same time, if she made that call, she may prove that she had nothing to do with Wan Jia''s disappearance.

    The only downside was, if her brother was the culprit, that would land him in trouble. Making a decision, she took a deep breath, went to the washroom to retouch her make up and went back to her seat.

    By the time she was back, she had missed Ran Ran''s performance. Urgh...too bad, but that was not too important. She would win regardless of the audience''s reaction to them.

    ...

    On the other hand, Lu Aotian had little time to think about who had kidnapped Wan Jia. Qing Tai Media? those were the biggest suspects considering their feud, they must have guessed that she would participate.

    However, Lin Lihua was with her. They must have been kidnapped together. That ruled out Qing Tai Media. They would not dare to offend Lin Lihua.

    Climax Studio? The Vice President had a grudge against Wan Jia.

    He stopped thinking and called Lu Shaoting. "Have you hacked into her phone yet?"

    "Yes. I''ve sent a virus. You can track it even if it gets turned off."

    He hung up and took his car, following the direction of the tracker. He felt nervous and excited at the same time as he approached the location. The location was constant. They must have stopped.

    The phone was now just ten metres away. He hurriedly got of his car, rushed out expecting it to lead to a building but he was wrong. It led right into a spot at the end of an alley. Lu Aotian called and heard it ringing in a trash.

    ...

    At the same time, the hosts and organizers were getting goosebumps. "She is not here yet?"

    "No. She may have been kidnapped." answered a host as he trembled.

    "What do we do now? Elite Fashion World will kill us! Not only is the CEO here, even President Lu is here and he looked very angry."

    "P-p-president Lu? I don''t see him."

    "He went to look for her and...the point is, we are doomed! Do you know what it means for someone to get abducted before the show? It means information was leaked from our end. We are dying right here tonight." the organizer speaking looked at the host. "You stall for time. Make the audience play games and buy Wan Jia some time to get here."

    The host tried to act calm as he annouced after the models cleared from the stage. "The next participant is...make a guess?"

    ...

    Lu Aotian cursed and asked Lu Shaoting to hack into Lin Lihua''s phone. Why did he not bring his laptop with him? All this would have been much easier!

    "Bro, Lin Lihua''s phone is turned off, I cannot send the virus."

    Lu Aotian was so angry that if he knew sorcery, the ground under his feet would have crumbled.

    "Let me think." he closed his eyes, then a while later sent his brother a name. This was the only other person remaining who knew about Wan Jia being nominated in the Golden Hand Awards and perhaps one of the many people who felt that she would be a threat to them since she was advancing at a terrifying speed.

    "Bro, you were right. That person communicated with other people and asked them to only capture them but not to hurt them in any way. The kidnappers are not far from your current location. Just one kilometre to your left, there''s an empty building beside a store for sale. The exact location is the top floor of that building."

    Lu Aotian rushed and they were really there. With all his pent up anger, the men who were guarding the door suffered terrible kicks that sent them to the floor in single knock out moves.

    "Aotian?" Wan Jia smiled as though she had been expecting him.

    "Are you both alright?"

    "Yes. Are we too late?"

    "No. They stalled for time. Let''s go." he said.

    Lin Lihua picked up the bag containing their outfits, wondering why the kidnapper did not decide to steal them, and pulled Wan Jia as they got into Lu Aotian''s car.

    ...

    At the venue, the hosts were running out of ideas to stall time. It was just three particiapants left. If Wan Jia did not arrive in the next five minutes, they would not know what to do. The organizers were secretly putting pressure on them to keep stalling for time but it was getting boring. They had already started seeing complaints on the livestream site. If they kept doing this, the audience would notice something was amiss.

    Just then, someone saw Lu Aotian''s car from the corner of their eyes. He got out and opened the back door, letting out two women. When he reported that to the organizers, they heaved a huge sigh of relief.

    Lu Aotian had only brought Wan Jia and Lin Lihua to the venue because they did not want to back out at the last minute. If it were up to him, he would take them home.

    He let the two girls rush to the dressing room and went back to his seat, glaring at Dai Youran.

 Chapter 159 - Lets hear from the judges.

    He let the two girls rush to the dressing room and went back to his seat, glaring at Dai Youran.

    Dai Youran, who was sitting not too far away, felt someone glaring at her but she did not see whoever it was when she looked up.

    ...

    After a very agonizing wait, the host finally sighed in relief when Wan Jia and her models appeared in the backstage, ready and confident. Although the models had been nervous and in a bad mood before she appeared, they adjusted their mood quickly and were back to their professional mood.

    The last participant''s name lit up on the huge screen, [Elite Fashion World''s Designer Wan Jia],

    The audience was filled in screams even before the models stepped out.

    "Hey, why are you screaming?" someone asked.

    A girl in the know answered. "Don''t you know? It''s that little designer who represented Mondial Studiomonths ago, the winner of the Golden Rookie Awards. She''s so beautiful. Aaah my goddess is in Elite Fashion World! This is huge news!"

    Just as she said that, the first model stepped out. The purple gown she was wearing had a cut at the side that revealed a sliver of her long beautiful legs.

    Audible gasps and screams filled the air.

    "Someone pinch me. Is that Movie Queen Lihua?"

    "It''s really her! Aaah...How beautiful."

    Among the audience, it was not strange to find a huge amount of her fans. They chanted her name until she disappeared back into the backstage. Even when the other models walked the runway, the discussion was still about Lin Lihua.

    "It''s my first time seeing Queen Lihua wearing such a youthful gown. She looks so young and gorgeous that I''m about to pass out. Aaah! Someone hold me!"

    "It suits her so perfectly. It''s as if it was made specifically for her!"

    "How come no one is mentioning her legs? Did you really take a clear look?"

    Amidst the chatters and screams, someone finally noticed the finishing model. "Aaaah! My long wait was not in vain! It''s goddess Wanwan!"

    "The goddess is back! Goddess, I love you!"

    "Goddess, please accept my honest love!"

    She was wearing a black strapless dress. Quite different from her usual style, it was as if she and Lin Lihua had exchanged personalities. While Lin Lihua looked delicate and cute in purple, Wan Jia right now looked like a queen that had walked right out of her kingdom to mercilessly slay the hearts of all the men and women present.

    "Goddess, both you and your gown are beautiful!"

    "Beautiful, can I order that gown right now?"

    "Dream on! Both the goddess and the gown are mine!"

    "Love Wanwan forever!"

    In the VIP row, a certain man was so blown away by Wan Jia''s beauty that he leaned weakly in his chair. "Goddess, you are too beautiful! Please marry..."

    He was just about to say "me" when he felt the air around him become tense. The word stuck in his throat as he patted his chest in fright.

    Who was glaring daggers at him? Jesus! That person''s eyes were too murderous!

    When Wan Jia reached the end of the T stage, she skimmed the crowd briefly and her eyes met Lu Aotian''s. She winked at him.

    The screams that followed could easily smash the hall into a rubble.

    Xia Rou and her husband Lin Zhou were disguised and watching secretly from the audience. With a heart swelling in pride, she whispered in her husband''s ears, "My daughters are too beautiful."

    Her husband looked at her dotingly and whispered back. "Correct that. It''s ''our daughters''. Since Wan Jia is your daughter, she''s my daughter too."

    The screams and chants continued.

    "How beautiful! She even winked hahaaa!"

    "It must be for me! Wanwan finally accepted my love!"

    "Quit dreaming. Take a good look at yourself."

    However, that particular fan and many others were so infatuated that they continued shouting. "The goddess winked at me! She winked at me!"

    Lu Aotian: Winked at you my backside!

    The excitement did not die down in the least bit. The hosts tried their best to calm the audience before they announced. "Finally, the moment we have all been waiting for. Who is the winner? Is it XX from XX studio?"

    "Say it! Say it, don''t tease us now!"

    "Okay, let''s hear it from the judges."

    This time, the result system was different from the Golden Rookie Awards. There were no points presented after each studio''s perfomance. It was only until the last item that the judges would vote among themselves and present a winner.

    A female judge stood up and scanned the audience. Her speech was short and clear. "This is the Golden Hand Awards. We select the winning designs. The Golden Hand Awards is meant to promote talent in fashion.

    Many of you attendants are here to get to know the next leading fashion items. We are not here to promote models or fame."

    A few whispers arose. Why did it seem like this judge was indirectly attacking Wan Jia?

    "Do you ever wonder why only judges get to vote? Do you also ask yourselves why the results are only disclosed at the end? It is because the crowd is always easily influenced by flashy designs and famous studios, designs and models."

    She let her words sink in before she continued. "After discussing and voting, we judges, have made our choice. The winner of the Golden Hand Awards this year is...

    ..From YX Brand, Designer Ran Ran."

 Chapter 160 - It doesnt matter

    Silence followed. No single person had expected this outcome. YX Brand...Ran Ran?

    What happened to Elite Fashion World? Everyone was expecting Wan Jia to win.

    The judge on stage felt uneasy when no one cheered and looked at the host. The host took the opportunity and called Ran Ran to stage.

    Fans of YX clapped. Although there were fans, YX had detoriorated greatly and their stocks were even rumoured to be dropping.

    It would be fine if they made a great comeback with stunning outfits, but this was obviously not good enough to win.

    The livestream site began filling with comments and discussion.

    [YX Brand? What''s happening?]

    [That''s absurd!]

    [Yeah, EFW is obviously better. Even if Wan Jia doesn''t win, DY was very good too.]

    [Is it not obvious? That judge has been indirectly talking ill of Wan Jia since she went on stage. Did someone do something fishy behind the scenes?] a die hard fan commented.

    [This is the Golden Hand Awards. Something like that can not happen just like that. Just accept the fact that your best studio''s designs were not that good this time.]

    [How were my goddess'' designs not good? Are you blind? Take a look at all those dresses. Which one of them is not miles better than that YX?]

    Despite the dissatisfaction, Ran Ran was still given the award. The explanation was that although EFW made a very outstanding appearance, it was all a beautiful outward appearance and a hollow inside.

    No one was convinced. YX''s could be considered not too much lower than DY, but Wan Jia''s designs were definitely better that both of them.

    If Wan Jia could not win, then DY or Climax Studio should be the winner instead. Why would it be someone significantly lower? Did they think the audience was blind?

    Wan Jia felt disappointed that she did not win but she did not cause a ruckus. Dai Youran really wanted to cause commotion and make the mass fight for the award but she had a gut feeling that she should lay low. Well, her solace was that Wan Jia had not won either.

    When the ceremony was over, their CEO simply consoled Wan Jia and Dai Youran and encouraged them to try harder the next time.

    This time, it was Ran Ran who was sorrounded by reporters so Wan Jia made her way out easily.

    Lu Aotian hugged her tightly. "I could have prevented this, but an award that can possibly be rigged behind the scenes is not worthy to be won by you."

    He knew Yun Xuan had done something since she had admitted it herself. However, he did not want to fight for it. Since Yun Xuan valued it more than her life, she could have it.

    He was going to let his wife prove that even without winning that title, she could still defeat her thoroughly.

    Lin Lihua also hugged her for a while and went to look for her parents to go home. She knew they had attended. Yun Xuan on the other hand, was utterly shocked. She had expected Lu Aotian to sabotage her since he knew she had manipulated the judges. When she saw from afar how sad Wan Jia looked, she felt immense guilt seep into her heart.

    Lu Aotian called the chauffer over and sat with Wan Jia in the backseat. To be exact, he sat her on his lap and wrapped his arms around her comfortingly.

    Later, someone made a comment on the Golden Hand Awards website.

    HL:[The award is just a title. If you like EFW''s new release, shouldn''t you be focusing your energy on how you will get them?]

    The comment gained hundreds of likes within just a few minutes.

    Wan And I Are Friends: [That''s right. Why are we wasting time here? Designer Wan, aren''t we friends? Please let me place an order, okay? I want the one you were wearing.]

    All Of You Are Fools [You and Wanwan are friends? What weird meds are you on?

    Designer Wan, can I order twenty dresses?]

    Good Eye[ Are you crazy? Just order one. We want them too.]

    Within a few hours, Wan Jia''s social media as well as Elite Fashion World''s official page were filled with requests to order.

    ...

    The next day, the company''s phones were exploding with phone calls.

    Someone had shared Wan Jia''s contact details.

    Emails were also flooding in like tsunami. Wan Jia woke up in a daze and switched on her laptop to read the latest news. However, the number of emails she had recieved almost made the poor laptop crash.

    No one had warned her beforehand that she should mass produce all the pieces! What was she supposed to do about all these orders? The company was also killing her with emails! She had lost her phone and they could not reach her, so they were furiously spamming her social media and email.

    Lu Aotian knocked the door to her room and walked in with a little box. "You''re awake. I got you a new phone."

    It was even the latest model! She jumped at him and hugged him.

    "You look worked up." he noticed her distress right away.

    She silently showed him her laptop screen.

    He smiled. "My wife is awesome. Let everyone wait for now. The company will help you handle this. For now, you should change your email address, it''s too public."

    Wan Jia probably did not hear what he was saying. She was busy playing with his hair like a kitten and trying to kiss him.

 Chapter 161 - He had earned it

    Lu Aotian looked at her dotingly and let her play and kiss him.

    After getting enough kisses, Wan Jia pulled Lu Aotian to sit with her on the bed and looked at her laptop screen seriously, trying to find what triggered all these people to start looking for her.

    Then she noticed the comment by HL. This HL directly shifted the attention and promoted her. It turned out very many people had intended to contact her since the previous night. All they needed was a reminder and HL gave them that.

    HL...this style was very similar to someone...it couldn''t be Handsome Lu, could it? She thought with a smile.

    She looked at her man adoringly and kissed him on the lips. "Thank you."

    He understood what she was thanking him for pretty fast. As a businessman, of course he knew the right words to say to sweep everyone into his wife''s direction.

    After discussing a little, she took a shower and Lu Aotian dropped her near EFW building on his way to Lu Enterprise.

    As soon as she entered the building, she was welcomed with shrieks of admiration.

    "Our uprising star is here. Wan Jia, you are so humble that I didn''t notice you before." a secretary said.

    "Designer Wan, can we talk in private?" another asked.

    Before she replied, someone did it for her. "Of course not! You want to steal her away so that you can butter up to her and have her sell you one of those gorgeous dresses. Darling Wan, don''t let her bother you. Come here, I''ll show you around."

    "Eer...I already know my way around the building." she answered timidly as she resisted the girl who had just clung to her arm and was pulling her away.

    "Then I''ll show you our company''s stores in the shopping centre."

    "Uuh..."

    A very timid girl squeezed in and used up all her lifetime supply of courage to face Wan Jia. "M-miss Wan Jia, do you need an assistant? I''m very efficient in my work."

    "Miss Wan Jia..."

    "Goddess.."

    "Designer Wan..."

    Wan Jia almost fainted from being pulled by everyone.

    "Designer Wan, the CEO would like to have a word with you." said the CEO''s assistant. Behind him was Dai Youran, who had just left the CEO''s office.

    She had just recieved a warning and was now on probation. If she made even the slightest mistake like being late to work, she would be fired. This was because, apparently the President had discovered that she had held Wan Jia captive the night before to make her miss the awards ceremony.

    Lu Aotian did not immediately throw her out because he wanted Wan Jia to decide how to deal with her.

    ___

    Compared to Wan Jia who was being showered in praises left and right, Ran Ran''s situation was different.

    Although she had recieved the long awaited bonus from the boss for having won the award, her colleagues were all in a bad mood and no one had congratulated her.

    For her other two colleagues, it was because they were unhappy that she took their credit. However, for the young man called Lin Ye, it was because he was just too attentive.

    Everyone complained about their studio winning. Before that, a certain judge had so openely defamed their rivals. It was a hard fact to accept, but he knew from the bottom of his heart that Climax Studio, DY and Elite Fashion World had produced better outfits than them.

    Without having to use up his brain too much, he concluded that the boss must have bribed the judges.

    It was still fine if she lied about the owner of the outfits and won justifiably, but bribing judges? That was crossing the line.

    Lin Ye walked into her office after making up his mind. "Boss, I would like to resign."

    "Pardon me?" Yun Xuan was shocked. They had just won and although she had not recieved many phone calls from people who wanted to buy from their brand, it was a huge improvement. Why would someone want to resign now?

    "Boss, I want to resign." he repeated.

    "Is it because you are afraid we may go bankrupt? You can be assured that that will not happen. The stocks are already rising."

    Lin Ye did not beat around the bush. "It''s because I cannot work under a selfish boss who can stop at nothing to get what she wants."

    Those words cut through her heart like a dagger but she could not retaliate. It was not a lie. She had indeed been selfish.

    Since she needed to sign a recommendation for every employee who left the company. She had a thought. This man was leaving so boldly, why not give a negative comment and make him unable to find employment elsewhere?

    Before that thought registered properly in her brain, she remembered Lu Aotian''s words. "Even homicidal maniacs who view human life as child''s play started out by setting these little ploys."

    Those words ran through her mind in circles. Although she hated Lu Aotian just as much as she feared him, his words sounded very true.

    Did that mean that if she continued doing selfish things, she would one day start commiting unforgivable crimes like murder?

    No, she could not let herself be like that. She could not let that happen.

    With that thought, she gritted her teeth and gave the man before her a very impressive recommendation.

    Since he had always worked hard ever since his first day of work, he had earned it.

 Chapter 162 - Women everywhere

    When he left, Yun Xuan rested back in her chair and rubbed her temples. Why was she still feeling stressed?

    She opened a drawer to take out a file when she caught sight of a photo. It was a bit old, taken many months ago. It was a photo of a very beautiful moment shared between her and Wan Jia. They had dressed up in adorable animal pajamas and were sitting near the fireplace in winter.

    She caressed the photo as she muttered, "I wish we were still friends." Her train of thought began drifting. Should she apologize? She had been very rash and rude after all.

    Her phone rang.

    "Congratulations Boss Yun. I saw you won the award." It was Tyler on the phone, calling from country G. "Sorry, I was busy before and can only call you now."

    Yun Xuan was not in the slightest excited when she was congratulated and only grunted in response.

    "What was that? Does my darling Xuan miss me so much that she is angry?"

    "You could say so."

    "Don''t miss me too much. I''ll be home in three days." he said.

    Yun Xuan cheered up and blew him a kiss.

    ...

    In Lu Enterprise, Lu Aotian was busy checking the files of the CEOs of Lu Enterprises'' subsidiaries. These past few days, he had been busy checking their records, giving pay rise to those who worked hard enough as well as bonuses and promotions.

    On a side note, apart from the CEOs, he had also been sneakily changing the employees beside his younger brother.

    In just a few days, Lu Shaoting''s secretary and assistants were all women. To be exact, they were all very beautiful women. It would still be normal if they were just pretty, he would assume Lu Enterprises'' employees this year were coincidentally beautiful. However, the common traits were that they were all very hardworking, elegant, had seductive bodies and most importantly, all of them were single and at the ripe age for marriage. It was obvious that they had been carefully selected.

    Although they did not try to seduce him or even deliberately wear revealing clothes, the sight of many beauties around him really made him feel like he was going crazy.

    Thus on an early morning, a very unhappy little brother who had been tortured by the sight of a bevy of beauties ran into the office of the President. "Bro, what in the world do you mean by this?"

    "What?" he feigned innocence.

    "Don''t try to act smart with me!" Lu Shaoting complained. "Why did all the employees directly under me turn into beautiful women?"

    Lu Aotian gave him a side eye. "You don''t want beautiful assistants?" Who in the world rejected beauties? Even he himself had fallen for a beautiful girl, alright?

    "No!...I mean, it''s not that I don''t want them, but why do they have to be...like that?" He knew his brother''s ruthlessness better than anyone. If he declared that he did not want them, he would have to do everything himself.

    "Why don''t you admire them then?" Lu Aotian mocked.

    "Did father put you up to this?" he asked unhappily. For his brother to suddenly do such things, it had to be because their father asked him to do so.

    Lu Aotian glanced at him as if scolding him for throwing a tantrum like a child. "Shaoting, you want a wife, yet you do not want women close to you. Could you make up your mind? Wives don''t appear out of thin air."

    Lu Shaoting scolded inwardly: but sister-in-law appeared out of thin air.

    "So you are trying to make me fall in love with one of those assistants?" he sobbed like he had been treated unfairly.

    Lu Aotian ignored him and continued working.

    ___

    On the other hand, in Elite Fashion World, Wan Jia and Dai Youran were working together to produce more of their outfits.

    After recieving the president''s warning, Dai Youran had apologized and promised never to try and sabotage Wan Jia. Everyone who knew her knew that she would never break any of her promises.

    After hearing this from other employees, Wan Jia had decided to give her a second chance. but remain guarded. What she did not know, however, was that DY Brand had been frozen for a year.

    After working together for a few days, Dai Youran had even told her the reason why she kidnapped her.

    Apparently, Dai Youran had felt so threatened by her presence that she could not even come up with anything impressive. Hence as a last resolve, she decided to make Wan Jia late.

    Wan Jia felt that it made sense. So that was why Dai Youran''s designs on the runway were not as impressive as usual.

    -

    As for her, although the CEO had told her to draft more pieces in the same series, the company had not accepted any order yet. The plan was to let the values rise before they could mass produce and put them up for sale.

    Unexpectedly, she was very busy. If Dai Youran was not helping her here and there, she would surely pass out.

    To thank Lin Lihua for her help in teaching her and being her model, Wan Jia took the best red gown in the series and asked someone to wrap it as a present which she sent to Lin Lihua.

    She even attached a note; [Sis Lihua, red suits you best.]

    She could practically picture how the other party would shriek and kiss the note before carefully taking out the gown to try it on.

 Chapter 163 - Ignored for a week

    Three days passed by very fast. On the fourth afternoon, Yun Xuan very cheerfully drove into the largest beauty parlor in the capital. She had the stylist cut her blonde hair a little and style it into curls. As usual, the long bangs were retained.

    Satisfied with her new look, she proceeded into the shopping centre to buy a dress. Although she did not want to, she noticed how obviously the EFW store in this shopping centre was crowded. Could it be any more obvious?

    She gritted her teeth and walked into YX brand store to promote her own studio.

    "Boss." The salespeople recognized her and greeted in unison.

    They were shocked in the next moment when she chose a cute little dress and said she was going to buy it.

    "Boss, you are the boss. How can you buy your own dress?"

    "That''s right. Boss should not pay for anything here."

    "I want to buy it. Do you have a problem with that?" She glared at them.

    They found it weird, but she was the boss. They just assumed that she had too much money lately.

    She changed in the dressing room and walked out looking very beautiful. Satisfied with the gasps of admiration behind her, she got into her car and drove to the airport.

    Tyler arrived soon after. Just as she was about to rush up to him, someone else did that first.

    "Tyler!" the girl beamed from ear to ear and jumped right into his arms. She then streched out her hand to help him with his luggage under Yun Xuan''s widened eyes.

    She had really outdone herself this time. She was wearing a very short and body hugging black dress. Even Yun Xuan had to admit that she looked much more beautiful and attractive than usual. But the problem was that she had obviously dolled herself up for her man! Yun Xuan narrowed her eyes and glared at her. Ruolin who had obviously done it on purpose winked at Yun Xuan when Tyler was not looking, provoking her even more.

    Tyler had spotted Yun Xuan and was just about to go over to her when someone unexpectedly jumped in for a hug. He was too late to stop her. The next thing he saw was Yun Xuan''s unhappy gaze.

    "...RUOLIN!" he roared.

    The woman retreated shyly and glanced at him. "My brother is back after a whole month. Can I not hug you?"

    "My fianc¨¦e doesn''t like it. Get out of the way!" he commanded, not paying any attention to her.

    Obviously, she was very unhappy. "Tyler! Are you really disregarding your sister because of a woman?" she cried.

    "Isn''t my sister a woman?" Tyler walked towards Yun Xuan as he said to Ruolin, "I''ll set you up for a blind date. You should get married soon."

    He walked to the stunned Yun Xuan and hugged her. "I''m sorry about my sister. Don''t be too upset."

    "It''s alright." she decided to ignore Ruolin as they got into her car.

    Tyler was tired from being on the plane for long so Yun Xuan drove. Seeing that she was silently gripping the steering wheel all the way from the airport and did not let out a single peep during the whole car ride, Tyler knew she was still unhappy.

    He tickled her waist as soon as they entered his apartment. "Still unhappy?"

    "What do you think?" she glared at him.

    Was it not obvious? Do you know how it feels to dress up for a man and the person who gets to hug him first is another woman?

    "I''m sorry. I really did not expect her to do that." he apologized.

    "You still call each other ''brother'' and ''sister''? Thinking of how she clung to you makes my stomach churn. Urgh..."

    Tyler was about to hug her when she pushed him away. "You are not allowed to touch me for the next one week! Keep your distance. If possible, don''t even breathe the same air as me." With that, she really ignore him and kept her distance.

    Tyler felt it was very unfair. After missing his fianc¨¦e for a month, he could not even hug her?

    ___

    Due to Wan Jia''s record of making Elite Fashion World explode in benefits as soon as she joined the company, the CEO promised to organize a welcome banquet for her.

    Well, not exactly. The banquet was Lu Aotian''s and Lu Shaoting''s idea. They had already planned to organize it when Wan Jia talked of joining EFW. The CEO only agreed to the idea when Lu Shaoting instructed him and he too thought that it was a good idea.

    That in itself was a new record set by Wan Jia. She would be the first employee in Elite Fashion World to be thrown a welcome banquet and the third in the whole of Lu Enterprises. The first two were of course the Lu brothers.

    The company was in uproar. Although the other designers envied her for her good luck, they felt that she indeed deserved it. They had seen their studio rise in value after the Golden Hand Awards. The already highly regarded Elite Fashion World had become even more unbeatable. They had also heard the incessant ringing of phones as people asked to talk to Wan Jia.

    If this welcome banquet was a reward, it was undeniable that she had earned it.

    Wan Jia had just left the office very tired after the long day of work and was absent mindedly walking towards the elevator when she saw someone that made her squint her eyes.

    Su Ling?

 Chapter 164 - Weird Su Ling

    What was Su Ling doing here?

    She instinctively wanted to avoid her, but the woman ran right up to her and tugged her sleeve.

    It was worth mentioning that Su Ling was not wearing her usual bold and seductive type of clothes with heavy make up. She was wearing something more simple and easy on the eyes, and if Wan Jia was being honest, she looked better this way.

    "What do you want?" Wan Jia snapped at her.

    The woman did not fight back rudely as expected, she pleaded "Wan Jia, can we talk?"

    Wan Jia felt spooked. "Is this your new method of scheming? I''m not interested. How did you even get in here to begin with?"

    "I''m not here to do anything wrong. I''m only looking for you to talk. I promise."

    Wan Jia pried off her hand that was holding her wrist. "Let go of me! I don''t have anything to talk to you about."

    "But I do." she pleaded.

    "I don''t care. Let go or I''ll call security."

    Not only did Su Ling not let go, she even went on her knees. "Wan Jia, we have worked together before. Even though I schemed against you, I apologize. Could you give me just ten, no, five minutes of your time?"

    Wan Jia felt troubled as some employees started looking over. "Miss Su, you are embarassing me."

    The woman became even more determined. "Then Wan Jia, let''s find a place to talk, okay? If not, I''ll kneel here until you agree to talk to me."

    "They why don''t you just say what you want?!" Wan Jia was having a headache.

    "It''s private."

    ...

    Minutes later, in a coffee shop.

    If not for the embarassing situation and this woman''s incessant nagging, Wan Jia would not have agreed to talk to her.

    "Talk." she was very impatient.

    Unexpectedly, Su Ling did not turn into a rude freak even when they were alone. She just spoke politely, "Wan Jia, can you ever forgive me for what I did back then? Following Mo Zilian was the worst decision I ever made."

    Wan Jia sneered. "Go straight to the point."

    She looked down as if battling with herself before she asked in a very soft voice. "I know you need an assistant now that your workload must be getting heavier after going to Elite Fashion World. Could you...could you hire me?" Wan Jia almost spat out the coffee she was drinking. Hire her, as an assistant?

    "Miss Su, did you drink too much?"

    "No, I''m serious. Although I don''t have a real designing talent, I can handle miscelleanous quite well. That''s what I''ve been doing in the past."

    Wan Jia really wanted to send this woman to hell. "Then why did you not continue doing that wherever you were doing it?"

    "My boss retired a month ago." she did not wait for Wan Jia to talk before she continued, "Actually, before I started following Mo Zilian, I was a designer''s assistant. I saved up quite some money but then I met her again. We were schoolmates when we were younger so I trusted her and followed her advice. But then, I only ended up destroying my perfect life. I..."

    "I don''t wish to hear your perfect lies." she was just about to say she already decided on an assistant when she recieved a new text message.

    Handsome Lu :[Hire her.]

    Wan Jia looked around the coffee shop. Strange. How did Lu Aotian know that she was talking to someone, and that that person wanted a job? Also, was he seriously asking her to hire Su Ling? Was she mistaken?

    As if he knew that she would be doubtful, he specified.

    Handsome Lu: [Hire Su Ling as your assistant.]

    Wan Jia did not understand what had gotten into her man, but she trusted him so she told her, "Come to work tomorrow."

    The woman seemed in disbelief. "R-really?"

    Wan Jia was now annoyed. "You don''t want to?"

    "I want! I want! I just didn''t believe that you would really...I''ll report to work very early tomorrow. You can count on me to do a very good job."

    ___

    "Why did you ask me to hire her? Wait, how did you even know I was talking to her?"

    Wan Jia rained questions on Lu Aotian as soon as he got home.

    Lu Aotian swept her off the floor like a toy and kissed her lips as he complained. "Other women massage their men and offer them food as soon as they get home."

    "Fine, I''ll massage you and offer you food, then you have an explanation to give."

    "Mmh."

    After having dinner with Little Jia, a special kind of massage from Wan Jia''s little hands and lots of kisses, Lu Aotian was finally willing to talk about Su Ling.

    "She came to the entrance of Lu Enterprises looking for you today."

    "And you just let her waltz in?"

    "I wanted to know what exactly she was up to. Shaoting put a listening device on her while she was busy begging me to let her talk to you." he spoke as if he was very proud of his younger brother. Lu Shaoting had even very effectively given her a pass and told her where to find Wan Jia.

 Chapter 165 - Our Designer Wan is very busy lately.

    While his elder brother was secretly praising him for doing a good job by putting a listening device on Su Ling, Lu Shaoting was lying in bed trying to organize his thoughts.

    He did not know if his mind was playing tricks on him but he felt that woman was quite familiar. Although she did not seem to recognize him, that could have been because she had focused all her attention on Lu Aotian.

    When she rushed up to his brother to beg him during the day, he did not have enough time to think and could only act like a robot. According to her conversation with his brother, he gathered that the woman wanted to see Wan Jia but Lu Aotian did not want to let her because they had a past feud and that she did something against Wan Jia before. If he understood correctly, this woman stole something from Wan Jia.

    Understanding only this part, Lu Shaoting signalled his brother with his eyes before secretly putting a tiny listening device he had carried along into the woman''s bag that she had thrown aside. This was meant to help his brother follow her movements and know her intentions. On the other hand, it was also to help him find out about this woman. She gave him a very strong sense of familiarity, like they had met somewhere before.

    He did not know why he cared so much but he felt it would hurt if he did not find out who she was and how they knew each other.

    Lu Shaoting tossed and turned in bed before he finally drifted off to sleep when the sky was brightening up.

    ...

    Lu Shaoting was not the only one having a sleepless night. Yun Xuan lay weakly in Tyler''s embrace as he caressed her hair. She had wanted to ignore him for an entire week but she just loved him and had missed him so much that she couldn''t wait to be in his arms.

    Tonight, she was initially not sleeply, but after Tyler ''tortured'' her a few times, she gradually became sleepy. She was just about to sleep when she felt something poking her bare waist.

    Her beautiful eyes flew back awake as she pulled herself far away from him. Enough of this guy! How many times did he want to do it? She was already sore!

    Tyler felt her leaving his arms and laughed. "We can just chat. You will fall asleep eventually."

    Yun Xuan still kept enough distance for another person to sleep in between them. "What do you want to talk about?"

    Tyler thought for a bit. "We have a lot to talk about, for example, the reason why you have been constantly in a bad mood lately."

    Yun Xuan sighed. She did not want to talk about this at all.

    Tyler noticed her uneasiness. "It''s okay if you don''t want to talk about it, but you can always tell me if you want to open up."

    Yun Xuan did not think anymore and told him everything. "I did not really win the award."

    "What do you mean? It was on the fashion news."

    Yun Xuan sighed in regret. "While it was on the news, that''s because I blackmailed the judges."

    The moon was not very bright, but Yun Xuan could still tell that Tyler was either holding his chin or he had one eyebrow raised.

    "Someone helped me. I really didn''t want to lose. "

    Tyler caught up pretty fast. "Your second brother is the one who helped you, right?"

    "How did you know?"

    Tyler pinched her arm playfully. "Is it hard to guess? Yun Jifeng is the only person who can ask you to walk into a volacano and you would not even question him before walking right in."

    Yun Xuan rolled her eyes at his analogy and continued. "The worst part is that Wan Jia was supposed to win. I feel terrible." she burst into tears.

    Tyler drew her into his arms and comforted her. "I can understand that your studio was going through a bad phase, but I cannot justify what you did. You owe your friend an apology."

    She nodded.

    "Talking of which, why did the two of you fall out? You always evade the topic whenever I ask."

    "Can we not talk about that?" she sniffled.

    "Is it something to do with Yun Jifeng?" he probbed a little more.

    "Tyler!" she roared.

    So it was really about Yun Jifeng. As the faint light from the moon seeped in through the window curtains, the couple lay entangled in bed.

    They were both thinking about the same person, but the reasons were different.

    While one thought about how she was going to apologize to her former friend and if they could reconciele, the other was busy thinking about certain possibilities.

    For example, could it be that Wan Jia knew something about Yun Jifeng and told Yun Xuan and that was why they fell out? If so, then perhaps Wan Jia was quite interesting...

    The next day, Yun Xuan really forgot about her pride and made her way to Elite Fashion World.

    "Excuse me, I''m here to see Wan Jia." she said to the receptionist.

    "Miss, do you have an appointment?"

    Yun Xuan frowned. She needed an appointment to see her friend? Okay, fine. They were no longer friends. But was it really necessary? She gritted her teeth. "I don''t."

    The receptionist was not too friendly with her. "I''m sorry miss, our Designer Wan is very busy lately. You need an appointment to see her."

 Chapter 166 - Whats with all these enemies?

    The receptionist was not too friendly with her. "I''m sorry miss, our Designer Wan is very busy lately. You need an appointment to see her."

    Yun Xuan almost lost it. "Wan Jia is my friend. Do you think she would be happy if you treated me this way? Forget about she and I being friends. Even if she did not know me? Do you know who I am?"

    The woman at the reception looked troubled. Aside from the fact that Wan Jia was indeed very busy, she could not just let anyone into the building.

    She sighed and said, "Miss, if you and our Designer Wan are friends, why don''t you give her a call? She will send someone to get you."

    Yun Xuan''s expression became hard to read. What did she mean ''give her a call''? she would have done that. If only Wan Jia had not blocked her contact. Would she even have to go all the way to Elite Fashion World?

    Not wanting to be embarassed, she said, "I just lost my phone."

    It seemed like the devil had taken a liking to her, because as soon as the word ''phone'' got out, her phone rang. She cursed the caller a million times and looked at the woman behind the desk. "Listen, tell me the way to Wan Jia''s office and stop asking too many questions."

    The woman looked at Yun Xuan nervously. From this woman''s style of dressing, she seemed to be a rich lady. But so what? This was Elite Fashion World. They did not need to care about offending anyone. "I''ll call Designer Wan and ask if she is willing to see you."

    Yun Xuan was displeased but she nodded.

    ...

    In the corner office, Wan Jia''s head was really going ablaze. Not only was the office phone ringing so incessantly that she wanted to smash it against the wall, there were also many colleagues knocking on her door practically every minute trying to curry favour with her and trying to order custom pieces for their friends. Could these people not see? She only had one series to offer! Since she had not yet decided the type of work to let Su Ling handle at the moment, she was still very busy.

    When the office phone rang again, she was desperately determined to throw it out the window.

    "Hello, Designer Wan." It seemed to be an internal call. "There''s a miss..." she paused as if to ask the other party for their name, "...Miss Yun Xuan here to see you."

    Yun Xuan? Why would she be here to see her?

    Things were still fine with Dai Youran apologizing and offering friendship after being unexpectedly against her. Then Su Ling happened. As if not enough, now another nemesis was here too?

    Hey, did someone send these enemies over?

    "Designer Wan, should I let her to your office?"

    The warm voice snapped her back and she said, "I''ll send my assistant to get her."

    After hanging up the call, she immediately called Su Ling and told her to go and pick up Yun Xuan then she added, "From now on, you are in charge of my phone calls and anyone who wants to see me."

    Su Ling was happy with the assignment and went to get her.

    Wan Jia remained a little dazed in the office. Although she really needed help, she could not trust Su Ling. What if she had come with ill intentions and stole from her again?

    She could not help but wonder what happened to that little girl who approached her before and shyly offered to be her assistant. How nice it would be if she asked again!

    As though God was just waiting for her to make that wish, that little girl knocked on her office door as soon as she had that thought.

    "D-designer Wan." she greeted shyly.

    Wan Jia could not help but be amused. She was clearly very friendly. Why was this little girl so scared?

    She smiled and the little girl continued speaking. "Do...do you really not need an assistant? I can..."

    "You are hired." Wan Jia interrupted her. She had already asked about this girl. She had been selected by the company but no one wanted to hire her because of her extreme timidity, so she probably decided to cling onto the friendly-looking Wan Jia. Since the company chose her, it should be okay.

    The little new assistant was probably prepared to coax Wan Jia for hours and was shocked when she was hired out of thin air. "Thank you Designer Wan, I''ll definitely work hard."

    Su Ling arrived at that moment with Yun Xuan in tow. As soon as she saw the cute little girl, she narrowed her eyes. "Lili, our Designer Wan is too busy to deal with you right now. Also, she already has me as her assistant. Can you not pester her?"

    Wan Jia laughed at Su Ling whose expression was panicked as if she was afraid she would be fired, and Lili whose face was now pale. "Both of you are my assistants. Lili will handle matters within the company and Su Ling outside the company." After giving them a detailed job scope, she finally glanced at Yun Xuan.

    "Why are you here?"

    "Wanwan, I''m sorry."

    Wan Jia''s lips twitched. "You came all the way here to tell me this?"

    Yun Xuan took a deep breath and took Wan Jia''s hand. "Wanwan, can we be friends again?"

 Chapter 167 - You are asking for my life

    Yun Xuan took a deep breath and took Wan Jia''s hand. "Wanwan, can we be friends again?"

    Wan Jia frowned and pulled her hand away from Yun Xuan''s. "Is there something wrong with the way Miss Yun woke up this morning?"

    Yun Xuan was expecting that look of disgust. "Wanwan, I''m sorry for how I treated you back then...and for...the award. I was wrong by being selfish. Can you forgive me this once?"

    Wan Jia was really not in the mood to discuss with her. "Forgiveness is all you want? Sure I can forgive you and forget about it, but we cannot be friends."

    "Wanwan..."

    "Miss Yun, the door is on your left."

    Wan Jia sighed when Yun Xuan left. She felt bad about losing a friend, but she did not regret it. Their friendship had only ever caused her unnecessary trouble.

    ...

    After hiring two assistants, Wan Jia''s work load became significantly lower in the next few days.

    On saturday, Lu Aotian took her and Little Jia to the old residence.

    The little girl was as cheerful as ever when she heard that she was going to play with her grandfather.

    The day got even better for her when they reached the old residence and she found out that her second uncle was taking care of her little friend, Tangtang.

    Since Lu Shaoting was very good with children, his godson Tangtang would always nag his parents to let him go and play in the old Lu home.

    The happiest person today was Little Jia. When she saw the cute little guy, she let go of her father''s hand and ran to him. Even the grandfather was not spared a second glance today.

    "Tangtang!" she exclaimed and clung onto the little guy for a hug.

    However, Tangtang did not like playing with girls. He shrugged her off him and ran to hide behind Lu Shaoting. Little Jia burst into wells of tears. "Boohoo...."

    The adults all laughed.

    "Little Jia, come to grandpa. Grandpa will play with you." Lu Tongyan consoled her.

    However, the little girl only wanted to play with Tangtang and kept crying.

    Lu Shaoting tried to talk to the little guy. "Tangtang, you can''t be mean. Little Jia is your little sister, okay?"

    The boy shook his head vigorously. "But my little sister has not yet come. Daddy said she is in Mommy''s belly."

    "Ahem, what uncle means is that you should treat Little Jia like your little sister. Give her a hug, okay?"

    The boy still protested. "She is too little. She doesn''t go to school and cries all the time. Uncle Shaoting, I don''t want to. Little girls are very annoying."

    When Little Jia heard the phrase about her not going to school, she turned to look at her parents for help.

    Wan Jia laughed. "You will go to kindergarten when you turn four, okay?"

    Little Jia tilted her head. Did that mean she would only play with Tangtang when she is four? She was still unhappy.

    "Heh...baby, be good. When you go to school, you will meet many friends and adorable little girls like you. You might even forget about Tangtang." Wan Jia laughed.

    Little Jia sniffled and ran into her mother''s embrace. "Mommy..."

    "Baby, don''t cry."

    "Mommy, Little Jia doesn''t cry all the time."

    "Mmh, my Little Jia is a good girl and doesn''t cry all the time."

    Lu Aotian shot a sideways glance at his daughter who was crying heartbrokenly over a boy and was speechless.

    After lots of coaxing including promises of new toys and candy from their mutual friend Lu Shaoting, the two children managed to have a peaceful moment and went to play together in the garden. Lu Aotian went to discuss business matters with his father, so Lu Shaoting took the opportunity to talk to his sister-in-law.

    "Sister-in-law, can I ask you something?" he asked nervously.

    Wan Jia laughed. "Go ahead."

    Lu Shaoting looked like a teenage boy in love. "Well, uhm...your assistant. Can you tell me about her?"

    Wan Jia was amused. "You mean Lili? She is twenty one years old this year and lives with her grandmother. Wait, you''re not in love with her, right? You may want to tread very carefully because she is extremely innocent and timid. "

    Lu Shaoting blushed briefly. "In love? Don''t tease me, sister-in-law. Can you show me a photo of her?"

    Wan Jia found her phone and showed him. Lu Shaoting almost chocked on his saliva when he saw the adorable little girl. "Is she even an adult yet? This is definitely not her."

    Wan Jia widened her eyes and took back her phone with a racing heart. "I have two assistants, but you definitely don''t mean Su Ling."

    "Right, Su Ling. That name, too, is familiar." Lu Shaoting shouted excitedly.

    Wan Jia smacked his hand that was reaching for her phone away and glared at him. What in the... "Shaoting! That''s Mo Zilian''s former friend or who know, maybe they are still friends. Why would you look for her?"

    "I just feel she''s familiar. Can''t I take a look?" he rolled his eyes.

    Wan Jia was even more annoyed. "Familiar? More like you are madly in love with her."

    "Just one look. Wait, sister-in-law, you cannot tell my brother about this, okay?"

    Wan Jia''s heart trembled. "My dear brother-in-law, you are asking for my life."

 Chapter 168 - Angry little brother

    Lu Shaoting looked at Wan Jia like he was looking at his saviour. "I''m not in love with her! And even if I was, don''t you want me to have a wife? That way, you will have someone to play with, and when we have kids, Little Jia will have playmates too."

    "Then why don''t you ask your brother to help you investigate her?"

    "Definitely not! My brother would kill me."

    "Then why don''t you investigate her yourself?"

    "Are you kidding? My brother and I are so connected that if I investigated someone behind his back, he would find out."

    Wan Jia was now successfully annoyed and was about to kick him away when she heard familiar footsteps behind her. "What are you two talking about?"

    They did not know it, but they looked like business people in the midst of very serious negotiations.

    Lu Shaoting begged his sister-in-law with his eyes before he smiled at his brother. "Nothing. I was just asking sister-in-law if she''s having it hard at work."

    Who was he fooling? Lu Aotian had known him for twenty seven years and knew instantly that he was up to something not-so-pleasant. He shot him a warning glare before picking his wife off the sofa.

    He sat her on his lap and started talking about Su Ling. It was as though he had just joined in their discussion and merely changed the topic.

    "What I want to find out right now is Su Ling''s motive for finding you." He said to Wan Jia.

    Wan Jia cleared her throat. "Up till now, she only does her work efficiently and has not done anything suspicious.

    Lu Aotian hummed under his breath. "It could be that she is stalling for time and trying to win your trust."

    Lu Shaoting quickly chimmed in. "Or it could be that she doesn''t have any motive and merely wanted a job. Not everyone has ill motives, you know."

    Lu Aotian: "Birds of a feather flock together. She is a friend of Mo Zilian and she schemed against your sister-in-law before. I don''t believe she merely came to find a job. Couldn''t she work elesewhere?"

    Lu Shaoting: "Maybe she couldn''t find a job anywhere else? Anyway, she only did bad things before. People change and besides, she only stole some drafts. Why are the two of you sounding like she''s a murderer?"

    Lu Aotian immediately glared at him. "Stand up!"

    Lu Shaoting stood and was confused when his brother glanced at the sofa behind him. "Bro, What''s wrong?"

    "I just wanted to check if you have placed your brain under your butt. But no, it seems to be in a place where the sun doesn''t shine. How can you defend such a person Lu Shaoting! Has your brain been fed to the dogs?"

    Lu Shaoting, whose temper had always been even, did not know why it happened but he completely lost it. "I''m merely thinking like a human being. Why can''t I defend a woman who hasn''t ever wronged me? May I remind you, my dear brother, not only did you blindly fall in love with a woman who you knew was lying to you, you even took her back after she betrayed you and aren''t you planning to get married?"

    "Watch your tongue!"

    Lu Shaoting smirked and left.

    Lu Aotian was more shocked than angry. Ever since Lu Shaoting was born, he had never really lost his temper. And now he did because of Su Ling? What in the world had happened to his brother when he was not watching?

    Wan Jia panicked. "Aotian, let''s go home. He''s just a little confused right now. Let him cool off, okay?"

    "Father will be very insecure when he learns of this." Lu Aotian sighed.

    Lu Tongyan had in fact overheard their conversation. He did not know who Su Ling was but when they mentioned that she was Mo Zilian''s friend, he was indeed very shocked. He took out his phone with trembling hands and called one of his friends who had a daughter to arrange for a blind date.

    ___

    Early on Monday morning, Lu Shaoting did not immediately go to Lu Enterprises. Instead, he went to Elite Fashion World under the guise of checking on his sister-in-law.

    While he actually planned to check on Wan Jia, that was only because he wanted to get to know that assistant named Su Ling.

    He had gotten out of the elevator and was walking absentmindedly towards Wan Jia''s office when a girl rushed out. She was walking so hurriedly that although he wanted to evade her, he was too late. The girl bumped right into his chest and started falling backwards from the inertia.

    He held her dramatically with his right hand but he was a little too late, the impact made them both head for the floor.

    With his right hand still holding he waist, he hurled out his other hand to protect her head.

    The following phrase ran through his mind: Since we have already bumped into each other, why don''t we skip all those boring formalities and just get married?

    He smiled foolishly and that was when he realized with a start. Their current position was extremely embarassing!...

 Chapter 169 - Is Dai Youran insane?

    Lu Shaoting awkwardly put one hand on the floor, intending to use it to get up but he felt a sharp pain making him suddenly let go and collapse right back onto her.

    It was as if the devil had not yet had enough fun with him, because that was the exact moment when his sister-in-law decided to leave her office. Forget about the other employees who were gaping and fighting the temptation to take photos. Did his sister-in-law also have to witness the most embarassing moment of his life? She even burst into laugher.

    Lu Shaoting did not waste one more second, he stood up and scurried away.

    Wan Jia approached the shocked Su Ling and gave her a hand. "Are you alright?"

    Su Ling merely nodded and ran to the washroom. Luckily, he had held her head and prevented it from getting hurt.

    Wan Jia could not help calling Lu Shaoting to mock him. "Yo, what on earth happened, huh? If I didn''t know better, I would think you were here to defile my assistant."

    "Shut up!" Lu Shaoting said coldly and hung up.

    ...

    Lu Shaoting rushed all the way to Lu Enterprises, only to find his brother waiting in the office of the Vice President with a very serious expression.

    Jeez, his morning was already awful enough. Did he also have to face this stone-faced man, and why was he here?

    "Bro, why are you here?" he asked.

    The man who was sitting right on his office chair looked at him coldly. "You are fifty-five minutes late."

    "Sorry, I ran into a situation."

    "You went to Elite Fashion World, didn''t you?"

    "I..." It was useless to lie to his brother as he already knew. "I did. Bro, before you scold me, can you hear me out?"

    Lu Aotian silently agreed so he continued. "Bro, I''m just curious about that girl. I don''t have any feelings for her."

    Lu Aotian took a golden pen at the side and rolled it. "Not only do you have feelings, they are already very deep. Shaoting, how long have I known you? It''s not my business who you like but no matter what, you should learn from my mistakes."

    Lu Shaoting knew his brother had a point, and he understood why he would not want him to like anyone close to Mo Zilian, but he was stubborn. "I can guarantee that she is not a bad girl.

    Let''s make a deal. If she is trully a bad person, I will forget about her, but if she is not, you will accept her as your sister-in-law."

    Lu Aotian really wanted to slap some sense into him. What sister-in-law? He had not even gone after her yet. Who knew if she had a boyfriend or if she was already married? Still, he made the deal. Perhaps he was being an overprotective brother.

    That saturday, Wan Jia''s welcome banquet was held.

    Apart from most of the employees of Elite Fashion World, some influental people from Lu Enterprises were attending. This included President Lu and his brother.

    Everyone was still wondering why the star of the night, Wan Jia, had not arrived yet when they saw her walk in hand in hand with Lu Aotian.

    This was explosive! Did the President and Designer Wan know each other?

    Not daring to ask a thing, they held in their curiosity until Lu Aotian spoke.

    After greeting them briefly, he continued, "This banquet is to reward Designer Wan Jia for her hard work, as well as to welcome her to Lu Enterprises."

    Huh?

    Did the President make a mistake? What did he mean ''welcome her to Lu Enterprises''?

    Unfortunately for them, Lu Aotian was not in the mood to explain anything and merely let them keep guessing.

    Among the curious employees, at least a few of them understood what was happening. Wan Jia''s superior was not their CEO. She was directly under the president! Just how good was her luck?

    The person burning in jealousy was undoubtedly Dai Youran. After all her years of hard work, she had never had such an opportunity. Now that Wan Jia had arrived, forget about getting all the good stuff. It was even because of her that DY had been frozen for a whole agonizing year. What was she going to do for al that time? By the time she came back, Wan Jia would be way above her.

    Did President Lu deliberately do this to pave way for Wan Jia? What was their relationship anyway?

    As she had such thoughts, she seemed to have totally forgotten that it was her own fault that Lu Aotian did that. In fact, if not for the fact that Wan Jia decided to forget about the incident, he would have banned DY Brand forever and made sure it never revived.

    Dai Youran found a chance when Wan Jia was alone and approached her with a sweet smile. "Designer Wan,"

    Wan Jia rejected the wine she was being offered and smiled back. "I drank enough already. My alcohol tolerance is very low. Tell me, what do you want me to do for you?"

    Dai Youran smiled even wider. "My brand has been frozen because of what happened between you and I, and I have outfits I would like to produce. Could you let me release them using your name?"

    Wan Jia was taken aback. "Excuse me?"

 Chapter 170 - No wonder she had made his heart race

    Dai Youran looked at her pleadingly. "Just this once Wanwan, it''s just...the dress is so similar to your style and I don''t want it to go to waste."

    Wan Jia mildly smiled at her. "Then why don''t you produce it under the company''s name?"

    Dai Youran looked conflicted. "I would, but then everyone would know that DY has been frozen. Help me just this once, okay? It''s after all because of you that President Lu froze my brand."

    Wan Jia raised an eyebrow at someone''s shallow thinking. Because of her? Who was it that had evil intentions against the other first?

    Actually, Wan Jia was just not stupid. If someone else asked for such a favour, she would readily agree, but not Dai Youran.

    This was because she knew that DY was already famous and influential and no matter how one looked at it, Wan Jia was still a rookie in comparison. If she produced DY''s dress under her name, who is to say that her future designs would not be declared as Dai Youran''s work?

    She shook her head. "Designer Dai, we may be in the same company, and you may be better than me, but I don''t trust you. Please ask the CEO or our other colleagues for help." With that, she excused herself, leaving behind a very displeased Dai Youran. That Wan Jia! Nevermind that she has incredibly good luck through and through, why is it that although she rejected me so coldly, I cannot get angry at her?

    Lu Aotian saw Wan Jia return to his side and took her hand, dragging her along to let her meet people who might help her in future in the company. It was worth mentioning, he only let her meet women. The men who tried to spike conversations with her while admiring her beauty were scared away with his chilling glares.

    At last, someone with extreme courage asked, "Designer Wan, what''s your relationship with the president?"

    Wan Jia laughed and felt there was really nothing to hide. She held his hand and said under his expectant gaze, "President Lu is my man."

    The people around all gasped in shock. They had guessed as much, but they had dismissed it. So this was the lady who appeared in Lu Enterprises? The rumours had said that although she was disguised, they could guess from her figure that she must be very beautiful. It was true!

    A few people noticed the restrained smile on their President''s face when she called him her man. Since they were still dead scared of Lu Aotian, they asked Wan Jia instead. "When will we get to attend your wedding?"

    "That depends on my mood." she laughed.

    "Designer Wan is very beautiful and your man is very handsome. I''m sure your kids will be very beautiful too!"

    Wan Jia smiled. Of course their children will be beautiful. Just take a look at Little Jia.

    Since they were on the topic, someone asked in a whisper, "President Lu has already gotten over his rumoured first wife and is already in another relationship, and with such a beautiful goddess. When does our dearest cute Vice President Lu plan on getting himself a wife?"

    "Now that you mention it, with his handsomeness and status, how is he still single?"

    "We should help him find a wife."

    "Or maybe Designer Wan should help him. With her beauty, surely she has a ton of beautiful friends she can introduce to him, right?"

    While the employees were egrossed in discussion, the male lead of the talk, Lu Shaoting, was off to find his female lead.

    He had just seen that familiar back disappear towards the washroom. He leaned on the wall right outside and waited patiently.

    When he heard the sound of running water and guessed that she was probably washing her hands and would be out in a bit, he stood upright facing the entrance so that she would see him right on her way out.

    However, the girl may have been careless, or perhaps she saw him too late, for she bumped onto his chest again.

    This time, he was prepared and held her steady.

    "You know, the next time we bump into each other, you will have to pay the price for breaking my nose." Su Ling even forgot that she was speaking to Lu Shaoting and blurted out in anger.

    Not only did Lu Shaoting not get angry, he even looked happy and smiled.

    Ha ha, how was he so stupid? He had spent so much time trying to figure out how he and this girl knew each other yet he was such a fool. The answer was right on his strong chest.

    Was this not the girl, who on Elder Qian''s banquet, had bumped into him and made his heart race?

    No wonder the name Su Ling sounded familiar. He had heard someone call her when she left. Lu Shaoting eyed the girl frowning before him. Her gown was a bit revealing and seductive. Her makeup was light and although she was not as extraordinarily beautiful as Wan Jia and Lin Lihua, she looked pleasing to the eye.

    Tsk, no wonder she had made his heart race.

 Chapter 171 - It would be a surprise if I wasnt looking scary

    The girl noticed his gaze and blushed. "Vice President Lu?"

    Lu Shaoting looked away awkwardly. He had wanted to ask her if they had met before but now it was already clear. What else was he to say? He fumbled with a racing heart and smiled at her. "Pretty, can we meet later for a private drink?"

    Su Ling was so shocked that she turned to see if there was another person behind her that Lu Shaoting was talking to. Not only was there no other person, Lu Shaoting was looking right into her eyes. He had even called her...pretty? He was inviting her for a private drink? Was there something wrong with the way she had left the washroom?

    Well, she could have an innocent drink with him...as long as they don''t bump into each other again...she blushed.

    When he saw her hesitation, he took out a card and stuffed it into her walm soft palm. "This is my private number. You can call me when you are free." Before she could say anything, he fled with a face red in embarassment.

    Urgh...the moment just had to be interrupted again. This time, he did not accidentally ''hug'' the wall, but his brother''s chest instead. "Bro."

    The man looked at him coldly and walked out, expecting Lu Shaoting to follow him. If Lu Aotian knew sorcery, Lu Shaoting would have detonated from his look.

    "Bro, what''s the matter? You look scary."

    "My little brother is going headfirst into a pit of fire. It would be a surprise if I wasn''t looking scary."

    Lu Shaoting sighed. "I''m not falling into a pit of fire, I''m merely trying to fish information out of her. Isn''t she Mo Zilian''s former friend? She could help us know who did those things to us years ago."

    Lu Aotian gave him a displeased look. "If you want to fall in love, go right ahead but don''t try to use the family''s name as an excuse."

    "Urgh, bro, who is falling in love? Even if I fell in love, I wouldn''t be very stupid, okay? Don''t look down on your younger brother too much."

    Lu Aotian patted his shoulder. "Just be careful. Even if you get together with her, no matter what, don''t let her know anything about the family or Lu Enterprises. You cannot even allow her to come in contact with any of the company''s documents."

    Lu Shaoting was happy that his brother had come to a compromise and was not going to interfere with his personal life. "Understood."

    "Good. For now, let''s see what she is up to. Starting on Monday, watch over Elite Fashion World and take close notice of everything for a month." The most important and obvious instruction was; also, make sure no one bullies your sister-in-law.

    ...

    After the banquet, Su Ling battled with her inner thoughts for hours before deciding to call Lu Shaoting.

    Only when the call was connected and she heard a sleepy voice on the other end did she realize how late it was. She apologized awkwardly, "I''m sorry, Vice President Lu, did I wake you up?"

    "No," replied the man''s hoarse sleepy voice. It was obvious he had been woken up. "Su Ling, you don''t have to be so polite and distant with me. You can call me by my name."

    The name felt so heavy coming out of her mouth but she still called, "Lu...Lu Shaoting." Even she herself did not know but she was blushing very hard after saying that name out loud.

    "Mmh, that sounds better. You called because?"

    Su Ling gulped and replied, "I...wanted to say that I''ll be free tomorrow."

    Lu Shaoting understood her instantly. His heart beat furiously. "Then, send me your adress. I''ll send someone to pick you up."

    "Okay. Vice...uhm...Lu Shaoting, it''s very late now, you should go back to sleep."

    "Okay." he said, without any intention of hanging up.

    Su Ling was afraid her life would be over if she hung up on such a powerful man, so she waited silently. They could hear each other''s breathing over the line.

    Lu Shaoting was not sure why, but he was not at all annoyed that the woman had called him very late. Even such a simple thing as her breathing, he found that it pleased his ear. Unknowingly, he wanted to listen to it all night with that foolish smile on his face.

    However, he was really sleepy so he just listened for a while. "I''ll go to sleep now, you should sleep early too. Goodnight."

    "Goodnight."

    He hung up, leaving her smiling like a little girl. Truly, it was such a good thing to stop being someone''s minion. Look at her now. She was now prettier and even powerful men were starting to take notice of her.

    Lu Shaoting, on the other hand, was having crazy thoughts which followed him right into his dream. He dreamt of when they fell in such an embarassing position in Elite Fashion World. In his dream, they had fallen in bed instead and..."Su Ling..."

    He was bound to be very embarassed when he woke up.

 Chapter 172 - The two little friends who fell out of favour

    The next day was a sunday. For the first time, Lu Shaoting forgot about his plans with Little Jia. He had promised to pick her up today and take her and Tangtang somewhere fun but he forgot all about it. Because of that, the little girl felt like she had fallen out of her uncle''s favour and sulked all morning.

    ''Did Little Jia do something wrong?''

    ''Is it because Second Uncle does not love me anymore?''

    ''Could it be that he now loves Tangtang the most?''

    How could Lu Aotian not know what his precious little princess was thinking? He picked her up lovingly. "Princess, second uncle is busy today. Daddy will take you and mommy to the zoo, okay?"

    The little girl nodded happily, but she secretly planned to fight it out with Tangtang for stealing away her uncle. She did not know that in the Xu family home, Tangtang was crying and throwing a tantrum about not being able to reach his godfather.

    ...

    While being fussed over by his two little friends, the star of the day, Lu Shaoting, was currently trying on the best clothes possible. Since he woke up, he had been preparing for his date and he did not even know where he tossed his phone.

    The stylists had it rough. All afternoon, they had to try their best to please this overlord and convince him that he looked handsome in any set of clothes. His looks were blessed by the heavens after all. Still, he had to make sure that his hair, clothes, shoes and accessoires were all perfect. Only when he admitted that he looked handsome enough did they heave a sigh of relief and wipe their sweat.

    At the agreed time, Lu Shaoting did not send someone to pick Su Ling and went over himself.

    The girl was obviously surprised to see him. Unlike his own tuxedo that was screaming of romance, Su Ling was wearing a pure white dress that made her look like his younger sister instead.

    He was expecting her to wear something suitable for a date with a boyfriend and was slightly displeased, but he thought that perhaps she was just being reserved. The most important thing was, she looked pretty.

    Lu Shaoting opened the passenger seat for her like a gentleman before going round to his driver''s seat. He he, it''s a good thing he kept watching his brother''s actions towards Wan Jia. Although he had never had a girlfriend before, he would not embarass himself.

    He took her to Emerald Grand Hotel. It was the second largest hotel owned by Lu Enterprises and apart from the luxurious heavenly accomodation, it was no exaggeration to say that their restaurant was also the second best in the capital. Most importantly, Emerald Grand Hotel had been his test project for entering Lu Enterprises years ago. Looking at it now, it was really worth his hard work.

    "It''s beautiful." Su Ling smiled as she looked around. She had never been to such a beautiful place all her life.

    Lu Shaoting felt proud of himself. "Wait till you taste the dishes. You will want to hire all the chefs to be your personal cooks."

    "Well, I believe you." Just with the restaurant''s appearance alone, she would enjoy the food even if it was boring.

    Following his prior notice, a private room had already been arranged for them. They had even decorated it according to his instructions and the atmosphere was quite romantic.

    When they sat down, a waitress elegantly handed him a bouquet of red roses which he took and presented to her nervously. "For you."

    Su Ling took it and thanked him with a smile. Very soon, the dishes were served.

    Lu Shaoting took the chance when she was elegantly eating the food to whip out his phone and add his brother and best friend into a chat group.

    Shaoting [Bros, when is the right time to confess my feelings? I''m on a date.]

    Xu Laiowen was the first to comment. [Our little Shaoting is on a date? No wonder you stood my son up. Do you know how much he cried?The poor boy hasn''t eaten a thing all day]

    Shaoting [This is an emergency. I''ll buy Tangtang a toy later and explain, okay?]

    Xu Liaowen [The other party does not want to help you.]

    Shaoting [Liaowen! Who was it that helped you pass love letters to your wife back in high school?]

    Xu Liaowen [Pwah hah hah! Don''t you find it comical? You help your bros get together with their wives while you remain single yourself? Ha ha, have you even ever been laid?I guess you don''t even know how to kiss a girl? Ha ha!]

    Just as Lu Shaoting was about to detonate in anger, Lu Aotian replied. [When she has feelings for you.]

    When she has feelings for you....indeed, he did not have to confess today. Otherwise, if it failed then they could not even be friends. If he waited and built his friendship with her first, then he would have higher chances of succeeding. After all, not every man was like his brother who could charm a woman off her feet in the first meeting.

    Mmh... brother was still the wisest! It was no wonder he and Wan Jia were a very strong couple!

 Chapter 173 - Take your brain with you wherever you go

    While Lu Shaoting was lost in thought, he recieved a private message.

    Handsome Lu[ Take your brain with you wherever you go.]

    Nagging, nagging him again! It seemed it would take a very long time before his brother accepted Su Ling. He found it comical how he was thinking about Lu Aotian accepting her already when he hadn''t even confessed.

    In fact, even he himself was only making a guess. He was not even completely sure of his feelings yet. All he knew was that it felt similar to what he felt for the girl he liked when he was younger.

    "You''re not eating." Su Ling''s unhappy voice jolted him back to reality. How dare a man space out on a date? It was annoying even if they were not in a relationship.

    "Oh...I''m sorry. I was talking to my friend just now." he said and stared cutting a piece of steak.

    To strike a conversation when they were done eating, Lu Shaoting asked her about her family.

    The girl seemed unhappy with his question but still answered very briefly. "I have a younger brother; he''s still in middle school. My relationship with my parents is not particularly good."

    Lu Shaoting nodded, and although it was obvious that Su Ling already knew about his family, he still briefly talked about it.

    After having a few drinks together, Lu Shaoting finally dropped her off at her apartment.

    "Don''t you want to come in for a cup of coffee?" she asked out of courtesy.

    Little did she know, Lu Shaoting was not one to be too courteous with things he wanted. "I''d love to."

    Su Ling felt awkward but led him in. Her apartment was small but very neat with a bright lady-like theme. If Lu Shaoting had seen it before she fell out with Mo Zilian, he would be completely shocked at the huge difference.

    Su Ling served him coffee and they chatted for a while. Since they both had to go to work the next day, Lu Shaoting did not overstay his welcome.

    At least he was now sure of one thing; he wanted to spend as much time with her as possible.

    ...

    The next day, the CEO of Elite Fashion World generously gave Wan Jia the afternoon off after seeing how hard she was working. A filming company had contacted him and requested for Elite Fashion World to design the actresses'' attires. Their order was very specific- the job had to be done by either DY or Wan Jia. He had chosen Wan Jia because of the current circumstances. Much to his shock, the girl had signed the contract and completed all the required drafts within just a few hours. This was pair of magic hands...

    Wan Jia happily accepted the time off and called Lin Lihua.

    "What a coincidence! I''ve just finished shooting my current movie and have two weeks off. Come over to my apartment." Lin Lihua said when the girl cheerfully announced her time off and asked her out.

    When she hung up, Lin Lihua glanced indifferently at the shocked crew and left the filming site immediately after completing the current scene. Everyone was speechless. Who leaves in the middle of filming?

    Fine, she was Lin Lihua. It was already considered lucky enough that she shot the already prepared scene before leaving. Sigh, it was very hard dealing with her nowadays. Luckily, she had the looks and talent to make up for that.

    Wan Jia rushed to Southside Villa to change into something more comfortable as well as give Lin Lihua time to reach home from the filming site.

    Just as she was on her way out, Little Jia who was playing in the garden noticed her from the corner of her eye. "Mommy!" she ran over immediately.

    Wan Jia picked up her daughter and brushed back the long stray strands of her hair using her hands.

    "Mommy is back early today? Let''s go and play in the garden, I can show you my secret hiding place" she smiled brightly.

    Wan Jia felt very conflicted. She had just made plans with Lin Lihua, but how could she bear to say no to her baby? Especially when she was smiling so happily...

    When her mother remained silent for a long time, Little Jia became sad. Did Mommy not want to play with her? But she had painstakingly decorated a spot in the garden for mommy and daddy to see!

    Wan Jia sensed her baby''s cheerfulness disappear and pinched her adorable cheeks. "Baby, Mommy will play with you, but just for a little while, okay?"

    Little Jia brightened up and wrapped her little hands around her mother''s neck, kissing her cheek. "Mommy is the best! Little Jia loves Mommy the most!"

    Just then, Lin Lihua called.

    "Sis Lihua, I''m so sorry, I have to play with Little Jia." she said apologetically.

    "Why don''t you bring her along? I miss her too." Lin Lihua suggested.

    Well, Little Jia would be glad because she liked Lin Lihua...."I''ll ask Aotian." she said.

    "Mmh.

    The call was connected as soon as she dialled.

    She explained the situation and he allowed them to go, he would let bodyguards follow them.

    However, after hanging up the call, he stared blankly into space. It had not escaped his eye that Lin Lihua was exaggeratively using every single opportunity to better her relationship with Wan Jia. It was definitely not coincidental that she was always free when Wan Jia had days off.

    He smirked his lips and muttered, "Interesting..."

 Chapter 174 - Little Jia and Little Brownie

    Since Little Jia would be going along with Wan Jia, Lin Lihua ordered for toys online as soon as she arrived in her apartment. She had no time to bake, so she also ordered chocolate brownies and tiramisu for them from the best pastry shop.

    A short while just after they had been delivered, Wan Jia and Little Jia arrived. The little girl was extremely excited to visit her Aunty Lihua''s home for the first time.

    "Aunty!" she jumped right into Lin Lihua''s arms when they entered the house.

    Lin Lihua smiled at Wan Jia and greteed her before picking up the little bundle of pink cuteness.

    "My beautiful baby, did you miss me?"

    "I missed aunty very much." she said in her adorable little voice and routinely kissed her on the cheek.

    Lin Lihua was pleased. "Aunty bought you something. Let''s take a look,"

    Wan Jia, who had only been smiled at once, was very jealous. She had only brought Little Jia along to play, not to steal her limelight!

    She watched as the little girl opened a box of brownies and instantly showered Lin Lihua with love.

    "Right, Little Jia, I''ll show you something else in my room, okay?" Only then was Wan Jia remembered. "Little Wan, you come too."

    They were both excited and followed Lin Lihua to her room.

    After looking around for a while, Wan Jia did not see anything different. She was just about to ask when they both saw, next to Lin Lihua''s bed, an adorable pink and white cup bed. A little white bundle of fluffiness peered at them from the cup bed.

    "A kitten!" Little Jia exclaimed. She instantly rushed over, almost tripping on her own legs.

    The little kitten was scared by Little Jia''s outburst of excitement and scurried away when it saw her approach.

    She looked down sadly. "It doesn''t like me."

    Lin Lihua almost laughed out loud when she saw her niece''s dejected look. "It''s just very shy. Don''t worry, it will come back when it''s not scared anymore."

    "Mmh." Little Jia nodded.

    Sure enough, the kitten only stayed away for a few minutes and came back. Lin Lihua took it into her arms and looked at the two sitting on her bed. "Little Jia, do you want to pet it?"

    The little girl stuck out her hand curiously. When her palms felt the warm fluffiness, she giggled and withdrew her little hand. She reached out again and stroked it a little more. So this was how a kitten felt like in real life.

    "Do you like it?" Lin Lihua asked. Little Jia nodded as she continued stroking the curious kitten.

    Lin Lihua smiled. "I''m glad you like it. Didn''t aunty promise you a kitten before? You can keep her."

    "Really?" the little girl looked up at Lin Lihua, her eyes almost full of stars.

    Lin Lihua laughed. "Really."

    "Then, thank you aunty! I love it so much."

    Wan Jia was not particularly interested in pets but she stroked it a little.

    "Meow..." the little kitten purred when Little Jia took it from Lin Lihua''s arms. It also rubbed its head of fur against her. It was very ticklish as Little Jia laughed amusedly.

    Wan Jia smiled at the lovey dovey pair. "It likes you. What will you name it?"

    Little Jia gave it a thought. "Mmh...I''ll name her Brownie."

    The adults looked at each other speechlessly. She just had to name it after food.

    "Nice name, Little Jia. You can play with it and take it home with you later."

    She turned to Wan Jia when the little girl took her new pet to the cup bed. "Little Wan, you don''t like kittens?"

    Wan Jia shook her head. "I''m not interested in pets. Sis Lihua, thank you very much. You treat Little Jia and I very nicely."

    "Uh, don''t start with the formalities. You''re like my little sister. Why wouldn''t I treat you well? Besides, I love children."

    Wan Jia''s heart filled with warmth. "How is auntie?" the ''auntie'' she was referring to was Lin Lihua''s mother and incidentally, hers too.

    "Mom is doing well. She misses you a lot. You should visit her again." she smiled.

    "I will, I miss her too."

    Lin Lihua was actually tempted to call Xia Rou over. However, she had this bugging feeling that she should be more careful. She felt as though someone was watching her.

    "Sis Lihua, what are you thinking about? You are frowning so much!" Wan Jia laughed.

    She was so engrossed in thought that she did not notice Little Jia who was busy asking her about Brownie''s habbits and what it ate.

    The little girl finally remembered to ask a question that she had been wondering about. "Mommy, is auntie your sister?" Her analogy was that her uncle always called her daddy ''bro'' because they were brothers. Since her mother always called Aunty Lihua ''sis'' it should mean they were sisters, right?

    Her question was just out of innocent curiosity, but Lin Lihua''s heart raced so fast that Wan Jia almost found something wrong with her expression.

    Luckily, she was an experienced actress. "You''re too cute Little Jia. Your mommy is just like my own Little sister, so she calls me sis."

    The conversation took a different dramatic turn. The little girl frowned. "Aunty has a little sister? Tangtang has a little sister too and Daddy has a little brother. Why don''t I have one?"

 Chapter 175 - Allergic to cat fur

    "Ahem.." Lin Lihua coughed and looked at Wan Jia who was blushing with embarassment. "That, you can ask your father."

    The little girl nodded as Wan Jia glared at Lin Lihua. What kind of topic was that?

    ...

    That night, when Lu Aotian arrived home, it was quite a surprise that Little Jia did not run to him as always. This time, it was Wan Jia who had a white rose in her hands.

    Lu Aotian frowned. Since when did Wan Jia start giving flowers? Carrying her off in his usual style, he asked, "Little Jia is asleep?"

    "No. She''s playing with Brownie."

    "Brownie?"

    "Oh, it''s her new kitten. Sis Lihua gave it to her."

    In her room, Little Jia was comically forcing the little kitten to eat more catfood. She was holding its head and shoving it into its new bowl. When it refused to eat even after being forced, she pulled its fur furiously. The poor kitten could only pitifully make muffled sounds.

    This was the scene her parents witnessed when they walked into her room.

    Wan Jia was about to burst into laughter when Lu Aotian glared at her.

    "Princess, you should not force it to eat. It must be full." he patiently explained to the little girl.

    "Oh..." when she let go of its head, the kitten scurried away for dear life. Little Jia watched it leave sadly.

    Lu Aotian picked her up. "Don''t force it next time, alright? If you do, it will be scared of you forever."

    The little girl finally gave him some attention and hugged his neck. "Daddy, welcome home!"

    Before he said anything, she asked, "Daddy, why does Little Jia not have a little sister?"

    Lu Aotian coughed at the sudden question. "You want to have a little sister?"

    The little girl became excited. "Yes, yes. Is she in Mommy''s belly?" with that, she curiously studied Wan Jia''s belly.

    That wasn''t right. Tangtang had said that because there was a little sister in his Mommy''s belly, it was very big. Wan Jia''s was very flat and thin. Though she wondered with her brows knitted, why would there be a sister in someone''s belly?

    Wan Jia felt awkward being looked at curiously and was about to change the topic when the little girl spoke again. "No, no. I don''t want a little sister. I want a little brother."

    The adults smiled. They also wanted a son to compliment the daughter.

    "That''s enough. Dinner is ready, let''s go eat." Before she carried Little Jia out, her eyes caught something. "Your hand!" she exclaimed.

    Lu Aotian looked at his hand and was surprised too. Little Jia also looked over and held her mouth. "What happened to Daddy?"

    His hand had a few red spots and so did his neck. When Little Jia touched his arm to examine them, they seemed to spread slightly. If Wan Jia were to look at his body, she would find more on his chest.

    "Are you allergic to cats?" Wan Jia asked. That was the only unusual thing he had come in contact with. Although he had not directly touched it, he had hugged Little Jia who had played with it all day.

    "I don''t know. I''ve never come into contact with one before." he answered.

    "You must be. I''ll call the doctor over. Baby, you should not delay your meal. Let your nanny feed you today, okay?"

    "Will Daddy be alright?" she asked worriedly.

    "Mmh, I''ll take care of Daddy and call the doctor."

    By the time the family doctor arrived, Little Jia had already finished dinner and was waiting curiously.

    "Is it itchy?" the doctor asked him.

    "Slightly."

    To make sure no problems arose, he checked if Wan Jia and Little Jia too, could have any allergies. In the end, only Lu Aotian was allergic to fur and could not get in contact with any.

    The doctor gave a prescription and said, "I suggest you never go near the cat. It would be better if you gave it up for adoption."

    Wan Jia saw how sad Little Jia looked at the mention of sending her Brownie away. "Can''t we keep it? What if we are very careful and Little Jia takes a bath after playing with it?"

    The doctor thought hard. "While that is possible, it would be very had. Little kittens like to cling to their owners and follow them around. What if it followed her when she is with him? It would be very troublesome just trying to be careful."

    "Eer..." he actually made sense, but this was a gift from Sis Lihua and Little Jia loved it very much. Wouldn''t she be very heartbroken?

    The little girl finally spoke. "If Brownie is causing Daddy to be sick, then we should send her away." If the kitten were to hear her tone, it would be reluctant to part with her too.

    "We''ll keep it." declared the stern Lu Aotian. They had to be extremely careful and if they slipped up and triggered it, he would simply use the prescribed spray.

    ...

    Late at night, Wan Jia was sleeping peacefully in Lu Aotian''s arms when her assistant Lili sent her a photo. It was Climax Studio''s new post, a promotional still of an upcoming movie with the lead actress wearing a dress made by their designer. Everything about that photo was normal except, that dress...was made by her!

 Chapter 176 - Lili or Su Ling?

    Everything about that photo was normal except, that dress...was made by her!

    She stared at the screenshot with wide eyes and even went to the website. She found that indeed the post was real. But that was her dress...she had decided on every single thing including the material, color and accessoires. What these people did was put everything she had gathered together and re-produce it.

    How arrogant! She had chosen a nude color because it would look nice of the female lead. These idiots had copied every inch of it and given it to the female lead of another movie!

    Her restlessness woke up Lu Aotian. "What''s wrong?"

    She wordlessly showed him her phone. Since she saw him as her greatest support, she had already shown him her work as soon as she was done. This costume was something he would recognize even with his eyes closed.

    "Climax Studios?" he frowned and instantly understood the situation. "You still have the original drafts, right?"

    Wan Jia sighed. "While I do have them, I never put any signature. They could easily re-draw them and have their designer sign it."

    "Why didn''t you sign?"

    "I was still not sure whether it should be my name, Elite Fashion World''s or Lu Enterprises''"

    Lu Aotian nodded.

    Mmm...Climax Studio, they had just reached the climax of their existence.

    Before that, he wanted to know who exactly gave them the drafts. If he remembered correctly, even Wan Jia herself had not yet produced them. For someone to be able to do so in such a short time and even have the female lead of another movie wear it, it first had to be preplanned carefully and executed by someone in Wan Jia''s office.

    The suspects were only three. The CEO, Lili and Su Ling. The CEO would not gain from betraying his own employee and he was dead scared of Lu Aotian, so that left only Lili and Su Ling in the list of suspects.

    Someone did not appreciate their precious life and prefered to court trouble instead...

    He hugged Wan Jia tightly and kissed her forehead. "My love, go to sleep, okay? I''ll deal with these rascals myself."

    "Mmm" she nodded and lay her head comfortably on his chest, drifting off to sleep amidst his coaxing and a song.

    ...

    When Wan Jia woke up, Lu Aotian had already left for work. She stretched her body lazily and was about to yawn her way back into dreamland when her phone rang. It was a foreign number.

    "Hello." she recieved it curiously.

    "Mmh, Designer Wan doesn''t seem to remember me." the man on the other end chuckled.

    "Who are you? Go straight to the point." Wan Jia was not interested in having small talk with men.

    The man chuckled evilly. "Someone has their claws out. I can vividly imagine them even from my end."

    "I''m hanging up."

    She was about to really hung up when the man''s panicked voice came through. "Wait, beautiful, don''t be angry. I only called to have a peaceful talk."

    Her lips twitched. There was only one annoying man on earth who would call her that. "Thanks for your peace but I don''t need it." with that, she hung up and tossed her phone aside.

    A message came in just seconds after she hung up.

    Guo Haisheng [Beautiful, things don''t have to be like this. As long as you become my girlfriend, I''ll correct the post and make it ''Climax Studios in collaboration with Elite Fashion World''.]

    Wan Jia deleted it without reading. She did not have to read it to know that it was something unpleasant.

    Climax Studios was indeed a hub of lunatics. They stole her dress and now their Vice CEO had the nerve to call her? Were their brains all filled with water?

    Wasn''t it just a dress? Her brain was overflowing with talent. She could make hundreds of them. Most importantly, her man was going to deal with them.

    Feeling lazy, she snuggled back into bed. Lu Aotian''s bed was really too soft and comfortable. It was also warm and had traces of his scent. She did not want to wake up at all.

    Taking the phone she had just tossed away, she texted him.

    [Can I not go to work today?]

    Lu Aotian was in a meeting with the company''s managers but he still replied. [Sure.]

    Wan Jia was stunned. Hey, it was half a joke! Before she told him that, she had already recieved a notice of approval for her day off in her email.

    "Oh Aotian..." her man spoiled her too much. Didn''t she have a day off yesterday? If he continued being like this, she would very soon be spoilt rotten.

    Since she would not go to work, she gave Lili and Su Ling a day off too and decided that she may as well play with Little Jia all day.

    On the other hand, by the time Lu Aotian finished his meeting, his most recent adventure was already starting to bear fruits.

    Two of the best lawyers of Lu Enterprises had been sent to the office of Climax Studio''s CEO, accompanied by a few policemen to sue him for theft and arrest him in broad daylight.

    If he were to check their stores at that moment, he would also find that all their goods were dramatically dropping in value and so were the company''s stocks.

 Chapter 177 - I underestimated your desire to die

    The CEO was shocked when the men dramatically made their way into his office. Couldn''t they at least show some respect?

    "Who are you?" he bellowed at them.

    A lawyer spoke up, "Your company had been accused of stealing a costume from Elite Fashion World."

    He became angry. "Are you guys crazy? Why would my Climax Studios steal, huh? We already have outstandingly talented designers. Why would we steal a costume?"

    The lawyer showed him the post using his phone. "Then I wonder what this means?"

    He squinted his eyes. "This...was the newest attire made by our designer J. I even praised him for his good work."

    "I''m sorry to inform you that your dear J stole from our Wan Jia."

    Furious, the man summoned J to his office. He was not going to take the blame for something he did not know.

    The man trembled when he saw the police and lawyers. He would be an idiot if he did not understand the situation. "C-CEO, I didn''t mean to do it. I just recieved a draft and made it mine. I didn''t steal anything!"

    "Didn''t steal anything?" the lawyer sneered sarcastically. "Our Designer Wan would be accused instead if we did not find out the truth this early. You took her work for yourself and think this is not theft?"

    A police officer was attracted to something else. "Who gave you the draft?"

    The man was scared so he spoke. "Vice CEO Guo."

    "Haisheng?" the CEO was surprised. What did his brother have to do with this?

    Lu Aotian had chosen the most humiliating method of dealing with them. After confirming that Guo Haisheng was indeed involved, the police officers handcuffed both him and the designer and dragged them out of the building amid the stares from the employees.

    When the company took down the post and they later saw the same outfit on Elite Fashion World''s page, it became very clear what was going on.

    Wan Jia was amused when she read the article. Was it really necessary to call them a studio that ran out of talent and resorted to stealing from their rivals?

    ...

    "Who do you think was behind this?" she asked Lu Aotian that night.

    Lu Aotian stroked her hair. "Not someone who should make you worried."

    She still wanted to know. "Someone who wants to soil my name? After all, one person plagiarizing a studio is more believable than vice versa."

    Lu Aotian hugged her closer. "I said it''s not someone who should worry you. But since you want to know so stubbornly, it''s not someone who is trying to get to you. He is trying to get to Lu Enterprises."

    He had to admit that that person really knew a thing or two about great timing. Just when Elite Fashion World had a new talent, he wanted to destroy her before she even becale famous. Wouldn''t that drag the whole of Elite Fashion World down?

    He was indeed right, because not even three days passed yet when YX Brand released another of Wan Jia''s dresses before she was done with the drafts. To put it simply, she had just sketched it incompletely when it was copied and produced very fast. It was one thing for YX Brand to do that but did Qing Tai Media have to do the same?

    Wan Jia was furious when she went to Elite Fashion World in the morning. Although Lu Aotian had promised to deal with them, it would have a very negative impact on her career if she kept getting into weird cases with other studios.

    In fact, that morning, she had already seen a very eye catching headline in a certain weekly magazine [Elite Fashion World is a bunch of plagiarizers.]

    It was not uncommon for people to know the names of designers. Why did they specifically mention Elite Fashion World?

    Wan Jia furiously banged the door to her office open and glared at Su Ling and Lili who she had called over.

    One had to know that Wan Jia was usually very gentle and almost never lost her temper. This time, she was so angry that she could easily kill someone.

    "Su Ling, Lili, explain this!"

    She slammed the magazine in front of them.

    The girls trembled and took it to see.

    "Boss..." Lili looked at her innocently.

    Wan Jia glared at her. "You just shut up." then she turned to Su Ling. "Here I was, thinking that Miss Su has changed and only wanted a job. What can a thief like you do better than steal people''s drafts and give them to other studios?"

    Su Ling felt wronged. "Boss, I didn''t do it. I promise."

    Wan Jia shot her a look of disgust. "Oh, you didn''t? The only people who saw the drafts are the two of you. Are you saying that Lili did it?"

    Lili spoke up. "Boss, I swear, I wouldn''t dare to do it."

    Su Ling added, "Maybe someone else snuck into the office and peeked at them or made copies?"

    Wan Jia rolled her eyes. "Who gave you the permission to speak? You''re both suspects." she glued her eyes onto Su Ling. "Especially you. I really underestimated your courage and desire to die."

    After saying that, she shooed them away and drowned in thoughts. Who would have thought that Su Ling really had a motive for being her assistant? And to think she had even started trusting her! What a joke.

 Chapter 178 - Im an alien if they are not General Yuns lackeys.

    Wan Jia got angrier when she read the article again. Underneath were her drafts against the corresponding outfits produced by those studios.

    She took a picture of the page and sent it to Lin Lihua. Before facing Lu Aotian''s wrath, she had to let Qing Tai Media face Lin Lihua first.

    Then she dialled a number. It got connected after a few rings and the other party seemed in disbelief.

    "W..Wanwan?"

    Wan Jia instantly started her barrage of words. "Drop the act Yun Xuan. You know why I called, don''t you?"

    "I indeed don''t." came the reply after a short while.

    "Oh?" Wan Jia snorted. "Then can you explain why your oh so wonderful studio produced my work?"

    "Huh?" Yun Xuan sounded shocked and went silent for a while before she replied. "Are you talking about the new silk dress that was produced yesterday? I thought it was close to your style too but Ran Ran told me you are her idol. How could I have been stupid to believe her?"

    Yun Xuan thought of something and shrieked. "Wanwan, please tell President Lu not to destroy my studio. I''ll handle this matter properly, okay?"

    Wan Jia did not listen to her and hung up. Why was Yun Xuan pretending it had nothing to do with her? Why can''t she just become an actress? She might even be better than Sis Lihua.

    Yun Xuan, on the other hand, was scared when Wan Jia hung up on her. She was at home at the time and rushed to her studio. "Tell Ran Ran to come to my office right now!" she ordered her secretary.

    However, she was too late. Ran Ran and two other designers were currently in an interrogation room owned by Lu Aotian.

    Although he called it an interrigation room, it was more of a torture room with the smell of death right in the air.

    The two men and one girl were not even tied up. Lu Aotian knew they were not brave enough to try anything funny.

    "Who hired you?" he asked with a grave expression.

    No matter how strong the two men were, Ran Ran shook in fear and burst into tears. "It...it was a man that I don''t know. I don''t even remember how he looks. He gave me the draft and told me to release it and....and if I tell anyone about it, he would chop off my tongue."

    Lu Aotian frowned. "That man should have told you, he is not the only one who knows how to chop tongues off."

    He was blatantly threatening her. Under Ran Ran''s nervous look, he signalled a man behind him. The man understood and without batting an eye, took a knife and went towards Ran Ran. He looked at another bulky man who stepped foward and helped him open the girl''s mouth.

    "I''ll talk! I''ll talk! " the girl made inaudible sounds as her mouth was being pressed but Lu Aotian understood it and stopped the men.

    She sobbed. "I really don''t know that man but I can describe him perfectly."

    Lu Aotian signalled a man who knew how to draw.

    "He...he has red curly hair, black eyes...." she described him as well as she could remember and when the artist was done, she exclaimed, "That''s him!"

    Lu Aotian took the drawing and observed it. Then he looked at the two men. They were so scared that they almost fainted. Before they spoke, he warned them. "Liars get their tongues chopped off."

    Their plan for making the same description as Ran Ran went south. In the end, it turned out to be three different men.

    "The three of you know what to do." with that, he left.

    As they were being escorted out, they asked each other, "What does he mean, know what to do?"

    "I guess he means not to tell anyone about this. Honestly I wouldn''t dare."

    "I bet it''s that too."

    The bulky man behind them sneered at them. "Boss means you should apologize to Miss Wan Jia publicly and disappear from the fashion industry."

    "W-what?" they were all shocked.

    "Do you have any opinions?"

    "No. No opinions." They would rather keep their lives.

    ...

    Lu Aotian placed the three drawings on his desk. Lu Shaoting, who he had called to his office, frowned as he looked at them.

    "I''ve never seen any of them before, but I''m an alien from space if they are not General Yun''s men."

    Lu Aotian looked at him. "You are an alien. They are Yun Jifeng''s."

    Lu Shaoting frowned. "What would Yun Jifeng gain from this? On the other hand, if Lu Enterprises'' subsidiaries get into trouble, General Yun would gain because the weaker Lu Enterprises is, the easier it is for him to conquer it."

    Lu Aotian massaged his temple. "Turns out my little brother has been swayed silly by love. Do you really think he would continue doing his dirty deeds himself when he knows I''m keeping watch on him? Of course he would use someone else as a weapon, and Yun Jifeng just happens to be that weapon."

    Lu Shaoting looked on in awe. "My brother is always the wisest."

    "Mmh. So, Alien Shaoting, my wife''s phone is switched off. Help me call her over for lunch."

 Chapter 179 - Do you think she would believe me?

    Lu Shaoting looked at his older brother speechlessly. Was he still this childish?

    "Alien Shaoting, could you hurry? My wife must be hungry."

    Lu Shaoting couldn''t help but reminisce. "Bro, do you remember when we were little kids and I said something similar? I said my head was an egg if I didn''t top my class. I lost and you called me an egg-head for a whole year."

    "Reminisce on your own." he brushed him off.

    "Ha ha bro, just admit you''re scared I''ll mention something embarassing. Like how you sneakily tied up two girls'' hair together for fun and got a generous beating from father."

    "Out!" he roared.

    "Yes yes yes. Your humble servant will go out now. Eer...bro, can I join you for lunch?"

    "We don''t need a third wheel."

    "Of course you don''t. I''ll bring my wife too and we''ll be complete. I promise, I won''t bug you to pay."

    Lu Aotian glared at him. He fled all the way to Elite Fashion World.

    Unexpectedly, Wan Jia had not yet left her office.

    "What do you want?" she asked sharply when she saw Lu Shaoting. One look and anyone would know she was in a bad mood. Her temper had always been more even than other people''s. She did not get angry easily but when she did, she would take longer calming down.

    Lu Shaoting proceeded nervously. "Sister-in-law, are you still angry? Don''t worry about those idiots, my brother has already dealt with them. Have you heard? Those designers have been sued and their studios have been blacklisted by Lu Enterprises and all our allies. They are completely done for. Isn''t it satisfying?"

    She nodded as she rubbed her aching temples. "Your brother is looking for me?"

    "Bingo! My brother guessed that you would not have eaten and sent me to call you out for lunch."

    "I don''t have an apetite." she groaned.

    "My brother also said that if you refuse to go, I should forcefully drag you there." he exaggerated.

    Who wanted to be dragged? To avoid all that ruckus, she obediently stood up.

    "Uhm, sister-in-law, can you go ahead first? I have something else to do here. Just go to Lu Enterprises."

    Before she could reply, he had already disappeared.

    He hid in a corner where Wan Jia could not see him and made a phone call.

    The phone rang without being answered. The second time he called, it was cut off.

    Frustrated, he sent a message over. [Where are you? I''m in EFW]

    Su Ling replied. [I''m with my boss.]

    Lu Shaoting''s lips twitched. [In case you forgot, your boss is my sister-in-law. She has just gone to look for my brother for lunch.]

    Su Ling did not reply.

    When she did not reply even after ten minutes, he went back to his car and took out his laptop, hacked into her phone and tracked it. He had done this before so it only took a minute to complete.

    He followed the tracker and found her in an abandoned park, crying her eyes out.

    "Su Ling? What happened?"

    Without waiting for her answer, he went foward and pulled her into his arms, letting her head rest on his chest and rubbing her back.

    The girl cried even harder when she felt someone comforting her.

    Lu Shaoting let her cry it all out before asking again softly, "What happened."

    "You will not understand." she sniffled. How could he understand? He was Wan Jia''s brother-in-law. Without a doubt, he would believe his own family and also think she was in the wrong.

    His heart ached. "Why would I not understand? Trust me, I will."

    She tried her luck. "My boss doesn''t trust me. I...I got this job after struggling so much. What will I do if I lose it?"

    Lu Shaoting frowned. "My sister-in-law?" he was about to ask when he understood the situation. "Is it about the drafts? We already said that we would investigate the thief. Wait, sister-in-law thinks you stole them?"

    She nodded and looked down. Lu Shaoting would probably think the same thing.

    However, what he said next surprised her. "I know you have done a similar thing before but I wouldn''t blindly judge you without confirming it. I actually have a feeling you didn''t do it."

    "You...you trust me?"

    Lu Shaoting nodded. "I''ll help you convince your boss. Cheer up, let''s go for lunch, okay?" he tickled her waist a little.

    "Ha ha! Stop it...okay, I''ll go for lunch with you."

    ___

    As the two pairs went for lunch, something happened in Elite Fashion World.

    Dai Youran''s assistant ran into her office. "Boss, I just saw something."

    "What is it?" asked an very irritated Dai Youran.

    The assistant sighed and spoke. "Just now I was coming back from lunch, I saw Lili revieving something that looked like a cheque from a stranger. That man then told her that her work is complete and they owe each other nothing. Boss, I don''t want to sound paranoid but didn''t someone recently steal Designer Wan''s drafts? I overheard that Lili and Su Ling are the main suspects."

    Dai Youran glanced at her. "What you saw could be something different. But even if it''s really what you think, do you think Designer Wan would believe me if I told her? After all, it''s my assistant who witnessed the scene."

    "Maybe I can tell her?" the assistant suggested.

    "Go on and try. Don''t tell anyone else about this. I don''t want my assistant getting in trouble because she poked her nose where it doesn''t belong."

 Chapter 180 - Our wives need to uplift their mood

    "Go on and try. Also, don''t tell anyone about this. I don''t want my assistant getting in trouble because she poked her nose where it doesn''t belong."

    When her assistant left, Dai Youran contemplated for a very long while. If she or her assistant were to tell Wan Jia about this, she would never believe her. Also, if she were to ask someone else to do it, Wan Jia might investigate and find out that the information was from her, so she wouldn''t believe it either.

    It''s not that she cared about Wan Jia as a person. She was just worried because if Elite Fashion World lost, her brand may never revive at all. For the sake of DY, she took a deep breath and made the call.

    ___

    Meanwhile, Lu Aotian took Wan Jia to Cuisine Treasures. The main attraction was that they served excellent dessert. His little love would surely love it especially since she was still in a bad mood.

    At the same time, a certain younger brother was sucking up to his ''future wife'' and trying to make her mood better.

    "Where do you want to eat?"

    Su Ling was very embarassed that such a man like Lu Shaoting was coaxing her like a child. Was she in a dream of sorts? She shook her head to mean that she could eat anywhere.

    "Then what do you want to eat? I''ll chose the best place for that food."

    She shook her head again.

    She did not know that to an outsider''s perspective, she looked exactly like a little girlfriend throwing a tantrum and being cajoled by her boyfriend.

    After thinking for a while, Lu Shaoting had an idea. "I''ll take you to a place with very nice food and excellent dessert. Since you''re in a bad mood, sweet food will cheer you up."

    Without waiting for her opinion, he stuffed her into his car and drove off.

    He arrived at Cuisine Treasures and took Su Ling to their usual VIP private room.

    He was shocked to see Lu Aotian and Wan Jia. He coughed lightly, "Bro, this is a complete accident. I didn''t know you would be here. We''ll take another room. But that''s strange...no one told me you were here."

    Lu Aotian glanced at him. "Didn''t you say you wnated to join us? I asked them to let you in, in case you came."

    As they discussed, Wan Jia was discreetly glaring at Su Ling. The latter instantly felt uncomfortable and turned to Lu Shaoting. "We should give Boss and President Lu some privacy."

    Wan Jia chuckled. "No need. Come and sit. I coincidentally have some things to ask you."

    They sat down under Wan Jia''s murderous eyes.

    Su Ling spoke up after a while. "Boss, you have to believe me. I..."

    Lu Shaoting cut her off. "Ling, you don''t have to suck up to her. I trust you and if that''s not enough, I''ll convince her on your behalf."

    "How can you do that? Boss will never trust me in this lifetime." she looked pitiful.

    Wan Jia interrupted them. "I''m right here, you know."

    Lu Shaoting continued talking to Su Ling. "She doesn''t trust you, but there''s someone she trusts with all her life."

    He turned to Lu Aotian. "Bro, you always know when people are lying, right?"

    "Can you not drag my fianc¨¦ into this? Please and thank you." Wan Jia said as she clung onto Lu Aotian''s arm.

    Lu Shaoting was adamant. "Sister-in-law, you should let people have a chance to prove their innocence. I remember not too long ago someone misunderstood you and aren''t you at loggerheads now?"

    He was talking about when she told Yun Xuan about her brother and the latter said hurtful things to her.

    Wan Jia merely wanted a nice meal and so did everyone else. How did it turn into a courtroom?

    Lu Aotian was about to speak up when Wan Jia''s phone rang. "Why would Dai Youran call me?"

    She thoughtfully stepped out to answer the call and came back looking curious.

    "What''s wrong?" the three people all wanted to know.

    Wan Jia smiled before she spoke. "Since you all are part of this, I''ll tell you. Our dearest Designer Dai claims that her assistant saw someone recieving a cheque and being told that their work was done." Dai Youran had relayed the message exactly the way her assistant had said.

    "The person who recieved the cheque...is Lili?" Su Ling blurted out before she could stop herself.

    "How did you know?" asked Wan Jia.

    Su Ling trembled. "If I say...you might not believe me. After all you..."

    "Speak."

    Su Ling gathered her thoughts. "Some days ago, I felt Lili was acting weird. There was once when she was arranging your documents, I noticed her phone camera was on." She let in a deep breath and continued timidly, knowing that probably no one believed her. "I did not say anything because I knew no one would believe me. I might even have been accused of twisting the truth." she finished her statement and looked at Wan Jia as if waiting for her verdict.

    All this while, Lu Aotian had been studying her eyes. He spoke before Wan Jia did. "She''s not lying."

    "What?"

    "Mmh. I would know if she was lying."

    Speechlessly, the brothers echanged looks. They had now caught the spy and knew the mastermind. They were closer to their ultimate goal.

    Lu Shaoting said, "Have the two of you ordered yet? our wives need to better their mood."

    Wives?

    Su Ling was shocked.

    Wan Jia was speechless.

 Chapter 181 - Am I your driver?

    Lu Aotian and Wan Jia had already ordered, so Lu Shaoting and Su Ling did the same. The four of them ate in silence, each of them lost in their own thoughts.

    When they were done, Lu Aotian insisted that Wan Jia and Su Ling should take Lu Shaoting''s car back to Elite Fashion World. He would give his brother a ride. His excuse was that he and his brother needed to settle company matters but the truth was that he wanted to give the two some time alone.

    "They are boss and subordinate. They can talk anywhere." Lu Shaoting complained when he could not drop Su Ling off.

    "Are you worried that my wife will bully Su Ling? She doesn''t stoop that low."

    "Oh. Then, are you driving?"

    "Am I your driver?"

    "..."

    __

    Lu Aotian had guessed right. The two women indeed had things to say to each other.

    "Boss..."

    Su Ling panicked when she was alone with Wan Jia. She was afraid that she would be punished.

    "Su Ling, I''m sorry I didn''t believe you."

    "What?"

    Wan Jia was apologetic for misnderstanding her this time. Although the only evidence she had of her innocence was Lu Aotian''s words, she trusted that her man would never let her get away if she was guilty.

    "However, Su Ling, I don''t completely trust your intentions of finding me."

    Su Ling looked at the usually friendly woman who was currently looking scary.

    "Maybe I should tell you what exactly happened to me? Maybe then you will believe that I really needed a job." said Su Ling.

    Wan Jia nodded.

    Su Ling braved it. "Mo Zilian and I were friends in high school. When we were just about to do our final exams, I..." she paused and hesitated.

    "You don''t have to say it if it''s too personal."

    "No, I have to. I can''t live with it anymore...Before our final exams, I made a mistake and got pregnant. Mo Zilian helped me secretly have an abortion. My parents are too strict. They would have killed me if they found out."

    "And then?"

    "Well, you can guess the rest. I felt indebted to her and when we met again many years later, I did everything she wanted me to do. Everything was fine until...until she asked me to go to bed with someone to curry favour on her behalf."

    Wan Jia felt disgusted.

    "Disgusting, right? I felt the same way. When I refused, she told my parents about my secret abortion then my whole life went down the drain."

    "I couldn''t find a job anywhere and if I did, Mo Zilian would use the men she hangs out with to make me lose my job. I could only come to you....no one can influence your decisions and especially not her."

    Although she said it calmly, Wan Jia felt wronged on her behalf. Just how much had she suffered bearing such a secret, and how difficult was her life after her parents found out? She did not want to judge her for being pregnant while still young or for terminating it. She wouldn''t have done it if it wasn''t her only choice.

    "You trusted me with such a huge matter?" she asked as they approached the EFW building.

    They remained in the car a little to finish the conversation.

    "Boss, we do not know each other much but I know the type of person you are. You are very kind and won''t intentionally cause trouble for others."

    "And you don''t think that if I told Shaoting, you would be at a loss?" she teased her.

    Su Ling''s answer left her speechless.

    "Lu Shaoting and I have only known each other for a few days and you could say that we get along.

    I will not pretend that I never desired to be with a powerful man but...he''s out of my reach. Not only is my status too low to match him, there''s also that incident. Who would want a pair of used shoes? Perhaps someone would, but Lu Shaoting is a very honest man. I''m really not good enough for him. Boss, you don''t have to worry that I will seduce him. I would not even dare."

    Wan Jia''s tears almost fell. Was this really the high and mighty Su Ling that she met in the past, the one who flaunted herself with her nose in the air and looked down on everyone?

    That reminded her of a saying. People may not be what they seem. It turned out behind that previously proud girl, there was so much pain that even she was moved.

    "Su Ling, don''t look down on yourself. One thing I''m sure about is that men from the Lu family are very true when it comes to love. I have seen from the way the two of you look at each other that you are in love.

    When the times comes to take your relationship further, just don''t hide anything from him. I''m sure he will understand."

    "Does that mean you would not oppose me?"

    Wan Jia chuckled. "I will neither support nor oppose you. It all depends on you and Shaoting. Only if you are trying to get close to Aotian will I directly feed you to the sharks." she joked.

    She checked the time. "Enough chatting, second Mrs. Lu, I don''t want to fight with Shaoting because I deducted your pay."

    "Boss, you''re teasing me." Su Ling blushed.

    Wan Jia felt that this girl had really changed into a loveable version."

 Chapter 182 - I hope you dont mind

    When the two women entered the building, they were in high spirits.

    That afternoon, it was easily noticeable that Lili was not in a very good mood. In fact, she looked troubled when she saw that Su Ling was no longer nervous around Wan Jia.

    Could it be that she had proven her innocence? Probably not. She must have just sucked up to the boss.

    Lili did not want to be left behind and tried to strike a casual conversation. "Boss, since we are your assistants, do we get to enjoy privileges?"

    "What privileges?" Wan Jia asked.

    The girl said shyly, "For example, could we be able to order custom-made outfits? And do we get to enjoy discounts?"

    "Can you afford them? Even with discounts, one outfit from our Boss costs tens of thousands, okay? Even a single scarf is expensive enough to dry out all your savings of two years." Su Ling scoffed. She was not going to be friendly with the person who almost caused her to be misunderstood.

    "Hey! I wasn''t talking to you. I was talking to Boss." Lili retorted. Normally, Wan Jia would find her cute. But now, although she still looked geniunely timid, Wan Jia felt she was scarier than people who scheme in broad daylight.

    Su Ling still counterattacked. "Our Boss is very busy and does not need you to chirp in her ear like a lost bird."

    Wan Jia laughed. Still as sharp-tongued as ever. To stop their banters, she placated both of them. "If my assistants work hard, I will customly make them perfect outfits for their birthdays and very special occassions."

    Su Ling was excited. "Then I''ll work even harder from now. My birthday is in two months. Aah! I don''t want to miss Boss'' special outfit."

    Lili chimed in. "Mine already passed. I''ll work hard and aim for it next year."

    Su Ling, who was waiting for such a remark, immediately shut her off. "You wish! Our boss does not need assisstants who steal from her. Even if she made it for someone, it would not be you."

    Lili started crying like her tears were waiting for that comment. "You! How can you say such things? Boss, don''t listen to her."

    "Enough chatting. Get back to work. Ling, give this to the CEO."

    Lili looked on curiously. Boss had given Su Ling an important contract to take to the CEO? "Boss, do I have any tasks?" she asked.

    Su Ling stopped in her steps. "Of course you don''t. If boss doesn''t fire you today, President Lu will."

    Wan Jia laughed. But why did she not find it strange at all that Su Ling was picking on Lili? She felt like she had long expected it. Well, if she were in her shoes, she would probably have exploded long ago.

    ...

    Meanwhile, the brothers sat in Lu Aotian''s office and discussed seriously.

    "So what are we going to do with Lili?" Lu Shaoting asked.

    "Nothing."

    "Nothing?"

    "We need to find evidence that incriminates General Yun directly. Evidence that will make him earn a lifetime sentence if not a death sentence, not such little crimes." Lu Aotian explained. "Of course, Lili will be fired and banned from the fashion industry." He had no time to deal with the little spies and lackeys. His aim was their boss.

    That being said, Lu Shaoting reminded him. "Bro, you have a meeting in twenty minutes."

    "Attend it on my behalf. I have to meet someone important right now."

    ___

    Some time later, in a privately owned hospital.

    A middle aged woman sat in her office reading a patient''s file when her secretary came in. "Doctor Qiao, there''s a man surnamed Lu here to see you."

    "Let him in."

    In the next minute, the doctor called Qiao was so shocked that she almost had a heart attack. Don''t tell her the man surnamed Lu was Lu Aotian?

    She kept calm and greeted him. "Mr. Lu, what brings you to our humble hospital?"

    Lu Aotian did not waste his precious words. "I believe Doctor Qiao is a very busy woman, I''ll go straight to the point." He placed a photo on her desk. "Call her over."

    Doctor Qiao trembled. "Who...who is this woman? I don''t know h..."

    Before she finished saying ''her'', Lu Aotian dropped another photo, this time both Doctor Qiao and the woman were together in the photo.

    She was successfully scared. "How did you...? Anyway this is my patient and as a hospital policy, I cannot disclose her identity. I can''t casually call her because someone asked me to either. This...this is a special patient. I hope Mr. Lu understands."

    Lu Aotian smirked. "Is that so?

    That makes me believe that Doctor Qiao would have no problem at all if this hospital was owned by Lu Enterprises."

    She pretended not to understand.

    Lu Aotian continued. "How many people know that Doctor Qiao is the real owner of this hospital? Very few, right? If the owner changed, no one would know either."

    This was a direct threat!

    "Fine, I''ll call her." No one would want to see their hard work go to someone else.

    Almost an hour later, Xia Rou walked in with a scarf wrapped tightly to hide her face. "Qiao Lan, why did you call me so urgently? I rushed over Im..." she saw the man sitting leisurely across Doctor Qiao and froze in schock. "..me...dia..tely."

    Lu Aotian glanced at her. "I couldn''t casually go to your home, so I came here. I hope you don''t mind, mother-in-law?"

 Chapter 183 - You would be shocked to death

    Lu Aotian glanced at her. "I couldn''t casually go to your home, so I came here. I hope you don''t mind, mother-in-law?" he deliberately emphasized "mother-in-law" to let her know he had found out her identity.

    Xia Rou froze. She wanted to run away but for some reason, this man''s gaze made her legs unwilling to obey her.

    Lu Aotian looked at the frightened doctor. "Thanks for your help Doctor Qiao, my mother-in-law and I have some family matters to discuss in private, so we will not overstay our welcome."

    Xia Rou wanted to protest, but she knew better than to do so. Although she did not know how he found out, this was her daughter''s man. It was better to get on his good side as he may put in a few good words for her than make him her enemy.

    They did not go very far away, they went to a caf¨¦ near the hospital and got a private room.

    Lu Aotian did not order anything and just sat casually like he would in his own home.

    "How did you find out?" that was Xia Rou''s first question.

    Lu Aotian placed his arm on the armrest leisurely. "You were very careful and faked all the information about you, but you forgot something very important. You had a DNA test done in the hospital owned by Lu Enterprises."

    Xia Rou was visibly shocked.

    Lu Aotian continued. "You didn''t expect that, right? You could have gone to your best friend''s hospital but oh what a shame."

    He seemed to enjoy her shock as he continued speaking tauntingly. "By the way, help me thank your daughter. It''s all because she is suspiciously close to my wife that I investigated her."

    Xia Rou who was silent all this time, finally spoke up. "Why did you look for me? And now that you did, are you going to tell her?" The ''her'' she was talking abour was doubtlessly Wan Jia.

    Lu Aotian pretended to consider it. "Same answer for both questions. I want to know what kind of person you are."

    If Xia Rou understood correctly, he meant that he found her to learn her personality and if she was a good person, only then would he tell Wan Jia about her.

    She shook her head and pleaded. "If you tell her now, she will hate me. You wouldn''t want to watch her be in bad blood with her mother, right?"

    "My silence will only be exchanged for an answer." he said after a torturing silence.

    "Go ahead and ask." she hoped it was not an extremely personal question.

    "Do you love her?"

    Xia Rou sighed in relief. This was a much better question. "I love her a lot, and I want to reunite with her but I''m afraid she will hate me. Besides, now''s not the right time. I can''t explain further but if I got close to Little Wan, Yun might find me."

    Lu Aotian was satisfied with her explanation. For some reason, he believed she was being truthful and would not hurt Wan Jia. Since he did not care about the reasons for her past actions, he did not ask.

    "I am under the impression that you are just like me." he said.

    "How?"

    "Trying to bring General Yun to justice. I know he did many things to you and even..." he looked at her neck that was covered with a scarf. "...tried to kill you."

    "If I had any evidence, I would surely have done that years ago. He''s just too secretive." she said.

    Lu Aotian smirked like he had a plan. "No one knows what his first identity is. Probably not even his family, but you definitely do." He was confident that she did. If he could know that sneaky man''s first identity, he would investigate even his ancestors.

    Xia Rou was once again stunned. Could this young man see through people? It was very unfortunate, however, that she could not disclose that. "I swore on my father''s life."

    Lu Aotian did not push it. Before she left, he said something comforting. "She misses you a lot. She may throw a tantrum a little when she finds out but she will definitely not hate you."

    Xia Rou was momentarily shocked and asked him. "You...you''re on my side?"

    "What do you think? It''s all thanks to you that the love of my life exists in the first place."

    Xia Rou was entirely pleased with this son-in-law, so she took out a piece of paper from her bag and wrote a name. She gave it to him, saying, "This person knows a lot about Yun. She might even know the information you want and much more. However, you have to be careful.

    Lu Aotian glanced at the name and frowned. "Madam Yun?"

    Xia Rou was shocked. "You even know her real name? You''re a supergenius!" Truly, this young master of the Lu family was not to be underestimated. Madam Yun had been using a fake identity for decades and even Yun himself did not know that! How did Lu Aotian know? This intelligence...

    Xia Rou thought that it was in fact extremely strange that Lu Aotian had not yet cornered that man.

    Lu Aotian, on the other hand, knew what she was thing. He smiled and sighed in his heart. My dear mother-in-law, you would be shocked to death if you knew that I know much more about you than you think I know.

 Chapter 184 - Are you trying to breach your contract

    When Lu Aotian was done discussing with his mother-in-law, he did not go back to Lu Enterprises. He went to Elite Fashion World to pick Wan Jia up.

    He found her drafting something which she hid away as soon as she saw him.

    "What are you doing?" he asked curiously.

    "Working." she smiled.

    "Ling, get President Lu..." she turned to him awkwardly when she realized she hadn''t asked him yet.

    Lu Aotian smiled at her. "Water is fine. It would be more delicious if you poured it yourself."

    Wan Jia shook her head speechlessly. Since when was water delicious? Can President Lu not be so childish? Although she scolded him internally, she still lovingly poured him a glass.

    "Boss, if there''s nothing else, I''ll go check on the new productions." Su Ling said as she blushed. She wanted to leave the boss to enjoy her time with the president.

    Lili also went along. "I''ll check if there are any new express mails."

    Before she could go, Wan Jia spoke. "Let Ling handle that. You can just grab a snack."

    Although Wan Jia was smiling, Lili could tell that she did not want her to handle anything in the office. The only possibility was that...she had been discovered!

    She wanted to beg her boss for forgiveness but who would do that in the presence of Lu Aotian? She was in fact happy to be shooed away.

    When they left, Wan Jia closed the door and looked at Lu Aotian. "To what do I owe the honor of having President Lu visit my humble office?"

    Lu Aotian grabbed her arm and pulled her to sit on his lap. "President Lu missed you a lot."

    "You childish person." She glared at him. How long had it been before they last saw each other? They had eaten lunch together!

    "Did you miss me?"

    Wan Jia dramatically smelled his clothes. "What are you doing?" he asked.

    She replied, "You smell like you are hiding something from me."

    Lu Aotian raised an eyebrow speechlessly. Was there such a smell as that of someone hiding something?

    "Ah! President Lu, it''s past time to get off work already, and there is something I haven''t completed. Will you wait for me?"

    Lu Aotian trapped her in his arms. "You want to make your boss wait for you? Are you that tired of your job, Designer Wan?"

    "President, it''s for the sake of making Elite Fashion World better that I have to complete my work for the day before going home."

    Lu Aotian smiled at her teasingly. "According to your contract, you should not overexert yourself in the name of working hard. Are you trying to breach your contract, Designer Wan?"

    Wan Jia gave up. "Fine, you''re the president. You drafted the contract. You win." She secured the important files in the safe and they left the office holding hands.

    Her workmates supressed their urge to gossip until they left. Although no one knew anything about how they met and fell in love, they were convinced that this couple really suited each other.

    ...

    In the car.

    Wan Jia had not realized it before but indeed she was very tired. The CEO had given all the designers a task to create outfits using their own choice of themes.

    After handing in all their drafts, only the best theme would be selected and produced. It was an old tradition in Elite Fashion World. All the designers would do their best to have their theme selected. The competition in such cases was one of the reasons why Elite Fashion World''s designers were all very hardworking and talented.

    It was Wan Jia''s first time and she was not fully confident. However, if one looked at her theme, one had to bow down to her.

    "If you''re too tired, you should sleep first. I''ll slow down to let you rest." Lu Aotian interrupted her train of thought.

    "Pfft...My love, how old do you think I am?"

    "I don''t know either. Perhaps.... two months old?"

    "Hey--!" How dare he call her a baby? He was being totally unfair. Humph! She would not show him her surprise for him.

    "You''re not going to fire Lili?" he finally asked.

    "I really wish to believe that there''s something else to this...you know what an innocent child she is?" Lu Aotian was frowning.

    "Never mind! She''s in the wrong after all. She didn''t even provide any explanation or apologize, she is waiting to be called out for it as if it has nothing to do with her. She''s just an assistant. I can get as many as I want."

    Lu Aotian could feel the hurt behind the words. She was disappointed. How could she not feel sad? The assistant she had hoped for and trusted very much ended up being the traitor, while the one she had not trusted before was wrongly accused. Anyone would feel sad.

    He used one hand to rub her head. "Don''t worry, Su Ling will do a good job. With my younger brother sticking around her to court her, you can be rest assured that she wouldn''t have the chance to do anything funny even if she wanted to."

    That was a given fact. Although Lu Shaoting was not as sensitive and intelligent as his brother, he had a few tricks up his sleeves. That, and the fact that Su Ling didn''t have any ill intentions to begin with.

 Chapter 185 - Are you an idiot?

    The couple reached home much later than usual. As expected, Little Jia had already had dinner and was waiting for them very gloomily.

    "Daddy and Mommy are late today." she pouted.

    Lu Aotian chuckled and picked her up. "No flower for daddy today?"

    "Daddy is late, so no flower today."

    "What about mommy?" Wan Jia asked. She had been wanting to ask since forever. Why was it that Lu Aotian would always recieve a lovely flower on his arrival and she would not? Wasn''t her baby being too biased?

    After a light dinner, Wan Jia bathed Little Jia and slept with her on her bed. As usual, the bullied and abandoned Lu Aotian was not allowed to join them.

    __

    The next day, Wan Jia went to her office a little earlier to complete what she was doing before Lu Aotian interrupted her the previous day.

    The office phone rang.

    "Mmh...I''m almost done...just one hour." It was the CEO. Since Wan Jia''s work efficiency was usually high, he was a little surprised to not have recieved her complete work as expected. Indeed, each minute was important to someone like her.

    As she finished, Su Ling reported that Lili was here to see her. The night before, she had sent Lili an email to inform her that she had been fired. Anyone else would do the same. However, why was Lili looking for her? She had told her that everything else would be handled by the CEO.

    "Let her in." she told Su Ling. Lili would not be able to cause trouble anyway.

    The little girl entered her office and looked at Su Ling first. "Can I talk to Designer Wan in private? You can wait outside, thank you."

    Wan Jia thought she was going to say something personal and didn''t think too much about it. In any case, she had a back up plan in case of any threat of danger.

    "Speak." she said calmly.

    The girl looked down for a few seconds. When she next looked up into Wan Jia''s eyes, Wan Jia was shocked!

    She was still that cute little girl alright, but where had all the innocence and shyness flown to?

    She was currently looking at a girl who was obviously not the Lili she knew that was too timid and liked to cry.

    "Lili...?"

    Lili looked right into Wan Jia''s eyes, smiled and withdrew her gaze to look outside the window.

    "Designer Wan, you cannot fire me."

    Even the voice was so different that Wan Jia was startled. Not even Lin Lihua, who was an actress by proffession, could change personalities that fast! For some reason, she had a bad premonition.

    She looked at the girl before her and smiled. "I already did. It would be best if you left peacefully before..."

    Lili interrupted her. "Are you gonna call the security guards to drive me away? I will not stop you from doing that but you have to know, if you fire me, someone will get hurt and that doesn''t necessarily have to be me."

    "What do you mean?" Wan Jia subconciously touched her bracelet. It was not exactly a bracelet. If she pressed the hidden button on it, it would send an emergency alarm to the men assigned by Lu Aotian to protect her. After the last time she was kidnapped, he had given it to her to ensure her safety in his absence. He would teach her to defend herself but that would be much later.

    Lili seemed to sense her panic. "Don''t be scared, I wouldn''t hurt you. At least not physically."

    "What do you want?"

    "All I want is to continue being your assistant. Even if you don''t give me any tasks and consequently don''t pay me, just let me continue holding that title."

    "Why would I do that?"

    Lili looked down. "Because if you fire me, I''ll be beheaded."

    "Excuse me?" What did Lili''s life and death have to do with being her assistant?

    Lili smiled bitterly. "You don''t have any recording devices on you, right?"

    Wan Jia did not answer. The girl continued, "I cannot blindly take a risk. Your husband is too smart. What a shame...I would have disclosed something very important....and it''s directly related to you."

    "Go ahead, I don''t have any spying or recording devices." Just a protection bracelet.

    Lili was about to speak but stopped herself. She had been told to be specifically wary of Lu Aotian. That man (as the man she worked for put it,)was so sneaky that he could be right behind you and you would not even notice him. Who knew if he had other means?

    Taking this into consideration, she sighed and left.

    Wan Jia remained in her office wondering what she was just about to say. She hoped Lili was being exaggerative when she said her life on the line.

    No matter how kind hearted she was, she was not going to be a saint and hire back the spy that tried to ruin her man''s company. If Lu Aotian had not acted fast enough, just how much loss would Elite Fashion World inccur?

    ___

    In another part of the capital, Yun Jifeng had recieved a whole day''s worth of scolding, and it was still ongoing.

    "Are you an idiot? What stupid material is your brain made of? How could you implicate your sister''s studio like this? Not only is YX brand on the verge of collapse, you have driven a larger wedge between Wan Jia and your sister!" General Yun bellowed.

 Chapter 186 - Isnt she just a useless little brat?

    "How can you blame me? My plan was fool proof. Not only would Wan Jia''s reputation be ruined along with that company''s, my sister would step all over her head. Do you think I wanted to cause harm to my sister? How much do you think I love her?" Yun Jifeng retorted.

    "You useless son! You even dare to talk back at me? I am warning you. You have one week to restore YX Brand and if you don''t, don''t blame me for what I''ll do to you."

    Yun Jifeng was ultimately afraid of his father. "Yes father."

    "Also, I don''t care how you do it but make sure they reconcile. I didn''t ask you to worsen their relationship. How stupid!"

    To this, Yun Jifeng could not help but ask. "How would Wan Jia''s friendship with Xuanxuan benefit us? Isn''t she just a useless little brat? If anything, she''s against us and who knows what kind of things she might tell Xuanxuan?"

    General Yun kicked him like he was an idiot. "Don''t you know the strategy of befriending the enemy? It''s only by being close to Wan Jia that Xuanxuan can get close to Lu Aotian. When they get married, it doesn''t matter how agressive we get. Lu Aotian will never hurt us."

    Yun Jifeng sneered. "Aren''t you being a little too delusional, my dear father? Not only is that punk(Lu Aotian) madly in love with Wan Jia, Xuanxuan is also dead set on that idiot from the IU."

    If Yun Xuan were to hear him call Tyler an idiot, she would spit blood in his face. If someone works in the Intelligence Unit, could he still be an idiot?

    General Yun gave a very evil smile. "You''re a genius."

    "Er..what?" what there anything genius about what he just said?

    ...

    The evil man did not want his plan to wait much longer, so he called Yun Xuan home immediately. The girl was making out with Tyler when she recieved the call so she was in a bad mood.

    "Dad, what do you want?" she asked as soon as she reached her father''s study room."

    "My daughter isn''t in the mood to see me?" he asked leisurely.

    "I was busy getting you a son-in-law."

    General Yun twirled the wineglass in his hand. "What a coincidence, I want to talk to you about that."

    "You are not going to convince me to seduce Lu Aotian, right?" she could not forget that months ago, her father tried all means to convince her. It had taken a whole month worth of discussion for him to drop the idea but she should have known. If he gave up that easily, would he still be General Yun?

    The man smirked his evil lips. "Xuanxuan, you can chose to do it peacefully."

    Yun Xuan snapped. "Ahuh, what''s the ultimatum?"

    "Your man...is a secret agent. Isn''t he now, Xuanxuan?"

    Yun Xuan felt all the blood rush away from her veins. "You''re not threatening to..."

    General Yun smiled when he saw that she understood his intentions. "Why would I threaten my dearest daughter? I''m only promising you that I will make his career public. Now, how many people do you think he and his colleagues must have offended? How many want them dead?" I want him dead too. He mumbled under his breath.

    Yun Xuan burst into tears. "Dad, is this how you treat your daughter? You claim to love me but is this what you would do to someone you love? Make her seduce an engaged man to satisfy your monstrous deeds?" She ran out without waiting for his answer.

    She had enough reasons to reject her father''s order. One, she was engaged. How could she betray her fianc¨¦ and marry another man? She was a woman who valued her dignity, okay?"

    Two, not only was she not willing to be part of whatever this was, she had been feeling very guilty towards Wan Jia. How could she still bear to seduce her man?

    Most important of all... Who would dare to seduce that man? Who?! The thought of him alone was enough to give her nightmares.

    "Daddy..." she cried. What had changed him into such a shameless person? She did not even know him anymore.

    "Darling, what happened?" Tyler asked her when she went back crying her eyes out.

    "Tyler, you have to leave the country and stay away from a while. My dad threatened to reveal that you are a secret agent if I don''t..." she sniffled. "...He wants me to seduce someone." She waied nervously. Would Tyler misunderstand her?

    "Heh..." Tyler laughed.

    "Why are you laughing?"

    "I''m laughing at how dumb you are. I really want to open your brain and see how it''s wired. You actually fell for such a lowly threat?"

    "What?" she hiccupped.

    Tyler stroked her lovingly. "Darling, the only thing he knows about me is the five letters of my name. What will he even reveal? Does he have any evidence? Even if he does, does he know how much danger I have survived pver the years? He''s nothing in comparison. He would probably only be able to get to me if you betrayed me."

    "I will never betray you." she said as she wiped her tears.

    Tyler stroked his cry baby fianc¨¦e as he looked past her into the distance. General Yun, you are starting to declare war against me, aren''t you? Very well.

 Chapter 187 - No need to wish anymore

    Tyler stroked his cry baby fianc¨¦e as he looked past her into the distance. General Yun, you are starting to declare war against me, aren''t you? Very well.

    ___

    Three days later.

    Elite Fashion World.

    All the designers had completed their new task and they sat in the small conference room with their files.

    They were going to select the best theme. To ensure that the selected theme was truly the best, everyone would showcase their work and then vote. Of course, Dai Youran was not part of it.

    When Wan Jia presented her drafts, there was no more need to vote. Everyone agreed that she was the best. Her theme was friendship- it was nothing new but her imagination was off the charts!

    There were ten pairs of attires, each one more beautiful than the last. The eleventh pair that she did not show anyone was for her and Lin Lihua.

    Even the CEO was impressed. How cute! This Designer Wan sure was full of surprises. How he wished the president would see them! Too bad, Wan Jia did not allow him.

    "So, let''s vote?" The CEO asked, but he was met with their refusal instead.

    "Do we have to? She obviously wins."

    "I agree. Let''s not go through all that trouble."

    "As long as Wan Jia is in EFW, I will never compete with her."

    ...

    It took a few hours for the outfits to be ready. Since EFW''s main store was just across the street, Wan Jia saw to it that they were dropped off. As a reward, she was given another afternoon off and she went to Lin Lihua''s.

    The agreement was that some of them would be sold at the main store that day and the next morning, they would be distributed to EFW''s branches.

    "Sis Lihua!" she greeted when she got to Lin Lihua''s apartment. Lin Lihua did not have scenes to film today so she was happy when Wan Jia said that she was going over.

    "Little Wan, I missed you." she hugged her.

    "I missed you too Sis Lihua."

    After a warm hug, Wan Jia finally gave her the package.

    "A present for me?" she was pleasantly surprised.

    "Yes....but it''s for both of us."

    "I see..." Lin Lihua opened the package and shrieked in the next second. "Whoa--!"

    Theirs were different from the rest- cute dresses with matching scarves. Lin Lihua''s was black while hers was pink. If one looked at them closely, they actually complimented each other. There were also childish bunny ears for Lin Lihua and kitty ears for her. Lin Lihua almost laughed her butt off. "Ha ha! You don''t expect me to wear such a childish outfit, do you?"

    Wan Jia pretended to look sad. "You will not? But it''s out first best friend costume. I even picked the cute fluffy boots to match the dresses. In fact, ours are not best friend outfits; they are sister outfits." Under Lin Lihua''s stunned gaze, she continued. "I wish I had an elder sister like you, Sis Lihua."

    Lin Lihua felt as though her heart had been crushed. She hugged Wan Jia tightly, wishing she could tell her, ''you don''t have to wish anymore, I''m right here.''

    "Hey! What are we waiting for? Let''s dress up." she pulled Wan Jia off the seat.

    "Wait, wait....fine. Let''s dress up."

    A few minutes later, the two women giggled as they looked at themselves in the mirror. With the cute ears on their heads, they looked playful and cute.

    Wan Jia took her phone. "Photo time!"

    They posed for several selfies before Lin Lihua said, "I''ll call Nina over."

    "Who is Nina?"

    "Our photographer." they both laughed. Nina was Lin Lihua''s friend who always took photos of them whenever they dressed up.

    ...

    "Hey, where did you buy those dresses? They''re so cute.!" Nina exclaimed.

    "EFW..." before she said "main store", Nina was on her way.

    "I''ll buy one really quickly and come back before you know it."

    "Wait!..." she had already disappeared.

    "Don''t mind her. Let''s just take some ourselves."

    At some point, they switched scarves and realized they looked even cuter.

    Lin Lihua uploaded in her moments, [True friends make my day (and my wardrobe)] She attached the last photo they had taken and tagged Wan Jia.

    Within just a few minutes, Lin Lihua''s social media account was crashing. It was normal for celebrities like her to have millions of fans but this was unpreceded! Fans were asking if that was Wan Jia''s new series and if it was, whether it had been released, where to find them and whether they could make online orders.

    "Ah! Sis Lihua, you just helped me advertise!" Wan Jia exclaimed when she saw comments flooding into hers as well. If they were to check EFW, the situation was no different.

    "I didn''t get any." Nina came back looking sad.

    "Did you go to the main store?" Wan Jia asked her.

    "I went to the nearest branch first and they didn''t have them. By the time I went the main store, there were none left. "

    What in the world? She had produced five pieces per pair. That was fifty pairs, alright? Including the one she and Lin Lihua were wearing, that was 51! As it was still within working hours, she called the CEO to ask.

    The result was- "Designer Wan, I''m collapsing soon. How many pieces did you produce?"

    "Fifty pairs."

    "They are sold out."

    "What?!"

    "Also, there are enough pending preorders to keep your schedule full for at least four or five months."

    "...!!!"

 Chapter 188 - You have to suck up to big sister- me

    What did she just hear? Was the CEO messing with her? Forget about the fact that it had been less than three hours since production. They were very expensive. It was already expensive enough to buy even a handkerchief from EFW. This new series was more costly than usual and since they were not sold separately and you could only buy a pair, it was even twice as expensive as it should be. Were these people willing to spend so much money in such a short amount of time?!

    "Designer Wan, are you still there?"

    "Yes. I''m sorry I blanked out. So what do we do now?"

    "Let''s discuss tomorrow morning."

    "Okay."

    Nina looked at Wan Jia like she was looking at her saviour. "Did you call the main store? What did they say? Will they reserve one for me? I don''t care how high the price is."

    "Eer...I was talking to our CEO."

    "Oh..." Nina looked disappointed. She was not one to follow fashion news so she did not know that Wan Jia was the designer, much less that she was from Elite Fashion World.

    Lin Lihua mocked her dejected appearance before she told her. "There''s a way to get whichever custom-made outfit you want."

    The girl once again looked radiant. "Really? How?"

    Lin Lihua wore a very proud expression with ''what-can-you-do-without-me'' written all over her face. "You have to suck up to big sister (me). I might consider helping you convince the designer. But then again, it all depends on my mood- no promises."

    "Sis Lihua, you are evil!" Nina cried.

    "Ha ha! Aiyo! Don''t cry, okay? Who knows, perhaps you might get lucky next time. I''ll update you if I buy anything new."

    "I won''t talk to you anymore. Sis Lihua, if I don''t go home now, the twins will start crying. Those lads can''t stay without me for too long."

    "Are you rubbing in my face the fact that I''m single and have no child?" Lin Lihua joked.

    "I wouldn''t dare."

    When Nina left, Wan Jia asked a question she had been wondering about. "Sis Lihua, are you really not planning to get married?"

    "Forget about it. Men are troublesome."

    Wan Jia peered at her shyly. "Sis Lihua you...do you...like women instead?"

    Lin Lihua was happy that she was not drinking anything, because she would have chocked to death. Even so, she chocked on her saliva and coughed in a fit. "Yo, you have such a creative imagination. Do you think that if I liked women, you would be safe?"

    "..."

    Well, it was logical.

    In actual fact, Wan Jia was not the first person to ask her that. She was already thirty. All the people she knew of her age had already been married for years. As for her, neither had she ever been seen dating nor had there been any rumour of her love life. It was no surprise that she was mistaken to like women.

    "Little Wan, I just don''t feel like getting married."

    Wan Jia teased. "But you should at least give aunty and uncle a grandchild. Don''t you think they wish for that?"

    Lin Lihua thought internally: they already have one. A very adorable one at that.

    __

    The next day, Wan Jia was called to the CEO''s office to discuss how to handle the orders. By that morning, there were at least five hundred pending orders. Were girls that much into best friend outfits?

    "I think we should only accept orders from Elite Fashion World''s most loyal customers. I''ll make custom outfits for them." Wan Jia suggested.

    "I was thinking along the same line. But why can''t we just produce some from the series?" The director of the design department said.

    The CEO did not think it was a good idea. "Although the company''s limit is a hundred pieces per series, this series exploded in popularity as soon as it was released. It would become too common and boring if everyone bought similar-looking outfits at around the same time. If Designer Wan is willing, she can just custom-make a few of them for the most loyal customers."

    "Then how many should we chose?" asked the director.

    The CEO turned to Wan Jia. "How many can you make in a week?"

    Wan Jia was not entirely sure. "five to ten."

    "You don''t have to hurry. We will only accept five of them. If you still have time, you can make it six. I''ll buy the sixth one for my daughters. It was a shame that I wasn''t able to buy any yesterday."

    "Yes CEO."

    "Will one month be enough?"

    "One month?" She thought that one week was enough.

    The CEO knew what she was thinking. "Although you are very fast, we are dealing with our most loyal customers here. You have to know the preferences of whoever they are buying it for and carefully make something specifically meant to suit them. We don''t want to displease our customers, do we?"

    He indeed had a point... "CEO, if it''s that delicate, then can I ask for one and a half months? I''ll make one every week." Afraid that she would be called out for laziness, she added. "I''ll use my time to make them as perfect as can be."

    The CEO agreed. "Then you should get back to work. I''ll give you the customer details as soon as I''m done selecting."

 Chapter 189 - Can he not be too heartless?

    After completing her current assignment, Wan Jia would meet Tyler. Before that, she focused all her energy on meeting the five customers and the CEO''s requirements.

    Since the workload was not much, Su Ling was not too busy either. Sometimes, Wan Jia would do the miscelleanous herself and would not require her help. She even changed her mind about hiring a new assistant to replace Lili- Su Ling was in fact very efficient every time she was needed.

    On the last day of the month, Wan Jia wanted some space on her own and gave Su Ling the day off. Su Ling did not hesitate to happily make plans for the day, her boss was just very kind and would always give her a day off when she had one herself.

    She went to the nearest shopping centre to look around planning to buy a few things using the monthly bonus Wan Jia had given her. Compared to the amount of work she had to do, Su Ling could tell that Wan Jia was being very kind.

    When she was tired of looking around, she sat down in a dessert shop to grab something sweet to eat. She had only bought one jeans since she couldn''t find anything she liked. She could not be blamed; in the past few weeks, her eyes had seen all sorts of stunning outfits that Wan Jia made. If anything pleased her, it had to be extremely beautiful.

    After passing some time, she sent a message to Lu Shaoting to tell him that she had a day off and if he would be free later in the day, he could drop by her apartment for a meal.

    Lu Shaoting was in an early morning meeting when his phone rang.

    It was already bad enough that his phone had distracted the meeting. Did he also have to smile like a teenager smitten by love and even chuckle? His actions earned him a very murderous glare from his brother.

    "I''m sorry." he freaked out and kept away his phone to continue listening absentmindedly to whoever was speaking. When he thought Lu Aotian was not looking, he sneakily whipped out his phone to reply to Su Ling.

    Lu Aotian frowned. "Vice President Lu, what do you think?"

    ....what?

    Lu Shaoting''s expression was blank. What does he think about what? He had not heard a single thing in the meeting, okay? How would he have a thought? The department directors all broke out in cold sweat for him. He had finally managed to attract President Lu''s attention. Wasn''t he seeking his own death?

    Lu Aotian was known to not be biased towards his younger brother. He was even more strict towards him than to other people. This time was no exception.

    "Vice President Lu will take over this project. No one is allowed to tell him even a single word of information." he turned to Lu Shaoting whose jaw had already dropped. "Lu Shaoting, I want a complete proposal on my desk before I get to work tomorrow morning."

    Lu Shaoting felt his world collapsing. Can his brother not be so heartless? Not only was he not allowed to ask for information, he would also have to come up with a proposal and complete it within seventeen hours? He was in fact a hundred percent sure that Lu Aotian would be at work at least two hours earlier than usual.

    He had a thought. Ah! Easy as pie. I''ll get it from the database.

    Unfortunately, his brother had already thought about that.

    "F***!" he exclaimed in his office when he realized that the password had been changed and there were new firewalls, more secure than the last. After two whole hours of hacking, he couldn''t even break through the first firewall. It even seemed to have a virus that threatened to destroy his computer if he kept trying.

    Lu Aotian, you monster! Am I still your little brother that you love the most?

    ...

    At lunch time, Lu Aotian gave Wan Jia a call.

    "Have you had lunch yet?"

    "I just did."

    "Okay." Lu Aotian was a little disappointed. "Are you too busy?"

    "I have a few things to do. Do you need me for something?"

    "Why don''t you let Su Ling handle those? I have something to discuss with you."

    "I already gave Ling a day off. I''ll be quick, okay?"

    On the other side, Lu Aotian frowned. "You gave Su Ling a day off?" no wonder Shaoting, that idiot, has been acting silly all day. Turns out the source of distraction is not unfounded. "Then...I''ll wait for you."

    ___

    "A-cho!"

    "Are you feeling cold?"

    Afer failing to extract information about the project, Lu Shaoting had decided to get off work and go to Su Ling''s for lunch.

    Feeling cold? He sneered. He was obviously being cursed, okay? And that had to be his brother. "I''m alright."

    Su Ling had just finished cooking. "I''m not a very good cook. The food might not taste as good as what you have been eating all your life."

    Lu Shaoting smiled. "As long as it''s prepared by you, it would be delicious even if it tasted like crap."

    In the next moment, he wished he could swallow his words. Who.made.him.have.such.a.loose.mouth?!

    How was this food? Can a pig even eat it?

    He felt the unpleasant piece of meat in his mouth and wanted to spit it out but when he saw her starry eyes anticipating for compliments, he forced it down his throat and smiled. "It''s great."

 Chapter 190 - It tastes nice

    Su Ling smiled even wider. "I knew you''d like it. I used a secret spice."

    Lu Shaoting: "..." Can you not use it anymore? He painfully ate a few more pieces and tried the other dishes. There were four dishes and a herbal soup and all of them were....haih! Sure enough, not every woman has good cooking skills like his sister-in-law.

    He really wanted to light a candle for the man who would become her husband. Wait, something wasn''t right. Wasn''t he wishing to be that man? Never mind. If he married her, he would hire the best chefs.

    "Lu Shaoting, you are spacing out again." she waved a hand in front of his face.

    Without thinking, he grabbed that fair hand and brought it even closer to him.

    Su Ling froze.

    Only then did he come back to his senses and let go awkwardly. Was he just...about to kiss her hand? What in the world was he thinking?

    He changed the topic. "You''re not eating?"

    "I''m not feeling hungry but I can..." she took a piece of meat and put it into her mouth..."urgh...!"

    Lu Shaoting wanted to laugh out loud. Su Ling''s expression was like she had eaten something extremely hideous. She couldn''t even swallow it and ran out.

    She came back looking at Lu Shaoting in disbelief. "How can you eat such a thing?"

    "You cooked it, so it tastes nice." he did not want her to feel embarassed.

    "Tastes nice? You are definitely out of your mind. I''ll order take out." She instantly cleared the table with a frown.

    Lu Shaoting laughed at her expression that looked like she was the one who had been wronged.

    After ordering take out, she sat on the sofa a decent distance away from him.

    "You can''t cook?" Lu Shaoting teased.

    She looked wronged. "I really can''t. Even if I put in my best effort, it will only be barely edible. Today you were coming so..."

    She didn''t need to finish her statement for him to understand. She wanted to cook for him and did her best hoping it would be passable.

    Su Ling chuckled. "Am I really a woman? I''m not beautiful, not intelligent, don''t have a nice sense of style and on top of it all, I don''t even know how to cook!"

    Lu Shaoting found her adorable. "Don''t say that about yourself. I think you are pretty. I don''t know about your intelligence yet but who needs to know how to cook? You can always hire a chef."

    Like I have the money. Su Ling said inwardly.

    The take out arrived and as they ate, Su Ling realized that it was long past lunch time.

    "You don''t have to go to work?" she asked him.

    "No." he replied. "I took the day off."

    She peeked at him. "Why does your expression look so pained at the mention of work? Are you having too much trouble?"

    "Yeah. Apparently, I blanked out in the morning meeting and got into President Lu''s bad books."

    "He didn''t bully you, right? He''s your brother after all."

    Lu Shaoting looked even more pained. "Brother? Oh yes, he is. That ruthless person asked me to do a proposal before tomorrow morning and forbade everyone from telling me anything. I don''t even know what kind of proposal I am doing."

    "So ruthless..." Su Ling held her mouth. She really wanted to laugh but at the same time, she felt that Lu Shaoting had been treated unjustly. "Shouldn''t you be using this time to do it?"

    "I wouldn''t get anything useful even if I did. I''ll just wait for him to deduct my monthly bonus for a year."

    Su Ling felt bad. He couldn''t have blanked out because she sent him a text, right? Who was she kidding? Why would such a man be affected by her?

    ___

    Wan Jia went to Lu Enterprises soon after eating her lunch. Lu Aotian was already waiting for her in his office. "My love."

    She smiled teasingly and evaded his kiss. "We are at work, President Lu."

    "That''s not an excuse to bully your man..." he complained.

    "How have I bullied you?"

    "You won''t let me kiss you. Do you think you are being fair?"

    Wan Jia piched his cheek playfully. "President, are you a two year old boy?"

    Lu Aotian carried her when she was not expecting it and placed her on his desk. Then he reached under her blouse and caressed her breast. "I''m not a two year old boy, but I can give you one."

    "Hey-! I was just kidding. Can you not be so shameless?" she slapped his hand away.

    "Okay, let''s talk about why I called you."

    "Mmh." she straightened her clothes and sat opposite him.

    "The company is going to release new sets of jewelry. You must have heard about that, right?"

    "A little."

    Lu Aotian showed her a file containing pictures of the jewelry. There were two sets, both made of diamond.

    Wan Jia did not understand his intentions. "You..." are you planning to buy me one? Please don''t, they are too precious.

    Lu Aotian knew what she was thinking with a smile. Of course he would buy her one, but that was later and it had to be made specifically for her. "The company would like you to endorse them."

    "What? But...doesn''t the company have its own models?"

    "We do, but your CEO suggested to use you instead and I think it''s a good idea. They would look very nice on you."

 Chapter 191 - Did I say anything about letting you go alone?

    Wan Jia thought it was a good idea too, but could she really do it? She was not a model after all.

    "Can I do it alongside another model? She would teach me what to do and the effect would be better."

    Lu Aotian read through her thoughts like a book. "You are not photophobic. What are you afraid of? It''s just a few photos but if you''re too scared, we''ll ask your sis Lihua for help."

    "Then I''ll ask Sis Lihua." she was more confident now.

    "Okay, let''s do it professionally. I''ll contact Qing Tai Media. If you want, you can endorse one set each."

    Wan Jia thought it was even a better idea and was happy.

    What Lu Aotian did not tell her was that, they had initially intended to use the company''s best model but she tried to leak some information about the set. Luckily, Lu Shaoting had been assigned to pay close attention to Elite Fashion World and he found that out. It was obvious someone had bribed her behind the scenes, so Lu Aotian did not trust the models anymore.

    __

    Qing Tai Media.

    The CEO was extremely shocked when he recieved an email from Lu Enterprises. It was even from the President himself! Just what streak of good luck were they riding on?

    "Call Lin Lihua over." he said excitedly to his secretary.

    Lin Lihua thought it was an emergency and rushed over from the filming site.

    "CEO, did something happen?"

    "Yes, look at this. Lu Enterprises wants to hire you to endorse EFW''s new jewelry set. As expected of our movie queen. You are so lucky!"

    Lin Lihua almost rolled her eyes. Please, lucky? The president''s woman is my sister. What''s there to fuss about?

    "I''ll do it."

    The next day, Lin Lihua and Wan Jia made their way to the photo studio.

    With a little guidance from Lin Lihua, Wan Jia was able to make perfect poses that did not make her own beauty overshadow the jewelry she was wearing. Although she was now a queen of the movie screen, Lin Lihua''s professionalism as a model was still sky high.

    Wan Jia was very tired after the shoot.

    "How did you survive as a model? How do you even survive as an actress? So tiring!" she complained.

    "Ha ha! If your career requires it, you must get used to it. I don''t find it troublesome at all."

    "That''s because you were meant for screens and magazines. Luckily I''m not a model."

    Lin Lihua smiled. "This week''s issue of Moon Weekly magazine will have the highest sales in history."

    Wan Jia smacked her. "Hey! Are you endorsing EFW''s jewelry or Moon Weekly? Can you be a little more professional?"

    Lin Lihua smacked her right back. "Isn''t Moon Weekly owned by Lu Enterprises? It''s killing two birds with one stone. I overheard the photographers say that they want to use the photo we took together as the cover page."

    "Is that really a good idea?"

    "Of course it is. Not only will the magazine sell like hot cakes, the jewelry will too. Talking of which, why can''t Lu Aotian make you the permanent spokesperson for Elite Fashion World? You''re so beautiful that you don''t need to have any skills."

    Wan Jia did not like the idea. "Wouldn''t I be busy to death? Let the professionals do it."

    ...

    "You did well." Lu Aotian complimented her when she went to his office.

    She put her arms around his neck and pouted. "Honey, I''m hungry. I want to eat crabs."

    "Mmh, I''ll take you to eat crabs."

    "Honey, you should prepare for a mass production of the jewelry sets. They are very beautiful. I''m sure that after the public sees them, everyone will want to buy one."

    Lu Aotian held her tightly. "They are both limited edition. The ones you and Lin Lihua endorsed are the only ones that will ever be made."

    "Only two?" Isn''t that too cruel? What was the point in making them public then? Letting people see something that was not only extremely valuable, they may not be able to buy it even if they had the money. Lu Enterprises was too...

    At that point, her phone rang. It was a foreign number.

    "Didn''t I change my contact number? Was it leaked again?" she muttered.

    She answered the call and put it on speaker. "Hello, Wan Jia, do you remember me?"

    Wan Jia was not too good in remembering voices and had a blank expression. Lu Aotian, who only had to hear a voice once to remember it for ages, wrote on a blank piece of paper on his desk: Tyler.

    Tyler? Why would he call her? "What is it you want, Tyler?"

    She was not very polite with him. After all, not only were they not friends, he was Yun Xuan''s fianc¨¦.

    "Can we meet in private? I have something to talk to you about."

    Wan Jia rolled her eyes. He was not going to talk her into reconciling with Yun Xuan, right? She looked at Lu Aotian, who nodded before she replied,"Okay. It better be something worth my time."

    "It will be. I''ll send you the adress in a minute."

    She hung up. "My love, I hope he''s not going to talk about Yun Xuan like Yun Jifeng did."

    "Yun Jifeng talked to you?"

    "You don''t know? That idiot spammed my social media with private messages about the need for friendship. So annoying."

    "Ignore him. Let''s go meet Tyler."

    "Er, you''re coming too?"

    "Did I say anything about letting you go alone?"

 Chapter 192 - Switch to the original

    Wan Jia was speechless.

    "Let''s go then. You can meet him after eating your crabs."

    "You''re really going with me?"

    Lu Aotian threw back a question. "What do you think?" If a man thinks he can meet his wife alone, he should quit dreaming.

    Wan Jia pinched his nose and laughed. "Can you not be so childish? You''re jealous of this?" She hesistantly said, "It may be something personal...why don''t I just go alone? You can stay close to us."

    Wan Jia was considering the fact that Tyler had never even once contacted her. For him to personally call her, it might be something important and confidential. It''s not that she wanted to hide anything from Lu Aotian but if someone wanted to keep a conversation private, she had to respect that.

    Lu Aotian considered her words too. "Okay. If you feel threatened, you know what to do."

    "Would Tyler hurt me?"

    "I''m not saying he would, but I''m just being cautious. Your safety is my priority." he said seriously.

    "Okay my love, no funny items."

    "Am I that childish in your eyes?"

    With that, he took her hand and walked with her out of the door. Wan Jia felt embarassed. "Is it really okay to hold hands like this in public?"

    Lu Aotian shot a look at his secretaries who were staring at him wide eyed. "They will have to see us holding hands on our wedding day. What will they do then?"

    Wan Jia smiled.

    Behind them, the secretaries immediately logged into the company''s chat group.

    [The President is really Wan Jia''s boyfriend! I thought it was just a rumour.]

    [They even held hands aahh! How sweet]

    [Boyfriend? Keep dreaming. I heard from someone who attended her welcome banquet that they are engaged.]

    Once again, Lu Shaoting was pulled into the mix. [Didn''t they say that President Lu was divorced? He''s already remarrying. What about our dearest Shaoting?]

    [Ow ow, I have news! I heard that he blanked out in a meeting yesterday and got punished by President Lu haha! He must be in love!]

    [Who said people who blank out are in love?]

    [This is Lu Shaoting, okay? LU Shaoting. Since when did he ever do anything of the sort? He must have been thinking about a girl. ]

    ...

    To avoid wasting too much time, Wan Jia had Tyler change the venue of their meeting and go to the sea food restaurant instead. Lu Aotian was in the same building but he was sitting in an unnoticeable spot.

    "You''re here already. Did you wait too long?" Tyler asked her.

    "I just arrived."

    "Order what you like. It''s my treat."

    Wan Jia smiled politely. "You don''t have to. I have already ordered and the tab''s on my fianc¨¦."

    "Then you can at least add a drink? We are meeting for the first time after a very long time. Don''t you want me to treat you to anything?"

    "No, thank you. Only my man has the right to treat me. Why did you ask to see me? We are both busy people, we should not waste each other''s time." Wan Jia was not good in having small talk and liked it when people were direct with whatever they wanted to say.

    Tyler ordered a bottle of wine and drank it as he looked at her. The first thing he said was, "My darling can''t know that I looked for you."

    Wan Jia frowned at him. "So you''re meeting your fianc¨¦es nemesis behind her back...or is it wife now?"

    Tyler answered nonchalantly, "If we get married, we will invite you to our wedding."

    Wan Jia almost chocked on her food. "Did you just say...IF?!"

    Tyler just smiled as if what he had just said had nothing to do with him. "She wants you to be the maid of honor at her wedding or if you get married before her, she wants to be your maid of honor."

    Wan Jia found what he was saying too shocking. If she didn''t know better, she would think that he was drawing a line between him and Yun Xuan.

    Whatever! That wasn''t her business. "Is this why you called me?"

    Tyler enjoyed her shocked expression. She looked like she had just seen a bomb explode. Well, then he was just about to drop a biochemical weapon. "Wan Jia, in this world, no matter how much two things look alike, the fake will never replace the original."

    Wan Jia was annoyed. "Will your mouth hurt if you speak human?"

    "I will not. You may...die of shock." He continued. "Similarly...no matter how much power a foster child holds, the biological child will always be more powerful."

    Wan Jia really wanted to slap this man and send him to hell. Was it fun keeping her anxious?

    "I''ve tried every way to make the foster child reveal something, but she would never help me even if she could so...why not switch to the biological child?"

    "What kind of nonesense are you spouting? What foster child? What biological child? If you don''t speak clearly, I can slap you to death, you know."

    Tyler smiled, with uncertainty hidden beneath hie eyes. "You want me to speak clearly? Fine, I will. Yun Xuan will never help me get what I want. Even if she knew something, she may never let it slip. So I decided to switch to you."

 Chapter 193 - You didnt know?

    "What nonesense are you going on about?" How could she ever help him? She and Tyler were not related in any way, okay?

    Tyler decided that since he had aleady spoken, he may as well tell her everything. "Your father is a criminal and you know that too, don''t you? I know you hate him a lot so...are you willing to work with me? We will make sure he recieves the punishment he deserves."

    Wan Jia frowned. "Are you sure you are talking to the right person? The only father I have is my father-in-law and he is the kindest man on earth."

    Tyler thought she was acting. "I''m not talking about Lu Tongyan. You know who I mean. You can stop pretending. Both you and I know that I''m talking about your biological father, General Yun."

    Wan Jia''s fist reaction was "Since when do I have a biological father? Not even Aotian knows who my parents are."

    Her second reaction was, "General Yun??!!! Which Yun? Yun Wei?!"

    Tyler was shocked, at the same time disappointed about something. "How many General Yuns are there in the county?Why are you acting like you didn''t know?" He saw how genuinely puzzled she looked. "Wait, you didn''t know?"

    Wan Jia suddenly laughed. "How silly. I almost got fooled by you. You know, someone played a similar prank on me not too long ago and almost got me in trouble."

    "What are you talking about?"

    She was talking about how Yun Jifeng lied to her about the woman called Zhang Li and framed her for killing the He family. He also did it using such coaxing talks. Did Tyler think she was that gullible?

    Tyler did not understand what she was talking about but he persisted. "I know it''s hard for you to agree to my deal but you can trust me. Even if you chose not to, I''ll wait for you to agree." After saying that, he got up from his seat and left.

    Wan Jia sat there shocked to the core. He didn''t look like he was lying. Could he be telling the truth? Was that evil man her father? Wait, that wasn''t right. When Yun Jifeng lied to her, she had also thought that he looked truthful.

    After Tyler left, she finally had a third reaction. Why was he looking for her to cooperate? Could it be...

    "Are you done talking?"

    She did not know when Lu Aotian got to her side. To give them privacy, he had sat on his own and even had a short video conference. It was only when the conference was over that he felt they had been talking for too long and looked over. Wan Jia was all alone so he walked over to her.

    "Yes, we are done. Let''s go."

    "You look pale. Did something happen?" he asked as he touched her forehead to check if she had a fever.

    "Nothing happened. Let''s go home, okay?"

    Lu Aotian was about to remind her that it was still working hours when he saw her sad expression. In the end, he just took her to his car and drove her home. On the way, she closed her eyes for a nap. Lu Aotian knew that Tyler had probably told her something devastating but he did not probe further. She would tell him if she wanted to.

    Wan Jia was not asleep. All she could think of was what Tyler had just said to her. He wanted her to help him with something against General Yun, and General Yun was her father? What kind of joke was that? It was not even funny. Was Tyler itching to be beaten up?

    Before she knew it, they were already home. "Do you want to rest first?" Lu Aotian asked her.

    "I''m okay. I want to ask you something."

    "Sure. Ask me anything." Lu Aotian felt something bad was coming.

    "You must promise to tell me the whole truth."

    "Okay."

    "Let''s talk in the study room, okay?"

    "Mmh."

    They entered the study room one after another and closed the door, then she asked her question impatiently. "I remember when Yun Jifeng tricked me into going to the He family, they mentioned a woman- Zhang Li. Who is she?"

    She was expecting to hear "Your mother" but he said something different. "Yun Jifeng''s mother."

    "Yun Jifeng''s mother? But didn''t he say that she..."

    Lu Aotian answered before she completed her statement. "It was a lie. She wanted to pretend to be your mother and hurt you but I stopped her. That''s why she never looked for you again."

    "And Yun Jifeng was helping her?"

    "Mmh."

    "Why would he do that?"

    "He hates you."

    "Oh..." At least now she knew what happened to Zhang Li.

    "That wasn''t your main question, was it?" he knew her too well.

    "It wasn''t." She sighed and looked at him. "Lu Aotian, do you know who my father is?"

    Lu Aotian looked at her and was about to dismiss her question when she spoke again. "You promised to tell me the truth."

    "What kind of nonesense did Tyler tell you?" He knew he shouldn''t have let them meet.

    "Will you answer me?" She really hoped he was going to say something different, but he said what she deaded to hear.

    "I didn''t want to ever tell you but...we all know him as Yun Wei."

 Chapter 194 - The queen and the goddess?

    Wan Jia felt all her strenght leave her body. Lu Aotian reached out to hug her. "You would have to face it some day."

    Wan Jia closed her eyes. "Where is my mother? I want to kill her!" How dare she have her with such an evil man? Had her brain been fed to pigs? Couldn''t she find a better man?

    Lu Aotian calmed her down. "Baby, I''m actually not entirely sure. You can ask your mother when you meet her."

    She felt better and slightly more hopeful. What she didn''t know was, it would not make sense if her father was someone else. His investigation had never been wrong. He only told her that to make her feel better. When the time came for Xia Rou to tell her, she would be more prepared to face the news.

    When she was calm enough, she asked more questions. "Does he know?"

    "You resemble your mother so he probably does."

    "Then why does he hate me?"

    "I wouldn''t know. Perhaps it''s because you refused to play his game..." and because he and Xia Rou are in bad terms. He left the second half of his statement for Xia Rou to tell her herself.

    "I don''t want to believe it. Can we investigate a little more?"

    "Mmh."

    Lu Aotian kissed her and asked, "I have already answered all your questions. Can I ask mine now?"

    "Mmh."

    "What exactly did Tyler tell you?"

    Wan Jia felt it was nothing that should be kept from Lu Aotian. "He wanted me to cooperate with him. I don''t know what he wants to do to General Yun."

    "You agreed?"

    "No."

    "Good. I don''t want you to send yourself into dangerous situations like those. You don''t know what kind of person he is exactly. He might not necessarily have the same aim as us."

    That reminded her of something. "Speaking of which, I''m starting to suspect that Tyler is using Yun Xuan. Isn''t it strange? All this while they are not yet married and...he suddenly came to me, saying that the fake doesn''t benefit him and he wishes to switch to the original."

    Lu Aotian answered her expressionlessly. "It''s been long and we are not married either."

    "That''s different. We are not yet married because we are waiting for me to reunite with my parents. Now that it could be General Yun...urgh...only my mother matters now."

    Lu Aotian was still expressionless. "Then we should just focus on our relationship. Yun Xuan''s relationship is none of your business."

    He did not want her to care about Yun Xuan. He knew her very well; she was too kind for her own good. If she rekindled her friendship with Yun Xuan, she may just create a perfect loophole for General Yun to use against them.

    Wan Jia was currently thinking of an idea that if he knew anything about, he would punish her for hours. To avoid him getting suspicious, she turned to kiss him.

    Lu Aotian was not that easy to fool. "What are you hiding?"

    "Nothing." she giggled and skipped away.

    ...

    That week''s issue of Moon Weekly was released not too long after. As expected, the sales were through the roof within the first couple of hours.

    Especially when Lin Lihua''s fans noticed that she was both on the cover page and in some pages of the magazine, they swarmed to buy them just for their idol. The jewelry sets, on the other hand, had risen in value tremendously as everyone offered sky high prices to buy them.

    The prices being offered were terryfying. It made one wonder whether they were trying to buy a jewelry set or a family treasure. However, Lu Enterprises was not just moved by money and still held onto them.

    Very soon, some fans started noticing the models on the cover page and began gossiping online.

    [How come no one mentioned it? Isn''t the girl on the left the goddess from Elite Fashion World?]

    [Now that you mentioned it, it''s really her! She''s in the same frame with our Queen Lihua again!]

    [They look so beautiful together! It''s already torturing enough to see one beauty. Now that there''s two of them, I''m passing out!]

    [Has anyone noticed it? Every time these two appear in the same frame, they look like they share very deep emotions for each other. Could they be...haha!]

    [Haha that reminds me. Did you see them wearing best friend outfits? They look so adorable! It was the first time seeing our Queen Lihua with bunny ears and she looks so cute.]

    A certain fan bravely speculated [Could they be a couple?]

    This particular fan recieved tens of thousands of comments. [That could be true. Didn''t you see our queen on the goddess'' runway? She must have gone to support her girlfriend!]

    [Queen Lihua, don''t keep us guessing now. Is the goddess your girlfriend?]

    Soon, there was a new headline. [The goddess and the queen. New couple?]

    Someone from Lu Enterprises finally caught wind of this headline. [Do you want to die? The goddess is our lady boss. Even if we don''t kill you, our President Lu will.]

    Lin Lihua sighed in her apartment. Fans these days are so...imaginative.

    On the other hand, Yun Xuan was exploding in fury. Wan Jia made such an outfit and even wore it with Lin Lihua? They were best friends now? What about her? She was the only one allowed to wear matching clothes with Wan Jia! How could Lin Lihua appear from who knows where and snatch her best friend?

 Chapter 195 - The company I keep

    How could Lin Lihua appear from who knows where and snatch her best friend?

    Yun Xuan would never have thought that she would one day be jealous of a woman over another woman. One more thing she did not know was that her moment of jealousy had just begun.

    Driven by her anger, Yun Xuan used a different phone number to call Wan Jia. The latter had blocked her after their argument months ago and even after talking to her not too long ago, she blocked her again.

    ...

    Wan Jia was reading Lin Lihua''s answers to her fans and laughing when Yun Xuan called. She frowned when she saw the foreign number. What was with these foreign numbers? Did someone send them to me?

    She was surprised when she head Yun Xuan''s voice. "If it isn''t big shot Xuan."

    Yun Xuan sounded polite. "Wanwan, congratulations on your new series. The best friend outfits are awesome."

    "Thank you."

    "I also saw you on Moon Weekly cover page."

    Wan Jia did not fail to notice the jealousy in her voice. Was she jealous because she was with Lin Lihua? Girl''s wouldn''t be jealous of other girls'' friendship, right?

    "If there''s nothing else, I''m hanging up."

    Yun Xuan stopped her. "Wanwan, can we meet and talk?"

    Wan Jia was about to reject her when she had a thought. Perfect chance! Even the heavens were helping her!

    If a certain president knew what his little wife was planning...

    The consequences would be dire.

    "Wanwan?" Yun Xuan probbed.

    "I will be busy for the next few days. Let me request a day off from my CEO, then I''ll inform you."

    "Okay."

    Wan Jia hung up and smiled. Just when I was going to forfeit my plan, the heavens grant me a perfect opportunity. Now, I only have to find out when Aotian is busy.

    In truth, her schedule was not even full. She had only told Yun Xuan that so that she would have time to plan everything.

    All she needed now was someone to work with. Lu Aotian was out of the question. Perhaps Lu Shaoting would help. However, how would she talk to him without alerting Lu Aotian, that attentive person?

    ___

    The next day, Wan Jia secretly swapped out Su Ling''s phone with her own. As it required no password, it was even easier to manipulate. She only had to send Lu Shaoting a message and ask him out. When she was done, she deleted the message and his reply. She wanted to swap the phones back when she thought, if Lu Shaoting sent over another message, Su Ling might tell him that she did not call him out.

    Without hesitation, she sent him the place and time, deleted the text and switched off the phone. Then she swapped back their phones and went to meet him. She had never known that one day she would be so sneaky. If anyone was to blame, it would have to be Lu Aotian. Wasn''t he the one who had infected her with his sneakiness?

    Lu Shaoting was already in Cuisine Treasures when Wan Jia arrived. "Sister-in-law?" He peered behind her and did not see anyone. "Where is Su Ling?"

    Wan Jia sat opposite him. "Ling is not coming. I''m the one who called you out."

    "Oh...but why did you use her phone?"

    "If you knew that she was not the one calling you, would you have rushed over?"

    "..."

    She was right. He had indeed hurried over because he thought he was Su Ling. "But did you have to exaggerate and say that it is very urgent? Dude! I rushed over like my butt was on fire!"

    Wan Jia laughed at him. "That''s because I wanted to finish discussing with you before your brother''s meeting is over."

    "So my brother is not aware of this meeting?"

    "You will not tell him."

    "Hey! I cannot hide things from my brother."

    "Oh, I see. In that case, I''ll have to tell Su Ling that you have a girlfriend."

    "Since when do I have a girlfriend?"

    Wan Jia eyed him with an evil grin. "Does it matter? She will trust me anyways. Your fantasy will shatter even before it begins."

    Lu Shaoting was speechless. "Since when were you evil? Have you been possessed by..." The unsaid name was General Yun. Was it in the blood?

    "I''ll take that as a form of agreement."

    "Fine. I will not let my brother know. Now, can you tell your dear brother-in-law, who has been bullied and threatened, what this meeting is all about?"

    "I want you to help me."

    "If you''re going to commit murder, count me out. I''m a law-abiding citizen."

    "Who the f*ck is going to commit murder?" Wan Jia glared at him. "Here''s the deal. Isn''t Aotian going for a business trip next week? During that time, you will help me..."

    When she was done laying out her cards.

    "F*ck! Are you crazy? My brother will kill me!"

    Wan Jia gave him the familiar evil expression. "I see...then I guess you''d rather have Xu Liaowen kill you, right? Does he know that the woman you secretly liked before, the one who made you unable to ever have a girlfriend, is his wife?"

    Lu Shaoting''s heart skipped a beat. She still remembers that?

    "You don''t know each other. Would he trust you?"

    Wan Jia laughed. "That''s okay. I''ll just tell it to Tangtang as a joke."

    "...!!!!"

    "F*ck! Sister-in-law, how are you so evil?!"

    "It''s the company I keep."

 Chapter 196 - Youre crazy

    "It''s the company I keep."

    What does she mean the company she keeps? She was obviously accusing him and his brother falsely.

    He looked at her as if she were an alien from space. "Sister-in-law, you can''t be like this. Do you really want me dead? What kind of grudge did we have in our past lifetime?"

    Both choices were terribly wrong for him. If he helped his sister-in-law do something behind his brother''s back, he might have a fall out with his brother. But if she was really serious about telling on him to Xu Liaowen, although he no longer had feelings for Mrs. Xu, it would destroy all those years of friendship and make things extremely awkward among the three of them.

    "So, what do you think? You have ten minutes to decide."

    Lu Shaoting looked at her in disdain. "Thanks but no thanks, I don''t need them. I''ll help you but you must not get hurt. If anything happened to you, I would be burried with you."

    "I knew you would say yes!" she cheered, but Lu Shaoting looked at her as if she was a devil that had sucked out all the life from his bones.

    Wan Jia tapped his shoulder. "Cheer up. As a reward, I''ll give Su Ling the afternoon off. She doesn''t have much to do anyways."

    Then she skipped away.

    ...

    At night, Southside Villa.

    "My love, how long will your business trip last?" she asked cutely as she hugged Lu Aotian from behind.

    "At most four days ." he answered.

    "You are going on Monday?"

    "Mmm."

    That was a shorter amount of time than they needed but it would be fine, right? It was already good enough that he would not be gone for only two days.

    "I''ll miss you too much." she acted cute.

    Lu Aotian smiled. "Of course you will miss me. Look at how handsome I am. It will be a surprise if you don''t miss me."

    "..." Must you be narcissistic?

    Wan Jia texted Yun Xuan and told her that they would meet on Wednesday. Before then, She and Lu Shaoting would plan everything out perfectly. No mistakes were allowed.

    On Sunday night, Wan Jia helped Lu Aotian prepare a luggage. He couldn''t help but notice that she looked a little excited, as though she was plotting something.

    Even on Monday morning when she and Lu Shaoting saw him off at the airport, he could tell that the two of them looked strange. These two...what kind of trouble were they up to?

    Although he knew that Wan Jia was not one to find pleasure in courting disaster, Lu Shaoting was so skilled in causing trouble that ''troublemaker'' should have been his middle name.

    His gaze shifted between the two of them briefly. Never mind. He would watch over them.

    ....

    Finally, Lu Aotian had boarded the plane. The two troublemakers broke into discussion as soon as they got into the car. "Let''s revisit the plan. First, I get a new laptop."

    Wan Jia stopped him right there. "On second thought, you can''t buy it yourself. How about you ask someone unrelated to buy it? Someone like your employee."

    Lu Shaoting''s head ached just by listening to her. "What''s with the change of plan?"

    Wan Jia glared at him like he was an idiot. "Didn''t you see how Aotian looked at us before he left? He may have suspected something. We can''t do anything suspiscious."

    "Why don''t you become a private detective then? You are 0.01% qualified."

    "Get lost. We are dealing with a very serious matter. Get a laptop, program new spy cameras and on Wednesday, we execute the plan."

    "Can you not keep me in the dark anymore? You only mentioned going to the Yun mansion. What exactly do you want to do? You want to plant a spy camera and capture them commiting crimes? That would be very stupid of you; do you think we have never tried? They are too wary."

    "Who said anything about planting a spy camera?"

    "Then what''s with the cameras?"

    "They''re for monitoring the sorroundings."

    Lu Shaoting rubbed his tortured temples. "I don''t understand what exactly you want to do but fine. What''s the deal with Yun Xuan, then?"

    "We need her. To be exact, we need her absence."

    "No no no! You are not going to...!"

    Wan Jia laughed. "Yes I am. Can you not freak out?"

    "Sister-in-law, I understand you have been possessed by a troublemaking demon lately but you!cannot!enter!the!Yun!mansion! Are you tired of living?"

    "What''s the big deal? Neither General Yun nor Madam Yun is home. If the brothers are there, they can be distracted for a while. I''ll be there for less than a minute."

    "Why are you doing this?" Lu Shaoting was at a loss.

    "I want to get a DNA sample of them."

    "Can''t you bribe a maid to steal a toothbrush or a hairbrush? Must you go yourself?"

    "Do you think if it were easy to bribe a maid, I would have gone through all this trouble? Only Yun Xuan can enter some parts of the house like her parents'' bedroom. Not anyone can just waltz in there."

    "Then how do you plan to go in?"

    "I will be ''Yun Xuan'' on wednesday."

    "You''re crazy." he scolded.

    She knew it was crazy. But apart from DNA, how would she get the answer she was looking for? Her head would just burst from all the questions.

 Chapter 197 - The two naughty kids may be up to something

    On Tuesday night, Lu Shaoting already had a couple of spy cameras programmed to his liking and two listening devices. He would have used the already existing ones but he was just being cautious. His and his brother''s laptops were connected and consequently, so were everything they created together. It would be troublesome if those cameras recorded something and sent it to both his and his brother''s laptops.

    "Ready?" Wan Jia asked him.

    "Uh huh. Just so you know it, I''m only helping you this once. If you seek me out again, I will not be on your side no matter what you threaten me with."

    Wan Jia giggled on the other side. "Can you not be a coward? It''s just this once." For assurance, she asked. "General Yun is still in City H, right?"

    "Yup, and so is Madam Yun."

    She could not help but ask, "How do you get such information anyway?"

    Lu Shaoting laughed. "That''s not important. Go to sleep now. We invade the Yun mansion at nine o''clock."

    When he was done speaking to Wan Jia, his brother called. It was even a video call. For some reason, Lu Shaoting had a bad feeling.

    "Bro."

    Lu Aotian, as usual, did not waste his words. "I have a feeling you two are up to something."

    Lu Shaoting laughed. "What could we possibly be up to? We are the cutest and most obedient children, alright?" Just as he finished his statement, he saw his brother''s suffocating glare. Wuuu...no wonder that monster had decided to video call him! He looked scary...

    "That...bro...I promised sister-in-law not to reveal anything but we are brothers. Heh..." He scratched his head and found a perfect excuse. "Your birthday is not many days away, right? Sister-in-law is preparing a surprise for you. She told me not to tell you about it."

    Lu Aotian looked at him sternly. "That''s fourty two days later. Do you think I''m easy to fool?"

    Lu Shaoting stuttered. "It''s a big surprise. You can ask sister-in-law...but if you do, she will be mad at me. Bro, I''m not talking to you anymore. I already broke a promise." When Lu Aotian hung up, he sighed in relief.

    ...

    In country F.

    Lu Aotian hung up the call with his brother but was not in the least convinced.

    "President, Your meeting with M. Blanc starts in thirty minutes." reported his assistant.

    "Cancel it. Book the next flight back home." He would apologize to Mr. Blanc later. If he didn''t go home now, those naughty kids might really be up to something.

    "President, the next flight leaves at 4pm. We only have one hour to get to the airport."

    "Then hurry up. What are you waiting for?"

    ...

    The next morning, the two troublemakers who were unaware that Lu Aotian''s plane would land in less than one hour went ahead with their plans.

    At 8:30 am, Yun Xuan was already in the agreed restaurant, waiting for Wan Jia.

    "Wanwan!" she was pleasantly surprised when she saw Wan Jia. She had thought that it was just a prank and Wan Jia would never meet her.

    "You''re here." For the first time in ages, Wan Jia smiled at her. "What do you want to eat or drink? You can order anything. It''s my treat."

    "Then I will not be too polite. I''ll drink arctic iced tea."

    Wan Jia looked at her in surprise. "Aren''t you allergic to lemons?"

    Yun Xuan laughed. "You actually believed Old Two''s bullsh*t? He only lied to you about it to prove that you are not me. I just don''t like having too much of it. That''s why you have never seen me have any."

    "Oh." Wan Jia did not dwell too much on it. It happened years ago anyway. Halfway though her drink, Yun Xuan noticed that there was no one else in the restaurant and that Wan Jia was looking at her with a complicated gaze.

    "Wanwan, What''s going on?"

    "Don''t be scared, Yun Xuan. What, you think I would actually hurt you?"

    Yun Xuan trembled. "Why am I feeling sleepy? What did you put in my drink?"

    Wan Jia snatched the phone that Yun Xuan was trying to take out.

    "Thank you. Could you help me unlock it?" She took Yun Xuan''s weak hand and used her fingerprints to unlock the phone.

    "I may need to borrow something else from you." Then, she called the waiter and he helped her take Yun Xuan to a safe room. "She''ll be okay, right?"

    "You can be rest assured."

    "Okay." She sent the waiter away and swapped clothes with Yun Xuan. She had even brought over a blonde wig, make up and contact lenses.

    When she left the restaurant, she was so much like Yun Xuan that even her own mother may not recognize her as Wan Jia.

    When she was near the Yun mansion, she used Yun Xuan''s phone to chat with Yun Jifeng.

    [Where are you?]

    [At home.]

    [Come to my studio. I have something to talk to you about.]

    [How was your meeting with Wan Jia? Did you bury the hatchet?]

    [Let''s talk about it in my studio.]

    [Okay.]

    She sighed in relief. The troublesome brother had been distracted.

    Next, she put Lu Shaoting''s listening device in her ear, covered it with the wig and sent him a text [I''ve dealt with Yun Jifeng.]

    Lu Shaoting replied with an [Ok.]

    It was just getting a DNA sample. Why did it feel like a spy adventure?

 Chapter 198 - Wouldnt her trip be in vain?

    After recieving Wan Jia''s signal, Lu Shaoting sent his spy cameras into the Yun mansion. He had driven a very simple and low-key car to avoid suspicion. He had parked it in a blind spot near the Yun mansion.

    "Yun Jifeng just left the mansion." he said to her. Wan Jia could only recieve instructions but not speak, so she wordlessly entered the mansion. When the servants greeted her, she simply nodded like the real Yun Xuan would do and went to Yun Xuan''s room. It was the first blind spot and also the first place Yun Xuan would ever go to whenever she went home. After mentally going through the whole plan, she left the room and went to the second floor. It would be best if no security camera captured her but just in case they did, she walked completely normally like she really lived in this house.

    "It would be very tiring to call you sister-in-law in case anything happened, so I''ll just call you "Three".

    Out of nowhere, she heard Lu Shaoting''s voice and almost fainted out of shock. That bastard! And what in the world was Three?

    She approached the master bedroom nervously as though she was sneaking into the emperor''s treasury. On the long corridor, there was no one but her. She was just less than five steps away when Lu Shaoting''s voice came booming again. "Three, we have a problem. Madam Yun is back. She is currently less than ten steps away from the house. Where are you?"

    Madam Yun is back? Wan Jia froze.

    "Go to Yun Xuan''s room. You can leave when she enters her room."

    Leave when she enters the room? Then wouldn''t her trip and this whole risk be in vain?

    She sent a text over [Don''t worry about me. Look out for the brothers.]

    Lu Shaoting spoke as soon as he saw her message. "You mustn''t do anything stupid, or else I will not be the only one killing you."

    [Okay. Don''t speak to me anymore. Send a message if there''s anything.]

    Wan Jia walked foward but just when she was about to open the door, she heard foorsteps on the stairs. That had to be Madam Yun. What to do...should she barge into the master bedroom and hide somewhere? Or should she enter another room? That would not be wise. If she accidentally entered one of the brothers'' bedroom...

    How stupid had she been? Why did she think that she could remember the Yun mansion''s outline? If this was four years ago, she would have easily known where to hide.

    Before she figured out what to do, Madam Yun was already on the second floor. It was too late to hide. She took a deep breath and flung herself into Madam Yun''s arms, intending to run away after distracting her.

    Unfortunately, the woman must have known her motives because she grabbed her wrist, not allowing her to move. She hugged her tightly and whispered in her ear, "I know my Xuanxuan, and you are not her. Why are you here?"

    Before Wan Jia could answer, she was pulled back to the first floor and shoved into Yun Xuan''s room.

    "Little Wan! Do you know how dangerous this is? If Xuanxuan''s father found you..." Madam Yun started a round of nagging as soon as they were in a blind spot.

    Wan Jia looked at her apologetically. "Auntie Yun, I..."

    "You what? Like getting yourself in trouble? I''m going to call the police and sue you for tresspassing."

    Wan Jia looked up at her pitifully. "Auntie Yun, please don''t do that. I won''t do it again."

    "I will only let you off if you tell me why exactly you are here."

    "I..." Although she felt awkward telling Madam Yun about her husband''s possible illegitimate child, she had no choice but to tell her the truth. She narrated how she was told that General Yun was her father and doubted it so she wanted to confirm it by stealing a DNA sample. If she was still friends with Yun Xuan, she would have asked her to do it for her.

    "Little Wan, do you think that''s a good reason to put your life in danger? Have you forgotten what happened the last time you were here?"

    "I have not forgotten." she looked down.

    "Then what''s this? Leave right now."

    Wan Jia had a sudden thought. Since General Yun could be her father, could her mother be...

    "Auntie Yun, have you ever noticed that my eyes resemble yours?" She had noticed this long ago and thought it was a pleasant coincidence but now that she thought about it clearly, was it possible that they were related?

    "What are you getting at?" Madam Yun raised an eyebrow.

    Wan Jia gathered her courage. "Are you...are you my mother?"

    Madam Yun remained silent for a while before she laughed bitterly. "You think too much. It''s just a coincidence."

    "You hesitated before you said that."

    "Don''t overthink it. I only have two sons and one daughter. Oh right...and a step son that I hate with all my blood."

    "Oh.." she looked down pitifully. Her anticipation was once again shattered.

    Seeing her sad look, Madam Yun''s heart ached for her. "I know your mother."

    "You do?"

    "I suspected that you were related to someone I know some time back and confirmed it not too long ago. She and I...you could say we were in very good terms until you happened."

 Chapter 199 - Our death anniversary will be one year from now

    "I suspected you were related to her some time back and confirmed it not too long ago. She and I...you could say we were in very good terms until you happened."

    Wan Jia''s heart fell. Could it be that they fell out because General Yun cheated on her with her mother?

    Madam Yun continued, "She was a kind woman but she was too unlucky... if she''s still alive, I will leave it to her to tell you everything herself."

    "Can you tell me who she is then? I''ll investigate if she is alive or not."

    "Xi...ahem....No. She may not like it. However, are you sure Yun is really your father?She hated him to the bones. If she concieved his child, I''m not too sure that she would keep it ." Madam Yun kept a bunch of words to herself that if she siad out aloud, Wan Jia might hate herself and her mother.

    "What?"

    Madam Yun then realized that what she had just said might be too cruel. "Forget it. Even if she actually had you with Yun, she will still love you because you are her daughter."

    Wan Jia felt even more curious. "Then auntie Yun, do you know why she switched me? And if you knew my identity all along, why was it that you never told me?"

    Madam Yun caressed Wan Jia''s cheek lovingly. "I don''t believe she switched you. You''re her own flesh and blood...You must have been switched by accident or by someone else.

    I didn''t tell you at first because I was not too sure. I only had suspicions since you look so much like her, and you are just as old as her child should be. When I found out that you are a designer too, I became more inclined towards the belief that you are related to her... but I kept dismissing it because I didn''t know about your family background."

    "She''s a designer too?"

    Madam Yun smiled. "Not only that, your styles are also closely alike."

    Wan Jia had so many questions that she did not know what to ask about first. "Then when you were sure about it,..." why did you not tell me?

    Madam Yun understood the unsaid words. "I have always been at most 80% sure. There is no way I would know for sure unless I met her again and asked her. It''s just that every time I see you, you remind me of her...so much that it will never make sense if you are not her daughter."

    Wan Jia felt touched by Madam Yun''s emotional words. Was this why Madam Yun was so fond of her? If she did not know, she would have thought that she was her mother!

    "The two of you....were friends?...What did you mean when you said that the two of you were in good terms until I happened? Did you fall apart because of me?" she asked her million dollar question. She also wanted to ask, what was the relationship between her mother and General Yun? If her mother was the third party in Madam Yun''s marriage, how come she did not hate her and her mother?

    Her question made Madam Yun snap back. "Little Wan, you have been here for too long. You should go now. Wait, I''ll give you something."

    She rushed to the master bedroom and when she came back, she had something in a plastic bag. "What''s this?" Wan Jia asked.

    "Didn''t you want to steal his DNA samples? This is his toothbrush. I''ll replace it. Now, get away from here fast. If my sons notice you are not Xuanxuan, they may not be very polite with you."

    "Auntie Yun, thank you." she hugged her.

    "Consider it me returning your mother a tiny favour."

    Wan Jia smiled and left Yun Xuan''s room. She did not know just how nervous Lu Shaoting was when she did not say anything all that while. Since he could not ask her anything for fear of distracting her, he could only suck it up and wait patiently. At least with Madam Yun present, the worst that could happen was her being discovered. If it were General Yun, that would be a different case.

    [I''m leaving the house in less than one minute. Where are you?] she finally sent Lu Shaoting a message.

    Lu Shaoting sighed into her ears. "Sister-in-law, you scared me. Just come out, I will give you further instructions."

    Just as she was nearing the gate, Lu Shaoting''s trembling voice filled her ears.

    "Sister-in-law, we are dead. Both of us are dead. Three hundred and sixty-five days from today, it will be our death anniverssary."

    Wan Jia felt her legs go weak and took out her phone. [Why are we dead? Is Yun Jifeng back?]

    Lu Shaoting responded very weakly as if all the life had been sucked out of him. "I wish it was just Yun Jifeng but no. It''s a much worse monster. I''m not even married yet. Here I am, going to die of an unjust cause. Wuuu..."

    Wan Jia made a phone call instead. "Lu Shaoting, stop being such a drama queen, okay? You are scaring the soul out of me. Who is it, General Yun?"

    "General Yun would be better but no." He looked through his rearview mirror at the familiar white limited edition sports car that was furiously approaching from the distance at a terrifying speed. "It''s...my brother."

 Chapter 200 - Time to face her man

    Wan Jia sneered. "Okay drama queen. It''s not funny. Share your location right now before I get caught. I''ll give you what I found and go to settle Yun Xuan."

    Lu Shaoting hung up and shared his location. Then he called again in a panicked tone. "Sister-in-law, I''m not joking with you. My brother is back and he..."

    Wan Jia interrupted him. "County F is 11 hours away. Even if he departed right now, he would arrive at 10.30 pm.

    As she was rambling on, she heard an ear-piercing screech as a car braked. "Aah! Shaoting, are you alright?" she screamed.

    "Shaoting?"

    She ran to the location he had just sent, but why did it feel like she had heard Lu Shaoting say "bro" right after the screech?

    When she arrived, she was met with the scariest pair of eyes she had ever seen. It was as though they had been transmigrated to the apocalypse.

    "A..Aotian, you''re back." she forced a smile.

    "This is your so called surprise, huh? Sure you surprised me. Rushing head-first into danger? Wan Jia, did you pack your brain in my luggage?"

    "I..."

    Yun Xuan''s phone rang. It was Yun Jifeng.

    Right now, no matter what, she had to return this phone to its owner or else Lu Aotian wouldn''t be the only person killing her.

    Luckily, they had chosen a restaurant that was just a few metres away from the Yun mansion. Wan Jia sent Yun Jifeng a message using Yun Xuan''s phone. [I''m sorry, something happened to Wanwan and I have to meet her again. I''ll go find you when I''m done.]

    Yun Jifeng suddenly asked. [Weren''t you home just now? I called your nanny.]

    Wan Jia''s heart almost rolled out through her mouth. A year from today would really be her death anniversary. [I rushed back to pick something for Wanwan. Just wait for me, okay?]

    [Where are you meeting her?]

    She had to send the name of the restaurant then turn to Lu Aotian who was glaring daggers at her. "Honey, I have to return this phone to Yun Xuan or else I''ll die here today. I''ll explain everything when I come back okay?" Before he answered her, she ran off.

    The effects of the drug had already worn off and Yun Xuan was awake. They had chosen a very mild one that would last just half an hour since she was not going to stay that long in the Yun mansion. Yun Xuan woke up to find herself locked up in a private room.

    "Wanwan?" she was still in disbelief when she saw Wan Jia.

    "Xuan, I''m sorry I had to do this. Let''s switch back clothes, okay?"

    Yun Xuan shook her head. "What did you do?"

    "I''ll explain that later. Yun Jifeng is coming here right now. Yun Xuan, I remember that you still owe me a life..."

    "What do you want in return?"

    "A life."

    "Did you commit a crime and are now wanted by the police? You used my identity, didn''t you?"

    Wan Jia felt helpless against Yun Xuan''s incessant questioning. "I used your identity but I did not commit any crime. I played mind games with your brother, he''s on his way here right now and if he finds me out, I will be dead so you have to help me." she rattled off so fast that Yun Xuan almost couldn''t hear her.

    "Fine."

    "Really? Thank you. Here, sorry I used your phone. Just go with the flow."

    They switched clothes and just when they were done, Yun Jifeng arrived.

    "You''re really here Xuanxuan. Just now, I almost thought someone had stolen your phone and was playing a prank on me."

    "Who would do that?"

    Yun Jifeng still felt something was odd and started looking around in the room. Yun Xuan caught sight of something beside Wan Jia. The blonde wig was peering from her bag! Just in the nick of time, she took off her scarf and flung it at Wan Jia''s bag.

    "What was that for?" Yun Jifeng was startled.

    "It''s hers. I was just returning it."

    Wan Jia sighed in relief when Yun Jifeng left.

    "Thank you Yun Xuan,"

    "If you tell me why you impersonated me and went to my home, this matter will come to an end."

    Wan Jia could not find any excuse to brush her off, so she told her blankly. "I suspect we could be sisters, so I went to take a DNA sample of your father for confirmation."

    Yun Xuan looked at her with a complicated expression. "You just found out?"

    Wan Jia did not understand what she meant. "Are you saying that you knew?"

    Yun Xuan nodded. "Old Two mentioned it long ago. If not for this incident, I would have forgotten such a thing exists."

    "I didn''t know. I found out last week."

    "But when Old Two said it, he said that you knew it and didn''t want to tell me. So I respected your decision and never asked."

    Wan Jia did not want to dwell on much discussion with her. "Whatever it is, not I know. I''ll have a test later and confirm it. I hope you can..."

    Yun Xuan knew what she wanted to say. "You know that I never reveal secrets, right? Don''t worry. This matter is safe with me."

    "Wanwan."

    "Yeah?"

    "I hope we are sisters."

    Wan Jia frowned and did not respond.

    ...

    Fear crept onto her as soon as she left the restaurant. She had settled the Yuns, now it was time to face her man.

 Chapter 201 - In my next life, I wish to be your sister-in-law

    On her way, however, she couldn''t help but think back to what Yun Xuan had just said to her about wishing they were sisters. If this were before, she would probably have the same wish but after what happened between them...it seemed to her like the only genuinely kind person in the Yun family was Madam Yun.

    She did not know about the first and third brothers because she had not encountered them much but she had initially thought Yun Jifeng was a nice person. Who would have known, he was a wolf in sheep''s clothing? As for Yun Xuan, perhaps she was not exactly an evil-hearted woman but her temper was capable of causing eternal conflicts.

    For a moment when they were talking just now, she wished she could tell her what she really felt but she restrained herself. It was not worth it.

    ...

    Amidst her thoughts, Wan Jia arrived at the hidden spot where she had left the Lu brothers. Unexpectedly, Lu Shaoting was alone.

    "Where is your brother?" she asked as she peered into the backseat.

    "He went home." Lu Shaoting answered in a voice sounding as though he was half dead.

    "Why do you sound like you have been attacked by ghosts?" she was nervous too, but did his reaction have to be so exaggerated?

    "You should have seen my brother''s expression. He only restrained himself when you were here but once you left, I felt like I was in hell."

    "..." That chilling glare was called restraining?

    "Is it that bad? Did he yell at you? I should have explained that I forced you into this." she felt guilty.

    "I wish he yelled at me but no, he didn''t. He simply got back into his car and shot off." he said.

    "In my next life, I still want to be your sister-in-law. I also hope the whole family remains as it is and I still meet Sis Lihua." she mumbled.

    Lu Shaoting stared at her briefly and drove off. " Er, what life? Did you eat something in the Yun mansion? What are you even saying?"

    "Aren''t we going to die? Aotian is scarier when he doesn''t yell at people. When we die, I hope to reincarnate soon."

    Lu Shaoting did not speak anymore until they arrived at Southside villa. Then he recieved the plastic bag containing General Yun''s toothbrush from Wan Jia and wanted to drive off when he heard a very chilling voice. "Where do you think you''re going?"

    Dead! He was dead! He got off the car, almost crawling all the way to Lu Aotian''s feet.

    Lu Aotian turned around and went into the living room. The two naughty kids knew to follow him on their own accord.

    "Explain."

    The man only spat out one word while sitting on the sofa.

    Lu Shaoting trembled all the way onto his knees. "Bro, I was wrong. I will never do it again."

    Wan Jia saw him kneeling and felt guilty. "Shaoting..." he turned to Lu Aotian . "My love, it''s all my fault. I forced him to help me."

    Lu Aotian looked condensingy at her then shot a look at his brother. "Out!"

    Lu Shaoting stood up and dashed out of the house like his backside was on fire. A few seconds later, his car was heard leaving the compound at an alarming speed.

    Wan Jia finally looked pleadingly at her man and whispered fearfully, "Aotian."

    The man looked at her like he wanted to say something but in the end, he just stood up and left for his room. She knew that he must be angry.

    She was right; he was truly angry.

    Only heaven knew how worried these two troublemakers had made him.

    Initially, he was just curious and thought they were simply planning to play around a little in his absence. Every time he checked on them, they didn''t seem to be doing anything unusual so he had let his guard down a little.

    But, no matter how he tried to guess it, he would have never expected this outcome!

    It was only the previous day when he videocalled Lu Shaoting and he felt the latter was lying to him about something that he decided to take the next flight back. Actually, he only found out the exact thing they were doing after arriving in the country. When he found that neither Lu Shaoting nor Wan Jia was at work, he resorted to the last option- hacking into Wan Jia''s phone. The result was, his dear younger brother and the love of his life were seeking death in the Yun mansion...

    Worst of all, he had been too late.

    These two little fools, did they know how much danger they were putting themselves into?

    That damn Lu Shaoting! How could he be controlled by a woman, one who is not even his girlfriend at that? Didn''t he know to report to him when Wan Jia was in danger? He was now even helping her create more of it?!

    As for Wan Jia...was she insane? No, she was not just insane. That was obviously the epitome of stupidity.

    This was totally the case of getting pricked by a lionfish and then proudly extending a finger to be pricked again. That silly girl...he did not even know what to say about her. He was so angry with her that if he spoke to her right now, he might say something that may hurt her feelings.

 Chapter 202 - Do you think youre a bird?

    Wan Jia pondered whether to wait for him to calm down before talking to him. However, he seemed to be getting angrier by the minute. Even Little Jia was so frightened by him that she fled to play in the garden.

    In the end, she decided to bite the bullet and explain things to him.

    After the 11-hour long flight, he was very tired and did not go to Lu Enterprises. She guessed that he must be resting in his room. Gathering her courage, she stealthily opened the door to his room and peered inside.

    Lu Aotian was lying in bed with his eyes closed when he heard the door open very carefully. "Why are you here?" he asked coldly.

    Wan Jia knew that she had already gone too far. She walked to him and sat on his bed. "My love, listen to my explanation, okay?"

    "What do you have to say?"

    "I was curious. Aotian, If you were in my shoes, wouldn''t you want to seek the truth too? I didn''t want to believe anything without confirming it."

    "So you couldn''t ask me for help and decided to go down the dangerous road instead? You should get your brain checked; an insect must have crawled in there." he scolded.

    "How was it dangerous? We were very careful and didn''t everything turn out fine in the end?"

    He glared at her. "You call that fine? From what I saw, you got Madam Yun''s location wrong. What if the person you were wrong about was that man instead? Would you still be alive? You even think it''s something to be proud of? You should be ashamed of yourself!"

    Wan Jia had no way to refute this. He was right. If the person who went back home at that time was not Madam Yun, they would be dead. She was in fact only alive because Madam Yun liked her. What if she hated her?

    She had been wrong. He had agreed to investigate the matter safely but she went behind his back and did it in a dangerous way, even dragging his only brother into the pit with her. She had been selfish...

    Lu Aotian continued to scold. "I only went away for three days and you were already all over the place seeking death. If I went for a week, would you grow tiny wings on your back and fly to the sky? Do you think you''re a bird?"

    He grabbed her chin and looked into her eyes. "Do the two of you know how worried I was? You only cared about your own curiosity. Did you think about what would happen if anything happened to you and Shaoting? Did you even think about how father, Little Jia and I would feel? There are only five people in this family. By endangering two of them, do you want the three of us to die in agony?"

    This was the first time he had scolded her for this long. She hung her head low and didn''t say anything, silently admitting her fault.

    "You...I have said everything I had to say to you. You may leave."

    She looked up at him innocently. "My love, I was wrong. I''m sorry."

    He ignored her and lay back down, closing his eyes.

    She grabbed his arm and swayed it sideways, speaking in a very cute voice. "Baby, I will not do it again."

    Lu Aotian knitted his brows with his eyes still closed. "Even if you act cute with me, I will not forgive you."

    "Husband..."

    "Not even if you call me ''husband''.

    Wan Jia heard what he said and let go of his arm. He was still angry. After thinking a bit, she bolted into the kitchen and came back minutes later with two durians. She was out of breath as she said coaxingly, "My love, I''ll punish myself by kneeling on durians, okay?"

    Lu Aotian did not even open his eyes. "Even if you crawl on a path full of durians, you will not get away with this."

    She put the durians away in disappointment. Just what should she do?...Got it!

    Lu Aotian was surprised when the girl went away with the durians and didn''t go back even after a long time. Had she given up? Disappointment crept into his heart.

    In actual fact, he was not angry anymore after scolding her. He just wanted to be coaxed a little. But wasn''t she giving up too early? He was pondering whether to call her when he heard her footsteps approaching. He lay back down and pretended to close his eyes.

    When the door opened, the sweet aroma of food wafted in. "Baby, I cooked for you something yummy. Do you want to try it?"

    "No."

    "It''s your favorite..."

    "I don''t." he dismissed it.

    "Oh..." she went away sadly.

    Minutes later, she came back with massage oil. "Baby, you must be tired after the long flight. Can I give you a massage? You will definitely like it.

    "No." Unless you massage a certain part of my body, he thought.

    Wan Jia set aside the massage oil, took a deep breath and whipped out her ultimate weapon.

    The room sank into silence. Just as he was about to open his eyes and see what she was doing, he felt someone crawl onto his body and kiss his lips.

    She had taken off her dress and only had her undergarments on now. She rubbed her body against him and whispered in his ear. "Husband, forgive me this once, okay?"

 Chapter 203 - Next time, Ill wear my kidnapper costume

    Dear readers, this chapter is a little PG rated. If you can''t take 18+ scenes, please skip it.

    ...

    She had taken off her dress and only had her undergarments on now. She rubbed her body against him and whispered in his ear. "Husband, forgive me this once, okay?"

    Lu Aotian was stunned. She had now resorted to seducing her way out? She sure knew how to sieze the situation. With her acting like this, it did not matter what crime she had commited- she would get away with it.

    Lu Aotian wanted to shrug her off and keep playing hard to get but the girl pressed her seductive body down on him and kissed his neck. She had only teased him a little but he could already not stand it thanks to the strong reaction in a certain shameless part of his body.

    The atmosphere in the room had turned increasingly romantic. The look in her eyes when she gazed at him made him want to devour her.

    "Aotian..." she called out provocatively and pulled off his tie. She started to unbutton his shirt slowly, kissing and licking every exposed part of his chest.

    As she felt his body stiffening beneath her, she took his tie that she had thrown aside and used it to tie up his hands above his head. Then she made a mental note. Mmh, next time, I''ll wear my kidnapper costume.

    Lu Aotian was being obedient and letting himself get tied up as he enjoyed the view of her exposed body. He had really missed being tied up by her, and having her take the initiative.

    In no time, his shirt was completely unbuttoned exposing his firm chest and well developed muscles. She was not shy at all, as there was no part of her body that he had not seen before. She knelt beside him, right where he could see her clearly and unclasped her bra, taking it off in a slow, torturous manner. Her breasts were slightly bigger than they used to be and much sexier now that she was obviously turned on. His hands itched to touch her body...he wanted to hold her and caress them but his hands were tied. He could only hold in the raging volcano for now.

    She found her way onto his body again, kissing and licking downwards towards his torso. Her warm breath reaching his skin left him hot and impatient. With her movements, her now bare breasts came in contact with his skin. She even rubbed them against him a little, driving him crazy.

    She was being a total tease!

    The little tease kissed his body and when she reached below his navel, she unbuckled his belt and pulled off his trousers. Under his anticipating gaze, she took off the only remaining piece of clothing on her body that was her panty. Her naked body was now completely exposed before him. Then she stopped and looked at him seductively. "Husband, I''ll go on if you forgive me."

    Lu Aotian was speechless. How could she tease him so much and turn him on, then stop midway?

    In one move, he forced his hands apart, making the tie loosen and free his hands.

    Wan Jia frowned. I forgot he is super strong. The next time when I wear my kidnapper costume, I must also look for hand...

    She was in the middle of thinking about "handcuffs" when her world spun and she found herself under him.

    His gaze was fiery with desire written all over his eyes. "You only know to start fires with no intention of extinguishing them. Aren''t you afraid of getting burnt?" He asked hoarsely in a dangerous tone. With that, he kissed her deeply as he traced the outline of her body. He held her leg and placed it on his waist, not leaving any part of her mouth unkissed. Then he moved down to her neck and collarbone.

    "Aotian, if you don''t forgive me, I''ll not let you have me." she said at the first chance she got.

    "Really? But your body wants me." He inched to her ear and whispered teasingly, "I''ll make you beg me to have you."

    He was a worse tease than her, caressing every inch of her body, sending desire down her spine. She could only let out soft moans of pleasure as his lips and tongue trailed down her skin. The feeling of his hard manhood rubbing against her once in a while made her desire him madly. Her body felt so empty, she wanted him...

    In the end, she conceded defeat and let him firmly enter her body.

    ...

    When it was over, Wan Jia had no ounce of strength left in her body. She could not even crawl out bed. Every inch of her body was sore.

    "You''re a bad bully." she groaned.

    Lu Aotian laughed and found her adorable. He pulled her exhausted body into his arms. "You should know my stamina better than anyone." he paused and asked teasingly, "or...has it been so long that you forgot?"

    Wan Jia glared at him. "Who asked you to flaunt your stamina? Every part of my body hurts. Including my nails! Those who don''t know would think that I''m from the battlefield." she lamented.

    He stroked her sweaty hair. "Sorry, I''ll be gentler next time. Let''s take a bath now, mmh?"

    Wan Jia''s eyes shot wide open. "Who said anything about there being a next time?"

    He chuckled. "Did you think...that I would forgive you after doing it just once?"

    Wan Jia was speechless.

 Chapter 204 - Old Two, why would you lie to me?

    While Wan Jia was paying the price for her naughtiness, Yun Xuan was in the Yun mansion, looking for her brother. She really had something to ask him.

    "Old Two." she knocked on the study room door.

    "Xuanxuan, come in."

    Yun Xuan walked in and took a seat. "Old Two, can I ask you something?" she asked casually.

    "Go ahead."

    "Do you remember months ago when you said that Wan Jia is our sister?"

    "Yeah, why do you ask?"

    "It''s nothing important. Today when I was having breakfast with her, she laughed at some point and for a second I thought she really takes after Dad. I was freaked out."

    Actually, what she just said about Wan Jia laughing was a lie. She was just trying to indirectly probe him about what he told her before (that Wan Jia knew the truth and was keeping it from her). Whenever Yun Xuan wanted to ask something indirectly, she would be so skilled at it that she could be slightly comparable to secret agents of Tyler''s variety.

    Yun Jifeng tapped his index finger on the study desk."You shouldn''t freak out. Isn''t it usual for children to take after their parents?" Then he used the grand opportunity to complete his father''s task of making sure Yun Xuan and Wan Jia reconcile. "Talking of which, father said that when she decides to accept our family as her own, we should treat her well."

    "Father said that?"

    "Yes." He lied shamelessly. "Father and Mrs. Yun have been trying to talk her into coming home but she refuses every time." he put on a fake disappointed expression.

    Yun Xuan pushed her limits further. "How about I talk to her?"

    "Don''t!" Yun Jifeng exploded. He coughed and composed himself. "I mean, father said to give her space. She may be angrier if we step in."

    Yun Xuan thought, you drove a wedge between us before, now you''re speaking up for her?

    She probed even further. "Oh, but why have our parents never mentioned this to me or our brothers?"

    Yun Jifeng still lied. "It''s because they want to give the family a surprise when she agrees to come back. You should not ask them about it, this matter breaks their hearts."

    Yun Xuan smiled secretly. Why did this story of his sound so fake...

    "Old Two, how come she was not brought up here then, and why is there no news of her in the family? If I didn''t know, I would think she popped out of thin air."

    Yun Jifeng made up a very quick lie, not at all suspecting his sister''s questioning. "You wouldn''t know because you had not yet been brought into the family. She was actually born a few months before you came and she was stolen away by father''s enemies."

    "Are you sure? You were a little boy at the time. Did you remember wrongly? Perharps she was born after I was brought or more than a year before..?"

    Yun Jifeng insisted on his answer and did not suspect her at all "I would never get it wrong because those were both very significant things and they happened in the same year."

    "Oh, I see. Old Two, I need to do something so I''ll be heading out first."

    ...

    The first thing she did when she entered her room was lock the door and look for her childhood little box of memories. She took out a little diary and opened the first page. She had written the entry on the day Madam Yun had given her the diary as a present and taught her how to keep it. At the time, she was five years old, just a few months before she would turn six.

    Yun Jifeng had just said that Wan Jia was born a few months before Yun Xuan was brought to the Yun family. His statement would mean that When Wan Jia was born, Yun Xuan should have been four to five years old. However, the reality was different. Wan Jia was three years younger than Yun Xuan.

    Yun Jifeng, the man who never misspoke, had gotten a whole year wrong!

    Now that she thought about it, he had answered all her questions fast as if sure of what he was saying. Making such a mistake could only mean, he was lying!

    He had actually questioned him because Wan Jia had just recently found out about their relationship, but Yun Jifeng''s side of the story was much different.

    ...

    Yun Xuan took a deep breath and went to look for Madam Yun. She found her in the master bedroom.

    "Mom."

    "Xuanxuan, you are home."

    She habitually went and hugged her, then started acting cute to get answers. "Mom, I heard a very shocking rumour."

    "What rumour."

    "That you are pregnant."

    Madam Yun laughed. "What kind of nonesense is that? I''m already so old. Can I even get pregnant?"

    She said shyly, "If you did, I would be very happy for you and congratulate you but...Mom, if the baby is a girl, would you still dote on me? If I fell out of your favour, I would cry to death."

    Madam Yun scolded her. "What nonesense. You''re my only daughter. How can I stop doting on you?"

    Madam Yun had just said that she was her only daughter. So Wan Jia was not her daughter. Who was Wan Jia''s mother then? That was not important. The important thing right now was, it proved that Yun Jifeng was lying!

    Old Two, why would you lie to me?

 Chapter 205 - Crafty Little Jia

    Old Two, why would you lie to me?

    It was even about something that had practically nothing to do with her so why would he lie? She clenched her fists tightly to control her raging temper. She could not act rashly. She had to get to the bottom of this first.

    ___

    Meanwhile, in Southside Villa.

    The couple took a bath and lay back down in bed. To be exact, Lu Aotian carried Wan Jia into the bathroom. With the calming effect of the warm water, she relaxed lazily, almost fell asleep in the bathtub and was carried back to bed by him.

    He pulled her into his arms and was about to kiss her when the girl evaded him sharply. "Can you not? Please."

    "My love, it''s just a kiss. Can you not exaggerate it?"

    She pushed him away. "I don''t even have the strength to kiss you." She was not about to be tricked by this man. Such a hooligan! She would not let him touch her again. Perhaps because it had been four years since the last time they made love, he had been particularly intense.

    Although it was just almost noon, Wan Jia drifted off into peaceful sleep. Lu Aotian who had not had a decent amount of rest ever since leaving for country F on Monday, held her and fell asleep too.

    He woke up an hour later, ate lunch and read through some documents as he accompanied his sleeping beauty for a while.

    When Wan Jia woke up, it was already late in the afternoon. She rubbed her eyes and went downstairs looking for her baby and Lu Aotian.

    "Where is Little Jia?" she asked a maid when she did not find the little girl in her playroom.

    "The Little miss is in the backyard. Miss Wan Jia, what can I cook for you?"

    "It''s okay, I''m not hungy."

    "But master said that you should eat something when you wake up."

    "Where is he?"

    "He went to the backyard just now."

    "Mmh." she nodded and went to look for them. The scene she witnessed when she arrived was quite heartwarming.

    Lu Aotian had been watching Little Jia play with her Brownie for a while without interrupting. They looked extremely adorable.

    "Princess." he finally called her.

    "Daddy! She was excited when she saw him, but stopped herself from running into his arms because she had just touched the kitten.

    The little playful kitten was excited when it saw Lu Aotian and ran towards him.

    "Brownie, no!" Little Jia screamed.

    But she was too late. It jumped onto Lu Aotian and even clung onto his t-shirt with its claws.

    "You bad cat!" Little Jia scolded. "Daddy..." she cried worriedly.

    Lu Aotian smiled and patted the playful thing clinging on his chest. "It''s okay." He had applied the antidote onto his arms and chest as per the doctor''s instructions before leaving the house.

    Little Jia was relieved. She glared fiercly at the kitten still hanging on her father''s t-shirt. "Brownie! Get down here right now! If you dare to hurt my daddy, I''ll beat you into a pulp and kick you out!"

    "Meow..." Brownie jumped down and purred pitifully after being scolded by its owner.

    "What ''meow''? Don''t even think of hurting my Daddy. Go play on your own."

    Lu Aotian found it adorable that his daughter was now protecting him.

    Even the servants watching over Little Jia found it cute.

    "Daddy..." with the kitten now gone, she called Lu Aotian cutely with her eyes expressing that she wanted a hug.

    Wan Jia, who was watching from afar laughed lightly. So the little girl was just jealous that Brownie got to hug her daddy before her.

    Lu Aotian picked the little girl up and put her on his shoulder. Then he sprinted foward.

    "Ahhh I am tall!" Little Jia screamed cheerfully. "Daddy, daddy chase after Brownie." After running around for a while, he held the little girl and teased her by sprinting to the fountain nearby and threatening to drop her in.

    The little girl was scared for a while and screamed her lungs out.

    "If Daddy throws Little Jia into the fountain, Daddy''s heart will hurt." she sobbed.

    Wan Jia''s heart felt warm just by watching them. This was the exact atmosphere of a happy family that she hoped for. She could not believe that not too many months ago, she had returned to the country intending to steal Little Jia away. Would she have missed out on such happiness? Her brain must have been fried before.

    "Mommy!" Little Jia noticed her.

    "You guys are having lots of fun?"

    "Mommy, let''s race." Little Jia challenged.

    Wan Jia laughed so hard that her stomach hurt. "Can your tiny legs race against me?" Have you ever seen a snail challenging a tiger to a race?

    The little girl insisted and when the race began, Wan Jia was thinking of intentionally letting her baby win but the little girl had other plans. "Daddy, carry me."

    Wan Jia almost tripped and fell. So you challenged me because you have a sure-win cheating machine?!

    ...

    At night, Wan Jia snuck into Lu Aotian''s room.The man was just about to go to bed and was happy to see her.

    "What a coincidence, I have some business matters to discuss with you."

    "President Lu, can we discuss business matters in your office? Right now, I don''t want to talk about that."

    "Mmh. What do you want then?"

    She went foward and hugged him. "I want to sleep with you. Literally sleep."

 Chapter 206 - Lets talk to Aotian

    "Literally sleep? But I want you." he complained.

    "Let''s just sleep, okay?"

    She lay in bed next to him and was instantly pulled into his arms. "You slept for so long during the day. Are you even sleepy?"

    "Do you want to tell me a bedtime story? I want one like the one we read to Little Jia tonight."

    "Pfft...you want to listen to such childish stories? You''re a big girl so how about I read you my documents instead?"

    Wan Jia retorted. "No. They are too boring." If anyone asked her to read any of those boring analyses and contracts of his, she would beat them to death.

    "That''s the selling point."

    "No, let''s chat instead."

    "What do you want to talk about?"

    Wan Jia cutely snuggled up to his chest. "You will not punish Shaoting, right?"

    Lu Aotian had long expected that question. "If I don''t punish him, will you take his punishment instead?"

    "It''s only right for me to do that since I''m the one who forced him to help me, right?"

    "Now that you mention it, how did you force him into helping you? He''s usually not easily swayed."

    Wan Jia laughed and did not answer.

    Lu Aotian thought about her request. "Since you want to take the bullet for him, tomorrow morning, tell your CEO that for the next twelve months, you will only recieve your basic salary. You do not need any bonus."

    "What?!"

    "I was going to deduct all his bonuses for two years, lock down everything he wants to code for a year and give him a good beating. This is already considered very generous." He explained.

    "That was him but you are now dealing with your wife. Can''t you give me a discount?"

    "Fine, eleven months and three weeks then."

    Wan Jia slapped her forehead. What kind of discount was that?

    She rubbed her inner thigh against his slowly, awakening all the demons in him. "My love, are you really going to do this to me?"

    Lu Aotian cursed under his breath. This little devil! "Fine, you win. But just this once."

    "I knew you love me the most." she pecked his lips.

    "Speaking of which, you already had Little Jia. How are you still so...small?" he suddenly asked.

    Wan Jia took a few seconds to understand his words and blushed. "You hooligan! I''m not talking to you anymore. Go to sleep."

    ...

    The next morning, Lu Aotian had already left for his office when she woke up. She freshened up and rushed to the company. Su Ling was already waiting for her.

    "Boss, I couldn''t reach you yesterday and was very worried. The CEO said that you would be slightly late but you ended up staying away all day. Were you alright?"

    Wan Jia remembered the events of the previous day and blushed. "Yes. I was just tired."

    "That''s good."

    "Ling, are there any new tasks for me?"

    Su Ling brought over three files. "Yes, here. The CEO said that you should only chose one contract."

    Wan Jia looked at the three custom orders: A gown for a banquet, two dresses for a movie opening ceremony and..."A wedding gown?"

    Even Su Ling was surprised. "A wedding gown? Did the CEO make a mistake?"

    "I think so. This must have been meant for Mr. Jiang. He''s the only wedding dress designer in the company. Could you return this to the CEO?"

    Wan Jia could not help but smile as Su Ling left. It''s not that she was completely unable to design a wedding gown, she actually wanted to try it out. But, that would be for her wedding. It would be her most special creation and if she wanted to design another one, it would be for Lin Lihua''s wedding if she ever decided to get married. Unknowingly, Lin Lihua had become very special to her.

    ...

    At lunch time, Wan Jia gave Lu Shaoting a call.

    "Sister-in-law, You troublemaking devil, please spare my soul and don''t call me." Lu Shaoting said as soon as he answered her call.

    Wan Jia shook her head helplessly. "You fool. I only wanted to check on you. Are you okay? You are not dead, right?"

    "I''m okay. Not a single hair missing. But, don''t you think it''s strange? My brother''s first reaction should have been to dole out a very generous beating. Do you think he''s finding more sofisticated methods to eradicate me?"

    Wan Jia recalled Lu Aotian''s words from the previous night. "I think so too. He must be waiting for the right time to drag you somewhere and beat you to death."

    "Wuuu...I''m not even married yet. How will I face my ancestors if I die now?"

    Wan Jia was helpless. "Idiot. I begged for your life. Now, could you thank me by telling me if you took that thing to hospital?"

    Lu Shaoting was silent for a while. "Sister-in-law, while I really want to thank you and help you all the way since I already started, I think we should talk to my brother about this first. It wouldn''t look nice if we continued doing things behind his back."

    "Of course we should talk to him. He already knows that we succeeded but didn''t ask about it. He must be waiting to see our next moves. I don''t want to crawl back into his bad books." Besides, she had not even finished paying off her debts with him yet.

    "Then should I come to Southside Villa this evening?"

    "No need. I have an appoitment with him this afternoon."

 Chapter 207 - I owe Sis Lihua a present

    Wan Jia was just in time for her appoitment with Lu Aotian.

    The man had been in a meeting with the seniors of his company right after meeting some trade patners. He was so tired that he did not mind Lu Shaoting who was following him like a shadow.

    When he entered his office, hugged Wan Jia and still saw the human shadow following him, he glared at him coldly.

    Lu Shaoting wordlessly fled for his life leaving Wan Jia laughing her lungs out. "Why did you scare him away?"

    Lu Aotian locked the door and kissed her deeply before he answered her. "He''s too bright. Can''t he see?"

    Wan Jia laughed. "I called him over. We have something to ask for your instructions about. No, actually, I should be the one asking you."

    Lu Aotian sat on the sofa and pulled her to sit on his lap. "Is it about the thing you stole from the Yun mansion? You want to ask me whether you should go for a DNA test?"

    Wan Jia looked at him. "How did you know? Did Shaoting already tell you?"

    "Do I need Shaoting to tell me something so obvious? Even if I pulled a random person off the streets, they would be able to guess correctly."

    "You''re right. That''s what I wanted to ask you about."

    Lu Aotian smiled. "My love, it''s all about you. Initially I was going to use a very safe approach but you already did it."

    She couldn''t help but ask, "How were you going to do it?"

    "He goes to the military hospital for treatment and check ups. That''s just one of the plans I had in mind."

    Wan Jia was not ready to hear his plans in detail. She knew that he would make it sound so easy that she would despise herself for her ''grand'' plan.

    "Did you eat lunch? Your schedule was so full earlier."

    "No."

    Just as she expected.

    "What a coincidence, I brought you take out. I knew you would skip lunch." She pointed at the take out box that he had not noticed on his desk. "Eat first then discuss the business matter."

    After his lunch, he switched to ''workaholic president'' mode and looked at her like he would look at his subordinates. "Have you ever thought of becoming someone''s personal designer?" he asked.

    Wan Jia frowned. "No, I haven''t. Why would you ask?"

    "EFW recieved several emails from people who want you to be their personal designer."

    The CEO of Elite Fashion World had recieved these emails and fowarded them to Lu Aotian since she was signed to Lu Enterprises.

    Before making a decision, Lu Aotian wanted to seek her opinion first.

    The news shocked Wan Jia. "Why me?"

    Lu Aotian explained, "It''s not that strange. Many designers from EFW have been hired off in the past. It''s quite normal considering how famous you got in a short amount of time. Your creations are youthful and beautiful, fulfiling all their requirements."

    She looked down in thought then asked, "Will my contract still remain with Lu Enterprises?"

    Lu Aotian nodded. "Even if you permanently became someone''s personal designer forever, all the negotiation is between your superior and that person."

    "Oh..."

    "However, I must give you a heads up. You may be extremely busy. Some of these ladies are not easy to please. You will have to make custom outfits regularly according to their stylists'' requirements and that too depends on their mood. To be safe, you will need to have a large collection for them to pick from as they please."

    "If I''m not too busy, will I be allowed to work for someone else too?"

    "That shouldn''t be a problem if you can handle it, but I don''t want you to work too hard."

    Wan Jia found it a little more complicated than she expected but if she chose to accept it, she would go with the flow. She was not afraid of working hard.

    "Then can I see the emails?"

    He showed them to her and she read them speechlessly. Supermodels, famous actresses, the mayor''s wife and daughter, the national president''s daughter, daughters of known wealthy businessmen...what in the world? She was not some famous and experienced designer. She was only a rookie who had been in the fashion industry for less than a year. What was with these people?

    Lu Aotian understood her shock and explained, "Most of those ladies from rich families are customers of Elite Fashion World. It''s normal for human beings to want to keep admirable things to themselves. As for the models and actresses, surely you know better than anyone where they came from, right?"

    Right. She had made Lin Lihua a few dresses for banquets. If her fellow models and actresses asked her about it, she would obviously mention Wan Jia. In a way, she had boosted her fame and consequently, her value too.

    "I owe Sis Lihua a present." she smiled.

    Lu Aotian instantly complained. "What about me? EFW worked hard too."

    "Childish." she scolded and pecked his lips.

    "That''s not enough."

    He was ignored. "My love, none of these people give me the inspiration to create anything."

    "Are people supposed to give you inspiration?"

    "It''s fashion language. I don''t blame people like you for not understanding."

    "I dare you to say that again." He held her waist dangerously.

    She once again struggled to ignore him. "Can we go to the hospital today?"

 Chapter 208 - Stay away from the Lu family.

    She once again struggled to ignore him. "Can we go to the hospital today?"

    Lu Aotian resigned to his fate. "I have one more meeting before I get off work. We can go when it''s over."

    At that time, Wan Jia''s phone rang. She frowned when she saw the familiar string of digits. Tyler?

    Lu Aotian had overseen the digits too. "You don''t want to talk to him?"

    "I honestly don''t." she answered. She knew why that man was calling. He had already made her life hard, couldn''t he see?

    "Then let me answer it."

    She passed the phone to him.

    "Wan Jia, can we meet up?" Tyler did not know who had answered the call and went straight to his point.

    "Okay." Lu Aotian answered naturally.

    Tyler froze for a second. "Haha Mr. Lu, I didn''t know your name was ''Wan Jia'' too?"

    "Time?" Lu Aotian did not respond to his mockery.

    Tyler, on the other side, had a thought. Didn''t everyone say that Lu Aotian was an impressive genius? He wanted to try him out again.

    "I''ll give you one hour, find me." he said and hung up.

    Lu Aotian''s lips curled into a smirk. The man was trying to challenge him. He was giving him a whole hour to find his location? Just how much was Tyler looking down on him?

    He took his laptop and said to Wan Jia, "I''ll have someone attend that meeting on my behalf. Go to the hospital with Shaoting, I''m going to meet Tyler."

    Wan Jia nodded.

    Lu Aotian got into his car first before he tracked Tyler''s location. He had thought that since Tyler was a hacker himself, it may be a little difficult but, wasn''t Tyler being too full of himself? It was quite easy.

    It may be hard for other people but even Tyler himself knew that he was no match for Lu Aotian- he was simply asking to be humiliated.

    In the end, Lu Aotian did not want to defeat him too arrogantly and made sure to reach him on the sixtieth minute.

    Tyler was leaning against his car in a place with no trace of humanity. Not far away was an abandoned alley, Lu Aotian was tempted to drag him there and beat him up for wasting his time.

    When he reached Tyler, he did not even spare him a greeting. He went straight to the point. "I don''t know what stupid grudge exists between the Qin family and the Yun family, but stay far away from people from the Lu family."

    Tyler did not show his shock on his face. "Since when have I not stayed away from people from the Lu family? As the sky above us can witness, it is you who has sought me first. What, are you scared I might steal away your woman?"

    Lu Aotian sneered coldly. "If I remember correctly, you called my wife first. Retreat now while I''m still being polite." He turned on his heel and stopped after two steps to add, "My wife is not blind."

    Tyler refused to admit defeat. "I wonder how you are going to be impolite? Wan Jia is an adult and can make her own choices. Whether she wants to cooperate with me or not, it''s her choice. Do you think she needs a controlling boss to decide for her?"

    Lu Aotian had the urge to kill him with one punch. He ignored the second part and answered the first in a low voice. "I do not even need to use my hands to wipe you off the face of the earth." He left immediately after saying that.

    Tyler was not one to show his emotions but he had to admit, he was truly shaken by Lu Aotian''s words. What did he mean he did not even need to use his hands to wipe him off the face of the earth?

    Was he threatening...to kill him?

    Though he wondered, Lu Aotian and I have the same goal which is the Yun family. Why is he so hostile towards me?

    If he were to ask someone who knew Lu Aotian well enough, the answer he would recieve was; Lu Aotian hated him because he was trying to pull Wan Jia into danger and use her to solve his grudges.

    ___

    On the other hand, Lu Shaoting and Wan Jia went to the private hospital owned by Lu Enterprises.

    When Wan Jia had called earlier in the day, Lu Shaoting had had his father pick the little package from his bedroom and send it over to him. Of course, his father''s incessant questions about what that package was were ignored.

    They handed it to the doctor and Wan Jia''s sample was taken as well.

    "Are you nervous?" Lu Shaoting asked as they left the hospital.

    "Very nervous."

    "What do you hope for?"

    Her answer surprised him. "I don''t know."

    He expected it to be a straight ''I hope the probability is zero''. Now she didn''t know?

    She knew why he was surprised. "You don''t understand. Both answers are bad news in one way or another. If he is...I will not be too happy. Who wants to be related to that psychopath? ...But if he''s not, I''ll be back at the starting point."

    Meanwhile, Lu Aotian''s heart was aching for Wan Jia so much that he couldn''t stop himself from sending Xia Rou a message. [Do you really have the heart to let her find out the truth about her family through a paternity test?]

 Chapter 209 - I want both a real one and a fake

    When Xia Rou read the message, she instantly knew it was from Lu Aotian and he was talking about Wan Jia. She felt a sharp pain stab her heart. For Lu Aotian to actually ask her that, the situation must be really complicated.

    When she started thinking clearly, Xia Rou had countless questions but she could not ask Lu Aotian as it would be too awkward. In the end, she asked him about Wan Jia''s whereabouts.

    Every other time, she would ask Lin Lihua and this was the first time she was communicating with Lu Aotian. The man simply told her that she had gone to hospital and did not mention any details, leaving the rest to her imagination.

    Lu Aotian was near the hospital and he waited until Wan Jia and Lu Shaoting got into the car and drove off before he entered the hospital building. He had been to this hospital countless times and knew exactly where to go and which doctor to look for.

    "President Lu." The genius doctor greeted him.

    Lu Aotian greeted him back and said. "My brother was here with a young woman just now. Did they come to you?"

    "Yes, President Lu. They were here for a paternity test."

    Lu Aotian nodded since he knew that. "No matter what the actual result is, I want both a positive and a negative."

    The doctor was stunned. What kind of request was this?

    "Do you understand? No one is supposed to know the real result. You should also forget it yourself."

    Lu Aotian''s eyes made him swear to forget it as soon as the test was done.

    "Then, President Lu, am I supposed to tell you the real result before I forget it?" he asked as his legs shook.

    Lu Aotian shot him a glance. "Do you want me to repeat myself?"

    ...

    Lu Aotian left the hospital and sat in his car for a while. The reason why he wanted a literally nullified result was because he was giving Xia Rou the chance to talk to Wan Jia. If she did it within one week, then it would be for the best. However, if she continued holding onto that belief about Wan Jia hating her and all that, then Lu Aotian would retrieve the real result on his own.

    On his way home, he recieved a call from Xia Rou. "Can I meet her when she is not busy?"

    "She should be free on Saturday."

    It was decided. Lu Aotian was happy that she chose to tell her herself. Heaven knew how hard it had been for him to keep the truth tu himself while knowing how much she wanted to know.

    ___

    Meanwhile, it had been quite a while since the last time Lu Shaoting and Su Ling went out together. They agreed to go shopping together on saturday.

    He had never gone shopping with a girl before; it was Xu Liaowen''s idea. He had told him that girls loved it when you bought them presents and went shopping with them.

    He could confirm his best friend''s words using Wan Jia and Little Jia. Those two were crazy shopping freaks. It was just heavenly luck on their part that Lu Aotian was extraordinarily wealthy.

    On saturday morning, Lu Shaoting picked her up at her apartment.

    "Where do you like to go?" he asked her.

    "I don''t have any particular preferences. Anywhere is fine." She replied.

    "Then let''s go to Southside CC."

    "Southside CC?" she exclaimed.

    "Yes, is there a problem?"

    Problem? Of course there was a huge problem! That was a place for the wealthy. Every item was high end. Even if she wiped out all her lifetime savings, she may not be able to afford even the cheapest item.

    "Let''s go to a more...simple place, okay?"

    Lu Shaoting understood her worry and that was where Xu Liaowen''s teachings came in. He would just buy her anything she liked. "You don''t have to worry about the prices. Not everything in Southside CC is expensive. There are many affordable goods with impressive discounts."

    "Then let''s go."

    "Mmh, wait for me for a minute. I should report something to my brother."

    ...

    "You don''t see anything you like?" Lu Shaoting asked her. They had looked around for a while now but he did not hear her mention liking anything.

    "Everything here is quite pretty but..." it must be too expensive! She was too scared to touch anything.

    "Don''t be shy, how will you know if you don''t ask?" He pointed at a red dress ahead. "Try that one on. It must look pretty on you." Seeing that she was hesitating, he directly shoved her into the dressing room and asked a sales attendant to give her the dress.

    When she came out, his heart raced wildly. It was just a change of clothes. Why did she change so much? The shy girl had now transformed into a seductive woman. He had not noticed before but the dress was quite showy. If she wore this kind of clothes for him...

    "Lu Shaoting, it''s beautiful."

    With his instruction, she was given a bunch of classy dresses to try on. They were all so beautiful that she hoped they were not expensive. It would be a shame if she could not buy them.

    At that point, the manager came rushing in, out of breath. "Second master Lu, we are greatly honored by your presence. My boss has decided to give you all the clothes you have your eyes on for free. Please accept this; it''s a form of our sincere gratitude."

 Chapter 210 - How do we love each other?

    At that point, the manager came rushing in, out of breath. "Second master Lu, we are greatly honored by your presence. My boss has decided to give you all the clothes you have your eyes on for free. Please accept this; it''s a form of our sincere gratitude."

    Lu Shaoting smiled. Not bad.

    He looked at Su Ling. "It''s up to her."

    The manager turned to Su Ling who was still shocked by what he had just said. "Miss, you should pick all the clothes, shoes and accessoires you like. They are a gift to our most honored customer.

    "I.." she was still being shy.

    Lu Shaoting pointed at a bag he had seen her secretly admire earlier. Then he pointed at a few more bags, shoes and jewelery.

    She couldn''t help asking in a voice that only the two of them could hear, "Isn''t this too much?"

    "You are not paying for it so you shouldn''t be too modest." he answered.

    "It''s still too much. I think we should be given discount instead."

    Lu Shaoting nodded and told the sales assistant from earlier. "Give her a discount for what she had chosen earlier."

    Although it was just 20% discount, the prices made her go speechless. Everything was at least five times cheaper than she had expected. With a smile, she recieved the packed clothes and gestured to Lu Shaoting that they should leave.

    In the next moment, she stood there shocked as the sales assistant packed everything that Lu Shaoting had chosen. Hadn''t they decided to leave those behind?

    "Didn''t we agree to leave them?"

    "Who said anything about leaving them? They were given to me as a gift so I will gladly accept them."

    As they left Southside CC, Lu Shaoting turned to the manager and when Su Ling was not looking, he mouthed, "you did well."

    Su Ling felt she had already spent enough for the day and decided to go back home. Lu Shaoting simply tagged along. When they reached her apartment, he also got off the car with the huge bags from the store.

    "Where are you taking them?"

    "To your house."

    "Eh? But...they are for you."

    Lu Shaoting almost tripped. "For me? Since when do I wear female clothes?"

    "I thought they were for your sister."

    "I don''t have a sister."

    "Then they could be for your girlfriend. You should take them to her." she sounded emotionless.

    "Su Ling!"

    ___

    Today, Su Ling and Lu Shaoting were not the only ones shopping. Two more pairs were doing the same thing. Little Jia sat on Lu Aotian''s lap comfortably as they ordered clothes and toys from an online store.

    On the other hand, Wan Jia and Lin Lihua were threatening to strip a certain store of all its clothes and accessories.

    "Little Wan, when do you even get to wear all these clothes?" Lin Lihua mocked.

    Wan Jia rolled her eyes. "Sis Lihua, when do you get to wear all the clothes in your closet? How is that even a closet? It''s big enough for a family of four to live in. I could lose my way out just finding what to wear." she exaggerated.

    "I bet on everything I just bought that your closet is larger than mine." Lin Lihua said.

    Wan Jia mumbled. "So what if it turns out to be smaller? If my clothes can''t fit in, I''ll just stuff them into Aotian''s."

    "Are you still talking about closets? Look at that gown!" Lin Lihua spotted a blue gown.

    "It''s so beautiful, I want it!" Wan Jia exclaimed.

    Lin Lihua retorted. "I saw it first."

    "I claimed it first."

    Soon, they were bickering playfully like children.

    "Little Wan, you''re a designer yourself. You should leave such opportunities to megastar-me."

    "Megastar Lin, you already have so many gowns. Surely you don''t need this little one?"

    The store owner burst into laughter watching them argue. "Are the two of you sisters? You love each other so much." He was used to seeing celebrities in his store and was not shocked by Lin Lihua''s presence.

    "How do we love each other? Sis Lihua won''t let me have this gown. Can''t you see? It''s even blue. It would look perfect on me."

    "Who said I can''t wear blue? It would look perfect on me too, okay? I even have the aura of a superstar."

    In the end, they made an agreement that all black gowns were for Lin Lihua and all blue ones were for Wan Jia. When Wan Jia spotted a beautiful black gown, the store owner had to laugh his heart out as the bickering started all over again.

    ...

    After shopping all morning, Lin Lihua invited Wan Jia to her home for lunch.

    Actually, Wan Jia had felt for a while that Lin Lihua had something on her mind today. Although none of the things they had done was out of the ordinary, she had a weird feeling that Lin Lihua was showering her with more love today. It was the attitude of being afraid of losing someone.

    She was quite accurate. Lin Lihua was indeed afraid of losing her. Today, she had invited Wan Jia for lunch because Xia Rou was going to reveal herself to her. She was scared of Wan Jia''s reaction. What if she got angry and hated her?

    As they approached the Lin residence, not even her perfect acting skills could hide her fear.

    "Sis Lihua, is something wrong?"

    Lin Lihua suddenly hugged her. "Little Wan, if I hid something really important from you before, would you hate me?"

 Chapter 211 - You have already gone this far

    "Little Wan, if I hid something really important from you before, would you hate me?"

    Wan Jia did not know what to say. What was Sis Lihua talking about? Did she hide something important from her?

    "Sis Lihua, what are you talking about?"

    "You can''t just answer me?" Lin Lihua looked very frightened. It was as though she was awaiting a death verdict.

    "What level of importance is it?"

    "The most important thing."

    Wan Jia tried to guess what Lin Lihua could be talking about but no matter how hard she thought about it, she could not guess it. "If it''s something you should have told me before, I may be upset."

    Lin Lihua had expected such an answer. "Let''s go in."

    Xia Rou had prepared many dishes with the help of the maids. It could be easily mistaken for a feast.

    "Little Wan, you''re here. Come in." Xia Rou welcomed her with loving eyes. As usual, those loving eyes were the only exposed part of her body.

    Lin Lihua led Wan Jia to the dining table. If Wan Jia was not busy trying to decipher the meaning of Lin Lihua''s words, she would have noticed that Xia Rou was even more scared.

    Soon, Lin Zhou joined them too.

    "Aunty Lin, you''re not eating?" Each of the three times Wan Jia visited Lin Lihua''s parents, Xia Rou would make excuses to not eat with them. Those who knew the truth, Lin Zhou and Lin Lihua, knew that it was because she did not want to take off her scarf.

    "I''m not hungry. You guys just eat, I''ll grab a fruit later." After saying that, she scooped dishes for Wan Jia and Lin Lihua and, perhaps Lin Lihua had told her about Wan Jia''s preferences because she got them all right.

    Lin Lihua only took a few bites in the name of watching her weight.

    After the meal, they sat in the living room to chat a little. Lin Lihua''s heart was constantly on the verge of dropping to the pits of her stomach.

    After a while, Xia Rou stood up and said to them, "You guys can continue chatting, I have something to do and will be back before you know it."

    How could Lin Lihua not know that her mother was too afraid? She followed her out. "Mom, you have already gone this far."

    After convincing her for a while, the two of them finally came back and there was something different about Xia Rou- She had taken off her scarf.

    Wan Jia looked at her and had several facial reactions within just a few seconds. If Xia Rou was not wearing the same clothes, she would have thought that Lin Lihua was bringing in a guest.

    "Aunty Lin...?" She asked in uncertainty.

    Xia Rou nodded.

    Wan Jia smiled. We look alike. What a coincidence. All this while, she had thought that Lin Lihua''s mother was..ahem...disfigured, and did not want people to see her face. what was the meaning of this...

    Xia Rou sat down and did not know how exactly to say it so she asked Lin Lihua to bring her the DNA report, which she gave to Wan Jia.

    Wan Jia was shocked witless when she read the content. Her mother had been found?! The probability of their parent-child relationship was 99.99%?!

    Then she asked the first question that popped into her mind. "Who is Xia Rou?"

    When she saw the looks on Lin Zhou''s, Lin Lihua''s and Mrs. Lin''s faces, her heart raced.

    She turned to the woman beside Lin Lihua. "Wait, you are not going to say that you are Xia Rou, right?"

    Xia Rou nodded. "I am. I am also your mother. Little Wan, I''m sorry that I couldn''t tell you earlier."

    Wan Jia''s first reaction was; "I can''t believe it! I looked North and South for my mother but she was right under my nose all this while?"

    As the seconds passed, the meaning of this finally found its way into her brain. She looked at Lin Lihua, who got so scared of her curious look that her palms became sweaty. "Sis Lihua, the important thing that you talked about, the one you said you were hiding from me, was this?"

    "Yes."

    "When did you find out?"

    "On the day we recieved the report."

    Wan Jia looked at the report in her hands again. "It''s dated five months ago."

    Xia Rou and her husband let the girls solve their misunderstanding first. It was not the biggest one after all.

    Lin Lihua explained, "Actually Little Wan, I found out long ago. The DNA test only confirmed what I already knew. I''m sorry for not telling you, everything was so complicated and..." Lin Lihua''s voice trailed off.

    Wan Jia did not know what to feel. Happy that she finally knew her family? Confused? Where did this Xia Rou pop up from anyway? Or should she feel disappointed because they had known this for such a long time and never told her?

    For a second, Wan Jia was afraid that she was being lied to. After all, with cosmetic surgery quite common, anyone could pretend to be another person. She and Yun Xuan were the perfect example. She went beside Xia Rou and wordlessly pushed her hair back.

    When she saw the faded scar, she covered her mouth in shock.

    Xia Rou and Lin Lihua exchanged wide-eyed looks. Did she know about the scar?!

    Xia Rou mumbled, "Lu Aotian...is quite something."

 Chapter 212 - President Lu has a daughter?

    After confirming that Xia Rou indeed had the scar that Lu Aotian had talked about, Wan Jia turned to Lin Lihua. "Sis Lihua, I should go home now."

    Lin Lihua knew that she needed time to adjust to the news. "I''ll walk you out."

    Wan Jia rejected her. "You don''t have to. I know my way out."

    Until she left the Lin residence, Wan Jia did not spare Xia Rou another glance.

    "She''s so upset." Xia Rou said.

    "Mom, we don''t know yet. She needs time to make sense of all of this."

    "Lihua is right. It''s not everyday someone appears from literally nowhere and claims to be her family." Lin Zhou chimed in.

    The family of three could only hope that their little girl will accept them soon.

    Lin Lihua was sighing in her heart, "I hope our friendship doesn''t end because of this." They had grown very close and Lin Lihua truly loved her little sister.

    Meanwhile, Wan Jia did not know what state of mind she was in when she reached Southside Villa. Was she shocked? Sad? Upset? Happy? Angry?

    Lu Aotian only had to look at her once to know what Xia Rou had told her.

    She plopped onto the sofa with her mixture of emotions and closed her eyes.

    "Is Mommy feeling unwell?" Little Jia ran up to her and knelt beside her on the sofa, then touched her forehead to feel if she had a fever.

    "Mommy is just tired. You should let her be for a while." Lu Aotian said to her.

    "Yes Daddy." she obediently nodded before adding, "If Mommy is unhappy, I can cheer her up. I know a few tricks."

    Lu Aotian smiled at his daughter who was becoming cleverer by the day. "If I can''t cheer up Mommy on my own, I will call you to help me."

    The little girl was very happy to finally be of help. She ran out to play happily.

    When Little Jia left, Wan Jia did not look at Lu Aotian even once. She simply called Lu Shaoting. "Shaoting, when did you say the paternity test results would be out?"

    "Today. I''ll help you pick them later." Lu Shaoting said.

    Lu Aotian felt his heart ache. He knew better than anyone what the report was going to read.

    ___

    Meanwhile, after taking the new clothes and accessories to Su Ling''s apartment, the two of them chatted for a bit and a while later, Lu Shaoting offered to cook lunch.

    "You can cook?" Su Ling was surprised.

    He nodded proudly. "Although I have never cooked before, I can try. I''m a fast learner."

    "Who will you learn from? Are you trying to learn how to concote poison?" Su Ling mumbled weakly. If he asked her to teach him, he may as well buy a bomb from an explosives shop and swallow it instead.

    "Who said I was going to learn from you?" As soon as he said that, he called the best chef at home and asked him how to cook a few dishes.

    Although he was only recieving instructions on phone, he was truly a fast learner and managed to cook. His dishes were not on the level of any chef but for a rookie who had never cooked before, they were passable.

    "You are truly a genius. Is there anything you can''t do?" Su Ling gushed in admiration when she tasted the dishes.

    "Yup. I can''t give birth."

    "Of course, you''re a man. Is there anything within the capability of men that you can''t do?"

    "I can''t beat my brother in anything."

    Su Ling was now annoyed. Does this guy not know how to accept compliments? His response should have been, ''I''m not that good'' or something across those lines. "Let''s just eat."

    When they were done and Lu Shaoting was thinking of ways to continue spending time with her, his phone screen lit up. Wan Jia was calling to ask him about the test report.

    When he hung up, Su Ling unitentionally saw his phone screen. The screensaver was two adorable kids, a girl and a boy. The little girl was forcefully dragging the boy by his collar as if taking him somewhere he did not want to go. The boy looked like he was going to explode in anger. Judging by their sizes, the boy seemed to be a little older than the girl. But there was not even the tiniest resemblance between them so they were probably not siblings.

    Letting her imagination run wild, Su Ling thought that if these two were neither siblings nor cousins, they could really make a good couple when they grew up.

    "You like kids?" Lu Shaoting asked when he saw her staring at his phone screen and even smiling a little.

    Did she like kids? She was not sure. She was afraid of getting close to children because they reminded her of her past mistakes but these two were really cute. "Are they your kids?" she asked softly.

    Lu Shaoting wondered just which part of him looked like he was married and was even a father. "No. The boy is my godson, Tangtang and the girl is my niece, Little Jia. They like sticking onto me."

    "President Lu has a daughter? No wonder the girl looks like my boss. But...aren''t they just engaged? Wait, don''t tell me...President Lu''s ex wife that I have heard so much about is my boss?"

 Chapter 213 - Paternity test results

    Lu Shaoting was not usually gossipy but his interest was piqued. "You heard about my sister-in-law? What did you hear?"

    Su Ling felt awkward talking about rumours she had heard about the grand Lu family. "Well...President Lu divorced her partially because she couldn''t give birth. The rumour said that she cared too much about her beauty and said that she would not be pretty anymore if she had kids."

    Lu Shaoting remained silent.

    Su Ling continued. "Also, I heard that she hated President Lu''s family and often picked fights with Old master Lu, calling him a devil and cursing him to die. She would put on airs and bully everyone around President Lu. Eventually, Pr¨¦sident Lu could not tolerate her anymore and they got into a fight.

    Lu Shaoting was speechless.

    The woman Su Ling just described, was that Wan Jia? How come he knew nothing about it?

    "Whoever started those rumours is quite idle. My brother and Wan Jia have always been in love. As for why they divorced, it was all a misunderstanding." Lu Shaoting laughed.

    "Really? Then it was all a lie..."

    Her expression showed that she was hiding something else. "Are there more?" He probbed.

    "No, no more." she shook her head.

    "But your expression says the exact opposite. You can ask me anything."

    "It might be offensive....you can''t get angry, alright?"

    "If it''s offensive then don''t say it."

    Su Ling sighed in relief. It was good that he let it go. Otherwise it would be so embarassing to ask if he and President Lu''s ex wife really slept together.

    If she asked that question, Lu Shaoting would tell her that even if Lu Aotian died, he would never, even in his dreams, touch his woman.

    ___

    At night, Lu Shaoting picked the paternity test report from the hospital and went to Southside Villa.

    Wan Jia looked upset and was being held comfortingly in Lu Aotian''s arms.

    Lu Shaoting instantly complained. "You''re in the living room, sheesh! Now I understand why Little Jia is a little tyrant."

    "What''s wrong with the living room? We are adults and this is our house." Lu Aotian glared at him.

    Wan Jia''s focus was on the second part. "How is my little baby a tryrant? Which eye of yours saw that?"

    Lu Shaoting ignored them and placed the file on the coffee table. "I''m going to look for my darling niece."

    Wan Jia held the file like it contained the nation''s top secret.

    "Nervous?" Lu Aotian teased.

    "I don''t know what to hope for." she tried to calm her heart. "Whatever it is, I can ask Xia Rou."

    Lu Aotian couldn''t help but reprimand her. "She gave birth to you. Aren''t you being too disrespectful by adressing her by name?"

    "Whose side are you on?" she exploded.

    "I''ll always be on your side, but would be happy if Little Jia adressed you as ''Wan Jia''?"

    "This is not about Little Jia. I did not abandon my daughter." she was getting angrier by the second.

    Lu Aotian did not want to anger her any more. She could not be expected to accept Xia Rou that fast. She would change her mind with time.

    "My love, about the report..." he wanted to tell her that the report had both a real and a fake result, but she had already opened the file.

    "Aah-!" she screamed and let the file fall to the floor.

    Lu Aotian was stunned too.

    "LU! SHAO! TING!"

    Lu Shaoting was playing with Little Jia. The door was open so he heard her scream. "Little Jia, your Mommy is looking for me. I''ll be right back, okay?"

    "Is Mommy okay? I''m coming with you."

    She would not understand the adults'' discussion but Wan Jia sounded very frightening. "Mommy is okay. You can''t come with me because the adults want to discuss alone. Be good, mmh?"

    "Yes uncle."

    Lu Shaoting was trembling the whole time but he had to keep his composure in Little Jia''s presence.

    He closed the door to her room behind him and ran all the way downstairs.

    "Sister-in-law, what is it? You almost tore down the whole villa."

    Lu Aotian speechlessly glanced at him then directed his gaze to the fallen file. It had flipped closed when it fell.

    "What...what is it?" He picked it like it was a fireball and opened it slowly.

    When he saw the content, he dropped it in horror.

    "Lu Shaoting, what''s the meaning of this? Did you get the right report?"

    Lu Shaoting was still in shock. "Yes. It has your name on it, can''t you see? I didn''t open it."

    Lu Aotian picked the file and examined it. He was the only calm person in the room.

    "Bro, is it paint?" Lu Shaoting asked.

    "It''s blood." Lu Aotian answered.

    Wan Jia wished she was not part of this spooky discussion. Had Halloween come too soon?

    "What''s the meaning of this?" she closed her eyes and massaged her temples. With her eyes closed, she did not see the Lu brothers exchanging looks.

    When she opened the file and saw the bloody sheet of paper, she dropped it before understanding the content properly.

    The Lu brothers looked at each other knowingly.

    The complicated bloody characters were codes written using real blood. It had dired off leaving a really scary sight. Below it was a doctor''s badge. It belonged to the genius doctor who had done the test.

    The message was: [LU AOTIAN, DON''T CROSS THE LINE]

 Chapter 214 - Everyone knew except the female lead

    Wan Jia calmed down and looked at them. "It must be a threat, right? Let me see it."

    Lu Aotian hesitated.

    "It''s okay. I''m calm now." He relutantly gave it to her.

    "This was prepared a few hours ago. What do these characters mean?"

    The brothers were both hesitant to tell her. They did not want her to worry.

    She glared at them. "You can refuse to tell me. I roughly know from your reactions."

    Lu Shaoting hesitantly asked his brother. "Do you think this is the blood of that doctor? Was he murdered?"

    Lu Aotian responded after a few seconds. "LE Hospital is my turf."

    He did not need to complete his statement for Lu Shaoting to understand him. He meant to say that the genius doctor was probably not murdered. Perhaps he had been hidden away. No one would dare to act recklessly on the Lu family''s turf. As for the origin of the blood...

    Lu Shaoting was lost in thought for a while. The audacity of these people! It was no wonder he had not seen the genius doctor. The report file had been given to him by another doctor. Needless to say, that other doctor must have fled by now.

    Then he thought of something with a start and looked at his brother who was coincidentally looking at him. "Bro, are you thinking what I''m thinking?"

    Lu Aotian glared at him. "Shut up!"

    "Right, right."

    Lu Aotian turned to Wan Jia. "You cannot do the paternity test for now. If you are too curious, there is another way."

    Actually, he could retrieve the results using his own ways but he wanted to use this opportunity to make Wan Jia speak to Xia Rou. It would improve their relationship a little and as a result make his mother-in-law like him more.

    "Are you going to tell me to talk to her?" She asked scornfully. The ''her'' she was talking about was Xia Rou.

    Lu Aotian remained silent.

    Lu Shaoting could not stand it. "She is your mother. Can you not treat her like an outsider?"

    "You know?" Wan Jia did not remember telling Lu Shaoting. How did he know?

    "I knew it a few seconds after my brother did." Lu Shaoting said, totally missing the warning look his brother was trying to send him.

    D*mn you Lu Shaoting! Lu Aotian cursed in his heart.

    Wan Jia''s eyes slowly shifted to Lu Aotian. "When I told you that Lin Lihua''s mother is my mother, no one else was here. You didn''t touch any communication device for at least one hour. When did the two of you know?"

    He gave Lu Shaoting a look. The latter knew to excuse himself. "Sister-in-law, father is on his own. I''ll leave first."

    Wan Jia did shot him a look. "Who allowed you to leave?"

    He had no choice but to stay. The monster''s wife had just turned into a devil.

    The cat was already out of the bag. Lu Aotian could only face it. "Not more than three weeks ago."

    Wan Jia frowned. "Three weeks? Everyone knew the truth except me, the female lead?"

    She glared at Lu Aotian. "Now I inderstand why you didn''t look surprised.

    That''s why you have been looking so guilty every time I mentioned my family. It turns out you knew. Why didn''t you tell me?"

    "I wanted to respect my mother-in-law''s wishes." he said.

    She was very displeased with his way of adressing Xia Rou. She had not even accepted her and no one knew if she ever would. What was Lu Aotian doing, calling her his mother-in-law?

    "I see whose side you all are on." she said and ran off.

    "Sister-in-law...." Lu Shaoting trembled.

    He earned an extremely cold look. "Why are you still here? If I didn''t know, I would think you are..."

    Woosh!

    Lu Shaoting had already fled. He did not want his brother to complete his statement because the next words were "...waiting for a beating". By the time those words were out, his brother would have beaten him up.

    Although Lu Aotian had never actually beaten him up, he had seen him fight before and was totally scared of him. Could it be that his brother was a fierce animal in his past life and reincarnated into a human being?

    Never mind. That was fictional.

    ...

    Lu Aotian found Wan Jia crying like a baby on her bed. He held her and gently stroked her hair. "I''m sorry."

    He was apologizing for keeping the truth from her.

    "Why are you siding with her?" she complained in his arms. She sounded just like a spoilt child. Lu Aotian could not help but think that her point of focus was rather different from what she should be crying over.

    "I''m not siding with her. I only want you to be happy." he coaxed. "My love, the happiness of a family cannot be replaced. You should give her a chance."

    "But I will soon be part of the Lu family."

    "But you are also part of the Lin family."

    Wan Jia was once again annoyed. "What makes you so sure that the Lin family will accept me? Only Lin Lihua''s mother is related to me. Her father and her may not like me." He purposefully did not call Xia Rou her mother. Even ''Aunty Lin''was nowhere to be heard now.

    Lu Aotian looked at his forgetful wife speechlessly. "Don''t you know best how much Lin Lihua loves you? Your parents love you too. So, my love, give them a chance, okay?"

 Chapter 215 - Are you my love?

    "I don''t want to." She was being stubborn.

    Lu Aotian kissed her forehead. The Lins would have to do it themselves.

    The next day was Sunday, Wan Jia did not have much to do. Lin Lihua''s movie premiere would be this evening. They had made plans to go and watch it together but now...she was not sure whether she wanted to go.

    Lin Lihua gave her some space and did not call to ask. Although she wanted nothing to do with the Lin family, she felt sad when Lin Lihua did not call her.

    A few hours before the movie premiere, she scolded herself as silly. Why would she miss out on a good movie just because she has a tiny fall out with the female lead?

    "My love, a really cool movie is being released today. Let''s go watch it, okay?" she said to Lu Aotian.

    "Movie! Movie! I want to go too." Little Jia was the first to respond cheerfully. Even the kitten beside her was excited.

    "Eer..." Are you my love? Wan Jia wanted to ask the little girl.

    "Lin Lihua''s movie?" the man asked.

    "Hmm. The tickets are all sold out." she lamented. These Lin Lihua''s fans! How could they buy all the tickets even before anyone watches the movie? Just based on some trailer? Her fans really believed in her.

    "I''ll get three tickets. We can go to watch it together."

    "Three?" Hey! Who was the third wheel?

    "My princess is going too."

    Wan Jia exploded. "But she''s just a baby. She will be scared of some scenes and..." she whispered into his ear. "What about the intimate scenes?"

    Lu Aotian answered nonchalantly, "A movie released during the school holidays shouldn''t have many intimate scenes. There should be just a few kissing scenes."

    "What about the fighting scenes? Are you trying to scare my little baby?"

    "Then she will not go."

    Wan Jia was happy now. However, Lu Aotian''s meaning of "she will not go" was that no one was going.

    If they left Little Jia after promising to go with her, wouldn''t the little girl drown the entire villa in her tears?

    In the evening, it was not sure how Lu Aotian did it but he already had the entire movie on his laptop. Being a big shot was too cool.

    On the other hand, Lin Lihua secretly slipped away halfway through the movie. Fans who had anticipated getting autographs after the movie were disappointed when they did not see her after the movie. Was she disappointed in her acting?

    Some really imaginative fans speculated that their queen must have waited for her potential love interest to watch it with her and got stood up. They were right, only that it was her sister and not a man.

    ...

    Within two days, the movie hit a billion sales. Wan Jia''s present was meant for this moment. She looked at the cute black dress with complicated feelings. Should she send it?

    She pondered for a while; Lin Lihua had always been very kind to her. Even if they were not sisters, she would still be that kind to her. Wouldn''t it be unfair if she shut her out because of something that is not her fault? She made up her mind and wrapped the cute dress as a present.

    Lin Lihua was pleasantly surprised when she saw Wan Jia. "Little Wan?"

    "Congratulations on hitting a billion sales, movie Queen Lihua."

    Lin Lihua hugged Wan Jia tightly. Those who didn''t know would think they had separated for a year. "Little Wan, I missed you."

    "I missed you too, sis."

    Lin Lihua was stunned by her way of adressing her. Sis? Did that mean...she had accepted her family?

    Only after hugging for a while did Lin Lihua feel something pressing against her. It was Wan Jia''s gift.

    "Little Wan, you didn''t have to bring a present. Your presence is enough." she said as she wiped the tears of joy that had somehow seeped out of her eyes.

    Although that was what she said, her hands had already reached out for it.

    "Old habbits die hard, don''t they?" Wan Jia laughed.

    "It''s beautiful. You even used real diamonds on the waistline. It''s too pretty. Little Wan, you are getting better at designing by the day."

    "You are getting better at acting too. On Sunday night, although I knew that it was just a movie, my heart was hanging on a thread the whole time."

    "You watched it?" Lin Lihua was once again surprised.

    "You didn''t think I was going to miss out on such a cool movie, did you? But why did the female lead die?" The ending had been so sad that Little Jia had cried for a ridiculously long time.

    "Your niece thought you had really died and cried her heart out. It took hours of coaxing from Aotian and I to convince her that you were just acting. You should go to see her once or else she will not stop bugging me.

    Lin Lihua''s main focus was that she had said "your niece."

    Her little sister had really acknowledged her. She suddenly hugged her again.

    Wan Jia found her really cute. "Sis, if you keep hugging me like that, I may read too much into it and think you have feelings for me."

    Lin Lihua pinched her waist. "Silly thing. Even if I had feelings for a woman, it wouldn''t be for my sister, okay?"

    They had gotten the hang of calling each other ''sister'' quite fast.

 Chapter 216 - The mighty President Lu has to call me sister-in-law

    Wan Jia wiped the tears off Lin Lihua''s face. "Are your tears this ready to fall at any time? You look just like a baby. You are even more childish than my Little Jia." Wan Jia scolded lightly.

    Lin Lihua simply laughed. "Look who''s talking. Who was it that cried her heart out when she saw a harmless snake?"

    Wan Jia pouted. "Sis, you are too mean. I''ll complain about you to Aotian."

    Lin Lihua held her tummy and laughed. "Like he would do anything. I''m his sister-in-law. He has to respect me. Talking of which, am I too awesome or what? I only had to have a beautiful little sister for the mighty President of Lu Enterprises to call me ''sister-in-law''." she was so proud when she spoke of her mightiness that if she had a tail, it would be wagging all the way to the sky.

    Wan Jia looked at her elder sister who was acting childish speechlessly. Who knew that Sis Lihua would also have such a cute side of her?

    "Little Wan, I didn''t get to apologize properly." Lin Lihua started.

    Wan Jia stopped her. "You don''t have to. We are sisters."

    Lin Lihua''s heart melted. "I still should."

    "If you feel that guilty, then answer me this one question."

    "What question?"

    "Is General Yun my father?" she asked straightfowardly.

    Lin Lihua didn''t look too surprised by this question. She was about to say "yes" when she felt it was an opportunity to draw her closer to their mother. "Initially, I thought he was but for some reason, I''m not sure anymore."

    Wan Jia frowned. "What reason?"

    "I can''t say...could you ask Mom? I shouldn''t be the one telling you such things besides, it''s just a speculation on my part. The only person who knows the truth is Mom."

    Wan Jia looked like she had just hit a dead end. "Is there no other way?"

    "There is...you can ask General Yun." Lin Lihua dropped an impossible suggestion.

    Wan Jia really wanted to strangle her. What kind of option was that? Of course that was the reaction Lin Lihua wanted. Of the two options, it was obvious which one to choose.

    "Fine, I''ll ask her about it."

    She did not Want Lu Aotian to continue investigating after the bloody warning.

    Lin Lihua was elated.

    ...

    The next day, they met in a restaurant for lunch. Lu Aotian and Lin Lihua were present too. To avoid letting Xia Rou get recognized by someone related to General Yun, she had a scarf on as usual and only took it off after entering the private room.

    When Wan Jia saw her, she surprisingly felt that she did not want to listen to her.

    "Little Wan." Xia Rou greeted her with her bright eyes and wanted to hug her.

    Wan Jia evaded the hug sharply. "We are not that close, Mrs. Lin."

    Xia Rou remained silent.

    Lin Lihua felt hurt.

    Lu Aotian could not stand it. "You haven''t given her a chance to explain anything. Why are you being so hateful?"

    Wan Jia glared at him. "Whose side are you on?"

    "I want you to happily reunite with your family."

    "That''s just another way of saying that you are on her side. Sis, whose side are you on?"

    Lin Lihua felt wronged. How had she been dragged into their banter? "Little Wan, I wish to side with you but I can''t take sides."

    "So no one is siding with me?" she stood up.

    Lu Aotian pulled her back to her seat. "If you leave, you will not get the answers you want."

    She sat back down and asked. "So, what''s there to explain?"

    Xia Rou pretended not to mind her hostile attitude. "I can tell you everything but you can''t despise me."

    "Should I leave?" Lu Aotian asked. It might be awkward to hear his mother-in-law''s story.

    "Stay." Wan Jia said. Then she looked at Xia Rou. "That depends on whether your reason for dumping your daughter is sensible."

    Xia Rou looked at her sharply. "First of all, I did not dump my daughter."

    "Of course you didn''t. You switched her and took home the He family''s baby."

    Xia Rou had a pained expression as if remembering something terribly hurtful.

    "Will you believe me if I tell you that I don''t know who swapped you?" She looked at Wan Jia''s blank face and continued, "When I was pregnant, the ultrasound scan showed that I would have identical twin girls.

    But the first time I saw my babies, it was a boy a girl. I knew at that point that the boy was not my child. No one believed me and the doctors said that the scans are not always a hundred percent accurate.

    At the time, he and I were already in bad blood, I suspect him."

    The unsaid name was General Yun.

    "Every time I tried investigating the matter, something went wrong. I gave up temporarily to take care of my babies. It was only when they were two that I realized that... your sister''s lungs had been poisoned at birth. The doctors couldn''t do anything about it and that''s how I lost her. I didn''t need anyone to tell me- Yun had done it."

    Wan Jia felt touched by her story but she interruped her. "My father switched me and killed my sister, do you think you make any sense?"

    "I don''t know why that crazy man did it either."

    Lu Aotian raised an eyebrow at her and asked slowly. "You don''t? You really, truly... don''t?"

 Chapter 217 - The whole story back then

    Xia Rou glanced at Lu Aotian. "What are you getting at?"

    Lu Aotian shrugged. "Just asking."

    "Enough, you two. I just want to know, is that man my father?"

    Wan Jia''s heart was beating fast.

    Xia Rou''s expression was that of someone who was trying to free themselves from the grip of dreath. "Little Wan, I said that I can tell you everything, but you can''t despise me." Then she looked at Lin Lihua as if saying that she should not despise her either.

    Under their anticipating gazes, she finally said, "Yun was my boyfriend, and I didn''t know that he was married. I knew close to nothing about him at the time then one day I accidentally stumbled upon everything about him. He locked me up and every time I ran away, he would find me and lock me up again. He only let me go when he found out that I was pregnant because...he was half sure that the child was not his." she took a deep breath. "He was right, it wasn''t."

    Wan Jia: "..."

    Lu Aotian : "..." I somehow expected this. For the first time in my life, I got something wrong.

    Lin Lihua: "What?!"

    Wan Jia contained her shock. "Is that why he wanted to kill you?"

    "Yes."

    Lin Lihua was thinking that all her views on the world had been turned upside down. Mom, didn''t you say that Pycho Yun was the only man in your life?

    Wan Jia was not interested in back stories and neither was Lu Aotian. She asked, "Then, who is my father?"

    Xia Rou looked at Wan Jia and avoided Lin Lihua''s questioning gaze. "Lin Zhou."

    Lin Lihua seemed to heave a sigh of relief.

    Wan Jia nodded in understanding.

    Xia Rou continued. "My story with Yun is extremely complicated, I don''t even know what to say about it. I met Lin Zhou when I was still in and out of Yun''s captivity. That''s how you and your twin happened. He actually didn''t know about it and when he did, he married me and we later adopted Lihua."

    Wan Jia asked. "What happened to the boy from the He family?"

    "We brought him up but one day he accidentally overheard Lin Zhou and I talking and discovered that he was not our son. He left home since then. He was barely nineteen and said that he was going to look for his family."

    "Nineteen..." Wan Jia thought it made sense. She was nineteen when the He family found out that she was not their daugher. Perhaps that boy found his family and had someone tell them. But she had never seen him so..."He didn''t go back home?"

    "He didn''t get the chance. He was killed." Xia Rou said sadly.

    "Oh..."

    Lin Lihua was still adjusting to the fact that all these years she had thought that her sister''s father was General Yun when it was actually a lie...she would ask about it later.

    Wan Jia sighed in understanding.

    Lu Aotian, on the other hand, had a mixture of unnoticed expressions.

    It was no wonder Wan Jia could be so skilled in lying.

    The story about General Yun was around 80% true which was acceptable, but what was the deal with Lin Zhou? Didn''t the two of them meet the same year they adopted Lin Lihua? Why was there a three to four year gap?

    He did not ask because of that statement she had said: You cannot despise me.

    Perhaps she was ashamed of how Wan Jia really happened?

    "I wish to have a paternity test with Mr. Lin." Wan Jia said.

    Lu Aotian stopped her. "No need. She said he''s your father, so he is."

    Secretly, he gave Xia Rou a meaningful glance. He was letting it go, but it did not mean he was was supporting her lie. His good impression of her had gone at least ten feet underground.

    Perhaps the only person who had ever lied to him and got away with it was Wan Jia. Everyone else would be disliked by him.

    "My love, can you go out with your sister for a while, I have something to ask Mrs. Lin."

    Because of her lie, he had even stopped calling her ''mother''.

    When Wan Jia and Lin Lihua left, Xia Rou immediately spoke. "I know what you want to ask, I have nothing else to say. Lin Zhou is really Little Wan''s father."

    Lu Aotian looked at her coldly. "That''s not my business." Then he showed her a photo on his phone. He had taken a photo of the warning in the paternity test result file. Just as they had expected, that doctor who gave Lu Shaoting the file had disappeared. "Do you think General Yun did this?"

    Xia Rou trembled when she saw it. She did not understand the message but from what she knew about that man, it must be a warning. "It must be him."

    "Okay."

    "Lu Aotian."

    "What?"

    "I was telling the truth just now. Our relationship was very secretive before because my husband was not as powerful as he is now. He could have been killed if found out. That''s why I lied to Yun as well."

    "Why are you telling me this? I don''t have a right to know."

    "I don''t want my son-in-law to have a bad impression of me.

    Our relationship was quite...not something to be proud of at first. We were not even dating."

    "Okay, it makes sense now." He did not want to dwell on it.

    "You believe me?"

    "Mmh."

 Chapter 218 - Mission accomplished

    "What were the two of you talking about?" Wan Jia clung onto Lu Aotian''s arm and asked when the two of them came out.

    "We were discussing how many more grandchildren your family wishes to have." Lu Aotian teased.

    "Idiot. Do you always have to say such things?" She glared at him and said, "Our baby misses us a lot. We must go home now." She hugged Lin Lihua then, no one expected it but she hugged Xia Rou too.

    To intensify their shock, she even said to them. "Bye Sis, Bye mother."

    Xia Rou was stunned for a whole minute. Did Wan Jia just call her ''mother''?

    Lin Lihua was not as shocked as the other two. She happily dragged Xia Rou along. "Let''s go home. You should take your medicine on time."

    In the car, Lu Aotian curiously asked Wan Jia what had caused her sudden change in attitude. Her answer left him speechless. "I initially hated her for having me with a psycho. But if my father is someone as kind as Uncle Lin, no, it''s dad now. I''m happy to be a member of the Lin family." She was so cheerful that she couldn''t be any happier.

    "Aotian, Uncle Lin loves my sister very much. Do you think he will love me too?"

    "He will."

    "Why do you think so?"

    Well, he just believed that. He had treated his foster daughter very well for all these years. Just based on this fact alone, he was sure that even if he did not love Wan Jia, he would not hate her either.

    "I''m sad that I had a twin sister and lost her before we ever met." she said. She did not know that this was the same feeling Xia Rou once had. But she felt better now: She had lost Xia Lan and found Lin Lihua. She had lost Xia Jing and now finally, she had found Wan Jia. ( Avalorian''s note: The kids'' surnames were both Xia because she was still unmarried when she had them.)

    In another car that was on its way to the Lin residence, Xia Rou was so happy that she almost triggered a heart attack. Lin Lihua had to use up all her effort to calm her down.

    "Lihua, what did you say to her? She called me mother! My baby called me mother! It sounded so sweet coming from her ha ha ha ha I am so happy."

    Lin Lihua smiled as she recalled their discussion.

    ***

    She had asked Wan Jia. "You said that Little Jia is turning four in four months, and it would be her fist birthday that you spend together. Were you always busy on her first, second and third birthday?"

    Wan Jia had said, "Little Jia and I met for the second time on her third birthday. It was very brief. The first time we met was when she was born."

    Lin Lihua then used her wits to twist the situation. "Hey! Do you think this is a repetition of history? You left your daughter when she was young too. Just like Mom."

    Wan Jia glared at her. "How can you say such a thing? You don''t understand anything that happened in the past. I did not intentionally leave my baby. Do you know how much I love her? I started finding ways to get her back as soon as we got separated but you know how powerful Aotian is."

    Lin Lihua nodded and pushed further. "I see. So when you reunited with her, what was her reaction?"

    "She was happy to know that I''m her mother and made me promsie not to leave her again."

    Lin Lihua was happy that Wan Jia had fallen right into her trap. "Now that is how a normal child should react. She didn''t question your past, right? I guess she didn''t blame you either. You know, she lived without her mother for three years after all."

    "Sis, what are you driving at?"

    "Nothing, really. But from what I know, mom has been trying to get you back ever since you were born. Although she was away from you for twenty three years, she tried to find you by all means. Do you know how scary General Yun is? Also...my dear Little sister, you had a family for 19 years. You have only lacked a family for four years and in the forth year, I found you. It''s almost equal to the three years that Little Jia did not have a mother by her side.

    You only think about how sad you were for four years. Do you know, the kind of sadness you felt for the three years when Little Jia was away from you, she felt if for half her life."

    For the first time, Wan Jia had no way to refute Lin Lihua''s words.

    "Besides, she just explained everything to you. How hard do you think it is for a mother to tell her daughter about her dark past? Give her a chance, okay?"

    "I don''t want to." Wan Jia had said stubbornly.

    Lin Lihua teased her cheeks. "What was that? Who was it that kept telling me how jealous she is of my relationship with my mom? It''s fine if you don''t want her. I''ll continue enjoying her love on my own, eat her pastries and specialties while being doted on like a treasure."

    "Hey! She''s my mother too."

    ***

    Lin Lihua couldn''t help but smile when she recalled this conversation. My mission has been accomplished. Daddy will be very happy.

 Chapter 219 - The nations innocent babies will be destroyed

    The Lin family was already happy enough but that night, something even more unexpected happened.

    Wan Jia called Lin Lihua who was coincidentally at her parents'' house.

    "Sis, is mother there?"

    "Yes, and so is Dad."

    "Then, can you put the phone on speaker?"

    Lin Lihua was extremely delighted by this sudden progress and put the phone on speaker. .

    Wan Jia just said four words. "Goodnight mom, goodnight dad." then she hung up.

    Lin Lihua could practically picture how Wan Jia had blushed deeply and smiled childishly after saying those four words.

    Lin Zhou and Xia Rou hugged each other emotionally.

    "Was that our dear baby girl?..." Lin Zhou asked. He was smiling from ear to ear.

    "Hubby, it''s her. Our Little Wan. I can''t believe it either. If this is a dream, can you let me sleep forever?"

    "I''ll accompany you in this dream forever, my dear wife." He was even about to kiss her forehead.

    Lin Lihua just had to interrupt them. "Ew, Dad, Mom! Can''t you mind your environment before you display your affection? The nation''s innocent babies are going to be negatively influenced by you two."

    Xia Rou was very embarassed. "You child. Don''t you know how to walk out?"

    Lin Zhou looked at her teasingly. "You are ''the nation''s innocent babies''?"

    Lin Lihua twirled before them. "Uh huh. Can''t you see everything about me that screams ''innocent!''? I''m a pure white rose, okay?"

    Xia Rou glared at her. "Pure white rose at thirty? More like pure thorn. When are you planning to get married? All your agemates have kids. Don''t you want to give us some grandchildren to play with?"

    "My wife has a point." Lin Zhou seconded.

    Lin Lihua acted wronged. "You only know to nag me. Don''t you already have a granddaughter? She''s so beautiful and takes after Mom. What else do you want?"

    "That''s your younger sister''s child. Aren''t you embarassed that your sister''s child is already so old before you even get married?" Xia Rou scolded.

    Lin Zhou turned serious. "I have a good friend who is also in my inner circle. His eldest s..."

    Lin Lihua was already on the stairs before he finished saying ''son''. "Dad, did you say something? I didn''t hear you!"

    "That child..."

    ___

    That night, Lin Lihua was not the only one being nagged about marriage.

    In the old Lu residence, Lu Shaoting was suffering the same fate.

    "Shaoting, I have a few photos here. These are all well brought up girls from impressive backgrounds. You grew up with some of them. Take a look and see if any of them impresses you, okay? I''ll arrange a blind date and let you get to know each other." Although he said that he had a few photos, he had a whole file of them.

    "Father, can we not talk about this?"

    Lu Tongyan glared at him. "You punk. I''m only worried about you. How are you going to spend the rest of your life if you don''t want to get a wife? Will you be lonely forever? You know that I can''t accompany you all your life."

    Lu Shaoting still protested. "I don''t want those ''well brought up daughters of influential families''. I have met hundreds of them and none of them impressed me."

    "Then do you want those from simpler backgrounds? I will help you look for them. As long as they have been brought up properly and are well-mannered, it shouldn''t be a problem, right?"

    "I already met one and I like her. " Lu Shaoting said.

    Lu Tongyan was elated. "You met one? Where is she? Which family is she from? Why didn''t you bring her to meet me? You punk, you should have said it before."

    Lu Shaoting answered robotically. "Her name is Su Ling, the only daughter of the Su family. I''m still chasing her."

    Lu Tongyan''s expression changed. "Lu Shaoting, are you insane? There are so many girls in the country. Why would you like a friend of the enemy? Previously you were just curious, now you already like her?"

    "This is exactly why I didn''t tell you. I knew you would oppose us."

    "Of course I will oppose you. Find a better girl to marry because if you don''t, I''ll help you find one." Lu Tongyan declared.

    "Father, I like Su Ling and she is the only girl I will ever be with." he insisted.

    Lu Tongyan was not about to accept that Su girl into his family. He opened his file of girls'' photos and shoved one before him. "This is the second miss of the Yan family. She just came back from Country B and is a combination of beauty and intelligence. She is also very filial. You are going on a blind date with her tomorrow.

    "What? No! I''m not going on any blind date." Lu Shaoting refused.

    "Yes you are." Lu Tongyan said and took out his phone.

    Lu Shaoting knew what he was thinking. "Are you going to ask my brother to force me? I''m telling you, I will not go even if you call him."

    Whenever Lu Shaoting was stubborn, a single glare from Lu Aotian was all it took to tame him. Lu Tongyan was ashamed of having to rely on his older son to tame the younger one sometimes.

    Lu Aotian accepted the video call request.

    Lu Shaoting grabbed the opportunity to seek pity from his brother. "Bro, I''m being treated unjustly. Didn''t you see that Ling is a nice girl? Father wants to force me to a blind date. Wuuu...I''ve been bullied."

 Chapter 220 - His own brother sold him out

    Lu Aotian gave his brother a glance. "How old are you?" He sounded like a child complaining to his father after being bullied.

    Lu Tongyan immediately explained the situation in detail.

    "That girl from the Yan family is nothing impressive. Why does father make her seem to be some goddess from an extraordinary world?" The bullied little brother complained.

    Lu Aotian was busy playing with his princesses so he answered expressionlessly, "Just go."

    "Bro..." Lu Shaoting cried. Did he just tell him to go for the blind date? My own brother sold me out. Wuuuu....

    Before he said something else, Lu Aotian hung up to continue playing with his princesses.

    "It''s decided then. You will go tomorrow." Lu Tongyan said.

    Lu Shaoting could not worm his way out so he reluctantly agreed. He would just tell that girl that he already had someone he liked.

    However, life was different from movies and novels. Perhaps he had imagined a scene where he and that girl from the Yan family would form alliance and distract their parents, similar to a certain novel he had read, but reality was bound to prove him wrong.

    ...

    The next day, he was bored the whole time. Su Ling called him just when he was about to die of boredom.

    "Lu Shaoting, are you free this evening? There''s a newly opened restaurant near my apartment. It''s not as classy as those you go to but could we have dinner there? I''ll treat you."

    Lu Shaoting really wanted to barge into the office of the President with a gun. It''s all my brother''s fault that I have to go on this blind date. Will I have to miss out on my wife''s treat? Although he would not really let her treat him, it would draw them closer. It''s all my brother''s fault wuuu...

    "If you are too busy then..."

    "I''m sorry Su Ling, I have something on this evening. Maybe next time?"

    "I understand." Su Ling sounded very disappointed.

    Lu Shaoting sighed. Nevermind, I''ll send her a bouquet of flowers to apologize.

    Still in a foul mood, he really found his way into the President''s office.

    "Bro..." he cried in the same voice that made Lu Aotian ignore him.

    "Bro, you sold me out!" he accused.

    Lu Aotian did not even glance at him. "Have I not given you enough work? You are too idle."

    "All you know is to sell me out. Didn''t you see Su Ling? She''s a nice girl and you witnessed that too, right? You even said so yourself."

    "When did I ever say that?"

    "You..." He realized something wrong with his claim. His brother only ever said once that Su Ling was not lying. He never mentioned anything about her being a nice girl.

    "But...bro..."

    Lu Aotian was tempted to send his whining brother flying with a kick. What had happened to him these past few days? He had become even more whiny than his princesses put together!

    "No one said anything about you marrying Miss Yan."

    Lu Shaoting was elated. "Really? Really? Then what should I do?"

    "Go on those blind dates if father wants you to. When he sees it himself that you are not impressed by any of those girls, he will relent. At the same time, you will have bought enough time for him to start getting to know Su Ling. He will agree to your relationship eventually."

    When he finished speaking, a certain little brother was on cloud nine. My brother still loves me! "That''s a perfect plan. Thanks bro."

    In the evening, he went to the decided venue deliberately later than the agreed time.

    The young lady was already waiting.

    "You must be Miss Yan, hello." he greeted.

    "I am. Nice to meet you Mr. Lu, You can call me Yan Xue."

    If Lu Shaoting didn''t have someone else in his heart, he would realize that Yan Xue was very beautiful with a body comparable to a model''s. She was also quite elegant and had an impressive IQ. Compared to Su Ling, she was definitely tads better and paired with the friendship between their families, everyone would agree that Yan Xue would be a perfect match for Lu Shaoting. However, his heart was already taken.

    He decided to be straightfoward. "Miss Yan, I''m really not all up for this blind date. I only came because my father wanted me to. I hope you can understand?"

    The young woman smiled. "That''s okay. Not many people like going on blind dates but they end up falling in love later. I didn''t want to go on a blind date either but when I heard that it was with you, I didn''t hesitate anymore."

    Lu Shaoting felt something bad coming. These words were pretty okay...but why did they sound like a confession of sorts?

    He decided to lay all his cards on the table. "Miss Yan, I didn''t want to come because I have someone that I like."

    "Oh..." Yan Xue''s eyes dimmed. Then she decided to lay her cards on the table too. "I get it. I just...Shaoting, do you remember how we often played together when we were little kids? At that time, every little girl in our circle of friends would fawn over your brother and shower him with love even when they got ignored. But I was different."

    Lu Shaoting felt a storm rising...

    "Shaoting, I liked you. I have loved you since we were kids. I never stopped loving you over the years."

 Chapter 221 - Not so easy

    "..." Was that...a confession?

    The confession was just one thing. What bothered him the most was, he only remembered Yan Xue because they once met in a banquet not more than five years ago. It was just a brief meeting and he didn''t even know her name then.

    He had only heard a few rumours about her being beautiful and intelligent but he didn''t remember ever meeting her when they were kids.

    Her next statement explained it. "Shaoting, you never once paid attention to me. You would spend all your time forcefully sticking to your brother and you hated playing with girls. But, It did not make me stop loving you. I knew that one day we would meet again. All these years that I''ve been away, I kept myself pure for you."

    Lu Shaoting coughed when he heard the last part.

    "Well, it''s true. I couldn''t bring myself to like any other man. You have no idea how happy I was when my father said that he was organizing a blind date with me and the second son of the Lu family. It was like a dream come true."

    Lu Shaoting was at a loss. So there was a girl who had carried a torch for him? It''s not that it was strange for girls to like him, he was after all handsome and everything about him was admirable, he was just surprised that a girl he thought he didn''t know loved him this much.

    "Miss Yan, I''m truly sorry. I appreciate your feelings for me but I already have someone I like. You should find someone too."

    Yan Xue had a pitiful expression that would provoke any man to protect her. "Is it because I''m not pretty enough?"

    Lu Shaoting shook his head. "That...Miss Yan, you are very beautiful. I just don''t have you in my eyes." That was what he said but he had not taken a good look at her.

    "Then why?"

    Lu Shaoting felt conflicted. If this was how troublesome it was to deal with girls, then he would rather remain unmarried. "I said just now that I have someone I like. That''s really the reason. You should find someone else yourself and not hurt yourself in the process of loving another woman''s husband."

    "I see." Yan Xue said and stood up. Before she left, she gave him a quick hug as if to comfort herself then apologized with a smile. It was a good thing that she was not as hysterical and dramatic as he had expected.

    That was easy.

    As he thought of this, the devil must have been mocking him: Nope, not easy at all.

    Because...Su Ling was in the same restaurant with her newly made female friend from the company...and she saw them.

    ___

    Meanwhile, Wan Jia was thinking about officially reuniting with her family. She had only talked to Xia Rou and Lin Lihua and hadn''t oficially met her father yet.

    At 8pm, she was on the phone with Lin Lihua. "Sis, can you tell me what our father likes?" Her speed of getting the hang of it and comfortably adressing her parents as ''mother'' and ''father'' was too impressive. You would think she had only been away from them for twenty four days.

    "Little Wan, you don''t have to bring presents. You are already our biggest gift." Lin Lihua said.

    "But I still want to. Aotian and Little Jia are coming too "

    "They are?! Mom and Dad will be so excited!" They would finally meet Little Jia and stop bugging her about it.

    ...

    On saturday, the family of three made their way to the Lin residence.

    The Lin couple were practically walking on clouds. Not only had they got their daughter back, she had come along with a son-in-law and an extremely adorable granddaughter too.

    "CEO Lin." Lu Aotian greeted.

    "You are too polite President Lu, you can call me ''uncle'' or ''father-in-law''. We will be family soon.

    "You know each other?" Lin Lihua was the first to ask.

    Lin Zhou sounded very proud when he answered. "Of course! President Lu is the youngest man in our circle of businessmen. At his age, his business strategies are admirable even to old folks like us. I always envied that Tongyan for having such a brilliant son but he is now my soon to be son-in-law!" The way he praised Lu Aotian, you would think he was praising his own son.

    "CEO Lin, you flatter me. It''s just a little effort on my part."

    "He''s very humble too. The Lin family must have cultivated ten lifetimes of good luck to have you as our son-in-law."

    Lin Zhou was in such a good mood that he left Xia Rou''s and Lin Lihua''s mouths wide open. Since when did he praise someone that much?

    "Father..." Wan Jia called out half shyly.

    Then she took Little Jia''s hand and led her to Lin Zhou. "Baby, say hi to grandpa."

    Lin Zhou was already passing out from happiness, and when he heard Little Jia''s adorable "Hi Grandpa", he was literally growing wings on his back to fly to the sky.

    Wan Jia looked at Xia Rou and in the next second flung herself into her arms. "Mom," The two of them embraced each other for a long time. Lin Lihua was jealous. Mom, I didn''t ask you to steal my Little Wan from me!

    Even more jealous was Lin Zhou, and he voiced his opinion in immense envy "I guess she likes the mother more, huh?"

 Chapter 222 - Wasnt Aunty hurt by the bad man?

    Everyone laughed. It was at that point that Little Jia noticed Lin Lihua who was standing behind Xia Rou. "Auntie!" She let go of her grandfather''s hand and skipped over.

    She carefully approached Lin Lihua as though she was very delicate and poked her hand a little. Then she carefully examined Lin Lihua''s neck, legs and back as if performing a very important experiment. Xia Rou and Lin Zhou looked over in surprise. What was Little Jia doing?

    Wan Jia laughed.

    Lu Aotian explained to them, "She is checking if her aunt is alright."

    Little Jia nodded seriously and added, "Wasn''t Aunty hurt by that bad man? Did aunty go to see a doctor and eat medicine?"

    "What bad man?" Xia Rou and Lin Zhou were stunned. Lin Lihua got hurt and didn''t tell them?

    Only then did Lin Lihua understand and laugh. "Little Jia, that''s just a movie. I didn''t really get hurt and die."

    Only then did the Lin couple sigh in relief. So it was a movie.

    After making sure that Lin Lihua was fine, she finally looked at Xia Rou. She studied her curiously then turned to her mother and studied her too. In the end, she guessed shyly, "Grandma?"

    The Lins looked awed. The little girl was quite logical in her thinking.

    Lu Aotian looked over with eyes that said: it''s the Lu family''s genes. Lin Zhou was also thinking that it was the Lin family''s genes.

    ...

    Since it was the first meeting, the three of them had brought over presents. Lu Aotian''s present for Xia Rou and Lin Lihua was valuable jewelery sets while for Lin Zhou, it was a one of a kind perfume from Lu Enterprises.

    Wan Jia had bought Lin Zhou a valuable watch from EFW and made Lin Lihua and Xia Rou a unique dress each. For a wealthy family like the Lin family, it was almost meaningless to get them expensive gifts. Giving them something produced by one''s own brand was an immense amount of respect so they were greatly pleased.

    Little Jia''s gifts were the most heartwarming.

    Although they were not the most valuable, she had worked the hardest. With the help of her parents, she had stuck tiny diamonds onto a tie clip, a brooch and a bracelet.

    Xia Rou and Lin Lihua loved their brooch and bracelet respectively as soon as they saw them.

    As for Lin Zhou, none of them knew yet but that tie clip was bound to be his favourite. Even years later when people would ask him where he bought it, he would proudly say that it was his granddaughter''s first gift to him.

    Not too long later, the men decided to go to the balcony for a game of chess, leaving the women to gossip for a while. Little Jia wanted to stick to her new grandfather and followed the men to watch from the sidelines.

    ...

    A few rounds later, Lin Zhou conceded defeat. "You young man, is there anything you''re not talented in?" He gushed in admiration.

    Lu Aotian kept beating him with a very tiny range, making him keep his hopes up. Only much later did he realize that the man was doing it on purpose. Perhaps he was only winning by a small range to give his father-in-law face.

    "Your father is so lucky. Two capable sons, what else could anyone ask for?"

    Lu Aotian simply said, "You are too kind, Uncle Lin."

    "Even luckier is me. You are marrying my daughter after all. I''m the happiest father in the world. I guess... Tongyan would be very jealous of me."

    Lu Aotian pushed a chess piece with a change in expression. "Oh, would he now? In my opinion, the one to be jealous should be someone else."

    Lin Zhou thought Lu Aotian''s eyes right now looked spooky. "What do you mean?"

    He pushed another chess piece after remaining silent for a torturous amount of time. "Surely you know what I mean. Don''t you, father-in-law?" He said, with deliberate emphasis on the last word.

    Downstairs, Lin Lihua was the most gossipy. "Mom, did you see how much Little Jia takes after you? I''m suddenly curious to know if that''s how you looked when you were three!"

    Xia Rou laughed. "Of course not. When I was younger, I was not beautiful. I only became more beautiful as I grew up."

    Wan Jia''s curiosity was piqued as well. "Then, when you were in your twenties, did you look just like me?"

    It was the first time Wan Jia had asked such a question so Xia Rou was willing to tell her everything there was to tell. She brought over a family photo album and started showing her daughters photos of her past.

    There were also some embarassing photos of the young Lin Lihua. Wan Jia laughed her lungs out when she saw how playful her sister was as a child.

    There were even some of Lin Lihua and Xia Jing together, as well as baby photos of Xia Lan and Xia Jing. Xia Rou did not talk about them and Wan Jia did not ask anything. The Xia Rou in the past indeed looked like the present Wan Jia.

    As they got along fast, Lin Lihua was happy that she had made them meet many times before.

    ___

    While the Lin family was reuniting happily, the Yun family was gradually falling apart. Yun Xuan had indirectly asked her eldest brother too about the matter regarding the legendary lost daughter of their family and found out that he knew nothing about it.

 Chapter 223 - Her dearest Old Two was a pervert

    Yun Xuan had indirectly asked her eldest brother too about the matter regarding the legendary lost daugher of their family and found out that he knew nothing about it. He even took the chance to indirectly hint to her to be careful around Yun Jifeng. For years, she had never had a good relationship with her eldest brother; he would always pick on her and she would never believe a word he said but this time, for a reason she didn''t know, she believed him a little.

    She made a huge step.

    She slipped into Yun Jifeng''s room when he was not home, intending to investigate him.

    She did not have anything against him in particular- she just had a nagging gut feeling that she did not know him as well as she thought she did. If she knew him well enough, she would have known that he was capable of decieving people. She would also have realized long ago that he was trying his best to make her reconcile with Wan Jia.

    Now that she was more clear headed, she wondered why exactly he wanted her to reconcile with Wan Jia. Wasn''t it strange?

    Cautiously, she entered Yun Jifeng''s room and closed the door. She had been to this room more times than she had drank water and knew almost every nook and cranny of it.

    She opened the wardrobe and searched. It was even more difficult since she did not know what she should be looking for.

    She found nothing and went to the drawers, under the bed, in the bathroom...

    She had spent a whole hour without finding anything out of the ordinary. Perhaps she was thinking too much.

    She made sure everything was where it should be before turning to leave. However, she still had a weird intuition towards the closet. She knew it was wrong but still went back in. After searching again and finding nothing, she scolded herself and turned to leave.

    Just after leaving the closet, she tripped on something and placed her hand firmly on the wall for support.

    She suddenly felt a vibration in her palm followed by a clicking sound. Then a small part of the wall rotated and a safe replaced it.

    "Wow." Her first reaction was to gasp in awe. She had never thought that her brother would have a secret safe. Turns out she didn''t know every nook and cranny of his room after all.

    The safe was rather tempting, attracting her to touch it and try to unlock it. Surely she must find something there, right?

    She stopped to think. What could be Old Two''s passcode? His birthday? That would be silly. It would be too easy to guess.

    Her birthday?

    Wrong.

    His graduation day?

    Wrong.

    She tried to think fast. She did not have too much time.

    Then she had an idea. She took a photo of the safe and sent it to Tyler. He had told her many things about sneaking into places and how to guess a passcode but she could not do the same on her own. It was her first time doing this after all.

    She sent a message over. [Darling, I''m playing a guessing game with my friends. Help me find the passcode?]

    A minute later, Tyler replied. [Either 0509 or 0590]

    She tried 0509 and it worked! Thanks darling.

    She opened the safe sneakily and took something from inside. It was a folder. She opened it cautiously and in the next moment, she had to hold her hand over her mouth or else she would have screamed.

    Why were there photos of Wan Jia in his safe? It was still alright to just have them, Wan Jia was beautiful after all, but they were very humiliating photos! To be exact, they were naked photos. He had even...Gah! She would rather not say it. Did Old Two have those perverted feelings for Wan Jia?

    That wasn''t the main point. The main point was from the background, they seemed to have been taken in her own bedroom and bathroom. From the angles, they must have been taken by a hidden camera.

    It must have been from the time Wan Jia was her substitute. So Yun Jifeng had such feelings for her and hid a camera in the room? Wan Jia must never know about this. If she ever knew, she would hate herself to death. This was too shameful.

    Yun Xuan suddenly felt paranoid. There was a camera in her room?

    No, no. That wasn''t the main point anymore. The man who just claimed that Wan Jia was General Yun''s daughter and their little sister was the same man who secretly took naked photos of her? What in the world?! If she could do that to his father''s daughter, what about her, who is not related to him by any drop of blood? Wait, she would not find her own photos if she continued searching, right?

    She did not want to think about it anymore....

    Her brother...her dearest Old Two... was a pervert!

    She returned the photos to the folder and placed it back into the safe.

    Itching to see more, she took a little booklet out and it turned out to be...a passport.

    Of course a passport is something extremely normal, unless it seems to be a fake passport because your brother looks totally different in the passport photo, and his name is no longer Yun Jifeng but A...

    "Very well, I have a visitor."

 Chapter 224 - Su Ling, I like you

    Yun Xuan froze. Being caught going through someone''s private belongings is perhaps the worst thing on earth.

    Yun Jifeng was standing at the door. She could not tell how much he had seen. If her brother found out that she knew about his fake passport, wouldn''t things get ugly?

    But, it was possible that he didn''t see what she was holding just now. She decided to take a gamble.

    She turned looked down for a couple of seconds and when she turned to face him, her eyes were a little wet. "Old Two, I''m sorry I had to do this." she looked at him pitifully. She bit her lips hard but...these d*mn tears! Why won''t they fall? Yun Jifeng would never stand seeing her cry.

    Yun Jifeng make his way closer to her. "I see. What were you looking for?"

    "The household register. I don''t know where Dad hid it. I want to get married! If I don''t, who knows if a scheming woman will steal Tyler from me?"

    Yun Jifeng found her reason a little plausible, but how would she explain sneaking into his room? How did she even know there was a safe to begin with?

    When he asked, her answer was, "There is a safe on the wall of Dad''s room. It took me very many years to know it exists so I thought there might be something similar in your room too, and there was." Well, you taught me to make things up and tell perfect lies, she thought.

    Luckily, Yun Jifeng seemed to believe her. After all he couldn''t go to the master bedroom. What she did not know, however, was that that one statement of hers would one day be the one sow the greatest form of discord between her and her brother.

    When she left his room, she was thinking that she had to find someone to investigate her second brother to the bones. Perhaps Tyler could help?

    At the same time, Yun Jifeng was thinking; my dear sister, I hope you didn''t see anything you shouldn''t have because if you did, I wouldn''t trust you anymore.

    ___

    That day, the Yun family was not the only one having a fall out. Elsewhere in the city, Lu Shaoting was trying to call Su Ling but the latter kept ignoring his calls.

    At first, he thought that she was busy but when she ignored him all week and didn''t reply to his messages despite reading them even on saturday, he began wondering what he had done wrong. So he bravely went to her apartment.

    "Why have you been ignoring me?" He asked when she opened the door.

    "Well, hello to you too."

    Lu Shaoting scratched his head. "Forgive my manners, I was very worried about you."

    "You have time to worry about me?" she sounded very sarcastic.

    "Of course I was worried. Wouldn''t you be worried if you couldn''t talk to me for all those days? Aren''t you going to invite me in?"

    Su Ling moved away from the door. "Do I have a choice?"

    He ignored her hostility and gave her the two roses he had been hiding behind his back.

    "I don''t like roses." she said.

    "Last week I sent you a bouquet of them and you said that you loved it."

    She looked away. "I just didn''t want to waste your effort."

    Lu Shaoting was annoyed. Why was she throwing a tantrum? "What happened?"

    Su Ling remained silent for a long while and only answered when he was about to ask again. "I think it would be best if you kept your distance."

    "Kept what distance?"

    Su Ling did not know what to say. He was not her boyfriend and she had no right to feel jealous seeing him with another woman. She did not wish to be a third party in someone else''s relationship so it would be best to stay away from him.

    She knew that she might be overthinking their friendship. After all, all Lu Shaoting ever did was buy her presents and treat her to meals. Perhaps she had read too much into a certain joke of his about her and Wan Jia being his and his brother''s wives. Apart from that, he had never mentioned liking her and always treated her respectfully. It was her fault for mistaking his actions for love.

    Lu Shaoting had never dealt with such a situation and didn''t know how to handle it. "You''re not going to explain?" There was a tinge of impatience in his voice.

    Su Ling frowned. "I do not wish to make your girlfriend misunderstand our relationship, so I decided to keep my distance."

    Lu Shaoting was surprised. "What nonesense are you spouting? Since when do I have a girlfriend?"

    "You know that better than I do." She saw Lu Shaoting''s confused look and continued, "You were on a date with her last weekend, weren''t you?"

    Lu Shaoting finally understood. She must be talking about when he went on a blind date with Yan Xue. But how on earth did she know? "Su Ling, that was a blind date. I''m sorry for not telling you but I didn''t want to go either. My father forced me."

    "Why should I believe you?"

    "Because I like you." Lu Shaoting made a desperate move.

    Su Ling thought about the woman she had seen. She was very beautiful and from the clothes she was wearing, she must be some wealthy family''s young miss. How could she compare? She sighed and looked at Lu Shaoting. "I don''t like you."

 Chapter 225 - Make her pregnant

    "Ha ha ha ha ha ha!" Xu Liaowen''s laughter filled the air. He was laughing so hard that his tummy ached.

    "It''s not funny." Lu Shaoting said between gritted teeth.

    Xu Liaowen held his tummy and continued laughing. "How is it not funny? Our dear Shaoting was dumped even before the relationship started. Tell me, which part of this is not funny?"

    Lu Shaoting really wanted to choke him to death. "Are you done? If you keep laughing too much, your stupid laughter will send your wife into early labour."

    He was about to laugh again but Lu Shaoting glared at him. He turned serious. "Seriously Shaoting, how are you so unlucky? All these years, you have never fallen in love and just when you did, she rejected you." Xu Liaowen had no idea that Lu Shaoting had fallen in love before...and with his wife. If he ever found out...

    "Is that how you treat your bros? Won''t you tell me what to do?"

    "Chase her." Xu Liaowen said the two words as though they were very simple.

    Chase her? If it were that simple to chase a girl, Mrs. Xu would have been second Mrs. Lu. and Tangtang would be his son. He wouldn''t have fallen in love with Su Ling.

    "You''re too useless. I won''t talk to you anymore." He looked at his best friend in disdain. Forget it. I will just ask my brother.

    He made his way to Southside Villa. The family of three had just returned from the Lin residence.

    "Bro..." he looked dejected.

    "What is it this time?"

    "She rejected me." If anyone were to hear him, they would think he was a young boy in his early teens complaining to his thirty year old brother. Lu Aotian had no right word to describe him.

    "Liaowen said that I should chase her. How should I chase a girl?" He looked like he wanted to whip out a notebook and write the tips.

    Lu Aotian gave him a side eye. "Chase her? Too troublesome."

    Lu Shaoting rolled his eyes. Yes, yes. It''s troublesome because you are Lu Aotian. You only have to look at a girl once and she is already head over heels for you. But I am not you! I still have to chase them, okay?

    Lu Aotian''s next statement wiped all the words off his brain. "Make her pregnant."

    Lu Shaoting: "..."

    He continued. " Children from the Lu family can''t be brought up away from us. Not only will she have to marry you because of the child, father will also have to accept her. You will have killed two birds with one stone."

    Lu Shaoting: "..."

    "When you are married, you only have to treat her well and pamper her. She will fall head over heels for you."

    Lu Shaoting: "..."

    My dear brother, since when do you have such an evil sense imagination? I suddenly feel wronged on behalf of sister-in-law. Is that the strategy you used on her?

    In actual fact, Lu Aotian was kidding. However, it was close to impossible to associate Lu Aotian with such a word. Lu Shaoting took the joke too seriously and was in fact considering ways to do it.

    ...

    After Lu Shaoting left, Lu Aotian looked for Wan Jia. She was playing with Little Jia in her toy room. Without saying a word, he carried Wan Jia away. Little Jia was left sighing. Just great. Forget about carrying my Mommy away when I''m peacefully playing with her. Just who, between the two of us, should be carried first? Look at me! I''m lighter, smaller and more adorable. Don''t you want to carry me anymore? What happened to ''Daddy loves Little Jia the most?''

    In the master bedroom, Lu Aotian placed Wan Jia on the bed. "Why don''t you just move in here? It''s so troublesome ''stealing'' you away every time.

    For the past few days, Wan Jia had been falling asleep in her own room but magically waking up in Lu Aotian''s bed. She was a somewhat heavy sleeper and rarely felt him carrying her away. Even if she did, she was comfortable with it.

    "She rubbed her head against his arm that was still under her head. "If I moved in here, how will I get to enjoy being carried away by President Lu?"

    Lu Aotian smiled. Fine, you win.

    "When we get married, you will not be allowed to sleep in that room. We can redecorate this room into a princess room if you want it." He thought that perhaps she was unwilling to part with her girly room.

    "Forget it. We''ll just go for lighter colors but not excessively girly." she said.

    He kissed her forehead and lay next to her. "Speaking of which, you have already reunited with your family. Should we start preparing for our wedding?"

    Initially they had agreed to get married when they could visit her maiden family and they just did. Wasn''t it time to move to the next step?

    "Logically we should, but I''m not ready for a wedding yet." she said.

    "Then we''ll wait till you are ready." he kissed her forehead. He did not want to rush her. He knew that there were still many unsettled things on her mind.

    For instance, she did not want to have such a big difference in social status with her husband. At the moment, although their relationship was more or less known, he was still her superior with huge gaps between them. If she narrowed them down, their marriage wouldn''t be weird anymore.

 Chapter 226 - Collecting debts

    Then there was the Lin family. Just being the second miss of the Lin family was not enough. She had to match up to them. Her father was a very successful businessman with only a few people matching up to him. Her sister was a very famous and talented actress with close to a hundred million fans from all over the world. Even without her family, she would still be very influential.

    As for her, she was still working her way up the fashion industry ladder. Marriage between two of the nation''s top families would be very explosive news. Therefore, she wanted to be someone of matching capability.

    Wan Jia suddenly remembered something else.

    "Baby," she called Lu Aotian who was busy playing with her hair.

    "Mmh"

    "Don''t you think it''s time for Little Jia to go to school?"

    "Are you seriously talking about other people when in bed with me?" he pinched her waist.

    "Ouch!....We are not doing anything, so we can talk." she retorted.

    "Mmm. Then we should do something and not talk."

    Before she could protest, she was under him with cool lips on hers.

    "Hey! I didn''t say ''let''s do something''. I don''t want to."

    Lu Aotian continued kissing her neck and only stopped for a brief second to say one word, "debt." He meant that he was collecting debts.

    "I don''t owe you anything! For the record, you owe me four years so we are considered even."

    "In that case, I will pay back what I owe right now; then I will collect my debts later."

    "..."

    "My love, you owe me four years. That is one thousand, four hundred and sixty-one nights. We like doing it during the day too so that''s one thousand, four hundred and sixty-one days as well. Adding the four years that I owe you, that makes it five thousand, eight hundred and fourty four times. We can''t do it just once so..."

    She grabbed a pillow and pinned it onto his mouth. What kind of crazy thought process was this? What was wrong with her brain? She had just dug her own grave.

    He pushed the pillow away and resumed his "business."

    She stopped him just as he tugged on her pajamas. "Aotian, I''m on my period."

    "****!!!" he cursed.

    Wan Jia burst out laughing.

    Then Lu Aotian looked at her dangerously. "You almost had me fooled. That should be..." he counted something inaudibly. "...twelve days later."

    Well, he was right. She coughed. "I was slightly anxious in the past few days so it''s early."

    Lu Aotian retorted. "It has never been even a single day early or late. Even four years later, I realized it''s still the same."

    Wan Jia looked at him wide-eyed. "Do your subordinates know that you''re such a pervert?"

    "Aren''t you one?"

    Wan Jia was at a loss for words. This man...

    Lu Aotian chuckled at her speechless expression. "What does it have to do with me being a pervert anyway? You''re always so moody during that time that I have to be careful around you. It wouldn''t be a surprise if even Little Jia knew."

    Wan Jia glared at him and smashed him with a pillow. "Enough about that. Let''s talk about Little Jia. The school year starts in a month. We should enroll her." She had to grab the chance to change the topic before the pervert climbed onto her again.

    "Father has been sending me countless school recommendations lately. But isn''t it too early? We agreed to let her go when she is four. There is still four months left.

    Wan Jia had already thought about this. "If we wait for the next school year, wouldn''t she be turning five?"

    "So what? My daughter can go to school when she wants to. She can even go when she is ten. Doesn''t she have a home-schooling teacher? If she doesn''t like her, I can change it to another one." Lu Aotian had on an expression that said ''I spoil my princess as she wishes. What can you do about it?''

    Another pillow came smashing onto his body. "Little Jia will grow into a little gangstar if you keep spoiling her too much.

    I''m not being unreasonable. She dislikes the home-schooling teacher and wants to actually go to school." She was aware that Lu Aotian was unwilling to part with his little princess.

    He reluctantly said, "Then she will go in the upcoming school year. I''ll keep an eye for the best kindergarten."

    He then looked into her eyes. "I just agreed to your suggestion. Aren''t you going to reward me?"

    She pretended not to understand him. "What kind of reward do you want? Don''t worry about it, I''ll get you a present that you will definitely love tomorrow."

    "But the present I want is right here."

    "President Lu, I also want to ask..."

    "Designer Wan, this is not an office." he shut her up using his lips.

    Wan Jia did not know what to do with him.

    And here I was, thinking that he would actually forget.

    "My love, I''m not safe. What if I get pregnant?" she said shyly while hiding her face in his neck.

    Lu Aotian chuckled. So that was why she was unwilling. "Don''t you want to have another baby with me? Little Jia would love it if she had a brother to dote on." he whispered in her ear.

    Wan Jia did not agree. If her brother turned out to be like Lu Aotian, Little Jia would be driven insane.

 Chapter 227 - You dont have any...?

    "My love, you don''t have any...?" she asked then felt like biting her tongue off.

    Gah! What did she just ask? She did not need anyone to tell her. Her face must be completely red by now.

    Lu Aotian did not need her to say the word to know what she was asking for. Much to her embarassment, he opened a drawer and took out a little box.

    "Why do you have such things in your bedroom?" Even at the peak of her embarassment, she did not forget to ask accusingly.

    Lu Aotian smiled at her. "What are you thinking? I have nit just in case you are not ready to have another baby."

    "Oh..." she said before her lips got sealed.

    However, Lu Aotian''s phone just had to interrupt them.

    The man was annoyed but picked up when he saw the caller ID. He only said an "I see" before hanging up.

    Wan Jia was curious.

    "It''s an emergency at the company. I must have a brief conference call right now."

    "Oh." Since he did not explain further, she did not ask either.

    "Go to sleep, okay?" he kissed her forehead.

    "Don''t stay up too long." she said.

    He nodded and left for the study room.

    True to his word, it was very brief. As she drifted to sleep, she vaguely heard his footsteps, felt the other side of the bed sinking and warm arms around her waist.

    As Lu Aotian fell asleep, he had a lot on his mind. Someone had attempted to break into one of the branches. Nice try. Luckily, the security system had been personally modified by him.

    ...

    The next morning, Little Jia was very unhappy when she woke up and refused to eat her breakfast. She would not talk to anyone either. Even the servants were extremely careful and didn''t dare to act recklessly, lest the little miss gets angrier and throws a fit. Would they continue living?

    Lu Aotian was at a loss. He would never leave the house when his princess was unhappy but what was this? She wouldn''t have a peaceful conversation with him, much less tell him the reason for her bad mood.

    "Daddy is bad." she cried.

    "Yes, Daddy is bad, Daddy is the worst. Can you tell me what I did wrong?" he coaxed gently.

    Watching the scene, Wan Jia was thinking, it was not at all strange that Little Jia was incredibly spoilt. Her daddy tolerated all her tantrums and pampered her like a jewel. It would be a surprise if she was not spoilt.

    "Can you tell mommy?" Wan Jia asked when she ignored her father. Still, the little girl shook her head.

    "Then, eat your breakfast, okay? After that, we can chase Daddy for all his crimes. It''s so yummy. Mommy cooked it for you. Do you want to try?" she took her from Lu Aotian''s arms and sat her at the dining table.

    The little girl got down as soon as Wan Jia let go of her. "Mommy is bad too."

    "Eer..."

    It''s a conflict between Aotian and his little princess. How did I get involved?

    Just when Wan Jia''s and Lu Aotian''s heads were about to explode, Lu Shaoting called.

    Little Jia overhead her uncle''s voice and rushed over. "Is that second uncle?"

    Before Lu Aotian responded, the little girl let out an anguished cry and burst into tears. "Second uncle, uwaaaaa-!"

    Lu Shaoting who was talking about work matters stopped. "Hey! What did the two of you do to my niece?"

    Little Jia cried even harder. "Second uncle, they bullied me. I was bullied wuuu..." she was holding onto her father''s phone like it contained her life.

    "Little Jia, stop crying, okay? What did daddy and mommy do? Can you tell second uncle?"

    Her tears fell harder as she complained about her parents to her second uncle. "Last night they...they did not read me a story. They let Little Jia sleep alone." she sobbed.

    Lu Aotian: "..."

    Wan Jia: "..."

    Lu Shaoting on the phone : "..."

    All the maids present: "..."

    Our dear little great grandaunt, allow us to call you great grandaunt. The reason you sulked all morning, threw a tantrum and threatened to drown the entire estate in your tears is...just this?

    Lu Shaoting could only coax her. "Forget about them. Second uncle will not only read you stories and sing you songs, I will also take you somewhere fun to play."

    Only then did she wipe her tears, put her father''s phone away and agree to eat her breakfast.

    Lu Aotian and Wan Jia were speechless.

    ___

    In the next few days, Lu Shaoting tried to talk to Su Ling but she seemed unwilling to even look at him. He could only resort to asking for help from his sister-in-law. If not, how was he supposed to have a baby with her if they couldn''t even hold a peaceful discussion?

    On a certain day, he made a deal with Wan Jia. He would go to Elite Fashion World and when Su Ling was in Wan Jia''s office, he would have a private chat with her.

    As soon as he entered her office, she left, leaving only Su Ling and Lu Shaoting in. After walking out, she sent him a message. [Please book yourselves a hotel room. Don''t do it in my office.]

    Lu Shaoting cursed her a million times. How could she say such things?

    He was yet to know that the naughty Wan Jia had locked them in.

 Chapter 228 - "Business" in the office

    Wan Jia gave a satisfied grin before walking away. A single man and a single woman locked up in an office, it was bound to get interesting. Perhaps it wouldn''t be too long before she became an aunt.

    With a smile on her face, she skipped over to Lu Enterprises. The best thing about her work was that as long as she completed her assigned work on time, no one would bother her about anything.

    It did not matter where she was and what time she went to or left her office, she just had to attend her meetings and submit her drafts on time.

    Today, coincidentally, she was lacking inspiration and needed to see her Handsome Lu''s charming face to recharge her brain cells.

    Cheerfully, she skipped into his private elevator, went to the top floor and opened the door to his office. "Handsome, did you miss me? Can you explain why lately you have been leaving....uh..." before I wake up?

    She swallowed the rest of her words down. She had just mindlessly walked in and blabbered on. Aaaah! Why didn''t you tell me there were other people in your office! I totally embarassed myself boohoo...

    "Come here." he called her over when he saw her turning back to leave.

    She walked over nervously.

    Lu Aotian introduced her to the two men in his office. "This is Wan Jia, my fianc¨¦e."

    The man on the left looked at her in awe. "So this is her. As expected, the woman who can capture President Lu''s heart wouldn''t be so simple. She''s so beautiful. My sister will like her." Seeing that he had spoken too much, the man stretched out a hand. "Please excuse my manners. Hello, I''m Henry Blanc, and this is my assistant."

    Lu Aotian explained to her, "Mr. Blanc is a close business patner of Lu Enterprises as well as my friend. His sister, Miss Blanc, is just like you- a fashion designer."

    Mr Blanc spoke up. "You may meet one day in a fashion week. She is CX, but she only designs shoes and a few bags."

    Wan Jia''s eyes lit up. This was Lu Aotian''s friend so she didn''t need to be pretentious. "CX from country F? My idol?"

    "Your idol?" Mr. Blanc asked, surprised that his sister was so famous.

    "I''m her greatest fan." Not only was she one of CX''s top fans, her closet was her witness. Fifty percent of her shoes were from CX. The bags from that brand were just a few but that was because, as Mr Blanc said, she only produced very few bags.

    "It''s an honor for my sister and I." the man smiled.

    After a little small talk, Lu Aotian let her stay in the resting area and play on her own for a while. He gave her a game console and resumed discussing business with Mr. Blanc. He would still peek a few glances at her to check if she was alright.

    By the time they were done discussing, Lu Aotian looked over to find Wan Jia sprawled asleep.

    He walked over to her and carefully carried her. Before he made a step, she woke up and rubbed her head against his chest comfortably. She was still in a daze when she spoke, "President Lu, we''re already in your office so why don''t we do some business here?

    It must be quite thrilling to do it with my superior right on his office desk."

    What the...!

    Lu Aotian''s neck turned red when he heard her. Was she asking him to...have her? Now that he looked at her properly, her face was blushing hard. Her dream must have been quite exciting.

    His body was already reacting to her words. Since no one could enter his office without his permission, he pushed his documents aside and placed her on his desk, then started unbottoning her blouse. She held his neck and kissed him deeply. Her skirt was a bit short today, so when she wrapped her thights around his waist, her seductive thights were halfway exposed to him.

    It seemed to him like she really meant it when she said that she wanted to do business right on his desk.

    ___

    Meanwhile, in another office in Elite Fashion World.

    Another pair of superior and subordinate was glaring daggers at each other.

    "Why are you here?" Su Ling asked with a face devoid of expressions.

    "I have the right to be here whenever I want to." his answer was quite arrogant.

    Su Ling harrumphed. Oh yeah, I forgot. You are the Vice President of Lu Enterprises and can enter and leave the subsidiary buildings as you please.

    "This is my boss'' office." her tone seemed to say that her boss was the president''s wife, so in terms of superiority, she was ahead of him.

    Lu Shaoting simply laughed. "I''m your CEO''s boss. In the company, even your boss has to respect me, much less you."

    She was annoyed. "Enough with this childish flaunting of power. Please leave."

    He leaned against Wan Jia''s desk leisurely. "I forgot to mention, your boss is my sister-in-law. If I wanted, she wouldn''t be your boss anymore."

    "Are you threatening me?" Su Ling looked at him as if in shock.

    "I''m not. I''m just saying that I have every right to be here." he answered.

    "Since you love this office very much, I will leave it....hey! What did you do to the door?"

 Chapter 229 - Explore all there was to this adventure

    Su Ling turned and glared at Lu Shaoting. How dare this man mess with the door? What was he planning to do?

    Lu Shaoting narrowed his eyes and went to open it. "It''s locked." he said.

    Su Ling instantly exploded. "I didn''t know you were this shady! Never mind that you already have a girlfriend and are still trying to fool around with another woman, you are also trapping me in here? Do you know that locking people up against their wish is a crime?"

    "Which eye of yours saw me locking the door?" he frowned. Meanwhile he was thinking, If I see that Wan Jia...!

    "Lu Shaoting! Open this door right now or I''m calling the police." she threatened.

    Lu Shaoting glared at her. "Go ahead." If his love guru, Xu Liaowen, were to hear him, he would be scolded for hours. Girls are supposed to be coaxed when you are chasing them. With Lu Shaoting''s minute level of patience, it was no wonder he had never chased a girl before. Being rejected once was all it took to lose all his rationality. Which girl would accept such a temper?

    "I''m really going to call the police." she took her phone and dialled 911. Just before she made the call, her phone disappeared from her hand and appeared on the floor with a crash. "What the f*ck are you doing?" It was rare for Lu Shaoting to use curse words. He was truly angry.

    "Did you just break my phone?" she glared at him fiercly. Lu Shaoting sneered and took out his wallet, taking some bills from it.

    "Your phone shouldn''t cost this much. You''re welcome." Then, he threw the bills at her....threw!

    Su Ling looked at him in disbelief. Actually, he regretted his action as soon as the bills left his fingers. Without needing a love guru to tell him, he knew that it was rude to throw money at people. As expected, Su Ling looked extremely humiliated.

    Without waiting for her to speak, he bent to pick the fallen bills on the floor and the one that had remained on her head. "I''ll buy you a new phone when we get out of here."

    The words "I''m sorry" lingered on his tongue but he couldn''t bring himself to say it out no matter how hard he tried.

    He took his phone and called Wan Jia. The call was hung up and when he called again, her phone was off. That damn Wan Jia! Never mind that she locked them up and put him in such an awkard situation. Why did she switch off her phone? He really wanted to strangle her.

    If his brother read his thoughts, he would be dead already.

    ...

    While Wan Jia was being cursed incessantly by her brother-in-law, she was currently on Lu Aotian''s desk as the man caressed her. Her clothes were now unrecognizably dishevled while Lu Aotian''s hair was no different from a bird''s nest and his clothes were not better off.

    When her phone rang, it was Lu Aotian who hung it up without caring who the caller was and switched it off. Then he resumed kissing her as he caressed her thigh.

    He kissed her ear and moved down to her neck in slow motions, igniting fiery passion under her skin. She grabbed onto his shoulders and hugged him tightly, trying to control her desire.

    Lu Aotian moved back to her lips and kissed her deeply as he completely got rid of her blouse. Her bra today was one of a fiery red color. Those fair breasts against the red bra looked so alluring that he couldn''t wait to unhook it and set them free.

    When she saw him gazing at them with such fiery eyes, she instinctively wanted to cover her chest using her hands but was stopped by him. "I''ve seen them countless times before. This must be the one thousand and first time."

    She wanted to glare at him but the kind of gaze that emananted from her eyes when she looked at him was so seductive that he couldn''t wait to get rid of her skirt.

    She couldn''t wait to get rid of his shirt either, she pulled it off him and threw him who knows where, then she hugged his bare back tightly as she let him take off her skirt. Then they both reached for his belt...

    In the huge office, the atmosphere was filled with the sounds of their passion. It was not long before he completely had his way with her.

    ...

    Wan Jia lay weakly in Lu Aotian''s arms, on the huge sofa in the office as she tried to catch her breath.

    She couldn''t help but smile. It was just making love with her fianc¨¦, but she just had to make it seem like some forbidden affair with her boss. Well, it was indeed doing it with her boss and she actually really liked it.

    "What are you thinking about?" came the voice of the man holding her from behind.

    "Nothing. I''m just wondering why Mr. Blanc was here." she threw in an excuse she had just come up with.

    Before he answered her, he got up from the sofa and lifted her up. Wordlessly, he pinned her against the wall and had her again. If she was going to get ''adventurous'' with her superior, they had to explore all there was to this adventure.

 Chapter 230 - I will make him see me

    As for the question she had just asked, he did not answer her. Was he supposed to tell her that he accepted Mr. Blanc''s business deal because he wanted CX to make her and Little Jia beautiful custom shoes for the little girl''s birthday? There was still three months and two weeks before Little Jia''s birthday.

    After a while, Wan Jia switched on her phone only for Lu Shaoting''s messages to come flooding in. She chuckled.

    "Why are you laughing?"

    "Your brother and his love interest are locked up in my office. I think it''s time to release them." she said.

    Lu Aotian was speechless at how naughty this little woman was. Wasn''t she scared that they would kill each other?

    Wan Jia wanted to stay in Lu Enterprises and enjoy the view as she did her work, so she sent Lu Aotian''s assistant to Elite Fashion World to open the door for the exploding couple.

    Meanwhile, the exploding couple had literally exploded. After confronting each other for what seemed like ages to them, they finally calmed down and listened to each other.

    Su Ling explained that she did not wish to be termed as the delusional woman who seduced another woman''s fianc¨¦ despite not deserving the man. Lu Shaoting explained that Yan Xue had nothing to do with him and that he had been forced to go on a blind date with her, but he had already told Yan Xue that he had someone he liked and the girl had understood.

    Despite his explanation, Su Ling was still not willing to be his girlfriend because of their difference in social status. Lu Shaoting really needed advice from his expert love guru or else he would go crazy just trying to chase Su Ling.

    When Lu Aotian''s assistant unlocked the door, they no longer had strong hatred towards each other. So Lu Shaoting offered to take Su Ling out for lunch, as well as to buy her a new phone.

    As they entered the restaurant, it was perhaps out of their bad luck that they had to bump into Yan Xue.

    Lu Shaoting had a wild idea. Since Su Ling liked him but still wanted to act out, why not make her jealous? He had seen many girls like her in television series. They would pretend not to like a man but as soon as they saw him with someone else, they would be so jealous that they would confess their true feelings.

    Taking a deep breath, he smiled at Yan Xue who was still pondering whether to go over and say hi. Yan Xue was stunned.

    Lu Shaoting peered at Su Ling and saw that she was about to explode in anger. He smiled, pleased with himself. He could even go a little farther!

    He dragged Su Ling over to say hi to Yan Xue.

    She introduced, "Pretty Xue, this is Su Ling." Just a name. Nothing else. Then he introduced Yan Xue in a more intimate manner. "Ling, meet Yan Xue. You could call us childhood friends if one-sidedly sticking onto me counts."

    Yan Xue laughed at the weird form of introduction but she was not embarassed. Lu Shaoting continued, "When we were little, she was so pretty that everyone called her ''Little flower''. If you don''t believe me, you can take a look at her now."

    Yan Xue blushed. "Shaoting, you flatter me. I was at most just among the pretty girls but you and your brother were the top and second most handsome boys."

    At that point, if she had not realized that Lu Shaoting was trying to make his girl jealous, then her IQ would be meaningless. She decided to help him out a little and held his arm.

    Su Ling scanned the beauty before her. Of course she was beautiful. Everything about her exuded of beauty and elegance. When the beauty held Lu Shaoting''s arm, even she had to admit that they looked beautiful together.

    The two of them treated her like she was part of the air and went on and on about their past together. Only they knew that they were simply making up things to rile Su Ling up.

    Only when Yan Xue saw that Su Ling was on the verge of detonating did she let go of Lu Shaoting''s arm and make and excuse to leave. Even then, she did not forget to hug him flirtatiously.

    As she left, Yan Xue sneered. "I thought Lu Shaoting''s woman would be a goddess of at least that new designer from EFW''s level." As someone with a good eye for fashion, she had heard about Wan Jia and seen her photos. If Lu Shaoting''s woman was that beautiful, she would have admitted defeat but what was so good about Su Ling? Was Lu Shaoting blind? Hmph! I will open his eyes and make him see me.

    ___

    That evening,

    Xu residence.

    "Ha ha ha ha ha!" the whole mansion was filled with laughter.

    You don''t need to ask. Xu Liaowen was responsible.

    He held his tummy and laughed his ribs out especially when he saw the hand print on his best friend''s cheek.

    Was something wrong with Lu Shaoting''s brain? After explaining that you have nothing to do with a woman, you go ahead and praise her endlessly in front of the girl you are chasing? Was there an insect in his brain?

    It was no wonder as soon as Yan Xue left, he had recieved an especially painful slap from Su Ling.

 Chapter 231 - Stay away from my fiancÃ©

    Lu Shaoting was so angry that he was almost emmiting smoke from his ears. Xu Liaowen''s annoying laughter only made him angrier. Your best friend just experienced a romantic disaster and instead of cheering him up, you laugh at him? Was this how bros were supposed to treat each other?

    When Su Ling saw Lu Shaoting flirting with his so called blind date that he didn''t like right under her nose, she was so angry that if she knew sorcery, Yan Xue would be dead already. What made her even angrier was that as soon as Yan Xue left, he turned to her and hooked his arm around her shoulder with a smile.

    At that instant, she completely forgot about who Lu Shaoting was and landed an extremely painful slap on his handsome cheek.

    While Lu Shaoting was nursing his sore cheek, Su Ling was dealing with something even more annoying.

    She had just arrived at her apartment block when she met Yan Xue.

    Yan Xue was leaning against her flashy red audi and waiting for her. No one needed to say anything before Su Ling knew why she was here. She pursed her lips and pretended not to have seen her, going her way.

    "Hmph! You know that I''m waiting for you, don''t you Miss Su?"

    Su Ling looked like she had just suffered a blow. She held her head high and turned to Yan Xue "Is there something I may help you with, Miss Yan?"

    Yan Xue had a bewitching smile on her face as she walked towards Su Ling. She was about the same height as Su Ling but with her thirteen centimetre high heels, she had to lower her gaze a little to look at Su Ling. Under her gaze, Su Ling felt incredibly inferior. Yan Xue said, "Of course. I really need your help with something."

    Su Ling bit her lips and tried not to lose her confidence. "It''s quite an honor for a wealthy missy like Miss Yan to need my help. I wonder what you need?"

    Yan Xue let her words out leisurely. "I wonder if Miss Su knows of the acquaitance between the Yan family and the Lu Enterprises?"

    Of course Su Ling knew about it. Was there anyone in the capital who didn''t? In fact, Yan Xue was being too humble. They were close friends and Lu Enterprises'' number one business patners. Rumour had it that in the past, the Lu and Yan families had tried to make the first miss of the Yan family and Lu Aotian get married, but the children did not like each other. If the second children got married, the friendship would grow even stronger.

    "I know about it." Su Ling said.

    Yan Xue smiled even wider. If anyone else saw that smile, they would surely fall in love with her. "Then, surely Miss Su has heard about the marriage contract between the Lu and Yan families?"

    "Marriage contract?" Su Ling was shocked. Wasn''t it just a blind date?

    Yan Xue looked down at her. "Oh, it seems like Miss Su is way behind the news. News about powerful families wouldn''t benefit you after all." Su Ling caught on the meaning of her words and clenched her fists.

    Yan Xue saw her clenched fists and sighed. "I don''t mean to be rude, but isn''t it true?

    Miss Su, the Lu and Yan families do have a marriage contract. If my elder sister married Lu Aotian, the contract would have been honored but since Lu Aotian (as the rumours say) has someone else that he loves, it''s up to Shaoting and I to honor it."

    She continued while enjoying Su Ling''s shocked expression. "I hate to tell you this, but you don''t deserve a man like Shaoting. Forget about the marriage contract: the Lu family does not care about backgrounds as long as you are an honest person with a good reputation, but are you?"

    Su Ling looked at her curiously. What was she talking about?

    Yan Xue walked to her car, took a file and opened it under Su Ling''s gaze. Then she started reading out, "Patient name : Su Ling,

    Age: Eighteen

    B Scan results : No clots, normal thickness of uterus,...should I continue?"

    "How dare you!" Su Ling exploded. How dare she obtain her past medical result? It was the file of the B scan she did one month after having an abortion years ago. How did it end up in Yan Xue''s hands?

    Yan Xue continued, "Do you think the Lu family would accept someone with such a past?

    Apart from that, you even tried to sabotage Lu Aotian''s wife and got blacklisted by the Golden Designer Awards. Tsk, you are too delusional. Don''t you think, Miss Su?"

    If Su Ling were to check the file Yan Xue was reading from, she would find that ot contained blank paper. She had just asked someone to investigate Su Ling hurriedly. Where would she find her medical report? She had gathered the facts to make up something.

    Yan Xue dropped one more atomic bomb before leaving, "Shaoting is a man who values purity and decency. If he knew that the woman he values, wait, he does not even value you. If he knew that you have such a dirty past, do you think he would ever look at you again?"

    Su Ling''s tears unknowingly fell. "What do you want?"

    Yan Xue smiled like her point had finally been driven home. "It''s simple. Stay away from my fianc¨¦."

 Chapter 232 - Shut up and hug me

    Yan Xue smiled like her point had finally been driven home. "It''s simple. Stay away from my fianc¨¦."

    As if scared Su Ling would not understand her, she continued, "If you don''t believe that Lu Shaoting is my rightful fianc¨¦, you can ask Shaoting. If you don''t stay away,..." she simply waved the file in her hand as a form of threat.

    The Lu and Yan families did in fact have a marriage agreement, but it was just a suggestion. It was not a contract where the children would have to marry whether they liked it or not. However, from the way Yan Xue made it sound, it was as though she and Lu Shaoting had been engaged all along.

    When Yan Xue left, Su Ling ran into her apartment in tears. Although she liked Lu Shaoting, she was aware that she did not match up to him. It would not hurt too much if he silently married another woman, but being confronted by that woman as though she was a mistress made her heart feel like it had been stabbed.

    ...

    The next day, Su Ling was a little absent minded at work.

    Wan Jia gradually became annoyed. "Su Ling, this was for the CEO to sign, not the manager. What''s with you today, are you feeling unwell?" Although Wan Jia was annoyed, she did not lose her temper and still spoke to Su Ling gently.

    "I''m sorry Boss, I''ll take it to the CEO now." Su Ling apologized and corrected the numerous mistakes she had made all morning.

    "Is something bothering you?"

    Su Ling viewed Wan Jia as her boss as well as someone she could trust, so she asked, "Have you heard of the Yan family?"

    Wan Jia nodded. The most recent thing she had heard was Lu Shaoting going on a blind date with that family''s second miss.

    "Do they really have a marriage contract with the Lu family?" she asked hesitantly.

    "Marriage contract?" Wan Jia had never heard of any. That was of course because it didn''t exist.

    She seemed to understand why Su Ling was sulky. So someone had told her about a contract. As for who it was, did she need to ask?

    She secretly sent Lu Shaoting a message. [Do you still want your wife or not? She has some misunderstanding about you and that girl you went on a blind date with.]

    If this was before, Lu Shaoting would have reacted immediately and sent a reply or called to ask for the whole story. However, Lu Shaoting seemed to have magically given up on chasing Su Ling, because he only sent an [Oh].

    Wan Jia could not be bothered about them anymore. If they wanted to solve their misunderstandings, it would be for the better because she would become an aunt sooner. But if they didn''t, that was up to them.

    Wan Jia was curious, [Have you given up on Su Ling? Are you going to be with Yan Xue now?]

    Lu Shaoting quickly replied, [If it''s not Su Ling, forget about me getting married.]

    So he had not given up after all.

    Wan Jia pushed it at the back of her mind. Let the kids handle their problems on their own. Although she called them kids due to her seriority, they were both older than her.

    It had been quite some time since she last went out with Lin Lihua. It just happened that she didn''t have much to do today, so she sent her a text.

    Lin Lihua had missed her too. She instantly invited her for dinner.

    In the evening, she rushed over to the restaurant before Wan Jia arrived.

    "Did you wait too long?" Wan Jia asked when she finally arrived. She had been stuck in traffic for a while.

    "Not that long. Oh my, Little Wan, is it just in my eyes or have you grown even prettier?"

    Wan Jia blushed. "Of course I''ve grown prettier. I get prettier by the minute, okay?"

    "Tsk, you little narcissist." Lin Lihua scolded and hugged her tightly.

    Wan Jia did not fail to retaliate. "Who do you think is more narcissistic? Who is it that always refers to herself as a megastar?"

    Lin Lihua piched her on her back slightly . "Shut up and hug me."

    Wan Jia burst out laughing. After a warm hug, the sisters ordered their meals.

    Wan Jia asked, "Mother didn''t come along?"

    Lin Lihua was pleased. Their relationship is getting better by the day.

    It was a private room so she said, "It wouldn''t be too nice for mom to keep walking around with me. Someone might see her and know of our relationship." It was obvious who the someone she was talking about was.

    "He doesn''t know?" she asked.

    "He only knows about you and mom. He doesn''t know about dad and I, and if the three of us kept appearing together, the chances of him finding out would be higher. I don''t want to be a weakness by mom''s side."

    She did not want to be used to drag Xia Rou out. So that was why Xia Rou rarely went anywhere with Lin Lihua...For that man to not have known yet that Xia Rou was Mrs. Lin, the Lins were indeed too careful.

    The Lin sisters were, however, unaware that some moles had tried to follow Wan Jia and were presently being beaten up by Lu Aotian''s men.

 Chapter 233 - You may want to look at this

    "Ahhh!" The two men let out ear piercing howls as they got tortured by Lu Aotian''s men. One of them crawled on the floor with missing nails on both the fingers and toes. The other one was not having it easy either. It was not sure what he had been forced to drink, but he felt his insides burn up slowly and excuriatingly. He didn''t even have the strenght to cry. That was not even the worst part of his suffering. Something must have been put into the drink so that no matter how much he suffered, he could not pass out from the pain. "Who sent you?" the man without nails was asked. "I don''t know! I swear, I only recieved instructions to follow miss Wan Jia and report her whereabouts. I was not sent to hurt her...Ahh!" before he finished speaking, the remaining toenail was plucked out. "Shut up! How noisy." One of Lu Aotian''s men kicked him away in disdain. He rolled to the side of another man, who did not want him either and kicked him in the stomach.

    From their ways of following Wan Jia, Lu Aotian deduced that they did not work for the same person. The unlucky fellow whose insides were corroding had admitted that he worked for Yun Jifeng. Still, he was not let off. Once in a while Lu Aotian''s men would poke him with a rode and make his pain intensify by thousands of degrees. As for the one who claimed not to know who sent him, his torture had just began. ...

    At the same time, in a certain high end apartment. Tyler was creating something on his laptop in the study room when Lu Aotian appeared. It was accurate to say that he had appeared because despite the many security measures against intruders in Tyler''s apartment, he was unaware of Lu Aotian''s visit. The man had obviously hacked into his security system. "Is this your way of flaunting your ability? I already gave up competing against you." Tyler sneered. "Oh, forgive my manners. Good evening, Mr. Lu." Lu Aotian invited himself onto the sofa in the room and glanced at Tyler. "Your manners are excused, Mr. Qin." Tyler used up all his might to prevent his confusion and shock from showing up on his face. "I wonder what brings the mighty Mr. Lu to my apartment?"

    "I''m not allowed to be here?" Lu Aotian asked, as though the place belonged to him. "Mr. Qin asked for my presence, so I''m here."

    Tyler smirked to hide his fear and looked right into Lu Aotian''s scary eyes. "Mr. Lu, I''m doing it for her own good."

    Lu Aotian was expressionless. "I wonder if anyone ever told you, I don''t give second warnings?" Tyler felt that his life was over. Lu Aotian was here to finish him off. However, Lu Aotian''s next statement made him prefer to die. "What''s his name again, Qin Zhuo''an? He''s quite brave for a five-year-old."

    Tyler stood up in rage and pointed at him. "Lu Aotian, if you dare!"

    Lu Aotian scoffed. "You can send someone to follow the woman I love, but I can''t do anything to your son?"

    Tyler was enraged and clenched his fist. He flung it towards Lu Aotian. In the next second, Lu Aotian was beside him. "Just how much do you hate your hand?" After trying to hit Lu Aotian several times without succeeding, Tyler finally knew that he would never touch Lu Aotian, much less beat him up. He could only go for the polite method.

    He took out his phone and searched for a photo. Then he showed it to Lu Aotian. "Before you hurt my son, you may want to see this." Lu Aotian saw it and understood Tyler''s intention right away. It was the photo Yun Xuan had sent him before, Yun Jifeng''s safe. Seeing that Lu Aotian did not fly into a fit, he continued, "Xuanxuan will never agree to do something that could possibly make her brother be convicted of a crime, but Wan Jia can."

    "My wife will never go to the Yun mansion. Also, we don''t need your help. I''ll handle Yun in my own way. If the court can''t handle him, I..." will kill him.

    Tyler took back his phone. "You don''t need my help, but I need yours. That''s not right. I don''t need your help, I need Wan Jia''s help."

    Lu Aotian sneered and turned to leave. Tyler spoke after his back. "Do you know what date 0509 is?" That was the passcode of Yun Jifeng''s safe.

    Lu Aotian did not stop.

    "It''s related to your wife."

    "I know."

    ...

    Lu Aotian was on his way out when he met Yun Xuan who had just returned from her studio. When Yun Xuan saw him, she was torn in between talking to him and keeping it to herself. Naturally, she was curious about Yun Jifeng''s fake passport but if she asked Tyler, she was afraid the ending might not be entertaining. After all, Tyler was an agent of the Intelligence Unit. What if he accidentally discovered something incriminating about Old Two? She did not want to be the one to give away her brother. On the other hand, Lu Aotian would be a safer option. He was one to mind his own business. But, if there happened to be something related to Wan Jia, he wouldn''t spare Yun Jifeng either. Tyler was some steps behind Lu Aotian, he witnessed the way she looked at Lu Aotian as if entranced.

 Chapter 234 - Spoilt husband

    But, if there happened to be something related to Wan Jia, he wouldn''t spare Yun Jifeng either. Tyler was some steps behind Lu Aotian, he witnessed the way she looked at Lu Aotian as if entranced. In the end, Yun Xuan was too scared to talk to Lu Aotian. Or rather, he left too fast. She made a mental note to seek him out secretly.

    "Why were you looking at him like that?" Tyler asked. "If I didn''t know, I would think you were in love with him"

    Yun Xuan shrugged him off. "What was he doing here?"

    What was he doing here? It would be better if you didn''t know.

    He brushed off her question too. "Are you hungry? I already cooked dinner. I will heat it up for you."

    Her attention was successfuly diverted. "I''ll take a bath first.

    ...

    Unaware of all the commotion that had just happened, the Lin sisters chatted their hearts out over a delicious meal.

    "Sis, you are too mean. Why didn''t you tell me about this restaurant before? You only told me today."

    "I don''t come here that often either." Lin Lihua said, before she warned. "You eat too much sweet food. Don''t you know that it''s bad for your health? Lu Aotian should restrict you a little."

    Wan Jia pouted. "You''re not going to nag me too, right? You don''t know but at home, the only sweet thing I get to taste is his lips."

    Lin Lihua was not sure whether to feel happy or sad. In the end, she acted like the elder sister who spoilt her little sister endlessly and let her have all the dessert she wanted. Soon, they started talking about their careers. Wan Jia asked her very many questions including how she has been a movie queen for eight whole years. Lin Lihua could only narrate.

    "I have been an actress since I was sixteen."

    "Sixteen?!" Wan Jia exclaimed. That was almost half of her life.

    Lin Lihua nodded. "Mom and Dad were against it. It was only when I graduated from high school and forcefully went to a film academy that mom had to accept it. Even then, Dad was so much against it that we did not see eye to eye for months. My debut was quite strong, I have only acted female lead roles since my debut. My first film was nominated for the best actor awards. However, dad used his connections to have it expelled...." While Lin Lihua rattled on about her struggle in her first years in the entertainment industry, including how she switched to modelling after being pushed out of the film industry before making a comeback when she was twenty one. So that was the story behind her four years of modelling...

    "Wow sis, I didn''t know that your career path was so rough."

    "It wasn''t that hard. Dad eventually agreed to it and stopped sabotaging me. I starred in a movie that year and won my first golden award." she said proudly.

    Wan Jia felt her sister was just too awesome. "If you win the award this year, it will be your ninth." Although they were talking about Lin Lihua, Wan Jia felt as though she had just recieved a new form of motivation in her own career.

    "Sis, how about your love life? Have you really never fallen in love?"

    Lin Lihua coughed and said, "Nope."

    "Not even once?"

    "Never glanced at a man twice."

    Wan Jia did not know what to say. In the end, she pouted and acted wronged. "What will happen to my nephews and nieces?"

    "Er, what nephews and nieces?" Lin Lihua questioned.

    "Your children. Don''t you want me to be called an aunt too?"

    Lin Lihua''s expression turned stale. "Little Wan, Mom and dad have been taking turns to nag me about marriage every day. I don''t even dare to go home anymore. Are you going to join them?"

    "Of course I will nag you. Do you want to be alone all your life?"

    Lin Lihua shoved a piece of cake into Wan Jia''s mouth to shut her up. Then she looked at her and smiled. "Of course not, I will have goddess Wanwan and little princess Meili to accompany me.

    Wan Jia chewed the cake in her mouth and swallowed it. "Oh sis."

    When they were done, Lin Lihua had to go back to look through a script. When they left the restaurant, Lu Aotian was unexpectedly waiting outside.

    "Why didn''t you come in? Did you wait for too long?" Wan Jia skipped over and hugged his arm.

    "Mmh. I waited for too long. My legs are tired."

    Wan Jia''s heart ached for him. She pecked his lips to comfort him. "I''m sorry my love. Get into the car, I''m driving."

    At the side, Lin Lihua was speechless. With her sharp eyesight, she had caught sight of Lu Aotian''s car coming to a stop just as they left the restaurant. If Wan Jia was not rambling on about the new shoe collection she wanted to buy, she would have seen him leave the car too.

    She was amazed that in front of his wife, this mighty man acted like a spoilt husband. That wasn''t right. Wasn''t it Wan Jia who was supposed to act like a spoilt little wife?

    "Bye Sis." Wan Jia waved at Lin Lihua and stuffed Lu Aotian into the car before getting onto the driver''s seat.

 Chapter 235 - How is it your business?

    Just as Wan Jia started the car, her phone rang. She did not glance at it. "Baby, help me answer it."

    Lu Aotian smirked when he saw the string of digits. Tyler again. Before he spoke, the man on the other side seemed to anticipate that he would be the one to answer so he directly said, "Mr. Lu, thank you for not hurting my son. I just called his mother and she said that he is alright. I''m very happy. Of course, if you restored my security system, I would be even happier." The last part was more like a lamentation. That Lu Aotian! Not only did he hack into his security system, he destroyed it so terribly that he couldn''t do anything about it.

    As for the security system destroyer, his lips curled into a cold smirk. "It sounds to me like Mr. Qin loves my viruses very much and would love to have some on his laptop."

    Tyler panicked. "Of course not. I was talking nonesense just now. I hope Mr. Lu will not hold grudges for such small incidences. Although your viruses are very well developed and I admire them very much, my laptop is definitely not worthy of recieving them."

    Lu Aotian cut off his rambling, making Tyler sit on edge. Did that mean he was going to send them? God, please let Wan Jia keep him busy.

    "Who was that just now?" Wan Jia asked amid her laughter. That conversation was rather funny.

    "Qin Zhan." Lu Aotian answered. Wan Jia frowned. "I heard you call him ''Mr. Qin'' just now, but I don''t know anyone by the surname Qin."

    Lu Aotian was not shocked that she didn''t know. "You must know Qin Zhifan, right?"

    "That is Yun Xuan''s ex boyfriend. The one who tried to kill her years ago. Wait, Qin Zhifan, Qin Zhan. Are they related?"

    "They are cousins." Lu Aotian said expressionlessly.

    "Oh, why would Qin Zhifan''s cousin call me? We don''t know each other, do we?"

    Lu Aotian shook his head at his woman who was too slow in catching up. "Qin Zhan is Tyler."

    Screech--!!

    As soon as Lu Aotian said that, Wan Jia lost control of the streering wheel, making the car form a huge C on the road.

    What did her man just say? Tyelr was who? A certain statement that Yun Xuan had said four years ago rang through her mind: "That idot (Qin Zhifan) even said something about looking for you. He might come looking for you. You must be careful."

    Wan Jia''s eyes were still wide open. Her voice shook. "So he didn''t actually want to look for me...he only said that to distract Yun Xuan as he planted his cousin by her side?!"

    No wonder. No wonder the first time she met Tyler, it did not seem to her like he was in love with Yun Xuan.

    No wonder that day he looked for her, he was pretty much drawing the relationship between him and Yun Xuan using his words.

    No wonder although they were engaged, they never went anywhere together.

    All that bullsh*t about living a private life was a lie.

    The truth must have been because he didn''t even love Yun Xuan. He was using her!

    "What are you talking about?" Lu Aotian''s voice interrupted her train of thought. He only knew about Qin Zhifan because he had tried to get close to Wan Jia in the past. It was even quite possible that he only found out that the man was Yun Xuan''s ex boyfriend right now when Wan Jia said it.

    Wan Jia was still mumbling inaudibly. She turned to him. "Is Tyler really a secret agent?"

    "He is."

    "Now I know.... Now I understand why they won''t get married after so long. Their relationship is a lie!" she mumbled.

    Lu Aotian understood her using the information he had found about Tyler. All he knew was that there was something between the Qin and Yun families. He did not want to dig too much into people''s secrets so he didn''t know what exactly there was.

    Thinking about it, General Yun was quite an impressive and talented troublemaker. He had enough enemies to form a human barrier around the earth. Was there any family in the capital that did not have him as their arch nemesis?

    Not even a single little one?

    Wan Jia suddenly grabbed her phone.

    "What are you doing?" Lu Aotian snatched the phone from her.

    Wan Jia tried to reach for it. "Telling Yun Xuan that her relationship is a lie. That bastard is obviously using her! And to think she trusted him for all this while."

    Lu Aotian did not allow her to take back the phone. "How would you be so sure?"

    "Didn''t you say just now..."

    Lu Aotian interrupted her. "I only said that Tyler was Qin Zhan and the Qin family seems to have a feud against the Yun family. How does that prove anything about Yun Xuan and Qin Zhan?" Besides, Since when was it her business whether people loved each other or were using each other for revenge?

    Most importantly, if it was up to Lu Aotian to decide, he would rather have Yun Xuan find out that she was being used in the most cruel way. He met Wan Jia, but it did not erase the fact that if Yun Xuan did not find a substitute, he would have ended up being decieved by Yun Xuan instead.

 Chapter 236 - Little Jias little brother

    He felt disgusted just thinking about it. "Don''t involve yourself in other people''s business. If she finds out on her own, it will be for her own good but if she doesn''t, it''s not up to you to tell her."

    Wan Jia nodded. Her man had a point. The last time she had thought of herself as the saint who tries to open the eyes of people around her, she recieved the worst tongue lashing she had ever recieved in her life. She did not wish for history to repeat itself. She was still shocked and couldn''t drive so they swapped seats.

    "Why don''t you drive slowly today? We can chat all the way home." she said.

    Lu Aotian nodded and slowed down. Wan Jia hugged his arm and breathed in his scent. There were not many cars on the road today, it was just the perfect atmosphere for her to think about him. Well, she was so in love with him that she could think about their sweet time together wherever she was.

    She could give her whole life to be with him like this; just the two of them together, no Yuns distracting them, no love rivals on the way...

    when he was least expecting it, she turned and kissed him on the cheek. Lu Aotian smiled and stopped the car a few metres ahead. He cupped her chin and kissed her deeply, almost stealing all the breath away from her lungs.

    Hoonk!

    Only when they heard the furious honking of cars behind them did they remember where they were. The other drivers were angry. It''s already bad enough that you are driving very slowly and causing a traffic jam. Do you also have to stop in the middle of the road to make out? Dude! Do you own the road?

    They were in bad luck today because that was Lu Aotian. Even if they called the traffic officers, they would at most only politely ask him to follow the traffic rules.

    When they arrived at Southside Villa, it was already late thanks to their sluggish speed paired with kisses at every chance they got. She was just about to get off the car in the underground garage when he held her back.

    "What''s wrong?" she inquired.

    Lu Aotian kissed her then nibbled on her ear slightly. "We have never done it in this car, have we?"

    Wan Jia blushed. "We don''t have to do it everywhere on earth, do we?"

    In the past, almost every spot in Southside Villa had been ''tainted'' by them. This car was new, so it had not yet suffered that fate. He wordlessly went for her lips. She wrapped her arms around his neck but stopped. "Little Jia must be waiting for us."

    She was right. The little girl had indeed seen the car arrive from the window of her room and was wondering what was taking them so long. She had a huge favour to ask of them, okay?

    "What''s taking Mommy and Daddy so long?" she asked Lu Shaoting who had gone over to play with her.

    Her uncle mumbled under his breath. "They must be making you a little brother in the car."

    "A little brother?" Her big round eyes lit up like the stars.

    Lu Shaoting cursed. Crap! Was I that loud?

    "Baby, that''s not what I meant..." He tried to explain but the little girl sas too excited to hear him. She ran all the way downstairs just in time to see her parents walk in.

    She rushed even faster and bumped into them in a hug. "Daddy! Mommy! Did you make Little Jia''s little brother? Where is he? Can I see him?"

    Lu Shaoting slapped his forehead. Little grandaunt, you are asking for my life.

    Lu Aotian and Wan Jia frowned. What little brother?

    Lu Aotian glared at his younger brother murderously. What kind of nonesense was this idiot telling his princess?

    Little Jia peered behind her parents to see if they had hidden her little brother behind them. When she did not see any, she turned and touched Wan Jia''s belly. It was not big. There was no little brother inside. She looked at Lu Shaoting like he was the worst jerk on earth. "Uncle is a liar! Uncle said that Daddy and Mommy were making me a little brother. Where is he?"

    Wan Jia slapped her forehead.

    Lu Aotian intensified his glare at Lu Shaoting.

    Lu Shaoting picked up the sulky little girl, afraid she would cry. He would die here today if this little princess shed a single tear. "Little Jia, although you don''t have a little brother, Tangtang''s little sister will arrive soon. Second uncle will take you to see her, okay?"

    Little Jia looked up with starry eyes as if asking when that would be.

    "Er..." how to explain to a three year old that the due date is in two days? He could only scratch his head. "Whatever it is, you will be able to see Tangtang''s little sister very soon."

    She tilted her head and knitted her brows. "Isn''t she is his mommy''s belly? Do we have to go there?"

    Wan Jia burst into laughter and ran off. This conversation would kill her if she listened to it. Who was it that said that Little Jia is as intelligent as kids older than twice her age? The kind of questions she asked...no one would believe she was turning four in a few months.

 Chapter 237 - Luring the workaholic into bed

    Tonight, Little Jia was more tired than usual but it still took more effort to put her to sleep. When she was finally asleep, Wan Jia went to find Lu Aotian. She found him in the study room, working the night away.

    Hmph! Staying up to work again! Does this man not care about his rest at all? Does he know that lack of rest has severe health effects? When she went back to her room, she had a certain thought and blushed.

    Perhaps he was not tired enough... If she made him tired, would he sleep? She remembered what he said earlier about doing it in the car. Maybe...she should drag him into the car and explore some adventure with him? Er...doing it in the underground parking lot would be no fun. It would be more exciting if they went on a short ride and did it on some abandoned road somewhere. But since it was already very late, she would have to make do with the bed. Once she seduced him into bed, she would not let him go. She blushed hard at her own imagination. She didn''t know what was happening to her lately. The more they did it, the more she seemed to want him. At this rate, even if they would have a wedding soon, they should at least register their marriage first. If not, she was afraid they would have a second baby before getting married.

    Still blushing out of shyness, she rummaged through her closet and took out a very short and sexy red dress. She went to Little Jia''s room to confirm that the little girl was sleeping soundly. Satisfied, she went back to her room, took a shower and changed into the little dress. Underneath was even more seductive

    underclothes. Heh, Lu Aotian must be driven insane tonight. She smiled evilly.

    Hmph! Let''s see if those boring documents are prettier than me.

    She put on a black coat over her tiny dress. Opening the door, she took a deep breath and walked out of her room. She opened the door to the study room slowly and stepped in.

    "You''re not asleep?" Lu Aotian asked. He didn''t need to raise his head to know who it was.

    "Not sleepy." Her voice was incredibly charming, making him subconciously look over. When she saw him raise his head, she shrugged the coat off her. Her hair fell onto her waist. With the dress hugging her hips like it was part of them, he really wanted to pounce on her. She walked foward then ''shyly'' placed her hand to cover the exposed part of her chest. It made her look even more alluring.

    "You..." Only one look and Lu Aotian was speechless. To be exact, his throat dried up instantly as though he had been electrocuted.

    "You look so..." he paused when she smiled. "That I don''t know the right word to use."

    Wan Jia gave another of those seductive smiles. "Are your documents so beautiful that you won''t spare me a second glance?"

    Lu Aotian could already feel his body burning up crazily. "With you looking like this, how can anything else be beautiful?"

    She went behind him and held his shoulders. "Really? Then, that means you think I''m pretty?"

    "Too pretty." He wanted to turn and hold her but she moved away.

    "I''m going to bed now." she said.

    "Wait."

    When she heard him, she secretly smiled. The big fish had been hooked. She did not wait and simply went to her room. As expected, he followed her and hugged her waist from behind. She was happy that she had successfuly lured the workaholic president into her room. She turned and using one hand, she pushed him onto her bed and pinned him down to kiss him. In truth, she would never be able to do this with their difference in strength. He just had to cooperate...

    ...

    In the following days, every time Lu Aotian stayed up late in the name of work, he would be lured into bed by her. Sometimes he even deliberately stayed up just so that he would enjoy being seduced into bed by his wife.

    Without knowing it, many days had passed. Within this period of time, several things had happened. Lu Aotian had stopped working late thanks to her seduction, her career had gone a notch higher, she had finished preparing a certain thing she had been spending a lot of time on and most importantly, they had decided on Little Jia''s school.

    On another note, Xu Liaowen''s daugher had been born twenty seven days ago. In two days, it would be her one month celebration. Ever since Lu Shaoting told Little Jia about Tangtang''s sister arriving, the little girl had been counting days everyday, even getting it wrong sometimes. It was obvious from her enthusiasm that she really loved babies.

    On this particular day, she was literally flying away in excitement as Wan Jia helped her choose a dress for the party.

    "I want the pink one."

    "I don''t want it anymore."

    "Mommy, this one looks prettier."

    "Mommy''s taste is bad. I want Daddy to help me."

    "Daddy, the blue one looks cute, right?"

    "Daddy, you choose. I''ll wear whatever Daddy says is pretty."

    If anyone heard her, they would be shocked to their deaths. The baby is just one month old. You don''t have to dress up so carefully for her, okay?

    =====

    Join my discord channel, the link is on the synopsis lol I couldn''t paste it here

 Chapter 238 - Can I take her home?

    The two days flew by very fast and in the blink of an eye, it was the day of Xu Lingxi''s one month party.

    Xu Lingxi was Xu Liaowen''s long awaited daughter, Tangtang''s beloved little sister, , Lu Shaoting''s first goddaughter and, despite the almost four year age gap, Little Jia''s future best friend.

    As an affluent family, the Xu family had organized a very grand ceremony, almost as grand as Xu Liaowen''s wedding years ago. They had invited many powerful figures that had clsoe relations with them. The Lu family had recieved invitations too. Lu Tongyan was very busy and only sent over a gift. Lu Aotian had initially not wanted to go but after being coaxed by his little princess to accompany her, he and Wan Jia were going too.

    As usual, Wan Jia and Little Jia wore clothes of the same color. Little Jia walked out of her room in a purple princess dress, purple shoes and a diamond tiara on her head. She also had the dark purple pendant that she had previously asked Lu Aotian to buy. She ran to Lu Aotian and twirled around before him.

    "Daddy, do I look as pretty as Princess Sofia?"

    "My princess looks prettier than all other princesses." Lu Aotian said as he glanced at his cute daughter.

    "Oh daddy!" she recieved the compliment with a warm bright color on her cheeks. She really loved a certain animated princess called Sofia, so she had dressed up like her.

    Wan Jia, who had been dragged into wearing a purple gown, did not look as child-like as she had expected. Surprisingly, she was so much like an elegant queen that when she stood next to Lu Aotian and Little Jia, they looked like a noble king, his beautiful queen and their beloved princess. As expected of Lu Aotian''s choice. He had selected and bought this gown for her.

    "Don''t you think we will steal the limelight from the Xu family?" she was worried when she looked at their appearances.

    "We won''t." Naturally, he knew that no matter how dashing they looked, they should not grab the limelight.

    Little Jia shyly glanced up at her father and grabbed his hand. "The next time when I dress up as Princess Sofia, Daddy should dress as King Roland II and Mommy as Queen Miranda."

    "Who are those?" Wan Jia asked.

    "Sofia''s parents. Oh right, Tangtang will have to dress up as Prince Hugo from the neighbouring kingdom." The little girl rambled on endlessly about her favourite characters.

    "Let''s get into the car." Wan Jia finally stopped her chatter. Since the little girl had persuaded her parents to attend the party too, Lu Shaoting did not pick her up. They would naturally meet at the venue.

    ...

    Very soon, they arrived at the Xu family estate. Wan Jia saw Tangtang''s parents and understood instantly why Lu Aotian was so confident that they would not steal the limelight. The couple were wearing a very bright red color, Tangtang was wearing a little red tuxedo too. He looked like a little prince. As expected, Little Jia''s first reaction was to rush up to the cute little boy. "Tangtang! Did you miss me? Did you, did you?"

    "Baby, aren''t you going to say hi to Uncle Liaowen and Aunty Kara?"

    Following her mother''s reminder, Little Jia greted the Xu couple and instantly went back to hug Tangtang.

    Tangtang wanted nothing more than to push Little Jia away but today was a happy occasion, so he tolerated her a little. Besides, his father always told him not to be mean to other kids. If he openly shoved her away, it would not end too nicely.

    Tangtang peered beside Lu Aotian and Wan Jia as if looking for someone. "Where is Uncle Shaoting?"

    Xu Liaowen smacked his head softly. "Xu Tang! Where are your manners? You should say hi to Uncle Aotian and Aunty Wan Jia." Tangtang scratched his head in embarassment. Then he looked up and smiled at Lu Aotian and Wan Jia. "Hello Uncle Aotian, hello Aunty Wan Jia."

    "Hello Tangtang," Wan Jia rubbed his head. "Are you happy to be an elder brother?"

    Tangtang nodded his head happily. "Lingxi will be the best little sister in the whole universe. I will protect her and make sure no one ever hurts her."

    "Me too, me too. Will you protect me?" Little Jia asked naturally.

    Tangtang nodded. "Uncle Shaoting said to treat you like my little sister, so I will protect you too."

    The Xu family all had smiles on their faces. They led the Lu couple to the rest of the guests. Little Jia couldn''t wait to see the baby. Xu Lingxi was currently being held by her paternal grandfather.

    Little Jia ran over and stopped to study the baby carefully.

    "A baby..." she gushed over in admiration. Her hands itched to touch her. She extended a finger a poked Xu Lingxi''s tiny hands. The baby did not show any signs of dissatisfaction, she even blabbered out some inaudible sounds happily.

    "Are babies so tiny?" Little Jia asked in surprise. The baby was so tiny that Little Jia was scared.

    "Yes, babies are initially very small but they grow up with time." Xu Liaowen explained.

    Little Jia smiled and continued watching the baby, once in a while touching her tiny hands and face.

    "Uncle Liaowen, Can I take her home?"

    The Xus and all the guests laughed.

 Chapter 239 - Do you know what "wife" means?

    After a while, the children got bored and gathered to play on their own. Aside from Little Jia and Tangtang, there were a few other kids who had tagged along with their parents. Among them were a few boys who started dancing off.

    "Tangtang!"

    "Tangtang!" The kids cheered. Apparently, Tangtang was the most skilled dancer and gained hearty cheers from all the little girls present. Even the adults sneaking peeks couldn''t take their eyes off him.

    "I want to be Tangtang''s wife when I grow up!" a cute four year old girl exclaimed. The adults who were not too far off burst into laughter.

    Tangtang was stunned. Wife? He was only five! Does Little Cherry even know what that means?A little boy looked at the girl with his big eyes. "Little Cherry, do you even know what it means to be someone''s wife?" he reprimanded.

    The little girl called Cherry was angry. She went to hide by Tangtang''s side and blinked her round eyes at the little boy. "You bad Chenchen! I wasn''t talking to you. I was talking to Tangtang. I want to be his wife, not yours. " She squinted her big bright eyes and asked, "Bad Chenchen, do you know what it means to be someone else''s wife?"

    The boy called Chenchen shook his head. "I don''t know either. All I know is that you get to stay together forever."

    "Then I want to be Tangtang''s wife and stay with him forever!" The little girl was more confident.

    "No! I''m your twin brother. You can only stay with me forever. I can dance too!" He retorted.

    The scene seemed quite thrilling to watch. Children could be very cute in their interactions. However, sometimes the peaceful moment didn''t last too long.

    "Ahhh! " Little Cherry suddenly screamed and burst into tears, crouching to hold her ankle. Little Jia had kicked her in her ankle.

    "Little Jia, why did you kick her? It is wrong to kick people. You should apologize to Little Cherry." Tangtang was the first to react.

    "I don''t want to."

    "Why did you kick my sister? Little Jia is a mean child."

    At that moment, their parents came rushing over.

    Lu Aotian pulled his daughter aside. "Why did you kick her?"

    Little Jia was frightened by how everyone was suddenly looking at her. Did she do something wrong?

    "She said that she wants to be Tangtang''s wife in future.. Daddy, only I am Tangtang''s future wife." She was already in tears when she finished saying this.

    Lu Aotian''s expression turned serious, making the little girl shiver in fright. "Lu Meili. First of all, you are no one''s wife. You don''t even know what that means and I don''t want to hear that kind of nonesense again. Apologize to her."

    Little Jia cried and looked at Wan Jia who was beside Lu Aotian.

    "Baby, you shouldn''t kick people. Didn''t Daddy say to be friendly to other kids? Fighting is what bad kids do. Apologize to Little Cherry, okay?" Wan Jia had the same opinion as her man.

    The little girl felt wronged but when Lu Shaoting said the same thing, she could only suck it up and apologize. "Sorry Little Cherry."

    Little Cherry''s parents were understanding of children''s disputes and did not make a fuss. That, and the fact that this was the Lu family and they were afraid of offending them. Luckily the Lu family was not a family of bullies who would arrogantly brush the matter aside.

    However, Little Cherry tried to walk and they realized that she was more hurt than they thought. Her ankle was swollen and excuriatingly painful.

    When Little Jia saw the red and swollen ankle, she cried. "Daddy, I did not use a lot of strenght. I only kicked her a tiny bit to teach her a lesson. I did not want to hurt her."

    "We should take her to hospital." Wan Jia said. Lu Shaoting''s focus was on something else. "What do you expect from my monster brother''s child? She''s still so little but she is already too strong for her age. She should not fight in future."

    ...

    After taking Little Cherry to hospital, Lu Aotian turned to Little Jia. "Promise Daddy that you will not fight again."

    "Daddy..." Little Jia cried. Did that mean that no matter how ther kids provoked her, she should not fight?

    "Lu Meili..."

    That was the second time he had called her using her full name today. He was truly angry..."Daddy, I promise." She cried.

    Just like that, the party was more or less ruined. Some guests still remained at the Xu estate but the Lu family left.

    At night, Wan Jia coaxed Little Jia to sleep and went to Lu Aotian.

    She massaged his shoulder to relax his muscles. "You were too fierce with Little Jia today, don''t you think?"

    "I wasn''t. I understimated her." How was she a little kid? Just a little strength was able to make another child''s ankle so red and swollen?

    At the same time, in the Lu residence.

    Lu Tongyan was worried about the exact same thing.

    "Such an amount of strength in a little girl...how dangerous will she be in future?" In other families, it was an honor for their children to be strong but in the Lu family, it was more or less a jinx. Lu Aotian had been hard to deal with...

 Chapter 240 - Things were about to go stale

    "But Little Jia promised not to fight again, right?" Lu Shaoting said.

    Lu Tongyan shook his head. "It''s a good thing to be strong in case someone tried to hurt her but she''s still too young and under the family''s protection." She did not need to be strong.

    ...

    In the next few days, Lu Aotian completed the Little girl''s school registration. He and Wan Jia had decided on a good kindergarten not far away from Southside Villa.

    Little Jia was so excited that she literally didn''t sleep the night before. In the morning, she was the first to wake up and knock on her mother''s door. Mommy, mommy hurry up! Little Jia wants to go to school.

    She rushed to Lu Aotian''s room too and knocked. "Daddy, daddy, daddy!"

    Lu Aotian opened the door and was speechless to see his cute princess holding her new little school bag. She was still in her pink pajamas. She grabbed his hand. "Daddy, daddy, Little Jia wants to dress up."

    Lu Aotian did not know what to say. "Let your mommy bathe you, okay?"

    The little girl rushed back to Wan Jia''s door.

    Wan Jia groaned groggily. "It''s so early." I will complain about her to Aotian.

    Still, she got up and bathed her then dressed her in her kindergarten uniform. Her kindergarten uniform was very adorable. Perhaps that was one reason why she was excied to go to school. With the cute pigtails on her head, she looked too lovable and skipped back to Lu Aotian.

    "Daddy, daddy! Little Jia is ready to go now."

    Lu Aotian was helpless. He picked up his princess and kissed her brightly flushed cheeks. "Mommy and daddy have not taken a bath yet. You should eat breakfast first, okay?"

    "Yes Daddy" she skipped downstairs and let her nanny serve her breakfast.

    Less than twenty minutes later. "Mommy, daddy!"

    "..." Well, that was expected.

    Due to their daughter''s burst of nagging, the couple had to freshen up quickly. When they finally got into the car, Little Jia was literally doing a happy dance.Lu Aotian and Wan Jia were speechless. Weren''t kids supposed to be reluctant to go to school? What happened to all the yelling and kicking? The two of them had even come up with ways to calm her down in case she threw a tantrum. Had they racked their brains for nothing?

    When they arrived at the kindergarten, Little Jia couldn''t wait to jump out of the car.

    "Careful! You may get hurt if you jump around." Luckily, Lu Aotian had caught her in time. Other little kids were yelling and screaming for their parents to not leave them.

    On the other hand, Little Jia''s excitement was yet to die down.She found the other kids silly. What was so bad about going to school? Why were they crying as though they were going to be locked up in some unbearable place?

    School was good! If she went to school, she would be a big girl and might even get to play with Tangtang. Of course the second part was the most important.

    Soon, a teacher recognized them and came to take Little Jia to class.

    "Good morning Mr. Lu and Mrs. Lu. This must be Lu Meili."

    "Good morning teacher Gao. We will have to trouble you with our daughter." Wan Jia said.

    Lu Aotian too nodded in greeting.

    "You are too polite Mrs. Lu, it''s an honor to be Lu Meili''s teacher." The female teacher was pleased with Wan Jia''s friendliness. She and the school principal were the only people who knew of Little Jia''s real identity. Knowing that the little girl came from the nation''s top family, she had expected her parents to be quite arrogant and proud.

    Lu Aotian heard her statement and reminded. "You should treat Lu Meili exactly the same way you would treat the other children." It was for this very reason that he chose to keep Little Jia''s identity a secret. No one should ever know which Lu family the little girl came from.

    After a short talk, the teacher finally said something that made the little girl extremely happy. "Mr. Lu, Mrs. Lu, if you don''t mind, I will take Lu Meili to class now.

    When Little Jia heard that, she turned to look at her father with stars in her big beautiful eyes. "Daddy, can Little Jia go to class now?"

    Lu Aotian picked her up and kissed her forehead. "Go ahead. Listen to your teachers, okay? And remember to be nice to other kids. No fighting."

    "Yes Daddy." She nodded.

    "Bye mommy, bye daddy." After leaving loving pecks on her parents'' cheeks and recieving some on her own face, she practically dragged her teacher away.

    Wan Jia smiled. Her precious daughter was growing up. Not only was she going to school now, she was turning four soon. It would not be too long before she grew up into an adorable little adolescent.

    "Let''s go back." Lu Aotian held her hand. He was emotional too.

    As for the little girl, when she peeked back and saw her parents leave, she finally understood why those other children were crying. She hated to be left alone without mommy and daddy. She looked at her parents'' retrieting backs longingly and wanted to cry too....

    However, she was adamant to be a big girl. Tangtang said that only little kids cried all the time. She did not want to be a little kid.Talking of Tangtang, things were not far from going stale. Because...Tangtang was in a different school.

 Chapter 241 - Daddy is the most handsome man on earth

    Once they left Little Jia''s school, Lu Aotian held a meeting with his top five bodyguards.

    "The five or you are in charge of taking care of my daughter. You must protect her but she must never know of your presence."

    If the little girl knew that she was being followed by bodyguards, she might become paranoid. Apart from that reason, the school did not allow bodyguards to follow children around but they had made an exception for Lu Aotian. It would not be too nice for other kids if their classmate kept being openly protected by a whole group pf five.

    The five men agreed in unison. After giving them instructions, they went into hiding and Lu Aotian drove off with Wan Jia.

    ___

    Meanwhile

    In Royal Kindergarten.

    Teacher Gao took Little Jia to class and introduced her to her classmates. "Meet your new classmate, her name is Lu Meili. You should be friendly with her and help her settle in."

    As soon as Little Jia was introduced, several kids offered her a place to sit. That was expected. Children appreciated good looks and Little Jia was quite lovable.

    The little girl scanned around the class and did not see the person she was looking for, so she frowned.

    After being probed by the teacher for a while, she reluctantly went to sit next to a cute little girl.

    Later, when the kids went to play, Little Jia sat on her own with no intention to play with other kids. she dropped her bag on the floor and tears started rolling down her cheeks.

    Soon, the little girl who had sat beside her in class noticed her and went over. "Lu Meili?"

    She saw that Little Jia looked very sad.

    The little girl sat beside Little Jia and looked at her curiously. "Lu Meili, why are you crying?"

    Little Jia remained silent.

    "Are you crying because you miss your mommy? I miss mine too. Don''t worry, everyone here is very friendly. In no time, you will forget that you miss her." Little Jia did not stop crying.

    The little girl took out a candy from her bag and gave it to Little Jia. "Lu Meili, my name is Shen Yue but you can call me Little Yue. I''ll be your friend, okay?"

    Little Jia took the candy and wiped her tears. "Thank you."

    Following that, Little Jia stopped crying and played with Shen Yue. She was still disappointed about not seeing Tangtang but she temporarily forgot about it.

    After school, Lu Aotian went to pick her up quite early. Shen Yue''s parents had not yet arrived.

    Shen Yue was dragged to meet Little Jia''s father. "Daddy, I made a new friend. She is Little Yue."

    "Good girl." He wanted to say hi to Little Jia''s little friend but the latter hid behind Little Jia.

    She was scared of Lu Aotian. "Lu Meili, your daddy is too scary. I''ll wait for my mommy in the playing zone." She ran away.

    Little Jia frowned and jumped into her father''s arms. "Is there something wrong with her eyes? How is my daddy scary?"

    She peered at his face and scanned it then touched it all over as though performing a very delicate experiment."Not scary. Not scary at all. My daddy is very handsome."

    Lu Aotian chuckled. "Really? How handsome?"

    Little Jia nodded with a thousand watt smile. "Uh huh. Daddy is the most handsome man in the world. Even more handsome than Uncle Shaoting."

    Lu Aotian''s heart warmed up. Who taught his little princess how to butter up to people? She obviously wanted something from him. Could it be any more obvious?

    "Does my darling princess want daddy to do something?" He asked.

    Sure enough, the little girl hid her face in his neck. "Daddy..."

    "What is it princess?"

    "Why did I not see Tangtang today?"

    So it was about Tangtang. As expected, she prefered to be near kids she was already familiar with. He answered her, "That''s because Tangtang is not in your school."

    The little girl looked sad. "Why? Daddy, I want to be in Tangtang''s school."

    "Tangtang is in a primary school."

    "But I want to be in Tangtang''s school." She blinked her eyes that were already wet.

    Lu Aotian was at a loss. "Princess, you will. But that is only after two years when you are old enough, okay?"

    "It''s not okay!" She sobbed.

    Lu Aotian rubbed her back. "What can you do about it?"

    "Daddy can take me to Tangtang''s school, right?"

    "I can." The little girl was about to jump up in happiness but he spoke again. "Two years later."

    She frowned and looked at her father. "Does daddy even still love me? What happened to ''daddy loves Little Jia the most''?"

    His daughter was getting better at guilt-tripping people.

    "Daddy still loves Little Jia the most. That''s why today, we are going to pick Mommy up from work."

    "Eh? Picking mommy up? Daddy still loves me!"

    Well, he was getting ever better at distracting people.

    ...

    In no time, they had arrived at Elite Fashion World.

    Lu Aotian got out of the car and carried his daughter out.

    "Huh? Is that President Lu?" The employees started gossiping.

    "Who is the little girl in President Lu''s arms?"

    "Is it just me or does that little girl look every inch of designer Wan? Don''t tell me they already have a child together?"

    £¬

 Chapter 242 - Unnamed

    "Is it just me or does that little girl look every inch of designer Wan? Don''t tell me they already have a child together, and she is already so big?"

    "That''s not the main point. The main point is that little girl is so cute. Not only is she too pretty, she seems to have been spoiled silly by our President Lu. Just look at how she clings onto his neck." That opened a long discussion of employees literally worshipping the President''s daughter''s beauty.

    Someone bravely speculated. "I knew my President Lu would never stop loving his mysterious ex wife. It must have been our goddess. That little girl is solid proof. What happened between them anyway?"

    "What does that prove? Perhaps they accidentally had a child and she only told him later? Such cases happen more often than yiu drink water. She might have as well hidden the girl away to use her to get into the Lu family. Any woman would do that."

    "Our President Lu would never mess around with women he is not serious about. And my goddess is not that type of scheming woman either. They are truly in love with each other."

    "How sure can you be? Rich men are quite..."

    "Hey! Don''t say that about my president. He''s not that type of person." The woman was Lu Aotian''s die hard fan and would never tolerate anyone talking ill of him. "Where do you think the girl would appear from? It''s obvious that they were married before and had her. The girl should be about four years old. It is quite in line with the time of his divorce, can''t you see?"

    "Who said it has to be the President''s daughter? Perhaps she is Wan Jia''s illegitimate daughter?"

    "Are you an idiot? She called him ''daddy'' just now."

    "Do you guys want to die? President Lu''s ex wife is a taboo topic. You lot must really be tired of your lives."

    If Lu Aotian were to hear his employees'' speculations, he would have to admit that they were too imaginative.

    ...

    Wan Jia was pleasantly surprised when she heard that pair of familiar footsteps. She smiled as soon as the door opened. "President Lu missed me so much?" Then she mumbled. "Look at how beautiful I am. It would be a surprise if you didn''t miss me."

    "I did." He smiled and walked in with Little Jia in his arms. Little Jia''s school bag was dangling on his other hand.

    "You came with my baby!" Wan Jia was overjoyed.

    Lu Aotian remained silent. Little Jia had instantly stolen his limelight.

    "Baby, how was your first day of school? Was it fun? Did you make any friends yet?"

    Lu Aotian let the little girl down and she ran into Wan Jia''s arms. "Mommy!

    Mommy, school was very fun." Of course if Tangtang was there, it would be much more fun.

    "Mommy, little Jia made a new friend. Her name is Little Yue."

    Wan Jia patted her head. "Very good. If you have many friends, school will not be too boring anymore. Baby, what did you learn today?"

    Little Jia whipped out something from her school bag and showed it to her. It was the test they had done today.

    When Wan Jia saw the incredibly ugly letters: "..."

    Well, she was only almost four and this was already considered very good for her age.

    Closing one eye to the horendous letters, there was a bright ''100 points'' against her chaotic work. Wan Jia couldn''t help but smile proudly. It was only the first day but her baby had already scored full marks in her class test.

    "You scored full marks! Mommy will make you a cake today." She looked at Lu Aotian as though seeking permission.

    Lu Aotian gave her a look that said: I know you are the one who wants to eat a cake. This is just an excuse.

    "Aotian..." she drew out his name cutely and blinked at him with her innocent eyes.

    The man would never resist those eyes. "Just this once."

    "Yay! I want a strawberry cake."

    Lu Aotian was wondering how come his daughter didn''t show him her test results. Was it because she was going on and on about Tangtang?

    "My princess is very clever. As expected of kids from the Lu family." He hugged the little girl with a warm smile.

    ...

    The next day, Little Jia carried a piece of the strawberry cake in a lunchbox. It was for Shen Yue, the little friend she had made the day before. She had given her candy, so she should give her something too.

    "Little Yue, I brought you a present." She presented the lunchbox to Shen Yue shyly, as though afraid the girl woud reject it.

    "Thank you." Shen Yue and Little Jia exchanged smiles.

 Chapter 243 - Werent they each others favourite sibling?

    Shen Yue gave something to Little Jia.

    "What''s this?" Little Jia asked.

    "A tiramisu. It''s for you." Shen Yue said with a smile.

    "Thank you Little Yue, I love tiramisu." Shen Yue had told her parents about her new little friend too and had brought her a gift.

    The little girls ate their exchanged gifts happily.

    Shen Yue noticed a beautiful bracelet on Little Jia''s wrist. "Lu Meili, your bracelet is very cute. Did your mommy buy it for you?"

    Little Jia touched her bracelet. "My daddy gave it to me. If anything happens to me, I should give it to those uniformed people called police." It had Lu Aotian''s contact number engraved in it. "Little Yue, you can call me Little Jia. It''s my nickname."

    "Little Jia? Like Wan Jia?" Shen Yue was surprised.

    Little Jia was even more surprised. "You know Wan Jia?"

    "Uh huh. That''s my Mommy''s favourite designer. She says that Wan Jia is still new but her designs are all very beautiful."

    Little Jia smiled proudly. Her mommy was very famous. "Have you ever seen Wan Jia?"

    "I haven''t. But my mommy says that she is very beautiful. Just like a goddess."

    Little Jia smiled even wider. Of course her mommy was a goddess.

    ___

    Meanwhile,

    Yun Jifeng rushed to his father''s study room. "Father, I found out something very interesting."

    "Speak."

    "That woman has a daughter."

    "What woman? Can you speak clearly?"

    "Wan Jia."

    "What did you say?"

    "They enrolled her into Royal Kindergarten yesterday. Tsk, I didn''t know Lu Aotian would be such a loser. Taking care of another man''s daughter?"

    General Yun looked at his son with wide eyes. "She is not Lu Aotian''s daughter?"

    Yun Jifeng sneered. "How can that be? She just turned three. Following the timeline, She was concieved when Wan Jia was overseas. There''s no way she is Lu Aotian''s child."

    General Yun slammed his fist on the table. "Then why did you tell me about it? If she is not Lu Aotian''s child, she''s useless. I wouldn''t gain anything even if I lay a finger on that little thing. If only she was that man''s daughter..."

    What they did not know was that, as a measure to protect Little Jia from all conflicts related to him, Lu Aotian had deliberately faked Little Jia''s age.

    For the past few days, he had noticed someone following him and deliberately let that person find out about Little Jia. In the end, they really fell into his trap of thinking that the little girl is Wan Jia''s illegitimate daughter.

    Aside from falling head first into Lu Aotian''s trap, Yun Jifeng would never know just how careless they were this time. Yun Xuan was right outside the door. She had seen Yun Jifeng and followed him to talk about something but walked into this instead.

    She continued evesdropping.

    Yun Jifeng''s voice filled the study room again. "The main point is this: that woman and your beloved daughter Xuanxuan were friends."

    "What are you driving at?" General Yun probed.

    Yun Jifeng''s mouth twitched. "She never mentioned a word of it. That, and the fact that she''s acting really weird lately. Father, your dear daugher may be going against us. Do you think she knows something?"

    Yun Xuan who was outside almost gasped. Yun Jifeng''s voice sounded scary. Wait, does he think she knows something? That means...there is something she shouldn''t know?

    Inside, General Yun glared at his son. "I don''t care what you think but if you touch a single hair on my daughter''s head...!"

    Yun Jifeng laughed. "What are you worried about? She''s my sister too, okay? I wouldn''t hurt her."...yet. He had a strong feeling that there was more to Yun Xuan''s current attitude than meets the eye.

    Outside, Yun Xuan''s face was pale. She walked away but stumbled a few steps ahead and it was too late to stop herself from yelling. It ended up as a muffled shout.

    "What was that?" Yun Jifeng was startled. Then he saw the door. "I closed the door behind me when I came in. How come it''s slightly open?"

    He walked out and saw no one on the corridor. He lifted an eyebrow and walked ahead.

    When she no longer heard any footstep, she slowly opened the door. At the most crucial moment, her eldest brother, Yun Shan, had pulled her into his room.

    "He''s gone. Thank you."

    Yun Xuan couldn''t help but laugh at herself. Previously she trusted Yun Jifeng more than she trusted herself. Since when did she trust her eldest brother?

    "You''re my sister. You don''t have to thank me. Luckily I was here. What''s happening between the both of you anyway? Why would you look so panicked that he will see you?" Weren''t they each other''s favourite sibling?

    Yun Xuan bit her lip. "Can I not tell you?"

    "You don''t have to tell me." Yun Shan said. He had never cared about family matters anyway.

 Chapter 244 - Your man cant protect you?

    Yun Xuan went to her room and locked the door. Her intuition was right. Yun Jifeng was indeed hiding something. They seemed to be against Lu Aotian and from what she heard, she was at least fifty percent sure that they were the ones on the attacking side. What she was shocked about was that her father seemed to know about it. What were the both of them up to? Perhaps...it was time to really find out.

    She ordered some things online, had them delivered at her studio and left the house.

    After picking her delivery, she entered her car and went to Lu Enterprises. When she was a street away, she went into a hotel, changed into the Wan Jia version of herself and entered the building with "Lu Enterprises" engraved on it.

    In the lobby, she answered the greetings with a nod and waited. She was not sure which one was Lu Aotian''s personal elevator.

    She waited for a while to see the elevator that no one would use.

    The beautiful ladies at the reception found it a little strange that the lady boss was not going to the President''s office.

    "What''s the lady boss doing?" one of them whispered to another.

    "I don''t know either. Perhaps she is waiting for President Lu?"

    "Perhaps she is inspecting the company on behalf of President Lu."

    Although they were puzzled, they were afraid of bothering the lady boss and did not dare to go up to her.

    One lady looked at Yun Xuan and squinted her eyes. "Strange..."

    "What is?"

    "This woman...she..."

    Yun Xuan entered the President''s elevator before she completed her statement.

    Her colleague was waiting. "Is there something wrong?"

    She shook her head. "It''s nothing. I was just thinking that her face and figure look different today. I was almost sure she is not our lady boss but when I saw her successfuly enter President Lu''s elevator I dismissed it."

    That woman was quite attentive.

    ...

    A short while ago, in Lu Aotian''s office.

    Lu Aotian was going through some contracts when a small part of the floor of his office slid open. Out of it came a metallic figure. It peered around and when its scanning eyes only spotted Lu Aotian, the robot climbed out and marched metallically to him.

    "Master, master, intruder." It was ready to summon its fellow robots to protect their master.

    Lu Aotian turned the robot and opened a section of its back to reveal a screen. He saw someone disguised as Wan Jia walking towards his private elevator.

    "Tsk, Yun Xuan." He switched off the identification system. For her to go through all that risk and trouble, it couldn''t be so simple.

    From the screen on the robot''s back, he saw that she was going straight to his office.

    "Master, Miss Yun Xuan is currently twenty steps away from your office." the robot reported.

    "Master..."

    Lu Aotian shooed it away. If not, it would report every three steps of Yun Xuan.

    ...

    "What are you doing here?" Lu Aotian asked coldly when she reached his office.

    Yun Xuan might have looked brave doing all this but in truth, she was shaking so much that she almost peed her pants. This was the riskiest thing she had ever done in her life.

    "President Lu, I''m sorry that I had to do this."

    "Speak."

    She clenched her palms into fists to calm down the extreme fear she was feeling. "I can tell you something very important about by brother."

    Lu Aotian''s mouth twitched. "What makes you think I''m interested?"

    Yun Xuan swallowed hard. She had expected this. She racked her brains for a while. Was there something wrong with her? What made her think Lu Aotian would need her help?

    She threw her pride aside. "President Lu, I need your help. I found out something about my brother that I shouldn''t have and I feel my life is in danger."

    Lu Aotian scoffed. For the first time, he spoke many words to her at once. "Your man can''t take care of you? Do you know that disguising as another woman and seeking her man is pathetic?"

    Yun Xuan felt ashamed of herself. It''s not that she didn''t trust Tyler, but with matters regarding her brother, she truly didn''t trust him. She would rather seek her father''s sworn enemy instead. "I''m sorry I..." she sighed. "If he knew of Old Two''s crimes, what if he had my brother arrested?"

    Lu Aotian did not have the right word to call this situation. She thought Tyler would have her brother arrested but didn''t think he would do the same or even worse, kill him?

    Yun Xuan grew restless when he did not talk for a while. She felt incredibly silly. She knew how stupid she was. She truly only wanted to be safe. Was it so hard? "You don''t know his fake name, do you?"

    Lu Aotian raised his head and swung his chair. "Thirty, see miss Yun out."

    The part of the floor from earlier rolled open and the robot that had reported of Yun Xuan''s intrusion marched out.

    "The next time she sneaks into Lu Enterprises or any of its subsidiaries, beat her up." he added.

    "Why do you hate me so much?" Yun Xuan suddenly spoke. "If anything, you have me to thank for..."

    "Thirty, hurry up."

    "Yes master." the robot lifted Yun Xuan quite embarassingly and walked out in its metallic steps.

 Chapter 245 - Refreshing his eyes

    "Yes master." the robot lifted Yun Xuan quite embarassingly and walked out in its metallic steps.

    As soon as Yun Xuan was thrown out, Lu Aotian made a video call.

    Wan Jia picked it up as soon as it went through. "Although I''m too pretty, you don''t have to miss me this soon, do you? We had a chat less than an hour ago." she teased with a smile.

    "My love, I just saw something extremely disgusting. I want to see your beautiful face to refresh my eyes." he said.

    "Acting spoilt now, huh?" Wan Jia poked his face on her screen. "What did you see?"

    "Something too disgusting for your precious eyes and ears." He saw a stack of contracts on her desk. "Are you very busy?If so, You should go back to work."

    Wan Jia glanced at the mountain of documents on his desk. "You''re a thousand times busier than me. Besides, I wouldn''t get in trouble even if I failed to do my work. I''m the President''s woman." she had a proud expression on her face.

    Lu Aotian''s heart warmed when he heard that beautiful sounding ''the President''s woman''. "Who would give me trouble for not completing my work? I''m the president."

    "I would. President Lu, get back to work, okay?"

    "Designer Wan, are you trying to bully your husband?"

    "Be good." she touched the screen, as though caressing his face.

    "I''ll only go if I get a kiss." he finally relented.Wan Jia blew him a kiss. Only after several others did he let her hung up.

    ...

    Lu Aotian was not the only one who needed to refresh his eyes after seeing ''something extremely disgusting''.

    His younger brother, Lu Shaoting was breathing fire in the office of the Vice President. A very beautiful secretary stood in front of him with her head lowered. Her whole body was shaking as though she had been transmigrated into winter. Tears lingered on her eyelids but she did not dare to let them fall."Vice President Lu, I''m sorry. I will not do it again." she cried.

    Lu Shaoting only had one word for her. "Resign!"

    This beautiful secretary had been trying to seduce him for the past days. She wore revealing clothes on purpose and deliberately leaned closer to him when giving reports. Initially, he had decided to not pay her any attention but today she had crossed the line.

    How dare she bravely kiss his face?! The audacity of this woman! Was he so friendly-looking that women thought they could play around with him as they pleased?

    The woman knew that she had really upset him. If she insisted on persuading him to let her off, this matter might end up being dealt with by the president. If that happened, she might as well forget about ever finding a job in the country.

    In the shortest time possible, she filled her resignation form and brought it back for Lu Shaoting to sign. After Lu Shaoting approved her resignation, she made a brave move. After all, she had already lost the job she had worked so hard for. It couldn''t get any worse.

    She raised her head and looked at the angry Lu Shaoting. "Vice President Lu, I know I used shameless means to get close to you...but I''m not a bad person. I''m not a scheming woman who only wants to use you for your power, I truly love you. I..." she couldn''t say anything else. She walked out.

    In the office, Lu Shaoting''s expression turned worse. You''re not a bad person but you want to seduce someone else''s man?

    Wait, that was not right. Su Ling was not his woman yet. Only he knew that he could only be Su Ling''s man. It was actually not all that weird that women still thought he did not have an eye for any woman.

    Speaking of which, why were his brother''s admirers so reasonable? He had bunches of them but he rarely ever encountered such instances. Was it because he was too scary-looking?

    He whipped out his phone and dialled a contact number.

    The call got hung up. He frowned and called again. When it got hung up for the third time, he took his car keys and left for Elite Fashion World. He only wanted to speak to her and feel better after encountering a bad sight. Did it have to be so difficult? Tsk, perhaps Su Ling was the only person on the whole world who would dare to treat him this way.

    Exploding in anger, he arrived at Elite Fashion World and walked with large strides into Wan Jia''s office.

    "Vice President Lu, are you here for inspection?" Wan Jia asked when she saw him.

    "Yeah." Inspecting a certain someone''s pants.

    Su Ling hurriedly gathered some paperwork. "Boss, if there''s nothing else, I''ll take this to the manager."

    Lu Shaoting frowned. She was running away from him? He had left his work to look for her and all he got was being evaded so sharply?

 Chapter 246 - Drug him

    He glared at Su Ling and turned to Wan Jia.

    "Sister-in-law, can I speak to your assistant for a while?"

    Su Ling shook her head at Wan Jia. Lu Shaoting saw that and intensified his glare. Without waiting for Wan Jia''s answer, he pulled Su Ling out.

    Wan Jia held in her laughter. She would have really loved it if she could follow them and take videos of their love story. Why did they have to make it so adventurous?

    ...

    Lu Shaoting draggged Su Ling into Emerald Grand Hotel and booked a presidential suite. He dragged her all the way into the suite.

    Behind them, the staff had their jaws on the floor.

    Their Vice President Lu....and a woman?! This had to he inscribed in the books of history!

    "What do you want?" Su Ling asked as soon as the door was locked. She had asked that question countless times in the car and was only met with silence. What was this man up to?

    "What do I want? You still have the audacity to ask that?"

    Su Ling shrugged off his hand. "Let me go."

    Lu Shaoting tightened his grip on her wrist. "For how long do you want to pretend?" She obviously liked him. Why was she still pretending to not want anything to do with him?

    Su Ling looked aside. "I don''t want to get in trouble with your woman."

    "What woman? I already told you...."

    "She came to find me." she said.

    "I already told you, you are the only woman I like. What did you say?"

    Su Ling remained silent.

    "Speak up. What woman sought you?" She still did not speak. Her guts were too thick.

    He frowned. "We are here already. Why do you still want to act?"

    "Who told you I want to be here?" She retorted.

    He smirked his lips. "Then I''ll keep you here until you want to be here." He dragged her to the bed and pulled off his tie, intending to tie her up.

    "Lu Shaoting! This is illegal!" She shouted.

    The man looked into her eyes. "Really? Then I''ll do something even more illegal." He held her chin and kissed her lips deeply. Wanting to explore more, he reached for her blouse.

    Su Ling was scared and kicked him instinctively.

    As soon as the kick landed, she looked at him worriedly. She had just acted in a moment of fear. What he just said about doing something even more illegal really made her imagination run wild. Would he be angry?

    In actual fact, she did not wish to be rude to him. She loved him very much. It was just that if she went ahead and became his woman, that Yan Xue might really send him her past medical records. Would Lu Shaoting really tolerate a woman like her? Who knew? Perhaps he was under the impression that since she was currently single, she might as well be some chaste girl.

    Lu Shaoting looked at her coldly. Keep acting! He turned on his heel and left, banging the door behind him.

    In his car, he made a decision. He had been going against his father all this while for Su Ling, but that woman only pretended not to like him and treated him with so much spite. Did he deserve such treatment?

    His path to love had never been simple. Perhaps love was not meant for him?

    The decision he made was to try dating Yan Xue. Who knows, perhaps he might like her or even,after a while, love her?

    He took out his phone and called her.

    "Shaoting?" The voice sounded obviously surprised. Yan Xue would never even in her wildest dreams think of being called by Lu Shaoting. Yet today, he did it on his own accord? Of course she would be surprised.

    "Do you have plans this evening?" He asked.

    Yan Xue felt her heart get striken by lightning. She had made plans with her girlfriends this evening.

    Whatever! They are not as important as Shaoting. "I don''t. Do you need me for something?" She had used all her power to remain calm.

    Lu Shaoting''s charming voice came through her ear. "Let''s have dinner this evening. I''ll send you the adress. Forget it, I''ll pick you up."

    Yan Xue was overjoyed and swallowed hard. "Okay."

    As long as the call was hung up, she let out a squeel and looked for her sister.

    "Sis, can you see anything different about me?"

    Her sister looked at her. "Aside from your hair looking too messy?"

    Yan Xue frowned. "You''re too mean. Forget my hair. I''ll get it done right now. Lu Shaoting asked me out!"

    "What?"

    "I was shocked too! He must be developping feelings for me! Didn''t I tell you?"

    Her sister looked at her like she was an idiot of sorts. "You are too delusional. That man has obviously been jilted by that woman. He''s only using you as a replacement. If not, he''s trying to make her jealous."

    Yan Xue felt sad when she heard that. "So I shouldn''t go?"

    Her sister gave an evil smile. "You should go, but you have to make your position permanent. If that woman wants to crawl back to him later, she will not be able to."

    She had to admit that her sister had a point. "How can I make that possible?"

    Her sister enunciated every word clearly. "Drug him."

 Chapter 247 - Why was he still comparing them?

    "What?"

    What did her sister just say? Drug Lu Shaoting?

    Her sister rolled her eyes at her. "Are you an idiot? That''s something you should have done on your first date."

    "With sleeping pills?" Yan Xue asked. Perhaps her sister meant that she should make him fall asleep and pretend that they had done something together?

    "With aphrodisiac."

    "..."

    "You have to make it several times stronger so that he can lose consciousness after one or two sips. Men from the Lu family are too attentive. He might realize what you did immediately after tasting it. "

    "What if he doesn''t realize and drinks all of it? Wouldn''t it hurt him?" Although she liked the idea of sleeping with him, she also cared about his safety and didn''t want to hurt him.

    Her sister really thought she was stupid. "He wouldn''t. Even if he didn''t find out, you can always stop him."

    Yan Xue shivered. She never would have known that her sister was so scary. She was suddenly curious..."Sis, did you drug Lu Aotian when you went on a blind date with him years ago?"

    Her sister frowned at the question. "That one is a special case. I put in twice the amount I should and that man drank all of it arrogantly before saying, ''aphrodisiacs don''t work on me''. He''s a monster."

    Yan Xue was even more depressed. If her sister had tried the same thing on Lu Aotian, he might have told his younger brother about it. Wouldn''t Lu Shaoting be wary of such a trick then?

    "Why do you look sad? All you have to do is wear something sexy. When the time comes, Lu Shaoting won''t wait to drag you into his bed. Perhaps you will not have to drug him. He might even want to do you in his car. You''re very beautiful after all." She felt that although it was a pity she couldn''t marry Lu Aotian, her sister marrying Lu Shaoting wouldn''t be too bad.

    Although she felt her sister''s advice was shameless, Yan Xue listened to her and went to have her hair done. After hours of make up and styling, she finally stepped out in a maroon dress. It was off shoulder and exposed her shoulders and part of her breasts, as well as a large section of her thighs thanks to its short lenght. Only one word came to her mind when she looked at her reflection in the mirror- seductive.

    Not minding the discomfort she was recieving from her showy dress and thick makeup, she walked out of the house with Lu Shaoting when he arrived.

    When he started driving, she noticed that he gazed at her chest for a second and she blushed. Her sister was right! He was a man after all. He couldn''t resist the temptation of beauty. She adjusted her sitting position a little to ''accidentally'' give him a better view.

    If she were a little more attentive, however, she would have noticed that the expression on his face for that one second was neither admiration nor lust. It was disgust.

    That was right. He felt repulsed.

    Unconciously, he had compared her showy look to Su Ling''s showy look. He felt that Su Ling could look seductive even without trying hard. That was mainly because he liked her and would find her pretty in anything. Yan Xue on the other hand, had dressed up like a temptress on purpose. Although she was very beautiful and had a very tempting body, the dress she was wearing did not suit her. She was more suited to duller colors and lighter make up. Not only did the thick makeup make her look very fake, her strong perfume disgusted him. It was nothing like Su Ling''s sweet jasmine scent...

    Amid his train of comparison, they arrived at the restaurant.

    They walked into the private room he had booked. He was not in the mood to talk about anything and simply passed her the menu.

    He had given up on Su Ling already. Why was it that he kept comparing Yan Xue to that woman? He was even comparing the way they held the menu!

    Yan Xue ordered a few meals and a bottle of wine. When the meal was served, she felt for her purse. Inside was the drug she had been given by her sister. She had to distract him...

    She had the best idea. Her phone was inside her purse but luckily she had not taken it out.

    She waited for Lu Shaoting to pour himself a glass of wine before she looked at him innocently. "Shaoting, I forgot to give a call to my sister. I can''t see my phone, I must have dropped it on the car seat. Do you mind helping me get it?"

    Lu Shaoting frowned. "You can use mine."

    She shook her head quickly. "My sister may not recieve a foreign call."

    Although he felt something was strange, he still went to bring her phone.

    Yan Xue switched off her phone and put it back in her purse. Then she quickly took out the pills, dropped them in his wine and sat back down innocently. The pills should dissolve very fast. Luckily she had bought herself enough time because he would try to look for her phone.

    A few minutes later, he came back. She spoke before he did. "Shaoting, I''m sorry for having troubled you. I found my phone just now. It was in my purse. I''m really sorry."

    £¬

 Chapter 248 - Does it not suit your taste?

    Luckily she had immediately saved herself of potential trouble. If not, Lu Shaoting would have told her that he had just tracked her phone and it was in the restaurant.

    Since she had found it, Lu Shaoting didn''t think too much about it and sat down. He was not sure whether it was just his imagination or he had seen a look of relief in her eyes when he did not probe further.

    And why did it feel like she was looking at him differently since he came back?

    Noticing his gaze, she picked her wineglass, holding the stem delicately and took a sip. "This wine tastes so refreshing. You should have a taste."

    Lu Shaoting took a sip and frowned.

    "What is it?" She pretended to be concerned. "Does it not suit your taste? I''m sorry for not asking before ordering my favourite brand. I''ll change it now." She reached for the menu to check other brands.

    Lu Shaoting stopped her. "It tastes different from how I remember it."

    She smiled innocently. "Perhaps you forgot the taste? You should confirm it."

    Afraid that he wouldn''t drink it again, she stood up, held the wineglass against his lips in a romantic gesture and made him drink it. She even took a sip of it herself to eliminate any suspiscions about her adding something. If they were both under aphrodisiac, it would be even more fun, right?

    To her relief, Lu Shaoting''s suspiscions semeed to have died down as he took yet another sip and continued eating his food. What amazed her the most was that he did not push her away when she put the wineglass against his lips. Could it be that he found her too attractive to push her away?

    Having made Lu Shaoting drink the wine, she was worried about something else. Her sister had said that this particular drug acted very fast and he would have a reaction within twenty minutes.

    She sat back down and while he ate, she secretly used her phone to book a room in the hotel across the road. She was a VIP member there and only needed to send a message for a suite to be provided.

    Within the next few minutes, she saw that his gaze had started changing. He was taking longer peeks at her and his eyes looked quite passionate...

    It was almost time. She pursed her lips and looked at him seductively. "Shaoting, are you tired? Do you want to rest?"

    She grabbed his hand and smiled charmingly. No man would ever resist this, much less one that had been strongly drugged.

    Lu Shaoting pulled her close to him. Thanks to the strong aphrodisiac, his eyesight was no longer very clear. All he knew was that there was a woman next to him and she was wearing a red dress. In his eyes, that was Su Ling.

    Yan Xue knew from his gesture that he was no longer aware of his actions. She pulled herself even closer to him and whispered in his ear. "Shaoting, let''s go to the hotel across the road. We can spend the night there." She had started feeling the effects of the drug too and she didn''t want to suddenly lose control and do it here.

    Lu Shaoting frowned a little. Why did Su Ling smell different? He touched her and she felt different as well. However, the effect of the drug overrode his rationality and he did not push her away. His mind still strongly believed that the woman next to him was Su Ling.

    As a result, he neither agreed to Yan Xue''s suggestion nor refused.

    She took his silence for consent and took her purse and phone. It was his treat so she did not pay the bill. She felt it would hurt his pride. Naturally, it was put on his name.

    Luckily, his steps were still firm so she only had to support him a little.

    Once in the hotel room, she pushed him onto the bed and started pondering whether to help him out of his clothes.

    It was going to be her fist time after all and she was not sure what to do. All that mattered to her was that she was giving her first time to the man she had loved for years.

    Gathering her courage, she took off her dress and climbed onto him.

    "Ling..." he mumbled.

    "What?" Yan Xue did not hear him clearly and probed.

    When he did not speak again for a while, she leaned in and gathered her courage to caress his face. Being very close to him, she was feeling more excited and wanted to be with him sooner. She quickly helped him out of his clothes, unaware that the man was only happy because he had mistaken her for another woman.

    However, as soon as their lips touched, Lu Shaoting was startled. He had kissed Su Ling today and her lips did not taste this way!

    He suddenly pushed the woman off him. A little clear headed from the kiss, he stumbled into the bathroom.

    Yan Xue was a little clear-headed too from being pushed away.

    Why did he push her? He was already muddle headed. She was already half-naked. Did he not find her sexy enough? What happened to being so excited that he wouldn''t wait to pin her down and have her?

    She could not accept this outcome.

 Chapter 249 - That idiot hit and ran?

    What happened to being so excited that he wouldn''t wait to pin her down and have her?

    She could not accept this outcome.

    By the time Lu Shaoting was done showering, the effect of the drug on her was so strong that she was weak. She vaguely saw him come out in a towel, take his clothes and dress up speedily. She only reacted when she saw him leave.

    "Shaoting, don''t go."

    Lu Shaoting had taken a cold bath and he was sober now. This Yan Xue! No wonder everything about her was strange today. He was so angry that he did not let out a single peep. He would kill her if he let his anger out.

    She saw that he was almost at the door and rushed to grab his arm. "Shaoting..." her vision was more or less fading.

    Lu Shaoting wanted to stuff her into the bathroom for a cold shower but he changed his mind. She wanted to be under the effect of an aphrodisiac, didn''t she? He would let her enjoy that effect.

    He shrugged off her delicate hands and walked out. For a moment, Yan Xue forgot that she was only wearing her underclothes. She reached out the door and grabbed his arm.

    "Pretty, what is it?" The man asked.

    "Stay with me. Just for tonight, okay?" Her voice was now very thin and pitiful. She didn''t care if Lu Shaoting didn''t love her. As long as she got to be with him once, perhaps she might forget about him.

    The man smirked. How many men could resist beautiful women clinging onto them and literally begging them to stay? Besides, he seemed to know this woman: Yan Xue from the Yan family.

    Wordlessly, he entered the room and carried her to bed.

    ...

    The next morning, Yan Xue had a headache when she woke up.

    She groaned. It was just one sip of wine. How did she get so drunk?

    Then she recalled. She had drugged it. Where the heck did her sister buy such a strong drug? Just a single sip and down she went?

    Her whole body ached. Even worse, she felt as though she had been torn apart down there. That was right...she had done it with Shaoting! A smile appeared on her face. It hurt a lot but since she had done it with the man she loved, the pain was worth it.

    Besides, Lu Shaoting had taken her innocence. He would have to take responsibility and marry her, right?

    Where was he anyway?

    "Shaoting?"

    She was met with silence.

    With much difficulty, she got out of bed. She felt something under her foot as soon as it touched the floor. She bent down to pick it.

    A note? She smiled shyly. So Lu Shaoting was the romantic type too.

    She unfolded it and there was a string of digits inscribed. It seemed to be a contact number.

    She frowned. Why would Lu Shaoting leave a foreign contact number?

    ___

    At the same time,

    The ''romantic'' Lu Shaoting was having breakfast with his best friend.

    After hearing what happened the previous night from Lu Shaoting, Xu Liaowen did not have the right words to describe his friend.

    "Shaoting, did the Lu family''s genetic lottery give all the intelligence to your elder brother? I just don''t understand how you are so stupid. You should get your head checked. Perhaps there''s no brain inside?"

    He was not just stupid. He was a fool. He claimed to want to be with Su Ling, but he kept treating her like a bully and he was now even getting close to other women? Even worse, it had to be a woman who claimed to have loved him since their childhood. Was there something wrong with his friend''s brain?

    "I admit that was a stupid move. If I had been just a tiny bit more careless, I would have slept with that woman." Even he did not understand what he was thinking when he asked Yan Xue out. But he didn''t know what to do with Su Ling either. If that woman stopped trying to keep a distance from him, he would be very happy.

    ...

    Yan Xue took a bath and when she was sure Lu Shaoting was not coming back, she dressed up and went home.

    She tried to call Lu Shaoting severally but her calls didn''t go through. She placed her phone on the coffee table and went into her room.

    Although she was worried, she was still excited about having spent the night with Lu Shaoting.

    "Sis?" The door to her room opened and her sister walked in.

    "Beauty Xue, are you going to tell me what happened last night or not? You did not come back home."

    Yan Xue blushed. "Shaoting and I..."

    Her sister understood even without having to wait for her to complete her statement.

    Yan Xue thought about something. "But sis, I''m worried. He was gone when I woke up and I can''t get through to him."

    Her sister narrowed her eyes. "Did that idiot hit and run?" She took her own phone and dialled Lu Shaoting''s contact number. It went through.

    She smirked coldly. "That b*stard blocked you."

    "What?" Yan Xue''s voice shook as she asked.

    "Did you guys use protection? You shouldn''t get pregnant by a man who doesn''t want to take responsibility for you."

    Yan Xue shook her head. "I''m not too sure about that." She was not clear-headed herself.

 Chapter 250 - I will think you dont love me

    "You should swallow plan B pills." Her sister said. Even if Yan Xue got pregnant with Lu Shaoting''s baby, the man might deny it. Men who shunned responsibility after sleeping with women were too dangerous.

    "I don''t want to." Yan Xue said.

    According to her, she wouldn''t mind if Lu Shaoting did not acknowledge his child. She would still happily take care of it on her own because it would be the only sign of love between her and Lu Shaoting.

    "You want to trap him with a child? Do you know that even if he married you just because of it, you will never be happy in your marriage?"

    Yan Xue was stubborn. "If I marry the man I love, what''s there to be unhappy about?" Of course, being Lu Shaoting''s wife would be the best possible outcome.

    Her sister did not know what to say. Fine, you want to play with fire? Go right ahead.

    ___

    After being sent away by Lu Aotian, Yun Xuan decided to do everything on her own. No matter what, she would not involve Tyler.

    She stayed at home most of the time just to observe Yun Jifeng and her father.

    After a few days, she was very disappointed because she had not gathered anything new. On the contrary, Yun Jifeng seemed to be wary of her.

    That friday, for example, she asked him out the next day but for the first time in her life, Yun Jifeng turned her down in the name of being busy. She tried to make plans for the next weekend but that too was avoided cleverly by him. It was obvious that he was trying to keep his distance.

    On another note, Yun Jifeng was not the only one keeping his distance from her.

    Yun Xuan was not sure whether it was just in her own imagination but Tyler seemed to be paying less attention to her.

    In the past, he would find excuses to talk to her even when he was very busy. Lately, however, he was spending more time on his work and he seemed to be giving excuses every time she wanted to spend more time with him.

    Today, he was coding something and she walked right into the study room, snatched his laptop and slammed it shut.

    "Yun Xuan!"

    She sat on his lap and kissed his lips. "Don''t you think you are too busy for me lately?"

    Tyler held her waist and looked into her eyes. There was a hint of guilt that she did not notice in his dark pupils. "Why would I be too busy for you? I''ll always create time for you no matter how busy I am."

    Yun Xuan held his neck with her delicate hands and whined. "Really? But since you came back from country V last week, I can count the hours we have spent together using my fingers."

    "I''m sorry." He said. He had no excuse to explain the fact that he had been paying too much attention trying to set traps for his prey to fall into. That man seemed to be too attentive and evaded all of them. How regretful. If he worked together with Lu Aotian and Wan Jia, it would be much easier.

    "What are you thinking about?" She bit his lip. "Are you thinking about other women while I kiss you?"

    He winced in the sudden pain. " You''re too pretty. How could I still think about other women? I''m thinking about how much I want you." His arms tightened around her waist.

    He deepened the kiss and hugged her tightly.

    ...

    Yun Xuan lay on his bare chest as she tried to catch her breath.

    "Honey..."

    "Mmh"

    "I know someone who can register our marriage without the household register."

    As soon as her voice fell, she felt something.

    What was that? Did Tyler''s heartbeat just quicken?

    She knew that person a long time ago. She just didn''t want to use those means before trying to get hold of that household register.

    Lately, she started feeling paranoid and was afraid that she might lose Tyler. She wanted to get married as soon as possible.

    Tyler could not let his fear show on his face. "Then, darling, let''s get married soon." he said. Only he knew how difficult it was to say that.

    Initially, he had truly only used Yun Xuan to get close to her family as a spy but with time, his feelings began to change.

    He even disregarded his reason for being with her and forgot about General Yun for a long while.

    He fell in love. That was right. He was in love with her.

    It was hard enough to pretend to love her but when it became real, it was even much harder. As a man, he would obviously want to marry a woman if he loved her but the biggest obstacle was the Qin family. Wouldn''t they kill her if the found out?

    "Then let''s go to the Civil affairs bureau right now."

    "Darling..." his heart skipped a beat.

    "If not, I may start thinking that you don''t truly love me."

    Tyler was at a loss.

    ___

    Elite Fashion World.

    Wan Jia''s office.

    The girl was completing a certain SS class design when her phone rang. She frowned at the caller identity.

    "Hello Teacher Gao?"

    The teacher sounded frightened of something. "Hello Mrs. Lu, do you have time to come to school right now? Lu Meili hit someone. The situation is not looking good."

 Chapter 251 - Expel Lu Meili

    The teacher sounded frightened of something. "Hello Mrs. Lu, do you have time to come to school right now? Lu Meili hit someone. The situation is not looking good."

    Wan Jia felt a headache coming. Her baby hit someone? Less than one month after promising not to fight again?

    "Teacher Gao, I''ll be there right away."

    According to Lu Aotian''s schedule, he should be in a meeting right now. So She did not tell him about it and went to Royal Kindergarten on her own. She would inform him later.

    When she reached Royal Kindergarten, the situation was indeed not very good. A pair of parents was waiting angrily in the principal''s office.

    As soon as the woman saw Wan Jia, she became offensive. "Are you this dumb child''s sister? Call your parents here. I want to talk to this child''s parents."

    Wan Jia was initially intending to deal with this matter as peacefully as possible but what did this woman just call her daughter?

    "I dare you to say that again." She glared at the woman.

    The woman glared back at her. "What? Are you going to hit me too? Your parents must really be irresponsible. It''s no wonder your sister is so vicious at such a young age." She spat out uncalled for insults, making Wan Jia''s mouth twitch.

    She could not be bothered with her. She went to Little Jia and picked her up. "Baby, what happened?"

    Little Jia had been hiding away afraid that her mother would scold her for fighting. When she heard her mother''s friendly voice, she burst into tears. "Mommy..."

    Wan Jia caressed her back. "My baby must have had a reason for breaking her promise, right? Can you tell mommy?"

    Little Jia nodded. "Mommy, can you not tell Daddy?"

    At the side, the woman sneered and scanned Wan Jia''s cute look. "So it''s not the elder sister but the mother? Are you even legal yet? How old were you when you got pregnant? Fifteen?"

    Wan Jia turned and faced her. "With this type of character, I don''t even need to ask to know what happened. Your child must have spoken some of the rubbish you taught him and upset my daughter."

    The principal had a headache. "Mrs. Lu, Mrs. Chi, this is not the time to fight."

    Mrs. Chi instantly grabbed the opportunity. "That''s right. Expel this stupid child and let her underaged mother take her away. So shameless. Like mother like daughter."

    The principal looked at Wan Jia as though he was at a loss.

    Wan Jia laughed. "Expel my daugher?" She looked at him. "On what grounds? Are you so sure that Lu Meili was definitely in the wrong?"

    He kept quiet. How was he to explain? That Lu Meili hit the little boy because he bullied her first? If he had a choice, he would rather expel Lu Meili. That was because everyone had seen her hit the Chi family''s little prince so hard that he fell down and coughed out a mouthful of blood.

    All the other kids were scared. What if they asked their parents to take them out of the school just because of one little girl? It would not matter that the little girl had only reacted to being bullied. If it were anyone else, they would make the same choice.

    "Mommy, Chi Sunhai keeps annoying me. Today, not only did he bully Little Yue, he also pulled my hair and pushed me. " Little Jia explained when no one did. "I''m sorry mommy, I shouldn''t have hit him."

    Wan Jia frowned when she heard the part about the boy pushing Little Jia. She checked her body and found that her elbow had been slightly bruised. She glared at the boy''s mother. She turned back to Little Jia. "Baby, why are you apologizing? You should have hit him harder."

    The woman exploded. "You b*tch!"

    Wan Jia smiled and looked at the principal. "Are all parents in your school this rude?"

    For some reason, he felt goosebumps rise up his skin with that smile. While did it feel like if he unjustly expelled the little girl, this school would be closed down?

    However, what was he supposed to do, expel his nephew?

    That was right. Mrs. Chi was his sister. He had not even looked into the matter and was intending to silently expel Lu Meili. He believed that other parents would support his decision but now...

    "Mrs. Lu, please calm down. We have not come to a decision yet."

    Wan Jia''s smile brightened even more. "I''ll help you decide. Expel that little boy surnamed Chi. How about that?"

    The principal suddenly stuttered. "That...that...Mrs. Lu, we can''t just come to rash decisions like that."

    Wan Jia raised an eyebrow. "I see.

    Why was it that when this woman asked you to expel my daugher, you did not say a thing; but when I suggested expelling her son, you immediately refused?"

    The man felt his palms sweat. Were beauties all this hard to deal with? "Mrs. Lu, the other kids saw your child hit another child. What does that say about our school''s reputation?"

    Wan Jia was irritated by how he handled this matter. "Fine. Go ahead and expel my daugher. But since that little boy attacked first, he should pay the same price."

    This time, Mr. Chi spoke up. "How dare you?! Do you think your family owns the school?"

    Wan Jia gave a smirk. "It doesn''t....yet."

 Chapter 252 - What sort of magic just happened?

    When the principal heard her words, he trembled. How was he so stupid?

    In a moment of stupidity, he had forgotten that she was Lu Aotian''s woman! Lu Aotian!

    The little girl he was trying to expel was the Lu family''s little princess.Was his brain fried?

    "Mrs. Lu, how about we don''t expel her? Let''s forget this incident ever happened."

    "What?" Mrs. Chi was obviously unhappy. "Why are you letting this b*tch and her mother off?"

    "Shut up!" The man slammed his desk.

    Wan Jia squinted her eyes. "Not pleasing enough."

    The principal felt something bad coming. Sure enough, Wan Jia said something he found scary. "One child must be expelled today. Surely we can''t let naughty children and their unclultured parents be a menace in school, right? It would be fine if their parents were reasonable but if they encourage their children to bully their classmates, how will those classmates continue staying in school? Not to mention my daughter is hurt." The last part was obviously the most important. Although it was just a light scratch from the fall, she was not going to let them off because they insulted her baby.

    Logically, the boy was in the wrong. If he hadn''t repeatedly bullied Little Jia, the little would never have hit him. This put the principal in a tight spot.

    The man wiped the sweat off his forehead. "Mrs. Lu, I will definitely give you a satisfactory answer."

    Wan Jia sneered and took Little Jia with her. She would take the little girl to get her wound treated first.

    Before she left, she sent the principal a warning glare. She was not done with him yet.

    Immediately after they left, Mrs. Chi glared at her brother. "Why did you let them off? Is it because you are entranced by her beauty? Who will pay for my darling son''s injury?"

    "Shut up! This is not the first time Chi Sunhai bullied girls. Do you know who that little girl is? Do you want this school to close down?"

    Mrs. Chi chuckled. "Who will close down the school, that little adorable lolita in the name of a mother?"

    "The Lu family!"

    "Please, what power could they possibly have? Unless it''s that Lu family..."

    "It is."

    "What did you say?"

    "That woman is Lu Aotian''s wife and that girl is his daughter."

    "You''re joking." Mrs. Chi froze.

    Her husband was also stunned. Lu Aotian? Then...weren''t they all dead? "We''re toast. We should get Sunhai out of this school right away." The man trembled.

    "Not so fast." A low voice emanated from the door.

    Following which, a man clad in a black tuxedo walked in, carrying cold air with him.

    The principal, Mr. Chi and Mrs. Chi were all shocked.

    "Lu...Lu Aotian."

    As soon as the little boy was rushed to hospital, the five guards in charge of Little Jia''s safety had reported the matter to him.

    He had purposefully given Wan Jia time to deal with the small matters before going in to finish the troublesome part. That went to say...he knew that the principal had tried to bully his daughter.

    "Stand up." He said to the principal.

    The man was so frightened by his look that he did not ask a thing and just stood.

    "Come in." He said and a man walked in in confident steps. The man went straight to the principal''s desk and replaced Mrs. Chi''s brother.

    "Mr. Lu this..."

    "Shut up."

    Before they could register their shock, Mr. Chi recieved a call from Chi Group. "What? All collaborations failed? The investors are withdrawing their investments? All our sources of income have been blocked off?"

    He turned to bow to Lu Aotian. "Mr. Lu, I was wrong. My wife was simply spouting nonesense and did not mean a word she said. Please don''t do this...."

    "Take him away. The dark room has too much space."

    The bodyguards outside walked in and dragged him away.

    Lu Aotian then looked at Mrs. Chi. So this was the woman who so viciously insulted his princesses....She could have called him all the names in the world, but she just had to insult his beloved princesses...that was a crime worse than murder.

    Mrs. Chi trembled from his glare. She fell to his knees to beg for mercy and in the process, her finger accidentally touched his shoe.

    "Those guys in the dungeon seem to lack company lately. Throw her in there. Also, get me a new pair of shoes." The ones that had been touched by this woman were too dirty.

    The bodyguards instantly took her away.

    If the woman knew any of the things that happened in that dungeon, she would prefer to be dead.

    As for the troublemaking little boy, he had been expelled from Royal Kindergarten.

    Then, his lawyer came running in. "Master Lu, these are all the papers. Royal Kindergarten now solely belongs to you."

    He gave a cold grin. Let''s see who else would dare to bully his princess on his turf.

    When he was done, he turned on his heel and left.

    Teacher Gao came back to check on the situation and was so shocked that her legs trembled. In just a few minutes....the Chi family had been so painfully destroyed, the principal had changed and the school now belonged to Lu Aotian? What sort of magic just happened?

    Luckily she had not intentionally bullied Lu Meili...

 Chapter 253 - Break her arms and legs?

    Wan Jia did not return the little girl to school. She helped her take a day off and went with her to work.

    In the Elite Fashion World building, the employees fawned over her.

    "Designer Wan, is this your little sister? She is too cute."

    Wan Jia smiled. "She''s my daughter."

    Although they had already guessed so the last time when they saw her with Lu Aotian, they were still shocked. Wan Jia looked much younger than her age. They looked more like sisters.

    "Designer Wan, is she your daughter with President Lu?" Someone asked the question everyone was most curious about.

    Wan Jia maintained her smile. "Of course. Can''t you see the resemblance between them?"

    "Designer Wan is right. Although she resembles you very much, I thought just now that her eyes are almost identical to President Lu''s."

    "Now that you mention it, her temperament is nothing like goddess Wanwan''s. It''s exactly like President Lu''s!"

    They instantly started discussing how much Little Jia resembled Lu Aotian and began wondering if their previous speculation about her being Lu Aotian''s ex wife was true.

    "Goddess Wanwan, can I hold her a little?" A certain secretary couldn''t restrain herself anymore.

    When Little Jia heard that she was going to be held, she clung to her mother''s neck.

    She liked people who called her pretty and cute but it did not mean she wanted to be held by them!

    "Sorry, she''s a little shy." Wan Jia apologized and walked into her office.

    The employees continued gossiping. "I knew she was President Lu''s daughter. The goddess was actually his ex wife! No wonder he couldn''t forget her. If I were a man and had such a beautiful wife, I would never forget her either."

    "A dashing handsome man, a goddess and a pretty little daughter. Wow, it''s such a beautiful family."

    "There''s one member missing. I would love to see how President Lu''s son would look like haha!"

    "Me too. He must be very handsome."

    "Who said she has to be his ex wife? She might as well be the reason for his divorce. Why else do you think that little girl''s presence has been unknown till now?"

    "Hey! Are you jealous of my goddess or something? You''re always talking ill of her."

    ___

    Inside the office, Wan Jia asked Su Ling to help her prepare some toys and children''s food. She let Little Jia play on her own while she did her job.

    When the little girl got bored, she gave her her laptop to play games and watch a movie.

    Little Jia was feeling drowsy and was about to fall asleep on the big sofa when the door opened. Her instinct told her the person who had walked in was her father.

    She suddenly froze and closed her eyes, pretending to be asleep.

    "President Lu." Wan Jia greeted him with a smile.

    Lu Aotian leaned in and kissed her on the lips. "My love, I missed you."

    She stopped him from deepening the kiss. "Little Jia is here."

    When the little girl heard her, she almost cried. You should have ignored me!

    Lu Aotian frowned. "Shouldn''t she be in school?"

    Wan Jia glanced at the little girl who was pretending to be asleep. "She missed me too much so I helped her take a day off school."

    "Why is it that you never help me take a day off when I miss you too much?" He complained.

    Wan Jia chuckled. "President Lu, are you a little child too?"

    He held her chin gently. "Designer Wan, you are hiding something."

    "Well....I''m not."

    "She fought again, didn''t she?"

    Little Jia on the sofa almost cried. Mommy, please don''t sell me out.

    If Wan Jia was not wrong, Lu Aotian was unhappy. "Are you angry? You came here because you knew she''s not in school, right?"

    It couldn''t be any more obvious. Her bodyguards would report every new movement of hers. They had already told him that her mother took her to Elite Fashion World after leaving the hospital.

    Lu Aotian did not answer her. He silently went to the little girl''s side and took her hand to check her elbow. He was relieved when he saw that it was just a slight scratch.

    "I''ve dealt with that family." He said.

    Wan Jia was not surprised. They had insulted Little Jia. It would be shocking if he didn''t deal with them.

    "You''re not angry with her, right? She was only defending herself ." She said.

    Lu Aotian caressed Little Jia''s "sleeping" face gently. "I''m not angry, I''m worried." He had a lot to be worried about.

    What if she accidentally hurt someone? Well, she already had but what if it was much more grave? What if other kids shunned her? It would not be funny. Growing up, he had always been called a monster and a devil simply because he had fought a boy from his class and accidentally hurt him. Little Jia was still a baby. He did not want her to experience such a thing.

    "What are you thinking about?" Wan Jia interrupted his train of thought.

    "Should I just break her arms and legs so she can''t fight even if she wanted to?"

    "Wuu..." the little girl couldn''t play "asleep" anymore. "Daddy, I''m sorry." she clung onto his arm and looked at him pitifully.

    "I knew you were not asleep."

    ___

    On another part of the city, Yun Xuan had successfully dragged Tyler to the Civil Affairs Bureau

 Chapter 254 - Guilt-tripping the little girl

    Unbeknownst to her, Tyler was very uneasy. They were still in his car.

    He wanted to find an excuse and evade this matter but he couldn''t find one that was good enough. Would he really have to do this?

    It was not that he did not want to marry her, he just felt it was not the right time to tell her some things...for example his real identity, and she would definitely see his name if they were to get a marriage certificate.

    "Darling..."

    He was about to speak when his phone rang. Ruolin was calling. He secretly smiled. Luckily she had caught his signal.

    "Why is that woman calling?" Yun Xuan took his phone and wanted to hung up.

    "Wait, honey, it could be important." He took it back in alarm and answered it. He deliberately put the phone on speaker.

    "Tyler, this is an order from Boss Five. All of us are to report to the headquaters within five minutes." Ruolin sounded very anxious.

    "Five minutes? Is Five crazy? I''m one hour away. Even if I rushed over at a nauseating speed, I would take at least fifteen to twenty minutes!" He exclaimed.

    "Then you should stop protesting and leave right now. The clock''s ticking." Ruolin said and hung up.

    Tyler secretly smiled. She had understood his hint....she was a life saver.

    He turned to look at Yun Xuan who had been listening to their conversation and was now sad. He looked like he was helpless.

    "Are you going to say that something came up at work and you should rush over?"

    He held her cheek and kissed her. "I''m sorry darling, I really should."

    Yun Xuan''s eyes were filled with pain. "Tyler, if something happened when you were in the middle of saying our wedding vows, would you run off to work?"

    "Darling, our first rule is that no matter where we are and what we are doing, we must rush over as soon as possible if our superiors summon us. Boss Five is especially hard to deal with. He is known for calling us at the most odd times and having us rush over in five minutes. But darling, this will not happen forever. I''m very close to accomplishing my requirement for promotion."

    Yun Xuan was not interested in his work maters. "Go ahead. Just..." she wanted to break up with him right there but she couldn''t bear to. She chose the life of dating such a man herself. What did she expect when she fell in love with him?

    "Darling, when I come back, we will definitely get married." He hugged her tightly.

    Yun Xuan''s shattered hope returned and she smiled. She thought that he would be gone for just a few hours but if only knew how long he was planning to be away...

    ___

    In Wan Jia''s office.

    The little girl guiltily looked at her father. Her big eyes shone with tears threatening to fall.

    "Daddy..."

    Lu Aotian looked at his daughter who had been pretending to be asleep. "Princess, you broke your promise."

    She rubbed her teary eyes. Was her daddy going to punish her?

    Well, if he did, his heart would ache. He couldn''t bear to do something that might make her sad.

    "Little Jia is a bad girl." He said seriously.

    The little girl cried. "Daddy, Little Jia is a good girl."

    "Nope. Good girls don''t break their promises and they love their daddies."

    "But I love my daddy very much. I''m a good girl."

    "You will only be a good girl if you don''t break your promises."

    ___

    The next day, all the kids in class avoided Little Jia. They were scared of her.

    Little Jia even overhead one kid speaking to Shen Yue. "Are you still sitting next to Lu Meili and playing with her? She will hit you so hard that you will fall and have blood everywhere."

    Shen Yue shook her head. "Lu Meili is my friend. She will not hit me."

    "She will! My brother said that she is dangerous and I should stay away from her."

    "That''s right. If you play with Lu Meili, we will not play with you anymore."

    Shen Yue was just a child herself. When she heard that her other friends would avoid her for playing with Little Jia, she in fact considered not talking to her anymore.

    When Little Jia heard them, she did not know why but she had the impulse to hit each one of those kids. How dare they call her scary? Which eye of theirs saw her scare anyone away? She was obviously a lovely little girl. The worst part was that they were bullying her friend. How could she tolerate this?

    She felt her chest burn up and couldn''t understand what she was feeling. If she were older, she would understand that it was the fire of rage.

    She clenched her fists unknowingly and was about to swing it at the head of the little boy who started the discussion; but she recalled her daddy''s words.

    If she hit this boy, would it mean that she did not love her Daddy? She would not be a good girl anymore? Thinking of that, she stopped herself.

    As expected, guilt-tripping the little girl worked.

    However, she was still so angry that she ran off to cry.

    Why was her chest aching so much? Was that what people felt when they were angry?

 Chapter 255 - Shopping with Little Jia

    After school, as soon as she saw her father''s familiar white sports car, she ran over.

    "Daddy!"

    Lu Aotian got down and picked up his daughter. "Princess, have you been bullied?"

    Little Jia was no longer crying but he could still tell that she was sad.

    She shook her head and burried it in her daddy''s neck. "Daddy, Little Jia wants to go shopping."

    She was just a typical girl. Shopping always cheered girls up.

    "Hmm, let''s pick your mommy up. We can go shopping together." He knew she was hiding the fact that she had probably been bullied but he could only rub her back and console her.

    When they arrived at Elite Fashion World, she was so excited that she ran right out of the elevator, leaving Lu Aotian a few steps behind.

    "Little Miss, are you looking for..." a young secretary saw the little girl and approached her to ask whether she was looking for Wan Jia but then she saw a stern face a few steps away.

    She scurried away faster than a wild rabbit.

    "Mommy, mommy!" Little Jia called even before she reached Wan Jia''s office.

    She stood at the door and stretched her short frame but couldn''t reach the doorknob. She frowned. So I still have to wait for Daddy.

    Lu Aotian opened the door for her, just in time to see Wan Jia quickly hide something away. He raised an eyebrow. What was she doing?

    Wan Jia saw his raised eyebrow and rushed to distract him. "Baby! You''re here." She kissed Little Jia on the cheek before jumping into Lu Aotian''s arms. "Honey..."

    Lu Aotian was successfuly distracted. "Our princess wants to go shopping. Is Designer Wan still busy?" He peered at the small stack of files on her desk.

    "Even if I were busy, I wouldn''t hesitate to go shopping with President Lu. You are too handsome."

    Lu Aotian held her waist tightly. "Designer Wan, did you have honey for lunch?"

    Wan Jia pecked his lips. "Only one way to find out."

    Little Jia frowned at the side. Although I really want a little brother, you don''t have to make him right in front of me, do you?

    Lu Aotian tightened his arm around her waist and deepened the kiss. He had really momentarily forgotten about Little Jia.

    "Daddy, Mommy, ew!" she scolded with a frown.

    Wan Jia snapped back to her senses in embarassment. Had she been so drawn into distracting Lu Aotian that she forgot about her baby? She had even done such child unfriendly things in her presence.

    Lu Aotian coughed. "Princess, where do you want to go shopping?"

    Little Jia did not know the names of any malls or stores and knitted her brows. Why hadn''t she ever thought about it? "Where I can find many beautiful toys."

    Wan Jia''s eyes expressed her protest. She did not want to shop for toys!

    Lu Aotian was speechless at how childish a certain someone was. Did she want to fight over this too?

    "I know just the place you will both love." he said and led them out.

    Wan Jia gave Su Ling some instructions when the father and daughter were some distance ahead. Only then did she leave Elite Fashion World.

    ....

    The place they went to was opposite a large toy store. Lu Aotian sure knew how to satisfy both their needs.

    The first thing he did when they arrived was register Wan Jia as a VIP member. The next time she came here on her own, she would still be served specially and given goods reserved for VIP customers.

    "Aotian, you don''t have to do so much for me." she felt embarassed when he gave her the new VIP membership card.

    "You don''t have to be too polite. If I don''t do it for my wife, who will I do it for?"

    Little Jia tugged on his trousers. She meant to say, he could do it for her.

    Lu Aotian chuckled. Was she being jealous of her mother? "Princess, you are still too little. I will get you one too; when you grow up."

    Little Jia smiled in satisfaction. Only then did she start looking around. Just a second later, she already saw something she loved. "That dress looks just like Princess Isabelle''s."

    Wan Jia rolled her eyes. "You and your princesses."

    Little Jia twirled proudly. "I''m Daddy''s princess. Of course I love other princesses."

    Wan Jia pretended she hadn''t asked.

    Lu Aotian smiled at her dotingly. "You want it?"

    "Yes, your majesty." she gave a very cute curtsy.

    The sales assistants close to them couldn''t stop smiles from surfacing on their lips. So this was the rumoured Little Miss of the Lu family. She was so cute that they wanted to steal her away to be their daugher. And was the lady beside Lu Aotian the little girl''s mother? She was too beautiful and looked so young that they could easily be mistaken for siblings.

    It was just too bad that they couldn''t simply walk up to them. If it were another family, they would have at least taken photos of them.

    Lu Aotian summoned a sales assistant. "Pack up that dress."

    The young man summoned his courage to speak first. "President Lu, we also have accessories and shoes to complete Princess Isabelle''s look. Would you like to buy the full attire?"

    Lu Aotian looked at Little Jia who nodded expectantly. "Daddy, can I?"

    "Pack it up."

 Chapter 256 - Take off your clothes

    Little Jia thanked her father happily. When she turned four, she would dress up as Princess Isabelle on her birthday, she thought.

    For an unknown reason, Wan Jia was not interested in any of the clothes. She only bought a few pairs of shoes. Perhaps it was because she was a little distracted and excited about something. She kept checking her phone from time to time.

    "Are you alright?" Lu Aotian asked.

    "I''m fine. I''m probably just not in the mood to shop."

    Lu Aotian remained silent. Since when was Wan Jia not in the mood to shop? Did the sun rise in the West today?

    A few minutes later, Lu Aotian recieved a call from the company and went out to answer it. While he was away, Little Jia spotted a lacy pink princess dress. She already had very many pink dresses but she couldn''t ever have enough of them.

    She had just taken it and was about to show it to a sales assistant when another girl suddenly snatched it. "This is mine."

    Little Jia glared fiercely at the girl and snatched it back. "Excuse me, I took it first."

    Wan Jia smiled at the little girl. "Little girl, my daughter picked this dress first. You should pick another one or perhaps, you can ask the sales assistants if there is a similar one? It''s rude to snatch things from people. "

    At that moment, a voluptious woman wearing a beautiful black dress and thirteen centimetre high heels sauntered over. Wan Jia was about to smile but the woman had a poisonous tongue.

    "This woman here, my daughter likes this dress. Give it to her. You cannot afford it anyway."

    Wan Jia sighed at the streak of rude women she was meeting lately. Were they perhaps sent over by someone?

    She took the dress from Little Jia and handed it to a sales assistant. "Pack it up."

    The voluptious woman was shocked. It was the first time anyone ever disregarded her. She narrowed her eyes. "Did you hear what I said? Give it to my daughter."

    Wan Jia ignored her and took a step foward to walk away.

    The woman pulled her back. "How dare you? Do you know who I am?"

    Wan Jia turned, looked at her and said in a soft voice "Excuse me miss, you have a stain in your armpit."

    Although it was said in a soft voice, it was still heard by everyone present thanks to the silence.

    The woman subconciously peered at her armpit then realized just how embarassing she looked when she did that. This woman had tricked her!

    "You...!" She pointed her manicured finger at Wan Jia.

    Wan Jia grabbed her finger and squeezed it so hard that the woman squeeled. "If you hurt my face, you will not be able to handle the consequences."

    "Let go of my finger!" She snarled.

    "Sure." Wan Jia smiled and pushed it hard. Her manicured nails almost made a dent on her beautiful dress. She once again lost her temper. "You ruined my dress! Do you think you can pay for it?"

    Wan Jia glanced at the dress that was not even close to being ruined. Pay for it? Easy peasy. But she couldn''t be bothered to.

    She took Little Jia''s hand and looked at the sales assistant. "I said to pack the dress. What are you waiting for?"

    "Sorry, Right away ma''am." He was afraid of Lu Aotian and would definitely obey Wan Jia''s orders. That, and the fact that Little Jia had indeed picked the dress first and it was only fair to give it to her.

    However, the other girl let out ear piercing screams. "Mummy! Mummy! I want my dress back!"

    She had been pampered all her life and always got what she wanted. The voluptious woman was annoyed and looked at Wan Jia. "Are you really going to fight a child over a dress?"

    Wan Jia was going to retaliate but before she did, someone who had just returned behind her did. He held her waist and looked at the voluptious woman. "Of course she will not. It''s you and your daughter who argue over clothes that do not belong to you. You should take off the dress you are wearing."

    Everyone gasped.

    What...what did Lu Aotian just say?

    Take off.... her dress?

    The woman felt utterly humiliated. Her face turned pale. "What did you say?"

    Lu Aotian said it louder, enunciating every word clearly. "Take off your dress."

    Wan Jia turned aside and covered her mouth to laugh lightly. Little Jia was currently confused. Why was her daddy asking this aunty to take off her dress?

    Still, she joined in the fun. "Auntie, my daddy said to take off your dress. Didn''t you hear him? Or else...should I help you?" The last four words were said shyly, making it even more humiliating.

    The woman wished she could kick Little Jia away.

    She looked at Wan Jia scornfully. "Your man is not satisfied by what he has and wants to see other women''s bodies. Aren''t you ashamed?"

    She had just returned to the country after many years and did not recognize Lu Aotian. If she did, she wouldn''t be so rude.

    Lu Aotian spoke, "You can''t compare to a single finger of hers. I''m asking you to take off that dress because it''s my wife''s."

    "Excuse me?"

    Lu Aotian smirked. "She designed it. So naturally, it''s hers. Hurry up while I''m still being polite."

 Chapter 257 - Cant afford it?

    The woman was already so humiliated that she couldn''t feel any more shame. Was there anything worse than being asked to take off one''s clothes...by a man?

    She rolled her eyes and sneered. "Why is this family so delusional? Do you know anything about this dress? I bought it from EFW at a price high enough to buy your stupid lives. It''s from Wan Jia''s most recent series. Do you think you can afford it?"

    Wan Jia picked her ears. Their lives were only as valuable as one dress she had designed for fun? This woman was too...

    Lu Aotian frowned. Instantly, three bodyguards appeared from hiding. "Master, do you have any orders?"

    Wan Jia held his arm before he spoke. If he gave an order, it could easily be the most shameful thing on earth. "Let her be. She''s just being stupid."

    "She spoke to my princesses rudely." He was not pacified.

    Wan Jia blinked at him cutely with those irresistible eyes of hers. "Aotian...that would take too much time. I''m hungry."

    Hearing that she was hungry, his attention was diverted. He led his princesses out.

    As soon as they left, she smiled at him. "I''m not hungry. I just wanted to leave that place."

    Meanwhile, inside the store, the sales assistants were still in shock.

    "Mrs. Lu actually let you off! This is even more shocking than the fact that you dared to be rude to people from the Lu family."

    "Mrs. Lu is too kind. You are lucky that she was present. If not, no one would be able to help you." one of them said to the voluptious woman.

    She widened her eyes. "Mrs. Lu? Didn''t that woman just call him...Aotian? Are you trying to say that man is...?!"

    "Aiya, miss, do you live under a rock? Is there anyone who doesn''t know Lu Aotian? No wonder you were so rude to him."

    "I''m dead....I''m finished..." her knees gave way.

    A sales assistant went up to her. "It''s alright now. Mrs. Lu already let you off. You should just be more careful the next time."

    "Ha...I even said that ....they can''t afford my dress. Can I be any more stupid? Lu Aotian is the president of Lu Enterprises. He can buy hundreds of them for his wife if he waned to."

    The assistants exchanged glances before sighing. "You don''t know?"

    "Know what?"

    "That woman is designer Wan Jia."

    The woman felt her world spin. "They were telling the truth?"

    The sales assistants looked at her like she was an idiot.

    ___

    After buying a ton of toys, the family of three were finally done shopping. It was already late and Lu Aotian wanted to take them to a seafood restaurant for dinner.

    "How about we have dinner at home? I''ll cook." Wan Jia suggested.

    Little Jia''s big eyes lit up. "Mommy, Little Jia wants to cook too. I''ll cook for Mommy and Daddy."

    "Aren''t you tired? You should let the chefs cook." Lu Aotian replied.

    Wan Jia clung onto his arm. "Then I''ll just cook one meal and let the chefs do the rest. Is that alright? I really want to cook today."

    "If that''s what you want." He couldn''t ever say no to her.

    "Then it''s decided!" She was happy now, and took Little Jia''s hand.

    Lu Aotian shook his head speechlessly. You only act cute when you want something and shove me aside as soon as you have your way?

    After leaving Lu Aotian a few steps behind, Wan Jia whispered something in Little Jia''s ear.

    Little Jia then nodded. "Mommy, I will do my best."

    "What are the both of you whispering about?" He had caught up with them.

    "Girly stuff." They both said at the same time.

    Lu Aotian looked at Little Jia. She also knew girly stuff? What in the world was that anyway?

    "Let''s go home now. Our baby must be tired." Wan Jia said.

    At home, Wan Jia had a maid deliver everything to her room and rushed to the kitchen. She looked around and when she was satisfied by everything, she got out to look for Lu Aotian and her baby.

    "My love, you should take a shower first. Dinner will be ready soon."

    Lu Aotian nodded and obediently went to his room. Wan Jia then glanced at Little Jia and the little girl nodded.

    ....

    As soon as Lu Aotian reached his room, he was about to go to the bathroom but a cute little girl appeared. "Daddy!"

    "Hmm."

    "Do I look pretty?"

    Lu Aotian glanced at her. She was still in her school uniform. Of course she looked pretty in anything. "Very pretty."

    The little girl looked at her school uniform and frowned. "Daddy, I want to try on my new dress."

    He understood her intentions. She wanted him to tell her whether she looked pretty in the new dress she would try on.

    For the next two hours, Little Jia would try on a dress and ask him how she looked. She even tried on the old ones.

    "Daddy, is this tiara pretty?"

    "Daddy, do you like this bracelet?"

    "Daddy..."

    When she was finally done, he was so tired that one would think he was from a battlefield.

    He took a bath and went downstairs for dinner.

    The dining room was dimly lit with crystal lights and delicious-looking meals well arranged on the table. There was a white cake with a red ''30'' at its centre and a few candles sorrounding the 30. If one were to count the crystal lights, they would find that they were exactly thirty.

    Wan Jia was wearing a beautiful two piece blue gown. The hem was embedded with diamonds that glittered against the dim light. Around her waist was a beautiful waistchain that made her waist look even more slim and delicate.

    She was waiting for him at the entrance like a princess awaiting her prince charming. "Happy birthday my love."

 Chapter 258 - Lets end our engagement

    Birthday? Lu Aotian was momentarily stunned.

    That was right. It was his birthday. He had forgotten all about it.

    Now everything made sense; she had been acting strange today. No wonder the little girl kept him busy by trying on dresses and shoes. It was to give her mother time to prepare this.

    "My love, do you like it?" She probed shyly.

    "No."

    "Oh..." her eyelids drooped.

    Lu Aotian held her by her waist. "I love it."

    Wan Jia''s sweet smile returned. She hooked her arm with his and led him to the table.

    Rushed footsteps were heard. Little Jia appeared at the door, wearing a miniature one piece version of Wan Jia''s gown. Her signature pigtails now had crystal hearts on them. She was out of breath as she held a red and a white rose in each hand.

    "Happy birthday Daddy."

    She gave the red rose to her mother and shyly presented the white one to her father.

    Wan Jia presented the red rose at the same time.

    With a charming smile, Lu Aotian accepted the roses with one hand each. With his childish princesses, it would be safer to take them at the same time.

    The ''childish princesses'' who were waiting to see whose rose he would take first were both satisfied.

    Little Jia sat at the left side of Lu Aotian. Wan Jia was opposite them.

    "My love, make a wish." She pushed the cake before him.

    He smiled and closed his eyes to make a wish. As soon as he blew the candles, both the mother and daughter looked at him in anticipation.

    "Daddy, what did you wish for?"

    "It''s a secret." He smiled.

    Little Jia frowned but let him off. It was his birthday after all.

    Wan Jia had expected that reply. She pressed something on the dining table.

    A short moment later, a servant rushed in carrying a tray.

    Wan Jia took it and placed it in front of Lu Aotian. "This is sweet and sour pork ribs. I cooked it myself."

    "It''s delicious." He said.

    Wan Jia frowned. "You haven''t even tasted it."

    "I don''t need to. Just one look is enough to prove its taste."

    She took a piece and shoved it into his mouth. Sure enough, it was just as delicious as it looked.

    Wan Jia served dishes for Lu Aotian and Little Jia. The man had a warm smile plastered across his face. So this was what his wife had been up to. She was too cute.

    Lu Aotian did not like celebrating his birthday and never made a big deal out of it. Wan Jia on the other hand, would use up all her brains just to give him a birthday surprise. This year''s was not the grandest but it was the most special to him.

    ...

    After the delicious meal, Wan Jia took Lu Aotian''s hand and was about to lead him to her room.

    At that moment, someone came running in. "Bro, happy birthday. Tsk, you''re so old. Thirty?"

    He had a box of something and wanted to give it to Lu Aotian. When he saw Wan Jia''s glare, he cowered away.

    Eer...did he interrupt something he shouldn''t?

    "Second Uncle!" Little Jia jumped onto him as soon as she saw  him.

    "Uncle''s favorite baby, did you miss me? You look very pretty. " Lu Shaoting picked up his cute niece.

    Wan Jia ignored the uncle and niece and pulled Lu Aotian upstairs. She was counting on Lu Shaoting to keep Little Jia away. She was uneasy...she had something to discuss with him.

    As soon as they entered her room, Lu Aotian pinned her against the wall and kissed her.

    "Not so fast Mr. Lu." She pushed him gently.

    Then she took a box from her dressing table and gave it to him.

    "I get a birthday present too?" He had not expected it.

    "What do you think?"

    "What is it?"

    "If I told you what it is, it wouldn''t be a surprise anymore, now would it?" She was even more uneasy.

    Lu Aotian opened the box and found....a file?

    Wan Jia stood in front of him and looked at him, not directly in the eye. "Lu Aotian,  I would like to end our engagement."

    Lu Aotian''s heart skipped a beat. "You''re terminating our engagement?"

    Wan Jia''s expression turned serious. She looked at him and took a deep breath. "Read the papers."

    Lu Aotian''s hand trembled. Why was she terminating their engagement? Weren''t they perfect together? What happened?

    He slammed the file onto the floor without opening it and only spat out one word.. "Never!"

    Wan Jia picked up the file and gave it back to him. "Lu Aotian, you have to."

    He looked at her, trying to find something in her eyes but he was too confused to do so. All he saw was the seriousness in those eyes. She...

    He held her wrist dangerously. "You prepared a birthday surprise and dressed up for me...just to tell me this? Is this your way of saying goodbye?"

    She did not dare to look into his eyes. "Yes."

    "Why?"

    Wan Jia tried to pull her wrist back. He only tightened his grip. "Have I not loved you enough? Did I do something that upset you? Did someone threaten you into this?"

    Initially he thought it was a prank of sorts but when he saw the seriousness in that innocent pair of eyes...he knew that she meant it. Was history repeating itself?

    Not again...

    He couldn''t take it.

 Chapter 259 - Nothing can stop us

    Lu Aotian unknowingly clenched his fists. He tried hard to calm his racing heart. He sounded very hurt when he spoke. "You promised to be with me forever."

    His voice was so broken that it was unrecognizable. Was that really Lu Aotian?

    ___

    That night, Lu Aotian was not the only one dreading about his possible break up.

    In his apartment, Tyler was trying to stop Yun Xuan from leaving.

    It was not sure what she was thinking but he suddenly recieved a call from his part time housekeeper, telling him that Yun Xuan was packing her bags with the intention of leaving.

    He rushed over immediately. He was not on any mission after all. He had just used it as an excuse.

    "Darling!" he called out as soon as he entered his apartment.

    The sight he met was Yun Xuan dragging a suitcase while the housekeeper coaxed her to stay.

    He rushed up to her and took her hand. "Darling, what''s the meaning of this?"

    Yun Xuan had already made up her mind. "I''m leaving. I''m breaking up with you."

    "No way! Is it because of what happened on our way to the Civil Affairs bureau?" He was talking about him being summoned by Boss Five. It was just an excuse on his part but Yun Xuan thought it was actually true.

    "You abandoned your mission to rush here?" she sneered. Who was the one that said that his work was his main priority?

    He pulled the huge suitcase out of her hand and hugged her. "Honey, If I was on a life or death mission and I recieved news that you were leaving, I would run over even if I was in the north pole."

    Well, that was the true. Ever since finding out that he was in love with Yun Xuan, he had been trying his best to keep her safe. If this was before, he wouldn''t have hesitated to marry her. He would give her a fake marriage certificate and pretend to be her husband for a while.

    However now...

    He wanted to really be her husband.

    "I''m starting to think you''re with me for a reason that''s not love." She said.

    Tyler felt his soul leave his body. Had she found out?

    "What are you talking about? Why else would I be with you? It''s because I love you"

    Yun Xuan looked him in the eye. "Really? Then prove it to me."

    At such a moment, telling her the whole truth would be the best form of evidence but he couldn''t bear to say a word of it. It would only worsen the situation. He kissed her lips and said, "I promised that we would get married when I return. I''m back now so..." his voice trailed off.

    Marriage was the most irrefutable evidence of love, right? All he needed to do was protect her.

    "Darling, I will never accept a divorce." He suddenly said.

    Yun Xuan was still processing what he had just said about his return. Was he suggesting to get married? His next statement jolted her. Never accept a divorce? "Why do you sound like you are sure I will want a divorce?"

    Because you will, okay?

    "Let''s get married tomorrow morning. Nothing will stop us this time, not even if a life or death emergency happened."

    Yun Xuan was indeed moved by his seriousness. Perhaps she was just thinking too much. If he didn''t love her, he wouldn''t have rushed over and coaxed her to stay.

    It was decided.

    ___

    Meanwhile, Southside Villa.

    Lu Aotian looked like he was about to recieve a death sentence.

    Wan Jia glanced up at him. She was about to speak but he placed his hand on her mouth to shut her up. He let go of her wrist and hugged her waist tightly, pulling her against him. "My love, you can''t leave me..."

    Wan Jia suddenly burst out laughing.

    Lu Aotian held her even tighter...she almost couldn''t breath. "You..."

    Wan Jia laughed so hard that he had to let go of her. "What''s wrong with your brain? I meant our engagement must come to an end today to pave way for our marriage. What are you thinking? Are you still so paranoid?"

    "What did you say?"

    Wan Jia held her tummy and laughed her butt off.

    Lu Aotian was finding it hard to understand her. What was she going on about?

    He picked the file he had shoved aside and opened it. On the first page was a huge "Marriage papers".

    He had to close the file and open it again. What did he just see?

    Marriage what?

    What happened to calling off the engagement? She...

    Now that he thought about it, if they were married, they wouldn''t be engaged anymore. It was a total upgrade but this naughty thing had  played a word game with him  and made his imagination run wild. He was still afraid of losing her. How could he not overthink it?

    "You did this on purpose." He gritted his teeth.

    "I only said to end our engagement and your imagination ran so wild. How can you blame me? Wait, are you going to sign it or not?"

    Without saying a word, Lu Aotian picked a pen and signed the papers.

    She gave the file to someone to send it back to the Civil Affairs Bureau.

    She was still laughing when she came back. "You should have seen your expression. You looked so adorable."

    "It''s not funny!"

    "How is it not funny? I should have recorded...hey! Put me down."

    ....

    "Aotian..."

    "Aotian...please be gentler..."

 Chapter 260 - Just like that, they were now married?

    By the time he was done teaching his naughty wife a lesson, she was so tired that she did not want to move a single finger.

    "The first thing you did as my husband was bully me." She complained.

    "You asked for it."

    It should have been romantic to get married on her man''s birthday. Why did she have to make it so...terrifying?

    Eer....wait. Just like that, they were now married?

    She was now his wife?

    Wan Jia recalled something and checked the time.

    It was almost midnight! His birthday was almost over. She dragged her tired body out of bed. This Lu Aotian!

    "Where are you going, Mrs. Lu?" Lu Aotian asked with a grin.

    "To get my husband a present."

    There was another one?

    She opened her closet and out of it she brought another wrapped box.

    Lu Aotian looked at her curiously. What was she up to this time?

    She gave him the box and retreated to look at him nervously.

    Under her gaze, he finally unwrapped the box and opened it to reveal a blue tuxedo.

    When he took it out, he realized that it was of the same color series as the dress she had been wearing that evening. It looked better than most of his tuxedos. It was obvious that it had been very carefully selected.

    He smiled. "You bought this for me? It''s gorgeous."

    When she heard the compliment, a warm color appeared on her cheeks.

    Lu Aotian looked at her curiously. Why was she blushing so hard? She couldn''t have... "Don''t tell me you designed it yourself?"

    She blushed even harder. He checked it carefully and there was indeed a ''EFW'' label on the inside. So she had even used the company''s name to privately produce one outfit just for him? As the president, he knew how difficult that was.

    His feeling...couldn''t be described using words.

    "It''s the first male outfit I''ve ever designed." She said.

    Lu Aotian felt even more special. His new wife....sure knew how to surprise him. At that moment, it was as though he was walking on clouds.

    With a proud expression, he tried it on and stood before her. "Do I look like a showstopper or what?"

    Wan Jia straightened his bowtie. "You look more handsome than a showstopper."

    The tuxedo was designed specifically for him. It would be shocking if he didn''t look dashing wearing it.

    "You made all the three?" Anyone would be curious of how they fit perfectly together.

    Wan Jia squinted her eyes. "Are you that forgetful? You bought mine and Little Jia''s dresses in country F when you went for a business trip."

    Well, he could not be blamed. This mother and daughter duo had so many clothes that even they couldn''t remember half of them.

    "My love, thank you. For all the surprises."

    Not only was he her husband now, he also got to be her fist male muse and celebrate his thirtieth birthday with her. What else could anyone ever ask for?

    "If you want to thank me, help me take a day off tomorrow. I want to spend the day with my husband."

    "I would have done it even if you didn''t ask."

    Following which, he held the back of her head and kissed her urgently. She responded to his kiss by deepening it as she reached for his buttons.

    Lu Aotian held her little fingers that were tugging his shirt buttons roughly. "Be careful, it''s my best shirt."

    Wan Jia rolled her eyes. She did not intend to design a romantic rival for herself, okay?

    Left with no choice, she was very careful while helping him out of his clothes.

    ...

    Two days later, Lu Aotian was bright and early for work. He was wearing his new tuxedo.

    [The President looks so dashing!] The woman at the reception typed in the company''s group chat.

    [President Lu looks handsome every day. What''s there to be so shocked about?]

    [You don''t understand! Peer at him later. He''s also wearing a warm charming smile and is literally walking on air. Something good must have happened.]

    [Are you talking about President Lu?]

    [Pinch yourself. You must be dreaming. Either that or you saw an impostor.]

    Without seeing him, there was no way for the employees to believe that Lu Aotian would smile and look visibly happy. That must be an impostor or someone who looks exactly like him!

    A short moment later, Lu Aotian arrived at the top floor. At the same time, a few sturdy men also arrived carrying huge boxes with them.

    "Give them to employees. Everyone gets one." He instructed the men before disappearing towards his office. When the men opened the boxes, the employees who had gone to take a peek at the President were shocked to see...bottles of wine?

    "What did I just see? What did I just hear?"

    "Let''s focus on the main point here. The president is So. Dashingly. Handsome! So handsome my legs are weak! Ahh! Why am I not Goddess Wanwan? Does the goddess mind sharing a boyfriend?"

    "You pervert!."

    "How''s his looks the main point? I took a peek just now and that is wine. It''s a very expensive brand too. How many employees are there in this building? Did our President Lu feel like he''s too rich today?"

    "What''s the occassion?"

    "Perhaps the goddess said something sweet to him today? Did you see how happy he is? He literally has springs in his legs."

    Just then, an earth shattering notification appeared in the group chat.

    HR[President Lu called me just now. Our bonuses for this month will be tripled. Tripled!]

 Chapter 261 - His real name

    Huh? What did they just see? The President was going to tripple their bonuses? All of them? Although he was ridiculously rich, that''s still a lot of money, okay?

    [What''s the occassion?]

    [Who can I ask?]

    The whole day, Lu Aotian gave them surprise after surprise.

    They were shocked that in the morning meeting, a certain department manager made countless mistakes in his report but Lu Aotian was surprisingly friendly to him.

    At lunch time, his secretary accidentally poured water on his documents. She was only asked to retype them and was let off. She was even more scared than if she had been lashed out at.

    Only heavens knew that if the water accidentally touched his clothes, she wouldn''t be alive.

    In the afternoon meeting, Lu Shaoting, that habitual troublemaker, blanked out again but was not punished. He was only told to be more attentive.

    In the late afternoon, Wan Jia went to Lu Enterprises.

    The secretaries at the reception thought it was getting out of hand. "Is it just me or is the lady boss too happy? What''s with them today?"

    "You think too much. The lady boss is always smiling happily."

    ...

    When she reached the top floor, she smiled at the secretary warmly. "Is my husband in a meeting?"

    The secetary was flustered by the sudden display of affection that had ruthlessly been shoved her way. "The President''s meeting should end any time now. Please wait in his office."

    "Okay." She happily went to his office and sat on the huge sofa.

    "Miss Wan Jia, would you like something to drink?" The secretary asked respectfully. All the employees had a good impression of Wan Jia.

    Most women would be very proud and arrogant when they visited their husbands'' companies.

    Wan Jia, on the other hand, would always greet them with a genuine smile and would never rudely order them around. Therefore, their respectful attitude towards her was right from their hearts.

    Wan Jia shook her head. "I don''t need anything. You should have a drink yourself to replenish your energy. You guys work so hard."

    The secretary rubbed her eyes. Was she dreaming? She was thinking just now that the lady boss was kind but it had never been to this extent! Something great had really happened.

    Could it be... that the lady boss was pregnant?

    While she was still pondering, Lu Aotian walked over from his meeting. He was not wearing his signature stern expression.

    He pulled Wan Jia into his arms as soon as he saw her. "Mrs. Lu, have you come to check on your husband?"

    Just when the secretary thought Lu Aotian''s smile was already at his limit, it just deepened when he hugged Wan Jia.

    "..."

    My dear president, It''s getting scarier. The secretary couldn''t watch anymore and left.

    "President Lu, let''s pick our baby from school together."

    "Mrs. Lu, don''t you want to spend a little more time with your husband?"

    Wan Jia looked at her husband like he was being weird. Didn''t they roll around in bed all day yesterday? What more time did he want to spend together?

    Wan Jia saw an incoming call on the screen of her phone. She answered it with a smile.

    "Sis."

    Lin Lihua sounded annoyed on the other end. "Is it because you are too busy with your man that you shoved aside your sister?"

    It had been so long since they last talked.

    "But you were very busy with your new movie."

    "Do you think my movie is more important than my beautiful Wan?"

    "Sorry Sis. " she was embarassed. In truth, she had been so busy preparing Lu Aotian''s birthday present that she had forgotten about everyone else.

    "If you are truly sorry, then come home for dinner this evening. You should bring Lu Aotian and my beautiful baby along." The last part was of course the most important. She had missed Little Jia too much.

    Wan Jia was suddenly stunned at her own thoughts. When Lin Lihua said home, the Lin residence surfaced in her mind. Was she already that close to them?

    "Little Wan?"

    "Sis I..."

    "I will not take no for an answer."

    "I wasn''t going to say no."

    "Then it''s decided."

    She was not going to say no. She was going to tell her the good news about her marriage. Well, it was much better to tell her when they met. She would tell her parents as well.

    Wan Jia turned to Lu Aotian but her phone rang again. It was a message from Yun Xuan.

    [Xuan: Wanwan, can we meet for a meal? I have something to tell you.] She was also intending to tell Wan Jia the good news about her marriage. Tyler had kept his word and driven her to the Civil Affairs Bureau.

    While she sent Wan Jia the text, she was holding her marriage certificate. They were really married!

    She wanted to tell the news to the whole world.

    However, there was something she still found strange.

    She had thought that "Tyler" was just an alias he used for the sake of work. Why was it that he married her using the name "Tyler Willows"? Don''t tell her it was his real name?

 Chapter 262 - Mommy, Whats a husband?

    Regardless, she wanted Wan Jia to go over and celebrate with her. However, Wan Jia had her own plans.

    [Sorry, I''m busy.]

    She was adamant about keeping her distance from Yun Xuan. Nothing good ever came out of that family.

    "Why are you sighing?" Lu Aotian was behind her.

    "It''s nothing. Let''s go." She held his hand and dragged him out of the door.

    The employees were once again blinded by their love when they saw the pair. As soon as they were out of the door. It was almost deliberate as Lu Aotian held her waist so closely to him that she almost couldn''t walk properly.

    "President, you and Miss Wan Jia look very beautiful together. You are a perfect match." A certain man took advantage of the President''s good mood to bravely give a compliment he had been meaning to give.

    Lu Aotian was not angry. "Thanks. Your salary for this month will be doubled. But it''s Mrs. Lu now, not Miss Wan Jia."

    "Eh?"

    Everyone gasped.

    What did they just hear? Mrs. Lu?

    They were married?

    No wonder...

    The wine and triple bonus were not inexplicable.

    Wait, that wasn''t the main point. That male employee got his salary doubled just like that? Not only did he get a bottle of wine and a tripple monthly bonus, he also got a double salary now? Could they make it too if they complimented them?

    Unfortunately, they were already in the elevator...

    ___

    At Royal Kindergarten.

    Wan Jia and Lu Aotian were very eye catching as they stood in front of their car waiting for their daughter.

    They were not wearing particularly bright clothes nor were they  at a conspicious place. It''s just that, that pair of a smiling handsome man holding the hand of his beauty was so attractive. Everyone wanted to take a few more glances as soon as they saw them.

    "Mommy! Daddy!" An adorable little girl rushed over to them.

    Although her school uniform was still as tidy as it was when she left  the house in the morning, her hair was so messy that it was no different  from a chicken nest. It made one wonder whether she only played using her head.

    "Baby, how was school?" Wan Jia asked as she picked her up.

    "Mommy, school was very fun. I made many friends today."

    Well, children were the most forgiving creatures. Not long ago they were very scared of Little Jia and avoided but now, they had forgotten all about it. It was as though the matter had never happened to begin with.

    "Very good."

    After greeting her mother, she hugged her father too. "Handsome daddy!"

    Lu Aotian was pleasantly stunned by the new form of adress. Was it because he was looking too handsome today? He happily hugged his daughter and brushed back her stray hair using his hands.

    At the side, Wan Jia was jealous. Why didn''t anyone call her beautiful?

    Little Jia seemed to see her mother''s expression and reached out. Since she was being held by Lu Aotian, she was able to reach Wan Jia''s head and pat it. "Beautiful Mommy!"

    Lu Aotian laughed.

    Wan Jia was speechless.

    When they got into the car, Little Jia shyly peered at her parents.

    "Mommy, Little Jia painted Mommy and Daddy today." She rummaged through her small school bag and fished out a painting.

    After seeing her chaotic artwork for a while, Wan Jia could now understand her painting better.

    She could make out a man, a woman and a little girl. However, the woman was holding something in her arms.

    "Baby, what''s this?" She asked while pointing at the bundle in the woman''s arms.

    Little Jia looked at it and blushed. "My little brother."

    Lu Aotian :"..."

    Wan Jia :"..."

    The chauffer :"..."

    Lu Aotian had an expression that said: our princess wants a baby brother very much. We should hurry up and give her one. (Or a few)

    Wan Jia glared at him.

    "Baby, we are going to grandma''s for dinner today."

    The little girl looked at her with her big bright eyes. "Grandma Rou?"

    Wan Jia was taken aback. "How did you know her name?"

    Little Jia answered naturally. "I heard Grandpa Zhou calling her."

    Wan Jia did not know what to say anymore.

    Lu Aotian looked like he was not shocked. His daughter was so attentive. "Princess, we forgot to tell you something else."

    She turned to her father curiously and tilted her little head.

    Lu Aotian chuckled at her little actions. "Your mother and I are now married."

    She furrowed her little brows and continued looking at him questioningly. She was not familiar with the term "marriage". All she knew was that her parents loved each other.

    Lu Aotian: "Eer..."

    Wan Jia chimed in. "It means that your daddy and I are husband and wife." She hoped she understood now because if she didn''t...

    "Mommy, what''s a husband?"

    The couple did not know whether to laugh or cry.

    The chauffer at the front almost laughed out loud.

    "Well..." she racked her brains.

    The little girl did not understand this term either. All she knew was that if her mommy was her daddy''s wife, then she would stay with him forever. She thought about it curiously. "Does ''husband'' have the same meaning as ''wife'' but in men?"

    The description sounded rather weird but Wan Jia nodded.

    The little girl was elated. Mommy and Daddy will stay together forever!

 Chapter 263 - Speak for yourself

    "Princess you..." Lu Aotian was about to say something to the little girl but noticed that she suddenly looked pale. "What''s wrong? Are you feeling unwell?"

    "Daddy, Little Jia is very tired. I want to sleep."

    She had played more than usual today. It was no surprise. Lu Aotian carried her onto his lap. "Sleep here for a while."

    When they arrived at the Lin residence, the Lin family was waiting for them outside the mansion. They all had expectant expressions on their faces.

    Lu Aotian got out of the car with the sleepy Little Jia in his arms. As soon as Wan Jia stepped out, Xia Rou rushed over. "Baby!"

    "Mom, I missed you." Wan Jia hugged her mother warmly. She hugged her elder sister too.

    For a reason she didn''t understand, she did not feel as close to Lin Zhou as she did with Lin Lihua and Xia Rou. Still, she hugged him .

    "My baby is asleep? I''ll put her to sleep in my room." Lin Lihua suggested.

    Xia Rou immediately glared at her. "You only know to fawn over your sister''s daughter. Get married and bring me a grandchild to play with before I can allow you to play with my darling Little Jia." Although she was glaring at her, there was still love in her eyes as she reprimanded her eldest daughter.

    Lin Zhou was on Xia Rou''s side as usual. "My wife is right. You should get married and have your own kids before we can allow you to play with our darling Little Jia."

    "..."

    Did you have to say the exact same thing?

    Daddy, can you not be such a wife slave?

    Lin Lihua was unhappy. "Mr. and Mrs. Lin, the both of you only know to nag me. You nag me even when I''m minding my own business. Also, can you not publicly display your affection all the time? My little sister and I are not yet married. Leave us some leeway."

    Wan Jia immediately retaliated. "Speak for yourself."

    Lin Lihua did not understand her and thought she meant that she was engaged so they were not on the same boat.

    "Fine. Little Jia and I are unmarried. We are not interested in men either so let us be."

    Lu Aotian and Wan Jia exchanged glances. That may not be...a hundred percent accurate.

    "Enough with your whining. Take your niece to your room to sleep for a while. Lu Aotian, Little Wan, quickly come in. Don''t stand in the cold." Xia Rou glared at Lin Lihua  before pulling Wan Jia by her hand.

    "Yes, you may catch a cold if you stand out for too long." The wife slave, Lin Zhou, was at it again.

    Lu Aotian passed Little Jia to Lin Lihua and followed them in.

    Xia Rou spoke again. "Little Wan, I cooked your and Little Jia''s favourite shrimp. I also made a few pineaple buns.

    "My wife..." Lin Zhou was going to speak again.

    Lin Lihua who was on her way to her room interrupted him as she rolled her eyes. "Dad, we know. Your wife carefully selected all the ingredients to cook for them."

    Wan Jia and Xia Rou laughed. Actually, what Lin Lihua said was exactly what he was going to say.

    ...

    A short while later, Little Jia was awake from her nap.

    They sat at the dining table to eat gladly.

    Wan Jia took it as a chance to announce something.

    "Mom, well..."

    "Little Wan, do you have something to say?"

    "Uh huh...it''s good news."

    As soon as she said that, Lin Lihua''s, Lin Zhou and Xia Rou''s eyes all flew towards her belly.

    Wan Jia knew that she couldn''t be pregnant but for some reason, their gazes gave her goosebumps.

    She shook those thoughts out of her head. "Aotian and I got married."

    As soon as she said that, Xia Rou droppee her cutlery. Her Little Wan was married?

    "Congratulations!" She got up, went to her daughter''s side and hugged her.

    Lin Lihua and Lin Zhou did the same.

    "You...didn''t want a wedding?" Lin Lihua asked timidly. With her sister''s personality, she was expecting a not-so-grand wedding.

    Well, it wasn''t mandatory. Although Wan Jia liked beautiful things, she had told Lin Lihua before that she would only have a wedding if Lu Aotian wanted it. She did not find it necessary herself.

    While the women were deep into discussing whether to have a wedding or not, the men at the table, Lu Aotian and Lin Zhou, were exchanging glances. To be strict, they were exchanging glares.

    If Wan Jia had grown up in the Lin residence, Lu Aotian would understand the rivalry between a husband and his father-in-law.

    But she didn''t, and she wasn''t a tiny bit close to her father so Lu Aotian wondered; Why is Lin Zhou glaring at me?

    ...

    After dinner, the Lu couple carried their tired daughter into the car. She had fallen asleep again. It made one wonder whether the little kids had gone into a battlefield in school.

    When they arrived at Southside Villa, a certain annoying younger brother was waiting eagerly for them.

    "Yo, Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Lu. Bro, you are too mean. How could you not tell me that you got married? I had to find out about it from my subordinates."

    Lu Aotian waited for Wan Jia to go upstairs to put Little Jia to sleep before turning to his brother. "Investigate Lin Zhou."

    Lu Shaoting adjusted to the change of topic very fast. "Lin Zhou? The CEO of Lin Industries, the company that''s on the verge of bankruptcy lately?"

 Chapter 264 - I want to stay here

    "That very one." Lu Aotian said.

    Lu Shaoting was not sure whether to say it out.

    "Speak." Lu Aotian had seen through his uneasiness.

    "Bro, you know that an anonymous person has been buying Lin Industries'' shares recently, right? It could be just a piece of gossip but I heard that the anonymous buyer communicated with him. He sent a message saying that the fall of Lin Industries is related to a girl."

    Lu Aotian was currently frowning. A girl? Could that possibly be Lin Lihua or Wan Jia?

    After hearing the piece of gossip paired with Lin Zhou''s glare, Lu Aotian could more or less understand his train of thought. That man must have ruled out the possibility of the girl in the message being Lin Lihua and believed that it was Wan Jia. If that was the case, then he must think that Lu Aotian was the anonymous buyer.

    "Has his IQ been fed to the dogs?" Lu Aotian frowned. Lu Enterprises was doing perfectly fine. Why would he want to send Lin Industries into bankruptcy? Also, that was his in laws'' company. He wouldn''t mess with it. He was not that shameless, okay

    Lu Aotian couldn''t be bothered about him. As a businessman, all that mattered to him was that his family''s company was doing well.

    ¡­

    As Lu Shaoting left Southside Villa, he was feeling exceptionally forlorn. His brother was now married. Why was it that he wasn''t? His love life was not even optimistic. He regretted trying to give up on his wife...time had proven that he loved her even more.

    Unknowingly, he had driven around the city in rounds. He was tired and entered a certain high-end bar. The music was especially loud. He neither cared for the music nor for the bevy of beauties in his periphery, all he wanted was to drink.

    Not too long later, a beautiful woman in a skimpy dress walked up to him. "Mister, are you lonely? I can keep you company."

    Now very drunk, it would not matter which beauty walked up to him. All he saw was Su Ling¡­ two Su Lings dancing on the dance floor¡­ a whole horde of Su Ling. Why was Su Ling''s waist being held by another man?

    Wait, that was not Su Ling. All those were other women. If he continued staying here, he would do something that wouldn''t look too nice.

    He pushed away the beauty that was trying to stick onto him and stood up. He staggered out of the bar.

    Hmm¡­he had to find his Su Ling.

    Outside the bar, he called his chauffeur. Just two minutes later, he felt that man was taking too long so he got into the driver''s seat and drove off.

    (Avalorian''s note: It''s dangerous to drive while drunk. Unless you are Lu Shaoting)

    He was driving fairly slowly due to his drunken state so by the time he arrived at Su Ling''s apartment, he felt as though it had been forever.

    "Ling!" He could not recall her unit and called her out.

    If anyone saw him, they would be shocked at how the second master of the Lu family could manage to shout late at night. Even more stupid was the fact that he did not think of giving her a call. Well, perhaps she would ignore his call even if he did.

    In her apartment, Su Ling was not feeling sleepy so she went to the balcony for a breather.  Working with Wan Jia was the best choice she had ever made. While the cold wind blew past her face and hair, she recalled how she had seen most other designers treat their assistants. They were usually rude to them and when they were in a bad mood, they would take it out on them.

    As for her, the heavens had let Wan Jia employ her. She was so kind that those who didn''t know would think Wan Jia was her elder sister despite being younger than her. As long as she did what she was assigned rightly and on time, Wan Jia would never be unhappy.

    Amidst her train of thought, she thought she heard a familiar voice calling her name.

    Was she missing Lu Shaoting so much that she heard his voice even when she was just thinking about work?

    "Ling!"

    This time, the voice was clearer.

    She was now sure that she was not dreaming. She peered down and sure enough, she saw a head of black hair that she would recognize anywhere.

    Without thinking twice, she ran all the way downstairs, forgetting all about the elevator.

    "Shaoting, you¡­ what are you doing here?"

    When Lu Shaoting saw the Su Ling he had looked for all over, he rushed up and pulled her into his arms. "Ling¡­"

    Su Ling was astounded. You came all the way here late at night just to hug me?

    "Ling, did you miss me?"

    Only now did she realize that he was drunk.

    "You drank too much!" she scolded.

    He did not reply. All he did was hug her tightly.

    Su Ling knew that if they kept hugging here in the open, it wouldn''t look too good. "Shaoting, you should go back home."

    "I don''t want to. I want to stay here with you." He protested.

    "You can''t! You should really go back."

    "If you ask me to leave, I''ll kiss you right here."

    She was sending him away¡­all she knew was to avoid him.

    Actually, at that moment he wished she could ask him to go¡­ because her lips looked so alluring against the night light. He really wanted an excuse to kiss them.

 Chapter 265 - Peaceful conversation

    Su Ling also had the same thought. If she insisted, would he really¡­she shook her head.

    To avoid having to deal with drunken chaos, Su Ling pulled him into the elevator and led him to her apartrment.

    Her heart was uneasy, however. A drunk man and a woman who loves him¡­spending the night under the same roof. Would something happen?

    As soon as he entered her house, he went into her room, and lay right on her bed.

    Su Ling: "¡­"

    This is not your house, okay? Can you not act so naturally?

    "Ling, come here." He opened is arms wide as though waiting for her to hug him.

    Su Ling pondered. Should she¡­go over?

    Although her brain knew that she probably shouldn''t, her body ignored her brain. She went over obediently.

    In the end, she had been worried over nothing. Lu Shaoting only hugged her, kissed her forehead and fell asleep peacefully with her in his arms.

    ¡­

    The next morning.

    For the first time in many days, he felt like he was in a good mood when he woke up. That was the most peaceful sleep he had had in a while. But why did the bed feel unfamiliar today?

    He was just about to get up when he felt something soft against his chest. He looked down to find his Su Ling! Did she come over when he was drunk last night?

    Wait, something wasn''t right. This room was much smaller and quite girlish¡­ he was in her apartment! He couldn''t have come over when he was drunk, right?

    Well, he did remember doing such a thing.

    "You''re awake." Su Ling had woken up and left his arms while he was deep in thought.

    His first reaction was to look at her with an apologetic expression. "Ling, I''m so sorry. I was drunk last night and¡­" he thought of something and jolted in alarm. He looked at himself and¡­where the heck was his shirt? "I didn''t do something you didn''t want, right?"

    Su Ling felt embarrassed when she understood what he was asking. He was asking if he drunkenly forced himself on her. Well, he didn''t need to. She could¡­

    She shook her head to clear those dirty thoughts as well as answer his question. "Don''t think too much. You took off your shirt and threw it away. Aside from that and forcefully sleeping in my bed, you didn''t do anything."

    As long as he didn''t do anything against his morals, he was relieved even if he did some embarrassing things.

    ...

    Since Su Ling was no good in the kitchen, he got up to cook breakfast.

    Su Ling took a shower and when she looked for him, she saw him looking very serious in the kitchen¡­shirtless. She really wanted to hug his body.

    Lu Shaoting saw from the corner of his eye that Su Ling was sneaking peeks at him like a fan girl in love. He did not expose her. Perhaps he had deliberately left the door open to display his firmly built back and chest to her.

    The doorbell rang just as he was almost done cooking.

    "I ordered some clothes. Help me pick the delivery." Lu Shaoting said without turning, which made Su Ling wonder how he knew that she was some distance behind him.

    When she came back, she went straight into the kitchen and stood beside him. "Teach me how to cook."

    Lu Shaoting saw the stars in her eyes and swallowed back down the "no" he was going to say.

    In the past few weeks, he had learnt to cook and was now fairly good in the kitchen. It was all so that he could cook for her. Did she still need to learn?

    However, it was the first thing she had ever asked of him as well as the first time in a long time that they had held a peaceful conversation. How could he let this chance go? "I will."

    Su Ling was delighted. "As soon as I''m good enough, the first meal I cook will be for you. You don''t know but eating out every day is so boring."

    "Then how about I enroll you into a culinary class? I''m not a master myself."

    "That would be too troublesome. If you are too busy then¡­"

    "I''m not. I will teach you."

    Aside from the fact that they were finally conversing peacefully, he seemed to remember something from the previous night.

    She must have thought that he was asleep before she said, " Lu Shaoting, I don''t hate you. I''m just scared that you would not want me anymore if you knew about my dirty past."

    If he was not dreaming and she really said that, then it would explain why she was friendlier today- she had let out what bothered her the most, so she was feeling much better.

    Meanwhile, he made a mental note about something.

    ¡­

    That evening, Su Ling saw a beautiful middle aged woman in a chef attire standing outside her door when she arrived home.

    She had to go back and check that she did not enter the wrong unit. She went back to the woman. "Excuse me ma''am, this is my apartment."

    The woman shot Su Ling a snowy-toothed smile. "Are you Miss Su Ling?"

    "Yes, do you need something?"

    "Miss, please call me Mrs. Chai. I''m your new part time chef."

    Su Ling was taken aback. Part time what?

    "Ma''am, you must be in the wrong place. I didn''t hire any chef."

    "I was hired by Second Master Lu. Miss, what would you like to eat today?"

 Chapter 266 - Forget about that woman

    The first thing Su Ling did was send Lu Shaoting a text message. [Shaoting, you don''t need to do this.]

    Of course he would understand what she was talking about. She did not deserve his kindness. He was the second master of a potent family and could get any woman he wanted. Even young women from powerful families like the Yan family were so in love with him. Also, he was engaged. What right did she have to compete with Yan Xue for him?

    When Lu Shaoting saw the message, he replied with the first thought that came into his mind. [You should accept it. Why would I let my wife eat boring food?] As a matter of fact, it was not just about the chef. He was also contemplating whether she would let him find her a new place to live. He felt her current apartment was too lacking in security.

    Only after sending the text message did he realize what he had just called her. Wife?

    Crap!

    He hoped she would overlook it or else it would get really awkward.

    Some time later, the chef reported to him that she had cooked for her. He smiled satisfactorily. My wife, I will dote on you so much that one day you will be moved by me and agree to be with me.

    Even after hearing her mention having a dirty past, he did not investigate it. Because he did not care. All he cared was that he loved her. Even if she committed murder in the past, that had nothing to do with him. He only needed to prove it to her.

    ¡­

    The next evening, he bought tons of fresh ingredients and took them to her apartment. He entered the house like he owned the place and arranged them in the kitchen.

    Su Ling:"¡­"

    Do you really think this is your house?

    When he was done, he carried her off the floor like it was the most natural thing to do and smacked a kiss right on her lips.

    Su ling: "¡­"

    Do you really think I''m your wife?

    If anyone saw his actions, they would mistake them for a married couple. Wasn''t he acting like a husband arriving home and kissing his wife?

    "Ling¡­did you miss me?"

    She liked the sound of her name coming from his lips. He made it sound so sweet.

    For some reason, she wanted to be honest with him. "I did."

    He was over the moon. Did she just say that she had missed him? "Ling,"

    "Hmm?"

    "I¡­" He wanted to say that he didn''t care about her so called dirty past. But, he felt it would be awkward because she didn''t know that he had heard her. He changed it to "I love you."

    Su Ling continued looking at him with her bright eyes. She already knew it but he had said it too suddenly. She did not know how to respond to that.

    Lu Shaoting saw that she was uneasy and changed the topic. "What do you want to eat? I''ll cook. I can teach you in the process."

    "Sure, I''ll eat your specialty. " Su Ling did not reject it. She couldn''t hesitate to do such a romantic thing with him. Even though he was not hers, she still selfishly wanted to spend some time with him.

    In the kitchen, Su Ling washed radishes and chopped them as Lu Shaoting cooked sweet and sour pork.

    At one point, he unceremoniously stood behind her and held her from behind. He loved nothing more than being able to hold her like this¡­he especially like her sweet scent.

    It was such an intimate move that she almost accidentally chopped into her finger. "Lu Shaoting, you¡­ don''t be too close to me. Your fianc¨¦e wouldn''t like it."

    She so badly wanted to be with him, but she didn''t want to be intimate with another woman''s husband.

    "What fianc¨¦e?" his charming voice came right next to her ear as he breathed warmth onto her skin.

    He understood her even before she said anything. "Did that woman tell you some nonsense? Forget about her, she''s just a delusional woman trying to stick onto me."

    "Really? But she said your family has an engagement contract with hers."

    "That''s just a suggestion that CEO Yan gave to my father. It''s not mandatory. "

    Su Ling nodded.

    "Ling, I meant it when I said I only love you. In this lifetime, I can only ever be your man. Nothing else matters."

    "Nothing?" she asked meaningfully.

    "Nothing." he answered knowingly.

    What followed was a long spell of silence that made him wonder if it meant she had agreed to be with him.

    ___

    While the pair cooked romantically, Lu Tongyan was overjoyed.

    That was because the girl he had always taken as a daughter, Yan Xue, had gone over to the Lu residence.

    "Uncle, is Shaoting home? I can''t get through to his phone."

    "Little Xue, please stay for a meal. Shaoting will be home soon."

    She was not looking for Lu Shaoting; she had only come for Lu Tongyan. Of course she would stay for dinner.

    On the huge dining table, it was always just Lu Tongyan and his second son. Now it was only the two of them with a few servants at the side ready to serve them.

    As soon as Yan Xue wafted the smell of fish on the dining table, her stomach churned and she ran out of the dining room.

    When she came back, Lu Tongyan was secretly giving her curious looks.

    This girl¡­ I already thought she looked different. She couldn''t be pregnant, right? Was that why she was looking for Shaoting?

    Oh, the gods have blessed us! Shaoting finally has a child!

 Chapter 267 - She is pregnant

    Lu Tongyan knew he couldn''t be wrong. Aside from Yan Xue''s pale complexion, she couldn''t stand strong smells and as they ate, he realized that she avoided all the oily foods. When he passed her some just for a test, she politely rejected it and said that she was not feeling too well today. She was acting just as his late wife did when she was pregnant with Aotian and Shaoting.

    As her future father-in-law, it would be too awkward to simply as her such a question. He could only step out and call Lu Shaoting.

    The man arrived within the shortest time he could. "Father, why did you call me? Is there something very urgent?" He was eating with Su Ling and was just about to kiss her when his father called. Obviously, he was in a foul mood.

    Lu Tongyan was too cheerful to mind his annoyance. "Shaoting, come here. Little Xue is here."

    Lu Shaoting''s expression instantly turned bloodcurdling. "What the hell is that woman doing here?"

    Lu Tongyan glared sharply at him. "Lu Shaoting, Don''t be rude!"

    Lu Shaoting was even more annoyed. His father had called him so urgently just for this? It had just been a few days. What had that woman done to win his father''s favour?

    Yan Xue saw that Lu Shaoting looked like he wanted to leave. She rushed up to him smiling like a pure innocent angel. "Shaoting! You''re home. You should join us for dinner." She was completely acting like the host. It was as though she was the mistress of the house.

    "Why are you here? Leave right now!" He was not sure what this woman had said to his Su Ling but knew that she was responsible for the latter''s previous cold attitude towards him. He and Su Ling had just started getting closer. He couldn''t allow this woman to ruin it.

    Yan Xue did not leave and clung onto his arm instead. Lu Shaoting felt as though he had been touched by something extremely disgusting. He shoved her away violently.

    Lu Tongyan felt his blood run ice cold. He held Yan Xue just before her body hit the table. "Shaoting! Don''t be too violent! She could be pregnant!" before his brain could process it, he blurted out in fear.

    Yan Xue smiled evilly. It was initially getting difficult to break the news but Lu Tongyan had just done it for her. As expected, men from the Lu family were very attentive. He had found this out quite fast.

    Despite hearing the big news, she saw that Lu Shaoting did not have any change in expression. Grabbing the opportunity, she smiled at him. "Shaoting, I don''t know how Uncle Lu found out but it''s true. We are going to be parents soon. Anyway, that''s not what I wanted to talk to you about." While she spoke, she rubbed her belly with an innocent smile. Lu Shaoting found her nauseating.

    He was not about to bother with her; he had more important things to do. She probably wasn''t pregnant. Even if she was, it had nothing to do with him. He turned on his heel.

    "Shaoting, I only wanted to tell you that you should stay away from that woman"

    Yan Xue''s main priority was to sow discord between the Lu Family and Su Ling. Even if she and Lu Shaoting got together, neither Lu Tongyan nor Lu Aotian would allow her into the family.

    "Shut up!" Lu Shaoting saw through her intentions and glared at her.

    Yan Xue switched tactics to act wronged. "Shaoting, how can you be so fierce with me? It''s just¡­I''m scared of that type of scheming woman. What if she seduces you away from me? How will I take care of our baby then?"

    Her new tactic was commendable. Not only did she let Lu Tongyan think they were in a good relationship and that there was a third party trying to come between them, she also reminded him of her pregnancy. Old man, say something!

    "Yan Xue, I''m saying it for the last time. Leave."

    "Ridiculous!" Lu Tongyan didn''t want to interfere with the young people''s bickering but he couldn''t stand it anymore. What was his son saying?

    Hanging on her last straw, Yan Xue acted pitiful and wronged. "Uncle Lu, I don''t know why Shaoting has been rude to me ever since finding out that I''m carrying his baby. He''s been hanging out with that Su Ling. I don''t hate her, she just¡­"

    "What has your pregnancy got to do with me? Go look for your baby''s father and stop bothering my family. Also, stay away from my woman."

    "Shaoting!" the old man almost had a heart attack. What was wrong with his son today? He had got a woman pregnant and now he was denying it?

    The cat was already out of the bag. He could only face it. "Father, I have said this before. No matter what happens, the only woman I will ever love is Su Ling. Even if she had a bad reputation, I wouldn''t care. If you disowned me because of this, I would gladly accept it."

    Lu Tongyan looked like he had seen a ghost. How could he bear to disown his son?

    ¡­

    Meanwhile, Su Ling received an express delivery as soon as Lu Shaoting left.

    She opened it curiously and the content almost froze her to death. It was a pregnancy test report from North Hill Gynecological Hospital.

    The patient''s name was Yan Xue and she was two weeks pregnant!

    It was huge news but it was none of her business. Why was it sent to her? Could it be¡­?

 Chapter 268 - Do you think I hid her away?

    Su Ling seemed to remember a certain situation. She had thought before that Yan Xue was really engaged to Lu Shaoting. Later, the man had told her that there was no such thing as an engagement between them. He didn''t even like her. Logically she should believe him because he was the one she loved.

    But how could he explain Yan Xue''s pregnancy? Was he going to say that she was with another man and was now forcing him to take responsibility for another man''s child?

    Yan Xue was literally obsessed with Lu Shaoting. Could she even do that?

    The next day, she was once again in a bad mood and ignored him. Wan Jia only had to take one look to know that she was fighting with her unreliable brother-in-law for the umpteenth time.

    "What did that Shaoting do this time? You are too dull today. It''s as though your body has been hollowed out."

    Su Ling did not want to drag people into her personal life but she had become closer to her boss over time. They could even be considered friends. "Boss, do you think Lu Shaoting could possibly sleep with another woman?"

    Wan Jia would obviously speak well of her brother-in-law. But, what she said was still the truth. "And be with you at the same time? Shaoting wouldn''t do that. If he completely gave up on chasing you then he could."

    Su Ling pondered. He had looked for her to explain that he only loved and there was no other woman in his heart. He had not given up.

    "A woman sent me her pregnancy test results. Tsk, she must have wanted me to think that she has something going on with Lu Shaoting. "She sneered.

    Wan Jia looked up from her drafts with a smile of understanding. "Let me guess. The woman is Yan Xue?"

    "Is it that obvious?"

    Wan Jia opened a drawer and took out a folder which she showed to Su Ling. She had seen the content too so Wan Jia did not mind showing it to her. "That woman must have wanted everyone from the family to see it."

    "If she sent it to President Lu then¡­"

    "She wouldn''t dare." Lu Aotian was too scary. He might see right through her little scheme. "You shouldn''t conclude anything before talking to Shaoting." She advised.

    ¡­

    Sure enough, Lu Shaoting found her in the evening. After insisting that Yan Xue''s child had nothing to do with him, he and his father were now in a cold war. Between his father and Su Ling, he felt that it was more crucial to talk to Su Ling. His father might need more time to understand the situation but if Yan Xue told Su Ling about it, then the latter would misunderstand him. Then wouldn''t all his hard work go to waste?

    He held Su Ling in his arms as soon as he got into her house. She pushed him slightly, she needed some explanation first.

    Lu Shaoting felt her slightly cold attitude and guessed that Yan Xue had already made a move. How fast.

    "Did she look for you?"

    Su Ling knew he was asking about Yan Xue. "She''s pregnant, isn''t she?"

    Lu Shaoting sat down and pulled her next to him. "She might be, but it has nothing to do with me." He cupped her cheeks and made her look into his eyes. "Ling, do you trust me?"

    Su Ling did not know how to answer him. They were not a couple. What right did she have to trust or not to trust him?

    Lu Shaoting felt his heart ache when she remained silent. Was that a no?

    He let go of her chin and closed his eyes for a second to down the pain. Lately, he had learnt to control his temper. He did not want to lash out on her again. If he did, he might really lose her for good.

    "Ling, whatever that woman says to you, don''t believe her. She drugged me but I didn''t sleep with her." He wouldn''t be with any other woman even when he was under a strong aphrodisiac. He could only be with his Su Ling.

    Hearing that, Su Ling felt better. He didn''t sleep with Yan Xue even though he was drugged? Did that prove that he loved her? "I believe you."

    Lu Shaoting was momentarily astonished. Did she just say¡­that she believed him?

    Then, he had to work harder. He should prove that Yan Xue was lying as soon as possible and after he did that, he would marry his Su Ling and finally be with her forever.

    ¡­

    The situation was, however, not going to be too simple because Old Yan furiously charged into Lu Enterprises the following day.

    "CEO Yan, I''m sorry, you cannot see the President without an appointment."

    The man was not listening to her and banged right into the office of the President.

    "President, I tried to stop him¡­" the little secretary was so scared that her legs shook. Lu Aotian sent her away.

    "It''s not every day that angry fathers barge into my office like they own Lu Enterprises. CEO Yan must have a good reason, right?"

    For some reason, Lu Aotian''s cold voice made Old Yan shiver. The confidence he previously had was all gone.

    Lu Aotian¡­that little boy he had watched till he grew up, had he become so terrifying?

    He could only stutter. "I''m here¡­because of my daughter."

    Lu Aotian ignored him for a while before asking coldly, "She''s lost and you somehow think I hid her away?"

 Chapter 269 - Clowns

    The man shuddered. "No¡­of course not. President Lu is too busy. How can you have time to hide away small fries like my daughter? Your brother¡­"

    Lu Aotian interrupted him. "You think my brother hid her away?"

    "That... that''s not what I mean." The man was even more scared. Why was Lu Aotian so terrifying?!

    "Then why don''t you call 911? The police will definitely help you find her."

    "She''s not¡­"

    He had already said something over the intercom and his secretary came running in.

    "President, do you have any orders?"

    "See Mr. Yan out."  Lu Aotian said, his face devoid of expressions

    Old Yan was suddenly unable to talk thanks to Lu Aotian''s frosty glare and the sudden instruction. Was this punk doing it on purpose?

    Of course Lu Aotian was doing it on purpose. He knew that Old Yan had charged into his office to reprimand him about his brother. Knowing that family, it wouldn''t  be anything nice.

    How could he let someone talk ill of his younger brother? He would not let him have half a chance.

    ¡­

    Unsatisfied of how Lu Aotian had treated him, the man furiously rushed to the Lu residence.

    He had only gone to Lu Aotian that punk because he knew that he was the only person Lu Shaoting was afraid of. As long as he got Lu Aotian on his side, the younger brother would have to take responsibility and marry his daughter whether he wanted to or not. But this punk just had to be so scary. Did he not know to show some respect?

    Unbeknownst to him, Lu Aotian called his father as soon as Old Yan left his office.

    His message was quite vague. "The Yan family might not necessarily be honest."

    When Old Yan arrived, Lu Tongyan guessed that he had been to Lu Aotian''s office.

    He did not waste too much time on small talk and went straight to the point. "Old Lu, when do you plan to honor our wedding alliance?"

    Lu Tongyan frowned when he heard that term. Alliance? It was just a suggestion and our children did not agree to it. Still, he smiled at his friend. "It would have been nice if Shaoting married Little Xue but sigh, that boy doesn''t seem to like her."

    Old Yan was not pleased to hear that. What was so bad about his perfect daughter that Lu Shaoting did not like her? Did he prefer that woman he was seeing? The one with a past so dirty that she was unacceptable even by her own parents? "Then is he going to abandon his child? Is this how your children act?

    That was it. Lu Tongyan could tolerate insults being directed towards him but he treasured his sons like jewels. How dare an outsider criticize them? "Old Yan, Shaoting said that that child has nothing to do with him. Are you saying that my son is a liar?" Besides, Shaoting would never accept a woman who lied about carrying his child.

    "Are you saying that my daughter is the liar?"

    The men were both furious, each trying to protect his child. At that moment, a servant brought Yan Xue in. "Master, Miss Yan Xue is here for Second Young Master."

    Lu Tongyan slightly frowned. Why did it seem to him that this girl was forcefully clinging onto his Shaoting?

    "Uncle Lu, father you are here too. I brought these tonics for you and Shaoting." As usual, she had on that innocent smile that made everyone clear their doubts towards her. Even with Lu Aotian''s warning, he still found her adorable.

    He took the tonics and asked a servant to store them away.

    Old Yan reprimanded her. "Why are you walking around? You should stay home and take care of my grandchild. Do you think that by coming here, a certain someone will glance at you? He only knows to impregnate people and dump them aside to find new women."

    Old Yan saw Lu Tongyan frown. That was the effect he wanted. He wanted Lu Tongyan to feel so guilty that he would force his son to marry Yan Xue.

    At the side, Yan Xue revealed an expression of being wronged and looked down with her lashes shining with tiny tears. "Don''t say that about Shaoting. He didn''t abandon me. It''s that woman¡­Shaoting is just a little spellbound."

    "A little spellbound?" Old Yan roared. "That man would rather be with a dirty woman who can''t even give birth than with my perfect daughter. Little Xue, you should forget about him. This type of man does not deserve you."

    Lu Tongyan was silently watching the family drama.

    Did Old Yan just say that Su Ling couldn''t give birth? If Shaoting married him, he wouldn''t have a son?

    Everyone knew that this was Lu Tongyan''s glaring weakness. He yearned for grandchildren. Lu Aotian and Lu Shaoting were his only sons. If they didn''t have sons, the family line would come to an end. How could he let that happen?

    However, there was Lu Aotian''s warning from earlier. The Yan family was not necessarily innocent.

    Wait, why was it that after recalling his eldest son''s warning, this father and daughter pair suddenly looked like a pair of clowns putting on a show?

    ...

    Ever since seeing Xu Lingxi once, Little Jia had always looked for an opportunity to see that little baby again. That weekend, she grabbed the chance before her father could think of taking her and her mother somewhere for fun.

    In fact, she woke up earlier than her parents and knocked on Lu Aotian''s door. "Daddy, daddy, Little Jia wants to go to see Small Xixi

 Chapter 270 - Small Xixi

    Lu Aotian was helpless against his daughter. Did you have to wake me up? Also, who is Small Xixi?

    Since Xu Lingxi was Tangtang''s sister, Little Jia knew that Lu Shaoting was the best person to accompany her to the Xu estate. She took her daddy''s phone and sent her second uncle a message.

    Lu Aotian glanced at the message that had been sent using his phone and chuckled. His princess was too cute. Poor Shaoting.

    As he expected, his younger brother rushed over at a terrifying speed and ran all the way to the study room. "Bro, what''s the emergency?"

    Lu Aotian had the impulse to laugh at his brother when he saw him out of breath with some sweat on his forehead. "It''s your niece."

    Before Lu Shaoting could ask what was wrong with his darling niece, the little girl was already at the door the study room. She was wearing a very cute purple dress and had her hair down. Lu Shaoting immediately picked her up. "Baby, what happened?"

    "Second uncle¡­" she drew out the syllables cutely and hid her little face in his chest. Lu Shaoting knew her too well.

    He frowned. She couldn''t have had her father call him just so she could ask him to go out, right?

    "Second uncle, can you take Little Jia to see Small Xixi?"

    Who is small Xixi? Xu Lingxi?

    Also¡­

    Lu Shaoting subconsciously looked at his phone screen. The message was still there.

    [Bro: Southside Villa in eight minutes.]

    It sounded just like those messages his brother would send him when the situation was an emergency. He almost left the house naked and knocked himself into things a few times. He looked at his brother who had resumed his business as though the uncle and niece did not exist.

    Bro, how could you?

    "Second uncle¡­" Little Jia probed with her big round eyes wide open. It was too difficult to say no to her even if one wanted to.

    "I wanted to go out with my wife today but I''ll take you to see Lingxi first."

    "Second uncle has a wife?" her big eyes dimmed.

    "Hmm. Her name is Su Ling." He said proudly.

    "But Second uncle can''t have another wife! A man can only have one wife." she pouted.

    "¡­" why did she make it sound like he already had one? He only had Su Ling, alright?

    "Why can''t second uncle have a wife?"

    Lu Aotian was curious too. His ears would be perked up if he were a bunny.

    "Because Second Uncle already has me."

    Lu Shaoting: "¡­"

    Lu Aotian: "¡­"

    Wan Jia who had just come to call Lu Aotian for breakfast and had walked into this: "¡­"

    The little girl noticed their expressions. "Why are you all looking at me like that? Am I not second uncle''s wife? Or does second uncle not love me anymore?"

    Wan Jia: "¡­" You already know that a man can only have one wife, but you don''t know that you can''t be your uncle''s wife?

    How do I even explain this sort of thing?

    Forget it. She probably only knows one type of love. She''s still a child anyway; she will understand it better when she is older.

    Ignoring her weird parents, Little Jia urged Lu Shaoting to her room. She packed many new toys that had been bought the last time they went shopping into a bag and gave it to Lu Shaoting to carry. "Second uncle, let''s go."

    "Baby, what are all these for?" Lu Shaoting asked.

    "They are presents for Small Xixi."

    No wonder he thought just now that these toys did not suit her taste. He had even seen her pack a miniature toy robot. It was probably for Tangtang.

    "Baby, you should have breakfast first." Wan Jia was waiting for Little Jia at the dining table and she saw from the corner of her eye that the little girl was excitedly heading out the door, even leaving her uncle behind.

    "Mommy, Little Jia is not hungry." She said and tried to get away.

    Wan Jia glanced at her. Not hungry? Just admit you are too excited. "Little kids shouldn''t skip meals. Only then can you grow healthier and more beautiful. Come here; mommy will feed you today, okay?"

    She reluctantly nodded her head and went to the dining table.

    After breakfast, she couldn''t wait to jump out the door.

    ___

    In the Xu estate, Little Jia couldn''t wait to cling onto Xu Liaowen''s wife. She greeted her as soon as she saw her and exploded into a fit of excitement. "Aunty Kara! Aunty Kara, can I see Small Xixi?"

    Kara liked Little Jia and was even more pleased that the little girl liked her daughter very much. She rubbed her head and led her into the house.

    Xu Lingxi was being held by her father. Once in a while, she let out a childish bout of laughter that would cheer anyone up. Tangtang was playing at the side but he would peer over once in a while to make sure that his sister was fine.

    For the first time, Little Jia''s attention wasn''t drawn by the cute little boy. She rushed up to say hi to Xu Liaowen before looking at the baby with her big eyes of adoration.

    "Uncle Liaowen, Small Xixi has grown slightly bigger."

    Xu Liaowen was impressed. "Little Jia is quite observant. Lingxi has indeed grown bigger. Babies grow faster."

    Little Jia took a longer peek then asked excitedly. "Uncle Liaowen, when will Small Xixi grow as tall as me? I want us to play together."

    £¬

 Chapter 271 - Little Jia is a big girl now

    Xu Liaowen did not know what to tell the little girl. Their ages were three years and some months apart. Would they ever be playmates? By the time Lingxi grew up, Little Jia would have so many friends that she would forget all about her ''Small Xixi''. Where did she get that nickname anyway?

    After giving Kara the toys meant for Xu Lingxi, Little Jia took a toy robot and a toy supervillain from that large bag and gave walked towards Tangtang.

    "Tangtang, " she was still a little scared that the little boy would ignore her or shove her aside as usual.

    Tangtang glanced up at the little girl.

    "This is for you." She handed over the toys.

    Tangtang looked at the toys and liked them at first glance. He really wanted to accept them but...could he really accept gifts from girls? What if it made her think that he was willing to play with her? He still didn''t want to play with childish little girls.

    In the end, the toys were too tempting and he was also unwilling to make Little Jia sad. It wouldn''t be kind of him. He reached to accept them. "Thank you Little Jia."

    Little Jia was happy and sat opposite Tangtang. Her mood was quite good. "I go to school now. Little Jia is now a big girl. Can you be my friend and play with me?"

    Tangtang did not believe her. "Really? Which school?"

    "Royal Kindergarten." Afraid that it was insufficient, Little Jia added the main point. "I no longer cry all the time."

    Tangtang''s mood warmed up by a notch. "Then we can be friends and play together!"

    He really disliked cry babies. When Little Jia was two, there was a time when Lu Shaoting had taken them to the beach for fun. They had built sand castles and when it was time to go home, Little Jia had cried for a long time because she couldn''t carry her sandcastle home.

    Hearing that she was no longer a cry baby, he was happy so he led her into his playroom.

    "But who will take care of Lingxi? What if someone hurts her?" He was still worried.

    Ever since his little sister was born, Tangtang would never feel safe unless Xu Lingxi was within his line of sight. He was always worried that someone would steal her away or hurt her.

    He would literally run into his father''s car as soon as school was over and jump out to sprint into the house when the car stopped. He only became less paranoid after being pacified and convinced by his parents that Lingxi is safe. Still, he would still worry every time he had to leave her for a while.

    Little Jia thought Tangtang was being unnecessarily silly. "Aren''t Aunty Kara and Uncle Liaowen there? My second uncle is there with her too. With them watching over her, what could possibly happen?"

    Tangtang was still not convinced. "If I''m there as well,  only then would nothing possibly happen."

    Little Jia frowned at the little boy. "Can you protect yourself against the bad guys?"

    Tangtang immediately shook his head. "No, daddy says that I will be able to when I grow up and become strong enough."

    Little Jia knitted her little brows adorably. "You can''t even protect yourself yet. How can you protect someone else? We are still little kids. We should leave that to the adults."

    Tangtang found that he could not retaliate. He couldn''t believe that he had just been convinced by a little girl younger than him.

    The door was wide open and their voices were fairly loud so their conversation had been overheard by the three adults downstairs.

    Xu Liaowen looked like he had been struck by lightning. He looked at his best friend opposite him. "How old did you say your niece is?"

    Lu Shaoting was shocked too. "She will be four in a few weeks."

    "Four? Surely you mean fourteen, right?"

    A four year old girl had made his son speechless? One had to know that that little boy never lost in an argument. It made one wonder how he knew so many things at his age. It was only in matters he had no information about, and those too complex for him to understand  that he would keep quiet and let others do the talking. Even then, he would ask so many questions that one would wish to sew his mouth shut.

    That wasn''t the main point.

    Such words coming from the mouth of a four year old child was quite shocking! Was Lu Aotian''s daughter secretly a genius? She was too intelligent!

    Actually, what they should be gushing over was not her intelligence but her memory. Her intelligence was still on a not-so-shocking level compared to her age but she had inherited her ability to remember things from her father. Of course it would be remarkable.

    What she had said to Tangtang just now was an altered version of what her father had said to her before.

    On the day that she fought in school because her little friend, Shen Yue, had been bullied, her father had said to her;  "You can''t even protect yourself yet. How can you protect someone else? You are still a little child. You should leave that to the adults."

    Still, she was still very young. It was remarkable that she was able to fit her father''s words into another situation and make the paranoid Tangtang speechless.

    The little boy could only conceed defeat. "Then, when I''m tall and strong enough, I will protect Lingxi. For now, I will let daddy and mommy do it."

 Chapter 272 - Once loved

    "Little Jia, do you know how to do jigsaw puzzles?" Tangtang asked as he looked around for what to play with Little Jia.

    Little Jia shook her little head. "I''ve never tried it. I think it''s too difficult."

    Tangtang took her tiny hand in his also tiny one. "You will not know unless you try. Come, I will teach you."

    "Okay."

    The kids sat beside each other at a little table. Tangtang jumbled the pieces of a jigsaw bunny.

    "You just have to put the pieces together to form a complete bunny. This one goes here, this one here¡­"

    He put the pieces together one at a time until he was done.

    "Do you understand now?"

    "Uh huh." She nodded.

    Tangtang brought another jigsaw, this time it was a pair of roses.

    "Can you try fixing this one?"

    The little girl nodded and stuck out her little hands to take it. She thought about it and started by placing the pieces that should be at the edges then used them to complete it. She had learnt faster than Tangtang had expected.

    The little boy smiled warmly. "Little Jia, you learnt very fast. Daddy said that kids who learn to do things very fast are clever." Actually, it was not all that impressive. All those jigsaws were quite easy with very few pieces.

    In the next minutes, Little Jia had taken a liking to this game. She did the jigsaws faster each time.

    In the end, the pair of kids even decided to compete. Tangtang thought of which jigsaw to chose¡­he had done all of them before. It would not be fair to let Little Jia pick one she had not done. "Little Jia, how about you pick one from the ones you have just done?"

    Little Jia thought it would be too easy. "Let''s try two with more pieces."

    Tangtang nodded and brought two of the most difficult jigsaws that even he had never successfully solved on his own for Little Jia to choose from. He naturally took the other one.

    After jumbling the pieces, the competition started.

    Half an hour later, the kids looked like they were about to cry. Why did it have to be so difficult? Little Jia had done it halfway and it still looked jumbled so she gave up. She glanced at her little friend. "Tangtang, you got it wrong. This piece should go here and this one here."

    "What are these pictures anyway? They look so strange." Little Jia was not too familiar with them.

    "They are called maps of countries."

    Little Jia tilted her little head. "That one over there looks like France." She pointed at a completed jigsaw.

    Tangtang was shocked. "Huh? How did you know?"

    "When mommy and daddy said that they would go to a place called France for something called a honeymoon, mommy pointed at a piece that looks exactly like that on a globe." At that time, she did not understand a thing and only looked on.

    "Oh, my daddy and mommy went to a place called Maldives for their honeymoon."

    "What''s a honeymoon?"

    "I don''t know what it means either."

    Just like that, the competition was forgotten. The kids went outside after a while.

    Seeing them play, Kara took some snacks and fruit and went out too. "Tangtang, Little Jia, I brought over snacks and fruit. Do you want some?"

    "I do, I do!" they said in unison. They were quite hungry after playing for a while.

    ¡­

    Some meters away.

    Lu Shaoting was going to check on them too. Before he even got close to them, what met his eyes was Kara giving fruit to the kids. She would put a piece of fruit into Tangtang''s mouth then put one in Little Jia''s mouth too. The kids would chew it happily and ask for more.

    It was so heartwarming that Lu Shaoting stood to watch with a smile. Even when the kids left Kara to go back to play, he did not avert his gaze. She was watching them play and he was watching the back of the woman he once loved.

    Once loved¡­

    It made him drown into thought.

    In the past, he would feel heartache watching her like this but now he felt nothing.  She was just another woman in the crowd.

    He hoped¡­there wouldn''t ever be a day that he would forget about his love for Su Ling and think of her as a woman he once loved.

    While he was still deep in thought, Kara turned to go back into the house and was surprised to see Lu Shaoting. "What are you doing out here?"

    "I came to give my girlfriend a call." He answered naturally.

    Kara found it quite unexpected. "You finally have a girlfriend? We should celebrate that. You have been single for so long that we were starting to think that you could be¡­you know."

    That''s because I had you in my heart, okay? I''m glad I finally found my own match.

    "I will invite you and Liaowen to our wedding. Tangtang will be my little ring bearer." His answer was very truthful.

    "Sure." She thought it was a good idea too.

    He turned to leave.

    Kara smiled at his retreating back. I''m glad he has a girlfriend now. Liaowen can finally stop thinking that he possibly has feelings for me.

    ___

    After playing with Tangtang the whole day, the both of them were now officially friends. She even forgot that she had come specially to see her Small Xixi.

    She only agreed to leave the Xu residence when her uncle persuaded her.

    "Goodbye Tangtang. Goodbye Uncle Liaowen, Aunty Kara, Small Xixi." She said her cute goodbyes with a smile.

    The trio waved back in goodbye. As for Xu Lingxi, ''Small Xixi'' henceforth became her nickname.

 Chapter 273 - A few things to do

    "Goodbye Tangtang. Goodbye Uncle Liaowen, Aunty Kara, Small Xixi." She said her cute goodbyes with a smile.

    The trio waved back in goodbye. As for Xu Lingxi, ''Small Xixi'' henceforth became her nickname.

    As she went back to Southside Villa, she was so tired that she slept in her second uncle''s car.

    "Daddy, mommy!" she jumped onto her parents as soon as she was home.

    Wan Jia looked at her little head of long black hair. She was amazed at her daughter''s ability to keep her clothes neat but make her hair so messy that some of it stuck to her face. What kind of games did she play?

    As soon as Little Jia got into her mother''s embrace, she became drowsy.

    "Baby, eat first then go to sleep, okay?" She urged. It wouldn''t be too nice if she skipped dinner.

    The little girl nodded obediently.

    After dinner, she pulled her mother''s hand and dragged her into her room. After bathing her, Wan Jia sat next to her bed and pulled out some books with adorable pictures on the covers.

    "Baby, what story do you want mommy to read you tonight?"

    "Mommy, can you tell me about countries instead?"

    "¡­"

    Countries? What sort of weird bed time stories are these? She wouldn''t even comprehend a thing!

    Well, since her daughter had asked for it, she pretended it was not strange and started rattling on about different countries. Sure enough,  Little Jia understood nothing. She fell asleep very fast.

    ¡­

    After putting her baby to sleep, she went to the study room. Lu Aotian had been very busy for the past few days. The company was experiencing a very busy phase; even Lu Shaoting was very busy.

    In the study room, Lu Aotian had his head against the backrest. He looked very fatigued. His dark circles were so dark that when she took a good look at him, they were quite conspicuous. For a strong man like him to be visibly tired, he must have exceeded his work limit by leaps and bounds for the past many days.

    He straightened up when he saw her enter the study room, not willing to look weak and vulnerable in his wife''s presence.

    Wan Jia glared at him when she saw his actions. "Do you think that by pretending to be alright, I will not see that you are tired?"

    She went behind him and placed her hands on his shoulders to massage them a little. "You are working too hard. You should rest."

    "I still have a few things to do." He coaxed.

    Wan Jia glanced at the so called "few things to do" on the study desk. Her heart ached. This mountain of files and documents is what you call a few things to do? It''s no wonder he was not having enough rest. It was even highly possible that he had been taking advantage of the fact that she was a heavy sleeper to sneak into the study room to work the nights away.

    "Aotian, you can''t work this much. Do you think you are one of those robots you create? You''re a man, okay?" she scolded.

    "It''s not too much. My love, can you not make it sound like I don''t rest at all?"

    Wan Jia took his hand and lead it to the left side of her chest. "Did you feel that?"

    "Your heartbeat?"

    Wan Jia looked at him seriously. "No. My heart just broke. Can''t you see how dull your eyes look?"

    It was only after complaining that she actually felt the temperature of his hand. He was burning!

    "you¡­" she touched his forehead in alarm. "You have a fever!"

    Lu Aotian looked at her like she had just said something completely normal. Something like ''you''re awake''.

    "This won''t do. You are going to bed right this instant!"

    She pulled him to make him stand. Lu Aotian wanted to resist but when he saw her worried look, he complied and let her drag him into the bedroom.

    Since they got married, Wan Jia had moved into the master bedroom.

    She made him lie in bed and went to get some fever medicine. After making him take the pills, she covered him and ordered him to sleep.

    "You are only allowed to wake up after eight hours. I will be watching you."

    He protested to that. "But you need to sleep yourself. Do you really need to watch me like a little child? Also, I really need to select some collaborations tonight. I need them for tomorrow''s meeting."

    He attempted to coax her to sleep.

    Wan Jia pushed his hand that was trying to pull her into bed. Did he really need to?

    Now that she thought about it, he had been helping her select her contracts quite often. In one way or another, she had added to his workload. She looked down, very ashamed of herself. Why had she always acted like a little child waiting to be protected by him?

    "I will help you." She suddenly declared.

    Lu Aotian was startled by her tone. "Don''t you hate such boring things as documents and the company''s dealings?" most importantly, what did she know about Lu Enterprises?

    "Are you underestimating me? I learnt a thing or two all those times I visited your office and watched you work."

    She rushed to the study room, took a few documents randomly and went back with them to the master bedroom. She sat on the bed casually and opened one file.

    "Huang International Corp. wants a collaboration regarding the Seven Seas development project. It''s a fairly powerful company and you have a full chance of benefit. However, this company has been involved in several cases of money laundering before so you will most probably reject it."

    Lu Aotian: "¡­"

 Chapter 274 - I want to walk side by side with you

    "Huang International Corp. wants a collaboration regarding the Seven Seas development project. It is a fairly powerful company and you have a full chance of benefit. However, this company has been involved in several cases of money laundering before so you will most probably reject it."

    Lu Aotian: "¡­"

    Were Huang Corp.''s money laundering cases so famous that even people who found business boring, like his wife,  knew about them?

    Wan Jia put the file aside and opened another one. "Moon and Stars Jewelers sent a proposal for an exchange in jewelry. Whoa, I guess they tried to set up a meeting with you and failed; that''s why they decided to send over their proposal instead. Otherwise, sending such a proposal doesn''t look like something that happens every day."

    "..."

    Well, they had tried to set up a meeting with him countless times but he had rejected them. She got that right too.

    "Anyway, back to the main point. The CEO wants to give you their biggest masterpiece that is precious to their company and has gained tremendous value over the years, "eye the demons" in exchange of one of Elite Fashion World''s necklaces, "the diamond heart."

    She finished reading out the content of the proposal before analyzing it.

    "Logically, "eye of the demons" is at least twice more valuable than "the diamond heart" and anyone would be willing to give it away if the deal is half as tempting as this one is.

    For the CEO to want it so much that he can exchange it for a company''s treasure, it must be because someone he loves took a liking to "the diamond heart" and wants it by all means. But, you would never give it away because aside from being the first necklace to ever be made by EFW, it is the only piece of jewelry ever designed by¡­" she paused and changed her next words when he saw her husband''s slight change in expression. "¡­that reputable woman who was not even a designer and only drafted it out of boredom."

    That necklace was in fact nothing special. It had only gained so much value because Lu Aotian had been unwilling to give it to anyone since he knew of its existence. He was just a teenager then and he took it to protect it. When he took over the company, he banned everyone from having thoughts of selling it, no matter the price offered.

    Lu Aotian''s lips twitched at how fast she had evaded that disaster. Well, she was right again.

    But it was not too strange either. She was a designer of Lu Enterprises. If she didn''t know about EFW''s most treasured creation, what would she be doing in the company?

    Wan Jia patted her chest in relief as she averted her gaze from the man. It''s just a name. Do you have to look so scary? Also, if you hate her so much, why is it that you can''t bear to part with the necklace she created?

    She believed that what he felt was not hatred but disappointment.

    However, she did not dwell on it and moved to the next document.

    "BX Group? I don''t even need to read the content to know your decision. Although they are allies of the Yan family, they are also secret weapon dealers. You would never collaborate with companies that might tarnish the reputation of Lu Enterprises."

    She rambled on the proposals and his most logical decisions about them for quite some time. If it was just one or two documents, it would be a coincidence but how could she get at least 70% of them right? As for the 30%, those were just proposals she found too hard to understand and placed them aside with a frown.

    "How do you know all this?" he finally asked.

    He was finally convinced that she really knew a thing or two.

    "I told you just now, I have been watching you deal with similar matters." Her expression was one that said proudly; you are not the only one who pays attention to my work. I pay attention to yours too.

    "You don''t need to help me. Your presence is enough." He was worried that if she started helping him out with his work, she would work too hard herself.

    Wan Jia placed a hand on his forehead and was satisfied that his fever had subsided. "My love, how can I let my husband work too hard on his own? I don''t want to be the useless wife that only knows to rely on her husband, okay?"

    She held his hand and played with his beautiful fingers. "I don''t want you to carry me all the way to our destination. I want to walk side by side with you."

    Well, if she put it that way, he could relent a little. But what happened to his childish little wife that threw tantrums and needed guidance in almost everything? Why did it seem like she had suddenly grown up in minutes?

    Seeing that he did not look too convinced, she gave another reason. "I also need the experience for the future when I start my studio. Surely I shouldn''t have to rely on you to run it for me, right?" She blinked cutely

    He could¡­but she wouldn''t like it.

    For this reason, he allowed her to help him out a little.

    Most of the documents he received every day were highly confidential and he couldn''t let his assistant or secretaries have access to them. However, she was his wife and the lady boss of Lu Enterprises so there was no problem, right?

    ====

    Note:

    The names in this chapter are just some nonsense I came up with on the spot. If they belong to something else, then that''s purely coincidental.

 Chapter 275 - Many to choose from

    In the days that followed, Wan Jia helped Lu Aotian out with the simple company matters that she could handle. She would drop by Lu Enterprises when she had time to spare. Drastically, his workload decreased and at the same time, she became familiar with many business related things. Also, their relationship improved even more thanks to the increased amount of time they were spending together.

    On a certain night, Wan Jia checked on some drafts she had drawn many times over. She had to check that it was perfect.

    The little dress was a one of a kind special creation; her first little girl princess dress.

    She flipped the page to reveal a men''s tuxedo and on the third page, a beautiful dress meant for herself. The last page also had a little princess dress of a different type to complete the family attire. When she produced them, the three ourfits would be complimentary.

    "Still busy?" Lu Aotian''s charming voice came from behind her.

    He had sneaked into the study room when she was too engrossed in her drafts and stood behind her.

    If Wan Jia was not used to his ability to walk without drawing attention, she would have screamed in horror.

    She turned and shot him a smile. "I''m almost done. This is Little Jia''s birthday present. Do you think it''s cute?" She showed him the drafts.

    "She will really love it." He said after seeing the adorable draft.

    She felt proud of herself. "I think so too. Check this out; you and I have to wear this for her birthday party. If Little Jia doesn''t mind, she can wear this last one."

    Lu Aotian looked at her with a complicated expression. Well...he had bought the little girl a very pretty custom made dress for her birthday present. It had cost a fortune. He also hoped she would wear it for her birthday party.

    Forget it, it would be even better if the little girl had three to choose from.

    The couple did not know, but Xia Rou was also currently designing a special dress for her granddaughter. To be fair, she would make one each for her daughters too.

    Well, Little Jia now had four dresses to choose from. Her chances of being the prettiest four year old were even higher now.

    "You should go to sleep." Lu Aotian said sternly.

    "Give me just a few minutes, okay? I''ll join you in bed." She raised her five fingers to signify five minutes.

    Lu Aotian shot her a serious look. "Mrs. Lu, did you convince your husband to have enough rest so you can work late into the night yourself?"

    "When have I worked late into the night?" She protested. This man was accusing her falsely.

    "Then how can you explain the bullying?" He sounded as though he was complaining.

    "What bullying? Mr. Lu, are you trying to accuse me of bullying you?"

    "Mrs. Lu. I''ve been a monk for so long. If this is not bullying, what is it?" When he finished his statement, he directly carried her off the chair and headed for their bedroom.

    "So long? It''s only been five days!" She held onto his neck as she retaliated.

    "That''s so long...."

    ...

    The next morning.

    "Do your employees know that you are such a devil?" Wan Jia glared at the man who had "tortured" her all night. She still had to go to work, alright? Could he not be such a hooligan?

    "You wouldn''t tell them." He leaned in for a kiss.

    Wan Jia evaded him sharply. "President. Lu, I have a lot of work to do today. I will be late if I don''t take a bath now.

    She rushed into the bathroom as soon as she said that. She had to get away from this hooligan fast!

    ___

    While the happy Lu family was gladly counting away the days and nights as they awaited their princess'' birthday, on another part of the city, another family could already be considered as one facing many difficulties.

    That was Tyler and Yun Xuan.

    Since forcefully marrying Tyler, Yun Xuan had had a huge fall out with her family. They would forcefully lock her up in the Yun mansion but every time, her husband would eventually find her and bring her back to their home.

    That morning, Tyler was, for the umpteeth time, leaving for a mission.

    "Take me with you." She looked at him pitifully. If he left her alone, her family would abduct her again.

    "Darling, it''s too dangerous." He brushed her hair and rejected her request without batting an eye.

    "I can take care of myself. As long as I''m near you, I will be safe."

    "That won''t do. Darling, I will hire bodyguards to protect you. Besides, he is your father. Would he really hurt you? He just wants us to be apart. Darling, I will take you away soon, okay?"

    He really wanted to. He wanted to go to a far away place just with her. He would be away from the Qin family and she would away from the Yun family. Nothing else would ever come between them.

    Yun Xuan was not convinced. As soon as he stepped out the door, her father''s men would start looking for her.

    It was true that he wouldn''t hurt her, she was his daughter...but it was still incredibly irritating to be abducted every other day. Her stomach was full of anger.

    Therefore, she only temporarily pretended to be pacified.

    As soon as Tyler left the house, she hurriedly packed a small luggage too.

    That was right, she was going to follow him. She would rather die by his side if all went south.

 Chapter 276 - A trap

    She would rather die by his side if all went south.

    Tyler must have been in a hurry because  he did not notice that he was being followed.

    The cab stopped in front of an apartment block and Yun Xuan frowned. Shouldn''t he be going to the airport? Why was he going into an apartment instead?

    For some reason, her heart felt uneasy.

    She had a bad premonition. Cautiousy, she waited to see where he would go... perhaps he was only going to talk to someone briefly before going to the airport?

    But why was it that he didn''t let her see him off at the airport? Perhaps it was because of this...

    She felt even more uneasy when she really saw him enter the building. She waited for a few minutes and did not see him come out.

    She exited her cab and hid near the entrance, not sure of where he had gone.

    Was it really a nice thing to follow her husband around? Perhaps he was doing something that she shouldn''t know about?

    But thinking about it, what was it that her husband could be doing that she shouldn''t know about? Unless he was...cheating!

    No one ever wanted to use that sort of word to talk about their husband. Neither did she. Tyler loved her very much, right? He wouldn''t ever cheat on her.

    However, now that she thought about it, it was quite possible.

    Tyler could be really loving most of the time and dote on her like a treasure. However, quite a few times, he looked like he was in a dilemma about something.

    He would look at her as though he wanted to say something but after calling out her name, he would say something else. Normally she wouldn''t know that he had said something different from what he wanted to but lately, she was exceedingly paranoid. Of course she would tell such a small matter.

    What has he been trying to tell her...

    "Could it be that he has fallen in love with someone else and now thinks that he is no longer worthy of me?"

    If he dared to tell her such a thing, she would give him a scalding slap. It was the worst statement anyone could ever tell a woman.

    If only Wanwan was here to give her strength...

    She shook her head and entered the building.

    The security guards looked at her curiously. It was obvious that they had never seen her here before. It made her wonder, did they look at Tyler this way too?

    Yun Xuan looked haggard as she walked towards them. "Excuse me, a man with chestnut colored curly hair just entered this building. Could you tell me which floor he went to?"

    A security guard looked at her like she was an idiot. "Miss, that''s against the privacy policy. We cannot disclose information about our residents. You know that, right?"

    Yun Xuan felt as though something had hit against her heart. Our residents? Tyler lived here?

    The man saw her shocked expression but ignored her. He wouldn''t be able to help her anyway.

    Yun Xuan took a deep breath and pulled out her killer card.

    She took a red booklet out of her bag. Luckily she had packed it among her legal documents. "Mister, the man who went in just now is my husband, and he doesn''t live here. I just want to know what he is doing here." She showed him the red booklet.

    "He is really your husband! But..." isn''t the woman that lives on the twelfth floor his wife?

    "I only want to make sure that he is safe. Can you help me?"

    She looked so pitiful that the man found it hard to reject her. Besides, she looked like she was suspecting her husband of cheating. If that was the case, he found it hard to cover up for a cheating jerk too. "Twelth floor."

    "Thank you." She rushed to the elevator.

    On the twelfth floor, she walked slowly and softly, trying to make her footsteps unheard.

    Midway to the house, Yun Xuan had a questionable thought.

    Tyler is an underground investigation agent. Was he really unaware that she was following him? Why did she find it strange? Was it a trap?

    She was near the end of the corridor when someone walked out. She hid away very fast but the footsteps she heard leaving were familiar.

    And...they were not Tyler''s.

    Her heart raced as she peered over. In the next moment she saw...

    Qin Zhifan?!

    What was Qin Zhifan doing here?

    The main point was that he had left the apartment that Tyler was supposedly in. Did they know each other?

    When the man disappeared into the distance, Yun Xuan could not think twice anymore. She ran all the way to that door.

    Alas, she did not need to knock because she heard a pair of familiar voices. It was Tyler and Ruolin. Tsk, that Ruolin again. Nothing good ever came from her.

    "What took you so long?" Ruolin sounded like she was complaining.

    "Yun Xuan wanted to follow me. I had to pacify her first."

    There was a short spell of silence before Ruolin spoke again. "Why do you treat her so well? Don''t tell me you have really fallen in love with her?"

    "That''s none of your business."

    "Hah! Have you forgotten..."

    "Shut up."

    Tyler''s voice sounded so cold that even she found it scary.

    "So you have really forgotten! You..."

    "I said shut your mouth!" Yun Xuan would be here any time. Could Ruolin shut up?

    "Qin Zhan! What the heck is wrong with your brain?"

    Outside, Yun Xuan felt an explosion in her head.

    What did Ruolin just call her husband?

    Qin...Qin what?

 Chapter 277 - You ruined everything

    Tyler wasn''t his real name?

    Wait, that was not the point. His name was Qin Zhan? His surname was Qin?

    If this was any other time, she would take it as merely a coincidence but after seeing Qin Zhifan leave the apartment where he was...there had to be some sort of relationship between them.

    But Qin Zhifan didn''t have any brother. Who was Qin Zhan then?

    Weak and lost in thought, she accidentally knocked her knee against the door.

    Ruolin looked over immediately. Tyler was not too shocked when he saw her. Of course he knew that she had been following him. He thought that the security guards would never let her in but since they did...

    "Darling..." he tried to mask his alarm. Perhaps she had just arrived and didn''t hear anything?

    Yun Xuan felt the hair on her skin rise in terror when she saw his smile. Why did she find it creepy?

    When Tyler saw her horrified expression, he knew that she must have heard something.

    "Darling, whatever you heard, I can explain." He shot Ruolin a look.

    "I will let you clear the air with my sister-in-law. I have something more important to deal with." With an apologetic glance towards Tyler, she left.

    Tyler looked at his wife, wondering what she had heard and what he should explain. It would be better if he didn''t have to spill everything. That would be too much information for her to take in.

    "Darling, I..."

    Yun Xuan glared at him. "Cut the crap. I want to hear the truth. Why are you with me?"

    Tyler knew that no amount of explanation would be able to convince her, but he still tried.

    "If I didn''t love you, I wouldn''t be with you now." He would have left her ages ago. It''s only because he couldn''t bear to leave her that they were still together.

    Yun Xuan found it laughable. She sneered. "You really want me to believe that you are with me? This is a fake marriage, isn''t it?"

    Tyler reached to hold her hand. "It''s not."

    Yun Xuan pushed his hand away and took out his so called marriage booklet. "Who on earth is Tyler Willows? I married an alias? How could I be so dumb?" She was fighting back her tears as she spoke.

    "What you have is fake. But this..." he rummaged through his own luggage and took out two booklets.

    They were marriage licenses with the name Qin Zhan.

    "I just didn''t want you to know my name, but I really married you. I''m your husband."

    Yun Xuan felt as though she had just experienced a roller coaster. So the marriage wasn''t actually fake.

    For a while, she was so stunned that she forgot all about the questions she wanted to ask him. She knew that she was being stupid but what could she do now that they were really married? File for a divorce?

    Tyler cupped her cheek. "I know you have many questions, but I will miss my flight if I delay any longer. Let''s talk about it in a week, okay?"

    "I was going to follow you to wherever you are going. Why are you so mysterious?"

    "I can''t let you do that. I''ve told you countless times that it''s dangerous. Be good."

    ...

    Ruolin was waiting for Tyler at their usual secret place.  "Did you tell her everything?"

    "Damn you Wang Ruolin! You almost ruined everything!"

    What was wrong with this Ruolin? She had almost doomed his marriage.

    "What about me? Didn''t you say that she is already useless? I in fact helped you out. It''s high time you left that woman and started dealing with people who will be of help."

    "You don''t understand a thing so stay out of my business, alright?"

    "Qin Zhan, you have changed a lot. Do you want our son to grow up knowing that his parents are in bad terms?"

    That was right. Qin Zhuo''an, Tyler''s little son, was Ruolin''s son. He had been staying with his mother and Tyler often went over to see him. Every time Ruolin left for a mission, she would leave him in his great grandmother''s care. The old lady liked the boy a lot and took good care of him.

    Today, Yun Xuan did not meet the little lad because Ruolin had taken him to Grandma Wang''s house the previous evening.

    If Yun Xuan were to find out why the old lady was so friendly to her despite knowing about the former relationship between Tyler and Ruolin, perhaps she would be shocked to death.

    "Don''t even try to guilt-trip me using my son. I haven''t taken him away from you only because of the gratitude I hold towards Grandma. If not, he wouldn''t know you exist."

    In actual fact, it was only because the situation with the Yun family was still unstable. As soon as he was done with them, he would take back his son and raise him with Yun Xuan. Luckily, they had talked about this before and as long as Qin Zhuo''an was well behaved and his biological mother did not trouble them, Yun Xuan did not mind raising a child that was born by another woman.

    Ruolin was still angry. "I helped you make the act believable with Yun Xuan. Have you forgotten about all that? You want to shove me aside? Are you really in love with her?"

    "Ruolin! I said it''s none of your business. Can you freaking shut up?"

    He was finding her more annoying by the minute. Whatever, all that mattered to him was that he would come back after a week and explain everything to his wife. He hoped she would forgive him for using her.

 Chapter 278 - Romantic rivals

    However, Tyler was only being delusional. He would never have a chance to spend the rest of his life with Yun Xuan.

    That was because as soon as Ruolin got into her hotel room after the flight, the first thing she did was give Yun Xuan a video call. To her, if she couldn''t have Tyler, no other woman should.

    The two women looked at each other on the screen.

    "It''s you?!" Yun Xuan exclaimed when she saw a face that repulsed her. Ruolin was like a jinx to her: nothing good ever happened when they met.

    Ruolin gave a bitter smile. "I know you don''t want to talk to me."

    "Why would I want to?"

    "Don''t hang up. It''s important."

    What could be more important to Ruolin than trying to break her and Tyler apart? Reflexively, she wanted to hang up.

    Alas, before she did, she heard a voice that seemed to be coming from a recording device. Sure enough, there was a small recording pen in Ruolin''s hand now.

    (Qin Zhan, you have changed. Do you want our son to grow up knowing that his parents are in bad terms?)

    Her hand paused. Wasn''t Qin Zhan Tyler? That was undoubtedly Ruolin''s voice. What son was she talking about?

    Before she could laugh it off and accuse Ruolin of making things up to sow discord between her and her husband, Tyler''s voice came through the recorder. ("Don''t even try to guilt-trip me using my son. I haven''t taken him away from you only because of the gratitude I hold towards Grandma. If not, he wouldn''t know you exist.")

    She was taken aback. Tyler did not deny it? He even said that it was only because of his grandma that he had left his son with her?

    If she had her facts right, Tyler''s grandmother could only be Grandma Wang who had raised him. So it made sense¡­ Ruolin''s son was that boy Tyler had talked about?

    "Miss Yun, if you don''t believe me, let me show you a picture of my son." As though she had come prepared, Ruolin picked a photo from the side and held it against the screen.

    On the photo was a lively five-to-six year old boy. He had Tyler''s brown hair and most of his features. But now that she had already been told, she found that this little boy bore quite a resemblance to Ruolin! If one looked at his eyes, nose and his little mouth, there was no doubt that this was Ruolin''s son!

    The ex girlfriend Tyler had talked about before was Ruolin? But he said that he had never had anything to do with Ruolin! Or could it be that they were in some forbidden romance type of relationship and had to break up because people found out, but she was already pregnant?

    Yun Xuan massaged her forehead. No matter what, she was not going to be swayed away from her husband by some ex girlfriend.

    "I get it. He''s Tyler''s and your son; but so what? You are merely his ex girlfriend. What makes you think I will believe you?"

    Ruolin had expected that sort of answer. She was indifferent as she said, "I think I should correct you. Tyler is not my ex boyfriend. He is my ex husband. Otherwise, do you think the agency would make us pretend to be a couple if we weren''t one? Who would do that? Zhuo''an was a legitimate child but unfortunately, now my baby darling is suddenly a step child. Can you bear to see an innocent child being taken away from her mother? It breaks my heart."

    "Did you call to tell me all about your past and your feelings towards my husband?" she had to admit that every word Ruolin said stung her but she couldn''t admit defeat in front of her romantic rival.

    Ruolin still didn''t have a change in expression. That wasn''t the worst part yet. She sighed and looked at the woman on her screen. "Tyler doesn''t love you."

    "That''s none of your business." She knew that he did. She had seen it from his eyes.

    "Yun Xuan, you are too na?ve. Do you really think that the daughter of the man he hates most would move his heart? He is only pretending. You know, he wouldn''t marry you even if he wanted to. Because his family would kill you."

    Yun Xuan looked on with a scoff. He wouldn''t marry her? He already did. I''m afraid the one who is dreaming and should wake up is you.

    Ruolin still went ahead. "I think I should also tell you to stay away from my grandmother. She thinks you and I are friends. Do you know how difficult it is to deal with her every time she asks to see you?"

    She saw Yun Xuan''s widening eyes and her mouth twitched. "Oh, wait, you didn''t think Tyler introduced you to her as his girlfriend, now did you?

    Ha! I will tell you all about it. That man is a trickster. He purposefully let me take you to meet her the first time so she would mistake you for my friend. It was all part of his plan. You should henceforth stay away from my grandma, okay?"

    Yun Xuan did not know what she was feeling anymore. He tricked her about this too? She really liked Grandma Wang. So she didn''t even know that she was her granddaughter-in-law and thought that she was her granddaughter''s friend?

    Still, she did not admit defeat. "Tyler will introduce me as his wife then."

    After saying that, she hung up before Ruolin could pull out her killer move.

    However, she may have prevented Ruolin from telling her more negative things about Tyler but it didn''t erase the lack of distrust that had just been planted in her heart.

 Chapter 279 - Tell me everything

    A week later, Tyler practically rushed back home. He knew that his wife would probably ask him a barrage of questions but he was not scared of them. Their answers were overdue. He should have come clean with her months ago.

    Sure enough, when he arrived, she chooked for him and as soon as he finished eating, she looked at him with a face full of questions.

    He knew she looked like she was on the verge of leaving him.

    But he was lucky that he had already locked her down. No matter how many times she asked for it, he would never agree to a divorce. She was his wife for a lifetime.

    "Darling, you have many questions to ask, right?" the fact that they were married gave him a boost of confidence and he pulled her to sit beside him.

    Yun Xuan did not mince on her words. She had waited for so long. "Tell me, how do you know Qin Zhifan?"

    Tyler gulped. So she had seen him. That dumb and careless man!

    She asked again, "Is he your brother?"

    To that, he shook his head. "No."

    Well, it was not a lie. They were cousins, not brothers."

    Yun Xuan''s expression turned warmer. "I thought you were brothers because you share a surname. It''s good if you are not."

    "He''s my cousin." he said. For a moment, he almost decided to hide the truth from her but he couldn''t bear to keep her in the dark anymore.

    "What?"

    "If it''s not too much to take in, I will tell you everything once and for all." he looked serious.

    Yun Xuan did not know what she wanted. Why did he look like the so called everything was hard to bear? However, there wouldn''t be any other chance.

    "Tell me." she said decisevely.

    Tyler made sure she was close enough to him so she wouldn''t faint out of shock. Then his narration began.

    "My father was killed because he was investigating someone."

    "You told me about that."

    "Yes. I didn''t tell you this before. That man suffered from a mild mental disorder. I don''t know which one exactly it is. He kept it a secret and refused to seek help. It''s rather cruel but such a person can''t be prosecuted by the law if he commited a crime.

    My father wanted to prove his mental condition and let him be sent to an assylum for treatment because he was dangerous.

    However that man...was too careful. He knew that if anyone found out about his condition, he would lose the position he is so proud of and be forced to undergo treatment.

    He did undergo private treatment...but when he found out that my father was spying on him, he  killed him. He literally used his own dagger to stab him in the heart."

    "What?" Yun Xuan found it sudden and shocking. She knew that his parents had died  because of this but it was still too cruel.

    "My mother later found out that...when that man killed my father, he had already been declared sane. He should have payed for his crime.

    Before she could bring the matter to court, however, I found her dead in her bedroom. Never mind that he killed my father. What wrong had my mother done? She was a kind woman who knew nothing but to love. He had to do it so cruelly that as a little boy, I had nightmares about it for half my life."

    "That''s why I left my home. Grandma Wang took care of me. I couldn''t go to my relatives because I was scared. They would be killed too." Unknowingly, tears were rolling down Yun Xuan''s cheeks. He was still just a na?ve little boy. It must have been so hard on him.

    "When I grew up, all I wanted was to complete the task my parents couldn''t. I completed my studies in country I and joined the Intelligence Unit."

    One day when I had just come back to the capital, I realized that my dear cousin Qin Zhifan, was actually dating the daughter of the man I hated with all my life. They were even childhood sweethearts and I didn''t know about it. The man I so badly wanted to kill was my cousin-in-law''s father."

    Yun Xuan raised an eyebrow. Qin Zhifan? Was that where she came into the story?

    Did that mean...?

    "That''s right. The man who killed my parents is Yun Wei, your father."

    He disregarded her shock to continue. "My relatives didn''t know who had killed my parents before. In fact, I was the only one who knew. Because I read my mother''s diary. She had noted everything down in detail after my father died."

    "When I told my cousin about it, he wanted to kill you for revenge. You are dear to your father, aren''t you?"

    Yun Xuan now half understood the situation. No wonder Qin Zhifan suddenly blurted out some nonesense and wanted to kill her.

    "I told him not to do it. I wanted to kill you myself. I wanted to let him watch you die before I kill him as well. The person to let me know how to get him would be you."

    Yun Xuan felt her blood run cold. Was it really Tyler that was saying such scary things?

    "When you saved me from Zhifan''s fire..."

    "Oh, that was just my way of meeting you. The hero saving the beauty: always works each time, right?"

    He skipped some of the scary details.

    "I don''t know when it happened but with time, I couldn''t bear to see you in pain, much less hurt you with my own hands. That is why I decided to try to bring your father to justice instead of killing him."

 Chapter 280 - She left them

    Yun Xuan was bewildered at her husband''s ability to say such things with a straight face. He wanted to make her love him just so he could kill her? That sounded like something homicidal maniacs would do. Why did it have to come from Tyler''s mouth? No. Tyler was not that type of person.

    She knew that if she didn''t hear everything today, she wouldn''t be able to take it if he said it on any other day. So she asked, "What''s your relationship with Ruolin?"

    Tyler remained silent for so long that she thought he was not going to answer, but he did. "Ex wife."

    Ex wife. So Ruolin was telling the truth. "I didn''t tell you that we were married before because you may not want to marry a divorcee."

    "Why then did she act like the younger sister who has feelings of incest for her brother?"

    "It was an act."

    Yun Xuan had just repeatedly received huge shock after huge shock. The main point of all this was that her father was a criminal and a psychopath. It was possible that Tyler was not even the only person he had offended. Now that she thought about it, there was quite a number of people that didn''t like her father. It was suddenly creepy.

    At this point, Tyler would have been the best person to help her uncover the secrets she had been trying to uncover but she didn''t want to. It no longer mattered to her.

    Tyler was looking at her as though he was waiting for his final verdict. A few minutes later, Yun Xuan stood up. "Tyler, I want a divorce."

    "What?"

    "Didn''t you hear me? I said I want a divorce. It''s not because you have an ex wife or a son. I just can''t be with a man who planned to kill me before. If your family forced you now, would you succumb to pressure and kill me?"

    "I wouldn''t. Yun Xuan, I love you. I wouldn''t bear to hurt you."

    "Really? Then tell me this; why did you find Wan Jia?"

    "¡­"

    How did she know?

    "You are wondering how I knew? It was quite easy to find out. Lu Aotian came looking for you. Do you think that if it wasn''t related to his fianc¨¦e, Lu Aotian would have time to talk to small fries like you?" Yun Xuan did not know of Wan Jia''s marriage.

    "¡­"

    Was she really calling her own man a small fry?

    "Why did you look for her?"

    "I needed her help."

    She knew it.

    "Hmph! It doesn''t matter anymore."

    ¡­

    When the little lad Qin Zhuo''an heard that his new mother had left even before they met, he cried little heart out.

    One had to know that he did not have a close relationship with his mother. Although his mother loved him, it was only because she was his mother. She was naturally not a kind woman and was often too busy to spend time with him. Since his father was even more busy, she would always leave him at his great grandma''s.

    For the little lad, his great grandma was a closer relative than his mother. When his father mentioned that he had a new wife, the little lad was so happy that he almost couldn''t sleep. He was even happier when his father said that as long as he was well behaved, she would love him like her own child.

    Alas, she had left them. Was it because she thought that he was a bad little boy?

    If he wanted to prove to her that he was obedient and lovable, would anyone give him the chance?

    ...

    On the other hand, Tyler had drunk himself stupid. He had adamantly refused to sign the divorce papers but even then, his wife had left their home. She had found herself a condo on her own. He knew that it was going to be difficult to bring her back but he had to try, right?

    Also, that Ruolin was so damned that he really wanted to strangle her. Why would she tell a six year old boy that his new mother had left him? Was she very happy to see her own son cry so heartbrokenly?

    ___

    Weeks passed.

    On a certain morning, Little Jia was bubbling in happiness when she woke up.

    She was finally four! Have you ever waited endlessly just for your birthday? That was Little Jia.

    She jumped out of her bed and looked out through the window. The view from her room was the best! The ocean waves looked especially beautiful as they hit against the land.

    That was right! They were on an island. Her Daddy had brought them over the previous day. Her birthday party would be held on this island villa.

    ¡­

    In the master bedroom.

    Wan Jia was wearing a bohemian skirt and was waiting for her husband to dress up. She was going to check on the final preparation for the little girl''s party. Many people had been invited over and most of them had spent the night in the seven star hotel nearby. Although there was a lot of space in this villa, most of the guests did not want to be third wheels and chose to stay in the hotel.

    This was Little Jia''s private island.

    Wan Jia looked at her husband who was dressing up. "Don''t you think Little Jia might turn out to be one of those spoilt girls who care about nothing but wealth?"

    "She wouldn''t. Why would you think that?"

    Wan Jia raised an eyebrow at him. "Who buys a private island as a birthday present for a four-year-old?"

    "I do." He knew what his wife was worried about. "I won''t let her be spoilt."

 Chapter 281 - They are bullying me

    "I will not let her be spoilt."

    "¡­"

    That''s because she is already on the verge of being spoilt rotten. Well, she wouldn''t let that happen.

    When he was done dressing up, the couple went to get their daughter. Little Jia was playing with her toys in her room.

    "Happy birthday!" Wan Jia and Lu Aotian said.

    The little girl''s eyes were bright when she looked at them. "Mommy, Daddy! Little Jia is finally four!" she rushed up to them for a hug.

    "Baby, the party will be in the afternoon. Mommy and Daddy are going for a short walk around the island, okay?" Wan Jia said.

    Little Jia wanted to ask if she could go along but she changed her mind. She knew of someone who she was better off going out with. "Okay, take care of yourselves, Mommy and Daddy. Little Jia will be a good girl."

    Wan Jia looked at her with a raised eyebrow. Why did that sound like something a child would say when they were just about to do something naughty?

    Lu Aotian was not worried about her. He had his men watching over her all the time. She wouldn''t get herself into danger.

    As soon as her parents left, the little girl rushed along the corridor to Tangtang''s room. Since Xu Lingxi was still too little, Kara had stayed to take care of her. Only Xu Liaowen and Tangtang would be attending Little Jia''s birthday from the Xu family. The Little boy had insisted on spending the night in the Island Villa so he would be near his little friend.

    "Tangtang, are you awake?" Little Jia knocked on the door.

    "Uh huh. Come in."

    Little Jia pushed the door clumsily. The little boy was not looking too bright. "Are you feeling sad?"

    Tangtang nodded slightly. "I miss Small Xixi."

    Little Jia suddenly felt sad. She missed the baby too. However, she couldn''t be sad on her birthday. She went next to Tangtang and pulled his hand. "Let''s go for a short walk around the island!"

    It was a warm morning. Tangtang thought it was a good idea too. "Okay. I will just change into something comfortable."

    A few minutes later, the pair of kids ran out with their little hands entwined. The environment looked so bright and beautiful that Tangtang was no longer sad about missing his little sister.

    Little Jia had only been to an island once before. She looked around her, almost not blinking from all the beauty.

    "Little Jia, can we really walk around on our own? We should have asked Uncle Shaoting to walk us around."

    Apparently, the both of them had gotten so used to Lu Shaoting taking them out for fun that they had learnt to associate such activities with him.

    "But Uncle Shaoting was so tired last night. We should let him rest." Little Jia said in a regrettable tone.

    "Then we shouldn''t go too far. We could get lost."

    Little Jia thought it was possible too. This island looked very big. What if they really got lost and their parents couldn''t find them? They would be very worried.

    "Okay, we will only go nearby."

    A few steps away from them, a bodyguard made a phone call. "Master, Little Miss seems to be going for a walk with Young Master Xu."

    "Take care of them."

    ¡­

    Ahead of him, the kids took turns running after each other.

    "Tangtang, I am tired. We should build one sandcastle and then go back."

    "Uh huh." He was tired too, so he sat down in the sand.

    Little Jia looked into the distance. She frowned when she saw a familiar man walking in the distance, holding a woman''s hand. She patted her little friend to show him. "That uncle over there¡­is that my second uncle?"

    Tangtang looked over and was surprised too. "That does look like Uncle Shaoting. Who is the aunty beside him?"

    "I don''t know either. Do you think we should ask him?" Su Ling had stayed in the hotel too. Little Jia had not had a chance to meet her.

    "Let''s just build our sand castles. I''m too tired to walk."

    In the distance, Lu Shaoting was holding hands with Su Ling. In the past few weeks, their relationship had improved. They were now officially dating. They had been dating for only a week now.

    He suddenly leaned in for a kiss. Su ling moved away in embarrassment. "Shaoting, we are in public. Can you not do such things?"

    Lu Shaoting pulled her back next to him by her hand. "Do you see anyone around?"

    Well, there was no one in front of them but there could be someone behind, or even some kids in the distance. "How can you be so sure that there is absolutely no one around? It''s not like they would shout out for you to hear."

    "As long as they are not children, they should mind their own business." He was expressionless.

    "What if there are children?"

    "The kids are in the house."

    "Their rooms have windows, you know."

    "Are you finding excuses to evade my kiss?"

    Su Ling gave up and let him kiss her.

    "Is that your brother and my boss over there?"

    Well, it seemed like this morning, they were not the only ones who had gone for a walk.

    From Xu Liaowen''s hotel room window, he could clearly see the people "taking walks" in pairs.

    He wanted to take his phone to complain to Kara. My wife, they are all walking in pairs and displaying their affection. They are bullying me because you are not here. Even our son has joined them in bullying me.

 Chapter 282 - Little Jias birthday

    After playing for a while, Little Jia went to take a bath and dress up for her party. A timid maid stood at the side as the little girl scanned the dresses on her bed. There were four of them and she found them all very beautiful.

    In the end, she picked the one that fit into Wan Jia''s family outfit. "This one is the prettiest so I will wear it right now. As for the other three, I will wear one tonight, one tomorrow and the last one tomorrow in the afternoon." As for Princess Isabelle''s costume that she had dreamed so much of wearing before, it was now totally forgotten.

    The maid nodded and helped her into the dress she had chosen. The Little girl did not know that it had been designed by her mother and only chose it for its beauty. For some reason, however, she loved it more each time she looked at it and felt very happy and comfortable wearing it. Well, it had been made with so much love specifically for her. If she didn''t feel that way, Wan Jia would have wasted her time and resources.

    As for the shoes, Lu Aotian had given her a very pretty diamond pair. It had been custom made for her by Miss Blanc. Wan Jia was wearing a similar pair. She and Lu Aotian were also wearing the family attire.

    "The guests have started arriving." Lu Aotian informed her.

    "I''m done. Help me pull up my zipper." She had unintentionally made it so low that she couldn''t pull it up herself.

    Lu Aotian touched her skin as he pulled it up. "You look too beautiful, Mrs. Lu."

    Wan Jia blushed when she felt his breath near her skin. They had been together for so long already. Why was it that her heart still raced when he was close to her?

    He helped her with her necklace too before they left the bedroom hand in hand.

    The pair received the guests with smiles on their faces. Most of the people invited were from Lu Aotian''s side. It was only when organizing this party that Wan Jia realized that she in fact had very few friends. Aside from Su Ling, the Lin family and a few friends of Lin Lihua, she found that she had practically no one else to invite.

    "You must be Mrs. Lu. You are even more beautiful than I thought." One of Lu Aotian''s friends commented as he shook Wan Jia''s hand. He received a look from Lu Aotian and didn''t dare to stare too much.

    The next friend only told him two words when he saw his wife. "Good eye."

    Wan Jia got to meet some of Lu Aotian''s friends that she had never even heard of before. Most of them came along with their wives or children. Little Jia would make very many little friends by the end of the day.

    When Xia Rou and his wife-slave Lin Zhou arrived, Lin Lihua was not with them. She had sent Wan Jia a message to inform her that she would be slightly late.

    When everyone else had arrived, Wan Jia sent for the little girl.

    Just a minute later, the little girl walked down the stairs in a pink dress and her hair in an adorable ponytail. Beside her was a little boy dressed in a little black tuxedo.

    Everyone exclaimed.

    "Is that Lu Meili? Whoa, she is so cute!"

    "She looks just like a smaller version of Mrs. Lu."

    "How can a man like Lu Aotian have such a cute daughter? If all one has to do is marry a beautiful woman, I will marry a goddess!"

    "Wait; is the boy beside her Lu Aotian''s son? How come nobody told me that idiot has a son?"

    "Not only are you the idiot, you are blind too. That is Xu Liaowen''s son. They must be friends."

    "I think they look like a little couple. So cute."

    The woman who had just said that received glares from around her. How can her imagination be so wild? They were little kids!

    While the adults spurted words of admiration, the young ones were happy and all wanted to strike a conversation with Little Jia.

    "Hello Lu Meili, my name is Li Tong. Do you want to play together?" a little girl approached her following which, more kids joined them. For a moment, it was as though there were two parties: the kids'' party and the adults'' party.

    While the kids were immersed in their games, one of them shouted, "Is that the emperor''s daughter?"

    "What emperor''s daughter?" the others looked over.

    "The one walking beside Lu Meili''s mom."

    "It''s really the emperor''s daughter!" the kids rushed over to peer closely in awe.

    "Her name is Lin Lihua. She is my aunt." Little Jia said proudly.

    "Really? You are not lying right?"

    "Lu Meili, is she really your aunt? Can she sign me an auto¡­ one of those that superstars sign for their fans? My classmates will be very jealous." One of the older girls said.

    Lin Lihua was quite famous even among little kids. "The emperor''s daughter" was one of her teenage dramas and was the most famous television series she had ever acted in. The kids rushed to her for photos and autographs. Some women who were her fans asked for them too.

    ...

    After the cutting of the cake, some of the adults took the chance to chat with the powerful figures and gain business alliances. They had to thank Lu Aotian for gathering many big shots in one place.

    At night when everyone had left, Little Jia started opening her presents. There were so many of them that they formed a hill in the hall.

 Chapter 283 - Is it true

    The first thing Lu Tongyan did after his granddaughter''s birthday was look for his second son. That punk! Although it was not too obvious, he knew his son better than anyone. The way he was looking at that girl who was introduced as Wan Jia''s assistant wasn''t normal. If his instincts were right, that was Su Ling.

    "Shaoting."

    Lu Shaoting turned to look at his father. One look and he knew what it was about.

    "I don''t have anything against the girl you marry as long as she doesn''t bring disaster to our family, but what about your child? Are you going to let him be an illegitimate child?"

    Lu Shaoting frowned. "Father, I already told you; that child is not mine."

    "then why did you refuse to do the paternity test?" Lu Shaoting was in fact the one who had proposed it but he changed his mind in the last minute with no explanation.

    "Let''s not even mention the risks brought about by prenatal paternity tests. That woman, Yan Xue, is no different from a psycho. When it is proven that I''m not the father of that child, she might terminate her pregnancy." No matter how much he hated Yan Xue, the child was innocent. It was safer to wait a little more because once the child was born, it would be too late for Yan Xue to terminate it.

    Lu Tongyan thought it was possible too. Though he wondered, why did it sound like Yan Xue had got the wrong man as the father of her child?

    He did not think too much about it though, it would have been nice if that was his grandchild but since Lu Shaoting said that he wasn''t, it was no longer his business.

    "Was what they said about that woman true? About her inability to conceive?"

    Of course he would ask about that.

    Lu Shaoting was not sure how to answer him. Before they started dating, Su Ling had told him that she may have trouble concieving because of a past mistake. It was just a probability and not the absolute truth. But he knew that it might be very difficult...

    Seeing the look on Lu Shaoting''s face, he knew that it was probably true.

    He turned to leave. His son was definitely someone with a sound mind and knew how small the family was. He knew the importance of him having children...

    ...

    Lu Tongyan was a little absent minded as he walked ahead. He did not notice that his vision was gradually blurring. If he wasn''t pulled back by a pair of a young lady''s soft hands, he would have knocked his forehead into the pillar in front of him.

    "Mister, are you alright? I''m so sorry."

    When Lu Tongyan''s vision cleared and he realized who the young lady was, he frowned. Su Ling? Sure enough, she would try to suck up to him in attempt to make him have a better impression of her. If this woman had ulterior motives towards his son, he would burn her whole family to death.

    Su Ling was stunned too. Old Master Lu? She was on her way to find Lu Shaoting and had seen a man walking straight towards the pillar as though he wasn''t seeing it and pulled him back. Who knew it would be Old Master Lu?

    "Master Lu, will you be alright on your own? Perhaps I should help you to where you are going?"

    It was only out of kindness that she had asked. If it was someone else, she would have tried to help too. However, Lu Tongyan''s answer broke her heart into pieces.

    "Don''t think that if you pretend to be a kind and innocent girl, I will like you and accept you as my daughter-in-law. That tactic will only ever work on my second son who you have put under a spell."

    She looked at the man as he walked away. Well, she hadn''t deliberately tried to curry favour with him.

    Despite the old man''s hostility towards her, she smiled. After all, if she married Lu Shaoting, she would be known as Lu Shaoting''s wife. She would spend the rest of her life with him and not with her future father-in-law.

    While she thought about this, she felt something slightly tug her skirt. She looked down to see a cute little girl.

    "Aunty Su Ling, are you out here alone because you are too bored?"

    Su Ling looked at the little girl and naturally smiled. Her boss'' daughter was quite lovable. One would smile just by looking at her. "Little Miss, what are you doing out here? You should stay in the villa and keep warm. It''s starting to get cold."

    "I followed Daddy out." she pointed at Lu Aotian who was talking to someone not too far away.

    "Aunty, why do you adress me that way? You should just call me ''Little Jia''."

    Su Ling found it terrifying. "Your parents and uncle are all my bosses. How can I be so disrespectful and use your nickname to adress you?"

    Little Jia immediately frowned. "But aren''t you second Uncle''s wife? That makes you my aunt."

    Su Ling did not anwer .

    The little girl peered at her. "Aunty Su Ling, don''t be sad anymore. Little Jia will hug you."

    "Eh, what?"

    She had not noticed it herself but it was indeed quite obvious. Little Jia had only gone over to say hi but noticed it very fast.

    Little Jia thought that she had not understood her.

    "Daddy said that when girls are sad, they should be hugged and shown some love. Only then will they feel better. Little Jia will hug you, okay?" when she finished speaking, she lifted her little hands towrds Su Ling.

 Chapter 284 - Dont claim kinship.

    Faced with such an adorable baby, Su Ling was obviously tempted to accept the hug. But would the boss really not mind it if she casually hugged her daughter? Besides this was President Lu''s daughter. She was more scared of that man than she was of death.

    On account that she was also Lu Shaoting''s niece, Su Ling picked her up nervously. As soon as she felt that soft little body, she finally understood why Little Jia seemed to be loved by everyone. She was so warm and comfortable. Involuntarily, she thought of how if that year, had she not terminated her pregnancy, her child would be at least seven years old now.

    Now that she wanted to get married and have children, was it really possible?

    A pair of footsteps startled Su Ling. Lu Aotian was heading her way. She was so scared that her eyes were wide open.

    But Lu Aotian did not seem to mind her presence. He only took Little Jia from her and went away.

    ¡­

    When they went back to the capital, the first thing Lu Shaoting wanted to do was meet Su Ling''s parents. Although they had a bad relationship with their daughter, they were still her parents and had the right to know that their daughter was in a relationship.

    "This may not have a happy ending." Su Ling tried to make him change his mind.

    "They are your parents. What could possibly happen?"

    But they hated her, alright? She had brought shame to them. She knew that they would never forgive her.

    In the end, she was proven right about them and about not ending too well. Old Master Su and Old Madam Xu were the weirdest pair of parents Lu Shaoting had ever seen.

    As soon as they saw Su Ling, they were like broken recorders as they rattled on about how Su Ling had ashamed their family and how they didn''t know how to face their ancestors. They had even adopted another young woman to replace her.

    Of course they recognized Lu Shaoting. At first, they thought their rejected daughter had caused ruckus at Lu Enterprises and Lu Shaoting was going to punish them because of her. They denied her like she was a plague.

    When they learnt that their useless daughter was Lu Shaoting''s girlfriend, they resorted to slandering her.

    Mrs. Su was blunt as she said, "Are you aware that this child has had an abortion before? She did not do it appropriately and it may have affected her uterus. She will not be able to bear children for you. Surely you don''t want to resort to surrogacy or having illegitimate children, right?"

    Mr. Su also added, "This child is so unrestrained. She may just be using you for your status and power or who knows, perhaps the man she has an eye on is not you." He was implying that Su Ling was using Lu Shaoting to get close to Lu Aotian.

    Mrs. Su: "You don''t deserve this type of scheming woman. Take a look at our little Qianqian. Not only is she more beautiful, she is younger and more intelligent. She is more deserving of a man of your caliber."

    Mr. Su: "That''s right. Su Ling has been stupid since she was little. She will only bring downfall to you and your family. If Vice President Lu likes our family very much, you should definitely choose a girl like our Qianqian."

    They were even about to instruct that young woman to seduce Lu Shaoting.

    The man looked at them like they were slapstick comedians. What kind of parents talk about their daughter that way?

    He looked at the both of them sternly. "In future, you are not allowed to claim relationships with my girlfriend. She is now a member of the Lu family."

    He left the bewildered pair wanting to bite their tongues. Of course they wanted to claim relationship. She owed them for giving birth to her, right? It was for this very reason that they wanted to hook their foster daughter with him. If it was Qianqian who had gotten into the position of second Mrs. Lu, she would definitely use it to benefit her family.

    __

    On another note,

    Wan Jia''s career was once again facing a busy phase.

    After Little Jia''s birthday, she posted a photo of the three of them wearing their family outfit on EFW''s official site.

    As usual, the internet was in an uproar as soon as people saw it.

    "Are those EFW''s new models? They are so stunning! They even found a child this time."

    "Those outfits are so cool! They look so beautiful on them."

    "Why do I feel they look like Wan Jia''s style?"

    "The man''s tuxedo is so gorgeous! I want to buy it for my husband."

    "I want the three of them for my husband, my daughter and I."

    Someone from Lu Enterprises saw it. "President Lu, Mrs. Lu and Little Miss. This looks like a family outfit!"

    Since it was mentioned once, everyone saw the similarity. If one were to look at them separately, they indeed did not bear any similarity because of their differences in color but if you put them together, they indeed complemented each other.

    As usual, Wan Jia had staggering preorders in just a short amount of time. Even Xu Liaowen had preordered one for him, Kara and Tangtang. There was also her father, Lin Zhou who wanted one for him, his wife and both daughters if Wan Jia could.

    Luckily, this time she had prepared for it. She satisfied the requests fairly and brought the company a huge amount of income.

    At the end of the month, the CEO called her and all other designers for a meeting.

 Chapter 285 - Her husband is powerful

    As soon as Wan Jia entered the conference room, she was pleasantly surprised as her colleagues flashed smiles at her.

    "Designer Wan, congratulations for hitting so many sales. For the first time in many years, 34% of EFW''s monthly income came from one series. You have broken Designer Shen''s record of 31% five years ago."

    Elite Fashion World was such a huge company with very many designers. For it to receive at least 20% of income from one employee, that employee must have worked twice harder than the others. 34% was much more shocking.

    "Mr. CEO, you are too kind. Everyone worked hard." Wan Jia did not want to snug all the praise to her. The sales wouldn''t rise that high if she was in another company.

    "Don''t be too humble. This time, even the prominent figures in the nation were flooding my email. Your creation''s value rose dramatically because of this."

    "I held a meeting with the company''s heads, and we all agreed that you should be promoted to the position of EFW''s top designer."

    Wan Jia couldn''t hide her amazement. She had been promoted?

    Everyone clapped. Except the current top designer who had just been stripped of his post.

    He had no one to blame, however. The position of the top designer was very competitive. It had nothing to do with being permanent; it was all about being creative and constantly hardworking. Wan Jia had worked very hard for the past few months and her hard work had finally payed off.

    When Shen broke someone else''s record five years ago, he had been promoted to this post. He never would have thought that someone else would break his record. Never mind that the position was now gone. Did it have to be a woman?

    As they left the conference room, he found Wan Jia to speak beside her ear with a fake smile. "You will not hold to it for long."

    Wan Jia also shot him a fake smile. "It''s too early to tell."

    ...

    As soon as she entered her office, Su Ling smiled at her warmly. "Congratulations Boss. You worked hard for it."

    She had yet to reply when Lu Aotian knocked and entered her office. "Top Designer Wan, congratulations." He had a bouquet of red roses in his hand.

    "You already found out?"

    "Every decision has to go through me. I found out before you did."

    She received the flowers and hugged him. As usual, Su Ling had slipped away as soon as Lu Aotian appeared.

    ...

    Outside, Su Ling was also receiving hugs and flowers.

    "Thank you, what''s the occasion?"

    "Your promotion." Lu Shaoting smiled.

    "When have I been promoted?"

    "Just now. Aren''t you now the top designer''s assistant?"

    Well, he was right. She had overlooked it herself.

    Although they wanted to spend more time together, Lu Shaoting had to rush back to Lu Enterprises. He had a meeting in half an hour. "Honey, let''s go for lunch together today, alright?"

    Su Ling nodded. "Let''s go somewhere nearby. I know my boss will be busier than usual and I should help her. I can''t spend too much time on lunch."

    Lu Shaoting thought of something else. "Don''t you want to find another job? Do you want to be an assistant forever?"

    Su Ling had never thought of this. "What''s wrong with my current job?"

    "Nothing''s wrong with it, but there are currently quite a number of vacancies in Lu Enterprises. I can help you get a post."

    Su Ling did not expect her boyfriend to say such a thing. "If I''m not going to get it using my own abilities, it is much better to remain in Elite Fashion World and help my boss. Besides, I feel like I owe her a life. Back then no one wanted to employ me. If boss rejected me too, wouldn''t I become a beggar?

    In this lifetime, I should forever work for her. If she doesn''t need me anymore, only then would I find another job."

    Lu Shaoting was speechless. If she put it that way, he would let her be. Though it was such a pity. One of the department managers was about to retire. If he could train her for that position, it would be very nice.

    ¡­

    Lu Aotian left Elite Fashion World after congratulating and kissing his wife. As he exited the building, a designer saw him and her mouth twitched.

    "I was wondering how come that Wan Jia progressed so fast. How could I forget? She is President Lu''s wife."

    Her friend nudged her. "Don''t say that. Wan Jia is hardworking. You have to admit that all her dresses are beautiful."

    "That''s what you all think. Think of it this way. If you let President Lu advertise your designs, wouldn''t your sales soar to the sky?"

    "If you had her advertise your dresses, their sales would soar too. It''s not her fault that she is very beautiful and has an equally beautiful family. Why don''t you post yours?"

    The designer was annoyed. "You don''t get the point. Designer Shen has been working hard for years. How can he be toppled by the newest designer?"

    "Who said new designers can''t be talented?"

    "You''re being ridiculous. Why are you so supportive of your competitor? Anyway the point is; I don''t think she does her designs on her own. Her husband is powerful enough to hire a talented designer behind the scenes, you know? He can even buy over those powerful figures to elevate his wife''s work."

    "I won''t talk to you anymore. I can''t stand people slandering my goddess."

    "Hey, don''t go."

    The woman was angry that her colleague did not listen to her. Coincidentally, she saw Su Ling leaving the elevator. Seizing the chance, she rushed in front of her. "Hey, Su Ling."

 Chapter 286 - Do you really want to?

    Su Ling recognized this woman. She was one of EFW''s most priced designers, Ming Rui. What did she want from her?

    She had a feeling it was nothing good.

    "Su Ling, I have something to discuss with you. Let''s talk in my office."

    After sending Wan Jia a message, Su Ling followed Ming Rui.

    She was right. It was nothing good.

    "Do you want me to make you so famous in the fashion world that no one will be able to rival you?"

    "There''s no such thing as a free lunch." Su Ling said. For someone to make such a big offer, they must want to gain a huge benefit.

    "Su Ling, I don''t know how much Wan Jia pays you to work for her but it must be some sorry sum. After all people like her feel like they have the power to bully the weak as they please. Come  over to my side. I will pay you much more. Not only that, I will also help you become a designer yourself and win back your reputation."

    Su Ling frowned. What kind of nonsense was Ming Rui spewing out? But she was still polite. "Designer Ming, I don''t know what is driving you to ask this but I can only ever be my boss'' assistant. If there''s nothing else, I will be on my way."

    Ming Rui did not explode into a fit of anger. Unexpectedly, she was even brighter and her tone became friendlier, as though she was coaxing Su Ling. "You don''t have to pretend with me. I know you are the designer behind Wan Jia. Everything she has was made by you. She has unjustifiably used you to create her reputation in the fashion world and as a designer myself, it breaks my heart."

    "Excuse me?" Su Ling squinted her eyes.

    "Oh, are you shocked that I found out?" Ming Rui believed that she was right. "Actually with my status and connections, it''s not that hard to know. You previously had some conflict with her and soon after she came to Elite Fashion World, you followed her here. Isn''t it as easy as spelling your name? I am sure she used President Lu as a threat to force you into working for her, right? You must have suffered a lot."

    Su Ling did not bother to be polite anymore. This woman was being too ridiculous. She stood angrily and said, "You should stop taking whatever crazy meds you are on." It was not a crime to try to scout her but how dare she slander her boss? That was the last thing she could stand.

    "You! Do you think you can still continue to survive in this company after offending me? I will get you kicked out. Come and work for me!" Ming Rui was, like many other people who became proud after gaining a little reputation, quite arrogant. She only tried to coax Su Ling a little and showed her true colors when she couldn''t have her way.

    Su Ling did not care anymore and sauntered out of her office.

    ...

    "You look like you have been bullied by someone." Wan Jia observed when Su Ling went back.

    Su Ling sighed. "It cannot exactly be considered bullying. But I may have offended a big shot."

    "What happened?"

    When Su Ling explained everything, Wan Jia was not entirely shocked. She had already expected that since she was Lu Aotian''s wife and could get anything she wanted just by coaxing him, people would doubt her abilities and talent. But that did not matter to her. As long as she did her job perfectly and gained the experience she needed, what everyone thought was none of her business.

    She was happy that Su Ling would stand up for her instead of betraying her.

    "Su Ling, although no one can fire someone I hired, you should still avoid getting into conflicts with people. It wouldn''t be too nice for you if you gained many enemies."

    Su Ling nodded. She was not ashamed of being protected by someone younger than her. It felt nice to be cared for by her boss.

    ___

    At the same time,

    In the north part of the capital,

    North Hill Gynecological Hospital.

    "Miss, have you thought this through? You should know that your uterus is abnormally thin. I hate to be blunt but this is the only child you will ever have. Do you really want to terminate it? Besides, it is such a healthy fetus. As a mother, can you bear to harm it?"

    "Yes."

    The gynecologist was quite upset by the straight answer she recieved after running her mouth off.  She was a woman herself and at the age of fourty, she had never had a child of her own. It was for this very reason that she became a gynecologist. Yet in front of her was a young woman who wanted to terminate her pregnancy. It pained her more than any form of heartbreak.

    "Alright. Since what you really want is to send yourself and your unborn baby to your deaths, I will not try to persuade you anymore."

    "Can I get it done right away?"

    The gynecologist looked at her with the pain hidden in her eyes. "Sure."

    But before she administered anesthesia, she asked her again. "Miss, are you sure you really want to do this?"

    "Yes."

    "Okay."

    When that needle pierced the woman''s skin, she finally believed that she was just about to murder an unborn baby.

 Chapter 287 - In exchange of a kiss

    Shortly after Wan Jia''s promotion, the National Fashion Week was coming up soon. As EFW''s top designer, she was definitely going to attend it. She would represent Lu Enterprises as well.

    Obviously, not everyone was happy about this. Designer Shen was an expected example. He couldn''t come to terms with the fact that a woman had taken his position and was now even attending such an important event as the fashion week instead of him.

    If he knew sorcery, he would have probably killed Wan Jia several days ago.

    On Monday morning, Wan Jia was earlier to work than usual. She was busier than ever lately so Lu Aotian would take the little girl to school today.

    As soon as she exited the elevator to start walking towards her office, she was dragged aside sharply by a pair of feminine hands. She opened her eyes wide when she saw the woman who had pulled her.  "Dai Youran?"

    They were both among the earliest people to the building today. Dai Youran signaled for Wan Jia to not shout and held her hand, leading her somewhere. Although they could be called half friends and half enemies, Wan Jia knew that Dai Youran wouldn''t try to hurt her. Unless she hated her life and so badly wanted to die.

    "What do you want?"

    Dai Youran looked around and when she was certain that there was no one, she looked at Wan Jia seriously. "You know how gossipy my assistant is? Last night, she overheard someone plotting to hurt you. Do you want to know the details?"

    Wan Jia scanned her for a while. She was not Lu Aotian who would tell from people''s eyes if they were lying but logically Dai Youran''s words should be true. After all she was still very new but had got into many people''s way. It would be weirder if no one was jealous and hated her. Still, she did not expect that there would be people who were jealous enough to want to hurt her.

    As for the details¡­ she believed that Dai Youran wouldn''t tell her something helpful for free. "What do you want in return?"

    Dai Youran smiled. "A certain someone became more cautious with time. I indeed want something from you."

    "What is it?"

    "A kiss."

    "..!!"

    "A what?" Wan Jia had her eyebrow raised.

    What did Dai Youran just say? What was that? A kiss? She was expecting her to ask for DY to be unfrozen. There were still a few months left. The amount of loss she had incurred during these few months was huge. Anyone else would ask to be unfrozen and since Dai Youran hadn''t caused her any trouble in a long period of time, she would be willing to talk to Lu Aotian about that. But a kiss?!

    Wan Jia shook her head and blinked to make sure she was awake. She must have either eaten something wrong for breakfast or there was something wrong with the way she had left the elevator. "Wait, wait, wait. Let me get this straight. You want....Lu Aotian to kiss you? Wait, that doesn''t sound right. He only has me in his heart so you woundn''t even dream of it...or you want me to help you hook up with another man and let him kiss you?"

    That was ridiculous too but it did not sound as unbelievable as what she was currently thinking.

    To her horror, Dai Youran moved closer to her and leaned in. "No. I want to kiss you."

    Wan Jia moved back swiftly in alarm. "I''m a married woman, gosh!"

    Forget about her being married. Dai Youran liked women, and she liked her?

    But she was very straight, okay? Even if she liked women, it would have to be someone of at least Lin Lihua''s beauty and status. Gah! What was she thinking?

    Dai Youran smiled bitterly. "I''ll take that as a no. But since it''s a beauty like you, I will not get mad at you. How about going for a meal together? Surely you don''t mind that, right?"

    Wan Jia felt creeped out by the second. "My husband wouldn''t like it."

    Going out with a woman who had just shown interest in her was no different from going out with another man. Lu Aotian would never restrict her but she still felt that it was wrong.

    Dai Youran felt hurt when she saw her reaction. "I thought you would be open-minded but¡­never mind." She turned to leave.

    A few steps later, she stopped and rushed back to Wan Jia. "How about a quick hug?"

    When she saw Wan Jia frown in bewilderment, she coughed. "Forget it. The man I was talking about just now is the former top designer."

    Wan Jia heard her but wasn''t paying attention. She was still in shock. Dai Youran liked women¡­ no wonder at her age; there had never been news about her and any man.

    In actual fact, Dai Youran couldn''t believe it either. All she knew was that she had never liked any man before. It was only after interacting with Wan Jia a few times that she felt her feelings towards Wan Jia were abnormal. She had yet to accept her feelings towards women.

    The most terrifying part was that out of all women in the world, she just had to fall in love with President Lu''s woman? Was she perhaps trying to act "ways to die" in real life?

 Chapter 288 - Teaching the madam

    As soon as Wan Jia got back home that evening, she hurriedly went to find Lu Aotian. "Teach me how to fight."

    Lu Aotian gave a sideways glance at his wife. What did she just ask him to do?

    "Who do you want to fight?"

    Wan Jia sat beside him and clung onto his arm. "I only want to defend myself."

    Lu Aotian pinched her waist slightly like she was being unreasonable. "You don''t have to defend yourself. I will protect you. If I can''t do such an obvious thing as protecting my wife, how do I deserve to be her husband?"

    Wan Jia had been prepared for that answer. She turned into her serious mode. "If Little Jia and I were both in danger, who would you have to protect?"

    "Both of you." He made it sound as though she had asked a very stupid question.

    "¡­"

    Of course his answer wouldn''t play by her rules.

    "But I still can''t let you worry about me every time. in small cases of danger, you shouldn''t need to bother about it."

    Even a dumb idiot would be able to tell by now that his wife was under a threat. It''s not that he was completely clueless; he was just amazed that his little wife now wanted to be less dependent on him and able to protect herself.

    He pulled her onto his lap. "I will teach you."

    Wan Jia was  happy now. "I knew my husband loves me the most!"

    She kissed his cheek and skipped away.

    Lu Aotian: "¡­"

    Can you not be so obvious when you toss me aside after using me?

    ...

    The next morning, Wan Jia didn''t have to go to work early, so Lu Aotian pulled her to the training ground. Opposite his personal training ground, a few bodyguards were sparring against each other. They were not surprised to see Lu Aotian but why was the madam with him? Why was she wearing a training outfit?

    Surely¡­he was not planning to teach her martial arts, right?

    "Small Xing."

    The man called Small Xing rushed over and bowed to them. "Master, madam."

    He awaited his orders like he was on the verge of death. He hoped the master was not going to ask him to¡­

    "Teach her some self defense skills."Lu Aotian''s voice interrupted him even before he finished hoping.

    He looked at Lu Aotian then fearfully glanced at the cute little thing beside his master. He was supposed to teach her? She was so little and soft. Could she even withstand training for a single minute? He would die if he accidentally hurt the madam.

    Wan Jia was stunned too. He was not going to teach her himself? But she understood. Perhaps he thought that if he was the one teaching her, she wouldn''t pay any attention.

    Although Small Xing was scared, he was even more scared of disobeying the boss. He nodded like a rattle drum.

    Lu Aotian turned to his wife. "Small Xing will teach you. When you have learnt some skills, you will spar with me."

    "Huh?"

    Spar with him?

    Small Xing was stunned too.

    Was the master joking? It couldn''t be that he was tired of his wife and was finding an excuse to kill her, right?

    Not wanting to waste time, Wan Jia stepped into the training ground with Small Xing.

    The young man was very nervous. After giving her some tips, he launched a small attack. Even as a complete novice, counterattacking was too easy.

    Lu Aotian glared at him. "Don''t go easy on her."

    Small Xing was on the verge of crying. Master, did I do something wrong? Why do you have to make my life so difficult?

    The next time, he increased his strength a little but still received a dissatisfied glare from his master.

    Wan Jia paused and smiled at Lu Aotian. "Honey, could you leave a little? Small Xing is scared of your presence.

    Sure enough, the young man was less scared when Lu Aotian retreated a distance away.

    ¡­

    "Madam, your progress is quite fast. Within just a few months, you might become a professional."

    "You are too kind. I still have a very long way to go."

    Somewhere in the distance, the other bodyguards were looking at them with jealousy. They started putting their feelings into words as soon as they saw Lu Aotian disappear from his watching spot.

    "Tsk, he''s just a little boy. Why does master have to give him such an important role as teaching madam?"

    "He must have sucked up to Master."

    "Do you think anyone can suck up to master? It''s obviously because his skills are the most horrible. The rest of us would hurt madam."

    When Small Xiao overhead them, he squinted his eyes. Horrible skills? If the master thought so, he wouldn''t ever let him near his wife.

    They had always looked down on him because of his age and physique that was smaller than them. He really wanted to prove to everyone that he was not some useless pretty boy.

    Wan Jia looked at him clench his fists. "Ignore them. If a blunt rookie like me learns a thing or two, who would I have to thank for that?"

    The young man felt a smile surface on his face when he heard Wan Jia''s words. That was right. If he could actually teach the madam, it would prove his ability.

    After training for a while, Wan Jia felt more confident in herself. She looked for Lu Aotian and saw him on a phone call with his back to her. Sneakily, she rushed up and tried to sneak attack him from behind.

    In the next second.

    "Ouch! Aotian, I''m your wife, okay?"

    "If I go easy on you, you will never learn."

 Chapter 289 - He was not giving her any face

    Lu Aotian had swung his hand and gripped both her hands so swiftly that she didn''t see how exactly he moved.

    "Are you even human?" She was awestruck as she glanced at her awesome husband.

    "Do you think that I''m a superhuman of sorts?"

    "Hey, I''m all sweaty from the training." He had lifted her up bride style and was walking towards the house.

    "I don''t mind." He even placed a soft kiss on her lips and continued on in steady steps.

    ...

    For the next couple of days, Wan Jia would spend her mornings training and the rest of the day preparing for the fashion week. Of course, her husband and baby were not forgotten either. She spent her free time with them.

    On Saturday morning, Wan Jia decided to spar with Lu Aotian. The other bodyguards watched from the sidelines. Their rookie madam sparring with their master? It looked like it would be quite hilarious. Perhaps the master would deliberately go easy on her?

    Sadly, he wasn''t intending to do that.

    Thirty minutes later, she looked so tired that she almost gave up. Watching him dodge her attacks effortlessly as though he was doing nothing at all made her look like a little kitten trying to attack a tiger. This man wasn''t giving her any face at all.

    When he wasn''t paying attention, she tried to sneak attack but he still gripped her in the same fashion as every other day.

    Wan Jia felt she still had a very long way to go but she was not disappointed. She didn''t want him to go easy on her either. If she wanted to have it easy, she may as well remain in the house and not waste her time in the training grounds.

    ¡­

    As she had expected, Designer Shen didn''t try to attack her on any other day. He waited until the day before the fashion week started. At the time, Wan Jia didn''t even need to do anything. The man was stopped several metres away and dragged into a dark room to be tortured.

    However, she didn''t feel like her training was for nothing. It had just been a few days but she already felt slightly stronger.

    "Boss, have you been undergoing training recently?" Su Ling looked at her that morning and asked.

    "A little. Is it that obvious?"

    Su Ling scanned her beautiful boss. "Of course! You are even more shapely and I can tell you are stronger just by one look."

    Wan Jia chuckled. It was all thanks to her husband. She had spent more time trying to attack him than she did in training. If her body strength didn''t increase in the slightest, she would be wasting her time on the training grounds.

    Initially, it was only for a little self defense but now she felt like she wanted more than that. She wanted to be so skilled that she could protect the people around her. That would take long but luckily, she could spare that luch time.

    "Everything is ready for tomorrow, right?" Wan Jia snapped out of her thoughts and asked Su Ling.

    "Yes boss. Nothing will go wrong."

    "Good. Make sure to keep yourself safe, alright? If you can''t, ask Shaoting to let one bodyguard protect you. Designer Shen was captured but there might be others who want to try something funny."

    Well, she didn''t need to ask. Lu Shaoting had already ordered two men to protect her. She had just never seen them at work.

    "Boss, I will definitely not get in trouble and drag you down."

    Wan Jia frowned. The main point is your safety, okay? Forget it. As long as she is safe.

    Wan Jia especially had a bad feeling about Ming Rui. She definitely wouldn''t stop at trying to scout her assistant. And for her to do such gutsy things, she probably had a special background.

    ___

    The next day, the fashion week officially started.

    The women''s show would be on the last day. On the other days, Wan Jia would only go to watch.  She smiled thinking, the next year she would try to participate in the men''s show. This year, she was not ready for that.

    Ming Rui did not appear on the first day. But Wan Jia did not let her guard down. Perhaps she wanted to catch her unawares.

    On the seventh day, Ming Rui finally appeared with another young woman in tow. When Wan Jia saw the other woman, she smirked. No wonder Ming Rui was gutsy. Did she think that just because she had close relations with the Yan family, Lu Enterprises wouldn''t do anything to her?

    The woman she had walked in with was Yan Xue''s elder sister. A few seconds later, Yan Xue rushed up to them too. The three of them sauntered onto the VIP section and took their seats.

    Wan Jia had everything in order, so she went to her seat to. As she passed near the three women, she unintentionally overheard them whisper. "Yan Xue, I am definitely going to teach her a lesson. But are you sure that I will definitely not get in trouble?"

    Yan Xue sneered. "Please, not only are we Lu Enterprises'' greatest allies, I will also be the second young madam of the Lu family very soon. They would not lay a finger on someone who has the protection of our Yan family for a mere designer. The Lu Family can''t afford to lose us."

    Wan Jia felt her lips twitch. How delusional.

 Chapter 290 - Since you dont know, I will tell you

    Unexpectedly, Elite Fashion World''s show was completed successfully. The trouble Wan Jia had expected did not happen. Still, she didn''t think it was too strange. With her man around, he could have possibly found out Ming Rui''s intentions and stopped her before she had the chance to do anything.

    As soon as she left the hall, she was surrounded by reporters.

    "Designer Wan Jia, EFW''s shows in the fashion week have always been run by the top designer. Are you a stand-in for Designer Shen, or have you replaced him on this position?"

    Everyone was curious about this. It was public news and she didn''t have to hide it. "I''m the current top designer."

    However, she didn''t know that these were not your everyday reporters. To be exact, they were normal reporters but had been bought over by someone.

    A second reporter shoved a microphone near her face. "I heard insider news that Designer Wan used her position and power to forcefully snatch this position. Is it true?"

    Wan Jia was shocked but she did not let it show on her face. "Are you a fashion news reporter, or a rumor reporter?"

    The reporter was speechless. But he had been paid handsomely, so he didn''t give up. "I''m only confirming the truth so I can report accurate news."

    Wan Jia swept a glance over his slightly guilty eyes. "Then why are you not asking the CEO of Elite Fashion World? If you hurry right now, you can catch up to him."

    He was now totally defeated.

    "Designer Wan, you are already under Lu Enterprises. Do you still have to fight for such small positions as top designer?"

    "Since I''m under Lu Enterprises, it means I shouldn''t get promoted for my hard work?"

    The second reporter was speechless.

    They didn''t give up.

    "The point is, you snatched the position from other capable designers who¡­"

    Wan Jia did not even need to let him finish. "Did the top editor in your company snatch their position from you?"

    "¡­" what kind of logic was this?

    "The point is; they are more capable than you."

    "Then they are not as lucky as me. Luck is a form of ability. Please excuse me."

    Ming Rui, not too far away, was exploding in fury. What were these idiots doing? Had she not paid them enough? What were they so afraid of?

    Seeing her glare, a certain reporter tensed up. He had not been paid the full amount and would only be paid when his job was done.

    "Insider news has it that the designs you used to snug that position were not even made by you. You used your assistant and forced her to work for you using your status and power. In my opinion, if Designer Shen is not good enough, then Designer Ming sure is good enough. Is this what designers do?"

    Far away, Ming Rui smiled. At least one with a good brain.

    Wan Jia''s expression did not change. "You tell me. Is that what designers do? You seem to know more than I do."

    The man kept quiet. What was he to say?

    Wan Jia continued. "I never heard of designers using their assistants to earn their reputation before. You seem to know so much about it. Who is to say you haven''t been paid by one of them to slander me?"

    "You cannot twist logic like that!"

    "I''m twisting logic? The fashion week just ended. None of you asked me any question related to my new series. You went straight to ask accusing questions that not only slander me; they slander Elite Fashion World as well. Who is it that is twisting logic?"

    "¡­"

    "You say Ming Rui and Designer Shen deserve to be the top designer more than I do, do you know how that position is decided?"

    "I-Isn''t it selected by the CEO?" the reporter was no longer confident.

    Wan Jia maintained her smile. Instead of looking as sweet as it does usually, at this moment it looked threatening; like there was some high degree of disaster brewing from behind it.

    "Since you do not know, I will tell you. The CEO does not decide the top designer, our sales do. You should get your facts right before you try to slander people."

    When he saw another opening, he didn''t waste his chance. "Sales? You are very famous. Of course your sales would be high."

    "More famous than Designer Shen?"

    "¡­"

    Well, she wasn''t.

    Faced with a dead end, the reporters could only retreat. "We did not investigate properly and misspoke today. I hope Designer Wan doesn''t mind."

    They were about to run off fast.

    "Wait!" she called out.

    "Designer Wan, is there something else?" they were scared of this woman at this point. Who said she was a little pushover?

    "To avoid people ever saying that I use my assistant to create my designs, I can prove it right now that I do them on my own. All of you are going to do a live broadcast."

    They were immediately excited.  Watching a beauty draft designs, who wouldn''t want to watch that?

    But, her next words¡­

    "You have said that I do not compare to Designer Shen and Designer Ming. Since Designer Shen is not here today, how about I do a live broadcast with Designer Ming?"

    Ming Rui was immediately shocked and tried to slip away.

    Alas, Wan Jia had already seen her. "Is Designer Ming getting away? Surely it can''t be because you can''t do it, right?"

 Chapter 291 - For my husband and our baby

    Ming Rui lost all the evil smiles that were on her face just a second ago. She tried to find words to get away.

    "I wish to play with you but I really don''t have the time. I have a lot of things to do. Why don''t you find a fellow barbie to play with?"

    Wan Jia squinted her eyes. "I see. Fortunately I have a lot of free time. How about we do a live stream when you are not busy? Surely Designer Ming can spare just a few minutes for that?"

    Before she could retaliate, Wan Jia pushed her to a tight spot. "You can just take it as part of our job. Those drafts won''t go to waste, right?"

    "I¡­"

    "If you insist on not doing it, those who don''t know might think that you are one of those designers who use their assistants to gain reputation. Surely you wouldn''t want those people who love your designs to start misunderstanding you, would you?" at first, Wan Jia was not sure about it. She was only trying to enrage her but now it seemed like¡­she had hit the nail on the head.

    Ming Rui cursed. Damned woman! She was totally using the reporter''s words against her. She could only bite her lips because people were starting to watch. "Okay."

    She would just bluff her way out. That Wan Jia! After surviving this, she would kill her!

    Unfortunately, Wan Jia was not going to let her bluff her way. After all, if she didn''t manage to turn the situation around, she was the one whose reputation would go to the dogs. Not only would it impact negatively on her career, Lu Aotian and the company would be affected too.

    Wan Jia knew what she was thinking. "Our assistants are not allowed to be within the vicinity."

    Ming Rui frowned. With no choice left, she could only agree. The two women found a room and sat a few steps apart. When Ming Rui saw Wan Jia sit a distance from her, her plan of copying her work shattered.

    "I will let Designer Ming choose the theme." Wan Jia smiled.

    "No need. Let it be freestyle." She sounded confident.

    But, several minutes into the starting time, she still held her pen and stared into space. "I don''t have any inspiration. How about we postpone this?"

    "Pfft!" an onlooker laughed. What a lame excuse.

    Wan Jia, on the other hand, drew two new drafts on the spot. A male one and a little female one. "I''m done. My theme is "Love." There are only two outfits in the series." She explained everything about her theme in detail.

    "I was among the first people to see these beautiful outfits! I feel so lucky."

    "Designer Wan, who are these outfits for?"

    "For my husband and our baby. They would look like showstoppers in this." She smiled at a certain direction.

    From the direction she had smiled, Lu Aotian walked towards her. He had been watching the show all along. He had wanted to stand up for her but his little wife signaled to him that she wanted to handle this little matter on her own. She had handled it perfectly. He walked up to her and took her hand. "My wife, it''s time to go home."

    Wan Jia hooked her hand with his. "Let''s go, husband."

    Before they left, Lu Aotian glanced in a certain direction. "For slandering the lady boss of Lu Enterprises, Ming Rui will receive a letter from my lawyer shortly.

    She has also gone against the work policy and spread false rumors about her colleagues. Apart from that, investigation has been done and there is sufficient evidence that she is a fraud. EFW does not need such people to tarnish its reputation. She has been dismissed and will be required to pay the compensation for all the damage caused."

    Lu Aotian had spoken very many words at the same time and they all felt like knives cutting into her heart.

    She immediately retaliated. "President Lu, you cannot fire me. I have friends from the Yan family. You can''t afford to offend the Yan family, right?"

    Yan Xue and her sister were in the crowd. Yan Xue immediately shot Ming Rui a glare. "How dare you use our Yan family''s name to protect yourself? Who are you anyway?"

    She turned to her sister. "Sis, do you know this woman?"

    "I don''t know who she is either."

    "¡­"

    Ming Rui was baffled. They had denied all their relations, just like that. What happened to their friendship?

    Meanwhile, Lu Aotian had a pinch of anger hidden in his eyes. Those two women from the Yan family! He didn''t care about the elder sister because she was just a useless woman who thought that the world belonged to her. She would be destroyed along with the Yan family when that time came."

    But that Yan Xue¡­she dared to wrong his brother. She almost made the relationship between Shaoting and his father go stale¡­ It might sound like a small matter to others but he didn''t allow anyone to bully his brother in the slightest. They would pay for it even if it was just a little scratch.

    He would not let her off. It would be her turn really soon.

    Before they got into the car, Lu Aotian stepped aside to make a phone call.

    "I want to know each of Yan Xue''s activities of the last week of October."

 Chapter 292 - How about we go out together

    After dealing with the delusional women, Wan Jia left with Lu Aotian in tow.

    "Where are we going?" She asked when she saw that he was not driving towards their home.

    "The meeting." He said.

    Wan Jia found herself too forgetful. It was the meeting that was held by EFW after every fashion week. The top designer had to attend it. How could she have forgotten?

    How nice it would be if it was held a day or two after the fashion week. However, it had to be held at the end of that very day because they had to decide on many things related to the series they had just presented.

    Lu Aotian saw her tired expression. "Are you too tired? I will attend it on your behalf."

    Wan Jia immediately shook her head. "Not at all. I can handle this tiny thing." It was just a meeting. Why would she bother her husband over it?

    "Then I''ll go with you. I coincidentally have something to say to your CEO."

    In the end, Lu Aotian and Wan Jia attended the meeting together. The other people in the conference room were thrilled to have Lu Aotian in the same meeting room as them. For such a privilege, they had to thank Wan Jia. Of course it was only because he was going to support his wife that he would personally attend such a meeting. The so called ''something to tell the CEO'' was just an excuse.

    ...

    Meanwhile, outside the Elite Fashion World building.

    Lin Lihua parked her car and stepped out, carrying a small box of something with her.  Those were the chocolates she was going to gift her little sister for the successful show. She had bought Wan Jia''s favourite.

    Just a few steps from her, another black car had come to a stop. A tall man with a head of slightly curly medium brown hair stepped out. His blue eyes were like a vortex, unconsciously attracting Lin Lihua to take a second look.

    The man walked right up to her as though he was pleasantly surprised to see her. "Hello, you look familiar. Are you that actress who starred in "The End", Lin Lihua?"

    Lin Lihua was not too surprised about people knowing her. "I am."

    The man broke into a smile. "I knew I was right. I have watched all your movies; I''m your greatest fan."

    His statement surprised her. It was not because she was shocked to have a male die-hard fan, it was this man''s voice.

    It sounded so...sweet?

    His accent was different and she liked the sound of it. His skin was almost like the color of bronze. And the main point was¡­heavens, he was handsome! Putting his looks aside, he didn''t seem to be from C Nation.

    "Can I have your autograph?"  he asked.

    "Sure."

    The man took a photo of her from his car and gave it to her to sign. Lin Lihua was speechless. So he was really a die hard fan.

    "Tr¨¨s belle."1 He mumbled when he took back the now signed photograph.

    "What?"

    "Nothing, nothing. I asked, are you waiting for someone?"

    Lin Lihua''s eyebrow involuntarily raised. That didn''t sound like what he had just mumbled.

    But she did not expose him. "I''m waiting for my sister."

    "I''m waiting for someone too." He rememebred something. "Forgive my manners! My name is Henry Blanc. It''s a pleasure to meet you."

    Just as he said that, Wan Jia and Lu Aotian left the building.

    When Wan Jia saw her sister, she rushed up to her and hugged her. "Sis!" Then she saw the man beside Lin Lihua. "Mr. Blanc, you are here too."

    Henry Blanc shot them a smile. "President Lu, Mrs. Lu. My sister had me bring..." he had forgotten the present in the car. He rushed to pick it and give it to Lu Aotian."This. It''s to congratulate Mrs. Lu."

    "You know each other?" Lin Lihua pulled Wan Jia aside as soon as she thanked Henry Blanc and asked.

    "You could call him Aotian''s distant friend. His sister is a designer too."

    "I see."  She didn''t forget to give her the pink little box of chocolates.

    Wan Jia eyed Lin Lihua and raised an eyebrow. "Did I just see you...glance at a man twice?"

    "What man?" When she understood her, she glared at her. "What? You busybody! My brother-in-law should give you more work to do. You are so idle that you are starting to think up too much nonsense."

    "Haha! Sis, you are blushing. I didn''t know you had a thing for Mr. Blanc." Wan Jia ran back to Lu Aotian''s side for protection after teasing Lin Lihua.

    "What''s this?" Lu Aotian asked when he saw the girlish box.

    "Chocolates. My sister just gave them to me."

    Lu Aotian looked at Lin Lihua who involuntarily got scared of his look. "Sister-in-law, I hope this is the last time you give chocolates to my wife. She should watch her intake of sweet things. If this happens again, I will have something to say to you."

    This was the first time Lu Aotian had ever called her that. "Got it."

    When Lu Aotian wasn''t looking, she gave Wan Jia a look that read: your mighty President Lu has to call me sister-in-law.

    Wan Jia coughed. "Sis, I''m sorry but I can''t go out with you this evening. I haven''t been spending enough time with my baby lately; I should make it up."

    Hearing that, Henry Blanc spoke before Lin Lihua did. "I guess President Lu doesn''t have time to discuss business either. How about we go for dinner together, cough,  as a movie queen and her fan?"

 Chapter 293 - Am I so handsome?

    As soon as he finished his statement, Henry Blanc sent a pleading look to Lu Aotian.

    Unfortunately, Lin Lihua rejected him even before Lu Aotian could help him out. "I''ll pass. Little Wan, remember to give me a video call and let me chat with my darling little niece."

    "Got it, Sis."

    Henry Blanc could only smile and get back into his car.

    ¡­

    On their way home, Wan Jia''s curiosity was piqued. She turned to the man beside her. "Do you think your friend likes my sister?"

    Lu Aotian did not pay too much attention to them. "Looks like it."

    Wan Jia thought it was possible too. Though she couldn''t bring herself to think of them as a pair. Lin Lihua was too mature for her age. She would most likely prefer a man a little older than her. Henry Blanc didn''t look like he was anything above thirty. Lin Lihua would probably think he was too young. That, and Lin Lihua''s standards that were too high, ruled him out ruthlessly.

    "Why are you thinking about other men when you are with me?" Lu Aotian looked at her dangerously.

    "I wasn''t. I was thinking about my sister. Hey! We are in the middle of the road. Can you not give me those eyes?"

    "What eye?" he intensified his gaze.

    Those eyes that keep screaming "eat me up!" If you don''t stop looking at me like that, don''t think that I will not lose control and jump onto you.

    Of course, these thoughts could not be said out loud and were only expressed using her eyes.

    "Am I so handsome that you can''t keep your eyes off me?"

    Unknowingly, he had long stopped gazing at her but she was still engrossed in her unrestrained thoughts about him. Gah! Since when did her thoughts become so dirty? It must be because this hooligan had influenced her negatively.

    She glared at him. "What''s so handsome about you? I wasn''t even staring at you."

    "Really?" he leaned closer to her. His voice was so seductive that although they had already been together for long, she still felt her cheeks heat up.

    She pushed him away. "Don''t try to tease me."

    Lu Aotian didn''t tease his little wife anymore. But once they were home, he carried her out of the car like a bride and walked towards their bedroom. Wan Jia enjoyed the free ride comfortably. She was tired and felt her husband was being very considerate by carrying her all the way into the bedroom.

    But when he put her onto the soft bed and pressed her under him, she widened her eyes. "What are you doing?"

    "What do you think?"

    "I''m dead tired. Won''t you let me off?"

    He leaned next to her ear to whisper, "Don''t worry, not only will I be very gentle, you won''t have to do any moving tonight."

    ¡­

    The next morning, it was a Saturday. Wan Jia was in a warm embrace when she woke up. She felt especially invigorated.

    Since she didn''t have to go to work, she would train more today.

    "You''re awake." The man holding her from behind spoke next to her ear.

    "You woke up later than me today. So tired from last night, huh?"

    "Do you want me to prove to you that I''m not tired?" He flipped her and lay on top of her.

    Wan Jia pushed him and jumped out of bed. "No, no. You don''t have to. My husband is definitely the strongest man and he''s very handsome too."

    Lu Aotian looked at her retreating back as she disappeared into the bathroom and glanced down at his lower body speechlessly. She really knew how to run away from him.

    When they were both done freshening up, Wan Jia dragged Lu Aotian to the training ground. She wanted to spar with him again.

    Just before she started, Little Jia ran over in her little steps. "Mommy, Daddy, what are you doing?"

    "Baby!" Wan Jia went over to hug her. She had thought that the little girl was still asleep and didn''t want to wake her up. "Mommy is sparring against Daddy. Wait for me in the house, okay?"

    Little Jia shook her little head and looked at her mother pleading. "Mommy, can I watch? Also, is sparring the same as fighting?"

    Wan Jia put her daughter down gently. "No, sparring is just for practice. Of course you can watch if you will not get scared."

    The little girl smiled happily. "Little Jia will definitely not get scared. Daddy and mommy are here. What''s there to be scared about?"

    ¡­

    With their daughter also watching at the side, the couple stood in position.

    "Why don''t you ever attack me?" Wan Jia asked when she saw him looking as though he was waiting for her move.

    "You have never successfully attacked me. If I made an offense move, wouldn''t I hurt you?"

    Wan Jia had no way to refute. He was right. If professionally trained people wouldn''t take his attacks, how could she?But  If she waited until she was able to take it, wouldn''t that take forever?

    She took a deep breath and ran towards him, launching a blow and aiming it towards his chest.

    As usual, Lu Aotian held her fist too easily. It was as though she was playing. Before he said anything, she swung her other fist towards his stomach. That one too, was caught like a piece of cloth by him.

 Chapter 294 - If only Lin Zhou was as intelligent as you

    Wan Jia glared at him. She pulled her hands from him and moved back. With all her strength, she rained a succession of punches towards him, all of which he dodged before he gripped her hands together.

    He looked at her with a smile. "Your strength has increased slightly."

    "Really?" she probably didn''t mind the last word and her eyes lit up.

    The man was not stingy with his compliment. "Hmm. You made me use 1% of my strength."

    Wan Jia glared at him furiously. Making him use 1% was considered improving? Was he trying to say that the other times she didn''t make him use any strength at all? Just how weak was he trying to say she was?

    Fine, he was Lu Aotian. "Thanks for the compliment. My trainer taught me well."

    Small Xing couldn''t hear their conversation properly but when the madam glanced in his direction, he knew it was something about him.

    The battle continued. After being complimented, she was motivated and showed even more improvement.

    The bodyguards who were watching were even more envious of Small Xing.

    "Small Xing sure knows how to suck up to people. He knew that by sucking up to madam, he could get on master''s good side as well."

    "That''s not the point. It seems like that pretty boy managed to teach madam a move or two. She is becoming visibly stronger and more skilled."

    A man called Huge Xing sneered. "What''s there to be so shocked about? Madam was a complete rookie who couldn''t even kill a fly. She has learnt from the weakest one of us. Isn''t it obvious? Next, master will ask a stronger person to continue training her."

    Most of the bodyguards were Huge Xing''s friends so they seconded him. "That''s the only explanation that makes sense. Besides, she has been training with master too. It''s not surprising that her improvement was that fast."

    At the side, Little Jia looked at her parents curiously. She asked the bodyguard sitting next to her. "Is my mommy learning how to fight?"

    "Little Miss, madam is learning self defense skills. What she is learning right now is how to attack bad people if she is in danger."

    The little girl nodded and tilted her head to the side. "Can I learn too?"

    The bodyguard was shocked by that question. "That¡­little miss, you should ask master."

    As soon as the couple was done for the day, Little Jia hugged her father''s leg and looked up to him with her cute big eyes. "Daddy, can you teach Little Jia self defense skills too?"

    Lu Aotian chuckled. Of course his daughter would want to learn everything she saw others learning. "Daddy will teach you when you are old enough."

    Little Jia held her parents'' hands and walked back to the house happily.

    ___

    When Lu Aotian was done showering after the  training, he received a phone call.

    "Let''s meet for a drink this evening." The man was straight to the point and hung up without waiting for Lu Aotian''s answer.

    Lu Aotian''s lips twitched. Fine, I will go.

    ¡­

    Emerald Grand Hotel, that evening.

    "Order anything you like. Your father-in-law is paying." Lin Zhou shot him a look that other people would probably mistake for a happy smile.

    "Go straight to the point. We are both businessmen, CEO Lin." Lu Aotian knew that Lin Zhou must have called him for a business-related reason, and he didn''t want to have his time wasted on small talk.

    Lin Zhou''s gaze turned into a mixture of worry and disdain. "My daughter Lin Lihua may not take over Lin Industries. She is so much drawn into acting that she is starting her own entertainment agency. In future, Lin Industries will land in the hands of Little Wan."

    Lu Aotian gave him a stern glance. "Why are you telling me this?"

    Lin Zhou turned even more serious. "Lin Industries will still belong to you in future. Can you let it off? Can you really stand to see your own father-in-law struggling so hard?"

    Lu Aotian gave a smile of ridicule. "You still think I''m the one trying to send Lin Industries into bankruptcy?"

    "Who else could it be?"

    "With this sort of thought process, I''m shocked that Lin Industries didn''t go bankrupt years ago. This man is obviously playing a game with you. He is attacking your company but leaving you a way out every time; just like a cat playing with its mouse before it can finally enjoy its meal. Can''t you tell that this is not my style of doing things?"

    He was right. If it was Lu Aotian, Lin Industries would have gone bankrupt months ago. He had no time to play around with him.

    Lin Zhou had a blank expression. If it wasn''t Lu Aotian, who was it? The only company he could think of that had such terrifying power was Lu Enterprises. He wasn''t tooting his own horn but even at a difficult time like this, Lin Industries was not weak enough to be attacked by just any company.

    He had a doubt.  If Lu Aotian were to change his way of doing things, who would ever know?

    Lu Aotian saw his expression that didn''t look convinced in the slightest. He shook his head. "I don''t have any more time to discuss this. Enjoy your drink."

    As soon as he left, he received a text message. [If only Lin Zhou was as intelligent as you.]

    His lips twitched. What was this man playing at this time?

 Chapter 295 - What sin did I commit

    Actually, although Lu Aotian was not too sure about it, he could vaguely guess what was going on. If that man only wanted Lin Industries, he wouldn''t play this game of power flaunting. But he obviously wanted something else. Revenge. Perhaps his in laws had offended someone they shouldn''t have.

    [Don''t help him.] Came another text message.

    The man probably knew that Lin Zhou might swallow his pride in a moment of desperation and ask Lu Aotian for help. If Lu Aotian helped Lin Zhou then all of that man''s work would go to waste.

    Lu Aotian replied with two messages.

    [It doesn''t concern me.]

    He didn''t like Lin Zhou either.  It was not a feeling of insecurity as though Lin Zhou might hurt Wan Jia; it was purely dislike.

    [Our battle is yet to begin]

    That was right. He still had a lot to battle out with that man. Thinking about it, he did have a handful of enemies too.

    ___

    In country V.

    "Do you think Lu Aotian has figured it out?"

    "He must have. He is too intelligent."

    "Father, why don''t you send him a coded message instead? He might have found out who you are but he definitely will not understand your true intention. It won''t turn out nicely if he thinks of you as an enemy."

    Just as the son finished speaking, the father received a message. [Our battle is yet to begin.]

    The son frowned. "What battle? Aren''t we meant to be on the same page?"

    The father coughed. "I may have¡­ attacked Lu Enterprises for fun in the past. It was purely just a game. I didn''t know he held such deep grudges."

    "Do you have to Cause trouble wherever you go? Look what you have done! What are we going to do now? Wan Jia''s life might be in danger and he may not necessarily be able to protect her and keep himself safe in the process. Don''t forget that they also have a daughter now. You don''t know how many Yuns are trying to get to them."

    "Why are you so paranoid? I wouldn''t be this settled if I wasn''t sure about Lu Aotian''s ability to protect them. Even if there were thousands of Yuns, they have to get past him first. Then they would have to get past me."

    "Pfft! Like she would let you go near her."

    "She will now." He held a little blue case in his hand. In a few seconds, he changed its password and ordered someone to send it out.

    ___

    The next day at Elite Fashion World.

    Su Ling brought a wrapped package to Wan Jia. "Boss, this package arrived this morning. It''s for you."

    Wan Jia took it and was shocked at how heavy it was.  What was that?

    After unwrapping the package, she saw a metallic case. It had a pass code lock. Stuck onto it was a piece of paper. She plucked it off and opened it. There were a few zeroes and ones but when she keyed them in, it did not unlock.

    What kind of joke was this? She tossed the case away along with the note. Was this some sort of prank? Forget about not having any form of address or message. Why did the sender give her a wrong password? Not to mention, that was the strangest password she had ever seen. Did they take her for a fool?

    If Wan Jia knew what was in that case, she would not have tossed it away.

    ...

    Country V.

    "Did you send it?"

    "She must have received it by now. I instructed Andrew to make sure she is alone when she receives it."

    "What about the password?"

    "I wrote a code. It''s a hint that she will definitely understand."

    The son held his head and paced around helplessly. "What wrong did I do in my past life to deserve such a brainless father? Since when does Wan Jia know about codes?!"

    "Wan Jia doesn''t, but Lu Aotian does."

    "Why don''t you just shut up? Your instruction was to make sure that she receives it when she is alone.  What if she directly threw it away?"

    ...

    ___

    Wan Jia continued training with Small Xing every day and her skills were becoming more obvious. Aside from that and her job, she attended many business banquets with Lu Aotian; both as the lady boss of Lu Enterprises and to learn a thing or two from him.

    On a certain Wednesday evening, she was attending one such banquet. One of Lu Enterprises'' subsidiaries had just completed a huge project that would gain tremendous profit. It would even possibly double the already terrifying value of Lu Enterprises. Such an accomplishment definitely called for celebration.

    Following Lu Shaoting''s suggestion, the banquet was held in Emerald Grand Hotel.

    Wan Jia finished dressing up and left her room in a purple gown. It was simple but made her look as beautiful as ever.

    "Mommy, are you leaving Little Jia alone?" the little girl was in the living room when she saw her mother dressed up for a banquet. She ran up to her and looked up pitifully.

    Wan Jia felt her heart ache when she saw her daughter''s pitiful look. She had really been spending less time with her daughter recently. Was she busying herself too much and not spending enough time with her family? "Baby¡­"

    "Mommy, can you not go? Little Jia is feeling sad today." As soon as the words left her mouth, huge drops of tears rolled out of her big eyes.

 Chapter 296 - Does mommy not love Little Jia anymore?

    Wan Jia looked at her daughter and picked her up. "Why is my baby sad?"

    "Mommy is leaving Little Jia alone. Is it because Mommy doesn''t love Little Jia anymore?"

    "That''s not right. I love my baby the most."

    The little girl turned cheerful faster than the flip of a page. "Then mommy is definitely not leaving, right?"

    "Eer..."

    This was part of her work. However, how could she leave her baby when she was crying so heartbrokenly? She sat on the sofa with Little Jia still in her arms and called Lu Aotian. He was still in his office and would directly go to the banquet later.

    "Can you attend the banquet alone?"

    "What happened?" the man asked in a concerned tone.

    "Little Jia feels sad and wants me to stay with her."

    Lu Aotian was silent for a while. His daughter sure was sticking to her mother more and more. It was not that Wan Jia was spending less time with her; it was just that she wanted more attention. "Why don''t you dress her up and bring her along? If she doesn''t want that either, then you can stay at home."

    "Bring her to a banquet?"

    "Why not? I will have children''s food prepared for her. Besides, we will only make a short appearance and won''t stay to the end."

    Wan Jia turned to ask for the little girl''s opinion. "Baby, do you want to go with mommy?"

    Her big eyes turned bright again and she nodded her head happily.

    Wan Jia was speechless. Where had all the tears flown to?

    "Mommy will help you change into something cute, eh?"

    "Uh huh."

    At the end of the day, the mother and daughter left the house together.

    ¡­

    In less than an hour, they had arrived at Emerald Grand Hotel.

    Everyone saw the black Bugatti come to a stop. Their first reaction was; President Lu is here!

    But when a bodyguard opened the back door, a fair pair of breath taking legs in diamond heels stepped out, followed by their beautiful owner in her purple gown. Next, she helped out a little adorable four year old girl. She was wearing a pink dress and had a pair of long pigtails. To complete her adorable looks, she was hugging a white stuffed koala.

    "Wow, it''s the lady boss."

    "I''m so jealous of President Lu. How could he get such a beautiful wife? Is the little girl the rumored Miss Lu?"

    "She''s so cute. I thought she was just a rumor."

    "Is it too early to match make my son with the little miss?"

    Before Wan Jia and Little Jia went in, Lu Aotian arrived too.

    The family of three went in together. Lu Aotian carried his daughter in one arm and held Wan Jia''s hand with the other. They received looks of awe and envy from all the employees.

    "I just peered over so I could see a beauty leave her car. Why do they have to throw their affection right into my face?" a certain male employee complained in a low voice. Of course he wouldn''t let Lu Aotian hear him.

    "You deserve it for taking advantage of President Lu''s lateness to admire the lady boss."

    When they entered the hall, Lu Aotian took his wife and daughter to the best reserved seats.

    Since Wan Jia''s alcohol tolerance was still low, she and Little Jia were brought glasses of milk. She shot an unpleased glance at her husband. Milk? Did he think she was a baby? Low tolerance didn''t mean she couldn''t take any wine, okay?

    When Lu Aotian saw her glance, he helped her order orange juice which she looked at in disdain but still drank.

    Once in a while, a few people would walk up to her to give a toast. She stopped taking juice and took a small sip of wine for each toast. Two wineglasses later, she started feeling a little light headed and excused herself to go to the restroom.

    When she was washing her hands, she heard a bang from inside one of the cubicles and out of it stumbled a man.

    She widened her eyes in suspicion. Why was there a man in the women''s restroom? It would be excused if he went the wrong way, but after going in, wasn''t it quite obvious that he was in the women''s restroom? He still went into the cubicles! What a pervert.

    She dried her hands quickly to leave. It wouldn''t be nice if she remained in the same breathing space as a pervert. If he happened to be drunk, it would be even more dangerous.

    "Tsk, all I had to do is enter the wrong restroom to meet such a beauty? It must be my lucky day." The pervert scanned his lecherous eyes over Wan Jia.

    Wan Jia felt disgusted by is look. She headed towards the door. However, the man rushed to lock it from inside. He stood against it to block her path. "Why are you running away? Do you think I''m dangerous?"

    Wan Jia glared at him. "Good dogs don''t block the way."

    The pervert wasn''t put off by her glare. "How about we have a few drinks? Then we can book a hotel room right in this hotel for fun."

    Wan Jia found him more disgusting. She was yet to speak when the man tried to hold her hand.

    "You can''t run away even if you want to."

 Chapter 297 - What was so good about that woman?

    Wan Jia withdrew her hand before he could touch it. How gutsy! Was he asking to die?

    "Little girl you... do you think I''m not handsome enough?"

    The corner of Wan Jia''s lips twitched. Just when she was starting to worry that she had never put her skills into practice, a chance presented itself on a silver platter.

    She gave a last warning. "I''m saying it for the last time. Get out of my way."

    "Are all beautiful women¡­Ow!" before he finished his statement, he felt a sharp pain in his neck and gripped it. "You hit me!" it was so painful that he didn''t even think of hitting her back.

    Wan Jia had not had enough; she punched him in the chest, making him stumble backwards weakly.  Having been hit by a little woman, the man couldn''t accept his fate. He threw a punch towards her.  Wan Jia''s dress and shoes couldn''t allow her to kick. She could only either punch or dodge. She cursed. She had just asked for trouble! Could she be stronger than a man?

    Using merely her instinct, she hit the man''s wrist with all her strength and took advantage of his distracted state to punch his crotch. She had watched women do that in movies and she hoped that he would be distracted for at least ten seconds. Luckily, he really lost all his strength after the punch and groaned while holding his crotch. Wan Jia used the chance to escape. She locked the door from outside.

    That was close. On her way back, Wan Jia rubbed her hands and saw the bracelet on her fair wrist. She really wanted to smash her head into something. She had forgotten all about it earlier. But it proved something to her; she didn''t have to rely on Lu Aotian all the time. If she ever lost that bracelet or forgot to use it when she was in danger, she would be doomed if she didn''t have her own skills.

    Talking of which, wasn''t she just a rookie? Why was it that she was so strong a moment ago...

    Training with grandmasters like Lu Aotian had really made her underestimate herself.

    ...

    "What took you so long?" Lu Aotian asked when she went back.

    "There were many people in the restroom."

    Lu Aotian was still looking at her.

    "Fine, I may have met a pervert and taught him a little lesson."

    Lu Aotian chuckled. Of course he understood the kind of lesson she was talking about. So his little wife could actually hit someone. He thought she was too scared of doing that.

    ¡­

    In this banquet, Lu Tongyan couldn''t be absent. He arrived a bit late due to some business he was dealing with prior to the banquet. As soon as he arrived, he went to say hi to Wan Jia who was helping Little Jia cut a piece of cake into smaller pieces.

    After chatting a little with his daughter-in-law and granddaughter, he went to talk to Lu Aotian. From the corner of his eye, he saw Lu Shaoting speaking to a bunch of beautiful ladies. They had literally surrounded him and seemed to be asking him questions.

    Upon closer inspection, he saw that Lu Shaoting was holding a woman''s waist¡­and that woman was Su Ling.

    He didn''t need to ask to know what they were talking about. The women were obviously asking them what their relationship was and Lu Shaoting seemed to have said "girlfriend" just now.

    His expression turned ugly. There were so many women on earth. There was even a whole bevy of beauties with impressive upbringing in this banquet.  What was so special about that woman?

    Lu Aotian saw his expression and knew what he was thinking. He coughed. "Father, years ago, you wanted me to marry Yun Xuan and hated Wanwan. But now, don''t you hate Yun Xuan and treat Wanwan as your own daughter?"

    Lu Tongyan was displeased. "Are you saying that I have poor judgment?"

    "If I''m being honest, you do.

    Whoever Shaoting likes, how is it anyone else''s business?"

    Lu Tongyan was shocked that even Lu Aotian was siding with Lu Shaoting. "What kind of nonsense did that punk brainwash you with?"

    "Brainwash me? Please, I''m the one who can brainwash him."

    Lu Tongyan remained silent. He had never been able to refute anything Lu Aotian said. This son of his had always been sensible.

    Still, he was not able to accept Su Ling. At least not yet.

    ...

    A few meters away, Su Ling was being looked at with eyes of envy. Just what galaxy had she saved in her past life to make Lu Shaoting like her in this lifetime? She was neither beautiful nor outstanding. What did second master Lu see in her?

    For those women who had always dreamed of being in the Lu family, their dreams had been ruthlessly shattered. First, it was Lu Aotian getting married and now their little prince charming Lu who had never had a girlfriend before was no longer available?

    While the other women secretly glared at her, Su Ling only obediently stayed next to Lu Shaoting. What did any of their thoughts have to do with her?

    "She''s just a girlfriend. Perhaps Vice president Lu is only playing around with her. Why would he marry a woman who neither has the looks nor the background?" an envious woman said when Lu Shaoting and Su Ling left.

 Chapter 298 - Had she been possessed by Lu Aotian?

    Lu Shaoting pulled Su Ling to introduce her to various business partners and senior leaders in the company. As the future second mistress of the Lu family, she couldn''t be completely ignorant about Lu Enterprises. Luckily she was close to the first mistress, Wan Jia. Later, he would ask her to teach Su Ling a thing or two.

    Meanwhile, Wan Jia was being sought after more than Lu Aotian. Was there any other reason? It was of course for business.

    In this banquet, everyone was allowed to bring along a friend. Some of those people who tagged along were people who had tried to seek collaborations or sponsorship from Lu Enterprises. With Lu Aotian as the president, they had definitely not been able to meet him, much less discuss with him.

    When they heard that Wan Jia would be attending this banquet, they had tried their best to attend it as well. Perhaps if they spoke to her, she would help them pass the message to Lu Aotian.

    One of them was a young genius called Zede; who wanted to be employed by Lu Enterprises'' technology subsidiary. Wan Jia looked at the young man in front of her who was pleading with her and was almost on the verge of tears. She glanced at Little Jia who had turned into her grandfather''s shadow and changed her mind about going home. She would go after listening to this little genius.

    "Mrs. Lu, I will definitely work hard if you employ me."

    Wan Jia did not want to rely on verbal promises. All she wanted to see was his potential. If he was really as hardworking as he claimed, maybe she would give him a chance. "How would I know? Do you have a resume?"

    He nodded. "I do."

    "Then why don''t you apply for an interview?"

    "I did, but I was rejected. They said I wasn''t impressive enough."

    "¡­"

    You were rejected, so you came looking for me?

    "Then why do you think you will convince me?"

    He gathered his courage and grabbed this last chance. "Mrs. Lu, those guys didn''t even let me finish my presentation and sent me away; but you will definitely¡­"

    "Straight to the point."

    The young man shuddered. The Wan Jia he was facing right now was nothing like the soft little woman everyone knew. Her gaze was stern and, goodness, she looked intimidating! Had she been possessed by Lu Aotian?

    Not wanting to lose his hard-earned chance, he took out his laptop from his bag and switched it on quickly. Then, he showed Wan Jia his first creation. "This is a file keeper. It can secure up to five files on your computer and will only be accessed by one person. If an unauthorized person attempts to open it, the virus in it will destroy all the files in one minute."

    Wan Jia''s expression didn''t change. Her husband had one that could keep an unlimited number of files and the destruction would only take twenty seconds.

    "Not impressed."

    The young man did not give up. He rattled on about his creations for a very long time but Wan Jia''s expression didn''t change at all. Every time he said something new, he would lose a little hope. He had tried to find a job using his inventions but often, he would not be hired but he would soon find out that they stole his idea and used it to create something more impressive. As a result, he also started using other people''s ideas and sure enough, it got him nowhere.

    At last, he showed her the only original thing he had left. At this point, he had lost all his hope. If Wan Jia wanted to steal his idea too, so be it. But he had a feeling Wan Jia wouldn''t do that.

    "These are the codes for a little robot. It''s in the form of a kitten. I named it "The copycat" because it has been programmed to record any sort of information it is sent to get. To put it simply, it can be used for a spy mission. Don''t be fooled by its abilities, it''s not as big as it sounds. It''s actually the size of a newborn kitten." He sighed. "Mrs. Lu, this is my first invention. I spent two years developing it."

    He looked at Wan Jia who had been listening attentively.

    "Impressive."

    As soon as he heard that one word, all the lost hope rushed back to his heart. "Does that mean I''m in?"

    Wan Jia shook her head. "Although I think the theory of it is impressive, I still have to see that Copycat in action. If it can impress my husband, then consider yourself in."

    As soon as she said that, the young man flashed a cute smile. "Thank you for giving me this chance. I will definitely not disappoint you. When should I bring The Copycat for you to see?"

    "I will help you book an appointment with the President and vice President. You can explain it in more detail then. You should know that the final decision lies with them."

    "Thank you lady boss." The young genius almost gave his life and the lives of eight of his generations to her."

    "If you want to thank me, don''t let my effort go to waste." Wan Jia had a good impression of this young genius.

    "I will definitely not let you down, lady boss."

    As soon as the young man left, Wan Jia didn''t have chance to leave before a certain CEO''s assistant rushed up to her, panting. "Mrs. Lu."

 Chapter 299 - Amazing, my wife.

    Wan Jia didn''t have chance to leave before a certain CEO''s assistant rushed up to her, panting. "Mrs. Lu."

    Well, it seemed like tonight would be one of her most busy nights. The assistant gave a deep bow. "Mrs. Lu, CEO Jun would like to have a word with you. Could you spare him a second?"

    The said CEO Jun was right behind his assistant. He greeted Wan Jia politely.

    When Wan Jia agreed to talk to him, they took seats opposite each other. CEO Jun looked at his assistant who retrieved a document from his briefcase and gave it to Wan Jia.

    After reading the document, Wan Jia understood their intentions. CEO Jun was seeking investments to complete his project. So they wanted to collaborate with Lu Enterprises.

    "You have written this proposal in such a way that in the end, Lu Enterprises gains most of the benefits. Why is that?"

    CEO Jun thought it was easy to answer. "That''s because I respect Lu Enterprises very much. How can I dare to exhort benefits from a multibillion company?"

    Wan Jia looked straight into his eyes. "Does your respect involve putting your company at a disadvantage where you are guaranteed a loss of at least 3%? CEO Jun, this is business. No one would allow such a huge loophole in their business plan."

    CEO Jun was a little shocked. She noticed that? He had thought that she was so obsessed with fashion that she knew nothing about business.

    Wan Jia''s gaze turned threatening. "Is it because you have a huge loan on this land? The company you collaborate with on this project will definitely suffer a huge loss because the project will be auctioned off if you are unable to pay it. Is that why you so desperately want a collaboration?"

    "¡­"

    Wasn''t it a private loan? How did she find out?

    Actually, she didn''t know a thing about it. It was just the most logic explanation for someone intentionally putting their company on the losing end. It was merely to make the other company attracted to the deal and put in a large amount of money. The loophole was in fact very well hidden that Wan Jia wouldn''t have realized it if she didn''t read through the proposal word by word.

    "By trying to trick Lu Enterprises, aren''t you afraid of the consequences? Or is it because you thought I knew nothing about business and that you could trick me?"

    "Mrs. Lu, it''s nothing of that sort. Please don''t rush into conclusion." He saw that Wan Jia was getting angrier by the second and tried to salvage the situation.

    Wan Jia''s glance was full of seriousness and authority. "I see. Then do you dare to let me show this proposal to Lu Aotian?"

    "Mrs. ...Mrs. Lu¡­" the man shook. He thought that Wan Jia was going to use her authority as the lady boss to make decisions for the company without consulting her husband. If Lu Aotian saw this proposal¡­

    Wan Jia knew from his hesitation that he couldn''t dare. Such a fraud.

    She stood up and signaled for security guards.

    Everyone was shocked that such a powerful CEO as CEO Jun was being thrown out under Wan Jia''s orders. Well, it was not too strange because he was not even half as powerful as Lu Aotian.

    What shocked them was Wan Jia''s aura. Why did she suddenly look like a queen authoritatively giving orders in her own kingdom? They were so used to their cute little designer that this cold Wan Jia came as a shock.

    "From today, Jun Industries is considered an enemy of Lu Enterprises and whoever allies with them is considered to be going against Lu Enterprises." She still withheld the proposal to use it as evidence if need arose.

    Everyone wondered just what CEO Jun had done to provoke their easy-going lady boss. From the looks of it, it couldn''t be anything petty.

    Lu Aotian who was discussing with his brother stopped and glanced over. "Amazing, my wife."

    His expression was that of a master who had spent a lot of time teaching his student and finally, the student had shown signs of learning.

    He didn''t know what had happened but since he knew that they were discussing a business proposal, he could guess that it had something to do with trickery. The coolest part was how she had used her authority as the lady boss to send CEO Jun away and blacklist his company. He just needed to force that small company to its end and the punishment would be complete.

    After sending out the treacherous fox, Wan Jia went to Lu Aotian and explained the situation in detail.

    "I''m sorry I used your name without permission."

    Lu Aotian gave her a sideways glance. "You should be sorry for not ever using it before. That is a mistake deserving of punishment."

    Wan Jia blushed when she understood him. They were in public! Could this man be a little more decent?

    Lu Aotian held her waist and announced. "My princesses and I are leaving now."

    When Little Jia who was playing with her grandfather heard her father''s words, she was not pleased. She was not done playing with grandpa! Not only that, she had not even said hi to her Aunty Su Ling!

    She looked at her father like he was being heartless.

    Lu Aotian looked at her dotingly. "Princess, what happened?"

    "Little Jia wants to say hi to someone important."

    ____

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 Chapter 300 - I still love my life

    Little Jia looked at her father briefly and lifted her little arms to be lifted by him. Being held by her tall father, she skimmed her eyes through the crowd, searching for someone. She saw her talking to a few ladies a distance away and flashed a smile. Then she got down from her father''s arms and started walking over.

    "Where is Little Miss going?" a few people asked as they speedily got out of her way.

    Little Jia didn''t answer their question and only had one person in her eyes. When she was close enough, she called out, "Aunty Su Ling!"

    Her cute voice could melt hearts. Su Ling felt emotional and took the little girl''s tiny hand. "Little Miss¡­"

    Little Jia was not very happy with the way she called her but she did not kick up a fuss. She stuck out her small arms. "Second Aunty, hug."

    Su Ling was scared of Lu Aotian''s presence, but she couldn''t possibly say no to the little girl, so she picked her up.

    After a warm hug from her second aunt, Little Jia agreed to leave.

    Behind them, the women who had their eyes on Lu Shaoting were angrier than ever.

    "This Su Ling is so scheming. She already buttered up to President Lu''s daughter!"

    "Isn''t it so she can pass off as a good mother? Tsk, President Lu should be careful about her."

    "If I didn''t know any better, I would think she is trying to seduce President Lu by getting close to the Little Miss."

    When Su Ling heard their discussions, she frowned. It was Little Jia who sought her first, okay? Besides, she was just too cute. Who wouldn''t want to be on her good side? Most importantly, did they expect her to be rude to her future niece? They should keep dreaming!

    ¡­

    The family of three went back home in the same car. The car Lu Aotian had driven to the banquet would be driven back home by the chauffeur.

    Wan Jia sat with Little Jia in the backseat. Although she had not moved about a lot tonight, the little girl was tired.

    She leaned in her mother''s embrace and closed her eyes.

    However, along the way, she frowned in her nap. Wan Jia noticed this and looked at her. "Baby, is something wrong?"

    "Mommy, Little Jia''s head hurts. It''s so painful¡­"

    "First Capital''s Hospital is a few miles ahead. Let''s take her there." Lu Aotian said.

    Wan Jia nodded and rubbed her daughter''s head. She didn''t have a fever. It was probably just fatigue.

    Lu Aotian sped up and they were at the hospital in five minutes. He carried his daughter and walked in urgent strides into the hospital. He would have called Doctor Cui and had him treat Little Jia at home but for a reason he didn''t understand, he had a bad feeling. There was a weird sense of alarm in his heart.

    Wan Jia was apparently feeling something similar. When Lu Aotian saw his wife holding onto her chest, he ordered for a full body check on Little Jia.

    Wan Jia was uneasy outside the hospital room. She involuntarily started pacing.

    Lu Aotian pulled her to sit next to him. "Why are you so worried? It''s just a headache."

    When Wan Jia looked at him, there was fear clearly written in her eyes. "I''m just scared. I don''t even know what I''m scared of."

    Lu Aotian held her tightly. "Don''t be scared. She must be tired from the banquet. It''s almost her sleeping time." he said, not sure whether he was trying to console her or himself.

    Inside the hospital room, a nurse took her blood samples for running tests.

    Although it was already 9pm, the doctors were very dedicated in their work as they did various tests on the little girl.  Little Jia had fainted and was being taken care of by a highly professional nurse.

    When the tests were done, a female pediatrician looked at her male colleague.

    "This¡­"

    The male doctor had a shocked expression too. "If they didn''t ask for a full body test, they wouldn''t find out until it''s too late."

    "Are you going to break the news to them?"

    "Are you kidding me?  That''s Lu Aotian out there. I still love my life." The female doctor refused to go without a second thought.

    The male doctor could only take a deep breath and accept his fate. He went to the pair of anxious parents.

    Wan Jia rushed to him as soon as he appeared in the hallway. "Doctor, how''s my baby?"

    She saw his expression that wasn''t of smiles. "She¡­she''s fine, right?"

    The doctor looked at the woman before him then looked at the man who almost couldn''t hide his anxiety anymore. "Mr. Lu, Mrs. Lu, let''s have a chat in my office."

    Wan Jia looked at her husband then at the doctor who had turned to lead them into his office. Lu Aotian walked to his wife''s side and hugged her. "She will be fine." This time too, he didn''t know who he was consoling.

    In the doctor''s office, the man almost passed out from the two pairs of gazes.

    "Don''t beat around the bush." Wan Jia said, knowing that the doctor was probably afraid of her reaction.

    The young man sighed. He wasn''t sure Mrs. Lu could take it.

    "Mr. Lu, Mrs. Lu, I hate to be blunt. Miss Lu Meili''s condition doesn''t look very good."

    ______

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 Chapter 301 - Blame it on mommy

    He let his words sink in. it was to prepare the couple for the bad news he was just about to break.

    He saw that they both had not change in expression.

    "Lu Meili has Leukemia."

    "What?!" Wan Jia exclaimed as soon as the doctor''s voice fell.

    When the doctor called them to his office, she had already prepared herself for the worst. But, she was till shocked. What did the doctor just say about her baby? He was joking, right?

    How could her baby have Leukemia?

    But now that she thought about it, it was quite possible. For some time now, Little Jia has been getting tired after just playing for a bit. Sometimes she would be so tired that she would sleep more than usual. Although she had never had such a headache before, it now seemed half possible to her.

    Lu Aotian was still waiting for him to continue.

    The doctor looked at the couple and continued; "It''s CML and its development has been very slow; it''s still in the chronic phase."

    His expression turned graver. "Mr. Lu, do the both of you have another child?"

    "For a stem cell transplant?" Lu Aotian asked.

    "That''s one of the possible cures. The compatibility is higher in full blood siblings." Though the doctor found it strange, the number of myeloid cells in her blood had been increasing for a long while now. The progress was way slower than usual.

    When Lu Aotian told him about the supplements she had taken before, he finally understood. Those supplements seemed to have strengthened the little girl''s white blood cells and delayed the symptoms.

    "Although it is still in the early phase, it cannot be completely cured using medication alone. The ultimate cure is still a stem cell transplant or using blood from the umbilical cord. If Lu Meili doesn''t have any siblings, you still have time. We can give her medication; but this will only make sure the blast cells don''t increase. However, this can only keep up for three to five years."

    After rambling on for a long time, Wan Jia understood that they needed to have another child. However, they would not use the other child''s stem cell. They would use its blood from the umbilical cord which was the cure for most diseases of the blood. It was an even better option.

    ¡­

    Wan Jia felt very weak when they left the doctor''s office. Lu Aotian held her firmly in his embrace. "I''ll call the chauffeur to drive you home."

    Wan Jia shook her head "I want to see my baby."

    "Okay." He took her to Little Jia''s hospital room.

    The little girl had received some medication to relieve her headache and was now asleep. The doctor had suggested to let her stay overnight for further observation.

    Wan Jia burst into tears as soon as she saw her baby. She had been careless.

    As a mother, how could she not know that her daughter was sick? If only she had been more observant, it wouldn''t reach this point.

    Baby, blame it on mommy for not taking good care of you. Mommy was not a good mother, that''s why you ended up like this.

    How could Lu Aotian not know what his wife was thinking? He held her shoulders and let her head rest on his chest. "No one is to blame for this. We wouldn''t prevent it even if we were super humans. The best we can do now is making sure she is cured sooner.

    Wan Jia nodded and remained in his embrace for a while.

    That night, the couple remained in the hospital room to watch over their daughter.

    The next morning, the doctor checked her conditions again before letting her get discharged. "Her daily life will be able to go on as usual. I advise you to not let her know about her own condition to avoid stressing her little mind. She is still too young and it''s not terminal."

    Then he turned to Wan Jia although he was not a gynecologist. "You should try your best to not let this matter depress you. In my observation, it is harder to conceive when the woman is under stress. Life should go on usually as much as possible."

    Wan Jia nodded. This matter would have sent her into a relapse of depression but for Little Jia and the baby she was preparing to have, she would not let that happen.

    Lu Aotian was there to help her too. He would make sure her mood was kept in check and she ate healthy foods fit for preparing for pregnancy.

    Before they left the hospital, Wan Jia had a rash thought. Since she and Lu Aotian had never been against having another child, they were not keen on contraception. What if a miracle of sorts happened and she was actually pregnant?

    Thinking about this, she suddenly asked for a pregnancy test to be done on her. The doctor was stunned but still sent her to the Obstetrics and Gynecology Department. It only took a few minutes. When she saw the "negative" report, she almost burst into a fresh bout of tears.

    But she couldn''t. She didn''t want her daughter to see her crying.

    As soon as they got home and into the master bedroom, Lu Aotian held her in his arms. "If you want to cry, go ahead. Keeping it in will only make you feel worse."

    The tears she had been holding back came flowing out like broken dams.

 Chapter 302 - Life had to go on

    In her husband''s arms, Wan Jia cried for a long time. She became exhausted and fell asleep.

    When she woke up, Lu Aotian was playing with Little Jia in the backyard. He had helped her take a day off from school. Little Jia looked as though everything was alright. If it wasn''t for the medical report she had looked at again before leaving the master bedroom, she would have believed that what happened last night was just an illusion. Life was going on as usual.

    "Daddy, Brownie is growing up!" Little Jia exclaimed as she held the playful kitten in her arms. When her aunt Lin Lihua gifted it to her, it was a tiny little thing; almost as tiny as someone''s palm. It had now grown bigger, plumper and fluffier.

    Lu Aotian looked at the white little thing that liked clinging to him. "How fat."

    Little Jia''s expression turned stale. "Daddy, you meanie! My Brownie is not fat! She''s just fluffy and cute." How could her father say such a thing as fat to a girl? It was mean even if he was talking about the kitten.

    Lu Aotian smiled at her dotingly. "Little Jia is right; Brownie is just cuter."

    Little Jia looked at her father with her head tilted. "Is Daddy feeling unwell?"

    She stuck out her little palm to her father''s forehead to feel if he had a fever. She had a very serious expression on her face, as though she was a doctor running very important tests.

    "No." Lu Aotian answered.

    "Then Daddy is feeling sad?" Before he could answer her, she stood up and pulled his hand with both of her tiny hands. "If Daddy is feeling sad, we should go for a dance. It always works wonders."

    Lu Aotian felt a smile surface on his lips. How could his daughter be so cute? "Even if I was feeling sad before, I would feel happy because my princess is here."

    Little Jia''s little heart almost jumped in happiness. Her father''s words made her feel very important. Hearing that he wasn''t sad, she asked him to lower his head, and then rubbed his hair. It was the same way he rubbed her hair when praising her, as though she was telling him that he was a good child.

    Lu Aotian hugged his daughter and kissed her soft little cheeks. Indeed, this little girl could tell his suppressed feelings no matter how well he hid them.

    Such a cute and loving child. Why did her luck have to be so bad? First it was having to spend three years of her life without her mother. Now, just a year and a few weeks after reuniting with her mother, she had leukemia? He couldn''t help but blame himself for both. Perhaps her immunity weakened because she was separated from her mother as a newborn?

    The soft pair of hands that covered his eyes interrupted his thoughts. "What are you thinking about?" Wan Jia sat beside him and asked. "You didn''t convince me against blaming myself so you can start blaming yourself, did you?"

    "I cooked lunch for the both of you. It''s so delicious!" She was so cheerful that Lu Aotian cheered up too.

    Little Jia who knew nothing about what was going on in her body was the happiest. "Did mommy bake a raspberry cake for Little Jia''s dessert?"

    Wan Jia peered at her husband. "I didn''t, but if your Daddy agrees to it, I will."

    "Daddy, daddy!" the little girl instantly switched to her cutesy mode.

    Normally, Lu Aotian would reject her request but this time, he agreed without having to be convinced.

    ¡­

    After lunch, Wan Jia pulled Lu Aotian to the study room to discuss some matters. Her life wasn''t going to come to a pause because of her daughter''s sickness. Just because they had to have another child, they didn''t have to spend all their time making love, right? Business still had to be taken care of.

    "Are you too busy tomorrow? If not, you could meet that little genius called Zede. He''s just a little boy who isn''t even twenty yet and is already a clever genius. He is the creator of a robot called "The Copycat." Do you want to meet him and talk about it in detail?"

    "He wants to be employed?"

    "Yes."

    "If he''s so talented, how is it possible that he hasn''t directly applied for an interview? He would have been employed without having to look for you." He asked the same question Wan Jia had asked Zede.

    "Apparently, he wasn''t given a chance to present everything he had to show. I think he was hesitant in fear of being plagiarized."

    Lu Aotian thought it made sense too. "I will meet with him tomorrow."

    Wan Jia still looked like she had something else that she wasn''t sure whether she should ask.

    "Is there something else?"

    Wan Jia hesitated before bringing up the unpleasant subject. "Should we tell the family?"

    Lu Aotian pondered for a bit. "It''s a huge matter. They should know about it."

    Alas, they didn''t even have to tell the Lu and Lin families.

    The next day, there was a huge headline plastered across the top page of many news publications.

    [Breaking news! The young heiress of Lu Enterprises, Lu Meili, is diagnosed with Leukemia.]

    [Lu Enterprises may not have an heir. Is this the downfall of the nation''s top multibillion company?]

    [Sources disclose: the Lu family''s heiress was hidden away because she is terminally sick.]

 Chapter 303 - A show worth watching

    [Sources disclose: the Lu family''s heiress was hidden away because she is terminally sick.]

    One of the media companies even went so far as to attach a picture of Little Jia in her adorable school uniform.

    Wan Jia was in her office when she saw the headlines. She flipped the magazine and cursed. "Damn those doctors! How dare they?"

    Although it was true that Little Jia was sick, the news stabbed her heart ruthlessly. It was clearly exaggerated. Little Jia wasn''t terminally ill. She hadn''t been hidden away because of this either! It was for her safety. What was wrong with these people?

    ¡­

    In Lu Enterprises, Lu Aotian''s reaction wasn''t simple. That was because someone was trying to use this fact to their advantage.

    That damn hospital¡­he wouldn''t care that it was a hospital. If all they did was shoot their mouths off about their patients'' private matters, then that hospital was better off not existing.

    Lu Shaoting saw the news too and rushed to the office of the President. He thought it was just a lie someone had come up with but when he saw his brother''s expression, he knew that it was definitely not a lie. But he still wanted to confirm it from his brother''s own lips.

    "Bro¡­"

    "It''s true." Lu Aotian answered the question before it left his lips.

    Lu Shaoting took a deep breath and took in the news. "What do we do about the news?"

    "Pass it off as a misunderstanding."

    Logically, it was a misunderstanding. A huge one at that.

    However, he didn''t have time to do that either.

    A media group posted "the true story".

    They explained that the story about Lu Meili being hidden away was just a false rumor.

    At first, they seemed to be helping Lu Enterprises clear the lies.

    However, the situation changed when they posted "the true story".

    They claimed that Lu Meili was, in fact, not even a child of the Lu family. She was Wan Jia''s illegitimate child and her biological father was unknown. Lu Aotian only accepted her and changed her surname to Lu because of his love for Wan Jia. Lu Meili''s sickness was probably caused by bad luck from her mother.

    As if it was not annoying enough, they even posted Su Ling''s medical report and alongside were news of how neither Wan Jia nor Su Ling was able to give an heir to the Lu family.

    All they had done was highlighting the point that had been made earlier; Lu Enterprises had no heir. The downfall of the Multibillion company was probably about to commence.

    Lu Aotian really wanted to kill someone when he saw the news. "Someone is behind these media companies."

    Lu Shaoting didn''t know what to do and could only tread carefully. If he made one careless move, his brother might detonate like a bomb.

    Lu Aotian momentarily pretended his brother didn''t exist and sat behind his desk with his laptop in front of him.

    "Bro¡­what are you doing?"

    "Finding out who is behind this." His expression was so scary that Lu Shaoting didn''t utter any other word. He brought his laptop and sat on the huge sofa to help his brother.

    Twenty minutes later, Lu Shaoting exclaimed. "Damn it! Just now I thought it would be the Yuns.

    These Yans are too gutsy. Is it because we cancelled our collaboration with them?"

    Lu Aotian snickered. "It''s because they think the Yan family is unconquerable. Too bad, they have run out of luck."

    ¡­

    In the Yan family home.

    "Father, what have you done?! If you break our relationship with the Lu family, how will I still become Shaoting''s wife?"

    Old Yan sneered. "I''m doing this because Old Lu betrayed me. After all these years of our solid friendship, how can he let his useless son reject my perfect and pregnant daughter all for a foolish little girl who is in fact unable to give him grandchildren?"

    "But by doing this, you are making things worse between Shaoting and I!" Yan Xue whined.

    Old Yan patted his daughter''s head. "You will definitely be Shaoting''s wife. Your mother will be so proud when she comes back."

    When he finished speaking, he sent a message to the news reporter he had contacted. He didn''t know that Lu Aotian had hacked that reporter''s phone and had seen the message even before the reporter did.

    A few minutes later, there was something new.

    [So the Lu family does have an heir, a son at that! Unbelievable!]

    Below the eye-catching headline, there was news of the second young miss of the Yan family being pregnant with Lu Shaoting''s son. The annoying part was that although she was six months into her pregnancy and despite being engaged to her, Lu Shaoting had dumped her for his mistress, Su Ling.

    Lu Aotian found it quite childish that the Yan family had time to report so many lies just to tarnish Lu Enterprises'' reputation. Unfortunately, this childish move was really proving to work.

    With his eyes glued to his laptop screen, Lu Aotian revealed an evil smile.

    Old Yan, thank you. I initially had to wait until your grandchild is born before I destroy your little family but now I don''t have to wait anymore.

    Wait for your destruction.

    He made a phone call and it was immediately answered by a male voice. "Hello."

    "It''s time."

    "Huh? Boss¡­"

    "Do it." Lu Aotian interrupted him.

    He then leaned back in his chair and sipped on wine. The Yan family''s destruction was a show worth watching.

 Chapter 304 - You meant well

    As soon as Lu Aotian said that, he received information on his laptop. Soon after, he personally uploaded something on his social media. He didn''t care about people misunderstanding his daughter. After all the truth was nothing close to that. All he did was state that she was his biological daughter and she was not terminally ill.

    Since he was Lu Aotian, he didn''t need to provide any evidence. His words were definitely believed.  But there may be one thing that he couldn''t control no matter how capable he was.

    ....

    Within the same day, all the rumors were cleared. As for the Yan family, he let them spread false stories about Yan Xue and Lu Shaoting. The more they spread them, the harder their end would hit them when it arrived. He pretended not to mind when people cursed his brother for his poor upbringing.  Also, he wanted to use this incident to fish out all backstabbers of Lu Enterprises. All those who would side with the Yan family would also be blacklisted by him.

    ¡­

    While he waited for the Yan family''s supporters to accumulate, he went on with his other business.

    That afternoon, he and Lu Shaoting met the little Genius Zede. Although he was nothing close to him or Lu Shaoting, he was more intelligent than most of those geniuses at LSC. Therefore, he employed him.

    One look at the cat robot and he had better ideas to develop it. Although its creator would remain as Zede, he would help the young genius make it smaller, faster and more efficient.

    "Thank you President." The young man was overjoyed when he finally got the job.

    Lu Aotian asked his secretary to draft a contract and gave it to him. "Read through the contract carefully and sign it if you have no issues."

    "I wouldn''t have an issue even if there was one." He was surprised when he saw the first page. "Lu Enterprises? I thought I would be an employee of LSC."

    Lu Aotian didn''t answer his question. He only gave the young man a stern look. "Whatever happens, don''t make me investigate you."

    "I don''t have anything to investigate." He swore and signed the contract without reading through it. That was how much he trusted Lu Enterprises.

    ¡­

    The same afternoon, something Lu Aotian would never have expected happened at Royal Kindergarten.

    Children were such innocent creatures with good intentions lingering wherever they went. However, sometimes their good intentions did not bear good results. One such time was when Little Jia''s little friend, Shen Yue, saw Little Jia when they were out to play.

    She ran over with snacks. "Little Jia, these are for you. I hope you feel better faster."

    Little Jia thought that Shen Yue was talking about her headache from Wednesday night. She accepted the snacks happily. "Thank you Little Yue, it was only a headache. I don''t feel it anymore."

    Shen Yue furrowed her eyebrows. "A headache? But the news said it was Leukemia."

    "What news?" Little Jia asked.

    "You didn''t read the news this morning? Don''t worry, I didn''t read it either. I only overheard it from the conversation between my mommy and my brother." In attempt to help her friend, Shen Yue went ahead to say, "Little Jia, my brother is a very talented doctor. If you want, I can ask him to treat you."

    Little Jia wasn''t paying attention. Her mind was filled with that one word. Leukemia. "Is it a very serious illness?"

    No wonder the teachers were looking at her differently from how they usually did. So it was because the news said that she was sick.

    Shen Yue saw her shocked expression and realized that she had probably done something she shouldn''t have. She smiled to try and save the situation. "Little Jia, it''s not bad. It''s just like when we have fevers. The doctors cure it very fast."

    However, that only made Little Jia scared. "Don''t talk to me anymore! You are a liar!"

    If it wasn''t that bad, why was it that her parents looked worried at the hospital the previous morning? What was with the sudden medicine that she was being made to take? Why was it that when they were playing the previous day, her daddy looked like he had something on his mind? She was still a baby, but she wasn''t that easily deceivable.

    As soon as she shouted at Shen Yue, the latter was so scared that she thought Little Jia was going to hit her. She burst into tears. Little Jia was yet to apologize when one of the slightly older kids looked over as though in surprise. "Is Lu Meili going to hit her friend? I told you she was dangerous."

    Little Jia glared at those kids. Luckily, Wan Jia had come to pick her up and arrived just as Little Jia was about to lose her temper.

    "Mommy!" she rushed to hug her mother''s leg.

    Wan Jia picked her up and rubbed her hair. "Baby, have you been bullied?"

    She nodded her little head like a chicken pecking at grains. "Little Yue lied to me. Mommy, Little Jia is very sad."

    Shen Yue saw the situation and rushed to Wan Jia. "Auntie, I didn''t mean to." She explained the situation while still in tears.

    Wan Jia used one hand to wipe her tears. "Don''t feel sad about it. You meant well. However, not everything you hear people talking about is true."

    Shen Yue nodded and smiled instantly. "Auntie Wan Jia is very kind."

 Chapter 305 - The Yan familys destruction

    After coaxing Shen Yue to stop crying, Wan Jia took Little Jia into her car and drove home.

    Luckily, Little Jia was still very young. She only had to convince her that she would be okay after taking the medication from the hospital. However, she was still worried that her daughter might be bullied in school.

    When Lu Aotian found out that Little Jia already knew about her condition, he was even more enraged.

    What kind of doctor revealed such news about their patient? Just how much did the Yan family pay her?

    From his investigation, he had found out that the female doctor who did tests on Little Jia was a distant relative of the Yan family. However, they still must have paid her a huge sum for her to go against her work policy.

    ...

    Two days later, Yan Xue held her phone in shock. There was a new piece of headline.

    [The truth about the Lu and Yan families'' break up: Yan Xue cheated on her ex fianc¨¦.]

    Since she so badly wanted to be called Lu Shaoting''s financ¨¦e, Lu Aotian would let her. Only that the title would have an extra ''ex'' at the back.

    Attached was a DNA report of Yan Xue''s unborn baby and another man. The paternity test had proven that Yan Xue''s baby was concieved from another man.

    "Damn that Lu Aotian! This is obviously his doing. How dare he accuse me of cheatng on Shaoting?!"

    Her sister ran into her room. "Calm down, okay? You will hurt your baby if you get angry like this."

    She saw a pillar of hope and showed her sister the phone. "Sis, look at this. What kind of dirty claim is this?"

    "How dare they!" Yan Xue''s sister was angry too.

    Before they could finish cursing, a video popped up. It was of Yan Xue pulling a man into a hotel room. The man''s face had been blurred out but from his physique, he obviously wasn''t Lu Shaoting. The conversation wasn''t heard but from what happened next, everyone could fill in the details.

    The man directly carried Yan Xue into bed and although the video ended with the both of them just lying in bed, it was already humiliating enough. An engaged woman pulling another man into her room could already make tongues wag.

    Yan Xue was even more enraged. Lu Aotian even went so far as to photoshop her with another man? He sure was idle. The man she slept with that night was obviously Lu Shaoting. She had dreamt about that night countless times. Just the thought of it made her blush even at such a sticky moment.

    She sent the video to someone who could determine whether it was aunthetic or not.

    When they told her that it was authentic, she was shocked. How was it possible?

    Her sister was with her when she recueved the results and started questioning her.

    Yan Xue retold the story about that night. "I dragged his wine and made him drink a sip...I even drank a small sip to convince him. Then we went to the hotel room, but he suddenly didn''t want me anymore and wanted to leave. I grabbed his arm and..."

    (Note: I didn''t want to recount everything you read before)

    She was startled by what she thought of next. Lu Shaoting had rejected her so fiercely. Why was it that when she pulled his arm, he took her without any delay?

    Also, that man''s body...it was slimmer than what she had imagined of Lu Shaoting. Then there was the note in the morning. Could it be....it was not Lu Shaoting and when he was done with her, he left behind his contact number?

    She couldn''t believe it. She had done it with another man...what would the public say about her?

    Wait, wait,...how did Lu Aotian know about this? And how did he even have the test done? Could it be that he had connections with the North Hill Gynecological Hospital that she had been going to?

    Still, she could still deny all those claims, right? After all the man''s face had been hidden. She could still make Lu Shaoting take responsibility and accuse him of rejecting his child.

    But, if Lu Aotian were to let her have a way out, he would no longer be Lu Aotian.

    He used his own account to upload two photos of the next day.

    One was of the hotel room at 6.00 am. The man was still holding Yan Xue in his arms. The bedside clock displayed the time perfectly. Besides, the man had a somewhat faint mark on his left wrist.

    On the other hand, there was a photo of Lu Shaoting working on his laptop in his pajamas. The time was displayed on the grandfather clock behind him and Lu Aotian made sure to highlight his left wrist that was flawless.

    There was no refuting such solid evidence.

    In just a few hours, Yan Xue became known as the shameless woman who cheated on her fianc¨¦ and still expected him to take responsibility.

    Alas, Lu Aotian was not yet done with them. In the next hours, news after news popped up about the corrupt activities that Yan Xue''s elder sister was involved in. That included the people she had bribed to get her current job.

    He didn''t even spare the secret about the Yan daughters not being Old Yan''s biological daughters. They were both adopted and it was in fact the Yan family that didn''t have heirs.

 Chapter 306 - I was almost fooled

    Even bigger news was that for starting false rumors about the Lu family, the Yan family had been blacklisted by Lu Enterprises.

    The two families had been friends for decades. Even Lu Aotian''s grandfather was friends with Yan Xue''s grandfather. For such a strong friendship to split, it was the biggest news of the century.

    What made it even more shocking was the revelation that the Yan family had been the first to go against their allies and stab their backs.

    Following Lu Enterprises'' blacklisting, the Yan family fell into an even worse state. All the despicable deeds their company had done behind the scenes were revealed one after another, each one more heinous than the last.

    Some people even believed that these were some of the reasons why Lu Enterprises stopped collaborating with the Yan family. This incident only gave them the reason to get rid of the wicked family for good. Rapidly, the Yan family business was advancing into bankruptcy.

    Old Yan charged into the Lu family home. "Old Lu, what is the meaning of this?"

    The usually calm and even tempered Lu Tongyan was annoyed. "Your family said so many wicked things about my family, even slandering my sons, daughter-in-law and granddaughter. Yet you still have the cheek to ask me what this is?"

    Old Yan looked even more displeased. "Lu Tongyan, we have been friends for decades. Is this how you welcome your friends?"

    Lu Tongyan did not flinch. "Did you expect me to hug you so you could stab me in the back? Don''t think I don''t know what your plan was. You wanted to slowly cause the downfall of Lu Enterprises so that you could take over the position of the Nation''s top family. Is this the same reason why you wanted Shaoting to marry your daughter? If Aotian didn''t open my eyes, I would be fooled by you and forced my son to marry your Yan Xue."

    Old Yan was baffled. He knew he couldn''t beat Lu Aotian, but when he saw the chance, he couldn''t stop himself from trying. What would happen to his family now? His daughter¡­

    ¡­

    Talking of Yan Xue, she was currently on the brink of insanity. She had gone to the hotel where she took Lu Shaoting after dragging him in hope of retrieving that note. She knew that she was looking for a coin in a vast ocean but she still wanted to try. As expected, she couldn''t find that note. Even the security footage had been deleted. Lu Aotian must have given that instruction. All she received was the looks of disgust from everyone.

    She was currently known as the woman who cheated on her fianc¨¦ and stabbed his family in the back. Such good men were very few in the nation, yet she dared to mess with one of them.

    In despair, she went to find her gynecologist for answers. Alas, she couldn''t tell her any relevant information either.

    ---

    In Southside Villa, Wan Jia was reading the news on her phone. Such a ruthless way of handling backstabbers. This was truly her husband''s way of handling things.

    She snuck a glance at the man typing away on his laptop.

    "How do you even manage to do some things?" she asked curiously.

    "What things?"

    "How did you get that man and have him do a paternity test? Besides, how did you get Yan Xue to do the test? Isn''t the mother supposed to be willing?"

    Lu Aotian gave his wife a sideways glance. "You really think I did a test?"

    "You didn''t?"

    "When you have the status and power, sometimes you just have to play mind tricks here and there."

    Wan Jia gawked at him. "Are you saying that the report was fake?"

    "No entirely. I hacked into the hospital system and produced a test result identical to one I wanted. I just had to change the names."

    "¡­"

    "What about the security footage?"

    "What sort of security cameras would give such clear shots? Besides, it''s been many months and the footage is probably deleted if there was one."

    "You remade the scene?"

    Lu Aotian smiled. His little wife understood him more. He had remade it based entirely on logic. The characters were photo shopped but how many people could uncover a trick that he, Lu Aotian, had played?

    Wan Jia took his smile for a yes. "You were so amazing! Even I, your own wife, was almost fooled!" There was worship written all over her eyes. She looked like she wanted to ask for lessons.

    "¡­"

    My dear wife, you were fooled, okay? You were even more fooled than everyone else.

    ___

    When the Yan family finally went bankrupt, it had just been a few days since Lu Aotian blacklisted them. They lost all their sources of income and couldn''t make a comeback no matter what.

    Perhaps for the sake of the unborn baby she was carrying, only Yan Xue was granted a chance to survive by the heavens.

    The man from that night eventually saw the news and although the man in the footage wasn''t him, he was sure that the child was his. He looked for Yan Xue and proposed to marry her.

    He had told her, "I know I''m not as rich or influential as Lu Shaoting, but will you be my wife? We can''t let our baby lack proper upbringing, right?"

    Yan Xue couldn''t care about anything else and agreed amid her tears.

 Chapter 307 - She was disappointed

    When Lu Aotian was done punishing anyone who had dared to bully his family using this incident and clearing out all backstabbers, he planned to take his wife and daughter out for fun on a weekend.

    It had been a little long since they last went out for fun and Little Jia was pleased. She ran off to her room to find a cute outfit to wear. Compared to the first days after she was diagnosed with Leukemia, she was more cheerful. No one dared to talk about it anymore after Lu Aotian clarified the matter.

    Wan Jia had continued training in the mornings and going about her work as usual. Aside from that, she would take tonics and supplements meant to make women more fertile.

    Lin Lihua, that shameless elder sister, would drag her for shopping and when she wasn''t looking, she would slip some embarrassing attires into her bought goods. Wan Jia really wanted to strangle her. With her and Lu Aotian''s strong love and desire for each other, did they still need those types of attires?

    Lu Aotian saw his read-faced wife as soon as he got downstairs. He didn''t need to ask to know what kind of thing she must be thinking about.

    She was just in good luck today because if Little Jia didn''t appear at that moment, she would have been teased by him.

    "Daddy," Little Jia hugged her father''s leg. "If Aunty Lihua is free, can we bring her along? I miss her a lot. I miss Second Aunty too."

    The second aunty she was talking about was of course Su Ling.

    Lu Aotian wouldn''t say no to her. "If your aunts are not busy, we can call them along."

    Little Jia had another request. "Daddy, can second Uncle go too?"

    "Of course."

    Wan Jia whispered in Lu Aotian''s ear in a voice Little Jia couldn''t hear. "Mr. Blanc hasn''t gone back to Country F yet, right? If he isn''t too busy¡­"

    Lu Aotian understood his wife''s intentions and pinched her cheek a little. "You should quit designing and become a matchmaker."

    When he called Henry Blanc, the man had just booked a ticket back to Country F.

    When Lu Aotian told him that they were going somewhere for fun, Henry Blanc almost laughed his butt off. "Since when does the mighty President Lu have time to go out with men? And for barbecue at that? Perhaps Designer Wan fed you something wrong for breakfast?"

    "Lin Lihua is coming too."

    "Huh? Where are you going? Of course I''m coming too!" at the mention of his idol, Henry Blanc''s sarcasm was shoved down his stomach.

    Lu Aotian used the opportunity to pin him down. "I won''t tell you unless you apologize for what you said just now."

    He had thought Henry Blanc would be reluctant but¡­"I was kidding just now, I''m sorry. President Lu, aren''t we considered friends? Surely you won''t take everything to heart, will you?"

    Lu Aotian was speechless. Although fans could admire their idols to the point of obsession, was this really just admiration? He was acting like a little teenager falling in love for the first time!

    ¡­

    Just like that, the trio outing turned into a group barbecue.

    When Henry Blanc arrived, he parked his car where the others had parked theirs. He glanced at the gift boxes on his back seat. All those were shoes for Lin Lihua. He had painstakingly convinced his younger sister to design them for his idol. He even had to accompany her for a week of shopping before she agreed. Then he had to get her shoe size from Wan Jia.

    Sighing, he got out with a bracelet. He would simply give it as a fan. If she rejected it, at least it wouldn''t look too outstanding.

    When Lin Lihua saw Henry Blanc, she was obviously stunned. Was this guy not just Lu Aotian''s distant friend? What was he doing in what looked like a family outing?

    She wasn''t wrong. Aside from Henry Blanc, everyone else could be considered family.

    The man didn''t seem to have anyone else in his eyes. With his charming smile, he greeted Lin Lihua first.

    "Movie Queen Lihua, fate made us meet again. Please accept my little gift; I''m your greatest fan."

    As an actress, Lin Lihua couldn''t reject gifts from her fans. She accepted it with a smile, but the man still held onto it. It was getting awkward.

    Aside from Little Jia, everyone else knew what he was waiting for. He wanted to personally put the bracelet on his idol''s wrist. Of course Lin Lihua knew that too; she was just acting dumb.

    Henry Blanc was starting to feel embarrassed when Lu Aotian came to his rescue. "Do the rest of us not exist?"

    He smiled, put the bracelet in Lin Lihua''s palm and proceeded to greet everyone else.

    Little Jia was looking at Henry Blanc curiously.  Hadn''t she seen this man on her birthday? He came with a pretty  girl older than herself. She remembered her precisely because of her brown curly hair.

    Henry Blanc smiled at her. "Katy misses you every day. Do you want to give her a video call later?"

    Little Jia''s expression turned warmer at the thought of talking to one of her new friends. "So you are really Katy''s daddy!"

    "I am."

    At the side, something flashed in Lin Lihua''s eyes. He was a father? Why then was he acting overly close to her? For some reason, she was disappointed.

 Chapter 308 - The diehard fans who go overboard

    Lu Shaoting was surprised too. "You have a daughter? Here I was dreaming of marrying before you even get a girlfriend but not only are you married, you have a daughter too?"

    Henry Blanc laughed at Lu Shaoting''s antics. "You are not even thirty, yet you want to fight with your seniors over who marries first?"

    Everyone laughed at Lu Shaoting.

    The man held his Su Ling''s waist and ignored them. So what if I''m not thirty? You are so cocky but just like my brother; you are only a little over thirty. I''m already twenty-eight, okay? The Joke is on you, Henry Blanc, your idol thinks you''re married, haha!

    True enough, Lin Lihua wasn''t in a good mood anymore. She only played with Little Jia and ignored Henry Blanc who was trying so hard to strike a conversation with her. He looked like an obsessed fan girl trying to get close to the idol she was madly in love with. The scene was quite comical.

    When Lin Lihua stepped aside to answer a phone call, Lu Shaoting pushed him in her direction. "What are you waiting for? Go talk to her!"

    Wan Jia and Su Ling cheered him on too. As for Little Jia who was currently on her father''s lap, she was wondering, why are they pushing Katy''s Daddy towards Aunty Lihua? The adults sure were hard to understand. If only Tangtang was here to save her from these weird adults!

    ¡­

    After being cheered on by his future sister-in-law and her in-laws, Henry Blanc was invigorated. He waited for Lin Lihua to finish her phone call and confidently walked up to her.

    Queens like Lin Lihua would of cause gauge a man''s aura and charisma. He wouldn''t let his queen see how nervous he actually was.

    "Mr. Blanc?"

    Henry Blanc was slightly saddened by the formal form of address but he kept his smile. "Ma ch¨¦rie, I forgot to ask for an autograph." He told her some nonsense he had just come up with.

    Damn you Lu Shaoting! How could he just push him off so casually? He didn''t know what to say to her! How embarrassing¡­

    Lin Lihua raised an eyebrow. You came to find me in private just for this? And what in the world was "ma ch¨¦rie ?" Knowing that he would probably lie to her, she didn''t ask. It''s not like she hadn''t watched French movies before.

    She looked at both his empty hands. "I''m supposed to sign it on air?"

    "What?" he was busy looking at her and didn''t understand what she was talking about.

    "The autograph."

    Only then did he have to rub his head. He had just come up with that an excuse. He hadn''t prepared anything. Once again, he cursed Lu Shaoting in his heart.

    Some distance away, Lu Shaoting was sneezing from the furious curses.

    "A-cho!"

    "Who in the world is cursing me? Just how much does that person hate me?"

    Wan Jia jabbed him. "Forget about the curses. The main point here is whether or not I will become an aunt soon."

    Su Ling patted her shoulder. "It won''t take too long. As long as they start dating, you will already be Katy''s aunt."

    Wan Jia still didn''t look too excited. "That''s Mr. Blanc''s niece. I want an actual niece, one from my sister and Mr. Blanc."

    "The Katy they were talking about is not his daughter?" Su Ling was surprised.

    "No, he has never been married before. Katy is Amy Blanc''s (designer CX) daughter. Since they all live together, Katy calls Mr. Blanc her father. He has never corrected her, however. He is after all the only thing close to a father that Katy has."

    "Oh¡­so that''s how it is." She had seen that outstanding little girl on Little Jia''s birthday. She was really curious to know her mother; the little girl was quite pretty.

    Lu Aotian was left speechless at how well his wife knew Henry Blanc. He didn''t find it strange. His wife was such a great fan of CX and her designs, especially since knowing that her brother was Lu Aotian''s friend. It wouldn''t be too surprising if she knew the name of Katy''s biological father.

    ¡­

    While the others gossiped about them, Lin Lihua and Henry Blanc stood facing each other. The man though hard. How would he explain coming for an autograph without anything to sign on?

    He was really tempted to say; actually you can sign it on my body. It''s all yours to sign wherever you want. Should I perhaps take my shirt off?

    Lin Lihua stared at the man whose gaze almost made her blush. What was he thinking about? From his gaze, it had to be something corrupt. Men!

    Henry Blanc snapped out of his daze and took out his wallet. Luckily he was a diehard fan who had a small photo of her in his wallet. He took the photo out carefully. Lin Lihua took it with shock on her face. Wasn''t this photo taken on her thirtieth birthday?

    She remembered it precisely because she was wearing the first dress Wan Jia ever made for her. Was this man really a fan? He acted more like a stalker.

    She took out a pen from her purse and signed on the photo. No matter how weird her fans were, she had to tolerate them as long as they didn''t go overboard.

    However, the fan before her was not any ordinary fan. He was just about to go overboard.

 Chapter 309 - The VIP guest list

    After being given the signed photo, he flashed a smile. "Movie queen Lihua, can we exchange private contact numbers?"

    Lin Lihua frowned. Still flirting? "Sorry, I don''t give my contact number to strangers."

    "But I''m not a stranger. I''m your most loyal fan."

    "Not even to my fans."

    "Then take mine. Who knows, it might become your lucky number some day." He took out a business card and stuck it out to her.

    Lin Lihua: "¡­"

    Why don''t you just vanish?

    Seeing that she was unwilling, Henry Blanc let her off. What was the rush for? He still had enough time to chase his queen.

    Lin Lihua ignored him and walked back to the rest of the group. She sat next to Wan Jia. Of course, a certain diehard fan sat next to her like it was the most natural thing to do.

    Wan Jia looked at her naughtily and feigned surprise and worry. "Sis, do you have a fever? Why is your face and neck so flushed?"

    Everyone burst into laughter, including Lu Aotian.

    Lin Lihua really wanted to strangle her sister right now. How can she say such misleading things at such a time?! Although she wasn''t blushing before Wan Jia pointed her out, she now felt her face heat up.

    She stole a glance at the man next to her and he had a smile on his face. Well, that smile was worth blushing over.

    Gah! What was she thinking? She really wanted to smash her head into a wall. Not only was this man married, he was also slightly younger than her. She couldn''t be a mistress! Let alone the mistress of a man younger than her.

    Because he found it fun, Lu Shaoting wanted to create more opportunities for Henry Blanc. "It''s so fun to go out as a group. We should go hiking next time. Let''s give Henry Blanc a memorable stay in our country."

    "We can go to the North Mountains. After the hike, we will go to my North Side Villa for a meal." Lu Aotian wanted to help his friend out too.

    Wan Jia coughed. "Sis, you shouldn''t miss out. Aotian and I will cook. Besides, you are not shooting any movie at the moment and have all the time to have fun."

    Lin Lihua looked at her sister helplessly. Had her brain been eaten up by Lu Aotian? Couldn''t she tell she didn''t want to be near Henry Blanc? Those who didn''t know would think Wan Jia was trying to play matchmaker for her and Henry Blanc.

    ___

    The next week, Elite Fashion World was preparing for a fashion show. Everyone was busy with preparing their new outfits. Wan Jia was no exception. For this week, she did not follow her mentor around to learn business.

    As the top designer, she was busier than everyone else. On Tuesday, an assistant sought her. "Lady Boss, you and Su Ling are so busy for this period of time. How about I temporarily help you out?"

    This was Ming Rui''s former assistant, Xiao Rong. After Ming Rui was blacklisted and arrested, she remained jobless.

    Wan Jia looked at her like she was being strange. Wasn''t she the designer behind Ming Rui? Why didn''t she find employment as a designer herself when her talent was proven?

    Xiao Rong didn''t know what Wan Jia was thinking. "Lady Boss, I will definitely do a good job and won''t expect you to keep me after the fashion show. It''s just for a week."

    Wan Jia didn''t want to make things hard for a fellow woman. "Okay."

    When Su Ling heard her boss'' answer, she frowned and looked at Xiao Rong with a sense of alarm. She better not be a second Lili out to steal from her boss because if she was¡­

    She would personally look out for her.

    Xiao Rong returned Su Ling''s look. I''m not here to steal your job, okay? I just want a temporary job for a week. You don''t have to look at me like I''m a thief, jeez!

    ...

    With two assistants, the work load was easier for the three of them. However, she still had many meetings to attend with the department manager and the CEO.

    This afternoon, she had a meeting with Lu Aotian. She wanted to use the company''s models for her runway show.

    This time, she was only going to present six outfits on the runway. For a designer with a status like hers in Elite Fashion World, six was already considered the maximum limit.

    "I''m going to select five. The sixth one will be me." She thought of something else since all the other designers needed models as well. "How about I pick four and ask my sister for a favor?"

    Lu Aotian disapproved her suggestion. "You could be considered to be promoting your own series, but sister-in-law is from another company."

    She had almost forgotten something quite important! She was the lady boss of Lu Enterprises. What would happen if the Lady boss used models from other companies?

    It would be easier if her relationship with the Lin family had been announced but since it hadn''t, it would be hard to explain.

    "Then, I will invite her as a guest."

    "Hmm." Lu Aotian passed her another guest list.

    "This is¡­"

    "The VIP guest list."

    Wan Jia looked at the names on the list and then back at her husband. She was supposed to invite them herself? But these people¡­"

 Chapter 310 - How do you want me to invite you?

    Each of these people was an influential figure in the capital.  However, it was no shock that they were customers of EFW. Elite Fashion World was after all the biggest and most famous brand in the nation.

    If Lu Aotian were to invite them, they wouldn''t hesitate to attend the fashion show. However, if she were the one inviting them, she wouldn''t be too sure. After all not everyone knew that she was the lady boss of Lu Enterprises. Even some of those who knew still felt she was just a useless little thing whose role can perhaps only be that of causing destruction.

    Her beauty was too troublesome.

    "You''re not confident in yourself?" Lu Aotian asked.

    "I am! The VIPs have always been invited by the host who is in this case, top designer. Of course I will fulfill my duties well."

    Lu Aotian flashed a smile. "I am the most important guest on that list. Are you going to pass your invitation?" He had on a serious expression as though really waiting for her invitation.

    Wan Jia glanced at him. Did he still need an invitation? Even if he didn''t want to go as the President of Lu Enterprises, he still had to go and show support to his wife. If he rejected that too, she would drag him by the ear.

    Still, she looked at him seriously. "How do you want me to invite you? As your subordinate?" her gaze changed. She went round the table and grabbed his tie. In a flash, she pushed him back to his headrest and gazed right into his eyes. "Or as your wife?"

    Lu Aotian was caught off guard. The little devil was at work again!

    He held both of her hips and made her sit on his lap. "I prefer being invited as the husband."

    Of course anyone would prefer that.

    She held his neck and kissed him deeply. In the heat of the moment, she pulled off his tie and one button. Then she left a love bite on his collarbone. Before he could think of advancing things further, she leapt off his lap and straightened her skirt. "President Lu, I still have many guests to invite. See you later!"

    She fled before he responded.

    Lu Aotian looked down at his body that had already reacted to her close presence and cursed. That little troublemaker!

    ¡­

    Wan Jia left the Lu Enterprises building and started by talking to those VIPs that were easier to invite. One of them was Henry Blanc. He would definitely give her face because she was Lu Aotian''s wife.

    However, this time he was not so easy to deal with. He looked at the beautiful invitation in his hands. "I will come if you help me get Lin Lihua''s contact number."

    "Eer¡­"

    "Is it very hard to get it? You''re her younger sister so you definitely have it, right?"

    "I do¡­but my sister wouldn''t like it."

    Henry Blanc of course understood this. "How about other ways of contacting her like Wechat?"

    "She wouldn''t like that either. Perhaps I can convince her to contact you?"

    Henry Blanc was reminded of how his business card had been rejected. He knew Lin Lihua wasn''t very easy to deal with and didn''t want to make things difficult for his little sister-in-law. Apart from not wanting to offend his future family, he would be asking for his skin to be peeled off if he bullied Lu Aotian''s precious wife.

    "That''s good too. If you can''t do it, don''t worry. I will still come."

    Wan Jia thanked him. "Thanks Mr. Blanc."

    Henry Blanc sighed. Mr. Blanc again! It won''t be too long before you have to call me ''brother-in-law''.

    Wan Jia had Su Ling and Xia Rong book appointments with the other VIPs and went back to her office.

    She worked overtime that day so that the next day, she had some time to invite Lin Lihua for dinner.

    ....

    It had been long since the sisters had a meal together so Lin Lihua rushed over without hesitation.

    "Mom prepared these supplements for you. They were recommended by that talented doctor who is her friend, Doctor Qiao."

    Wan Jia received them gratefully. Everyone was doing their best to help her get pregnant sooner. Little Jia was so adorable that everyone loved her and wanted her to get well as soon as possible. Even Su Ling was taking great care of her. Although she didn''t have the capability to bring her tonics and supplements, she would remind her to eat healthy food and on time. She had become more like a caring friend than just a future sister-in-law. Her heart was filled with warmth. "I will call mom and thank her later."

    "Little Wan, why do you look like you have something on your mind?"

    Wan Jia sighed dramatically. "I do have something on my mind."

    "What is it?"

    "Am I never going to be an aunt in this lifetime?"

    Lin Lihua held her forehead in her hand. She had just escaped nagging from her parents. Did her little sister have to bring up this topic too?

    Wan Jia looked at her elder sister as though she was a big bully. "Sis, not only did I already make you an aunt four years ago, I am also preparing for my second baby. Do you think you are being fair?"

    "¡­"

    Why do you have to look like you have suffered a huge form of injustice?

 Chapter 311 - Dont blame anyone if hes taken away

    Lin Lihua frowned. Why was it that everyone in the family and even those who weren''t related to her were nagging her in turns? "How am I supposed to make you an aunt when I''m not even married? Babies don''t come from food, okay?"

    Wan Jia secretly smiled. That was what she had been waiting for. "You have very many admirers, each of outstanding identities and each one more handsome than the last. One of them even went so far as to gift you five pairs of custom made shoes from CX! I forgot to mention, they are very pretty. He knows your taste even better than I do."

    Secretly she was thinking, when Henry Blanc becomes my brother-in-law, he will have to pay me handsomely for putting in a ton of good words for him. Hmm...perhaps a few cute and playful nephews and nieces will suffice.

    Lin Lihua rolled her eyes at her. "Are you talking about Henry Blanc? Don''t talk about that man and his shoes to me. Do you like his shoes so much?"

    "It''s not about the shoes. Henry Blanc is a nice man. Can''t you tell, he seems to like you. Or else what kind of fan does everything in his capability just to get close to his idol?"

    Lin Lihua glared at her sister. "Are you seriously match making your sister with a married man?"

    Wan Jia furrowed her eyebrows. "Married? Where did you get such a terrifying idea?"

    "Of he is not married, what''s with the daughter?" Lin Lihua had on an expression that seemed to accuse Henry Blanc of being a jerk.

    Wan Jia secretly sighed in relief. So, just like everyone else, she had misunderstood Katy? Is that why she was so indifferent towards Henry Blanc? If that was the case, it would be easier to convince her.

    "She is Amy Blanc''s daughter."

    "Who is Amy Blanc?"

    Why are you so interested in knowing?

    "Henry Blanc''s younger sister."

    "He calls his niece his daughter?" Lin Lihua frowned.

    "Apparently."

    For a second, she saw that Lin Lihua''s expression was one of relief. But the words that came out of her mouth were quite indifferent.

    "Even if he''s not married, he''s so young. I''m at least six months older than him. Even if I overlooked that, I would only marry a man who is at least as hardworking, handsome and capable as Dad."

    Wan Jia was baffled. What kind of criteria was that? Does her future husband have to be compared to her father? Their father was a big CEO, okay? Not many men could achieve such a feat before they were thirty. She may as well say she was looking for a man like Lu Aotian.

    "Henry Blanc is very hardworking. If not, he wouldn''t be Aotian''s friend and Lu Enterprises'' business partner."

    That was sufficient evidence, Lin Lihua couldn''t refute that.

    "As for being capable, you don''t read foreign business news, do you? Le Blanc Group is the most influential company in country F and Henry Blanc is the CEO. According to the news, Le Blanc Group was powerful in the past but it wasn''t as great as it is now. Its value has doubled since he took it over. If he wasn''t so capable, how could he accomplish such a feat?"

    Lin Lihua remained silent. Of course she knew about all this. She had done her research since meeting him.

    "About his looks well¡­" Wan Jia whispered carefully. "He''s so handsome that if Aotian didn''t exist, I would fall in love with him instead."

    Lin Lihua widened her eyes. Uh huh¡­.she would use that statement against her one day.

    "You could call him the European version of Lu Aotian. Still, Aotian is the most handsome man in the world."

    Lin Lihua: "¡­"

    What happened to their peaceful conversation? She just had to shove her affection down her throat.

    "Sis, how about you give Henry Blanc a chance? If you don''t, another girl will snatch him away. He''s already at the age where parents don''t stop nagging about marriage. He may just give up and decide to marry for the sake of business."

    "Who said I want him?"

    "¡­"

    Fine. Just don''t regret it if someone else takes him away.

    ¡­

    On Thursday and Friday, Wan Jia met the VIP guests for her fashion show and although it was hard, she managed to invite all of them.

    On Friday when it was almost time to get off work, it was finally time to "invite" her husband. She knew that man wouldn''t let her off.

    Lately, she had been so busy that although they slept on the same bed, nothing happened between them.

    As soon as she entered his office, he winked at her. "Are you here to invite your husband, Mrs. Lu?"

    It was just a normal question, but why did his gaze give it a double meaning?

    "Yes. Erm... Mr. Lu, could you spare some time next weekend to attend EFW''s fashion show?"

    "You''re too far away. I can''t hear you clearly." He teased.

    Wan Jia moved closer to him and was pulled onto his lap. "You were saying?"

    His charming voice made her blush. She didn''t say a word and kissed him instead.

    In just a short while, they had turned the huge sofa in the office into their playground.

    Since they had both been busy lately, they had been doing less of that lately but since she had been taking supplements, her chances of pregnancy were still high.

 Chapter 312 - Breathtaking showstoppers of a lifetime

    The next weekend,

    In the biggest exhibition centre in the capital, EFW''s fashion show commenced. Wan Jia was one of the organizers as well as a model for her own show.

    When she took a look at the audience, she was pleasantly surprised. In the VIP section, most of the women were wearing dresses from EFW and 75% of those dresses were designed by her. Luckily, all of them were custom-made so each of them looked different from the other. There was no clashing of attires.

    She was proud of her hard work and smiled. Of course, her designs had to be outstanding for so many wealthy women to wear them.

    As the top designer, her show was last.

    Wan Jia went into the backstage and changed into her costume. It was a maroon gown with a slightly deep V.  Her earrings, necklace and shoes were all from one of EFW''s new series. Obviously, she was going to wear everything from EFW today.

    At the last moment, she had managed to release two series; ladies'' outfits and couple''s outfits.

    The female models all came from Lu Enterprises. As for the couple models, she just felt lucky that both her husband and brother-in-law would look stunning on the runway. The third model was recommended by Lu Shaoting- Henry Blanc.

    As expected, she would walk in with her husband. Lu Shaoting had insisted on going on the runway so he could walk in with his Su Ling.

    As for Henry Blanc''s female companion, do you even need to ask? Wan Jia obviously dragged her sister to the show. She didn''t tell her that she was wearing a couple outfit with Henry Blanc though; she was prepared for an exciting show later.

    Since this was a couple''s series, it didn''t matter much if she used actual couples who were not from Lu Enterprises.

    When the three men appeared from the men''s dressing section, Wan Jia was awed by her own work. "You all look very handsome! The audience is going to explode. You all look like show stoppers."

    Lu Shaoting: "Of course, I look handsome in everything. I''m waiting to receive complements form my wife."

    Henry Blanc: "That''s because Designer Wan is very talented. These suits are very stunning. Of course our handsomeness just adds the right amount of charm."

    Lu Aotian: "Of course I''m a showstopper. Wouldn''t it be very strange if I didn''t look like one? Not to mention how handsome I actually am and the fact that my suit was made specifically for me (and by my wife at that)"

    Wan Jia didn''t know what to say. Do all of you have to act like teenage boys receiving compliments for the first time?

    Forget it. As long as your looks don''t overshadow what you are wearing. Looking at the three of them, she was scared the audience was really going to explode.

    In a short while, Su Ling and Lin Lihua came out of the women''s dressing section. Su Ling instantly went over to her boyfriend.

    As for Lin Lihua, she was lost in admiring her sister''s creation. "Little Wan, how are you able to make outfits that are so different but all so charming? Your hands have been blessed by the heavens!"

    She saw that although they were not of the same color, Wan Jia''s gown seemed to compliment Lu Aotian''s suit. The only obvious similarity was his tie color which was maroon.

    "Are you wearing a couple outfits again? You look beautiful."

    Wan Jia smiled at the compliment. "Thank you, you guys look beautiful too."

    Lin Lihua felt something wasn''t right. Lu Shaoting''s tie and Su Ling''s blue dress¡­Her black dress and¡­Henry Blanc''s tie!

    When Wan Jia saw her gaze, she stood beside Lu Aotian.

    "Little Wan, come here. I promise I won''t kill you!"

    Too bad, it was too late to change. They were next on stage. Lin Lihua thought Wan Jia was too cunning. No wonder she had received her gown later than other models. It was all so that by the time she was done dressing up; it would be too late to change out of it.

    When the three pairs appeared on the runway, Wan Jia was right about the audience exploding. The cheers and gasps were so loud that the venue could detonate. Among them were comments of shock.

    "Is that Henry Blanc from country F, the CEO of Le Blanc Group?"

    "Is that Lin Lihua?"

    "Is that Lu Shaoting?"

    "I think the woman next to Lu Shaoting is not too pretty but she looks like a perfect match with Lu Shaoting! These outfits must contain some magic."

    "Is that Wan Jia and is the man next to her Lu Aotian?!"

    "Wow, forget about how stunning the stunning outfits look on the outside. Just how beautiful and valuable are they for such big shots to wear them?"

    "Perhaps Designer Wan is the only person who can gather such terrifying big shots onto one runway."

    "This is the runway show of the year!"

    "Year? You will never see someone else achieve such a feat even in your next lifetime."

    ...

    The next day, the fashion headlines were all about Wan Jia. All other series seemed to have been completely forgotten.

    Aside from being known as the designer who could make outfits fit for terrifying big shots to wear, the six of them quickly garnered a nickname: The breathtaking showstoppers of a lifetime.

    In her office, Wan Jia''s phone rang. Her mentor, Elder Qian, was calling.

 Chapter 313 - She was not pregnant?

    "Hello, Grandfather Qian."

    The old man sounded overjoyed on the other side. "Congratulations my Little Wan, your fashion show was the best I have watched in recent years."

    "Thank you, it''s because my mentor taught me well."

    The old man was even happier. "That''s one sweet tongue. Little Wan, you can still come to me if you want to learn even more tips on fashion design. There''s something I noticed about your male outfits that needs a little improvement."

    It had been so long since she last spoke to her mentor that she almost forgot about his existence. She gladly agreed to go and learn a few things about male outfits.

    "Aside from that little hiccup, my student is doing very well. As a mentor, I am very proud."

    The way he complimented her was as though he was complimenting his own granddaughter.

    ¡­

    Meanwhile, the Lin residence was exploding in excitement.

    Lin Zhou even brought out his oldest and most priced wine to celebrate.

    "Can you believe it? Our Lihua finally has a boyfriend! Lihua, tell us more about him quickly!" Xia Rou was walking on air.

    "Yes, quickly tell mommy and daddy. He is very handsome and seems to be from a good background but I still want to hear it from you. Also, you child, why didn''t you tell us about him before?" Lin Zhou was on his wife''s side as usual.

    Lin Lihua shook her head speechlessly. "Dad, Mom, I already told you. Henry Blanc is not my boyfriend."

    Xia Rou didn''t let her off. "You are lying. I saw the way you guys are looking at each other and you were no different from a couple madly in love. At the time, I even thought there was something wrong with my eyes and I was seeing things."

    Lin Lihua sighed. "That''s because there really is something wrong with your eyes. You need to see an optician as soon as possible or else you will keep seeing things forever."

    "Are you saying that I saw wrong? I will ask Little Wan right away."

    "¡­"

    You don''t believe me when I say that man is not my boyfriend, but you will believe Little Wan about the same thing?

    Xia Rou was not joking. She called Wan Jia and started a barrage of complaints. "Little Wan, why did you not tell mummy that your sister has found herself a boyfriend? This is such huge news!"

    Wan Jia''s answer shattered all her excitement. "Mom, they are not in a relationship."

    "Oh¡­"

    "However¡­"

    Xia Rou''s hope returned. "However what?"

    "They look so good together. It''s all about sis falling for him. He''s chasing her."

    Xia Rou was overjoyed. She had heard of many men chasing her daughter but she felt this Henry Blanc had a high chance of winning her Lihua''s heart.

    The phone was on speaker.

    Lin Lihua groaned at the side. Little Wan, just you wait!

    Xia Rou used the chance to ask about something else. "How is Little Jia? Is she doing fine?"

    "She is doing fine. She doesn''t look sick in the slightest."

    After chatting with her mother for a while, Wan Jia hung up.

    In just a few days, it would be one full month since Little Jia was diagnosed. She should take another pregnancy test, right? Perhaps a miracle had happened within the month.

    Sadly, her period came even before she had the chance to buy the pregnancy test kit.

    She had never hated her period so much before. Didn''t they do it when she was supposed to be ovulating? Hadn''t she been taking highly recommended tonics and supplements?

    To avoid someone intentionally giving her contraceptive drugs, she had asked Doctor Cui to test all of them. There was no possibility of having taken anything that could prevent pregnancy. Why, then, was it that she wasn''t pregnant?

    ___

    In country V.

    "Father, do you know? Lu Meili was diagnosed with Leukemia. It was all over the news in country C but it was pulled down. However, I still believe the possibility is very high."

    "Who is Lu Meili?" the dark-haired man asked as he took a sip of wine.

    "Little Jia, Wan Jia''s daughter. Wan Jia can only save her by having another child."

    The man took in the shock he had just received from his son''s words by taking a huge swig of wine.

    The son approached him carefully. "I can be of help. If I go back to Country C and give her my new pill, she could become pregnant faster and Lu Meili will have a higher chance of survival."

    "Shut up! Do you think Lu Aotian will not kill you as soon as you arrive in that country? Don''t forget you tried to trick him. Send someone else instead."

    "If I send someone else, Wan Jia will never trust them. Besides, if she were to trust other people that we send, we would have received good news long ago. I still think she didn''t open the case you sent her."

    "And you expect her to trust you, the man who tricked her and her husband?"

    The son kept quiet. He didn''t need to get his father''s consent. His priority now was to save Little Jia. He knew it was not going to be easy but he had to try, right. Perhaps he should use someone close to Wan Jia instead. Someone like¡­Lin Lihua or Su Ling.

 Chapter 314 - Miss Poisonous

    Three days later, In Royal Kindergarten.

    The little children were in their garden painting class. They were allowed to choose anything from the school garden and paint it. Of course, they were just little kids of four or five years so their horrendous looking paintings would be excused.

    Little Jia wanted to paint butterflies. Perhaps because there were kids outside, the butterflies were quite rare to come by.

    Shen Yue looked in her direction. "Little Jia, do you have to paint butterflies? There are none over here. You can just paint flowers like me. Look how pretty my daffodils are."

    Little Jia wasn''t listening to her. She was looking in the distance. "Little Yue, did you see that?"

    "See what?"

    Little Jia looked again and it was gone. She had seen something sparkly just now. It looked like a glittery diamond butterfly. The way it flapped its crystal wings was like something she would only see in her animations. If she painted it, it would look very nice. She frowned. Where did it go?

    Once again when the kids were engrossed in their painting, Little Jia was the only one looking around and she saw it again! However, it seemed to have disappeared into the direction of the washrooms.

    For some reason, she didn''t just want to paint it. She wanted to go close to it, touch it and maybe even keep it.

    Excusing herself, she went into the washroom and looked around. Hmm, where was it?

    ¡­

    At the same time, her bodyguards apprehended a woman.

    "I swear! I was only taking pictures of my sister''s child. You can call him here and he will prove to you that I''m his aunt." The flowery-dressed woman insisted.

    The bodyguards weren''t having any of it. If she was only taking photos of her nephew, why was she being so sneaky?

    However, after checking her phone, they truly only found pictures of a little boy. Perhaps it was only from their angle that they thought the woman was looking at Little Jia and if they were not dreaming, she showed something to their Little Miss.

    Little did they know, this woman was just a distraction. The real deal was in one of the cubicles of the washroom Little Jia had gone into. For the first time ever, Lu Aotian''s bodyguards had been tricked.

    ¡­

    In the washroom.

    As soon as Little Jia entered, a woman disguised as a worker placed a "Cleaning in progress" sign outside the washroom. For a while, no one would go in and although there were security cameras outside for the safety of the little students, they had been tempered with.

    After looking for a while, Little Jia finally saw her butterfly. It was on the door of one of the cubicles. When she touched it, she realized that it was just a highly defined image. She looked down sadly.

    "Hello, little girl." a woman dressed in a flowery dress smiled. She was wearing an identical dress to the woman apprehended by Lu Aotian''s bodyguards. Even their hairstyle and silhouette was similar.

    Little Jia looked at her and didn''t speak.

    The woman understood instantly. Mummy said I can''t talk to strangers. Yeah, right. Who hasn''t said that before?

    She became friendlier. "You are Lu Meili, right? Do you like this butterfly?"

    She opened her palm and out of it flew a crystal butterfly. It was just a form of decoration that had been modified to be able to fly.

    Little Jia became excited and wanted to take it but she stopped herself. She shouldn''t talk to strangers.

    The woman didn''t give up. "You want to have a little brother, right?"

    This time, Little Jia couldn''t resist temptation. She nodded.

    The woman smiled. "I can help you have a little brother."

    "Really?"

    "Uh huh. But you have to promise me not to tell anyone about this meeting."

    As na?ve as a four-year-old could be, Little Jia nodded.

    The woman was relieved. Here''s the hardest part now. She took a small box from her purse. "If you make your mommy take this pill, you will have a brother very soon. Your daddy cannot find out."

    Little Jia frowned. What kind of weird instruction was this?

    "Lu Meili, you have to trust me, okay? I''m a very good person and also want your mommy to have another child."

    Little Jia still had a frown. "But you''re a stranger. I don''t know you."

    But you still talked to me.

    "I''m not a stranger. My name is Miss Poisonous."

    The woman slapped her forehead as soon as that name left her lips. Damn those guys for calling her ''Poisonous''. Now she had blurted out such a name in front of a little child.

    Sure enough, Little Jia got scared. "I should trust you, but your name is Poisonous? Auntie, I don''t want your butterfly or a little brother anymore. If someone wanted to hurt mommy, they would pretend to be nice people." She eyed the butterfly still flying around but fought the temptation to take it.

    "Lu Meili¡­"

    Little Jia looked like she was going to cry. Miss Poisonous had no choice. She asked the woman disguised as a worker to remove the "cleaning in progress" sign.

    As soon as the little girl left, she sent a text message. [I failed.]

    A reply came soon. [I told you that plan would never work. You should have found Su Ling!]

    The woman sighed.

    £¬

 Chapter 315 - Kidnap her and shove the pill down her throat

    Miss Poisonous sighed. ''You only know how to order me around. Do you know how hard it was coming up with such a plan and tricking Lu Aotian''s bodyguards?

    It was even highly likely that I would attract another kid instead of Lu Meili. I only reached this point because the heavens were on my side.''

    She couldn''t voice her opinion, sadly. If she did, that man would really risk getting killed and come to look for Wan Jia. She was the only safer option so she had to do her best.

    It was easier to get close to Little Jia because the little girl was only a na?ve little child. However, she could only try to get close to Wan Jia now. If she could simply explain her intentions and make Wan Jia trust her, it would be much easier.

    In the days that followed, Miss Poisonous tried to get close to Wan Jia in vain. Why did Lu Aotian have to be so difficult? It was already hard enough to trick his bodyguards once and even then, she was sure Lu Aotian already knew someone got close to his daughter. It made things even more difficult, not to mention that if she was discovered, her fate might not be good.

    After all she was related to that weird pair of father and son who were hiding away in Country V. The most infuriating point was that she couldn''t even get within ten meters of Wan Jia''s radius. How she wished she could just kidnap Wan Jia and shove the damn pill down her throat!

    She was trying to do a good deed but those who didn''t know would think that she was on an extra special level assassination mission.

    ___

    While Wan Jia was having so much trouble conceiving that she needed to be kidnapped and have pills shoved down her throat, someone else was wishing she wasn''t pregnant. The woman lay in her bed unable to sleep. Don''t get her wrong. It''s not that she hated her child; he just arrived at a rather unfortunate time. She was no longer in Country C.

    She had left her home country to start over in Europe.

    She stood up slowly and pushed open her bedroom curtains, letting the night light in. She liked everything about this place and didn''t miss her home in the slightest.

    She was finally away from a scheming pair of father and brother.  Away from the mistakes she made and most importantly, the husband who used her for his own good and claimed to love her would never find her again. He had refused to sign the divorce papers but so what? She wasn''t planning to get married again anyway.

    She no longer cared about his motives against her family, about her second brother''s weird character and fake passport nor about the evil deed that her father might have possibly done. It had nothing to do with her anymore.

    The only troublesome factor was the little life growing inside her. She put her hand on top of her growing belly. It was a healthy little boy. He would arrive in four months. His father was still unaware of his existence and she didn''t intend to ever let him know.

    Actually, she had known that she was pregnant for a while and wanted to wait for the right time to give Tyler a surprise. However, the truth was put before her eyes before she told him. It was for this reason that she decided to keep it a secret.

    She knew that she would be put under stress and quite possibly unnecessary torture if the Qin family knew that she was pregnant with their child. She didn''t want to end up like Wan Jia years ago. She would rather have an abortion than have to either continue being Mrs. Qin or have her baby taken away.

    That day months ago when she wanted to get rid of him, she changed her mind right when she felt the needle touch her skin. If she were a single second late, she would be injected with the anesthesia.

    But that gynecologist sure was something. It was as though she was waiting for her to say "wait" because as soon as she said it, the gynecologist''s eyes shone brighter than the daylight. She had almost broken into a dance of joy when Yun Xuan said that she had changed her mind about terminating her pregnancy.

    That day she thought, although she wanted to start over, she couldn''t be completely alone, right? This child was the only biological relative she had and (as the gynecologist said) her only child in this lifetime. Besides, he was just an innocent little thing that happened out of her love for the wrong man.

    She hated Tyler, but she couldn''t hate her own son.

    But now, a bigger issue was on the way. If her son asked about his father, what was she to say?

    As the night light shone onto her face and slightly protruding belly, she came to a decision. If the heavens granted her a third chance at love, she would accept it. After all, sometimes we have to kiss a few frogs before we finally meet the prince.

    All she would ask from a man was being truthful and willing to be kind to her son. She didn''t care about anything else. He didn''t necessarily have to love her as long as he had no ulterior motive.

 Chapter 316 - A nice send off

    Henry Blanc''s return to his home country was long overdue. He had cancelled his flight before so he could spend more time with his queen. He would have the company''s documents sent to him on his laptop and work in his manor.

    Since his visits to Country C were very frequent, he had bought some properties to avoid having to spend his time in hotel rooms.

    However, something happened at Le Blanc Group recently and it required his presence. He could only tell his Lu friends about it and prepare to go back.

    When he told Lu Aotian and Lu Shaoting about it, he had already booked a flight for the next afternoon.

    Lu Shaoting couldn''t bear to let him go without a proper send off, so he hoped everyone was free for a meal that evening. He had already made plans to drink with Xu Liaowen so he just dragged him along.

    It had been very long since Kara went out too. They left Small Xixi in the care of her maternal grandmother and made their way to North Side Villa.

    With Xu Liaowen and Kara present this time, Henry Blanc wouldn''t have to feel like an outsider for being the only one who wasn''t part of their family.

    Luckily, Wan Jia wasn''t too busy and neither was Su Ling. As for the female lead of this gathering, Lin Lihua, she was still on her break after shooting a long and tiresome movie. Wan Jia was the one who could invite her.

    "Hello, Sis."

    Lin Lihua had learnt a lot about her younger sister and knew from her tone that she was up to something naughty. "What sort of trouble are you up to this time?"

    Wan Jia sounded wronged. "If I''m not seeking trouble, I can''t give my sister a call?"

    "Your calls lately have always been accompanied with disaster. Don''t blame me for associating you with disaster."

    Wan Jia ignored her taunting remark and went to the main point. "Aotian and I have employed new chefs in the North Side Villa. I want to try out their cooking but my husband is too busy to come. Could you accompany me?"

    Lin Lihua was silent for a moment before replying with a question. "Is it just me or does your voice seem to carry a hint of mischief?"

    "Do you hate me so much that you think I''m always up to mischief?"

    Lin Lihua laughed. Her sister really loved to act like a spoilt child. "Fine, give me the adress. But you must know that if you are up to something regrettable, not even Lu Aotian will be able to save you."

    "Sure sure. You definitely won''t have to beat me up." Wan Jia hung up happily.

    Everyone else had arrived at North Side Villa.

    When she arrived, they fell into discussion. Lu Aotian took out a little box and stuffed it into Henry Blanc''s palm.

    "This is..." he opened the box and his charming blue eyes widened. A very exquisite looking diamond ring with tiny diamonds embedded at the edges. It looked like a ring fit for a grand proposal.

    "Take it as a gift from Lu Enterprises to Le Blanc Group"

    Henry Blanc still looked doubtful. "She hasn''t even accepted to be my girlfriend yet. How would she accept to be my wife?"

    Lu Aotian: "Cough, it doesn''t have an expiry date, but you can''t wait until she''s taken."

    Lu Shaoting cheered him on too. "You are too handsome already. Every woman would fall in love with you. (Of course, that doesn''t include my Su Ling).

    I don''t think she would reject you."

    Xu Liaowen had a word too. "You don''t have to succeed on your first proposal. I proposed to Kara five times before she was finally moved."

    Wan Jia, Kara and Su Ling silently let the men cheer their friend on.

    A few minutes later, the sound of a car engine was heard.

    It was a prelude to an exciting show.

    "My sister is here." Wan Jia smiled and looked at Henry Blanc. The man''s charming pair of blue eyes was suddenly filled with what looked like panic. He left to use the restroom.

    Lin Lihua was brought in by a servant. She was surprised to see so many people but quickly adjusted to it. After she greeted her sister and everyone else, she looked around and although there were still empty seats, there didn''t seem to be any that was already taken. So...there was no one else in this gathering. Something flashed in her eyes.

    Wan Jia couldn''t let this chance go. "Sis, are you looking for something...or...someone?"

    Lin Lihua glared at her. "I''m looking for your sister! Anyway I thought you did something worth of recieving a beating." Her unsaid words were, I thought you would call me and call Henry Blanc too; to try and matchmake us again. I clearly didn''t want that but why do I feel sad that you didn''t?

    Wan Jia kept teasing. "Is it just me or does my sister look sad?"

    The other two women joined in.

    Su Ling: "She does look a little disappointed."

    Kara: "She looks like a princess who waited for her prince charming all night only for him to bail out on her."

    The men burst into laughter. These women could really tease.

    Lin Lihua tried not to blush and glared at all of them. What did they mean by such words? Could they not make it seem like she liked Henry Blanc?

 Chapter 317 - old enough to marry you

    When the joke was no longer funny, footsteps were heard from the stairs. Everyone except Lin Lihua knew who it was. Actually, Lin Lihua found those footsteps familiar too and her cheeks involuntarily flushed a little. When she looked in that direction, what she saw made her awe-struck.

    If Lu Aotian could be described as the cool handsome man with eyes that kept people a distance away from him, Henry Blanc would be considered the charmer. His blue eyes were like a vortex, making Lin Lihua subconsciously want to look at them a little more.

    Of course, every other woman here only had eyes for her own man. If not, they would be charmed by Henry Blanc as well.

    The man sat naturally beside Lin Lihua. They were now accurately paired. He beamed a seductive smile at her. "Queen Lihua, ma reine, we meet again; I told you it was fate."

    Lin Lihua looked at him speechlessly. What fate? Unless I got the meaning of that word wrong all my life and fate actually means this group of matchmakers?

    She didn''t know why, but she felt he was a little annoying but every time she didn''t him, she would feel as though something was missing. Right now, all she wanted was to kick him away. Why in the world was he following her around?

    ....

    After their meal, the group was still drowned in discussion. It was Kara''s first time meeting Lin Lihua, Henry Blanc and Su Ling but they looked like they had known each other for decades. After a while, the women started talking about girly topics like which designer made the best shoes this year, which brand produced the most famous clothes, babies and how cute they could be and even drifted off to business matters for a while.

    The men were deeply into business and were currently discussing project collaboration among Xu Real Estate, Le Blanc Group and Lu Enterprises. They were all CEOs of their companies (except Lu Shaoting who was the Vice President) and could make decisions even at such a gathering.

    Lu Shaoting got bored. "Why don''t we play a game? This is one friendship gathering but it looks like two of them."

    "What game can we play?" Henry Blanc asked.

    "Is it not obvious? Truth or dare!"

    "You''re crazy." Lu Aotian had never played such a game before. He considered it childish.

    "Bro, don''t be such a party pooper. The ladies like it. Don''t you, beauties?"

    "Of course." They said in unison.

    Seeing that everyone wanted to play, Lu Aotian had nothing else to say.

    In a short while, some cards were brought and they started playing. They were all hearts and aces. They would be flipped randomly and a pair of people would be asked to pick them. To pick a heart would be to win and to pick an ace would be to lose. The ace would choose to either answer a question or do a dare. The back out punishment would be decided by the winner.

    The game began.

    In the first round, Lu Shaoting played against Henry Blanc. Henry Blanc lost and chose a truth.

    "What''s the name of your wife?" Lu Shaoting asked.

    Everyone knew he was trying to help Henry Blanc out. The man smiled charmingly and answered. "I am not married yet, but I have my eyes for someone."

    At first everyone who played against Henry Blanc would ask him a question that would make Lin Lihua''s impression of him better.

    After a while, crazy questions and dares started popping up

    "How old were you when you had your fist time?"

    "Who did you share your first kiss with?"

    When Lu Aotian lost, Lu Shaoting asked a very terrifying question. "Who was the first woman you slept with?"

    Lu Aotian glared at him. What sort of question was that?

    When Wan Jia saw his glare, she knew what the answer was- his first girlfriend. It was supposed to make her uncomfortable but it was in the past so she felt nothing.

    Lu Shaoting felt frightened. Had he taken it too far? Oh God, he had done something he shouldn''t have.

    Sure enough, Lu Aotian retaliated. "What''s the name of the first woman you fell in love with? Either answer that or drink five glasses of wine."

    Lu Shaoting looked wronged. Bro, how could you?

    Lu Aotian''s expression was one that said, for trying to sow discord between me and my wife, I will do the same for you and your best friend.

    When Lu Shaoting gulped down the glasses of wine, Kara had a complicated expression. Su Ling isn''t his first love? Then his first love was¡­don''t tell me¡­

    Xu Liaowen wasn''t too pleased by his wife''s expression. Why was she so concerned about Lu Shaoting''s love life? Even his own girlfriend didn''t look shocked!

    After the awkward interlude, the game continued.

    "What''s your favorite place to do ''that''?" That was Lin Lihua''s question to Wan Jia.

    "Hey, do you have something against me?" Wan Jia was so embarrassed. How could she answer such a question?

    Lin Lihua didn''t let her off. "If you can''t say it, drink one glass of wine. Not a drop less."

    She only let her off because of her low tolerance.

    When Lin Lihua was fairly drunk from taking so much wine, Henry Blanc asked her. "How old are you?"

    "Old enough to marry you." She answered in her drunken stupor.

 Chapter 318 - Perhaps they needed a beating

    Everyone gasped.

    Of course she had drunk in many gatherings before. If she carelessly blurted out things regularly, her career would be long ruined.

    By saying such things while drunk, could it be that she had been thinking about it before drinking?

    When Lin Lihua seemed to notice what she had just said, she almost sobered up.

    Thanks to these people asking her very many personal questions, she was more drunk than everyone else.

    The worst of all was Wan Jia, who asked her to do crazy dares like "choose a man here and sit on his lap", "kiss anyone here" and "who among us would you want to see shirtless"

    She was obviously aimed at making Lin Lihua do those things to Henry Blanc.

    Lin Lihua''s stomach was full of anger and embarassment. She looked at Henry Blanc. "Surely you don''t believe the words of a drunkard, do you?"

    Henry Blanc only smiled. Why did it feel like for a second, her expression was that of admiration and awe towards him? He couldn''t help but think that the day she would fall in love with him wasn''t too far away.

    ...

    "Jeez! You men have high tolerance. Except Lu Shaoting, none of you looks drunk." Wan Jia commented when she saw the other ladies who were almost at their limit and the men who still looked sober. Well, Lu Shaoting and Xu Liaowen looked a little drunk but the other two didn''t look like they had drunk a single sip of wine.

    Lu Shaoting gave her a glare. "What do you mean except me? I''m still sober too."

    Xu Liaowen looked straight at him. "I see. Let''s continue. We won''t stop until one of us blacks out."

    Lu Shaoting suddenly had a bad feeling.

    His friend''s questions came shooting off. "Who was the first woman you fell in love with?" His gaze looked like it contained a murderous intent.

    "How can you repeat a question?"

    "I didn''t ask it before. Bro Aotian did, so answer me."

    Lu Shaoting drunk the two glasses of wine meant for punishment of a forfeit.

    A few rounds later, Lu Shaoting lost to Xu Liaowen again.

    "Dare."

    "Show me a picture of the first woman you ever loved."

    Lu Shaoting was reaching his limit, so he didn''t dare to act rashly. He took the wine.

    Yet another round later. "If you were asked to exchange lovers with one of us here, who would it be?"

    Lu Shaoting was dazed.

    What was wrong with Liaowen? Why did it seem like he was purposefully pushing him to the wall?

    Exchange lovers with his brother? He couldn''t even dream of that.

    Henry Blanc and Lin Lihua weren''t considered lovers yet.

    So he was basically asking Lu Shaoting to choose between Wan Jia and Kara.

    His mind was no longer so clear. He almost said something he shouldn''t but corrected himself at the key moment. "Why would I exchange lovers? I only love my girlfriend."

    At the side, the only remaining sober people, Lu Aotian and Henry Blanc, exchanged looks. Why did these two sound like they had a feud of sorts?

    "Lu Shaoting! Are you not going to answer me?"

    Lu Shaoting gritted his teeth and checked to see that Wan Jia was asleep. "If it was a life or death situation, I would rather choose my sister-in-law." He only said that because Lu Aotian understood that it was just a game. If at such a moment he chose Kara, it wouldn''t necessarily end too well.

    Xu Liaowen glared at him. "Really? You would really..."

    Lu Shaoting interruped him. "Why are you pushing me to the wall? What do you wnat to hear? That I used to like Kara Yang? Fine, I liked her for many years. I spent all my effort trying to get close to her. Happy now?"

    "You!" Xu Liaowen almost spurted blood.

    "What about me? Are you scared that if your wife finds out about how I felt for her before, she will like me instead? Don''t worry. I wouldn''t spare her a glance even if she hit on me now...What''s with that look, you worked so hard to make me tell you the truth and now you can''t bear it?"

    Xu Liaowen clenched his fist and threw it foward. His hand was suddenly held in a strong grip.

    "Will the both of you grow up?" Lu Aotian was glaring right at them.

    How could two grown men start fighting over matters that happened in their high school and university years? How childish! Perhaps they needed a good beating.

    Luckily the wives were all sprawled asleep on the sofas. It would be very awkward if Kara and Su Ling knew of their fight.

    ...

    Lu Aotian carried Wan Jia to the main bedroom and came back with a bunch of keys. It was already late and they didn''t have to go back home if they didn''t want to.

    The guest rooms had always been kept clean by the servants in the villa.

    Lu Shaoting and Xu Liaowen took a key each and naturally, they took their women to sleep in those rooms.

    Henry Blanc and Lin Lihua were not in an official relationship so they slept in opposite rooms.

    Though it was a pity, he didn''t even have a chance to confess his feelings before his idol got drunk.

    In just a few hours, he would be leaving. He wasn''t sure when he would come back. What if she found a boyfriend before his return?

 Chapter 319 - Just like that, he left

    He couldn''t possibly carry her to the guestroom; he would be overstepping his boundaries.

    Lu Aotian asked the female servants to help Lin Lihua into the room opposite Henry Blanc''s. In this Villa, there were some new clothes and pajamas that had been bought in case they spent the night here: the women were helped to change into them by servants or their husbands. They would be given hangover soup as soon as they woke up.

    In the main bedroom, there was not much of activity going on. Wan Jia held onto her husband in her drunken state and fell asleep with her head on his chest.

    In another room in the same villa, Xu Liaowen put his wife on the bed. Because he and Lu Shaoting had been friends for many years, he wanted to forget about what happened tonight. After all, he had never tried to ruin his marriage and even better, he was in love with someone else now.

    However, it seemed like fate wasn''t going to let him forget about the matter. When he touched his wife''s face, she grabbed his hand and muttered a word softly in her daze.

    "What did you say?" he didn''t hear her clearly and listened in.

    "Shaoting."

    Xu Liaowen felt blood rush away from his face. His hands suddenly itched for violence. Why would his wife be thinking of another man when they were together?

    "Go to sleep, okay?" he kissed her forehead.

    "He likes me, right?"

    Xu Liaowen was finally impatient. "Kara Yang! Not only are you a married woman, he has a girlfriend too. Are you seriously going to start falling in love with another woman''s man?"

    His words startled his wife so much that she became half sober. Although it was already close to midnight, she wanted to take a shower and sober up. Xu Liaowen let her do what she wanted and went on the balcony to take a breather.

    Although he was just a lad in his late teens when he fell in love with her, it was true love. He loved her so much that if someone else were to come in between them, he would probably die of anguish.

    He was still thinking of how angry he would be if his own best friend were to cause the breakup of his family when his waist was wrapped in a soft pair of cold arms. The little hands gave him a cool and sweet sensation. She had taken a warm bath but her hands were already cold.

    "Why are you wearing so little?" he looked at her and reprimanded. It was cold at night and she shouldn''t be out in only the pajamas she was wearing. She was even bare foot.

    "Why aren''t you sleeping?"

    Xu Liaowen raised her chin and looked into her eyes. "If Shaoting still liked you, would you leave me for him?"

    "What are you talking about? I only love you." She said and kissed his lips. She couldn''t explain why she suddenly thought about Lu Shaoting but it wouldn''t be nice if her husband misunderstood her.

    ¡­

    At last, the misunderstanding in the Xu couple''s room was solved. Trouble lay in another room. Henry Blanc couldn''t sleep.

    Once in the dark of night, he sneakily slipped into Lin Lihua''s room to watch her sleep.

    Actually, he didn''t fall in love with her too long ago.

    Lin Lihua had acted in many action, robbery and martial arts themed movies. He had watched many of them and when he became her fan, he even watched her girlish romance dramas.

    On Lu Meili''s fourth birthday, he saw her in person for the first time. Katy was obsessed with her and so was he. The little girl had him ask for an autograph and a photo from her idol. He couldn''t ever forget their first meeting but he could understand her for not remembering. How famous was she and how many autographs did she sign every day? It was within expectations that she forgot all about him.

    He didn''t know when it started but every time he watched any of her romance dramas and television series, he would imagine himself as the male lead and picture their love story together. It was in fact only recently that he gave a name to what he had been feeling- love. All this while, it had only been one sided. He wondered if a time would ever come for his queen to like him or even fall in love with him.

    ___

    The next morning, Lin Lihua opened her eyes.

    She was surprised to see Henry Blanc kneeling by her bedside and holding her hand in his, asleep.

    She wasn''t repulsed by his touch but¡­wouldn''t he catch a cold sleeping like this?

    "Mr. Blanc, wake up." she shook him awake.

    The man woke up and for the first time ever, his eyes didn''t carry their usual charm. He looked sad.

    "Lihua."

    It was such an intimate way of addressing her. Strangely, she didn''t feel annoyed and looked at him.

    He said nothing. He only looked at her and left the room with his hand in his pocket. In there lay the ring he had been gifted by Lu Aotian. He was preparing to propose to her this morning but when she looked at him, he wondered what would happen if he was rejected. He wouldn''t be able to ever face her again.

    Just like that, a heartbroken Henry Blanc left the country, leaving behind a sad Lin Lihua who didn''t know what she was sad about.

 Chapter 320 - The lost boy

    A few days after Henry Blanc left, Lin Lihua still couldn''t understand why she was feeling so sad about a man she had nothing to do with. She would drag Wan Jia for meals and fun every time they were both free and keep her mind off that man.

    ___

    It had already been one month since he left. He hadn''t ever tried to contact her, a fact which infuriated her. If he cared about her so much, why didn''t he even try to find her contact number?

    She scolded herself as crazy for acting like a little teenage girl. As it is, women could act really silly when in love.

    One cold day of winter, she invited Wan Jia to ice skate together. It was her favorite sport ever and she especially loved the largest rink in the capital. It wasn''t that far from her apartment and she would hop over a few times for fun.

    "I''ve never done this before." Wan Jia said as she nervously held onto Lin Lihua''s hand.

    "It''s not that hard. Just don''t be scared and let me teach you." Lin Lihua led her to a part with less people.

    In just half an hour, Wan Jia was already going around the rink on her own."This is so fun!" she exclaimed as she sped up.

    Lin Lihua was feeling more cheered up. "I told you you would love it."

    "I will come here with Aotian and Little Jia next time."

    "¡­"

    You didn''t have to display your affection all of a sudden, you know.

    When they were tired, they went to a nearby restaurant for hot pot.

    Coincidentally, someone saw her at the entrance. As soon as they went in, Wan Jia felt a blazing stare on her. she turned on instinct and from a few meters away, Wan Jia saw a big pair of round eyes staring at her unblinkingly.

    Their owner was a little boy of around Tangtang''s age and he seemed to mumble something under his breath. When he saw Wan Jia look at him, his big eyes welled up and a huge tear drop rolled from his eyes onto his pale cheeks.

    In the next second, he dashed through the entrance and towards them like an arrow and before the women could react, he hugged Wan Jia''s legs.

    Wan Jia and Lin Lihua exchanged puzzled looks. Why would a strange boy suddenly rush to them?

    "Mommy¡­" the little boy cried.

    Huh? M-mommy?

    "Mommy, I knew I would find you again. Wu¡­"

    Wan Jia was baffled. Who was this little boy that didn''t know his mother and went mistaking people?

    She tousled his hair patiently. She loved children and couldn''t be rude to one. "Little boy, did you lose your way?" she was looking at the direction where the boy came from and trying to see if there was any adult looking for their child.

    "Mommy, why did you leave? Is it because you don''t like Little An An? An An is a very good and obedient boy. Mommy, can you give me a chance to prove it?"

    Eer¡­

    "Little boy, you must have made a mistake. I''m not your mommy. I''ll help you find your mother, okay?" though she felt this boy looked familiar¡­like a child she had seen before.

    "Mommy! Can you not say such things? Little An An likes you very much. Take An An with you, okay?" He was bawling his eyes out pitifully.

    "But I''m really not your mommy. I¡­"

    He broke into a wail that started attracting the attention of outsiders. More people were starting to look over and some were even taking pictures and videos. The restaurant owner was starting to get irritated by their little banter.

    He walked over. "I''m sorry to interrupt whatever this is, but you''re disrupting my customers. Could you do it elsewhere?"

    Wan Jia apologized, asked Lin Lihua to wait for her and pulled the little boy out with her.

    "I''ll help you find your mommy, okay? Can you tell me her name?"

    Every time she said such a thing, the little boy would be sadder and cry harder.

    Wan Jia was on the verge of collapse. What was she supposed to do?

    Just when she was about to take out her phone and make a call, a woman wearing a white fluffy jacket rushed over. "Baby! I looked everywhere for you. I was very worried."

    When the boy saw his mother, he held onto Wan Jia''s clothes tighter. "Mommy, don''t let her take me away. An An only loves you!"

    The woman was enraged when she saw her son''s actions. She glared at Wan Jia. "What did you do to my son? Why is she calling you his mother?"

    Wan Jia was taken aback. "Are you insane? Shouldn''t you be apologizing on your son''s behalf?"

    The woman raised her head to look at Wan Jia''s beautiful face. Her temperament suddenly changed. "Huh. You are Wan Jia. No wonder."

    She turned to her son and glared at him fiercely. She looked like she could even hit him if he said one single word. "She is not your mother! I am. You hear me?"

    The boy shivered in fear and let his mother lead him away.

    Wan Jia was still in thought when she went back to the restaurant. She didn''t bear any resemblance to that woman. why would her son get them mixed up?

 Chapter 321 - Who is he?

    "Who was that child just now?" Lin Lihua asked.

    "I don''t know. But I think he looks like someone I know."

    Wan Jia was right. That was Qin Zhuo''an and the woman just now was Wang Ruolin. She had only seen Ruolin once and since she had disguised herself today, she didn''t recognize her. but the little boy took after both his parents.

    When the little boy saw Wan Jia, he mistook her for Yun Xuan. Ever since she left, he had never forgotten her. he only knew her from photos his father showed him in the past and had never met before. When he saw Wan Jia today, he was determined to go back home with her. who knew that "his mother" would claim to not know him and let his other mother take him away?

    That night, he complained to his father many times. "I saw mommy today. Daddy, mommy doesn''t like Little An An."

    Tyler was entranced at first. Yun Xuan? He had looked everywhere for her but not found her. had his son really seen her?"

    With a trace of suspicion, he showed his son two pictures on his phone. "The mommy you saw, how did she look?"

    The little lad looked at the photos carefully and tried to remember Wan Jia''s appearance. Then he pointed at the woman on the left. She had dark hair and a pair of black eyes.

    Tyler sighed in desperation. So it was not Yun Xuan after all. "An An, that is not your mommy. They only look alike, okay?"

    The little lad nodded and went to sleep.

    As for the father, he once again drank himself stupid. Where on earth is my wife?

    Yun Xuan, my love, just where are you?

    Will you ever come back?

    ___

    If Tyler were to ask that question, her answer would be no. She was doing fine on her own. She was six and a half months into her pregnancy and that was all she cared about.

    She had made new friends and was getting the hang of living far away from home.

    However, she still felt that something was missing. She missed her mother very much.

    Talking of Madam Yun, she truly missed her daughter. She cried day and night when she didn''t come back. In the Yun mansion, she was perhaps the most anguished by Yun Xuan''s disappearance.

    It was not that General Yun couldn''t manage to track down her location. With the amount of power he had, he would have found her on the same day she disappeared. He just didn''t care.

    He viewed Yun Xuan as the ungrateful girl who he brought up and who didn''t appreciate it. She even went ahead and married the man he didn''t want her to marry. General Yun didn''t know of Tyler''s true identity but he kept thinking that the young man harbored some murderous intentions towards him.

    For Yun Xuan to marry such a man behind his back, he was truly enraged. Therefore, he forbade everyone from trying to find her. If she wanted to spend the rest of her life with that man, so be it. Just like his first and third sons, she didn''t have any use in the family anyway.

    However, Madam Yun didn''t have the same thought. She loved her two sons and equally, she loved her daughter. She would have looked for her but she was just scared that her husband would take out his anger on Yun Xuan. Thus, she decided to fight her urge.

    It had been months since Yun Xuan married Tyler. She didn''t know that they already had a fall out and didn''t know that she was pregnant either.

    The next day when she was about to start preparing lunch, she received a foreign request for a video call. She received it cautiously and was pleasantly surprised. Yun Xuan!

    "Xuanxuan¡­"

    "Mom,"

    For days, Yun Xuan had tried to fight her urge to contact her mother in vain. In the end, she gave up and made the call before her brain could register what she was doing.

    Madam Yun didn''t seem to care about the small talk of why she blocked the family off and all that. "Xuanxuan, are you doing fine? Is he treating you well?" she caressed her daughter''s face from the screen. She looked like she had lost some weight.

    "Mom, I''m fine. I just miss you a lot."

    After chatting for a short while, Madam Yun noticed something behind Yun Xuan. It seemed like the rising sun in the distance. Yun Xuan was sitting on a desk against the large window.

    She was surprised. "It''s morning over there? Xuanxuan, where are you?"

    "Can I not tell you? I don''t want Dad to find me."

    "I wouldn''t tell him a word of it."

    Yun Xuan knew her mother well enough. Even if she didn''t tell General Yun her location, she would probably follow her that very day.

    She changed the topic with huge news. She rubbed her belly and tilted her phone to show where her other hand was touching.

    As expected, Madam Yun''s eyes grew wide in disbelief. "You¡­"

    Yun Xuan smiled. "Yes Mom, I''m pregnant. It''s only three months until you become a grandma."

    Madam Yun was so overjoyed that she forgot about the location matter. "The gods have blessed us! Xuanxuan, you should take good care of yourself. You have become skinnier. You should eat more nutritional food and make my grandchild healthier."

 Chapter 322 - It had to be something else

    She nagged on for half an hour straight but Yun Xuan didn''t find it annoying. She had missed her mother''s care and concern a lot.

    She didn''t tell her mother that she and Tyler were no longer together.

    After hanging up the call with her mother, she had the urge to call someone else she really cared about.

    ¡­

    Wan Jia was on her lunch break when she received the call. Just like Madam Yun, she was shocked to see the person she hadn''t seen for months.

    Although they had a broken relationship before, the woman on her screen now seemed a lot different.

    She looked like she had undergone a range of change and from their conversation; she had found herself a job in Country F. Wan Jia couldn''t believe that she had given up on her design brand. But she could understand Yun Xuan. She just said that she had nothing to do with the Yun family; well, that studio was started using General Yun''s money.

    If it were someone else''s studio, Wan Jia would consider buying it over but she didn''t want anything to do with the Yun family either.

    "Yun Xuan¡­"

    Yun Xuan interrupted her. "Wanwan, shouldn''t you be calling me your elder sister?"

    Wan Jia bit her lower lip. "I shouldn''t."

    Yun Xuan sighed. What was she thinking? Why would the heavens make such a kind woman a child of the Yun family? Perhaps their friendship was doomed forever.

    "Wanwan,"

    "Hmm? What is it?"

    Yun Xuan sighed. "It''s nothing. Bye." With that, she hung up.

    ___

    In the office of the president, Lu Enterprises.

    Lu Aotian was preparing his best robot, thirty for a mission. It involved recording and copying the content of conversations. He had already informed Wan Jia that he was going to use her phone to test it.

    Because she didn''t have anything to hide from him, she agreed. In the end, Thirty recorded her conversation with Yun Xuan.

    Lu Aotian initially didn''t intend to listen to it, but when Thirty reported that it was a conversation between his wife and that woman who had gone missing for a while, his interest was piqued. He was still going to mind his own business despite his curiosity but Lu Shaoting was more curious. He played the recording and his brother didn''t stop him.

    At the end, they both had question marks on their faces.

    "What do you think she was going to tell sister-in-law just now?"

    Lu Aotian didn''t answer him. He looked calm.

    Lu Shaoting knew better than be deceived by his brother''s look. While he indeed looked calm, it was merely the calm before a huge storm.

    In Lu Aotian''s mind, a storm was indeed raging. Just now, Yun Xuan wasn''t going to tell Wan Jia about her pregnancy. It had to be something else. And he had a feeling it was something related to them.

    Forget it. There was nothing he couldn''t find out on his own, unless he just didn''t want to know.

    ___

    In Elite Fashion World, Wan Jia was wondering about the same thing. What was it that Yun Xuan was going to say? If this was at a normal time, she would have passed it off as her trying to reminisce with her and giving up halfway. But this wasn''t a normal time.

    For some days now, she had been feeling uneasy, as though someone was trying to follow her. She had checked her surroundings many times and seen no one. It made her feel insecure. Now that Yun Xuan acted that way, she began wondering whether she was being followed by Yun Jifeng or his psychopath father. Could it be that Yun Xuan knew it and wanted to warn her just now?

    In real sense, she was worrying about nothing. The only person trying to follow her around was Miss Poisonous. She was trying hard to find an opportunity to get close to her and just when she was about to give up, she found one.

    Elite Fashion World was hiring secretaries and assistants to replace those that had retired, been fired or resigned recently.

    Miss Poisonous found a remarkable resume from who knows where and applied for an interview. She was overjoyed when she was called for an interview on Monday morning.

    Finally, she was hopeful about accomplishing her mission. The woman wore a plain white knee length skirt and simple top that was not of her style. She draped a mid-length wig on her head and styled it into twin braids. With her skin mask and huge goggles, even her own grandmother wouldn''t recognize her. The tall bold and charming Miss Poisonous was now replaced with a country bumpkin.

    "Pfft. White lotus." She laughed at the woman in the mirror. She grabbed her plain-looking satchel and left for Elite Fashion World.

    To her delight, the "country bumpkin" version of her passed the interview. She had now been assigned to be Dai Youran''s assistant. Her old assistant had resigned to send her ailing mother overseas for treatment. Her mother couldn''t be left all alone in a foreign place and she needed a new environment to recuperate.

    "Lai Shuangshuang, you are now my new assistant. I don''t have many rules but I like everything done fast and on time. Your days off are¡­" Dai Youran gave her rules in detail, but the girl wasn''t listening. "Lai Shuangshuang! Why are you in a daze?"

    "Boss, pardon me. I''m listening."

    Crap! She wasn''t accustomed to her new identity yet. Just now, she had forgotten that she was "Lai Shuangshuang".

 Chapter 323 - Lai Shuangshuang

    "Lai Shuangshuang" stopped blanking out and listened to her boss. She was only listening inattentively as she made mental plans of how she would get closer to Wan Jia.

    "Lai Shuangshuang, do you have a problem with concentration?" Dai Youran was becoming irritated. what kind of assistant was this?

    "No, boss. Right away."

    Miss Poisonous wasn''t planning to stay too long. She knew better than anyone that if she didn''t act fast, she would be discovered by Lu Aotian.

    At Lunch time, she went to warm up Dai Youran''s packed lunch. To her delight, Wan Jia was there too, warming her own lunch.

    Wan Jia felt the gaze on her and turned. Miss Poisonous smiled nervously. "Are you Designer Wan? It''s such a pleasure to see you in person! Oh My God! You''re so beautiful. Even more beautiful than the rumors say."

    Wan Jia was just relaxing from the busy morning she had had. Hearing a whole bunch of compliments from the "country bumpkin" before her, her mood lightened. "Thanks."

    The "country bumpkin" adjusted her huge goggles that didn''t suit her face. "Designer Wan, will I ever get to wear any of your designs? It would be such an honor. Wait, what am I even thinking? I would never be that rich in my life. Even if I pulled out all my lifetime savings, I wouldn''t afford a single scarf made by you."

    Wan Jia laughed at the "country bumpkin''s" antics. Wasn''t this Dai Youran''s new assistant? Her assistant this time was quite lively¡­

    "Designer Wan, can you sign me an autograph?"

    Wan Jia couldn''t hold in her laughter any more. "But I''m not a celebrity."

    "Lai Shuangshuang" didn''t give up. "That doesn''t matter. In my heart, you are more beautiful and famous than most celebrities. Only one actress can compete with you in terms of beauty. What''s her name again¡­the movie queen Lin Lihua."

    Wan Jia shook her head. This little girl can really talk. She could only agree to sign it.

    The girl adjusted her goggles awkwardly. "I forgot to bring my notebook. Can I bring it? I''ll be quick."

    Wan Jia didn''t have the heart to reject her lively request. "You should warm Dai Youran''s food first to avoid getting in trouble. Afterwards you can bring your notebook to my office.

    "Lai Shuangshuang" hurriedly made sure Dai Youran had her lunch then asked for permission to rush to Wan Jia''s office.

    On her way, she really scolded herself. For her mission, she had to ruin her image and pass off as a hornbill that doesn''t ever shut up. Later, this image would enable her to talk to Wan Jia about some things without getting into trouble.

    She knocked on the door nervously and entered when Wan Jia invited her in.

    After getting Wan Jia''s autograph, "Lai Shuangshuang" still looked at Wan Jia through her huge goggles.

    "Is there something else?"

    She nodded like a rattle. "Designer Wan, we are in the same company, right? Does that mean I can call you ''sister Wan''?"

    Wan Jia: "I don''t mind."

    The girl still continued. "Sister Wan, could you sign my scarf too? My friends will be very jealous."

    Wan Jia didn''t feel irritated. She in fact felt entertained.

    Only after Wan Jia had to go back to work did "Lai Shuangshuang" leave her office.

    Su Ling looked at her back as she went away. "Since when does Designer Dai''s assistant strike conversations with you?"

    Wan Jia shrugged. "She''s not seeking any trouble. I don''t see why she shouldn''t talk to me."

    Su Ling felt her boss was being too friendly but she understood her point. She was not one to hold past grudges. If not, she wouldn''t be her assistant.

    "Ling, get Xiao Rong to come here."

    "Right away boss." Su Ling was slightly curious about why her boss would call Xiao Rong but she didn''t ask.

    She made the call and asked Xiao Rong to go over.

    ¡­

    Xiao Rong was trying to find a job for a while now. After being Wan Jia''s assistant for a week, she really left when the week was over.

    She was not unable to find a job. She had all the abilities but sadly, no company was willing to hire her because she was previously an assistant at Elite Fashion World. Those who were willing to give her a chance wanted to do so in exchange of important secrets about Elite Fashion World.

    Anyone else would agree to such a deal without a second thought, but she couldn''t. It was not because she knew nothing but even if she knew some secrets, she wouldn''t reveal them. When she heard that Wan Jia wanted to meet her, she was overjoyed. Perhaps she needed a little assistance again? Or perhaps even¡­a permanent assistant?

    She hurried over and knocked softly on Wan Jia''s office door.

    After greeting her, Wan Jia looked at the young woman as though scanning her. "What job are you doing lately?"

    The woman looked embarrassed. "I haven''t found any yet." Although she was embarrassed, her eyes were filled with life. Was Wan Jia offering her a job?

    Wan Jia asked, "Do you wish to become a designer? If you do, you can check this contract and sign it if there are no problems."

    Her first reaction was, "Elite Fashion World is hiring?"

    Wan Jia nodded. "It is now. Since Ming Rui left, someone should replace her and you are the best candidate."

 Chapter 324 - Are you saying my wife is useless?

    Xiao Rong thought she was hearing things. When she saw the content of the contract, she even rubbed her eyes to make sure it was not a dream. Wan Jia wanted her to replace Ming Rui? But weren''t there very many capable designers aside from her?

    "Why me?" she couldn''t help but ask.

    Wan Jia: "Because you were the one who did all her work. If you don''t want the job then¡­"

    Xiao Rong reacted immediately. "I want it! Of course I want it."

    Wan Jia smiled. It was a win-win for both Xiao Rong and the company.

    The designs made by Xiao Rong in the name of Ming Rui were quite lovely. Of course there were customers who loved them. By hiring Xiao Rong, the company would retain those customers and Xiao Rong would get a job and most importantly, the reputation and status that rightfully belonged to her.

    "Thank you Lady Boss." Xiao Rong changed her way of addressing Wan Jia as soon as she signed the contract.

    Wan Jia smiled warmly. "Xiao Rong, in this company, we are colleagues. You don''t have to be so formal."

    ...

    As soon as Wan Jia hired Xiao Rong, Su Ling came to her office. "Boss, you have a meeting with the shareholders of Lu Enterprises. It starts in thirty minutes."

    "Okay, let''s leave in ten minutes."

    Wan Jia used the ten minutes to finish up the series she was making. She only needed to decide on the material and color of one outfit.

    When she was done, she looked at her watch. She had exactly twenty minutes before the start of the meeting.

    She initially had enough time but who would have known, the elevator broke down on her way out of the building.

    Communication was cut off and all she could do was wait. Luckily, Elite Fashion World was such a busy building. It wasn''t long before someone realized that one elevator wasn''t working. The repair didn''t take too long either.

    However, she was still late for the meeting.

    ___

    Lu Enterprises.

    In the vast conference room, the major shareholders all had unhappy expressions on their faces.

    Lu Enterprises was a century old company whose shares were so valuable that those owning merely 2% of them were considered wealthy.

    The largest shareholder was of course Lu Aotian who held 49% shares. His late grandfather had 30%, all of which he passed down to Lu Aotian, but Lu Aotian did his best to make sure the largest number stays within the family. The additional 19% was acquired using his own sweat. The figure was quite terrifying.

    It was no surprise that around the huge table, old businessmen with grey hair made the larger percentage. The rest were successful middle aged men and Lu Aotian was the youngest of them all.

    "What are we waiting for? The meeting was supposed to start a minute ago." A middle aged man expressed his impatience.

    "Wait a little longer." Lu Aotian was expressionless as he said. He was waiting for Wan Jia. She wouldn''t be late with no reason; she knew that this was a very important meeting.

    One of the middle aged shareholders asked bravely, "You wouldn''t be waiting for that little woman, would you?"

    Lu Aotian looked in his direction and raised an eyebrow. "What little woman?"

    "That¡­" the middle aged shareholder felt chills down his back. "Your wife. I understand that you dote on her so much that you want her to know a lot about the company but it''s not wise to let her attend such an important meeting. This is not just any shareholders'' meeting. We are going to discuss very important matters."

    "Heh. Is that so?" Lu Aotian chortled.

    The eman saw that Lu Aotian didn''t fly into a rage and gained more confidence. The other shareholders who were scared for him were shocked too. He didn''t get angry? They wanted to take the opportunity to express their thoughts against Wan Jia, but they didn''t have such guts. Who knew if the president would suddenly get angry and make them regret shooting their mouths off?

    "I''ve wanted to say this for a long time. Disastrous beauties are exactly that- they cause disaster wherever they go. So many companies are destroyed when women come into the picture." The man said.

    Lu Aotian didn''t look angry. "So you are saying that I shouldn''t have got married?"

    The middle-aged man shook his head and looked at him like he was looking at a wayward child. His tone was completely that of a superior. "I didn''t say anything against your marriage. I just mean that you shouldn''t have married a brainless beauty. I understand that you young men like pretty faces but for the sake of your family business, it''s safer to be with a woman who has value."

    Lu Aotian: "Are you saying that my wife has no value?"

    "N-No. President, that''s not what I mean. In other areas like the fashion industry, she is quite valuable but in meetings like this¡­" he lacked words to complete his statement.

    "What about meetings like this?"

    "She''s not a shareholder. Even your brother and father didn''t attend this meeting. What right does she have? President, you shouldn''t be swayed too much by looks. Women are dangerous."

    The man seemed to have been holding a stomachful of anger against Wan Jia. He let it all out without noticing just how sarcastic Lu Aotian''s expression was.

 Chapter 325 - I have to use you this once

    "Not to mention, she is very late for such an important meeting. Does she think this is a runway?"

    Lu Aotian made the middle aged man pause his complaints, sent a message to Lu Shaoting then continued listening to him expressionlessly.

    When the man was done, he looked at him. "I think I have some internal matters to handle. For my subordinates to disrespect their boss like this¡­" his expression was now stern.

    "President, I don''t dare to disrespect you. I was only pointing out some things about Mrs. Lu." The man had obviously noticed that Lu Aotian was no longer in the mood to smile and joke around. He really wanted to bite his tongue off. Had he offended the president? Was he going to be kicked out of the company?

    He couldn''t help but shiver when he recalled that some people had been forced to sell him their shares and leave the company when they offended him. With his immense wealth, it wasn''t hard for Lu Aotian to buy over his mere 5% of shares.

    At that moment, Wan Jia arrived. "I''m so sorry I''m late." She bowed respectfully to all the shareholders in apology.

    No one uttered a word but they were disdainful. They were still not accustomed to her presence. So she was really attending this meeting. She had made them wait for five whole minutes! Even the President and Vice President had never been late for a single meeting. Who did she think she was?

    Wan Jia pretended not to notice their piercing glares and sat beside Lu Aotian.

    A certain shareholder who didn''t like her couldn''t keep it in anymore. "Miss Wan Jia, that is the seat of the Vice President."

    Lu Aotian shot him a look. "My wife should naturally sit next to me. Do you have any problem with that?"

    The man only secretly gritted his teeth and didn''t say any other word.

    Lu Aotian had something else to say. "You ought to respect your lady boss. Let this be the last time you dare to utter such words of disrespect about her."

    The man swallowed his anger. "Yes president. Pardon my impulsiveness."

    Lu Aotian was intending to kick him out but he let him stay to watch Wan Jia handle the company matters like a professional business lady. He would punish him later.

    True enough, Wan Jia did not disappoint him. All his teachings were not for nothing. In that meeting, it was as though she had been possessed by a god of business. What would they expect? The nation''s god of business was her mentor.

    Within just an hour, their impression of her changed.

    The middle aged shareholder who insulted her before didn''t need Lu Aotian to remind him. He apologized to Wan Jia on his own accord. "Lady Boss, I''m sorry for doubting your abilities and calling you useless. You are the President''s choice. How could you be just a pretty face? You have truly opened my eyes today."

    Wan Jia didn''t wish to drag the matter unnecessarily. "That''s okay. You had never seen my abilities before. However, disrespect shall not be tolerated again."

    "Thank you lady boss." He felt a heavy weight off his shoulders.

    All this while, Lu Aotian was looking at them calmly. To be exact, he was looking at that man calmly.

    He finally spoke. "You are all wondering why my wife is here today, right?" he placed a document on his desk. Everyone saw the words on the top page clearly. They were even in capital.

    SHARE TRANSFER AGREEMENT.

    They were all shocked.

    What did they just see?

    President Lu was transferring his shares?

    The bigger shock was yet to come.

    He was giving 10% of his hard-earned shares to Wan Jia. Wan Jia was shocked too. What was this?

    "She is now a major share holder and deserves to be in such meetings. Does anyone have anything else to say?"

    Everyone was speechless. What were they supposed to say? With 10% of Lu Enterprises'' shares, Wan Jia was guaranteed a lifetime of luxury even if they divorced. No matter how extravagant she was, she wouldn''t be able to use up even half of it. Did Lu Aotian really dote on her that much?

    "In future, my wife will attend some of the shareholders'' meetings on my behalf." He saw that a certain middle aged man fidgeted. To be exact, it was the man who had just apologized after insulting Wan Jia. Lu Aotian didn''t need to search anymore. He now knew the mole. "Master Li, do you have something to say?"

    The man shook his head. "N-Nothing. President Lu really loves the Lady boss."

    ¡­

    After the meeting, Wan Jia hooked her hand around Lu Aotian''s as they walked along the corridor together. She finally had the chance to ask. "Aotian, how could you give me so many shares? I don''t deserve it. You have already done so much for me."

    "Aren''t you my wife? All my hard work is for you and our family. What''s the big deal in giving you this tiny fraction?"

    It''s a huge deal, okay? Who gives people their company''s shares just like that? Not to mention we are husband and wife. Did you really have to?

    Lu Aotian glanced at his wife and knew what she was thinking. For a moment, he felt guilty.

    I''m sorry my love. To complete my plan, I have to use you just this once.

 Chapter 326 - Im tired of this protection

    The next morning when Wan Jia went to Elite Fashion World, she was greeted by a very cheerful "Lai Shuangshuang". "Sister Wan, you are very early today." Following that was a generous round of compliments.

    Wan Jia greeted her with her usual sweet smile.

    "Sister Wan, I have another scarf today. Can you sign on it for me? My friends will be very jealous."

    Wan Jia found her really lively and adorable. She signed on the scarf and walked to her office. But she stopped on her second step and turned abruptly.

    "Lai Shuangshuang" was walking away happily. Strange...why did it feel like she saw her give a sigh of triumph just now?

    ...

    Ever since the former designer surnamed Shen threatened her safety and because of her training, she had been very cautious and alert lately. She had a feeling this Lai Shuangshuang wasn''t so simple.

    Her image ran back into Wan Jia''s mind. That careless way of dressing looked far-fetched.  Perhaps it was deliberate? Which designer would let their assistant dress that way without giving them some fashion tips?

    Huge goggles that don''t suit her face, plain looking clothes that are obviously too shabby, a hairstyle that obviously doesn''t suit her... don''t forget about the shoes¡­as the lady boss of Lu Enterprises and a designer, it pained her eyes.

    She suddenly wanted to design uniforms for the assistants and make them part of the employee bonuses.

    Putting her dress code and weird chatacter aside, Wan Jia hoped that girl wasn''t here to cause trouble.

    ___

    Wan Jia forgot about "Lai Shuangshuang" and started her work for the day.

    Currently, she had been given a Lu Enterprises project by Lu Aotian. He had initially given it to Lu Shaoting but in the shareholders meeting, he gave it to her instead. She didn''t know why her husband would make such a decision but she didn''t ask. He wouldn''t do anything unreasonable.

    However, she was yet to start when Lu Aotian called her to meet him in his office. She could only put her things together and go to Lu Enterprises.

    In Lu Aotian''s office, three other men were present. They were all important heads in the company as well as decision makers. Although the final decision maker was Lu Aotian, he would discuss important matters with them.

    Because she still had to go back to Elite Fashion World, Lu Aotian kept it brief. "You must have learnt the company rules, right? You know the rule about starting a subsidiary of Lu Enterprises."

    Wan Jia nodded. Lu Aotian continued, "Every one who wants to start a subsidiary company must complete a test. I called you here to take yours."

    Wan Jia felt nervous but she nodded. How hard could it be? She was ready for it.

    "Your test is to take over Royaume Hotel. You will rename it, change its theme and make it the best hotel in the capital within six months. Don''t worry, you won''t have to manage it in future if you won''t want to."

    Wan Jia was stunned. Royaume Hotel? Forget about its bankruptcy. It wasn''t anywhere near the top before it went bankrupt. How exactly would she make it the best? Not to mention the current best hotel was Lu Shaoting''s Emerald Grand Hotel.

    "Do you have any problem?"

    "No. I will take it over."

    "Good. I already helped you come up with a name- Platinum Grand Hotel."

    Wan Jia looked at him with a raised eyebrow. Platinum Grand Hotel? Why did it have to sound like Lu Shaoting''s?

    When the task was given and the three men left, Wan Jia finally asked. "I''m supposed to compete with Shaoting?"

    "Why not?"

    "You already gave me his project and now you want me to be the owner of Shaoting''s rival. Not only that, you suddenly made me a major share holder. Aotian, is there something you''re not telling me?"

    Lu Aotian didn''t satisfy her curiosity. "Let''s talk about it when the time is right. For now, just focus on taking over Royaume Hotel. Leave Shaoting''s project to me."

    Wan Jia sighed. "Do you have a fall out with Shaoting?"

    Lu Aotian didn''t answer her so she shrugged her shoulders and left. Lu Aotian listened as the sound of her footsteps disappeared. Sorry my love, I want to keep you safe this time so I can''t tell you.

    ...

    As soon as she left, Lu Shaoting came in looking upset. "Did you have to sacrifice Emerald Grand Hotel?"

    Lu Aotian gave him a side glance "You expected me to sacrifice LSC?"

    "It''s indeed more convenient. Emerald Grand Hotel is my life."

    "I know."

    "Then why did you still¡­"

    "It''s exactly because you value it that I''m sacrificing it. Also, I''m not involved with it. Don''t worry, it will not actually get destroyed."

    Lu Shaoting didn''t look like he believed his brother. "The first step is merely to create a duplicate of Emerald Grand Hotel. What''s the next step?"

    "Don''t worry about that."

    "Don''t worry? I''m freaking worried! For how long are you going to do such mysterious things without telling me what you''re actually planning? Are we still brothers?"

    Lu Aotian laughed at his last phrase. "I''m only doing this in secret to protect you. Don''t you trust your elder brother anymore?"

    Lu Shaoting stood up. "You know what? I''m tired of this protection!"

    Lu Aotian smiled as he saw his angry brother leaving. Do you really think Wanwan can topple Emerald Grand Hotel? It won''t reach that point.

 Chapter 327 - Poisonous was caught

    While Lu Shaoting complained about his brother being weird, Lu Aotian wasn''t the only one being mysterious. "Lai Shuangshuang" was trying her best to be close to Wan Jia. She would bring specialties from her hometown because she was Wan Jia''s fan and when Wan Jia asked her where her hometown was, she stuttered for long before answering.

    Wan Jia decided to investigate her and the results stunned her. The real Lai Shuangshuang had run away from home without a trace to work in the capital. That home wasn''t even the place "Lai Shuangshuang" had mentioned to begin with. The craziest fact was that when Wan Jia had someone show them a photo of "Lai Shuangshuang", they said that she merely resembled their daughter.

    To test her, Wan Jia invited her for lunch. After placing her order, she went to use the restroom and came back when the meals had already been served. While they ate,  she asked her, "Lai Shuangshuang, why did you run away from home?"

    The woman didn''t understand. "Run away from home? Why would I do that?"

    Wan Jia knew her investigation was right. "You really didn''t run away from home?"

    Miss poisonous found her strange. Why would she ask that? Could it be that the real Lai Shuangshuang ran away from home? That damn girl! Why didn''t she tell her? "Sister Wan, you won''t judge me, right?"

    She looked like she wanted to confide in Wan Jia.

    Wan Jia chuckled. "You want to play fake identity games with me? I''m the grandmaster in this game." Her voice and expression turned as cold as the temperature outside. "You are not Lai Shuangshuang. Tell me, who are you?"

    Miss Poisonous was stunned. Crap! She had been found out so soon! She smiled innocently like a pure white lotus. "Sister Wan, what are you talking about? I''m Lai Shuangshuang."

    Wan Jia humphed. "Whatever your name is, I''ll be generous enough to give you a last chance. Something brought you to Elite Fashion World. What is it?"

    Lai Shuangshuang stuck to her answers. "I was looking for a job and I found one as an assistant. Sister Wan, is something wrong?"

    "You won''t confess until you see the coffin, huh?" Wan Jia took the glass of juice prepared for her and pushed it towards her. "Do you want to have a taste?"

    "S-sister Wan¡­"

    "Does your job scope include adding pills into people''s drinks?"

    Miss Poisonous really wanted to strangle herself. When Wan Jia called her for lunch, she didn''t know it was because she was under suspicion. She took it as a heaven-sent chance to complete her mission. Little did she know¡­

    "Since you didn''t appreciate my chance to explain to me, why don''t you explain to the police instead?" as soon as she finished speaking, she tapped on her phone screen and three policemen entered.

    Miss Poisonous panicked. "Wan Jia, I can explain. It''s not what you think! That pill is¡­"

    The police had already arrived. Miss Poisonous didn''t expect that Wan Jia would have come prepared. She was taken unawares. She tried to send a message of help but it was too late. Her phone was taken away by Wan Jia. "They have all the time to listen to your lies."

    "Wan Jia, you can''t do this. I''m your¡­"

    Wan Jia who was walking away stopped. "My what?"

    Miss Poisonous hung her head. It''s not like Wan Jia would believe her. Even worse was: one policeman grabbed the juice to take to the lab. She wanted to snatch it back but the glass slipped instead and shattered on the floor, all the contents pouring down.

    "No¡­" Miss Poisonous cried. That was the only pill of its type. It was now gone just like that. She wasn''t in the mood to argue anymore. She let the officers drag her away.

    Wan Jia felt it was strange. Why would someone try to poison her? Just how many enemies did she have?

    ___

    As soon as Miss Poisonous was taken away, a lackey made a phone call.

    "Boss, Miss Poisonous has been discovered."

    "What? Was it Lu Aotian?"

    "It seems to be Miss Wan Jia. She just had her arrested."

    "What about the pill?"

    "She put it in Miss Wan Jia''s juice but the juice was poured. I didn''t dare to step up because it would be better if only one of us was caught."

    "Damn it! It wasn''t easy to make that pill." The man hung up in frustration.

    In Country V, the man rushed to his father angrily. "Poisonous has been caught. Don''t anybody dare to stop me from going to Country C now."

    "Preposterous! Qian Li, do you want to die?"

    "Poisonous survived for so long, and the person who caught her isn''t even Lu Aotian. Why can''t I survive?"

    He sighed at his father who was getting angrier by the second. "Father, if I don''t go, Wan Jia won''t be the only one you lose. I have to help Poisonous escape before they uncover her identity."

    Without waiting for his father to respond, he left the room and made a phone call. "Book me the next flight to Country C."

 Chapter 328 - I thought you didnt love me anymore

    The next day, in the Yun Mansion.

    "I knew it!"

    "What are you howling for? Can''t you see I''m busy?" General Yun was annoyed.

    Yun Jifeng put his phone on top of his father''s documents. He used a finger to point at a message. "I knew it! Lu Aotian is trying to use his wife to outs his brother.

    "Where''s this from?" General Yun was obviously impressed despite his shock.

    "I got dirt on one of Lu Enterprises'' main shareholders. I forced him to help me spy on Lu Enterprises. Don''t worry; the message is accompanied by voice recordings. It has to be true."

    "Well done." His father gave him a rare praise.

    "Don''t get cocky yet. Use that shareholder to sow discord between the brothers. Their fight for Lu Enterprises will begin very soon. Tsk, and here I was thinking that they love each other. Phew, we may not even need to buy shares."

    "That''s impossible." Yun Jifeng said. "How will you take over Lu Enterprises without the shares?"

    General Yun sneered. "Who said I want Lu Enterprises? I have so many international companies already. I only want to see the Lu family''s end. Those two half brothers will do me that favor. Lu Shaoting will kill his brother to get the company; Old Lu dies of shock and voila! The Lu family becomes extinct. Of course it''s not hard to eliminate Lu Shaoting as long as Lu Aotian is out of the way."

    Yun Jifeng couldn''t believe his own ears. His father didn''t want Lu Enterprises? "Then I want to take over that company. I don''t believe I''m any worse than Lu Aotian."

    "Of course, as you wish. Find a way to contact Lu Shaoting. It will be better if you used someone else. He wouldn''t trust you."

    "Isn''t that obvious? Of course I wouldn''t be so stupid."

    ___

    Lu Enterprises.

    Lu Aotian patted Thirty''s metallic head. "Thirty, did you record that?"

    The robot played the sound recording. Lu Aotian smiled. Thirty was becoming more reliable.

    Lu Shaoting who was in Lu Aotian''s office frowned. "Bro, is this why you gave sister-in-law your shares? To make people think you are trying to make her replace me and in the process, pull out the mole?"

    "Bingo!"

    "You¡­ you should have said it clearly before. You made me think you don''t love me anymore." He lamented

    Lu Aotian patted his head. "If I didn''t do that, how would I get to hear my little brother confess his loyalty to me? I was so moved, heh."

    Lu Shaoting moved his head away in disdain. "Whose head are you patting? Do you think I''m one of your robots?"

    "How''s the copycat doing?" Lu Aotian asked.

    " Zede was unable to program it so he gave it to me. But no matter how hard I try, it can''t function if it''s smaller. Also, it''s quite slow." Lu Shaoting answered. He had spent a lot of his time but hadn''t made any reasonable progress.

    "I''ll handle it." Lu Aotian said. "I''ll make it the best robot in the country."

    Lu Shaoting glanced at the robot standing beside Lu Aotian. "If Thirty was able to understand you, he''d be crying his metals out."

    "Forget about thrity. When Yun Jifeng''s lackey comes to you, you know what to do, right?"

    Lu Shaoting nodded. "I do. Bro, I will not disappoint you."

    Lu Aotian nodded. "We have enough evidence to give that man a death sentence."

    "What if he manipulates the court?"

    "He will be tried in the military court, Shaoting. I don''t know how he managed to do such terrible things as a general but he will never get away with it."

    Lu Shaoting was still not convinced. "The sentence could be lightened, you know. All we can do is sue him but we will not even be able to witness his trial. Worst of all, we can''t use our family''s power."

    Lu Aotian''s expression turned cold. "If the court doesn''t give him a death sentence, I will give him one. I will stab him with my own dagger or shoot him with my gun. Whatever it is, he can''t be alive beyond one month."

    Lu Shaoting was shocked by his brother''s sudden declaration. He would kill General Yun?

    But he couldn''t blame his brother. He had long considered doing that and only held back because he wanted to be a law-abiding citizen.

    "Bro, what about Yun Jifeng?"

    "Forget about that minion. Do you think he''ll still be alive once his dear father is gone? He has offended very many people. Just like his father, he killed everyone who knew of his deeds. How many people do you think want to kill him?"

    Lu Aotian was right. Yun Jifeng''s end would probably be even worse than his father''s. As for the rest of the Yun family, Lu Aotian didn''t care about them.

    He only wanted to destroy those who directly hurt his family or his wife. That was General Yun and his second son.

    "Shaoting, when this battle is over, there are things you will need to know." Lu Aotian paused before he clarified. "Regarding eldest uncle."

    The eldest uncle he was talking about was Lu Shaoting''s biological father.

    "What things?" It had been years since anyone ever mentioned his father. He was obviously curious, especially since his brother''s expression looked gloomy. As though what he wanted to tell him was something very important.

    "I said when this battle is over."

    "Okay,okay. You''re the boss. I''m leaving."

 Chapter 329 - Date

    When Lu Shaoting left Lu Aotian''s office, he asked his girlfriend out. They decided to go for a movie in the evening.

    That evening, Su Ling dolled herself up before leaving her apartment. After working for Wan Jia for months, she was able to afford better living conditions and therefore rented a better apartment with tighter security. Of course, she rejected Lu Shaoting''s wish to buy her a house. Although she wanted to live in luxury, she wanted to do so using her own money.  She was not married to Lu Shaoting yet and didn''t deserve such a privilege.

    ...

    Like every other boyfriend, Lu Shaoting booked the tickets and went off to buy popcorn and drinks for his girlfriend. Other women could only look at him and sigh in envy. The woman who could make Lu Shaoting line up to buy poporn must be riding on a long streak of luck.

    The movie they were watching today was a new thriller by a certain local actress. Her acting was not bad but since Su Ling became Lin Lihua''s fan, she would subconsciously compare other actresses to Lin Lihua. It wasn''t a surprise that she found the female lead''s acting rather lacking.

    "If you don''t like the movie, we can go somewhere else." Lu Shaoting whispered in her ear. He was fast to notice that she wasn''t particularly pleased.

    "The movie is good. The lead actress is just¡­a bit inexperienced."

    Lu Shaoting shook his head. "You fans of Lin Lihua have such high standards."

    "What do you expect? Our movie queen is indeed a queen. She holds the highest number of awards. Her record is supreme. Don''t forget that if she wins the title of Movie Queen this year, it will be a ten year streak. Are you sure you want to compare her to other actresses?"

    Lu Shaoting took a popcorn and shoved it in his mouth, his face revealing a pained expression. "If you worship her too much, Henry Blanc will have a word with you."

    Su Ling giggled. "Are you sure you''re not the jealous one? Pfft! You''re even jealous of a woman."

    If they were just any couple, the rest of the audience would complain about them whispering in the movie theatre. However, this man was Lu Shaoting. They didn''t have a word to say against them. They even wanted to know what they were talking so cheerfully about.

    When the movie was finished, Lu Shaoting wanted to go for dinner together. "I have a property in the south. How about we go there for dinner? I''ll cook."

    "You and your brother really love the south part of the city, right? It''s so cool!" her expression was that of worship. There were only a few estates in the south and all of them were insanely luxurious. The people who lived in those estates were all gods of wealth.

    She was yet to experience the hugest shock. When they arrived, she looked at her boyfriend. "Your villa is right opposite President Lu''s?" she had come to this estate one day when Wan Jia requested her to bring documents.

    "Yes. Its restyling was completed not too long ago. I wanted it to be as futuristic as my brother''s."

    "Who owns the one beside you? It looks European." She asked as she peered over from the balcony.

    "Bingo. It''s indeed European. It''s one of Henry Blanc''s properties. If he decides to settle down here, we will all be neighbors."

    "Lin Lihua will definitely love it."

    "That''s it now. Can you not stare at another man''s villa so much? Our matrimonial home looks better." He pulled her back.

    She looked around and pretended not to have heard what he just called this place. "It''s so huge." It was not as big as Lu Aotian''s but it was still too big for her.

    Lu Shaoting held her waist. "Don''t worry about that. We''ll have many kids to fill it with life. Do you want me to walk you around?"

    Su Ling nodded.

    When she saw the kids'' playroom, she was curious. "Why is it so big? It can practically fit fifty kids. This is not a school, right?"

    Lu Shaoting smiled naughtily. "If my brother''s kids want to play with their cousins, they can play here comfortably." He sounded as though their kids would be very many.

    Su Ling suddenly looked down, as though she was sad about something. "What if¡­I can''t have kids?"

    Her question stunned Lu Shaoting. That was too sudden. He sighed and pulled her into his arms. "What''s wrong with not having kids? We can always adopt some."

    "Will adopted kids really love us?"

    "Why not? Your movie queen is adopted too; and she loves her foster parents more than her own life. These are not the days when people would adopt children just to mistreat them. As long as we love them, they will love us too."

    Su Ling''s attention was caught by something else. "Talking of Lin Lihua, is she my boss'' sister? I''ve heard my boss address her as her sister many times."

    Lu Shaoting knew that this was a secret that not many people should know. "They are very good friends but she is older so my sister-in-law addresses her that way."

    Su Ling was still curious but nodded her head. "Oh¡­"

    "Is there something wrong?" Lu Shaoting asked her.

    She shook her head. "It''s nothing."

    "Then I''ll start cooking right away. Do you want to come along?"

    "Of course. I want to learn more."

    "You and your cooking lessons."

 Chapter 330 - Jealous

    Just like every other time they were together for home-cooked meals, Lu Shaoting cooked as he taught Su Ling. From her competent master, she had learnt quite a bit and could now cook simple dishes. Very soon, the meals were ready.

    "They look yummy. I can''t wait to try them out." Su Ling said.

    Lu Shaoting grabbed her waist habitually. "Really? I thought I look more attractive."

    Su Ling felt her body burn up from his charming voice beside her ear. She wriggled out of his embrace. "Stop messing around."

    "Actually, I think you''re more attractive than the food. How about I just have you for dinner?"

    He saw her face turn red and stopped messing around.

    ...

    When they were done eating, Su Ling became worried. "It''s getting late. I should probably head back now."

    Lu Shaoting grinned. "Really? I can drop you off at any time. Or if you don''t mind, you can spend the night here." Actually he really wanted her to spend the night here with him. Wouldn''t he be bored to death if he was all alone?

    "Eer¡­" she hesitated.

    "Why are you hesitant? It won''t be the first night we spend together." He teased.

    While that was true, she still had a weird feeling that made her blush.Why was it that she felt strange? Perhaps it was because this would be the first time being together in his villa? The other times were in her old apartment and in Lu Aotian''s North Side Villa.  Or¡­perhaps it was because he said something about wanting to have her for dinner?

    Lu Shaoting giggled and leaned closer to her. "Is it because I said this will be our matrimonial home, so you think something will happen?"

    Su Ling blushed and glared daggers at him. "You shut up. You''re the one who thinks something will happen."

    "Does that mean¡­you want something to happen?"

    Su Ling pushed his chest. "Honey, don''t be like this."

    "Heh. I won''t tease you anymore. There are many rooms here. You can sleep in any of them. Of course if you want to sleep in the main bedroom with me, that''s acceptable too."

    "How about we just sleep separately?"

    "Okay."

    After watching a movie, Lu Shaoting showed Su Ling to her room. When he left for his own room, she took her time to admire the large room. Everything was mainly in white, including the sheets and curtains. She didn''t find it boring because it was her favorite color. Now that she thought about it, most things in this villa were white. Lu Shaoting sure went all out with her best color. However, if this would be their matrimonial home, she would restyle it in warmer colors. There was too little color and it honestly looked a little gloomy. She opened the closet to take a look but¡­wait, why were there women''s clothes in here? They were all from high end brands and looked like each of them cost a fortune.

    She had never been here before so there wasn''t any way these were hers. She had randomly chosen the room next to his so there was no way they were prepared for her either. Besides, he decided to go to this villa for a meal right after their movie. Urgh¡­there was even underwear. Was there really someone else here before?

    She walked out of the closet and sighed.

    Well, it could be understood. He was already twenty eight. There was no way he had never been with a woman before. But wait, didn''t he say this villa was restyled not too long ago? Does that mean whoever that woman was, she had been here recently? She suddenly wasn''t in the mood to look around anymore. She was so jealous that it hurt.

    Knock knock!

    She heard a knock just as a drop of tear seeped out of her left eye. She was fighting her tears.

    "Come in." she said as she quickly wiped her tear and forced a smile.

    Lu Shaoting walked in his pajamas. "I forgot to tell you that there are pajamas in the closet. There''s everything you need in there."

    Su Ling looked at him, stunned. Those were hers? "When did you¡­" her voice was broken so she shut up.

    "When did I prepare them? They have been here for a few weeks now. I have always wanted to bring you over to spend a night."

    When she heard him, she felt embarrassed. Here she was feeling jealous of the owner of these clothes, yet they were hers? She rushed to the closet and randomly checked a dress. It was in her size. Even the bras and underwear were the right size. She blushed. "Pervert."

    Lu Shaoting abruptly appeared beside her, "When I came in just now, I thought you looked upset. Don''t tell me¡­you already saw the clothes and thought they belonged to someone else so you got jealous?"

    Su Ling jabbed him in the stomach. "You really know how to infuriate me. I thought they were someone else''s. For that second, I was almost sure you were keeping another woman.

    Lu Shaoting really wanted to laugh. "You could have just checked the size and colors to know that they are yours. Do you  think I would let another woman into my house? How can my girlfriend be so easily jealous?"

    She held his neck and kissed his lips, not minding his teasing. "Thank you. You are so kind to me."

 Chapter 331 - I want you

    This chapter is X-rated, you can skip it if you''re not comfortable with it.

    He held her waist and pulled her against him. "Is that really how you''re going to thank me? With a single kiss?"

    She blushed when she noticed his passionate gaze. He was looking at her as though he couldn''t wait to swallow her up. "How about two, or maybe three?"

    He leaned in and took her lips in his. Su Ling responded to his kiss by gently nibbling his lower lip before welcoming his tongue into her mouth. He explored every tiny part of her mouth as he held onto her like a treasure he couldn''t let go of. Su Ling felt her body go weak and held onto his shoulders for support. The man didn''t intend to stop kissing her until she was out of breath.

    He slid tongue back and forth between her lips, swirled it around hers and took her tongue into his mouth.

    When she almost passed out from lack of air, he broke contact with her lips and landed his lips on her neck. He pushed her against the wall, trapping her between the cold wall and his raging hot body.

    He sucked on her fair neck and in no time, a red little mark appeared.

    He looked at her face that was now red from their passionate kiss. Her eyes were a little dazed and wet as she looked at him, a lustful gaze.

    Holding her nape with one hand, he siezed her lips and locked them with his. This time it was more passionate, threatening to pull all the air out of her lungs.

    Without breaking the kiss, he lifted her by the waist and lay her on the bed. His tall body followed her down almost immediately.

    His palm rubbed her thigh, sending a tingling sensation down her spine.

    With a coarse voice and eyes lingering with lust, he looked right into her eyes and asked, "Ling, can I have you tonight?"

    His voice made her shiver slightly. Of course she wanted him to have her. She had wanted him for a long time and was ready to serve herself on a silver platter. But if she simply said so, could she still keep her dignity?

    Lu Shaoting saw that she did not answer and continued looking at her. Her face revealed no trace of reluctance nor disgust. He could even notice a trace of desire for him in her eyes.

    He tugged on her hem and lifted it slowly, ready to let go if she didn''t want it.

    His fingers rubbed on her skin, sending waves of desire down her spine. She involuntarily grabbed onto the sheet beneath her.

    Seeing her actions, he traced her back to find the zipper of her dress and pulled on it slowly. Then, he took the dress off her and shoved it away.

    Her body was now exposed before his eyes. Her bra was black tonight, making the boobs in them looking fairier and more seductive than they already were.

    She noticed his line of sight and subconciously wanted to cover her chest with her hands. Lu Shaoting acted faster, he unhooked her bra and took it off, taking one of her fair breasts in his hand. He rubbed on it a little and put it in his mouth, rubbing the other one using his hand.

    A low moan of pleasure escaped her lips as she dragged her fair fingers through his scalp and grabbed on his hair, using it as a tool to control her desire.

    Lu Shaoting raised his head to look into her eyes as he took off his pajamas, then took her now slightly swollen lips into his. His hot breath still lingered on her breasts.

    On the huge bed, their naked bodies rubbed against each other with only their inner clothes between them.

    Lu Shaoting reached for her holy territory and felt it through her underwear.

    "You''re wet." He smiled.

    Before she could say a thing, he reached into her panty and slid a finger into her body, making moans of pleasure escape her lips. He moved his finger in and out of her body and withdrew it just as she was about to hit a climax.

    Throwing her so called dignity to the wind, she held his neck and said in a raspy voice. "I want you. Take me now."

    His response was taking off the remaining pieces of clothing from them and separating her thighs, positioning himself between them.

    In the next second...

    "Ow!"

    He had just tried to enter her body but she felt hurt instead. He withdrew quickly and looked at her worriedly "Did I hurt you?"

    Su Ling wasn''t listening to him. "It''s already not my first time....why does it hurt so bad?" Besides, wasn''t she ready to do it?

    Lu Shaoting kissed her forehead. "We can do it next time. Let''s see if you''re hurt." He carried her in his arms and walked towards the bathroom.

    As he helped her bathe, Su Ling blushed in embarassment. "It''s not good for your body to hold it in. You should have just done it."

    "I don''t want to hurt you." He said in a serious manner.

    She looked aside with a burning face. She hadn''t expected his member to be so...

    With the relaxing warmth of the water, her eyes drooped in sleep. Lu Shaoting helped her back into the room and held her in his arms, falling asleep too.

 Chapter 332 - You will be replaced by your sister-in-law

    Yun Jifeng decided to take action on the day after Lu Shaoting''s date with Su Ling. The middle aged man called Master Li found him when he left his office in the evening. Lu Aotian was right about Master Li. He was the mole.

    "Second Master Lu, long time no see."

    After staying with his brother all these years, Lu Shaoting was able to predict that this man wanted something from him; and from his tone, it was definitely something mischevious. Lu Aotian had already tipped him off but he still pretended to not know. "Master Li, is there something you want to tell me?"

    "Ahem, I just wanted to invite second young master for a drink and a game of chess. Is it possible for second young master to grace me with the opportunity?" he deliberately repeated "Second young master" while emphasizing the words one by one as though expressing his sarcasm.

    Lu Shaoting of course saw through this. "Of course. I happen to have a lot of free time. A drink or two wouldn''t kill."

    "Second young master is indeed very kind. It''s my treat."

    Lu Shaoting secretly sneered and got into his car. After placing something on his passanger seat, he drove to a high end bar and booked a private room. If they were going to destroy someone, they had to do it accurately.

    "Master Li didn''t just call me here for a drink and a game of chess, right?" he probed after a few rounds of chess, none of which Master Li had won.

    "Second young master is indeed quite observant. I had something to request if I won against you but how can I win against someone from the Lu family? I must have thought too highly of myself."

    Lu Shaoting suppressed a laugh. Of course you can''t beat the Lu family. Perhaps even my four-year-old niece can beat your ass. "You don''t need to beat me to ask for something. Just spit it out."

    "Really? I¡­ the thing is, only your brother can do this."

    "Then why didn''t you find him instead? Am I a messenger?"

    "No no. What I mean is, could you ask President Lu for a favor on my behalf? I can''t bring myself to talk to him."

    "You can stop beating around the bush." Lu Shaoting was now a hundred percent sure. This man was the mole.

    The man looked as though he had suffered a lot but to Lu Shaoting, he was no different from a clown. "Vice President Lu, I hope President Lu can let me off. If he does this to me, I won''t be able to take care of my family." He was on the verge of falling on his knees to beg.

    "Do what?" Lu Shaoting asked.

    "Sigh, President Lu is finding ways to kick me out of the company. I don''t even know why I did wrong."

    Lu Shaoting gave an answer anyone would. "Really? Why would my brother do that?"

    "I don''t know either. I don''t seem to be the only one he''s doing this to. He could be trying to change the higher management or something."

    "Who else?" he laughed.

    Master Li found his chance. "You."

    A cold silence followed. The middle aged man coughed and broke into a smile. "Ah, second young master, that was a joke just now. Why would President Lu want to kick you out of the company?"

    Just as Yun Jifeng had predicted, Lu Shaoting didn''t look like he believed him. He stood up and grabbed Master Li''s collar. His eyes in that moment were so scary that the man almost told him the whole truth. "Speak."

    "Second young master, please calm down. I''ll tell you everything."

    Lu Shaoting let go of his collar and allowed him to speak.

    "I observed that you have been missing from important meetings more often. You are not a shareholder, are you?" he asked boldly.

    That got Lu Shaoting thinking. Indeed, recently the shareholders'' meetings had been colliding with other meetings that he had to attend. It could have been a coincidence but now it seemed like his brother was the real deal. He had even considered this!

    Master Li mistook his expression and thought that Lu Shaoting had made a shocking discovery. He continued, "Do you know who has been attending more meetings lately? This person even sits on your seat."

    "Who?"

    "Miss Wan Jia. No wait, it''s Mrs. Lu. She even holds ten percent of the company''s shares now."

    "Oh, does she now?"

    "I wouldn''t dare to tell you a lie. If you haven''t realized it yet, the matters that have been previously handled by you are now being handled by her. I heard that her test project is even the same as yours from years ago. He chose for her a more difficult task so that when it''s complete, she would be better than you."

    "What''s your point?" Lu Shaoting leaned back and looked at him.

    "Sigh, Second master, I don''t think I should be telling you this but because you are kind, I will. If you don''t tread more carefully, you will be kicked out and replaced by your sister-in-law."

    Finally, he got to his point.

    Lu Shaoting downed a huge swig of wine and looked down in thought. "I''ve been wondering why things seem different with my brother lately. It''s as though¡­ never mind. I shouldn''t be telling you this."

 Chapter 333 - Is there anything he cant do?

    Master Li knew that his discord must have been successfully sown. He pushed a little further. "Perhaps we share the same fate. He must be feeling guilty because of something that happened that''s why he wants to kick you out."

    "Really? What makes you think so? If someone feels guilty, they should try to please people, right?"

    "Perhaps he is tired of butteribg up to you? I''ve seen that happen many times. Second young master, I don''t want to appear to be sowing discord between you and President Lu. After all he has treated you like a full blood brother all these years."

    Although his well planned words seemed to be getting him out of an awkward situation, they were meant to make Lu Shaoting know his place. He was not and would never be Lu Aotian''s brother. They were cousins.

    "Luckily second master is very kind. If anyone else was wearing your shoe, they would have fought for the company long ago¡­Urgh. Don''t listen to my nonsense. I must be so drunk that I''m spewing so much nonsense."

    Lu Shaoting smiled evilly. "It''s just an opinion. Don''t worry, I don''t mind. I just don''t have the heart to go against the person who has always protected me. If not...urgh"

    Hearing that Lu Shaoting didn''t mind and even seemed to have split opinions about Lu Aotian, he asked a question he had been ordered to ask. "I don''t know if it''s true but I heard your father was the eldest son of Elder Master Lu?"

    "That''s true." Lu Shaoting didn''t mind being asked that.

    "Then I wonder why Lu Aotian was the one who took over the company and not you? You are not the eldest grandson but Lu Aotian isn''t either. Your father had another son. I wonder why he didn''t take over the company." Master Li asked in the tone of an elder opening the eyes of the young ones.

    "What are you driving at?" Lu Shaoting forced a chuckle. His biological father''s son died when Mo Zilian betrayed the family. Even if he was still alive, he may not have been a good leader like Lu Aotian. He didn''t think that way just because he had been in good terms with Lu Aotian all his life. It was the truth.

    "Perhaps you don''t know some things because you were just a teen when your grandfather passed. However, I heard many rumors back then." Li continued.

    "What rumors?"

    "It''s just strange that Old Master Lu''s condition wasn''t that bad and his injuries would have healed but when President Lu went to see him, he suddenly passed all his company shares to him and died just like that. Don''t you find it inexplicable? Who is to say he didn''t do something to the old man?"

    Lu Shaoting chuckled. He had heard this rumor many times in the past. However, he knew that his brother wouldn''t have done anything. Aside from all the love he had for their grandfather, no one knew but he was also in that room when it happened.

    "Master Li, thanks for opening my eyes." He said, feigning gratefulness.S

    Master Li had an expression that said, you don''t have to thank me. I''ve been forced to do this.

    Suddenly, Lu Shaoting stared at his ear. "Master Li, what''s that on your ear?"

    The man tensed up. "What''s what? There''s nothing on my ear."

    "I see." Lu Shaoting stood calmly and pulled something from Master Li''s ears. "Have you been receiving instructions? What you said just now..."

    Master Li shook. Yun Jifeng who was talking to him had already hung up. "S-second master, it''s not what you think. What I said just now is the truth. I witnessed it with my own eyes."

    Lu Shaoting sneered, let go of him and walked out. Mater Li couldn''t believe what just happened. He had been let off? Perhaps it was because the news was so huge that he didn''t have time to react to other things. Yes, that must be the case.

    ¡­

    In his car, Lu Shaoting sent his brother a message. [I trapped him.]

    Lu Aotian listened to the recording from Thirty and sent a reply. [Well done.]

    In his office, his expression was dark. Master Li really wanted to die. How dare he accuse him of such monstrous acts? He even dragged Lu Tongyan into the mud. Although he was being forced, Lu Aotian would never forgive him. When Yun Jifeng approached him, he had the option to tell Lu Aotian that he was being blackmailed. Since he didn''t believe in his superior and decided to betray his company, he may as well perish with that family.

    ¡­

    Lu Shaoting put his phone away and looked at the minuscule kitten robot on his passenger seat. It was now almost as small as a thumb. He switched off the recording function. "My brother sure is impressive. If he was able to make you register my voice and record conversations made by me from such a long distance, not to mention link you with Thirty, is there anything he can''t do? He even managed to make you so small that no one can tell you are a robot. Forget about your creator. Even I wouldn''t be able to achieve such a feat in ten lifetimes."

    He felt Master Li''s death wasn''t too far away. Out of all people he could provoke, he just had to provoke Lu Aotian.

 Chapter 334 - Need to work harder

    In the Yun Mansion.

    Yun Jifeng held his phone as he paced about. "Damn that Master Li. How could he be so careless?"

    Luckily, Lu Shaoting still believed those things he was told in the end. If not, their plan would go south. And here he thought that Lu Shaoting was actually intelligent. Pfft. He was too easy to deal with.

    Now, all he had to do was sit back with his father and watch the brothers start fighting. It would be too satisfying, especially thinking about how when the fight is over, he would be the new CEO of the nation''s top multibillion company.

    ¡­

    At the same time, in the Lin residence.

    No one on earth was happier than Lin Lihua. The Golden Star Awards would happen in just a few days. She was naturally happy because this year, just like the previous nine years, her chances of winning were the highest. There was almost no suspense.

    That wasn''t what made her the happiest. The best part was an internet post that she had been tagged in. It was that of a man expressing his support to her as his only goddess. He even promised to attend the awards ceremony.

    For Lin Lihua to be very happy, who else could that man be but Henry Blanc?

    ....

    Her manager brought a few gowns for her to choose from for the awards ceremony. "Miss Lin, Designer Wan from EFW sent over these gowns. I''ll help you pick one for the awards ceremony."

    Lin Lihua looked over and frowned. "Aren''t there any red ones?"

    "Eh?" The manager was taken aback. Did Lin Lihua just say red?

    She coughed and adjusted quickly. "I''ll talk to Designer Wan right away." Right after saying that, she looked troubled. "Miss Lin, the awards ceremony is only in a few days. I''m afraid designer Wan is being sought like a magical treasure. Will I really be able to see her?" Let alone talking to her, seeing her was in itself a high class mission.

    The fact that it was not certain if she had the time and was willing to make a dress for Lin Lihua was even more disturbing. After all she was President Lu''s wife and didn''t have to give anyone face.

    Lin Lihua''s manager didn''t know that Wan Jia was her younger sister and was convinced that it would be harder to get a custom outfit from Wan Jia than to raise the dead.

    "Nevermind." Lin Lihua said and took out her phone.

    Her manager was still standing aside and unintentionally overheard their conversation.

    "My little darling, do you have time to make me an outfit?"

    "I sent five. You don''t like any of them?"

    The phone was on speaker since Lin Lihua wanted to continue looking through her jewelry boxes while on the call.

    The manager was stunned. What did Lin Lihua just call Wan Jia?

    "They''re very pretty, but I prefer a red one."

    "After not seeing for a while, a certain someone took a liking to that bright color. Could it be that my sis is in love?" Wan Jia teased.

    "You''re in love! Are you able or not? If it''s too late to make a custom one, you can just help me buy one you think will suit me."

    "Wait for my good news." Wan Jia said. Inside she was saying, hehe. Watch me make you wear an amorous red gown.

    Wan Jia was in Elite Fashion World, discussing business with Lu Aotian when Lin Lihua called.

    When the call ended, Wan Jia still looked cheerful.

    "What are you thinking about?"

    "I want to make an amorous gown for my sister. She will look like a young woman in love. Hehe."

    Lu Aotian raised an eyebrow. What in the world was an amorous gown?

    "My love, what color do you want to wear on that day?"

    Lu Aotian: "I''m only a guest. You don''t have to make an outfit for me."

    Wan Jia tapped the desk. "But if President Lu is willing to be my male model, help me publicize my male designs."

    "Okay."

    Lu Aotian resumed looking at the reports on her desk and sighed. "You made 39% of EFW'' sales this month."

    Wan Jia took the report from him and looked too. All the other designers made 5% in the highest. The only exception was Designer Shen who had been allowed to make a comeback. He made 20% and it was already terrifying.

    "It''s a good thing but I think it''s troublesome. Although in the past month I only released one series, its value kept multiplying. It might affect the other designers."

    She was right. Female customers had started waiting exclusively for her new series and wouldn''t have much interest in the others. Male customers were starting to seek her too. The whole situation had a negative impact on the other designers, especially those whose emotions affected their ability and inspiration.

    "Your brand can''t be delayed any longer." Lu Aotian said.

    "I can temporarily stop creating new designs; until my project is complete."

    "Or you can skip the project." He suggested.

    Wan Jia smiled warmly but rejected his suggestion. "President Lu wants to use his power to make it easier for me? Actually, you don''t have to. It''s just six months. It''s not like I''m retiring."

    "If that''s what you want then I have nothing to say."

    Wan Jia suddenly clutched her waist.

    "What happened?" Lu Aotian sprung from his seat.

    Wan Jia avoided his gaze. "It''s nothing. I think we might need to ''work'' harder."

    He really needed to. She was not pregnant.

 Chapter 335 - Im not a ghost

    Within a flash of a second, Wan Jia was no longer in a good mood.

    Lu Aotian saw her expression and understood what she was talking about. "You''re on your period?"

    Wan Jia nodded. "I''m starting to think there''s something wrong with me. Do you think I should go for another test?"

    Lu Aotian held her in his arms. "Honey, it''s harder for a woman to conceive when she''s anxious about it. You don''t seem to be completely calm." He caressed her hair. "But, if taking a test will take away your anxiety, I will make arrangements with the hospital tomorrow."

    "Okay." she said as she hugged his waist.

    ¡­

    The next day, Lu Aotian had already made an appointment in the hospital. She took a day off from Elite Fashion World and let Lu Aotian accompany her to the hospital. They had booked an appointment with the best gynecologist in the nation C.

    "President Lu, Mrs. Lu." The gynecologist greeted them when they arrived. "Everything is ready. Mrs. Lu can have the tests right away."

    "Mmh." Lu Aotian led Wan Jia towards her office.

    The gynecologist coughed awkwardly. "Erm¡­President Lu¡­"

    "Is anything the matter?" Lu Aotian asked expressionlessly.

    "Yes, erm¡­men are not allowed beyond this point." The gynecologist really felt she had used up all her courage from ten lifetimes to dare to stop Lu Aotian. It''s just that she had to do it.

    "Who said men are not allowed?" Lu Aotian asked.

    "It''s a hospital policy. President Lu, don''t worry, we will take great care of Mrs. Lu. Not a single strand of hair will be missing from her head."

    Wan Jia saw her husband''s scary expression and lit a candle in her heart for the poor gynecologist who was obviously so scared she could pass out. "It''s just a test. I''ll be fine."

    "If you say so." He agreed reluctantly.

    Wan Jia was led into the gynecologist''s office. The woman was much more relaxed with Lu Aotian absent.

    Wan Jia explained her situation in detail.

    The woman looked at her. "You have had a child before, right?"

    "Yes."

    "The possibility of anything being wrong with your body is already minimum just considering this fact alone. You should know that¡­" she was yet to complete her statement when Wan Jia saw a flash of white. The next thing she saw was someone put a piece of cloth over the gynecologist''s nose. The woman passed out right away.

    Everything happened in three seconds. Wan Jia''s first reaction was to grab a thick file from the gynecologist''s desk and throw it towards the white figure. From the person''s build and moves, it was obviously a man. She wondered what a man was doing in here when they were prohibited. What surprised her even more was that he dodged the file and blocked her punch when she tried to attack.

    The man dragged the gynecologist aside and made her sit properly then faced Wan Jia with his mask still on. "Shouldn''t your first reaction be to scream? What kind of woman are you?"

    Wan Jia made herself comfortable. "Why would I scream? You wouldn''t hurt me."

    "How sure are you that I wouldn''t hurt you?"

    Wan Jia rolled her eyes like his question was stupid. "The door isn''t locked and the first person you attacked was her. If you wanted to hurt me, that would be too careless of you."

    "Indeed." Said the man.

    "So, why are you here?"

    The man silently tugged on his mask. To say that Wan Jia wasn''t in the slightest scared would be exaggerating. She was in fact so scared that she felt chills down her back. She just couldn''t let her fear show on her face, but she couldn''t bring herself to escape. Curious to know who this was, she watched him take off his mask.

    "Just¡­don''t scream. I will not manage to tell you what I should if Lu Aotian''s attention is piqued."

    "I see."

    As soon as the mask was taken off, her eyes went wide in shock. "Doctor Qian?!"

    He rushed to block her mouth. If not, she would really scream. "Don''t freak out. I''m not a ghost."

    He let her adjust to the shock of seeing him before he let her off.

    "You! Aren''t you dead?" Wan Jia asked.

    Qian Li shrugged his shoulders. "When I held your mouth just now, did you or did not feel that I''m made of flesh? My father offended your husband terribly for fun so I had to fake my death. Okay, let''s leave that for our next meeting. That''s if you are willing to meet again."

    "What do you want?"

    "I want to make a deal." He said.

    "Bring it on."

    "Can you let Poisonous off? Her being in jail is a ticking time bomb. She will be dead once she is discovered."

    Wan Jia furrowed her eyebrows. "I don''t understand many things here. Who is Poisonous?"

    Qian Li answered, "Crap, I don''t know what identity she used to get close to you. But you had her arrested because of a pill."

    Wan Jia remembered the incident with "Lai Shuangshuang". "What kind of joke is this? You want me to let go of the person who tried to kill me? Since you are together in this, perhaps you want a taste of jail as well?"

    Qian Li grabbed her hand. "Listen, you misunderstood. That pill was supposed to make you¡­erm¡­have higher chances of pregnancy. I know about your daughter''s illness and unfortunately I can''t treat that. This is the only way I can help you."

 Chapter 336 - He didnt hurt anyone.

    Wan Jia had a curious look on her face. Whoever told this man she needed his help? Also, if he only wanted to help her, why would he make it look like he was doing something shady? Anyone who witnessed the whole thing would think Miss Poisonous was trying to poison her.

    "Why would you help me?" she asked.

    "It''s not for nothing. My help comes in exchange of Poisonous'' freedom."

    "That would be a perfect excuse if she hadn''t been the one to give me that pill. Why would you want her to give it to me?"

    Qian Li checked the time. "I''m running out of time. Listen, it''s all hard to explain but please do me just this one favor. Let Poisonous go. She will not try to get close to you again."

    When she saw the helplessness in his eyes, she felt moved for a reason. It was exactly how anyone would look if they wanted to save someone they love but could only watch them suffer. "Fine I will let her go. My condition is that she never appears before me." she had already explained to the CEO that "Lai Shuangshuang" had to resign because of a personal matter.

    "Thank you." Qian Li said. Then he took a small box from his pocket. "Here. It''s another pill of the same type. I remade it."

    Wan Jia was baffled. "Remade? You mean you invented it yourself?"

    "That''s right."

    She looked at him doubtfully. Although he was a genius doctor, she couldn''t find any reason why he would help her.

    Qian Li knew why she was thinking and gave her a card with his private contact number. "If you are willing to have a private chat with me, call this contact number and we will meet to talk. I will explain everything then." He sighed and continued. "In exchange of Poisonous'' freedom, I owe you a life. If you don''t trust my pill, you can take it for testing. I guarantee it doesn''t contain anything harmful. Also, I advise you to only eat food prepared by someone you trust. Someone might try to give you contraceptive drugs."

    "I know. I''m careful about that." Of course she knew about this possibility. With their enemies knowing about Little Jia''s condition, someone might even try to make her infertile forever.

    "Sometimes changing your environment might help. Erm, about the metallic case.."

    Wan Jia wasn''t listening to him. She looked at her phone that she had speed dialed accidentally. "You may want to make yourself scarce. Aotian arrives in ten seconds. I wouldn''t be surprised if he took less than that."

    By the time she was done speaking, a firm pair of rushed footsteps was heard approaching. Luckily he didn''t walk soundlessly this time. It served as a warning to Qian Li.

    "Oh no!" he exclaimed and reached for the window.

    Lu Aotian opened the door just as he jumped out. They were on the fifteenth floor. Wan Jia hoped he was going to sneak into another room. It would be suicidal to jump down.

    "Aotian, she fainted out of nowhere. I don''t know what happened." Wan Jia said as she took the piece of cloth that had fallen beside the woman and hid it before Lu Aotian saw it, trying to stall for time at the same time.

    The man didn''t say a word. He dragged her aside and walked to the window, looking outside. He narrowed his eyes when he didn''t see anyone trying to escape.

    Wan Jia panicked. She didn''t know why she wanted to help Qian Li but she rushed to feel the gynecologist''s pulse. Lu Aotian''s attention was shifted by her action.

    "I called for a doctor already. I don''t know why they haven''t arrived yet."

    Lu Aotian walked towards her and held her chin, making her look at him. "She''ll be okay. Whoever it was didn''t want to hurt her but you¡­You don''t want me to misunderstand you, do you? Someone was here just now. Who was it?"

    Wan Jia gulped. She wanted to help him but she didn''t want to lie to her husband. "It''s that genius doctor Qian." Sorry Doctor Qian, I have to give you away.

    As expected, his expression turned scary even for her.

    "Don''t¡­don''t do anything to him, okay? He didn''t try to hurt me."

    "Why was he here?"

    Wan Jia had no choice but to tell him. "He¡­"

    Luckily, his phone rang right before she explained.

    The caller was Lu Shaoting. Wan Jia thanked him a million times in her heart. However, what Lu Shaoting said shattered her brain. "Bro, you were right. Qian Li isn''t dead. He was spotted by our men leaving North Mountain Gynecology Hospital just now."

    Lu Aotian hung up and looked at her. On second thought, he didn''t ask anything. He took her hand and left the hospital.

    Although he didn''t say anything, Wan Jia knew that he was angry. Of course anyone would be angry. The first thing she did when she saw the man who deceived her husband was cover up for him. She even accepted a pill from him. Wasn''t this similar to helping the enemy?

    She held his arm to act cute. "My love, he really didn''t try to hurt anyone. He came for the sake of his girlfriend." Wan Jia''s guess was that Miss Poisonous was his girlfriend.

    When she explained the situation, Lu Aotian was in thought. That weird Qian father and son pair had always sought trouble from him. Why did it suddenly sound different?

    "Give me the pill. I''ll have it tested."

 Chapter 337 - She only cares about one persons compliments

    Wan Jia gave the pill to him with her eyes screaming of curiosity.

    "What''s with that look?"

    She asked hesitantly. "You''re going to kill them?"

    Lu Aotian met her gaze with his. "In your eyes, am I a person that kills without reason?"

    Wan Jia: "You''re right. You don''t kill. You make people beg to die. Honey, let them off this once, okay? If they seek any more trouble, I will not have anything to say."

    Lu Aotian didn''t know why his wife was trying to defend them but he agreed. "Okay."

    Wan Jia was finally relaxed.

    Lu Aotian was currently thinking about how weird it was for his enemies to be offering help to his wife. Could it be that they wanted something in return?

    When he went back to his office, he got into his investigation mode.

    "Bro, what are you doing?" the curious Lu Shaoting was at it as usual.

    "Investigating Qian Li." He answered expressionlessly.

    "Is there anything I can do to help?"

    "Find out everything about his ancestors. The more detailed the better."

    Hours later.

    "That was strange. I found no connection between them and sister-in-law. Not even a tiny one with the He family." Lu Shaoting said.

    "There''s none with the Lin family." Lu Aotian sighed.

    "Perhaps they are related to Xia Rou?" Lu Shaoting thought aloud.

    "They are not." That was Lu Aotian''s first hypothesis since Xia Rou was the only person around Wan Jia whose life was mysterious.

    "Forget it. I''ll keep a close watch on them." Lu Aotian said.

    "Bro, what do we do with the Yun family? Are we going to wait for them to make a move?"

    "We are going to make them impatient. They are waiting for us to start fighting, right? Our next move is to fill the media with good news from the family. Let them pull out their trump card while we still have all our cards."

    Lu Shaoting nodded. As expected, his brother always came up with the most effective plans.

    He looked at him and wanted to ask something, in the end, he changed his mind and left Lu Aotian''s office. Unfortunately, Lu Aotian wasn''t looking at him and didn''t see the questioning look in his younger brother''s eyes.

    ¡­

    Talking of good news and happy occasions, one of them had arrived. In the blink of an eye, it was already the day of the Golden Star Awards. The awards ceremony would be in the evening.

    In the capital, the most talented stylists were so busy that they didn''t have time for a breather. Habitually, Wan Jia was going to style her sister. Lin Lihua already had a personal makeup artist and didn''t need to use Qing Tai Media''s team.

    As Wan Jia left her office for Lin Lihua''s apartment, Su Ling was curious. "Boss, are you going to style Lin Lihua?"

    "Mmh."

    "As an actress from Qing Tai Media, she''s not going to wear an outfit from her company''s designers, but from EFW instead?"

    Wan Jia found Su Ling''s statement laughable. She sounded as though she was jealous about Lin Lihua being so casual with EFW.

    "Lin Lihua is my sister and she likes my designs. Why would she go for others?" Wan Jia laughed.

    Su Ling was stunned. "Your sister? Boss you¡­you''re from the Lin family?"

    They were on the corridor. Wan Jia peered beside her from the corner of her eye and smiled in satisfaction. Her expression turned warmer as she said to Su Ling, "Her mother is mine too."

    Su Lin who was clueless was even more excited than Wan Jia. "Oh my world! You must be so happy, right? Does that mean the CEO of Lin Industries is your father?"

    Wan Jia gestured a hush. "Keep it down."

    "Oh."

    She turned absent mindedly and when she saw a petite assistant make a phone call, she took out her own phone and sent a one word message to Lu Aotian. [Done.]

    Lu Aotian''s next step of his plan was to find an opportunity to spike rumors about Wan Jia''s real family. The ultimate result he wanted was to make the news distract the Yuns. It would give him time to catch them guard less. He had already discussed this with the Lins and they were all alright with it.

    When Wan Jia noticed that the petite assistant had been spying on her for three days in a row, she found a chance to spill the news.

    A reply came quickly. [Good girl.]

    She blushed when Lu Aotian called her a good girl. It wasn''t hard to picture his face while tying such words.

    ¡­

    At the Lin residence, Lin Lihua looked beautiful in her red new gown. It had a slightly deep V that showed off her full chest and was backless. Wan Jia had carefully chosen her shoes and jewelry. With her thick hair falling to her back in waves, she looked absolutely stunning.

    Su Ling who was at the side was awed. "You''re really going to wow the masses. You look like a queen. All that''s missing is a crown."

    Wan Jia giggled. "Wrong. All that''s missing is a king." And he won''t be missing for too long.

    Su Ling caught her meaning and laughed. "Actually, she doesn''t care about our praises. She only has ears for one person''s praises."

    Lin Lihua glared at them. Teasing, teasing. They only knew to tease her. But when she thought of how a certain someone would react seeing her like this, she blushed like a little girl.

 Chapter 338 - Future husband, this is for you

    Of course this didn''t go unnoticed by her matchmakers.

    "Sis, can I take a photo of you?" Wan Jia asked.

    "Sure. But you can''t post it before tonight." that would reveal her outfit, which would spoil the surprise.

    "I know."

    Wan Jia took a photo of Lin Lihua''s back view and set it as her phone screen''s wallpaper. "This is the best piece of clothing I''ve ever made."

    After chatting with Lin Lihua for a while, she went to check on the Lu brothers. They had been invited as VIP guests and were both wearing her male outfits. Lu Shaoting obviously wanted a couple outfit to wear with his Su Ling. She only went to dress up after making sure that her ''breathtaking models'' were completely dressed. Although she was a VIP guest, she wasn''t one of the stars of the show so her make up and dress were simple.

    ¡­

    At dusk, the Lu couples were both ready to go. Little Jia didn''t look pleased. "Daddy, can I go too?" she clung to Lu Aotian and asked.

    Lu Aotian picked her up and kissed her cheeks. "Sorry princess, you can only watch on television this time."

    The little girl wriggled out of her father''s arms, took his phone and looked for a contact number. The adults all peered over to see her dial Xu Liaowen''s contact number.

    When the call was connected, she spoke in a tiny voice as though she had been tormented. "Hello, Uncle Liaowen. Can I speak to Tangtang?" her tone was that of seeking solace after being treated unfairly.

    Xu Liaowen laughed at the little girl''s adorable tone and called his son over. As soon as Little Jia heard Tangtang''s voice, she acted pitiful. "Tangtang, save me! The adults are acting weird again. I can''t take it anymore. Wu..." she even wiped off her imaginary tears.

    The adults all burst into laughter. Little Jia didn''t mind them and continued speaking to Tangtang. "Can you come and keep me company? One more look at them and I''ll pass out from anger."

    Tangtang laughed on the other side. "Are they that boring?"

    "Uh huh. Let''s play together, okay? You can sleep over at my house. Daddy won''t mind."

    Tangtang paused and asked Xu Liaowen for permission. "My Daddy agreed. Mommy will drop me off on her way to the awards ceremony."

    She nodded and returned her father''s phone then looked up at him with her big bright eyes. "Daddy,"

    "Mmh?" he feigned ignorance.

    She held his hand and swung it, looking at him with those starry eyes that no one could resist. "Daddy can Tangtang stay over here tonight?"

    Lu Aotian was speechless. You already invited him. What''s the point in asking? Still, he nodded.

    The little girl gestured for him to lower his head. Then she patted his hair and kissed his cheek. "Little Jia loves Daddy the most."

    She fled to find the butler as soon as she got her way. Her cheerful baby voice could be heard clearly. "Grandpa Butler, could I trouble you to prepare snacks? Tangtang loves¡­" she rattled on Tangtang''s favorite snacks as though she had recited them a thousand times.

    __

    The Golden Star Awards.

    The actors and actresses walked the red carpet in pairs, groups or, for those with high status like Lin Lihua, alone. Most people may have forgotten all about the red carpet but no one would ever forget about Lin Lihua''s stunning entrance.

    From the moment that fair pair of beautiful legs in diamond heels left the car, no single eyeball left her. Her gorgeous gown wrapped around her curvy body gracefully and left a short trail behind her. Her looks had been blessed by the heavens. Every inch of her body looked so alluring that even women were entranced by her. The fact that she was smiling bashfully today made her even more stunning. Even those who had come to support other idols forgot about them and instantly became Lin Lihua''s diehard fans.

    ...

    The most memorable part was not even her beauty. When she finally set the record of ten consecutive Golden Star Awards, her speech brought good news to her fans.

    "My awards in the past have been for my fans. I worked hard for my family, my fans and myself. But this time, I would love to dedicate this trophy to the man I''ll marry.

    Future husband, this is for you. In future, I will work hard for us."

    Silence followed.

    What did their queen just say?

    Future...husband? She was finally considering marriage? This was even bigger news than her holding the "movie queen" title for a decade. After all the latter had long been expected. But tonight, the actress who never cared about men and didn''t spare anyone a second glance actually said the word "husband"?

    For her family and fans, it was long awaited good news. Bachelors from aristocratic families wondered if this meant they had a chance to chase her.

    No one but the ''breathtaking group of matchmakers'' knew that when she said "future husband", her eyes were fixed on a certain spot in the VIP section.

    It was not so obvious because her eyes involuntarily rested at that spot. Perhaps she hadn''t realized it herself.

    The best actress was the final award of the night. Soon after Lin Lihua took her trophy, the award ceremony came to an end.

    Lin Lihua was surrounded by reporters as soon as she left the hall. From the corner of her eye, she saw Henry Blanc walking towards her¡­with his signature charming smile on his face.

 Chapter 339 - Say yes!

    The fans and reporters who were surrounding Lin Lihua all thought he was just another fan fawning over her. That was until he said, "Can I have a word with Lin Lihua?"

    His smile sent fans screaming in awe. They unknowingly let him through."

    The man had a small box with him. He stood before Lin Lihua and presented it in a gentlemanly manner. "Congratulations, ma reine."

    Lin Lihua felt sparks explode in her chest. She accepted the gift with a sweet smile. "Thank you."

    The fans at the side erupted into cheers.

    "Ah! Is it just me or is the way he looked at our queen just now quite passionate?"

    "Our queen is so beautiful tonight. Which man isn''t looking at her passionately?"

    "Our Lihua is so beautiful! Suitors have already started lining up. Hahaha!"

    "What''s he doing?" a curious fan asked.

    Henry Blanc looked at Lin Lihua for a long time. Just when she was about to ask why he was looking at her for so long, he coughed and began to spoke. "Lin Lihua, I''ve been¡­erm¡­your die hard fan for a really long time. I know this may sound inappropriate but can you go for a meal with me? Consider it a¡­meal?"

    Henry Blanc really wanted to smash a rock against his head. What in the world was he saying? He had practiced his speech a hundred times. Why was it that when he faced the woman he liked, all his courage fled?

    A second ago, he was going to propose. His lack of confidence made him change it into asking her out.

    The fans at the side broke into another round of cheer. "Say yes! Say yes!"

    "That''s Henry Blanc, right? Is he in love with our Lihua?"

    "Isn''t that obvious?"

    "Oh My God! Lin Lihua is blushing! They seem to be mutually in love."

    "Speaking of which, he''s that fan who indirectly confessed his feelings to her on Weibo."

    While the fans cheered him on, he felt more confident. However, he hoped she wouldn''t say yes just to give him face because they were in public. It would be bad if she led him on only to shatter his hope later.

    "When?" Lin Lihua suddenly asked.

    "Tomorrow night?"

    "Sure." Lin Lihua agreed, earning a warm smile from his lips.

    Trying to maintain her composure, she bid him goodbye and entered her car.

    Henry Blanc gave a grin of triumph. After managing to ask her out, it wouldn''t be too long before she fell in love with him.

    ___

    One hour later, in the Lin residence.

    Lin Lihua plopped her body onto her bed. "Did Henry Blanc just ask me out?" he wasn''t trying to chase her, right?

    She knew what was going on through his brain. He seemed to like her. Earlier she would have rejected him but she needed to make certain things clear with him. Tomorrow seemed to be the best day for that.

    Of course, her parents'' curious barrage of questions was ignored.

    ___

    Southside Villa.

    Little Jia was waiting earnestly for her father. to be strict, she was waiting for her father''s phone. She ran out as soon as she heard the sound of Lu Aotian''s car engine.

    "Daddy!"

    Lu Aotian wasn''t pleased to see her awake so late at night. "It''s two hours past your sleeping time. Why are you still awake?"

    Little Jia looked down, dejected. "Is Daddy not happy to see me?"

    Lu Aotian teased her cheeks. "Of course Daddy is happy to see you. Don''t stay up late newt time, okay?"

    Little Jia nodded.

    Wan Jia took one glance at the father and daughter duo. "You spoil her too much."

    Lu Aotian didn''t think so. Although his daughter was indeed spoilt, she was very obedient so it didn''t matter too much, right?

    Little Jia looked at her mother with her big eyes. Which part of her was spoilt?

    She ignored her and looked at her father cutely. "Daddy, I saw Katy''s daddy on television. Did Katy come along with him?"

    Lu Aotian chuckled. So she stayed up for two hours just because she wanted to ask about her little friend?

    "I don''t think she did. If you miss her so much, you can give her a video call tomorrow."

    Little Jia nodded.

    "Right, where is Tangtang?" Wan Jia asked. She hadn''t heard anything about the little boy being picked up to go back home and he wasn''t with Little Jia either.

    "Tangtang is already asleep. We played a lot." The little girl proudly wanted to talk about how she had beaten him black and blue in a game of puzzles. Of course she wouldn''t mention how Tangtang had won every other game.

    Wan Jia went to check on Tangtang. Although the little boy was asleep, he looked uneasy in his sleep. His little brows were furrowed tightly. It was an expression of fear.

    Wan Jia knew that it was probably because he was not accustomed to sleeping in a foreign room.

    She suddenly felt a rush of maternal feelings for him. Poor thing. She wondered who it was that prepared such a gloomy room for a child.

    "Baby, will you let Tangtang sleep in your room? He is afraid of sleeping here alone." She asked Little Jia. The little girl''s room was more child friendly.

    Little Jia nodded.

    Wan Jia carried the little boy to Little Jia''s room and lay him on the bed carefully. Little Jia looked on with a hint of jealousy. Why was mommy caring for Tangtang so much? She even carried him!

 Chapter 340 - Brother-in-law

    Wan Jia laughed at her daughter''s adorable look of envy. "Are you jealous of your friend? Come here. Mommy will tell you a bedtime story."

    Little Jia rushed over as though scared that if she delayed any longer, her mother would tell the story to Tangtang instead.

    That night, Wan Jia stayed with the kids to make sure Tangtang was not uncomfortable. Little Jia was of course happy that her mommy was staying in her room tonight. She smiled even in her dreams.

    Tangtang was at ease with Wan Jia next to him. He felt so warm and comfortable that he didn''t want to ever wake up.

    As for a certain "abandoned consort" in the master bedroom, his expression was not exactly friendly.

    How could his wife let him spend the cold night alone, and sleep with another man instead? It didn''t matter even if that man was only six!

    ...

    The next day, the kids didn''t have to go to school. They were on school holiday. Wan Jia woke up to prepare yummy breakfast for both of them.

    "Call Little Jia and Tangtang for down breakfast." Wan Jia said to the maid beside her.

    When Tangtang heard that it was time for breakfast, he pouted and ran to Wan Jia, tugging on her sleeve. "Aunty Wan Jia, can we play a little more? We were building a very tall brick tower."

    Wan Jia pinched his slightly chubby cheeks. "Of course you can, but that''s after having breakfast. Where is Little Jia?"

    The little girl arrived just as Wan Jia asked about her. "Mommy, hug."

    The little girl was cheerful this morning. After getting a hug from her mother and her father who had been at the dining table all along, she allowed her mother to serve her breakfast.

    As she watched the two kids eat and banter once in a while, Wan Jia finally understood why Lu Shaoting loved them so much. They were too cute. The abandoned Lu Aotian felt like he was out of luck. What kind of day was this? She had been looking at the kids all along and didn''t spare him a glance.

    "Mommy, Little Jia is full. Can I go to play?"

    "Aunty Wan Jia, Tangtang is full too. Can we go to play?"

    Wan Jia had no word for them. Fine, they had missed each other. Go play as much as you want.

    But, before they left, Little Jia peered at her father and asked, "Daddy, does Katy''s daddy like Aunty Lihua? I saw him on television looking at aunty Lihua the same way you look at mommy."

    Wan Jia pretended she didn''t hear anything.

    Lu Aotian coughed. "That''s adults'' business. You don''t have to know, okay?"

    Little Jia pouted cutely. "Okay. Anyway, I only asked because if Katy''s daddy married Aunty Lihua, Katy would become my cousin. I like her very much and would be very happy."

    Eer, that relationship would be quite distant but Little Jia still liked it.

    ___

    Southside Villas, Villa number 2.

    "A-cho! Is someone missing me?" Henry Blanc sneezed as he woke up. He had spent the night at his Southside Villa after the Awards Ceremony. He had bought this villa in case Lin Lihua wanted to remain in country C after their marriage. For the same reason, he was considering moving the headquarters of Le Blanc Group to country C.

    Pulling the covers off him, he got out of bed. Tonight, he had a date with Lin Lihua. The first thing he did when he got up was call Wan Jia.

    "My honorable little sister-in-law, you left so early last night that I didn''t have a chance to have a word with you."

    Wan Jia, on the other end, could roughly guess what he was up to. "Haven''t you got the chance now?"

    "My sister gave me shoes from her new release. Every type of them. They are a gift to you. Do you want to pick them? I''m at Southside."

    "There''s no such thing as a free lunch." Wan Jia laughed at her future brother-in-law.

    "I''m not giving you lunch, I''m giving you shoes."

    "There''s no such thing as a free pair of shoes either."

    "Okay, you got me. Is there any men''s attire that hasn''t been sold out from your collection? I''ll buy it at any price you ask for."

    "You''re my brother-in-law. Of course I will not make things difficult for you on your first date. Give me a few minutes, okay?"

    "Thank you." He was elated at the way she had addressed him. Brother-in-law?

    A few minutes later, Wan Jia called him. "Go to EFW main store, I already spoke to them."

    Henry Blanc once again thanked her and rushed to EFW main store.

    What surprised him was that when he arrived, he was not given outfits to choose from. He was instead given one. However, he did not doubt Wan Jia''s choice. He took it and went ahead to prepare for his date.

    ¡­

    Henry Blanc was not the only one putting in all his effort on this date. Lin Lihua was too.

    Although the man had called it just a meal, she knew the feelings between them wouldn''t let it be called just a meal. She had never gone on a date before, not even on a blind date.

    This was her first and she was honestly a little excited. She only hoped that Henry Blanc was not dating for the sake of it. She agreed to this date with marriage in mind after all.

 Chapter 341 - You should stay a little longer

    Henry Blanc had prepared the date at a high end restaurant in the capital. Because he didn''t want it to particularly look like a date, his arrangements were not overboard. He booked a private room on the top floor with the best view, had soothing music play in the background and ordered Lin Lihua''s favorite dishes and wine. He had got them from her social media profile and seen her eat them happily at Lu Aotian''s North Side Villa.

    As for the decoration, it was simply the restaurant''s theme for dates with soothing music playing in the background.

    As for his dress code, he was formally dressed and even had a bow tie.

    Lin Lihua arrived a minute or two after their agreed time. She didn''t make him wait for too long.

    "You look stunning." Henry Blanc said with a smile when she arrived.

    "Thank you." She had dressed up specifically for him. Of course she would look stunning. He looked handsome himself. So handsome she glanced at him for a second longer.

    He presented her with a bouquet of lilies which she accepted with a smile. Like a gentleman, he pulled a chair for her. Lin Lihua gracefully took a seat.

    When the meals were served, she was awed. A certain someone had done his homework on her.

    Seeing the atmosphere and hearing the sweet tune in the background, she couldn''t help but feel that this was the perfect time for a proposal.

    Her heart skipped a beat. It''s not that she was not ready to hear a proposal, it was in fact overdue. It just felt so foreign to her. All her life, she never imagined that she would think of a man as a potential husband.

    Currently, she was looking into his eyes. Initially she had thought that since he was a few months younger than her, he was too young for her. But now she realized that he was in fact the right man for her.

    Henry Blanc didn''t fail to notice the look of admiration emanating from her eyes. His confidence was once again boosted.

    He found a topic to talk about. "Tomorrow evening, I''m inviting my friends for a meal at my villa. Will you be free to come?"

    Lin Lihua didn''t find a reason to reject him. "I''ll be there."

    The man was satisfied. His progress wasn''t too bad. They chatted about a few things over their date. She even told him about her new entertainment agency. She would start recruiting artists in a week.

    "How long will you be staying this time?" she asked as they walked out.

    "That depends. I don''t have much to do in Country C.  But if you ask me to stay, I will."

    "Well¡­" Lin Lihua didn''t know what to say. So Henry Blanc knew how to flirt as well.

    He didn''t want to make her feel awkward. As they approached the exit, he asked her, "Shall I drop you off?"

    "My¡­" she wanted to say that her chauffeur was just around but changed her mind. Who didn''t want to be dropped off by a handsome man? She changed her statement to "My chauffeur has to deal with something so I may have to trouble you."

    Henry Blanc was of cause happy to drop off his beauty. "It''s no trouble."

    Just as he finished speaking, the chauffeur arrived with the car. He saw her and thought she was going to enter the car so he got off to open the back car door for her. "Eldest Miss¡­"

    Lin Lihua glared at him fiercely. Her eyes held a warning: if you dare utter a single word!

    The poor chauffeur felt his back go numb from her sudden glare. Why was Eldest Miss giving him that look? Did he interrupt something he shouldn''t?

    He rubbed his head awkwardly and rushed back into the car. Lin Lihua ignored him and looked at Henry Blanc.

    The man obviously caught on what was going on but he didn''t expose her. He was in fact very elated that she was finding excuses to spend more time with him.

    He opened the passenger door for her and when she was well seated, he went round to the driver''s seat. They found that they had quite a number of topics to discuss. He actually deliberately slowed down so the trip would be longer. Lin Lihua didn''t mind this and was happy to spend more time with him.

    When they reached her apartment, he got off the car and helped her out.

    "You should rest early." He said.

    "So should you." She answered and took a few steps forward. On her fifth step, she suddenly stopped.

    Henry Blanc was still watching her walk away and was stunned when she stopped walking. "Is anything wrong?"

    "H-henry." She called out his name uneasily.

    The man felt an explosion boom in his head. Did she just call him by his first name? Not only that, she turned and took those few steps back to him. Yet, the hugest shock was yet to come.

    "You should stay a little longer." She said. Then like a puff of wind he would feel for just a  microsecond, she hugged him lightly and retreated by a step. "I will go up now." Her face was now flushed with nervousness.

    "Wait."

    "What is it?"

    Instead of talking, he enclosed the distance between them, pulled her in his arms and hugged her a little longer. Only then did he let go. The woman before him looked totally stunned. She ran away as fast as the night wind.

 Chapter 342 - True love is not about using each other

    So she did like him... else, she wouldn''t do such an intimate thing to him. Their relationship was getting even better.

    ¡­

    In the Lin Residence.

    Lin Lihua''s chauffeur was interrogated by Xia Rou as soon as he arrived. Xia Rou had been waiting for her daughter all evening so they could discus something. "Where is Lihua?"

    "Eldest Miss must have gone to her apartment."

    "Why then are you back with the car? How did she go to her apartment?"

    The young man wanted to keep it to himself but the news was too great. "Eldest Miss went with a man. He is quite handsome."

    "What did you say?" Xia Rou was elated. She didn''t know that when Lin Lihua left the house. She was going on a date. She had only said that she was going for a meal with a friend and she didn''t think too much about it.

    That child, how can she not tell her something so important? She cheerfully went to tell the news to Lin Zhou. Their Lihua went out with a man, a man!

    "I guess she went out with that guy from country F. After all he asked her out in public and she agreed to go." Lin Zhou said. He was also happy that his daughter was finally showing interest in a man.

    "Why didn''t you tell me such an important thing? Am I the only one who didn''t know?" Xia Rou scolded.

    "My dear wife, you have been paying so much attention on Wan Jia lately that you forgot about our Lihua. How could you notice?"

    Xia Rou was excited despite being the last one to know. Perhaps the day that beautiful wedding gown she had designed for her daughter would be worn wasn''t too far away. She would also get to cradle her cute little grandchildren soon haha!

    The next day when she called Lin Lihua over, she didn''t mention the matter about her boyfriend. She only talked about the family company. Lin Zhou was present too.

    "Lihua, mom and dad are not against your entertainment agency but Lin Industries is really going to collapse." She said.

    Lin Zhou added. "I have tried my best. That anonymous person keeps attacking day and night and using the moment when share value deteriorates to buy more shares. You have seen it happen, right? The shares they have bought are now only ten percent less than mine. If they buy that ten percent, the CEO of Lin Industries might have to change."

    Lin Lihua looked at her parents. "Mom, dad, don''t worry. I will not let dad''s hard work go to waste."

    Lin Zhou smiled. "I knew my Lihua is very thoughtful. Actually, since you are already close to that guy, you should get married quickly. I heard he is very good in doing business. He could be considered as good as Lu Aotian. If you get married, he will definitely have to take over Lin Industries and will not allow it to be destroyed."

    Xia Rou was the first to react. "Excuse me?"

    Lin Zhou looked at her. "What, did I say something wrong?"

    "You are asking me that? Of course using our son-in-law to save our family company is wrong."

    "What''s wrong with helping his family out a little? If he can''t take over Lin Industries, that''s okay. He can just make it an ally of Le Blanc Group. That''s enough to prevent us from going bankrupt for a while.  In any case, he is marrying my outstanding daughter. Can''t he do this little thing for us?"

    Xia Rou frowned. "What''s gotten into you? You are being selfish."

    Lin Lihua interrupted their banter. "Mom, dad, stop it. Dad, mom is right. You know, your suggestion is no different from marrying me off to the man who can save the company. Didn''t I already say it? I will save the company myself. Don''t you trust me, dad?"

    Lin Zhou sighed. "Lihua you don''t understand. This isn''t just anyone. I am dealing with a very powerful opponent. There are only two people who can defeat him and those are Lu Aotian and Henry Blanc. Lu Aotian might never help me so the ball lies in your court."

    Lin Lihua raised an eyebrow. "Did you¡­offend someone you shouldn''t? For you to call someone powerful, that person has to be terrifying. What feud does he have against you?"

    "I didn''t offend anyone. Your mother did." he said.

    Xia Rou glared at him. "Watch your tongue Lin Zhou!" she turned back to her daughter. "Lihua, you don''t have to use your future husband in such a selfish way. True love is not about using each other for selfish benefits. If we can''t save our own family company, then so be it."

    Lin Lihua hugged her mother''s arm. "Mom, I know. You don''t have to worry."

    "The both of you are against my idea? Fine then. I''ll call Wan Jia." He left the mother and daughter pair in a huff.

    "I''ll talk to him." Lin Lihua suggested.

    "Let him calm down. He''s just under so much pressure." Xia Rou said.

    ___

    Southside Villas.

    Wan Jia was helping her daughter hang her new paintings in her room. The more she stayed in school, the more formidable her wrist strength became. Her paintings looked much better than they did a year ago. She had made several of them and wished to use them to decorate her room.

    Wan Jia smiled as she held one of them. It contained more characters but she could recognize them from their features.

 Chapter 343 - How arrogant!

    There was a group of adults and five children.

    The adults were supposed to be the Lu Couples, the Xu couple, Henry Blanc and Lin Lihua. The children were Little Jia, Tangtang, Katy and Small Xixi on a walker. The fifth child was Wan Jia''s signature bundle from Wan Jia''s arms. It was Little Jia''s long awaited brother.

    The little girl had wished to have a brother for so long. Sometimes she would even dream of a cute and adorable toddler version of Lu Aotian waddling around her and clumsily calling her "Sister."

    Obviously, Little Jia''s painting was only as clear as a four-year-old''s could be. She only understood it based on the colors and logic.

    Wan Jia''s phone rang. She looked at it and frowned. Why was Lin Zhou calling her?

    That was right. Lin Zhou really called her.

    Wan Jia did not hate Lin Zhou, but neither did she particularly like him. They had never had a topic in common and she could tell that the man didn''t actually like her either. It was a surprise that he called.

    "Hello, dad."

    Lin Zhou didn''t sound too happy. "Wan Jia, are you and Little Jia doing well?"

    "Yes, is there something?"

    As she expected, he needed something from her. "Daddy wishes you to do the family company a favor."

    "I''m listening."

    "Wan Jia, we are going bankrupt. Can you ask your husband for help?" His tone was rather commanding.

    Wan Jia wasn''t too pleased but agreed for her mother''s and sister''s sake. "I''ll try, but Aotian is very busy lately. I can''t guarantee that he will be able to help."

    "What do you mean you can''t guarantee? He is my son-in-law."

    Wan Jia was repulsed by his words. Was that how people asked for favors? How arrogant! If she didn''t know any better, she would think he had accidentally eaten part of General Yun''s soul!

    Whatever! She had a dinner to attend tonight. She hung up and left him filling in the blanks himself.

    After helping little Jia out and playing with her for a while, the both of them dressed up. The dinner was being held at Southside Villas, Villa number 2 so they didn''t need to rush.

    At dusk, Lu Aotian, his wife and daughter went to Villa number 2''s garden. Xu Liaowen and Lu Shaoting were there too with Kara and Su Ling.

    Since he didn''t have many friends in Country C, Henry Blanc had only invited the ''breathtaking group of matchmakers''. This time their kids had tagged along except Small Xixi. The Lin residence was the farthest so Lin Lihua was last to arrive.

    When Little Jia saw the musical instruments at the far side of the garden, she got excited and looked at Henry Blanc. "Uncle Henry, can I sing?"

    "Go ahead."

    The little girl grabbed Tangtang''s hand.

    "Where are you taking me?" Tangtang pouted.

    "Remember that song we sang yesterday? The one from "My vow" that sounded very beautiful? Let''s sing it."

    Tangtang liked the song too. It was a love song that they obviously only liked the sound of and didn''t understand the meaning of such romantic lyrics. Little did they know just how accurate they were to a certain pair of people.

    Tangtang took a microphone and sang,

    Your love

    I want it to be mine

    Wherever you are

    Allow me to be there too

    Your future

    I want it to be mine too

    Being with you is what makes my life complete

    Whenever you''re here with me

    I feel like I''m in heaven

    Heaven just for the two of us

    Little Jia joined in the chorus,

    I love you, I love you

    I will  forever cherish you,  only you

    I will treasure you forever

    This is all I ask for

    So I make this vow; to be with you now

    And for the rest of my life.

    Little Jia sang

    I love you,  you are my king

    Tangtang sang

    I love you, you are my queen

    Little Jia sang the next part

    Just look into my eyes

    That tell my sentiments for you

    My heart will only be yours

    My promise, my vow

    My hope, my future

    I love you, only you and no one else

    Wherever you are my heart lies right there

    I want to walk with you down this road

    To the end of time

    They both sang the chorus

    Little Jia sang

    I love you, you are my king

    Tangtang sang, I love you, you are my queen.

    By the time the song was over, Lin Lihua was all smiles. That was her favorite song.

    It was the theme song of her fans'' best romance drama and hers too. The most important thing was that this song was written by her.

    She took Little Jia in her arms and hugged her. "My baby, you are too talented for a four year old. You almost sang better than me! Tangtang is really good too. Do the both of you perhaps want ot be artists in future? Aunty will recruit you as soon as you want." Though she wondered, why were kids singing an adult song? Luckily that romance drama had been aired in summer and was not child-unfriendly. If not, she would blame herself for being bad influence to children.

    Before the kids replied, Henry Blanc suddenly appeared before her, making Little Jia cough and scurry away.

    Henry Blanc had a smile of his face as usual. The kids had just sung this song for the sake of singing but the lyrics really brought warmth to his heart. Those were his exact thoughts. He faced her and took her hand in his. "Lihua..."

    Lin Lihua looked at him blankly.

    It was not sure who did it but someone played the original song "my vow" by Lin Lihua. She sounded so lovestruck as she sang the line, "Your future, I want it to be mine too."

    With Lin Lihua''s sweet voice singing off loving lyrics in the backgrond, Henry Blanc spoke. "We may not have known each other for a very long time, but I''m certain about one thing. There''s only one thing I want and that is to be with you forever."

    Lin Lihua felt fireworks explode in her brain. Was he proposing?!

    Henry Blanc: "The creator created woman to be a companion to man, and I am certain that you are mine."

    To confirm her suspicion, he went down on one knee and opened a little brocade box. An exquisite diamond ring entered her view. "Lin Lihua, will you accompany me for the rest of my life? Will you let us chase our dreams and happiness together?  Lin Lihua, will you marry me?"

 Chapter 344 - Darling Lin Lihua

    Lin Lihua was surprised. Although she knew that she should expect this any time, she still didn''t see it coming.

    "Well..." she stuttered. How could he just propose out of nowhere? She wanted to be his wife but wasn''t this too sudden?

    Under his nervous gaze, she took a deep breath, stretched her left hand towards him. "Yes."

    Everyone erupted into cheers. She said yes!

    Lu Shaoting had a dark expression. Just like that, he proposed? So he was suddenly better off than him who had been dating his Su Ling for months?

    Henry Blanc took her hand and placed the engagement ring on her finger. Then he kissed it and got up. He really wanted to kiss her lips instead but there were kids around so he controlled himself.

    "Congratulations." Lu Aotian poured a drink and made a toast to him.

    Following which, everyone else joined in congratulation them. Lin Lihua was now holding hands with him. You would think they had been together for years.

    Henry Blanc walked to Lu Shaoting to tease him. "Still want to compete with me?"

    "Don''t speak to me! I''m still better off than you. How long have you and your fianc¨¦e known each other?" Lu Shaoting didn''t admit defeat.

    Xu Liaowen didn''t let him show off. "If seniority is all about knowing each other for long, I''m the grandmaster. Kara and I have known each other since we were teenagers and our first child is already six." He had a triumphant expression as he looked at his son who was clinging to Lu Shaoting.

    Everyone laughed and made fun of Lu Shaoting. He looked at them disdainfully and held his Su Ling''s hand. So what if they were not yet engaged? He was just waiting for the right moment to propose.

    Actually, he would have proposed a long time ago. He just wanted to do it when Wan Jia was pregnant and Little Jia finally had hope of being completely cured.

    ¡­

    When the dinner was over and all the guests had left, Lin Lihua stayed back to talk to her new fianc¨¦.

    "Henry, do you think our relationship is a bit rushed? I mean¡­I know close to nothing about my future husband." She said.

    Henry Blanc offered her a drink. "It''s nothing to worry about. We can use the engagement period for that. I hope we really get married but if later you don''t like me anymore...not all engagements successfully end up in marriage, right?" It was because he was afraid she would be won off by another man that he hurriedly proposed. After all she was already thirty. The possibility of that happening was too high.

    "I will never back out. Relationship is not a game." She declared. "Soon I''ll introduce you to my parents. It will relieve me of the daily rounds of incessant nagging."

    "When do you want me to meet them?" he asked.

    "It''s still too soon. I''ll think about that."

    "Will do. When you''re free, I would like you to meet my parents too. They won''t stop nagging me to get a wife, you know."

    She laughed. So they shared the same fate. Since they were on the topic, Lin Lihua mentioned something important. "Do we have to go to Country F after our marriage? I don''t hate your country but I''ve been here all my life. I don''t want to leave permanently."

    He had thought about this as well. "Darling, you don''t have to worry. I guessed your soul would be attached here so I bought this villa. You can call it our marital home."

    If Wan Jia were to hear him call Lin Lihua "darling" so naturally, she would tease her sister to death. It was unbelievable for such a woman as Lin Lihua to be addressed by such intimate names.

    Lin Lihua didn''t find it odd. They were engaged after all. "You were so sure that I would agree to marry you? What if I said no?"

    "How is that possible? I knew you liked me. Speaking of which, am I actually the first man you''ve ever liked? You never ever liked any guy before?"

    "Is it that unbelievable? You know, I thought I would be an old maiden forever. I was prepared to adopt many kids and bring them up on my own."

    Henry Blanc''s focus was something else. "Does that mean you''re a¡­you know¡­"

    Lin Lihua caught on his meaning and shrugged his hand away. "What kind of question is that?"

    "It''s nothing to be embarrassed about." He took her hand and kissed it. Then, as he had wanted to do earlier, he daringly held her chin and placed a light kiss on her lips.

    "I have a few things to discuss with my parents. I should go home now."

    "Shall I drop you off?" He asked.

    "You don''t have to. I drove here."

    "I see."

    ¡­

    As soon as Lin Lihua left, he made a video call to his parents. It was afternoon in Country F so he didn''t have to worry about disturbing them.

    "Father, mother, I proposed to the woman I want to marry."

    Mr. and Mrs. Blanc were so elated that they literally wanted to teleport through the screen to his side.

    Mrs. Blanc was the epitome of excitement. "What''s her name? Where''s she from? Why did you not tell mother about her? Henry, why are you being so mysterious?"

    He had not yet told them that their future daughter-in-law was the famous actress Lin Lihua. "Mother, it''s someone you know. I will bring her home when the time is right."

 Chapter 345 - Tame that spoilt little girl

    Soon after Henry Blanc called his parents, Katy video called Little Jia too. She was using her mother''s phone and Little Jia was using Wan Jia''s. Katy made sure her mother was out of earshot before she complained to her friend.

    "Lu Meili, I overheard my grandma say that Daddy is getting married."

    Little Jia had witnessed the scene on her side but she didn''t talk about it because her father said to stay out of adults'' matters. Katy had a pouty expression as though she had been bullied.

    "Is that why you are not happy?"

    "Uh huh. What if she is a bad person?"

    Little Jia knew that Lin Lihua was a kind woman. "She might be kind and loving. Don''t be too pessimistic, okay?"

    Katy wasn''t convinced. "Even if she is good at first, she might just turn into an evil woman later. Daddy''s fianc¨¦e must be as evil as Snow White''s stepmother." She harrumphed.

    Little Jia''s expression turned dark. "Take that back."

    "Why should I?"

    "My daddy said that kids who don''t respect people are bad kids."

    Katy went on complaining but Little Jia was already annoyed. How can she say that about her aunty Lihua?

    Wan Jia was within earshot on Little Jia''s side. She didn''t look pleased either. She had thought that Katy was a lovely and polite little girl. How could a small child have such a venomous tongue? To start with, Lin Lihua was her future aunt, not her stepmother. How disrespectful! If Henry Blanc was going to marry her sister, he would have to tame that spoilt little girl first.

    ....

    Not wanting to think about her sister''s spoilt future niece any more, she went to Lu Enterprises to look for Lu Aotian.

    She would just casually mention Lin Industries to him. If he was too busy to try and revive it, she would leave it at that.

    One had to know that she was only doing this for her mother and sister. She didn''t want them to feel sad about losing their company but as for her father, that man was too irrational.

    She took her car keys and kissed her daughter''s cheek. "Baby, mommy will be back in a short while. Be good, okay?"

    Little Jia was displeased about having to play on her own but she understood that her mother was busy. "Yes mommy."

    ''I hope it''s not a bother'' she thought.

    When she reached Lu Enterprises'' top floor, Lu Aotian''s secretary smiled at her politely. "Madam, President Lu is not in his office."

    "Where is he?" Wan Jia asked.

    "He went to the office of the Vice President and hasn''t come out yet."

    Lu Aotian had said that no one should bother him and Lu Shaoting. But the little secretary knew that Lu Aotian''s orders of not being bothered never included Wan Jia so she didn''t mention it. If it were anyone else, she wouldn''t let them in. She escorted Wan Jia to Lu Shaoting''s office and stopped right after opening the door for her. "They are in the private section over there. I''m not allowed to go beyond this point."

    "That''s okay. Thank you."

    Wan Jia knocked on the door of the private section but they didn''t seem to hear her. She couldn''t hear anything from inside either. Guessing that they were probably busy, she sat on Lu Shaoting''s waiting couch to wait for them.

    Inside the private section, the Lu brothers'' new robots were complete. The most important one was a duplicate of Thirty. They wanted it to stay in Lu Shaoting''s office.

    When they were done, Lu Aotian stood to leave and opened the door slightly.

    "Bro." Lu Shaoting called out.

    "Is there anything else?"

    "Yes. The results for the pill you gave me are out. It doesn''t contain anything poisonous for the body. In fact, it''s made up of extremely rare components that should increase a woman''s fertility. Whoever gave it to you must have spent a lot of effort to create it.

    Lu Aotian sat back down. "That doesn''t prove anything. Perhaps it''s meant to be poisonous when taken together with other drugs."

    Lu Shaoting wasn''t too sure about that. "Indeed, that genius doctor doesn''t have a reason to help our family. It will make sense if he has a favor to ask in return but if not..sigh."

    Lu Aotian: "They are enemies of both the Lu and Lin families. Forget about the Lu family. The father is trying so hard to send Lin Industries downhill. Why would the son want to be kind to Lin Zhou''s daughter?"

    As soon as he said that, the brothers heard a small crash.

    They exchanged looks and stepped out in a hurry.

    "Sister-in-law?"

    "Wanwan?"

    Wan Jia stood up looking at them. "I''m sorry for overhearing your conversation. I didn''t intend to, but what you said just now...is it true?"

    Lu Aotian looked at her as though wondering why she was in Lu Shaoting''s office.

    Wan Jia explained, "Your secretary said you were here, so I came. I knocked and you might have not heard so I sat here to wait for you."

    "Is it true?" She probed.

    Lu Aotian took her hand. "Let''s talk in my office."

    She was nervous until Lu Aotian confimed, "Yes, what you heard is true. That Qian Li''s father is the one attacking your family''s company. He seems to have a feud against your father."

    "Why didn''t you tell me?"

    "You never asked. Besides, last time you were so kind to them that you defended his son."

    Wan Jia didn''t like his sarcastic tone.

    £¬

 Chapter 346 - Unless you want to be their enemy

    Wan Jia ignored his sarcasm. "I want to ask him. I still have his contact number. I''m going to call him. The last time he said to meet him if I have anything to ask."

    Lu Aotian glared at her. "You like seeking danger, don''t you? Is hell raiser your middle name or what?"

    "I''m not seeking trouble. I''m seeking answers." She retorted.

    "Which shouldn''t be a problem except this man is an enemy. Do you not know that doctors can be more dangerous than special class mercenaries? Not to mention this is a genius doctor we are talking about. Don''t be stubborn, okay?"

    The last statement sounded as though he was coaxing Little Jia.

    Wan Jia remained silent for a while. He had a point. But which part of Qian Li was dangerous? She had been scared of him from what she heard about him but that was before they met. After that flash meeting, all she saw was a young man who can do anything for the person he loves. He even risked getting exposed and consequently killed just to beg for Poisonous'' freedom.

    "Then we can go together. If you''re there, nothing can go wrong, right?"

    "I can''t guarantee that I will not lose my temper at the sight of him and want to beat him to death."

    Wan Jia was speechless.

    Lu Aotian changed the direction of the discussion. "How''s your project coming?"

    "The hotel owner agreed to sell it over to me. We are sealing the deal tomorrow."

    "So fast?" His wife surprised him yet again.

    Wan Jia had a smug expression. "What do you think? If I can negotiate business with President Lu, what are those small fries?"

    He was pleasantly surprised. She neither asked him for a single cent nor used her shares as pledge. She must have saved quite a lot of money from her sales in the past months. Still, the deal was sealed too fast. Although buying over a business that was bankrupt was a piece of cake, some owners were still unwilling to let go. She must have used the expert negotiation skills she had learnt from him.

    "Are you so busy lately?" she remembered to ask.

    "No matter how busy I am, I would never be too busy for you." Of course, his answer would display as much affection as possible.

    "Does that mean you are busy? It''s for someone else."

    "Why would I create time for other people?"

    "¡­"

    Can you not be so annoying?

    "It''s about your Lin family?"

    "Yes...How did you know?"

    "Do you think it''s that hard to know what you''re thinking?"

    Wan Jia was speechless. Was she such an open book?

    Lu Aotian patted her head. "Do you want me to help your father out?"

    He said ''your father''. Not ''father-in-law. That proved just how much he wanted to put a distance between him and Lin Zhou.

    Wan Jia: "I don''t know. I just don''t want my mom and sister to be sad."

    Lu Aotian chuckled at her adorable expression. She made him want to pinch her cheeks. "There are two ways to save Lin Industries. Either make it an ally of a larger company. Lu Enterprises is the best choice in this case but I don''t want to be Lin Zhou''s business partner so that''s a big fat no."

    "What''s the second option?"

    "Something your father should have already done. Make that person''s business go bankrupt. To save his company he will have to sell out the shares of Lin Industries that he bought."

    Wan Jia frowned. "You didn''t use up your brain juices to think of the second option, did you? I would have thought of that even when asleep. Why is it that dad hasn''t done it yet?"

    "Not everyone knows that the anonymous buyer is Qian Ye (Genius doctor Qian Li''s father)"

    "Should I tell him?" Wan Jia asked.

    Lu Aotian rolled the diamond pen in his hand. "I don''t know. Do you want to be the Qians'' new enemy?"

    Wan Jia sighed helplessly, stood and unceremoniously planted a kiss on his lips. "Let''s go talk to Qian Li."

    Using the beauty trap now, huh? Lu Aotian laughed. "I guess you don''t like him that much after all." Don''t blame me for killing him.

    "Shut up and kiss me."

    ¡­

    When she managed to convince Lu Aotian to accompany her to meet Qian Li, she called the contact number he gave her as soon as she got home.

    "If it isn''t Top designer Wan Jia."

    "How did you know it''s me?" Wan Jia felt it was creepy. They hadn''t exchanged contacts. She only took his.

    "There''s nothing I don''t know about you."

    "Forget it. Can we meet to talk?"

    Qian Li sounded regretful. "I''d like to, but I already fled the country. You took too long."

    "Can''t you come back?"

    "And get into Lu Aotian''s hands? You''ve got to be kidding me."

    "My husband will try not to beat you to death." She used Lu Aotian''s exact words.

    "Then I''ll try to come."

    Wan Jia hung up and let out a sigh of relief. It would be better to get answers soon. If he didn''t answer her, she would take matters into her own hands.

    After being told that doctors could be dangerous, she increased her rate of practicing martial arts skills. She would have to be speedy in case Qian Li had ill motives. To avoid casualties, she wouldn''t let the two men meet. Lu Aotian would only be close by.

 Chapter 347 - Do you dislike him that much?

    On the first chance Qian Li had to go back to Country C, he rushed over. He met Wan Jia at a restaurant as soon as he arrived.

    "Why do you look like you''re ready to flee?" Wan Jia asked him when she saw his expression. He was looking around nervously.

    "Because I really am ready to flee. Who is to say that Lu Aotian didn''t ask you to lure me out?"

    Wan Jia chuckled. "Your imagination sure is wild. For a genius, I''m shocked."

    "Let''s not waste each other''s time. You know why I called you." If she spent too much time with him, Lu Aotian might wait too long.

    Qian Li passed a small box over the table. "It''s for Lu Meili. This will make her immunity so strong that she will never get sick after getting cured of CML. I''m not much of a pediatrician but I''m sure about this one. You don''t have to thank me."

    Wan Jia didn''t reach for it. "Why are you giving it to me?"

    Qian Li looked conflicted about something. "Never mind."

    "Fine. Then why is your father attacking my family''s company?"

    For this, Qian Li chuckled. "If we both fight over something that originally belongs to neither of us and I get it, you give up but then later I also forcefully take something that can only belong to you, wouldn''t you be angry? If I was wearing that shoe, forget about making a company go bankrupt. I would make things so difficult for your family that your ancestors would turn in their graves."

    "What do you mean?"

    "It''s none of your concern. I''m leaving. By the way, the pill I gave you just now will expire if you don''t use it within six months."

    Wan Jia remained perplexed. Did Qian Li mean that Qian Ye and Lin Zhou fought over something, Lin Zhou won but even after Qian Ye lost, Lin Zhou later snatched something that solely belonged to Qian Ye? What weird analogy was that?

    If they were not such grown middle aged men, she would think Qian Li was talking about a feud over a woman.

    When she left the restaurant, the first question she asked Lu Aotian was, "How old is Qian Li?"

    "He''s twenty two this year."

    "I see." She was suddenly impressed by his medical prowess. Such a young lad. Perhaps it was his medical ability that made people subconsciously think he was much older To think he was dead set on blindly helping her...Eer..."Wait, he''s twenty two and my sister is thirty one. I suddenly have a rash thought. It would make a lot of sense."

    "Your sister was adopted." He chopped off her imagination mercilessly.

    "But I''m a little over twenty four. It would still make sense. Actually, it would make more sense with me since I''m also the one they are trying to help."

    Lu Aotian rubbed her head. "Do you dislike Lin Zhou that much? Don''t think too much. I already investigated and there is no past connection between Qian Ye and Xia Rou. Besides, he has a family."

    "Oh." Since Lu Aotian investigated, there had to be no connection. Forget about it. As long as they didn''t hurt her. "He gave me a pill for Little Jia."

    Lu Aotian silently took it from her hand. He didn''t know what to think anymore.

    ¡­

    The Lin residence.

    After spending time together for many days, Lin Lihua felt it was right to introduce Henry Blanc to her parents. That, and the fact that they had waited for so long to meet him. Also, he was leaving the country in a week and was not sure when he would be back.

    The Lins were especially welcoming. Xia Rou didn''t make things difficult for his son-in-law. Just based on the fact that he was Lu Aotian''s friend, she believed that he was a good man who would take perfect care of her daughter.

    "Where do the both of you plan to settle down?" she asked.

    "Lihua and I already discussed that. We will move Le Blanc Group''s headquarters here and live in Southside."

    Xia Rou was even happier. Although she wouldn''t hold her daughter back from her happiness if she wanted to follow him to Country F, it was better that he was not taking her away.

    "Our Lihua is so precious to us. You must take good care of her."

    "Auntie, I will never disappoint you."

    "You child, it will not be too long before you change your way of addressing me and call me ''mother-in-law''."

    "Enough mum, if you nag him too much, I will have to complain." Lin Lihua said.

    Lin Zhou finally had something to say. "I hear you are starting a new project in City H. It''s quite big. Do you need to collaborate with any company?"

    Henry Blanc said modestly, "I already got two. Lu Enterprises and Xu Real Estate."

    "What about your wife''s company? Shouldn''t that be the main priority?"

    "Dad!" Lin Lihua scolded. "Henry and I still have some things to do. I''ll drop by the company later." She smiled awkwardly.

    ...

    "Why did you stop him? I don''t mind stepping in." Henry Blanc spoke once they were out of Lin Residence.

    "Thank you, but I''m handling that on my own."

    "If you think anything is too difficult for you, you must remember that you are a woman with a husband. You can''t be too hard on yourself."

    "I don''t think it''s difficult enough for me to need a man''s help." She believed that her father was either being paranoid or he was the only one being targeted.

    "Are you free tonight? Let''s go out for dinner."

 Chapter 348 - Theyre sisters!

    Three weeks into their engagement, Lin Lihua posted a photo of her hand with the engagement ring. She didn''t add any caption but her fans understood what she meant.

    Pick Up Lines [Goodness! What did I just see? My queen is engaged?]

    Love Lihua Forever [That''s indeed our Lihua''s hand. She''s engaged? Boohoo!]

    Blue Flower [The commentator above, why are you crying? You should be happy for our queen.]

    Love Lihua Forever [I''m both happy and sad. Will she still love us after her marriage? I feel heartbroken!]

    I Adore My Queen [You are even luckier. I''ve had a crush on her since she debuted all those years ago. I always dreamt of being her husband. Now I have to find another wife¡­Poor me]

    Loveliness [Who is the man? He has to be approved by us! We will not let just any tom, dick or harry take our queen from us.]

    [That''s right. He has to be handsome, powerful and, most importantly,  he should love her wholeheartedly. Our Lihua can''t marry a jerk!]

    Lin Lihua laughed at her fans'' comments. They were acting as though they were her elder brothers and sisters.

    Most women were happy for her while the men who had idolized her for years were disappointed. She didn''t know that one of her middle aged fans, her future mother-in-law, was also wondering who the lucky man that won her heart was. Mrs. Blanc even spent hours feeling regretful that the lucky man was not her son.

    ¡­

    Soon after Lin Lihua''s engagement was announced, Lu Aotian let the media outlets release another piece of news about her. He had restricted the news from spreading out previously while waiting for the right time and this was it.

    It was just a short line accompanied by a photo of Wan Jia and Lin Lihua together. They were wearing elegant dresses of different types but from the same series. The caption was a simple line [No wonder they get along so well, they are sisters!]

    The internet was suddenly in uproar. The Lin family had another daughter? Everyone only knew of Lin Lihua.

    [Our Lihua sure is full of surprises.]

    [No wonder she kept helping Wan Jia out in the past. It turns out she was only being a good elder sister.]

    [May God give me a pair of daughters like our Lihua and Wan Jia! They love each other so much. Sisters these days often scheme against each other endlessly. This is practically the most loving pair I''ve seen. Is it too much to ask?]

    [The main point is, our Lihua is President Lu''s Lu''s sister-in-law. Ah! So terrifying]

    [You guys are focusing on the wrong point. Where was this daughter hiding away all this while?]

    As for the explanation, Xia Rou and Lin Zhou chose to not provide any. Wan Jia was not an actress and didn''t need to explain her life to anyone.

    ¡­

    When the Yun father and son heard the news, they were expectedly taken aback. General Yun was more shocked than anyone else. He had spent so much time trying to find out who Xia Rou ran off with those years ago, only to find out that it was Lin Zhou? He didn''t have any past grudge against Lin Zhou but now he had one. That wasn''t Lu Aotian''s expected result but things were still within his grasp.

    ___

    Lu Enterprises, a week later.

    "This wasn''t part of the plan. That maniac is on Lin Zhou''s neck. Although we don''t particularly like him, he shouldn''t suffer because of us, right?" After all it was because of them that the news about Wan Jia''s real family was being revealed.

    "Just stick to the plan. Buy as much time as possible. I''ll protect the Lin family." Lu Aotian said to Lu Shaoting.

    Lu Shaoting nodded and reported something else. "Someone has started buying the company shares." He showed Lu Aotian some share transfer agreements. Both of them were transferred to an anonymous person at ridiculously low prices. It was obvious the other parties had been forced into selling their shares.

    Lu Aotian didn''t need to use up his brain to know who it was. "That''s Yun Jifeng. Don''t mind him. Even if he bought shares from everyone who isn''t a member of the Lu family, he would at most only become a major shareholder."

    "Well, he can''t do that even if he sold all his family''s property. Besides money is not the only factor here. For instance, those elder shareholders would rather die than betray the company. However, what if he bought over the subsidiaries? That would cause a huge downfall."

    "Bought them from who?" Lu Aotian looked at him like he was asking silly questions.

    "You''re right. I''m asking silly questions. If there''s nothing else, I''ll go to my wife now." Since Wan Jia was preparing to leave Elite Fashion World, Su Ling had less work to do lately. Wan Jia was also planning to help her find a temporary job. If she still wished to work for her in her new brand, Wan Jia would let her. If not, she was free to find another job on her own.

    "You better not keep taking her off work. If she slacks off and makes my wife overwork herself, I''ll have a fight to pick with you." Lu Aotian warned with a stern expression.

    "Don''t worry about that." Lu Shaoting fled before his brother forcefully found him a new task to do.

 Chapter 349 - I havent acknowledged her yet

    Before thinking of leaving Lu Enterprises, he had obviously made sure to complete all the tasks he had to do. But Lu Aotian, that wife-doting monster, was capable of giving him unreasonable work just so he could prevent him from letting Wan Jia get bothered.

    After successfully fleeing Lu Enterprises, he gave Su Ling a call. Su Ling was in the middle of helping Wan Jia prepare for a meeting so Lu Shaoting had to wait.

    "Boss, can I go out for a while? Everything you will need in your meeting is prepared. she asked shyly when she was done. She only had the courage to do so because she had never slacked off work.

    "Is Shaoting waiting for you?" Wan Jia chuckled. "Why don''t you ask him to wait here? You only have to review these few documents then you can get off work for today. It would be more convenient than going for out for a short while and having to come back."

    "Get off work already? It''s barely noon." Su Ling was surprised. "Boss, you don''t have to be lenient with me. Although I really want to go out with him, he shouldn''t be a hindrance to my work." She obviously thought that Wan Jia was deliberately going easy on her.

    "Do you think I would go easy on you? That would be too irresponsible. It''s really just these documents. You can leave them here when you are done."

    "Then I won''t be too courteous. Thank you."

    "You don''t have to thank me. Also, do you want to work for Xiao Rong when I leave? I don''t think her assistant is reliable. She needs a pair of capable hands like yours."

    Su Ling didn''t protest. "Although I want to stick to your side forever, an employer you arranged for me wouldn''t be bad either."

    Wan Jia felt touched by her answer. Why did it feel as though she had adopted a loyal pet?

    "If you don''t want to, no one will force you into it. It''s just a suggestion. When I leave, you can choose whoever you want to work for."

    "Do you have to retire? The fashion industry would be dull without you." Su Ling sighed regretfully.

    "Who said anything about me retiring? I''m only stepping out a little before starting my brand."

    Su Ling was relieved. She really liked Wan Jia''s designs and hoped she wouldn''t ever retire.

    ...

    After completing the little work she had to do, Su Ling finally went to meet Lu Shaoting. The man had insisted on waiting in his car.

    "Did you wait too long?" She beamed him a smile. He was leaning on his car when she left the building.

    "Does my sister-in-law have a grudge against me in our past lives? Just how much work does she make you do?" Displeasure was written all over his face.

    Su Ling held his hand and pinched it. "You don''t want me to work? Do you want me to just sit at home and grow mould on my bum?"

    "Why not? I can provide for the family." His expression was serious, as though he was not joking. He looked like he actually anticipated making her a stay at home wife.

    "Stop fooling around. A wife should work hard and support her husband."

    Lu Shaoting suddenly grabbed her and kissed her lips.

    Su Ling pushed him away in alarm. "What''s that all about? We are in public."

    "You asked me to stop fooling around."

    "I did." she glared at him.

    "How was I supposed to stop doing something I hadn''t started doing?" she was shorter than him so he had to lean in to say that.

    Su Ling pushed rolled her eyes at him and got into the car. Lu Shaoting sat in the driver''s seat and held her chin. She pushed him as they were still in public. "If you keep being annoying all the time, I''ll leave you on your own."

    "What did you say?" he took her lips in his and bit on them softly as punishment. "You are not allowed to say such things. Not even as a joke."

    "If that''s my punishment, are you trying to make me say it many more times?" she who was shy about being in public just a moment ago had forgotten all about it. She held his neck and returned his kiss.

    "If you do such naughty things, the punishment won''t be just a kiss. It will be much more."

    She understood what he meant and blushed.

    ___

    While they displayed their affection in the car, they were completely unaware that pictures of them had been taken by a paparazzo. The female paparazzo had just been excited to see Lu Shaoting being affectionate with a girl and couldn''t resist taking photos.

    Within just a few minutes, their kissing pictures were trending all over the internet.

    While most people felt jealous of Su Ling, some thought it was disgusting. It was understandable that they liked each other but did they have to make out in public?! That being done by a man of Lu Shaoting''s status was too shameful.

    "Such insolense!" Lu Tongyan was raging when he saw the news. His son was being critisized as shameless and disrespectful of public morals.

    "How old are you? Do you not know to watch your image?" He scolded. He was so upset that he didn''t know what to tell him.

    "You only mind that the woman is Su Ling, right?" Lu Shaoting scoffed.

    "You! Bring that woman home. Only if she passes my test will I acknowledge her."

 Chapter 350 - Clueless wives on a business trip

    "Why do you have to test my wife? She''ll be spending her life with me, not you." Lu Shaoting expressed his displeasure. Why was his father being so difficult?

    "It''s a family policy. If your wife turns out to be the weakness by your side, how do you think that will affect the company?"

    Lu Shaoting looked confused. "What do you mean? That''s for the head lady." In fact, he didn''t remember Wan Jia ever being tested.

    "Who said other daughters-in-law can''t be tested? Our family doesn''t have many members, but we have uncountable partners. Can she handle that? Can she handle company matters? Most importantly, is she well brought up? If your and Aotian''s wives are not well behaved, how do you think the Lu grandchildren will be brought up?"

    "I can guarantee that she is well brought up. As for handling business matters, that shouldn''t be a problem. I''ve been teaching her a thing or two." He wasn''t very confident saying this, as his so called teaching wasn''t as reasonable as Lu Aotian''s to Wan Jia. Somehow, he felt his father had a point. Many people had tried to trick Wan Jia into agreeing to deals that wouldn''t be of benefit to Lu Enterprises. It was just lucky that Wan Jia had been sticking around Lu Aotian and learning to gauge everything.  If they did the same thing to Su Ling and she didn''t know how to handle them then got used by them, wouldn''t it be tragic?

    "Then why are you scared of letting her go through the test? Are you scared I will make things difficult for your woman?" Lu Tongyan taunted.

    He shook his head. "I understand. I''ll tell her about it."

    "Watch your image next time. Don''t let the Lu family get scolded for not bringing up children properly." He was talking about today''s incident.

    "I understand."

    ¡­

    "Why do I have to go through a test?" Su Ling asked nervously when he told her about it.

    "Don''t be scared. It''s not like you will be asked to walk on fire and swim through ice."

    Su Ling had an idea. "I''ll ask my boss to give me some tips."

    Lu Shaoting wished to tell her but he didn''t know how to. Wan Jia couldn''t help her even if she wanted to.

    At the same time, Lu Tongyan paid his eldest son a visit. The father and son dicussed over a game of GO in the study.

    "Isn''t Wanwan supposed to go to Country A to negotiate a project collaboration on Thursday? Leave that task to Su Ling." Lu Tongyan said out of now here.

    "Leave it for who now?" Lu Aotian who never made jokes with his father laughed aloud. Was this a prank of sorts?

    "What are you laughing at? Can''t she do it?"

    Lu Aotian restored his serious face. "I see you''re putting my little sister-in-law under a test. But isn''t this going overboard? I was already being hard on my wife when I gave her this task. How can a rookie at business handle it?"

    "Do you also think I''m being unreasonable?"

    He saw Lu Aotian''s look and changed his mind. "On second thought, don''t answer me." That look¡­the answer was going to be heartbreaking.

    "I don''t know what to say¡­This project is of extreme importance. It determines whether Lu Enterprises will be able to set foot in Country A." He had given it to Wan Jia to test her true ability. If she could do it on her own, then she would be considered a business guru.

    "Then let them go together. In fact, I haven''t Wanwan either." Lu Tongyan suggested.

    Lu Aotian thought it was not a bad idea. Of course, if there were signs of them losing the deal, he would immediately step in. He wouldn''t let his business rivals snatch it.

    Just like that, it was decided that Su Ling would go with Wan Jia.

    ___

    That evening, in Xu Liaowen''s mansion.

    "Don''t you think you are working too hard? You should rest a little." Kara brought a glass of warm milk to her husband in the study. She was worried about how hard he was working. He had been staying up for two consecutive nights.

    "I can''t. Aside from the project in progress, I should also try to win the project collaboration in Country A. It''s such a huge project that it will help our company to step into Country A. But there''s so much work at the company that I can''t leave unless it''s complete." Xu Liaowen explained expressionlessly before resuming his work.

    "I''ll help you out. You can stay at the company and let me go to Country A. Isn''t it just a negotiation? How difficult can it be?" Kara said and held her husband''s head to massage it. She was a professional business lady and this wouldn''t be difficult for her.

    Xu Liaowen appreciated his wife''s effort to help him out. "You don''t have to. Xixi is still small. Who will take care of her if you go?" considering the amount of pressure at the company, he wouldn''t take good care of the kids. He didn''t want to leave them alone with the nannies all the time either.

    "Can''t I trouble mother for a while? It''s just half a week."

    "It seems like the best choice. Thank you, my wife."

    "You shouldn''t thank me. What are wives for?"

    So, three wives were set to go to Country A to negotiate the same deal, but none of them knew about it yet.

 Chapter 351 - Nagging husbands

    On Wednesday afternoon, Lu Shaoting saw Su Ling off. Lu Aotian was there for the same reason-seeing Wan Jia off. The negotiation would be on Thursday so the two women chose to go the day before to adjust to the time zone.

    Before Wan Jia got into the private plane, Lu Aotian pulled her into his arms for the umpteenth time. "Remember¡­"

    Wan Jia interrupted him with an eye roll. "I know. Call you once I arrive in Country A, don''t leave my hotel room on my own, don''t go anywhere without bodyguards, don''t seek trouble, keep warm, call you if I need anything¡­you''ve nagged me a thousand times already, jeez!" Her ears were getting calluses from hearing the same phrase thousands of times.

    "You forgot the most important. To call me every night."

    "It''s just four days. Do you have to nag me so much?" They both wanted stay one extra day to look around City C and play around the beach. But with her husband acting this way, she didn''t know if she would anymore.

    "I''m only worried about you." He pinched her chin. If it were someone obedient, he wouldn''t need to worry but this little wife of his was addicted to causing trouble. Who was to say she wouldn''t use the chance to fly to the sky?

    "Be good. I promise to return to you in one piece. Not even a waft of trouble on me. Okay, husband?" she kissed the corner of his lips in pacification.

    Since she made it a promise, he believed her and let go. Su Ling had got into the plane just a moment ago. Only when the plane took off did Lu Aotian withdraw his gaze. He turned to see his brother also gazing in the same direction.

    He looked at Lu Shaoting coldly. "What are you looking at?"

    Lu Shaoting was astounded. "I was only looking at my wife, for goodness sake. Bro, I know you already miss your wife but you don''t have to take it out on me, do you?"

    ¡­

    In the private plane.

    "President Lu really cares for you." Su Ling teased.

    "You would think I''m leaving for four years."

    They both giggled. Su Ling had been nagged endlessly too. So much that she wished she wasn''t going. Neither of them minded it, it only proved how muc their husbands cared about them.

    "You should quit calling him so formally." Wan Jia suddenly said.

    "What?" Su Ling didn''t understand and probed.

    "Aotian. He''s your brother-in-law. You are part of the family. You shouldn''t address him the same way outsiders do."

    Su Ling found it terrifying. She and Lu Shaoting were not yet married! "Wouldn''t I die for calling him that?"

    Wan Jia found her hilarious. Her nervous expression looked as though she had been told to call the royal emperor by a nickname. "Why would you die? You are his sister-in-law. He won''t mind it if you call him that."

    With time, their relationship had become more of friends or family than superior and subordinate. It was about time they stopped with the formalities. Besides, Lu Shaoting started addressing her as his sister-in-law long before she and Lu Aotian started dating.

    "Then does that mean¡­!"

    "Yup. You should address me as your sister-in-law." Wan Jia slung an arm around Su Ling''s shoulder as though she was talking to a child. "Say it for me to hear."

    "S..sis-in-law." Su Ling felt like she had lost half a life just by saying those three syllables.

    Wan Jia giggled. "You are too cute. People might think you are scared of me."

    I AM scared of you! Who in their right mind isn''t scared of President''s Lu''s woman? Not to mention how terrible the fate of those who offend you is. No, wait. It''s brother-in-law now.

    Actually, at first she would tremble as though she had done something wrong every time Wan Jia called her name. She was like a mouse in the presence of a cat that might swallow her up any moment. After spending a lot of casual time together in their gatherings, she was still scared of her but not as much as she used to be.

    ¡­

    It was 7pm when they landed in Country A. Their hotel rooms had already been booked beforehand. They simply had to check in and have dinner in the restaurant in the lobby.

    "This hotel is so beautiful. The color scheme is noble and the furnishing is pretty elegant. Not to mention how beautiful the view is from my room''s window. It''s so inspiring that I''m tempted to return to Elite Fashion World." Well, that was Wan Jia. If she didn''t care about the view from her window and how inspiring it was, how would she still be Wan Jia? "It''s even classier than Emerald Grand Hotel."

    Su Ling who was passing some time by playing video games with Wan Jia disagreed. "Emerald Grand Hotel is the most perfect hotel I''ve ever seen. No matter how you look at it, this one''s still miles away from being on the same level of beauty.  Whether it''s Emerald Grand Hotel''s decor or the ambiance, or the food served in the restaurant on the first floor¡­" If Su Ling was representing Emerald Grand Hotel on a debate, it would surely win.

    "That''s because Shaoting is the owner. It''s definitely perfect in your eyes."

    Su Ling blushed when she teased her like that. Well, it was true. Anything that belonged to Lu Shaoting was perfect in her eyes.

 Chapter 352 - Mrs. Xu is here too?

    The next day, Wan Jia received an email from Mr. Jung. That was the man they would be meeting for the negotiation. His message was that their appointment date had been pushed to the next day. Su Ling had received the same email.

    "It''s not too big of a deal. We can just switch plans. Walk around today and meet him tomorrow." Su Ling said.

    "That''s not a problem." Wan Jia still had a deep frown on her forehead.

    "Then why do you still looked displeased?"

    Wan Jia smirked. "I don''t think Mr. Jung would postpone an appointment with Lu Enterprises just one hour to the meeting time. If he did that, he wouldn''t have given Aotian any face."

    "You think he sent the emails wrongly? That he mistakenly wanted to send them to other people and sent to us accidentally?"

    "I don''t think he sent any mail." Wan Jia said sternly.

    "Huh?"

    Wan Jia read the emails over with certainty. "If he really wanted to cancel the appointment, he would have sent the email to Aotian. He doesn''t know that we are here as representatives. He doesn''t even know us in first place. Also, sending the same message to both of us is what someone would do to make the message more believable. This is definitely a trick. A very lowly and cheap one for that matter."

    Mr. Jung''s assistant would never know that his trick had been uncovered by Wan Jia within just a few minutes. That was right, he was the sender of those emails.

    He wanted this huge deal to be given to his friend''s company but with Lu Enterprises trying to get it, his wish was impossible. By sending such an email, he would make Lu Enterprises late for negotiation. Mr. Jung hated tardiness and would not wait for them. He would immediately seal the deal with his friend''s family''s company.

    In Wan Jia''s suite, she still had many questions in her mind. "I asked Aotian just now and this is Mr. Jung''s valid email address. There should be only few people who can access it.  His assistant or secretary, perhaps? I wonder how on earth they knew about us being the company''s representatives."

    "Someone must have informed him." Su Ling analyzed.

    "I guess there''s another mole at the company." Though she found it strange. Was that mole related to Lu Enterprises'' rivals?

    "Are you going to tell President Lu about it?  How about we just  go ahead to the meeting as planned? That way we will disappoint the traitor and have a chance to know who they are." Su Ling suggested.

    Wan Jia took a box from her luggage and smiled. "We''re going to give Mr. Jung a present." This would be their way of finding out who the traitor on Mr. Jung''s side was. As for the meeting, they would pretend to not have figured out the other party''s scheme.

    "That''s an even better idea."

    Wan Jia and Su Ling left the hotel as though they were clueless of someone trying to sabotage them. They were meeting Mr. Jung in Weilan Corp.

    When they left the elevator, they bumped into someone familiar.

    "Kara?"

    "Mrs. Xu?"

    Kara was surprised to see them too. She gave them a warm smile. "Hello. What are the both of you doing here? Su Ling, you don''t have to be so formal with me. Just call me Kara."

    Wan Jia eyed the documents in Kara''s hands. "Are you here for business?"

    "Uh huh. My meeting just ended."

    "I see. We should hurry to our meeting. See you later, maybe?" She forced a smile and pulled Su Ling with her along the corridor.

    As soon as they were out of Kara''s earshot, they exchanged worried looks.

    "Please don''t tell me we''re here for the same business deal?" Su Ling said.

    "Okay, I won''t tell you." Wan Jia looked like she had just given up. "If we''re going against Kara, it''s not going to be easy. Business is her forte!"

    Su Ling was nervous too but she shrugged her shoulders. "So what if business is her forte? We should give it a try."

    "Of course."

    Behind them, Kara wondered whether what she saw in their eyes when she said that she was here for a business meeting was panic. Could it be that they were here for Lu Enterprises, to negotiate the same deal?

    ...

    Wan Jia and Su Ling stuck to their plan. When they met Mr. Jung, Wan Jia''s role would be to distract him while Su Ling kept an eye for any suspicious person.

    "Good morning Mr. Jung." Wan Jia and Su Ling both greeted politely.

    "Are you those two representatives from Lu Enterprises?" The man asked with a hint of displeasure in his tone.

    When Wan Jia heard him, she guessed the traitor from his side must have already said bad things about them.

    "We are." She still said.

    The man''s frown deepened even further. "You girls may go back. I''ll have a word with Mr. Lu later." His hostility was obvious. Just what had he been told?

    Wan Jia didn''t look offended. She took out the palm-sized box. It was meant to be given after signing the contract but she had to change the plan. "We can only go back after completing this very important task."

    Mr. Jung wondered whether they were trying to bribe their way into the deal.

    "Mr. Jung, this is Lu Enterprises'' perfume. It''s one of the oldest and most valuable masterpieces called Noble. President Lu was right. It would suit you perfectly."

    The man''s displeasure flew out of the window. A perfume from Lu Enterprises?

 Chapter 353 - Ill make him regret this

    Mr. Jung was pleasantly surprised. He couldn''t hide his happiness. "President Lu sure is attentive. I only mentioned this perfume in passing. I didn''t know he would really remember it and even gift it to me Hahaha!" inwardly he was thinking, it turned out Lu Enterprises didn''t despise him as he initially thought.

    He was already an old man in his sixties and when he was informed that Lu Enterprises despised him to the point of using him as a test for interns, he was enraged. It would still be understandable if he was close to Lu Aotian or his father but what they had was at most a nodding acquaitance. But this little intern didn''t seem half bad.

    "How could he possibly forget? There are only a few people who live up to the nobility of these century old perfumes. If I were him, I wouldn''t forget either." Wan Jia praised naturally.

    He didn''t miss her point. She was praising him for being noble.

    Wan Jia''s little task was more or less done. "Mr. Jung if there''s nothing else; I should not interrupt your work. My sister-in-law and I will head back first."

    "I''ll see them out." His assistant rushed to say. He was nervous the whole time they were here. If they mentioned the meeting¡­

    Mr. Jung was still basking in happiness. He had a good impression of these two young ladies. "Is Lu Aotian coming for the meeting himself? Since he''s not here yet, he will be too late. If he doesn''t mind, why don''t you young ladies discuss the terms with me on his behalf?"

    As expected, his assistant looked uneasy. "Mr. Jing, they were only sent ahead of President Lu to bring greeting gifts. Would they know how to discuss business matters?"

    Mr. Jing looked at the two women. "Only one way to find out. Young lady, why don''t you try? I will make sure you don''t get in trouble with your CEO."

    Wan Jia exchanged a knowing look with Su Ling. "Actually, we are here on his behalf, but that''s for tomorrow''s meeting."

    Jung frowned. "Tomorrow? The only appointment Lu Aotian booked is for today. The meeting starts in five minutes." Wan Jia had made their meeting look like it was coincidental timing.

    She looked stunned for a moment before apologizing like a well behaved lady. "Pardon us; there must have been miscommunication on our side. I thought the meeting was set for tomorrow in the afternoon."

    By taking the blame, she made Jung wonder how it was possible that Lu Aotian passed over wrong information. That was practically impossible. Perhaps the problem was actually on his side?

    Pushing that aside, they discussed for a long while. The more he heard Wan Jia and Su Ling analyze the project, the more he was impressed. Wan Jia had taken time the previous night to explain some things to Su Ling. She didn''t look in the dark either.

    However, there was a slight problem on Jung''s side. He had talked to another woman just before Wan Jia came in, the one whose name was Kara Yang. She was here for Country C''s Xu Real Estate and was negotiating the same deal. He had told her that he would analyze the circumstances before giving her an answer.

    The big problem was, however, that the benefits offered by both Lu Enterprises and Xu Real Estate were practically on the same level. He could only choose one company and he was finding it hard.

    "Why don''t you make them bid for it? If all the corporations know that they are competing for the project, they will definitely step up their benefits." the assistant suggested when he saw that Mr. Jung was inclined more and more towards collaborating with Lu Enterprises. Considering his attitude, he would either choose Lu Enterprises or Xu Real Estate. Then, wouldn''t all the work he had done go to waste?

    When Wan Jia heard Mr. Jung''s assistant, she gave him a meaningful glance. "Sure."

    It was obvious that he was giving his friend''s company a final shot.

    Wan Jia and Su Ling stood to leave. The assistant walked them out. While at it, he attempted to make them give up. "I heard that President Lu never changes his mind and once he has decided on anything, he can''t modify it. Don''t you think your bidding price is basically out in the open?"

    Wan Jia responded with a harrumph. "I don''t know about that. On a side note, there''s this legend that kids in my country really love. A man tried to use schemes to sabotage his wife and prevent her from going somewhere very important. When the wife found out, do you know what she did? She pretended to not have realized it but the end is so satisfying..."

    The assistant frowned. What kind of crappy legend was that? She was obviously threatening him.

    Wan Jia told it as though it was really a legend. "She slashed him to death.... It happens in real life, you know. You should be careful when you mess with people. Especially those that look innocent and harmless." She held a hand over her mouth as though she said something wrong. "What I meant to say is, schemers should be careful when they mess with people¡­I don''t mean you''re one, just saying." Her eyes when she said the last statement were terrifying. It was as though she had been possessed by a blood thirsty devil for that short instance.

    "You scared him to death." Su Ling giggled when they were out of the building.

    Wan Jia''s lips curved upwards. "Technically, it''s not a blank threat. I''ll really make him regret tricking us."

 Chapter 354 - When the time comes, dont regret it

    It was still night in Country C, so Wan Jia didn''t inform Lu Aotian about the bid. She would give him a call later and discuss it. Meanwhile, she wanted to go for a walk around.

    Before she did, Kara gave her a call. "Are you free to go together for lunch? Someone recommended a really cool restaurant. Come with Su Ling too."

    "I don''t have much going on. Let me check on Su Ling."

    Su Ling really wanted to go, but she couldn''t go with Kara around. She always felt awkward around her, as though they were just never meant to be friends. "I don''t feel too well. Can I call a rain check?"

    Wan Jia knew it was just an excuse but she didn''t want to make her feel uncomfortable. "That''s okay. You should take medicine and rest. I''ll bring you something yummy on my way back."

    ¡­

    When Wan Jia met up with Kara, the situation would have been a little awkward because of the business deal they were both hoping to get.

    "About the project¡­" Wan Jia started.

    Kara stopped her. "You don''t have to worry about it. If Lu Enterprises gets it by fair means, I will accept the outcome. We can''t argue over a project, right? After all Xu Real Estate might belong to your family in future."

    The first part made Wan Jia feel touched but what she said about Xu Real Estate caught her off guard. "What in the world do you mean?"

    Kara chuckled as she twirled her wineglass. "Can you not look like I said something scary?"

    She gave her a stern look. "Of course you said something scary. My baby is only four. Are you already plotting something?"

    "How is this plotting? My son is also only six, okay? Not only that, he is very handsome and brilliant too. Little Jia would be on the benefitting end. That paired with the fact that Little Jia sees Liaowen and me as her uncle and aunt, and Tangtang feels the same about your family, we would make a perfect family, don''t you think?"

    Wan Jia didn''t know what to tell her. "It''s too early to think about marriage. You may have to wait for twenty years. Of course, the most important thing is that I will never force my daughter to marry someone she doesn''t like."

    "It''s not that long. Hey, I was just mentioning it casually. Childhood friends make the best couple when they grow up but of course the final decision will still remain with them."

    Wan Jia laughed at her antics. Trying to set up a little boy''s marriage when he is only six, was she really his mother?

    When they were done eating, she ordered take out and had it delivered to Su Ling. Then they went shopping for a bit.

    ¡­

    While the two women were busy shopping and buying gifts for their husbands and children, Su Ling left her hotel room after a while. She had just exited when someone unfamiliar appeared beside her. "Can I have a word with you, Miss Su?"

    "Who are you?" Her first thought was that someone was trying to assassinate her.

    "Don''t worry. I''m not here to hurt you. But if you resist then I can''t be too sure about that."

    Su Ling wanted to fight back but thinking about it, this man must have used a lot of effort to find her.  He was obviously not alone and there was no way she would keep her life if she started a fight with him.

    "What do you want?" She asked to buy herself some time, at the same time secretly reaching for her phone to call the police.

    Alas, the man saw it. He sneered and took her phone, confiscating it. "Getting clever, are we? Do you think anyone would be able to help you if I were to hurt you?"

    "Tell me what you want!"

    "Your bid price."

    "What?"

    "Don''t act dumb with me. My boss wants the project bid price for Lu Enterprises and all of us will be happy. If not¡­" he slammed a file hard against the floor.

    Su Ling took it with shaking hands and when she opened it, her eyes shot open. "How¡­how could this be?"

    The man enjoyed her shocked expression. "Do you think that the Lu family will still want you after they see these? Think about it. When you complete this task, there''s a pay in it for you. Ten million dollars."

    Something flashed in Su Ling''s eyes but she withdrew her thought quickly. "What exactly do you want me to do?"

    "Take a photo of the bid document and send it the number on this business card. Don''t try to play any tricks." The man was slightly shocked at her sudden change of heart but he didn''t think too much about it. He thought that his boss was right about her. She was just a girl who had been abandoned by her family. Although rumor had it that she was Lu Shaoting''s woman, she was likely just a plaything. How could she not be moved at the mention of so much money?

    "Okay. When I''m done, don''t ever look for me."

    "I will not." He remembered to add, "Something else, if you dare to¡­"

    "Don''t worry, not a soul will know of this meeting."

    Su Ling''s expression turned cold when the man left. I will send the picture but when the time comes, don''t regret it.

    £¬

 Chapter 355 - Theyre not half as handsome as you are

    That night, Su Ling really took a photo of the project bid amount when Wan Jia wasn''t looking. However, she didn''t directly send it to that man. She typed an exact copy but changed the amount from fifty million to thirty five million. That was a huge difference. When she was done, she sent the fake amount.

    Jung''s assistant was shocked witless when he saw the amount. He had thought that Lu Enterprises would offer an astronomical price. This wasn''t even as much as the benefits Xu Real Estate was preparing to offer before they decided to bid. If he knew, he wouldn''t have found that Su girl. He would have looked for the woman called Kara Yang.

    The next day, he was shocked when Lu Enterprises still won the bid by fifty two million. Kara wasn''t too shocked. Her confidence had been reduced in half the second she saw Wan Jia but she had still held her hope. Liaowen would be so disappointed¡­

    Immediately after the meeting, that man gave Su Ling a call. "Woman, you tricked me. Don''t blame me for not being friendly!"

    Su Ling chuckled. "Did you like the surprise? You think I wanted your filthy money? What I meant to say is; it doesn''t matter what the Su family do that''s against the law. Shaoting doesn''t care.  You can go right ahead and send him those files." Without waiting for a response, she hung up.

    Wan Jia who was speaking to a potential business partner of Lu Enterprises caught up. "You did well."

    "What are you talking about?"

    Wan Jia didn''t answer her until they were in Su Ling''s room. "You passed the test."

    Su Ling still didn''t get it. "What are you talking about? Everything we did was mostly thanks to you. I only did a small part."

    Wan Jia laughed at her naivety. "Were you not surprised that the bid price suddenly changed?"

    Now that Wan Jia mentioned it, she indeed found it strange. The document she stole the previous night had a price of fifty million which was the same amount they had decided on, but the one submitted today had fifty two million. She had thought that Wan Jia changed it just to be safe.

    "Why did you change it?" She asked.

    Wan Jia spoke as though it was not a big deal. "The fifty million was just a prank. You were under a test."

    After Wan Jia told the Lus about the presence of a mole, they guessed that the other party might find Su Ling and threaten her into betraying the company. Although both Su Ling and Wan Jia were under tight protection, they wanted to know how Su Ling would react in the face of a threat. That''s why they wanted Wan Jia to place a fake document in Su Ling''s vicinity. They basically used the threat to test her loyalty.

    Wan Jia hugged her warmly. "Last night I thought you would betray the company. I was so disappointed that I almost scolded you."

    "Why didn''t you scold me?"

    "It''s just a woman''s intuition. I think you love Shaoting too much to betray his family."

    Su Ling felt warm. So it was a test after all. She was not mad at them for tricking her. She was happy that they didn''t jump into conclusions before seeing the end of it. "How are you going to deal with that assistant?"

    "You don''t know?"

    "Know what?"

    "I already dealt with him. He has to confess all the things he did using Mr. Jung''s name behind his back. He will make a public apology while kneeling in front of the company building and maintain the kneeling position all day. If not, I am able to make his life a living hell using the dirt I dug up on him."

    Su Ling was impressed. How fast.

    ---

    In Country C, Lu Tongyan looked pleased when he was told the progress of his daughters-in-law.

    "They signed the deal. Anyway that''s not the main point. The point is, I told you Ling will never betray me." Lu Shaoting had on a proud expression as though he had won an Oscars award.

    "Don''t be too cocky yet. This is just the beginning."

    "As you say."

    "Let her stay here for a week. When they come back, pick her up and bring her right here."

    Lu Shaoting agreed. As long as his father wasn''t deliberately humiliating her, there wouldn''t be any problems.

    ¡­

    "Good job." Lu Aotian said when he gave Wan Jia a call.

    "Aren''t you sleeping yet? It''s very late over there." She scolded.

    "I waited for your call all day and didn''t get any, and when I call, you scold me? Don''t you miss me at all?"

    "Miss you? There are very many handsome men around here. There are even some running around the beach in tank tops. As if I would miss you, hmph!" Wan Jia teased.

    "What did you say?" All the sleep flew away from Lu Aotian''s eyes. "I dare you to say that again."

    Wan Jia burst into laughter. "I''m just kidding. Can you not sound like you want to take the first flight here?"

    He was really going to do it. "You are not allowed to look at other men."

    "Why would I look at them? They''re not half as handsome as you."

    "I miss you." he said in a hoarse sexy voice.

    "I miss you too, my love."

    At the side, Su Ling and Kara glared at her. We came to the beach to have fun and get a nice tan, okay? Who carries their phone to display their affection on the beach? We have husbands too, you know.

 Chapter 356 - Naughty

    After displaying her affection a little more, Wan Jia finally hung up. Kara and Su Ling who had left their phones in their hotel rooms were almost deafened by her.

    "Are you done?" Kara was the first to express her displeasure. She missed her husband a lot and someone just had to shove PDA down her throat.

    "Yup, yup. I''ll put my phone aside now. Wait, help me take a photo. I''ll send it to Aotian."

    Kara shook her head but still helped her take one. "Poor President Lu." She mumbled.

    Su Ling chuckled. She was also lighting a candle for him in her heart.

    "What are you mumbling about?"

    "Nothing. Here, done."

    Wan Jia took back her phone. Satisfied with the outcome, she sent it over.

    ___

    Country C

    After hanging up the call with his wife, Lu Aotian went to bed. His phone chimed with a new message before he pulled the covers on himself.

    He grabbed it from the night stand and took a look.

    "Damn it." That naughty little vixen!

    ¡­

    The next day, Little Jia was the last to wake up. It was already 10 am when she woke up. Rubbing her sleepy eyes, she dragged the stuffed bunny she had been hugging all night by one of its long ears and left her room to look for Lu Aotian.

    "Daddy?" she slurred in her baby voice that was coarse from sleeping too much.

    A maid rushed to her side. "Little Miss, you''re awake. You must be hungry. What would you like to eat?"

    "Where''s daddy?" she ignored the maid''s question and asked her own.

    "Master is in his study. He is busy at the moment. How about eating something then finding him later?"

    Because she was indeed hungry, Little Jia ate quickly and rushed to find Lu Aotian. Not able to reach the doorknob with her short frame, she knocked and called out, "Daddy!"

    Lu Aotian looked at the door from his mountain of work. "You finally woke up, little sleepy head."

    The little girl jumped into his arms as soon as he opened the door. "Daddy, why is mommy not home yet? Little Jia misses her a lot."

    "Daddy misses her too. She will come tonight, okay?"

    Little Jia was not pleased by this answer. Tonight was too far away. She wanted mommy to hug her right now. However, she didn''t want to bother her if she was busy. "Then Daddy, can we go out?"

    Lu Aotian tousled her hair lovingly. "Daddy still had a few things to do. I''ll take you somewhere fun in the afternoon, okay?"

    Little Jia pouted. "But Little Jia is bored right now. Can we go now Daddy?"

    Lu Aotian was helpless. "Go and try on your new dresses. By the time you''re done, I will be done too." He called over a nanny to help her try on those new clothes.

    Little Jia looked at the nanny and frowned. "Then I want daddy to help me."

    Lu Aotian massaged his temples. "Which side did you wake up on?" She was so grumpy that if she were a teenager, he would think she was on her period.

    The nanny saw that the master was in a tight spot and tried to intervene. "Little Miss, you should understand that master is busy right now. I''ll teach you a very fun game, how about that?"

    She reached to take Little Jia''s hand but the little girl pushed her away. "Don''t touch me! I''m talking to my daddy and no one asked for your opinion. Stay out of it!"

    The nanny remained silent.

    Lu Aotian facepalmed. What kind of tone was that? Still, he was patient with his daughter. "Little girls shouldn''t say such disrespectful things. Apologize to Nanny Xiang."

    Little Jia didn''t find anything wrong with what she had just said. "But Daddy, isn''t what I said true?"

    "You could have said it politely. That still counts as being disrespectful. Apologize while I''m still being friendly with you."

    Little Jia felt wronged. "Daddy¡­" she looked at him with moist eyes.

    Lu Aotian didn''t fall for her pitiful look. "Since you refuse to acknowledge your mistake, you are grounded for four days. You will not be allowed to leave your room."

    The nanny was stunned. Grounding a four year old girl? Wasn''t the master going overboard? "Master, she''s just a child¡­"

    Lu Aotian shot her a warning look. It was because she was just a child that he was being so lenient.

    "Daddy¡­"

    "Four weeks."

    Little Jia opened her mouth to protest, but Lu Aotian interrupted her. "You don''t want to make it four months, do you? Not only that, all your toys will be confiscated."

    Little Jia looked stunned. Four months without going out and without her toys? Her father must be really angry with her to say that.

    Her tears fell freely and she dared not look at her father. "Sorry."

    Lu Aotian''s expression didn''t change. "Lu Meili, you haven''t realized your mistake yet, have you?"

    Little Jia hurriedly looked at the nanny as she wiped her tears. "I shouldn''t have been rude. I''m sorry."

    The nanny''s heart clenched. She reached to wipe Litttle Jia''s tears. "It''s okay, little miss. Don''t cry anymore."

    The little girl peered at her father.

    "You have realized your mistake now, right?"

    "Yes daddy." She sniffled.

    "Your parents dote on you, but it doesn''t give you a right to take out your bad mood on people. No next time."

    "Daddy Little Jia promises."

    When she saw Lu Aotian''s cold expression start to fade away, she looked up at him shyly. "Daddy, is Little Jia forgiven now?" a fresh bout of tears left her eyes.

 Chapter 357 - Strong hero overlord

    Lu Aotian beckoned her over and picked her up. This little girl really knew how to act pitiful when apologizing.  If he gave in to her every time, she would have turned into a spoilt little brat that threw her temper around ages ago. "Since you made it a promise, I will forget it happened."

    Hearing that, she nestled in his embrace like a kitten. "Daddy was very scary just now." She complained while sticking her little face onto his chest as though seeking protection.

    Lu Aotian chuckled. "That''s because Little Jia was a bad girl just now, too. If Little Jia is a good girl, Daddy will never be scary."

    "Really, never?"

    "Mmh."

    Lu Aotian tousled her hair. "Wait for Daddy a little, okay?"

    "Yes daddy." She was no longer in a bad mood so she skipped away to find Brownie to play with it.

    When he was done, he made Little Jia dress warmly and took her to the largest ice skating rink in the city. She was no longer as gloomy as she was when she woke up, she was even chatting away happily while clinging to her father''s hand tightly like she was protecting a treasure.

    When she realized where they were, her big eyes were filled with stars. "Is that a rink? Daddy, are we going to ice skate?"

    "I''m glad you like it."

    He helped her change into the ice skates he had prepared beforehand and took her to the rink. "Are you scared?"

    She shook her head like a rattle. "Why would I be scared? I''m with my strong hero overlord."

    Lu Aotian expressed his amusement. "Is that so? Who is this strong hero overlord?"

    "You!" Her little expression was that of accusing her father of asking the obvious. "Not only is my hero handsome like a god, he is also very strong and protective too. I''m the luckiest girl, right?"

    Lu Aotian was amazed at his daughter''s ability to give praises. What in the world was ''handsome like a god''? "You are indeed very lucky. But daddy is even luckier to have your mother and you."

    "Daddy..." Little Jia felt her little heart melt. A warm smile filled her adorable little face.

    Although she had seen rinks on television, she had never been to one before. Her big round eyes didn''t stop scanning her surroundings curiously.

    "Is that Tangtang? Wait, is that Second Uncle?"

    Lu Aotian glanced in the direction that his daughter was looking. It was indeed his brother and his godson. The godfather and godson duo happened to see them at the same time and went over.

    "The Lus and Xus seem to take a fancy to the same things lately." Lu Aotian commented as he glanced at Tangtang.

    "Now that you mention it, it''s true." Lu Shaoting looked at Little Jia as soon as he was done speaking. "Little girl, how could you go out for fun without Second Uncle? Does Little Jia not love Second Uncle anymore?"

    Little Jia blinked at him, not fazed by his statement that sounded as though he had been betrayed by a lover. "Second Uncle went out without me. I''m so furious. Tangtang betrayed me too. I''m not going to talk to the both of you." She looked aside, upset with them.

    Tangtang didn''t let himself be on the receiving end. "That''s not true. You didn''t tell me you were going to ice skate, so we''re even."

    "Fine. No next time." she admitted defeat reluctantly.

    Lu Shaoting coughed. "Ahem, this little lad should resume his learning. Bro, do you and Little Jia want to join us?"

    Little Jia suddenly burst into laughter. Lu Aotian, Lu Shaoting and Tangtang all looked at her curiously.

    "Tangtang doesn''t know how to ice skate yet?"

    Tangtang''s eyes dimmed. "You don''t know either. Have you even ever been to a rink before? You''re merely the pot calling the kettle black."

    Little Jia looked smug. "That''s okay, I''m only four. How old are you already?"

    "Hey! I''m only six. Little Jia, you are mean."

    Lu Shaoting laughed. "These two can banter all afternoon. Little Jia, don''t make fun of Tangtang anymore, okay? You two can learn together. The trainer I chose for Tangtang is really good."

    ¡­

    After watching the kids train for a while, the brothers got bored. "Bro, why don''t we compete?"

    Lu Aotian gave him a side eye. "Do you miss being beaten that much?"

    The kids were excited when they overheard their conversation. "Are they really going to compete? Can we watch? Can we, can we?"

    Lu Aotian couldn''t resist their pleading looks. "Okay. Later, don''t laugh at your Uncle Shaoting too much."

    "I''m afraid they''ll be laughing at you. Ten laps around the rink."

    Ten laps later, Lu Aotian won.

    "As expected of my daddy. Is there anything you''re not good at?" Little Jia praised. Her eyes were full of worship. Her daddy was awesome!

    "He just won by five seconds. What''s there to be awed about? I''ll beat him next time." Lu Shaoting was not going to admit defeat so easily, even if the opponent was his brother who was good in everything.

    "I was only giving you face in front of your niece and godson."

    "Why don''t you race again?" Tangtang suggested. He was a die-hard supporter of his godfather and although he liked Lu Aotian too, he couldn''t accept this outcome.

    "I''m afraid that''s not possible. My wife will arrive within one hour. I''m going to pick her up. Shaoting, could I trouble you to take Little Jia home?"

 Chapter 358 - So terrible that you want to sneak a sip

    When Little Jia heard that he was going to pick her mother up, she wanted to go too. "Daddy, can I go too?"

    "No." His answer was short and stern, allowing no room for negotiation.

    "Oh." She looked down pitifully, complain written all over her face.

    Lu Aotian had the urge to laugh and tease her. "Be good. Daddy will bring back chocolates."

    After pacifying the little one, he went to pick up the wife. Fine, he had to pick up the sister-in-law as well. Never mind. He would deal with her once they got home.

    The three of them had taken the same flight.

    As soon as Wan Jia saw Lu Aotian, she jumped onto him cheerfully and gave her girlfriends a smug look.

    "What''s going on?" Lu Aotian asked the little thing that had suddenly thrown itself into his arms.

    "I missed you. Can''t I hug you?"

    "¡­" fine.

    Not many seconds later, Xu Liaowen called his wife. "Where are you? I just reached the airport; I hope you didn''t wait too long."

    Kara waved her phone in front of Su Ling and gave her a funny look before responding to Xu Liaowen. "We just landed. Where are you? I''ll find you."

    Su Ling sighed. "Shaoting isn''t here yet. I guess it''s my treat." It''s not going to be that expensive anyway. They were playing a silly game. Whoeve''s man was latest to pick her up would treat the others to a drink.  What she was disappointed about was not seeing Lu Shaoting who she had looked forward to seeing since they left Country A.

    Lu Aotian ignored the strange way the three of them were acting. "Shaoting has something else to do. I''ll drop you off." He said to Su Ling.

    "Then thanks for the trouble." She didn''t kick up a fuss over such a small thing.

    As they went, she realized that the road was more and more unfamiliar. At first she thought Lu Aotian had something to do first but then they stopped in a high end property.

    She didn''t dare to ask Lu Aotian so she asked Wan Jia, "Bo...sister-in-law, where is this place?"

    "The Lu residence."

    Su Ling suddenly felt her blood run cold. She was scared of this place! "Why are we here?"

    Lu Aotian was the one to reply this time. "You''ll be staying here temporarily. Shaoting didn''t tell you?" He had actually forgotten such a vital thing?

    "He didn''t." She looked alarmed.

    Wan Jia didn''t know what was happening either but she held Su Ling''s hand. "Don''t be scared. Father-in-law is actually quite friendly."

    Since they were here, Wan Jia thought that she may as well say hi to her father-in-law. Su Ling tagged along nervously. Lu Shaoting had gone to drop off Tangtang and hadn''t arrived yet. Little Jia had insisted on tagging along. If Lu Aotian knew that Kara was arriving on the same day as his wife and sister-in-law, he would have gone to the airport with Tangtang.

    Lu Tongyan didn''t feel awkward around Su Ling. You would think he wasn''t the one who went on incessantly about not acknowledging her.

    Lu Shaoting returned with Little Jia in his arms. The little girl was asleep.

    Just as Lu Shaoting went past them towards the stairs, Lu Tongyan spoke. "I suddenly want to have coffee. Su Ling, can you brew me some?"

    Lu Shaoting shot him an unsatisfied look. Did you have to make her run errands as soon as you see me? Besides, I don''t let her cook unless she''s only learning. What''s the meaning of this?

    Contrary to Lu Tongyan''s expectations, she didn''t look to Lu Shaoting for help. She in fact looked happy to do it. "Right away, Master Lu."

    She asked a servant at the side to show her to the kitchen. A few minutes later, she came back with a cup of coffee on a tray. ''Luckily I''ve been learning to cook'' she thought.

    "Master Lu, your coffee."

    Lu Tongyan didn''t look at it a second time. "It looks horrible."

    Su Ling felt her heart shatter into pieces. Horrible? She still composed herself. "Master Lu, you haven''t had a¡­"

    She didn''t complete her statement before she was sent off to brew another cup.

    When Su Ling left, he took the cup and had a small sip. His face showed a look of approval but he frowned really quickly. "As expected, it tastes unpalatable."

    Wan Jia who was watching from the sidelines coughed. Does it taste so terrible that you want to sneak a sip when you think no one''s looking at you?

    She couldn''t watch anymore. When will her baby wake up?

    As though reading her mind, Lu Aotian pulled her little hand in his. "Why don''t we spend the night here? It''s been long since we accompanied father."

    Lu Tongyan seconded his eldest son. "You should stay and keep Su Ling company. Shaoting might be very busy and she might get scared in the new environment."

    As soon as the words left his mouth, he wanted to bite off his tongue. Why was he showing concern for that girl? She hadn''t passed the test yet. Though he had to reluctantly admit, she probably wasn''t a gold digger or a spy as he initially thought.

    Su Ling was coming in with the second cup of coffee and overheard the conversation. She smiled slightly. So he isn''t as uncaring and unfriendly as I imagined.

    Unluckily, she was lost in thought and didn''t see the maid that was rushing to the kitchen. It was too late when the maid saw her too. They bumped into each other.

    Crash!

    The cup shattered across the floor with the black coffee staining the shards. Su Ling''s shattered expression was comparable to the remains of that cup.

 Chapter 359 - The situation is changing

    Su Ling remained stunned for a moment. When her brain finally processed what had just happened, she hurriedly apologized. "I..I''m so sorry! I-I¡­"

    That cup must have been so valuable and cost a fortune. How would she be able to repay it? Not to forget how rare the coffee she just spilled must be! Without thinking, she crouched to pick the shards.

    "Are you an idiot?" Lu Tongyan exclaimed. Startled, she held a shard with a little too much force and it cut through her finger.

    Lu Tongyan''s expression worsened. "How can you pick up shards using your hands? Don''t you know that they could cut you?" he glared at the servants who were just standing there and doing nothing. "Clean up the mess, call the family nurse. What are you standing around for? Su Ling, don''t touch anything."

    Su Ling was astounded. He wasn''t scolding her for breaking the valuable cup, but for picking it up? Until the nurse cleaned her cut and wrapped it up, until she gave her some ointment to prevent scarring, Su Ling thought she was in a dream.

    For that moment, the sharp tongued Lu Tongyan was gone. All she saw was a father concerned for his future daughter-in-law. He was even more concerned about her than her biological father had ever been. Were people from the Lu family all like this?

    ...

    Wan Jia was drowsily dozing off on Lu Aotian''s shoulder. After having a lot of fun in Country A then being on such a long flight, she was especially tired.

    "I assume there''s nothing else. My wife and I will head up first." Lu Aotian said and carried her in his arms.

    Remaining with only Lu Tongyan in the living room, Su Ling felt more scared. Why wasn''t Lu Shaoting back yet?

    Upstairs.

    After taking Wan Jia to sleep, Lu Aotian also wondered why he hadn''t seen his brother since he took Little Jia upstairs. He went to check on them.

    Before he got there, Lu Shaoting came rushing out of Little Jia''s room. "Bro, Little Jia fainted. I called the doctor and was coming to tell you about it."

    Lu Aotian rushed into the room. He held Little Jia''s hand. She didn''t have a fever. "What happened?"

    "She woke up when I brought her up. We played a bit but she suddenly fainted." Lu Shaoting reported.

    Doctor Fan arrived quickly and ran tests on her. By this time, Wan Jia had woken up with a start and rushed over. Su Ling and Lu Tongyan had gone to take a look too.

    "She''s more than okay." Doctor Fan said.

    Lu Aotian left the room with the doctor and spat out only one word. "Speak."

    Doctor Fan coughed. "Ahem¡­how do I put this? Previously when we checked on her, she could go on with her life as normal but her condition was still not promising. But just now I realized, the situation seems to be changing."

    "What''s that about?"

    "Previously we estimated that she could hold on for three to five years, but now she can hold on for up to seven years. It may seem like just a short time but in all my years, I''ve never seen this happen so mysteriously. Most importantly, her symptoms seem to be almost nonexistent. They are still there, but you wouldn''t know unless you ran tests on her. Her immunity is becoming stronger. With time, it will be impossible for her to catch any illness. She fainted earlier because of the sudden change in her body."

    He had realized this. She was so energetic in the last few days that one would mistake it as her being completely cured. "That''s a good thing."

    He was happy but confused. The way the doctor put it, it was as though he didn''t believe in this being coincidental. Little Jia must have taken something aside from the medicines prescribed by the doctors. And he could guess just what it was.

    Only when they were sure that Little Jia was fine did they go to their rooms. Even then they left the family nurse to watch over her.

    "What did Doctor Fan say?" Wan Jia asked when they were in their room.

    Lu Aotian lifted the duvet and lay on the bed, holding her in his arms. "Honey, what happened to that pill from Qian Li?"

    "You kept it away."

    "And then?"

    Wan Jia knew she couldn''t hide it anymore. "I gave it to Little Jia not too long ago. I''m sorry I did it behind your back."

    Lu Aotian''s expression was getting colder by the second. "The effect was positive."

    "Then why do you sound angry?"

    Lu Aotian didn''t want to lose control of his anger. "Go to sleep."

    Wan Jia flipped him and looked into his eyes using the dim light in the room. "You wouldn''t be angry because I gave her the pill, right? Time has proven that Doctor Qian has nothing against Little Jia, hasn''t it?"

    "What if he had something against her? Do you know how dangerous that was? Little Jia might have..." he didn''t dare say it out.

    Wan Jia drew herself out of his arms. "My love, why do you always have to be so skeptical?"

    "Do you why people hurt you every time? It''s because you trust people too easily. You give them the power to trample on you. Every time." Lu Aotian said every word without a hint of emotion.

    Wan Jia stopped herself from saying what she was going to say. She did not expect him to say such a thing to her.

 Chapter 360 - Cold war

    What made her tongue tied was the fact that he was right. Out of the people she had trusted in the past, most of them ended up hurting her. Still, there were some who didn''t hurt her, right? Like her sister, her mother, Lu Shaoting and him.

    "I only did it for my daughter." "I''ll do everything I can to save her in time" She suddenly said.

    "Isn''t she my daughter too and don''t I want to save her? But that''s exactly why I can''t do something I''m not too certain about."

    "Where''s the other pill? I want to take it too."

    "Somewhere you''ll never find it." was she dumb? If the Qians really had no connection with them, they could as well come up with something else to make Wan Jia trust them. How could she not consider this?

    "Lu Aotian!" her tone was slightly raised.

    "That will no longer be my name if I ever let you get it."

    Wan Jia didn''t talk to him anymore and fell asleep. She would look for it. If she didn''t find it, Doctor Qian wasn''t dead.

    This could be considered their first disagreement since they reunited. One was willing to take risks to save the one she loves, while the other wasn''t willing to let the ones he loves take risks.

    ¡­

    The next day, Lu Aotian left for work before Wan Jia woke up. Wan Jia had retreated from Elite Fashion World so she had all the time to complete her project, take designing lessons from her mentor, train her martial arts and play with Little Jia. Compared to when she was the top designer of Elite Fashion World, she had much less work to do.

    When she woke up, Little Jia was cheerfully chatting away with her grandfather. Her baby voice filled the air as she talked about her experience in school and how much she loved it.

    "Mommy!" she ran to Wan Jia when she saw her.

    "Baby, did you miss me?"

    "I missed mommy very much." She had slept early the previous night and didn''t get to see her mother. This morning, she asked to stay and wait for her so they could go home together.

    Hugging her cute daughter, Wan Jia forgot all about Lu Aotian and his weird temper.

    On another note, Su Ling had gone to the office. She was now working for Xiao Rong. Although she was still being taught a thing or two by her mentor, she was a mentor too. She wanted to groom Xiao Rong into the next top designer.

    Looking at her past designs that were in Ming Rui''s name, Wan Jia could tell that they were half-hearted. It was as though she was being forced to do it. Her first series ever since being officially hired into Elite Fashion World by Wan Jia exploded in popularity.

    People even said that in a few years, she could be like Wan Jia. Of course, Wan Jia didn''t mind that sort of comparison. It only meant that she was brilliant enough to become a goal for other designers. If Xiao Rong ever broke her record, she would be proud of her. Before then, the position of top designer would still belong to Wan Jia in name.

    On Su Ling''s first day working for Xiao Rong, she practically had nothing to do. She had to beg her new boss to stop doing everything herself and send her instead. She was so used to being a designer and assistant at the same time that she found it strange to have Su Ling run errands for her.

    ¡­

    Meanwhile, Lu Tongyan wanted Little Jia to accompany him a little more. "Those two punks are too busy. I don''t know what to do about them anymore. If you''re not too busy, you should pay me a visit more often."

    Wan Jia laughed. "Su Ling and Shaoting will be here to keep you company for the next one week. With Little Jia here too, will you even look at me?"

    Lu Tongyan was elated about Little Jia staying. Little Jia was happy too. Who wouldn''t want to stay with their grandpa? Not to mention her uncle would be there too.

    When that was settled, Wan Jia went to check on her project''s progress. When she went back to Southside, Lu Aotian was still out. He didn''t return until it was her bedtime and even then, he went to the study where he stayed until she was completely asleep. He had once again left by the time she woke up.

    Just like that, a week passed. They didn''t see eye to eye during this week. Lu Aotian spent all his time either in the office or playing with his daughter in the Lu residence. He kept evading his wife because he knew she was finding a chance to ask for the pill.

    Wan Jia knew what he was thinking. The eight day since the star if their ''cold war'', Wan Jia grew impatient. She gave a call to Qian Li in the morning.

    "Where are you, can we meet?"

    Qian Li on the other side sounded tired. "Are you a demon of sorts? The moment I come to Country C, you give me a call."

    "Why don''t you rest a little and have a meal with me? I''m treating."

    Qian Li couldn''t wait. "Sure."

    "Provence Restaurant at noon. I''ll make a reservation."

    After setting up a meeting with Qian Li, she took her car keys and left for the Lin Residence. She had to ask her mother something before meeting Qian Li.

 Chapter 361 - Why should I?

    She was meeting her mother to talk about her new brand. Her mother was a designer too and she could tell her a thing or two about fashion brands based on her experience.

    Her project was almost complete. Platinum Grand Hotel was running smoothly and although it was a little over one month old, she had changed the management and ambiance. It was very different from the Royaume Hotel that was bankrupt. It had completely been revived. Majority of the employees were retained as she didn''t want people to lose their jobs overnight. She only replaced those who had already been fired and those who resigned.

    Although it was still new and still lacking in the rankings, it put pressure on Lu Aotian. This hotel was meant to be a trap for their enemies but his wife actually seemed like she could do it. How many surprises was she planning to give him?

    Well, he didn''t know but there was one more on its way.

    When she was done discussing with her mother, she called Qian Li to change the venue of their meeting. She wanted to meet in a hospital instead.

    "I asked to meet in a hospital because I want you to treat me like a normal patient." She explained.

    "I understand."

    "I''ll also follow normal procedures of meeting a doctor. That includes paying the medical fee."

    "Fine." He didn''t understand why she was being strange but he agreed. She was the patient, she had the say. "You''re not pregnant?"

    She didn''t answer but he knew he was right. If she was, she wouldn''t look for him. "You didn''t take that pill."

    "How did you know?"

    "This little brother is a medical super genius. A genius of my level wouldn''t create something that doesn''t work."

    "¡­"

    Are all men this narcissistic? She had heard of people praising themselves using names of seniority like great father and grandfather but this was the first time hearing someone calling themselves a little brother. Geniuses were truly different.

    "The one you made for Little Jia seems to work. Thank you¡­I don''t know how to repay you."

    Qian Li looked at her while in thought. You don''t need to repay me. I''m the one who needs to repay you. Not only that, you also have the right to ask me for help.

    "I lost my pill. Could you¡­would it be too much trouble if you¡­" her voice trailed off. She was afraid that she was being too troublesome.

    Qian Li laughed. "I knew you would lose it so I made two. I brought it with me. Who would have thought that you would really need it?"

    "Really?" her hope returned.

    "Yes. Why don''t you go for a body scan? I''ll give you the pill afterwards."

    Wan Jia didn''t think too much and went ahead. When the results were out, Qian Li looked at it carefully. He looked at it over and over to scan for any abnormalities. He didn''t believe that a healthy couple simply wouldn''t get pregnant.

    "Why don''t you send me your last scan result when you get home?"

    "I took a photo of it. Do you need it for something?"

    "Let me have a look."

    He left the room and used a projector in the medical lab to see the other scan clearly.

    He had a dark expression when he came back. "I told you to be careful of the food you eat, it seems like someone didn''t pay much attention."

    "What are you talking about?" Wan Jia''s heart skipped a beat.

    "Your uterus is slightly thinner than it was. The difference is so tiny that it wouldn''t be noticed by most gynecologists. However, if it keeps getting thinner, you will not be able to keep your child even if you get pregnant." Her opponent was quite impressive. They didn''t take the route of making her unable to conceive but took this one instead. Losing something you already had was more painful that not getting it at all.

    "What¡­" Wan Jia was startled.

    "Don''t worry, I found out in time. There''s not much effect yet but you must be careful."

    After reminding her endlessly for a while, he finally gave her the pill, which she took right away.

    Qian Li watched her in amusement. "You trust me now? What if I actually wanted to hurt you?"

    "I''ve been here for one hour. If you wanted to hurt me, I wouldn''t still be alive."

    Since she had come as a patient, she didn''t ask her signature question. "Thanks doc, I''ll take my leave now."

    "If you need my help investigating, you know where to find me."

    "Thanks, I hope I won''t need it." She had troubled him enough to owe him a life.

    When she left the hospital, she saw Lu Aotian leaning against his racecar and looking upset. The assistant beside him looked so nervous he could pee his pants. Her steps slowed down. Decisively, she pretended to not have seen him and walked towards her own car. Lu Aotian blocked her path swiftly. He took her key from her hand and threw it towards his assistant and stuffed her into his passenger seat.

    He drove off without saying a single word.

    "You¡­you''re not going to scold me?" she asked after a while.

    He looked at her indifferently. "Why should I?"

    You already know how much you mean to me, and how hurt I would be if anything happened to you. Why should I still scold you for the decisions you adamantly made?

 Chapter 362 - payback

    "You know that you are too impulsive, right?"

    Wan Jia was lost in thought and didn''t catch what he said. "What?"

    "Forget it. Everything''s done already. There''s nothing I can do about it."

    With the silence that followed, they arrived at Southside Villa. Lu Aotian silently led her to the master bedroom. Seeing him like this, Wan Jia felt guilty. She had really hurt his feelings this time...

    She wanted to apologize but that gaze!

    "W-why are you¡­looking at me like that?"

    His eyes looked like they bore a murderous intent. Although he was trying to hide it, she could still feel it. So much that she was terrified. She could only explain. "I met him like a normal patient. He won''t have any reason to do anything against¡­"

    Lu Aotian felt she was outright silly. That was Qian Li''s hospital, could she not see? What couldn''t he do in his own territory?

    "He¡­"

    Her next words were blocked by his kiss. It lasted only a few seconds before she felt something tap her neck. Her vision gradually became foggy as she felt herself float off the floor. "You¡­"

    Lu Aotian didn''t satisfy her curiosity. Not that she was awake anyway.

    ...

    "It''s time." His cold voice filled the air.

    By the time he reached downstairs, Lu Shaoting had already arrived. One look at his elder brother and he shrank. "Gee! You look scary. Luckily Little Jia isn''t here. She would have nightmares all her life."

    Lu Aotian heard him and eased his expression, even smiling a little. Lu Shaoting covered his eyes. "Can you please not smile? You look like a devil right now."

    "Let''s go." he naturally led the way.

    In the car, Lu Shaoting asked. "Bro, are you sure about this?"

    Lu Aotian didn''t look at him, afraid that his feelings would be revealed. "You don''t want to?"

    Lu Shaoting looked at the road ahead. "The timing wasn''t right."

    "His son went too far." They should have kept their distance.

    ___

    In a hidden cold room, two hours later.

    A young man lay on the floor, writhing in agonizing pain. "Lu Aotian, you ruthless devil! Kill me already!"

    The ruthless devil, Lu Aotian, sat leisurely on the black sofa, watching the scene before him like a movie.

    Lu Shaoting was standing aside. He watched as the man was put in ice amidst his struggles."Tsk, just a little ice and you can''t take it? How are you even a man?"

    The so called little ice was more like a pool of ice. It was a huge tub of it, covering his wounded bare body so that only his head was out. He had been soaking for a few seconds but already couldn''t stand it. Who could stand it?!

    "Call your father over and be done with it." Lu Shaoting said.

    "Heh." Lu Aotian suddenly let out a cold chuckle. If it had a temperature, it would be colder than the ice Qian Li was soaking in. "No need."

    After saying that, his laptop was brought over. He dialed some keys at record speed and gave Qian Ye a video call. On the other end, Qian Ye was doing some work on his laptop when Lu Aotian''s face filled the screen. In the next second, Lu Aotian adjusted his laptop so Qian Ye could see his son.

    "You¡­you¡­"

    Lu Aotian returned the laptop to face him. "Cat got your tongue? Qian Ye, I gave you several chances."

    Qian Ye was usually quite arrogant but at this moment, all his pride flew away. "I already told you. What happened to your grandfather was an accident!"

    Lu Aotian glanced at his men. "Has it started melting yet? Make it exciting."

    ___

    Southside Villas.

    Wan Jia opened her eyes slowly. Her head hurt. How could Lu Aotian knock her out without warning? What was he going to do that he didn''t want her to be part of?

    Wait¡­

    She jumped out of bed. "Qian Li!"

    ___

    Qian Li felt his body go numb. Thanks to the ice, he no longer felt pain from his bruises. The pain he felt was from every inch of his bones.

    On the screen, Qian Ye was helpless. If he flew to Country C, he would be too late. Lu Aotian had ordered him to watch closely and even winking was limited. He could only watch his son get tortured and beaten mercilessly. Even as a man, it was too much for him to take.

    "Lu Aotian! You are being wicked. Qian Li is innocent. Punish me for my own mistakes."

    Lu Aotian remained indiferent.

    Lu Shaoting didn''t remain silent. "You have the guts to talk about innocence? Our grandfather was innocent too." And so was she. Lu Shaoting felt that if the Qians stayed away, perhaps Lu Aotian would pass off that incident as an accident but they were like flies. What in the world did they want from Wan Jia and Little Jia? To kill them with medicine too?

    Lu Aotian looked through his laptop screen. "Do you know the feeling of not being able to save someone you treasure?

    You don''t know yet.

    Qian Ye¡­I want you to feel everything I felt back then. Every single second of it."

    With a look, Lu Aotian''s men understood. They each took daggers and headed for Qian Li. The young man was almost passing out from the cold and pain.

    Qian Ye felt despair fill his heart. This feeling of darkness¡­

    His son was going to die just like that. For something he didn''t know the root of.

    It was all his fault. He should be the one suffering...

    The dagger sliced through his skin. In an instant, the ice around his hand was dyed red.

    At that moment, the door flew open with a bang.

    "Stop! That''s my brother!"

 Chapter 363 - Hes my brother

    "Stop! He''s my brother!"

    The newcomer was disheveled, obviously she had rushed over. Her hair was so sweaty that some of it stuck to her face. She had one sandal on her foot, the other one must have been lost on her way. She had forgotten to take her car and rushed over in a cab instead. She was still out of breath.

    "Please, don''t hurt him."

    Everyone finally had a reaction.

    Lu Shaoting: "What?!"

    The Qian father and son: "What!"

    Lu Aotian: "You can really do anything to save him, huh? Who exactly is he?" If he was her brother, why would they have such a huge reaction to her words?

    Wan Jia rushed to his side and held his arm. "They must be shocked that I found out because they didn''t tell me. I''m telling the truth."

    Because their lady boss had suddenly appeared, the men had stopped what they were doing. Qian Li was freezing. The cut on his hand was still bleeding. Wan Jia''s felt sad when she looked at him.

    She looked at her husband pleadingly. "I know he must have wronged you, but could you let Qian Li go? On account that he helped me find out something very important."

    Lu Aotian couldn''t stand the fear in her eyes. He looked at his laptop screen. "Is what she is saying true?"

    Qian Ye remained silent. He was still utterly shocked. He really wanted to strangle his son. Did he run off his mouth and say things he shouldn''t?

    Qian Li was too weak to speak. But even if he wasn''t weak, he wouldn''t say anything. He would rather be dead than use her to save his life. What would be the use? Lu Aotian''s hatred for him and his father would still remain.

    Wan Jia really wanted to slap the hell out of Qian Ye. Can''t you freaking see your son''s life is on the line?

    Seeing that Qian Ye wasn''t being useful, she pulled out her ultimate weapon.

    She looked down for a few seconds. When she next looked up, her eyes were moist with tears adamantly refusing to fall. She tugged his sleeve lightly with two fingers. "Aotian¡­"

    "Let him go." Lu Aotian ordered.

    Everyone remained silent. What did he just say?

    "Do I need to repeat myself?"

    The men finally had a reaction. They cleared some ice cubes off Qian Li''s body and covered him before pulling him out of the tub.

    Lu Shaoting was enraged. "What''s the meaning of this? Are you letting him off just because she said so?" He saw that Lu Aotian didn''t answer him and tried to find a reason. "Or is it because you want Qian Ye to take his place and atone for his own sins?"

    "No."

    Lu Aotian stood up with her hand in his and walked out with his brother following after him.

    "Bro, do you know, that man killed someone else. Twenty three years ago, he sent people to go after a woman. But they got the wrong car and rammed into it. The woman in that car and her man both died."

    Lu Aotian ignored him.

    "Do you know who that woman was?"

    Lu Aotian continued walking forward.

    "That was our mother!"

    Lu Aotian turned sharply. His eyes held no expression "I know."

    Wan Jia was shocked. What sort of deep secret had she just overheard? Qian Ye''s men accidentally killed Lu Aotian''s mother?

    Lu Shaoting laughed coldly. "Haha. Despite knowing that the accident twenty three years ago was his fault, and that grandfather''s death wasn''t baseless either, you are letting them off? Just because of a baseless paternal claim?

    For a woman''s teardrop, have you forgotten your roots?

    You have disappointed our grandfather. You don''t deserve to be his grandson."

    Lu Aotian entered his car with his wife and drove off.

    "Will Shaoting be alright?" Seeing him fly into a sudden fit of rage, she was worried about him.

    "He''s a bit emotionally agitated. Stay away from him until he calms down." Otherwise, she wouldn''t know how she died.

    "My grandfather would have survived but his medicine was tempered with, thanks to Qian Li who was following his master''s instructions. I already dealt with the master." Lu Aotian explained. "He was just a teenager and unknowingly became a chess piece. That''s why I let him off back then."

    "I''m sorry." Wan Jia said after a long spell of silence. "So this is why you didn''t trust them. I should have understood you."

    Lu Aotian slowed down and kissed her cheek. "Forget about that. Tell me how and when you knew that they are your father and brother."

    "I was suspecting it for some time, then I overheard something from my parents. I pieced the puzzle together."

    Lu Aotian didn''t give a reaction.

    Wan Jia took a deep breath. "I don''t expect you to forgive me this time. I went out of line."

    "I''m glad you''re self aware."

    Although she knew that he was her brother, it didn''t mean she should trust him blindly. How many siblings stabbed each other in the back?

    When they reached their home, Lu Aotian took her to their bedroom and pushed her onto the bed with restrained force, making sure to not hurt her.

    "Stay here and reflect on your actions. When you understand why I''m upset, I''ll let you out."

    "You are grounding me?" she asked as he walked away.

    He didn''t look at her, afraid that he would give in to her pitiful eyes. "Yes."

 Chapter 364 - Can we not fight anymore?

    Afraid that she would feel wronged, he explained. "Sometimes I temporarily keep things from you to protect you, but is there a good reason for you to hide things from me?"

    He had always been against that at normal times, let alone now when their relationship was more or less under a test. When such a huge storm suddenly came their way, it was likely to cause some misunderstandings. When one party made important decisions on their own, the other party was bound to feel hurt.

    Thinking about how in a moment of desperation she forgot to consider the feelings of the most important person, Wan Jia was ashamed of herself. "I was wrong."

    She looked obedient like a little student acknowledging her mistake and accepting punishment. Seeing her like this, his anger reduced in half.

    "Can I tell you something?" she seized the chance before he left.

    "Go ahead."

    She swallowed hard. What she was about to say was indectly related to Qian Li. This matter was too important for him to be kept in the dark but would he be angrier?

    "Well?" he probed when she remained silent for a while.

    "I think I should take another scan." She carefully studied his face for any change in expression as she said slowly, "Qian Li said my uterus is thinner. I know you don''t trust him yet¡­but it could be true, so we should confirm it." her voice grew thinner and thinner. Her last words were basically inaudible.

    Lu Aotian was looking at her the whole time. Just when she started thinking he was going to ignore her, he answered with two letters. "Ok."

    Wan Jia felt relieved. She asked about something else. "Is he alright?"

    Lu Aotian knew who she was talking about. "He will be fine. He was taken to hospital after you pleaded on his behalf. Although you believe that the both of you are siblings, you should henceforth stay away from him as much as possible. There are many doctors in the world. People''s hearts change, you know." Especially since he escaped from Lu Aotian''s death grip today, it was not a guarantee that he wouldn''t turn evil and want to hurt her for revenge. Not everyone was grateful.

    "If that man is your father, there''s a reason why your mother hid it from you." He actually remembered something Xia Rou said in the past. Paired with the fact that he couldn''t find any connection between her and Qian Li when he investigated, and how Xia Rou had a complicated past, he could vaguely guess how Wan Jia came into existence (If Qian Ye was really her father). He didn''t want to know more about it; it might make his wife and mother-in-law feel humiliated.

    "Whatever it is, just keep your distance, mmh?"

    "En."

    He smiled in her direction. "Good girl. Is there anything else?"

    She shook her head then quickly nodded. She looked exactly like a scared kitten.

    "What is it?"

    She got off the bed and stood before him but dared not to meet his gaze. Without raising her head, she tugged on his sleeve. "Husband, can we not fight anymore?" she felt like she had lost half her life these few days.

    The result of their fight wasn''t something desirable. For the past one week, all they did was evade each other and hurt each other''s feelings. If they fought any longer, she was afraid Little Jia would be influenced negatively. She was tired of it and she was sure that so was he.

    Lu Aotian used his slender fingers to hold her chin up so she could look at him. "Let''s not ever fight again, my wife."

    "Yes."

    Without a warning, hot kisses landed on her lips. She didn''t have time to react before she felt her body floating in the air.

    Lu Aotian laid her on the bed and followed her body down, looking into her eyes. "Are you only going to ask for forgiveness using your tongue?"

    When she saw the look of desire in his eyes, Wan Jia blushed. Her man was angry a minute ago. Just like a flick of a switch, he was already pressing her under him and flirting with her? How  fast.

    He lowered his head and nibbled on her ear. "I want you."

    Hearing that deep sexy voice, Wan Jia felt a flame rise under her skin. She hugged his neck and bit on his lips gently then pried them open using her tongue.

    The sun was setting, those orange rays of light finding their way into the bedroom and falling on the pair of figures entangled on the bed.

    Their clothes were strewn carelessly on the floor as their hands hungrily caressed each other''s body. Before they reached the final stage, Wan Jia flipped him and switched positions.

    Then she answered the question he asked a while ago. "I will literally use my tongue."

    She held his shaft and licked its tip, gave him a seductive look and put it in her mouth. She literally apologized with her tongue as she twirled it on his manhood, driving all his demons crazy.

    Although they had been together for such a long time, she still had a hint of shyness. But today she was direct and provocative, making him lose control. He pulled her down and parted her fair legs. With a hard thrust, he entered her body, making her uncontrollably let out a moan of pleasure.

 Chapter 365 - Why dont you make me happy?

    On the same night, in the Yun mansion.

    "Ha! I thought that woman ran off with Lin Zhou because she loved him. Her daughter now turns out to be someone else''s." the gossipy Yun Jifeng had already found this out through his means.

    "What did you say?" General Yun, who had grown accustomed to his son''s incessant gossip, was stunned.

    "That little brat called Qian Li his brother."

    "What Qian Li?"

    "Qian Ye''s son, that little doctor."

    "Qian Ye¡­" General Yun mumbled. "Impossible. They didn''t have anything to do with each other."

    "You can choose to not believe me if you don''t want to. She called him her brother in front of Lu Aotian and begged for his life."

    General Yun had heard enough. "So what if she''s his daughter? It has nothing to do with me."

    Though inside he was thinking; Qian Ye was his friend decades ago. Although their friendship ended long before she escaped, Xia Rou would never like him because she was her enemy''s friend. Unless he... How dare he?

    "There''s more good news." Yun Jifeng suddenly said.

    "You punk. Why don''t you say everything at once?"

    "Fine I''ll say it. But what do I get in return?"

    "What do you want?" General Yun was displeased. This rascal was being calculative even with his own father.

    "Not much. I want 5% more of Lu Enterprises shares."

    "Haven''t you been buying them on your own?"

    "That''s right. But you know how hard it is to deal with those old geezers. All the shares I got were through threatening a few of the shareholders into submission. The rest of them would rather die than sell their shares."

    "Then leave it. Do you have to buy them?" he was getting annoyed at his son.

    "How else will I become super awesome?"

    At a loss, General Yun could only close one eye and transfer his 5% of Lu Enterprises shares. He had acquired this secretly. He wasn''t sure how his son found out but it was better to not agitate him.

    "Fine. You got what you wanted. Tell me the good news now."

    Yun Jifeng enjoyed the feeling of being superior. He could finally control his father. It wouldn''t be too long before he took over the business world. When that time came, he would be better than Lu Aotian. Wan Jia would come running and begging to be with him. But, for rejecting him repeatedly in the past, he wouldn''t let her off easily. He would have to teach her a good lesson before making her his.

    (Avalorian: "Talk about being delusional.")

    Now that he thought about it, wasn''t it exciting? The woman he fancied the most was the daughter of his father''s former lover.

    "¡­"

    Truly, a mad dog would never give birth to a bunny.

    "Are you going to speak or what?" General Yun forcibly pulled him out of his fantasy.

    "Oh, I forgot you exist. The news is, those Lu brothers had an argument at last. When he let Qian Li off because Wan Jia said so, Lu Shaoting''s reaction was quite satisfying."

    "How do you know?"

    "The same way I know that what Wan Jia said today."

    "¡­" Fine. He had his connections.

    "Remember to use this chance well."

    Yun Jifeng stopped pacing around, sat down and gave a venomous smirk. "If anything were to happen to Qian Li at this time, who do you think would be the first suspect?"

    ___

    While Yun Jifeng made his evil plans, Lu Shaoting was speeding through the city. He drove around aimlessly for two hours before driving to Southside. He was going to talk to his brother but when he checked the time and saw how late it was, he changed his mind and went to the Lu residence instead.

    It was 12am already. His father and girlfriend should be asleep. He went to Little Jia''s room to check on the little girl.

    He was surprised to see Su Ling sitting on the little girl''s bed. Little Jia was practically sticking onto her as she listened to her future aunt tell her a story. He watched the scene with a warm smile, imagining how she would read stories for their children.

    "Second uncle!" Little Jia noticed him and flashed a cute smile.

    The remaining negative thoughts that Lu Shaoting still had faded away with Little Jia''s smile. He went to her side and picked her up. How could she be this cute? "Why are you still up? Little children shouldn''t stay up late."

    "Second uncle, aunty is reading me a story. She is awesome!"

    Su Ling at the side "¡­" You''re the awesome one.

    When Little Jia couldn''t get through to her parents, she went to Su Ling and cutely requested for a bedtime story. When Su Ling said that she didn''t know how to tell stories, the little girl blinked at her with those big eyes. Her exact words had been, "Second aunty, in future, my little cousins will want to be told stories, too. It''s nice to practice."

    Such words coming out of a four-year-old''s mouth had rendered her speechless.

    ¡­

    "You don''t look happy." Su Ling said when she had put Little Jia to sleep and returned to her room with him.

    "Don''t believe Little Jia''s nonsense. She''s just a child." Lu Shaoting dismissed.

    "Children are more sensitive than adults, and she''s more sensitive than other kids. Anyway, I realized you are unhappy even before she pointed it out."

    Lu Shaoting took her hand and pulled her to him. "Really? Then why don''t you make me happy?"

    "Hey, we are at your father''s house. Where are your hands going?"

 Chapter 366 - Did her baby not miss her?

    When Wan Jia woke up, it was 11am. The marks on her fair skin were the evidence of the tiresome activities from last night. She couldn''t even keep count of how many times they did it. She found it amazing that Lu Aotian managed to get up and go ahead doing his business so early this morning.

    Getting out of bed, she took a bath and slipped into a pair of jeans and a pink turtleneck sweater. Thanks to Lu Aotian''s loss of control the previous night, her neck and chest were covered in hickeys.

    As soon as Wan Jia appeared downstairs, an elder nanny rushed to greet her. "Young Madam, you''re awake."

    Wan Jia responded to her greeting with a warm smile. "I''m going to the old residence."

    The nanny rushed to stop her. "You have not had anything to eat since you woke up. The chef prepared some dishes for you." The elder nanny couldn''t help but sigh in her heart. Young madam was just like the little young miss. If they got the chance, they would slip away to avoid having meals. She wondered just how their stomachs were structured.

    Wan Jia realized that she indeed felt hungry. "Alright, thanks for the trouble."

    The nanny rushed to lay the table while smiling to herself. She was wearing a turtleneck!

    Having taken care of the Lu brothers since they were young, she understood them like her own sons. She had been transferred from the old residence recently when Lu Tongyan felt that the two of them were in a fight. As a woman her age and with her understanding of Lu Aotian, she would try to reconcile them.

    But, she didn''t even have the chance to flaunt her skills and she was already dressed like this! It was obvious what they did all night.

    She was all smiles as she brought the dishes to Wan Jia. She also served a bowl of soup. "This herbal soup is my specialty. It''s quite nourishing especially to young women."

    "Thank you."

    After having a delicious meal and a nourishing meal, Wan Jia left for the Lu residence.

    ...

    "Mommy, can I stay a little more?" Little Jia looked at her mother pitifully when she saw her. Her expression was as though she was being separated from the love of her life. She was ready to ask her grandfather for help if her mother intended to take her away forcefully.

    Wan Jia was speechless. After not seeing for two whole days, did her daughter not miss her at all? The first thing she said to her was to let her stay a little more? She hadn''t even spared her a second look after greeting her.

    "You want to stay and play with grandpa? But you can''t leave mommy and daddy alone. We miss you very much." So much that because she wanted to bring her daughter back home, she had forgotten that she was still grounded. "How about grandpa stays at our house for some time?"

    Little Jia was about to nod but then she shook her head. "But Little Jia wants to play with second aunty. Second Aunty will not be busy today and she promised to play with me. Can I, mommy?"

    Wan Jia finally understood her. So she had gained a new friend. This little girl, could anyone name one single person that she hadn''t ever clung to? As long as you were kind to her, she would be your little friend.

    It was a Saturday and Wan Jia didn''t have much going on either. "Mommy isn''t busy either. I will play with your aunt and you, okay?"

    Little Jia was overjoyed. She placed a kiss on her mother''s cheek and bounced away happily.

    One had to notice that although Little Jia straight up addressed Su Ling as her second aunt, no one corrected her. Of course, Wan Jia and Lu Aotian didn''t have any problem with that. Su Ling was Lu Shaoting''s girlfriend and they believed that they would marry soon. As for Lu Tongyan, it was perhaps because he didn''t want to displease his precious granddaughter. She wouldn''t like anyone who wasn''t kind and if Su Ling was at any point unkind, Little Jia would stop liking her.

    Meanwhile, Su Ling was pruning flowers in the backyard. No one had put her up to do this; she loved flowers and was happy to do it. She picked a few daisies, roses and lilies, putting them in beautiful antique flower vases. Just like Lin Lihua, she loved lilies the most.

    The maid who was helping her couldn''t help but compliment. "Miss Su Ling, you and Second young master make a perfect match. You will definitely stay together for a hundred years."

    There wasn''t anyone who disliked compliments. Su Ling liked them too. She thanked the little maid.

    But the little maid seemed to have more to say. "Do you know why Master is putting you to a test?"

    "To make sure I truly love Shaoting and I''m not using him for his wealth and status?"

    She whispered closer to Su Ling. "You''re wrong. It''s because you may be the next head lady."

    "Don''t be silly. My sister-in-law is the head lady and it suits her."

    The maid looked at her as though she was a fool. "That''s not exactly true. If you defeat Wan Jia, you will be the next head lady. I overhead something¡­Urgh forget it. It wouldn''t be nice if master found out I told you this."

 Chapter 367 - They actually went horse riding

    Su Ling mumbled. "What''s the big deal in being the head lady anyway? You make it sound as though one would become a god of sorts.

    The maid leaned in closer to whisper again. "Who said you will not become a god? You will basically become one. You get the power to manipulate Lu Enterprises as you please. Can''t you see how hard Miss Wan Jia is trying?"

    "That''s good for her." Su Ling said distantly. Without waiting for the maid to say anthing else, she took her vase of lilies and left. She didn''t know why this little maid was trying so incessantly to turn her against Wan Jia but it would be best to stay away from her. Who said she wanted power and influence? These people keep thinking of her as a woman out to use Lu Shaoting as a stepping stone to gain power. Could they be any more imaginative?

    She walked back into the house and was happy to see Wan Jia playing a game of chess with Lu Tongyan. Little Jia was watching intently in the name of learning. Her mother had said that she would teach her to play when she was old enough to understand.

    "Sister-in-law." Su Ling smiled and walked over.

    "Is it just me or do you look different?" Wan Jia observed.

    "How different?"

    "You look more beautiful and poised. It''s only been one week!" The last time Wan Jia came to the Lu residence, she didn''t see her. Su Ling''s one week of staying in the Lu residence was long over. Lu Tongyan had insisted on having her stay a little more and now that the time was over, she would go back to her apartment the next day.

    In a voice only the two of them could hear, Wan Jia said to her, "It must be the nourishment of love."

    Su Ling felt embarrassed. What was that anyway?

    After one round of chess, Lu Tongyan stood up. "Why don''t you ladies catch up? I''ll be in the study. Little Jia, do you want to go with grandpa? Your mom and aunty must have a lot to talk about."

    Little Jia followed her grandfather obediently.

    With the two of them remaining, Su Ling finally felt free to speak her heart. "Shaoting seems to be in a bad mood these two days. Did something happen at the company?"

    "Why would she know about my mood?" A voice from the entrance interrupted. Lu Shaoting had arrived. Ignoring Wan Jia, he went to his girlfriend. "Get changed. We are going somewhere right now, ." Having said that, he took Su Ling''s hand and led her to her room to get changed.

    Wan Jia knew exactly why she was being ignored. She would have talked to him but remembering Lu Aotian''s warning about staying away from him, she only bit her lip and kept her distance. He still seemed to be angry with her.

    Only after Lu Shaoting went upstairs with his girlfriend did Wan Jia realize that there had been someone else behind him all along. "Aotian?"

    Lu Aotian didn''t seem to find it strange that she had been ignored. "Give him some time."

    She buried her head in his chest. "Mmh."

    "Who permitted you to leave the house? If I remember correctly, you are still grounded." He pinched her waist and looked at her sternly as he scolded her.

    Wan Jia avoided his gaze. She had missed Little Jia so much that she forgot about it. "I''ll go back home right now."

    "Mmh. That calls for punishment."

    As soon as he said that, he kissed her lips. Luckily, no one was in the vicinity. When the two young masters were home, the servants only ever appeared if they had something to do.

    "If that''s meant to be punishment, are you trying to make me naughtier? Ouch." He bit her lip when she said that.

    "Why are you here?" She asked when he let go of her.

    "I came to pick Little Jia."

    "Are we going somewhere?" her eyes lit up like Little Jia''s.

    "Not you. Only my princess and I."

    "Oh¡­"

    Lu Aotian patted her head "That will teach you to behave yourself next time."

    Wan Jia could only accept her fate. Who told her to earn a punishment from him? She obediently went to Southside.

    What made her experience worse was that he kept sending her photos of them having fun. Little Jia was wearing a royal blue miniature riding suit, looking like a small experienced rider. Lu Aotian''s riding suit was black. Due to the black pattern on the hem of Little Jia''s riding suit, they complimented each other. They were obviously custom made.

    He had chosen an American pony for her since she was a child and it was her first time riding. After a while, Little Jia wanted to try the big black horse. Lu Aotian carried her onto its back and rode together. That picture of a loving father and daughter attracted immense envy. Everyone wished they were Little Jia so they could be doted on like that.

    As for the forbidden consort grounded at home, she could only see the pictures and sulk. They actually went horse riding!

 Chapter 368 - Vicious slap

    In the evening when the couple returned home, Lu Tongyan had some work for Su Ling to do.

    "Our business partners from Country F are coming for a meeting on Monday. Wanwan should have been the one to receive them but she has several meetings to attend all day. You are required to go on her behalf."

    Su Ling was thunderstruck. Business partners from country F? She had heard that they were all powerful figures in Country F. Not only that, they were also Lu Enterprises'' most valued allies. Lu Tongyan was giving her this role?

    "I¡­" she stuttered.

    Lu Tongyan shot her a look. "What? You don''t want to do it?"

    "I¡­I want to, it''s just¡­too important." What if she messed it up?

    Lu Tongyan didn''t let her back out. "It''s because they are important that they should be received by a member of the Lu family. The company has a lot going on and those two rascals are both too busy. Little Jia is still a child. Are you saying that I should go to recieve them when you are here?"

    "No, of course not. I will go." of course, she didn''t miss the meaning of the first part of his statement. He was considering her a member of the Lu family?

    "Go to Aotian tomorrow. He will tell you everything you should know."

    Eh? Go to who now?

    "You must also remember, our guests should not feel displeased because they are being received by the deputy CEO''s girlfriend. You have to portray the Lu family properly. Don''t let us down."

    "Yes. I will not let you and Shaoting down."

    When she was done discussing with Lu Tongyan in the study, she went to her room. This would be her last night in this mansion. Perhaps she would come back in future but she hoped that if she did, she would be Lu Shaoting''s wife.

    "Miss Su Ling, I brought you some ginger soup." A maid knocked on the door.

    It was the little maid from this afternoon. Su Ling didn''t like the taste of ginger soup. "Can I not drink it?"

    "I''m sorry, it is an order from second young master. I don''t dare to leave unless you''ve had it."

    Su Ling didn''t have a favorable impression of her. Nonetheless, she thanked her and had her place the bowl of soup on the night stand. Since it was from her man, she wouldn''t reject it.

    While waiting for Su Ling to drink the soup, the maid was at it again. "Miss Su Ling, I''m glad you are the one receiving the guests."

    "How did you know?" hadn''t she only discussed this with Old Master Lu? How come a maid already found out?

    The little maid blushed as she smiled bashfully, saying, "Old master''s assistant is my friend. He told me."

    Su Ling thought that with the way she was acting, she made it sound as though she and that man had an intimate relationship. Lu Tongyan''s assistant was a married man for all she knew. But it wasn''t her business so she didn''t say a word.

    "Miss Su Ling, I''m really happy. If it was Wan Jia receiving those guests, it wouldn''t be nice. She is so arrogant and pretentious, like a venomous snake hiding in the bushes. You must work hard and defeat her."

    Su Ling humped and looked at the little maid. "Someone told me about the Lu family rules, and they said that if anyone did wrong, they could be punished by the head lady or second lady. Is that right?"

    The little maid thought that Su Ling was looking for an excuse to punish Wan Jia in future. "Yes, yes. That''s right. As the second young master''s girlfriend, you hold half of that authority."

    "Is that so?" Su Ling laughed.

    "Absolutely."

    Pa!

    That was the sound of Su Ling''s palm landing on the little maid''s face.

    In the next second, Su Ling''s expression changed. She looked at the young woman authoritatively. "Since I only hold half of that authority now, I will not be too hard on you. Find sister-in-law first thing  tomorrow morning and apologize to her."

    The maid rubbed her burning cheek with tears threatening to fall. Su Ling was so vicious with her slap!

    "Servants biting their master in the backs and insulting them, is this how you repay the Lu family for treating you well? You are lucky that I''m not yet the second lady. I would kick you out of this house right now. Leave."

    Feeling extremely wronged, the little maid left Su Ling''s room as she burst into tears. It hurt so much¡­was Su Ling''s palm made of iron? Wuu¡­

    On the corridor, she met Lu Shaoting who was going to Su Ling''s room. He frowned when he saw the palm print on her face. The Lu family cared a lot about their servants and wouldn''t unnecessarily bully them.

    "What''s wrong?"

    The maid resumed rubbing her face as she complained. "Second young master, I followed master''s instructions. This is what I got."

    Lu Shaoting laughed at her. He had received Su Ling''s slap before and knew how painful it felt. For a little girl, it must have hurt a lot. "Find the nurse to give you ointment. I''ll double your salary this month."

    The maid felt pacified. Second young master was considerate!

    Lu Shaoting entered her room with a smile. "You did well."

    "How do you know what I did?" she was still angry about a servant daring to talk ill of their head lady.

    "Father put her up to that."

 Chapter 369 - Was he an evil soul-eating ghost?

    Su Ling didn''t know what to say. So it was a test all along? Luckily she wasn''t a power hungry woman who would sway at the mention of power. If she was, Lu Tongyan would have kicked her out. Power hungry women were the fall of most aristocratic families.

    "Receiving the guests is part of the test too?" she asked.

    "Not exactly. Everyone is rather busy. My brother and I are developing the company''s security measures. We intend to double it."

    Su Ling now understood why they were so busy. Lu Enterprises was so big. "But isn''t the company already too secure? Not even a fly go through. Gee! It''s already more secure than the intelligence unit."

    "Have you ever been to the Intelligence Unit?"

    "Well¡­no." Fine, you win.

    Lu Shaoting held her without a warning and pushed her down on the bed. "It''s so cold. Do you want to sweat a little?"

    "You¡­what are you doing?" she tried to push him off.

    "We''re already on your bed. What do you think I''m doing?"

    It''s not that she wasn''t willing to sleep with him, she was scared after their half experience that night. That was going to be her second time but couldn''t it wait?

    "I..."

    He held her down and kissed her cheek. "I won''t hurt you. I''ll be gentle." His throat was dry.

    When he saw how scared and unwilling she looked, he let go and got up. "Don''t worry, it can wait."

    She was happy that he understood. She got up too and hugged him. "I won''t let you wait for too long."

    Once she said that, Lu Shaoting felt worse. His body was burning like a volcano. It would have been better if she didn''t talk about it.

    Grabbing her hand, he led it towards his crotch under her nervous gaze. "It hurts."

    Su Ling felt her cheeks burn red and she withdrew her hand quickly. What was that for? But seeing him looking like he was really pitiful, she felt guilty about it. "Then..." she blushed as she talked in a tiny voice. "I-I could help you in other ways."

    "What ways?" he pretended to not understand her.

    "Eer¡­"

    Did he really have to ask that awkward question?

    Lu Shaoting rubbed her head and chuckled. "I will not tease you anymore. Go to sleep early. You have a meeting with my brother tomorrow."

    "En, about that. Can I not go to him? You can tell me instead, right?"

    Lu Shaoting knew that she was scared of his brother. Even he who had grown up with him would be frightened by him sometimes, let alone Su Ling who hadn''t interacted with him that much. However, it was unfortunate that he couldn''t help. "I''m going on a business trip. I won''t be able to."

    He tried to ease her tension. "Don''t worry. My brother isn''t that scary. He just looks cold to outsiders but you''re his sister-in-law so he won''t make things difficult for you."

    "Easy for you to say."

    ¡­

    The next day, Su Ling had no choice. After moving her small luggage back to her apartment, she went to Southside Villas.

    Wan Jia was holding Little Jia on her lap and resting with her eyes closed. The Little girl was playing with her mother''s long hair and sticking some tiny ribbons at the ends. The older she grew, the more she resembled her mother, with only a tiny fraction bearing resemblance to Lu Aotian. She tied the ribbons lovingly as though performing a very important task.

    Su Ling found the scene quite heartwarming. If only the heavens would grant her a child of her own. She wasn''t against surrogacy and adoption but she wanted one born from her own womb and took after Shaoting and her. The doctors had said that her uterus was unable to hold a baby.

    Wan Jia felt a gaze on her and opened her eyes. "Su Ling?"

    Little Jia looked over too. She had been so absorbed in her mother''s hair that she didn''t see Su Ling. "Second aunty."

    Su Ling gulped down her feelings of envy and walked over. "Sister-in-law, baby Little Jia. Is President Lu home?"

    Wan Jia was friendly so she could easily call her ''sister-in-law''. She just couldn''t get used to calling Lu Aotian her brother-in-law.

    Wan Jia understood this and let her get used to it herself. "He went out for a bit"

    Just when Su Ling was about to sigh in relief about not having to meet him anymore, she heard a car zooming into the compound and stopping. It was no doubt that it was Lu Aotian''s. Well, no chance to escape.

    Lu Aotian was expecting Su Ling, but he was amused by how frightened she looked. She was literally trembling. Did she take him for a guillotine master of sorts?

    "Don''t be scared." Aside from his wife and daughter, he didn''t know how to pacify other women. He used up all his wits to say this.

    But it made things better. Her fright was decreased significantly.

    ¡­

    "The most important thing is to not brush their shoulders. You don''t have to deliberately please them. But in case you want to find a common topic of discussion with them, take this." He passed her a file. "These are their profiles. You will find all their likes and dislikes here. If there''s anything else, you can ask your sister-in-law."

    He didn''t want her to ask him. Jeez! Did his brother tell his wife that he was an evil soul-eating ghost? The girl was literally freezing the whole time!

 Chapter 370 - Yun Feng

    On Monday, Wan Jia had a meeting with the managers of Platinum Grand Hotel. When the meeting was over, a group of people tried to attack her. Luckily she knew a move or two and Lu Aotian''s men were fast too. If not, she would already be dead.

    Lu Aotian called her a few minutes after the attempted assassination. "Are you alright? Come to Lu Enterprises."

    "Okay" her voice was a bit shaky from having used a lot of strength just now.

    From the moment those people cornered her to the moment they were all fought off; Wan Jia didn''t think it was normal. Not only that, they were all female mercenaries who weren''t too skilled. As soon as Lu Aotian''s men showed up, they were knocked out in single moves. If they weren''t that many, Wan Jia would fight them off on her own.

    "I think there''s a mole among my bodyguards. How else did the other party know my location?" she said when she arrived in Lu Enterprises. "Besides, the mercenaries sent were quite mediocre. The other party is obviously powerless but they were confident in their mediocre mercenaries."

    "I''m glad my wife is not that useless."

    "So there really is a mole?"

    "Mmh. But it''s not a bodyguard."

    "So you know who it is?"

    Lu Aotian didn''t know how answer her without making her worried. He was sure that it was not an assassination attempt. It was an illusion. Yun Jifeng would not kill Wan Jia at such a time.

    At this moment, a bodyguard rushed in. "Boss...eer¡­"

    He looked at Wan Jia and didn''t know whether to say it.

    "Speak."

    The bodyguard still trembled. The madam was here! "It''s related to Qian Li."

    Lu Aotian didn''t mind Wan Jia knowing what was about to be reported. Besides if she were to be excluded now, she would only get worried. "Go ahead."

    "Okay, ahem¡­Someone tried to kill him. He is in coma."

    "You may leave."

    "Yes." The bodyguard swiftly left.

    Lu Aotian started typing something on his laptop. Wan Jia didn''t need to look to guess that he was hacking into something.

    Soon, a group of footages appeared on his screen.

    Wan Jia''s eyes flew wide open. "Road surveillance footage? Aotian, this is illegal."

    Lu Aotian didn''t look fazed. "It would be illegal if someone found out."

    "¡­"

    Fine. You are Lu Aotian. You can break the law. Who will find out anyway?

    Since she knew that whatever he was doing was definitely related to the news he had just received, she peered over. He selected a video that had been captured next to a cliff and played it.

    Just as he thought, it was a case of Qian Li''s car being rammed into. The car was pushed down the cliff and the traffic surveillance camera didn''t capture how he survived.

    Wan Jia was staring at him intently. "Big Xing only said that someone tied to kill Qian Li. How did you know that it was by ramming into his car?"

    "It''s not hard to guess."

    Wan Jia scanned him curiously. "Did you¡­ was it your order?"

    "What do you think?"

    What does she think? It probably wasn''t. Her husband wasn''t that kind of person. Besides if he wanted Qian Li dead, the news wouldn''t be of an attempted murder.

    "Then¡­did Shaoting do it?...what''s with that look? Shaoting''s currently the person who hates Qian Li the most." Not to mention this was staged like a road accident. Wasn''t it all to make the revenge complete?

    "Shaoting''s not that kind of person either."

    Of course, the way this incident was staged, he would also think Lu Shaoting was the culprit if he didn''t know a certain idiot''s plans. The hugest problem arose. If he were to tell his wife that he knew this was going to happen but he didn''t do anything about it, would she think he was heartless?

    Wan Jia was finally pissed. "Can you not be so mysterious? Why don''t you become an underground investigator then? You should work for the IU."

    "I''m too intelligent for the IU."

    "¡­"

    Although it''s true, do you have to be so blunt about it?

    ___

    Talking of the Intelligence Unit and people who worked there, Tyler didn''t know that he was currently a father of two.

    That was right. Yun Xuan''s baby had been born.

    He had been born seven and a half months into her pregnancy. Although he was premature, the little boy was the most healthy preterm the hospital had ever seen.

    He was no different from a full term baby. Therefore, he was allowed to leave the hospital with his mother.

    On his full moon ceremony, she had named him Yun Feng. It sounded so easy but there was no single person from her family on her son''s full moon party. It was all the new friends she had made.

    Luckily Yun Feng was so lively that she didn''t feel a tinge of loneliness.

    Whenever he felt the presence of anyone else, he would be unhappy and cry but when his mother held him, he would flash a happy toothless smile.

    Now one and a half months old, he was so cheerful that he brought his mother happiness.

    Yun Xuan didn''t feel unhappy about having to raise him on her own. It was much better than living with that man. She would never tell him about their son. The only person she was going to tell was her mother.

 Chapter 371 - Are you really not going to let me see my grandson?

    She wanted to put her baby down so she could run her own errands, but he woke up from his sleep and blinked at his mother with those clear watery eyes. When she made to leave, he looked sad and burst into a babyish wail.

    "Don''t want to stay away from mother, huh?" Yun Xuan took him back in her arms without any hint of impatience.

    Happy now, he flailed his tiny arms and legs around happily and blabbered out some sounds, before grabbing onto his mother''s hair.

    "Ouch. I should really cut my hair short." If not, her little Feng would pull it off her head.

    She wiped off the drool from her son''s mouth. "Baby, be good, okay? Mommy has to take care of some things. Let the nanny take care of you for a while."

    Although he couldn''t actually understand what she was saying, perhaps he felt that she was coaxing him, so he stopped kicking a fuss.

    Looking at his peaceful face, Yun Xuan saw that he was a reflection of the past her. his features were quite similar to what she looked like before her cosmetic surgery, with a lovely pair of eyes that were a mirror reflection of hers.

    She thought it was great that he didn''t resemble Tyler that much; no one would be able to tell who his father was.

    "Little master is quite lovely. Especially when he looks at you with those blue watery eyes. He will surely charm girls silly when he grows up." the middle aged nanny couldn''t help complementing.

    Yun Xuan smiled. Well, the nanny wasn''t deliberately sucking up to get on her good side. Her son was quite adorable. The only downside was that he seemed to have a bad temper and cried at the slightest provocation.

    When the little guy fell asleep from looking around too much, she took a photo of him and left the nursery.

    She had to apply for a permanent job. When she was pregnant, she could only work online or take on light jobs to ensure the safety of her son. Now that he had been born, she would need to work harder. If not, her savings would soon be depleted and her son wouldn''t be able to live as luxuriously as she wanted.

    Before sending her application to a company, she sent Yun Feng''s photo to Madam Yun. As expected, Madam Yun made a video call right away.

    "Is that my grandson? Oh goodness! I was starting to think your stomach swallowed him down."

    "Hello to you too mom, I missed you too."

    "Oh come on Xuanxuan, you know that mommy still loves you, right? I was just excited about my grandson."

    Yun Xuan wasn''t actually unhappy. "I know."

    "Wait, why does he look so big? He doesn''t look like a newborn at all and you¡­just how fast have you recovered?"

    Yun Xuan laughed. If her son was a newborn, wouldn''t she still be in hospital? "He''s a preterm. He''s six weeks old now."

    Madam Yun made her wait, glanced at the photo again and returned "He doesn''t look like one. You child! How could you not tell me when my grandchild was born? You are only telling me six weeks later? You should be a little more filial. But Xuanxuan, are you really not going to let me see my grandson?"

    Yun Xuan scratched her head. "Mom, that''s still impossible for now. Don''t worry, I''ll pay you a visit when I come back." Though she only said it to pacify her mother, she didn''t know that she would one day have to really go back.

    "Mom, I''m going off for now. I''ll call you later."

    "Don''t call me two months later again. Take good care of my grandson, okay?"

    "Mmh. Bye mom."

    ___

    Country C.

    The Yun Mansion.

    "Bye baby."

    Madam Yun ended the call. Just as she was about to call someone to help her print her grandson''s photo, she heard footsteps behind her, then they halted. "Who were you talking to?"

    Madam Yun turned to face her husband, a sneer written all over her face. All that was left was for the following statement to be inscribed on her forehead; [Yun Wei is an old bastard] "Why do you care?"

    General Yun was obviously displeased by his wife''s sharp words. "I''m your husband. You cannot be rude to me."

    "Oh yeah? You have no right to tell me what I can and cannot do." She left without waiting for his response. Ever since he expressed his hatred towards Yun Xuan and forbade her from the family, their marriage was at a stalemate. They would argue at every given chance.

    Based on her tone, he knew exactly who she was talking to. She made a call to Yun Jifeng as soon as he heard her footsteps fade into the distance. "Find that ungrateful bastard by all means¡­.Just discard of her."

    Contrary to his thoughts, Madam Yun was still at the door. She knew her husband quite well. When he was angered, he would make decisions impulsively. Just now, she knew that she had angered him so she made him think that she had left just to eavesdrop on him.  She held her phone in her hand and thought bitterly. "I will never let you or your illegitimate son hurt my daughter again."

    Before anything could happen, she walked away as silently as possible, then sent a recording to someone. That woman would make good use of it.

 Chapter 372 - Glad that he wasnt behind it

    Lu Enterprises.

    "Can I stay in your private section before my meeting? I suddenly feel like drafting something."

    "Go ahead." Lu Aotian said.

    She took a diamond pen from his desk and some blank sheets of paper. Although she could do her designs using a computer, she felt it would be a waste of her tremendous drawing skills, so she preferred to use paper and pen.

    "Wait, don''t step on¡­" he was too late. He was going to say not to step on the white circle.

    The flooring of the private section was plain, but with a press of a certain switch on Lu Aotian''s side, a usually hidden white circle would appear in the centre. The white circle was a trap.

    He had activated it so she could avoid it but he didn''t finish saying it on time. She stepped right on it. In that instant, a section on the corner of the floor slid open and out of it rolled Thirty, leading a group of robots. There were more coming out.

    "Master!" Thirty was going to report that there was an intruder but it suddenly detected the presence of the "intruder". It scanned her severally. The others followed the lead and scanned her too.

    By the time Lu Aotian arrived, they were ready to attack.

    "Intruder. Intruder." Thirty reported when its master stopped them from attacking using a remote control.

    "You shut up." he said. How dare they call his wife an intruder?

    When they rolled back into the gap they came from, Wan Jia was still astonished. "You have this many robots?"

    Lu Aotian pulled her into his arms "You didn''t get scared?"

    "Why would I be scared? Robots are awesome. But why did they charge at me?"

    "You don''t have access rights yet." He would remember that.

    She now had a ton of questions. "Just how many of them are there? They looked like there were more just now."

    "The room below this office is full of them. There are more below Shaoting''s office."

    She was flabbergasted. "That many? Why then don''t you make them run errands?"

    "They are majorly for security. If something major and life-threatening happened in this building, they would be automatically activated. Ultimately,they have different roles."

    Wan Jia looked at him with fan girl eyes as she heard more and more about robots from him. How could her husband be so awesome?

    After asking him many more questions, she went to draw her drafts and Lu Aotian went back to work.

    If Wan Jia didn''t trigger those robots, he wouldn''t do something important.

    While he was mulling over it, Lu Shaoting came in. "Bro, did you realize what Qian Li''s accident looks like? That Yun Jifeng is quite gutsy."

    Lu Aotian found the opportunity to clear his brother''s name in Wan Jia''s mind. Although she brushed the matter off and didn''t make a fuss over it, he saw it in her eyes that she still thought of Lu Shaoting as the culprit. "What has it got to do with Yun Jifeng?"

    Lu Shaoting momentarily paused. Perhaps his never forgetting brother actually forgot? "This incident was all orchestrated by him. If anything were to happen to Qian Li, who would be the first suspect? Ring any bell?" he quoted Yun Jifeng''s words to remind him.

    "Such a stupid plan. Yet he has the guts to claim that he is as great as you. He can dream on. He can''t be half as great as my brother even if he worked his butt off for ten lifetimes. Heh! It''s an insult to fools to call him one of them."

    In the private section, the door was open so Lu Aotian wouldn''t have trouble if he had anything to tell her.

    Hearing Lu Shaoting''s words, she was stunned. So he really wasn''t the one who tried to hurt Qian Li, but Yun Jifeng instead?

    In actual fact, after hearing the secret between the Qians and the Lus, she more or less stopped caring about Qian Li possibly being her brother. After all she was a member of the Lu family and there had never been anything between her and the Qians. If she were to pick sides, she would automatically choose the Lu family. As for Qian Li, she only thought of him as a doctor now. Nonetheless, he had helped her twice and she was still happy that her brother-in-law wasn''t behind that accident.

    Would it¡­be okay if she visited him in hospital, just out of gratitude?

    Never mind. It wasn''t appropriate.

    Lu Shaoting''s voice filled the air again. "Should I strike down Platinum Grand Hotel? I think it could be one of the reasons why sister-in-law was attacked. You know, to sow discord between me and her. Of course if my sister-in-law hates me, the greatest conflict would be between you and I."

    Lu Shaoting''s analysis was correct. If someone tried to assassinate you when you''re starting a company, the first suspect would be your opponent. In this case, Lu Shaoting was her greatest "competitor".

    "You don''t need to. I know what to do."

    "I know who the mole is."

    "So do I."

    "You''re still keeping him around?"

    "If not, I should get rid of him? That would be letting him off too easily."

    "When you''re done with him, I''ll deal with him too."

    "How about you deal with him? Vent your anger."

    In the private section, Wan Jia was speechless. Weren''t those two in a cold war? They still sounded so supportive of each other that she was moved.

    That wasn''t the main point.

    Were they seriously discussing who deals with a person''s life as though they were sharing property?

 Chapter 373 - Isnt he supposed to be on a business trip?

    Wait, even more important, isn''t Lu Shaoting supposed to be on a business trip? What was he doing in his brother''s office and why didn''t Lu Aotian seem to be surprised about it?

    "Honey, your meeting starts in ten minutes. You should get going." Lu Aotian reminded her.

    Lu Shaoting raised an eyebrow. His sister-in-law was here?

    Sure enough he saw Wan Jia come out of the private section. "Sister-in-law?"

    Wan Jia beamed. "Glad to have you back. I was starting to think you swallowed some anti-Wan Jia explosives."

    Lu Shaoting scowled at her. He didn''t go anywhere, okay? And what in the world was anti-Wan Jia explosives?

    ¡­

    Meanwhile, Su Ling went to receive the business partners at the airport. She was not informed that the flight had been delayed so she had to wait for an extra hour.

    Still, she didn''t look impatient at all. After nearly exhausting all the games she could play on her phone, their flight finally landed. There were two middle aged men and a young woman in her twenties.

    Because their flight had been delayed, they were in a rather bad mood. They were not in the mood to hold a conversation with her and simply had her show them to their hotel rooms. Su Ling had helped them book presidential suites in Emerald Grand Hotel.

    The woman looked around and asked, "I heard Platinum Grand Hotel is the new best hotel around here. Why didn''t you take there instead?"

    Su Ling had been infected by their bad mood. You wanted me to recommend a good hotel and when I do, you don''t like it anymore? "Miss, in my eyes, the older one is more valuable if they are of the same quality. Not only that, this is my best hotel in the whole world. That''s why I recommended it."

    Hearing that it was her best hotel, the young woman was no longer displeased. The two middle aged men didn''t have much to say as long as the suites were satisfactory.

    "You should rest for a while. President Lu will meet you tomorrow." She said and went on to recommend the best restaurants to them based on the food they liked. She had studied their profiles and now, she used the information she found. It would be boring to wait for Lu Aotian till the next day.

    As expected, they expressed their displeasure. "What?"

    "We have to wait for him for all those hours?"

    "Who does he think he is? Even Lu Tongyan doesn''t dare to make us wait that long."

    Su Ling was in a hard predicament. "Misters, could you please be patient? President Lu has a lot on his plate. Miss Paula, there''s a new spa that opened recently. Their services are really top notch. In fact, the services are on discount since it''s still new. Do you want to hop over and give it a try?"

    The young woman was one who was proud of her looks and liked to spend her free time looking better. She wouldn''t resist such an offer. "Where? Of course I''ll go."

    As for the men, it was much harder but she finally found something they liked. She gave them the location of a golf course. Luckily, they only needed to be kept busy for a few hours, if they rested for two or three hours, they wouldn''t be bored for too long before night fell.

    After settling them, she finally left the hotel. Phew, that wasn''t that hard.

    Now, she had one more thing to do. Lu Shaoting had asked her to drop by his Southside Villa and check if there was anything that needed to be changed. Since she had taken a day off work, she may as well go today.

    She took a cab to Southside Villas. She started looking around the house as instructed, noting down what she wanted to be changed. Actually, she didn''t want to trouble him much. It was just that the house looked like a haunted villa. If not, she wouldn''t change a single thing.

    While looking around on the balcony, she realized that there were people in the villa beside theirs. They were on the second floor so she could vaguely see their silhouettes.

    She was just starting to find it strange that Henry Blanc was not among the business partners from Country F. Turned out he preferred being received by his fianc¨¦e.

    ...

    Villa number 2

    Henry Blanc  had just arrived. He had come intending to attend the meeting today but when he was informed that it had been postponed to the next day, he called his fianc¨¦e over to keep him company. She wasn''t busy so she agreed.

    Although they hadn''t spent that much time together thanks to the distance, they would video chat when they were free. They felt like they were much closer.

    In his bedroom on the second floor, Lin Lihua helped him unpack his luggage. For a moment, the atmosphere felt a little awkward. Served her right for liking a man slightly younger than herself. Aside from business matters, they practically had little to discuss. Were they expected to be cheesy like young couples?

    "Do you think you are ready to meet my family?" he asked when the silence became too much to bear.

    "I don''t see why not. I''ll take a leave of absence and go back with you."

    "You don''t really have to. My parents will attend Lu Enterprises'' centennial. You can meet them right here."

    "Your parents will attend Lu Enterprises'' centennial?"

    "Why not? They were invited."

 Chapter 374 - When will we have kids?

    She hadn''t expected Lu Enterprises to value Le Blanc Group that much. She also didn''t expect that the old Mr. and Mrs. Blanc would take their time to attend Lu Enterprises'' Centennial.

    "Le Blanc Group has been a partner of Lu Enterprises since three decades ago. My parents were also major business partners." In fact, all the old partners were being invited. This would be the largest banquet in the history of Lu Enterprises.

    "I see." She had received three invitations too but she wasn''t too sure that Lin Zhou would attend. He didn''t seem to be in exact good terms with Lu Enterprises.

    "Are you still recruiting artistes?" he looked at her and asked.

    Lin Lihua thought he was only asking her to know her progress. "I still need more artistes. The newbies have already started their training." All her artistes would undergo a period of training before they could start taking on assignments in the entertainment industry.

    "Do you accept children as well?"

    "I have one in mind. My niece would make a perfect singer and actress, but I''ll wait for her to grow up." Of course, if she tried to scout Little Jia right now, Lu Aotian would have something to say. She had to wait until Little Jia was at least an adolescent and even then, she would have to seek Lu Aotian''s, Wan Jia''s and Little Jia''s consent.

    Henry Blanc was glad to hear her answer. "My Katy dreams of being an actress. Does she qualify to be recruited by you?"

    "I don''t know about that, she''s still too young. What does she know about dreams?" Lin Lihua found it crazy to think about. She shouldn''t be much older than Little Jia. She didn''t really find it troublesome but how could a child be sure what they wanted? One had to know that if she shot to fame for being a child actress, her life would change significantly. Was she sure that she wanted this kind of change?

    "You could consider her in future. Of course, I''m only giving you a heads up. She will have to qualify on her own. Don''t pull strings for her just because she''s your niece, okay?"

    Lin Lihua waved her hand. "Don''t worry. I will not pull strings for anyone. Not even Little Jia."

    He was satisfied with her response. For a moment, he was entranced as he looked at her.

    It didn''t require having experience in love for Lin Lihua to know what he was thinking about. He was pleased by her looks.

    "Should I come closer so you can take a better look?" she asked directly.

    Henry Blanc who was sitting a wide distance from her didn''t flinch. "Sure."

    She stood up, walked to him and sat right next to him. "Close enough?"

    "Any closer and I''ll ravish you."

    "¡­"

    You didn''t have to make it sound so horrifying, you know.

    "Is that so?" she looked into his eyes. "There''s nothing wrong with that, is there?"

    "I thought all women were shy." He said. This was probably the first woman he had ever met who could look into his eyes without avoiding his gaze shyly.

    "What''s there to be shy about? You''re my fianc¨¦." she wasn''t nervous at all.

    She had called him her fianc¨¦ countless times but hearing it from her again, it sounded like the most beautiful word in the world. Her eyes held a torch in them; it was obvious that she had grown to love him more over time.

    Enchanted by her beautiful eyes and those lips that drove him insane, he held her neck and kissed her. It was only when he uncontrollably placed his hands on her chest that he stopped.

    "Lihua, I hope you don''t mind how close Katy is to me. But if you mind,¡­"

    "I don''t mind. I like children as long as they are well behaved." Of course, her best definition of well behaved was Little Jia and Tangtang. Those two kids were like every other children; they would kick up a fuss once in a while when things didn''t go their way. But the difference between them and other children was that they never made the same mistake twice. Once they promised to not do something, they wouldn''t do it. The Xu and Lu families were quite strict. Then there was Katy¡­

    "I don''t know what to say about that. She''s not exactly what you would call obedient. My parents and sister spoil her too much and always give in to her."

    Lin Lihua thought it was troublesome. "You know, you can''t always give in to children. It''s your responsibility if they turned poisonous."

    "I know. I will not let her become wayward." Besides, he was ultimately only her uncle. He could only do his best in that shoe.

    "When will we have kids of our own?" he suddenly landed on this topic.

    Lin Lihua glared at him. "Are you seriously asking about kids when we haven''t even talked about our wedding yet?" Forget about the wedding. He had not even sent a betrothal gift yet.

    "Then let''s talk about our wedding."

    When he was least expecting it, she pushed him down on the sofa and grabbed his tie, looking into those blue eyes. "I''m already yours. What are you rushing for?"

    He held her back and turned, so that she was under him."I''m rushing to make you Mrs. Blanc. Is there a speed limit?"

    He finished speaking and kissed her again, wondering. Eer¡­would it be appropriate if he made her his right now?

    ___

    Edited by Cereus17

 Chapter 375 - Lu Enterprises doesnt need your help

    In the presence of Lin Lihua, he felt like a rookie in romance. He was going to daringly make a move but his phone rang and interrupted him.

    He ignored it and lowered his head to kiss her.

    "Your phone." She said softly. She didn''t want to be interrupted either but it could be something important.

    He cursed whoever it was and picked it up. "What is it?"

    Lu Shaoting was calling to inform him that his brother wished to meet for a casual chat tonight but when he heard that tone¡­"Sorry, did I interrupt you? Please continue with what you were doing." He hung up immediately.

    Henry Blanc really wanted to strangle him. You already interrupted me, okay? You may as well just tell me what you want.

    Lin Lihua received a call too. After hanging up, she looked at him apologetically. "Something happened at the company. I have to go."

    "Accompany me later, okay?" It was a shame that his wife was leaving too soon.

    "I don''t know about that. If I won''t be held up later, I will definitely accompany you."

    "Okay. If you need anything, feel free to tell me." he held her waist and kissed her forehead lightly.

    She nodded just to be polite. She wasn''t going to need anything from him.

    Meanwhile, Henry Blanc was wondering just who his future father-in-law offended. Not only was his company being sabotaged by all means, he was even more out of luck for getting on Lu Aotian''s bad side. Was Lin Industries really going to survive this? Anyhow, if he helped Lin Industries out, Lu Aotian wouldn''t have a problem with that, right? He really didn''t want anything to get in the way of his queen''s happiness.

    Though with her personality, he knew that she would rather find other influential companies to collaborate with than ask him for anything. She didn''t want to rely on anyone, not even her future husband.

    The call just now was from Lin Zhou. The companies that had agreed to collaborate with Lin Industries on a project had suddenly withdrawn their collaboration. The project was being given to another company instead. They were willing to pay double the compensation fee. Although it was a huge amount of money, it wouldn''t actually be of much help. It would only slow down Lin Industries'' speed of going bankrupt for two or three weeks.

    Lin Lihua saw the cheque and sighed. She had spent a lot of effort to bid this project and now it was gone just like that.

    It seemed like she only had one choice left.

    One hour later, Lu Enterprises.

    "I''m still busy. You have five minutes." Lu Aotian said nonchalantly.

    Lin Lihua didn''t mind his tone. He was clearly busy after all. "Since we are both busy, let''s not waste each other''s time. This is my proposal."

    Lu Aotian only looked at the top page and frowned, his whole body emitting an aura of intimidation. "You want Lin Industries to take on a main project of Lu Enterprises. Do you think it''s worthy?"

    Lin Lihua didn''t feel intimidated by his look. "Yes. Business and personal matters should be handled separately. I will personally oversee this project and there will be no errors."

    "Lu Enterprises doesn''t need your help." He dismissed.

    "I know. But Lin Industries needs yours. You can''t deny that this will be a win-win, can you? No matter how you look at it, Lu Enterprises gains the most profit out of this." She would have sought help from her fianc¨¦ but it wouldn''t be too nice if her in-laws were to think that she only agreed to be with Henry Blanc to save her family''s company.

    On another note, she was prepared to forget about Lin Industries and let it go bankrupt. After all she had her Entertainment agency and had to spend time on stabilizing it. However, she couldn''t stand aside and watch her parents feel sad. Her last resort was to offer collaboration on Lu Enterprises'' newest project. The fact that Lu Aotian was her brother-in-law as well as her fianc¨¦''s friend made it harder for her.

    "I''ll think about it." he said after reading through her proposal in a flash.

    "Thank you, president Lu." She said and left his office.

    A phone call came in as soon as she left. "You didn''t make things difficult for my queen, did you?"

    Lu Aotian relaxed in his chair. "Don''t you think I''d be afraid that my wife will make me kneel on durians?" that was his sister-in-law. He had to treat her like anyone else or else Wan Jia wouldn''t let him off.

    "Tsk, I didn''t know that the mighty President Lu is dominated by his wife." Henry Blanc taunted.

    "What do you know? My wife is a goddess. It''s my honor to be dominated by her."

    "Can you skip the PDA? Thanks. Let''s talk about why I called you. I''m switching to a conference call in a minute."

    ___

    After Wan Jia''s meeting, she didn''t waste a single minute before getting into her car to go home.

    Although she really wanted to know what Lu Aotian was up to, she didn''t want to ask. He would tell her when he was ready.

    Lin Lihua invited her for a meal when Lu Aotian accepted her proposal. However, Wan Jia was still not allowed to go anywhere unless her work required her to be there.

    She made her wait and sent Lu Aotian a message. [Can I go for a meal with my sister?]

    The reply came almost immediately. [No.]

    [¡­]

    Did he have to break her heart so mercilessly?

    Another message came in. [She has Henry to accompany her for meals and you have me to take you out for meals]

    [Then can you take me out?]

    [No.]

    Wan Jia really wanted to strangle him.

    In the end, Lin Lihua called her fianc¨¦ and celebrated her win with him. Though she still felt wronged. Did Lu Aotian think she was going to steal her sister from him?

 Chapter 376 - I want to know who that woman is

    A week later.

    Southside Villas, Villa number 2.

    "What did you just say?"

    "You''ve got to be kidding me. Are you seriously moving the company''s headquarters because of a woman?"

    Mr. Blanc and Mrs. Blanc were so shocked that they almost suffered heart attacks. Their dear son had just told them that he wanted to move the headquarters of Le Blanc Group to Country C and settle down here permanently.

    "I want to know who that woman is, that she can convince my son to do such a thing." Mrs. Blanc harrumphed.

    "Mum, calm down. This is my decision. It has nothing to do with her. I''ve wanted to settle down in this country since I first set foot here." Henry Blanc exolained.

    The Blanc couple didn''t believe him. "You''re only saying that to shield her. Who is that woman? I want to see her with my own eyes." Mrs. Blanc almost cursed whoever that woman was. Did she put her son up to this?

    "Henry, if she doesn''t want to go back home with you, there are many young women in our country who would give anything to be your wife. Does it have to be her?"

    Henry Blanc had expected such a reaction from his parents so he wasn''t in the least bit shocked. "Listen, Mum, dad, can you both calm down? Only then can your son explain everything."

    "Listen to you tell me that you want to leave your mother all alone? Is that what you are saying?" Mrs. Blanc loved her son and would be terribly hurt if he left home for good.

    "Don''t you have dad to keep you company?"

    "It''s not the same."

    "You still have Amy and Katy. Besides, who said anything about abandoning you? You''re still my mum and I still love you. Who would give up on such a beautiful and elegant woman as my mum?"

    "You are changing the topic again!" She knew her son too well.

    A servant ran in to report that Lin Lihua had arrived.

    He had wanted to talk to his parents about moving the company''s headquarters before Lin Lihua''s arrival. Unfortunately, the discussion lasted longer than expected and now here they were.

    "She''s here." He said.

    "Uh-huh. Let her in. I want to know what kind of goddess she is." Mrs. Blanc said. Her son only shot her a warning look. If she deliberately did anything humiliating to his wife, he wouldn''t be friendly with her. Mr. Blanc was calm the whole time.

    As soon as Lin Lihua appeared in her vicinity, Mrs. Blanc squinted her eyes. Why does this woman look so much like¡­

    He stood to receive her and introduced her to his parents. "Mum, dad, this is my fianc¨¦e, Lin Lihua. Lihua, meet my parents."

    As soon as he finished speaking, Mrs. Blanc could no longer hide her excitement. "You''re really Lin Lihua! No wonder you looked so familiar. Goodness! Here I was wondering just who the lucky guy that won your heart is."

    "Uncle, aunty, it''s nice to meet you." Lin Lihua said modestly.

    Mrs. Blanc took Lin Lihua''s hand excitedly. "Why are you so polite? I''m your mother-in-law. Come here, I have something for you." She pulled her to the sofa and sat next to her.

    Then, as though it was the most natural thing to do, she took a bracelet off her wrist and put it on Lin Lihua''s wrist.

    "Aunty this¡­"

    "Don''t worry. It''s not expensive. Just wear it, okay? Your wrist is fairer and looks absolutely pretty with this bracelet on it."

    Of course she knew that it was expensive. She had worn many pieces of expensive jewelry and could tell the value of one at a glance. This one was obviously exorbitant. However, she couldn''t reject considering it was a gift from her future mother-in-law. "Thank you aunty."

    At the side, the father and son were baffled. Who was it that said just now, that she wanted to see what kind of woman was able to convince her son into making such huge decisions? Who was it that sounded as though she hated her future daughter-in-law before even meeting her? Wasn''t this change of attitude too fast? You even gave her the family bracelet just like that?

    "Ahem, since the both of you like each other already then¡­"

    His mother interrupted him. "Whatever it is can wait. I want to tell Amy about this then have a nice chat with my daughter-in-law."

    Henry Blanc was speechless.

    Instantly, Mrs. Blanc made a video call to Country F.

    "Amy, guess what? I met your sister-in-law." She looked as excited as a kid who just saw a room full of candy.

    "Really? You can finally stop lamenting about my brother being on his own."

    "Do you know who your brother''s fianc¨¦e is? You will never be able to guess. When he said that it is someone I know, I thought it was someone from the company or one of those women he grew up with."

    Amy Blanc didn''t seem too interested. "Who is she?"

    "Lin Lihua."

    "Who is that? Wait, that actress you have liked for years?"

    She tilted her phone so Amy Blanc could see Lin Lihua on the screen. "That very one. Isn''t fate amazing?" her smile was contagious and made people want to smile too.

    Amy Blanc hesitated before answering. "I don''t know. She may be beautiful but that''s it. Do you know what kind of woman she is? She is an actress, mom."

    "What''s wrong with that? Your daughter wants to be one in future."

    "My daughter will not need to do anything indecent to gain fame. Her family is rich."

    Mrs. Blanc felt her heart ache as she retaliated. "Lihua''s family is rich too. Anyway I wouldn''t care. She is a nice person and suits your brother. Keep your opinions to yourself."

    Amy Blanc chuckled. "Alright. But perhaps someone has to tell you. Old women give birth to dim-witted children; if they can even give birth to start with." After saying that, she hung up.

 Chapter 377 - Teaching the wayward wife a lesson

    Mrs. Blanc scowled. Did Amy not have a brain to mouth filter? How could she say such things in the presence of Lin Lihua? In fact, how could she  bring herself to say such things at all?

    She looked at the calm Lin Lihua worriedly. "Lihua, it''s our fault for not educating her well enough. We will teach her a lesson when we get back home."

    Lin Lihua didn''t look offended at all. "It''s okay aunty."

    She wouldn''t be bothered to deal with such women. How old was she and how old was Amy Blanc? Wouldn''t it degrade her if she were to start an argument with someone of Wan Jia''s age? All would be well as long as Amy Blanc stayed out of her way in future. If not, she would teach her a good lesson.

    Afraid that his long awaited daughter-in-law would be scared away by Amy''s behavior, Mr. Blanc said something too. "Please don''t blame Henry for this. In future, I will make sure she doesn''t disrespect you."

    Lin Lihua was amused by their looks of worry. "Uncle, don''t worry about it."

    "So are you two really going to settle down in this country permanently? I was hoping you could follow us to Country F." Mrs. Blanc said worriedly. This was the only time it was appropriate to talk about this but at the same time, she didn''t want to scare her daughter-in-law away.

    Lin Lihua had expected such a question, but she hoped the Blancs would understand her. Although Xia Rou was with Lin Zhou, Lin Lihua wouldn''t feel assured leaving her to go to another country. She would feel less worried if she was closer to her. What if her dear mother became worried about her being far away and ended up triggering her heart condition? "We will always make time to go to visit you."

    Mrs. Blanc knew that this was the only compromise her future daughter-in-law could make. "You are so filial, Lihua. As long as you don''t forget about us, we will be fine no matter where you are."

    ¡­

    After seeing his parents off, only the two of them were left. The servants disappeared out of sight.

    "Don''t you think they come too early?" For all she knew, the banquet of Lu Enterprises'' Centennial will be held in a month.

    "They''re too excited about meeting their daughter-in-law and couldn''t wait anymore. They will return home in few days and come back here in two months."

    "Two months?" Shouldn''t it be one month?

    "Oh, you haven''t heard the latest news yet. Something happened at Lu Enterprises and they decided to delay the  banquet for a month."

    "What happened?"

    "Aotian didn''t explain the details to me. But he said it''s something good."

    "Whatever, I''ll ask my sister." She humphed. Of course Wan Jia would know what happened.

    "I didn''t know my wife likes to gossip that much." Henry Blanc held her chin and teased.

    "What do you know? Gossip is a woman''s nature. On another note, why are your parents staying at a hotel? Can''t they stay here? There are so many rooms."

    "They want to give us some space. Or else, how will they have grandchildren?"

    "Then they can stay in your other properties."

    "In actual fact, it''s only an excuse, they wanted to use the opportunity to check out Platinum Grand Hotel. It''s gotten so famous that they want to try it out."

    "I see." As expected of her sister. Everything of hers became so famous.

    ___

    Lately, the Lu brothers had been busier than usual. With the centennial of Lu Enterprises drawing closer, they had a lot on their plates. It was just lucky that their wives were understanding and even helped them out. If not, the pair of brothers would be punished to kneel on durians quite often.

    On Thursday, Lu Aotian felt that they needed a break. They had been working like robots for too long.

    The first thing Lu Shaoting did was go to his girlfriend''s apartment.

    Su Ling knew who was at the door the instant the doorbell rang. "I was starting to think you decided to get married to the company instead. I was just about to start looking for a cute boy toy."

    Lu Shaoting pushed the door closed with one hand and pushed her against the wall with another. He trapped her between the wall and his firm body, holding her hands above her head. "Do you dare to say that again?"

    Seeing the glare in his eyes, she really wanted to tease him. "Are you gonna kill me? I''m so scared."

    Lu Shaoting thought that this woman had become more daring. She even dared to joke about getting a boy toy! Without a word, he swept her off the floor, put her on his shoulder and headed towards her bedroom.

    "Shaoting! Put me down. Where are you taking me?"

    "What do you think?"

    He pushed the door open using his foot and walked right in, placing her on the bed. Then he ripped off his tie.

    "What are you doing?" she was alarmed as she looked at him.

    Using his tie, Lu Shaoting tied her hands up above her head as she looked with curious eyes. "Teaching my wayward wife a good lesson."

    He didn''t let her respond before he lowered his head to kiss her lips. With the taste of his lips, Su Ling found that she didn''t hate the fact that she had been tied up. Neither did she feel uncomfortable that he had long unbuttoned her blouse and was groping her uncontrollably.. Actually, she quite liked this feeling.

    Crap! She scolded herself. Was he turning her into a masochist? Lu Shaoting¡­this pervert.

    "Ow¡­why did you bite me?"

    "What are you thinking about while I''m kissing you?"

    "I''m thinking that you''re such a pervert!" her voice was quite incoherent.

    Lu Shaoting smirked. What did she just call him? He kissed and licked his way to her neck, her chest, her tummy and even lower¡­

    "What are you doing?" she asked in alarm when she realized where he was going.

    "What do you think?" he stopped to ask and went ahead.

 Chapter 378 - News from the stomach

    "Shaoting, wait."

    Lu Shaoting stopped what he was doing and looked at her. Seeing that she was getting uncomfortable, he untied her hands and hugged her. Though he wondered, why was it that she looked like she had been reminded of something unpleasant? He didn''t ask her. He only kissed her forehead and coaxed her, holding her in his arms like a delicate treasure. "I''m sorry."

    "Don''t blame yourself. I''m alright."

    Just like that, he let her fall asleep in her arms, but he had a manly problem to solve.

    ___

    The so called good thing that happened in Lu Enterprises was Wan Jia''s qualification to start her brand. It was still far from the time she was given but Lu Aotian decided to make her stop her test project. If not, there would be actual competition between two hotels which were both under Lu Enterprises. Although Lu Enterprises had many subsidiary hotels, they were all managed by Lu Shaoting and he had them balanced perfectly. After discussing with his wife and brother, he put Lu Shaoting in charge of Platinum Grand Hotel.

    Following this, the insider news about Wan Jia''s new brand began to spread under Lu Aotian''s orders. However, he had it spread in a restrained manner so it didn''t explode into the popular searches. Therefore, most people thought of it as a rumor. After all, any piece of news from Lu Enterprises had always got into the top search rankings within one or two hours.

    "What will you name your brand?" Lu Aotian asked her while holding her in his arms.

    A flush crept onto her cheeks as she looked at him bashfully. "I already came up with a name. I''ll name it MAX."

    Judging by her smile and the twinkle in her eyes when she answered him, he knew that it was a heartfelt pseudonym. He could accurately guess the meaning of the M and A. However, what was that X all about? X as in her mother''s surname, Xia?

    Wan Jia held his waist and buried her head in his warm chest. That was where she felt safest in the world. "When we have a son, I want to name him Xianyu.

    Lu Aotian couldn''t help chuckling as he tousled her hair. "How can you be so sure that we will definitely have a son?"

    "I know we will. Who is to say, perhaps I have one in my belly right now?" She even stroked her stomach as though there was really a little one inside.

    Lu Aotian laughed. She was thinking too much. She seemed to have forgotten that her period had just passed a day ago. She was definitely not pregnant. But he didn''t want to shatter her fantasy so he kept his mouth shut.

    "Aotian, our son will be the most handsome little boy and when he grows up, the most charming man in the world."

    Lu Aotian: "Mmh."

    Although answer was as indulgent as ever, that was not the same thing going on in his heart. He was actually lamenting: He is not here yet but he is already being a threat to my love. If he is to become the most handsome man, what about me? Can we not have a son?

    ¡­

    That evening, Wan Jia went to the Lin residence for dinner after being persuaded by her mother. It took a lot of pacification and seduction to get permission from Lu Aotian. She was not sure why, but she felt that he was unwilling to let her out of his sight for a single second. Was there something she didn''t know?

    As soon as she was home, Xia Rou was the first to complain. "This child, have you forgotten that mommy exists? You have literally shoved me aside these days. I don''t even get to see my granddaughter anymore."

    Wan Jia stopped her complaints with a hug. "Mom, I have been so busy these past few days. I haven''t forgotten about you." How could she say that she had been grounded?

    Xia Rou held her hand and inspected it. "Luckily you haven''t lost weight. If you had lost even half a pound, I would charge into Lu Enterprises and beat Lu Aotian up."

    Her look was inexplicably serious, as though she would really do it. Wan Jia found it comical to picture the scene.

    "How is my baby darling? Why didn''t she come along?"

    Wan Jia felt wronged. You only care about your granddaughter. "She''s at the old Lu residence. Her grandfather is not very busy so she went over to play for a while."

    "I see. I made your favorite tiramisu. Do you want to try them? You can take some with you later, for my baby darling."

    Lin Lihua, at the side, finally spoke up. "I''m saying, why did you call me here? You haven''t taken a single glance at me."

    Xia Rou gave her a sideways glance. "What''s there to look at? Tell me when there''s news from your stomach. Then perhaps there will be something to look at."

    Lin Lihua felt extremely wronged and rushed to her father who was reading a business magazine on the sofa. "Mr. Lin, look what your wife as done. Your daughter''s delicate heart has been shattered mercilessly by her."

    Xia Rou laughed at her daughter''s antics. "Are you still a little girl going to complain to your daddy?"

    Lin Lihua didn''t spare her a glance. "Let dad judge who is right. I''m telling you, you will not get away with this."

    The Lin Zhou they were waiting for finally spoke. "Delicate heart? Please. My wife is right. We are waiting for news from your stomach."

    "Are you kidding me? I''m not even married yet. Why don''t you say the same about Wanwan?" Right after they stopped nagging her to get married, they started nagging about grandchildren.

    Xia Rou: "Your sister has a daughter. How can you compare to her?"

    Your good friend, Lin Lihua, has just received a merciless blow.

    ___

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 Chapter 379 - Doesnt your conscience hurt?

    After teasing Lin Lihua endlessly, dinner was served. Xia Rou kept scooping dishes for her daughters. "Eat more. You girls are working so hard. I don''t want you to lose weight."

    After reminding them to take care of their health once more, she remembered to ask. "Lihua, did you meet your in laws yet? Are they kind hearted?" Xia Rou was very particular about her daughter''s life. If anyone dared to mistreat her, they wouldn''t hear the end of it from her.

    "Finally you showed me some concern." Lin Lihua complained.

    "You should be happy that I''m even talking to you. How long has it been since you gave me a call? You only have your husband in your eyes now, huh."

    Lin Lihua was speechless. What happened to our happy conversation? Still, she took a deep breath and answered. "My future parents in law are both warm hearted for all that matters. Besides, Henry wouldn''t let them bully me even if they didn''t like me." Of course, insignificant people like Amy Blanc were not worth mentioning.

    "That''s good, that''s good." She was relieved to know that her daughter wouldn''t have trouble in her marriage. In the past, she believed that Lin Lihua avoided men because she was afraid of having a rocky marriage. As for who often caused couples to have conflicts, weren''t parents the biggest culprits in most cases?

    "Next time, bring your husbands home for a meal. Little Wan, remember to bring my baby darling too. We have never had a meal as a full family."

    Lin Zhou seconded her, as usual. "It''s been long since I had a nice game of chess. My sons-in-law are probably the best at chess."

    Wan Jia sighed in her heart. Are you sure you want to play with Lu Aotian and not to attack each other indirectly using riddles? Doesn''t your conscience hurt when you say such things? But she wouldn''t let such thoughts surface. "I''m not too sure about Aotian''s schedule. If he''s too busy then I''ll just bring Little Jia."

    Lin Lihua was the last to respond. "Can I not? I don''t want my Henry to be bullied and nagged by you."

    Xia Rou glared at her. "You bad child. Can''t I miss my sons-in-law? They are treating my daughters nicely so why on earth would I bully them?"

    Lin Lihua ate her sweet and sour pork ribs silently. You have only met once. What''s there to miss? Can you not make it sound like you have known each other for years?

    ¡­

    After dinner, Lin Zhou called Wan Jia to the study room.

    As usual, she felt distant towards him. Nonetheless, she still went ahead. It wasn''t like he could hurt her in any way after all.

    "Why did you ask me here?" she didn''t want to spend too much time with him.

    Lin Zhou noticed the unfamiliarity in her tone. "Sigh, I don''t blame you for disliking me. I went a little overboard when the company was on the verge of collapsing. Ultimately, I have to thank you. If Lu Enterprises didn''t step in then¡­"

    Wan Jia didn''t feel touched by his speech of gratitude. "You should thank my sister. She got that project using her own wits. I didn''t do anything."

    "I know. Help me thank my son-in-law. Regarding what I said earlier, I apologize."

    Wan Jia was shocked. He was¡­apologizing?

    One had to know that Lin Zhou was a very proud man. For him to accept that he was at fault, it was quite surprising. Wan Jia wasn''t one to hold grudges for such trivial matters. "Okay. I won''t think about it anymore."

    The way he was looking at her, she thought he had something else to say. "Do you have a favor to ask of me?"

    Lin Zhou felt embarrassed. Had he been so selfish that she thought that way of him? It was worth knowing that although he didn''t particularly like this daughter who appeared after twenty three years of his marriage with Xia Rou, he didn''t hate her either.

    He retrieved a file and gave it to her. "This file contains information about my godson; he''s a very talented designer. I heard about your new brand so¡­"

    He saw the sharp look in Wan Jia''s eyes and hesitated before continued. "I''m recommending him to you. You will definitely be impressed by his talent."

    Wan Jia snickered. Without taking a single glance at the content of the file, she pushed it back at him. "This is why you called me here, right? You want me to pull strings for your godson. I''m telling you, I''m not going to pull strings for anyone. Even if my husband were to become a designer and want to be employed by me, he would have to show some quality talent."

    Seeing her firm standpoint, Lin Zhou wasn''t disappointed. "Actually, I wasn''t asking you to pull strings. He would still have to get in using his own ability. If he can''t then he''ll only have himself to blame."

    "Is that so? What if I said that I will not consider him at all?"

    "That''s alright too. After all you are the boss. You have the final say."

    Wan Jia saw that he was actually sincere this time and her attitude changed slightly. She took a business card from her purse. "Let him come for an interview tomorrow. If he can''t meet my requirements, don''t blame me for not being courteous."

    Lin Zhou received the business card like a treasure. He had initially thought that because the young man had ties with him, he would be kicked out. After all, to protect his wife, it was predictable that Lu Aotian would run background checks on everyone who went for an interview.

    He didn''t need anyone to tell him that anyone connected to any of Lu Aotian''s enemies wouldn''t be accepted no matter how talented they were. It was painful to say but he counted as half of Lu Aotian''s enemy, thanks to those few times he offended Wan Jia.

    ______

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 Chapter 380 - No wonder Little Jia is such an actress

    When Wan Jia got home, the first thing she did was look for her husband. As expected, he wasn''t in bed but in the study, overworking himself when he shouldn''t be. She walked right behind him and held his head. "Are you taking advantage of the fact that I went out to work the night away?"

    Lu Aotian pulled her onto his lap. "What took you so long?"

    She looked away guiltily. "I got entangled in gossip with my sister and lost track of time."

    Since they had not had a nice chat in a long time, they had a lot to talk about and took the opportunity when they were both in the Lin residence to catch up. It was in fact when they realized how late it was that she had to rush back.

    "Why did you switch off your phone?" he asked.

    "Huh?  I charged it fully before leaving the house. It couldn''t have run out of battery." She reached into the pocket of her jacket to retrieve it but didn''t find it. She rushed to check in her purse and didn''t find it either.

    "That''s weird. Could I have dropped it somewhere? In the car perhaps?"

    "Let''s look for it later."

    But he thought that it was probably stolen. If she had dropped it somewhere, that would have to be either in the car or in the Lin residence. Even if no one heard it ring when he tried to contact her, it should still be on. How did it get switched off after one ring?

    Wan Jia was also thinking, it was strange that neither the chauffeur nor the servants at the Lin residence had seen it. Unless¡­

    "I think someone stole it and I know exactly who that is." She said.

    "Who?"

    "I bumped into a maid when leaving my sister''s room. She spilled water on me. It was too brief but if she was inhumanely fast, she should have taken the phone while trying to wipe the water off me." At the time, she was so rushed that she didn''t mind her wet clothes and just ran to the car.

    She remembered the place they bumped into each other. "It''s a blind spot. There is no surveillance camera near my sister''s room. Do you think it was my father''s order?"

    "He doesn''t have a use for your phone." He held her tightly as he stroked her hair. "Do you see why I didn''t want you to go anywhere? Lin Zhou has significantly lost his power. The Lin residence isn''t as safe as it used to be."

    "Why would anyone want my phone?" this is what she didn''t understand. Why didn''t they kidnap her instead?

    If she wasn''t wrong, she felt his body stiffen slightly. "Is there anything to worry about?"

    "Our call records¡­" she panicked. There was so much about Lu Enterprises in their call records. She had been free to talk about some things knowing that her phone was protected and couldn''t be hacked into.

    "Don''t worry. I''ll destroy your entire phone''s data in a while."

    "Mmh." She rested her head on his chest. Whoever it was wouldn''t gain a thing.

    "Let''s go to bed." She grabbed at his shirt and said.

    "Give me a minute. I''ll handle something first."

    "Okay." she was still sitting on his lap.

    "I meant for you to wait in our bedroom."

    "Oh¡­" Though she didn''t want to leave his embrace, she stood to leave.

    A few steps towards the master bedroom, she remembered something and turned back, just in time to hear him scolding someone on phone. "I told you that''s sick. Why did you still¡­"

    Perhaps because he felt her presence, he stopped speaking and hung up.

    Wan Jia forgot all about what she wanted to say and rushed towards the master bedroom.

    Lu Aotian went after her and held her from behind. "Why are you running away?"

    She turned and looked at him expressionlessly. "I don''t want to hear things you don''t want me to hear. " He stopped speaking just now because he didn''t want her to know what he was talking about, right?

    "Honey¡­"

    "You don''t have to tell me. I know you would never hurt me. But don''t you think you used a lot of effort to get my phone that way? You could have asked me for it."

    "I didn''t want you to ask questions." He took the blame although that was actually Lu Shaoting''s doing.

    Wan Jia thought it was impressive. "You couldn''t take it here because I would suspect you so you had to stage a very swift theft case when I''m out of the house? No wonder Little Jia is such an actress."

    Lu Aotian shrugged his shoulders. Thanks for the compliment (on behalf of Shaoting)...I guess?

    Though he was sure that the maid bumping into her was really an accident. With Lu Shaoting''s way of doing things, she wouldn''t know when or how it happened even if she racked her brains for half a day.

    Wan Jia was currently thinking of how mysterious her husband had become lately. Why on earth would he need her phone when he can easily hack into it? Just what was he doing? "Why do you need it?"

    "Can I not tell you? I''ll have it brought back to you tomorrow."

    Wan Jia felt it was unjust. Why was he keeping her in the dark about everything?

    He didn''t fail to notice her look of grievance. "I''m sorry my love, I''ll explain everything later. Right now, the more you know, the more dangerous it is for you." Inwardly, he cursed Lu Shaoting countless times. Did he have to do this?

    "Do as you wish." She said dismissively.

    "Are you mad at me?"

    "Do you think I would bear to?"

    Although that was what she said, she still got in bed and closed her eyes, with her back towards him.

    Lu Aotian knew that even if she wasn''t angry, she wasn''t happy either. Damn that Lu Shaoting!

 Chapter 381 - Could CEO Lin please take his wife out of here?

    He could only take the blame. Although this wasn''t his order, he couldn''t let her know that it was Lu Shaoting''s. She would hate him to death. They couldn''t afford any form of conflict at such a time.

    He pulled her into his arms. "I''ll explain everything later, okay?"

    She ignored him to throw a small tantrum. "You are not allowed to hug me."

    When she saw that he remained silent for a while without withdrawing his arms, she kissed his arm and said timidly, "But if you allow me to go out, I will forget about this matter."

    Lu Aotian chuckled. So it was about this. "Fine, you can go anywhere you want." He would make sure to protect her wherever she was. Although it was safer for her to only go to work and back home, he didn''t want her to feel trapped.

    ___

    The next day, in Elite Fashion World.

    In elegant business attire and her hair in a neat ponytail, Wan Jia made her way to her former office.

    Since she didn''t want to disclose the location of her new brand yet, she was using her former office at Elite Fashion World for the interviews.

    Lin Zhou''s godson wasn''t the only one coming to this interview; some other designers were coming too. All Wan Jia had to do was give interviews. Before recruiting anyone, Lu Aotian would check their backgrounds to ensure no one with ill motives got close to his wife.

    Realizing that she was a bit early, she took a business magazine and started reading through it.

    Soon, her temporary secretary came to report. "Madam, there''s a woman surnamed Xia here to see you. She said she''s come for the interview."

    "Let her in." Wan Jia said and thanked her, then continued looking through the magazine. Lu Enterprises was really becoming more and more powerful. At this rate, even if the next CEOs were mediocre, it would still never go bankrupt. The share value had once again doubled.

    In a few seconds, the footsteps brought Wan Jia back to reality. Miss Xia was here.

    "Mom?" Wan Jia was surprised when she saw who this Miss Xia really was.

    Xia Rou was wearing goggles which she took off. "Boss Wan, may I take this interview?"

    Wan Jia thought she was seeing things. "You''ve got to be kidding me. You''re here for an interview?"

    Xia Rou looked very serious, as though she was not joking at all. "What? I don''t qualify?"

    Wan Jia didn''t know what to say. "Does Mr. Lin know that his wife is right here trying to take an interview from their daughter?"

    Xia Rou looked at her daughter and took out her portfolio. "Of course my husband is aware. Boss Wan; take a look at my portfolio. Although it has been years since I worked for any studio, my talent is still as great as it used to be."

    Wan Jia stood and touched her mother''s forehead. She withdrew her hand then touched it again. A while later, she touched her neck too.

    Xia Rou held her hand. "I don''t have a fever, okay? I just want to support my daughter, if I qualify to do so. Is there something wrong with that?"

    Wan Jia still wasn''t convinced that this was normal. "But you still don''t have to take an interview. I inherited my ability from you. Wouldn''t I be slapping myself in the face if I claimed that you don''t qualify?"

    Xia Rou still didn''t give in. "Although I''m your mother, you are much better than me. You are more like your grandmother, my mother. She was so insanely talented that she almost broke Elder Qian''s record. I believe my little Wan will be able to break that record."

    Wan Jia had not heard much about her grandmother. All she knew was that supposedly, her eyes looked exactly like Xia Rou''s mother''s.

    Wan Jia looked through her mother''s portfolio just for the sake of it. Still, she was impressed by her mother''s designs. No wonder she was so good. It was because her mother was a rare gem in the fashion design industry. If her mother claimed to not be as good as her late grandmother, just how good was her grandmother?

    "Mom, will you really be safe?"

    "Why not? Doctor Qiao said my heart is stable enough. Are you rejecting me because you think I''m no good enough?"

    Wan Jia was shocked by the sudden question. Why did her mother have to make things so difficult for her? Did she not love her anymore? She sighed. "It''s not that you''re not good enough¡­"

    "Then you will employ me, right?"

    Wan Jia massaged her temples. "Since you insist so much, you are accepted. But can you not call me ''boss''? Please and thank you." It would be very awkward if her own mother were to address her so politely. In fact, she was already thinking of the most suitable position to give her mother. It would still be fine if she was employing Lin Lihua but her mother¡­ she still felt it was wrong.

    Xia Rou smiled after successfully getting into her daughter''s brand. "As you wish."

    Before she left, she put Wan Jia into a tight spot yet again. "When does the training period start?"

    Wan Jia was momentarily stunned then looked at her. "Where on earth is CEO Lin? His wife is giving me a hard time."

    Xia Rou chuckled at her defeated expression. "Fine, I won''t tease you anymore. But surely you''re not going to deliberately make things easy for me just because I''m your mother, right?"

    Wan Jia was speechless. "Please do as you please. On another note, the blueprints for the brand''s main store are ready. Could you help me take a look?"

    "Sure." Xia Rou agreed with no hesitation.

    Wan Jia selected a file on her laptop and showed to her.

    Xia Rou looked through it carefully before complimenting, "My daughter''s aesthetic taste is quite nice. Your stores will definitely be the most beautiful of EFW."

    ___

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 Chapter 382 - Scouting employees from EFW

    Wan Jia smiled. Luckily she didn''t go with Lu Aotian''s suggestions. If she did, her brand stores would look more like robot stores than clothes stores. aside from his dressing style, that man had quite a twisted sense of style.

    Xia Rou pointed at a certain section and showed it to her. "Although it''s a kids'' section, this is still too much decoration. You should tone it down a little. The women''s section is  alright but the men''s section is too vibrant. It might overshadow the clothes. You should¡­"

    Wan Jia noted down her mother''s suggestions to adjust later. A few minutes later, her temporary secretary reported the presence of more people wishing to take the interview.

    Since this was a new brand, she hadn''t asked them to send their applications. She would personally go through their portfolios and ask them a few questions to determine who qualified to be in her brand.

    "I''ll let you do your work first. If you are free tonight, come home for a meal, alright?" Xia Rou kissed her daughter''s cheek and stood to leave, putting back her goggles on.

    "Yes mom." Wan Jia nodded, feeling incredibly happy from her mother''s kiss.

    The secretary was startled. The boss'' mother? No wonder they looked so much alike. And goodness! Was everyone in Wan Jia''s family so beautiful? Wait, that wasn''t the point. Wasn''t this Miss Xia, who had claimed to come for an interview?

    Minding her own business, she led the first young lady in.

    Wan Jia was once again shocked. "Su Ling?"

    What day was it? Why was everyone in her family coming for an interview?

    Su Ling had her application with her. "Boss, can I be your assistant? I don''t dislike Boss Xiao but I just feel loyal to you."

    Wan Jia was at a loss. "Well¡­"

    It wasn''t that she didn''t want to employ Su Ling, but Xiao Rong needed her more. Where else would she get such a capable assistant? Though she had to admit, working for Xiao Rong was a kind of demotion for Su Ling.

    "If not, then could you let me work in your studio? I can be anyone''s assistant."

    Wan Jia smiled. Her sister-in-law was so understanding. "Let me think about it. I''ll give you an answer in a while."

    Su Ling nodded. Based on Wan Jia''s tone, it was a guarantee that she would agree to her request.

    A moment later, the next person came in. It was Xiao Rong.

    Wan Jia didn''t need to think twice about it. Aside from Xia Rou, Xiao Rong was the most qualified person to work in MAX brand.

    "I find it funny that both you and Su Ling want to work for me. However, is it really alright if I scout people from Elite Fashion World?"

    Xiao Rong was scared that Wan Jia would reject her. "Lady Boss, from the moment you gave me a chance I this field, I vowed to follow you forever. Can you not reject me? I''ll do my best and not let you down. Besides, you are not scouting me. I am the one seeking you." Also, would it still be called scouting if she recruited people from her husband''s company? This was a subsidiary of Lu Enterprises so Xiao Rong didn''t see anything wrong with it.

    After pondering for a while, Wan Jia felt that there was indeed no problem. Why would she give up on rare gems when they followed her willingly?

    "Your contract with Elite Fashion World is still effective for five years."

    Xiao Rong was stunned as her hope shattered in pieces. "I still have to pay the fee for contract cancellation, right?" She didn''t have a problem with this. However, the price for cancelling a contract with Lu Enterprises or its subsidiaries prematurely was astronomical. She wouldn''t be able to pay five percent of it even if she fished out all the money she had saved up after becoming a designer.

    Her former employer, Ming Rui, had been very mean. She paid her so little that after using the money for her daily necessities, she had nothing left. Where would she get such a huge sum?

    Wan Jia chuckled. "Who said anything about cancelling a contract? This is still a subsidiary of Lu Enterprises. Just apply for a transfer and give it to me. I''ll help you send it to President Lu."

    Hearing that, Xiao Rong brightened up again. "Thank you, boss."

    When Xiao Rong left, the person Wan Jia had been waiting for the most finally arrived. Lin Zhou''s godson.

    ..

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    ..

    She didn''t expect that it was actually someone she knew. "You?"

    The man was stylish from head to toe. Every piece of clothing on him was custom made from famous brands. Even the watch he was wearing was the only one of its type ever made. With his black business attire, he looked imposing with a kind of aura that only influential men would have around them.

    This was Lin Ye. She had met him before because he was a former designer of YX Brand. After leaving YX, no one had ever heard of him again. Who would have thought that they would meet here?

    "Boss Wan, it''s nice to meet you again."

    She still looked surprised. "I didn''t expect to see you here." It was even more shocking that he was Lin Zhou''s godson.

    He could see the surprise all over her face. "Are you surprised that I''m back, or that I''m your god brother?"

    She was surprised about both. In fact, what was more questionable was the fact that his surname was Lin.

    Lin Ye felt a chill in his spine. "Can you not look at me like I''m your father''s illegitimate son?"

    Her gaze was still sharp. "Aren''t you?"

    Lin Ye broke into laughter then retrieved a photo that he had carried just in case Wan Jia misunderstood his identity and refused to employ him. "Don''t worry. I''m from a complete family. The surname is just a coincidence."

    Wan Jia studied the photo. He did resemble his father, brother and sister.

 Chapter 383 - A huddle of interesting people

    After being convinced that he was not an illegitimate son of Lin Zhou , she returned the photo to him. "Do you still need to be interviewed?"

    This was Lin Ye. Even as one of the nation''s top designers herself, she thought of him as one of the best she had ever seen.

    If such a person was to be in her brand, she wouldn''t have to worry about quality. Although YX Brand wasn''t bad either, she couldn''t help but think that he wasn''t suited to be there. It felt wrong, as though he had lowered his status to be there. He was not from a powerful background but the status he had gained after becoming a designer was tremendous.

    Despite several attempts by other studios to scout him, he had remained in YX as though created to be part of it. Then one day he suddenly left and disappeared from the Fashion world altogther.

    Wan Jia, who had watched many romance dramas, couldn''t help but wonder if he had been in YX for someone.

    ¡­

    If she were to ask him that question, his answer would be affirmative.

    He had indeed gone to YX Brand for someone. That person was a woman.

    The first time he met her by chance. When he asked about her, he found that she had a boyfriend. Still, he didn''t give up.

    He even rejected his father''s and godfather''s suggestion to set him up with Lin Lihua. It wasn''t that he disliked Lin Lihua; he had someone in his mind. Lin Lihua didn''t like him either so he didn''t feel at a loss.

    When he heard that the woman he liked owned a fashion studio, he went to the school of Fashion design, did his best to complete the course in six months and became a designer, just to work in her studio and get close to her. Although it wasn''t good of him, he was actually the person who hoped the most that she wouldn''t end up with her boyfriend.

    He was even the first person to know that his boss had a body double. He liked her, how would he not know if someone else was in her stead?

    When she broke up with her boyfriend, he was the happiest person in the world. His hope was lost once again when she found a new one years later.

    When he heard the rumor, he worked harder to get her attention. He did get her attention, but not the way he wanted it. She only thought of him as YX''s top designer while he wanted her to see him as a man.

    However, not all secret torches end up in marriage. When he was sure that she would never spare him a second glance, his hope was totally lost. He wanted a reason to leave YX Brand and found one. When she acted like a selfish boss who doesn''t care about her subordinates, he was the most hurt by her actions. He didn''t believe that the woman he loved would be that kind of person.

    On the day he submitted his resignation letter and left YX Brand, he gave up on love. He went back to the business world and no one ever heard of him. That was until he heard about that talented young designer who happened to be his god father''s daughter. How could he not want to be employed by her?

    This time, he was not in the fashion industry for a woman. He was here because he wanted to be.

    ___

    After successfully hiring the formidable designer Lin Ye, Wan Jia reclined in her seat.

    If she were to guess who Lin Ye''s impossible love was, no matter how one looked at it, it had to be Yun Xuan.

    Now that someone made her think about Yun Xuan, she fell into thought.

    How was she? Was she all alone in the foreign country? After the last time they talked, she found out that she was pregnant.  She had also found out that she left the Yun family and started living on her own.

    Had she given birth already?

    What she was most worried about was if the baby was going to have to grow up in a foreign place. That was right, she was worried about her.

    Although she had been heartless and told her a bunch of hurtful words, they had been friends for a while. Not only that, that had happened eons ago. Was it really right to hold grudges for that long?

    It was not that she wanted to call her and resume their friendship; she just couldn''t help but worry about her and her baby.

    ¡­

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    When she was done recruiting new designers, she grabbed the contracts and transfer requests and went to Lu Enterprises.

    Lu Aotian frowned when he saw the list.

    Xia Rou, Xiao Rong, Lin Ye, Shen Hao, Su Ling whose position was yet to be decided and many other designers from Elite Fashion World who hadn''t been approved by her yet. The only people who were not from Elite Fashion World were Lin Ye and Xia Rou.

    "Is there¡­something wrong?" She grew nervous when she saw his expression.

    "There''s nothing wrong. I just think¡­MAX Brand is going to be a huddle of interesting people."

    Seriously, what was Xia Rou doing in her daughter''s brand? Even crazier, she had insisted on not being given any major position and wanted to be a normal designer?

    Also, what was with Lin Ye? He didn''t want to work for an already famous brand like EFW but a new one instead?

    "Are you going to approve their transfer?" She asked.

    She knew that scouting so many people from Elite Fashion World was quite a test of his limits.

    However, to her surprise, he took a pen from his desk and started signing the contracts.

    "You don''t mind giving up on all these rare talents?" she couldn''t help but ask.

    He continued signing with his head down. "I''m giving them to my wife. How is that giving them up?"

 Chapter 384 - Having a secret affair

    Wan Jia smiled. This man could really do anything she wanted. Still, she didn''t want to ask for too much. To avoid causing the fall of EFW, she wouldn''t accept any other designer from Elite Fashion World.

    Of course, she didn''t know what the man was currently thinking.

    If MAX became the top brand of Elite Fashion World, he wouldn''t care if EFW was forgotten. After all even without a brand, his wife was soon going to be the most famous designer in Elite Fashion World. He wasn''t tooting his own horn. Hadn''t DY been long forgotten?

    She waited for him to finish signing the contracts and took them back, then turned to leave his office.

    As she opened the door, Lu Shaoting walked right in. Luckily he was careful and didn''t bump into her.

    "Sister-in-law, what a coincidence. I had a favor to ask of you." He stated.

    "Shut up." Lu Aotian interrupted him coldly.

    Wan Jia was frightened by his sudden change in temper. What was going on?

    "Well?"

    Lu Aotian was glaring daggers at his brother. If he dared to say anything inappropriate¡­

    Lu Shaoting laughed it off and bluffed his way out. "I just wanted you to help me do something for my Su Ling. But never mind, I still have a lot of work to do with my brother. I''ll tell you later if I still need your help."

    Wan Jia didn''t understand why her husband would suddenly have such a reaction, but she dismissed it as a feud between them. "I see. Feel free to call me if you need anything." She left his office in her high heeled shoes.

    When he was sure that she was gone, Lu Aotian gave his brother a sharp look. "What were you doing?"

    Lu Shaoting shrugged. "You said it wasn''t fair to do it behind her back, so I wanted to ask her for a favor. How is this wrong? She is my sister-in-law. Do you think I would want to do something that would actually hurt her?"

    Lu Aotian rolled a pen to control his temper before responding, "Lu Shaoting, this is the last time you bring this up."

    "Bro¡­"

    "I believe I have made myself clear."

    Well, it was better to not start an argument with his brother. They would both lose out.

    ¡­

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    When Wan Jia left Lu Aotian''s office, she went to MAX Brand''s studio. It was actually on the same street as Lu Enterprises. She had managed to get this building by pure luck and was overjoyed about it. Going back and forth between Lu Enterprises and Elite Fashion World wasn''t that entertaining.

    Leaving the elevator, she went towards the office of the CEO.

    "Greetings, CEO Wan."

    "Good Morning CEO Wan."

    The employees greeted her. She returned their greetings with a smile as she walked forward.

    CEO Wan¡­

    Those two words still sounded so foreign to her.

    Although the public was still oblivious of her studio''s name and location, she had already employed secretaries and department managers. The main store would be ready to open within two months. All the employees here had signed a contract of confidentiality and wouldn''t dare to talk about it.

    It was safe to assume that this was more of a studio than a brand. After all, it had its own building and separate employees.

    Most of the employees here had heard a lot about her and knew that she was friendly.

    "The CEO is so beautiful."

    "Right? It''s my first time seeing her and I find her more beautiful than the rumors say."

    "She is so young yet she already owns her own brand. I heard her husband didn''t help her."

    Amid their gasps of awe, she finally reached her office. She was only going to check on the progress of redecoration of the offices. She wanted the interior of the whole building to look like one owned by a designer. It looked extremely gloomy and boring when she found it.

    ...

    She opened the door to her office and got startled. What was that large chunk of metal on the floor?

    She was about to ask someone to check it out when the chunk of metal rose. Taking a second look, she realized that it was actually a robot. It had a small tag labeled 17 on its arm.

    It scanned her for a few seconds. "Beautiful master, my name is Seventeen, glad to be at your service."

    Wan Jia didn''t know what this was all about. Why was there a robot in her office and what did its name have to do with her?

    A message came to her phone before she could ask Lu Aotian if he brought it here.

    Handsome Lu: [My love, do you like your new assistant?]

    Before she replied, another came in. [Seventeen''s quite capable. It can protect you as well.]

    Her heart filled with warmth. So it was an assistant as well as a bodyguard of sorts. She replied happily. [Thanks my love.]

    [If you want to thank me, go to North Side tonight.]

    Wan Jia chuckled when she read the message. [Deal.]

    If an outsider were to read the message he just sent, they would think that she and Lu Aotian were having a secret affair.

    Handsome Lu: [8pm. I''ll wait for you.]

    Wan Jia felt utterly embarrassed. Why did he sound so much like a lover making "arrangements" with his mistress?

    Putting her phone aside, she went around the building checking on the new decoration and how it suited each department. Just as she expected, it looked perfect.

    When she went back to her office intending to pick her bag, it was already noon.

    Seventeen was quick to remind her. "Lovely master, please remember to have lunch."

    Wan Jia laughed. This was obviously Lu Aotian''s way of doing things. He even had a robot remind her to have meals.

 Chapter 385 - Unnamed

    "My lovely beautiful master, please remember to eat lunch." Seventeen reminded again.

    Wan Jia didn''t need anyone to inform her. Lu Aotian had obviously programmed it to remind her incessantly a thousand times if she didn''t have lunch soon.

    "Alright. I''m going." She grabbed her bag and left the office. Later, she would tell Lu Aotian to delete that function.

    Because she was not really hungry, she went to the restaurant across the street and ordered a light meal. Later, she would go shopping and buy a nice dress.

    She was going on a date with her man tonight. Of course she wanted to dress up beautifully for him. Though Lu Aotian, that hooligan, had once said that she looked much better with nothing on. Just the thought of it made her blush.

    Halfway through her meal, she remembered that her mother had invited her home for dinner tonight. From her tone, she probably had something to tell her. Unfortunately, she had agreed to both of them and had to turn down one of them. Lu Aotian also sounded like he had something to say to her so it was all the same important.  She didn''t want to turn either of them down, but it was not possible to split herself into two and have each halve attend a dinner.

    Decisevely, she went to the first store she could find nearby to check out their dresses. She had had dinner in the Lin residence the previous night. It wouldn''t matter if she turned her mother down once, right? Besides, she could always go over the next day and talk if Xia Rou had something to say.

    ...

    For the past few months, Wan Jia had been wearing her own designed clothes for dates and important events. This time, she wanted to check out what other designers had made.

    Also, she wanted to find something pretty but simple. It would be a nice sense of change.

    However, what awaited her was disappointment. The designers these days seemed to all go for dresses with bright themes and vibrant colors.

    Their idea of simple was distorted!

    In all the stores she went to, all she saw was that they had mixed up the meanings of "simple" and "low priced".

    Their so called ''simple'' dresses were those that had been imitated into lower quality material. As a designer, she was disappointed when the sales persons showed them to her. She really wanted to take them back to their schools or take them as her students and teach them.

    No  wonder Elite Fashion World was the nation''s top fashion studio. No matter what type of clothes, jewelry or accessories you looked for, you would find them all at EFW.

    With more than fifty talented designers, it was just natural that they were capable.

    Wan Jia decided that if she didn''t find anything that suited what she was looking for in the next store, she would go to EFW. When she really didn''t find any, she sighed with regret.

    Since there was EFW branch store on the same street, she went in leisurely.

    ...

    Inside the store, the salesladies were distracted and engrossed in their gossip.

    No. To be exact, they were scolding someone.

    "She''s just a girlfriend. What is she being so arrogant for?"

    "What girlfriend? She''s just a temporary plaything. She will be jilted in just a few days."

    "She is not even pretty and is good for nothing. How does she manage to seduce men?"

    "Perhaps she is skilled in the bedroom? That''s what makes men happy after all."

    "Her sister is quite pitiful."

    "If I had a sister like her, I would curse her to be run over by a car. She is such an evil witch."

    "I hope those men whose beds she has crawled into get to know of her evil deeds."

    Wan Ji frowned. Although her view had been blocked by them and she didn''t know who they were talking about, she felt displeased.

    Even if what they were saying happened to be true, how could they bring themselves to scold a fellow woman so maliciously? And weren''t EFW''s workers strictly trained? What was this all about?

    "What''s going on?" Her unhappy voice jolted them out of their scolding.

    "Madam Lu, welcome." They rushed to their posts after greting her in unison.

    Wan Jia was even more angered by their prentious attitude. "Don''t you have work to do? Are you all so idle that you have time to scold..."

    When the floor was cleared, she finally saw the victim of their venomous tongue lashing. Su Ling?

    ...

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    ...

    In front of Su Ling, a woman was crying hysterically.

    When she saw Wan Jia, she was overjoyed. Mrs. Lu was here!

    Before anyone could answer Wan Jia''s question, she was the first to speak amid her tears. "Madam Lu, I''m so sorry for causing trouble in your store."

    Wan Jia looked at her coldly. "Who are you?"

    She stepped foward to introduce herself. "My name is Su Qianqian. I''m Su Ling''s younger sister. Just now, I was passing by and saw my sister so I followed her here. I only said that I had missed her but my sister..."

    She looked down biting her lip, as though fighting back her tears. There was an obvious palm print on her left cheek. After rubbing it and with tears washing through it, it became redder and more conspicuous.

    With a few sentences, Wan Jia understood the situation.

    She stood before Su Qianqian intimidatingly. "Was it your foster parents that told you that EFW stores are places where you can put on acts and dirty the environment with your fake tears as you please?"

    The young woman was stunned. Wasn''t Wan Jia supposed to be kind and friendly? Why was she being so unfriendly with her?

 Chapter 386 - He is waiting for something

    Ever since meeting Su Ling again, Wan Jia knew that she was not someone who would do such unreasonable things as bully her foster sister without reason. That slap must have had a good reason.

    Su Qianqian felt enraged. Had this Su Ling already buttered up to Madam Lu and got on her good side? She couldn''t let this happen. She had to ruin her image. How could Lu Shaoting like this kind of woman? He should have looked at her instead. Wasn''t she better than Su Ling in every aspect? If she couldn''t get into a rich family like the Lu family, then neither should Su Ling.

    "I''m telling the truth." She bit her lip and cried. "You don''t know but my sister is so selfish and unreasonable. When we were younger, she was so jealous of me that one day she pushed me into the swimming pool. Luckily I knew how to swim. If not then¡­"

    Wan Jia lost her patience. What kind of drama was this little woman trying to audition for? Her acting skills were terrible. Since when did she and Su Ling grow up together? "Do you prefer leaving on your own, or do you need some assistance?"

    When Su Qianqian heard Wan Jia''s increasingly angry tone, she decided to retreat temporarily. "I¡­I''ll leave on my own."

    Wan Jia wasn''t going to let her off so easily, however. "Go and wait for a letter from the Lu family''s lawyers. I am suing you for libel. Also, pass a message to your father. We are not unaware of the fact that he has been using the name of the Lu family to boost his own business. All of you, wait for letters from the family''s lawyers."

    She turned and looked at the sales ladies who were freezing from her sudden outburst. "What are you waiting for?"

    They rushed to her. "Pardon us for our incompetence, madam. What kind of dress would you like to try on?"

    Wan Jia glared at the salesgirl who was trying to lead her to take a seat. "Save it. Take a good look at her." she was pointing towards Su Ling.

    "Do you know who she is?"

    The sales ladies felt their world crumbling down. Su Ling was their lady boss'' assistant! In fact, rumor had it that they were good friends as well.

    "She is my sister-in-law, Lu Shaoting''s wife." Wan Jia declared.

    Everyone was stunned, including Su Ling. She was still breathing in the fact that Wan Jia was helping her deal with that Qianqian girl and the Su family.

    Wan Jia didn''t need to say much. After those words, they knew that they were definitely going to be punished for speaking ill of Second young master''s wife. In actual truth, they all disliked Su Ling for being fancied by Lu Shaoting. They were just venting their anger earlier. Who would have thought that Wan Jia would come to her rescue?

    "Where is the manager?" Wan Jia asked sharply.

    The manager had gone to the main store to restock. Coincidentally, he arrived just as Wan Jia asked about him.

    "Fire everyone, including yourself."

    Although they were shocked and wanted to retaliate, this was Wan Jia. They couldn''t dare to.

    Wan Jia finally turned to Su Ling, whose fists had finally relaxed. "How can you let a little girl and a few sales assistants bully you? Don''t you know that you are the second madam? I''m disappointed."

    Su Ling was disappointed in herself too. She would have fought back. It was just that earlier, Su Qianqian had used her weakest points to attack her. She was so furious that if she retaliated, it wouldn''t be just a slap.

    "Whatever. Let''s cheer you up. You are looking for something to wear?"

    Su Ling was still in a bad mood but she responded. "Shaoting asked me out tonight. I was just finding something nice to wear."

    "What a coincidence. Aotian asked me out too. Let''s go to the main store."

    ¡­

    After an hour, both women had found dresses they were satisfied with. Their mood was also much better. Wan Jia had already informed Lu Aotian that she fired everyone and interviews would be held the next day to employ new personnel.

    While looking for jewelry to go with their dresses, Su Ling stared at the rings section. All the rings were valuable and incredibly beautiful.

    Wan Jia noticed her longing look as she looked at them. She knew that the question she really wanted to ask was sensitive, so she didn''t ask.

    "Does Shaoting actually want to marry me?" she unexpectedly asked.

    "Aren''t you asking the obvious? He loves you more than his own life. How can he not want to marry you?"

    Su Ling withdrew her gaze from the rings. "I know he loves me a lot. He even straight up calls me his wife and he showed me our future home. But if a man intends to marry a woman, doesn''t he at least show signs? We have been together for a long time and we are already at the right age to settle down."

    Wan Jia didn''t know what to say. It was not like they had been dating for years. Not everyone was like Henry Blanc and Lin Lihua who would get engaged after seeing each other four times. At the same time, they were indeed old enough to get married. Not to mention, Lu Shaoting had had a fair share of nagging from his father about marriage. It was a surprise that he hadn''t thought of proposing yet. "I don''t understand either. However, I know that Shaoting will never marry anyone if it''s not you. I think he is waiting for something, but I don''t know what it is."

    Su Ling emotionally hugged Wan Jia. "I was starting to think he doesn''t really see me as a future wife."

    Wan Jia was stunned.

    Su Ling was stunned too.

    They didn''t know that they had become that close.

 Chapter 387 - The honor of EFW

    At 5pm, Wan Jia started getting ready for her date. She didn''t have to worry about leaving Little Jia alone because she was not home. Lately, both she and Lu Aotian were busy. Although they would make sure to be home early to keep their daughter company, the little girl didn''t have many friends outside school and she would still be bored. Her school lessons only took up five hours of her day.

    After completing her homework if she had any, she would play with her kitten and toys or paint for a while. However, it wouldn''t be long before she started missing her parents. Wan Jia was doing her best to finish up everything required to start running her stores within the shortest time possible.

    Then, she would let her daughter go to her office after school and spend more time with her and also go home earlier. For the former reason, she had customized her office so there was a toys and games zone where the little girl could play as she waited for her.

    Meanwhile, Little Jia was temporarily staying in the old Lu residence. Her parents had a lot on their plates and she didn''t want them to worry about her being bored. She wanted to play with grandpa for some days.

    When Wan Jia was done dressing up, the chauffeur drove her to North Side. It was a few minutes past 8pm when she arrived. She hoped her husband had not waited  too long. Since she was wearing twelve centimeter high heels, she couldn''t walk too fast.

    Lu Aotian was waiting at the entrance of the villa.

    ...

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    ...

    "You look cute." He said as he took her hand.

    She was wearing a pale pink off shoulder dress which was quite short. This was one of her earliest designs. When she started working in Elite Fashion World, Lu Aotian had taken this dress and another from the same series to be displayed in the main store under the label of "The honor of EFW".

    No matter how much money you offered or how much power you held, you would not be able to buy either of them without Lu Aotian''s permission.

    It was only because Wan Jia was the lady boss as well as its designer that she was allowed to take it.

    It did suit her perfectly.

    She didn''t have an ounce of make up on her face and only had a thin necklace for jewellery. Her long hair was straight today and fell all the way to her waist.

    If Su Ling were to dress up in such a showy dress, she would look charming and seductive. But thanks to Wan Jia''s innocent looking face, she looked pure and cute, like a little angel. Her little pretty face and the color of the dress made one overlook her dazzling figure and long legs. She was no different from how she looked when she first met Lu Aotian five years ago.

    No. There was a difference. Her body looked more feminine than it looked five years ago.

    "Pervert. What are you looking at?" she smacked him when she noticed his line of sight.

    "Why can''t I admire my wife''s beauty?" Also, was there a wife who called her own husband a pervert for looking at her? He led her into the villa which had been decorated anew.

    With a red theme, it looked quite romantic. Even the curtains were now red and white.

    She looked around in awe. In the dining room, there were many dishes on the table with two candles burning on an exquisite white candle stand.

    "What''s the occasion?" She couldn''t help asking.

    Lu Aotian pulled a chair for her to sit. "I missed spending time alone with my wife. Is that a suitable occasion?"

    "Yes." Well, he really put in a lot of effort.

    "We have never gone on our honeymoon." He reminded. They had almost forgotten about this.

    "Why don''t we go on a short vacation when everything is settled?" She suggested. That was, after Lu Enterprises'' Centennial.

    "Sure. You still want to go to Country F, right? I''ll ask Henry about the best places to go."

    "Actually, I changed my mind. Can we go to Little Jia''s island instead? Everything there is beautiful. It would be the best location for a honeymoon. We can stay in the island mansion." Although it was very big, she would not feel so if they were on honeymoon.

    "Alright." His answer was habitually affirmative. He had gone to most countries on business trips before. Of course, the main point was that paradise was where his wife was. It would still be fine even if they were trapped in hell.

    Wan Jia was still in disbelief. He agreed to go to Little Jia''s island? She had expected him to hesitate because this was his princess'' property.

    However, to think of it, wouldn''t it be a shame if that island mansion remained uninhabited for all those years just to wait for Little Jia to come of age?

    Lu Aotian cut a piece of steak and put it in front of her mouth.

    She jolted out of her thoughts. "I...I can eat on my own."

    Although she said that she could eat on her own, she still happily bit the piece of steak off the fork and chewed on it.

    After swallowing, she had a bright, cheerful smile. "The chef is in such a good mood today! The steak tastes so nice."

    "Is that so?" Lu Aotian asked as he served dishes for her.

    "Yes." She went ahead to try other dishes.

    "So yummy. Did you change the chefs? The food wasn''t this tasty the last time we were here."

    Lu Aotian had a smile on his face. "I didn''t."

 Chapter 388 - President Lus home-cooked meal

    Wan Jia continued munching happily. She had tasted lots of food before. This was obviously not the tastiest but it somehow had a special feel to it, with a tiny tinge of familiarity.

    "Is the chef in love?"

    Lu Aotian couldn''t stop himself from laughing out. "Stop thinking about the chef and enjoy the food."

    Wan Jia finally caught on what was happening. "Wait, you cooked it?"

    Lu Aotian remained silent.

    "Oh my God! Why didn''t anyone tell me I''m eating food prepared by President Lu himself? I would have savored it more carefully."  His cooking skills had improved by leaps and bounds! Ever since reuniting with him, this was the first time he had cooked. How could he not tell her earlier?

    Lu Aotian didn''t know what to say about his silly wife. "It''s not too late. There''s still a lot of food."

    "What''s the use? I''m already full." She pouted.

    Lu Aotian looked at her in disapproval. "You eat too little. How exactly is your body structured?" If she wasn''t finding excuses to skip meals, she was eating too little. The only exception was when she was allowed to eat sweet food, which she would stuff herself with and make one speechless.

    "I''m really full. It''s not healthy to eat too much."

    "Then I''ll cook for you some other day."

    "Mmh." Happy now, she let him lead her to the main bedroom.

    ...

    "Is there really not anything you want to say to me?" Wan Jia asked. Lu Aotian was acting really strange tonight. Evrything looked normal about him but he seemed to have something on his mind.

    He wrapped his arms around her in a warm hug. "Shaoting and I are going somewhere tomorrow. We will be gone for a week."

    Wan Jia raised her head and looked at him with a raised eyebrow, as though waiting for him to complete his statement.

    "Is this really all you have to say?" She asked when he didn''t seem to say anything else.

    "Mmh."

    "You''re not going to tell me where the two of you are going?"

    He let out a sigh. "Can I not?"

    Wan Jia didn''t look happy about it. "Why are you being all so mysterious? Am I not your wife? What happened to sharing each other''s burdens?"

    Lu Aotian rubbed her head. "It''s not that I don''t want you to share my burdens, I just don''t want to tire you out."

    "It''s okay if I get tired out."

    "Really?" Lu Aotian looked at her mischeviously. Without any form of warning, he took her in his arms and carried her to the bed, laying her on it carefully. "If you want to get tired, there are other ways."

    Wan Jia blocked his incoming kiss. "Don''t try to change the topic."

    Lu Aotian held her hands above her head and kissed her. "I want to protect you, not put you in danger."

    All of a sudden, Wan Jia pushed him off her disdainfully and got up. "It''s always about protection. Do you know, I''m actually tired of this so called protection you talk of every time. What do you take me for, a two year old?"

    Lu Aotian was not surprised. He knew it would come to this one day. It just came sooner than he expected.

    He pulled her back to bed and held her in his arms. "Shaoting and I never seem to be in danger because we are fast and can fight." Although Lu Shaoting wasn''t nearly as good as his brother, he was better than special class mercenaries. On the other hand, after training for so long, Wan Jia couldn''t be considered as good as an A level mercenary. She still had much to learn.

    "But you are a woman, and you are not as strong as us. If you knew too much, it would be dangerous. What if someone kidnapped you to get information about me?"

    Although his reason was more or less plausible, she was not convinced. "You are saying that if I stay at home and be obedient, I''ll be safe, but if I follow you to where you are going, I''ll be in danger? This reasoning doesn''t hold water at all." Wasn''t she supposed to be safer near him, since he was able to protect her?

    He understood what she was thinking from her tone. "Normally, you will be safe around me. But how can you be safe if I''m doing something..."

    "Dangerous?" She completed the word he was unable to say using her own. "Why would my husband be doing such things? Do you really expect me to be fine knowing that my husband is putting his life in danger?"

    "That''s not what I was going to say."

    "What''s the difference? Or are you saying that I''ll be a burden to you?"

    Lu Aotian was helpless. What kind of logic was this, and did she have to be so stubborn? "Baby, can you not be like this?"

    She remained silent.

    Lu Aotian kissed her head. "Are you worried that I''ll be in danger? Listen, I''ll get back here in one piece. Not a single hair missing. I promise."

    She looked at him strictly. "Not a single drop of blood missing either, right?"

    "Mmh."

    "Shaoting must be safe too. Nothing must happen to him either." Naturally, she was worried about her brother-in-law too.

    "Don''t worry. As long as I''m alive, nothing will ever happen to my brother." He would protect him with his own life.

    Half assured, Wan Jia got out of his arms. "I''m going to take a bath. Do you want to come too?"

    Lu Aotian was stunned from the sudden invitation. She was not one to say such bold things. "Should I take that as some sort of invitation?" He teased.

    "Maybe." She grabbed his hand when she saw that he wasn''t moving, and placed it on her chest. "Come on, I dressed up for you. Aren''t you going to undress me?"

    Ahem...indeed, bath it was.

 Chapter 389 - Elder nannys interesting nightwear

    Tonight, Wan Jia wasn''t the only one feeling riled about her husband being mysterious.

    Su Ling was feeling sad too. Forget about telling her where he and Lu Aotian were going, Lu Shaoting never told her anything about his business. Everything she knew about Lu Enterprises had been learnt from Wan Jia or by being with him. Although he didn''t tell her his plans, he didn''t deliberately hide anything away either.

    If not, she would think that he didn''t trust her.

    "Did I tell you that you look very beautiful tonight?" Lu Shaoting said for the umpteenth time. Su Ling was wearing a bright red full length dress from EFW''s latest release. It was a much harder color to pull off than most red colors. Surprisingly, it managed to look attractive on Su Ling, as though it was made specifically for her.

    It was not shocking that Lu Shaoting kept complimenting her.

    "Yeah you did. Two minutes ago, this is the seven hundredth time."

    Lu Shaoting noticed the displeasure in her tone. He took her in his arms. "You''re not happy?"

    "If you promise to take good care of yourself, I will no longer be unhappy."

    "I promise."

    Although she had just expressed her displeasure, he was happy because she cared about him.

    After their date, they were spending the night at his Southside Villa.

    After chatting a little, Su Ling felt it was time to sleep. "I have to be at work earlier than usual tomorrow so I''m going to bed first. You should rest early too. You must have a lot to do in the next one week."

    "Are you going to sleep in your room?" he asked teasingly.

    "Yeah." She pretended to not notice his teasing tone.

    "You should let your man protect you. What if you have nightmares?"

    "I will not. Goodnight." She wanted to run off before he could tease her again.

    "You''re not giving me a goodnight kiss?" he sounded extremely wronged.

    Since he asked for it, she rushed back to him and pecked him on the cheek. He had been prepared for this. When she was not expecting it, he pulled her to sit on his lap and kissed her lips. Only after kissing her passionately until she was out of breath did he let her go.

    He laughed at her expression. She looked like she wanted to scold him but at the same time, she liked his kisses as well so she held back.

    ¡­

    An hour later, Su Ling tossed and turned in bed. She was sleepy earlier but when she came to bed, she couldn''t fall asleep no matter how hard she tried.

    She counted many sheep but still couldn''t fall asleep. Every time she was about to drift off, she thought she had nightmares. She didn''t know what it was all about but she knew that it scared her.

    Was Lu Shaoting a wizard? She blamed it on him for cursing her to have nightmares.

    Well, since he was responsible, it was only right for him to take the blame as well as responsibility for his actions.

    ¡­

    Getting out of bed, Su Ling grabbed a pillow and dragged her feet out of the room.

    She stood outside Lu Shaoting''s room timidly for a while. A woman going to a man''s room late at night felt like an unspoken invitation. Would he get the wrong message?

    She was considering going back but the door just had to open at that moment.

    Lu Shaoting was shocked to see her. "You''re not asleep?"

    "I was going to sleep but...why aren''t you asleep?" She returned a question to save herself from the awkward situation.

    "I was going to get water." He answered, looking at her as though questioning what she was doing on the corridor.

    Su Ling didn''t need to hear his question to know what he was wondering about. Her face flushed and she changed the topic. "You''re drunk."

    "Not exactly. I only drank a little wine. I''m sober."

    "Oh¡­" she wanted to use the chance to slip away.

    "Did you need something?" he asked the question that made her feel self-conscious.

    "Erm¡­no." Since she was outside his room, it would sound even more lewd to say she didn''t need anything, right?

    "I¡­I came to give you this pillow!" she unconsciously declared and stuffed the pillow into his arms.

    Lu Shaoting giggled at her comic demeanor. For some inexplicable cause, the heat in his body began to rise, and he suddenly wanted her, as though he had been seduced by her.

    He looked at her then realized where the problem lay. After shoving the pillow to him, she didn''t know but her chest got exposed.

    He really wanted to have a fight with the elderly nanny from the Lu residence. He had asked her to help him buy nightgowns for Su Ling, but what kind of nightgown was this? How was this even a nightgown? It was practically lingerie. Not only did it have a deep cut that exposed her fair breasts to him, it was also short and could only cover half of her thighs. The uncovered part was like a vortex, luring him to touch it.

    Not only that, the whole garment was so thin that if he used force to take it off, it would rip apart.

    Even worse was Su Ling. Why was she wearing it? Could it be that the elderly nanny had taken away all her other sleep wear and only left behind this type? Or could it be that she meant to lure him? If the latter was the reason, she had succeeded.

    "What are you thinking about? Your breathing is even ragged." Although she asked, she already knew the answer from the way he was looking at her body.

    She couldn''t help blushing. Did she just serve herself to the beast on a silver platter?

    Well, it wasn''t her fault. This was the kind of nightwear that her dear boyfriend wanted her to wear.

 Chapter 390 - You brought this upon yourself

    "I''m scared of sleeping on my own. Can I sleep in your room tonight?" She finally said. Her voice sounded shaky and provocative, making one''s imagination run wild.

    Lu Shaoting tried not to look at her body. "Sure."

    He stepped aside and let her in, going in after her.

    Not waiting for him to tease her, she climbed into bed and covered herself then lay stiffly, not even daring to breath too much.

    Lu Shaoting laughed at her actions that were akin to those of a scared kitten. "How many times have we shared a bed?"

    Su Ling wasn''t going to buy that statement. Of course they had shared a bed many times, but he wasn''t always in the same condition that  he was this time. Not to mention, he had taken a bit of wine. Right now, he looked like the slightest form of provocation would make him erupt.

    But she really couldn''t sleep on her own tonight. What choice did she have?

    He bent over to kiss her face. "Go to sleep."

    Then he went to take a cold shower.

    Being in Lu Shaoting''s bed, she felt safe, so she started drifting off to sleep.

    She was just about to fall into a deep slumber when she heard the door to the bathroom opening. She peered over with one eye. Lu Shaoting only had a towel wrapped loosely around his waist. Although she didn''t want to think about such things, she really wanted to pull that towel off.

    From his skin that looked like it was freeing a little, she knew that he had just taken a cold shower. Aside from that, his body was as attractive as ever, luring her to touch it.

    Lu Shaoting was drying his hair using a towel and pretending to not see the little woman on his bed. Seeing her little forehead redden a little, he had the urge to chuckle. Did she have to hide away inside the blanket and sneak peeks at him, blushing like a teenager? He was her man. She could look at him as much as she wanted. In fact, he could drop the towel if she wanted to get a better view of everything.

    Damn it! He cursed in his mind. Was it because she was sneaking looks of admiration at him? Why was a certain part of his body so shameless?

    He turned his back towards her, so she couldn''t see that embarassing reaction.

    Seieng that he had turned his back, she boldly continued looking at him. Who said the back wasn''t attractive? It was so seductive that she unconciously started having fantasies that were not so innocent.

    Although he still felt her scorching gaze on his back, he managed to dress up.

    When he turned and walked towards the bed, he clearly saw her pretend to not have seen anything and close her eyes hurriedly.

    He lifted the duvet and lay right bedise her, holding her in his arms. "Can''t sleep?"

    She lay her head on his chest, pretending to be asleep. He chuckled but didn''t expose her.

    Lu Shaoting soon found that the cold shower he had just taken was meaningless. No matter how much he avoided it, his hands would still unintentionally brush against her skin.

    Lu Shaoting took a peek at her face. Seeing that she had really fallen asleep, he gently pushed her head off his chest, intending to let her sleep on her own side of the bed.

    However, nature was really finding pleasure in playing with him tonight. As soon as her head touched the pillow, she must have subconciously felt that he was no longer holding her, so she grabbed onto him. It was as though she was afraid of something and wanted him to protect her.

    The only problem with that was that she placed her hand on his belly, and it sent his heart beating at a faster rate.

    It was not sure what she was looking for, but her hands felt around for a while. She finally found his chest and hugged it tightly. But to him, it felt as though she was caressing him, sending his senses in a mess.

    Not able to hold it anymore, he suddenly held her shoulders.

    She was startled and woke up, looking at him dazedly against the dim light from the besdide lamp. "Shaoting, what''s wrong?"

    Her sleepy voice and dazed eyes acted like a catalyst with an effect as strong as that of an aphrodisiac.

    Throwing all his self control to the wind, he hugged her waist and flipped her over, pinning her under him. "Ling, you brought this upon yourself."

    She didn''t have a chance to react before his kisses began landing onto her lips and face, fiery and impatient.

    Although it was sudden, she let him slip his tongue into her mouth and wrapped her hands around his neck.

    His lips found their way to her neck, leaving behind a trail of his warm breath. All the other times they had been intimate, he would kiss her slowly, savoring the feel of her skin like a treasure.

    Tonight, he was totally out of control. Nonetheless, she was not displeased. She was happy that he couldn''t resist her body.

    It was not long before pieces of the lingerie branded nightdress she was wearing fell to the floor.

    He took off his own clothes and looked into her eyes. "Ling..."

    She burried her head in his neck, not daring to look into his eyes. "Shaoting, I want you."

    The reply she recieved was him holding the back of her head and kissing her deeply, at the same time gently making her his.

    It still hurt a little, jolting her.

    She wrapped her legs tightly against his waist, preventing him from pulling out, whispering. "Don''t stop."

    ...

    When it was over, Su Ling was so sleepy that she could not move.

    He carried her to the bathroom to bathe her, where he lost control and took her again.

 Chapter 391 - More scheming than he thought

    The next morning, Wan Jia saw her husband and brother-in-law off. Before they boarded, Lu Aotian received a call from Lu Enterprises.

    "Is everything alright?" Wan Jia asked when he suddenly looked distressed.

    "No. One of the old partners barged into the company, demanding for a meeting. He claims it''s urgent."

    "You just go ahead. I''ll meet him on your behalf." She kissed his cheek and left.

    "Thank you." He said after her. Even the heavens were helping them. He was wondering how to get her to leave but this happened at the right time. He was going to ask his father to deal with that person but Wan Jia could as well handle him.

    When she left, Xia Rou appeared,her face covered in a scarf.

    She handed a small storage device to Lu Aotian. "This is it. You will find both coordinates here. However, you have to be careful. This place has zero sense of security. People harm and kill as they please. It''s basically a haven of criminals."

    Lu Shaoting spoke up. "Are you sure that''s where he is hiding? Perhaps he got other hiding places over the years?"

    Xia Rou gave him a serious look. "He will be there."

    "Thank you." Lu Aotian said.

    "Wait, someone sent me a voice recording a few days ago. I''m thinking you could manipulate it and use it against him."

    Lu Aotian received the recording pen and played it, then turned it off. "If you don''t mind, I''ll use it in court."

    "I was waiting for you to say that. Actually, it means nothing on its own. But if it''s accompanied by other pieces of evidence for murder, it becomes irrefutable."

    Lu Shaoting shook his head. This Xia Rou was more scheming than he thought.

    "I''ll go back if there''s nothing else."

    "Mmh. Don''t let Wanwan know. I don''t want her to be worried."

    "Okay."

    As soon as Xia Rou left the airport, Lu Aotian looked ahead, then he turned and started walking in the opposite direction.

    "We''re not boarding? It''s only fifteen minutes to our boarding time. we will miss our flight if we go anywhere else. Where are you going?" Lu Shaoting asked as he tried to catch up.

    "Who said we were taking this flight?"

    "You asked Cheng to book it."

    "I said to book the earliest flight. I didn''t say we will take it."

    Lu Shaoting was speechless.

    "Hurry up. We''re taking the helicopter to Country G." Lu Aotian urged.

    "We''re not going by sea either?" Lu Shaoting didn''t understand his brother''s reasoning either.

    "If we don''t take the flight, even a kid in elementary school will guess that we will take a ship."

    "But going through Country G, isn''t that wasting a lot of time?"

    "Who said we are going anywhere else?"

    "I don''t understand you anymore." Lu Shaoting lamented.

    Lu Aotian smiled. If even his own brother got confused, then he had successfully confused the mole.

    In a few seconds, Lu Shaoting finally caught on what his brother was doing. "Bro, you don''t have to do all this just for a traitor, do you? You can simply knock him off in one move."

    Lu Aotian slowed down in his tracks. "I can. But I''m giving him the last chance to repent. We grew up with him, remember?"

    Lu Shaoting remained silent. When expected to be forgiving, his brother could hold the deepest grudges. However, he could as well bury the hatchet with people you don''t expect him to forgive and even give those second chances. What kind of disorder was this?

    ___

    Wan Jia rushed to Lu Enterprises. The situation was worse than it sounded when it came out of Lu Aotian''s mouth.

    He only said that the business partner charged into Lu Enterprises and demanded to see him. How could he not tell her that he was causing a ruckus and threatening to sell his shares?

    Luckily, she saw him from a distance before she entered the Lu Enterprises building. She used the hidden entrance and went through Lu Aotian''s private elevator.

    Once in Lu Aotian''s office, the secretary was waiting for her. "Madam, you''re finally here. Old Master Zhang is causing so much trouble that the other secretaries can''t hold him back anymore. We can''t dare to call security on him either." Her tone sounded extremely worn out and wronged.

    Wan Jia could tell that the situation was much worse than it appeared. "Be good. Help me draft a document. At lunch time, you can take an extra hour off to rest."

    The secretary, Carla, was overjoyed. Madam was the best! "Thank you madam, please wait a moment."

    Satisfied with Wan Jia''s attitude, her speed was fast. "Madam, here''s your document."

    Wan Jia took it with a grin. "Thank you. You can get back to work."

    Leaving the office, Wan Jia walked into the elevator and went to the lobby, where Old Master Zhang was causing a ruckus.

    "May I know what''s happening?"

    The elder sneered scornfully when he saw her. "I want to see the president."

    Wan Jia stood in front of him calmly. "I''m sorry; the president is out dealing with some other business. Could you wait for a week, or if it''s urgent, you can discuss it with me."

    The man was infuriated. "Who said I came to discuss with stupid little brats like you? How do you even have the audacity to appear before me?"

    Although he was being rude, Wan Jia still respected him as an elder. "Then please be patient. He will be back in a week."

    "Such insolence! Is this how you treat your partners? Don''t forget that I have five percent shares of Lu Enterprises. If you don''t get that brat to come here, I will sell them for a cup of tea."

    There he goes again, threatening people with those shares.

    "Old Master Zhang, It''s okay to insult me. But although you''re an elder, you should respect the president." This was his last chance.

 Chapter 392 - What could she do?

    However, the man became more sharp tongued and continued hurling insults that ruined his image as an elder.

    Wan Jia retrieved the document she had asked Carla to type earlier and gave it to him. "Old Master Zhang, read through this document and sign it. I believe there are no issues."

    When he read through the document, he was so furious that he almost spat a mouthful of blood. "You¡­you! What''s the meaning of this?"

    Wan Jia explained casually. "That''s a share transfer contract. Since you want to sell your shares so much, you may as well sell them to me. I''m ready to buy them. After all 3dollars is very affordable. Such a nice deal, who would let it go?"

    As if not minding the elder master that was seething in rage, she continued explaining the origin of the 3 dollars she was talking about. "Old Master Zhang offered the shares for a cup of coffee. In the employees'' restaurant on your left, a cup of coffee costs 3 dollars."

    The young secretaries watching at the side giggled secretly. Although they were scared of laughing aloud, their shoulders vibrated.

    The elder master exploded. "Such impudence! How dare you!"

    Wan Jia didn''t look remorseful. "I''m not trying to dupe you. The employees'' restaurant is just thirty meters to your left. If you wish, I can call the restaurant manager here and he will prove that I''m not lying."

    Her increasingly innocent tone made him more incensed. He really wanted to strangle her and send her to hell. "How can you want to buy shares at the same price as a cup of coffee? Are you a fool?"

    Wan Jia widened her eyes innocently. "Wasn''t it Old Master Zhang himself who said this? Have you already forgotten about it? If you can''t remember, you don''t have to worry. There are security cameras and although they don''t capture voices, there are many people who can read lips."

    She continued, even more innocently, "Besides, many people heard you. Surely that''s enough to remind you, right?"

    Old Master Zhang couldn''t hold it anymore. "Can''t you use your brain? If I''m selling the shares, I''m selling them at the right price."

    Wan Jia held a hand over her mouth. "I didn''t know Old Master Zhang was a person who didn''t keep his word. But since that''s the case then¡­I have nothing to say. It''s alright, I can still afford the normal price."

    Before letting him slither out of it, she spoke again. "You said that if you didn''t see President Lu right now, you would sell your shares. President Lu can''t come before one week ends. Doesn''t that mean you have to sell them? Or could it be that Old Master Zhang already had someone ready to buy and was only causing a ruckus to find a suitable excuse?"

    She had totally pushed him to a tight spot. He couldn''t weave his way out of it and if he blatantly refused, who knew what this woman would say to Lu Aotian? She was right about him having a ready buyer.

    He had already been informed by that person that Lu Aotian had booked a flight to leave the country. So, he had to cause a ruckus using his name and since they couldn''t satisfy his request, he would sell his shares without having to take the blame for anything. He could simply make up a story of how one of his family members needed a lot of money for a surgery and he wanted to sell the shares to Lu Aotian but since he couldn''t find him, he had to sell them to someone else.

    However, who would have thought that this Wan Jia who looked too pretty to know anything would be this hard to deal with?

    Wan Jia''s voice filled the air again. "Old Master Zhang, could you sign the document? The money will be transferred to you as soon as the contract is validated."

    Left with no choice, he wrote his name on the document and signed. Wan Jia didn''t want to actually snatch the shares away from him, so she transferred the deserved amount of money.

    Old Master Zhang left the building, his back exuding an aura of being miserable.

    Something flashed in Wan Jia''s eyes. Did she go too far?

    She dismissed the secretaries to go back to work and followed the elderly man outside.

    When he saw that she had followed him, he wasn''t pleased. "What? You want to jeer at me and shove in the fact that you won?"

    Wan Jia felt her heart ache. This was an elder. If that had been his nature for all those years, he would have been kicked out of Lu Enterprises ages ago. For him to flare up and cause such chaos, she felt something else was going on. "No. I just want to say, if you are being threatened, we can help you."

    He didn''t spare her a glance, entering his car and asking the chauffeur to drive off.

    Of course he was being threatened. Or else, with the number of years he had been a partner and shareholder of Lu Enterprises, how would he do any of those things he just did?

    His little Shishi, his only granddaughter, was being held hostage. Since he didn''t manage to sell his shares to that person, what would happen to her?

    The worst part of it was that he didn''t know who that person was. They only contacted him a few hours after his little Shishi had been kidnapped from her college. She would be safe as long as he did as he was ordered.

    However, he couldn''t use his own power to find out where she was, let alone save her. Although he wasn''t nearly half as powerful as anyone from the Lu family, what could such a little woman as Wan Jia do to help him? He would only put her life in danger if he asked her for help.

 Chapter 393 - Be obedient and not court trouble

    When Wan Jia went back to Lu Aotian''s office, she wanted to make sure that everything else was in order before going out. Looking at her phone, she realized that Lu Aotian had sent her a message an hour ago. That should be the time before he boarded.

    Beforehand, she had already offered to temporarily step in for him. His message one hour ago was to remind her to not overwork herself and most importantly, to be obedient and not court trouble.

    The little secretary Carla delivered a stack of documents that needed to be signed. Since she was the president''s wife, she could check and sign them on his behalf.

    The next time she brought in documents, she noticed that Wan Jia looked like a lot of things were going on on her mind.

    Gathering her courage, she asked shyly, "Madam, are you feeling upset? Shall I bring you a glass of milk?"

    Wan Jia wanted to turn it down and ask for coffee instead but milk was indeed a better option for her. "Yes, thank you."

    The secretary happily went out. She was shy just now because if the person sitting in that office was Lu Aotian, she wouldn''t dare to ask such a question.

    If she wasn''t reporting a work matter, running office errands or answering his questions, she was required to shut her mouth and stay far away from him.

    There had been many other secretaries before her and they lasted only a few days. There was even one who tried to seduce him on her first day of work and was fired before she managed to work in Lu Enterprises for half a day.

    In actual fact, he had decided to do away with all female employees near the main office.

    It was just her luck that she was not only intelligent and efficient, she had been recommended by the CEO of her former company as well. Of course, the most important point was that she was married and had a stable family. If not, she would never have been employed by Lu Aotian.

    Thanks to her diligence and desire to keep her job, President Lu had never found any fault in her and she was able to work for him for this long.

    A few minutes later, she delivered a glass of milk to Wan Jia. "Madam, here''s your milk."

    Wan Jia thanked her and continued looking at the documents.

    She was more calm after drinking the milk, but there was still trouble in her heart.

    Old Master Zhang was a former shareholder of Lu Enterprises. However, his business relations with Lu Enterprises had yet to be nullified. If anything were to threaten his life because of Lu Enterprises, wasn''t it the company''s responsibility to protect him?

    If anything happened to him, not only might the blame befall the company, the person who was threatening Old Master Zhang would in fact use it against Lu Enterprises. For some outsiders, this might seem like a petty case but for multibillion companies like Lu Enterprises, it was huge.

    There were countless people waiting for the fall of this company and trying to find fault with it. If any little thing happened, it would be blown out of proportion. Of course, since this would be a deliberate form of slander, the orchestrator wouldn''t let the matter end if it didn''t ruin Lu Enterprises'' reputation. If at that point Lu Aotian tried to control the public, it would only make the matter more serious.

    Although Old Master Zhang dismissed her earlier when she offered to help him, she still had a nagging instinct that something was wrong.

    She pressed on a button and Carla rushed in. "Madam, you called for me."

    "I''m sorry to trouble you."

    "It''s no trouble at all. This is part of my job."

    "What kind of person is Old Master Zhang?" Wan Jia qestioned.

    Carla wasn''t expecting this kind of question from Wan Jia but she coughed and answered. "Well, aside from today, he has always been straight foward and never makes unnecessary trouble. The President and Vice President have quite a good impression of him. From the past records that I''ve seen, he seemed to have a good relationship with Elder Master Lu as well. "

    "So, what do you think about today''s incident?"

    Since the madam wanted her opinion, she could only be honest. "If I may be audacious to say, I think someone put him up to it. This was so unlike him."

    "Thanks, you may go back."

    When Carla left, she made a call to Lu Aotian''s assistant. "Help me investigate Old Master Zhang. Also, send a few bodyguards to protect him."

    Cheng Bai didn''t understand Wan Jia''s instructions, but since he already had a file on Old Master Zhang, he sent it to Lu Aotian''s office.

    The old man''s family was quite simple. His son and daughter-in-law were both working overseas. They had left their daughter, Shishi in Old Master Zhang''s care and rarely went back home. Although it was none of her business, Wan Jia had the urge to scold them with her hands on her hips. How could they not pay their own daughter a visit even once?

    That wasn''t the main point. According to Cheng Bai''s report, Shishi was in college. Perhaps she had been used to threaten Old MZhang?

    She would talk to Lu Aotian about it when he was not busy later.

    ...

    She was finally at ease and left Lu Aotian''s office.

    "Madam, are you leaving? The CEO of QT would like to have a meeting with you."Carla reported.

    She wanted to leave but fine, it was just one meeting. "Set up all other meetings for tomorrow. If there''s anything that needs my urgent attention, you can give me a call."

    "No worries, madam."

    ...

    After her meeting with the CEO of QT, she finally went to her office to check on the progress of her brand stores, then she went to the Lin residence.

 Chapter 394 - You dont have to go back

    On the other hand, Su Ling went to a drugs store after getting off work.

    She looked at the middle aged lady at the counter awkwardly. "Aunty, I''d like to buy a morning after pill. The kind whose effect lasts for seventy two hours."

    They had not used protection the previous night. Since her cycle was irregular, she wasn''t able to tell whether she was safe or not. As for the medical report that declared her unable to concieve, it only stated that her chances of doing so were quite low. The only way to be sure that she wouldn''t get pregnant was this.

    The middle aged woman gave her a box with a pill in it. Su Ling paid for it and swallowed it using the mineral water she had bought on her way, all while ignoring the awkward feeling she was having.

    Actually, it was not that she didn''t want to get pregnant. In fact, the chances of that happening were so low that she wished it would happen.

    However, she knew that Lu Shaoting would not want to have a child before marriage. It wouldn''t be nice if they had a shotgun wedding because she suddenly got pregnant. Lu Shaoting might not care, but it might stain the reputation of the Lu family.

    More importantly, although she was convinced taht he wanted to marry her, who knew if he was ready to be a father at this time? They had not talked about this yet.

    Not to mention, if she suddenly concieved without appropriately preparing for pregnancy, what if something went wrong in her body and she couldn''t keep the baby?

    After taking the drug, she was worried about something else.

    This morning when he woke up, he had already left. He prepared breakfast for her and left it on the nightstand, along with a note.

    Was he still... in love with her after doing ''that'' with her? She would be sad if he suddenly didn''t want her anymore.

    That evening, they had a video chat when he wasn''t busy. From his attitude, she could tell that he still loved her. In fact, he probably loved her more than he did before the previous night.

    "Honey, do you have something bothering you?" He observed.

    Su Ling smiled as though it was nothing. It really wasn''t worth bothering him for her childish insecurities. "I miss you."

    "I miss you too. Actually we thought that we would have to be here for a week to catch the lead we are following. But you know how fast my brother is, right? We might only take three days."

    "That would be great."

    "Have you had dinner yet?"

    "I have. But it was terribly tasteless."

    Lu Shaoting furrowed his brows. "I''ll fire that chef and hire a new one. How dare she cook tasteless food for my wife?"

    Su Ling''s heart warmed at his doting words. "It''s not her fault. It''s because a secret ingredient was missing." She paused shyly. "You. Everything is tasteless if you''re not eating it with me."

    Lu Shaoting suddenly felt embarassed. Should she thank her for the compliment? Since when did his Su Ling start acting spoilt?

    ___

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    ...

    Wan Jia had dinner at the Lin residence. Although she thought that her mother had invited her over the previous day because she had something to say, Xia Rou didn''t look like she was going to say anything.

    She had specially prepared Wan Jia''s and Lin Lihua''s favorite meals. Although Lin Lihua had been managing Lin Industries as well as training the newbies in her new entertainment agency, she would still find time go back home if her mother called her.

    Tonight, she had specifically rushed over when she heard that her little sister would be home too.

    After the dinner, the sisters exchanged a few business ideas with each other, making their parents speechless at how their daughters had grown into business women with intelligent ideas. After chatting for a while, it was time for Wan Jia to go back.

    "Little Wan, why don''t you spend the night here? You don''t have to go back. After all neither my son-in-law  nor my baby darling are home. I''ll have the servants prepare your room right away. " Xia Rou suggested.

    Wan Jia was caught unprepared by this sudden invitation. All her life, she had never spent a night in her real home.

    Lin Lihua thought it was a good idea too. " You don''t have to prepare a room. My little sister can sleep in my room tonight." She wanted Wan Jia to stay over, but how could a member of the Lin family sleep in a guest room? They should prepare a room specifically for her later.

    Seeing that Lin Zhou didn''t have a reaction, Wan Jia didn''t know if he welcomed her as well. "But I want to sleep in mom''s room."

    Lin Zhou finally reacted. "Here goes another young Lihua. At what age do women stop sticking onto their mothers, huh?"

    This was unbelievable. Since they adopted Lin Lihua, she would want to sleep in her mother''s bed once in a while and Xia Rou would always accomodate her.  Perhaps it was because she was fearful and insecure after the loss of her biological parents as a child. She only stopped sticking onto Xia Rou when she was finally convinced that the Lin family was not going to abandon her.

    Still, those years had made him, the abandoned consort, get bullied. Was it going to happen again? Most importantly, wasn''t Wan Jia already too old for this?

    The three women laughed at him. He looked so defeated.

    "I was just joking. I''ll sleep with sister." Wan Jia said. She had just said that to know Lin Zhou''s actual thought about her staying the night.

 Chapter 395 - Sis, youre pregnant?

    Agreeing to spend the night in the Lin residence, Wan Jia went out to give her husband a call.

    After displaying her affection for a while, she finally brought up her thoughts about Elder Master Zhang.

    "I''ll handle it on my own. Make sure you stay out of trouble." Lu Aotian reminded.

    "I know, I will." Wan Jia felt helpless. Was she so troublesome that Lu Aotian would always link her to making some even when she was being obedient?

    "Baby, you should go to sleep now."

    Lu Aotian felt wronged. "Does my wife not miss me at all?"

    He had had a fair share of witnessing his brother display his affection. At that time, he couldn''t call his wife because she had said to wait for her call. Yet now, just five minutes into the call, she wanted to hung up and make him go to sleep?

    Wan Jia chuckled at how spoilt her husband was acting. "Be good. You work too hard. You should have enough rest. I heard that people who don''t get enough rest grow old faster. Do you think that if you''re no longer handsome, I''ll still want you?

    "I dare you to say that again."

    "What? I''m just stating the facts."

    "You''re only being gutsy because I''m far away." She wouldn''t dare to say that to his face.

    Wan Jia chuckled. "Of course I''m taking advantage of the distance. Are you going to punish me?"

    For the first time, Lu Aotian had to admit defeat.

    Feeling victorious, Wan Jia went back in.

    As she went in, she heard her mother''s and sister''s voices.

    "It''s just a birthday. There are many more in future, and didn''t she come today? She''s even spending the night. Lihua, don''t tell her about it; I don''t want her to feel sad about it."

    Lin Lihua sighed. "Okay, I won''t. I don''t want her to feel sad either."

    Wan Jia felt as though her heart had been run over by a truck.

    The previous day was her mother''s birthday?

    No wonder she wanted her to go over. But why didn''t her mother tell her that it was her birthday dinner?

    She would have made time to go over, even if it meant turning Lu Aotian down.

    Perhaps, that''s exactly why Xia Rou didn''t tell her. Her birthdays meant nothing to her and she didn''t want her daughter to feel at a loss because she couldn''t attend it. It was just that this year, it was going to be the first birthday that she spent with her daughter. Alas, she didn''t.

    Wan Jia stood on the spot and breathed in slowly. Perhaps she was the only twenty four-year-old who didn''t know when her mother''s birthday was. Since she missed it, she would get her a present and give it to her randomly.

    Pretending to not have overheard their conversation, she walked up to them. "Mom, sis, I''m back."

    Xia Rou flashed a smile. "You girls go to bed now. I won''t bother you anymore. Remember to not set the AC too low. Also..."

    Lin Lihua shoved her nag back to her stomach. "Mom, how old are we? Don''t worry, I''ll take good care of my sister."

    "You child. It''s only because mommy cares about you."

    Being playful tonight, Lin Lihua hugged her mother''s arm. "Aiyo, we care about you too. Now, go and keep Mr. Lin company before he starts complaining and pinning the blame on us."

    Xia Rou felt embarassed and left. This child...

    ...

    In Lin Lihua''s room, the Lin sisters had a whole lot of things to talk about.

    "Are you planning your wedding yet? You''re not going to have me wait a lifetime before I become a sister-in-law and aunty, right?"

    Lin Lihua looked at her disdainfully. "You always ask that question every time we are together. Can''t you change the first statement a little?"

    Wan Jia giggled. "Okay, I''ll change the question. My dear beautiful elder sister, when are you going to get married and have kids?"

    "..."

    Lin Lihua really wanted to throw her out the window. Do you think you changed anything?

    "Why are you different from everyone else? Most younger sisters will want their elder sisters to remain unmarried a little longer,  because the elder sister will no longer dote on them when she is married. Why is it that you can''t wait to send me off?

    Wan Jia hugged her arm and acted cute. "That''s because my sister is too beautiful and too nice. So perfect that I wish for her happiness to come sooner."

    "Oh Wanwan, you''re the best little sister on earth."

    "And you are the best elder sister in the universe."

    Lin Lihua rubbed her younger sister''s hair. "Little Wan, you will be an aunt in just a few weeks."

    Wan Jia''s head exploded in shock. "Sis, you''re pregnant? How come nobody told me?" Her eyes imediately fell on Lin Lihua''s stomach and her waist that was so thin that Henry Blanc''s mother kept urging her to eat more.

    "I''m not pregnant, silly. Henry and I are adopting a child. She will be ours as soon as we get married."

    "You want to adopt one before having your own?" Would the Blancs really treat that child well?

    "Don''t worry. My future parents in law don''t mind. Actually, I wanted to wait and get married first but I met a little girl..."

    Since she came of age, Lin Lihua would always visit orphanages and gift food, stationery or clothes to children.

    "The little girl I met is just the same as I was when I was little, before mom and dad found me. Doesn''t like speaking to anyone, malnourished and no one likes her. I can''t watch her stay in there anymore but they won''t let us adopt her before our marriage."

    Since she felt this was Lin Lihua''s most delicate topic, Wan Jia didn''t want to talk about it for too long. "Sis, you and Henry Blanc make a perfect match."

 Chapter 396 - Wonder what fashion house it is from

    Lin Lihua gave her a sideways glance. Did Wan Jia think that her childhood life still made her feel sad? She had long forgotten about those incidences. Even if she was reminded of them once in a while, she didn''t feel bad about it.

    "It''s time to sleep. My beauty has to be maintained by a good rest or else Henry may not want me anymore. Wait, that''s wrong. Even if I became incredibly ugly with horendous looks, Henry would still think I''m the world''s prettiest goddess."

    Wan Jia was speechless. You didn''t have to stuff me with your display off affection, did you?

    ...

    The next morning, Lin Lihua had already left the bed when Wan Jia woke up.

    Her beautiful face revealed a pretty infectious smile. Did she just spend the night in her real home, and in her sister''s room at that? While she knew that there was a slim chance that Lin Zhou was not her father, she didn''t care about it. Home was where her mother was; and Xia Rou was so loving that Wan Jia couldn''t demand anything else from the Lin family. She didn''t mind Lin Zhou anymore. As long as he didn''t make it obvious that he didn''t actually like her, she would be comfortable.

    Getting out of bed, she freshened up. There was a cute white dress on the dresser which was not in Lin Lihua''s style. It was obviously meant for her. She held it up and giggled happily. Such a unique design, she wondered which fashion studio it was from.

    When she wore it, it looked like it was meant specifically for her. Was it her ability to look beautiful in anything she wore?

    She went downstairs when she was done.

    In the living room, Xia Rou and Lin Lihua were discussing something. The often silent Lin Zhou was also part of the discussion.

    When she saw them, she thought they looked worried.

    "Mom, dad, sis, did something happen?"

    Xia Rou gave a look to her husband and elder daughter.

    Lin Lihua didn''t follow her mother''s unspoken instruction. "She will find out sooner or later, mom." She then took Wan Jia''s hand and made her sit. "Have you checked the news this morning?"

    Wan Jia shook her head stiffly. "No, what happened?"

    Without waiting for Lin Lihua to answer her, she took her phone and made a search.

    From Lin Lihua''s tone, the news had to be either about the Lu family or Lu Enterprises.

    Actually, she didn''t have to use up her brain. The hottest search was about Lu Enterprises and it had a very eye catching headline.

    Wan Jia''s phone slipped from her hand and fell to the floor, its screen breaking beyond recognition.

    She had spoken to Lu Aotian the night before, and he expected something close to this to happen within a few days, but wasn''t this too soon? Why was the orchestrator so fast?

    Xia Rou held Wan Jia''s hand. "Don''t think too much about it. I''m sure my son-in-law will be able to clear those malicious rumors."

    Wan Jia stole a glance at her broken phone, the screen was still lit up.

    In a glaring font, the headlines read, [Lu Enterprises murders its shareholder and pushes its family member to suicide]

    ...

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    ...

    "Mom''s right. Little Wan, cheer up and have breakfast. Big sister specifically baked your favorite cookies.

    However, Wan Jia was no longer in the mood to eat.

    Xia Rou, of course realized this. "You should have told her later. Do you see the result of telling her too early? My Little Wan doesn''t want to eat anymore."

    "Mom, her mind wouldn''t be at ease, knowing that something was happening and no one is willing to tell her."

    Wan Jia took a deep breath. "Sis, can I borrow your phone? I''ll give Aotian a call." Her phone was too broken to be used.

    Lin Lihua wordlessly passed over her phone. Wan Jia took it and walked out.

    The call was connected after a few rings, before she heard Lu Aotian''s voice. "Let me guess. Someone was so shocked that she broke her own phone and had to borrow her sister''s to ring me."

    "Am I an open book to you?"

    "It''s not that hard to guess what''s happening with my wife."

    Wan Jia''s heart raced as she thought of how exactly to tell him. "Oh...from your tone, you sound like you have already read the news."

    Before he could answer her, Lu Shaoting''s voice came from the background, reporting something to him.

    Lu Aotian had to go. "Honey, I have to go. Don''t go to the company today and take bodyguards with you if you have to go anywhere. If you don''t have to go, remain in the house until I clear this matter."

    Wan Jia sighed. He had already found out. She wanted to offer her help but he would probably reject it, so she made a sound of agreement.

    "Pass the same message to Su Ling and send more  bodyguards to protect her." He meant that Su Ling should also not go out unaccompanied. He was saying it in case Lu Shaoting had not spoken to Su Ling this morning.

    After making sure that his wife and sister-in-law would be fine and stay out of danger, he hung up.

    Wan Jia was left thinking, it was really not going to be easy to handle this matter from another country. She really wanted to help them. But if she did and something went wrong, her husband and brother-in-law would have one more thing to worry about.

    For this matter, Lu Aotian couldn''t simply have the media pull down those claims. Well, he could, but it would blow up the matter and make it seem like  silent admission.

 Chapter 397 - Lets play

    Since Lu Aotian instructed her to not go anywhere unless she had to, Wan Jia chose to stay in the Lin residence for a while. She would go back to Southside later when she wouldn''t be bothered by the media or the public.

    After deliberating for a while, the main point finally sank in.

    Elder Master Zhang was murdered, and Shishi had commited suicide?

    Or was it Shishi who was murdered and her death caused her grandfather to commit suicide?

    The first option made more sense. After all, it was more common for young girls to have suicidal thoughts than for elders.

    However, wouldn''t everything have happened too fast? Why did she think it was fake news?

    Lin Lihua knocked on the bedroom door and came in. To keep her sister company, she had taken a day off work. She brought in some pastries with her. "Are you okay?"

    "Yeah, thank you. Aotian will handle everything." Although she was confident in this, she felt useless for not being able to do anything. Partially, she felt it was her fault. If she didn''t forcefully buy those shares, it might not have come to this. But if she didn''t buy them, the other party would get what he wanted. How could someone possibly create such a sure win situation for themselves?

    With everyone taking care of her, however, Wan Jia indeed felt much better.

    Xia Rou even bought her a new phone, the latest phone from the brand she liked. It was a total upgrade from the phone she just broke.

    "Mom, you didn''t have to do this." She felt embarassed.

    "Mommy has never done anything for you. Are you going to deprive me of the right to do these little things for my daughter?"

    "Then...then I''ll transfer the money to you later." Her voice trailed off.

    Xia Rou didn''t look too pleased. "Are you kidding me? Since you don''t want to have anything to do with me..."

    Wan Jia felt as though her heart had been pulled away. "Oh mom, you know that''s not what I mean, right?"

    "Then you accept it, right?"

    Wan Jia was speechless.

    You only know to trick me.

    ...

    Two hours after Wan Jia got her new phone, she recieved a call.

    Her cell phone number was private so she didn''t have to worry about being bothered by the media.

    Nervously, she picked the call.

    "Mommy...sob."

    The call ended.

    Wan Jia was startled. It was a little girl''s voice. Little Jia!

    She tried to call back, but the other party had switched off their phone.

    Without even remembering to wear her shoes, Wan Jia rushed out of the door. She bumped into Lin Lihua just outside. Since she was too fast, Lin Lihua wasn''t able to avoid her.

    "Really, your streak of breaking phones today is rather impressive. Where''s the fire?" Lin Lihua mocked as she glanced at Wan Jia''s new phone that had accidentally been knocked down.

    After knocking into her sister, Wan Jia had a thought.

    She picked up the phone, luckily it was not broken. She dialled Lu Tongyan''s number.

    As soon as the call got connected, she tried to sound calm. "Hello, father. Are you fine? How are you and Little Jia doing?"

    "We are fine. Do you miss us?"

    Hearing that they were fine, she relaxed. "Yes, I miss you both. Is Little Jia there, can I speak to her?"

    Although he had said that they were fine, he could be hiding something to not make her worried.

    "Little Jia just fell asleep on my lap. Should I wake her up?"

    Before she answered, Little Jia seemed to have whimpered on the other side due to the sudden noise. Her childish voice reached Wan Jia''s ears. "Grandpa?"

    When Wan Jia heard her voice, her remaining tension finally eased. "Let her sleep. Father, I''ll call you later."

    She hung up and looked at her sister. "Someone tricked me into thinking that Little Jia got kidnapped just now."

    What a joke. Wan Jia laughed. This style had to be that of a certain shameless person she knew. That idiot could even go so far as to use someone''s innocent child to lie to her?

    Some people were too evil to deserve to exist.

    Heh, since you want to play a little game, let''s play.

    ___

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    ...

    At the same time, in Country G.

    "You have gone too far."

    Lu Aotian''s expression was so fierce that even his brother kept his distance.

    Lu Shaoting in fact started to think that if he took a closer look, he would see smoke emanating from his elder brother''s ears.

    "We are going back." He declared.

    Lu Shaoting sneakily walked in, afaraid that if he was careless, Lu Aotian''s fury would be taken out on him. "Bro...b-but we haven''t..."

    "It doesn''t have to be now. This is more important." His secretary Carla had reported that the situation was grave. Several media companies had their news reporters gather in front of Lu Enterprises building. Employees had to enter the building through a secret entrance and even then, there had to be several guards to protect them. Movement in and out of the building was minimum.

    Aside from reporters, there were shareholders, partners and employees in senior management who were convinced by the news, demanding to meet the president. After all, everyone was scared that being involved with a company whose president was a murderer would make them loose their chances of ever getting employed again.

    Lu Shaoting sighed. This was the best timing. In fact, they had located that man. They were going to ambush him the next day and have him brought back to Country C where they would file a law suit. Did such a thing have to happen at this delicate time?

 Chapter 398 - I can describe him

    The Lu brothers took the next flight back to Country C.

    When they arrived, one of Lu Aotian''s bodyguards picked them up. However, Lu Aotian had him take a cab back home then took the driver''s seat himself.

    "Where are we going?" Lu Shaoting asked when he saw that they were not going to Southside.

    "Wanwan is still in the Lin residence."

    Due to the chaos related to Lu Enterprises and the fact that everyone was looking for Wan Jia, he had asked her to remain in the Lin residence and wait for him.

    Just a few minutes after the initial news broke out, more news was uploaded. It explained the incident of how Wan Jia bullied an elder and pushed him to a dead end.

    In fact, even the media outlets owned by Lu Enterprises were starting to report news against their main company.

    Lu Shaoting was stunned at how fast people''s hearts changed. Weren''t they afraid that if this incident was a lie, Lu Aotian would make their lives hell?

    What was this ''fighting for justice'' nonsense all about?

    After picking up Wan Jia, he wanted to drop Lu Shaoting off at the Lu residence and pick Little Jia up on his way to Southside.

    While everyone was lost in thought, a girl suddenly appeared up ahead and ran to the road just a few meters ahead of the car, waving her hands as a call for help.

    Her clothes were tattered beyond recognition. There was barely any decent piece left. On one foot was a slipper, the other foot was bare. Because she had run for a long distance, her feet were swollen and bruised. They were even bleeding.

    The car screeched to a halt.

    "Get in." Lu Aotian said, unlocking the back door at the same time.

    The girl literally jumped in and Lu Aotian drove off, leaving behind a gang of angry kidnappers. "Thank you, President Lu."

    "Your grandfather is a partner of Lu Enterprises. You don''t have to thank me."

    Lu Shaoting who was in the backseat took off his coat and put it on her shoulders.

    Although she was embarassed and wanted to reject it, her clothes looked too humiliating at this point. She could only hug Lu Shaoting''s coat closely and thank him.

    Wan Jia finally understood what was happening. "She is Shishi?"

    The young girl nodded her head. "Madam Lu, I''m sorry for troubling you."

    "It''s no trouble." To avoid making her feel more humiliated, Wan Jia didn''t ask too much.

    "Are we going to check her into a hotel? Her home is probably not safe for now." Lu Shaoting asked.

    Wan Jia didn''t think it was the best idea. "A hotel room wouldn''t be too safe. What if someone waited for us to leave and attacked her again?" She looked at Lu Aotian who was driving. "Aotian, can we take her to Southside for tonight? We can think of a permanent solution later."

    Since his wife''s suggestion wasn''t bad, Lu Aotian agreed.

    ...

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    ...

    When they arrived at Southside Villa after picking Little Jia, Lu Aotian took Little Jia into the house first.

    This was to prevent the little girl from noticing Shishi''s disheveled clothes and asking questions. After all, wearing a man''s coat would make the little girl more curious. She had only been told that this elder Sister''s name was Shishi. Nothing more.

    When Little Jia was in her room, Wan Jia finally got off with Shishi.

    She prepared a room for her and had the family doctor check on her wounds.

    After cleaning up, Shishi changed into a set of clothes that Wan Jia had prepared for her. Wan Jia even brought her ginger soup.

    "Thank you Madam Lu. You don''t have to do so much for me; It''s already enough trouble that I''m staying in your home."

    Wan Jia sat on the bed next to her. "It''s no trouble at all. It''s a good thing that you''re alive." Since she was alive, it was evident that she was not pushed to suicide by Lu Enterprises. Her grandfather was probably somewhere alive, too.

    Knowing what Wan Jia was most curious about, she narrated, "I know where grandpa must be. I guess he can''t communicate with anyone for fear of being found out. I''ll take you to that place."

    Although it was just a guess and Shishi hadn''t actually seen him, Wan Jia was half relived.

    "I''m so sorry. My family caused you so much trouble that..."

    Wan Jia held her little cold hands in hers. "It''s okay, don''t think about that. Tell me, do you remember what those kidnappers looked like? Did they...did they bully you?"

    Shishi suddenly broke down in tears.

    Wan Jia''s heart broke. She had probably been bullied. For her clothes to be as horrendous as they looked, she must have been treated unjustly. She just hoped that they didn''t...

    Even if they didn''t, she would still make them pay. Such an incident must have caused a huge shadow over the life of the little nineteen year old girl. Would it affect her all her life?

    She held the little girl''s arms and hugged her, letting her cry on her own shoulders. "There there. We''ll definitely not let them off."

    "Luckily...luckily you guys appeared on time. I would be long dead." She sniffled.

    After crying for a while, Shishi had let out her sadness, so she narrated everything to Wan Jia. Trying to be of help, she made it detailed so Wan Jia could get all the important information there was.

    "They didn''t mind me overhearing anything because they were planning to kill me. From their conversations, they wanted to silence grandpa to rid the evidence but he hid away so they couldn''t find him. Actually, I saw their boss once. Is there someone who knows how to draw? I can describe him."

 Chapter 399 - Shove logic down their throats

    "I''ll call one over in the morning. Let''s go down for dinner."

    At the mention of dinner, Shishi realized that she was very hungry. She followed Wan Jia out of the room.

    "Madam Lu..."

    Wan Jia found this form of adress too distant. "Shishi, you don''t have to be too formal. You can think of me as an elder sister."

    Shishi blushed as she said, "Sister Jia, can I go back to school? My friends must be worried about me."

    Wan Jia chuckled at how shyly she adressed her.

    "Well, you can go... but it''s dangerous. After all you were kidnapped in school. Do you still want to go?"

    "Well..."

    In actual fact, it was not that she wanted to go to school. She was just afraid that if she stayed here any longer, President Lu would think she was being intrusive. She was planning to call her parents and have them bring her overseas with them.

    Wan Jia held her hand. "I know what you''re scared about. Don''t worry, we decided to protect you, so we will protect you to the end. Until we find you a suitable and safe place to stay, you can stay here."

    Just like that, they reached downstairs.

    In the dining room, Little Jia and Lu Aotian were waiting for them.

    As they sat down, Little Jia was looking at Shishi curiously with her big eyes.

    "Elder sister Shishi, right? Do you go to school? I think I saw you somewhere. Right, it was on grandpa''s newspaper."

    "Little Jia, behave yourself." Wan Jia said.

    "Sorry sister Shishi." Little Jia stopped blabbering and let her mother scoop her dishes. She took her set of tiny cutlery and started eating on her own.

    ...

    The next day, Wan Jia took two strong bodyguards with her and went to her new studio''s building. Dispite the present chaos, her work had to go on. She couldn''t fail to check on the progress of her work just because she was afair of being sorrounded by the media.

    Although she used secret entrances and kept a low profile, the media still found out her whereabouts. As soon as she went to Lu Enterprises, they blocled her path.

    "That''s Mrs. Lu. I''m going to interview her."

    "Mrs. Lu, are the rumors true? Are you a murderer?"

    "Mrs. Lu, are you really trying to overthrow your husband?"

    When she left the car, the bodyguards were about to get those reporters out of the way, but Wan Jia said to let them be.

    With the bodyguards protecting her in case someone did something malicious, she stood right in front of those reporters.

    Her gaze was sharp and authoritative, not allowing for any form of nonsense. "What do you want to ask?"

    Hearing her cold tone, the reporters retreated a few steps. Only a few timidly went up close to her. "Mrs. Lu, please say a few words."

    Wan Jia glared at that reporter and laughed coldly. "This is the only chance you will ever get to ask me anything. You better use it wisely."

    The woman gathered her courage to ask, "Mrs. Lu, what do you have to say about this incident?"

    Wan Jia looked sharply at her. "You asked me to say a few words, and I said them. Remain silent and give the others a chance."

    The female reporter was speechless.

    Another young reporter gathered her courage. "Mrs. Lu, did you really murder Elder Master Zhang?"

    Wan Jia chuckled. "Yesterday, you asked if Lu Aotian murdered him, and now you''re asking if I did? Where''s your integrity?"

    The reporter realized that she had fallen into a trap and kept quiet.

    Another asked, "You could have teamed up with President Lu. After all, you are a couple."

    Wan Jia answered, "Is that so? Then show me his body along with evidence."

    The reporters were not willing to give up. "But you still bullied him! Everyone saw it."

    Wan Jia glanced at him. "Did you?"

    "The employees did."

    "Then let those employees question me. Who are you to ask me such accusing questions?"

    "Mrs. Lu, we are news reporters. We help the public bring the truth to light."

    Wan Jia laughed. "Don''t you think that''s a cosmic joke? You want to bring the truth to light, but you don''t ask me what happened, instead you accuse me and ask for my comments?"

    "What they say is true! Wan Jia is a bully who uses her beauty to trick people and words bully them and force them to their deaths."

    Wan Jia''s gaze turned colder. "That second reporter on the last row. Wait for a letter from my lawyer. I''m suing you for slander."

    That reporter was speechless. From her tone, she was really intending to sue him. However, she was powerless now so he wasn''t afraid.

    "If there''s nothing else, please excuse me. I have important things to do."

    At that moment, a female reporter who had been hired to make things difficult for them said, "You may not have murdered Elder Master Zhang on your own, but you still made things difficult for him and caused his granddaughter to commit suicide. Aren''t you ashamed?"

    Wan Jia stopped in her tracks and turned. "In that case, you lot should wait for summons from court."

    Seeing the confusion on their faces, she continued, "You are making things difficult for my husband and I. I''m going to commit suicide. All of you are murderers, don''t you think? You forced me to this point; aren''t you ashamed?"

    The reporters were speechless. Even Wan Jia''s bodyguards at the side had nothing to say. Wasn''t their lady boss too shameless?

    How could anyone say such things in public?

    Henceforth, no one would have the courage to blame her for Shishi''s "death".

    Wan Jia smiled as though she had not just said something so shameless and entered the building. When people were dead set on blaming you, you couldn''t reason with them. You could only shove logic down their throats.

 Chapter 400 - Dont call me your brother

    In the huge conference hall on the twenty first floor, Lu Aotian was holding a meeting with the top management employees. He was waiting for Wan Jia to arrive before starting the meeting.

    After seeing Wan Jia handle various business matters, the top management employees no longer doubted her abilities. They were finally convinced that an adorable little thing who is a fashion designer can also handle business.

    She arrived just one minute before the meeting was set to begin and sat on Lu Aotian''s right side. Lu Shaoting was sitting on the left.

    Although everyone was curious about why Lu Shaoting no longer sat on his brother''s right, no one dared to ask.

    In the following one hour, the top management employees reported the effect of this incident on all departments. It was not as bad as expected, thanks to the Lu family''s influence.

    "Let it drag on a little longer. A few days later, I''ll give a permanent solution." Lu Aotian said. He was buying those few days to deal with the orchestrator and the traitor.

    "President, what should I do about the media houses? Five of them have joined the enemies in reporting negative news about the company in the name of ''insider news''.

    Lu Aotian looked at Wan Jia. "You know what to do."

    "Yes, I''ll handle them appropriately."

    Aside from the media houses, Lu Shaoting would solve most internal issues. Lu Aotian would use the chance to get all those small fries into his grip.

    ...

    With Lu Shaoting taming down the news, there was less pressure on the company. However, something new popped out the next day.

    [Le Blanc Group terminates all relations with Lu Enterprises.]

    Wan Jia rubbed her temples.

    ___

    At the same time, in Country F.

    The Blanc family''s home.

    "Amelia! Blanc! What''s the meaning of this?" Henry Blanc roared as his foot kicked the door to Amy Blanc''s room open.

    His eyes were filled with anger. He looked like he was really going to strangle his sister.

    Amy Blanc didn''t look shocked by his outburst. "Hello to you too, brother." She sauntered over to him. "I knew that you were going to terminate your partnership with that company of murderers sooner or later, so I helped you do it. No need to thank me, really. What are sisters made for?"

    Henry Blanc was fuming in anger. "Go and explain to the media that you did this on your own. If not, don''t ever call me your brother."

    However, Amy Blanc became hysterical and rushed to their parents. "Mom, Henry is bullying me."

    "Are you crazy? You! Very good." What an actress. Did she think she was still a little girl?

    Getting wind of the sibling battle, Mr. Blanc summoned his son to the study.

    "What''s going on with your sister?"

    Henry Blanc didn''t know what to say about that spoilt br*t. "I don''t know since when she makes decisions on behalf of Le Blanc Group. Whatever, I want her to clarify the matter. Although Lu Enterprises doesn''t need anyone''s help and can manage to handle their problems on their own, we can''t trod on them while they''re down."

    "You''re right about that. But since your sister already did this, wouldn''t we be the focus of the spotlight if we clarified the matter?" It would be fine if this was a positive form of publicity, but that would ruin their reputation. The only way was either accepting the blame of being two-sided and indecisive, or pushing Amy in front of the bus by saying that she lied. Both solutions would have a negative effect on the company.

    "Don''t worry. I''ll do a clean job."

    "I believe you." Of course he trusted his son. If Henry Blanc wasn''t smart and capable, he wouldn''t have been able to make Le Blanc Group as great as it is.

    ...

    The first thing Henry Blanc did was give Lu Aotian a call. "This is a misunderstanding."

    "I know." Lu Aotian said.

    Although the news made many companies follow the lead and rid their relations with Lu Enterprises, he couldn''t bother with them. He couldn''t blame his friend''s family either.

    ...

    Within just two hours, a new headline reached the top search rankings. [Le Blanc Group clarifies: They did not terminate relations with Lu Enterprises. It was all a misunderstanding caused by one person.]

    He did not explain any further. It was up to them to fill in the blanks.

    To divert public attention, more news popped up. [Heavenly match: The Blanc family congratulates CEO Henry Blanc on his engagement to superstar Lin Lihua. Wedding to be held soon.]

    Below the headlines, there was a photo of Henry Blanc and Lin Lihua holding hands.

    As expected, the public attention was shifted. Lin Lihua''s fans were in a uproar.

    [Our beautiful queen is getting married soon. Will be be invited to the wedding?]

    [The main point is, when will they have little Henrys and Lihuas to entertain us?]

    [Handsome man and beautiful woman. This is a perfect match made in heaven indeed.]

    [My idol and my queen are getting married, Boohoo...what do I have left?]

    When Henry Blanc read the fans'' reactions that had filled all social sites and were drowning the news about Lu Enterprises, he smiled. The effect was even better than he thought. He had asked for permission from his future wife to use their engagement as a way to divert attention. Since this was related to Lu Enterprises, she had agreed.

    Amy Blanc sulked all day and berated her brother as soon as he was home. "It''s because of that woman, right? You did this for her!"

    "That''s none of your business."

    Amy Blanc sneered. "She is older than you! Aren''t you scared that you will not have kids? I''m just worried about you, but you don''t ever appreciate my efforts.

    Henry Blanc held her shoulders and looked into her eyes coldly. "Amelia Blanc, you are my biological sister. Stop assuming the role of a wife!"

    ___

    Edited by Cereus17

 Chapter 401 - I just dont want the kitchen to explode

    "Brother, how can you say such things?" Amy Blanc felt disgraced. This was one of the most humiliating things a man could say to a woman. The fact that it came from her own brother''s mouth didn''t make it sound any better.

    "Do you know what kind of person that woman is? She is an actress! What if she is putting on an act for you and actually has a different motive? Yet because of her, you can say such things to your sister."

    Henry Blanc was indifferent. "You have so much to say about my private life. Not only that, you are now forcefully making decisions on behalf of the company when you are not the CEO. Not to mention, they are the most stupid decisions ever made. What kind of role are you trying to play, the wife or the stupid fool?"

    After saying that, he walked out without letting her explain herself. She was not going to say anything reasonable anyway. He had to admit, the family''s genetic lottery must have given him all the brains and left his sister completely brainless. Tsk, she really had to have her head checked. Perhaps there was really no brain inside.

    "Henry Blanc, you jerk!" Amy Blanc shouted after his back. How could he treat her this way? Was it because of Lin Lihua that he no longer doted on her like a treasure? In his eyes, his sister was less important than an actress he only recently met?

    Unbeknownst to her, her daughter had witnessed part of their fight. Luckily she was too young to understand adults'' scuffles. "Mummy, why is Daddy so angry?" Katy asked curiously.

    She was intending to ask him to play with her but when she saw how upset he looked, she dared not go anywhere near him. Henry Blanc was usually cheerful and wouldn''t easily get angry over anything.

    It just so happened that Amy was trying to indirectly target Lin Lihua using this incident. Of course, if discord was sown between Le Blanc Group and Lu Enterprises soon after he got engaged to Lin Lihua, it was easy for people to blame it on her. Although Lin Lihua would manage to solve such a matter on her own, he was her man and should protect her, not create trouble for her.

    His queen was being wronged, how could he not be angry?

    The most important point was, as a mother, what sort of example was his sister setting for Katy? If she continued being immature and stupid, he would send her to a mental assylum and take care of Katy in place of her father.

    Amy Blanc didn''t  know what her brother had  in mind. She humphed as she looked in the direction where he left, rubbing her daughter''s head. "It''s nothing sweetie, it''s just because of that evil woman that he no longer cares about me."

    As for who the evil woman was, Katy of course understood. Her mother had mentioned it so many times that she had lost count.

    Though she wondered, was he really going to marry that woman if she was evil? Although she was young, she knew that Henry Blanc was a nice person. Not to mention, her grandparents who were nice people too, often spoke well of her future aunt and called her to chat so often that Henry Blanc once warned them to not bother her.

    Was there an evil person who was liked by so many people? From the fairytales she read, she knew that everyone hated villains.

    Never mind, she would ask grandma about it.

    ___

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    Please support the original author by reading from the official site.

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    ...

    Three days after their return, Lu Shaoting finally found time to meet up with Su Ling. On the first day and the second, he would only send her a message to check on her before going to bed. Still, this was understandable because he was creating time to spend with her. They had a lot of matters to talk about that couldn''t be done over the few free minutes he had to spare.

    If it wasn''t because Su Ling understood that he had a lot of work to do, and the fact that he loved her, she would become paranoid and think he suddenly didn''t want her anymore.

    When she finally saw him, she threw herself into his arms, her body cold and forlorn. "You''re finally here. I missed you."

    Lu Shaoting held her tightly as though he wanted to mould her into his own body.

    "With my insanely handsome looks, wouldn''t it be weird if you didn''t miss me?"

    Su Ling was speechless.

    She had accidentally overheard Lu Aotian something similar to Wan Jia. Were men from the Lu family all so narcissistic?

    "Have you had dinner yet? I was preparing ingredients to cook pork ribs just now. We can eat together."

    Although it was pork ribs, Lu Shaoting still mocked her. "Is it actually edible?"

    Su Ling frowned and hit his chest with her small fists, then pulled away from him. "Do you have to make fun of me every time? I''m not that useless, okay?"

    Lu Shaoting pulled her back to him and forcefully held her so she couldn''t wriggle away no matter how hard she tried. "Who said women who can''t cook are useless? Your husband can always cook for you; and don''t you have a chef? Where on earth is she? Why did she let you go to the kitchen?"

    "I somehow guessed you would be coming so I gave her the day off." Although she said something so direct and suggestive, her face was everything but. She was blushing so hard that her face was red.

    Lu Shaoting didn''t want his little woman to feel embarassed, so he didn''t tease her. "She should have cooked before leaving. I don''t want my wife to spend too much time in the kitchen."

 Chapter 402 - The rightful heir

    Su Ling buried her head in his chest. "Mr. Lu, if you spoil me too much, I may turn evil and arrogant."

    "Who is spoiling you? I just don''t want the poor kitchen to explode." Lu Shaoting teased.

    Su Ling glared at him fiercely and went to the kitchen. Was it so hard for him to admit that he doted on her? Forget it. Today, she would show him that she wasn''t that useless in the kitchen.

    Lu Shaoting watched her walk off. Was it just his mind playing tricks on him, or was she different from usual, as though afraid of something?

    The only fault in their relationship was that unless she was willing tell him, Su Ling would never tell him what she was afraid of even if he run his mouth torn asking about it.

    He could only make guesses based on logic and his knowledge on her.

    However, he was not Lu Aotian who seemed to be able to find out everything without racking his brains. He still needed her to tell him what was happening.

    To put it plainly, although they had already taken their relationship to the most intimate level, she still didn''t trust him completely. However, that could not be rushed. He could only be patient and wait for her to let her guard down.

    Throwing everything else to the back of his mind, he followed her to the kitchen and wrapped his arms around her waist.

    Su Ling had heard his footsteps and felt his presence behind her but she was still slightly startled by his actions. "Are you trying to distract me, so I can''t cook? How shameless."

    Lu Shaoting chuckled. "I''ve never seen a woman who only ever thinks negatively of her man. Aren''t you too unique?"

    "But you still like me that way." She said smugly.

    "Blame it on me for having such a bad taste."

    Su Ling piched his arm. Was he saying that she was bad?

    "Be good. Let me finish cooking dinner. Go and play on your own for a while, okay?" She spoke, as though coaxing a little boy.

    Lu Shaoting didn''t move. "Do you have to? I can have you for dinner instead. In fact, you are much more delicious."

    Su Ling''s face went red. This man''s mouth didn''t have a filter, did it?

    After literally pushing him out of the kitchen, she was finally able to display her cooking skills.

    Lu Shaoting had a taste under her nervous gaze.

    "Not too bad. You''re as good as Little Jia."

    Su Ling had just been overjoyed when he said it was not bad but..."what did you say?"

    Was it so bad that it was comparable to a four year old?

    Disheartened, she reached to take back Lu Shaoting''s bowl. She would just order take out or have him cook.

    Lu Shaoting laughed at her defeated expression. "I''m just kidding. It''s yummy."

    Not daring to believe him, she had a taste herself and...would she be tooting her own horn if she said that this was the tastiest meal she had ever cooked?

    Of course, it was the tastiest of Su Ling. If compared to Wan Jia''s, it would still be considered horrendous. However, Lu Shaoting''s taste bugs seemed to have been customized to love it regardless.

    Aside from the dishes Su Ling had prepared, Lu Shaoting had brought over a bottle of nice wine.

    "Don''t drink too much." Su Ling warned.

    "Don''t worry, my tolerance is high."

    "..."

    She had seen him drunk twice. Was that what he called high?

    "Only people with the tolerance of Lu Aotian or Henry Blanc should have the guts to claim that they have good tolerance."

    Lu Shaoting grabbed her, placed her on his lap and tickled her waist. "Are you seriously talking about other men when you''re with me?"

    Her voice was incoherent as she tried to not laugh. "That''s your brother and your friend. But you''re much better than them, okay? I still love you the most."

    When she said the last part, he finally felt pacified and kissed her lips.

    Su Ling let him deepen the kiss but suddenly thought of something and broke it.

    "Is anything wrong?" He asked in a hoarse voice. Why was it that she was afraid of doing intimate things with him? He thought that she would be less scared since he went all the way with her but it now seemed even worse.

    Su Ling looked up at him shyly, her mind full of contradicting thoughts. "Shaoting, if I got pregnant before our marriage, would you jilt me?"

    In an instant, he partially understood her insecurity. So she was afraid of the past repeating itself. He looked into her eyes, enunciating every word clearly. "I would never leave you no matter what."

    "Then would you make me abort it?"

    For this question, he could only use logic to answer her. "The Lu family has rules. If I get a woman pregnant even if it''s a set up or unintential, I have to take responsibility. Abortions are not allowed and children from the Lu family can''t grow up away from the family."

    This answer indeed reassured her. Even if he didn''t want her anymore, he would have to take responsibility for her and their child, if it happened.

    But, it also made her curious. "Is that why President Lu took Little Jia away when she was born?"

    Lu Shaoting felt a chill. "This is my brother''s and sister-in-law''s burried topic. Don''t bring it up carelessly."

    "I understand." Anyway, it was none of her business.

    Her business was, "What if you want me to get pregnant and I don''t? You must want a child of your own, right? After all, many men cheat on their wives because of this."

    Lu Shaoting held her tightly, sighing. "Sweetie, haven''t we talked about this before? The child we adopt will be our first child and our rightful heir. Even if we unexpectedly have a biological child one day, he will only be the younger sibling."

 Chapter 403 - In the next ten lifetimes, we will only belong to each other.

    "Will your family find it alright? Although President Lu''s daughter is the first heir, your eldest child still holds a significant position in the family, right? Will they really let that position go to an adopted child?" Su Ling questioned.

    Lu Shaoting was expecting this type of question. "Why not? A biological child is my child but a foster child is not my child? If I''m not going to give him all the rights he would get as my own child, why would I adopt him? "

    Su Ling had no answer for this. Well, most foster children didn''t have it going easy in their families. Some of them even ended up having to sever relations with their foster parents. Even for people with absolutely loving foster parents like Lin Lihua''s, it was not a guarantee that the other relatives will also treat them fairly.

    Forget about foster familles. Actually, some families even abandoned their own biological children and pretended that those children never existed. An example was her own family.

    If they had a foster child, would Lu Shaoting abandon him one day and let other people bully him?

    What Lu Shaoting said next deleted this doubt. "I will protect him and never let him be bullied by anyone."

    Not to mention, no one from the Lu family would bully him in the first place. As for outsiders, he would establish that child''s status so no one would have the courage to call him an outsider.

    The people Lu Shaoting hated most were those who adopted children and ended up treating them unfairly. If you wanted to bully a child, you should have bullied your own. Why would you take in someone''s innocent child and give them hope that they had new parents, only to shatter it?

    Su Ling could only hug Lu Shaoting tightly to express her feelings. He sure knew how to rid her worries. Since he had said it, she knew that he would keep his word.

    Only after meeting people from the Lu family did Su Ling realize that everyone in that family is kind.

    That included Lu Tongyan. Although he was unfriendly to her at first,it was because he thought that she was a greedy woman who only wanted to use his son. One had to know, Lu Tongyan valued his sons the most and wouldn''t allow any harm to come to them.

    Yeah, such a family existed in real life. Where they would do everything to protect each other and everyone was kind. No wonder it had been the nation''s top family for more than a century.

    "Ling.." Lu Shaoting gazed deeply into her eyes. He couldn''t help but wonder why there was a woman on earth who was able to captivate his heart, making it filled with so much love for her that he didn''t want to ever loose her. She was like a jewel that he wanted to protect with all his life.

    Su Ling couldn''t resist getting lost into his gaze. Unconciously, she caressed his face. How could a man be so handsome? And this man with heavenly looks and outstanding status was actually her boyfriend? Just what great deed did she do in her previous lifetime to be with such a man? He totally deserved someone much better than her. But since he was already her man and she was not going to let him go, she could only work harder to deserve him.

    She slid her finger to his lips as she looked back into his eyes.

    "Shaoting, I love you."

    His answer was a deep kiss. This time, when his hand uncontrollably snaked into her clothes and caressed her skin, she did not resist it. With no fear left in her heart, she let him have his way with her.

    In no time, Su Ling was resting her head on his chest, totally worn out. Lu Shaoting caressed her bare body. "In this lifetime and the next, you will only be mine."

    Her eyes were drooping due to her sleepiness but he heard her mumble, "In the next ten lifetimes, we will only belong to each other."

    However, she was startled before she fell into complete slumber. Her eyes shot wide open. Why was there something hard on her waist?

    Lu Shaoting noticed her small reactions. "It hasn''t had enough, so it''s poking you. How about..." he leaned closer to whisper in her ear, "letting it have some more? After all, you are to blame for being too sweet."

    Su Ling slapped her forehead. How could a man be so shameless? His mouth could say literally anything!

    Who was it that said that Lu Shaoting was a virtous man who watched his image all the time? She owned that person a slap across the face.

    She was still thinking about this when she felt him pull her to his body.

    Timidly, she hid her face in his chest. "Honey, I''m sore."

    Lu Shaoting was stunned then he let out a chuckle. Should he take that as a compliment?

    Anyway, since she couldn''t do it anymore, he held her in his arms and let her fall back asleep.

    ...

    If you are reading this book outside w ebnovel, what you are reading is pirated content.

    Please support the original author by reading this book from the official site.

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    ...

    After agreeing to handle the media outlets owned by Lu Enterprises, Wan Jia gathered all the resources she needed within the shortest time she could.

    On Wednesday, she paid a visit to a certain editor.

    Of course, she was careful while doing this. Lu Aotian already had so much pressure around him that to ease his workload, she would offer her help in matters that she could handle.

    Because of this, it would not be wise to cause a ruckus and get herself in danger. She was sure to take several safety measures.

    The editor she was meeting was a middle aged man.

 Chapter 404 - So evil

    The editor she was meeting was a middle aged man. He had a messed up family life and although he had always been diligent while working for Lu Enterprises'' Moon Weekly, his personal life was a total mess.

    Thanks to the influence of the company he worked for, nothing about his life was revealed to anyone.

    She didn''t make any prior appointment with the man, she only appeared in his apartment as though she owned the place.

    "M-madam Lu?" The man was startled when he saw her.

    "I''m not welcome here?" Wan Jia turned to leave.

    "W-wait! Please don''t leave. Of course Madam Lu is more welcome here than anyone else. I''m just afraid that my apartment is too humble to host you."

    The editor had his facts right. He knew that Wan Jia was probably here to ask him about something. If she left before getting answers and she ended up complaining about him to president Lu, would he still keep his life?

    "Pardon my lack of hospitality. Madam Lu, please sit wherever you like. Shall I make you a cup of coffee?"

    Wan Jia walked over and sat on one of the sofas. "You can skip the coffee. I have important matters to discuss."

    "Please go ahead, madam."

    "I want you to clarify the truth to the public; that you lied to slander your own boss and the company."

    The man froze for a few seconds then he chuckled. "Madam Lu, although you are the President''s wife, you surely don''t think you can control the World, right? What kind of nonsense is this?" She wanted him to shoulder the blame? Nice try.

    Wan Jia smiled leisurely, but her eyes looked like those of a villain. "Oh I see. On a side note, I know why your wife left you. It''s because you wanted to send your daughter to a rich man''s bed so you could become powerful overnight, isn''t it? In fact, I have evidence of you making plans with that man''s assistant. Do you want to view it here?"

    The man trembled. Although he didn''t actually manage to do it, it would still make him an object of public humiliation. Was there a father who would do that to his own daughter? What would everyone think of him?

    Wan Jia looked around leisurely and her eyes landed on a certain painting. "Is that an imitation of the painting "L''Amour" from Le Blanc Group? The CEO of Le Blanc Group is my brother-in-law. I don''t know what you think...should I casually mention to him that the painting made by his own mother has been imitated?"

    "It''s the real deal." The man said confidently. Although he knew it was fake, he thought that there was no way she would know.

    Wan Jia chuckled. "Please. The real painting is in Henry Blanc''s villa. What do you think?"

    "Fine. What do you want?"

    "It''s simple. Tell the truth and everyone will be happy. Who paid you?"

    The man gritted his teeth. She had too much dirt on him. It would be too hard to deal with her if he didn''t tell the truth now. "Cheng Bai."

    "Are you sure? Do you know that if you slander Lu Aotian''s personal assistant..."

    "Madam, I wouldn''t lie to you. It''s really Cheng Bai. I can show you our call records."

    "He didn''t send any money to your bank account."

    "He brought it to me. I still have some of it. You can trace the codes, right?"

    Wan Jia sneered. "No need." Then, she stood up.

    "By the way, there''s no such painting as "L''Amour" by Le Blanc Group."

    "What?!" Had he been tricked?

    ...

    In the car, Wan Jia sent a recording of the editor''s confession to Lu Aotian.

    Of course, he would manipulate it and cut out the parts where she threatened him.

    Lu Aotian''s first instruction was, "Fire that person." There was no way such a treacherous man would continue being in Lu Enterprises.

    As for Cheng Bai...he had run out of chances, and out of luck.

    ___

    The next day, Wan Jia posted the finished recording on his wechat, using the account details and password she forcefully retrieved from him.

    "I have made people believe in a lie and accuse the innocent. I cannot live with myself anymore so I decided to come clean.

    President Lu did not do anything wrong. I was paid by someone to report false news about him. I apologize to President Lu and the company for what I''ve done. To atone for my crimes, I will resign and take the company''s punishment. I will also chop off the hands that I used to type false news, and the tongue that told lies."

    As expected, it went viral instantly.

    The moment Wan Jia heard it, she was shocked silly. What in the world was going on?

    "I thought I already knew the content of his confession, so I didn''t listen to it before posting it up. The content is totally different. My love, what did you do?"

    Lu Aotian gave her a sideways glance. They had already reached this point, and she still didn''t understand? "I only edited it a little."

    Wan Jia remained silent. You call this a little?

    You made him confess that he would chop off his own hands and tongue, okay?

    "Why did you cut out the part where he said that your assistant paid him?"

    "Cheng Bai still has a role left to play." When Wan Jia wasn''t looking, his eyes turned murderous, like those of a demon king. "Killing that man."

    "What did you say?"

    Lu Aotian remained silent, not wanting to scare her anymore.

    "My love, you are so evil."

    All he wanted to do was make that man chop off his own hands and tongue, and if he could still survive, he wanted to let Cheng Bai murder him in fear of being found out?

    Of course, there was another reason for this. If Cheng Bai killed someone, he would earn a death sentence in court.

    This was...so evil...

 Chapter 405 - You have the right to remain silent

    Lu Aotian could be this evil...

    Of course, she had known this all along. Although he was usually kind, it wouldn''t remain so if you messed with him.

    Although this time he was using someone''s life as a chess piece, she couldn''t really blame him.

    After all, he was being accused of murder by that person. Not to mention, he wasn''t actually killing anyone.

    ...

    If you are reading this book outside w ebnovel, what you are reading is pirated content.

    Please support the original author by reading from the official site.

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    ...

    When the editor listened to the recording that was of his voice, he knew that this was Lu Aotian''s doing.

    He felt wronged but what could he do?

    He couldn''t possibly deny it, could he? Who would believe him if he claimed that this was edited by Lu Aotian?

    Even if they did, he would still be to blame for betraying his company.

    With no choice left, he hid away in cowardice.

    However, Lu Aotian found him.

    "Are you going to do it, or do you need my help?"

    Drenched in sweat, he stuffed his own mouth and bit hard, stabbing into his hand using a dagger. Even as a man, he couldn''t stop the tear of agony from rolling out of his eye. He bit hard, stopping himself from wailing.

    He thought Lu Aotian would flinch from the pitiful scene and let him off but...

    "I assume you need help with the other hand." He said and signalled his men.

    "Get rid of the hands. Make it entertaining."

    When the man looked around, he realized that one of those men was a renown doctor. So he was not allowed to die.

    Haha, Lu Aotian, you are heartless. Why don''t you just kill me and be done with it?

    "Boss, should we cut the tongue as well?"

    Lu Aotian, who was still in the mood to drink wine, put the wineglass down. "On second thought, leave it to him."

    The "him" Lu Aotian was talking about was Cheng Bai. Without a tongue, he couldn''t talk.

    Although Cheng Bai would still feel threatened, he would be more threatened if that man could talk.

    ___

    As expected, not even a full day was complete before the editor was murdered. Cheng Bai was scared that he would be sold out since that man had been tortured so badly.

    Hmph! It was a good thing that Lu Aotian had paved a way for him. Since that man died at this time, who wouldn''t blame it on Lu Aotian? He was, after all, the only person who had anything against that editor.

    The next day when the news of his death was reported, the Lu brothers paid Cheng Bai''s father a visit.

    "First young master, second young master, it''s been a while since you paid this old man a visit. I wonder what brings you here?"

    Lu Aotian didn''t waste his time on small talk. "Between the Lu family and the Cheng family, what''s the punishment for betrayal?"

    Old Cheng didn''t understand but answered him anyway, "Death."

    "Then, does your son deserve to die?"

    At this point, Cheng Bai had just returned. "President Lu, what are you talking about? Why do I deserve to die?"

    Lu Aotian was in no mood to speak to him, so Lu Shaoting went ahead. "You have served my brother for this long as his assitant. But despite him treating you like a friend and confidant, you have colluded with the enemy to bring harm to the Lu family and Lu Enterprises. Don''t you think you deserve to die?"

    "Ha!" Cheng Bai broke into laughter.

    "Treated me like a friend, really? He treated me like a sideckick!"

    "My father was Grandfather Lu''s assitant. Do you know what that made me? While this useless man was brought up to be a prince and take over Lu Enterprises, what was I,huh? I was brought up to serve him. Was it fun making me your sidekick, Lu Aotian?"

    Lu Shaoting almost exploded in rage. How could one twist the facts like this? Even if Lu Aotian had treated him like a sidekick, it was only right. Wasn''t it his father who owed Grandfather Lu a life and decided to make his young son Lu Aotian''s assistant as a way to repay him?

    Lu Aotian stopped him from saying anything.

    He glanced at Cheng Bai. "So you decided to collude with the Yuns to bring down the company? You have been giving them information about me for a while now."

    Old Cheng was furious. He slapped his son across the face viciously. "You stupid child! Kneel down. Apologize to first young master and to our ancestors!"

    Cheng Bai laughed. "I will not. He is just a murderer on the brink of being imprisoned."

    "You mean, for the murder you commited?" Lu Shaoting snickered.

    "So what if I did? Who had the motive of killing that editor? You even cut off his hands. Haha, the joke is on you, Lu Aotian. You weren''t so smart this time."

    Lu Aotian took his laptop and made a video play.

    "How did you..."

    It was the video of Cheng Bai killing that man.

    He reached for Lu Aotian''s laptop with trembling hands.

    "Don''t waste your time. The police already have it."

    Before Cheng Bai had time to react, the door opened and two police officers walked in.

    "Mr. Cheng Bai, we have the warrant to arrest you for murder and assault. Please come with us to assist in investigation. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say might be used against you in the court of law."

    Although he was shocked by their sudden appearance, he remained silent because he was guilty. But assault? Were they talking about how  that man''s hands were chopped off?

    He looked at the indifferent Lu Aotian as the police cuffed his hands behind his back. Lu Aotian, you are too evil.

 Chapter 406 - What a weird man

    "First young master..." Old Cheng wanted to beg Lu Aotian to let his son off but didn''t know how to. Although Cheng Bai was his son, he had gone too far. He didn''t ehave the courage to speak a word in his favor. Elder Master Lu had saved him from death. How could his stupid son betray Elder Master Lu''s grandson? The Lu family had treated him so well since he was a young boy...didn''t he have any shame breaking the hand that fed him? For his actions, Old Cheng would not try to help him. Let him pay for his own crimes.

    "First young master, second young master, forgive me for not bringing him up well enough."

    He almost fell onto his knees, but Lu Aotian stopped him. "Master Cheng, he is already paying for his own sins." Such a terrible man, he didn''t deserve to have Old Cheng as his father.

    Lu Aotian left with his brother in tow.

    "Bro, about the Yuns..."

    "They''re next."

    Lu Shaoting gave a smile of satisfaction. From his brother''s tone, they would have it the worst.

    The first thing Lu Aotian did when they got into his car was make a phone call. "Keep yourself safe."

    "What?" The woman on the other side of the line didn''t understand. Why would someone suddenly call her using a foreign number and, without even a word of greeting, warn her about keeping herself safe?

    "You are being sought."

    The woman finally recognized that voice. Lu Aotian? "Oh, alright. Thank you Preside..."

    Lu Aotian didn''t say anything else and hung up. You would think he had been forced to make that phone call in the first place.

    Lu Shaoting was still looking at his brother curiously. "Was that Yun Xuan? Why did you warn her?"

    Lu Aotian simply smiled. "Sometimes, you don''t have to repay everyone''s evil. Especially not if those people change." Sometimes, being kind to people who have wronged you before was the best form of revenge. Not to mention, it was still all thanks to Yun Xuan''s selfishness that he met the woman he loved with all his heart, and had such a lovely daughter with her. Although she was the daughter of the man he hated the most, she was also the matchmaker of Wan Jia and him. Of course, the most important factor was that his beautiful wife had been worried about her recently. If Yun Jifeng was successful in his pursuit and murdered her, Wan Jia would be heart broken too.

    ___

    On the other side, Yun Xuan remained in thought for a long while. Did her father''s enemy just call to warn her that her life was in danger?

    No matter how one looked at it, the danger she could be in could only emanate from the Yun family. Was it her foster father, no, her former foster father, who wanted to punish her for leaving the family?

    She really wanted to slap her own face.

    For one to fall to the level of having to be given such important warnings by their enemy, how stupid did they have to be?

    She had been an idiot. No, she had been blind.

    Taking a deep breath, she took her phone and checked her videos. She found one and played it for a while, considering whether it would be of any help. Then, she sent it to Lu Aotian. She also sent the following message. [I know you may not need this but I sent it anyway. The more his crimes, the worse his sentence.]

    As expected, Lu Aotian did not reply. He probably didn''t even take a peek at the video she had sent.

    However, he had taken a look and simply smirked. That man was so detestable that his own daughter was selling him out. Although he already had this video among the pieces of evidence he had previously managed to find, having one more person in his team of four wouldn''t hurt.

    But he still had to test her loyalty.

    "If you come back to Country C, I can guarantee your safety. But you will have to do me a favor."

    Yun Xuan was naturally afraid of Lu Aotian and found his vouce terryfing. She stuttered, "W-what favor?"

    "It''s regarding your second foster brother."

    Initially, Xia Rou had decided to do this on her own but it would be too dangerous. As for Wan Jia, it would be even more dangerous. No one from the Yun family liked her except madam Yun. Lu Aotian would never let her get close to that mansion.

    As for Yun Xuan, she was the best candidate. Although she had run away from home, she was still more or less welcome. Lu Aotian believed that General Yun only hated her because she had fallen out of his grip.

    For a man who was obsessed with having immense power and control over everything, he couldn''t accept the fact that someone he loved dearly had become disobedient and escaped to be far away from him.

    As long as she went back and apologized, General Yun would stop trying to kill her.

    As for how to make Yun Jifeng lower his guard, he had a plan for that. All she had to do was retrieve something from that mansion.

    It was possible to bring General Yun down and let Yun Jifeng follow later, but Lu Aotian didn''t want that. He wanted both of them to perish at the same time.

    Yun Xuan looked at her son in the crib with a complicated gaze. "If what you want won''t take long, I''ll do it. But if it includes leaving my son, then I''m sorry..."

    Once again, she was hung up on by him.

    "Tsk, did I force you to speak to me? What a weird man." He called when he felt like and hung up when he felt like.

    Please support the original author by reading this book from the official site. My beautiful love, w ebnovel.

 Chapter 407 - I thought you would never do it

    Yun Xuan looked at her son and carried him in her arms. "Baby, will you be okay if we go back?"

    She remained silent as though waiting for Yun Feng to answer her. Since he couldn''t speak, he only blabbered out some sounds and grabbed her hair. He didn''t even understand what his mother was going on about. His clear, bright eyes gazed at her as he reached with his tiny hands to grab her blouse.

    Currently, she had been living well. She had become the stylist of a pair of twins who were famous supermodels. Although it was not comparable to having a studio like she did in Country C, it was better than being unemployed.

    The money she earned was enough to give her son a life of comfort. Of course, she was working hard to have another fashion studio. This time, she would start it on her own, without using money from her foster family.

    She did not believe that she was actually considering going back.

    Although she was afraid that she may bump into that idiotic fake son of the Qins called Tyler, it was more important to help Lu Aotian. On one hand, she still had to repay Wan Jia for all her kindness and for how rude she had been back then.

    On the other hand, that man really had to be eliminated from the planet. Yes, she was his daughter and he had brought her up, but he had been so inhuman that all that kindness was drowned. She couldn''t wait to see him behind bars.

    As for the favor regarding Yun Jifeng, she could more or less guess what it was about.

    "Baby, if I''m to go to that mansion, who will take care of you?"

    Could she really let them know that she had a son? Of course she couldn''t!

    Forget it. Since she had agreed to do it, she would find a solution before that time came.

    ___

    In Country C,

    Following Lu Aotian''s instructions, the news of Cheng Bai''s arrest was reported soon after.

    Just a few days ago, an editor had confessed to being paid to report false news. A few days later, he had been killed and Cheng Bai had been arrested?

    Anyone who had a brain would deduce the relationship.

    Although he had already been arrested and was waiting for the court hearing, the public wouldn''t stop scolding him.

    "So he''s the idiot who slandered my President Lu. He hired that man and when the man confessed, that idiot silenced him? Shameless people like him shouldn''t have been born!"

    "He''s so ungrateful. I''ve been working in Lu Enterprises for years and I know that President Lu treated him so well. How could he slander him?"

    "President Lu treated him as well as he treated Vice President Lu Shaoting. Doesn''t his conscience hurt?"

    "That scumbag is a disgrace to his father."

    "I''ve been wanting to say this for a while now. Cheng Bai kidnapped my five year old son from school. He wanted to use my innocent baby boy to make me report that I saw President Lu assaulting people. Luckily, our president is so kind that he saved my son.  Cheng Bai must die!"

    "What''s justice all about if that man doesn''t die? I heard he actually wanted to destroy Lu Enterprises so that he could take it over himself."

    Of course, for a man with power as little as Cheng Bai''s, it was impossible to take over the nation''s top company. He could only destroy it and lower its status so he could grab it while it''s low. However, he was stupid to not know that if such a huge company actually went down the drain, the chance of being revived was practically zero unless you were Lu Aotian or Henry Blanc.

    "Take over Lu Enterprises? He should quit dreaming! Even President Lu''s wife is better than him."

    "Forget about the wife. Even President Lu''s little daughter is better than him."

    ...

    Filled with all sorts of insults for Cheng Bai, the internet was exploding.

    Some people even came clean about the things Cheng Bai tried to make them do.

    Fearing that what happened to the first editor who confessed would happen to them too, the other reporters who had been hired by Cheng Bai didn''t come clean. However, Lu Aotian knew them all and fired them.

    There was no excuse for betrayal. Even if their families had been threatened, they should have found a way to report it to him. He wouldn''t have let families of people who were loyal to him suffer.

    ___

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    Please support the original author by reading from the official site.

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    ...

    Yun Jifeng wouldn''t give up. He had spent so much effort gathering dirt on Lu Enterprises.

    It was not easy for him to do it until Lu Aotian''s assistant sought him and asked to cooperate to make Lu Aotian suffer.

    Just when their plan was going on well, how could Cheng Bai be so stupid and have himself arrested?

    Whatever, that fool. He was planning to kill him after destroying Lu Enterprises anyway. He had only made work easier by earning a death sentence all by himself.

    At this point, he could only take matters into his own hands.

    He used a side account and posted, [Although Lu Aotian claims to be innocent and people are speaking in his favor, where are Elder Master Zhang and his granddaughter, Zhang Shishi? Can anyone explain where they are? If I didn''t know any better, I would think Lu Aotian is trying to drown important matters by creating unrelated news and making it go viral.]

    He was trying to fan the flames.

    ...

    Lu Enterprises, office of the president.

    The man looked at the new notification on his laptop and chortled. "Well done Yun Jifeng. I thought you would never do it."

 Chapter 408 - The dumb fish is hooked

    That idiot had just handed himself to him.

    Although he had created a new account and used a dummy name, Lu Aotian wouldn''t let him off easily.

    As soon as he logged out of the new account, Lu Aotian hacked into his computer.

    The dummy name was replaced with his real name. Lu Aotian was ready to post it back if he discovered and deleted it.

    Before that, he used the time to edit some posts.

    Lu Shaoting had just come to report something to his brother and coincidentally saw what he was doing.

    He burst into laughter. "Bro, you''re a genius. The most scheming one of your kind. Thank goodness I''m not in your bad books."

    Lu Aotian looked at him like he was an idiot. Since he doesn''t play by the rules, why should I?"

    What he was doing right now was making it obvious that there was conflict between Yun Jifeng and him.

    In a short while, his "fans" would retaliate. After all, everyone was convinced that Elder Master Zhang wasn''t murdered by Lu Aotian. However, only one person had a contary opinion. What would that say about that one person?

    Not only that, he was waiting for Yun Jifeng to fall into his own trap. This was just the beginning.

    "The dumb fish is hooked. Time to reel in." He said to Lu Shaoting.

    "Roger that."

    It was time to leave everything else in the hands of the law.

    Lu Shaoting fumbled with his phone and looked at his brother. "We can leave Yun Wei in the hands of the law, but Yun Jifeng is different. He has been like a fly, bothering us even when we try so hard to eliminate him. The law is a relief to him."

    "What do you want?" From his younger brother''s tone, he knew that he wanted to ask for something.

    "Can I kill him?" He asked. "It will save everyone the time and agony. Let me kill him myself."

    Lu Aotian was momentarily stunned. His younger brother had never hated anyone to this extent.

    "Shaoting, we made a promise to grandfather."

    Lu Shaoting sighed. Right, that promise. They had promised that unless they really had no choice, they wouldn''t kill anyone. Right now, the best choice was to have Yun Jifeng arrested.

    Lu Shaoting bit his tongue. "If I break that promise..."

    "You can''t."

    "..." fine.

    ___

    Meanwhile, Lin Lihua had just accepted a contract to shoot a new movie.

    The opening ceremony would be held tonight.

    Just like on the many banquets and events she had gone to, Wan Jia was styling her.

    After spending a lot of time thinking of the best outfit to suit Lin Lihua for this occassion, Wan Jia felt that the best gown was among the outfits in Southside Villa.

    Of course,, it was new. She had just kept it in Southside to be patt of her collection. She valued it so much that she wouldn''t give it to anyone no matter what price they offered. Of course, that was unless you were Lin Lihua in this case.

    After getting the dress she wanted, Wan Jia made a call.

    "Sis, why don''t you come to Southside? It''scloser to the venue of your opening banquet after all."

    Lin Lihua thought about how far apart her make up artist and Wan Jia were.

    Wan Jia had thought about this. "You can use my make up artist this once. I want you to come over because I have about a dozen gowns for you to try on.

    "Is my pretty niece home too?" Lin Lihua asked.

    "She is, but you won''t have time to play with her if you don''t come fast."

    Lin Lihua grabbed a bag and walked out of her apartment.

    Today, her feelings were a little mixed.

    Within thirty minutes, she arrived at Southside.

    She had not anticipated to meet this familiar figure in Lu Aotian''s villa. She unreservedly went up to him and wrapped her hands around him in a hug. "Henry, why are you here?"

    Henry Blanc tightened his arms around her slim body. "It''s such an important day for you. If I miss it out, how will I still deserve to be your man?"

    "Are you sure you didn''t just miss me and found a reason to rush over to me?" She exposed his other main reason mercilessly.

    "Darling, can you not embarass me in front of my little sister-in-law?"

    Wan Jia at the side finally spoke up. "You finally realize that I''m here too."

    Lin Lihua took a glance at her. "Okay, although you and Lu Aotian are always shoving dog food in our faces, we will not display our affection anymore. After all, Henry and I are no longer kids. Isn''t that right, honey?"

    "Mmh. My wife is right."

    Wan Jia chuckled. Was that really her sister? Had she been possessed by a love-stricken teenage girl? She was acting so cute that even Xia Rou herself may not recognize her.

    Of course, Lin Lihua was an elegant and strong woman in front of everyone else.

    But, no matter how strong willed a woman was, she must have a soft side. Lin Lihua only showed hers to her family, fianc¨¦ and her fans.

    "Alright, how about the both of you catch up? I''ll start styling you in thirty minutes."

    Although it was just half an hour, Lin Lihua had missed her fianc¨¦ so she agreed. "Then I''ll have to thank you. Henry, let''s not waste our thirty minutes."

    She literally dragged him out of the door. Wan Jia held her tummy and laughed. How bold. Did her elder sister know just how ambiguous her actions and words came out? She may not think too much about it but Henry Blanc might think of them as an invitation of some sort.

    Well, she was thirty one. Of course she knew.

    Who was to say, that wasn''t what she actually meant?

    Wan Jia smiled. She was going to be an aunt soon!

 Chapter 409 - Take good care of their queen

    As soon as they were out of Wan Jia''s sight, Henry Blanc held Lin Lihua''s waist and scooped her up.

    She was shocked from suddenly floating in the air but held his neck. "What was that about?"

    "I''m spending our thirty minutes well. It''s so little, you know."

    Lin Lihua didn''t know what to say. He was complaining now? Who was it that came to the country silently without telling her about it? She would have picked him up. That way, they would spend more time together.

    She had a sudden thought. "Why don''t you dress up and tag along?"

    They had arrived in his villa, he placed her on the sofa and kissed her, sitting next to her. "I can do that?"

    "Why not? Everyone knows about our relationship now. Many actresses take their husbands with them to important events."

    Because she had said ''husband'', he was elated.

    "In that case, I''ll go. Of course, if your fans don''t team up to riot against me, I''ll be even happier."

    Lin Lihua laughed. "Do you think my fans are that unreasonable? They like you. They would not riot against you."

    "If you say so." Obviously, he couldn''t point out the hundreds of private messages he had recieved on his account, of fans complaining that he had taken away the queen they loved.

    The only way to deal with such fans was to promise to take good care of their queen.

    However, their tone made one frightened. They totally sounded like they would beat someone up if they messed with Lin Lihua.

    "Your fans love you so much." He casually commented.

    Lin Lihua saw the look on his face, the one that almost spoke of the jealousy he had for her fans.

    Of course he was jealous. Any other man in her stead would be. They could call her their queen, their goddess or their wife so freely and no one would have anything to say. Not to mention, although the larger percent of her fans were women, her male fans were more possessive.  She was his wife, okay?

    She laughed. "Are you jealous of them? I thought you would know that; they can only call me their Lihua as fans. But the person I truly belong to..."

    She held his neck and kissed his cheek. "...Is you. Only you can truly call me your wife, and only you are my man."

    Although he already knew this, Henry Blanc felt an incredible wave of happiness rush into his heart.

    He hugged her with his eyes closed, letting himself feel the scent of the woman he loved.

    "Master, Miss Amy is...here." the servant trembled as soon as he saw the two figures hugging on the sofa.

    He had interrupted a very important moment. Would he be killed for it?

    Henry Blanc looked over. Amy?

    Sure enough, Amy Blanc really walked in. She had a smile as bright as the daylight. "Brother, I came to Country C as well, so I thought I may as well pay you a visit."

    "What are you doing here?" Henry Blanc wasn''t in the mood to deal with this woman whose  craziness acted up randomly.

    "I''m not welcome here? Don''t worry then, I will not overstay my welcome."

    Although she said that she would not overstay her welcome, she sat right next to Henry Blanc, successfuly sandwitching him between Lin Lihua and her.

    Henry Blanc gave her a stern look. "Are you still waiting for me to teach you how to behave yourself?"

    With that reminder, she knew that he was talking about how she had ignored Lin Lihua. She didn''t want to acknowledge her, but she reluctantly flashed a fake smile. "Hello, sister-in-law."

    Lin Lihua could sense every tinge of her hostility, so she wasn''t that warm either. "Hello."

    Seeing that Amy Blanc was here to stay, Lin Lihua decided to make herself scarce. It was not that she was scared of Amy Blanc, she just didn''t want to stoop down to the level of a woman who still wanted to act like a little girl despite already being a mother.

    "Ch¨¦ri, it''s almost time for me to start getting ready. I''ll be on my way first."

    Henry Blanc was yet to answer her when Amy Blanc did it first. "Is it because I''m here? You don''t have to worry about me. I was leaving anyway."

    Lin Lihua wasn''t so stupid as to not realize the tone in her words. She was trying to paint Lin Lihua as the bully who ill-treated her fianc¨¦''s sister even before marrying into the Blanc family.

    "Right. I heard you guys are adopting. Is it because you are already certain that you can''t have kids? Have you reached menopause already, aunty? Oops! I mean, sister-in-law?"

    For this, Lin Lihua chuckled. "You know, if you don''t start acting like someone your age, no man will want to marry you. I''m suddenly not surprised that Katy had to adress her uncle as her dad."

    Seriously, she was minding her own business and even ignoring her bad temperament and terrible manners. What did this little woman have against her?

    Unsurprisingly, Amy Blanc exploded. "What did you just say? Are you saying that no one''s willing to be Katy''s dad?"

    Lin Lihua shrugged. "I didn''t say that before but now that you mention it, it''s quite possible." She placed her hands over Henry Blanc''s ears and said to Amy, "You know, if you keep trying to pick fights with me, people might mistakenly think you have incestual feelings for your brother and don''t want him to get a wife."

    Then, she didn''t wait for an answer.

    "Ch¨¦ri, I''ll send you the adress shortly."

    As Lin Lihua left, Henry Blanc really wanted to thank her. There were things he had been unable to say as Amy''s brother. Just now, she had covered his ears but he heard everything nonetheless. But, he knew what her actions meant; those words were not meant for his ears.

 Chapter 410 - I have a boyfriend

    However, they were the words he had wanted to say for quite a long time, so he was grateful that she did it on his behalf. He and his Lihua truly complimented each other.

    He glanced at Amy Blanc who was so stunned that she was speechlessly biting her lip. "Brother, I..."

    "Amy, I won''t talk about my fianc¨¦e with you. If you think she''s bullying you, you should keep your distance from us. But if I must say anything; she''s right."

    Amy Blanc still couldn''t bring herself to register the fact that her brother no longer doted on her. It all changed when Lin Lihua appeared.

    If he knew that he would stop loving her, why did he spoil her so much when she was young? He had made it part of her life.

    It was not that Henry Blanc didn''t think this was his fault. He knew that he had also played a role in making his sister spoilt. He would do anything she wanted and give her anything she asked for.

    When Katy happened and the guy refused to take responsibility, he even sought him and gave him a good beating, all without blaming his sister for a second.

    However, Amy Blanc never acted so silly in the past. She did everything she wanted wherever she wanted, but it was never anything that deliberately hurt people. The Amy right now seemed like she had undergone a huge change and become a selfish brat on the verge of becoming a villain.

    This was precisely why, he did not want Katy to go down the same path. He had already decided that no matter what happened, he would make sure Katy grew up into a proper young lady.

    "Amy, although I''m your brother, my patience has limits." He said.

    After being made to feel self concious by Lin Lihua, Amy Blanc didn''t grab his arm like she usually did. It was not that she had ever had any inappropriate feelings for her brother; but after someone pointing out such a possibility, she felt the need to keep her distance.

    "Brother, all I was going to say is that I have a boyfriend now. He''s from this country, that''s why I''m here." She sighed and let out the main point. "She is wrong. There is someone who is willing to become my daughter''s father. He knows that I have such an old daugher, but he still loves me and would be with me regardless."

    "How did the both of you meet?"

    The first question he asked was not about his family, his name or his status, but how they met.

    Amy Blanc thought her brother was weird but still answered. "We met after my fashion show. He wanted to order a pair of shoes for his elder sister from me; he spent a wweek trying to find me. That was the first time we met."

    Henry Blanc furrowed brows eased. "Okay."

    "That''s all you were going to ask?" She had expected a whole load of questions, including the name of her boyfriend''s last lover.

    "As long as you didn''t meet online, I don''t have a problem with your relationship." With his brainless sister, he had expected her to meet someone on one of those online match making sites and claim that it was true love. Of course, he knew it because it was something she had done before.

    "I need to get ready for an event. I will not walk you out."

    Although she wanted to stay a little longer, she knew that her brother was still mad at her for picking a fight with Lin Lihua. In fact, it was because of this that she had brought up her relationship. It was so that Henry Blanc could momentarily forget abot her scuffle with Lin Lihua. Since it was exhausted, she could only stand to leave.

    ...

    At the same time, Villa number 4.

    In a certain large room that Wan Jia had modified into a place for keeping those special clothes that she designed but were not the typical style of attires that she would usually wear.

    Wan Jia was rummaging through the "special collection" labelled gowns and placing post its on the ones she found most pleasing to the eye.

    Amid this important mission, someone knocked on the door, and she asked them in.

    It was Shishi.

    Although Cheng Bai had been arrested, Yun Jifeng was still lurking about, so Wan Jia was still keeping Shishi safe in Southisde Villa. Besides, she didn''t go to the office that much and when Lu Aotian didn''t allow her to help out in Lu Enterprises, she would be bored. Having someone to keep her company wasn''t a bad deal at all.

    "Shishi, do you need something?" She asked the timid girl at the door.

    Shishi looked at Wan Jia as though she had just seen a life saver. "Sister Jia, the woman downstairs a a few minutes ago, was she Lin Lihua?"

    Wan Jia welcomed her in. "It was. Is there something?"

    Shishi''s eyes lit up suddenly and she had to bite her palm hard to prevent herself from letting out a screech. "Really? I''m Lin Lihua''s die hard fan. Sister Jia, can I ask for an autograph? Can I, can I? I didn''t have the courage to come downstairs earlier because I was afraid I''d embarass Sister Jia."

    Different from her timid tone when she came in a few seconds ago, Shishi was now brimming in excitement. Her worship for Lin Lihua was written all over her face.

    Her pleading eyes looked like what Wan Jia thought Little Jia''s would look like when she became this old. She couldn''t supress a chuckle. "This question, you have to ask her yourself."

    The little teen''s eyes dimmed. "Oh..."

    "You can ask right now." Wan Jia opened the door to the dressing section and out of it stepped Lin Lihua who had just gone to try on a dress.

    Wan Jia''s mouth fell. "Sis!"

 Chapter 411 - Superstar

    Lin Lihua walked out calmly. "Do I look alright?"

    Wan Jia couldn''t find the right word to express it. "You look so...that I don''t know the right word to use."

    Wasn''t this too pretty?

    She had to admit, although this was one of her best designs, she just gave it to Lin Lihua to try as one of the options.

    For celebrities, it was safe to carry at least one extra attire in the car when attending social gatherings. It wasn''t predictable what could happen in such places.

    The gown Lin Lihua had just tried on was one of the options she was considering for keeping as an emergency dress. Who would have thought that it would look this pretty on Lin Lihua?

    With her already beautiful figure, the silver-white colored gown hugging her body made her look more gorgeous than she already was.

    One couldn''t possibly forget about the long cut at the side that revealed her long, fair leg. As for the neckline, it was neither cut too high nor too low, and Lin Lihua''s chest fit perfectly with it. This was the power of a superstar. Even this dress that was hard to pull off was able to make her look so dashing.

    With light make up, she would make eveyone else pale in comparison even without needing jewelry. Wasn''t her sister too beautiful? She could bet that Henry Blanc wouldn''t be friendly with her if she let Lin Lihua go out looking like this.

    "Alright, you can stop gawking now. This is Shishi, right?" She had heard about her from Wan Jia.

    Wan Jia snapped back to her senses. "Right. This is her. She has something to say to you."

    At this point, Shishi was so stunned from seeing her idol that she was speechless.

    She couldn''t speak even when Wan Jia introduced her to Lin Lihua.

    Lin Lihua was used to it. Many of her fans had such reactions when they saw her in flesh for the first time. Some of them just broke into screams, so Shishi''s reaction was considered extremely reserved.

    Not wanting to make the little teenage girl feel intimidated, Lin Lihua spoke up. "It''s nice to meet you, Shishi. I have an extra invitation for tonight''s opening ceremony. Do you want to come too?"

    Shishi was stupefied and checked behind her to see if Lin Lihua was talking to someone else. Then she pointed to herself and stammered. "Huh? M..me?"

    "Yes. Don''t you want to? You will attend opening ceremonies in future. You may need the experience."

    Both Wan Jia and Shishi were confused.

    Lin Lihua explained, "I have met countless fans and I can tell the difference between those who just like or worship me from those who look up to me as a mentor. You, little girl, want to be an actress. Am I wrong?"

    Exposed by her idol, Shishi felt embarassed. "You are truly observant."

    After saying that one sentence, all the light in her eyes from seeing her idol dimmed. "But I can''t. If I become an actress, there will be no one to take over Grandpa''s business. I''m his only family..."

    From that statement, Lin Lihua felt as though she was listening from the past version of herself. Though back then she had said, "I want to, but my parents will not let me."

    Lin Lihua only said a few words. "Your grandpa wants the best for you."

    Her wording had two meanings on purpose. What she meant to say was, if Old Master Zhang felt it was best for his granddaughter to follow her dreams, he would let her. But if he thought that she would waste her life away in the entertainment circle and have a tough life ahead, he would stick to making her take over his business. Ulitimately, he had known her for many years and knew her best.

    Although she wanted to speak to her more as a mentor, it was a better option to let the girl make her own decisions. After all, she was nineteen; young, but an adult anyhow.

    "Can I still go with you?" Although she wasn''t sure of her decision yet, who would want to miss out on this heaven sent opportunity to go out with a superstar?

    "Of course."

    Shishi was excited.

    "Then I''ll just get something to wear." To avoid being a burden to Wan Jia, she had bought some clothes using Wan Jia''s money but written IOUs. Wan Jia didn''t reject them to save the little teen''s pride.

    "No need. Since you are going out with Megastar Lin for the first time, how about I choose one for you too? Don''t worry, none of them look similar to any other." Wan Jia said.

    "But...they are too valuable. I can''t possibly wear such expensive clothes. I really can''t afford any of them."

    "They''re just from some drafts I doodled when I was bored, and didn''t know they would be this pretty.They only look exorbitant when my sister wears them because of her aura. When you wear them, you will look cute."

    Shishi was speechless. Drafts she doodled when she was idle? Then what did her hard work look like?

    Wan Jia continued. "Actually, they''re really not expensive at all. Besides, they need the publicity, so I''ll give it to you as a gift."

    Shishu didn''t like freeloading on others but since it was a gift from Wan Jia, she accepted it. "Then, thank you Sister Jia."

    Since there were two ladies who needed to be styled now, Wan Jia did it simultaneously. She gave them each a gown to try on and when they were done, she brought over her make up artist to do Lin Lihua''s make up while she did Shishi''s.

    After selecting the shoes and accessories, the fan and idol pair were ready to go.

    Wan Jia was not sure if anyone would actually believe that Shishi was just a university student. She looked like a supermodel.

 Chapter 412 - Support all your decisions

    Of course, Wan Jia''s gown had the largest role to play in this. She usually looked cute in her jeans and tee shirts with childish prints. In Wan Jia''s black gown, she still looked cute, but had a charming aura about her.

    "If we leave any later, we will be late." Lin Lihua observed.

    "Right. You ladies should get going. Later, make sure to wow the masses."

    "We will." Lin Lihua said. "Also, later if anyone asks what brand of gown I''m wearing, I''ll say it''s from MAX and publicize your brand."

    Wan Jia''s face couldn''t resist smiling. "Thanks sis. Alright, go go. My brother-in-law will be mad at me if I keep his woman any longer. He has been waiting for a while already."

    "You mean person! How could you not tell me?"

    ___

    The trio went to the venue together. So as to not be the third wheel, Shishi kept some distance from them and when they arrived at the banquet, she took the chance to have a chat with a few people.

    She was just an ordinary girl and no one would usually pay attention to her. But since she had come with Lin Lihua and she was truly pretty, she was not ignored either.

    ...

    As the banquet progressed, the screenwriter gave a look to Lin Lihua, who took a microphone.

    Her fans felt excited just seeing their idol pick up a microphone. Was she going to perform?

    Although this was an opening ceremony and the people attending were mostly the crew and media, Lin Lihua''s fans still made a large part of them.

    She was never rude to the media when they interviewed her and even if she was busy, she would try to spare just a few minutes to accept interviews.

    This made the media personnel really love her.

    "My queen just took a microphone. Is she going to perform?"

    "I think she''s going to say something. Announce her engagement perhaps? Talking of which, her fianc¨¦ is really handsome. If he didn''t already belong to our queen, I would want him for myself!"

    "Are you really Lin Lihua''s fan? She announced her engagement already. Perhaps she wants to introduce the little girl she came with."

    "I bet on a glass of wine that she is going to sing." A reporter who hadn''t seen Lin Lihua perform for a while hoped.

    Amid their whispers, she stood on the stage.

    "Good evening ladies and gentlemen."

    "Ah! Lihua! Lihua!" Her fans broke into cheers and shouts of love before she said anything important.

    "I would like to take advantage of the spotlight, to announce that..."

    She took a deep breath and smiled. At this point, everyone was quiet, anticipating her words.

    "This will be my final movie."

    What followed was silence. What did Lin Lihua just say?

    What was that?

    Her final movie? Did that mean that....no! Impossible!

    "That''s right. I''m retiring from the entertainment industry." She said.

    "Lihua, why?" A fan felt struck and cried out.

    "I was wondering just now how come the CEO pf Qing Tai Media appeared here. It turns out it''s because my queen is retiring. Boohoo...why are all talented actors and actresses retiring?"

    "Is it because you don''t like us anymore?" Another acted like she had been abandoned by a lover.

    "Have we disappointed you?"

    Lin Lihua felt sad too. Her fans had always been her greatest reason to continue being an actress and when she was at the lowest point of her career, her greatest support. "No. You have not disappointed me and I still like you." At this point, she could only use another approach. "I, in fact, like you so much that...I''m going behind the scenes to bring you more actresses. I''m currently the owner of an entertainment agency. Isn''t this great?"

    As expected of fans, they were easily pacified if it was their idol speaking.

    "It''s great! It''s great! Lihua, I will support you forever!"

    "I will support even your children and grandchildren, as long as you don''t completely disappear on us."

    "Forget about disappearing on us. As long as my queen is happy, I will support all her decisions."

    ...

    If you are reading this book outside w ebnovel, what you are reading is pirated content.

    Please support the original author by reading from the official site.

    Go to w ebnovel, search my beautiful love.

    ...

    Seeing that most of her fans were no longer hysterical, she said the name of her entertainment agency. "HL Entertainment will create many more Lihuas. Don''t be too sad, okay?" She resorted to coaxing them like kids. A huge percentage of her fans were teenagers anyway.

    Discussion broke out following this. "HL Entertainment? What do those two letters mean?"

    "I don''t know if I''m being a busybody, but isn''t her fianc¨¦''s first name Henry?"

    "Haha! I thought I was the only one thinking of this. They love each other so much!"

    "Hurry up and get kids already."

    Exposed mercilessly by her fans, Lin Lihua felt a little embarassed. By this time, she had long put down the microphone and the reporters were trying to find a way to interview her.

    Because they expected this reaction, Lin Lihua''s announcement was right before the end of the banquet. This way, she didn''t cause any inconveniece.

    She had spoken to the producer beforehand and he didn''t mind her using the event to make such an announcement.

    In actual fact, he felt honored.

    Lin Lihua would have already retired but because he was the producer of the first movie she had ever acted in, she wanted her last movie to be his too.

    Because of this, it was a guarantee that this movie would explode to the highest peak of popularity even before it started shooting officially.

    With Lin Lihua''s permission, he would use "Lin Lihua''s final movie" as a gimmick to make his movie gain even more popularity. The sales would blow up the rooftop!

    Who would not want this form of free publicity?

    £¬

 Chapter 413 - Lihua must sing

    "Lihua, I will only be pacified if you sing a pretty song." A fan declared emotionally.

    Like a domino, the others joined in. "Yes, yes. Lihua must sing tonight."

    Lin Lihua was just about to leave with Henry Blanc and Shishi but their path was blocked.

    Since the opening ceremony was being livestreamed and they had seen her announce her retirement, many fans had rushed over.

    The bodyguards were ready to get them out of her way but they waited for her instructions. Lin Lihua never wanted anyone to hurt her fans or push them unnecessarily. If she really had to leave, only then would they be politely asked to make way.

    Since she had just announced her retirement, she was indulgent tonight. "What song do you want to listen to?"

    They exchanged looks. Only one song?

    "If it''s one song, can it be a duet with Prince Charming?" The Prince Charming being talked about was obviously Henry Blanc.

    Lin Lihua turned to her fianc¨¦ and saw that he didn''t look very willing to sing. "But your prince charming is so tired tonight. He should go home soon and rest."

    "But it''s just one song, just for tonight. Can''t he compromise this once? Pretty please."

    "Yeah, Prince Charming, our queen will thank you appropriately tonight!"

    Lin Lihua felt embarassed. Girls nowadays were so...unrestrained.

    Since this was only something that happened once in a lifetime, Henry Blanc agreed.

    "If it''s a duet, how about we sing "my vow" by yours truly?"

    "I was about to choose that!"

    "Our husband has excellent taste."

    "He is marrying our Lihua. Of course that''s a heavenly level of excellent taste."

    Henry Blanc was speechless at their way of adressing him. Who in the world was their prince charming? Wasn''t he too old for such a childish nickname? And who the hell was their husband?

    ___

    After singing Lin Lihua''s song amid cheers and tears from the fans, the Blanc couple were finally allowed to leave. Even then, they were reluctant to let them go because, this would be the last opening ceremony that Lin Lihua would ever attend as an actress.

    To spend more time together, Henry Blanc asked her to stay in his Southside Villa tonight.

    He had not yet completed the procedure for moving Le Blanc Group''s headquaters to Country C, so he had to go back the next day.

    They dropped off Shishi, who was unable to stop herself from crying emotionally because she would no longer see her idol on the screens.

    "Don''t cry anymore. You will be able to see me as much as you want, since you are my sister''s little friend." Lin Lihua coaxed.

    "But it''s not the same. I still want to see you act and walk runways."

    Lin Lihua gave her a new handkerchief to wipe her tears. "Isn''t it better to see me walk normally?"

    Shishi was suddenly excited amid her trars. "Did I just recieve a handkerchief from my idol? Oh my god! Erm...Lihua, can I...can I get a signed photo of you when you are free? I hope it''s not too much trouble."

    Lin Lihua rubbed her back. Poor girl. She would give her a ton of her signed photos later.

    As for the way of adressing her, she didn''t mind. After all she was her fan. She was used to being addressed that intimately by them. It would be weird if she suddenly started calling her "sister."

    ...

    When Shishi left, Henry Blanc finally had the chance to carry his woman home.

    Those girls! Luckily, the young men and teenage boys were fewer tonight. If not, he would have already detonated in jealousy.

    It was all his wife''s fault for looking as young as someone in her early twenties despite being already thirty. The little lads and lasses just couldn''t get over her.

    "Did you retire because you''re afraid that I will mind?" He asked.

    Lin Lihua shook her head. "I already started my entertainment agency. If I still act in movies and also take care of Lin Industries, it will be too much to handle. Besides, I''m already too old. The screens need a new queen."

    "Who said you are old? You are still so young that you can safely star in a television series like a young girl experiencing first love. Who dares to say that my Lihua is old?"

    Lin Lihua chuckled. She was already thirty. Although she looked young, it didn''t mean she actually was. She was not ashamed of her age. "Instead of acting like women falling in love for the first time, why not just embrace my first love?"

    Henry Blanc lifted her up in his arms and went towards his room.

    "Where are we going?" She asked although she could already guess.

    "You said that you were going to embrance your first love. Are you going to do it in the living room?"

    Lin Lihua was speechless.

    Men really had their way of weaving words to have didfferent meanings.

    "Besides, your fans promised that you would thank me appropriately tonight. Are you going to let them down?"

    Lin Lihua smacked his chest. "What should I do about you? You are too daring."

    He opened the door to his room using his foot and went in, then placed her on the sofa at the side. "Lihua, I want to have you tonight."

    He enjoyed seeing her stunned and speechless look. "Now, this is being daring, okay?"

    "Henry Blanc!" How could he tease her like that? Although she was already thirty, it would be her first time and she was still a little nervous about it.

    "I know that was a half joke and you actually want to...but can we wait until we''re married?"

    "No problem. It can wait."

    The most important thing was that he was already her man, and she was his fianc¨¦e. It didn''t matter if she was not ready to make love with him. He would wait until she was ready.

 Chapter 414 - Your boss is next

    That night, Henry Blanc and his fianc¨¦e spent the larger part of the night watching a movie and chatting the night away.

    Unknowingly, she fell asleep nestled in his embrace. Henry Blanc carried her with ease into the room opposite his own.

    However, he was not able to sleep since he had slept during the whole six hours of his flight, and ended up watching his beauty all night. Even in her sleep, she still looked so beautiful that he ended up kissing her face every few minutes.

    ...

    The next morning, Lin Lihua saw him off at the airport.

    Because he had a lot of work to do, he only came for a day.

    Lin Lihua couldn''t help saying something about it. "You knew that you are so busy, but you still came all the way here? Using up twelve hours just so you can stay with me for eleven?"

    "Technically, we stayed together for thirteen hours and thirty minutes. It''s worth it." In fact, it would still be worth it even if he had to stay in a plane for twelve hours just to spend a minute with her.

    Lin Lihua couldn''t refute him. "Fine, just go and do your work. I don''t know what to do about you."

    Although she wanted to be with him as well, she didn''t want to tire him out.

    "Wait, Amy isn''t going back with you?"

    "Forget about her.  When she''s done fooling around with her boyfriend, she will make her way back to Country F on her own."

    Lin Lihua made a sound of approval, although she wondered what kind of mother Amy Blanc was. If she had a child, she wouldn''t leave him with his grandparents just to do things that are not mandatory. If that man liked her even a bit, he would go to Country F to find her instead.

    Minding her own business, she watched her fianc¨¦ leave then went to use the bathrooms.

    While washing her hands, she realized that someone was behind her. It was a handsome man.

    She dodged his hand that was going to hit her neck and knock her off.

    Not wanting to cause a ruckus, she left the restrooms and rushed through the corridor in long strides.

    However, another man intercepted her just ahead.

    She crossed her hands against her chest and glanced at the men who were slowly increasing in number. "What do you want?"

    The handsome man was behind her again. "Miss Lin, please come with us. We don''t want to cause a ruckus or hurt anyone and I believe that neither do you."

    Lin Lihua laughed. "Is that so? And who do you think you are to order me around?"

    The man gnashed his teeth. What a woman! You are being kidnapped, okay? Could you at least show some fear?

    However, Lin Lihua didn''t look scared. In fact, she probably even looked down on them a little. "Listen, I''d really love to play with you, but I don''t have the time. Let me go."

    "Miss Lin, if you don''t come with us, don''t blame us for not being polite."

    Lin Lihua smiled through the mask covering her mouth. The men could not see it but could tell from her eyes. "Oh? I wonder how you are going to be impolite?"

    The handsome man felt more and more irked. How could a woman have such guts?

    Unfortunately, this was an airport and they couldn''t blatantly appear to be kidnapping someone. Also, it was the only time they would find her unguarded so they couldn''t let this chance go. They had to deliver Lin Lihua to the boss by all means.

    As though the people speaking to her were not kidnappers, Lin Lihua pushed them aside and strode foward. Just like she wanted, she was now in a place where there were some people. If they continued bothering her, it would alert the security personnel.

    However, she underestimated their guts.

    The man grabbed her hand and pulled her with him.

    The scene of a man boldly pulling a woman''s hand would obviously attract attention. Especially since the woman looked unwilling and even shocked.

    People''s attention was piqued and they started looking over.

    Seeing that the security personnel had also been alerted by his actions, he gripped her hand harder. "Honey, let''s go back home, alright? We can talk this out later." Then, he shamelessly flashed a smile and looked at the security personnel who were making their way towards him. "My wife is mad at me and wants to leave the country. Please forgive us for troubling the public with our fi..."

    Before he finished saying ''fights'', he felt a swoosh as a hand appeared before his eyes. The next thing he heard was a boom as that fair hand clashed with his face.

    What followed was a rain of punches onto his chest, stomach and more on his face. All the while, he couldn''t get close to her, let alone fight back.

    The man coughed out blood as he stared at the woman disbelievingly. Although she didn''t look like a fragile butterfly, she didn''t look like she could fight either!

    He growled like a pig being slaughtered as he recieved punch after punch from a woman.

    Lin Lihua stepped on the man''s palm with her high heeled shoe, making it so painful that it could drill a hole on that palm. "You can try to kidnap people, but you cannot speak nonsense. Tell your boss that he''s next."

    After saying that, Lin Lihua sauntered away. She had not wanted to fight because she hated hitting people unless she really had no choice. Also, just now she was studying all the plans these guys had to kidnap her so she could have an idea of who their boss could be. Alas, that man spoke nonsense and earned a good beating from her.

    Behind her, everyone''s jaw was almost touching the floor

    "Is that....a woman?"

    "A woman can fight that professionally?"

 Chapter 415 - Beat him up one sidedly

    "What do you mean fight? She beat him up one sidedly, okay?"

    "Her gaze just now...I felt like I had seen the devil."

    "You guys are focusing on the least important points. That woman''s silhouette and her aura before she started fighting, why do I think she''s so much like that very famous actress who retired last night, Lin Lihua?"

    "Quit dreaming. Why would a superstar beat someone up? Even if she retired last night, the possibility is still low."

    Because it was an airport, there were many foreigners and they all witnessed the scene.

    From what they saw, they could understand that the man was probably trying to assault the woman and ended up getting beaten up. In Country C, grabbing Lin Lihua''s hand like that was considered sexual harassment.

    "What are you guys waiting for? This bastard should have been arrested long ago."

    Just now, the security  personnel had also been stunned when the woman suddenly went into battle mode and beat someone up.

    Upon this reminder, they pulled the lackeys that were trying to slip away.

    They had come prepared with two plans. If Lin Lihua wasn''t  scared into leaving with them, they would this ''fighting couple'' act. Little did they know that Lin Lihua would turn into a devil and dole out a generous beating.

    Not only did they fail in their mission, they were being arrested as well.

    ...

    That night, Wan Jia brought her baby for a meal at the Lin residence as she had promised her mother.

    Lu Aotian was tagging along too.

    As expected, Xia Rou was exploding in happiness.

    "You guys are here. Please have seats, dinner will be ready soon." She couldn''t stop herself from picking Little Jia up.

    "My baby darling is here too. You have grown much prettier and taller. I''m so mad at your mom for not bringing you over sooner."

    Little Jia wrapped her tiny hands around Xia Rou''s neck and smiled brightly. "Grandma, please don''t be mad. It''s not good for your health. If grandma is in poor health, Little Jia''s heart will break. Aren''t I here now?"

    Xia Rou rubbed her granddaughter''s head. "What a sweet child. Baby darling, do you want to follow grandma to the kitchen?"

    Little Jia nodded before looking at her mother. "Mommy, can I?"

    "Of course honey. Listen to grandma and don''t run around carelessly."

    Little Jia smiled in excitement and nodded. "Little Jia will be good."

    Xia Rou walked towards the kitchen with Little Jia still in her arms.

    The little girl was currently peering over Xia Rou''s shoulder as though looking for something. "Grandma, where is Grandpa Lin?"

    "He went to check on the company and hasn''t returned yet. I bet he hasn''t eaten a grain of rice all day. Sigh, that old man will make me age faster."

    The second and last parts was a mumble in a low note that she thought Little Jia hadn''t heard.

    Alas, the little girl widened her already big eyes. "Grandma, how can you say that? You''re not aging at all! You look half your age."

    Xia Rou chuckled. There was no woman who didn''t like being called young. "Really?"

    "Absolutely! If I told people that you were my aunt, no one would doubt me. You are so beautiful that other people must be jealous of you."

    Xia Rou looked at the little bundle of cuteness blabbering on and on about how beautiful her grandmother was. She had to admit, that was one sweet tongue.

    As Little Jia watched her grandmother finish up cooking the few remaining dishes like a professional chef, her interest was attracted. "Grandma, can you teach me how to cook? When I learn how to do it, grandma will no longer have to cook alone and get tired. I will accompany you."

    Xia Rou''s heart melted yet again. "Baby, how can you be so cute? Actually, grandma doesn''t get tired from cooking. It''s my best hobby.

    When you are old enough, grandma will teach you."

    Little Jia was suddenly displeased about everyone only promising to teach her everything she wanted to learn when she was old enough.

    "Grandma, how old is that? Will it take very long?"

    "Little Jia is an intelligent girl so in less than a decade, you will learn most of the things you are curious about."

    Little Jia looked up at  Xia Rou with her lovely pair of big  bright eyes. They literally had starts in them. "But grandma can teach me the simplest things?"

    Xia Rou just couldn''t resist her cute expression. "Okay, anything for cute my baby darling. Tell your parents that dinner is ready."

    Little Jia was giddy from being called a cute darling by her grandmother and ran out. "Mommy, daddy, dinner is ready."

    Wan Jia looked at her daughter who had a tiny apron on. "Little Jia, you look very cute."

    She wondered where Xia Rou got such a pretty apron but thinking that she was a designer, it was no surprise that she had it. Perhaps she had always wanted to take Little Jia to the kitchen.

    The servants helped Xia Rou to set the dining table.

    At this time, Lin Zhou had just returned with Lin Lihua. To be exact, Lin Lihua was dragging him back home. "Aiyo! Mom, I brought your husband back. If not, he would still be working his butt off at the office."

    Everyone burst into laughter. Lin Zhou exposed his own daughter mercilessly. "Don''t listen to her nonsense. This child was working so hard that I had to drag her off work. She still doesn''t know what''s good for her own body."

    He went ahead to say hi to Lu Aotian and his family.

    Little Jia lifted her tiny arms towards him. "Grandpa, hug."

    Although Lin Zhou didn''t like Lu Aotian that much, there was really no way anyone would dislike Little Jia. He picked her up and tousled her long hair. "Good girl, Little Jia. Did you miss grandpa?"

 Chapter 416 - Wan Jias unique taste

    "I missed grandpa very much." She pursed her cute pink lips and kissed Lin Zhou on the cheek.

    Lin Zhou''s heart flooded with happiness.

    Little Jia proceeded to hug her aunt as well  before letting Xia Rou help her onto the seat beside her own.

    After the meal, Lin Lihua was spending the night in the Lin residence.

    Although Wan Jia''s and Little Jia''s rooms had already been prepared after the last time she was here, Lu Aotian still wanted to go back.

    Xia Rou didn''t have anything to say about that. The Lin residence wasn''t that far away from Southside Villas anyway. She would still spend time with her daughter since she was now working for MAX studio. As for Little Jia, she would find time to go and visit her.

    "You girls should be careful and not go anywhere on your own. Don''t get yourselves kidnapped again." Xia Rou said to her daughters.

    Wan Jia was confused while Lin Lihua slapped her forehead. Did her mother have to bring that up? She had not told Lin Zhou about it because she didn''t want him to worry about her.

    "Again?" Lin Zhou glanced at Lin Lihua and Wan Jia.

    Ignoring her eldest daughter''s pleading look, she said, "You don''t know yet? Our Lihua was almost kidnapped today. It was just lucky that she knows a move or two. If not, I don''t want to think about what would happen. We should really find ways to increase our daughters'' security."

    Lin Zhou remained silent, probably considering this matter. Though Wan Jia didn''t need his protection.

    Lu Aotian finally spoke up. "I''ll take care of my princesses. Sister-in-law, can you spare a minute?"

    Lin Lihua had never got accustomed to being called ''sister-in-law'' by such a man as Lu Aotian, so she remained in a daze for a moment before snapping out of it. "Okay, we can talk in the study."

    Wan Jia looked at them curiously. Aside from Lu Enterprises'' project that was being done in collaboration with Lin Industries, those two didn''t have anything in common. But, she didn''t ask anything. If it was meant for her ears, she would hear it from her husband later.

    Since she hadn''t eaten much at dinner, Little Jia was eating dessert specially prepared for her by her grandmother. Happiness was written all over her face as she munched on it like a squirrel and made one speechless.

    ...

    In the study.

    Lin Lihua was curious too. "Is this about the project?"

    "The kidnapping." Lu Aotian  said two words.

    Lin Lihua understood. She spoke of everything she had gathered. "That person must have been following me for quite some time for them to know when I went out without bodyguards. They had multiple plans up their sleeves; coercion, force...obviously they were not sure that they would get me.

    The mastermind has to be someone whose power doesn''t match up to mine so he can only use wits, and is bad at that too."

    Lu Aotian had already got an answer. When he heard that Lin Lihua was kidnapped just now, he made a guess, and Lin Lihua''s explation confirmed by at least eighty percent that he was right.

    "I''ll send bodyguards to protect you." He suddenly said.

    Lin Lihua thought she was hearing things. "Thanks, but I have my own bodyguards. Why would you protect me anyway?" Even if a man had to protect her, it had to be her man, right?

    Lu Aotian didn''t answer her. He just walked out. What would she gain if she explained it to her? This kidnapping was more or less unrelated to her. "Just take care."

    He would still send bodyguards. He didn''t want Henry Blanc blaming him for making his woman a target.

    Behind him, Lin Lihua frowned. Tsk, do you have to look like you were losing out by speaking to me? My little sister''s taste is rather unique.

    ...

    At home, Lu Aotian didn''t hide anything from his wife. "She was kidnapped to target us."

    "What do you mean?" What was the relationship? Wasn''t it weird for someone unrelated to be kidnapped because of him? No matter how you looked at it, Lin Lihua was just a sister-in-law to him.

    "Powerless people always try to sow discord." He explained. "Lin Lihua is your sister as well as Henry''s fianc¨¦e. If I was asked for a ransom that I can''t give, something like giving up the company and anything happened to Lin Lihua, both Henry and you will blame me at some point."

    If he put it that way, she thought it made sense.

    Although such an instance wouldn''t be Lu Aotian''s fault, she couldn''t guarantee that she wouldn''t blame him in her anguish.

    She knew that he cared about her happiness more than anything else, but such a situation might make her think for a second that it was because Lin Lihua didn''t matter to him that he let it happen.

    Wan Jia scratched her head. "Someone''s giving Yun Jifeng ideas. He wouldn''t come up with something of this sort."

    "How do you know so much about Yun Jifeng?" Lu Aotian gave her a serious look and asked, to which she rolled her eyes. "Don''t tell me you''re jealous of this too? I stayed with that man under the same roof for many months. If he was this scheming, he would be at least twice as powerful as he is."

    Lu Aotian of course knew this. "The person telling him what to do isn''t powerful either."

    "You know them?"

    "Whatever it is, those two presumptuous fools should enjoy their last days on earth. Just a few days. I have already filed a law suit against the old fool."

    "What about the younger fool? If he''s free, won''t he defend his father?"

    "That''s the point. Let him defend his father as much as he can and get himself tangled. Then I will crush him into a rubble."

    Their end was basically just a fortnight away.

 Chapter 417 - Ladies treat

    One week later, Wan Jia had just completed opening her first three stores and managed to stock them.

    Happy with the results of the hard work she had done for the past few months, she wanted to celebrate a little.

    She asked Su Ling, Kara and Lin Lihua out for a meal. Shishi had gone back to her grandfather''s house after Elder Master Zhang guaranteed that they would both be safe. Tonight, she was busy with homework so she couldn''t go along.

    The restaurant they were going to was an old restaurant to which Wan Jia and her classmates frequented during her high school days. It was not exactly what you would call high-end. For women who came from, or were married into, rich families, it was rare to find them coming here.

    As soon as they went in, they were more or less recognized.

    After her retirement, Lin Lihua was planning to stop disguising herself. So tonight she only had a thin layer of makeup on her face with no disguise. And the three other women...!!!

    What kind of day was today?

    It was already rare enough for the staff here to see one big shot of Lin Lihua''s variety.

    The women with her...

    The waitresses serving them were so stunned that they almost wanted to inscribe this incident in their books of history.

    Was that dark-haired woman Kara Yang, the wife of the CEO of Xu Real Estate? The very one who was known as one of the legendary women in the business world? Who didn''t know her? She made frequent appearances on business magazines. It was said that she had never lost to anyone except Wan Jia, who she only voluntarily gave in to because the latter proposed a deal that would benefit both Lu Enterprises and Xu Real Estate.

    Speaking of Wan Jia, was the woman sitting opposite Kara Yang actually her? EFW''s most talented designer, who according to rumors, was about to launch her own brand? All her hard work put aside, she was still Lu Aotian''s wife and the first madam of the nation''s top family, as well as the long lost second miss of the Lin family. Why on earth would she be here?

    And what was Lu Shaoting''s girlfriend, the one who was said to be marrying Lu Shaoting soon, doing here?

    Four big shot women gathered together was such a rare sight that the restaurant owner felt the urge to take pictures of them, and with them.

    ...

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    Please support the original author by reading from the official site.

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    ...

    "Why are the guys not here tonight; where are your husbands?" Kara asked when she realized that only the ladies were present, and no one was saying anything about waiting for anyone.

    "Shaoting is attending a banquet with overseas partners tonight." Su Ling said.

    Lin Lihua:"Henry is one of those partners."

    "Aotian attended it too and so did Mr. Xu, although he is not an overseas partner. Tonight, I wanted it to be just ladies." Wan Jia explained.

    Kara felt it made sense. Xu Laiowen had indeed mentioned a banquet.

    "Are you heartbroken? Did your husband cheat on you?" Kara jested.

    Wan Jia shot her an icy glare. "You are heartbroken. Your husband cheated on you. Seriously, can''t I go out with my girls if the reason is not related to that?"

    In the past few months, Wan Jia had grown quite close to Kara and such a weird joke wasn''t awkward between the two of them.

    Lin Lihua also teased. "Then what is it? Is your bedroom life so boring that you want elder sister to teach you a few tricks?"

    Wan Jia: "Jeez!"

    Su Ling: "President Lu doesn''t look like he would have such problems. Are you perhaps going to tell us some good news, like you are pregnant and want us to help you come up with names?"

    Wan Jia held her head in her hands. "You girls are impossible! Who is pregnant?" In fact, she wished she was, okay? But her period kept coming on time. If Qian Li hadn''t said that she would most likely get pregnant within the first five months, she would start thinking that he had been a fraud. There was still two months until then.

    "Does anyone want to eat or what?" Wan Jia looked at them when the meals were served.

    "Let''s dig in. It''s not every day we get treated by our future in-laws." Kara said, and earned yet another glare from Wan Jia. "Are you still plotting to take my daughter away? I''m telling you, don''t even dream about it. Tangtang will have to be capable of making my baby happy before he can go ten meters within her radius."

    "How is this a plot? Can you not sound like President Lu?"  Kara was speechless.

    Wan Jia didn''t spare her another glance. "You should try the shrimp. This restaurant''s meals are more simple than what you are accustomed to, but they are vey delicious."

    Following her lead, Everyone took shrimp to try.

    However, as soon as Su Ling felt it''s taste on her tongue, her brows involuntarily furrowed.

    "You don''t like the taste?" Lin Lihua was surprised. She liked it very much herself.

    "I don''t like sea food that much." She said.

    However, although that was the case, she didn''t dislike it that much either. Just now, her stomach even churned.

    "That''s okay. You can try other dishes. There''s still broccoli cheese rice." Kara recommended the dishes she had tasted.

    "The sticky ginger salmon is very good as well." Lin Lihua said, but when Su Ling tried it, the smell nauseated her even before she put it in her mouth.

    "Are you alright?" Lin Lihua looked at her quizzically.

    Wan Jia was worried. "Are you feeling unwell?"

    Something flashed in Kara''s mind. "Do you think you..."

 Chapter 418 - Are you pregnant?

    For some reason, Su Ling felt incredibly scared. "I what?"

    The other three women seemed to have thought of the same thing. Lin Lihua coughed.

    Wan Jia raised her eyebrows. Su Ling''s face was kind of pale...

    Kara''s eyes shifted slowly towards Su Ling''s stomach. "Are you...pregnant?"

    Hearing the word, Su Ling felt an explosion in her brain.

    Pregnant?

    She laughed. "You girls are thinking too much. As if I would be preg..."

    Before she finished the word, her stomach churned violently and she ran off into the bathroom.

    She came back feeling better a few minutes later. She sat back down confidently. "See? You were thinking too much. Aren''t I totally fine?"

    Like I would be pregnant."

    Kara was not convinced that she was fine. "I still think you could be. Why don''t you just take a test to be sure? You know, it would be horrible if you were convinced that you are not, and as a result you did something that would hurt your baby."

    Since it was Kara speaking, she didn''t know what to say, lest it made things awkward between them.

    "You should listen to Kara. She has been pregnant twice after all; we only know the theory of it but she has experienced it twice." Lin Lihua said.

    "Fine, I''ll go to hospital tomorrow. But I''m telling you, I cannot be pregnant."

    Of course, she had a reason to be sure. Forget about her tiny chances. She and Lu Shaoting had only done it twice and taken safety measures both times. How could she have concieved?

    But since she couldn''t say this out aloud, she could only agree to go to hospital.

    Su Ling reached for a glass of wine.

    Unconciously, everyone reached to hold her hand and take it from her hand at the same time.

    "How can you drink wine?"

    Su Ling was speechless. It''s only suspicion. Can you all not act like I''m actually pregnant?

    ...

    The next day, Su Ling freshened up and wanted to go shopping. Today, she was not going to the office because Xiao Rong had taken a day off so she had nothing to do at work.

    She wanted to use this time to shop for groceries and several ingredients to prepare a nice meal for her man. Later, she would call him for dinner and have him spend the night.

    She wore a pair of jeans and a cute pale blue top, grabbed a purse and hailed a cab right outside her apartment.

    Halway to the wet market, there was a hospital on her left.

    That reminded her, she was going to take a test.

    "Sorry, could you go to the hospital we passed just now?" Su Ling changed her destination decisively. She would go to the wet market after taking the test.

    "Miss, are you feeling unwell?" The cab driver asked out of concern, stunned at her sudden change of destination.

    "No. I just want to pick something."

    The cab stopped and the driver wondered whether he should wait for her.

    "I might take long. You can just go back; sorry for troubling you."

    ...

    Entering the hospital, Su Ling went straight into the obstetrics and gynecology unit.

    For some reason, her heart raced fast as soon as she saw the doctor.

    "I would like to take a pregnancy test." As soon as the words let her mouth, she realized just how shaky her voice was.

    Geez! What was wrong with her? Wasn''t it just a pregnancy test whose answer she ready knew?

    Her blood sample was taken and she was asked to wait for a while.

    Soon, the results were out. The female doctor flashed her a smile. "Congratulations Miss Su, you are four weeks pregnant."

    "Huh?"

    Su Ling''s eyes shot open, threatening to roll right out.

    "What did you just say? You didn''t make a mistake, right?"

    The female doctor felt that something was wrong. She confirmed Su Ling''s identity details with her before repeating, "Miss Su, you are really pregnant." She passed the report to her, taking in Su Ling''s reaction that was almost of denial. "Miss Su, do you want to keep it?"

    Su Ling recieved the report with shaking hands. She was pregnant?

    There was a little one in her belly?

    How was that even...!

    "But, from the timing..." four weeks ago should be the first time she and Lu Shaoting made love. Didn''t she take the morning after pill? How was she still pregnant?

    Her vision suddenly became foggy.

    "Miss Su, are you alright?"

    Su Ling''s vision cleared. "I''m okay. I''m just shocked."

    Something wasn''t right. No, two things weren''t right.

    "Miss Su, if you don''t want this child, I am usually strongly against abortion but you can do it while it''s still early."

    Hearing her voice, Su Ling rubbed her stomach subconciously. A smile slowly appeared on her lips. "I''m keeping it. Please recommend me the best food and supplements to eat to keep my baby healthy."

    Who was she kidding? She had spent all these years hoping the heavens would grant her a chance to be a mother. Now that there was another little one in her belly, how could she hurt him? Not to mention, this was Lu Shaoting''s baby.

    When she left the hospital, she was still under the impression that she was dreaming.

    She took out her phone and dialled Lu Shaoting''s number.

    The call was connected immediately. The man sounded happy. "Honey, I have a meeting to chair in ten minutes. Is something the matter?"

    Since this was a dream, Su Ling greedily wanted to embrace every second of it and even tell the good news to her man.

    "Shaoting, I came from hospital just now..." tears rolled down her cheeks.

    Lu Shaoting became worried. "Are you alright?"

    "Yes. I''m fine, nothing''s wrong with me. Shaoting I...I''m pregnant."

    Almost immediately, Lu Shaoting''s voice fileld her ears. "I see. I''m hunging up now." The busy tone followed.

    In that instant....

    Her dream shattered.

 Chapter 419 - Go find your wife

    Su Ling''s eyes widened. Her hands slowly loosened and the report in her hand as well as her phone dropped to the floor.

    She stood in a daze for a few seconds before picking them up slowly.

    Wasn''t he supposed to be happy? Why was his reaction so strange? Could it be...that he was not ready to be a father?

    However, thinking of the rule about not letting children from the Lu family be aborted or born away from the family, she felt pacified. Although she was not the type of woman who would take advantage of her pregnancy to pin a man down, she was happy about this guarantee. At least her baby will not be born a bastard and face ridicule.

    Wait, what was she thinking? Lu Shaoting hadn''t said anything negative. She shouldn''t jump into conclusions.

    ...

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    ...

    She decided to leave the hospital premise first and wait to speak to him later.

    At that moment, her phone vibrated with an incoming call.

    Her spirit was rather low with a tinge of fear when she answered it. "What is it?"

    ___

    A few minutes ago, in Lu Enterprises, the office of the Vice President.

    Lu Shaoting had just been notified by his brother that he was to chair a meeting on his behalf. The latter had to leave the company building to check on something important on urgent notice.

    The meeting couldn''t be postponed either, so Lu Shaoting could let his assistant handle other matters. Lu Aotian briefed him on all the details.

    It just happened to be at this time that Su Ling called.

    Lu Shaoting looked at his brother pleadingly.

    One look and Lu Aotian knew who was calling. Knowing how much Su Ling meant to his brother, if he didn''t let him pick that call, Lu Shaoting wouldn''t be completely attentive in that meeting. He might in fact mess up the whole meeting altogether.

    "Two minutes." he said.

    Lu Shaoting picked it happily, though he knew that he couldn''t talk for too long.

    Alas, he could only be brief.

    "Honey, I have a meeting to chair in ten minutes. Is something the matter?"

    Su Ling''s voice didn''t sound right. "Shaoting, I came from hospital just now..."

    He instantly became worried. "Are you alright?"

    "Yes. I''m fine, nothing''s wrong with me. Shaoting I...I''m pregnant."

    He was just about to ask more about why she went to hospital but his brother was looking at him, so he could only end the call. He would call her after the meeting. "I see. I''m hanging up now."

    ...

    He had to hang up although he didn''t want to.

    Then he looked at his brother and lamented.

    "Bro, you are too mean. Would you act the same way if the person calling was sister-in-law? You are only being so serious because it is..."

    Eer...

    Wait. A. Second.

    What did his Su Ling just say?

    Pregnant?

    She said that she was pregnant? She was from hospital just now and that was the result, right?

    He felt an electric current in his brain.

    This had to be a dream. No way. It must because he had been hoping to have a child with her so much that he had started having hallucinations. That had to be it.

    He tried to shake his head to clear his mind, his heart racing like wild horses against his chest. "Did my Su Ling call me just now?"

    Lu Aotian gave him a scornful look.

    "Did she just say that she....she''s pregnant?"

    The look in Lu Aotian''s eyes scolded him as an idiot. Realization dawned on him just now?

    While speaking to her, he had unknowingly put the call on speaker at some point and Lu Aotian unintentionally heard the part where she said that she was pregnant.

    He had registered this news himself, although he acted like he hadn''t heard anything, yet his younger brother''s mind had not processed it yet?

    Lu Shaoting''s voice shook as he said to his brother, "Let me confirm it, okay? It will be quick."

    Without waiting for his approval, he dialled Su Ling''s number.

    Lu Aotian wasn''t going to refuse him after all. He knew what huge news it was to be a father.

    When Su Ling picked the call, she sounded strange, as though she was in a bad mood.

    "What is it?"

    Lu Shaoting was brimming with excitement. "Baby, did you call me just now?"

    Su Ling answered monotonously. "Yes."

    "Did you say that...you are pregnant?" His voice went low as though afraid that she would say that it wasn''t what she had said before, and shatter his fantasy mercilessly.

    "Yes."

    The next thing he felt was fireworks in his head. It was true....

    He broke into an unrestrained smile.

    He had not misheard her. She had indeed said that.

    His! Wife! Was! Pregnant!

    The next thing Lu Aotian saw was his younger brother jumping and running around him like a lunatic.

    "I''m going to be a dad! Bro, I''m really going to be a dad! My Ling is pregnant! Hahahaha."

    "Congratulations." Lu Aotian only gave him one glance before finding someone else to chair the meeting on his behalf. His younger brother was probably too excited now. "Go find your wife. She was probably scared off by your reaction."

    ___

    At the same time, Su Ling was extremely annoyed. What kind of reaction was that?

    But she couldn''t blame him. He must have been busy and had a slow reaction.

    She had been so excited just now that she rushed to break the news, even though she could have waited and told him about it tonight.

    In fact, she was so happy that she didn''t hear his first statement clearly, the one where he said that he had a meeting to chair in ten minutes.

 Chapter 420 - I love you both

    But, looking at it from the bright side, his unexpected reaction had confirmed that she was awake.

    Guessing that he was still busy, he gave Wan Jia a call.

    "Sister-in-law? Are you free?"

    Wan Jia was in MAX building, preparing to rush over to Lu Enterprises. "Sorry, I''m chairing a meeting in Aotian''s place, and I''ll probably be late no matter how fast I am. But if it''s urgent..."

    "It''s nothing. I''ll call you later then."

    Since Su Ling didn''t sound like anything was wrong, Wan Jia let her hang up.

    ...

    If you are reading this book outside w ebnovel  what you are reading is pirated content. Please support the original author by reading from the official site.

    Go to w ebnovel, search my beautiful love.

    ...

    Although she was certain that she was awake, Su Ling went through her call history for the umpteenth time.

    She had really called Lu Shaoting. Then he called her back to confirm what he had just heard. He didn''t sound unhappy about it in his second call.

    She rushed home and locked herself in her bedroom, taking out the hospital report.

    She was pregnant. She and Lu Shaoting were really going to be parents.

    She pinched herself hard on her arm. She winced in the excuriating pain. So it was not a dream!

    At that moment, she heard a pair of rushed footsteps that were familiar to her ears, then the door to her bedroom opened.

    "Honey..."

    The man had obviously run for a long distance. There was sweat on his forehead and he had ripped off his tie. One look and she knew that he had probably forgotten to take the elevator and run all the way up.

    He was about to ask her something but saw the report lying on her bed. He picked it up with quivering hands, as though his life depended on it.

    By the time his mind cleared, he must have read through it twenty times. He hadn''t even dared to blink his eyes, afraid that the report would disappear along with the news that he was going to be a father.

    He suddenly pulled the nervous Su Ling into a tight hug, his eyes almost letting out tears of joy.

    Su Ling was already a crying mess. Not only were they going to become parents, Lu Shaoting was happy about it.

    When Lu Shaoting thought about the four weeks timeline, he frowned.

    "Who said your chances were slim? That doctor has to be fired. He is a quack."

    She concieved from their first time. Where was the hard part, huh?

    Recalling that she was pregnant, Lu Shaoting broke the hug so as to not hurt the baby.

    Su Ling understood his action and clung to him. "It''s alright. The baby is still so tiny.

    When you hung up on me a while ago, I thought you didn''t want us anymore."

    Lu Shaoting thought she was being too paranoid. "I love you so much. How can I not want you and our baby?"

    His words brought her joy and comfort. "I love you so much Shaoting."

    Lu Shaoting traced her body, all the way to her belly and rubbed it. "I love you too. Both of you." He knelt and placed his ear on her belly and listened, anticipating that he would hear something.

    Su Ling laughed at her man''s antics. "You can''t feel it now. It is still too little."

    Of course he knew this. He was just too excited.

    "Are you tired? You should rest and I''ll prepare you a meal. This evening, we will announce the news to the family and our friends."

    "I want to cook for you." She protested. Although she hadn''t bought the ingredients she wanted to buy for preparing him a meal, she could have some delivered.

    Lu Shaoting''s expression turned stern. "No can do. The first three months are usually the most delicate. The kitchen is not a place for you."

    Su Ling felt wronged. "I''m just pregnant, okay? Can you not act like I''m terminally ill?"

    Lu Shaoting held her little face that looked sad and kissed her forehead. "Honey, I just want to take good care of you. You do know that many accidents can happen in places like the kitchen, right? Be good. I''ll be done before you know it."

    Reluctantly, she took her phone to play with as Lu Shaoting cooked in the kitchen.

    As soon as Lu Shaoting was done cooking and he started arranging the dishes on the dining table, her eyes lit up and she rushed over to hug him from the back.

    He was worried and turned around to look at her. "Is anything wrong?"

    "No. If nothing is wrong, I can''t hug you?"

    Lu Shaoting was probably more anxious than usual because of her pregnancy.

    When she kept clinging onto him, he couldn''t help but giggle. "You''re sticking onto me so much. Is our baby a girl or what?"

    Su Ling rolled his eyes at him. "Why don''t you just evaporate?"

    Because he was in a good mood, it was alright even if he was being scolded.

    When Su Ling took a look at the dishes he had just prepared for her, she almost burst into tears. "Does my food have to be so boring?"

    Lu Shaoting rubbed her head. "It''s not boring at all. Just a little different from the spicy food you usually eat. When our baby is born, I will cook anything you want to eat."

    He had already done research for pregnant women''s diet beforehand, probably just hoping that he would use the knowledge one day.

    "There''s only one regret." He said as he looked at her.

    "What is it?"

    He looked like a spoilt little boy throwing a tantrum. "Will I have to be a monk for all those months? It''s even more unfair that my Ling is so sweet."

    Su Ling smacked him. "If you speak any more nonsense, I''ll run off with our baby."

 Chapter 421 - Wife-slave Lu Shaoting

    Lu Shaoting instantly stopped blabbering. "I won''t speak any more nonsense."

    Su Ling took a bite and frowned. Not spicy at all.

    Lu Shaoting was quick to notice her reaction. "Honey, are you feeling unwell? Should I call the family doctor?"

    Su Ling glared at him. "Shut up and eat your food."

    Lu Shaoting shut up, only to speak again a few seconds later. "Baby, I''m not dreaming, right? We are really going to be pa..."

    Su Ling shoved celery into his mouth.

    When he swallowed it, he looked at her and opened his mouth to say, "Honey..."

    Su Ling interrupted him with a fierce glare. "Lu Shaoting, one more word of crap from you and I''ll really run off."

    Lu Shaoting got frightened. "Sorry my love, I won''t spew nonsense anymore."

    Su Ling smiled in satisfaction. Actually, she wasn''t mad at him. She understood that he was still new to this and in disbelief for the most part. She just wanted to punish him a little for not letting her have spicy food or cook for him.

    ...

    When they were done eating and Lu Shaoting had done the dishes, he dried his hands up carefully before hugging her.

    "Honey, I''ve been good. You won''t run off with our baby, right?"

    Su Ling burst into laugher.

    Did men turn into their women''s slaves when their women got pregnant? He was totally acting like one.

    As though saying that he was a good boy, she went on her tip toes and kissed his cheek. "I will not. I can''t bear to."

    To reveal the good news to their family and closest friends, they would invite them for a meal in the old Lu residence.

    Lu Shaoting''s closest friends were actually the three men he had been hanging out with frequently; Lu Aotian, Henry Blanc, Xu Liaowen and their wives.

    As for Su Ling''s friends, sadly she had none except Lu Shaoting''s closest friends. She couldn''t invite her family to such a gathering either. That was a cluster of gold diggers and selfish monsters. Who knows, they might even try to make her miscarry. She was not deliberately being unforgiving, but she knew too well that they had wanted to make her break up with Lu Shaoting and have Su Qianqian replace her.

    ...

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    ...

    ___

    When Lu Tongyan was informed of his son''s wish to invite his friends home for dinner, he knew something nice would follow.

    Perhaps he was going to propose to Su Ling?

    If that was the case, he wouldn''t mind really. Although he had been against his second son being with that girl in the beginning, that was no longer the case.

    She might have been a little bad in the past but she had proven to be genuinely kind and to truly love Lu Shaoting.

    Since she loved him whole heartedly, he was sure that she wouldn''t leave him in case of hardships. Having both his sons experience heartbreaks wouldn''t be fun.

    On another not, If the family didn''t have an heir yet, he would be worried but they already had Little Jia. Don''t get him wrong, he didn''t have anything against foster children. It was just that sometimes, not everyone was grateful after being shown kindness. If an adoptive child took over the family business, what if they turned evil later and caused the company''s downfall?

    Aside from this, he was looking foward to holding Lu Shaoting''s and Su Ling''s babies.

    Actually, he was starting to wonder when his second son was going to take their relationship to the next level.

    ...

    At dinner.

    The chefs had basically prepared a feast. Of course, Su Ling''s dishes were more nutritious for pregnant women. No one actually realized this, they were simply following Second young master''s orders and thought it was only for Wan Jia who was preparing for pregnancy

    Despite the short notice, everyone made time to come.

    That was except Henry Blanc who was in Country F. He would just be informed of the news later. His fianc¨¦e was present after all.

    The Xus had been asked to bring the kids along to play since Little Jia would be there too.

    As usual, Little Jia and Tangtang clung to Lu Shaoting. This time Small Xixi (Xu Lingxi) was there too. While being fed by Kara, she still kept stretching her soft, tiny hands out, trying to grab onto Lu Shaoting from across the table. He was really so good with kids that they all loved him the most.

    After eating food, Lu Shaoting held Su Ling''s hand.

    Wan Jia lowered her voice and made a guess "Is he going to propose?"

    Kara was seated next to her. "I think so too."

    Because she was at least ninety percent certain that Su Ling was pregnant.

    "Ahem...My Su Ling and I would like to announce that we are going to be parents." He said it all in one breath.

    "Whoa! Can you warn us before you break such huge news?" Xu Liaowen chocked on the water he was drinking and coughed violently.

    Wan Jia got up and hugged Su Ling, happy for her. "The heavens granted your greatest wish! Congratulations."

    The women embraced each other for a long time.

    Kara flashed a smile. "Congratulations to the both of you."

    Su Ling studied her face and when she was certain that the smile was genuine, she returned it. "Thank you."

    Although there was nothing between Kara and Lu Shaoting, she still couldn''t bring herself to like Kara completely. It was still extremely awkward  between them, although Kara didn''t feel the same way. Perhaps it was because she was Lu Shaoting''s first love.

    If she wasn''t married and in love with Xu Liaowen, Su Ling would never trust her.

    Nonetheless, this was Wan Jia''s friend. Based on this fact alone, she was convinced that Kara was not a bad person.

 Chapter 422 - How Shrewd

    Time flew by fast and in the blink of an eye, there was still three days left until Lu Enterprises'' banquet.

    Kara called Wan Jia put for shopping in a childrens'' clothes store. She was going to buy some clothes for Kara and Tangtang, while Wan Jia would buy some for Little Jia. She didn''t have to worry about the attire for Lu Enterprises'' banquet.

    For the sake of publicity, Wan Jia had made gowns for all her friends. Even Shishi would be dressed by her.

    The others would wear couple outfits since they were in pairs after all. This time, she had also made a small suit for Tangtang and a little dress for Little Jia.

    As she picked a cute miniature suit for Tangtang, Kara looked at Wan Jia. "Don''t you think our kids actually like each other? Tangtang even said something about being Little Jia''s husband in future. I''ve heard it so many times that my ears are getting calluses from it."

    Wan Jia chuckled softly. "The kids are just joking around. We can''t take their words too seriously."

    "But they could have an engagement nonetheless. If they end up not liking each other in future, they can break up."

    Wan Jia picked a pale blue little dress. "Is this your new business strategy?" She joked. With Kara, it wouldn''t be a surprise if everything she did was to gain profit. She was a famous business woman after all.

    Kara laughed. "You''ve got to be kidding me. Xu Real Estate is already one of Lu Enterprises'' major business partners. What else would we gain?

    Your daughter is just so beautiful and outstanding that she will have many admirers, my Tangtang may not even have a chance. It would be so nice if she ended up as my daughter-in-law. You will not have to worry about her being treated unfairly by her in-laws."

    Wan Jia studied her expression. It didn''t look like she was hiding any ill intentions. After encountering the Yun family, she had to be careful even about the people closest to her.

    Kara looked at Wan Jia, hoping she would agree.

    Actually, it was because she had heard Xu Liaowen mention something about Little Jia''s future engagement with the first son of Lu Aotian''s business partner. Although it was just a possibility, she still thought that Little Jia and her son would make a better match.

    Most importantly, she wanted to guarantee that her son would be happy in future. If his wife was Little Jia, it was sure that Tangtang''s life would be blissful. She was from the Lu family. Based on this fact alone, one could be sure that her future husband was going to be one lucky person.

    ..

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    ...

    Wan Jia couldn''t make a decision on her own. "When Little Jia is old enough to understand what marriage is, I''ll consider this."

    Kara wasn''t the first person proposing an engagement. Lu Aotian''s friends who had sons had started bringing up this topic as soon as they learnt that Lu Aotian had a daughter.

    He had rejected all of them without flinching.

    The last time, she had half-joked about Little Jia marrying Tangtang in future. Although Lu Aotian didn''t agree to it, he didn''t reject it either.

    Kara flashed a smile and picked an extremely cute pink dress. "You don''t mind if I buy this for my possibly future daughter-in-law, do you?"

    Wan Jia shook her head and took an animal print pajamas. "In that case, I''ll also buy this for my possibly future son-in-law."

    ...

    After shopping the women went out for a meal in a famous sea-food restaurant..

    Alas, as soon as the dishes were brought, Wan Jia recieved a call. She looked bored when she hung up.

    "Something needs my attention at MAX. I have to go."

    "It''s alright. I''ll help you have Little Jia''s clothes delivered at Southside." Kara understood the situation. "Take care, don''t drive too fast."

    "Thanks Kara, I''ll be on my way now."

    ___

    At the same time, Lu Aotian had called Lin Lihua to Lu Enterprises.

    "Although you retired, can you still accept a modelling job?"

    Lin Lihua raised her eyebrows. "What job?"

    "To have your photos taken and displayed on the screens. You will be wearing attires from MAX brand.

    Don''t tell my wife about this. It''s a surprise."

    Lin Lihua was about to agree but leaned back in her chair. "What do I gain from that?"

    Lu Aotian smirked. She wouldn''t do anything that she wouldn''t gain from, even if it was her brother-in-law asking for it? How shrewd. No wonder Lin Industries had got back on its feet so fast.

    He rolled his pen. "State your condition."

    Lin Lihua was eagerly waiting for that. "Make HL Entertainment a business partner of Moon Weekly."

    Lu Aotian, who was waiting for her to ask for something huge from Lu Enterprises, was stunned. Since it was just a subsidiary, there were no qualms about it. Most importantly, it was for his wife. He would agree to it even if she asked for Lu Enterprises'' shares.

    ...

    Much later, Wan Jia returned to her office. Everything had been settled. In case anything else happened, she had returned so she would not have to go back and forth.

    Lu Aotian''s little secretary was with her temporarily. This was because Wan Jia had not yet found a suitable assistant yet, and she couldn''t solely rely on Seventeen. Actually, her standard had gotten higher after having Su Ling as an assistant so she could not get one easily.

    Carla entered her office, hiding her nervousness.

    "Madam..."

    Wan Jia looked up.

    Carla didn''t know how to break the news.

    "If something is wrong, you can just say it."

    She took a deep breath. "Madam, something happened at Royal Kindergarten."

 Chapter 423 - Was he still a man?

    Lu Aotian fished out a small box from who knows where. "My little brother is now a man." He passed the present, as though congratulating Lu Shaoting on growing up.

    Wan Jia was speechless. "You knew?"

    The main point was, he didn''t tell her?

    Little Jia who had almost been forgotten tonight, looked at Su Ling''s stomach with her big curious eyes. Second aunty was pregnant?

    Of course, she knew what the word meant.

    If her mommy got pregnant, it would mean that there was a baby inside her mommy''s belly and then she would have a brother.

    "I''m gonna have a little cousin?" Her eyes had stars as she looked up at Su Ling, who tousled her hair. "Yes honey, are you happy?"

    "Very happy." She only hoped that she would still be uncle''s favorite baby.

    Tangtang at the side also followed suit and congratulated his godfather. If the baby was a girl, Small Xixi would have someone to play with. If it was a boy, Tangtang would take care of him like a little brother.

    ..

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    ...

    All this while, Lu Tongyan was shocked speechless. His son was going to be a father?

    His heart swelled with pride. Another grandchild was on the way!

    He started wondering when his son was going to propose, but since Lu Shaoting didn''t mention it, no one did.

    Currently, Lu Shaoting wasn''t considering having a shotgun wedding. He didn''t want people to think that he was only marrying her because of the baby. Even if they got married after the baby was born, he wouldn''t mind.

    Lu Tongyan couldn''t stay up too late because of his health condition, so everyone wanted to go back to their homes soon.

    When Lu Tongyan wasn''t within earshot, Wan Jia teased her sister. "You''re the only one who isn''t a mother yet. My brother-in-law should work hard."

    Everyone burst into laughter while Lin Lihua was embarassed. "You spoilt little thing. My brother-in-law should also work harder. You are so idle that you have time to think up nonsense."

    When everyone had left and only Lu Shaoting was left, Lu Tongyan finally had a chance to speak to him.

    "Have you thought about your marriage yet?"

    Lu Shaoting told him what he thought, to which he said, "It doesn''t matter what outsiders think. All that matters is what the both of you want to do. If you want to hold your wedding within the first trimester, you should start organizing it this early." After the first trimester, her belly would have started growing out and she would no longer look pretty in a wedding gown.

    "I understand."

    He would look for beautiful a ring and propose.

    ___

    Meanwhile, Yun Jifeng was restless.

    "Why is there no movement from the Lus?"

    General Yun, who was unaware that they were under investigation, was still hoping to make his son do his dirty work. "You said that they would definitely do something. Didn''t you kidnap that daughter of the Lins?"

    "Actually, she managed to escape. That woman is tougher than I thought. But the incident should have provoked Lu Aotian. I expected him to still react to it." He paced about aimlessly.

    It was just because a tiger wouldn''t bother with a dog''s bark.

    Once his father left the study, Yun Jifeng made a phone call. "There''s no reaction from that side.

    What''s your second suggestion?"

    The other party was annoyed. "Do you still think you can defeat your enemy if you can''t reason on your own? Anyway, if they are not moved if you attack one important person, try attacking another."

    Yun Jifeng hung up and looked at a list of names, then crossed one out.

    "Xu Tang...."

    It''s not my fault that Lu Shaoting loves you so much.

    Of course, Lu Meili would have been a better choice since Lu Aotian loved him so much,  but that one was impossible to get.

    Wait, before having to use a child, he could do something else first. If that wouldn''t work, he would have no choice but get someone to kidnap the little boy Xu Tang.

    ___

    The next day, in Lu Enterprises.

    "Should I announce Su Ling''s pregnancy? After all, if people found out on their own, it may look like there''s something to hide." Lu Shaoting asked for his brother''s opinion.

    "Are you muddle headed? If you announced it, those idiots might change their targets."

    "Who is their current target?"

    Lu Aotian also had a list of names, from which he started crossing out.

    "Yun would never let anyone touch Xia Rou, Lin Zhou is out of question and so is Lin Lihua. The next target must be from the Xu family; probably Kara Yang or Xu Tang. Remind your friend to be careful." No one would try to kidnap Xu Liaowen. That was a strong man. Were they asking to be beaten up? They could only target Kara who couldn''t fight much or the kids who were still little and easy to trick.

    Of course, they had thought of the possibility of Wan Jia and Su Ling being targeted as well.

    That was why they had increased the security measures to keep them safe.

    "Yun Jifeng''s under someone''s wing." Lu Shaoting observed.

    "So what? That person only has money but lacks the power. It''s likely a woman."

    Lu Shaoting wondered just how his brother could guess that a woman was involved. "What''s the logic?"

    Lu Aotian''s eyes scolded him as a fool. "Is it that hard to guess? A man would target immediate family. Only a woman can think about sowing discord in such a sly way."

    If the Lu family didn''t have such a strong bond, the brothers would have fought months ago.

    Lu Shaoting sneered. Seeking help from a woman, how was Yun Jifeng still a man?

 Chapter 424 - Take care of madam

    Wan Jia facepalmed. "What happened at Royal Kindergarten?"

    Carla could only explain what she had been told. "It''s an explosion. Some kids are hurt and I can''t get any news about Little Miss...I can''t get through to President Lu either." Her legs were shaking, as though scared that Wan Jia would be too shocked.

    "Shall I send people to check on Little Miss?"

    Wan Jia had already stood up and picked her jacket. "I''m going there."

    "Madam, wait!"

    Wan Jia had already dashed out of the office and into the elevator.

    "Madam!"

    If anything happened to her, President Lu would kill her.

    She made a call to someone. "First madam just rushed to Royal Kindergarten. Send ten bodyguards after her."

    It would be nice to have someone prevent her from putting her life in danger.

    After making sure of this, she resumed trying to call Lu Aotian. Lu Shaoting couldn''t be reached either.

    ....

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    ...

    In Royal Kindergarten, it was a mess.

    The police and doctors were trying to find and save the kids who had been injured.

    Luckily, no life had been reported to have been lost.

    Parents were kicking a fuss about wanting to see their children.

    When Wan Jia arrived, she was denied entry by the police just like the other parents.

    "Ma''am, you can''t go in there. It''s still dangerous." The police officer recognized her. Although he didn''t want to get on her bad side, it would be more troublesome if he allowed her to go in.

    "I want to see my baby!" Wan Jia''s face was soaked in tears.

    "Ma''am, we will try our best to save your child. Please be patient."

    However, Wan Jia became even more agitated. "Let go of me! Tell me about patience whe  your child is in danger!"

    Seeing that she would be difficult to handle, the police officer summoned a doctor at the side to inject her with an antidepressant.

    Alas, when the doctor came to her side, Wan Jia kicked him in the stomach.

    It was getting out of hand. Anyone who got close to her would be beaten up, including the bodyguards. She was originally not too strong but with such news on her mind, her strength was inexplicable. "You are wasting your time. Don''t you need to save those kids who are injured?" Wan Jia scolded.

    In that second of distraction, she broke through security.

    "Wait, stop her!"

    Wan Jia heard the order and ran towards the rubble which was previously a class building. Supposedly, some kids were still trapped there.

    Right before she got to it, someone pulled her aside. "What are you doing?"

    It was a voice she recognized. She turned to look at him. "Qian Li? What are you doing here?"

    "I''m a doctor, but you should leave."

    Wan Jia was momentarily dazed. Qian Li wanted to use this moment to knock her out.

    However, she caught his movement. "What are you doing? You filthy bast*rd!" She ran back towards the ruble.

    Qian Li and other doctors ran after her. Qian Li tried to stop her. "Wait! Stay out of this or you might hurt your baby!"

    Wan Jia glared at the doctors that had successfully blocked her path. "My baby might be in there."

    In the next second, she turned and looked at Qian Li. "What did you say? What baby?"

    Qian Li was trying his best to stop her. "Your unborn baby."

    "What?!"

    Qian Li furrowed his eyebrows. "You...You''re not pregnant? When I saw you just now, I thought you were. Anyway, you still shouldn''t go in there."

    At this moment, Lu Aotian emerged from behind the collapsed building. Little Jia was unconcious in his arms. There was a little blood on her forehead.

    When Wan Jia saw them, she ran over so fast that she almost tripped. "Aotian! Little Jia!"

    Lu Aotian was shocked by her presence but seeing her tears, he didn''t have the heart to scold her. "Our baby is fine. She fainted from the shock."

    Wan Jia was relieved and touched her daughter''s body carefully, afraid that she would hurt her.

    "Let Doctor Qiao take a look at her, to be sure that nothing else is wrong."

    Only then did she realize that there was a woman behind Lu Aotian. She went foward and took Little Jia carefully, asked for a stretcher while trying to pacify Wan Jia. "She will be fine."

    Wan Jia''s tears were still running freely. "But the blood..."

    Doctor Qiao tried to sound calm. For Little Jia to be unharmed in such a situation, someone must have saved her. "I''ll check for internal injuries. She must have been cut by something in her unconcious state."

    Doctor Qiao then ran to examine Little Jia.

    The two of them left, Lu Aotian looked for Qian Li who was checking the pulse of a little boy. "What did you say about my wife just now?"

    Qian Li coughed. "Pardon me, I only made an assumption based on the change in her eyes. If you don''t mind, this child needs my attention."

    Lu Aotian didn''t ask anymore. He left with Wan Jia as he made a call. "Find out what happened in detail."

    Who dared to do such things to little children? How hurftul. Didn''t their conscience hurt?

    "You should go home. I''ll follow Little Jia to the hospital." He said to Wan Jia.

    Wan Jia clung onto his arm stubbonly. "I''ll go with you."

    He knew that she wouldn''t agree to go home so he could only take her along.

    She fell asleep as soon as her seatbelt was fastened.

    Halfway through, she jolted awake. "I think he''s right!"

    Lu Aotian gave her a side glance. "Who?"

    "My period is late. My mind must have been so occupied that I didn''t notice."

 Chapter 425 - Could he be any more unlucky?

    Lu Aotian understood her. She thought she could be pregnant. "You can take a test at the hospital in a while."

    Though he was still doubtful. What was the probability actually?

    Lu Aotian had a reason to be doubtful.

    Just recently, he had found out that one of the chefs at his villa had been bought out to add long term contraceptive drugs in her food.

    One of his enemies in business had done it.

    Although he had already dealt with the chef and that person, the effects were most likey yet to be worn off. He had not told her about it to avoid making her anxious. It happened because he was careless, so he should be only one feeling guilty about it. He wouldn''t let his wife bear the pain and self-blame.

    But as a result of those contraceptives, it wasn''t likely that she would be pregnant this soon.

    "Is it because you don''t trust Qian Li?" She asked, reffering to his dismissive tone.

    Lu Aotian didn''t want her to misunderstand. It had nothing to do with Qian Li. Although they no longer had anything to do with the Qians, some facts couldn''t be changed. "It''s not about him. It just came at an awkward time."

    Wan Jia agreed with this. It was the weirdest timing ever.

    If she was actually pregnant, then her unborn baby was the most unlucky child on earth.

    Not only did he have to be concieved because of unfortunate circumstances, the news of his existence also had to come at such a time. Could he be any more unlucky?

    "We''re here." Lu Aotian said.

    Although their daughter had been rushed to hospital, he hadn''t driven too fast. He doubted Qian Li''s observation, but was still cautious in case she was actually pregnant. He wouldn''t want to hurt her and their unborn baby.

    Leaving the car, they went to Little Jia''s hospital room. Doctor Qiao had already told him where to find her.

    In the VIP hospital room, the little girl was still asleep. Her even breathing was soothing to her anxious parents.

    "Baby," Wan Jia called softly and touched her daughter''s little hand.

    Although the little girl didn''t respond to her, she held Wan Jia''s hand in her sleepy state.

    Wan Jia felt reassured. If her baby could feel her presence, it meant that she was alright and would wake up soon.

    After staying in Little Jia''s hospital room for a while, Lu Aotian hugged her. "You should go to rest. Little Jia will be fine, and I''ll take care of her."

    Wan Jia wanted to stay longer but she was actually tired. "Then I''ll rest here."

    She wasn''t going to leave without her baby.

    Lu Aotian knew that she couldn''t possibly leave, so he agreed.

    "I''ll buy food for the both of you. Little Jia will be awake soon."

    Wan Jia nodded.

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    ...

    Just a short while after Lu Aotian left, Little Jia slowly opened her eyes.

    She looked around in a daze and spotted her mother drifting off beside her.

    Not wanting to disturb her sleep, she did not call her out.

    But, Wan Jia felt her restrained movements. "Baby, you''re awake."

    Little Jia broke into a smile. "Mommy!"

    Wan Jia took her small body into her arms.

    "Mommy, it hurts." Little Jia said, referring to the IV that was almost running out.

    Wan Jia knew that it probably just bothered her. "I''ll ask the nurse to take it off in a while, okay?"

    Little Jia pouted. "Those aunties in white? Mommy, I don''t like them. They will pierce people with those painful needles."

    She grabbed onto her mother, as though seeking protection.

    "Baby, be good. They only do that to make you feel better."

    Little Jia couldn''t understand just how someone could make you feel better by inflicting pain on your innocent little hands, but since her mother said so, it had to be true. "Yes mommy."

    She looked around curiously. "Mommy, where is Daddy?"

    Lu Aotian arrived just as Little Jia asked about him. "I''m here princess. Daddy went to get you and mommy something to eat."

    Seeing her father, she cheered up and stretched out her little arms. "Daddy, hug."

    Lu Aotian placed the dishes on the table aside, then went ahead to hug her. "How does it feel? Are you still scared?"

    Little Jia shook her small head. "Not scared at all. Daddy saved me in time, right?"

    Lu Aotian simply rubbed her back. Saved her in time? Not at all. He had rushed over but still found his daughter passed out. He had initially guessed that she was thrown out of the building by the impact, but saved?

    Although he didn''t want to remind her, he had to ask. "Did you see anything unusual?"

    "Uh huh. Right after Daddy pulled me out through the door, a loud sound followed. Then Daddy disappeared. I almost thought that I had been pulled out by a strange uncle. Luckily I was with Daddy when I opened my eyes. I would be very scared."

    Lu Aotian''s expression darkened.

    So that guy he met trying to check on Little Jia was really trying to kidnap her. Luckily, he had not let him off. He was going to punish him more severely.

    Hugging and coaxing his daughter, he looked at Wan Jia. "We should have you take a test as soon as possible."

    She understood him. If she was actually pregnant, the baby might have been shocked by her sudden vigorous movement while fighting a while ago.

    She ate her food while Lu Aotian fed little Jia. He was not hungry himself but Wan Jia convinced him to eat a little.

    After eating, Little Jia fell asleep again. They took the chance to have Wan Jia take the test.

 Chapter 426 - Since when can you cook

    It did not take long before the results were out. When Wan Jia saw the smile on the doctor''s face, she more or less knew the answer.

    "Congratulations Mr. and Mrs. Lu. Mrs. Lu is five weeks pregnant."

    Wan Jia couldn''t restrain her excitement. It finally happened!

    "Aotian!" She flung herself into his arms emotionally.

    Lu Aotian held her gently. They were going to have another baby...

    Although he did not expect it to happen this soon, it actually did.

    He couldn''t express his happiness enough.

    Wan Jia pulled away to take the medical report.

    Wait. Five weeks, just like Su Ling?

    What a co?ncidence.

    She would have found it more coincidental if she knew that their predicted due dates were only a day and a few hours apart.

    "However, Mrs. Lu, you must be more careful. You must have done heavy exercise recently, which distressed your baby. You should avoid doing all sorts of tideous exercise as much as possible."

    Wan Jia was happy even while being berated by the doctor. "Yes, I will. Doctor, is my baby alright?"

    "It should be fine. Nothing actually happened to it."

    Wan Jia smiled as her eyes teared up for some reason.

    After recieving several instructions, they went back to Little Jia''s room, hand in hand.

    The little girl hadn''t slept too much because she had slept for a long time already. She was flashing her big eyes around, probably looking for a familiar face.

    The IV had been taken off and she was happy now. "Mommy," she smiled when she saw Wan Jia.

    Wan Jia rushed over and held her hand. "Baby, guess what?"

    Lu Aotian was eager to break the news too.

    Little Jia''s first guess was, "I''m being discharged soon?"

    Wan Jia laughed, finding her too adorable. "That''s happening too, but something even better happened!"

    Little Jia knitted her little eyebrows while in thought.

    "You''re going to be an elder sister." Lu Aotian said.

    Little Jia''s eyes grew wide like saucers. "No way! Daddy, you''re telling the truth?"

    Although she asked Lu Aotian that, she was looking at her mother, seeking confirmation.

    Wan Jia nodded. "Your dad is not lying."

    Suddenly cheerful, Little Jia stuck out a tiny palm and reached for her mother''s stomach to rub it gently. When she didn''t feel anything different, her tiny eyebrows raised. "There''s a brother in there?"

    Finding her actions cute, Wan Jia patted her head. "Actually, we don''t know if it''s a brother or a sister yet; but there really is a baby inside."

    Little Jia didn''t seem to believe them. She had already thought it weird that while her second aunt was pregnant, her tummy was still so thin. Why was the same thing happening with her mother? Wasn''t the belly supposed to be very big?

    Wan Jia understood the look in her daughter''s eyes. She could only be patient and explain. "As the baby grows, mommy''s tummy will grow bigger too."

    Little Jia found it plausible.

    She was on the verge of breaking into a dance! Not only was she going to have a little cousin, a little brother was on the way too!

    Does anyone know how long she had been dreaming of this? She literally started having dreams about a little toddler sticking onto her and calling her ''elder sister''! It was neither once nor twice; perhaps every two or three nights.

    To add on the streak of good news, Little Jia was discarged and allowed to go home.

    As the little girl jumped and ran around from the joy of being an elder sister,  Wan Jia burried her head in Lu Aotian''s chest.

    "Aotian, although having another child means finding a cure for Little Jia, can we not treat it that way?"

    Lu Aotian kissed her forehead. "Mmh."

    He understood this too.

    If the child grew up with the knowledge that he was only born to save Little Jia, he would definitely feel disheartened.

    The actual truth was, although Lu Aotian initially didn''t want to let her go through the pain of having children again, he wouldn''t be against it if she had really wanted to have another one.

    After all, aside from the fact that he would let her have whatever she wanted, she didn''t know what it felt like to hold one''s own newborn.

    No one needed to remind him...

    The only problem was, "Honey, I hope you will not love this child more than Little Jia. We have to love them equally."

    This child would automatically be closer to her heart, since it would be with her from its birth; contrary to Little Jia with whom she had missed three years. If she showed the younger child more love, it would make things unfair for Little Jia.

    His reasoning was not groundless, but Wan Jia punched him softly. "What nonsense are you spewing? Little Jia is my baby too. These two will both be my little sweethearts."

    Hearing this, Lu Aotian sighed in relief. "You should take a good rest. I''ll announce the news to the family."

    Lu Tongyan would be happy.

    Not only was his second son expecting a child, his eldest son''s second child was on the way too.

    ...

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    ...

    When Wan Jia went upstairs, Lu Aotian took his phone with an apologetic look.

    Because she was pregnant, there were matters she would have to be excluded from.

    "Everything is in place. Arrest him."

    When he hung up, he felt as though a huge load had been lifted off his shoulders. Although some things didn''t go as predicted, it was still in order.

    Only after a while did he call his father. "Are you free for a meal and drinks? I''m cooking."

    "You punk! Since when can you cook for people? There must be some good news, right?"

 Chapter 427 - Incompetent fools

    Lu Aotian simply laughed and hung up. It would not be a surprise if Lu Tongyan had already guessed what was happening. Was there anyone who liked good news more than he did?

    After inviting his father and closest friends for a meal, Lu Aotian made several more phone calls to check on the conditions of the kids from Royal Kindergarten who had been injured. It was his school after all, he felt responsible.

    Following, he transferred some money to a few hospitals.

    Although Royal Kindergarten was a school where many kids like Little Jia who came from rich family backgrounds went, there were a few serious cases that required exorbitant hospital fees. The amount may be a drop in the ocean for families like the Lu family, but for some, it was quite a lot. Lu Aotian helped them pay it off.

    As for the idiot who was so heartless as to hurt many innocent children just so he could kidnap Little Jia, hmph! His hours were numbered.

    ¡­.

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    The idiot being cursed, Yun Jifeng was breathing fire.

    "Where''s the child?"

    The lackeys did not dare to look up, their legs shaking.

    One of them gathered his courage. "B-boss, we had her, but Lu Aotian appeared. Coincidentally, he was checking on the school, rumor has it that he wants to improve some structures."

    Yun Jifeng''s expression was getting darker and darker.

    "We were going to pick her up after the explosion but¡­Wang was closest to her and was taken away by him. I guess he is being tortured or has been arrested or killed by now."

    Yun Jifeng''s patience had run out. He grabbed the wineglass on the table and smashed it on the wall. The shards scattered on the floor after a terrifying crash. With red eyes that looked like they were about to pop right out, he slammed his fists on the table so hard that the table broke. "She?"

    The lackeys were frightened. What was wrong?

    "I sent you guys to get Xu Tang and now you are telling me about a girl?"

    The lackeys exchanged looks. Did he ever mention Xu Tang? Who was Xu Tang? Did he not say, "Go and bring that child to me, I really want to see what Lu Shaoting will do by then"? Why was it about a boy now? Everyone knew how much Lu Shaoting loved his niece. It was not their fault that they misunderstood.

    But how could Yun Jifeng blame himself? "Go and punish yourselves! Incompetent fools."

    "Boss, please forgive us. You said to get the little child and we thought that only Lu Aotian was capable of angering our boss, so we believed that the child was definitely Lu Meili. Please forgive us for being ignorant and stupid."

    Yun Jifeng did not have time for them. "Scram!"

    He was still seething in rage when they left. His mind was going crazy. Why?

    He was just about to have not only Lu Aotian, but Wan Jia too wrapped around his pinky finger. Why did those fools have to mess it up?

    As expected, General Yun summoned him.

    "What are you going to do now? All your so called plans keep failing. Are you trying to say that Lu Aotian and that stupid brother of his are better than you?"

    "I have a final plan that would never fail no matter what happens. It''s my final card" He declared.

    "And what plan could that be?" General Yun was scornful. This son was too arrogant for his own good. He thought of himself as great and more powerful than people he could not compare to even if he was given ten lifetimes to defeat. If only his eldest and third sons were obedient to him¡­

    However, those two had followed their mother''s path blindly and even left home just to avoid him.

    Actually, if not for the fact that he wanted to bring down the Lu family, he would not have time for this rascal.

    Yun Jifeng did not have time for this old man either. "Use my secret identity."

    Unbeknownst to him, two people, in a different part of the city, smiled coldly as soon as he said that statement.

    ___

    Before going to the kitchen to start preparing dinner, Lu Aotian made yet another phone call.

    "You know what to do, right?"

    The woman seemed to hesitate for a second but she did not change her mind. "Yes."

    Lu Aotian said, "If you are worried that your son may get in danger, we can temporarily take care of him. It is Wanwan''s suggestion."

    No one knew but when Yun Xuan heard that Wan Jia had suggested to temporarily take care of her little Feng, her heart swelled with joy. "Alright, I''ll bring him over tomorrow."

    It did not matter that Wan Jia had only suggested it because she was helping her and Lu Aotian.

    Hanging up, Lu Aotian felt a pair of little hands around his waist.

    He turned around and held his little wife in his arms. "You''re not sleeping?"

    Like a little child, she looked up at him shyly. "I''m afraid that if I sleep, I might wake up later and find that all this was only a dream."

    Lu Aotian could not help but smile. So he was not the only one feeling that way.  Although he was not going to sleep, he was also afraid that at any time, he might jolt and find that all this was simply a fantasy. It was not his first time being a father, but it was going to be the first time (and quite possibly the last) being with her through her pregnancy.

    For this reason, he would treat her twice as well as he should, to make up for the first time.

 Chapter 428 - Is it a thing with brothers?

    "Little Jia is asleep?" Lu Aotian asked.

    "Yeah."

    The little girl had been too excited. She played around happily and got so tired that she could no longer stay awake. After all, she was still sick.

    She had jumped around in Wan Jia''s and Lu Aotian''s room and in the end; she fell asleep sprawled on the carpet.

    When Wan Jia bent down to pick her up and put her on the bed, the little girl shook her little head in her sleepy daze. "Mommy, Little Jia is a big girl now. I''m even an elder sister. I don''t need to be carried."

    After saying that, she stood up struggling to rub her eyes open and made to leave the master bedroom, but went right back and climbed onto the bed. Even then she still needed help because she was too short.

    With her eyelids tightly shut despite her efforts, she mumbled. "Mommy, can Little Jia sleep here just this once?"

    She was too sleepy to go to her own room.

    Wan Jia watched on with her heart melting into a mess. How could her baby be so cute?

    It couldn''t be any more obvious. She was afraid that if her mommy carried her, she would be too heavy and hurt her little sibling who was in mommy''s stomach. How could Wan Jia not understand this? Though Little Jia was really not heavy at all.

    Recalling her daughter''s cute actions, she had the restrained urge to ask if Lu Aotian was that excited when he learned that his mother was expecting Lu Shaoting many years ago. Alas, he was probably too young then and couldn''t remember. He was in fact too young to know what was happening.

    "Master, the ingredients are ready." A servant reported.

    "You are going to cook?" Wan Jia''s eyes lit up. Finally something to do! She was initially bored to death.

    However, just like his younger brother did, Lu Aotian shattered her momentary happiness. "I am going to cook. You will remain in our room obediently or play on your own. Remember that you must be careful."

    Wan Jia understood and appreciated his intentions. He was trying to keep her safe. She tugged his sleeve lightly. "I promise to be careful. I will not touch anything sharp and will be very obedient. In fact, I only want to watch you cook and will not do anything on my own."

    Lu Aotian did not relent. "No."

    His tone left her no room for negotiation.

    "Oh¡­"

    Feeling that he might have been too hard on her, he rubbed her head. "Be good. I''ll play with you later."

    Right before he left, she grabbed his shirt and when he was least expecting it, planted a kiss on his lips.

    Lu Aotian felt stunned and giddy from the sudden kiss.

    "I had the urge to eat something sweet." So I kissed your lips instead.

    Even without the last part, he still understood her. He held her waist and kissed her more passionately, at the same time making sure to not press her against him too much. Even then he only let her off when she was out of breath.

    Wan Jia glared at him. Who asked for a passionate kiss?

    ¡­

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    ¡­

    When the news was announced that evening, everyone was amazed by the Lu brothers. Their wives were both pregnant at the same time?

    "Is this a thing with brothers?" Henry Blanc joked.

    "What do you know? You may be engaged before me, but we are parents already. Still want to compete with me, huh?" Lu Shaoting''s expression was smug. Just a little more and he would grow tiny wings on his back to fly to the sky. One would think he had won an extremely important match.

    Henry Blanc chuckled and stole a glance at Lin Lihua. "Should we tell him?"

    Lin Lihua didn''t want to be part of these men''s weird competition. "As you please mon ch¨¦ri."

    The man looked at Lu Shaoting with a mocking expression. "Actually, I am already a father. Our daughter is already six years old. Still want to compete?"

    Lu Shaoting didn''t admit defeat. "Katy is your niece and she''s not even six yet."

    Henry Blanc laughed. "That''s right. But Ruoxi is six, turning seven in just a few months. As soon as my queen and I are married, her name will be Ruoxi Blanc and she will become the eldest granddaughter of the Blanc family."

    Lu Shaoting had no way to retaliate. They were actually adopting¡­ He had heard a whole lot of news about Lin Lihua from Su Ling who was her fan, and he knew about this piece. It was something to do with showing her gratitude to the heavens for letting her be adopted by such loving parents as Xia Rou and Lin Zhou.

    Although this was not a biological child, she was still Henry Blanc''s daughter.

    He could only concede defeat.

    Xu Liaowen, Lu Aotian and everyone else sighed in relief. Finally this childish competition had ended.

    Wan Jia checked the time on her phone for the third time. "Kara went to the bathroom almost an hour ago. Is she alright?" Her eyes were more or less glued onto Xu Liaowen.

    Now that she mentioned it, everyone became conscious. They were engrossed in their wine and did not notice. Of course, Wan Jia and Su Ling were drinking their warm milk obediently.

    Xu Liaowen went to look for his wife.

    He knocked on the bathroom door. "Kara, are you alright?"

    He heard the sound of running water as soon as he said that and was shocked. Was she trying to wash her face¡­.had she cried? Although it was his first thought, it was impossible to associate Kara with such a word as tears.

 Chapter 429 - Was she looking to die?

    Although they had been married for eight years and had known each other since they were clueless teenagers, he had only seen her cry once; when her father passed away. She was the type of woman who would smile even when at her lowest point.

    For a reason, he was worried.

    "Kara, I''m coming in."

    When she did not respond, he pushed the door open.

    The woman who had made his heart skip a beat smiled at him. As anyone would expect, her eyes were as bright as usual; she had not cried. "Why are you so worried? I''m cough..."

    "Kara!"

    Xu Liaowen''s eyes widened. Did his wife just cough out blood? When his eyes darted around, he saw that there were some pieces of tissue which she had thrown in the trashcan, they had bloodstains.

    Without asking what was going on, he pulled her by the waist. "We are going to the hospital."

    But, she pushed his hands off her. "It''s nothing. I ate too much spicy food just now."

    Her eyes were clear, he couldn''t trace any hint of a lie in them.

    He was still worried, however. "How can I be sure that nothing is wrong? You coughed blood. We are going to hospital."

    He really did not know what to do with her. Was there anyone who ate so much spicy food that they coughed blood? Was she looking to die? Even if she no longer cared about her own health, she should at least care about Small Xixi, right?

    That little girl was so drawn to her mother that if Kara was sick, she might fall sick too.

    Seeing that her husband was angry, Kara didn''t resist anymore. "Okay, the doctor will proove that I''m really fine.

    Everyone was curious when they saw an angry Xu Liaowen pulling his wife towards the door of the villa.

    "Sorry, my wife is sick."

    He explained in one statement and left.

    After Xu Liaowen left, it was no longer too fun, so the others dispersed too.

    Henry Blanc was staying in his Southside villa and because of Su Ling, so was Lu Shaoting.

    Basically, the only couple leaving Southside Villas was the Xu couple.

    ...

    ¡­

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    ¡­

    As usual, Henry Blanc and his queen wanted to watch a movie before going to bed.

    Before the movie started, he retrieved a gift. "It''s from Amy."

    Lin Lihua took one glance and did not want it, even before opening it. "Can I not take it?"

    Henry Blanc shrugged and put it aside. Then he sat beside her, placing a hand on her shoulder. "Actually, Amy is not a bad person. She is just a spoilt little fool that does things without thinking."

    Lin Lihua didn''t know what to say about him.  Spoilt little fool, really? "I don''t understand why everyone says you''re intelligent."

    Henry Blanc facepalmed. Did his fianc¨¦e jist critisize him? "Do you mean I''m stupid?"

    "Let''s just say, you are intelligent in business and all other matters, but your little sister has you wrapped around her pinky finger."

    He remained silent for a while, taking in what she just said. "I only wanted the both of you to try and get along. You are both important to me, you know."

    Her expression was apologetic. "I know. I just don''t ever get along with two-faced people. Sorry."

    "Why exactly do you think she is two-faced?"

    At this point, Lin Lihua realized that she was in an awkward position. Damn it! Was Amy Blanc some sort of secret supergenius? There was no way this matter was a co?ncidence.

    But if she spoke up, Henry Blanc might have a fall out with his own sister as well as his family, and quite possibly, Lu Aotian.

    If she didn''t speak up, she might end up being the one having a fall out with Henry Blanc and the Lu family (for not speaking up).

    Why. The. Hell. Was she the one to find out?

    However, how could a girl years younger than her defeat her?

    She simply smirked. "Henry Blanc, do you actually expect me to tell you negative things about your own sister? Even if I actually thought she did something wrong, don''t you think it would be awkard for me?"

    By reminding him what position she held, she made him conscious of the fact that anything might be used against her.

    Her phone rang with a new message. She peered at it when Henry Blanc stood to bring popcorn.

    [Mom: If you don''t tell him before the banquet, you will end up being the one to take half the fault.]

    The said banquet was Lu Enterprises'' centennial.

    She had to say it before then?

    When she placed her phone aside after chatting with her mother a little, Henry Blanc was back.

    "Your sister''s boyfriend is..."

    She had to stop talking because he suddenly kissed her.

    "You were going to say something?"

    Lin Lihua returned his gaze. She was not scared of anything. She was just worried that the aftermath might be one of the things she hated the most: broken families.

    "How about...I tell my brother-in-law instead? It''s more related to him after all."

    Henry Blanc looked displeased. "Darling, are you seriously going to speak to other men before you speak to your own man?"

    "What if you are not ready to hear it and get too shocked or upset?"

    "Bring it on."

    Lin Lihua sighed. At this point, he would not have an extreme reaction no matter how she broke it.

    "Before I tell you, promise me that you will not do anything irrational." She still had to make sure that she would not be at fault for anything.

    "Ch¨¦rie, spit it out already. You''re making me nervous."

    "You heard about the incident at Royal Kindergarten, right?"

 Chapter 430 - I will not be able to help you

    Henry Blanc glanced at her. "About that, luckily most of those kids are alright. However, Lu Aotian must punish the orchestrator. He wouldn''t ever let them off."

    After saying this, it dawned on him what they were talking about before she brought this up. "Are you saying....that Amy was behind it?"

    Lin Lihua sighed. This was the hardest part.

    "Did you know that she can create explosives? She created two of them and those were the very explosives that were used in Royal Kindergarten."

    Henry Blanc contemplated what he had just heard. What was his fianc¨¦e saying?

    "How can you be so certain that she was definitely the one who created them?"

    "Her boyfriend''s name is Arnold Wen."

    "What about that?"

    Lin Lihua frowned. Was her fianc¨¦ too slow to catch up or was he just in denial?

    "Arnold Wen is Yun Jifeng''s fake identity."

    "What did you say?"

    Actually, he had never bothered about Amy Blanc''s boyfriend. He knew that just like her previous boyfriends, they would break up before it got serious. In fact, he had never let any of them be introduced to Katy; or else the young girl would grow up to despise her own mother.

    But...this time she was dating Yun Jifeng? How much did she hate her life?

    "How many people know about this?"

    When Lin Lihua heard that question, she was not entirely shocked. What brother would not try to protect his sister even if she did something wrong? Actually, she would do the same if Wan Jia ever got in trouble. "Aside from my mother and I, you''re the only one."

    As expected, he sighed in relief. "Can you not tell anyone else? I need to investigate it."

    "Alright."

    She trusted that he would not do anything wrong. After all, he was now in the most awkward position; choosing to either do the right thing and ruin his relationship with his sister, or cover up for her and ruin the relationship between two families.

    When the topic was set aside, Lin Lihua realized the most important point.

    When she said that Amy Blanc had created explosives, Henry didn''t look surprised and neither did he deny it.

    Was it because it was something she had done before and Henry Blanc was not shocked about it?

    ...

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    ...

    Lin Lihua was right.

    Creating explosives was something Amy Blanc had done before.

    Although she had previously promised to stop, she was at it again. This time, she was basically dead.

    "Wait for me here. I have something to settle." He said to Lin Lihua.

    She knew that he had to have a word with his sister. "Go ahead."

    ...

    An hour later, in one of the presidential suites of Emerald Grand Hotel.

    "Brother, why are you here? It''s already so late. Did something happen?"

    Henry Blanc went right in and sat on the sofa, signalling his younger sister to take a seat too. "Come here."

    Curiously, she sat some distance from him. "Is anything the matter?"

    Since it was already late, paired with his complex feelings, he went straight to the point. "Tell me about your boyfriend."

    It was normal for a brother to want to know what kind of man is dating his sister, but jeez! What kind of expression was that? "Is something wrong? Actually, there''s not much to tell. He is a businessman and is not particularly rich. He plans to take over a small company before we take our relationship to the next level."

    "How long have you known each other?"

    "A few months...perhaps six or seven."

    "Damn it!" Henry Blanc cursed. This woman would be the end of the Blanc family. "Didn''t you say something about meeting after a fashion show?"

    "I...I did. But I didn''t say which one, did I?" She was getting nervous by this interrogation.

    "Do you know who that man is?" He was trying hard to sound calm. "Do you know, that man is Lu Aotian''s enemy and, together with his father, wanted criminals? Amy, do you have any idea that you have been used?"

    "Brother, what are you talking about? You''re scaring me."

    Henry Blanc stood up expressionlessly. He had reached a resolve. "You should have thought about fear when you created bombs illegally. You have no idea that kids were hurt because of you."

    Amy Blanc stood up and glared at her brother. "Are you crazy?

    I admit I shouldn''t have made them, but he only wanted to use them in his lab. That''s what he told me. How would I have known that he was going to use them to bomb a Kindergarten? Are you saying that if you kill someone using my knife, I''m at fault?"

    Henry Blanc''s gaze turned cold. "Initially, I thought it was coincidental and you had been used, but I was wrong. You knew what was happening all along.

    I only said that kids were hurt. How did you know that it was because a kindergarten was bombed?"

    "I..."

    "Are you going to say that you saw it on the news? It''s not plausible." How many people knew how to create explosives? Hers could have been used somewhere else.

    "Amy, this is for the good of everyone, especially Katy." Decisevely, he made a call. "Come in."

    Instantly, two police officers entered.

    "Brother, what..."

    Henry Blanc didn''t look at her, afraid he would change his mind. She was still his sister after all. "You will be sent back home as soon as possible for prosecution. If you are proven innocent, you will only be charged for illegally creating, possessing and trafficking dangerous weapons. If not, you will be charged with being an accomplice of a major crime. If it comes to that, I''m sorry but I will not be able to help you."

 Chapter 431 - This idiot turned his sister in

    Amy Blanc pushed away the police officer who was trying to politely lead her out. Because she was related to Henry Blanc, they tried to be as polite as possible. Besides, she was not from Country C and they still needed to send her to her home country. If anything happened to her, they would not be able to handle the consequences.

    "Miss, please come with us. You are under arrest for illegal possession of harmful weapons. You have the right to remain silent."

    Amy Blanc glared at him. "Shut up!"

    She then turned to Henry Blanc. "Are you really going to do this? I''m your sister."

    Afraid that he would really relent, he didn''t look at her. "Yes."

    "I..." she paused midspeach and glared at the two police officers. "Can I speak to my brother for a minute? Just a minute."

    At a loss, they explained the situation to her. "Miss, even if you spoke to your brother, you have already commited a crime. Please don''t waste too much of our time." It was already so late into the night.

    Amy Blanc burst into tears. "Brother, why? If Lin Lihua asked you to do something, wouldn''t you do it out of love?"

    Henry Blanc smiled coldly. Love?

    What she had with Yun Jifeng...she called it love?

    He was still unable to wrap his brain around the fact that his sister was dating such a man.

    He did not want to blame Yun Jifeng for perhaps taking advantage of her; because she was not that innocent. She had taken him completely by surprise.

    By having her arrested, only then would there be peace.

    After all, it was a huge crime that involved many victims who were in fact little children. It was not that it would be have been better if the victims were adults; but children were just too innocent for anyone who hurt them to be forgiven. Was there anyone who did not hate people who would hurt children just to get what they wanted?

    Even as her brother, he hoped she would pay for her crime.

    "Say, you don''t face prosecution, will you prefer to face Lu Aotian instead? After all, Royal Kindergarten''s owner is him and his daughter was hurt."

    "Why would Lu Aotian do anything to me? Are you not friends? Not to mention, I''m innocent in this." She retaliated.

    If this was before, he would have scolded her as an idiot. He had to admit that he had not expected such a feat from her.

    However, Lin Lihua had opened his eyes. She was no fool. To be exact, she was sort of intelligent in things related to weapons but a complete idiot in everything else. However, she was still an accomplice and she still had to pay.

    "You will regret this." She cried.

    "Take her away."

    He would not regret it. All he would regret was believing her when she promised to not create anything dangerous anymore.

    He would regret helping her keep that secret.

    He would regret that he spoiled her so much that he let her be this evil, to the point where he had no choice but give her up himself.

    But, he would not regret turning her in.

    ...

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    ...

    Unsurprisingly, Mr. Blanc and Mrs. Blanc went looking for their son as soon as they got wind of what had happened.

    "Henry, what in the world is going on? Why did you have your sister arrested?" Mrs. Blanc was the most anxious.

    Mr. Blanc, who still doted on his daughter like a little delicate treasure, was glaring daggers at his son. "Whatever it is, get her out of there. There is no good excuse to turn your sister in. What kind of brother are you?"

    Henry Blanc led them into the villa. "Mum, dad, will you calm down? I will explain everything in detail."

    Although he trusted his son, he really wanted to know what this was about. It better be something plausible.

    "Hello uncle, auntie." Lin Lihua greeted her future parents in law. She was still in Henry Blanc''s villa because he had asked her to keep him company.

    Mrs. Blanc''s sadness was relieved a little when she saw her lovely daughter-in-law. "Lihua, honey, you''re here too."

    As though she had just seen a rare source of light in immense darkness, she held Lin Lihua''s hand. "Lihua, could you get Henry to let his sister off? This idiot sent his own sister to jail. He no longer listens to me since he fell in love. But because you are his fianc¨¦e and he loves you so much, you can talk some sense into him, right?"

    "Well..." Lin Lihua was at a loss.

    Since she did not want to give her false hope that would shatter a minute later, she could only sigh. "Aunty, could you listen to Henry first? I''m sorry but I''m not able to help her."

    Although she was disappointed, she did not take out her feelings on Lin Lihua.

    "Fine. Explain."

    Henry Blanc spoke, "Are you done? I will not be friendly the next time someone makes things difficult for my wife."

    He sat his speechless parents down and explained exactly what Amy Blanc did. "Mum, dad, it''s the best outcome. This is the only way to handle this matter without blowing it up. If we let Lu Aotian deal with her, I don''t think I need to tell you what will happen."

    The Blanc couple remain silent. Amy actually did those things?

    "Are you very sure that she did it?" Mrs. Blanc asked.

    "I''m certain."

    "Then we should have hidden her faway. You know that you should not give up on your own sister." She was on the verge of tears.

    "You''ve got to be kidding me." Hide who away?

 Chapter 432 - Lu Aotian will have a lot to say

    Mr. Blanc was not pleased by his son''s tone. "Why can''t we hide her away? She is our princess. Our only daughter and your only sister. We cannot bear to let her go to prison!"

    Henry Blanc almost lost it. He massaged his temples and remained as calm as possible. "She made a huge mistake. If we hide her away, she will forever live in guilt and fear of being caught. When she gets caught, she will  have to pay for an additional crime and the whole family will be accountable for hiding a criminal. Father, is this the kind of life you want to live?"

    "If it''s for my daughter, I''m willing."

    At this point, no logic would make his father understand. He could only use the fatal weapon. "Then it also means that you are ready to watch Katy growing up in fear. Being always on the run is just one point. When everyone finds out, are you sure you will be willing watch her being scolded by her agemates as the daughter of a criminal? You can handle being labelled the criminal''s parents, but do you think Katy can handle such humiliation?"

    Being hit right where it hurt the most, Henry Blanc''s father fell into thought. Indeed, if it was for their granddaughter, it was going to be hard to handle. But the girl loved her mother so much. Wouldn''t she be too upset when she learns that her mother was imprisoned?

    "What will happen to my little pumpkin?" Mrs. Blanc asked amid her sadness, referring to Katy.

    Henry Blanc looked at Lin Lihua, who had made her presence as scarce as possible. "If my wife does not mind, we will take care of Katy until Amy leaves prison."

    Seeing that all eyes were on her, Lin Lihua coughed. "I don''t mind."

    They had willingly agreed to have Ruoxi take the identity of the eldest grandchild in the Blanc family. The least she could do was help them take care of Katy Blanc.

    Just like that, the Blanc family had to let their only duaghter face prosecution. As anyone could iimagine, it was a very difficult decision.

    Henry Blanc may have seemed calm about it but he was actually so broken hearted about it that as soon as his parents left, he stoped into the gym where he spent two hours.

    Lin Lihua went to find him.

    "Honey, if you have something that needs your attention, please go ahead." He said when he saw her. He was in the worst kind of mood ever seen on him.

    Lin Lihua did not say a word. She only stepped foward and put her arms around his waist, hugging him.

    Henry Blanc felt all his sadness disappear like vapour the moment those slim hands touched his waist and that lithe body came into contact with his.

    She was like an instant drug, making him feel better immediately.

    Only after hugging her for a while did he recall that he had been working out. "I''m all sweaty. How can you hug me?"

    Lin Lihua didn''t mind at all. "You''re my husband to be. Why would I mind your sweat?"

    Since she did not mind, he hugged her a little more.

    Although she did not say any word of comfort, her presence alone was enough. He indeed felt much better.

    "You''re smelly, jeez! Go take a bath." She suddenly smacked him.

    Henry Blanc didn''t dodge but was speechless. "Who was it that said that she doesn''t mind her future husband''s sweat?"

    "I mind now. Off you go."

    Henry Blanc still didn''t let her go. "Do you want to take a shower too? We are both sweaty now. We can do it together."

    Of course, the last part was the most important.

    "Forget it. I''ll use my room." She felt a little awkward calling a room in his house her own.

    "I''ll call my sister to deliver some clothes."

    ...

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    ...

    Henry Blanc looked at her with a raised eyebrow. "Are you sure you want to send Wan Jia on errands? I''m afraid Lu Aotian will have a lot to say to you."

    With his wife pregnant now, he was basically no different from a protective mother hen.

    "It''s just right opposite. She doesn''t even need to walk that long and besides, she can just select the clothes and have a maid send them." She was not going to sit idle and have mould grow on her backside just because she was pregnant, right?

    But with Lu Aotian as her husband, that was half possible. It was only that she needed to do exercise for pregnant women.

    ___

    In the Villa opposite Henry Blanc''s, Villa number four, Wan Jia was picking some roses in the garden.

    Su Ling was with her too.

    Since they realized that they were both five weeks pregnant, the two women had stuck to each other closely like they had magnets on them.

    Their timing was so coincidental that today, they had gone to hospital as a joke just to confirm that nothing strange was happening and they were indeed both pregnant.

    Su Ling was still curious. "You ate fish that night you took us out for dinner. How do you even stand such strong smells?"

    "I don''t know either. Just like with Little Jia, you may not know unless I tell you. Everything looks quite normal with me. I''m even shocked that Qian Li was the one who found out first."

    There was nothing to be shocked about that, thought Su Ling. "Isn''t that the little genius doctor? I''m not surprised he can tell at a glance.

    Speaking of geniuses, what is happening with Z?"

    "Who is Z?"

    Su Ling rolled her eyes so hard they could fall out. "Are you already having a baby brain?"

 Chapter 433 - That little pervert

    "The genius hacker that Lu Aotian employed, the one who came looking for you at a business banquet, have you forgotten all about him?"

    Wan Jia finaly understood. Su Ling was talking about that little genius called Zede, the one who created the copy cat before it was modified by Lu Aotian.  She picked some rose petals and trew them over Su Ling''s head. "You''re the one who has a baby brain. You forgot everything. That little genius'' name is Zede. Anyway, what happened to him?"

    "He almost got into some trouble with the Lu bothers. I think he was hiding something."

    "Why are all the geniuses hiding things? Can''t there be a normal, good genius?" Wan Jia mumbled. It was already bad enough that Qian Li was hiding things from the start. Did Zede have to be like that too?

    Su Ling heard her mumble and retaliated. "My man agenius, but he is good."

    "So is mine."

    "Not better than mine." Su Ling could not accept defeat.

    Wan Jia rolled her eyes. "My man is the elder brother. Of course he is much better."

    Behind them, the maids were trembling in so much fear that they were sweating. Why wouldn''t these two honorable goddesses listen to them?

    Their master and second master were very particular about their safety. By picking roses on their own, what if they got pricked by thorns? They were even throwing petals at each other and running around! Although they were not running terribly fast, did they not know that the babies in their bellies were still too little and needed delicate care? What if they fell?

    If that happened, the maids really would not know how to face the Lu brothers.

    Alas, the two women were so engrossed in their talk and play that they did not see the maids, much less hear their pleas.

    The maids could only tail behind them with their fingers crossed and hope that nothing would happen to either of these honorable women.

    Wan Jia was currently thinking about Zede. What exactly happened? Ever since recommending him to Lu Enterprises, she had been paying close attention to him.

    He came from a simple family and had nothing to hide. He cared about nothing but his work. In a few months, he had created two more formidable robots. For someone who was not either of the Lu brothers, it was impressive to achieve such a feat in just a few months.

    If anything came up, the possibility of it being a set up or a misunderstanding was quite high. Could it be that someone was trying to hire him to do something illegal and he left the response vague, then the Lu brothers found out about it?

    It was the first thing anyone could think of if someone mentioned Zede getting in trouble.

    He was just an innocent young man. What other trouble could he possibly court?

    She was going to ask Su Ling more about it, but her phone rang.

    She excused her self and answered it. "Sis, are you so lazy that you can''t bring your a** over to Villa number four and want to call me instead? Don''t tell me my brother-in-law is so formidable that you can''t get up?"

    Lin Lihua pretended to not notice her perverted mockey and went straight to her point. "Little Wan, can you have someone bring me some clothes?"

    Wan Jia chuckled naughtily. Her sister wanted some clothes...had she been up to something? Something that...could possibly make her an aunt soon? If so, she needed to congratulate her brother-in-law.

    For someone to change Lin Lihua''s disinterest in men and make her fall in love, Henry Blanc''s charm must have  been too great. If he did not appear, she would really believe that her elder sister liked women or was asexual instead.

    "Yo, are you still there? Did you get what I said?" Lin Lihua, who had ended up speaking on her own asked.

    Wan Jia jokted back to her senses. "En, I''m sending the clothes over right now."

    She hung up before her sister could ask if she had understood what she wanted. Luckily she knew Lin Lihua''s style.

    "Su Ling, I have to do something for my sister. Wait for me a little, eh?"

    "Go ahead. I still want to look around."

    ...

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    ...

    Much later, when the clothes were delivered at Villa number two, Lin Lihua asked Henry Blanc to help her pick them.

    But, when she took a good look at them, she almost broke down.

    What kind of clothes were these?

    The dress she had just worn, where did her little sister get the courage to call it a dress?

    Weren''t they too revealing?

    Those who didn''t know would think she was trying to seduce Henry Blanc if she wore such clothes.

    When in actual fact, he was the one trying to seduce her.

    Luckily, he only helped her pick the package and did not take a look a them. How awkward would that be?

    Damn that Little Wan! That naughty little thing

    If these dresses were from MAX, she would have thought that her little sister was a secret pervert.

    She was even starting to have second thoughts about letting Wan Jia dress her up for Lu enterprises'' banquet that would be the next day.

    Unfortunately, this had to happen at a time when she had taken a bath and she could only send Henry Blanc to get new ones.

    "What happened to the ones your sister sent?"

    "Can you not ask? Thank you!"

    Although he was told to not ask, how could he not understand? It was likely because a certain naughty little sister wanted to be an aunt so much that she must have sent over some exciting dresses.

 Chapter 434 - The jealous president Lu is at it again

    As expected, Wan Jia asked Lu Aotian about Zede that evening. "That little genius got himself into trouble with you?"

    Lu Aotian took a single glance at her and carried her in his arms, then gently put her into bed. "You are pregnant now. You should not spend your time worrying about trivial matters."  Most importantly, was she seriously asking about other men when her own man was with her? The extremely jealous President Lu was at it again.

    Wan Jia pouted and felt wronged. She was still checking on some work-related matters. How did she end up getting carried into bed? "I''m not worrying about trivial matters. If I brought someone to the family company and he turned out to be a bad person, wouldn''t the blame befall me?"

    Lu Aotian was attentively tucking her in and probably only heard half of what she said. "Why would my wife be to blame for anything? It''s already bad enough that you have been working too hard. You should rest more and stop thinking about too many things."

    Wan Jia was speechless. When had she worked too hard? He was the one who was so busy lately that he often rested too little, okay? Yet when it came to her, he was being too cautious.

    Just to satisy her curiosity, he answered her question. "Someone tried to force him into hacking into Lu Enterprises'' security system. However, he did not agree to do it and was kidnapped as a result."

    Wan Jia burst out laughing. Hack into Lu Enterprises'' security system? There was only one person who would have such a stupid fantasy. If anyone could hack into something Lu Aotian created himself, he would have to be an inhumanly supergenius.

    But that idiot stubbonly thought that he had a way to defeat Lu Aotian. When was he getting arrested? She was starting to get impatient. Hadn''t Lu Aotian had enough of him? If she didn''t know better, she would start suspecting that there was something between the two of them that was making Lu Aotian hesitant.

    "Wait, is Zede alright?" She asked. It would not be too nice if an employee of Lu Enterprises got hurt because they did not want to betray the company.

    "He''s fine. I would never let anyone hurt my employees."

    Wan Jia felt relieved.

    When he was done tucking his wife in, Lu Aotian took his laptop and was about to leave the room.

    "Where are you going?" She asked.

    He lowered his head and kissed her forehead and lips. "Go to sleep. I am going to finish up on some work in the study."

    "You only know to finish up work every time. I want to sleep with you." She grumbled, her little face sticking outside the duvet, looking extremely wronged. He thought just a little brush against her lips would pacify her? Who was he kidding?

    Lu Aotian let out a chuckle. Was she worried that he would work too hard and tire himself out?

    Since the wife wanted him to lay with her, he could only put the laptop aside and lift the duvet, lying down beside her.

    "Happy now?" He spoke in her ear.

    "Uh huh." Of course she was happy. She found a comfortable spot in his embrace, snuggled onto him and drifted off.

    ...

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    ...

    In her room, Little Jia suddenly woke up. She frowned as though she had been awoken from a nightmare.

    In the dim light, she looked around with her drowsy eyes , trying to rub them awake. Spotting a white stuffed koala, she got down, took it in her arms and with her short legs, climbed back  into bed. Hugging her favorite toy, the stuffed koala, she tried to fall back asleep.

    No matter how many toys she had, this had remained her favorite.

    On many occassions if she jolted from her sleep, she would have trouble going back to sleep and would need her mother to lull her.

    But today, she did not want to bother Wan Jia.  She was now a big girl and an elder sister on top of that. She did not need anyone to tell her bedtime stories or sing her a lullaby. Her parents should save them for her little brother instead.

    Of course if Wan Jia and Lu Aotian were to know what the little girl was thinking, they would have told her that she was still a child and needed those. Having a sibling did not mean she should be too mature for her own age. Wasn''t she just four?

    ...

    At the same time, in Lu Shaoting''s villa.

    To be able to take better care of her during her pregnancy, Lu Shaoting had asked Su Ling to move in with him. In fact, Lu Tongyan had suggested having them both move in to the old Lu residence.

    However, to make sure Su Ling was not uncomfortable, Lu Shaoting had politely rejected it. Su Ling did not hate her future father-in-law. It was Lu Shaoting who was afraid that his girlfriend might still be scared of his father.

    He had already hired many servants in Southside Villas, including a nurse for her.

    More importantly, she would have Wan Jia, Lin Lihua and Little Jia to keep her company when he was busy in Lu Enterprises.

    Although she had not yet actually moved in, she was spending the night in Lu Shaoting''s room. Only then would he be certain that she was safe.

    Tonight, he brought her a glass of warm milk before she went to bed.

    Su Ling accepted the milk with a smile. Although she did not like milk, she was happy nonetheless. Her man just cared about her so much. How could she reject it?

 Chapter 435 - What brought you here?

    Unlike Wan Jia, Su Ling was having much trouble in just the beginning of her second month. Her apetite was terrible and her morning sickness was hard to bear. One would think she was suffering from a terminal ailment.

    If the gynecologist had not assured them repeatedly that some women had it more difficult than others, Lu Shaoting would have suggested terminating it. Despite wanting children very much, he would not want them if they were going to affect his wife''s health.

    Even worse, she needed to take greater care because her uterus was thinner than most women''s and according to the gynecologist, this might be her only chance to be a mother. She might not concieve again in future.

    The only thing that comforted her was that lu Shaoting was taking good care of her. Together, they would be able to take care of this child and not loose it.

    "Honey, are we going to announce my pregnancy?" She asked while in Lu Shaoting''s arms.

    "We had thought about keeping it a secret temporarily but ultimately, we will do what you want." He said, his tone as doting as ever.

    "Then let''s only announce it when it''s too obvious to be hidden."

    "Mmh. That''s okay too." Came the answer in the same tone.

    Su Ling held his hand tightly to conceal her nervousness as she asked. "Honey, do you prefer girls or boys?"

    Lu Shaoting remained silent for a moment. Did he really have a preference? But she was waiting for an answer, so he spoke his mind. "Our baby can be either sex. I will love it that way. If it''s a girl, I will take care of both of you like my jewels. If it''s a boy, we will both take care of you like our jewel. Ultimately, we will be the happiest family in the world."

    He had used many words to say "I don''t have a particular preference." But she did not realize it and her heart was filled with happiness.

    ...

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    ...

    Many things were happening on that very night.

    In the Yun mansion, gasps filled the air.

    The long lost young miss of the household, Yun Xuan was back.

    Not a single person had expected her to return.

    Especially not Yun Jifeng, who had been ordered by his father to kill her. He gave her a curious glance but since he did not see his father react negatively, he kept his distance for a while.

    Just as Lu Aotian had predicted, General Yun was half stunned and half hopeful when he saw her. He was looking foward to something.

    And that was exactly what Yun Xuan gave him. "D-dad. I..."

    Although it was just pretense, Yun Xuan felt that the word was unbearable coming out of her mouth. She almost wanted to chop off her own tongue.

    To top it all, she even had to look apologetic and kowtow to him.

    Once again, according to Lu Aotian''s expectations, General Yun''s eyes widened. In just a moment, he saw his daughter kneeling before him and his heart ached.

    This was not his biological daughter, but she had been in the Yun family and called him "dad" for two decades. The pitiful-looking woman in front of him right now reminded him of those two decades ago, when he first saw her. She was so timid that she did not have the liberty to speak to anyone and kept to herself hidden away in corners and closed rooms. Her frail little figure would evoke the pity of anyone who saw her.

    His heart clenched violently. "Xuanxuan, get up. What are you doing?"

    He reached to help her up.

    Her eyes moist, she looked up at him. "You''re not angry with me?"

    "Why would I be angry? You''re still my little girl that I love the most."

    Her tears ran freely and she hugged her ''father'', the man she hated the most. She really wished she had a knife to stab him right in the back of his neck.

    To keep her act up, she spoke all sorts of words of apology while hugging him.

    General Yun kept patting her and telling her how much he had missed her and that she was always welcome as this was still her home.

    But in her heart, Yun Xuan grumbled. Love me the most, my a**. You just love having someone by your side who you can control.

    For this reason, she was not sorry for using him.

    Madam Yun heard the commotion downstairs and went to check what was happening.

    When she saw her daughter who she had been missing for months, she was so surprised that she descended the staircase insanely fast. She almost tripped several times.

    "Xuanxuan!"

    "Mom."

    Now, this was one person that Yun Xuan did not want to use. She wished she was able to tell her the truth.

    After all, she had always been kind and never hurt her in any way.

    When she hugged her, Yun Xuan whispered in her ear, "sorry mom."

    Madam Yun thought she was apologizing because she had left home. "You don''t need to apologize. I missed you so much."

    She was curious about her grandson that Yun Xuan had kept away for a very long time but recalling that Yun Xuan had not told anyone else about her pregnancy and her son, she did not ask. She would ask in private.

    ...

    Of course, not everyone was excited about Yun Xuan''s return.

    Although General Yun seemed to have forgotten all about how he ordered his useless second son to kill her, Yun Jifeng had not forgotten.

    The first chance he got when no one else was around, he pulled her aside in secret.

    "Something brought you here. What is it?" He looked at her sternly.

 Chapter 436 - Idiot

    Yun Xuan pushed his hands off her. "How is that part of your business, my dear brother... Arnold Wen?" She emphasized the last two words because they were the main point.

    Yun Jifeng was thunderstruck. How did she know?

    But thinking about it, it was not much of a surprise. She had seen the hidden safe before. Perhaps she saw the fake passport after all? He thought.

    And...by saying that name out aloud, was she trying to threaten him? Did she think she was a match for him?

    Yun Xuan chuckled just as he was about to speak. "Don''t worry. I will not tell anyone about it, Old Two. After all, you only have a fake identity. It''s not like you have used it to commit any crime. Who doesn''t use fake names here and there anyway? Not to mention, aren''t you my second brother? I wouldn''t bear to.

    Putting that aside, I missed my second brother quite alot."

    Yun Jifeng studied her expression. She only knew that name and nothing else about it?

    If that was the case, what was he so worried about? She was basically just as harmless and stupid as she used to be. Tsk, and to think he had wasted his time trying to find and kill her.

    ___

    The next day.

    Everyone was busy. Lu Enterprises'' banquet was tonight.

    Those who were attending were all waiting anxiously. President Lu had mentioned that there would be many pieces of good news. They couldn''t wait to hear it.

    Similarly, those who had other plans, like General Yun and his second son Yun Jifeng; were restless.

    Tonight, they would put their well thought out plan in action.

    After returning the previous night, Yun Xuan had slept in the room that had been hers for all these years. In the morning, the nanny that had taken care of her since she was a child was also the one who woke her up. Contrary to her expectations, nothing that belonged to her had been thrown out. So they had not completely given up on her after all.

    However, it did not make her feel guilty a minuscule bit. They were criminals. It was not wrong to use them for the sake of getting them arrested.

    At the breakfast table, it was only Yun Xuan and Yun Jifeng, as usual. Madam Yun had had to leave early before Yun Xuan woke up and so had General Yun.

    Yun Xuan ate with her head down without sparing him a glance.

    When they were both done, she stood up and brushed his shoulder on her way out. "If only we were both enemies of that person."

    Yun Jifeng grabbed her hand. "What person?"

    "No one." She said and slipped her hand off his.

    Yun Jifeng remained in contemplation. Why would she say that? Was she trying to lure him into believing that they were on the same side?

    When Yun Xuan was out of earshot, he made a call. "Get me all the latest information about Yun Xuan."

    Just a few steps ahead, Yun Xuan humphed. Hmh! Idiot."

    ¡­

    That evening, Yun Jifeng got ready. One look at him and you would think he was a special guest invited by Lu Enterprises.

    "Are you sure this will work?" General Yun was as doubtful as ever. How could this useless fool outsmart such a man as Lu Aotian?

    But the useless fool was sure about it. "You have nothing to worry about. Just wait to watch an entertaining show."

    That was all he needed to hear. Who was to say, perhaps his useless son would really do it.

    He left Yun Jifeng''s room and went to look for his daughter. She had just finished dressing up and looked extremely beautiful. Of course, he felt proud. How many of his friends and competitors had daughters this beautiful? If any of them saw her, they would want to match make her with their sons.

    "You''re going somewhere?"

    "Yes. Wan Jia invited me to Lu Enterprises'' banquet tonight."

    "That''s good. I thought you could...never mind." He was going to ask her to accompany him to the same banquet, not knowing that she was already invited. Damn those Lus. What were they up to?

    What Yun Xuan said next took him utterly by surprise. "Dad, if you need me to do something for you, you can just tell me. I wronged you and the family, so I owe you a life."

    She was biting her lip and looking so innocent that his heart ached. "Xuanxuan, you don''t need to."

    "Really? But you look troubled. Dad, do you not love me anymore?"

    "What are you saying? Of course I still love you. You''re my little daughter that I love the most." He even rubbed her head.

    "Dad, how old do you think I am? You still treat me like a little girl. I''m a grown up, okay?" not to mention, she was already a mother.

    "How would I know? The years flew by so fast. Anyway, Xuanxuan, I''m also attending Lu Enterprises'' banquet. I got an invitation from someone. But if you don''t mind, could you help me distract someone? It''s just for a short while while I do something important."

    Yun Xuan thought about it briefly. "Sure. That''s easy."

    Hearing that unexpected answer, he was relieved. He had been afraid that he would accidentally provoke her into running away from home again. If that happened, he would be sad.

    Yun Xuan was impressed by her own acting skills. She was not an actress but she could be so flawless? She had learnt it from Lin Lihua since a few days ago when she arrived in Country C.

    No. She must have learnt it from him all these years.

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 Chapter 437 - Not good with kids

    She did not know that General Yun was still unsettled. What if she only agreed to distract someone because she did not know who it was going to be?

    Anyhow, it was better to not tell her about it for now. She would know when it was already time.

    If he told her when it was already too late for her to refuse, the result would be better.

    Of course, Yun Xuan knew. She could predict this sly person''s moves like he was a robot created by a system. Everything Lu Aotian had told her so far had gone at least 90% similar to his predictions.

    Who else could he want her to distract, aside from Lu Aotian? In fact, even a dumb person would guess how exactly he was planning to have Yun Xuan distract Lu Aotian. Was it not obviously by doing something to Wan Jia?

    If only he knew...

    Luckily, she was not on his side. The best decision she had ever made on this lifetime was being on the right side. When this was over, she would silently take back her son and leave the country once again. If her mother was willing, she would take her along. She was still not willing to bump into Tyler.

    Speaking of which, she really missed her little Feng...

    ___

    Yun Feng was currently being taken care of by Xia Rou.

    Initially, Wan Jia had decided to have Yun Feng temporarily stay in Southside Villas but to avoid letting her daughter get tired out during her pregnancy as well as make sure Yun Xuan was not just a spy and was not going to betray them, Xia Rou insisted of taking care of the little baby.

    Obviously, she would never hurt an innocent baby even if Yun Xuan actually chose to betray them. It was just to make her afraid of doing it.

    If it was Wan Jia, Yun Xuan would never be scared. Could Wan Jia even bear to hurt a single fly? Not to mention, they had been best friends at some point in the past. It was the main reason why Yun Xuan had trusted her.

    But you couldn''t be quite sure while saying the same about Xia Rou. This was a woman who was capable of erasing her own past. Although she didn''t commit any crime in that past she had erased, it still evoked fear in Yun Xuan.

    She was certain that nothing could go wrong because she was not planning to betray the Lus after all; but she was still worried as his mother and missed him terribly.

    She was so used to his cute mannerisms and tantrums when he was being temperamental that in his absence, she felt lonely.

    ...

    In the Lin residence, the little boy who was being missed by his mother was flailing his tiny arms and legs happily in Xia Rou''s arms. He giggled once in a while and left drool on Xia Rou''s clothes. She did not mind it at all.

    Anyone watching would not know that he was not related to Xia Rou. They looked like close friends or even relatives.

    In the new environment, his blue eyes that were quite similar to his mother''s kept looking around. He looked as obedient as a little kitten and did not cry even once. As long as he was in Xia Rou''s arms, he would only blabber and smile with that tiny mouth devoid of teeth.

    "How is he so obedient to you? Jeez! That tiny boy threw a tantrum like a little devil when I got close to him!" Lin Lihua exclaimed, not understanding the little boy''s tastes. She was even starting to wonder if it was because the Yun Xuan right now still resembled Wan Jia quite a bit and as a result, Xia Rou as well. Could it be that in his tiny brain, he had already recognized his mother''s face and so he thought that Xia Rou was his aunt or grandmother because she and his own mother looked alike?

    Xia Rou tickled his stomach a little, to which he laughed and grabbed onto her clothes. She was all smiles as she looked at her daughter. "How many children do you think I have taken care of? Of course I''d be more experienced than you. Not to mention, I''m naturally good with children."

    Lin Lihua could not retaliate. Aside from Little Jia who practically loved everyone who was kind at heart, was there any other child on earth who liked her?

    Forget about liking her. They wouldn''t even get close to her. It made one speechless. Didn''t children get drawn to beautiful people and wasn''t she dashingly beautiful?

    She wondered how she would take care of her own children.

    Lin Lihua checked the time. "It''s time to go. Any later and I will be late for the banquet."

    "Go ahead. Don''t disappoint me."

    "I will not, mom."

    Lin Zhou was going too. Xia Rou was taking care of Yun Feng and because she understood that this baby''s existence was a secret, she was not going. She did not want to leave him in the care of servants either. He was just too loveable.

    Lin Lihua went to hug her mother before leaving. Alas, the little boy looked like he was going to throw a fit if she actually hugged her. It was as though he was possessing Xia Rou, not letting anyone get near her.

    "Just great. Now I can''t even hug my own mother anymore. Fine, you can keep her. I''ll be on my way now."

    He broke into a toothless smile as soon as Lin Lihua retreated.

    Lin Zhou wasn''t surprised. That little boy had rejected him too.

    He left with his daughter in tow.

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 Chapter 438 - 1

    Emerald Grand Hotel.

    In the hugest banquet hall, Lu Enterprises'' hundreth anniversary banquet was being held.

    This was the selected venue because not only was Emerald Grand Hotel close to Lu Enterprises, it was even closer to MAX building.

    Tonight''s banquet was not just Lu Enterprises centennial. It was also MAX Brand''s ribbon cutting ceremony. Three stores had been opened . It was obvious that MAX Brand would be among the most popular brands even before its first designs were released to be sold. Of course, if Wan Jia was its owner, that was not unexpected.

    On the screens in the hall, Lin Lihua''s photos were displayed. They were all advertisements for MAX Brand. Aside from that, the hugest screen had Wan Jia''s picture on it. The picture had been taken six months ago on her own runway. She looked like an international supermodel. The main point was the dress. How did Lu Aotian know that that white dress was her favorite among her creation? He had even bought it off from Elite Fashion World.

    Wan Jia''s heart felt filled with happiness when she saw them. "You sure know how to make me happy. Thank you."

    Lu Aotian hugged her. "I told you already. Those two words are not to be said between us."

    She looked up at him. "Aotian, I love you."

    Her lips looked especially beautiful tonight and he had been looking for an excuse to kiss them. He pecked them a little. "I love you too. Don''t cry, you will ruin your make up."

    She wrapped her hands around his neck and deepened it slightly.

    Little Jia had to interrupt their moment. Although she really wanted to have many more siblings, she already had one. Why were they still sticking onto each other like glue? "Daddy, mommy, all the guests are here." She gave the message from her uncle directly.

    For the first time ever, Little Jia was dressed in black.

    While most kids disliked the black color because they thought it looked dull, Little Jia still looked cute like a miniature model in that black little dress.

    To make it not too dull, all her accessories were bright.

    Her hair was in a neat ponytail tonight. With her short frame, she looked so adorable that everyone had the urge to carry her. Too bad, she was Lu Aotian''s daughter. Every piece of clothing on her was too expensive for them to compensate if they accidentally ruined it.

    The most important point was her bracelet. It was Lu Enterprises'' most valuable piece of children''s jewelry. It was basically one of the things in the company that Lu Aotian wouldn''t exchange for any amount of money or benefits.

    She was Lu Enterprises'' heir. Of course she would wear valuable attires and accessories.

    Wan Jia guessed that  all those years, he might have been keeping it for his daughter. It made one wonder what would happen if he didn''t ever have a daughter.

    From the same children''s series, Tangtang wore a black little suit. To make the attire look child-like despite it''s color, there was a small baby raccoon sticking out from Tangtang''s breast pocket.

    Since Wan Jia seemed to like having her ''group of models'' dress up in couple outfits, that was what they were wearing.

    Henry Blanc was the first person they saw when they entered the banquet hall.

    She looked at them in awe. "You guys are the most beautiful. Sis, your photos are exquisite."

    Lin Lihua hugged her. "Congratulations CEO Wan. MAX Brand is officially started now."

    Wan Jia returned the hug warmly. "You are being too polite, CEO Lin. I read the news about HL Entertainment just an hour ago. Congratulations on finally debuting three artistes."

    "In that case, CEO Wan, will I ever have the honor of collaborating with you?"

    The guests were looking at them with worship in their eyes.

    "They love each other so much. My daughers banter all the time and are jealous of each other. If only they were half as loving as these two." A middle aged woman sighed.

    The woman next to her had something to say. "Are you sure your daughters are half as great as these two?"

    "That''s right." Another added. "The Lin sisters are both great. One is the CEO of a new fashion brand that has gained popularity even before it does anything, is among the nation''s best designers and is married to the president of the nation''s greatest multibillion company.

    The other started an entertainment agency that is gaining popularity at an equally fast rate, is the nation''s most unforgettable superstar and is married to Country F''s greatest businessman. Why would they be jealous of each other?"

    Well, the truthfulness of that was oustanding. They were both big shot women. Why would they banter?

    "I''l so jealous of Xia Rou. I heard that''s their mother''s name."

    "Talking of which, why is Xia Rou not here? I only see Lin Lihua and Lin Zhou."

    "In fact, I don''t see Henry Blanc''s parents. Could it be that they don''t like Lin Lihua? If that''s the case, she can leave Henry Blanc and marry my son. He is oustanding too."

    That woman recieved glares from all around her.

    What kind of thought process was that?

    "What? Are you trying to say you are not jealous of Mrs. Blanc?"

    That was right. The Blanc couple was not here.

    No, to be strict, Mr. Blanc was not here. After leaving Henry Blanc''s villa two days ago, he had taken the earliest flight back to Country F to be with his daughter and try to get her out of jail.

    As for Mrs. Blanc, she was here to see Lu Aotian.

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 Chapter 439 - Such trivial matters

    As anyone would expect, she was here to ask Lu Aotian to let Amy off. She had been invited as a guest but this was the only reason why she came. In her mind, Amy should not have been punished.

    On account that the Blanc and Lu families had been allies for decades, and Henry Blanc and he could be considered best friends, he should forgive Amy''s ignorance, right?

    Although Henry Blanc made it sound as though Amy should not be forgiven, who didn''t ever make mistakes? She hoped Lu Aotian would understand. She believed that as long as Lu Aotian interfered with the court, Amy''s case would disappear.

    With a heart full of hope, she watched Lu Aotian from a distance, not even letting her own son notice her presence. She knew that Henry would try to stop her from going anywhere near the Lus.

    As soon as Lu Aotian''s speech was done, she went in the same direction in which he went.

    It was at this point that Henry Blanc spotted her movement from the corner of his eye. He did not try to stop her. He knew what she was thinking; but he also knew that Lu Aotian would never spare Amy Blanc. It was useless to talk her out of it, she may as well go ahead and Lu Aotian''s ruthless answer would be the one to make her give up.

    Mrs. Blanc took two glasses of wine and went towards Lu Aotian. The man turned and looked at her.

    Nervously, she gave one glass to him. "I have not made a toast to you yet."

    Lu Aotian knew that there was another intention hidden in those eyes, and he could basically guess what it was, but he took the glass. "Aunty, if you have anything to say, you can say it." Since he was going to disappoint her, he should at least save her time and effort.

    Mrs. Blanc gathered her courage and spoke. "About what Amy did¡­

    That child is very ignorant and often does things without thinking about the consequences. It was her fault this time and ours too for not bringing her up well enough. Could you let her off this once?"

    Lu Aotian put the wineglass down, his face expressionless. Mrs. Blanc forced her heart to remain hopeful. Who knows, he might agree?

    However, Henry Blanc was right. He was ruthless with his answer. "If Lu Meili did something wrong and was to be taken to the juvenile court, I would not bend the law for her. How can I do it for a grown up woman with brains to tell right from wrong? Since it turned out this way, you should learn a lesson and bring up Katy Blanc well, so you will not have to keep telling people in future that you have not brought her up well enough."

    After saying this, Lu Aotian left to greet other guests.

    Mrs. Blanc had no way to react. Lu Aotian was completely right. Every time Amy Blanc did something wrong, they would regret spoiling her too much. Would they have to say the same thing if Katy Blanc did wrong things in future?

    But, she couldn''t give up and let her daughter go to jail! She was still her daughter even if she was a criminal.

    As she turned to leave, she saw the kids playing together aside.

    Since they were Wan Jia''s little models, Tangtang, Small Xixi, Katy Blanc and Little Jia had all attended the banquet. In case they got bored, Wan Jia had arranged for many toys and children''s food. They would play together for a while and when they got sleepy, they would be taken home to sleep.

    Mrs. Blanc was currently looking at Little Jia. The girl was active today, talking as her little friends laughed. She was probably telling them jokes. Looking at her, one would strongly believe that she was the past image of Wan Jia.

    That was right. Wan Jia!

    Mrs. Blanc smiled like she had found another ray of in the dark.

    She searched in the crowd and luckily, she spotted the woman in a black dress. She was a picture of sophistication and vast beauty. Everyone could agree that she was the most beautiful woman tonight.

    She had just finished having small talk with someone and was speaking to another woman who was wearing a maroon gown and when Mrs. Blanc saw the other woman''s face, she sighed in relief. Her Lihua was here too. It was going to be even easier.

    She went over and offered Wan Jia a drink, which she rejected politely. Lin Lihua took it on her behalf. Since Wan Jia did not mention why she could not drink, Lin Lihua remained silent about it.

    "Aunty, I''m glad to see you here." Lin Lihua said. She had not expected her future mother-in-law to come, considering she was worried about her daughter.

    Mrs. Blanc knew that Wan Jia was probably busy and many people were seeking her out. This was probably her only chance. "Are the both of you too busy? Can I speak to you?"

    Wan Jia shook her head. "We are only having a breather."

    Lin Lihua had guessed what it was about by now but Mrs. Blanc still went ahead. "Could you speak to President Lu? Could you ask him to let my daughter off?"

    Wan Jia did not wish to get involved. She, too, had initially thought that Amy Blanc was a nice person. Since her brother-in-law had decided to handle the matter this way, who was she to interfere? "I''m sorry Madam Blanc, but I have no say in this."

    "I know. But your husband would listen to you, wouldn''t he?" She insisted

    Wan Jia understood that Mrs. Blanc was a mother and would do anything for her daughter, but she was a mother too and would do anything for hers. "I''m sorry. I will not bother my husband with such trivial matters."

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 Chapter 440 - You are hurting your own feelings

    Trivial matter? In her eyes, Amy''s life and future was just a trivial matter not worth bothering her husband over?

    If one was to ask, of course it was! If it were not insignificant to her, Wan Jia would have sought her out for what she did.

    Wan Jia was not going to talk too much about things that did not interest her. "Sis, I''m going to play with the kids a little."

    Her other meaning was, could you watch over your mother-in-law? She will get in trouble with Lu Aotian if she keeps shooting her mouth off.

    Lin Lihua knew that she would be in a hard position, when there was nothing she could do to help Amy Blanc.

    "Aunty, I''ll go to the restroom." She excused herself.

    Mrs. Blanc frowned. Why was she finding an excuse to leave? Was it because she couldn''t wait to leave? She grabbed her hand. "Lihua, Wan Jia is your sister so¡­"

    Lin Lihua couldn''t bear this anymore. She became frank. "Aunty, sometimes people really have to pay for their mistakes. By running around trying to find people to interfere with the law, you are hurting your own feelings. Who would dosuch a thing? If it was a minor offense that would be easy to handle but this¡­"

    Mrs. Blanc''s face was full of bitterness. "Are you that happy to see your sister-in-law''s life get ruined? Is that how much you hate her?"

    Lin Lihua was taken aback. This was sudden¡­

    She remained calm. "This has nothing to do with what I feel towards Amy. If it was Henry, it would be hard too."

    Mrs. Blanc had lost her mind. "Then why can''t you talk to him? Are you all happy with this outcome? Is must because you have all hated my Amy all this while."

    Lin Lihua remained silent. The apple doesn''t fall far from the tree. Now she knew where Amy Blanc got her unreasonable bitterness.

    "Amy was right. Some people are actresses both in real life and on the screens. My poor Amy... if you were not in the picture, Henry wouldn''t do this to his sister."

    Athough she found it ridiculous, Lin Lihua passed it off as Mrs. Blanc being worked up. "Aunty, you should go home and rest. Amy will¡­"

    Mrs. Blanc pushed her hands off like she was a devil. "Don''t call me aunty! I''m not your aunt."

    Lin Lihua panicked. "Please keep your voice down." She was desperately trying to find an opportunity to drag her out with her before she caused a ruckus.

    Mrs. Blanc did not keep quiet, and attracted the attention of a few people. "Do you think I don''t know that you are the one who told Henry bad things about Amy? You turned my children against each other."

    Guests started looking over and whispering.

    "She did such a thing?"

    "That is Lin Lihua. She has always been kind. I think the middle aged woman must have misunderstood her."

    "Kind, you say?" Mrs. Blanc scoffed. "She is an actress. Don''t you know? I''m telling you, she is wicked. Every time I talked to her about this matter, she pretended to know nothing when she is the one who instigated it."

    Lu Aotian was on the upper floor and folded his arms over his chest. Turned out Amy Blanc''s stupidity didn''t emanate from nowhere.

    Lin Lihua still managed to smile. "Aunty, our relationship should not sour because of misunderstandings. How about we talk in private? It''s a family matter after all."

    Mrs. Blanc seemed to have completely lost her mind. "What family matter? You are not invited to discuss the Blanc family matters but since you started this, you must end it."

    There were things Lin Lihua could not manage to say because of her identity, but Wan Jia had nothing to worry about. She had heard the commotion.

    "So, she was supposed to let a criminal run lose just because she did not want to ruin the relationship between siblings?"

    Everyone looked in the direction of the voice.

    Wan Jia walked back in front of Mrs. Blanc. "You only care that your daughter is going to prison? You are being petty, don''t you think?"

    "What did you say?" How could a young woman admonish her?

    "That''s right. Those kids who got hurt because of your daughter have parents too. Do you want us to take a flight to Country F and cause a ruckus in Le Blanc Group?"

    The crowd was getting more attracted to this scene. What was Mrs. Lu talking about?

    Henry Blanc heard a commotion and looked over.

    In the next second, he rushed over. "Mum!"

    "I''m sorry for this commotion. My mother is anxious. Mum, let''s go."

    Katy had run over too, out of curiosity and worry. "Daddy, why is grandma shouting?"

    Henry Blanc rubbed her head. "You kids should continue playing. I will pick you up in a while."

    "But Little Jia and Tangtang are not playing anymore."

    Henry Blanc looked at Lin Lihua and signaled for her to help him take care of Katy for a while, which Lin Lihua readily agreed.

    Alas, Mrs. Blanc would not have it. "Are you letting this bad woman take care of my granddaughter? Katy, don''t go over. She sent your mother to prison. She wants her killed!"

    Everyone remained silent.

    No one even dared to breathe.

    Even for a mother anxious about her daughter, this was overboard.

    She didn''t know the kind of shadow she had just shoved in her granddaughter''s life. Katy was only turning seven. How could such things be said in her presence?

    She halted in her steps and turned to her grandmother, as though asking using her eyes, "Are you not the one who said that daddy''s fianc¨¦e is a kind woman and I should adress her as aunt? Why was she a bad person now?"

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 Chapter 441 - The last chance

    Katy looked at her uncle, waiting to hear what he would say. Even if this aunty that was marrying her Uncle Henry was actually bad, she would not hurt her because Uncle Henry would protect her.

    While waiting for her uncle''s instructions, she also stole a glance at Lin Lihua, who looked as harmless as ever. Her little brows tightly knitted.

    Was it because she was too young that she thought this aunty did not look unkind at all?

    Henry Blanc turned to the young girl. "Your grandma is spewing nonsense. Your aunt is the kindest person on earth. She would never hurt you. Go and stay with her for a while."

    Katy covered the distance between her and Lin Lihua and stood in front of her silently, a little nervous and a little expectant.

    Henry Blanc sighed in relief when Lin Lihua took the girl''s tiny hand.

    Although he did not intend to make Katy doubt her grandmother, it was better than lying to her.

    Mrs. Blanc became even more incensed, watching the peaceful moment between Lin Lihua and Katy Blanc. What had this woman done to charm her granddaughter? "You''ve got to ve kidding me. Because of a woman, you are turning against your own family? You unfilial child!"

    Lin Lihua was intending to remain silent because of her identity in the entertainment industry that was delicate, but this was too much. "Heh. Aunty, if we start fighting even before I marry Henry, how will we get along in future? Will you be very happy if the family is broken?

    Just because you value your daughter so selfishly that you would forgive her for a crime as grave as murder, you expect everyone to be as forgiving? Let''s not even mention her ridiculous reason for doing what she is did. Aunty, you are being too selfish." Where did she even get the courage to speak when people like the Shen couple, whose daughter Shen Yue (Little Jia''s classmate) was hurt, had not spoken a word?

    Lin Lihua''s gaze was stern. She hated people who did not have a conscience. Even more, she hated double faced people. If this woman was not an elder and Henry Blanc''s mother, she would not be this polite while speaking to her. This was considered her limit of politeness in this situation.

    Everyone was angry with Mrs. Blanc. How could anyone say such things? Did she have no shame as an elder?

    Lu Aotian had had enough of this family drama. What did they take Lu Enterprises for? Their battle field? Why couldn''t they take their little drama outside Lu Enterprises? He walked towards them with a wineglass in his hand, his steps gloomy and tormenting as though a storm was approaching. "The Lu family has been friends with the Blanc family for very many years¡­"

    Everyone froze, making Lu Aotian even more intimidating as he descended the staircase and walked to Mrs. Blanc.

    "It''s unbelievable that people from the Blanc family dare to insult my family this much. Not only have you hurt my daughter, you are now bothering my wife and sister-in-law. How then are we supposed to..."

    Henry Blanc knew that it was not going to end well. He quickly spoke to interrupt him. "Could you give me face and let me handle my family?"

    Lu Aotian didn''t glance at him again. "You owe Lu Enterprises a banquet." He was only giving him face because they were on closer terms than most friends. If not, it was not guaranteed that he would not have exposed Amy''s crime and humiliated the Blanc family in public.

    Who would have expected Lu Aotian to care about his sister-in-law?

    It was nothing to be shocked of, however. Anything that was important to Wan Jia was important to him too. He gave Henry Blanc a stern glare; he was giving the Blanc family a final chance.

    Henry Blanc apologized on behalf of his mother and sister, promised another banquet and dragged his mother out.

    He was relieved. If Lu Aotian ended the collaboration between Lu Enterprises and Le Blanc Group, it would be a lose-lose situation. They would become enemies in business as well as personally. The projects they had collaborated on were so many that ending it would drag both companies down. Who wanted such an ending?

    Everyone was initially angry because such an elegant family would embarrass themselves and cause chaos, but Henry Blanc had handled it so well that it could easily be mistaken as a drama that was meant to be part of the banquet.

    Rich families could be quite chaotic sometimes. Everyone was used to it.

    "Any more trouble from you and I''ll make sure Amy is given a double or even triple sentence." Henry Blanc said as soon as they were alone. He was utterly disappointed. Forget about causing a ruckus to try and save a criminal who seriously needed to be punished. Why was she implicating innocent people? Had she gone mad?

    ¡­

    After that strange interlude, the banquet continued as though nothing had happened.

    However, this was not meant to be a happy banquet from the start. There was a pair of evil people lurking.

    A beautiful woman with a head of blonde hair sauntered in, obviously late. In her silver gown and delicate make up, she attracted everyone''s attention.

    Lu Shaoting saw her from the top floor and smirked, then exchanged a look with his brother who was a distance away.

    Yun Xuan went ahead to greet the hosts as though she was proud of being late. Of course, it was part of the plan.

    In the slight commotion that Yun Xuan caused with her arrival, an evil pair of father and son slipped into the hall too.

    ___

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 Chapter 442 - Wasnt he scared his tongue would fall off?

    "Hmph. Great security? I sneaked into your banquet like it''s child''s play." Yun Jifeng harrumphed. Wasn''t that too easy? Lu Aotian should never have the courage to brag about his company''s tight security.

    Anyone who heard him would be disgusted. Wasn''t he scared that his tongue might fall off one day if he kept speaking too much nonsense?

    General Yun, beside him, wanted to kick him in the backside. "Can you not be arrogant? It could be a trap."

    He did not believe that they could actually get in this easily. There was either someone secretly helping them from the Lus side, or it was a trap. There was no way Lu Aotian could be this careless.

    Yun Jifeng maintained his air of arrogance. " Lu Shaoting is in charge. Do you think that young punk is anything worth mentioning? Forget it, it''s no use explaining to you. Trap or no trap, we are in. Can they even recognize us?"

    They were both wearing skin masks. Even his own mother could be unable to recognize him. But Wan Jia did.

    She was just a meter from them and with her excellent hearing, caught wind of their words. She almost tripped.

    If they were skilled, why didn''t they get in legally and instead had to rely on Yun Xuan to help them "sneak in"?

    As they proceeded to join the other guests, she took her phone out of her purse to check on the incoming message.

    [Handsome Lu: Go with the second plan.]

    She frowned, not understanding Lu Aotian''s change of plan. Could it be that he still did not trust Yun Xuan completely?

    Well, she couldn''t blame him. Anyone would have trouble trusting her, considering this was Yun Xuan they were talking about. Even putting her former relationship with the Yuns aside, she had still betrayed Wan Jia in the past. Even if one closed an eye to that, anything was possible. It would not be funny if it turned out that she was being forced to do something.

    Wan Jia put her phone back in her purse and went towards Yun Xuan.

    "Look what the wind blew in."

    Yun Xuan shot her a smile, hiding the surprise she felt by Wan Jia''s tone of unfriendliness. She could only play along. "Hello to you too, CEO Wan."

    "I didn''t think you would come."

    "I was invited so why not?"

    Gradually, their conversation turned warmer and warmer. It turned out Wan Jia''s aloof facade earlier was just to make it seem like they were distant.

    Yun Xuan felt a chilling gaze on her back and turned slowly. Yun Jifeng was glaring at her. She could feel his anger even through his disguise.

    General Yun was signaling her to do something.

    Annoyed, she nodded her head then took Wan Jia''s hand. They talked for a while before she leaned over to say something in Wan Jia''s ear.

    The latter''s eyes widened in shock. Yun Xuan dragged her out. "Come on, I''ll show you."

    Wan Jia followed her, not looking like she was being forced to go anywhere.

    As though nothing strange was going on, the banquet was still in full swing. The guests were watching Tangtang dance. The little boy had not intended to attract anyone''s attention and was just dancing for fun because he was bored, but everyone liked it and was watching him in admiration. How could a boy be such a good dancer at that young age? Was he even seven yet?

    Tangtang was just a few months younger than Katy. Although he was a little taller than other little boys of his age, his dancing skills were impressive. His little body was so flexible that one could almost think that he was a clone programmed to dance.

    "Isn''t that Xu Liaowen''s son? He is too good."

    "No wonder you can rarely see him. They must have hidden him away. Such a rare jewel has to be protected."

    "I heard he wants to be enrolled in a dance school."

    The curious people wondered whether the Xu family would really let him go to dance school. He was after all the eldest son of a business family. Would Xu Liaowen and Kara allow that?

    "You dance to well. Could you teach me?" Katy ran over when Tangtang was tired.

    Tangtang did not particularly like interacting too much with girls, but he was not too mean either. "Okay. I''ll teach you when I''m free, but only once." His tone was like that of a businessman who had a company to lead and little time to spare. It made people find him adorable.

    Hearing that Katy would be taught to dance, Little Jia wanted to learn too. "Tangtang, can you teach me too?"

    "Of course. You''re my friend."

    Katy was the happiest. "Little Jia, Tangtang can teach us together. That way, I will get to play with you too."

    Although Katy had spoken ill of Lin Lihua before, Little Jia had forgotten about the matter despite her excellent memory. After all, Katy seemed to have learnt her manners and no longer spoke disrespectfully. That was the world of children. They had already become friends again, despite that incident and the scuffle between the Lu and Blanc families at the moment.

    At this moment, she liked playing with Katy as well, so she agreed to her suggestion.

    Lu Aotian was still watching his daughter interacting with her friends warmly when Carla rushed in and said something to him.

    He maintained his calm and said something to Lu Shaoting then followed her out.

    Yun Jifeng looked at his father and smirked. "I told you, it wasn''t that hard. I now have him at the palm of my hand. You can keep your ''brilliant plan'' to yourself."

    ___

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 Chapter 443 - You can keep her

    General Yun had to agree with his useless son on this. It was easier than he thought, too.

    "Handle things here. I''ll have a word with Lu Aotian." Yun Jifeng said.

    As he walked past Yun Xuan who had just returned, he smiled evilly. "So you are still useful after all."

    Yun Xuan chuckled and did not say a word. She was lost in her own world.

    Yun Jifeng took a car and followed Lu Aotian. With the news that his wife was missing, he must have gotten far by now. Probably, he was looking everywhere for her in distress.

    His joy could not be described in words. He had waited for this day for years! It was finally here! If anyone were to ask, it was worth all that agony and wait.

    His phone rang for the umpteenth time today. It was a foreign number, but he knew who was calling. It was Amy''s friend.

    No one needed to tell him. Amy disappeared two days ago and her friend started calling him. Would he really be stupid? Obviously, Amy must have gotten into trouble. Of course, Mrs. Blanc''s ruckus today could only be explained by this.

    Heartlessly, he moved Amy''s friend''s contact number to his blocked contacts list.

    Tch, Amelia Blanc, how na?ve. Do you think I would help you? But you are just a chess piece that I already used.

    That was right. Yun Jifeng was only using her. Months ago, meeting her was a coincidence. He had just wanted to buy a pair of shoes for his biological mother to gift it on her birthday. But when he found out that Designer CX''s real name was actually Amelia Blanc from the Blanc family, he his head overflowed with ideas. He checked on her background soon after their first meeting.

    That young woman had become a mother while still very young and was supposedly jilted. Of course, such a woman would have a huge weakness- she would always dream of marrying a man who would take good care of her daughter.

    It was a glaring weakness for such a big family as the Blanc family and the way he was proud of using it was nauseating.

    Anyhow, his goal was achieved already; he had sown discord between those two families.

    If the Lu family was on the verge of collapse, they would obviously turn to Le Blanc Group. However, would that still be the case if the daughter of the Blancs hurt Little Jia and in return, the Lu family hurt Amy Blanc? Of course, he had to thank his lackeys for making a mistake that time. This was a better result than if it was Tangtang who was.

    It was initially meant to be conflict between the Lu and Xu families but by this, he was killing three birds with one stone. The Lu family would have no lee way, he would have someone to be scapegoat as well as help the world eliminate a criminal. Wasn''t she so evil that she wanted Lin Lihua dead? In fact, she should thank him. The sooner she got into prison, the sooner she would get out.

    That aside, it was not important. Wan Jia was more important now.

    His men were going to keep Wan Jia in a place where he would never find her.

    It would be so much fun watching the mighty Lu Aotian search for his wife in despair all night, but he had other things to do.

    Actually, he half hoped Lu Aotian would give up on Wan Jia instead of Lu Enterprises. Either situation would be a gain for him. If he couldn''t get Lu Enterprises, he would still be happy if he got Wan Jia.

    He made a phone call, which Lu Aotian received immediately. Tch, already so anxious?

    "I have your wife." he said.

    "I know." came the arrogant tone. "You can keep her."

    Yun Jifeng was shocked. What did he just say?

    "However, your death is at your door. Don''t blame me for not informing you."

    Well, that was more like it. So he was actually anxious. "Just give up. You can''t do anything about it."

    Lu Aotian went silent for many seconds, making Yun Jifeng nervous. He was about to assume that Lu Aotian was giving up when he heard a chuckle. "Really?"

    He felt something was wrong. Looking through his side mirror¡­

    What was Lu Aotian''s car doing here?

    This was a limited edition sports car, the only one of its kind ever produced. Everyone knew that it was Lu Aotian''s. There was no mistaking it.

    Lu Aotian stepped out of his car and walked to Yun Jifeng''s, opening the door and sitting in the passenger seat like he owned the place.

    Although he felt intimidated, Yun Jifeng did not give in.

    "What do you want?" Lu Aotian asked, his arrogance and intimidating aura still intact, as though his wife was not actually missing.

    Yun Jifeng refused to give in. "Give up on Lu Enterprises. Sell all your shares to us, and I will give your wife back to you, not a single hair missing."

    ___

    At the same time, in the banquet hall. General Yun was proud of himself.

    He took a microphone when no one was expecting it. No one stopped him.

    He made an announcement, "I am here tonight because president Lu Aotian is going to sell his shares of Lu Enterprises to me."

    Everyone gasped. What? Lu Aotian was selling his shares?

    "Your President Lu Aotian thinks he is not good enough to manage Lu Enterprises and has decided to sell it to someone who can do it better than him."

    "Why would President Lu sell off Lu Enterprises? That''s a lie." Someone reacted.

    "That''s nonsense! Get that mad man out of there!"

    "Right! Where is security? How can you let in every madman who comes to spew garbage here?"

    ___

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 Chapter 444 - Close friend

    When they saw that no one from the Lu family was reacting, they were surprised. What was going on? Did this mean they were admitting silently?

    General Yun snickered. "Do you believe me now?

    Right, my close friend Lu Tongyan is here. Why don''t you ask him?"

    Lu Tongyan looked indifferent but in actual sense, he was taken aback. What was Yun Wei doing here? And friend he said? He had heard people lie but this was the most ridiculous lie on earth. He really wasn''t afraid that lightning would strike him for telling such a blatant lie.

    He had hated Lu Tongyan for decades, for no reason at all. Was that what friendship was nowadays?

    Aside from that, what were his sons up to? He knew that for this man to get in, those two punks must have let him. However, they did not tell him what they were planning.

    He did not wish to accidentally ruin their plan, so he remained aloof, as though the Lu Tongyan in General Yun''s statement had nothing to do with him.

    Though, his silence was mistaken as silent agreement by everyone.

    No one wanted to believe it.

    "I''ll only believe this if President Lu says it himself."

    "I will not believe it even if I die. If President Lu cannot manage Lu Enterprises, who in the world can?"

    "How is this not being able to manage? Can anyone compare Lu Enterprises now to five years ago? He is obviously the most capable CEO Lu Enterprises has ever had. This is either a prank for us or this man is a lunatic with a delusional fantasy."

    "That''s not the point. Who is this man? Does he even have a name? Even if President Lu were to sell the company, he would sell it to a capable person, right? After all, Lu Enterprises is the hard work of his great grandfather."

    General Yun was displeased by their trust in Lu Aotian. Also, who were they calling a mad man?

    "What''s so unbelievable here? Wait till you hear it from him."

    These people were ridiculous! He would make them pay. After all, his aim was not to be the CEO of Lu Enterprises. It was to destroy it and the Lu family along with it.

    At that moment.

    One of the screens in the banquet hall changed its display. Lin Lihua''s photo disappeared and a video appeared. To be exact, it seemed like a live broadcast.

    "What do you want?"

    The guests heard Lu Aotian''s voice and all their heads turned towards the screen.

    The President Lu everyone was looking for was inside a car with another man.

    Though they were curious. What did this have to do with the situation at hand? Could this be the negotiation between Lu Aotian and that man regarding selling his shares of Lu Enterprises?"

    "Sell your shares of Lu Enterprises to us and I''ll return your wife to you. Not a single hair missing." The other man answered.

    "You really have my wife?" Lu Aotian asked.

    Yun Jifeng chuckled. "Who knew Lu Aotian could also look so desperate one day? Didn''t you give up on her just a moment ago?"

    "Where is she?"

    "If I were to tell you, how else would I get Lu Enterprises from you?" As if not arrogant enough, he added, "I''m telling you, you better not try to send people to save her. You will not be able to."

    He knew it because Wan Jia was at gun point. If anyone tried to attack his men, Wan Jia would be shot through the head. For people like Lu Aotian, this was the only way to put them at a losing end.

    Lu Aotian chuckled, causing Yun Jifeng to cower in fright. Why was he laughing? His wife had been kidnapped!

    "You have been weaving a plan to take over Lu Enterprises for years. Your grandest plan is...this?"

    The way he emphasized the last word made the whole situation seem like child''s play.

    Yun Jifeng''s face darkened. It was nothing much, but it had taken him a lot of effort. With the bodyguards around Wan Jia and Lu Aotian''s protection, did anyone know how difficult it was? Assassinating the emperor would be much easier.

    "Are you giving up on your wife? Actually, she''s quite cute. I''ll kill her once I''m done playing."

    "I enjoyed playing with you, but I have to go."

    Lu Aotian opened the door and left.

    Yun Jifeng frowned. How strange. He came here to chuckle and do nothing else? He suddenly had a bad premonition.

    He had expected Lu Aotian to fight him, that was why he was prepared and had a bomb with him. He would go everywhere with it and if Lu Aotian attacked, he would detonate it. He would rather die together than lose to Lu Aotian again.

    Wait, where is the bomb?

    He checked everywhere in his car before he shook his head. That man...

    Anyway, what was the use? He still had Wan Jia. He made a call. "Lu Aotian may be coming to rescue her. Don''t let him go near her. Remember, don''t hurt her. I will hurt her myself."

    Wait, the bomb was not the only thing missing. What the..!

    ...

    At the same time, General Yun was wishing he could smash his son''s head. Stop talking! Stop talking already!

    Everything he said was being broadcasted. Damned fool! Didn''t his brain have a filter?

    Lu Shaoting frowned. This was not part of the plan. The result was slightly better since there were many witnesses now but...

    He looked around. Everyone else was present.

    Where was Lin Lihua?

    Just as he thought about it, several policemen appeared at the entrance and walked towards General Yun

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 Chapter 445 - Legal ending for the Yuns

    Lin Lihua was behind them. Lu Shaoting was shocked. This was not part of the plan either. What was Lin Lihua doing?

    When the guests saw what was happening, they were stunned and relieved at the same time.

    "I knew he was lying."

    "Didn''t you see that video just now? Someone kidnapped Madam Lu to threaten our president."

    "Wait, I thought it was just a show. Someone actually kidnapped Madam Lu?"

    "Is it this mad man''s son? Please let me beat him up."

    Lin Lihua knew that Lu Shaoting was so curious he could explode. Hence, she walked towards him.

    "This is the right way to do it." She said.

    "Who do you think you are to tell us what to do?" Lu Shaoting was on the verge of exploding. This was letting Yun Wei off too easily.

    Lin Lihua knew this too. "What you guys were going to do is illegal."

    They were going to torture him for at least half a month before giving him up to the court.

    Lu Shaoting was displeased but there was nothing he could do. He could only let them arrest General Yun. He glared at Lin Lihua, who patted his shoulder like he was a little boy. "It''s alright. This is for everyone''s good. The Lu family is the nation''s top family. I know you and Lu Aotian don''t care but it''s not beneficial for you to be involved in any sort of crime, even if it''s for revenge."

    One had to know, although they had a lot of evidence against the Yuns, most of it was obtained through hacking, bugging and coercion. Many people may not realize it but what if someone knew? It could be used against them. Of course, they knew this. They just did not bother about it. Was there anyone who would question Lu Aotian?

    "We are just worried that if that happens, my little sister''s and my niece''s reputations would get tarnished along with yours." Lin Lihua added ruthlessly. "Do you think this is one of those melodramatic movies and novels where male leads can kill as they please and still be loved? This is real life. If you hurt people deliberately, you have to pay for it."

    Lu Shaoting knew that this was not her only reason but he kept his mouth shut. He would ask Xia Rou why she changed the plan later. Arguing with women like Lin Lihua was a waste of effort. He wouldn''t win anyway, so he may as well save his time. He had better things to do.

    Lin Lihua sighed in relief when he left. Xia Rou had sent her today to make sure neither of her brothers-in-law got their hands stained with blood. Especially not the blood of such undeserving people. Ultimately, it was for Wan Jia.

    She looked for Katy to go back to Henry Blanc''s villa. Henry Blanc had some things to handle and would be back the next day.

    Katy had fallen asleep in the room that Wan Jia had prepared for the kids earlier. Little Jia and Tangtang were also asleep. There were many toys lying around, those they had played with before falling asleep.

    She wondered whether she should help them get home as well. But, Kara came in with small Xixi in her arms and Xu Liaowen beside her. "You''re here to pick Katy? Wanwan said to help her take Little Jia home. She and Lu Aotian have things to handle and will only be back tomorrow."

    As though they had previously agreed to appear at the same time, Lu Shaoting came too. "Don''t worry. I''ll take Little Jia; I''m going to Southside as well."

    Little Jia heard her uncle''s voice in her sub conscience and stirred in her sleep.

    Actually, the kids all heard Lu Shaoting''s voice and had reactions.

    Little Jia rubbed her eyes with one hand and stretched out the other. "Second Uncle."

    Lu Shaoting smiled at his adorable niece and picked her up. Alas, the other kids woke up too, and wanted a hug from Lu Shaoting. Even Small Xixi, who was the only child awake, stuck out her tiny limbs trying to cling to him. The scene was comical.

    "Does this man have a superpower that kids like? He just had to speak and all of them woke up to cling to him." Lin Lihua exclaimed. Even Katy liked Lu Shaoting. Just what did the kids see in him?

    Kara had nothing to say. Her children liked Lu Shaoting so much that they would throw a tantrum if they didn''t see him in a long time. Actually, Small Xixi was currently blabbering with her mouth of one tooth when she saw that Lu Shaoting was not reaching to carry her.

    Speechless, Lu Shaoting could only put Little Jia down temporarily and hug the one-toothed small Xixi. He then proceeded to hug Tangtang and Katy as well. When he was done, he was finally allowed to take Little Jia home. Of course, Small Xixi was fitful and cried when he left.

    Lin Lihua carried Katy in her arms and left the room too. The girl was surprised, not expecting Lin Lihua to carry such a big girl like her. Although Henry Blanc still carried her in his arms once in a while, her mother kept saying that she was too old to be carried, kissed, called using nicknames and told bedtime stories. If anyone asked her, she missed being spoiled by her mother. She had stopped treating her like a kid once she turned four. When she learnt that Little Jia still enjoyed being pampered by her mother, she was inevitably envious.

    Lin Lihua saw her surprised eyes. "You are already very sleepy."

    So she was carrying her so she could continue sleeping¡­

    ___

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 Chapter 446 - Su Ling, will you marry me?

    In the car, Lin Lihua put Katy''s head on her lap so the girl could continue sleeping.

    In Henry Blanc''s Southside villa, he had already had the servants prepare rooms for Katy and Ruoxi. It seemed like he had been prepared to take care of Katy for a long time. If they had another child, the room next to Katy''s would be decorated for him.

    Katy was in deep sleep, so Lin Lihua carried her to her room. She freshened up and went to her own room.

    She lay on the bed and took her phone to update her mother on tonight''s events. At some point though, something flashed her mind. Wan Jia and Lu Aotian were returning the next day, and so was Henry Blanc. What was that about? Were they together?

    Since they did not include her, she stayed out of it.

    "Aunty!" a weak knock sounded on the door followed by a weak voice.

    Lin Lihua was shocked. Katy was awake?

    No, that wasn''t the point. Since when did Katy address her as her aunt? Forget about calling her aunt. She was almost certain that Katy had never said a single word to her. Aside from her friends and close family, Katy rarely spoke to anyone. She would only look at people with those innocent eyes. It would be correct to call her a dull child. This was her first time looking for Lin Lihua on her own.

    Lin Lihua opened the door to see the girl hugging a pillow and looking pitiful. "Aunty, can I sleep with you tonight?"

    Lin Lihua''s first reaction was to remember the little version of her. this was exactly how she looked all those times she clung to Xia Rou as a child.

    She led Katy into the room. "Okay."

    Katy was happy now. It was not that she was too scared to sleep on her own. She just missed her mother who had just left without saying a word, and the only person close to a mother right now was Lin Lihua. Actually, would her mother even let her sleep in her room? Lin Lihua was still a better choice.

    ¡­

    At the same time, Little Jia was in Southside Villas too, but in Lu Shaoting''s villa.

    The man kissed her forehead before taking Su Ling''s hand and leading her to the balcony. It was warm tonight, or else he would never allow her to be outside.

    "You should rest early. We are going somewhere tomorrow." He said.

    "Where?"

    "You''ll know when we get there."

    "Okay, then let''s go to sleep." She dragged his hand along. She was quite sleepy.

    Lu Shaoting pulled her back and held her in his arms tightly.

    "What''s wrong?" He had been acting strange all night.

    Lu Shaoting''s heart raced. "Ahem¡­Su Ling, will you marry me?"

    As soon as he said it, Su Ling''s heart skipped a beat. "What did you say?"

    Lu Shaoting couldn''t bring himself to say it again. He knew that Su Ling loved him just as much as he loved her and would never reject him, but he was still nervous.

    He had been so nervous all night that when she asked, he just said it without thinking.

    Actually, he had wanted to propose in tonight''s banquet, but there were so many scandals that the atmosphere was no longer suitable for a proposal. He wanted to postpone it but the more he delayed it, the more nervous he became.

    Su Ling''s cheek flushed when she saw a little box appear in his hand.

    Then he went down on one knee. "I said Su Ling, will you marry me?"

    Su Ling subconsciously jumped onto him to hug him. "Yes! Of course I''ll marry you."

    Lu Shaoting wavered from the impact and they almost fell down together. "Careful!"

    She pulled away in embarrassment. She had been so excited that she forgot all about her pregnancy.

    Lu Shaoting took her little hand and placed the ring on her ring finger. She looked at it in shock. Wasn''t this the legendary "evening glow"? It was said to be among Lu Enterprises'' most valuable jewelry. Forget about outsiders, even family members had to offer astronomical prices before they could buy it. Lu Shaoting must have taken ages to convince Lu Aotian to let him get it.

    She suddenly looked like she wanted to take it off.

    "You don''t like it?" Lu Shaoting''s voice held disappointment. He had thought that this ring would suit her and had taken it using greater effort than he used to woo her. She didn''t like it?

    Su Ling paused her actions. "It''s too valuable. I¡­ It''s already greedy enough for me to want you for myself. I don''t even deserve you to begin with. How can I also take such valuable things from you?"

    Lu Shaoting secretly sighed in relief and took her hand. "You''re right. It''s very selfish of me to want such a great and loving woman to myself. I don''t deserve you at all. This little ring can''t compare to a single hair of yours. Ling, I must have saved a galaxy in my previous life to meet you in this lifetime."

    Su Ling jabbed him. This idiot inverted everything. "Shaoting, I love you."

    Lu Shaoting kissed her on the lips. "I love you more."

    ___

    The next day, Lu Shaoting was going to take Su Ling somewhere important to him.

    After cooking breakfast for her and Little Jia, he brought the little girl home. His brother and sister-in-law had returned.

    "Bro, I''m taking my wife to the southern hill."

    Lu Aotian was expressionless. "Ok."

    Lu Shaoting hesitated before asking. "Bro, aren''t you ever going to pay respect to her?"

    Lu Aotian''s gaze turned dark, and he glared at his brother coldly. "Don''t push it."

    ____

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 Chapter 447 - Whose son are you?

    Lu Shaoting could only retreat. It was his choice after all. It was not like he could drag him by the ear and take him to the Southern Hill. "I see."

    Silence followed. Due to what Lu Shaoting had just brought up, the atmosphere became a bit awkward. Lu Shaoting didn''t know whether to leave or stay to play a game of chess and try to change the topic later. He sipped on the water that had been served to him like a little student awaiting punishment.

    This was the scene Wan Jia witnessed when she came downstairs.

    "What''s going on? My little brother-in-law looks like he''s on the verge of taking off." She laughed. She had to admit that he looked too adorable.

    Lu Shaoting gave her a side glance. That''s because I really want to take off, alright? All thanks to your husband.

    He really wanted to ask Wan Jia something but with Lu Aotian here, he couldn''t even breath comfortably, let alone ask his question. Besides, he couldn''t speak to his sister-in-law secretly, or it might seem like he had something to hide.

    Lu Aotian ignored his brother like he was part of the air. "My love, could you see the guest out?"

    Lu Shaoting was drinking water, and he chocked on it, coughing violently. "Guest?"

    Lu Aotian continued ignoring him, as though he was really a guest and an annoying one at that.

    Wan Jia was surprised too but she showed him out obediently.

    As they walked out, she couldn''t help but ask, "You brought up your mother, didn''t you?"

    "Is it that obvious?"

    Wan Jia shrugged. "Don''t I know my husband? There''s only one thing that would make him that mad at you." Aside from her and Little Jia, there was one other thing that if touched, Lu Aotian might explode. And that was the topic about his late mother. Wan Jia herself couldn''t understand him regarding this, let alone other people.

    Lu Shaoting sighed. He would just continue giving him time.

    ...

    Since Lu Aotian was still adamant about not wanting to go to that place, Lu Shaoting could only take Su Ling alone.

    "Do you come here often?" Su Ling asked when they arrived.

    "When I was a kid, I used to come here every time I felt sad. But now, I come every time something important happens." Actually, every time he had good news to tell, the first person he would tell was her.

    Su Ling looked at his side profile. He must have loved her too much.

    He bowed and placed a bouquet of lilies on the stone. "Mom, the woman I love accepted my proposal. I''m so happy."

    He took Su Ling''s hand, as though introducing her. "She''s the woman I''ve been talking about for so long. Our baby is fine and healthy too."

    Su Ling paid her respects too. "Mom, I''ll take good care of Shaoting and our baby."

    Lu Shaoting broke into a smile. "Right, I forgot to mention, sister-in-law is pregnant too. You will have two new grandchildren at the same time."

    ...

    After the banquet the previous night, Yun Xuan had something else to do. She was so tired that she fell asleep. She only woke up in the morning to pick up her son.

    The little boy was in Xia Rou''s arms when she arrived in the Lin residence. It was not surprising that he was happily drinking the bottled milk that Xia Rou was feeding him.

    She sat beside Xia Rou and watched with a smile. The little boy kept drinking milk, not paying attention to his mother. When he was full, his eyes started drooping.

    Yun Xuan exchanged some small talk with Xia Rou then took him from Xia Rou''s arms gently.

    Alas, the little thing woke up fitfully and started crying.

    Yun Xuan was used to her son''s temper. She rocked him genty. "It''s okay, mommy is here."

    He momentarily stopped crying and looked at Yun Xuan. It was not sure what he was thinking, because he started crying and throwing a fit again.

    Yun Xuan was speechless. Had the little one forgotten his mother?

    She tried to coax him in all ways, but he became even more fitful. He had just drunk milk, so he was not hungry. Yun Xuan wanted to pull her hair off her head. What did this honorable little god want from her?

    Why couldn''t he be obedient like Little Jia? Yun Xuan had also had trouble in her pregnancy, unlike Wan Jia whose children were both obedient.

    Xia Rou tickled his tiny leg, to which he laughed through his tears, making Yun Xuan more speechless. Not only that, he also stretched his tiny arms towards Xia Rou.

    "You''ve got to be kidding me. You little boy, whose son are you?"

    He tormented her day and night, and now he was being obedient to Xia Rou?

    "He is fearful. You should coax him more. When he is older, don''t give in to everything he wants, or he will become temperamental when things don''t go his way."

    "Oh..." so it was because of this.

    Xia Rou told her more about how to take care of him, and Yun Xuan listened attentively. Xia Rou had seen the sun for a longer time than her, of course she knew better.

    After being coaxed by Xia Rou, the tiny boy was no longer fitful. He grabbed his mother''s shirt in his soft tiny hand and went to sleep peacefully, looking like a little angel. He really liked grabbing onto things while sleeping. Looking at his innocent face, Yun Xuan was once again speechless. The Yun Feng right now could easily decieve people with his sweet face. If only people could see the little devil he was when awake...

    ___

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 Chapter 448 - Men did not sprout out of the ground

    "My Lihua is getting married and that old Zhou  is very busy in the company lately. So when I''m not designing, I''m all bored. Why don''t you and little Feng stay over for a few days?" Xia Rou suggested. She was not just trying to butter up to Yun Xuan. She was truly bored and the little boy was fun to play with.

    Yun Xuan subconciously rejected it without giving it a thought. "Sorry aunty Xia, I have to stay with mother for a while."

    Though she felt guilty. Since when was she going to stay in the Yun mansion? She was staying in a hotel suite because she did not want to stay away from her son for too long.

    Xia Rou knew that it was just a false excuse but she did not expose her. She understood that people from the Yun family would not trust those from the Lin family too easily. They were not on close terms after all.

    Yun Xuan saw the look of understanding on Xia Rou''s face and felt strange. How weird! Wasn''t Xia Rou supposed to hate her and wasn''t Madam Yun supposed to hate Wan Jia? Why were these two women so strange?

    "Aunty, thank you for taking good care of my baby,..." and for not hurting him. The last part was left unsaid. If she was being honest, all this while she had been scared that Xia Rou might suddenly get angry and as a result, hurt her little Feng.  Seeing him fine, well fed and cheerful, she was really grateful.

    Xia Rou patted her shoulder. "It''s nothing. I just love taking care of children."

    It was not inexplicable that she had had that many kids in the past.

    Something flashed in Yun Xuan''s mind and she remained in a daze, trying to stop her eyes from going wide.

    "Is everything fine?"

    Yun Xuan shook her thoughts off. "Yeah, I''m fine." She had just found one more reason to testify against Yun Wei in court.

    ...

    Putting the strange women and Yun Wei aside, she took advantage of Yun Feng''s slumber to shop for some baby clothes and toys for him. He was growing so fast that he had outgrown some clothes before ever wearing them. It had not been long but she needed to buy new clothes. As a mother, she was happy. Her baby would grow into a man soon. She laughed at her own thoughts. There was still very many years before Yun Feng could become a man.

    She looked around the shopping malls.

    Because she was working very hard and earning more money than she did when she started off, she could now afford clothes from brands she couldn''t afford before. She entered the capital''s best baby clothes store to check out on some of them.

    Today she was dressed in simple clothes, not looking wealthy at all. This was why a certain sales assistant gave her an extra glance when she took a very cute set of clothes.

    "Miss, this set costs 200,000." She said.

    "I know. I saw the price tag. " Yun Xuan answered. She should have been displeased by the sales assistant''s rudeness but she was not.

    When the sales assistant saw that Yun Xuan was not surprised by the price and was picking more clothes, she kept quiet. Perhaps she actually afforded it.

    Yun Xuan sighed.

    She was wearing clothes from no-name brands, but her son had to get the best clothes. She wouldn''t let anything limit him from having the best of everything. After all, this was her beloved child as well as her only biological relative. If she didn''t give the best to him, why would she be working so hard?

    When she had more money, they would both wear clothes from those high-end brands.

    That was the heart of a mother. To her, her baby was her first priority. She would come second. Perhaps her selflessness towards her son was why, many years later, Yun Xuan would be among the wealthiest women in Country C.

    But that would be later. For now, she went back to her hotel room and put Yun Feng to sleep.

    She started contemplating when she would go back. She was truly scared that she would bump into Tyler, that bastard. It would not be funny. She was really not ready for a battle of custody.

    If Xia Rou were to ask her to stay in the Lin residence again, she would rush over. The Lin residence was safer than a hotel room. She regreted not taking that chance when it presented itself.

    She caressed the sleeping little angel with overflowing love. "I''m sorry bayby. Mommy can''t tell your father about you. Mommy has to hide you away from the world. That man is an a** and his whole family is full of a**es. I''m afraid they will take you away from me. Besides, he is a deceptive man. He doesn''t deserve to be your father.

    You will not be mad at mommy in future, right?"

    Of course, Yun Feng was not going to answer her. She could only sigh and kiss his tiny soft face.

    She hated the fact that her son might have to grow up with her alone, but what should she do? What should she tell her son when he grows old enough to start realizing that other kids have fathers and he didn''t? Should she remarry?

    But, men did not sprout out of the ground, did they?

    Not to mention, she had really had enough of those wicked, double faced creatures.

    Goodness! Why was it so hard to make up her mind?

    She stood and looked out through the window, watching the bussling city. Minutes later, she made an irreversible decision.

    ___

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 Chapter 449 - They weaved a trap so he could fall into it

    News of General Yun''s arrest spread like a wild fire. It was even worse that according to rumors, he was arrested for many crimes, including murder.

    When Yun Jifeng heard of it, he gritted his teeth. Those Lus! So all this while, they were tricking him? They weaved a trap so he could fall into it?

    He was so mad at himself that he could spew blood out of his ears.

    Angry, he booked the earliest flight to Country F.  He would think about the Lus later. Of course, he would also deal with that little traitor with the name Yun Xuan.

    There was absolutely no way Lu Aotian would get hold of that thing without Yun Xuan''s help.

    Forget about that thing. He had successfully kidnapped Wan Jia, or at least that was what his men had said. They had even said that they had Wan Jia at gunpoint.

    How could it be that she was on Lu Aotian''s side all along? There could only be one possibility in this as well. Yun Xuan was siding with them and had tricked him.

    How dare she? He had thought that he had been nice to her when they were still on good terms.

    He did not know that on the night before Lu Enterprises'' banquet. The first thing Yun Xuan did after returning to the Yun mansion was steal a file from him. With Lu Aotian telling her what to do, it was successful and he had not suspected a thing up till now.

    The file contained all the dirt on Yun Jifeng''s men, the very thing he used to coerce them into loyalty. She used the information to make them collaborate with her and the Lus and only pretend to have kidnapped Wan Jia. Later, she returned it sans Yun Jifeng''s knowledge.

    The man was still seething in rage and wondering what to do to make her pay for betraying the Yun family and siding with the enemy.

    Whatever, he would deal with her later.

    Right now, he had to pay a visit to Amy Blanc.

    That was right. He was going to visit her in jail.

    ...

    Initially, it was not going to be possible to do so due to the nature of her crime. But he made sure that he was able to see her and was given ten minutes to speak to her.

    "Arnold?" Amy was pleasantly surprised when she saw him. She had not expected him to make an effort to visit her.

    "I''m sorry my love, it was very hard to get here so I came only now."

    "Arnold, I knew you would come. If you didn''t, I would think you have found another woman and dumped me." Her eyes were almost tearing up.

    Yun Jifeng hid the guilt blazing in his heart. "You silly thing, how would I ever bear to lose you?"

    Amy''s heart filled with hope. At least there was someone who cared about her.

    "Amy, I''ll get you out of here." He said.

    Amy Blanc should have been happy to hear that, but she wasn''t. "It''s not going to be that easy, after all I''m guilty. Besides, my brother wants me to pay for my mistake. He will not let me get away. Even if I pleaded not guilty, my brother might have sufficient evidence against me."

    "Your brother would produce evidence to get you into prison?"

    Amy sighed. "That''s Henry for you." Her eyes teared up slightly. "Actually, I deserve it. I broke my promise and...sigh, forget it." She had only done it for him. If anyone were to ask her, she only regretted hurting all those children, but she did not regret breaking her promise for love.

    Obviously, she could only think of this because she did not know the amount of scorn that was in Yun Jifeng''s heart for her.

    Were all women so na?ve? Not only was Wan Jia that way in the past, Amy Blanc was so stupid too? Just how were their brains wired?

    ...

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    ...

    Physically, he acted like he actually loved and missed her. "I''ll definitely get you out of here, no matter what I have to do. Right, where is Katy? I can take care of her before I manage to get you out. Isn''t she bored, all on her own?"

    Amy Blanc''s heart was moved by his concern for her daughter. "Katy is fine. My brother and parents are taking care of her temporarily."

    Yun Jifeng looked regretful. "It would have been better if we got along sooner. I would love to meet her."

    Amy Blanc knew this too. But Henry Blanc wouldn''t let any man meet Katy. His precondition was that they had to be actually married first. But she couldn''t tell him this, especially since Henry Blanc had expressed his dislike towards Arnold Wen.

    "Sir, your time is over." Yun Jifeng was reminded.

    He looked at Amy Blanc one last time. "Honey, wait for me. I''ll come back tomorrow and get you out of this place."

    Amy Blanc nodded.

    As Yun Jifeng left, his mouth twitched. How lonely. You just had to show her a little love and she was head over heels for you. Didn''t she notice that she was inside there because of him?

    Well, it was a good thing that she was that helpless. It worked perfectly for him.

    No one kenw but as he left, someone else was going to see Amy Blanc as well. And that was Henry Blanc. He had also just arrived in the country and the first thing he wanted to do was have a word with his sister.

    He knew that he was nor mistaken. The man just now was Yun Jifeng.

    His gaze turned chilling. If that man dared to decieve his stupid sister again...

 Chapter 450 - I still love you

    Amy Blanc was sure in the wrong, and she was outrightly a little fool who didn''t ever use her brain.

    But, she was still his only sister and he loved her endlessly. This had never changed. He would not let anyone take advantage of her. Especially not a wanted criminal of that bastard Yun Jifeng''s variety.

    And why in the world was Lu Aotian still keeping that idiot unarrested? Lu Shaoting had mentioned letting Yun Jifeng defend his father in court before he got arrested himself but he did not understand everything about it, so he pushed it at the back of his mind.

    With an unpleasant expression, he went ahead to see his sister. No one knew how he was allowed to see her so readily, but it was better to not ask.

    Not shockingly at all, Amy Blanc was not too happy about his presence. "Why are you here?"

    He wanted her to be jailed. How was he still willing to see her?

    "I thought a certain someone would miss her elder brother." Henry Blanc said plainly.

    "I..." Actually she did. But what was the use? Her brother no longer doted on her.

    "Why was Yun Jifeng here?"

    Amy Blanc was stunned. How did he find out?

    "Let me guess. He promised to get you out pf jere?"

    "Who are you talking about?" She feigned ignorance.

    "Yun Jifeng." As soon as he finished saying the syllables, he saw the look of confusion in her eyes, one that seemed.to ask who in the world that was. "Oh, right. You think his name is Arnold Wen."

    He did not give her a chance to react before he continued, "I told you that he is a wanted criminal, didn''t I? Since you don''t think your elder brother is trustworthy anymore, why don''t you test him yourself? As him about his real identity tomorrow. I''m telling you, he will insist that his only identity is Arnold Wen.

    By the way, he sought you because he has come to a dead end. His father has been arrested."

    "What''s that got to do with me?" She rolled her eyes.

    Henry Blanc couldn''t believe he was saying this about another man. "Isn''t it obvious that he needs money? With money comes the ability to grease his way out."

    He meant to say, Amy Blanc might have thought that no one knew but he did. That man had been shamelessly exorting money out of her. He had long realized how extravagantly she had been spending money in the past months. When he learnt that she had been dating Yun Jifeng, it all made sense. It was no surprise that he had the ability to do things that he couldn''t have done before.

    One more thing Yun Jifeng needed from Amy Blanc was a bomb. "Lu Aotian stole the other bomb from him. He wants to break you out so you can make another one for him."

    Amy Blanc looked aside. "I knew that man hates me so much. He stole it so it can be evidence against me, right?"

    Henry Blanc really wanted to knock her head so much that there would be a brain in it. "Are you stupid? Yun Jifeng(your fake Arnold Wen) kept it so he can use it against you when he wants to discard you. Lu Aotian took it so he wouldn''t have that ability. He also took the other vital thing that could make you be mistaken as the orchestrator behind all his crimes."

    Amy Blanc took a whole minute to process that statement. "Lu Aotian wanted to help me?" The main point was, Arnold Wen wanted to make her a scapegoat? How could he...

    Henry Blanc answered the question she had asked. "Actually, Lu Aotian might seem unfriendly or even scary, but he in fact possesses a kind heart. As long as you apologize to all those families and tell everything you know about that man, he will not make things difficult for you." Lu Aotian hated the fact that Amy Blanc did those things, but he did not wish for her to be punished for crimes that she did not commit. She would be shocked if she found out that he had in fact told Henry Blanc to temper with Amy Blanc''s bank account so there wouldn''t be records of her transfering those huge sums of money to Yun Jifeng. Of course, Amy Blanc didn''t understand this for now.

    Her lashes drooped in disappointment. Not making things difficult for her didn''t mean he would let her off. However, this was already good enough.

    "Amy, I didn''t have you arrested because I hate you. On the contrary, it''s because I love you. I don''t want you to spend the rest of your life with a guilty conscience and constantly on the run. Do you know, that kind of life could easily drive you to suicide and make me lose my only sister. ...I found you the best lawyer. You were basically used so your sentence may not exceed five years."

    Her tears could no longer be stopped when she heard that part. She had been stupid. So selfish that she didn''t realize just how much her brother loved her. He sent her to jail, but it was only because he did not want her to spend all her life in guilt, and now he was finding her the best lawyer so her sentence could be shortened?

    "Brother, I''m sorry."

    "Silly girl..."

    Was there such a thing as apology between siblings? Actually, from the moment she realized that she had made a mistake, she was already forgiven in his heart. Which brother wouldn''t forgive his younger  sister? However, just so she wouldn''t make the same mistakes again, she still had to be punished appropriately.

    "

    _____

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 Chapter 451 - Worlds best husband

    "Your first hearing is tomorrow. Yun Jifeng probably wants to take advantage of that to help you escape."

    "I will not leave with him."She said decisevely Even if she still loved him, it was a safer option to follow her brother. Not only was there more sense in what he had said about Yun Jifeng, he had also displayed the true meaning of a loving brother.

    Five years...

    It seemed like a lot of time. But she would be fine. Her brother would visit her and so would her parents. Her Katy would be a pre-teen by the rime she left prison; but with the amount of love that Henry Blanc had for Katy, she was sure that he would take good care of the girl.

    When she got out, she would be free from all the guilt and crime. Why did she suddenly feel like it was worth it?

    "I..."

    "You have something to say?"

    She shook her head. She was going to ask about Lin Lihua but at this point, it would only sound pretentious. She could only ask about something else.

    "What about Arnold?"

    Henry Blanc slapped his forehead. Just when he started thinking that she was out of it...

    "That man''s crimes are too many. He will probably earn a lifetime or death sentence like his father."

    Amy Blanc sighed. As a criminal too, she didn''t have the right to judge him. She could only swallow bitterly.

    Actually, Henry Blanc had misunderstood her reason for asking about Yun Jifeng. It was not because she was worried about him. It was because she was broken.

    That man had taken advantage of her to gain money from her, and was even preparing to make her the scapegoat.

    It wouldn''t be the first time. After her brother spoke sense into her, she realized that she had in fact been made to take the blame for what happened at Royal Kindergarten. She was not insisting that she had no fault in it, it was just painful to be used by someone you love.

    How could he?

    Just because she really wanted a man who would take care of her daughter, it gave people the right to decieve and use her?

    Also, just a moment ago, Arnold Wen mentioned staying with Katy. Was that part of some evil plot he was hatching?

    The worst part of it was that she didn''t have the right to say anything about him. She had borne evil intentions at the time as well.

    Henry Blanc saw her eyes tear up again. "Don''t cry. I might think you are a cry baby. Be good, okay?"

    Amy Blanc nodded and rubbed her eyes. Henry Blanc had to go.

    ___

    That evening, in Southside Villas. Villa number 4.

    Wan Jia held a small tray in her hand, bringing a cup of coffee to the study room.

    Although the servants had been told that no one should disturb him, they knew that this did not include Wan Jia and Little Jia, so they did not stop her when she said that she was brewing him a cup of coffee.

    She stood at the door and knocked clumsily.

    She heard his voice a short while later, "Come in."

    Of course, Lu Aotian knew that there were only two people who would be allowed to enter the study room when he was busy.

    Wait, it was three now....

    The thought of it made him smile.

    The man looked up to see his little wife, bundled up warmly and carrying a tray in her little hand.

    Although she had kept warm, he still frowned. "Why are you wearing so little, and who allowed you to cook?" After saying this, he rushed to take the tray from her hands, then take off his jacket and put it on her body. The whole process must have taken five seconds.

    Wan Jia felt wronged. "Are you trying to bundle me into a huge ball? Most importantly, I brought you coffee and instead of expressing your appreciation, you''re complaining? You are too hateful.

    Lu Aotian saw his wife''s pitiful expression, the one that looked like she had suffered a huge grievance. He rubbed her head fondly. "Don''t be mad. I''m only worried that you will catch a flu if you are too cold. About brewing coffee, I don''t need to talk about this, do I?"

    Wan Jia pouted. She had been forbidden from entering the kitchen. But what was one supposed to do when they had a strong urge to cook for their husbands?

    With Lu Aotian being this strict with her, one would think he only cared about their unborn baby and not about her.

    However, she understood her husband well enough so she knew that it was not the case.

    If the baby were to be lost, she might be hurt in the process too, and she would be the most depressed from the loss. Ultimately, he cared about both of them.

    One had to know, Lu Aotian did not make any of them feel less important than the other. After the new baby came into the picture, one might think that Little Jia was forgotten. But the truth was the opposite.  She was still his tiny little princess and he still doted on her as much as he did before.

    Wan Jia was impressed at how perfectly he was able to  handle his family.

    This was the world''s best husband and father.

    The Wan Jia who was complaining and pouting like she had a baby brain a moment ago suddenly hugged his waist. "It''s because you care about us, right? Thank you Aotian, I love you so much."

    Lu Aotian was still coaxing his wife when her eyes were suddenly filled with worship and she was thanking him in the next second.

    For the first time, he was unable to comprehend his little wife.

    . ...

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 Chapter 452 - Are you a little girl?

    "You were pouting a moment ago and now you''re happy? Your mood changed faster than the flip of a page. Are you a little girl?"

    Wan Jia wrapped her small hands tighter around his waist, practically sticking onto his broad back. "What? I can''t love my husband more?"

    Lu Aotian chuckled and turned to rub her head dotingly. "If you keep sticking onto me so much, dangerous things might happen."

    Wan Jia noticed his ragged breathing and pulled away as though his back had scalded her. Of course, she understood the dangerous things that could happen as a result of her sticking onto him.

    She looked at him timidly. "The first three months are the most dangerous."

    Lu Aotian sat her on the sofa in the study. "What about it?"

    She wrapped his jacket over her face, as though hiding away from him. "Nothing...nothing dangerous will happen, right?"

    Lu Aotian looked at her in the eye. "Are you trying to say that after the third month is over, we will be able to have sex?"

    Wan Jia''s cheeks flushed crimson. How could he simply say such things?

    But, she was his wife. There was nothing strange about that.

    "Well..."

    Lu Aotian laughed at her expression that looked like she had been put in a difficult position. "I won''t tease you anymore. Why are you here?"

    Of course, she had not only come to give him coffee. There had to be something else.

    Wan Jia looked at him timidly. "Will you still let me work at Lu Enterprises?"

    "No." Came the answer she had been expecting.

    "But I can''t stay at home idly. I need to work too, don''t I?"

    "You don''t have to. I can provide for the family." Came the arrogant answer.

    Wan Jia was at a loss. At this rate, she would have to stay at home with absolutely nothing to do. She stood up from the sofa and went over to sit on his lap. "But if I stay at home, I''ll be bored to death. Let me go back to work, okay? I''ll take good care of myself."

    "Ok."

    Wan Jia was still prepared to use more words of coaxing. Her hand that was going to hug his chest paused in mid air. Okay?

    He had already agreed?

    She smiled at him mischeviously and kissed his cheek. "I knew you still love me the most!"

    Before he said anything else, she swiftly left with a smile on her face.

    Lu Aotian was speechless. She only came to ask for a favor and skipped away when she had her way.

    "Not so fast, be careful." He said after her.

    Once outside, Wan Jia was in thought. When she went into the study room just now, she thought she saw him cover up something using a file.

    She had not read too much into it because she knew that it couldn''t be anything to worry about. It was not like Lu Aotian would ever cheat on her, right?

    However, when she sat on his lap, she caught a glimpse unintentionally.

    She saw that it was a photo of him, but as a child. The boy in the photo would be of about Tangtang''s height. He was perhaps six or seven. There was someone else in the photo but she did not see who they were because it was just a brief unintentional glance.

    If she were to make a guess, the other person could possibly be Lu Shaoting. After all, he was the only person close to Lu Aotian when they were kids.

    Even if it was neither Lu Shaoting nor Lu Tongyan, the whole photo was nothing much. So why did he hide it? Was there something she didn''t know?

    She brushed it off her mind. Lu Aotian could also be incomprehensible sometimes.

    ....

    After getting her husband''s permission, Wan Jia went to MAX building the next day.

    She had called her new designers for a meeting.

    "Good morning CEO Wan." They all greeted their new CEO when they saw her.

    Wan Jia gave a warm smile. She was in a good mood today. "Good morning."

    Sitting at the head of the table, she looked elegant with a hint of overbearing aura emanating from her.

    She was wearing a saphire blue set of business attire and had her hair in a neat ponytail. She had a very thin layer of youthful make up on her face, the type that was safe to be used by expectant women.

    Paired with her happy mood, she looked cheerful and more beautiful.

    This was her first meeting with her employees since MAX brand was founded.

    She had once dreamed of starting her own studio and now it was here. Could she be any happier?

    Currently the first three stores had been opened. All the clothes being sold for now were the works she had been designing after leaving EFW temporarily, and past works of Xia Rou and Lin Ye.

    She needed the designers to officially start making new designs, and that was the purpose for this meeting.

    Su Ling was present too.

    Wan Jia looked at her and smiled. So those Lu brothers wanted to do things the same way. Because she was allowed to work, Su Ling was allowed, too. If Lu Aotian refused her, would Lu Shaoting also keep his woman under his nose and not let her go anywhere?

    Of course, this flashed her mind for only one second, and she was back to business.

    "Su Ling will be the Vice CEO of MAX."

    "Huh?"

    "What?"

    Everyone gasped.

    Just like that, Su Ling was promoted to such a huge position?

    Also, couldn''t she prepare them for such a surprise? She had simply said it as though it was nothing.

    ___

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 Chapter 453 - How to adress her?

    Su Ling was shocked too. Vice CEO? Just out of thin air?

    "Si...CEO Wan, I don''t deserve it."  She said busconsciously. She thought Wan Jia was doing this because they were both the Lu brothers'' women.

    Wan Jia was pleased by her humility. "You totally do. You were so hardworking as my assistant that I felt you were too good for the job. You deserve much better."

    Against this point, no one could retaliate. The new designers like Lin Ye and Xia Rou did not know much about Su Ling''s work but those from EFW like Xiao Rong knew it. Su Ling was indeed so hardworking that when she was no longer Xiao Rong''s assistant, the latter was unwilling to let her go.

    But, such rare people should be let off so they can be where they deserve to be, like in the Vice CEO''s office of MAX.

    Since Wan Jia thought she deserved it due to her own qualifications, Su Ling had nothing more to be stubborn about.

    She stood and gave a deep bow to Wan Jia. "Thank you CEO Wan, I will do my best and not let you and the company down."

    Wan Jia did not expect such a move and was momentarily stunned. She then flashed a smile. "You are too courteous. Since you are now the Vice CEO, come and sit on my right."

    Su Ling was still taking in her promotion and was caught offguard by the new instruction. Without wasting time, she went ahead and sat beside Wan Jia, feeling on top of the world.

    She had dreams, but never in her life had she thought that she would be a Vice CEO.

    Actually, all this time when Wan Jia said nothing about her job, she had thought that she would be Wan Jia''s personal assistant.

    There was nothing wrong with being Wan Jia''s assistant; she loved working for her after all, it was just that this was on a whole new level.

    Wan Jia flashed her eyes around, then her gaze landed on Xia Rou. She simply shook her head. Her mother actually wanted to work for her brand as a normal designer? Why did it make her feel like she was sinning? Was there anyone who would employ their own mother? Why was she here anyway?

    It couldn''t be because she needed money, she had a lot of it. She had been making designs privately after all. Not only that, Lin Industries was back on its feet and was gaining immense profit. What would she need money for?

    Besides, she would have agreed to be the top designer if it was about money.

    It was not because she had nothing to do either; because if so, she would have worked for Lin Industries.

    Whatever it was, it felt strange. Wan Jia had tried to convince her against it in vain. She could only let her be.

    As for Lin Ye, he was now MAX''s top designer.

    Someone asked, "CEO Wan, what''s with the acronym MAX? What does it mean?"

    The person who asked was Xia Rou.

    Forget about the nature of the question. Did her mother really have to address her as "CEO"? It made her feel extremely self conscious.

    And how exactly was she supposed to address her? Miss Xia? Mrs. Lin? Mom?

    Ignoring the awkwardness, she explained that those were the first letters of the names of the people she loved the most. Xia Rou couldn''t help feeling warm in her heart.

    After the meeting that was almost casual, Wan Jia found her mother. "Mom, what''s the meaning of this exactly?"

    Xia Rou knew that for the umpteenth time, she was asking about why she was working for her.

    She had been asked this question by everyone, including Lin Lihua and Lin Zhou. She could only laugh and tell her. "I missed out on very many years of your life. I only want to spend more time with you."

    Also, she would not accept a top position when she was only here for her daughter. It would be unjust to those who deserved it more.

    Wan Jia was currently stunned. She had been spending little time with her mother lately.

    One had to know that since getting engaged, Lin Lihua spent most of her free time helping her fianc¨¦ out so Le Blanc Group''s headquarters could be moved to Country C sooner.

    Also, some of her newbie artists needed extra attention. She rarely went back home. Xia Rou now spent all her time designing and missing her daughters. They had become so scarce lately.

    "We''ll be home for dinner tonight." Wan Jia smiled.

    Xia Rou was overjoyed. "Really? I''ll make your favorite meals for dinner and the strawberry croissants that you love so much."

    The mother and daughter pair wanted to chat more but they both had things to do. They parted temporarily.

    ...

    Later, Lin Ye brought his drafts for the spring season to Wan Jia''s office.

    Wan Jia looked through all of them and was rendered speechless.

    It was worth noting that Lin Ye had already ventured into business. Fashion designing could be considered as half a passtime to him.

    For his designs to be this good, just how talented was he?

    For the first time, there were designs that made Wan Jia almost feel  inferior.

    "CEO, these are the best designs I''ve ever made. I put all my heart in them." Lin Ye explained, making Wan Jia finally understand.

    He had put all his heart in them, no wonder they were so perfect.

    "Then should I thank you or what?" Wan Jia had already figured that the man probably needed a favor. He wouldn''t spend all his effort simply to suck up to her.

    "Ahem..." Lin Ye coughed. "I just need you to tell me her whereabouts."

    ...

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 Chapter 454 - Dating scoundrel after scoundrel

    Immediately after saying that out, Lin Ye felt a chill run down his spine. Did he just ask his boss to help him find information about a woman?

    Wait, that wasn''t exact.

    Did he just ask his boss about the whereabouts of his former boss that he liked? And that, by making perfect designs to suck up to her? He did not intend to make it seem that way, but it seemed like a bribe.

    It got even scarier thinking about his current boss'' identity. Would he loose his job?

    Just what was going on in his crazy mind? An insect must have crawled in when he was asleep.

    He was about to retract his statement when Wan Jia interrupted him. "I would be lying if I said that you shouldn''t have done all this. You should put all your heart in it more. However, I cannot guarantee that Yun Xuan would be happy if I gave you information about her."

    Lin Ye knew this, but the answer still disappointed him. He looked like all his life had been sucked out of him. "Then could you only tell me one thing?"

    "What?"

    "Is she..." Lin Ye paused, afraid that the answer to this question might shatter his newly found hope. "Is she marred?"

    Wan Jia rolled a pen thinking deeply. Was Yun Xuan married?

    It sounded like a lie to say this, but she didn''t know. All she knew was that Yun Xuan had a son, but she was not together with Tyler.

    She knew this because many months ago, she had bumped into a little boy who mistook her for someone. She had learnt later that the little boy was Tyler''s son and he had mistaken her for his step mother, Yun Xuan. If not for that incident, she would never have known that he and Yun Xuan had broken up. The little baby she had was logically Tyler''s. Since she did not let his father take care of him and let him stay in the Lin residence temporarily, they were probably in bad terms. However, she could not be so sure that they were divorced.

    Well, she couldn''t tell Lin Ye something she was not sure about. What if they were merely temporarily separated and would one day be together again?

    She did not want to be one of the reasons for a broken marriage, or for Lin Ye''s broken heart. She could only say what she knew. "No one ever mentioned a divorce."

    Lin Ye secretly clenched his fists, his heart being torn apart. Not mentioning a divorce meant that she was married. He could only give up.

    Actually, he had already given up. That was until he saw her recently, in a baby clothes store. She had a baby with her, who seemed to be her own.

    He saw that there was no man by her side and thought that she must be alone. Perhaps she and the baby''s father had broken up. Even if she had a son whose father had left her, he would not mind. He would treat the boy as his own. He had even pictured himself as the little boy''s father. That was why his heart had been filled with hope again...

    ...Only to be shattered for the third time.

    What was he thinking? Who said that a couple must shop together? He must have been so obsessed that he didn''t think that women could buy baby clothes on their own.

    Well, that was it. He was giving up for the final time.

    Wan Jia saw the light in his eyes gradually fade and remained silent.

    Sometimes, matters of the heart had to be dealt with by oneself.

    Though she wanted to scold Yun Xuan in her heart. Couldn''t she open her eyes and see clearly? This man had liked her for years. No matter how one looked at it, there was no man in this lifetime who would love her as much as Lin Ye did. Not to mention what a good man he actually was.

    However, the love of his life was so blind that she kept dating scoundrel after scoundrel and never spared him a glance.

    She watched as the heart-broken man left her office.

    If she were to choose to say something to him, she would have told him to pursue her regardless of her marriage. After all she was married to a shameless bastard. Who knows? Perhaps she might be moved by his love for her and give him a chance.

    However, she disliked people who caused breaking in marriages. Voicing such an opinion would be slapping herself in the face.

    "Beautiful master, please eat your lunch." Came the usual reminder from Seventeen, who had rolled out of God knows where and stood in front of her.

    It had slipped Wan Jia''s mind that there was a robot assistant in her office and it startled her slightly.

    "Oh! Seventeen, I forgot you are here. I''ll go to have lunch now." She had actually intended to go on her own. Seventeen reminded her just at the right time.

    Although that was what she said and thought, she took a new file of designs to start checking.

    "Beautiful master..."

    Wan Jia pressed a button to shut it up. "I''m ordering take out."

    If the robot had feelings, it would have felt wronged. That was not what it was going to report, okay? Why was its beautiful master so mean?

    A few seconds later, the door opened.

    The robot spoke up simultaneously. "My dear lovely master''s Handsome husband, please come in."

    Lu Aotian walked in with a food bag in his hand and a charming smile on his face. He patted the robot like it was a pet. "Good boy."

    ...

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 Chapter 455 - Lu Aotians strange hobby

    Wan Jia wanted to roll her eyes at him. Was her husband so narcissistic about his looks that he could have a robot remind him that he was handsome? What a man!

    The robot-turned-pet reminded Wan Jia to eat lunch once again and rolled back to its spot with Lu Aotian''s instruction.

    As Wan Jia saw it go back, she finally knew where it had come from earlier. So there was a secret room behind that wall...

    The robot touched the wall with its metallic palms and a section of it moved, allowing it to enter the secret room.

    "There''s such a thing in my office?" Wan Jia was awed. She had not known that such a thing existed until now. When was it even made? Lu Aotian was really something...

    Out of curiosity, she went to that wall and touched it, trying to check if there was anything else in that room. Perhaps there were more robots?

    "You can''t open it." Lu Aotian said when he understood her intention.

    Wan Jia did not understand. "I can''t open it but a robot can? What''s the logic?"

    Lu Aotian asked her to watch attentively. This was better explained in actions than in words.

    With his instructions, the robot Seventeen came out, then went back into the secret room.

    This time, Wan Jia saw the logic. When Seventeen touched the wall, there was a pattern that glowed faintly in its metallic hands, that looked complimentary to the one that appeared faintly on the wall. It looked like some sort of maze.

    One could only see it if they paid close attention.

    Now she got it. So it was like a lock and key, and he didn''t want human beings to access it.

    "So it is exclusive for Seventeen and other robots can''t go in?"

    "They can. Actually, robots of a group have the same system. If one of them crashed, it could be revived by the others this way."

    They did not all have the same system and were in groups as a precaution. If one system failed, the others would still function. Also, it was easier to manage all of them.

    Wan Jia was awed by her husband''s thought process as usual, but she was also rendered speechless. What kind of strange hobby was this?

    If anyone were to ask her, he rarely had time to spare and when he did, he would be hacking or making and improving his robots. It was impossible for her to know how many they were exactly. All she knew was that, he made lots of them when he was bored.

    At other times, he would keep improving the security systems of Southside Villas and Lu Enterprises and its subsidiaries. Those places were now too secure for a fly to enter. People who were neither employees nor partners could not enter the Lu Enterprises building easily, thanks to him.

    He had in fact, naughtily hacked into governmental security systems for fun before, and even claimed that they were too novice for him and he wanted more difficult firewalls to hack into. The thought of it rendered one speechless.

    Who would expect such a man to have such weird hobbies?

    However, they were not just weird. Sometimes, it was helpful.

    "Enough about lifeless objects like robots. Your lunch time is overdue." He reminded.

    He went ahead to unpack the lunch that he had brought her.

    Luckily, he had arrived before she placed her order for take out.

    "I had it delivered from home." He said.

    When he opened the food box, her mouth watered from the enticing aroma. It was all healthy food with little spices.  She would have found it boring if the chef at Southside not as talented as he was.

    The aroma of it was in fact familiar. If he hadn''t mentioned that it was delivered from home, she would have thought that he had cooked it himself.

    Aside from the aroma, the food looked delicious.

    One taste and her expression changed, slowly turning into a sweet smile. "You cooked it, right?"

    "Is it that obvious?" He concealed his surfacing smile.

    "I can recognize my husband''s cooking even from a waft. Of course, the main reason is that my husband is the best chef in the world."

    Lu Aotian''s lips couldn''t conceal his smile. That was one sweet tongue.

    "You''re not eating yourself?" She asked when she realized that there was a lot of food for her and none for himself.

    "I already ate."

    Wan Jia knew that he was probably just not hungry. Lu Aotian would never eat before she did. She scooped a spoonful of her food and fed to him.

    With her insistence, they ate together. There was a lot of food so it was enough for both of them.

    When she was done eating, she brought up something she was curious about. "I don''t think my mom only wants to spend time with me by working at MAX. Could there be something else?"

    Lu Aotian stayed in thought for about a minute. "I don''t think so either. She could be here because she wants to help me protect you or for something else. Whatever it is, don''t worry. She would never hurt you."

    Wan Jia of course understood this. Xia Rou loved her too much to want to hurt her. She was just scared that her mother could be up to something that might hurt her. She was so mysterious.

    One had to remember that she had a weak heart. Although her condition had been stable for more than a year, it didn''t mean she could so dangerous things as she pleased.

    "My love, could you help me protect her?" She said to Lu Aotian.

    "Of course. I would, even if you didn''t ask."

    ...

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 Chapter 456 - Double happiness

    Wan Jia hugged him fondly. "Thank you my love. You should go back to Lu Enterprises now."

    "Are you sending me away right after having your way again? You really like burning your bridges." His expression was that of complaint, as though he had been awfully wronged.

    "You need to go back to work. Do you think that if you are no longer the hardworking Lu Aotian, I will still want you?"

    "I dare you to say that again." Lu Aotian gazed at her dangerously.

    "If you are no longer hardworking, I will not..hey! I''m still pregnant." She pushed him away. How could he still kiss her?

    "Who was it that said that pregnant women cannot be kissed." He went for her lips as soon as his voice fell.

    She still struggled to push him. "The doctor said¡­"

    "Hm? He didn''t say I cannot kiss you, did he? If he did, then he must be a quack." He did not stop kissing her.

    ___

    After accepting Lu Shaoting''s proposal, Su Ling was the happiest woman in the whole world.

    She would often space out, looking at her ring and touching it.

    "One more look and I''ll take it away." Lu Shaoting warned.

    He had been having lunch with her but all this while, she had not been looking at him but at a lifeless ring instead? Which man woild accept this?

    Su Ling retracted her gaze quickly and looked at him.

    How could her man be so mean? Someone should give him something he values so much, and see if he doesn''t look at it all day.

    Well, there would be such a thing; their little baby. But that would be months later.

    For now, Su Ling could only try hard to tear her gaze away from her hand, with a pouty expression.

    She changed the topic. "What took you so long to propose? I was almost starting to think that you did not intend to marry me at all."

    Lu Shaoting chuckled. She was not the only person who found him strange regarding this. After watching Su Ling for a while, Lu Tongyan had understood her better and realized that she was a nice girl. So he had started nagging Lu Shaoting to propose to her.

    He even once said to his second son that if he did not propose soon enough, some other man with a sweet tongue might appear and run off with Su Ling.

    That, coming out of the mouth of the man who had initially been dead set against Su Ling, had been quite comical.

    Lu Tongyan was not the only one who was nagging him. Henry Blanc had also asked him about it a few times.

    Only Lu Aotian seemed to understand him about this and had kept his mouth shut.

    He looked at Su Ling and answered seriously, "I wanted to propose all the tension in the family had settled down."

    Su Ling was probably wondering since when there was tension in the Lu family.

    Well, since Lu Shaoting did not exactly tell her everything, it was hard for her to know everything that was going on in the family.

    Although Lu Aotian and Wan Jia did not walk around showing it on their faces, they were extremely worried about their daughter''s condition.

    Any pair of parents would be worried. Any family member would be unsettled. How could anyone have a clear mind when the first heir of the family was terminally sick?

    Well, in some families, the younger brother would be happy with such a situation because if the first son''s heir died, the family company would probably be inherited by second son''s offspring.

    However, in Lu Shaoting''s situation, it was hard to tell. Su Ling and Wan Jia seemed to have gotten pregnant within a very short time frame. One could not be sure whose child would be born first.

    Who was to say, perhap''s Little Jia''s sibling would still be the eldest grandson if something happened to Little Jia?

    Of course, the main point was worth remembering. Lu Shaoting had never coveted the company. Even if his child did not take it over, he would still not mind.

    He had long accepted the fact that Lu Aotian made a better CEO than him, thanks to his seniority in the family as well as his capabilities, and if his nephew or niece was older and better than his child, he would accept this too.

    Not to mention, he loved Little Jia so much that he wished more than anyone that the little girl would be cured faster.

    All forms of treatment were after all only temporary and although she had never lost a strand of her hair and she was still strong thanks to Qian Li''s pill, the condition was still worrying.

    Until Wan Jia got pregnant, until the doctor confirmed that the f?tus was safe and healthy, their tension decreased by at least firty percent.

    Well, it had not fully disappeared because anything could happen.

    The baby could be lost, or it might as well not be a match for Little Jia. But since the chances of such things happening were extremely minute, there was no longer anything to be worried about.

    Lu Shaoting could still claim to have proposed when the tension in the family calmed down. More importantly, there was no longer distress in his heart.

    With his sister-in-law pregnant, his heart was filled with newly found hope. His little niece would be alright. Not only that, he would have another nephew or niece too. Double happiness.

    Su Ling stared at her fianc¨¦ who was lost in thought. A smile had started surfacing across his lips. She looked down.

    Was he daydreaming about how much he adored his niece, Little Jia, again?

    ___

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 Chapter 457 - The place she always wished to go

    Lu Shaoting wasn''t to blame. After all, Little Jia was just so adorable that even she couldn''t help liking her.

    She could only hope that her own child would be as cute.

    She was not jealous about Lu Shaoting''s love for Little Jia since she was their niece after all; but there was no mother who wouldn''t want her child to be the cutest thing on earth, was there?

    Even if that child was not the cutest, it would be the best in its mother''s eyes.

    Su Ling unconciously rubbed her belly. "Shaoting, what will we name our baby? Is it too early to start thinking of names?"

    Lu Shaoting snapped back with a light laugh. "Not at all. Why don''t you think of a boy''s name? I''ll think of a girl''s name."

    Su Ling ran her hand over her stomach, her eyes expressing her blissfulness. "If it''s a boy, let''s name him Shihan. I''ve always wanted to name my son this way if the heavens granted me one."

    Lu Shaoting liked the sound of the name as well. "Then if it''s a girl, let''s name her Shiyao."

    Su Ling was happy about how much her fianc¨¦ accomodated her. Many men would think that naming children before knowing their gender was a waste of time.

    But her man doted on her so much that he wouldn''t deny her anything.

    "You said you had something to say to me?" Lu Shaoting reminded.

    "Yes. It''s good news. I''ve been promoted to be the Vice CEO of MAX."

    "That''s great news. My sister-in-law is very fair."

    Contrary to her expectation, Lu Shaoting did not think that it was because Wan Jia and Su Ling were friends.

    Of course this was because he knew just how hardworking his Su Ling was. It wouldn''t be a surprise even if she was made to be the Vice CEO of EFW, let alone MAX.

    Besides, Wan Jia was one who looked at how deserving one was, not at how close their friendship was.

    If she were to only consider friendship, Lu Enterprises would have been completely ruined by her a thousand times already.

    "Vongratulations my love." He clinched his glass with Su Ling''s.

    Su Ling looked down at her glass of milk. It was already enough that she could not drink wine. Did he have to rub it in her face?

    Lu Shaoting laughed at her expression. She looked so cute that he wanted to pat her.

    At that moment, his phone chimed. It was a reminder from his sectetary that he was to attend a meeting in one hour.

    He frowned slightly. There was still one hour before the meeting started, and she was reminding him now? Was she being serious?

    "You have to go back to work already?" Su Ling asked. Her tone was slightly sad. The Lu brothers were always busy. Although they always made time to be with their wives, she was worried that Lu Shaoting might be overworking himself.

    The man understood the reason for her sad tone. He stuck out a hand to tousle her hair. "Are you worried that I will work too hard and get tired? Don''t worry, I would never go beyond the level that my body can handle."

    "You are not allowed to rest for less than six hours every day."  Her tone was rather displeased. Who did these Lu brothers think they were? A pair of robots?

    They would work endlessly and only rest a little, as though their bodies were machines. Even machines needed maintainence.

    Lu Shaoting felt helpless when he heard his fianc¨¦e''s warning because he rarely slept for that long. Sometimes when he was extemely busy, he would even sleep for two hours.

    When he saw that Su Ling was waiting for his answer, he could only promise. "Honey, I can''t guarantee that I will rest for that long every single day, but I will be sure to do so on most days."

    Su Ling was happy now. Since he said so, he would try his best. "I will watch you closely. Every time you overwork yourself, I will refuse to speak to you for a week."

    Lu Shaoting facepalmed. "Honey, don''t be like that. If you did not speak to me for a single day, I would die. What would happen to me if you ignored me for a week?"

    "The same thing that would happen to me if you contracted some ailments as a result of little rest. Honey, I love you so much. Why can''t you be good and take good care of yourself?"

    "Shouldn''t it be the woman taking care of her man?"

    "That''s exactly what I''m doing." She looked as though she wanted to whip out a contract for him to sign, with her smug expression.

    Lu Shaoting could not retaliate and agreed to this condition. He would try to rest on time evey day.

    "There''s still one full hour before my meeting begins. Why don''t we go somewhere for a few minutes?" Lu Shaoting suggested since both of them were done eating.

    "Where do you want to go?" She asked.

    "I don''t actually have a place in mind. Is there anywhere you have always wanted to go?"

    As though she was waiting for such a question, she answered immediately. "Adele''s."

    Lu Shaoting was taken aback. "A baby clothes and toy store?"

    He knew about it because it was among the best in the nation. He had gone to that store several times to get presents for his little friends; Little Jia, Tangtang and Small Xixi.

    Su Ling was looking down, smiling. "It''s actually....the place I''ve always wished to go. It''s also the place I avoided for many years.

    Now that I have a valid reason, can we?"

    ___

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 Chapter 458 - You look like President Lu

    Although she was smiling very warmly, it made Lu Shaoting''s heart ache. He could imagine how it felt like to want to go to such a place as a toy and baby clothes store, when the doctors claimed that she could not have children. It must have broken her heart a million times.

    Speaking of which, how was it that despite that sort of report, she had gotten pregnant that fast?

    Could it be that her chances were truly that slim, and the heavens simply granted her wish that fast, or could someone have tempered with the medical report?

    His expression darkened. If someone tempered with the medical report, he would not be kind to them.

    For someone to make her, Lu Shaoting''s wife, be depressed for all those years, were they seeking death?

    Su Ling felt chills down her spine. "Honey, is anything the matter? You look exactly like President Lu does when he is angry. Jeez...It''s scary."

    Lu Shaoting saw that she was actually trembling and controlled his temper, making the murderous glint that was in his eyes a moment ago disappear. He reached out to hug her. "Don''t be scared my love, I was thinking that I want to punish everyone who has ever made you suffer in the past. I will not let them off even if it turns out that your parents orchestrated it. I will make them pay for every tear that fell from your eyes."

    Su Ling''s heart raced, as though she had just recieved a piece of shocking news. "What are you talking about?"

    "Do you really think that if the impact of what you did those many years ago was that much, you would be able to concieve at this time? Don''t you think it''s too soon?"

    Su Ling frowned. Indeed, it made no sense at all. If she had been with other men before Lu Shaoting, she would have said that she had tried for years. But since that time, she had only been with Lu Shaoting. Indeed, she had asked herself questions before, but since no one could answer her, she had let it go.

    Now that Lu Shaoting had asked it, she could finally voice her doubts.

    "If I didn''t take a test a hundred times and I was not feeling this way in my stomach, I would think that it was the pregnancy test report which was wrong.

    But since it was right, there could only be one possibility. My parents.."

    She stopped her statement mid-speech, but Lu Shaoting understood it. "Your parents hired the doctors who ran tests on you, so they could lie about your inability to concieve?"

    Coming from his mouth, it did not sound like anything serious at all. Perhaps this was because he made it sound like a question.

    But, if those parents were not devils straight out of hell, was there anyone who would do that to their own child? What would they gain from it?

    From Lu Shaoting''s gaze on her, Su Ling could guess what his questions were. Was he wondering if it was possible for parents to tell such a lie to their daughter?

    She had already cried for this reason before and gotten over it, so right now she was all smiles. "They wanted to get rid of me. Who knows the limit of what they could do? Actually, I would not be too shocked."

    Lu Shaoting studied her expression to be sure that she was truly not sad. Women were strong sometimes and fragile at other times, but sometimes they would hide their sorrows behind their sweet and innocent smiles. If one was not careful enough, they would think that their wives had gotten over something, only to realize later that they had been sad all along.

    Only when he was sure that Su Ling''s smile was not bitter and it bore no sadness did he retract his deep gaze. "I will get revenge for you."

    Su Ling held his hand and shook her head. "You do not need to waste your time and energy on such trivial matters."

    Jeez, she was trembling. She had been lucky thats he moved out of that house as soon her parents began to give her the cold shoulder and scold her every day that rose; about how  awful she was and what a huge shame she had brought upon the Su family.

    If she continued staying in that household, would they put drugs in her food? The kind of drugs that caused barrenness in women?

    Then, why on earth was it that when she visited her maiden home with Lu Shaoting, they were quick to talk about her inability to concieve and try to match make Lu Shaoting with Su Qianqian as the better choice, right under her nose?

    It was rather scary.

    She rubbed Lu Shaoting''s hand with her own. "Honey, it is not worth spending your effort over. It will only waste your time."

    Lu Shaoting took her small hand and was about to speak. Did it matter if he wasted his time? All he cared was that he would have gotten revenge for her.

    Su Ling interrupted him. "The best form of revenge for such a thing is annoucing my pregnancy. It will be a huge slap in their faces. However, it is still too soon for that." They had agreed to announce it when she was about five months into her pregnancy, at the time when she could no longer hide it.

    At the time, would they commit suicide because their plot did not work?

    "Honey, can we not talk about that pair of devils in disguise of parents? Let''s go to Adele''s before you have to go back to work."

    "Alright, let''s go now."

    ____

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 Chapter 459 - Being the best wife and mother

    Lu Shaoting held her hand and led her out of the restaurant.

    As usual, he opened the car door for her, cautiously helped her onto the car seat and sat beside her, holding her. He contemplated for a while before fastening the seat belt for her.

    Then he asked the chauffeur to drive off.

    Su Ling watched his actions silently.

    Ever since she got pregnant, Lu Shaoting had become overly cautious.

    She had wanted to remind him before that she was only a few weeks pregnant. Besides, she was already careful enough and nothing could possibly happen to their baby. But looking at how he put his heart in making her comfortable, and how happy he was to do it, she couldn''t bring herself to break his heart by rejecting it.

    She could only let him care for her with a warm heart. After the baby was born, she would make sure to be the best mother. But before that, she would be the best wife to him. He deserved the best of her.

    When they arrived at the store, he once again stepped out first and helped her out. Then he held her hand and led her into the store.

    Since it was a high end store, there were barely any people present.

    As soon as they went in, they were recognized. "Second Master Lu, welcome. Second madam, please come in."

    The manager lowered his voice while speaking to Su Ling, afraid that Lu Shaoting would be displeased by him calling her "second madam."

    On the contrary, the man flashed a very happy smile. "Your boss previously mentioned that he needed an investment, tell him that I approved it."

    The manager was stunned. Huh?

    Just because he called Su Ling the second madam Lu, the store had maanged to get an investment from Lu Enterprises? The boss would be extremely pleased with him!

    As for Su Ling, she liked the sound of this form of address so much that she did not wish to correct the manager.

    It was not because the title came with power, it was because it meant that she was already half Lu Shaoting''s wife.

    Lu Shaoting gave the woman a sidelong glance and squeezed her hand a little. "Honey, when will we get married?"

    Su Ling''s face flushed and she avoided his gaze. He finally talked about this. "I don''t know...if we were to get married before my belly got too big, it would be a bit rushed. Do you wish to wait until our child is born?"

    Lu Shaoting had already given this a lot of thought. "I don''t care if everyone else thinks our wedding is rushed. All that matters is what you feel about it."

    "Then, can I think about it?"

    "As you wish my love."

    The couple went ahead to check for clothes and toys.

    "How can you just put everything into the cart? We don''t know whether our baby is a girl or a boy yet!" Su Ling exclaimed. She had only meant to look around. Why was Lu Shaoting going crazy with buying everything? Even girls were not this crazy while shopping!

    Lu Shaoting saw an exceptionally beautiful doll. It was the most beautiful doll he had ever seen, the kind that every little girl would want to have. It was unique and the only one of its kind ever made. It had a head of thick brown hair that was wavy. Its eyes were so bright that they almost looked like they would come to life.

    When Su Ling saw it, she was drawn to it as well. Which little girl wouldn''t love such a doll?

    Lu Shaoting picked it from its shelf with a smile. He would simply buy it. If their child was not a girl this time, who knew, the next one may be a girl.

    Su Ling had the same thought. Though she wondered, if they never had a girl, what would happen to the doll? If they gave it to some other kid, it would be no different from giving to someone a rejected present.

    "Daddy, I want the one with brown hair." A little girl''s voice rang out as Lu Shaoting picked the doll.

    "Oh...someone else took it first." Saying this, her voice sounded so pitiful that anyone''s heart would ache for her. If she was a child who threw a tantrum and cried for the doll regardless, it would have been better. But this was one who knew that if someone else had it first, she could no longer get it.

    It made Lu Shaoting''s heart ache for her. To make it worse, it was a familiar voice.

    "I''ll get the creator to make you a similar one. How about that, princess?"

    That was a familiar voice too.

    Lu Shaoting turned and so did Su Ling. "Bro, you are here too."

    Little Jia saw her uncle and her eyes lit up. She ran over with her short legs to hug his leg. "Second uncle, it''s you! No wonder your back looked so familiar."

    "Second aunty, hello."

    Su Ling rubbed Little Jia''s head, a smile appearing on her face unconciously. "Hello Little Jia. Have you come to buy toys with daddy?"

    "Uh huh." Little Jia peered at the doll she had loved from a distance, the one that was now in her uncle''s hands.

    Who was second uncle buying the doll for? Could it be... Was it meant for her?

    She really wanted to ask, but she couldn''t.

    After all, her second aunt was pregnant. It was possible that they already knew that their child was a girl, and the doll was for her little cousin.

    Asking would make things awkward.

    However, her remaining silent made Lu Shaoting feel even more awkward. This doll was for the daughter he really hoped for, and his niece liked it too. What to do, should he let his niece have it?

    ___

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 Chapter 460 - Mommy said to go home

    When Lu Aotian saw his younger brother''s defeated expression, he more or less understood what was going on. He was torn between buying the doll for his future daughter and letting Little Jia have it...

    A doll was such a little thing. In most instances, Lu Shaoting would have let Little Jia have it. After all, its price was nothing in comparison to the immense wealth in the Lu family. Not to mention, they were all in the same family.

    Lu Shaoting had always been loving. He would sacrifice his whole life for Lu Aotian and Little Jia. The little girl''s happiness probably meant the whole world for him. He would do anything just to see her cheerful smile. He would not feel like he had done too much even if he died for her, much less let her buy a doll.

    However, since this was probably the first gift he would give his daughter, how could he let him give it up?

    Lu Shaoting could have another one made for his daughter but so could he.

    Before Lu Shaoting could say that the doll was meant for Little Jia and give it to her, he took Little Jia''s hand. "Princess, let''s complete our purchase. Daddy still needs to go to work."

    Little Jia tore her gaze away from the doll. She understood what her father meant; that one had been bought for her little cousin.

    She did not throw a tantrum about it because her mother had previously said that only bad kids cried over things that did not belong to them. Even if second uncle wished to give it to her instead, it should be because he wanted to, not because she cried over it.

    Since daddy did not talk about it anymore, it meant that he would have another one made for her. She was still happy. Wasn''t it just waiting a little? It wouldn''t hurt.

    She tightened her tiny hand onto her father''s and let him lead her away. "Bye second uncle, bye second aunty."

    Lu Shaoting gave his brother a suestioning gaze. What was that about?

    Lu Aotian''s gaze seemed to answer him, it was too soon for cousins to start taking things from each other. What would happen in future when they wanted the same things?

    When Lu Aotian and Little Jia were out of sight, Su Ling''s heart was still aching. Little Jia was too sensible for her age. It was probably thanks to Lu Aotian''s strictness.

    One would find it weird. Lu Aotian was the one who doted on the little girl the most and spoiled her endlessly, but he also wouldn''t let her become selfish and ill-mannered.

    If she were that young herself, she would have cried over the doll without caring that it belonged to someone else.

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    ...

    Up ahead, Lu Aotian finished paying and took the bag of new toys in one hand, holding Little Jia''s tiny hand with another.

    "Daddy, carry. Little Jia is tired." Little Jia stuck out her arms and stood still, waiting to be carried by him.

    Lu Aotian took his daughter up in his arms with ease.

    As soon as she was in his arms, his frown deepened.

    It was one thing for Little Jia to get tired more frequently. He understood that it was because she was a child and had been playing a lot lately.

    In fact, he knew his own daughter well enough to be able to tell that she was not actually tired. Perhaps she only missed the feeling of being carried in her father''s arms.

    But, why was she losing weight?

    When he lifted her up, she was a mittle lighter than she was the last time he carried her. That was a few days ago.

    In the past few days, Little Jia would strongly avoid being carried in the name of being a big girl and a sister.

    He had not thought much about it, since one could not possibly forcefummy carry a child, so he had not realized that she had lost weight.

    The difference was in fact so slight that if he had not been paying close attention to his daughter''s health, he would not have realized it.

    "Daddy, is something wrong?" The little girl was sensitive to her father''s mood and knew when it changed in the slightest. "Is Little Jia too heavy so Daddy is tired? Don''t worry, Little Jia can still walk a little.''"

    Lu Aotian chuckled. She was only four. How heavy could she be?

    "Princess, let''s go to the hospital first, okay?"

    Little Jia hugged his neck tightly. "But Daddy has to go back to work right now. It is very late."

    "That''s okay. I can go to work later.

    Little Jia peered over his shoulder and realized that they were approaching the car. "Daddy, mommy said to go back home this afternoon. Miss Gaudy will teach me to add numbers."

    Lu Aotian chuckled. "I will tell miss Gaudy to wait for a few minutes."

    Miss Gaudy was her home-schooling teacher.

    Although what she said about Lu Aotian having to go back to work and herself having to go back home to learn adding numbers, she only remembered it because her father mentioned the hospital.

    She was so scared of needles that every time the word hospital was mentioned, she would cower in fright.

    Lu Aotian chuckled at how his little princess held his neck tightly and hud her face, as though trying to seek his protection against something.

    He knew his daughter well enough to udnerstand her train of thought.

    "The doctor will only check your condition." He rubbed her small back and got into the car with her.

    "Will they pierce me?"

    "Daddy will protect you, mmh?" He sat her on his lap and kissed her forehead to coax her.

 Chapter 461 - Mommy will not want you anymore

    Little Jia was still scared of those uncles and aunties who kept piercing her and giving her medicines that tasted bitter.

    However, daddy had promised to protect her. Her little body that had been tensed since being told that they were going to hospital finally eased. "Yes daddy."

    When his daughter was no longer scared, Lu Aotian told the chauffeur to drive to Doctor Qiao''s hospital.

    Lately, he had grown to trust that friend of Xia Rou''s who was a doctor. It was because Doctor Cui was so busy that sometimes he did not have time to check on Little Jia''s health.

    Since the little girl''s condition needed to be checked often, Lu Aotian had resorted to letting Doctor Qiao take over.

    Before they arrived, he had already given Doctor Qiao a call and informed her of their visit.

    Doctor Qiao was ready to check on Little Jia as soon as they arrived.

    "Her health has detoriarated." Doctor Qiao said when the test results were out. She found it strange, let alone Lu Aotian.

    Lu Aotian was prepared for such a result. In the past months, he had read so many books about his daughter''s condition that he almost became a specialist.

    But hearing it from a real specialist, it still gave him a blow.

    "You previously said that she had been given medicines to slow down the advancement of her illness. Has she really been taking it?"

    Lu Aotian would have answered affirmatively since he had been making sure to go home on time so he would make sure that the little girl took her medicines on time.

    Even so, he had a sudden thought. He went to find the little girl who was waiting for him in the company of a young nurse.

    He took a seat and called her over. "Little Jia, come here."

    The little girl felt a rush of tension in her heart and it made her scared. Why did he look like something was wrong? She walked over nervously and stood in front of him.

    Lu Aotian''s gaze was stern, so serious that it was almost too scary for such a little girl. "Have you been actually taking your medicines?"

    Little Jia trembled. Seeing her reaction, Lu Aotian already knew the answer. This little girl...

    "Daddy..." She saw that her father was very serious and felt guilty about it. Actually, she had always been guilty of what she did. "Daddy, I only threw it away once because it tasted very bitter. I''m sorry."

    Lu Aotian studied her little expression. "Once?"

    The little girl nodded like a rattle. "I promise. It was really once. Little Jia shouldn''t have done it. I will not do it again no matter how awful it tastes. Daddy will not be mad, right?"

    Lu Aotian sighed. Her medicine tasted awful? That was probably because she simply hated the fact that she was taking it. There was no child her age who liked taking medicine. But how could children''s medicine possibly taste bitter? And did that happen when he was not home?

    That was not the point here. She actually had the mind to...

    He was at a loss. Should he scold her? If this was about something else, he would have scolded and punished her.

    But she was tugging at his clothes and looking at him so pitifully and she already knew that what she did was wrong. She had also promised to not do it again. Although she had become really naughty lately, he still didn''t have the heart to punish her.

    How could he bear to? Would any father possibly bring himself to do it? His little princess had suffered too much in this lifetime due to her illness. That was already bad enough.

    Sighing, he stood up and went back to Doctor Qiao. He would make sure she had no chance to do such things in future. He would also make sure she did not become any naughtier than she already was.

    But the main point was, her health wouldn''t deteriorate that much because she threw away her medicine once. Something else must have happened.

    "Is there a way to get her condition back on a safe level?" He asked Doctor Qiao when he was back in her office.

    "Fortunately, you discovered before it is too late. I will prescribe her a new type of medicine."

    Lu Aotian took the new medicine and left Doctor Qiao''s office.

    Meanwhile, Little Jia was left behind by him, looking scared. Her small body was literally shaking with fear.  It made one''s heart ache.

    The nurse who was taking care of her approached carefully. "Lu Meili, why are you sad?"

    Little Jia liked this nurse because she was the only one who did not pierce her. She did not answer her but burst into tears.

    At that moment, Lu Aotian was back.

    Little Jia peered at him from between her fingers. She became even more scared. Ghosh! Daddy looked scary!

    Nevertheless, she wiped her own tears and clumsily walked over to him. Lu Aotian took her in his arms, pretending to not see her tears and went with her to the car.

    Little Jia kept stealing glances to see if he still looked that scary while he pretended to not realize her actions.

    She turned to look at him with her big eyes. "Daddy, are you still angry?"

    Lu Aotian gave her a side glance for a brief second. "What do you think?"

    Little Jia had never heard such a statement from her father. She was so frightened that her hands were shaking. Was she going to be punished this time? "But if daddy is angry, he will no longer be handsome." She paused carefully to make sure that her words did not anger him more before continuing, "If daddy is no longer handsome, mommy will not want you anymore."

    ___

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 Chapter 462 - Someone dared to coax him

    Lu Aotian wanted to laugh but he kept his expression stern, waiting to watch her next move.

    The little girl sat on his lap as though she was not afraid of him and held the sides of his head clumsily in her tiny hands. "Daddy, can Little Jia massage your temples? I heard Uncle Doctor Cui say that it will help to relieve the mind." She said, not exactly sure she understood what a massage really was. All she knew was that Doctor Cui was rubbing his hands over his temples in a regular pattern when he said so.

    Nevertheless, her mannerisms were so cute that Lu Aotian couldn''t stand it anymore and took her tiny hand. "If you remain naughty, daddy will be very angry and not want you anymore."

    Hearing that her father may not want her, the little girl''s big eyes went wide with shock. She tugged his shirt and looked at him pleadingly. Her little expression was so pitiful that anyone''s heart would ache for her. "Daddy, Little Jia will be very good. Can you not leave Little Jia?"

    Lu Aotian was rendered speechless. He looked at his daughter disbelievingly yet dotingly. This little girl''s skills of sucking up to him were quite...

    There was actually someone who was not in the least bit afraid of him and even dared to coax him. And it happened to be a tiny little girl who was only a little over four...

    Now he had a full understanding of why fathers were said to be helpless around their daughters.

    The chauffeur who was peering once in a while was stunned too. The Little miss was too cute. More shocking was his master. Did that expression really appear on Lu Aotian''s face?

    He had been serving the Lu family for a while so he knew that ever since the Little Miss appeared, Lu Aotian''s life had brightened up more and more. It became even better when he and Wan Jia started dating. It was as though the last missing piece of the puzzle was finally fitted.

    ...

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    ___

    Meanwhile, Su Ling and Lu Shaoting had finished looking around and buying a few things, and were leaving the store as well.

    Lu Shaoting still held her hand to lead her into the car. They were both all smiles as they entered the car one after another.

    Behind them, a pair of eyes was looking at them. To be exact, two pairs of eyes were looking at them.

    They were both filled with deep sentiments of jealousy and bitterness. The woman was jealous that Su Ling had it going so well for her. Her man loved her so much that he treated her like a fragile treasure, caring for her like she was a newborn baby. Whereas, she did not have it going easy herself.

    Her husband liked her at first and the way he treated her was passable but at some point, he started bullying her and wouldn''t stop. Her child was still an infant, but he had already seen the worst of human beings.

    She was even considering giving him up for adoption, so he wouldn''t have to watch his mother go through all that suffering.

    As soon as he was old enough to understand what was going on, those memories would be etched in his mind, never to be erased no matter how long he lived. No mother would want that kind of life for her child.

    As for the man, he was jealous of the man who just entered the car. Wasn''t that Lu Shaoting of the nation''s top family?

    As the second master of an aristocratic family, the wheel of fortune had always been turning in his favor, or so people thought.

    At a young age, his brother took over the family company and gave him a great position. He only had to achieve a few things to become the Vice President of Lu Enterprises.

    Just because of that, he deserved to have all the women in the world falling in love with him?

    Even worse, every woman seemed to like Lu Aotian. It was only because they did not have the slightest chance to get close to him that they liked Lu Shaoting instead. What did those two Lu brothers do to deserve this? Who did they think they were?

    Why was it that those handsome and insanely rich men only had to exist for women to fawn over them?

    Men like him who were neither too rich nor extraordinarily handsome could only watch their wives still hung up on those rich men and worshipped them.

    How would they feel if Wan Jia or Su Ling loved other men so blindly that they no longer cared about their marriages?

    ...

    In the car, Su Ling held Lu Shaoting''s hand. She had felt the piercing gazes of the couple just now. It was so obvious that it made one speechless. Were they really so idle that they had the time to stare at another couple so bitterly?

    The woman was one of the people Su Ling would recognize anywhere.

    Was that not Yan Xue? She looked especially haggard and emaciated right now. Standing beside her husband, but Su Ling would never forget that face. That woman had worked so hard to drive a wedge between her and Lu Shaoting.

    She had exhausted all her means to make her misunderstand him. If her Shaoting had not insistently explained things to her, she might have never gotten together with him.

    She had forgotten all about it because Lu Aotian had punished the Yan family after all. However, what was she doing, staring at her with those eyes full of venom? Don''t tell her she was still hung up on Lu Shaoting despite being married for many months?

 Chapter 463 - You are too cute when you say things you dont mean.

    If she was being honest, she would say that Yan Xue was outright stupid. It was one thing to admire another woman''s man, but for a woman to still fantasize about her old flame while married, that was no different from having an affair.  Didn''t she have a tinge of respect for her husband who stepped out to take responsibily for her and their baby?

    Perhaps Lu Aotian should have completely wiped her off the earth''s surface and not left her a leeway.

    Lu Shaoting was studying the changing expressions of the woman beside him. She looked jealous and angry as though her whole being had been displeased. He had seen the couple behind them but he had not expected his Su Ling to be jealous. She was too cute.

    He held her small hand tightly in his. "Don''t be too mad, okay my love? It is not good for your health."

    Su Ling glared at him. "That''s easy for you to say. Would you not be mad if you were a woman and you realized that another woman still liked your man?"

    Instead of being nervous, Lu Shaoting smiled. "Are you jealous?"

    "Jealous your head. What would I be jealous about? Huh. As if there is something I would be jealous of. She is not worth wasting my jealousy over."

    Lu Shaoting''s smile deepened. "You are too cute when you say things that you do not mean. Do you know that?"

    Su Ling glared at him fiercly. The man still had the nerve to smile.

    Lu Shaoting pulled her into a hug. They were now approaching MAX building. "Don''t you know it better than everyone else? The only woman my eyes will ever see is you. All the others are no different from wind to me."

    It was such a cheesy statement. But when it came from his lips, it sounded like the most serious declaration. It made her believe him even more. "I know my love."

    He brushed his lips against her forehad lightly when they arrived. "Remember to not work too hard. I will come and pick you up this evening. Also, say hello to sister-in-law. Wait, it''s CEO Wan now."

    Su Ling was still being held tightly in his hug. He looked exactly like a kid who did not want to let his favorite toy go. She tried to pull herself off. "Well, Vice President Lu, that would only be possible if you let me go. If not, how will I manage to go back to work, much less send your greetings to my CEO?"

    Lu Shaoting realized his actions and let go of her. He smiled to mask his awkwardness. He stopped her from opening the car door and stepped out to open it for her instead. As usual, he took her hand and led her out with his cheerful smile.

    Su Ling was now used to it and no longer felt shy when everyone looked at them as Lu Shaoting did these things.

    "Men from the Lu family are quite loving. I thought that it was only President Lu who did such things for his wife...turns out that even Vice President Lu is the same, and he looks so happy to dote on his wife. Su Ling and Wan Jia are too lucky!" An employee who was watching curiously commented.

    Another who was beside her was too jealous to be happy for them. "They have only been together for a few months. What is there to be so happy about? Their affection will die down in the next few months."

    Little did that employee know, Lu Shaoting believed that he would dote on Su Ling all their lives, and she would be the best wife there ever could be. At the same time, Su Ling inwardly vowed to dote on Lu Shaoting all their lives too. It was not only husbands who doted on their wives; wives could dote on their husbands too, right?

    ...

    When Su Ling arrived at the office of the Vice CEO, she found Wan Jia waiting for her. She did not look pleased. Her usual sweet look was replaced with that of strictness. "You are one hour late."

    Su Ling froze in her tracks. When she was with Lu Shaoting, she had totally forgotten that while the Lu brothers had taken an extra hour and a half for lunch to relieve themselves from the tension at Lu Enterprises, the situation was not identical to theirs.

    How could she tell her superior that she was late because she was having lunch with her fianc¨¦?

    That would be a silly excuse. After all, Wan Jia must have had lunch with Lu Aotian too, but she still got back to work on time.

    That must be the case because Lu Aotian was shopping for toys with Little Jia a while ago.

    The point was, she had no way out of this. "I''m sorry CEO, I will keep time henceforth."

    Wan Jia did not make things difficult for her. After all, they were both expecting and Su Ling did not have it as easy as she herself did. She must have forgotten about it.

    "Lateness will not be tolerated next time. I postponed the meeting with the top designers indifinitely because you have to be present. Prepare for it now; we will hold it in fifteen minutes."

    "No worries, CEO." Su Ling answered unconsciously.

    Wan Jia right now...was looking cold and even emmited a hint of aloofness. She was not arrogant, but her whole being was authoritative and made people subconciously feel like tiny beings under her feet.  It was much more obvious than when she was only attending and holding business meetings once in a while in the capacity of the CEO''s wife and a shareholder.

    Was this a thing for CEOs?

    ...

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    ...

 Chapter 464 - Na?ve first love

    When the meeting commenced, all the designers were asked to get prepare themselves to start making spring outfits. This was including Lin Ye, who had already previously given her a file of exceptionally unique and beautiful attires for Spring.

    Xia Rou and Xiao Rong had already completed their spring designs and were only waiting for her to as for them, making Wan Jia pleased with thier hard work.

    Lin Ye said that he had one draft.

    At the same time, he gave her a storage device. Wan Jia curiously connected it  to her laptop right away. He was submitting anither outfut for spring? What was it about this time? She looked at the content for a long time, especially amazed by what she was seeing.

    "Ahem." She coughed and looked at the  designers before her. "Do you believe that a dress can choose whoever wears it?"

    They all exchanged curious glances. Lin Ye bit his tongue to stop the flush that was creeping onto his face. Goodness! He was already so old. What was up with these "na?ve first love" emotions?

    Wan Jia noticed his expression but did not make fun of him. Who had not been in love before?

    She projected the image she had just recieved from Lin Ye so everyone could see.

    No one had expected it to be...a wedding gown!

    It had a bare back and according to the draft, its length would hug the waist and hips of whoever was wearing it. Although it was just a draft, everyone could imagine just how beautiful it would be when the actual gown was complete.

    As designers, they could all tell that its design could not be pulled off by just anyone. In fact, it looked like the creator already had a model in mind while drawing it.

    Even for Wan Jia, she might not necessarily look perfect in it.

    In most designers'' minds, Wan Jia was the best model to think about in a piece of clothing because she was beautiful and had a perfect figure.

    However, even for her, the gown might not necessarily look good enough.

    They all frowned. Was there something they were missing?

    "Love is the best form of inspiration. Well done Designer Lin, this is the best piece so far."

    They now got it. So Lin Ye was in love. Was the gown for the woman he loved?

    They were right. If they were to picture Yun Xuan wearing that gown, they would all agree that they would both look like they originally belonged to each other.

    Wan Jia couldn''t help being curious. Hadn''t he given up on Yun Xuan? Why did he still design a wedding dress for her?

    It was also possible that it was an early design and since he had given up on her, he had decided to give it up as well. This possibility made more sense.

    "CEO, I''m sorry for making you misunderstand. I am not the one who deserves the praise for making this design. It was given to me by my friend who did not wish to become known."

    Wan Jia looked at him in disbelief. What did he mean "friend who did not wish to become known"? It was obviously his style and it suited Yun Xuan perfectly, alright?

    Nevertheless, she understood that he wanted this fact to be hidden. Many designers had done this before.

    "Your friend did a great job. This is MAX''s first wedding gown, and the best so far. Please help me thank your friend."

    As for the magnificent wedding gown, she would use the pseudonym "Youthful Love" in place of the designer''s name.

    ...

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    ...

    As soon as the wedding gown was produced, its release was a grand press conference. Countless reporters from several media houses were invited.

    Wan Jia was going to let the world see this gown, but she would not let anyone buy it. It would make the gown''s value skyrocket. Also, it would elevate MAX''s status. All this was done with Lin Ye''s permission. It would be killing three birds with one stone.

    As for the third bird, the chances of Yun Xuan seeing it would be higher. Who knew, she might like it because it was totally her type. Perhaps, she might even feel drawn to it since it had been made for her with such great effort. Maybe ...just maybe, she might fall in love with its creator one day.

    It sounded far-fetched, but it was not entirely impossible. Love was magical after all. No one could predict the ending.

    Wan Jia did not know since when she bacame a matchmaker, but it was only because this was Lin Ye and Yun Xuan.

    They honestly looked like they could make a great pair.

    She only felt the urge to help Lin Ye pursue his love because the poor man had been hung up on her for so long. Wouldn''t it be a waste of his life if they never got together?

    At the same time, it was for that little baby boy Yun Feng.

    Turning a blind eye to his irritability and unfriendliness towards people he did not like, the boy was so adorable that anyone who saw him would love him. His beautiful pair of blue eyes was always filled with innocence.

    It was painful to imagine that such a child might possibly end up fatherless or with a trash-like father like Tyler.

    Although it was none of her business, she strongly believed that Lin Ye would make a better father. If it was for the sake of an innocent little child, it would not be wrong if she stuck her nose where it did not belong just this once , right?

    Of course, she would stick to a safe limit. The rest was up to them.

 Chapter 465 - Lin Lihuas marriage

    Lin Ye was incredibly happy when he realized what his boss was doing. So she was trying to make Yun Xuan notice him. Although he had decided on giving up for the final time, he knew that he would never fall in love with another woman.  Yun Xuan was the first woman he had ever had eyes for and in his heart, the only one he would ever want to be with.

    Although he did not want Wan Jia''s actions to get into his head and ignite a new ray of hope which might be extinguished just like the ones before, there was still a flake of joy.

    If he did not end up getting together with Yun Xuan in this lifetime, would she end up like his god sister Lin Lihua who only found true love when she was over thirty? Time was passing by very fast after all.

    Speaking of Lin Lihua, her life had been going on perfectly lately. It was almost too good to be true.

    The best debuting artist at HL had started gaining fame progressively, Lin Industries was steady enough for her to leave and she was marrying Henry Blanc in three days.

    They were not holding a wedding.

    Although Lin Lihua still had tens of millions of fans or possibly hundreds of millions of them even after her retirement and they were all waiting for her wedding, it was precisely for this reason that she was not holding one.

    She preferred small weddings with only a few important guests and little media attention.

    However, a superstar''s wedding would be huge news from the planning to the reception. The media would do their best to get as much information from it as possible and there would be no tinge of privacy.

    At the same time, if she held a private wedding and word got out, she might offend her fans. She was no longer their national superstar and she did not have to answer to them, but she still cared about her fame.

    As a temporary strategy, she was letting artists debut as "The first artistes from Lin Lihua''s HL Entertainment". It was meant to boost their fame. If she did something that would offend her own fans, they would hate her artistes and the innocent little things would have it rough in their career because of her.

    If she went ahead and held the wedding, she felt that it would not be her own wedding, but one for the public to watch.

    Luckily, Henry Blanc understood this and did not insist on it. They would just register their marriage in the Civil Affairs bureau.

    They had explained this to their parents and although they were eagerly waiting for their wedding,  Xia Rou and Lin Zhou were understanding.

    However, the same could not be said about Mrs. Blanc. "This is the problem with marrying an actress. You cannot even experience everything you want of your own life. I hope my Katy changes her mind when she is older and does become a pretentious actress like some people who stuck into the entertainment industry despite retiring."

    It did not require genius brains to know who Mrs. Blanc was talking about. Lin Lihua was still shocked to hear such words from her.

    Didn''t Mrs. Blanc like her the moment they met? Actually, did she not idolize her for years and feel lucky to have her as a daughter-in-law?

    People''s speed of changing their minds was rather fast.

    Either that, or Mrs. Blanc had always been a mean and bitter woman and was merely showing her true colors.

    How strange. While Amy Blanc''s view towards life was changed for the better, her mother turned from an angel to a devil.

    When Amy Blanc''s first hearing was held, the young woman had followed her brother''s advice and pleaded guilty for illegally creating explosives. At the same time, she denied being Yun Jifeng''s accomplice. She also said that they had only met coincidentally.

    If one were to twist logic, what she said was not a lie. Yun Jifeng had used her indirectly. She had not willingly become an accomplice to him. Since Henry Blanc erased all the evidence of their meetings.

    It was unlawful to do this, but there was no other choice. If she had admitted that she and Yun Jifeng knew each other, it would only pave way for her to become a scapegoat to all his crimes. Who would want that? Even people who hated her would not wish for such an unfair ending for her.

    She was paying for her own crimes after all; she had been sentenced to seven years.

    However, not everyone thought she deserved it. Mrs. Blanc, for instance, threw a fit and kept blaming Lin Lihua for making her children turn against each other.

    One would think she was some sort of god and she believed that everything must go her way.

    If not, why in the world wouldn''t she see that Amy Blanc was at fault here? Must she push the blame to people who were only outsiders in this?

    Alas, no one could possibly explain logic to an angry woman. It would only waste one''s time and effort. Henry Blanc had tried to make her see things from the law''s perspective and almost got beaten up by her, much less her, who was only a future daughter-in-law in the Blanc family.

    "Will you leave me because my mother started hating and making things difficult for you?" Henry Blanc asked as he hugged Lin Lihua.

    "Are you kidding me? How old do you think I am? Don''t I know better than anyone who I will be marrying and who will be an outsider in our marriage?"

    She was being incredibly blunt, but it was true.

    ...

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 Chapter 466 - Lets visit Ruoxi

    Henry Blanc had nothing more to say. Since she understood this already, it was impossible for their relationship to be soured because of his mother''s misunderstanding.

    He hoped that with time, she would stop being bitter about Amy Blanc''s sentence and be on good terms with Lin Lihua again.

    Before then, he would make sure the two women did not cross paths too much. It would help to keep each of them in her own lane. Otherwise, scuffles between a mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law were the most difficult to handle.

    On a side note, everything was finally complete. He had moved Le Blanc Group''s headquarters to Country C. Currently, Lin Lihua had gone to Country F with him because Katy would miss her if she did not go back with them.

    His trip back home this time was to visist his sister and at the same time, to complete Katy''s school transfer procedure.

    The young girl wanted to follow her uncle everywhere as usual, but she also wanted to be with Lin Lihua. Coincidentally, Lin Lihua had wanted to go on a short vacation so she simply tagged along and went to Country F.

    After being together for a while and since her mother had gone somewhere without notifying her and was not back yet, the girl had grown closer to Lin Lihua. This was especially so since Lin Lihua kept accommodating her and treating her kindly. It was completely different from how her mother had previously said that Lin Lihua would treat her.

    "Speaking of which, can you not spoil Katy so much? She will become a spoilt little brat just like her mother." Henry Blanc said. He liked the fact that unlike Amy Blanc, Lin Lihua liked Katy and the girl had grown to like her, too. Conversely, she did not want Katy to turn into a little poison like her own mother did. It was already enough to be regretful because of one person''s selfishness as a result of spoiling them. They did not need another one.

    Lin Lihua on the other hand, thought that he was being too cautious. "How old is Katy? Although she is a little spoilt, it is not too late. I will dote on her just like an aunt would do, but I will still teach her to stay on the right path and not stray away." She said.

    "Her mother is in prison and will only be back after many years, and you are hiding the news from her. By doing this, you are already being mean to her. By trying to tear away from her the only affection she could get, don''t you think you are being too strict with her? You must know, sometimes we may hurt those we love in the name of caring about them."

    Henry Blanc was yet again at a loss for words. Lin Lihua always spoke her real thoughts with him. She would still do so even if she was telling him off. The most scary part was that she was always right.

    Sometimes, one could almost think that she was a tiny bit too intelligent for him. Luckily, he was still able to handle her. One unchangeable fact was that she was still a woman and his future wife at that. In fact, there was only three days until she was completely his.

    Hehe...the thought of it made him anticipate.

    Lin Lihua raised an eyebrow. Although she did not want to be part of what he was thinking about with that expression, it couldn''t possibly be something good. She coughed and talked about something else.

    "Can we pay a visit to Ruoxi soon?" She asked. Since she had been asking about her very many times, the orphanage director was finally convinced that Ruoxi was really the child that Lin Lihua wanted to adopt.

    The orphanage director could not quite comprehend rich people''s train of thought. What exactly did Lin Lihua see in Ruoxi?

    That was one dull girl who had no friends because of her dull nature.

    Of all the kids in the orphanage, her background was the worst. It was said that her home had been robbed and her parents murdered in cold blood while she watched. She had only survived the ordeal because she was hiding behind a sofa and the thugs did not know about her presence, so they did not look for her.

    Later, she had run away, closing her eyes to her parents'' bodies in the living room and rushed to her uncle''s home; but got sent away by him. He had sent her to the orphanage, pretending to not know her...

    Ruoxi did not know this. All she knew was about her parents'' death and that her uncle did not want her. Still, the trauma from that experience had left a huge dent in her life and made her fearful. Some teachers even thought that she could be autistic.

    Unfortunately, the reality of life was that everyone adored bright and lovable kids that brought smiles onto faces. Instead of helping her recover from the awful loss of her family, everyone tended to ignore the new girl Ruoxi.

    Her health was the worst and if anyone were to ask, she was no one''s favorite child.

    No, to be exact, no one liked her. She was like a plague, wordlessly pushing people a distance away from her.  The fact that her eyes were always scarily forlorn like a devil''s with a hint of coldness did not help much.

    Was this really the type of Child that the superstar Lin Lihua liked?

    Obviously, she did not understand that it was exactly what Lin Lihua wanted. She wanted to adopt the least loved child at the orphanage, because that was her once upon a time.

    ...

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    £¬

 Chapter 467 - Call him daddy forever

    Since she had requested to go and visit Ruoxi, Henry Blanc agreed. "What if we go back to Country C tomorrow? We can visit Ruoxi after registering our marriage."

    "We are registering in Country C?"

    "If not, we will register here and permanently stay in Country C?"

    His question made Lin Lihua feel like she was a fool. She had indeed asked the obvious. Since they would be staying in Country C, it was only right for them to register their marriage there.

    "Then I will tell Katy to pack her things." He said.

    But he did not need to, because the girl was looking for her uncle to ask him a question and overhead him. "Daddy, are we going somewhere? Is aunty coming too?"

    Her face revealed her happiness. She liked travelling. So much that one of her wishes was to tour every state of the world.

    If her aunt was coming along, it would be even more fun. Her aunty Lihua will hug her like a little girl and tell her bedtime stories. Which girl her age wouldn''t enjoy this? Let alone who had been deprived of her mother''s attention in the name of her growing up.

    The best part of it was that aunty Lihua will not become close to other uncles. She only had her Uncle Henry in her mind.

    That was right. Although thanks to Henry Blanc''s intervention Amy Blanc had not introduced any man to Katy, it did not mean the girl had not ever seen some of them.

    She in fact kept wondering why it was that her mother kept video calling those strange uncles. She did not like them at all. If it was because one of them was going to be her father in future, she would rather stick to her uncle and call him "daddy" forever.

    At the present moment, the adults did not know what was going on in the girl''s mind and only instructed her to be quick in her packing because they were going back to Country C.

    "Daddy, where did mommy go?" Katy asked when she was done packing.

    Henry Blanc was helpless. He had been avoiding this question for days. How exactly was one supposed to explain to such a young child that her mother had commited a crime and was in prison?

    He took her small hand and pulled her into a hug. "Katy, your mum will be back soon. Before then, you will not be alone. Don''t you have aunty and me?"

    Lin Lihua looked aside. She did not like his way of handling this.

    Although she was still a child, she deserved to know the truth. How was Henry Blanc planning to handle it? Avoid the matter for seven years and let Amy Blanc tell her the truth when she regained freedom?

    Katy looked at her uncle for a moment, trying to get information about her mother from what he said. Alas, she got none. "Daddy, when mommy comes back, will she still love me?"

    Henry Blanc kissed her cheek. "Of course. Your mum loves you the most."

    Hearing this, Katy Blanc''s heart was finally at ease.

    When her mother did not show up for a while, she had started thinking that some strange uncle would take her away.

    She hugged her uncle''s leg tightly. Mommy would be back. She just had to wait a little.

    Henry Blanc''s heart ached. He knew that what he was doing was not right, but telling her would not be right either. What if the news became a huge blow and depressed Katy? That would be huge to handle. She was just a little girl. He would tell her about it in tiny bits, so she could get the point without being shocked.

    Actually, Katy Blanc was now his daughter.

    He had made the decision a long time ago to take her away from Amy Blanc. She was too irresponsible to be a mother.

    When he discussed the matter with her, Amy Blanc admitted that she had indeed not been a good mother. She agreed to let her brother fully take care of Katy until her term was over.

    He would only not adopt Katy legally, because she would still be Amy Blanc''s daughter upon the latter''s release.

    Henry Blanc rubbed the head of the girl who was trying to act strong despite missing her mother. Even if mommy ignored her so often that it made her feel unloved, she was still her mother. She missed her very much.

    "Katy, be good. Do you want to move into daddy''s villa? You will be closer to Little Jia and Uncle Shaoting."

    At the mention of her friends, Katy cheered up. "Yes, yes! Is aunty moving in with us too?"

    Henry Blanc was speechless. So his queen was actually good with children. He had thought that she was the person children avoided the most.

    Lin Lihua laughed. "Yes, I will be moving in too because your uncle and I are getting married when we arrive in Country C."

    Unlike Little Jia, she understood the concept of marriage more. "So you will officially become my aunty? Will you still love me? And when you get other kids, my cousins, will you still hug me and tell me bedtime stories?"

    Lin Lihua''s heart clenched. "Katy, you are too cute. I will still love you very much and even when your cousins arrive, I will still hug you and tell you bedtime stories; until you feel that you are too old for it."

    Katy was estatic. Aunty was the best. She hugged Lin Lihua''s legs. "I love you aunty."

    Not believing that this was the little devil from before, Lin Lihua crouched to hug her. "I love you too Katy."....

    "Why are you corrupting my granddaugher?!"

    ...

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 Chapter 468 - Did she have a heart?

    "Why are you corrupting my granddaughter?" Said a female voice from behind Lin Lihua. The woman sounded so angry that she must be exploding.

    Lin Lihua knew who it was even without having to turn. Who elese could it be, but her soon to be mother-in-law?

    She turned, wearing a warm smile. "Hello aunty."

    Mrs. Blanc became even angrier. Who was this woman calling aunt? She pulled the clueless Katy away from Lin Lihua roughly. The poor girl almost tripped from the sudden pull. "Stay far away from my Katy."

    Lin Lihua remained calm. It was not because she was trying to suck up to Mrs. Blanc that she smiled at her earlier. It was because she couldn''t be bothered to explain the situation to a woman who insisted on keeping her eyes closed.

    "Are you ignoring me? You!"

    "Mother, enough!" Henry Blanc could take it no more. This was going too far. Didn''t she see that the family was already on the verge of breaking apart?

    His father, Mr. Blanc, had kept to himself for days and would not leave his study room no matter how much they tried to persuade him.

    Heaven knew what he was doing in that study room.

    It was not surprising as his beloved daughter had been inprisoned. Even so, he did not kick up a fuss unnecessarily.

    At least he understood that whatever happened to Amy Blanc was her own fault. He was just finding it hard to accept the reality, which was forgivable for any father who felt the same way.

    But why couldn''t his mother think like a human being? She was being selfish like a serpent and was taking it out on the wrong people. Did she have an apple in place of a brain?

    "Katy, go and play with your aunt in your room for a while. Daddy has adult matters to discuss with grandma."

    Katy was about to leave, but Mrs. Blanc held her back. "Are you going to hide Katy away so she will never find out that it was this woman''s fault that Amy is locked in?"

    "Mother!"

    It was too late for Henry Blanc to be angry with his mother. The taboo statement had already reached Katy''s ears.

    The girl looked at them curiously, wondering what her grandma meant about her mother being locked in.

    "Daddy, did bad guys lock mommy somewhere?" She asked curiously. "If mommy was kidnapped, we have to save her quick!"

    Although she was asking her uncle, she was still unsettled about what grandma had said. It was Aunty Lihua''s fault? But good people did not hurt others. Who was she supposed to believe? In all this, was aunty Lihua a good person or a bad one who caused her mommy''s disappearance?

    "Aunty, do you know where mommy is?" She asked Lin Lihua when Henry Blanc showed no intention of answering her.

    Mrs. Blanc opened her mouth to speak. Whatever would come out of that mouth would definitely be nothing good.

    Lin Lihua cut in. "Katy is still very young. Are you sure you want to cast such a huge shadow over her life?  Uncle is already in such a state. Will you only be happy when everyone is agitated into depression by you?"

    Forget about Henry Blanc. Even Lin Lihua herself could not believe that she was saying such things. Since when did she care so much about Katy Blanc that she could speak so bluntly to her mother-in-law?

    She had always tried to remain calm no matter what Mrs. Blanc did or said, because she cared about her man. She did not want to sour their relationship to the point of making him have to choose between her and his mother.

    She was certain that he would choose her but she did not want to create more disagreements in the Blanc family. She would not be at peace knowing that it was because of her that a mother and son relationship was broken.

    However this time, Mrs. Blanc was going too far. Katy was her own granddaughter. Did this woman even have a heart? No wonder Amy Blanc had always been selfish; wanting everything to go her way and when they didn''t, she would resort to crazy solutions like wanting people dead.

    Henry Blanc took advantage of the silence that fell following Lin Lihua''s outburst to take Katy away.

    "Are you a devil sent from hell to break my family apart?" Mrs. Blanc said bitterly.

    Lin Lihua let out a soft chuckle.

    "What are you laughing at?"

    "I''m laughing at how funny you look, throwing a tantrum like a child and saying the same senseless thing over and over."

    "You! Are you saying that I''m senseless?"

    "Did I? I heard that from you."

    If Henry Blanc did not return, Mrs. Blanc would have probably exploded. "Henry, is this the kind of wife you want? She scolded me to my face!"

    Henry Blanc had had enough of her unreasonable arguments too. "Did she? I only heard you scolding youself from a distance."

    Before the angry erupting woman could detonate into flames, Henry Blanc''s phone rang.

    "Hello....what?!"

    Henry Blanc''s face paled instantly.

    "What happened?" The women asked simultaneously.

    ___

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    ....

    Country C.

    Little Jia skipped happily into Villa number four.

    Her long pigtails seemed to dance to her movements.

    "Where is mommy?" She asked a maid when she entered the house.

    "Madam is in the study."

    Little Jia held her chin between her thumb and index finger with her eyebrow raised, thinking. She looked extremely cute, making one wonder where she got such mannerisms from.

    The little girl was considering serious matters, oblivious to the looks of awe around her. Mommy was in the study room, probably working. Should she really go ahead and speak to her?

 Chapter 469 - Little Jia wants to dance

    It would not be too nice if she distracted mommy from her work. However, mommy had never been too busy and always made time for her.

    Just one minute woudn''t waste mommy''s time, right?

    To outsiders, Little Jia looked too cute. She looked like a small business girl thinking and trying to come to a decision about a deal worth billions of dollars.

    "Little miss is becoming more and more like her parents." A maid dared to say when Little Jia disappeared up the stairs.

    "What do you expect? Master is a renown businessman, the best in the nation. How can little miss not be as great? The apple does not fall far from the tree."

    ....

    On the second floor, Little Jia contemplated for a while before knocking on the door.

    Wan Jia knew instantly who that tiny knock belonged to and stood to open the door for her. The little girl was too short to reach the door knob on her own.

    "My little baby, you finally looked for mommy." Wan Jia crouched to hug her.

    Little Jia held her kneck tightly, paying attention to not press onto her stomach. "Mommy..." she called out shyly.

    Lately, she had become scarce and no longer stuck onto her mother. Heaven knew what she was doing in her room all day.

    Wan Jia kissed her face in a flurry. "Baby, is something the matter?"

    Knowing her daughter''s character, the little girl couldn''t possibly have come to find her simply because she missed her. It must be because she needed something. Whoever told her that big girls do not stick to their mothers?

    She actually liked it when Little Jia was being clingy onto her. With such a cute child, who wouldn''t?

    The little girl was currently playing with her hair. "Mommy, Katy is coming back soon."

    Wan Jia had heard about Lin Lihua''s and Henry Blanc''s return too. "Yes, Katy is coming back. What about it?"

    As though afraid her mother would say no to her, the little girl rubbed her mother''s hair, the same way Wan Jia did while praising her. "Mommy, Katy will go to a dance school, and so will Tangtang. Can I go too?"

    Wan Jia chuckled. So it was only about this? She had made it sound as though it was something difficult to bring up.

    She stood up and sat back behind the study desk. "I can enroll you into a dance school too. However, are you going because you want to, or only because your friends are going?"

    Little Jia held her chin in her hand with a raised eyebrow again, making Wan Jia let out a soft chuckle. Her mannerisms were just like Lu Aotian''s.

    "Mommy, is there a difference?" She asked after thinking about it.

    "Of course. Since you don''t know, then it is probably because your friends are going. Mommy will enroll you but you have to know, you are only going for fun. Don''t feel pressured about anything; just enjoy yourself since you don''t have to be better than anyone." Wan Jia explained.

    She knew that in such schools, the best dancers would be the most popular. Kids like Tangtang would probably even gain fame outside school because of how talented they were.

    Since Little Jia was Tangtang''s friend, she might begin to feel that she needed to be the best too and if she did not, she might become disappointed in herself. Little Jia was too young to start having such feelings.

    "When are Tangtang and Katy going? You can all go together."

    "Soon after Katy comes back."

    Wan Jia raised an eyebrow. It seemed to have been pre-planned by the three playmates.

    Though she wondered, how exactly did Tangtang convince his parents?

    "Mommy, can you not tell Daddy about it?" Little Jia said hesitantly.

    "Why not?"

    "Because... because Tangtang said that businessmen would not let their children go to talent schools. Not only is daddy a businessman, he is also the best and most handsome of them all." Because she needed her mother''s help, she had to tell her.

    Wan Jia couldn''t resist a laugh. Lu Aotian''s looks had a role to play in his rejecting her request to go to dance school?

    "Little girl, you want to start hiding things from your daddy? That''s what bad kids do. Your parents always want the best for you. Good girls will speak to their parents if they want to do something, not hide it from them, okay?"

    Little Jia blinked. Good girls didn''t hide things from their parents? Then it meant that good boys didn''t hide things from their parents either, right? Then why was it that...

    She brushed it off her small mind. "Understood mommy."

    "Good. Speak to your daddy about it this evening, mmh?"

    "Yes mommy." With that, she literally fled from the study room. Mommy said yes! That was the hard part. She would help her convince daddy later if he said no.

    Wan Jia laughed at how the little girl almost tripped on her own legs. What was so scary?

    ...

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    ....

    Little Jia ran all the way to her room. She pulled two pillows from her bed and dragged them one at a time, arranging them behind the door.

    Then, with the new height created by standing on those pillows, she was able to reach the door knob and lock the door.

    When she was done, she took the pillows back to her bed and took out the new laptop that Lu Aotian had bought her the last time they went shopping.

    It had been created for the use of children and thanks to Lu Aotian''s modifications on it, it was more convenient for her. After being taught to use it once, she was now able to do it on her own.

 Chapter 470 - Something off

    She switched it on and video called Tangtang. The litle boy had his own phone and laptop too.

    A few seconds later, the call connected and Little Jia saw the boy''s face on her screen.

    "Tangtang, did you speak to your daddy yet?" She asked.

    The boy shook his head. "Daddy will definitely say no. He wants me to go to a normal school and become a businessman. I will only tell him when it''s too late."

    Little Jia frowned. "But mommy said that only bad kids hide things from their parents. You should speak to them." She looked like an older child giving advice to one of the younger kids.

    "But my daddy is a businessman. He will not let me go." Tangtang protested. It was not sure who told him that Xu Liaowen would definitely not let him follow his heart.

    Actually, Kara had agreed. She was lately doing everything her kids wanted her to do, including helping her son out with this. It was true that Xu Liaowen would have doubts about letting the little boy go to a dance school. After all, he was only six and couldn''t possibly know what was best for him yet. He might be choosing this because he was being influenced by the people who kept gushing over his dancing abilities.

    If he brought this up while in his teens, the situation might be different.

    "What if you try? You will never know until you try, right? Mommy also said that if parents love you, they will always want the best for you. Uncle Liaowen and Aunty Kara love you very much."

    Lu Aotian watched his daughter with a smile. So the tiny thing knew to give advice as well. She must have heard all that from him and Wan Jia.

    Ignorant of her father''s presence, the little girl spoke to Tangtang a little more then hung up.

    She only saw Lu Aotian when she was keeping the laptop away.

    She ran to him and jumped onto him for a hug. Lu Aotian picked her up. She held his neck with her short little arms. "Daddy! Little Jia missed you very much. You are late today."

    Lu Aotian rubbed her back. "Sorry princess, daddy had a lot of work today."

    Since it was about work, Little Jia forgot about the matter.

    "Have you eaten dinner yet?"

    "I wanted to eat with daddy so I waited." The little girl answered.

    Lu Aotian carried her to the dining room. "Daddy will not be late tomorrow, mmh?"

    She stuck out her pinky finger towards his hand. "Pinky promise?"

    Lu Aotian had no choice. His princess was still a little girl. He crossed his pinky with hers. "Pinky promise."

    ....

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    ....

    After dinner, Wan Jia went back to the study for a while. It made Lu Aotian wonder what exactly it was that she was doing.

    He went to check her out. "What are you so busy doing?"

    Wan Jia looked up from her stack of work. "I''m preparing for spring."

    Lu Aotian went over to take a look. All along she had been making new drafts for designs. After being a designer for such a long time, her speed had increased.

    There were at least ten drafts that she had done today.

    "My love, I understand that you are still a designer despite being a CEO and having three new stores to manage. But you should not forget about your health." He reminded.

    Wan Jia did not find him naggy. He was caring about her health. "Don''t worry about me. I ate on time and had enough rest. I also drank my soup. I did not go to the office today and carried my work home."

    Who was he kidding? She could easily manage Lu Enterprises on her own in his absence. What was a subsidiary like MAX in comparison? She had always kept in mind that she was pregnant and did not overwork herself. The gynecologist had stated that her baby was in good health.

    "Good girl." He was pleased to hear that she did not overwork herself. However, he still carried her off the chair. "It''s time for you to sleep."

    "Wait, just give me five minutes to complete..."

    "No." His tone allowed for no negotiation. She could only give up and allow him to take her to bed.

    ...

    The next day, Wan Jia went to meet a certain government official who wanted her to make custom suits for him. She was meeting him so she could take his measurements and depending on his temperament and looks, design what would suit him best. She could not send her subordinates on such an important job.

    She took Lin Ye with her since he was MAX''s top designer.

    "How nice it is to be the top designer. I get to go places with my CEO." Lin Ye remarked jokingly.

    He could dare to joke with Wan Jia because she was his little god sister. Of course, he kept his jokes at a safe level and maintained his respect for her.

    Wan Jia rolled her eyes. "What''s so good about going to places with your CEO? You are going to work."

    "Of all designers in MAX, I''m the only one who gets to go to work with the CEO." He was still smug about it. This was Wan Jia, alright?

    ...

    They ordered a meal while awaiting the man.

    Lin Ye couldn''t help being curious. Why was his boss not taking wine? He had also realized that she avoided caffeine as much as possible. Was she...pregnant perhaps?

    However, this was his boss so he couldn''t simply ask. It might be crossing his boundaries.

    His mind wandered off. Why did he have a nagging feeling that there was something off about this hotel?

 Chapter 471 - Dismiss Su Ling temporarily

    He was almost sure that there was really something happening, related to something or someone important. His insticts had never been wrong. Who or what would it be related to this time?

    While sipping on his wine, the nagging feeling disappeared.

    This was an important mission that he was on with his boss. He had to stay focused.

    They were pretty much done with their meal before the man finally arrived. They greeted him formally before getting down to their main purpose. In the end, Wan Jia already knew what kind of colors and designs would suit the man.

    She also taught Lin Ye to use people''s characteristics to choose materials, texture and colors.

    Although he was a renown designer and even Wan Jia had to admit that he was among the nation''s best, he could only randomly make designs, or according to people''s preference.

    Of course, that was except when he was lovingly making dresses for Yun Xuan. No one knew, but even after giving up, the best dresses he had ever made had coincidentally been done with Yun Xuan in his mind.

    There was some sort of charm about that woman that made him think about her even after giving up hope of being together with her.

    Since he had never actually been rejected by her, he did not feel his heart ache when thinking about her.

    He sipped on his wine and looked ahead blankly. Out of nowhere, his eyes widened. Was he drunk already? He had only drank a little wine.

    Well...this was...

    "Are you even listening?" Wan Jia sounded utterly displeased. What in the world was wrong with her employees? Lin Ye had started spacing out too?

    Lin Ye jolted and looked at his boss, stunned by her sudden harsh tone. "Sorry CEO. You said to prepare for a spring season fashion show because EFW is not holding one any soon and it will boost MAX''s fame?"

    Wan Jia''s expression eased. At least he was listening to her. Unlike Su Ling, he was better at paying some attention even while spacing out. As for the former, she was afraid she might have to dismiss her from work temporarily.

    Since getting pregnant, Su Ling had become extremely clumsy and would mess up things she was perfect at before.

    If she remained in MAX during this time, the two women might have a fall out. After all, Wan Jia was pregnant too and was as potent as usual. It made little sense.

    "Boss, can I leave for a minute?"

    Wan Jia''s gaze unconciously shifted towards the direction Lin Ye was looking. She raised an eyebrow but did not ask about it. "Okay. But on one condition."

    Lin Ye almost peed his pants. This was a critical time! "What''s the condition?"

    "Don''t come back here before one hour is over."

    "Eer..." what?

    What kind of condition was this? Should he thank her? "Thank you boss!"

    He literally scattered off as soon as his words left his lips.

    ...

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    ....

    Half an hour ago.

    In the same hotel.

    Yun Xuan had not left the country yet. She wanted to do so after Yun Wei''s and Yun Jifeng''s sentence. She really wanted to see that monstrous pair of beasts pay for their crimes. Only then would she be at peace while leaving the country.

    Today, she was meeting her friend from Country G. The latter had come to Country C for a vacation and was staying in a hotel. Since Yun Xuan had temporarily leased an apartment, she had felt that a hotel room would use up a lot of money and suggested that the other party put up in her apartment.

    She had agreed, so Yun Xuan was picking her up at the hotel today.

    She had also employed a temporary part time nanny, so she left Yun Feng in her company.

    She would have really loved to walk around with her son, but she could only do a little of that. The boy was after all a secret. She did not want to bump into those people while with him.

    She entered the hotel and gave her friend a call.

    The friend said to wait a little; she had left the hotel room for a moment and would be back as soon as possible.

    Yun Xuan walked into the hotel''s restaurant and ordered dessert to munch on while waiting.

    Halfway into her delicious dessert, someone called her name.

    "Yun Xuan." The man called out again, as though confirming that it was really her.

    It was a familiar voice that was haunting to the ears. Yun Xuan did not bother to turn. She knew who she would see. She might as well pretend to not have heard him and let the man go away.

    Alas, he did not. He rushed up to her and hugged her. He was already certain that the woman was Yun Xuan.

    Yun Xuan felt a violent rush of disgust and pushed him away. "What the hell is wrong with you? Who the f*ck are you?!" She snapped.

    The man was taken aback. "Darling, have you lost your memory? I''m your husband, Qin Zhan."

    Yun Xuan pushed him away violently. "Where''s security? This strange man is bullying me."

    What did he mean, her husband? All she felt for him was disgust. She did not even hate him; she felt it below her. Crap like him were not worth any feeling from her.

    However, the man must have been always prepared for the day he would meet her again. Because he fished out a small red booklet from God knows where and waved it in front of the security guards who were approaching. "She is my wife. How can I be a strange man and how can I possibly bully her?"

 Chapter 472 - Hubby, he is harassing me.

    Yun Xuan was even angrier. Why was this fool back? She did not want anything to do with him! Why was he not dead yet? "You must have got the wrong person. Leave me alone!"

    Tyler was confident since he had the marriage booklet. "Can we talk privately? I''m sorry for what I did. Let''s speak in private, okay? Our son misses you so much."

    Yun Xuan''s eyebrows furrowed. Their son? He did not know about Yun Feng. Was he talking about Qin Zhuo''an?

    The last time she was in Country C and a little close to Lin Lihua, the latter had told her about Tyler''s son. Lin Lihua had thought that she would not be truly alright raising a little boy on his own while the boy''s father was still alive.

    She had stated how a little boy had once mistaken Wan Jia for the former and stuck onto her, calling her his mother and begging her to go back home with him. She had deduced it correctly; the boy must have been her ex husband''s son. She had in fact mistakenly thought at first that the boy was Yun Xuan''s biological son. After all, children didn''t go sticking onto women who were not their mothers too often.

    When she learnt the truth, even Lin Lihua scolded Tyler as an idiot who did not deserve Yun Xuan.

    After being told of that incident, Yun Xuan was now sure that this idiot must be talking about his own son.

    Well, if it was because he was genuinely sorry and wanted her back, she might have spared him an ounce of respect despite vowing to never get back together with him.

    But this bastard only wanted her back because his son liked and missed her?! She had never even seen that little boy except in photos! Besides, how could she possibly take care of someone else''s child?

    She was not being mean here. That boy''s mother was still alive and in good terms with Tyler. If the mother were absent, it would be a different case. However, how could she be so sure that this was not another ploy with the little boy as a trap for her? What if they were still together and putting on an act just like before?

    All this man knew was to use people after all.

    He had decieved her heartlessly...

    Yet he had the courage to appear before him?

    Forget about being with Wang Ruolin and still having the courage to appear before her. Even if they were on enmity terms, she would still take him for an idiot and never give him a chance.

    "Whoever you are, I really don''t know you and I''m not your wife. Leave me alone!" She insisted on not knowing him as the easiest way to drive him off.

    Since Tyler had already shown off his marriage booklet, people believed that he was really Yun Xuan''s husband. Hence he had the confidence to pull her and start leaving the hotel.

    Yun Xuan had not regained all her strength yet after having her son. In fact, she was initially not very strong to begin with. She couldn''t possibly fight a man and could only shout. "Hey! Let go of me! Help! I''m being kidnapped."

    She was looking onto the people around to save her. However, they all believed that this was a couple''s scuffle and did not wish to be a part of it. She could only try to hit him as he led her away.

    "Let go of her!" An angry voice yelled.

    In the stunning moment that followed after the angy shout, Yun Xuan looked over. Who was that man? Was he helping her out?

    "What are you doing, holding my wife as you please, huh? This man here, I''m going to sue you for sexual harassment."

    Yun Xuan''s brain was a little slow due to shock, but it processed a short while later who this man was. Lin Ye! Was this man not the former top designer of YX Brand?

    He had resigned very many months ago because he could no longer stand her selfishness. Actually, she had been looking for an opportunity to apologize to him but could not directly look for him. It would have been too awkward.

    "Husband!" She cried. "Hubby, he is harassing me."

    When Lin Ye heard those words from her, his world went blank. H-husband? She had called him husband?

    Although he knew that it was only because of the situation she was in, it still felt so nice to hear that word from her.

    She had called him husband! His Xuanxuan had called him husband! Hahaha how happy he was!

    He rushed foward and gave Tyler a good punch. Unprepared for it, Tyler''s jaw was almost dislocated.

    Lin Ye pulled Yun Xuan from Tyler''s grip and let her aside safely then he dragged Tyler to another side.

    Before security could say anything, Tyler had been beaten black and blue without a chance to fight back.

    Lin Ye could have sworn that he was not usually this strong.

    It must have been because he had always been jealous of Tyler, paired with the fact that he was angry.

    Such a nice woman as Yun Xuan; what had Tyler done to deserve such strong hatred from her? It must have been something unforgivable. That, paired with the fact that his goddess was looking up to him for help, momentarily made him the strongest man around.

    "What do you want from my wife? I will beat you into a pulp!" He swore and continued raining punches on Tyler.

    Tyler''s face was so sore right now that even his own grandmother might not be able to recognize him.

    But Lin Ye did not show any signs of stopping.

    ...

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    ....

 Chapter 473 - Harassing a pregnant woman

    Yun Xuan watched the fight at the side with a complex expression on her face. Surprisingly, she did not feel bad about Tyler being beaten up.

    She in fact smiled. Finally someone who could help her deal with that idiot. However, why did it suddenly feel like there some uspoken grudge between Tyler and Lin Ye?

    The latter had beaten Tyler up so badly that even the security personnel were stunned.

    "Hubby, let him go. You will kill him." To keep the act intact, Yun Xuan could only reffer to Lin Ye as her husband. She would explain it to him later.

    Her words, hiwever, cut into Lin Ye''s heart like a knife. She was worried about Tyler? She still liked him?

    His hand froze mid air, his soul going numb instantly. Here he was thinking that she hated him. It had made him think that she was currently on her own. Haha... could he get any more stupid?

    He let go of Tyler and stood aside. If Tyler had not been weakened by all those kicks and punches, he would have used the chance to attack Lin Ye.

    However, he was extremely weak paired with the fact that he was also shocked speechless. Yun Xuan had another husband?

    When she saw that Lin Ye had let go of the idiot, Yun Xuan rushed over, gritted her teeth and hugged his arm. "I''m only worried that you will have a charge of murder against your name. A scumbag like him is not worth it. Besides if you go to jail, how will I take care of our baby on my own? I''m still pregnant, you know."

    When he heard her words, Lin Ye''s soul that had been swallowed down his stomach returned.

    So the main point was not Tyler''s death, but the implication of it? She was worried that he would be accused of murder?

    Actually, he did not mind. For her, he would be willing for that to happen.

    With a start, he realized just where her hands were...

    She was hugging his arm so closely that he could almost feel her heartbeat...

    A smile slowly crept onto his lips, but he blocked it before it could surface by speaking. "I''m sorry for causing a commotion here. This man was bullying my pregnant wife. I hope everyone can pardon us."

    His expression while calling Yun Xuan his wife was so loving that it moved hearts.

    ""He loves his wife so much. No wonder he beat up the other man so badly."

    "That man is so shameless. How can he try to abduct a pregnant woman? I almost believed that he was her husband before the real husband appeared."

    "Why is no one calling the police?"

    At the mention of police, Tyler snapped. "What is wrong with you bastard? Yun Xuan is my wife! I have proof!" He pointed his finger at Yun Xuan. "Are you very happy to see people physically assault your husband like this?"

    Lin Ye laughed coldly. "She is your wife? Sure. Why don''t you show everyone your wedding certificate?"

    Yun Xuan''s eyes widened. What was he doing? Tyler had the marriage booklet with him!

    "You..."

    Lin Ye pulled her to him. He did not want to take advantage of her. He just had to make their ''married couple'' act believable. Still, he kept it safe like how an elder brother would hug his younger sister. He did not wish to do anything out of line and make his goddess uncomfortable.

    At this time, he whispered to her that it will be alright.

    He glared at Tyler. "Are you producing your evidence or not? Don''t forget, along with your marriage booklet, show everyone your identification documents as well. We have to be certain that you did not create something fake. Be quick, my wife needs to rest. If our baby has been agitated by you, be prepared to face the consequences."

    Tyler was stunned. Yun Xuan was really pregnant? He had not dared to believe it at first. However, her body indeed looked different. Was it true? His gaze shifted towards her stomach. There was no bump. If she was pregnant, it should be only one or two months. There was no way that was his baby.

    She was really with this man?

    He would have been convinced that this was just a stranger playing the hero that saves the beauty. However, this man''s hatred towards him and his gaze towards Yun Xuan convinced him otherwise. They were truly in love?!

    This could not be. Yun Xuan could only belong to him. He could not let them get married.

    In a fit, he fished out his marriage booklet and held it up.

    "You will not give up, huh? Go ahead and show it to everyone. Let''s see how you will end up, Tyler Willows."

    Something crossed Tyler''s eyes. He closed his eyes tightly then reopened them, keeping the red booklet back into his pockets. "I''m sorry."

    After saying this, he limped away with his face that was beyond recognition.

    Everyone was stunned. What happened?

    Yun Xuan understood and wondered how Lin Ye knew about it.

    Tyler would never show that marriage booklet in public because the name written on it was Qin Zhan. Wouldn''t he be admitting that he had two identities? Of course, people with multiple identities could only belong to a few professions and his was one of them.

    In fact, his was the worst. He had so many enemies that he only needed his real identity to be revealed for him to die. He had only dared to say it to Yun Xuan softlly earlier because she already knew.

    How could this man do this?

    Lin Ye  smiled coldly. He was betting on Tyler not being able to show his marriage certificate and Identity card, and he had won the bet.

    ...

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    ....

 Chapter 474 - Fit a filter into his brain

    They watched Tyler leave, emitting an aura of dejection.

    To keep up their act to the end, they left the hotel still acting like a married couple by holding hands.

    Actually, such small actions meant nothing.

    However since they had pretended to be husband and wife and Yun Xuan had even pretended to be pregnant with his child, they looked madly in love. Of course, Lin Ye''s gaze of deep love for her was evidently what made it even more believable.

    As they left, Lin Ye turned to look at Wan Jia secretly. The latter lifted one of her fair fingers towards him, to remind him that one hour was not yet over. He was not allowed to go back.

    He now understood what Wan Jia put him up to at that moment.

    He had been so angry when he saw a man harassing his goddess that he did not think about it clearly.

    Now that he did, he wondered what exactly he would be doing with her all that time.

    The time taken to beat up Tyler and send him away could only add to ten minutes. He had around fifty minutes remaining.

    Was he supposed to use the remaining minutes to....woo her?

    He shook his head. That was insane. She probably still viewed him as the employee she once had. If he told her about his feelings right now, it might come out as him using the fact that he helped her a moment ago to take advantage of her. If he screwed up right now, would she even ever spare him a glance?

    As he thought about this, they were outside.

    Yun Xuan let go of his arm. "I''m so sorry I had to do that. Thank you for helping me out. I don''t know how I would have managed to get rid of him on my own."

    Yun Xuan expressed her gratitude, not at all feeling awkward that she had stripped herself of the title of a former superior before her subordinate. For some reason, Lin Ye gave off a certain vibe that made her feel like he was her superior instead.

    "If only I had a way to repay you for what you did..."

    Although he had been prepared for that move all this while, her words still broke his heart. He scratched his head awkwardly to hide his heartbreak. "It''s nothing. I would have done it for anyone. I hate men who bully women. Besides, you are not just any woman." He saw that Yun Xuan raised an eyebrow and quickly added, "You are my former boss. How can I let people bully you?"

    Yun Xuan''s expression relaxed. All her respect for Lin Ye had almost vanished the moment he said that she was not just any woman. Obviously, no one would like men who took advantage of women.

    Lin Ye secretly heaved a sigh of relief when she was not watching. What was wrong with his mouth? He had almost blown it just now. He needed to fit a new filter into his brain.

    He thought about the fity minutes and asked, for the sake of passing time, "Was that man not your boyfriend? Why did you want to send him off?"

    Yun Xuan felt weird when this question was asked. Why did it mistakenly look like he was a jealous husband questioning her about another man? She felt somewhat uneasy.

    "Well, he was actually my husband. However, what happened was a long story." She sighed.

    Lin Ye saw her sad expression and felt the urge to embrace her in his arms and comfort her. The sight of his goddess looking this sad made him clench his fists. He really wanted to give Tyler a new round of punches for whatever it was that he did to hurt her.

    He was this angry just by seeing Yun Xuan sad, without knowing a word of what happened between them. If he knew what Tyler actually did to her, wouldn''t he chop Tyler, that scumbag, into pieces?

    Yun Xuan sighed. He had helped her out and she had no suitable way of repaying him. If she did not tell him their story, wouldn''t he wonder why on earth he was beating Tyler up? He had after all only helped her out because he had seen that she genuinely did not want to go with that man.

    "Why don''t we go somewhere else? I''ll tell you about it." She said.

    Lin Ye felt his heart fill with ecstasy. He initially did not know how to spend one hour with her with her but now he did. He would make sure to ask as many questions as possible to buy time. Of course he would not ask anything that intruded her privacy too much.

    "Where shall we go?"

    He almost chopped off his own tongue when the question was out. Luckily, Yun Xuan knew nothing about his feelings for her. If she did, that question would have sounded ambiguous or even vulgar.

    Did his brain get filled with water every time he let his goddess?

    Yun Xuan suggested a hot pot restaurant. She would only eat a tiny bit since she was not hungry. She had just eaten desserts.

    "You like hot pot?" He asked the question whose answer he already knew.

    "Yeah. I''ve always loved spicy food." She answered cheerfully.

    This Lin Ye was nothing like other men who would start gazing at her with their lustful eyes or making advances in their first meeting. He seemed to have a strong level of respect, perhaps because she was once his employer. It made her feel comfortable around him and  let her guard down.

    "I like spicy food too." He said and bit his tongue to prevent a smile from surfacing.

    ...

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    ....

 Chapter 475 - One move to be doomed as a villain

    He liked spicy food, but that was because the woman he liked enjoyed it a lot.

    He had seen her countless times in her office at YX Brand, enjoying the spiciness of her take out.

    After watching her a few times, he would order spicy food and eat it, imagining her eating heartily opposite him. Thus began his love for spicy food.

    All while he reminisced this, he did not dare to steal a glance or his feelings would be obvious.

    Once in the hot pot restaurant, Yun Xuan suggested to order an extra spicy hot pot.

    "Is it really good for your healt to eat very spicy food?" Lin Ye momentarily forgot his place and exclaimed.

    Yun Xuan laughed it off and didn''t think that he was intruding. "I don''t usually eat such extremely hot food. It''s just that today, my mood is quite..."

    Lin Ye understood her although she trailed off and did not complete her statement.

    Today she had met someone she disliked, so her mood was ruined.

    "If you are feeling very sad, how about we go somewhere that will cheer you up?"

    Yun Xuan finally found something wrong about his attitude today. "Don''t you have work to do?"

    Lin Ye bit his tongue. It was a small habbit he had learnt to do when he was nervous. "Actually, my boss gave me time off."

    Yun Xuan found it plausible. "Alright. However, I can''t stay out too long. My child will cry if he misses me."

    If anyone were to take close notice, her expression was gentle and her eyes were filled with immense love when she mentioned her child. It was obvious just how much she loved him.

    "You love him so much, right? That tiny boy is so lucky to have you as a mother."

    Unsurprisingly, Yun Xuan narrowed her eyes. "How did you know it was a boy, and a little one at that? Speaking of which, how did you know that Tyler has two identities?"

    Lin Ye''s heart raced. Why was she looking at him like he was a stalker? "I saw you shopping for baby clothes before. They were a male clothes. I was in a hurry so I did not come to say hi to you."

    He added the last statement so it would not look strange.

    "About Tyler, my boss told me. I was out with my boss today. I had just seen you and was coming to say hi when your ex rushed to you. My boss called me back to tell me that man''s weakness; his two identities." Since Wan Jia had not said anything about keeping it a secret, he satisfied Yun Xuan''s curiosity fully.

    "Who is your boss?" Came the obvious question.

    "The CEO of MAX, Wan Jia." He again said everything there was to say in response.

    Yun Xuan remained silent, secretly smiling. Wan Jia sent him to help her out?

    Did that mean that she did not hate her anymore?

    In this lifetime, Yun Xuan could not possibly ever deserve Wan Jia''s forgiveness. What she had said about Xia Rou back then was way out of line. What made her feel worse was Xia Rou''s kindness towards her and Yun Feng.

    Ever since staying with the tiny boy a little, Xia Rou who had missed the feeling of taking care of a baby had grown fond of him. She would invite Yun Xuan over once in a while just so she would get to hold Yun Feng.

    It made Yun Xuan inexplicably guilty.

    "She is lucky to have you as an employee; and you are even luckier to have her as your employer." She said to Lin Ye.

    "Is there a disagreement between you and my boss?"

    He had realized that Wan Jia had a complex expression that was almost regretful whenever he mentioned Yun Xuan. He was now seeing the same thing on Yun Xuan when he mentioned Wan Jia. Did these two have a fall out?

    Yun Xuan laughed as an answer to his question. "Do you know, in movies and novels, as long as you are the main character, you can be forgiven no matter what crimes you commit. However, in real life, you only have to make one wrong move to be doomed as a villain forever."

    Lin Ye studied her as she drooped her lashes. From his research on her, the only relative she had in Country G was her baby Yun Feng. She had very few friends, none of whom had lasted more than a year. They were all new.

    She had secluded herself because of the mistakes she had made while in Country C, and now that Wan Jia was mentioned, he understood her. Paired with the mistake that he was yet to hear, the one that Tyler made to make her hate him so much, he deduced that she was trying to get away from her past.

    Poor thing. .. it must have been too hard on her.

    He coughed. "You''re wrong."

    "What?" She looked up expressionlessly.

    "In novels and comics, you only have one chance. If you make one mistake, you become a villain in the audience''s eyes. However in real life, you are the main character in your story.

    No matter how many mistakes you made in the past, as long as you are no longer as unkind as you were when you made those mistakes, there is always a chance for redemption. If forgiveness exists in the fictional world, why would it not exist in the real world?"

    For a moment, Yun Xuan remained silent. What he had just said sunk in. He meant that there was still a chance for her to regain her former friends that she lost back then when she was blinded by power?

    ...

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 Chapter 476 - The man who loves you might be sitting within your radius

    Obviously, she did not hope to regain all of them. Some of those friends who only clung to her because she was a rich woman were better off lost forever. Genuine friends were the ones she hoped to regain if it was possible.

    That was exactly what he meant. Although she had been momentarily blinded back then, she had realized her mistakes. There was no one who had never made mistakes before, right?

    Actually in his heart, Yun Xuan was flawless. It did not matter what she did. Not to mention, she was currently against her evil father and foster brother and was planning to testify against them in court.

    This may not be much since Lu Aotian had got enough information to sentence them already, but her willingness meant alot.

    In his heart, he would love her even if she did not ever realize her past actions and how much they hurt people, but he was even happier now that she did.

    "Boss, it has been hard on you." He remarked when Yun Xuan told him about her love story with Tyler. Of course, she did not mention the really secretive details about how he was merely a secret agent of the IU out to investigate her father. She just talked about his marriage to Ruolin which she knew nothing about when they got together. She was not that close to Lin Ye and did not want to bother him with too many details.

    She saw that his expression was stern just from hearing that small part. He looked like he wanted to stab Tyler.

    "Not really. I learnt alot. Right now all that matters to me is my son''s well being. I want to give him the best life anyone could ever have."

    "He is lucky. If you don''t find it intrusive of me for asking this, are you ever going to remarry?"

    Yun Xuan contemplated. Was she ever going to remarry? She had already made a decision about this. "I don''t think I will ever fall in love again but if a good man actually exists, I will marry him just to give my son a father."

    Lin Ye''s heart ached for her. Just how much was a mother supposed to love her child for her to be willing to give up the happiness of her youth just for the child to have a family?

    At the same time, he had to thank Tyler and the heavens for this chance. Perhaps when the time was ripe for him to confess his feelings to her, she might give him a chance.

    He smiled it off. "There may be a good man. One who truly loves you is considered good enough, right?"

    "Really? Good men don''t come pouring down like rain."

    "You will not know unless you look. Who is to say, the man who loves you might be sitting within your radius right now."

    Yun Xuan laughed heartily. "You are too funny. Enough about such sad talk. Tell me how you ended up as Wan Jia''s employee."

    ...

    The pair talked for quite some time.

    At the end of it, Lin Ye suggested to drop her off so she would not bump into undesirable people.

    Yun Xuan sent a message with her adress to her friend and let Lin Ye drop her off.

    In her apartment, Yun Feng seemed to have started throwing a fit when he missed her, because the nanny rushed out as soon as she notified her of her arrival.

    She saw her son and smiled. She looked back at Lin Ye. "Why don''t I take you out for another meal some time? One hot pot is not enough to thank you."

    Lin Ye was caught off guard but such an offer. Of course, he would never reject her. "Then, boss, I will not be too polite."

    Yun Feng who was now blabbering in his mother''s arms paused. Why was there a strange voice?

    He tilted his head along with his whole body to look at him. If Yun Xuan were not careful enough, he might have slipped off her arms.

    When the tiny little boy saw Lin Ye, he seemed to be curious about who the stranger was.

    His blue eyes even almost seemed to glare at Lin Ye. In the next second, he opened his small toothless mouth and broke into a wail.

    Yun Xuan was stunned and started patting his small body to coax him. "Sorry, my son is unfriendly to new people."

    "It''s okay." Lin Ye was not expecting the boy to like him at first sight after all.

    Though he really wondered, if the boy disliked him this soon, what would happen when he started wooing Yun Xuan?

    As soon as Lin Ye left, the little boy stopped wailing.

    Yun Xuan did not know what to do with him. "You are a bad boy who keeps sending people away. Am I not supposed to have any friends? Your wail almost burst my ears!"

    The boy definitely could not understand her, but he seemed to sense her displeased tone. He looked pitiful and started crying.

    "Er..." Again?

    "Shh...baby, don''t cry. Mommy is sorry. Mommy will not yell at you again."

    As though he understood that she was coaxing him, he made happy sounds and fell asleep.

    ___

    When Lin Ye left with Yun Xuan, Wan Jia had a smile on her face.

    She hoped that the man would use his time wisely.

    If he got together with Yun Xuan, it would kill four birds with one stone. Tyler would have to give up, Yun Xuan would have a caring man by her side, Yun Feng would have a father and Lin Ye would finally marry the woman he had loved for  many years. Everyone would be happy.

    ...

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    ....

 Chapter 477 - She had to do this

    Yun Xuan put the boy to sleep and went to the study. She sat behind the desk and took out her phone. It was almost time to implement the other part of her decision.

    She dialled a contact and made a call. The other end recieved the call after a few rings and a deep husky voice came booming in her ears. "Hello."

    Yun Xuan did not flinch. "See you on Wednesday the fifth."

    The man seemed to be quite busy, as he put her on hold for a while before getting back to her a little later. "Are you sure that you want to do this? You should know, you cannot change your mind and the result might or might not impress you. It all depends on fate."

    Although the other party was obviously trying to discourage her, she did not change her mind. She had made this decision after a lot of consideration. "I am sure of it. I will not regret it."

    "Alright missy. See you on Wednesday the fifth of this month." After saying this, he hung up without waiting for Yun Xuan to respond. Young ladies these days!

    ...

    When Yun Xuan had settled that, she went ahead to try to speak to a few bosses in the entertainment industry.

    For a stylist like her, the people she could work for at the moment were models, actors and actresses or artists. While in Country C, she could not possibly remain idle until the day of her return to Country G.

    Unfortunately, she no longer held a high status in society. She was not the boss of YX Brand anymore, and she had stripped herself of the title of the heiress of the Yun family.

    Besides the latter title was meaningless. Even if she had it, it would not help her. General Yun was after all a criminal who had been accused of multiple crimes including murder and was awaiting his trial in the military court. Being the heiress of such a family would bring her more harm than good.

    Due to her lack of status, she was not able to contact any of the big bosses. She could only speak to their assistants who did not have time to listen to her, much less let her explain her purpose. She could not contact the artistes directly either.

    Besides trying to connect to them, she had been going to entertainment agencies with her r¨¦sum¨¦ quite often.

    However, because her surname was still Yun despite cutting relations with that family, everyone seemed to look at her with extra pairs of judging eyes. It was for this reason that she could not find a job yet.

    The biggest challenge was of course the fact that she could not leave Yun Feng alone for too long. Although the nanny was taking good care of him, that little boy''s mood was unpredictable. Sometimes he would remain calm in Yun Xuan''s absence, but at other times he would wail and throw a fit until he felt his mother''s presence.

    The only exception was when the boy was with Xia Rou in the Lin residence. She could have asked Xia Rou for help but then again, Xia Rouhad her own life to live and work to report to. She could not keep bothering people with her problems.

    She could only look for a part-time job which was harder than finding a full-time job.

    Despite all that, she was not going to give up. Her son needed her, so she must be able to handle all this.

    In a moment, a thought crossed her mind. HL Entertainment must still be hiring since it was still new, right?

    If she tried, could she get a job there?

    At least she was sure of one thing. She had spent some time with Lin Lihua and hence knew that Lin Lihua was a truthful woman.

    If she qualified to work at HL Entertainment, Lin Lihua would not care about her family background like other people did. If she was not hired, it would mean that she truly did not qualify.

    She had spoken to Lin Lihua casually this morning, and the latter had said that she was going back to Country C the next day. Their flight had been cancelled to the next day because something came up and needed Henry Blanc''s attention.

    Once Lin Lihua was back, she would speak to her about it.

    ___

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    ....

    The previous day, in Country F.

    Henry Blanc''s fury was almost blowing the prison premises.

    He had been allowed to visit his sister at this time.

    The woman sat before him, looking like a scared kitten. His gaze that was full of anger was frightening. Who in their right mind would not be scared?

    "Brother, did I do something wrong? You look like you could kill me right now." Amy Blanc''s voice was so tiny that the last words were inaudible.

    Henry Blanc looked into her eyes and was surprised by her reaction. Why did she act like she knew nothing?

    "Amy, why did you not tell me that you are pregnant? Do you know that the implication of hiding such an important matter could make you lose the baby?"

    Amy Blanc was flabbergasted. "Pregnant? Brother, are you alright?"

    "You don''t have to hide it anymore. I actually don''t mind who the father is. All that matters right now is that this child is my nephew or niece. However, you must never hide anything from me. Or else, how will I be able to protect you?"

    He was not angry because she was pregnant by Yun Jifeng, but because she hid it and could have hurt the baby if not careful enough.

    Amy''s expression was blanc. "That''s impossible."

    Although it was awkward, she had to say it so her brother could believe her. "I had my period a week ago. Most importantly, Arnold and I never actually... did that."

 Chapter 478 - Faking her pregnancy to break out

    Henry Blanc''s eyes could not hide his shock. His gaze slowly shifted towards her stomach, as though trying to make sure that she was reallt not hiding anything. "Are you telling the truth?"

    "I am. If I was pregnant and hid it, am I not scared that my child would be hurt? What kind of mother would that make me?" Although she would not wish to bear the child of the man who used her and the one for whom her love had gradually turned into hatred, if she really had his baby, she would not hurt it. It would be innocent and her child too after all.

    Henry Blanc saw that she was really being truthful. The doubt in his heart increased.

    If she was not pregnant, why did he recieve that report? He had rushed over urgently and had his Lihua cancel their flight. If this was a prank...

    "Amy, I have to go. I have to deal with this matter. Someone might be trying to break you out of here and I can guess who it is."

    Amy Blanc was unfazed. Whoever it was, she would not go with them. She had realized that ever since accepting her faults, her brother loved her just like he did in the past. No, to be exact, he seemed to love her much more. He would kill anyone who hurt her. If her eyes had not been opened, wouldn''t she keep thinking that he hated her and ended up ruining her own life then? Who would she blame then?

    Although she was in such a dull and boring place and could not do things and go places as she pleased, she would look foward to seeing him every time. Every time she was scared that he would forget about her like other prisoners had been forgotten by their families, he would appear and prove her wrong with his eyes full of brotherly love.

    It would be a lie to say that she had never been tempted to break out, but she would never succumb to that. If she did, she would lose her brother along with her conscience. She might even lose her life while on the run.

    "Brother, can you come with Katy next time? I miss her very much." She said before Henry Blanc left.

    The man turned to look at her and did not know what exactly to say to her. Of course she would miss her daughter. She was her mother.

    However..."I haven''t told her yet. Don''t forget what a fearful child Katy actually is. I was afraid the news would traumatize her."

    Amy Blanc dropped the subject.  "You handled it well.

    She looked down and played with her fingers. Why was it that her brother was a genius at everything while she was a little  brainless? No, she was very brainless. She could even forget to consider such an important fact about her own daughter.

    Katy Blanc was sure unlucky to have her for a mother. Once she left this place, she would do her best to be a better mother to her daughter.

    ___

    When Henry Blanc parted with his younger sister, he went to the prison warden who had given him the call.

    "Is my sister really pregnant? Have you ensured that there are no mistakes about this?"

    The woman shivered slightly from Henry Blanc''s glare. "Mr. Blanc, I am certain. All the new prisoners underwent a full body check up to make sure that they were all in good health. It was during this time that Miss Blanc was found out to be two months pregnant. The nurse asked me to tell you the news."

    Henry Blanc finally found where there was a problem. Why did the woman rush to tell him the news before confirming the test in another hospital?

    "Who are you working for?" He suddenly asked.

    "Who am I working for? Well, the government of course." She shrugged.

    Henry Blanc smiled coldly. "You expected me to tell you to transfer her immediately, right? You wanted to use the chance to break her out and pin the blame onto my family? Woman, you better tell me the truth right now or I will make you disappear."

    "Mr. Blanc, you cannot threaten people."

    Henry Blanc banged a fist against the wall, frightening the woman so much that she could pass out. "Or else what? I will be charged with a crime? Go ahead and try me."

    Scared for her life, the woman stuttered. "I...it  ...it was Mrs. Blanc!"

    Henry Blanc''s face went pale. He and Lin Lihua had not yet registered their marriage. The Mrs. Blanc in this situation could only be his mother.

    Hadn''t she caused enough trouble yet?

    No wonder when he recieved the news, she insisted on holding onto his arm and not letting him go, even after hearing that it was related to Amy Blanc. So it was because she did not want him to go. She wanted to let them use the excuse of him being too late so they could transfer her to seclusion. On their way, they would let her go?

    Henry Blanc couldn''t help but laugh. How could his mother possibly make a deal with prison wardens? What if later they accused her of faking her pregnancy to break herself out?

    Did his mother really care about Amy?

    ...

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    ....

    "Mum, you will really not be satisfied until you ruin your daughter''s life completely, right?"

    From his tone, she knew that he had already figured it out. "I don''t want my daughter to suffer in there! My poor Amy..."

    "She will be killed if you keep using love as an excuse to do wrong things." He left the room after saying this, not sparing her any room for negotiation.

 Chapter 479 - Finally married.

    Tired of the countless arguments, Henry Blanc left Country F with his fianc¨¦e and niece.

    He would come back often to pay a visit to his sister. Aside from this, he had no other business in Country F.

    As for his trouble making mother, he had had her trailed. He was sure that there was someone else using her despair to make her break Amy Blanc out.

    He had an inkling of who it might be, but he wanted to collect sufficient evidence, as well as know what exactly the other party was up to.

    Since Amy Blanc had broken up with him and decided to follow the right path, he must be paranoid and scared that she would rat him out.

    Speaking of which, he wondered if Lu Aotian was letting the Blanc family take care of that man, or if he was waiting to take care of him together since both the Lu and Blanc families had been wronged terribly by him.

    ...

    When they landed, it was evening in Country C already. Katy had slept the entire flight and had not woken up even after landing. He had to carry her to the car and all the way to his villa when they arrived.

    Although he did not want to wake her up since she was sleeping so peacefully, she had not eaten anything since they left Country F.

    If she did not eat right now, she might feel hungry late into the night. It was not healthy for children to eat late at night.

    Lin Lihua was not tired so she prepared a meal. After they ate dinner, Katy was a bit active from having slept a lot. They played together for a while before the girl got tired again.

    "Aunty, I am scared of sleeping in my room on my own. Can I sleep in your room once more? Just this once." The girl pleaded.

    She really liked sleeping in Lin Lihua''s room. She would feel really safe and have sweet dreams.

    "Of course you can. But just for tonight, okay? Tomorrow, your uncle and I will be married."

    The girl nodded. She knew that when her aunty Lihua was officially her aunt, she would no longer let her sleep together. Though she did not understand why exactly that would happen, she would still be happy if her aunty Lihua told her stories.

    Dragging a pillow, she followed Lin Lihua into her room. Henry Blanc watched on silently. Little girl, I''m sorry but you will have to sleep on your own tomorrow. I can let you steal my fianc¨¦e but once she is my wife, don''t even think about it.

    ...

    "Aunty, can you tell me a story tonight?" Katy cocked her head at Lin Lihua in anticipation.

    Lin Lihua was not sleepy either so she thought of a story Xia Rou had told her when she was young. "There was once a pair of twins whose mother passed away...

    One day, their father remarried and brought a step mother home."

    At this point, Katy frowned. "Was the step mother very evil?"

    "No. That was what they thought at first. But she treated them well and they became close with time."

    Katy was stunned.

    "Actually, kind step mothers are very rare, but they exist."

    At this point, Katy did not understand why her aunt was telling her this last part. After listening to the story of Snow White and that of Sleeping Beauty, she yawned and fell asleep in Lin Lihua''s arms.

    ..

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    ....

    The next day, Henry Blanc was up earlier than usual. To be exact, he almost didn''t sleep a wink. Who in his shoes would sleep?

    He was marrying his queen today! His queen Lihua would finally become his wife.

    The charming smile on his face could not be supressed by anything.

    He was bright and cheerful, wearing the new suit he had painstakingly bought from MAX.

    Since it was a new brand, getting custom clothes was much harder than buying the most expensive piece of clothing at EFW.

    To make it even more difficult, he specifically wanted a couple''s outfit designed by Wan Jia.

    For the CEO to personally make him and his wife their outfits, he used a lot of effort. He even offered 5 percent of Le Blanc Group''s shares, which Wan Jia rejected politely.

    In the end, Wan Jia gave him a couple''s outfit which she had created months ago, intending to gift it to her elder sister on her most important day. What day was more important to a woman than the day of her marriage?

    Looking at his suit and Lin Lihua''s dress, one could tell just how much effort Wan Jia had put into it. They were both blue.

    No matter how one looked at it, no one could ever design a dress this perfect. It took just one look to know that once Lin Lihua wore it, all her beauty would be brought out.

    It was a boddy hugging dress with a slightly low neckline. The tiny diamonds embedded at the waistline would make her look like an elegant daughter of nobility.

    Henry Blanc was yet to know but once she wore it, the hem would look slightly lighter than the rest of the dress, revealing a line of even tinier diamonds that would sparkle like a starry night.

    The amount of love Wan Jia had put into this dress was unmatchable.

    Henry Blanc took the delicate dress to his wife-to-be.

    There was only a few hours left. His heart pounded at a fast rate.

    He knocked on the door to her room gently. It was almost as though she was waiting for him to knock, for she opened immediately and gave him a warm hug. "Good morning husband-to-be. You look very handsome."

 Chapter 480 - Anything wrong with kissing my wife?

    Feeling giddy from the hug and the rain of kisses that landed on his face after the hug, he held her waist using his free hand and drew her closer to him, kissing her deeply.

    Lin Lihua pulled away from him in embarassment. "Katy is still here. You cannot do such inappropriate things in front of children."

    She spoke in a soft tone so as to not wake Katy up, making Henry  Blanc wonder just who kissed the other first. When he looked over, the girl was indeed still sleeping cozily in Lin Lihua''s bed. She had herself wrapped up in the duvet so comfortably with only her little head sticking out. She had a smile even in her sleep. She must be having happy dreams.

    "She is asleep."

    Before he could grab the chance to kiss his Lihua, the girl woke up. She stretched her little arms happily. "Good morning uncle and aunty. Uncle, can I go over to Uncle Lu''s today?" She looked pleadingly at Henry Blanc.

    Henry Blanc looked  displeased because she had interrupted his kiss. When Katy was not paying attention, Lin Lihua whispered to him, "There''s only a few hours left before I become entirely yours."

    Henry Blanc''s face flushed. She had the courage to say such ambiguous things... the fact that it was a whisper did not make it any better.

    He smiled and looked at Katy. "You can go after breakfast." He would have to trouble the Lu brothers to help him take care of Katy for a short while. He would have asked Wan Jia to play with her since she was working at home today but he did not dare to.

    Lu Aotian would not tolerate anyone who bothered his wife. The fact that she was pregnant now made it even harder for anyone to ask her for favors.

    When he requested for a custom made outfit, Lu Aotian had warned him to not ask his precious wife to run errands.

    The situation was even harder this time because if they left her with the servants alone, she would be very bored.

    Luckily, Katy was not one to throw tantrums . She could play with Little Jia and Tangtang who went to Lu Aotian''s villa often.

    Although they were both younger than her, Tangtang was taller than her so she did not feel like she was playing with a boy too young. As for Little Jia who was at least two and a half years younger than her, Henry Blanc had told her to treat her like she would a little sister, so it did not feel weird to play with her either. They hence got along well dispite their age gap.

    When the little one was well fed, they took her to Villa number four.

    As soon as Katy and her friend Little Jia saw each other, they hugged excitedly.

    "You are finally here! I just finished learning to add and subtract numbers from Miss Gaudy. Come quick! We will play with my new toys." Little Jia was excited and pulled Katy to her room.

    "Sis, you look very beautiful." Wan Jia was awed. The dress looked more beautiful on Lin Lihua than she had expected.

    Lin Lihua was wearing the beautiful dress that was a present from Wan Jia.

    Henry Blanc was smug. "Of course my Queen Lihua is the most beautiful bride in history. There is no woman who can compare to a single hair on her head."

    Lin Lihua''s already happy mood was more elevated by the mushy complements. "My Henry is the most handsome groom under the sun."

    Wan Jia narrowed her eyes. These two could truly act like teenagers experiencing the first awekening of love sometimes.  It was unbelievable that Lin Lihua could also act this love-struck at her age. "Please. I just had my breakfast. Can you keep your displays of affection to yourselves? Thank you!"

    Being shooed away by Wan Jia, the happy couple held hands and left, driving off to the Civil Affairs Bureau.

    ___

    ..

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    ....

    Contrary to their expectation, the whole marriage procedure was very fast. Within forty five minutes, the couple held the marriage booklets in their hands.

    "That was fast." Lin Lihua remarked. She had expected it to take at least two hours.

    "Where are we going next, Mrs. Blanc?" Henry Blanc asked with a grin. Did they just get married?

    His charming smile was infectious, bringing a similar smile onto Lin Lihua''s lips. She liked the sound of the words "Mrs. Blanc." So she was really married to Henry Blanc. She who had thought that she would die an old maiden was now a wife...

    She gave a beautiful smile. "To the orphanage."

    She couldn''t wait to give Ruoxi a visit.

    Henry Blanc agreed and went to the car, opening the passenger door for her. When she was seated, he closed the door and went around to the driver''s seat.

    When Lin Lihua was not expecting it, he leaned in and kissed her lips.

    Her eyes went wide. "Behave yourself Henry Blanc. We are still in public!"

    Henry Blanc''s expression was smug like one who had just won a battle of extreme importance. "So what if we are in public? You are my wife. Is there anything wrong with kissing my wife?"

    Lin Lihua was speechless. We only got married and you are acting like you have grown a tiny pair of wings on your back? Why don''t you fly to the sky then?

    With the happy atmosphere in the car, the couple arrived at the orphanage.

    Lin Lihua was the happiest. Not only was she married now, she could finally become Ruoxi''s mother. It was double happiness.

    The man  beside her was currently thinking... his feelings were getting more complex by the second. Was it because it was their wedding night?

 Chapter 481 - Troublesome

    Lin Lihua exchanged some small talk with the orphanage director before going to her point. "Where''s my Ruoxi?"

    The director was prepared for this question but she still looked surprised. "Megastar Lin, if I may be audacious to ask, do you really want to adopt this girl?"

    Lin Lihua had heard this question so many times that her ears were almost getting calluses. "I don''t care about how everyone dislikes her and all that."

    She took out her marriage booklet that was only less than an hour old. "Your precondition was that I should be married, right? I am married now. So do I qualify to be her mother?"

    The director looked at the marriage booklet keenly. "Usually, we do not accept people whose marriage is not stable yet. Of course, it is too soon to tell about yours.

    However, you are a kind person. Although you have always kept quiet about your numerous charity donations to different orphanages, gold cannot be hidden forever. Any child who is adopted by you will be very lucky so... if you want to complete the adoption procedures today, we can do so as soon as you say the word."

    The director looked like he had made a huge decision.

    Lin Lihua was elated. "Sure. Can I see her?"

    The director gave instructions to someone.

    Soon, a young lady led a small girl in. Although she was seven, she was at least a head shorter than other girls her age and looked six or five and a half.

    She had her eyes looking down as she walked in, her pale face leading the way. The girl was so thin that a gust of wind might break her into half. She was biting her lips so hard that they were almost bruised. Obviously, she was nervous.

    That was the girl Lin Lihua wanted to adopt, Ruoxi.

    Lin Lihua inwardly vowed to feed her well and make her healthy. "Hello Ruoxi, my name is Lin Lihua, and he is Henry Blanc. You can call us Mum and Dad from now on."

    The girl was obviously shocked. Someone wanted to adopt her? It was not a mistake, right? And it was even Lin Lihua?

    She knew Lin Lihua because she had seen her come to this orphanage some times before. The last time, she had even given her a present.

    She shook her head almost reflexively. "You should adopt Momo instead. She is prettier and more adorable, and everyone likes her. She is a beter choice than me."

    Lin Lihua''s heart clenched when she heard her tone. Who taught such a young child to recommend others because she did not think she was good enough?

    Though she wondered, if the said Momo was that good, why was she still in the orphanage? She should have been adopted long ago. She knew from her own past that some kids seemed adorable and likeable but if one were to check closely, they were spoilt little kids. It made one wonder who exactly spoiled them to that level.

    She took Ruoxi''s hand. "But I don''t want that Momo girl. The child I want is you."

    Ruoxi curled her lips slightly into a smile. No one had ever shown her such affection since she was brought to this place. As though afraid that Lin Lihua might change her mind, she nodded her head.

    Lin Lihua and Henry Blanc  filled and signed the adoption forms fast.

    "From this minute, your surname is Blanc. We are your legal parents." Henry Blanc explained.

    She nodded her head and looked at Henry Blanc shyly. "F-father."

    Henry Blanc rubbed her head, his heart filling with paternal love for her.

    The girl did not have friends, so she had no one to say goodbye to. She had no personal belongings either, the only one being a small stuffed bear. Inside the bear was an immensely valuable pendant that had been gifted by her mother when she was younger.

    It was extremely expensive; rumor had it that it was from a subsidiary company of Lu Enterprises.

    However, everyone thought the teddy bear was just a toy. This was her little secret. It explained why when the other girl called Momo tried to take the teddy bear from her, she had shown her claws for the first time and fought her.

    She carried the doll and walked to her new father Henry Blanc.

    Lin Lihua had a word with the orphanage director before walking towards them.

    Ruoxi hugged her toy tightly to her chest. At this point, she was still scared that Lin Lihua might have returned with a change of mind and decided to take her back in there.

    "Let''s..." She was going to say to go home but her phone rang. She excused herself to pick it.

    "Sis." The voice came as soon as the call was connected.

    Lin Lihua was a bit surprised. Why was the call coming at this time?

    "What is it? I told you to stay away from me."

    "Can you come to Country F right now?"

    Lin Lihua narrowed her eyes. She had been in Country F just a day ago. Did this young man know that she would be tired? She closed her eyes and wanted to heartlessly hung up.

    "Sis, please. This will be the last time I ever call you. See you tomorrow at noon. I''m hunging up, bye."

    The tooting sound followed. The guy really hung up.

    Lin Lihua held her breath with her phone still in her hand.

    She did not want to entangle herself with this young man. However, he was really too pitiful. Besides, they had been siblings before...

    Nevertheless, she had to settle things with him once and for all. Although it had been for Xia Rou''s sake that she looked for him in the first place, it was also for Xia Rou''s sake that she was letting him go.

    ..

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    ....

 Chapter 482 - Unnamed

    Lin Lihua sighed. She would just have to rush over and give him a piece of her mind. If not, this guy would keep bothering her at such strange times.

    She walked over to the new father and daughter pair. Henry Blanc realized immediately that there was something on her mind. "Ch¨¦rie, is anything the matter?"

    Lin Lihua flashed a smile. "I have to rush to Country F. Could you go back home with Ruoxi for now?"

    Henry Blanc was evidently curious. "We just left Country F. Why else are you going back?"

    Lin Lihua did not have enough time to explain. "It''s related to my brother."

    Henry Blanc became even more curious. "You have a brother?"

    Since he was her husband, Lin Lihua took Ruoxi to the car first then explained to him. "Little Wan was swapped at birth. You know about that, right?"

    Henry Blanc only knew that  Wan Jia had been missing for years and was found later. He knew this because the Lin family had explained it this way. However, it was only now that he knew how exactly she was missing.

    Lin Lihua continued. "She was swapped with a boy and when he found out the truth, he left our home.

    When I realized that mother actually missed him, I looked for him. However, I found out that he is not exactly what he used to be. He is quite weird so I stopped speaking to him."

    Henry Blanc understood the situation. "And now he is contacting you for something?"

    "He wants me to go over. I initially did not want to, but I have something to make clear to him."

    "Keep yourself safe. Take some bodyguards with you." Henry Blanc said. He wanted to suggest tagging along but knowing his wife, she would obviously say no to that. He could only remind her to take bodyguards with her.

    Lin Lihua chuckled. "Please. He is only a young man. What could he possibly do to me?"

    "I''ll be back as soon as I''m done with him. The three of you should take care of yourselves."

    Before going home, Henry Blanc and Ruoxi saw her off at the airport. She had booked the next flight out.

    "Ruoxi, don''t miss me too much. Don''t worry, mommy is not always this busy. When I come back, we will go shopping for nice clothes for you." She patted Ruoxi''s head.

    Ruoxi was still not used to calling someone her mother. She was still very shy around Lin Lihua.  "Yes mom."

    ...

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    ....

    As soon as Lin Lihua arrived, she dialled the number that Xia Jing had used to contact her.

    Growing up, the young man had used Xia Rou''s surname and had not changed it even after leaving.

    When he recieved the call, he told her an adress and told her to meet him there.

    At this point, Lin Lihua was glad that she had explained the situation to Henry Blanc. For some reason, it seemed strange, as though Xia Jing was up to something troublesome.

    Nonetheless, she was not going to be controlled by a young man. "Young man, I''m sending you the adress of where I am. If you do not come here within ten minutes, I will go back to Country C. Don''t even think of contacting me again then."

    Hearing her stern voice, he knew that she would really go back. "Wait sis! Don''t go. I will be right there."

    ...

    Twenty minutes later, the man arrived.

    He looked like he had been beaten up by someone.

    To be exact, it was as though he had been trodden by horses.

    "What happened to you? You look like you have been attacked by thugs."

    "Sis, I missed you." The young man tried to avoid the subject.

    Lin Lihua''s lips curled downwards. She took her bag. "Since you do not need me for anything..."

    "Wait wait! Sis, don''t go."

    Lin Lihua looked down at the young man that had suddenly fallen onto his knees. "Xia Jing, I''m not your sister. You betrayed my mother. I had thought that after all these years, you had learnt your lesson and were going to apologize and reconcile with her, but I was wrong. I came here to tell you that you are no longer welcome in the Lin family; and you are no longer allowed to call me your sister."

    Xia Jing laughed coldly. "Why? Is it because I did not apologize? Why should I apologize? Xia Rou  never took me as a son. I was only being used as her chess piece to find her daughter. And because of that daughter, I no longer have a family."

    Lin Lihua remained silent. It was exactly for this reason that she had looked for him. He had no family. Although the Lin family was not his biological family, he had lived with them for nineteen years. At least they were bound by the ties of time. However, he had changed a lot since leaving the Lin home.

    There was no longer an ounce of decency on him.

    "Why did you call me here?" She asked coldly.

    "Because I need money. One of my kidneys experiences failure. I need to go to surgey soon."

    Lin Lihua frowned. This explanation made no sense. He needed to go to surgery , but he was here looking like he had been beaten up? "How do you explain the bruises?"

    The young man explained innocently, "I was beaten up because I tried to steal. I really needed the money."

    Lin Lihua was not going to believe him easily. "We are going to hospital. If you truly need money for surgery, I will pay the bill. If you are lying to me, be prepared to face the consequences. Either way, you must never contact me again."

 Chapter 483 - Why

    The man looked at her and agreed. This was the only chance he had. If she left, no one would help him out.

    So he followed Lin Lihua to the hospital of her choice.

    When the test was done, Lin Lihua was shocked that he really had kidney failure.

    She had thought that he was really lying about it. However, she knew that there was still something off about him.

    Not wanting to entangle herself with him anymore, she paid the bill at the hospital and told them to set the date of surgery.

    "I''m done." She said. It was time to go back.

    However, the young man still tugged her arm.

    "Come on! What on earth do you want?" Lin Lihua was finally annoyed. She had a daughter and a niece to take care of. Did this young man think she had all the time in the world to play with him?

    "Sis, even when I am treated of my kidney failure, I will have to flee Country F. Could you lend me more money?"

    Lin Lihua understood the situation. He had mentioned that he tried to steal before. "Where do you want to go?"

    "Back to Country C."

    Lin Lihua glared at him. "I will give you one million to stay away from my family. Remain here and let the police arrest you. Do you think you can fool me?" She was sure that he had commited other crimes for people to beat him up this badly.

    In the end, she gave him money and left Country F.

    ..

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    ....

    When she arrived in Country C, she was so tired that she went to take a nap immediately.

    A certain husband who had spent all that time alone was understanding and let her sleep.

    Although there were two children currently living in the villa, Henry Blanc had the master bedroom redecorated into a red theme. It looked very romantic.

    The wife, however, did not take notice of it and simply threw herself onto the bed, face down and fell into deep slumber.

    Henry Blanc adjusted her into a better sleeping position and pulled the covers on her.

    ___

    The next morning, the world was in shock. There was tension everywhere and in the very air that people breathed.

    Lin Lihua woke up and wanted to check on the girls. She had arrived when it was almost dawn and did not have the chance to take a look at them.

    Since she had woken up later than usual, she figured that Katy and Ruoxi should be somewhere, playing. She wanted to know if they had started getting along yet.

    On the contrary, she descended the staircase to see Katy crying heartbrokenly in Henry Blanc''s arms. The man was patting her back to coax her.

    She would have thought that perhaps Katy had fought with someone, but Henry Blanc looked depressed too.

    Ruoxi was alone at the side, hugging her teddy bear as though at a loss of what to do. She looked like she was almost on the verge of tears too.

    Decisevely, she went ahead and sat beside her husband, taking the crying Katy in her arms. "What''s going on?"

    Katy''s cries grew even more heartbreaking. She tore herself away from her arms and ran out.

    Lin Lihua watched her back and decided to not follow her. She would let the girl calm down first.

    Henry Blanc did not have a reaction. He did not seem to see her, much less hear her question. His arms were still in the same position that they were in when he was still holding Katy.

    His phone that was between them rang. It was Mrs. Blanc calling.

    Henry Blanc did not hear it. He seemed to be in his own world.

    Lin Lihua knew that no matter what had happened, he should not remain like this. He might drive himself insane.

    Hence, she shook his shoulder with one hand.

    The man jolted and glared at her. "Lihua, why?"

    She was startled by this sudden reaction. Why what?

    She was fast to catch up. There was only one thing that could make Henry Blanc lose rationale. And that thing was his sister.

    Coupled with Katy''s mood...

    "Did something happen to Amy?"

    He still didn''t seem to hear her. He was still immersed in his own world. "She learnt her lesson. I know she tried to have someone hurt you before but.... didn''t she apologize? Why did you..." He looked like all his strength had been sucked out. "Why did you pretend to forgive her, only to have her murdered? Why did I not know that you are this type of person? You knew how much she meant to me. Why did you do it?"

    He kept on repeating very many whys as his voice chocked. His veins were protruding from all over his head.

    This was the first time she had ever seen him like this. It was a pitiful sight...

    Wait, that was not the main point.

    Murdered Amy Blanc?

    Amy Blanc... was dead?!

    How was this possible?

    Henry Blanc was joking, right?

    Wait, no. From his mood and how he was almost on the brink of insanity, he was not joking.

    The main point was, why on earth would he think that she was responsible?

    She would find that out later. The most important thing right now was, "Although I am a vengeful person, I would never hurt the people around me or those they care about.

    I am your wife Henry, do you really think I would hurt your sister?"

    Unfortunately, it was impossible for a man who was on the brink of insanity to hear her, much less comprehend a word of what she was saying.

    He kept saying his string of whys, saying nothing else.

 Chapter 484 - Henry Blanc, are you an idiot?

    Lin Lihua did not what to do with him. If she kept trying to explain the matter to him at such a time, she might be infuriated to death.

    From the position she had found them, they must have been watching news.

    She took her phone and searched the latest news.

    It was indeed there in the headlines. [The heiress of Le Blanc Group, Amy Blanc, found dead. She was murdered in prison early this morning.]

    Although she already knew, the news still shocked her. She covered her mouth in disbelief. Amy Blanc was murdered...

    The highlight here was that it was neither suicide nor an accident. She was murdered.

    Le Blanc group was such a grand company. It would be surprising if the news had not spread this fast.

    However, something was not right.

    She was murdered this morning, but the news had spread this fast? Was it not just a few hours ago?

    That was not even half as strange as the fact that Henry Blanc seemed to have already investigated it and found her to be the culprit behind it.

    What exactly was going on?

    Something crossed her mind and she seemed to have figured it out.

    She was in Country F the previous day.

    From the timing of Amy Blanc''s death, it happened just a few hours after she left Country F.

    However, it still did not answer her.

    This was merely circumstancial. Henry Blanc would not use such a coincidental piece of information to accuse her of murdering his sister.

    He also knew why she was going to Country F. She had explained that she was going to speak to Xia Jing.

    Why did he still think this way? Had Xia Jing set her up?

    But she had been very careful with him and made sure that he told the truth. He did not have any chance to set her up.

    ...

    The next time Henry Blanc''s phone rang, he finally heard it.

    Like a robot merely following routine, he picked it up and placed it on his ear.

    "Henry, I will not let her get away for killing my daughter. That woman must go to prison!"

    The woman was very loud and the living room was very quiet, so Lin Lihua heard it.

    Mrs. Blanc...

    It was normal for a woman to react that way if something happened to her daughter. But why did it sound weird coming from Mrs. Blanc?

    Lin Lihua''s eyes narrowed.

    Why were her warning bells ringing about this woman?

    She shook her head. That was impossible. No mother would kill her own child just to frame someone else, right?

    Though with Mrs. Blanc in the picture, it was even possible for them to fake Amy Blanc''s death.

    She shook her head. Perhaps it was time to stop watching melodramatic television soaps. How could that happen in real life?

    ..

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    ....

    After the call, Henry Blanc seemed to have retrieved a clear state of mind, or so she thought.

    "Xia Jing and Amy have never met before." He said.

    "What about it?"

    "He killed her."

    Lin Lihua had already recieved the worst form of shock. This was nothing in comparison.

    She remained calm. "That has nothing to do with me."

    Henry Blanc seemed to be torn between believing his wife and trusting logic. "You went to Country F to meet Xia Jing. Immediately you left, he killed a woman with whom he had no past grudge. They had never even met before. Lin Lihua, are you saying that this is a co?ncidence?"

    Lin Lihua knew that his brain was probably not working right... yet. "I planned to go to Country F to kill someone who happens to be your sister, but I told you about it before I left. I even had my former foster brother do it even while knowing that it would be very easy to track him back to me? Henry Blanc, are you an idiot?" How did he even get the so called evidence he had to prove that she killed Amy Blanc?

    After being scolded by his wife, he seemed to jolt. His mind cleared a little more.

    Lin Lihua was right. She cared about him. Aside from that, she was a kind woman who would not hurt anyone who did not deserve to be hurt by her. Why would she hurt Amy?

    That was not even important. Even if he got the real culprit, even if he sent them to jail, one fact would never change.

    His sister was dead... she was not coming back.

    Unceremoniously, he hugged her in his arms tightly.

    Lin Lihua was stunned but she patted his back. He must be very devastated. He loved his younger sister too much. How could he not be sad?

    She was even starting to get scared that he might fall into depression if she was not careful enough.

    Speaking of which, she needed to check on Katy. Thevlittle girl must have cried herself to sleep by now.

    When she looked around, Ruoxi who was sitting on the sofa innocently was no longer there. She must have gone to keep Katy company. She decided to go and check on them.

    "Your body is burning!" She observed. He had a very high fever. No wonder he was thinking like an idiot.

    It was at this moment that she noticed the heavy weight on her shoulder. The man did not move when she tired to pull him off.

    Her eyes widened. He had not fainted, right?

    With effort, she helped him lie on the sofa and called her mother''s friend, Doctor Qiao over.

    Placing a finger by his nose, she noticed that his breathing was uneven. He had not fainted, but the fever was terrible.

    While waiting for Doctor Qiao, she checked to find out just how exactly Xia Jing had set her up.

    That idiot... she would make him pay.

 Chapter 485 - Well, alright. I will show my claws.

    When Doctor Qiao arrived, Lin Lihua let her check on Henry Blanc and went to look for Katy.

    As she had previously guessed, the girl was sleeping on her bed with her face full of tears. She was bundled up hugging her own body in extreme insecurity. She would call for her mother and sob once in a while. Even in her sleep, her tears kept falling, making her small soaked face really pitiable.

    Lin Lihua went foward and rubbed her small back to comfort her.

    In her subconscience, Katy felt someone rubbing her small body lovingly and saying words of comfort to her.

    She held onto that person''s clothes and rubbed her head against them as though seeking protection. Mommy was not coming back. She was very scared.

    She missed mommy very much. Why did she suddenly leave? Why did she not take her along? If they were together, perhaps they would have the chance to fight the bad guys together...

    At some point, though, her small body jerked. She awoke with a start.

    Why was the person coaxing her aunty Lin Lihua?

    She let go of her clothes that she had grabbed as though it was something she was afraid of. One would think that it was Lin Lihua who had forced her own clothes into her hands.

    She rubbed her tears away with her ting fist violently.

    Through the strands of curly brown hair that had stuck onto her face, her red swollen eyes looked at Lin Lihua with extreme fear.

    Lin Lihua knew what the girl was going through. She must have learnt about her mother''s death through the news, such a shocking way... It would be surprising if she was not acting this way.

    She reached to hug the little girl.  "Katy, don''t be scared. Aunty will take care of you, okay?" Such a young child was hard to coax. She did not have the ability to let go like adults would. She could not possibly lie to her that her mother would return either. She could only comfort her this way.

    Katy, who had been close to Lin Lihua lately, pushed the latter''s hands off her like they were disgusting. A fresh bout of tears washed her face anew. "No! Aunty Lihua cannot take care of me. Grandma said that you are the one who killed my mommy. She also said that you will act nice and kill me too." Like a recorder, Katy narrated everything she had been told by her grandmother, including how she specifically mentioned that she should not be an actress because actresses were pretentious people.

    Lin Lihua felt all the strength leave her body.

    Mrs. Blanc did what? That was the worst kind of mother and grandmother she had ever seen. No matter how much she hated her, she should never have made such a pure innocent child misunderstand. Who in their right mind would fill a child''s brain with such darkness?

    She hurled curses at Mrs. Blanc in her heart. That woman was a monster, not deserving the title of a mother or grandmother.

    She took a deep breath. No matter how much Mrs. Blanc had tarnished her reputation to draw Katy away from her, she would not stoop to her level and do the same. "Grandma misunderstood something. Don''t listen to her right now, okay? When she feels better, she will also understand the truth of the matter."

    However, for such a fearful child as Katy, it only took one statement to make her fear something for ages. It was not easy to convince her.

    ..

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    ....

    Lin Lihua retreated temporarily. If she continued staying in Katy''s room and agitating the girl, she might cry herself sick. Never mind, it would need time for her to adjust to reality.

    Leaving Katy''s room, Lin Lihua checked on Ruoxi as well.

    Ruoxi had been sent out of Katy''s room earmier and was sitting on the floor, hugging her favorite toy that she never let down for a minute, the teddy bear.

    She looked forlorn or perhaps a little scared too. After all, ever since being adopted, her new mother had left the country and not spent any time with her even after her return.

    As soon as she saw her mother, she flashed a shy smile. "Mom, I thought you would leave me."

    Just like Ruoxi, Lin Lihua was not accustomed to being a mother overnight either.

    She hugged her new daughter. "What nonsense have you been thinking about all day? I will never leave you."

    That was all Ruoxi needed to hear to be at peace. She pursed her lips and wrapped her arms around Lin Lihua''s neck.

    By the time Lin Lihua left Ruoxi''s room, she had a headache.

    The day after she got married, the house was filled with a depressing vibe.

    With a husband who was almost driving himself insane with grief, a niece who was crying endlessly and a daughter who was scared of being away from her, it was not sure how one could handle such an amount of pressure.

    That was without going into detail. She was being accused of murder. It wouldn''t be long before she got arrested.

    With Mrs. Blanc fanning the flames, she would be in great luck if the matter did not blow out of proportion.

    Actually, it would surely do.

    She was such a famous woman and an influential one at that. For her to be accused of such a huge crime, the sun would rise in the West if it did not blow out of proportion.

    She would have the law as well as the public to answer to.

    "Mother-in-law, you have always wanted me to show my claws, right? Well, alright then. I will show my claws." She mumbled softly, declaring war.

 Chapter 486 - The dead tell no tales

    Lin Lihua walked back to the living room. Doctor Qiao was waiting for her. "He will be fine. He is  just in shock."

    She gave Lin Lihua some fever medicines to give to him.

    When the man felt Lin Lihua''s presence, he grabbed her hand. "Lihua,"

    Doctor Qiao stood up. "I''ll leave the both of you alone."

    When Doctor Qiao left, Lin Lihua made her husband stand and helped him to the master bedroom so he could rest.

    She pulled him into a sitting position and gave him a pill to ease his fever and a glass of water. When he had taken it, she pulled the covers over his body. "Rest for a while, okay?"

    He was not feeling as awful as he was when he had just recieved the news. However, the fever made him weak. "Lihua, I''m sorry."

    Without a doubt, she knew why he was apologizing. Earlier, he had began accusing her without asking for any explanation. Of course he had to be sorry. It was only the second day of their marriage. How could they start having disagreements this soon?

    She gave him a stern glance. "Have you started using your brain now?"

    Henry Blanc said nothing. Well, he was not using it earlier. He had no retaliation.

    "Henry Blanc, do you trust me?"

    The man remained silent, only nodding his head. She was his wife. If she did not trust her, who should he trust?

    Although she did not want to say this, she knew that she could not recklessly involve herself in such things without informing him. She could shoot herself in the foot if she was not careful enough.

    She looked at the man on the bed. "Have you..." she paused, her heart twitching. She was just about to ask him such a painful question but she had no choice. "Have you made sure that Amy is really..."

    "Dead? I have." He completed the statement she was unable to. "I only had someone investigate, but mother saw her body. I''ll go to Country F in a few hours."

    Lin Lihua caught the main point. His mother...

    That woman was quite untrustworthy. Why would he believe anything she said?

    However, she did not want to shoot her mouth off before she was sure about what she was going to say. One thing was for sure, however, Amy Blanc was most probably not dead. It was a lie that Mrs. Blanc cooked up so she could frame her.

    It was unbelievable that Amy Blanc who had decided to change for the better and had even acknowledged her mistakes was now taking part in this. Or could it be that she was being forced?

    "I''ll go with you and help with the investigation." She said. She was going to make Xia Jing spit out everything. She was certain that the little bastard had called her to Country F for a reason. She did not find it strange at first but why did it have to be Country F? He could have fled to any other country. Why did he have to be in Country F?

    She had to find out what exactly Mrs. Blanc had to do with this.

    However, what Henry Blanc said next gave her chills. "What more is there to investigate? Xia Jing is already dead."

    "What?"

    "He commited suicide after killing Amy."

    Lin Lihua sat back down in despair. The dead tell no tales. Xia Jing was the only one who would have told her the truth. But now he...

    "Your mother..." has a role to play in this.

    She swallowed the rest of the words. It would only cause more trouble.

    "What about my mother?"

    "Is she alright? She must be very sad."

    Henry Blanc did not find anything wrong with what she was asking.

    "The main point here is Katy. She is very sad. Stay back and keep her company, okay?"

    In her rush to find the truth, she had forgotten this momentarily. "Alright. Take care of yourself."

    When that was settled, she let him sleep and walked out with her phone.

    ...

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    ....

    While walking runways and shooting movies in several countries, Lin Lihua had made several friends.

    Some of them were powerful figures in those countries, including Country F.

    Although the Blanc family was the absolute most powerful business family in the country, she had a few friends in the military and political families.

    She checked through her contacts and dialled a number.

    "Is Megastar Lin so free as to contact small fries like me lately?" The other party was in the mood to joke around.

    "Help me investigate someone, will you?"

    "Goddess Lin, don''t worry about that. No matter who it is, just say their name. I will investigate their ancestors for you."

    "Since you are very willing, I will not be too polite. I want to be sure that Amy Blanc is really dead."

    The other party was quick to catch up. "You want me to check her DNA? Actually, getting her DNA should be no trouble for me. However, I will need the DNA of a family member to do the test. That is the hard part. Don''t forget that this is the Blanc family."

    Lin Lihua scolded him as an idiot. "Do you forget who my husband is? Just get the DNA and I will handle the rest."

    "How will you get the sample?" He was worried about this. She was not planning to go all the way to Country F, right? That would waste a lot of her time.

    "Did I not tell you? I will handle the rest on my own."

    "I got it, Queen Lihua. I will be quick."

    Lin Lihua sighed in relief when the call was finally hung up. Those damn titles were killing her.

 Chapter 487 - Getting a DNA sample

    After hanging up, Lin Lihua dialled another contact number.

    She made a few more calls before going back into the house to await the news.

    If anyone were to ask her, she hoped Amy Blanc was alive.

    Although it would mean that someone had made a complete fool out of her. Henry Blanc''s and Katy''s happiness mattered to her more than her face.

    That was especially Katy. If her mother was really dead, she would be really pitiful...

    ___

    In Country F.

    The middle aged woman sat in the living room with a very sour expression. She looked like she she had been crying.

    She took her phone and began shouting into it. "Henry, you unfilial son! Why have you not had that woman arrested yet? Do you not care about your sister anymore? Do you not care about her justice?"

    Henry Blanc must have said something heartless, because she smashed her phone against the wall in a fit of anger.

    The whole house was in chaos. She scolded everyone who came her way and threatened to beat them up. The maids had been forbidden from appearing before her.

    Trembling, a maid came into the living room carrying a tray.

    "Madam, Sir asked me to bring you a glass of water because you might be dehydrated."

    "I told you to not come here!" Mrs. Blanc roared. What was wrong with these maids? She was going to fire all of them!

    For a moment, her heart softened. Mr. Blanc had asked someone to give her water? The main point was, he had talked?

    Ever since Amy Blanc was arrested, the man had not said a single word to anyone. Not even the best psychologist could make him talk, much less make him care so much about someone so much as to ask for water to be given to them.

    However, her heart hardened again. That old fart was none of her business. He could die if he wanted to.

    She glared at the scared little maid. "Take your salary for this month and get out!"

    The little maid was so scared that she wanted to fall on her knees to beg to stay. However, the tray fell along with the glass.

    She could not be any more unlucky, because the glass broke and a few shards of it scratched Mrs. Blanc''s leg.

    The woman''s gaze narrowed. Like a volcano erupting, she slapped the maid''s face fiercely.

    "You little b*tch! Get out right now! I don''t want to see your dusgusting face for one more second!"

    The maid stood up and picked the shards, some of them cutting into her own hands. She bit her lip and continued picking them. If she didn''t, Mrs. Blanc would beat her up.

    "Call the nurse. Hury up!" Mrs. Blanc barked an order at the maid as she left.

    The maid called the nurse on her way out. Then she gave Lin Lihua a call. "Sister Lihua, the nurse is cleaning her cut now."

    Lin Lihua could hear her muffled cries through the phone. "Thank you Yingying. Are you okay? Why are you crying?"

    As though she figured it out, Lin Lihua was filled with guilt. "Did she bully you? I''m sorry Yingying." She had become so selfish that she had resorted to using a maid this way. She should have found other ways instead...

    "Actually Sister Lihua, I have always wanted to leave the Blanc mansion. Madam has always been very mean and fierce. She will scold us when she is in a bad mood and hit us when she has an argument with sir. I have always wanted to resign. Since she fired me, I will go back home."

    Lin Lihua was surprised. Mrs. Blanc was that type of person? She had thought that she was a very kind woman. Never had she thought...

    "Yingying, if you don''t have anything to do at home, why don''t you work for me? You can continue being Katy''s nanny. After all, Katy is used to you."

    This was a perfect excuse. Not only would it not be obvious that she had made a deal with the maid, Katy would also be taken care of by a nanny she was most familiar with. No one would suspect a thing.

    Actually, even if they found out later, no one would blame her. They would know that she was only trying to make sure they were not lied to.

    The little maid agreed, so Lin Lihua had someone book her a ticket to Country C.

    ..

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    ....

    When the nurse was done dressing Mrs. Blanc''s wound, she gave Lin Lihua a call. "What next, Mrs. Blanc?"

    Lin Lihua gave her the next instruction.

    Actually, Lin Lihua had only managed to get these two to do her this favor because they did not like Mrs. Blanc. Besides, she had said that she was doing something that was for Henry Blanc''s and Katy Blanc''s good.

    Most importantly, if Amy Blanc was actually alive, she wanted to keep her safe. With an insane mother like Mrs. Blanc, it would be no shock if Amy Blanc was really killed.

    ...

    Lin Lihua was happy. Through the phone, she had manipulated everything and was waiting for the DNA results.

    Time ticked by slowly.

    She spent the hours thinking about what to do next if Amy Blanc was alive, and if she happened to be really dead.

    Either way, she still needed to find out who was working for Mrs. Blanc. Her intuition told her that it was someone close to her. If not, no one would ever know her whereabouts so much that their timing could be this perfect.

    "You are messing with the wrong actress." She harrumphed.

    Six hours later, she recieved a call. "Megastar Lin, I have good and bad news."

 Chapter 488 - You untintentionally helped her

    "What''s the news?" Lin Lihua was prepared to hear anything at this point.

    "The good news is that the DNA of that body does not match with Mrs. Blanc''s.  She is not Amy Blanc."

    Lin Lihua''s face revealed a smile. Amy Blanc was still alive! Now she needed to find her. To prevent Mrs. Blanc from doing anything evil, she would temporarily hide Amy away and protect her. Of course, she would inform her husband about this.

    Wait... "What''s the bad news?"

    The other party sighed. "Well, the bad news is that... " The man remained silent for a while. Lin Lihua almost thought that he had hung up.

    "Superstar Lin, I really don''t know how to say it. I have sent some photos and a video to you. Take a look at it. If there is nothing else, I will hung up now."

    Lin Lihua''s heart raced. Just what kind of news was it for that guy to be in such a rush to end the call?

    When she checked her phone for the video, her hands were almost shaking. For the first time ever, she felt afraid. It was not sure what exactly she was afraid of.

    Taking a deep breath, she played the video.

    ___

    At the same time, in Country F.

    It was not sure why Mrs. Blanc was in such a rush to cremate Amy Blanc''s body. She even said something about letting Amy reicarnate faster because she had suffered too much in this lifetime.

    However, Henry Blanc insisted that he must see Amy Blanc''s body first.

    At first, he was afraid to look... scared that he might see that she had been murdered too cruelly. He was already so angry without seeing it. What would happen if he actually did?

    In the end, he closed his eyes to everything else...

    "This..."

    Mrs. Blanc who was waiting impatiently grabbed his hand. "Let''s go now. Henry no matter what, this is the truth. We have to accept it."

    She sounded like she was worried that her son might be in too much grief. Her husband was already in such a state after all.

    Henry Blanc obediently left with her but as soon as they were out, he recalled the feeling just now. "That body.. she is not my sister."

    "What nonsense are you spouting? How could she not be her? Don''t you know what Amy looked like?"

    "I did. But it feels different. There is no ounce of familiarity and..."

    Mrs. Blanc dragged her son away. "Are you muddle headed? Of course you will feel unfamiliar because she is dead. There is nothing similar about a living person and a dead one."

    Henry Blanc found this reason plausible. However, there was something strange going on. Since when did scars disappear overnight?

    There was a scar on Amy Blanc''s arm. He knew this because he was the one who made that scar appear.

    When they were playing as kids, Amy had naughtily poured sand over his head. He had shoved her away violently, making her fall and brush her arm over a rock. The cut was so deep that when it healed, it left a scar behind. It had faded over the years but the last time he saw Amy, it was still there. How could it have vanished?

    Forget about scars and their disappearance. He was sure that he would never get his sister wrong. If he was not able to recognize her well enough, how did he deserve to be her brother?

    The main point here was, why was his mother acting strange? Don''t tell him he was actually right?

    ..

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    ....

    After a day of investigation, Henry Blanc gave Lin Lihua a call.

    The woman switched on the video call function and scrutinized him through her screen to see if he was very tired.

    He only recalled that they were in different countries when the call connected. "Did I wake you up? It must be very late over there."

    "Actually, I was not asleep. You look very tired."

    "It''s nothing. But you... why are you not sleeping? Can''t sleep without me?"

    Lin Lihua couldn''t believe he actually had the mood to joke around. "I can''t get a wink of sleep. Suspect of murder over here."

    Henry Blanc caressed her face on his screen. Every other woman had a honeymoon after getting married. While her, all she got after her marriage was a set up and a false accusation of murder. "I will protect you. No one will lay a finger on you."

    "You don''t have to worry about me. I have a strong alibi as well as evidence to prove my innocence. I will take care of things on this end. You just need to take care of Amy. She needs you more than we do."

    Henry Blanc found something wrong with her tone. "You know?"

    If he remembered correctly, he did not say a word of it to her yet. He was planning to tell her in person. How could she know?

    "I''m sorry, I stuck my nose around."

    "That''s alright. You were being accused for it. You had to clear your name so I don''t mind."

    Silence followed. Lin Lihua sighed. "You should go to sleep. I will check on the girls now."

    "Wait, Lihua, is there something else that you are not telling me?"

    Lin Lihua smiled bitterly. "I will tell you when you are ready to hear it."

    "I am."

    Seeing how certain he looked, she knew that he would investigate it even if she did not tell him. "Your mother is behind all of this and you unintentionally helped her out by telling her my whereabouts."

    If this was before, he might have not believed her words. But he was starting to doubt his own mother as well.

 Chapter 489 - Where did she come from?

    While the Blanc family faced such an amount of grief, life went on in the rest of the world. However, that was not the case for everyone. If Lin Lihua was under pressure, Wan Jia would obviously be worried.

    She paced restlessly the enxt morning. "Aotian, will my sister be arrested?"

    Lu Aotian had heard this questions so many times that he would want to disappear every time she called his name.

    He pulled her next to him so she would stop pacing. "Wanwan, for goodness sake. You are pregnant. Can you stop pacing around like that? You will make yourself dizzy."

    "You haven''t answered my question."

    She was trying to pull herself out of his arms so he held her tightly. "I have told you a million times already. Will you stop worrying about other people''s business?"

    Wan Jia glared at him. "Lu Aotian, your sister-in-law is being falsely accused. Can you at least be a little anxious?"

    Lu Aotian did not know what to do with her. "No one''s sister is getting arrested and no one''s sister-in-law is in danger. Can you eat your breakfast now?"

    "Really, you will protect her?"

    Lu Aotian was speechless. Did he have to protect Lin Lihua? However, just to pacify her, he grunted in agreement.

    Wan Jia seemed to be reassured. "I will feed Katy and Little Jia first."

    The previous night, Katy was feeling slightly better after crying endlessly. She had gone over to play with Little Jia. In the end, she had fallen asleep in Lu Aotian''s villa.

    Wan Jia knew how much pressure her sister was facing so she did not call Lin Lihua to pick her. There was nothing wrong with the girls sleeping together. They were friends anyway and in fact, Little Jia would keep her company and help her get over her mother.

    When Wan Jia went downstairs, the chefs had already prepared breakfast. The little girls were yet to arrive.

    She went to Little Jia''s room instead.

    As expected, they were awake and playing with Little Jia''s toys. Although Little Jia liked playing, Katy was a little older and did not fancy toys as much as Little Jia did. She looked a little bored. Little Jia was busy trying to find more difficult puzzles and games so Katy wouldn''t be bored.

    "Mommy." Little Jia smiled when the door opened.

    Katy looked at Wan Jia with her eyes that were yet to brighten up. "Good morning Aunty."

    Wan Jia felt the urge to hug her. Katy had become polite lately. It must be because Lin Lihua taught her.

    "Katy, are you hungry? The chefs have prepared a very delicious breakfast."

    Katy nodded. She was very hungry. Because she was still afraid of Lin Lihua, she had not eaten dinner the previous evening. She had locked herself in her room and only left to go to Little Jia''s when her aunt wasn''t looking.

    Wan Jia saw that her daughter was rubbing her stomach, probably hungry too. These two must have played all night and only slept a little.

    "Come on Katy, let''s go eat breakfast." Little Jia urged Katy.

    ...

    At the same time, in the villa just opposite.

    Of course Lin Lihua knew where Katy was. If she couldn''t handle such a little girl, she would be too irresponsible to be a mother and an aunt.

    She served breakfast for Ruoxi first.

    "When you are done eating, we will pick your cousin up, okay?"

    Ruoxi nodded as she happily ate a piece of strawberry cake. How come nobody told her that her mother was so great in the kitchen?

    Lin Lihua knew from Wan Jia that Katy had alredy eaten breakfast.

    Actually, she was taking Ruoxi along to meet her uncle, aunt and cousin. Later, she would take her to the Lin residence to meet her grandparents as well.

    ..

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    ....

    When Ruoxi was done eating, Lin Lihua held her hand and walked to the villa opposite. It was just a few minutes walk.

    As soon as Wan Jia saw her sister, she flung her arms around her. "Sis, you look so haggard. Is everything so hard on you?" She turned to glare at Lu Aotian who had been the one to convince her that Lin Lihua would be alright.

    Lu Aotian pinched his eyebrows. Which part of Lin Lihua looked haggard? She was such a strong woman and knew exactly who to turn to for help if she needed any. How could anything be hard on her?

    Lin Lihua smiled at her younger sister. "I''m really alright. What''s there to be haggard about? How is my little nephew or niece doing?"

    Wan Jia''s expression scolded her for asking. That little thing had become so disobedient lately that Wan Jia really wanted to cry. If the baby was this hard to deal with this early, what would happen when it was old enough to kick?

    Wan Jia forgot about her own issues and smiled at the shy girl next to Lin Lihua. "You must be Ruoxi. Such a nice little girl."

    Lin Lihua tugged the girl foward. "Say hi to your second aunt and uncle."

    "H- hello second aunty, hello second uncle." She said clumsily.

    "Good girl Ruoxi, I will give you a red packet for our first meeting."

    Wan Jia was happy to meet the little girl.

    However, Little Jia was not.

    "Why is she looking at me like that? I don''t like her." She said as soon as Ruoxi timidly said hi to her. She was so shy that she was intimidated by a four year old.

    "Little Jia, behave yourself. She is your elder cousin and you should respect her." Wan Jia warned sternly.

    "But I don''t remember seeing aunty with a baby. Where did she come from?" She asked innocently.

 Chapter 490 - Do not want murderers near my wife

    Katy said to Little Jia in a low tone, "Ruoxi is legally aunty''s child. Daddy said that she was adopted."

    Little Jia did not exactly understand what that was about. All she understood was that her aunty seemed to have taken an already grown child as her own. Her eyes flashed in surprise. She did not know that such a thing could actually happen.

    The little girl thought of something else and her face brightened up. "Mommy said that Aunty Lihua and Uncle Henry are now married. Does that make us... cousins?"

    Katy thought about it and was excited too. "Yes! Aunty Lihua is the aunt of us both. Not only are we good friends, we are now cousins too."

    Lin Lihua glanced at them and smiled warmly. The kids were too cute.

    Little Jia was the most excited of the three. Though she wondered, why was her new cousin very timid, cowering behind her aunt? Was it because she had been too harsh earlier? Seeing that her mother was still looking at her as though waiting for her to realize her mistake, she knew that she was right. She was too unfriendly earlier.

    She pulled the timid Ruoxi. "Elder cousin, my name is Lu Meili but you can call me Little Jia. Do you want to play together? Katy and I don''t mind another playmate. Right, Katy?"

    Katy nodded.

    Seeing that Katy did not mind either, Little Jia pulled Ruoxi and Katy. "Let''s go check on my little kitten. Her name is Brownie, aunty Lihua gifted her to me."

    "You have a kitten? I love kittens!" Ruoxi finally said something cheerful for the first time. She let Little Jia and Katy pull her.

    Wan Jia''s expression eased. She hoped they would truly get along.

    Lin Lihua was speechless. She had come to introduce Ruoxi to her relatives and pick Katy up in the process. How did it get to both of them following Little Jia to play and leaving her alone?

    Though at the same time, she knew exactly what kind of pet to give her daughter. The girl had not shown particular interest in anything yet. This was the first.

    As for Katy, she was not allergic to animals, but she was not particularly fond of them either. The only exception was Brownie.

    After being taken care of by Little Jia and fed properly, Brownie was now an extremely adorable white bundle of fluff. It was also so playful that every kid liked it.

    Katy must have already told Ruoxi about Little Jia and her kitten before, explaining her urge to see and play with it.

    ..

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    ....

    When the kids left, the adults finally had the chance to speak.

    Lu Aotian knew that Wan Jia was very anxious. If he let her out of this discussion, she would worry herself silly. If her emotions fluctuated too much, it might be harmful to both her and the baby.

    "Are you planning to find out whether you are expecting a boy or a girl?" Lin Lihua asked casually. Wan Jia was almost twelve weeks into her pregnancy. In a few days, they would be able to know the baby''s gender.

    For this question, Lu Aotian would do as his wife pleased. He looked at her as though also wondering what she wanted to do.

    "I want to know whether this little thing is a girl or a boy. It is very stubborn. However, I also want a surprise on the due day. So I will wait to find out when it''s born." Wan Jia answered.

    "Actually I also prefer being surprised. For the first time ever, we agree on something." Lin Lihua smiled.

    "What are we agreeing on? I''m still waiting for news from your stomach."

    Lin Lihua was suddenly stunned. News from where? "You''ve got to be kidding me. I already have Ruoxi. I don''t plan to have any other kids."

    Lu Aotian did not wish to be part of this feminine discussion. "Doherty sent you a video, right? Do you still have it?"

    Lin Lihua recieved another wave of shock. Lu Aotian knew that she had recieved a video from that guy?

    The main point here was, he knew Doherty?

    Lu Aotian knew exactly what she was shocked about. "If I''m to be honest, I initially thought that you really teamed up with Xia Jing to murder Amy Blanc."

    "Why would you care?" Lin Lihua asked blankly. If she was correct, there was no sort of connection between Lu Aotian and Amy Blanc.

    "I would not want murderers near my wife. If you were one, I would never let you near my family. That''s exactly why I investigated the matter."

    "Aotian, you are too mean." Wan Jia complained. How could he manage to say such things to her sister?

    "What about me? I''m only stating the facts. A woman who can manage to kill the person who matters the most to her husband is also capable of murdering her sister. After all, you are not even related by blood." He sighed and continued. "Luckily, my sister-in-law is not that kind of person."

    Lin Lihua was not fazed by his heartless remarks. Of course, Lu Aotian would only care about two people''s feelings in this lifetime and those were Wan Jia and Little Jia. Towards everyone else, he was heartless.

    "Why is it that I find your statement double-faced, brother-in-law?" Lin Lihua asked unceremoniously.

    Lu Aotian was as sharp-tongued as ever. "You understand what I mean, my dear sister-in-law."

    "I do not."

    "Heh. Is it because my sister-in-law is a liar, or are you just oblivious?"

    Lin Lihua''s face grew pale. "What exactly are you talking about?"

    Wan Jia was starting to get a headache from this mysterious conversation. "What exactly is going on here?"

 Chapter 491 - Would his tongue fall off if he told her?

    Lu Aotian''s gaze was fixed on Lin Lihua. She really didn''t know? Or was she just in denial?

    "Since you don''t know, I am under no obligation to tell you. I''m leaving now, I am going to the office."

    Lin Lihua remained in her seat with her head aching. Why did Lu Aotian have to be so mysterious? Would his tongue fall off if he simply told her? What a strange and terribly mean man.

    Wan Jia did not understand his logic either. However, for the most part, it was none of her business so she let it pass. She would help her sister out if Lin Lihua needed it but aside from that, she would not bother her anymore.

    "Little Wan, I need to go somewhere right now." Lin Lihua said. She would investigate the matter on her own. From Lu Aotian''s words, she had caught a very important hint.

    If she had been expected to know everything in this matter, it would only mean that someone else was working with Mrs. Blanc, and it had to be someone close to her.

    She was going to investigate everyone close to her.

    Wan Jia knew that Lin Lihua meant to take her daughter and niece home first. "Leave them to me. My assistant brought all the work I need to do today. I can still spare time to take care of them."

    "Thank you Little Wan."

    ..

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    ....

    No one would have thought that a short while after Lin Lihua left, someone came to Villa number four.

    The man was accompanied by a group of bodyguards who looked highly skilled.

    "We are here under the orders of Mr. Blanc to pick up our little young miss."

    Wan Jia was flabbergasted. Who were these men trying to intimidate by coming in such a crowd? "Sorry. Who did you say you were and what are you here for?" The main point was, who let them in?

    The man who seemed to be the superior greeted Wan Jia politely before repeating his statement. "Mr. Blanc sent us to take our little young miss, Katy Blanc, home."

    If that was the case, why did they go in such a large number? Why did they look ready for a fight? She had heard about the disagreement between Lin Lihua and Mrs. Blanc. Besides, since when did Mr. Blanc talk? Didn''t they say that he had been silent since Amy Blanc was arrested?

    And, despite the friendship between the two families, they came as though they were ready for war, when they could have simply given them a call?

    Also, was it really coincidental that they came as soon as Lin Lihua left?

    "Sorry, but I will only let Katy go if my brother-in-law says so."

    The man did not look intimidated by her look. "Mrs. Lu, if you do not let us take our little young miss back, we might have to resort to using forceful measures."

    Wan Jia was not intimidated by their tone either. "It seems like you were all ready for war when you came here."

    By the time she was done speaking, she had already summoned Small Xing.

    When the men saw that she had called a bodyguard and a very small one at that, their leader scoffed. She wanted to stop them with the help of that pretty little boy?

    Wan Jia gave a last warning. "You should know just where you guys are. Leave right now or I will resort to violence."

    Actually, these men were not particularly strong. If she were not pregnant, she would have beaten them up single handedly. They were only in good luck because she cokld not do any vigorous exercises.

    From their footwork, she had realized that these were definitely not the men that had been hired by Henry Blanc for the Blanc family.

    Those hired by him were almost on par with the Lu family''s bodyguards in terms of strength and capability. One could tell it from their bodies. While these guys... they looked like mercenaries simply sent to complete this mission.

    A thought crossed her mind, sending shivers down her body.

    Was Mrs. Blanc trying to kidnap Katy? Or... even murder her? For what reason, to frame Lin Lihua?

    That woman was the epitome of wickedness.

    Although this was Lin Lihua''s battle, she still had to help her sister fight it. Mrs. Blanc was messing with people from the Lin family.

    "I don''t intend to start fighting unnecessarily. How about I let you bring Katy back home? I will tag along. After all, my daugher likes Katy very much and will want to spend a little more time with her."

    The leader was overjoyed at first but he frowned at the mention of the second part.

    Who was he kidding? This was the Lu family. How could they even have the courage to think of starting a fight? He had only said that to intimidate Wan Jia because according to him, Wan Jia knew that the Blanc family''s forces could be almost as great as the Lu family''s. She would not want to fight.

    However, what was that second part all about?

    "Mrs. Lu, we cannot be so audacious as to bother you this much. We will take care of the little young miss ourselves."

    Wan Jia flashed a bright smile. "Oh, it''s nothing. If you think going together is bothersome, how about you let me continue taking care of her? After all, you just tresspassed the Lu family''s property."

    The leader facepalmed. How were those two related?

    Wait, they did what?!

    Where exactly were they standing?

    Now that Wan Jia mentioned it, they were indeed in Lu Aotian''s villa.

    However, no one denied them entry or even asked them a thing about it.  How was this tresspassing?

 Chapter 492 - Nothing left

    At the same time, Lin Lihua was in disbelief. She had found out who exactly was working for Mrs. Blanc.

    How could she?

    Out of all people, she had never expected the person who betrayed her to be her close friend. Wait, that''s a lie. She had expected it to be a close friend, but not one with whom she had gone through the ups and downs of the modelling and film industries together. She had also found out that Mrs. Blanc was not doing this on her own. She was under the influence of Yun Jifeng.

    That was right. Yun Jifeng was the one who convinced her to fake Amy Blanc''s death. With eveyone believing that Amy was dead, she would change her identity and continue enjoying her freedom.

    Of course, Amy Blanc had already accepted to pay for her faults so she was not up to this. Therefore, they forcefully got her out of prison. They would later make her lose her memory and live with a new identity.

    It was going to be a win-win for Yun Jifeng and Mrs. Blanc. The former would get his ''girlfriend'' out while the latter would have her daughter back. At the same time, she would get Lin Lihua out of her family. She readily agreed to the deal.

    Lin Lihua watched the video sent to her by the man called Doherty again. Since the man sent it to her, she had no courage to watch it and had only watched it a moment ago.

    Actually, it is easy to break people out of prison if one has the same amount of influence as the Blanc family has.

    However, predicting twists of fate is impossible.

    Little did Mrs. Blanc know that she had been lied to. Yun Jifeng indeed wanted to break Amy Blanc out of prison, but that was because he wanted her dead. He could have done so in prison, but he wanted her to experience pain as a result of betraying him.

    The bad news that Doherty talked about was the excuriating torture that Amy Blanc went thriugh before she actually died.

    Since Lin Lihua was young, she had never cried unless she was acting. However, she felt her eyes tearing up followed by those huge teardrops against her cheeks. That alount of torture would rather not be retold.

    The worst part of it was that Amy Blanc''s body could no longer be retrieved. When he was done torturing her, he had poured sulphur over her and burned her to ashes. Yun Jifeng was an animal...

    Lin Lihua wiped the tears off her cheeks and pondered whether to send this video to Henry Blanc. Although he deserved to know the truth, how could she bear to let him witness the torture and murder of his little sister that he loved so much? Wouldn''t he go crazy for real?

    But then again, he was investigating the matter as well. It would not be long before he got his hands on the truth. She had only got it before him because she was fast to suspect that the whole matter was a lie.

    ..

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    ....

    Lin Lihua was right. Henry Blanc did not believe it when he learnt the truth.

    "This was not part of the plan." Lu Aotian said. He had not expected Yun Jifeng to go that insane. For the first time, something seemed to slip his control. It didn''t just seem to. It actually slipped his control.

    He had been having Yun Jifeng watched so he couldn''t cause any trouble before he got arrested.

    Never in his wildest imagination would he have expected that he would manage to break Amy Blanc out. He had expected that since he had warned Henry Blanc about Yun Jifeng, the latter would take care of his sister.

    "I was careless." Henry Blanc said regretfully. "I let Amy gi through this." Amy, blame it on brother for being careless.

    However, it was no use regretting. It was too late. The irriversible had already happened.

    It hurt very much. That bastard had even poured Amy''s ashes over the lake. They had nothing remaining of her. Nothing at all.

    From what Wan Jia had told him about men claiming to have been sent by his father to pick Katy Blanc, he had learnt that the idiot even wanted to kidnap and kill Katy as well.

    What made him want to explode in his fury was his mother. She could have used her time to do anything else, but she just had to help the man who wanted to kill her own daughter.

    She kept yapping, "My poor Amy," but she was the one who caused her death. How was such a woman even still alive?

    "You are not my mother!" He barked when he saw her approach him.

    Mrs. Blanc''s face was soaked in tears. "Son, how can you say such hurtful things? My daughter already left me. Are you trying to break mother''s heart by saying such things?"

    "Save your tears Miss Claudia Williams. One of us is a Blanc and the other is not."

    At this moment, an extremely angry Mr. Blanc came in. "My son is not leaving the family because of an irresponsible and hateful woman who killed my daughter. Scram!"

    Henry Blanc barely heard what his father said. "Dad, you spoke!"

    When they all learnt the truth, he was afraid that his father''s mental condition would worsen. He was scared that death was probably what awaited him, too.

    Mr. Blanc glanced at his son that looked like he had aged overnight. "Henry, it has been hard on you. I didn''t learn her true colors earlier and made you and Amy suffer. Will you ever forgive me?"

    Henry Blanc had been prepared to take Katy and leave the family but now that his father mentioned it, why would he? It was his mother who should be kicked out.

 Chapter 493 - Can you not give me that gaze? its disgusting.

    "Should we maybe just kill her?" Henry Blanc thought aloud. He was so angry right now that he no longer considered her a human being, let alone his mother.

    "We should let her be executed lawfully." Mr. Blanc answered.

    "She was merely an accomplice. She will not be given a death sentence." He gritted his teeth. Of course Mrs. Blanc would not admit that she caused her own daughter''s death. The law would be light on her.

    "Then let''s burn her and throw her ashes into the lake. People like her must die and never reincarnate." Mr. Blanc no longer considered her as his wife either.

    "No way! Such a woman does not deserve to have the same fate as Amy even if it''s a painful way to die. We should dismember her instead."

    Mrs. Blanc watched fearfully as her husband and son discussed the best way to kill her right in front of her.

    "Honey, why are you saying such things? You know that I loved Amy just as much as you did."

    Mr. Blanc glared at her. Love? If that was the meaning of love to her, the Blanc family did not require her love.

    "What is this woman still doing here?!"

    At his stern order, several bodyguards appeared and dragged her away.

    "Throw all her things out. I don''t want a single hair of hers in this house." Another order followed.

    "Clean and disinfect every nook and cranny of this house. The places she fr¨¦quents should be cleaned twice. I don''t want a single trace of hers here." Henry Blanc said and earned approval from his father. He didn''t want to see any trace of her either.

    "Regarding your repeated attacks against my wife, you will recieve a summon from court soon. Brace yourself for that and do not dare to run away. You should consider yourself lucky that my Lihua does not want me to stain my hands with impure blood. I would have strangled you to death already."

    All the servants in the Blanc family home were shocked. Such a thing had never happened in history.

    The matriach of the family was being driven out in such a manner?

    The more shocking news was, she murdered her own daughter?

    It would be surprising if it were anyone else but since this was Mrs. Blanc, it was believable.

    She would be nice to everyone she liked but once she disliked a person, she would make them wish themselves dead. What Henry Blanc said about her attacking Lin Lihua just proved that she had already started disliking her.

    "You will recieve a summon from court regarding our divorce. You will not leave with anything from the Blanc family in the name of alimony. From now on, there is only one Mrs. Blanc in this family and her maiden name is Lin."

    Mrs. Blanc knew that her tears were no longer useful. Both her husband and son had driven her out...

    Why was everyone against her? Arnold Wen had tricked her too, okay! She was a victim too.

    To afford to have such a train of thought, she must have forgotten how much she had bullied Lin Lihua. This kind of result was in fact being too easy on her.

    ..

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    ....

    In a hidden room, Yun Jifeng and Lu Aotian faced each other.

    Lu Aotian had a cold smile. "Do you know why you are still alive?"

    Yun Jifeng regarded him with a sneer. "Oh mighty and scary Lu Aotian. You had your men kidnap me just for this?"

    "What''s the hurry? If we are too rushed, there will no longer be any fun." Lu Aotian poured himself a glass of wine. He pushed the bottle to Yun Jifeng across the table. "Want some?"

    Yun Jifeng was doubtful. Since when did Lu Aotian offer people drinks? Was it drugged with something so he could die?

    Lu Aotian raised the glass to his lips and took a sip. Yun Jifeng watched him actually swallow it.

    That could not be. If he had added something to the wine, he could not have drunk it.

    Then was there something wrong with the stemglass?

    Wait, what ridiculous things was he thinking? Lu Aotian already had him in his turf. He did not need to play tricks anymore. He only needed to shoot or stab him. Did he have so much time as to do such petty things?

    Lu Aotian was currently taking sip after sip. "Those who know will say that you are conflicted about taking the wine; but those who don''t know will think you have a crush on me. Can you not give me that gaze? It''s disgusting!"

    Yun Jifeng glared at him disdainfully. He took the bottle of wine and pushed his head back, drinking half of the contents in a few seconds.

    Lu Aotian smirked. This man was really...

    "Ahem... since you have already taken the wine, let''s talk business."

    Yun Jifeng was flabbergasted. "The wine had something added to it after all?"

    Answering his question, Lu Aotian chuckled. "Don''t worry. You will not die. At least not soon. The kind if drug in that wine is a special kind that will make your organs corrode and start failing over time. The downside of it is that your body will reject all sorts of organ transplants. There is nothing the doctors can do to help you. They can''t even detect it.

    Don''t panic yet. The whole process might take up to five years. In the last year, your heart will be completely corroded and that will cause your death. That''s nothing though. I have an antidote that can increase your lifespan."

    Tch. What can a puppet like you do for me for as many years as I want?

    Are you thinking what I''m thinking?"

 Chapter 494 - You are a dying man, behave properly like one

    Yun Jifeng still found something wrong with what he was saying. "If the wine was that dangerous, why did you drink it?"

    The man chuckled lightly. "Do you think I would put my own life in danger?" He waved a small bottle of something. Without having to say it, Yun Jifeng guessed that it was the antidote. He must have already taken it to afford such an amount of indifference.

    It would not make any sense if Lu Aotian merely took the antidote to increase his lifespan. It had to be the one to completely cure the poison.

    "What do you want?" He could only grit his teeth to ask.

    Although the feeling was obvious, he did not want to admit the fact that Lu Aotian''s presence in itself intimidated him to the point that he felt like a pauper before an emperor. He was so uncomfortable that he wanted to bite his tongue and die.

    Lu Aotian twirled the little bottle leisurely. Yun Jifeng''s eyes involuntarily followed the motion. His heart was filled with fear. Great ancestor! Please be careful. That little thing is made of delicate glass. My life greatly depends on it!

    Lu Aotian shoved the little glass bottle into the air and caught it before it fell. "I dislike Yun Wei very much. I wonder what..."

    Before he completed his statement, Yun Jifeng interrupted him. "I will kill him! Just say the word and I will finish him off within an hour... no. Within thirty minutes. Just say the word."

    Lu Aotian raised an eyebrow. This Yun Jifeng was rather interesting. He had meant to make him testify against General Yun in court. That was one of the reasons why he had kept an idiot around- to turn against the other idiot. Neither of the idiots would escape the grip of death anyway. As for the main reason...

    The man chuckled and took another sip of the poisonous wine.

    "Please yourself." In a flash, he let go of the little glass bottle. The bottle shattered to the floor with a crash!

    "No!"

    Yun Jifeng''s eyes went wide. How could he... the antidote!

    Falling onto his knees, he tried to scoop up the bluish liquid that had spilled onto the floor. Some tiny shards cut into his skin but he did not care. His life was more important. He licked his hand that had touched some of it.

    When he couldn''t scoop any liquid up, he stuck out his tongue and licked it up, including some of the shards. To save his own life, he was putting it at risk.

    Lu Aotian placed a hand against his chin. "I could watch that all day."

    Yun Jifeng got up with a look of triumph. He used the back of his hand to wipe off the little trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth. It was all thanks to the shards. "I have taken the antidote. What else can you do, huh?"

    He looked at his watch with hus arrogant eyes. "I would like to play with you a little more but since I''m no longer of any use to you, why don''t you let me go?"

    "What antidote?"

    Yun Jifeng stared at him with a confused expression. "The one I just took. The little glass bottle, remember?"

    "All I saw was a stupid man falling onto his knees and licking my shoes just so he could drink the second type of poison which is worse than the first."

    "WHAT?!!" Yun Jifeng pointed his finger at him. "You are lying! You son of a *****!"

    "So what if I''m lying? Doesn''t your stomach hurt?"

    Yun Jifeng finally realized it. Indeed, it hurt. No, it was on fire. What had this man given him?

    "That''s on behalf of the Blanc family. And now for the Lu family..."

    "Lu Aotian! You cannot do this!"

    Lu Aotian found it boring to continue watching him. "Get him out. When he wants to come back, you can let him in."

    "No! I will not leave!" He tried to put up a fight but was lifted up like a little baby and thrown out of the room.

    He still stood up and tried to fight his way in.

    Lu Aotian really wanted to laugh aloud. You are a dying man already. Why don''t you behave properly like one?

    Outside, Yun Jifeng wanted to cry but there were no tears. Was he letting him go like this?

    This hurt so much. It was as though there was a highly reactive acid in his stomach. Was this how he was supposed to feel for five years?

    Lu Aotian was probably lying. Within just a day or two, the pain would kill him.

    Inside, Lu Aotian was in thought. His plan was not to kill him within such a short while. He had an antidote, but it would only make the pain lessen for a day or two. It would start hurting again. He did not mind playing such a game with him for years.

    ..

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    ....

    In attempt to please Lu Aotian and get the antidote, Yun Jifeng forfeited his plan. He had intially wanted to present his father''s medical records in court.

    Because of his mental condition, he would not be executed for any of those crimes he had commited since being diagonized with that mental disorder. He would be taken to a mental assylum which was a better ending.

    He would just break out of it and change his identity.

    However, he needed the antidote now. His life was more important than anything else. Therefore he hid all medical records and bought off the doctors so they would not reveal a word of it.

    The next month during his second hearing, Yun Wei was sentenced to death by the firing squad.

 Chapter 495 - Offended Cupid in her past life

    Soon after the verdict was passed, it was all over the news.

    Many families were waiting for Yun Wei''s end and were satisfied by this.

    Madam Yun wiped her tears off her face.

    Since neither Yun Wei nor Yun Jifeng were home, Yun Xuan had agreed to go home and spend some time with her mother. Even so, Yun Feng was left at her apartment.

    "Mum, don''t cry over that man. He is a heartless murderer and deserves to die."

    Madam Yun hugged her daughter. "Xuanxuan... I''m very happy."

    Yun Xuan''s blue eyes flew open. Happy?

    "Xuanxuan do you know, I have lived three decades of my life under a threat? Ever since I had Yun Shan, this is the first time that I feel at peace.

    I was always scared that one mistake would cause the death of my children and I.  I had to pretend for the most part."

    Yun Xuan hugged her mother tightly. "To protect us, you had to endure so much. Mum I..."

    Madam Yun broke the hug and stroked her hair. "Sweety, it doesn''t matter. He is going to hell after all."

    Yun Shan passed by the pair of emotional women and felt a headache coming on. "Will the both of you stop crying? We still have a stray Yun on the loose. He might want to perish together and forcefully pull us down with him."

    "Don''t worry. Lu Aotian will handle that fool." Yun Xuan spoke almost immediately.

    Yun Shan watched her confident figure and couldn''t resist teasing her. "Everyone has an intelligent younger sister. Why does mine have to be such a little fool? Your marriage was arranged with such an outstanding man and you are even confident that he will handle our mutual enemy. But instead, you preffered to let someone else have him and date a man with unknown origin instead? Is your brain fried?"

    Yun Xuan stood up suddenly. "What did you just call me?"

    Yun Shan found her strange. Why was she excited after being scolded? And her face... "Eer... my little sister?"

    In the next moment, he felt a body bump into his and arms wrap around his shoulders. It took him totally by surprise. "After all these years, you finally acknowledge me as your sister. You have hated me for two decades."

    Yun Shan finally understood the strange little woman. She was surprised by what he had called her because he had always given her the cold shoulder. Even that one time that they got along for a second because he saved her from Yun Jifeng, he was still more or less cold.

    "Xuanxuan, I only hated you because that man doted on you and you loved him very much. Now that he is out of the picture and I realized that you truly hated him as well after you learnt his true personality, we can fully become a family."

    "Thank you brother."

    "Silly girl, there''s no such thing as thank you between siblings."

    Madam Yun was busy taking photos of the moment. "I thought that the both of you would never get along."

    Only after a while did Yun Xuan realize that she had been mocked by her eldest brother earlier.

    She looked down but her eyes did not hold any sadness. "My luck in romance is not quite good.  I must have offended Cupid in my past life to be able to have such bad romance luck in this life."

    Yun Shan suddenly felt guilty for teasing her. "You don''t have to have romance luck. Just go on blind dates and when you find the man of your choice, you can marry and let affection develop later."

    "I would do that but my little Feng might not like it. My first criteria is that the man has to be able to take good care of a child that is not his own.

    The only choice here is a man who loves me deep enough to accept me along with him."

    The main point was, the man had to know and accept her inability to have more children. When she was expecting Yun Feng, the gynecologist had told her that she would be unable to have more children in future.

    At the moment, she had thought that it was just a prank that the woman had come up with to make her keep the baby because she had wanted to terminate the pregnancy. However, later when Yun Feng was already born, she went to a different women''s hospital and found out that it was true.

    Although it was such bad news, she was only slightly unhappy. Why would she need other kids when she already had Yun Feng? He was cute enough for her. "If you want to see him, I can being him home or you can come over to my apartment."

    Yun Shan''s expression was getting more and more puzzled. Little Feng? Son? He could even go to see him? "You..."

    "Yes, I have a son. He is quite cute."

    He wanted to ask about the biological father but thought that he would rather not know. It must have been painful for her to be so indifferent now. Actually, he knew that behind that happy smile was a cluster of deep scars that would rather not be touched. They must be her reason for doing this.

    He sighed in his heart. While brothers doted on their sisters, his sister had been bullied and hurt while he was alive. He was a terrible brother...

    ...

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    ....

    Many ways passed.

    "Hello Boss, do you have time next week on Saturday? If you don''t mind, I would like you to accompany me to an event." Lin Ye''s voice came through the phone. He sounded nervous, as though afraid that she would say no.

 Chapter 496 - 497

    Yun Xuan was holding the naughty little boy on her lap. She had just finished feeding him when Lin Ye called. Since he was the only friend she had remaining in Country C, aside from her mother and eldest brother, she could not reject him. After all she had decided to remain in Country C and not go back to County G.

    "I don''t have any plans yet. What kind of event is it?"

    "The Annual Designer awards. I have been nominated."

    "Congratulations. Since you have been nominated, I will make effort."

    Lin Ye''s face revealed a smile. Her words were just casual. Why did they make it sound like he was a little special to her?

    The fact that she had agreed to accompany him to such an important event was already good enough. He should not be too greedy and ask for too much.

    ____

    At the same time, Wan Jia hung up a call and recieved another.

    When the call was ended, her assistant brought some documents that needed her approval.

    She was very busy lately because the Annual Designer Awards were just a few days away.

    Seventeen welcomed Lu Aotian into her office. He was carrying a glass of warm milk. "Don''t forget to take care of your health."

    Wan Jia took the milk and smiled at him. "Of course our baby is the first priority no matter how busy I get.

    On a side note, I managed to nominate three of my top designers."

    "Congratulations CEO Wan, that was great effort on your part." Lu Aotian was impressed. EFW had only managed to nominate one. No one had restricted them from nominating more designers, it was only because the only one who qualified for such an award was Dai Youran.

    With three top designers from MAX competing for the same award, Dai Youran''s chances were much lower. Actually, Lu Aotian didn''t mind. It was only because it would be strange for the nation''s top fashion studio did not participate. It was more or less a formality for him.

    "I will attend the ceremony on Saturday to support my designers. Is President Lu willing to accompany me?"

    "If I do not accompany my wife, what else will I be doing?"

    Wan Jia hugged his arm. Her husband was so considerate. She placed his hand on her bump. "It''s not going to be easy to get the right outfit."

    "Don''t worry about that." Lu Aotian said. He had already found one. He rubbed her stomach fondly. He could feel some slight movements that made Wan Jia chuckle. So this was what it felt when an unborn baby moved.

    He had a proud smile on his face. His second child must be a small darling. He did not mind that his child seemed to be smaller.

    Actually, Su Ling''s bump was much bigger despite being just twenty four weeks pregnant. They all thought that she must be carrying twins. Su Ling did not want to confirm it yet so although the doctor knew, she did not tell them.

    ...

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    ....

    On the same day, Lin Lihua was taking her daughters home to see Xia Rou.

    That was right. She had two daughters. After Amy Blanc''s funeral, Henry Blanc legally adopted Katy Blanc. She could now freely call him "daddy" without making people find it strange.

    Despite that, she still did not talk to Lin Lihua, much less call her mother. Even the word aunt would not be heard from her.

    She was still afraid of Lin Lihua even after Henry Blanc explained to her that her grandmother had lied to her.

    Today, she was only going to the Lin residence because Henry Blanc had insisted that she had to go too.

    ....

    Xia Rou loved children and was cheerful to hear that her granddaughters were going to pay a visit.

    She rushed out as soon as they arrived.

    "You guys are finally here. I have been waiting for you."

    "Hello mother and father. Have you been fine since we last saw each other?" Henry Blanc greeted his in-laws and brought the gifts he had prepared.

    "It''s already good enough that you guys found time to come. You didn''t have to bring gifts."

    "Don''t be too polite mother, we like you so much that we have to bring gifts. Besides, you are meeting Katy and Ruoxi for the first time."

    Xia Rou held the small hands of Katy and Ruoxi. "This beauty with curly brown hair must be Katy, and the cutie with dark hair must be Ruoxi. Am I right or not?"

    Lin Lihua humphed teasingly. "That was obvious. It''s nothing to be so smug about."

    After all, everything about Katy spelled that she was from Country F. Who would get it wrong?

    Ruoxi looked up at Xia Rou and smiled. She was more friendly lately "Hello aunt."

    Katy was also under the impression that Xia Rou was their aunt.

    Lin Lihua burst out laughing. "Girls, she is your grandmother."

    Ruoxi covered her eyes in embarassment. "I thought she is our aunt. She looks very young and is very similar to second aunty."

    Xia Rou felt giddy from the indirect praise. "My dear Ruoxi thinks I''m young and pretty. Come on, the food will get cold if you guys do not start eating soon."

    Throughout the whole meal, Xia Rou had a lot to chat with with the girls. They were very cheerful and Xia Rou had cooked many delicious dishes for them.

    However, one person was completely silent. And that was Lin Zhou. Lin Lihua wondered what exactly he was thinking about. Was something wrong with the company?

    Or was it.... she did not want to think that way of her father but.... could he be unhappy that she adopted Ruoxi and Katy, two girls instead of boys?

 Chapter 497 - You look more beautiful

    As they went o his car and drove off, Lin Ye kept stealing glances at her.

    Yun Xuan finally realized it and felt strange. "Why are you stealing glances at me?"

    "You look more beautiful." He thoughtlessly exposed his true thought.

    Yun Xuan gave him a sidelong glance. This was the first, and most probably the only person who thought she was more beautiful than Wan Jia. How was it even possible?

    Lin Ye did not care much about her face and simply loved her for who she was. That explained why he found her more beautiful than everyone else no matter how he looked at it. No woman could rival her, not even extraordinary beauties of Wan Jia''s variety.

    If it was only about her face, wouldn''t he have fallen in love with Wan Jia whose look was natural?

    If it was only about looks, the flame he had for her would dim now since she had her original look back. However, nothing changed and it proved just how little he cared about her outward look.

    With Lin Ye stealing glances at her when she was not looking, the pair finally arrived at the venue of the Annual Designer Awards.

    The first person Lin Ye saw when they arrived was his anxious boss.

    He got out of the car and helped Yun Xuan out even in such a situation.

    "You are finally here. I thought you ran off." Wan Jia looked unhappy.

    "Sorry boss, I should have informed you of my whereabouts." He had driven rather slowly just to spend a little more time with her and made his boss worried.

    Wan Jia was no longer listening to him. The woman beside him... why did she look so familiar?

    That was not the point here.

    This Lin Ye... Had he not devoted his life to Yun Xuan? Within just a few months, he was seeing another woman? Just because she had blond hair and blue eyes?

    Yun Xuan saw Wan Jia''s unfriendly look and cowered a little. Jeez! That glare was almost comparable to Lu Aotian''s.

    Still, she did not lose out to her. "Hello CEO Wan. I hope you do not mind that Lin Ye invited me."

    Wan Jia held her mouth. That voice was... "Yun Xuan?"

    No wonder she felt this woman was familiar. It was Yun Xuan''s look before her cosmetic surgery. She had had another one to restore her old look?

    Wan Jia had only seen this face on business magazines when she was a teenager.

    "I don''t mind your presence."

    Yun Xuan was happy. At least Wan Jia did not hate her so much as to want to kick her out.

    "Lin Ye, when was the last time you saw my mother?"

    Lin Ye racked his brains. Xia Rou? "I saw her when we had all dressed up. After that, I left to pick boss up."

    Wan Jia instructed him to go in first and continued the search.

    "Boss, let''s go in first."  He said and led Yun Xuan away.

    He was finding it awkward to address her this way. However, she had not said anything for him to drop the formality so he could only bite his tongue and call her boss while feeling extremely wronged.

    ...

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    ....

    Wan Jia tried to call Xia Rou again. Her phone had been turned off. Lin Lihua had already arrived and did not know where she was either. She was helping her try to find her too.

    What Wan Jia found strange was that Lu Aotian was missing as well and so was Lu Shaoting.

    Knowing her husband, he must have taken advantage of the fact that she was busy to slip away. He would be back before she found out.

    In actual fact, she had only found out because he had accidentally dropped his phone and she had found it chiming with an incoming call.

    Those three, what exactly were they up to? Was it related to some  of the things she did not know, for example why Lu Aotian was still keeping Yun Jifeng, or what exactly Xia Rou was doing in MAX?

    Although she knew that Xia Rou would never hurt her, she did not believe any of that "want to spend more time together". There had to be something else and Lu Aotian had to know it or else he would not be that calm.

    "Honey, did you wait for too long?" Wan Jia heard a voice behind her.

    She turned and all of the three people she was searching for were right there. "Where did you go?"

    Lu Aotian hugged her from behind. "Can I explain later my love? The ceremony has already begun."

    Wan Jia gave the three of them a quizzical look and they looked at her like they were innocent of all crimes. She decided to deal with them later.

    ...

    After themultiple distractions, the awards ceremony commenced.

    There were only a few categories.

    "The best fashion brand of the year is EFW."

    The CEO of Elite Fashion World went to recieve it like it was nothing new.

    No one was surprised. Hadn''t it always been the best since it was founded? It had gotten even better and harder to defeat since Lu Aotian took over Lu Enterprises.

    Wan Jia was not so delusional as to hope that MAX would win in this category. As a new brand, they still had a long way to go.

    "Next, Elder Qian will announce this year''s best designer."

    Everyone was stunned. Elder Qian?! The fashion industry''s legend?

    "This is huge news! Elder Qian stopped participating in such events. The best designer will be very lucky to recieve their award from him!"

    "He is my idol. I hope you win it." Wan Jia said to Lin Ye softly beside her.

    Amid the cheers and praise, the elderly man that was still in good health went up to the stage.

    He took the envelope from the host happily and opened it.

    "This is the happiest day of my life. Because just when I agreed to attend this event, the best designer turned out to be one of the only three disciples I ever took in."

    The audience was shocked. Three? Wasn''t it said that he never found anyone good enough to be his disciple?

    Lin Ye became even more nervous. Elder Qian''s disciple? Was it going to be him?

    "I am pleased to announce that the winner of the Annual Designer Awards this year is... Designer Wan Jia of MAX Brand."

 Chapter 498 - Finally seeing his goddess

    Since Lin Zhou was only silent and did not actually say a word of it, Lin Lihua pushed it at the back of her mind. Perhaps her father was just worked up from many things happening in the company. If there was anything that needed her attention, he would talk to her about it.

    But she should have known that a woman''s intuition is always right.

    Lin Zhou was indeed displeased by the presence of two adopted granddaughters in a row. Could this situation get any stickier?

    Although Lin Lihua was not his biological daughter, he had loved her like his own and treated her nicely for all these years.

    He had also tried to get along with Wan Jia and Little Jia because Wan Jia was Xia Rou''s daughter and Little Jia was too adorable for anyone to dislike her.

    However, that did not mean that he would like other children who were neither Wan Jia''s nor Lin Lihua''s biological children. Little Jia was already the Lu family''s heiress while Lin Lihua did not seem to want to have children of her own.

    He was not particularly against Lin Lihua adopting kids. The only problem here was that he did not have any biological child and the Lin family''s business was going to completely fall into the hands of outsiders. Who would want that?

    Presently, Xia Rou did not know what her husband was thinking and kept scooping dishes for her lovely pair of little beauties.

    "Lihua, do you and my son-in-law have much going on?"

    Lin Lihua snapped from her daze. "We would never be too busy for you. Do you need us for something?"

    "If you are not too busy, can you attend The Annual Designer Awards? I have been nominated."

    Lin Lihua found it a little comical. Her mother still wanted to take part in such activities? She was too cute. "Alright. I will be there. If Henry is not too busy, I will drag him along."

    Katy and Ruoxi giggled. If she said ''drag him along'', she would really do it. They had witnessed her dragging him out of the study if she thought he was working too hard.

    ___

    That Saturday, Wan Jia found the best stylists to get her designers ready.

    It was only when she was sure that all three of them would no longer need her attention that she left to get ready herself.

    Xiao Rong was the only one who was new to such competitions and was a little nervous. Howoever, Xia Rou and Lin Ye kept encouraging her so she was more confident.

    MAX brand should have won an award for the unity among its designers. Although Xia Rou, Lin Ye and Xiao Rong were all hoping for the same award, they were not jealous of each other. They in fact encouraged each other so much that it was all the same no matter who won it in the end.

    ...

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    ....

    When he was ready to go, Lin Ye gave Yun Xuan a call.

    "Boss, are you ready yet? I will go to pick you up if you are."

    Yun Feng was already asleep. This time, Madam Yun kept him company. Just like Xia Rou, Madam Yun was good with babies too. He would play with her hair and stay for longer before missing his mother. Therefore she was settled.

    "I have already settled my naughty little son. But.... will it not be too much trouble if you came to pick me up?"

    A flush appeared on Lin Ye''s ears. Was she worried about him? "It''s no trouble."

    Hanging up, Lin Ye was so excited he could fly. He was finally going to see his goddess! Oh, it had been long since he last saw her. Actually, the last time they met should be more than two months ago!

    He had been helpless and could not find any excuse to give her a call. Besides, he had been busy. It was killing him.

    After ensuring that he looked handsome enough, he got into his car.

    ...

    He drove fast and arrived at Yun Xuan''s apartment within just fifteen minutes.

    She was waiting for him outside with happiness blooming all over her body. There seemed to be a special charm about her tonight.

    "You''re here. I was starting to think you stood me up."

    Although it was only fifteen minutes, he did not find her impatient. "I would never stand you up. I cannot bear to."

    He only realized what he had said after finishing his statement.

    Did this not sound like a boyfriend''s words to his girlfriend?

    This was not the first time that Yun Xuan''s words made him overthink but from her tone, she probably meant nothing of what he imagined.

    He looked at the woman before him. "You look beautiful."

    The woman was wearing a cream-colored gown with a bare back. Since becoming a mother, her figure was more attractive. Her gown made it hard for Lin Ye to pull his eyes away from her.

    Her hair had grown back quickly and she had it in large waves. With part of her back being covered by her thick blond hair, she looked more seductive than she would if her back was completely exposed.

    But, her face...!

    "Thank you. You don''t look half bad yourself."

    Lin Ye felt even happier from the compliment.

    But he was still in shock. Perhaps it was because her old face felt natural to him that he had only realized after looking at her once more. "Boss you... your face..?"

    Yun Xuan chuckled. He was not the only one surprised. "I did this to make sure my past enemies don''t remember me."

    Actually, she was still nursing her skin after the surgery. It would take three more months to completely heal.

 Chapter 499 - As big as a basketball.

    The audience cheered.

    "I almost forgot that my goddess is still a designer. Congratulations Wanwan!"

    "My Wanwan is still the best!"

    "The main point here is, Wan Jia is Elder Qian''s disciple?"

    Wan Jia was the most surprised. "Me? But I was not nominated!"

    Hadn''t she only nominated Xia Rou, Lin Ye and Xiao Rong?

    Thinking of something, she looked at Lu Aotian. "Is this your doing?"

    Lu Aotian nodded with a smile. " It would be such a waste if the nation''s best designer was not nominated. Your master is waiting. Go ahead and recieve your award."

    Wan Jia felt her eyes itch. Did he just call her the nation''s best designer?

    She stood up and went to the stage, making everyone awed. Was that a bump?

    "Wait, Wan Jia is pregnant?"

    "No wonder I have heard no news about her for a while. So it''s because she pregnant!"

    "Mr. Lu is very lucky. Will it be a handsome boy this time? The first is a little goddess."

    Wan Jia had not announced the news of her pregnancy. Only the employees of MAX and her close family knew about it. Since her employees had signed a contract of confidentiality, they did not leak the news.

    "You rascal, are you letting my disciple walk on her own?" Elder Qian scolded Lu Aotian though his voice was full of happiness.

    Wan Jia restrained a laugh. Lu Aotian was only in the front row. Would anything go wrong with him there? Also, why wasn''t Elder Qian surprised? He looked like he already knew about it and was only expecting to see her. Did he already know about her pregnancy?

    If she knew how exactly Elder Qian had been convinced to attend this ceremony as a guest, she would not be very surprised.

    ...

    Although she had not intended to be nominated for this award and she was surprised, she was still very happy to recieve it.

    "I am proud of you." Elder Qian said, his pride evident on his face as he gave the trophy to her.

    "Who are Elder Qian''s other disciples?" Everyone was curious to know.

    Elder Qian thought that if he did not introduce them today, there would be no other chance.

    The organizers did not mind so he mentioned their names.

    "My other disciples are also capable designers in the industry. Xia Rou and Lin Ye."

    Wan Jia had an interesting expression. Such a coincidence was possible?

    ...

    "Boss, congratulations." Lin Ye was first to tell her when the ceremony ended.

    "We should hold a banquet to celebrate with our CEO Wan." Xiao Rong seconded.

    "I am of the same opinion as Xiao Rong. Little Wan is the best!" Xia Rou chimed in.

    Wan Jia took one look at her mother and her expression darkened. "Can I speak to my mother for a moment? The two of you can go home first."

    Lin Ye went to find Yun Xuan who was speaking to someone on phone.

    ...

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    ....

    As soon as they left, Xia Rou took her daughter''s hand. "Are you missing your mommy so much that you want to go home with me? If that''s the case, I will have a word with my son-in-law and ask for his permission. I..."

    "Hold it. Mom, you and Aotian are acting strange. What exactly is going on?"

    "Little Wan, what are you talking about?"

    Wan Jia was even more unhappy. Why was she putting on an act? "You know what exactly you are talking about. You..."

    Wan Jia felt someone hug her from behind and place his palms on her tummy. "What are you chatting about?"

    Lu Aotian gave Xia Rou a reassuring look. He would handle this.

    Wan Jia pulled away from him. "I''m glad you are here too. Can you both explain what the both of you are up to?"

    "We.."

    "Ow!" Wan Jia yelped before he had the chance to explain.

    "Wanwan! What happened?" Lu Aotian had worry written all over her face as he held her in his arms. "Are you feeling unwell? Let''s go to hospital."

    A flush crept onto Wan Jia''s face as her lips curled upwards. "The baby just kicked me."

    She took the hand of the curious Lu Aotian and placed it on her stomach.

    Lu Aotian paid attention as though afraid he would miss it.

    A short while later, the area beneath his arm moved. The baby had kicked again!

    With a heart full of excitement, he maintained his hand there. The baby moved a little more before it stopped.

    By this time, Wan Jia had forgotten all about Xia Rou and Lu Aotian. Whatever it was, Lu Aotian would tell her when he was ready.

    ___

    "Mommy, is my little brother about to arrive yet?" Little Jia asked as soon as she saw Wan Jia.

    Lately, that was the first question she would ask whenever she saw her parents. She couldn''t wait to see her little sibling.

    Lu Aotian rubbed her small head. "Princess, we still don''t  know its gender. It''s only six months old. I told you before, you can only have a sibling after nine months."

    Little Jia looked at him and stole a glance at her mother''s stomach. She then used her fingers to count. "But mommy''s stomach is already as big as a basketball. If there is three months left, how big is it going to be? Like a hot air balloon?"

    Lu Aotian laughed. His daughter was too cute.

    Wan Jia speechlessly rubbed her "already big as a basketball" stomach. It was not that big, alright? It could only be considered almost as big as a soccer ball. Could this father-daughter duo be any meaner?

    Little Jia was still curious. Why did babies make their mothers'' stomachs grow so big, only to come out so tiny? She had seen how tiny Small Xixi was when she was still a little baby.

    Would her little brother be that tiny as well?

 Chapter 500 - Yun Jifeng was quite lucky

    Though Little Jia wondered with her little chin between her tiny thumb and index finger, how exactly did her little brother end up in her mommy''s tummy? And how exactly would he arrive?

    She did not dare to ask too many questions, however. "Mommy, daddy, are you guys hungry? Little Jia cooked for both of you."

    "You did what?" Wan Jia and Lu Aotian almost fainted from shock.

    Little Jia wondered why her parents had such a huge reaction. Was there something wrong?

    The butler rushed to explain. "Master, little miss wanted to watch the chefs cook."

    Wan Jia sighed in relief. So it was only watching.

    "That''s dangerous. You are not allowed to set foot in the kitchen until I decide that you are old enough." He said to her seriously.

    "Yes. Got it daddy."

    ...

    Once they were alone, Wan Jia was no longer interested in whatever the Lu brothers and Xia Rou were hiding. She only had one question to ask. "You have already finished Yun Wei off. Why are you still keeping Yun Jifeng around?"

    Lu Aotian made her lie in bed first. "Because I found out that I shouldn''t have schemed to have Yun Wei killed. I should have let the law take its course."

    Wan Jia was not entirely surprised. He had vowed earlier that if Yun Wei was not sentenced to death, he would have him killed.

    That was why, when he couldn''t retrieve Yun Wei''s medical records from the Yun mansion, he schemed to have Yun Jifeng indirectly kill him. Legally, Yun Wei should not have been punished. That was the painful truth but he could not bear it. To him, eveyone had to pay if they did anything wrong against him. It did not matter to him whether or not the law would allow it.

    "Why do you sound guilty?" Wan Jia found that his tone was a little off.

    "I''m not. Some of it was none of my business." He pulled the covers over her and kissed her forehead. "Honey, you are pregnant and your emotions should not fluctuate. I should not be telling you such things."

    "It''s alright. Nothing can shock me. However if you do not tell me, I will ask Shaoting and mother and if they do not tell me the truth either, I will investigate it on my own."

    From her expression, Lu Aotian knew that she would really do it. That would be more dangerous than if he simply told her. "Since I don''t want you to put yourself in danger, I will reluctantly tell you. Decades ago, the Lu family wronged the Yun family first. Yun Wei was simply revenging. That was why he spent all his life targeting the Lu family."

    He did not say anything after that, making Wan Jia wonder what exactly the Lu family had done to make Lu Aotian speak using that kind of tone.

    But she didn''t ask about it. Sometimes it was safe to not know everything. "So you are not going to do anything to Yun Jifeng?"

    Lu Aotian was idifferent. "I already started it. I may as well finish what I started." After all, the elders had their grudges but that was between them. Yun Jifeng had not good reason to mess with the Lu family but he did anyway. His revenge was not part of the late Elder Master Lu''s business either.

    Wan Jia did not expect this turn of events. After all these years, Lu Aotian was now claiming that it was the Lu family that was in the wrong? What kind of crazy joke was this?

    But then she raised her eyebrow. Why was it that Yun Jifeng and his father was very eager to revenge, while the other members of the Yun family kept away from it? Some of them like Yun Xuan and Madam Yun even befriended her. Also, what about all those things he did to other families?

    She found this explanation questionable. "Is that what my mother told you?"

    "Yes. She told me a year ago that I should not deliberately harm anyone from the Yun family. It was only recently that she told me the reason."

    Wan Jia blinked her eyes and rested her gaze on him, thinking deeply. "How can you be so certain that she knows the whole truth? Perhaps that''s just what Yun Wei told her. It could be a lie. Can you really trust Yun Wei''s  one sided story? Who knows, she might have trusted his word simply because they once had a thing in the past. Or she could have been blackmailed to make up this kind of lie to tell you. Her past is void. What do you know about her Lu Aotian?"

    Lu Aotian looked at her speechlessly. Was there a daughter who spoke that way of her mother?

    Although it was true that her past had been errased completely, he knew little about her only because he did not want to uncover his mother-in-law''s secrets that she wanted to hide. That would be awkward; it was unnecessary because he trusted her after all.  "She had proof to accompany her words."

    He was not one to be lied to. Even if Xia Rou had evil intentions and wanted to trick him, she would not dare lie to him.

    Since he said that he had seen the evidence, she did not ask more. Though she wondered just what type of evidence would exist for all those years and end up in Xia Rou''s hands, then be kept for almost thirty more years. Logically if Xia Rou got anything from the Yuns, it had to be before she was born. How long ago was that?

    But she had to say, Yun Jifeng was rather lucky. Lu Aotian was previously prepared to torture him in the most painful way she had ever heard. It would be multiple times worse than Amy Blanc''s. He was lucky that he was only going to suffer a little.

 Chapter 501 - Really want to hold and kiss him

    On the same evening, in another part of the city.

    Lin Ye dropped Yun Xuan off at her apartment.

    "Thank you for dropping me off. I will go up now; my little Feng must have missed me a lot. I really want to hold and kiss him."

    Lin Ye saw how eager she was to see her baby and felt the urge to see him too. "Can I say hi to him?"

    "I don''t know... this is a small bundle of trouble we are talking about. Will he not cry and throw a tantrum once he sees you?"

    Lin Ye did not mind that blue pair of glaring eyes. They loved the same woman and the sooner they became friends, the easier it would be for them. "If he does not want me around, I will leave."

    "Then I don''t mind either. Let''s go."

    Yun Xuan felt she was forgetting something, but she couldn''t get ahold of what it was. She thoughtlessly led Lin Ye into her apartment.

    One had to take note, ever since Yun Xuan broke up with Tyler, this was the first man she had been this close to. She would not tolerate any man glancing at her one extra time, much less enter her apartment and say hello to her baby. It was only because Lin Ye was a respectful man who kept his boundaries and had no ill intentions.

    Of course, the fact that his god sister,  Lin Lihua,  had spoken well of him helped alot. Her impression of him was quite good.

    ...

    Yun Feng''s blabbering could be heard as soon as they entered the living room. He did not seem to be particularly happy. Where on earth was his mommy? Had she abandoned him?

    Yun Xuan rushed over and took him into her arms, kissing his lovely little face. "Did you miss me, mommy''s little darling?"

    The tiny boy grabbed onto her hair. His eyes had a hint of wetness in them, as though he had been crying.

    Yun Xuan''s heart couldn''t help aching. "You really missed me. Did you give grandma a hard time?"

    Madam Yun was tired, as though she had had a really hard time. "My grandson transforms into a little devil once he misses you. As soon as he sees you back, he turns back into an adorable little angel."

    At this moment, she finally saw Lin Ye who was behind Yun Xuan. "Who''s your friend?"

    Yun Xuan finally realized what she had forgotten. Her mother was at her apartment! This was not going to be easy to deal with...

    "Mom, this is Lin Ye."

    Aside from a name, she did not know how exactly to intoduce him. Her friend? Were they considered close enough to be friends? It would be too weird to introduce him as her employee since they had both left YX Brand ages ago.

    "Hello auntie, I''m Yun Xuan''s friend." Lin Ye completed the introduction that she was unable to.

    Yun Xuan involuntarily bit her lip. He had obviously said something so normal. Why did it sound ambiguous?

    While Lin Ye was thinking, did he just throw himself into the friend zone?

    Madam Yun glanced at her daughter''s ''friend'' who seemed to be casting amorous glances at her. Was her daughter so clueless?

    She coughed and let them be. If they would explore some romance together, she would not push them. She would let them discover it themselves.

    Most importantly, she had to investigate this Lin Ye guy and see that he was good enough for her. Actually, she was the person who wanted Yun Xuan to settle down the most. But her daughter had experienced two break ups before. Although no one ever told her what had happened between her and her ex husband, she did not wish for Yun Xuan to have a third break up.

    She stopped thinking too much. "I will let you guys catch up."

    Yun Xuan felt awkward. Had her mother misunderstood their relationship?

    She ignored her and held Yun Feng out towards Lin Ye. "Do you want to hold him?"

    Lin Ye had never held a baby before. He was slightly nervous. "Yeah."

    Yun Xuan gently placed him into Lin Ye''s arms.

    The boy continued clutching onto Yun Xuan''s clothes as though afraid that once he was in someone else''s arms, she would go somewhere.

    When he saw that she had no intention of leaving, he relaxed and slowly let go of her blouse.

    He turned to take a curious look at Lin Ye with his blue eyes. His eyes seemed to ask, was this not the stranger from the last time? Why was he holding him now?

    He stretched his small hand and rubbed his clear eyes, looking like he was going to cry.

    However, he seemed to realize that Lin Ye meant no harm so he did not cry. Even then, he didn''t stay calm for long. He started flailing his arms towards his mother within just a few seconds.

    Yun Xuan was pleasantly surprised. She took him back and tickled his stomach. "You didn''t cry? You are mommy''s little darling. Yes you are."

    He laughed while kicking his tiny legs in the air then rested his gaze on Lin Ye.

    "Boss, I should head back now." Lin Ye could still feel the invisible glare in those clear eyes. It was as though he was trying to ask, so you are the man who wants to take my mommy away, huh?

    Yun Xuan also knew that it was getting late. "I''ll walk you to the door."

    As soon as they reached the door, the boy was almost doing a happy dance. He seemed to be happy that he would have his mother all to himself now. She was getting stolen away more often lately.

    ___

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    £¬

 Chapter 502 - He was not leaving yet?

    "Right, I forgot something. Could you wait for a moment?"

    "What is it?" Yun Xuan asked curiously. Even the little boy in her arms seemed to rest his eyes on him. Was he not leaving yet?

    "Just wait a moment okay?"

    He rushed to his car and took a box of something out. He then brought it to her. "Here, it''s for Yun Feng."

    Yun Xuan restrained her excitement. "When did you even get this?"

    The point was, he had got a present for her baby? How thoughtful of him.

    Lin Ye was studying her expression and was glad that she liked it. "Before I came to pick you up. I just casually picked something that little boys would love." He made it sound as though he was not the one who spent days trying to decide on the best kind of present for his future son. It had to be precious, but not too expensive or Yun Xuan would not accept it.

    The boy was curious about the foreign object and stuck out his tiny hands to touch it.

    Yun Xuan really wanted to know what kind of toy he had bought for her baby, but she would let him open it when he was able to. It was the first gift he had recieved from a man after all.

    He already had numerous toys that he would play with while growing up. Yun Xuan had bought them for him after working hard. However, something felt particularly good about this new present.

    "Boss, you should go to sleep early. Goodnight."

    Yun Xuan responded with a smile. "Goodnight."

    Lin Ye really wanted to give her a hug. At the same time, he didn''t want to rush her or force her into anything so he resisted the urge. He pinched the boy slightly on his adorable little cheeks and left.

    In his car, he wondered just how exactly he would make her fall in love with him. She was so indifferent towards him that one would think he was her brother.

    He couldn''t stand the temptation to tell her of his feelings whenever they were together. For now, it seemed like he had to keep his distance for a while, until she was actually ready for a man in her life.

    ...

    Meanwhile, Yun Xuan returned to the house and coaxed her son to sleep. He had been well fed already and it took only a little effort to get him to sleep.

    When she had put him into his cradle, she took a bath and sat before the mirror to complete her daily skin care routine. It was meant to help her face heal completely faster. Due to the nature of her skin, she had to take delicate care of it every night for five months after the surgery. If not, her face would be completely ruined.

    Speaking of which, it was amazing that her son was able to recognize her after her second cosmetic surgery.

    She had initially thought that he would think of her as a stranger. It seemed like it was true what they said about babies using their mothers'' smells and voices to recognize them. If she had the surgery any later, Yun Feng might have been old enough to realize it.

    She finished her skin care routine quickly and went to sleep. She had a busy day the next day.

    Currently, she was working  in HL Entertainment as the most potential debuting artist''s personal stylists.

    She did not think this was diminishing her status; HL Entertainment was Lin Lihua''s empire. With Lin Lihua''s status, any random artist in her company was capable of shooting to fame. Her criteria for selecting them was quite strict.

    She had only been accepted because she was quite hardworking.

    She closed her eyes. If she was to ever marry in future, she did not want to depend on her husband. She should earn her own money.

    On another note, she was in good terms with both Lin Lihua and Xia Rou. Did Wan Jia still hate her? She fell asleep thinking about this.

    ___

    The next day, Wan Jia recieved a call from Elder Qian. The elderly man sounded elated. "Little Wan, it was very late last night so I did not have the chance to speak to you. Congratulations."

    Wan Jia knew that he was congratulating her for both reasons. Winning the award as well as being pregnant. "Thank you Grandfather Qian. Speaking of which, my mother was your disciple?"

    Elder Qian was even happier when he heard about Xia Rou. "She was very talented. Actually, I took you in partially because you are very much like her. Aside from your looks, you are even better than she was. I had a feeling the both of you were related."

    Wan Jia felt it now made sense. So he took her as his disciple because she was Xia Rou''s daughter?

    "It is not just because you are Xia Rou''s daugher. If you were not good enough, it wouldn''t matter."

    Wan Jia finally smiled. She had thought just now that her whole career was a lie. She had to admit that she wouldn''t be as good as she was right now if she had not recieved guidance from him.

    ....

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    ...

    For the next one month, Lu Aotian spent most of his time in MAX. If not, Wan Jia''s workload would be unbearable.

    Everything was going on well until the last day of the month.

    Wan Jia was in the gym, doing exercise for women in their last trimester.

    Lu Aotian was present along with her trainer.

    Two minutes into her exercise, however, she clutched her stomach.

    Lu Aotian was always attentive. He literally leaped over. "What happened?"

    Wan Jia had a frown on her small face. "Aotian I think... I think my water broke."

    "What?" It was only seven months!

 Chapter 503 - Another premature baby?

    It was only seven months! Was it going to be another premature baby?

    But he had taken delicate care of her and their unborn baby this time. Why was it like this? With Little Jia, it could be understood because Wan Jia was depressed at the time. What was it all about this time?

    While thinking about this, he carried her to his car and drove off to hospital. It would be too late if he called an ambulance instead.

    He wiped the imaginary sweat off his forehead. It was very difficult to rush her to hospital and at the same time not hurt her.

    ___

    "Doctor, how''s my wife?" Lu Aotian was pacing restlessly and stopped the doctor he saw coming out of Wan Jia''s hospital room.

    The man sighed. This was not going to be easy to explain. "The water did not break, you were thinking too much. Both the mother and child are fine."

    "But what?" Lu Aotian knew from his expression that there had to be something else.

    "Well, they are fine for now. She will have to remain in hospital for further observation. If the condition shows any sign of worsening, we will have to induce early labor."

    Lu Aotian furrowed his eyebrows. "I hope that does not happen." Having two premature children in a row might not be good. The chances of the child having complications might just be higher.

    Soon, a nurse came out. "President Lu, Mrs. Lu is alright. You can go to see her now. But please take care of her emotions and don''t do or say anything that will agitate her."

    "Got it." He said and almost flew in.

    "My love,"

    The woman lay silently on the bed, her face pale from the pain she had felt earlier. She disliked hospitals so much that she looked slightly uncomfortable. She was only here because if they did not take good care of her, her baby might be in danger.  Her eyes were closed peacefully.

    Lu Aotian bent over and kissed her forehead.

    She grabbed his arm just as he made to get up. "Aotian..."

    He held her small hands and looked into her eyes. "My love, don''t be scared. I''m here."

    "Aotian, I don''t want premature induced labor." She was scared. What if history repeated itself? Little Jia had suffered so much. She did not want that. Her baby had to be fine.

    Lu Aotian cupped her small worried face. "Our baby will be fine. Nothing will go wrong, okay?"

    She nodded and rested her head in his palms, drifting into sleep.

    Lu Aotian watched her eyelashes that were tightly closed. Studying her face, she seemed to be relaxing gradually.

    Because he was with her this time, she was not too scared. He was her source of security. As long as he was around, nothing bad will happen.

    Though he made a decision right there in the hospital room. This was their last child. He did not want to risk his wife''s life anymore.

    Actually, this time it was only because paired with the fact that Little Jia really needed it, he had thought that it would be fine since the doctors had assured him. Besides, nothing unusual happened in the past seven months but now... sigh.

    One had to know that induced labor was more troublesome than natural labor. If she went through that a third time... no. That would never happen.

    ...

    "Lu Aotian, how is my daughter?" Lu Aotian looked up to see a very worried Xia Rou coming in. In her company was Lin Lihua and Doctor Qiao.

    "She is alright for now. We still have to be careful." He said exactly what the doctor had said.

    Xia Rou went and took Wan Jia''s pale hand. "Mommy is here. Don''t be worried."

    She also hoped that Wan Jia would not have any other child. It had been hard on her.

    "Qiao, can you check on her?"  Xia Rou said to her friend.

    Doctor Qiao looked at Lu Aotian as though waiting for his approval. When he didn''t say a word against it, she went ahead and took her hand.

    "It''s just like you have been told."

    Lu Aotian looked aside. What was he hoping? That Doctor Qiao would get different results from the other doctors?

    "Xia, I will take care of her. I hope she can complete her term." Doctor Qiao proceeded to say to her friend.

    "Thanks Qiao. I will have to trouble you again." Doctor Qiao had taken care of her and treated her heart condition for years. It was all thanks to her or she would be long dead by now.

    "Don''t thank me. What are friends for?"

    ....

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    ...

    Wan Jia rubbed her eyes and woke up. A whole night and day had passed. Lu Aotian was holding onto her hand. With his head rested beside her, his eyes were closed. He had faint circles below his eyes.

    He had not slept this whole time?

    She stuck out her hand and caressed his tired face. Poor thing.

    Although he had only managed to fall asleep ten minutes ago, Lu Aotian was awoken by her movements. "You''re awake. Are you feeling better?"

    Wan Jia kept caressing his face with heartache. How she wished everything would go well for her. Then he wouldn''t have to worry himself sleepless.

    Doctor Qiao had already convinced Xia Rou to go back home. If she did not have enough rest, her condition might relapse. Also, someone had to temporarimy take care of MAX.

    Since Lu Aotian was stuck by Wan Jia''s side, the only person who could take over was Xia Rou. Lin Lihua had gone to pick Little Jia from school. When it was alright, she would take the little girl to hospital to visit Wan Jia.

 Chapter 504 - Keep your hands off my mom

    Royal Kindergarten.

    "Aunty you are here to pick me up? Where is daddy?" Little Jia asked as soon as she saw that it was her aunt picking her up today. She slowed down her steps.

    No matter how busy he was, Lu Aotian would always pick her up. If he still had a lot of work to do, he would let her play in his office and wait for him or drop her off at MAX.

    He knew that she disliked it if other people were the ones to pick her up so he never let them. Was daddy really too busy for her today?

    Lin Lihua took her tiny hand and pulled her into a hug. "Baby, your daddy is taking care of mommy. Are you not happy to see aunty?"

    Little Jia clumsily held Lin Lihua''s neck. "I am very happy to see aunty. Is daddy taking care of mommy at home?" Although she was happy to see her aunt who she had missed a lot, she still wanted to be with mommy and daddy.

    Lin Lihua could only explain in the simplest way possible since she would know anyway. "No. They are in hospital because mommy..." at this point, she coughed. How was she supposed to say this? ... "Ahem... your mommy was tired so the doctors have to take care of her."

    Little Jia had already been told that her mother was fragile at this time so she should not recklessly jump onto her like she did in the past. But she did not understand how being tired could make someone end up in hospital. Was that really possible?

    But since aunty said so, she did not ask too much. Perhaps it was one of those things that everyone kept saying she was too young to understand.

    Lin Lihua sighed in relief when the little girl hooked her hand with hers and agreed to be led into the car.

    "Little Jia, we will go and pick Katy and Ruoxi from their school, alright?"

    "Okay." She nodded then remained silent. During the entire drive, she looked at Lin Lihua quizzically.

    Lin Lihua parked the car and took her in her arms after getting out of the car. "Baby, is something the matter?"

    Little Jia smiled shyly and shook her head.

    Lin Lihua found her comical. Such a young child knew how to hide things as well? "Come on, are you hiding things from aunty?"

    "The little girl played with her hair while looking down, her long lashes and pursed lips making her face look so adorable that Lin Lihua had the urge to pinch and kiss her fair little face. "Aunty when... when will I be able to go to the same school as Sis Katy and Sis Ruoxi?"

    Ever since learning that they were her legal cousins, Little Jia had started calling Katy and Ruoxi '' elder cousin or sister.''

    Lin Lihua pinched her small cheeks that were red from shyness. "Aren''t you completing kindergarten? When the new school year starts, it will be time for you to go to a primary school. When that time comes, you can ask your parents to enroll you into Katy''s and Ruoxi''s school. You can all come here and since we all live in Southside, you girls can come to school together."

    "Yes aunty." Little Jia smiled and placed a kiss on Lin Lihua''s cheek. She was happy! Katy, Tangtang and Ruoxi were all going to the same school. If only Shen Yue could go along, she would have all the friends she liked in the same school. She wouldn''t have to miss them after leaving kindergarten.

    ....

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    ...

    This was the scene the girls witnessed when they arrived at the spot Lin Lihua was. Lin Lihua had not seen them arrive yet since she was facing the opposite direction. Little Jia saw them from above Lin Lihua''s shoulder.

    Ruoxi gave Little Jia a questioning look, as though wondering why on earth she was kissing her mother.

    Little Jia felt shivers from the glare and really wanted to laugh. Are you jealous that your mother is holding me? But she is my aunty as well and I have the right to hug her.

    Besides, I''m still only a little girl and you are three years older than me. Aren''t you being childish?

    The little girl pursed her lips and kissed Lin Lihua on the cheek. "Little Jia loves aunty the most."

    She then placed her cheek close to Lin Lihua''s lips, offering it for a kiss.

    Lin Lihua chuckled. "Baby, you are too cute. Aunty loves you too."

    Ruoxi saw that Little Jia was deliberately trying to make her feel more jealous and almost exploded. What was wrong with her? Weren''t they friends?

    Lin Lihua finally saw them and put Little Jia down. "You girls are here. How was school?"

    The girls were in the same class because Katy had started school earlier than Ruoxi did.

    "Mom, we may need your help with our homework. We have to bake a cake." Ruoxi explained as she hugged Lin Lihua quickly before Little Jia could have a chance.

    Lin Lihua peered at Katy. She was still keeping her distance but it was not as bad as it used to be. Right now, she did not look uncomfortable in Lin Lihua''s presence. She was only not willing to speak to her.

    "I will help you both with your homework."

    Little Jia found another opportunity to tease Ruoxi. "But aunty, my math homework is really difficult and I can''t do it on my own. Mommy and daddy are very busy. What should I do? Boohoo."

    Ruoxi was irked. This little girl just wanted to be close to her mother. "Why don''t you call Tangtang or Katy to help you? In fact, I''m willing to help too. Kindergarten math is not that hard." As long as you keep your hands off my mom.

 Chapter 505 - Three grandchildren sticking onto him

    Little Jia burst into laughter. Ruoxi was too cute.

    Ruoxi looked at her seriously. What was so funny?

    "Aunty, my homework isn''t that hard. If I can''t do it on my own, I will ask daddy or Uncle Shaoting to help me."

    Ruoxi once again looked at her. Was this little girl trying to make her jealous?

    ___

    Speaking of Lu Shaoting, he was currently the happiest man alive.

    In the seventh month of Su Ling''s pregnancy, it couldn''t be any more obvious that she was expecting twins. They would kick so hard sometimes that the big bellied Su Ling would think they were fighting.

    Their happiness was beyond description. They were going to hold their wedding soon after their children were born.

    They had already started making preparations.

    Lately, Lu Shaoting spent little time at work. He would carry most of his work home and spend most of his time with his Su Ling.

    While Su Ling had been dismissed from her office temporarily. Her assistant would drop by and give her documents. She would hold meetings online and if there was anything else that needed her attention, her assistant would give her a call.

    Once in a while, she would go to the old Lu residence and have a chat with her future father-in-law.

    Their life was quite peaceful. The old man was the happiest.

    Not only was his eldest son expecting another child, his second son was expecting twins. Soon, he would have many grandchildren sticking onto him and calling him grandpa. Could he be any happier?

    Lu Aotian had not mentioned a word of Wan Jia''s current condition to him and Lu Shaoting. He did not want his father and little brother to worry too much.

    ...

    Wan Jia was calm for the next days. Nothing seemed to be wrong. The baby had in fact calmed down and there was no longer any need to rush her into induced labor.

    However, that was only the calm before the storm. On the fourth day, the baby was in stress.

    The doctor did not want to alarm Wan Jia so he acted calm and called Lu Aotian aside.

    "President Lu, it doesn''t look good. If this continues, the baby might hurt the mother. The downside is that by hurting its mother, we cannot tell for sure that it will survive. Both of them might end up hurt or even worse." The doctor sweat as he explained to Lu Aotian.

    Lu Aotian felt a shiver down his spine. "Tell me. What must be done?"

    He could swear that his mind had stopped functioning for a while. His eyes were wide with a kind of fear that had never been seen on him before.

    "The only solution is to induce labor and let the baby be born prematurely. It is not too early so you have nothing to worry about. There are still chances that it will be completely fine."

    Lu Aotian knew that doctors would try to make it sound less serious than it really was so he wouldn''t worry too much. Those chances of being completely fine seemed to be lower than usual in this case.

    If it was so simple, he wouldn''t have that expression.

    However, he knew that it was the only way to ensure that no harm came to Wan Jia.

    Lu Aotian laughed coldly at his imagination. As a father, had he become so heartless towards his own child that he was willing to sacrifice its health to ensure his wife''s safety?

    But did he have a choice? The vice versa would make him a heartless husband. Neither of the choices was absolutely wrong or right.

    This was the most difficult choice Lu Aotian had ever had to make. No, this was not a choice. It was a gamble.

    "My wife... will she agree to this?" He mumbled audibly.

    The doctor felt helpless. If it was up to him, Mrs. Lu would deliver normally. Lu Aotian loved his wife and unborn child very much. However, he had no power to decide such a matter.

    "If you explain the matter to Mrs. Lu, she will definitely say yes."

    ___

    "No!"

    As he expected, Wan Jia did not agree to it.

    "I don''t want to. What if my baby develops complications?"

    Lu Aotian held her shoulders. "Honey, it will be fine. If not, you might get hurt."

    Wan Jia pushed his hands off her. "Then so be it Lu Aotian. I will not allow my baby to be born with any complication. I will wait for the right time."

    Lu Aotian helplessly looked at her. "But no one said that he will definitely have complications. My love, you are only scaring yourself by speculating things."

    "How am I speculating things?

    Years ago, I was told the same thing; everything will be alright. But what happened to my baby? Was she alright in the end?"

    Lu Aotian had no way to refute her reasoning. While they thought that Little Jia would be fine, her immunity was low. She contracted such a scary illness in the end.

    "It is you, Lu Aotian, who is speculating things. Do you believe the doctors simply because they said so? Who will take the blame if something goes wrong?

    She grabbed his hand with teary eyes. "Aotian, why don''t we just be cautious? Two months is not a long time. We can make it."

    "Wanwan..."

    "I know. You are worried about me the most. But you are worried about our baby as well, right? Please... please let''s wait for two months, okay? Just two more months."

    Lu Aotian sighed. How did she manage to say that two months was a short amount of time?

    "Wanwan no. We cannot wait any longer. The longer we drag it, the more dangerous it is."

    ....

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 Chapter 506 - Did she enjoy making herself suffer?

    Wan Jia looked up at him, two trails of tears rolling from her eyes. Soon, her face flooded with tears.

    He tore his gaze from her sharply. If he continued looking at her, he might insanely decide to do as she said. However, this was no laughing matter. She could die from it. Couldn''t she just understand?

    It was just unfortunate that he couldn''t possibly force her. If he did, it would only make matters worse. How could he bear to do it?

    He could only explain the consequences of what she was doing and wait for her to change her mind.

    However, he should have known that the woman he was waiting for was determined to not bear the baby prematurely.

    That evening, her forehead was full of sweat. She gritted her teeth once in a while, as though enduring something. It made his heart twist in pain.

    Did she really think she could endure like this for two months?

    Even if she thought she could, he couldn''t! She was his weakness. How could he endure watching her suffer?

    Lu Aotian stood up left the hospital room for the first time since the day broke. He rarely left her side. He would keep watch over her and send his assistant if he needed anything done. Lin Lihua and Xia Rou would bring over food.

    Soon, he returned with Lin Lihua.

    Wan Jia forced a smile. "Sis, you''re here. You didn''t bring Little Jia?"

    Lin Lihua was almost on the verge of tears when she heard her weak voice. It was as though she had no more life left in her. Did her little sister enjoy making herself suffer?

    "Mom, can you have a word with your youngest daughter? I''m scared that if I glance at her one more time, I will have the urge to beat her up and send the baby flying out."

    Wan Jia looked over. Her mother was here too?

    Xia Rou walked in slowly, scared she would see her daughter in pain.

    Wan Jia saw the worry in her eyes. Actually, all these people had the same expression. They were worried about her.

    Under her gaze, Lin Lihua placed the dishes she had brought on the table. "I''ll go back now. I''m going to take care of my daughters."

    Before anyone could say anything, she left the room. She would rather not be part of this.

    "Lu Aotian, can I have a word with Little Wan alone?" Xia Rou said, glancing at her stubborn daughter.

    "Go ahead. I''ll walk sister-in-law out."

    ...

    "What on earth are you doing?" Her tone was rather reprimanding.

    "Mom you..."

    "What mom? I never thought that my daughter would be so selfish. By refusing to accept logic, do you know who is the most hurt? It''s be people who love you."

    "Mom stop. I..."

    "We care about you very much. Do you think we would want you to do something that would hurt you and your child? Will I want my grandchild to be in danger? Would Lu Aotian want his child to be in danger?

    You trust your husband, don''t you? Why not this time? Do you think what you are doing is better, dragging the days and suffering that much just so you can prove yourself right? How old are you?

    You... I don''t know what to do with you." She did not give Wan Jia a chance to speak before leaving.

    Lu Aotian saw her angry expression and raised an eyebrow. Had Wan Jia said something mean to her?

    He rushed into the hospital room. As though it was none of his business, he opened the dishes that Lin Lihua had brought and began feeding her soup.

    "Aotian, I''ll do it." She said when she was done eating.

    Lu Aotian was not sure what Xia Rou had said to convince her, but he was happy. He made arrangements immediately.

    Since it had come to this, he informed the family that Wan Jia would be going into labor prematurely.

    ....

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    ___

    "What''s taking so long? Are they done yet?" Lu Aotian was beside himself with anxiety.

    "Calm down. They only started a minute ago." Lu Tongyan glared at his son. What kind of worry was this?

    Lu Aotian ''calmed down'' for a few seconds before standing again and pacing about the hospital hallway. "It''s been two minutes already."

    Lin Lihua slapped her forehead. Did someone steal his brain last night? Can I just slap him?

    "Doctor Qiao, why aren''t they done yet?" He rushed to the only doctor available when everyone else ignored him.

    "Can you not speak to me? Thank you! You are destroying the respectful image I have of you."

    ___

    Lu Aotian finally calmed down after a while. Of course, it was only as calm as ''calm'' could be in such a situation. He had stopped pacing and blabbering and sat his butt on the bench at the side.

    After waiting for a long time, a small nurse finally came out with an adorable smile on her face. There was a sparkle in her eyes as she walked towards them. "Are you Wan Jia''s family?"

    Lu Aotian: "Yes! How''s my family?"

    Lu Tongyan, Lu Shaoting, Lin Lihua, Xia Rou and Doctor Qiao stood up too. "Please tell us the news."

    "Congratulations, it''s a little princess."

    "Thank goodness! Is my sister alright?" Lin Lihua asked the nurse, though she was tightly hugging Xia Rou.

    "You can go to see them. However, she is very tired. Don''t disturb her too much."

    Lu Aotian didn''t hear the last part because he was already in the hospital room.

    Wan Jia lay on the bed, her face pale from tiredness. Beside her was a little bundle.

    Lu Aotian slowed down and gently held her hand. "You should rest."

    He looked at the tiny thing beside her. Her eyes were tightly closed.

    A little princess...

 Chapter 507 - Lu Xian Li

    Lu Aotian coaxed Wan Jia to sleep. Then with a light giggle, he touched the face of the small girl beside his wife. That was his daughter.

    How tiny. She looked fragile like a porcelain doll. He was even scared that if he was not careful enough, he would hurt her.

    She was so calm and moved very little. If he didn''t see her tiny chest move from her breathing, he would have thought that she was unconcious.

    Because of the sound proof door, he had not heard her cry. It was almost as though he was looking at a doll.

    Gently, he took up the extremely tiny sleeping beauty into his arms.

    She was so light that it was almost strange how Wan Jia had managed to be tired out from her weight. She had fallen asleep after seeing her husband.

    "How are they?" The rest of the family members came in. They had been waiting for Lu Aotian to leave the hospital room but soon realized how silly they were. His wife had just had a baby. Could he leave her for even a second?

    They rushed to check on the tiny girl in his arms.

    "She can actually breath? I thought she would need to stay in the incubator for a while." Lin Lihua asked with her eyebrows raised. How brilliant!

    "This is Lu Aotian''s daughter you are talking about. Watch your words." Lu Aotian glared at her coldly.

    Lin Lihua chuckled. Did she say anything wrong? The baby was a premie. What was wrong with what she had said?

    Lu Aotian signalled for them to keep their voices down. Wan Jia had just fallen asleep.

    "Aotian."

    Lu Aotian looked at her. He glared at Lin Lihua who had been too loud then rested his gaze on her. "Honey, how are you feeling?"

    Wan Jia smiled sweetly. "Can I hold her?"

    Lin Lihua helped her to sit up. Lu Aotian gently placed the little bundle into her arms.

    Wan Jia had affection filled in her eyes as she lowered her head to kiss that tiny face.

    "She''s so cute." Her voice was still trembling slightly.

    Lu Aotian held her shoulders. "She is Lu Aotian''s and Wan Jia''s baby. It would be surprising if she wasn''t cute."

    The ignored Lin Lihua, Xia Rou, Lu Tongyan, Lu Shaoting and Doctor Qiao were speechless.

    "Have you thought of a name yet?" Lu Tongyan was too excited to keep his mouth shut.

    Wan Jia finally noticed their presence and said hello.

    Lu Aotian was silent, letting her suggest a name first.

    "We will name her Lu Xianli." She finally said after thinking for a while. She wanted her son to be called Lu Xianyu. Since it was a girl instead, it should be Lu Xianli.

    "What a beautiful pair of names. "Lu Meili and Lu Xianli."

    Xia Rou reached to hold her fourth granddaughter. This day had finally come. The baby did not seem to tell the difference between the people who held her. She was still a newborn so she must have thought that they were all Wan Jia.

    When she didn''t hear her mother''s voice for a while, she stirred and cried. Wan Jia was fast and took her from Doctor Qiao''s arms and coaxed her. "Don''t cry, mommy is right here."

    Something crossed Wan Jia''s mind and she held onto Lu Aotian''s arm with her other hand. "We should arrange for Little Jia''s surgery soon. Aunty Qiao, could we trouble you to help us make arrangements?"

    "Anything for you my dear. If possible, the surgery will be done within five days."

    "Thank you Aunty Qiao."

    Doctor Qiao waved her hands. "Don''t mention it. Xia and I are best friends. You, Little Wan, and your sister are just like daughters to me."

    ...

    Later, the doctors ran tests on Lu Xianli. When they were certain that the tiny girl was alright, they ran full body tests on Wan Jia as well.

    They discharged both of them later in the day.

    The Lu and Lin families were all happy that after worrying for so long, both Wan Jia and Lu Xianli turned out to be fine in the end. It was a relief.

    Little Jia had already arrived from school.

    "Mommy?" She was surprised that her mother no longer had a stomach "already as big as a basketball". Instead, there was a small bundle in Lu Aotian''s arms.

    Her eyes widened in pleasant surprise and she ran over excitedly when she understood what this meant. "A little brother?"

    Wan Jia rubbed her head. "Not a brother. Congratulations, our Little Jia finally has a little sister."

    Little Jia was slightly disappointed. Her eyes drooped and her voice broke slightly. "But I wanted a brother."

    Wan Jia and Lu Aotian exchanged an awkward look.

    "Princess, behave yourself. Not everyone is able to have a sister. Daddy here, for example, never had one no matter how much I hoped for one. You should be thankful that you managed to have a sister."

    Little Jia hugged his leg. "But you have Uncle Shaoting. A brother is good too."

    She realized what her father was trying to explain and scratched her head. "Alright. A sister is good too. All that matters is how much we love each other. Daddy, I will love my little sister and dote on her like a good elder sister."

    Wan Jia smiled. Actually, Little Jia was just being honest about what she really wanted. No one could blame her.

    ...

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    ...

    Little Jia was so happy about being an elder sister that, just like her parents, she spent all her free time in the nursery watching her little sister.

    "Mommy, can I hold her?"

    Wan Jia had just finished feeding her. "Sure. But you have to be careful."

    "Okay mommy. I will not let little sister fall and get hurt." She was very excited.

 Chapter 508 - Can you give it up?

    Wan Jia made Little Jia sit and passed the small bundle into her arms, supporting her a little so she wouldn''t be too heavy.

    Little Jia was so happy that she just couldn''t stop laughing. Her sister was so cute and smelt so nice. She was prettier than her prettiest doll.

    She held the little baby against her lap and stuck out her finger to poke her. How soft.

    Happily, she started singing to her some of the songs her mother would sing to her to make her happy.

    The little thing blinked.

    Wan Jia''s heart filled with warmth. What a cute pair of sisters.

    But... she looked at Lu Xian Li''s face and observed it carefully.

    "Wait, what..." Wan Jia took back the tiny Lu Xianli worriedly. "What''s this red spot?"

    Wan Jia put her into the girlishly decorated cradle carefully and checked the spot she had seen on the chin.

    Checking carefully, there was one more on her neck. It looked familiar...

    "Erm... Little Jia, did you play with your cat today? These look just like what would appear on your dad''s skin when he came into contact with your cat, before he was prescribed the cream to prevent allergic reactions."

    Little Jia looked at her hands conciously. She had. Right after coming home from school, the first thing she ever did was check on her cat and play with it. Since Lu Aotian never had any allergic reaction, she had forgotten all about caution. She didn''t know that it would one day harm her younger sister.

    "I''ll call the nurse over. Stay away from Xianli for now, okay?"

    "Yes mommy," She looked in the direction of the cradle.  "Sorry Xianli." She walked away sadly. Just the first day and she had already hurt her little sister?

    "Don''t be sad baby, it''s not your fault." Wan Jia noticed the sadness in her daughter''s voice and coaxed her before rushing out.

    By the time the nurse arrived, the rashes had become painful, making Lu Xian Li cry from the pain.

    Lu Aotian was holding her and trying to coax her.

    "Mister Lu, you know that little babies cannot be exposed to much medicine, right?"

    "Yes, just treat her. I''ll handle the rest."

    "Okay."

    Lu Aotian left the baby in Wan Jia''s and the nurse''s care and called Little Jia aside.

    "Princess, you heard what the nurse said, right?"

    "Uh huh."

    "I''m an adult, so I can take medicine and use cream to prevent and treat allergic reactions. But Xianli is just a baby. She cannot do either of that."

    Little Jia took a lock of her hair between her fingers. She was fighing the moisture building up in her eyes. "Daddy, what are you saying?"

    Lu Aotian''s heart ached. He had no choice either. "I know you love your little Brownie very much. However, as long as it stays around, the fur will get to your sister in one way or another."

    He crouched and hugged her. "Princess, can you give it up for adoption?"

    Little Jia''s tears finally fell. That was the first pet she had ever had, as well as the gift she loved the most. Her aunty Lihua had given it to her and she had taken good care of it. She loved it very much. She really had to?

    She hugged her father''s neck, hoping he would change his mind.

    When he didn''t, she finally gave up. "Then can I give it to Sis Ruoxi? She likes it very much and will take care of it. Once in a while I''ll go over to Uncle Henry''s house and play with it. Is that... is that alright?"

    Lu Aotian patted her small back. That would only be slightly easier to deal with, but it was better. "Alright princess."

    ___

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    ___

    The next morning, another woman in another part of the capital took care of her sick child.

    Yun Feng had caught the flu.

    Yun Xuan tried to feed him the medicine using a spoon. However, he would spit it out each time.

    Yun Xuan sighed. "Baby, can you be a little obedient? If you don''t drink your medicine, you will not get well."

    She reached to wipe the drop of medicine from the corner of his small mouth.

    "Ouch! What was that about?"

    The boy only had four teeth in his mouth, but he had used them to bite her finger. He had not used much force since he was just a baby but his teeth were rather sharp.

    Yun Xuan pulled her finger out of his mouth. "You little devil."

    The little devil didn''t seem to hear what she had jcalled him and continued making attempts to leave her embrace. Why was she trying to make him drink that... whatever that was? He didn''t want to!

    "Yun Feng!"

    The little boy stopped struggling and looked at her, his eyes moist. He looked so pitiful that he was nothing like the little devil throwing a tantrum just now.

    Yun Xuan took the chance to put a spoonful of medicine into his mouth. However, he still spat it out.

    Yun Xuan slapped her forehead. She really wanted to detonate. How could a one-year-old boy make things so difficult for her?

    Her phone vibrated with an incoming call.

    "You better behave yourself." She said to the boy before picking the call. "Lin Ye?"

    ...

    On the other side, Lin Ye''s heart skipped a beat. What did she just call him?

    For all these years that he had known her, they had not spoken to each other that much. Each one of those few times, she would officially call him "Designer Lin".

    This was the first time in his life that she had called him by name.

    Lin Ye...

    Those two words had never sounded so sweet before.

 Chapter 509 - Was this a joke?

    He gathered his courage from his whole life and said something quite daring. "Yun Xuan."

    He closed his eyes.

    It might be just two normal words with no particular significance in the eyes of other people but to him, it was quite important.

    He had said that name in his dreams for hundreds of nights. No, to be exact, he had said it in his dreams for a few thousand times. For the first time ever, he had said it aloud.

    "Lin Ye? Do you need me for something?"

    Lin Ye jolted from the voice. Right. Why did he call her? He had just missed her too much and thoughtlessly dialled her contact number.

    He racked his brain before finding an excuse. "My boss left me in charge of MAX temporarily. There are some things that are too difficult for me to handle and I don''t want to trouble her at such a time. Could you help me?" Realizing that it sounded too strange for a businessman of his sort to be unable to lead a company, he coughed. "Well, I don''t know much about fashion design."

    He realized that this excuse sounded fake too and scratched his head. "Well, at least not as much as you and my boss do. Can you help me out?"

    Yun Xuan couldn''t resist laughing. This was a joke, right? If not, it was impossible for Lin Ye to need her help over something like that.

    "Okay. I will help you. But I need help with something in return." She said, resting her gaze on her son. That little devil.

    "Deal." He agreed without asking what kind of help she needed. It made no difference. He would do anything for her.

    "Then can you come right now? What I need help with is kind of urgent."

    "Sure."

    He took his car keys as soon as he said so.

    ...

    It was already afternoon. Yun Xuan had waited for hours. Lin Ye was nowhere to be seen. His phone wasn''t being answered either.

    She continued waiting and didn''t want to think too much into it.

    However, at 5pm, Lin Ye had neither arrived not given her a call. All her messages went unanswered.

    She dialled it again. If he didn''t answer this time, she would find a way to contact the people close to him.

    The call was recieved after a few rings this time.

    "Lin Ye, I was so worried. Where are you?"

    "Hello, are you related to Mr. Lin Ye? Could you please come to the hospital; Mr. Lin Ye was involved in an accident." A female voice spoke.

    Yun Xuan stood up in shock. "What? What happened?"

    "Please come to  Hai Yuan Hospital as soon as possible."

    The lady hung up after saying this.

    Yun Xuan took her purse. "Please take care of little Feng. I have to rush somewhere urgently." She said to the nanny and rushed out.

    ...

    "Please tell me Lin Ye''s room."

    "1208."

    "Thank you." She said and literally charged into the elevator.

    "Lin Ye, what happened?" She asked the doctor who was just leaving 1208.

    "I''m sorry ma''am, you cannot go in right now."

    "But why? Why then was I called here?"

    "I am the one who answered the call. Someone had to know his whereabouts. We were unable to unlock his phone, so we could only wait for someone to try and contact him. You are the first one who did. Ma''am, let''s talk in my office, okay?"

    Yun Xuan thoughtlessly followed her. It was all her fault. She was the one who had called him and even said that it was urgent. He was not even related to her and was not obliged to do anything for her. Why did she rush him? Why did she involve him in matters unrelated to him?

    "We were able to rescue Mr. Lin  Ye before the worst happened. However, he fell into coma."

    "What? When will he wake up?"

    "His condition is unpredictable for now.  I suggest that the people closest to him stay by his side. It might make him recover faster."

    Yun Xuan nodded with guilt. "I will contact his family right away."

    The doctor looked confused. "Actually I think you are the closest family there is. You could even be closer to him than his mother is. You should be the one to take care of him the most."

    Yun Xuan blinked her eyes. "I do not understand. I''m not his family. I cannot be close to him, much less closer than his mother. Why would you think so?"

    "You''re not? But he..." Her contact number on his phone was saved as "Lovely wife". While being resuscicated, only one word left his lips. "Xuanxuan." When she saw Yun Xuan, she had assumed that this was the Xuanxuan he was calling because, the wallpaper of Lin Ye''s phone was a picture of a woman who she had guessed was her. Besides, she had said at the reception just a moment ago that her name was Yun Xuan.

    However, seeing that the lady who was most likely Lin Ye''s Xuanxuan did not seem to be aware of this, she thought that it must be the patient''s secret one-sided love. She did not wish to meddle herself in other people''s affairs so she let it be.

    "He what?" Yun Xuan was curious.

    "It''s nothing. Please help us contact his family. Also miss, could you settle his hospital bill? I''m afraid we cannot continue treating the patient otherwise."

    Yun Xuan found it strange that the doctor had changed from calling her ma''am to miss but simply nodded. "Alright doctor."

    ...

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    ...

    Yun Xuan checked the balance in her bank account.

    She did not have much money left. It was just coincidentally the amount needed for Lin Ye''s hospital fees.

 Chapter 510 - Dont blame anyone

    She sat on a bench and thought hard about it. She was not very rich. Although she was working in HL Entertainment, this was the only money she had at the moment. She wouldn''t have any left for herself if she used it to pay his hospital fees.

    However, he had been hurt on his way to see her and if it was not settled in time, he would not be treated. Because she could be considered responsible for this accident, It was the least she could do for him. She did not have any urgent need for money at the moment. She could always wait for her payday.

    Just like that, she went and paid his hospital fees before going to look for his family''s contacts.

    This was the hard part. The only people she knew among his friends were from the Lin family.

    Any one of them would know his family members. But who should she contact, Xia Rou?

    Probably not. They were not that close and it was not even sure that she would know much about Lin Ye.

    Lin Lihua?

    She sighed. She had bothered Lin Lihua a lot lately. Although the latter was friendly to her, she had called her quite a few times and every time she did, it was about something that needed her help.

    However, this time it was really urgent. She had no choice. She crossed her fingers and dialled Lin Lihua''s cell phone number.

    Unfortunately, it did not go through.

    She only had one option left. To call Wan Jia.

    She really didn''t want it to get to this but as fate would have it, she was hanging on her last straw.

    Don''t get her wrong. It was not for any particular reason that she was doing this; she could have done it for anyone else.

    ...

    Wan Jia was nursing her baby when Yun Xuan called her, so she didn''t answer it. She only called back a few minutes later. "Did you need something?"

    Her voice was broken from tiredness. "Yes. Erm... are you able to contact anyone from Lin Ye''s family? He is admitted at the hospital and I can''t get through to Lin Lihua." She gritted her teeth and went straight to the point.

    Wan Jia felt a wave of worry rush to her heart. "Actually, his family is quite complicated... anyway, I will try to contact them."

    "Alright. Thank you."

    Silence followed. Both women seemed unable to continue the conversation. Wan Jia was the first to speak just when Yun Xuan was about to hang up. "How is he? I cannot move around too much at the moment and might be unable to pay him a visit."

    Yun Xuan felt her eyes well up inexplicably. "He..." she was about to say that Lin Ye was in coma and it was not sure when he will wake up, but she remembred in time that Wan Jia had just had a baby. Her emotions should be kept in check. She breathed in deeply to prevent her voice from chocking. "He will recover with time."

    "Send me the adress. I will try to contact his family."

    Yun Xuan sent it right after the call. She would leave right after his family arrived. She still a little boy to take care of. The nanny and nurse would not manage to handle such a troublesome boy on their own.

    ...

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    ...

    Wan Jia stared at the new message on her phone and scratched her head.

    She had a way to contact Lin Ye''s parents because he had filled in his family details in his contract when he was employed at MAX brand.

    But while chatting casually, he had mentioned to her that he had a huge fall out with his family. He had not said what it was about.

    She only hoped that they would not ignore him in such a state. No family would, right?

    "What are you so distressed about?" Lu Aotian had walked in and spoken to her bit she had heard nothing of it. She was lost in her own thought dispite his attempts to tap her out of it.

    She hugged his waist and put her head on his chect. "Lin Ye has been admitted to hospital. Although Yun Xuan didn''t say anything revealing, I think it''s quite serious. If not she wouldn''t be so desperate to contact his family. The biggest problem is that I''m not certain that they will care about him."

    Lu Aotian really didn''t want his wife to worry about anything. But this was her employee so she would definitely worry. "Which hospital?"

    "Hai Yuan hospital."

    "Do you have his family''s contact numbers?"

    "I have his father''s. I''ll get it." Luckily, she had copies of her employees contracts in the study in case she ever needed them. She led Lu Aotian to the study and found Lin Ye''s.

    Lu Aotian took it and found his father''s contact. "I''m calling from Hai Yuan hospital. Your son has been involved in an accident and the condition is is rather worrying. If you do not arrive soon, don''t blame anyone for what happens." He hung up right after saying this.

    Wan Jia belatedly grabbed his phone. "Aotian, what are you doing? You will shock them to death!"

    "Didn''t you say they will not go? The only way to make sure they go is make them absolutely worried."

    Wan Jia could not debate against his logic. It was silly, but true anyway.

    She hugged him, hoping they would take good care of him.

    ...

    When Wan Jia called her back and told her that Lin Ye''s family were probably on their way, Yun Xuan sighed in relief.

    She wanted to rush home to her baby and be back later to check that they actually came. Or else, she would have two patients to take care of instead of one.

 Chapter 511 - Miss Cupid.

    She rushed back to her apartment and when she came back, she went to the attending doctor who she had spoken to before. "Did Mr. Lin Ye''s family come? I already spoke to them."

    The doctor seemed nervous. "They didn''t."

    "What?" But Wanwan called them. How could they not come?

    "To be exact, they did come. But..."

    "But what?"

    The doctor looked heartbroken as she said it. "His father and a man that I thought should be his brother came. However, he only scolded Mr. Lin as a fool and left. The brother didn''t spare him a glance."

    Yun Xuan frowned. Why would they do that? He was a member of their family. Wasn''t that too heartless of them? Did Lin Ye perhaps have a fall out with his family?

    Even if they had a fall out, he shouldn''t be abandoned at such a dire time, right?

    It was already night. Would she manage to speak to them? The doctor had said that the people close to him could make him recover earlier. No matter what, she had to convince them.

    Just as she left the hospital, Lin Lihua gave her a call.

    "I saw that you tried to contact me. My phone had unknowingly ran out of battery earlier."

    Yun Xuan looked like she had seen a new ray of hope. "Yes. Are you too busy right now? Can we talk in person?"

    Lin Lihua felt for some reason that it was urgent so she rushed to meet her at a coffee shop. "Xuanxuan, what happened?"

    Yun Xuan felt her eyes tear up. "It''s Lin Ye. I called you earlier because I couldn''t contact his family. However, I did but they simply scolded him and left. I don''t know what to do now."

    Lin Lihua held her shoulders. "Calm down, calm down... take a deep breath. Now tell me, what happened to Lin Ye?"

    Yun Xuan took a deep breath. "He had an accident. It was all my fault. I told him it was urgent and... he must have rushed over and oversped."

    Lin Lihua had an interesting expression. She was feeling guilty? She laughed in her heart. Don''t worry Little Ye, I know you love Xuanxuan. I will help you out. Unfortunately I have to take advantage of this situation.

    She looked troubled. "Xuanxuan, the Lin family has a huge fall out. I''m afraid I cannot tell you what exactly happened. However, if his father simply called him a fool and left, then he will not want anything to do with him. He might not feel troubled even if something actually happened to Lin Ye."

    Yun Xuan felt even more guilty. "It''s all my fault. What will I do now?"

    Lin Lihua patted her shoulder. "Since you feel so guilty about it, you should take care of him."

    "What? I should do what?" What did Lin Lihua just say?

    "If you don''t, he will be on his own. No one will be there for him. Xuanxuan, I would do it but... I''m a married woman. My husband wouldn''t like it if I took care of another man, much less one with whom I had an arranged marriage in the past."

    Yun Xuan put her cup of coffee on the table slowly. "You had an arranged marriage with Lin Ye? But you were single for years."

    "We did, but we didn''t have any feelings for each other so we mutually broke the engagement. You look so shocked. Lin Ye didn''t tell you?"

    She shook her head. "We have never been close enough to talk about such things. All I know is that while working at Y X, he was very devoted to his work and was not interested in any woman in or out of the company."

    Lin Lihua leaned on the backrest. That was because he had a woman in his heart all along and that woman was you.

    Her phone chimed with a new message and she knew exactly who the sender was without having to check.

    "I really have to go. My daugher must be feeling scared."

    Yun Xuan did not want to be left alone but she had to go home too. "Then, goodnight."

    Lin Lihua flashed a smile. "I will give you some days off work. After all, you have a patient that needs your attention. I will only contact you if there is something that needs your urgent help."

    ...

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    ...

    Lin Lihua secretly followed Yun Xuan and made sure she went home before she went to the hospital. In their conversation, Yun Xuan had told her the name of the hospital where Lin Ye was.

    The doctor allowed her to go to room 1208.

    When she saw the man wrapped up in so many bandages that his face could not be seen, she finally understood why Yun Xuan was so worried.

    "You idiot. What exactly happened to you? Why... why does it have to be this bad?"

    She walked ahead slowly and touched his bundled up hand. "Although your family probably doesn''t care, I found someone to take care of you.  I hope... I hope something good comes put of this predicament. I hope you grow closer to each other."

    She didn''t spend too much time in his room. After leaving some money to settle the bill later, she left the hospital building.

    "Miss Cupid Lihua." She heard a familiar voice as she left and turned in its direction.

    "Henry? What are you doing here?"

    Henry Blanc took of his jacket and put it on her shoulders. "Are you a little girl? You know that you should bundle yourself up when going anywhere in the cold night."

    "If I did, I wouldn''t have the opportunity to wear CEO Blanc''s jacket. Wait, why would you call me Miss Cupid?" She laughed.

    "Ruoxi said you were going to meet Miss Yun. I know it''s because you are trying to matchmake her with Lin Ye. Aren''t you acting as Cupid?"

 Chapter 512 - If you dont wake up, the guilt will kill me

    That night, Yun Xuan almost couldn''t sleep. Her little devil Yun Feng adamantly refused to drink his medicine yet again.

    She held him on his lap helplessly. "Baby, if you keep doing this, mommy will really die from all the struggle. Why do you have to be such a bad boy?"

    Miraculously, he drank it the next time she put it in his mouth, smirking his lips because he didn''t like it. She tickled his small legs. "That''s a good boy." Did he finally have enough fun from giving her a headache? He was such a naughty child. Truthfully, he would only get worse in future if she single handedly took care of him.

    He really needed a father. No matter what it was, such a child could only make things difficult for her because she a mother for the first time. If it was a man instead, she knew that he would be more obedient, or so she na?vely thought.

    The little boy tried to struggle out of her embrace. When she put him down, he grabbed a small toy car at the side, bumping his backside onto the carpet and ''driving'' the toycar in circles. He even made car engine sounds using his mouth, making Yun Xuan smile with pride. He was so clever.

    Naughty or not naughty, he was her son and she loved him regardless of anything.

    She scooped him off the floor when she saw him squeezing his blue eyes shut and rubbing them with his tiny fist. "It''s not time to play with your toys. You should sleep now."

    Because he was sleepy, he did not resist and lay his head on her shoulder, slowly falling into deep sleep.

    ___

    The next day, she didn''t have to go to work.

    After feeding her son, she went to the hospital to check on Lin Ye.

    "How is he today?" She asked the attending doctor.

    "It''s the same as it was yesterday." She said without looking up at her. Honestly, she was very scared about Lin Ye''s condition. This man had been badly injured. He was only able to survive because none of his vital organs had been too

    damaged. However, he had lost a lot of blood and his brain had sustained some injuries. He would probably remain in coma for some months.

    Nevertheless, nothing was predictable. Who was to say, perhaps he would wake up within just a day.

    Yun Xuan smiled and thanked her before going to his room. Her mood turned sombre as soon as she went in. The man on the bed looked so pitiable.

    He was already in this condition, but he had no one by his side. In a way, he was almost similar to her state when she left the country to move on on her own.

    No, that was wrong. He was much worse off.

    She had willingly left the country. Her mother still wanted her. She still had her son and besides, her brother had finally accepted her. However, he had no one. His father had scolded him while his brother had not spared him a glance. According to Lin Lihua, his mother had disowned him already. Why was his life so miserable?

    "Lin Ye, when will you wake up? If you don''t wake up soon, the guilt will kill me."

    She remained in the room for a while before she left. She still had to take care of her son. When she had made sure that the little devil had eaten his lunch, she checked through the photos of an artist from HL Entertainment.

    She was responsible for that artist''s style and by saying that the girl''s sense of style had improved since she took over, she was not tooting her own horn.

    She also checked through the brands that had released new clothes in the past one month. Even if she wouldn''t have to go to work for some time, she could still check for clothes online and recommend them to that artist. She did not want to let other people have to do her work.

    Although Lin Lihua was giving her time off, she had promised to still pay her salary as usual. She wouldn''t allow herself to be paid for work she had not done.

    When she had finished selecting the clothes that suited that artist the most, she placed orders in her name. HL Entertainment would naturally pay for them. She was only responsible for the selection.

    ___

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    ...

    Since Lin Ye was in hospital, Wan Jia wanted to go back to work.

    "Are you out of your mind? How can you talk about going to work at such a time?" Lu Aotian wanted to knock some sense into her head. Lu Xianli was just a few days old. Which went to say, it was not yet time for her to leave the house and walk around as she pleased. Did she even care about her own health?

    "But MAX is still a new brand. If no one manages it, it will be bankrupt before three months are over. There is no one capable enough to temporarily take care of it. Mum would, but there is a lot going on." She looked extremely troubled.

    He took her hand and placed it on his chest. "What about me?"

    "Huh? What about you?"

    "You don''t think I''m capable enough?"

    Wan Jia felt a flush creep onto her cheeks. How could anyone make Lu Aotian handle MAX''s matters? Wasn''t that equivalent to using a sledge hammer to squish an ant? "How... how''s that possible? You are the president of Lu Enterprises. A tiny subsidiary like MAX Brand doesn''t deserve your attention."

    "I''ve already given it my attention before. The only difference is that this time I will be substituting its CEO." And who said MAX was small? It was his wife''s hard work. In his eyes, it was more valuable than the whole of Lu Enterprises.

 Chapter 513 - What did he see?

    Just like that, Lu Aotian took over MAX Brand as the substitute CEO. Wan Jia only returned to her office a month later and held a conference meeting.

    All her employees were all smiles. That was not strange since she had been away for months. But what was the meaning of their touched expressions? They looked like they were on the verge of tears! Some of them even looked like they were going to break into dance and throw a party.

    "CEO Wan, we are happy to have you back." A small female employee was unable to control her joy and broke into tears.

    "Hey, don''t cry." Wan Jia didn''t like seeing people cry, especially not this adorable department manager that she liked very much for being hardworking.

    All the others joined the adorable manager. "Yes, yes. CEO, please don''t leave us again."

    "CEO Wan, wuuu. I''m so happy that I''m going to faint."

    Wan Jia was about to take off from all this weirdness. "What''s going on with all of you? Why are you acting so strange?"

    Everyone: "Nothing!"

    It would be normal if one person said it, but saying it in unison while shaking their heads vigorously only increased her suspicion. She thought of a possibility and giggled with a hand over her mouth. "Was Lu Aotian too strict with you?"

    When she mentioned that name, all their faces went pale with fright, proving her right. Lookikg at them closely, they also had dark circles around their dull eyes. One would think they were auditioning for the role of halloween ghosts.

    She looked aside and secretly laughed. No wonder there were so many achievements in her brand lately. She would only hear about them from Lu Aotian and her assistant, but she had not gone to the company before so she didn''t know what actually happened behind those numerous achievements.

    Now that she thought about it, for the past two months, they must have worked at least twice as hard they usually did. Perhaps they had been working overtime at least thrice every week. Did Lu Aotian think they were robots?

    Knowing him well enough, he had done this to them to punish them for making her worry about them. But, did he have to be so terrifying? They were not Thirty and Seventeen, okay? It was surprising that no one had given up and decided to leave the company. Were they so scared of him that they did not dare to do as they pleased?

    Little did she know, when Lu Aotian was around, they wouldn''t dare breath, much less tell him that they were being overworked and needed to rest. In fact, the CEO''s office had turned into hell for them. Unfortunately, he had clearly stated that no one should contact Wan Jia about anything regarding the company. They had no choice...

    They could only grit their teeth and brave it, feeling extremely wronged.

    It made them wonder just how Wan Jia was able to live as his wife. Was she under torture?

    But then again, she was his pampered wife that he loved very much. Everyone knew this. As for them, they could only hope that she returned soon.

    Now that she was here, they hoped they wouldn''t have to see Lu Aotian again.

    "Let''s talk about important matters first. When this is done, your monthly bonuses will be increased."

    "Thank you CEO Wan."

    "CEO Wan is the best."

    ...

    There was nothing to settle in real sense. Lu Aotian had managed everything cleanly and would tell her everything important. All she did in this meeting was recieve the current progress and talk about the plan for the next month.

    When she was done, she spared some time in the afternoon to visit Lin Ye in hospital. He was her employee and therefore her responsibility. It was unfortunate that he had to remain in coma for so long.

    ...

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    ...

    "Ten! Ready or not, I''m coming!"

    "Oh no, I haven''t found a good hiding spot yet." Little Jia muttered to herself.

    She looked around and couldn''t find any suitable spot. She had unintentionally seen Tangtang heading east.

    Decisevely, she followed him. He was the one who would always find the best hiding places. No one ever won against him in their games of hide-and-seek. This time, they were playing some distance away from home. It was even more obvious that no one would find him.

    The boy was running towards a slope. If he hid properly behind that huge tree right before the slope, the girls would never guess it. They were probably too scared of such places to think that he would hide there.

    But in the next moment, he came to a sudden stop and slipped.

    "Tangtang!" Little Jia was already a few steps behind him. Her speed was remarkable.

    The boy stood up and wiped the grass off his shorts quickly. Before Little Jia got to him, he rushed to her instead. "Little Jia, hush."

    He took her hand and led her away, his expression terrified as though he had seen a ghost. "Let''s get out of here. Quick."

    "Wait. Tangtang, what happened?"

    The boy was very nervous. "I... s-aw..."

    Little Jia was scared off by his expression. "What did you see?"

    Tangtang glanced back at the cliff one last time, then he continued urging her. "I didn''t see anything. Hurry up. If we don''t hide soon, Katy will catch us."

    Little Jia stopped and looked back. What did he see?

    "Little Jia?"

    Little Jia tore her gaze away and ran to catch up with him.

    "You are so fast." Tangtang commented. He wouldn''t dare to race against her even though she was a girl and younger than him at that.

    "Haha, my daddy''s fast. I got it from him."

 Chapter 514 - That Xu bastard is a despicable jerk

    "Ah! Meili is here! Meili! Meili!"

    "Little Angel Li!"

    "Our Meili is so beautiful!"

    "Meili! It''s really our Meili!"

    "Little Meili, please look this way."

    "Meili, I love you!"

    "Meili, my heart beats for you!"

    The girl pulled back the stray hair from her face, revealing a sweet fair face. Those big bright eyes alone were enough to make hearts race. She possesed the sweetest smile ever, her red lips making one want to take a bite.

    Her red dress looked vibrant and a bit showy. However, she still managed to look like a cute little angel while wearing it.

    That was Lu Meili. She was the most famous actress in the nation. Her beauty was enough to steal millions of hearts. All the young men had fallen in love with her and women were not able to escape her charm either. Within just a few months as an actress, she had hundreds of thousands of fans more than Lin Lihua had when she was the nation''s goddess.

    They all fondly called her "the nation''s sweet beauty."

    Amid the wave of cheers, she tried to make her way.

    "Could my fans please calm down? I''m sorry but I really have to rush somewhere right now. I can only take a few photos with you. I will share them with you on my Weibo later. Thank you for being understanding."

    To say those few statements with a charming smile, she had used up a lot of effort.

    She was so tired from filming. As soon as she landed at the airport, her fans had sorrounded her. They had no idea how tired she was.

    Fortunately, they loved her so much that they didn''t want to make things difficult for their little beauty, so they let her off this once.

    "First miss, where do you want to go?" The chauffeur asked when Lu Meili entered the car.

    "HL Entertainment." She said in three words with her eyes closed.

    Her tone was so stern that the chauffeur was frightened. Was first miss in a bad mood? "But... first miss, madam said that you should go home first. Master wants to speak to you."

    Lu Meili kept her eyes closed as she massaged her temples lightly. "Then go home."

    ...

    Wan Jia was overjoyed when she saw the car enter the compound. She rushed out to recieve her daughter.

    "Look who''s here! Our little superstar is back."

    Lu Meili simply hugged her. "Hi mom. I''m so tired. Can I go to rest first? I want to go to HL Entertainment later."

    Wan Jia knew at one glance that her daughter was not just tired. There had to be something else. And she knew her daughter well enough to guess what it was about. "Honey, what''s happening?"

    Lu Meili couldn''t hold it anymore. "That Xu bastard is a despicable jerk! He... there''s news all over the entertainment industry about him and that little actress. How dare he do this? He''s so shameless. That''s what''s happening."

    Wan Jia gave her daughter a questioning look. How could Xu Tang be a jerk? And... did Lu Meili just scold someone? She had watched Xu Tang grow into a respectable young man. Besides, "If I remember correctly, there''s nothing going on between you and him. What right do you have to call him a jerk?"

    Lu Meili frowned. Just who was her child between her and Xu Tang? Why was she siding with him? Didn''t she know? "We grew up together and I love him."

    "So he said that he loved you too and wanted to be with you?"

    "No, but..."

    "Then he has the right to be with whoever he wants. He didn''t play with your feelings. You have no right to scold him and call him a jerk."

    Lu Meili had no retaliation. Her mother was right. Although she had loved him for years, he had never said anything misleading to her.

    It had always been her one-sided feelings.

    ...

    Xu Tang was her childhood friend. As innocent as childhood playmates could be, they spent most of their time together. They even went to the same schools.

    It was not sure when it happened but she had fallen in love with him.

    Perhaps it was because he had always protected her. Ever since she realized that she was in love with him, she would pay more attention to him.

    He had never got unnecessarily close to any other girl. Until he left the country to study overseas, it had always been just the two of them.

    However, had she been wrong about him all along? She had thought that he was just as deeply in love with her as she was with him.

    Had she thought too much all this while?

    Had he only seen her as a friend?

    "Meili, you cannot force love. If a man doesn''t love you, you should let go. Sticking onto him will only make you heartbroken. You are such a nice girl and will eventually find someone who loves you."  Wan Jia said.

    Lu Meili stopped playing with her bracelet, the one Xu Tang had gifted her when she was a teenager, and she had kept on her for years. "I understand, mom." She remembered what the chauffeur said about Lu Aotian wanting to speak to her. "Is daddy home yet?"

    "He''s in his study, waiting for you."

    ___

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    ...

    "Daddy, I''m back." Lu Meili said and knocked on the door to Lu Aotian''s study.

    "Come in."

    "Daddy, you don''t seem very happy to see me." She went and sat down opposite the serious man. "Why, did I do something wrong?"

    Lu Aotian retrieved some paper from the desk. "I have let you go ahead and explore your dream. But Lu Meili, when did I ever let you film nonsense?"

 Chapter 515 - Filming nonsense

    "Daddy, when did I film nonsense?" Lu Meili was shocked. All her movies were decent. None of them could be considered to be too X-rated, if that was what he meant.

    Lu Aotian placed the papers on the desk. He was even too embarassed to look at them. "What on earth is this? Planet''s sexiest backside? Really?"

    Lu Meili felt awkard. She had no idea this poll existed. "Daddy, I cannot control what my fans do and think."

    "But you can control the movies you star in, can''t you? Don''t you have a brain to know that your movies decide what everyone thinks of you? Do you find happiness in this?" The papers were sent flying towards her.

    Terrified, she bent down and picked them up one by one, looking through them.

    She finally found where the problem lay. This director was quite... well, this was so embarassing.

    Sometimes it did not matter who directed her movies. However, if the director''s background was this dirty, it was problematic. This man was known all over the industry for having rationships with all his lead actresses. If she filmed such a movie, her reputation might end up being tarnished.

    But... "Daddy, that''s not my director. My director''s surname is Qin. I would never be involved in a movie with such a bad reputation."

    She saw Lu Aotian''s stern gaze and looked through the papers again.

    Her eyes went wide in the next second. "This is... I didn''t sign this."

    "Then who signed it Lu Meili? Are you saying that someone forged your signature?"

    "I don''t know." Her chest moved up and down. So this was why her father had called her back so urgently. He thought she was going to star in this kind of movie? "Daddy, can you give me a few hours? I will investigate this matter."

    Lu Aotian remained silent, neither agreeing nor refusing. She left the study silently. She was going to investigate this matter and find out who was trying to frame her within two hours.

    One had to know, no one in the industry knew her background. They only knew that her surname was Lu, but they didn''t know which Lu family it was. She had done this because her beauty was already so outstanding that her acting skills were almost overlooked. If she added her shocking background to the mix, her acting skills would be completely overshadowed.

    Keeping this secret made it possible for someone to think that she had no impressive power behind her.

    "Ouch!, watch it young lad. You stepped on my foot."

    "Sorry first sis."  The teenager rushed past her. He had something to show his father right away.

    That was right. Lu Meili had a younger brother. He was only fourteen years old.

    Although Lu Aotian and Wan Jia had decided to not have any other child and were strict on contraception, she had accidentally got pregnant when Lu Meili was ten.

    Afraid that what happened with Lu Meili and Lu Xianli would repeat itself, Lu Aotian had wanted to terminate it. However, Wan Jia would never hurt her child even if that child''s existence was a threat to her health.

    She had insisted on keeping it and luckily, their son had arrived peacefully.

    The young lad, Lu Xian Yu, was exactly what you would call the younger version of Lu Aotian. Although he didn''t bear a hundred percent of resemblance to Lu Aotian, everything else about them was identical as though they were clones created from the same system. He was also a young genius and just like everyone else in his family, he possessed terrifying martial arts skills.

    The only difference was that unlike Lu Aotian and everyone else, there was no ounce of warmth from him. He was always wearing a poker face at his young age and rarely spoke to anyone. The only person he would spare two or three words was his eldest sister, Lu Meili.

    After all, she was the person who loved him the most in this world. She was fond of hugging and kissing his face every time she saw him; to express her love for the little brother she had hoped for for years. When he was younger, he would push her away in annoyance every time but when he learnt what it meant to have such a loving sister, he started reluctantly letting her hug him and, when he was in an extremely good mood, he would kiss her cheeks once in a while. During those few times, Lu Meili would be happier than a teenager in love.

    As for his interaction with everyone else, they could speak to him all day and only hear a grunt in response.

    Wan Jia was helpless against him while his second sister, Lu XianLi, would rather spend her free time gazing at the stars she loved very much than speak to him. It was such a waste of breath.

    Speaking of Lu Xian Li, she was now nineteen years old. Unlike other young adults, she was so hardworking that after asking for many months in a row, she was finally allowed to help out in Lu Enterprises once in a while.

    In terms of looks, she was very beautiful. Her looks were halfway similar to Lu Aotian''s and halfway just like Wan Jia''s. She was taller and slimmer than Lu Meili. Her long hair was as dark as her father''s, with a straight nose and a pair of eyes that Lu Shaoting had once secretly said were identical to her paternal grandmother''s.

    If Lu Meili was considered sweet and cute, then Lu Xian Li was an elegant beauty. The young woman was currently in university.

    Putting her younger siblings aside, Lu Meili had a very important task at hand.

    ...

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 Chapter 516 - The future Mrs. Xu

    She left the house and gave someone a call. "Help me investigate something."

    "Say the word."

    "Someone forged my signature and signed a contract in my name."

    "I''ll be sure to help you find out who they are within two days."

    Two days? Lu Meili sighed. If only her dad could help her. He would have uncovered the culprit within thirty minutes.

    However, for the sake of being allowed to go into the entertainment industry, she had vowed to never ask for help from the Lu family. If she ever did, she would have to leave the entertainment industry and take over Lu Enterprises.

    Now she had to use the connections she had got over the years.

    When she was sure that this matter would be settled, she took off her high heeled sandles and changed into a more comfortable pair of shoes.

    "Honey, are you going somewhere? I just finished cooking food for you." Wan Jia said when she saw Lu Meili head towards the door.

    "Can I eat later? I won''t be long." She was in a rush. If she ate right now, Xu Tang might be too busy.

    "You can eat quickly and go. Come on."

    Knowing that her mother had definitely prepared something delicious paired with the fact that she was hungry, she couldn''t resist it.

    ...

    The result was that by the time she got to Xu Corporation  building, Xu Tang had already started his meeting. She had to wait for three long hours before she was finally able to see him.

    However, he left the company building with a young woman in tow. It would be fine if it was another woman, but it just had to be the little actress who was rumored to have something going on with him. What was she doing in Xu Corporation?

    She tried to not lose her temper. "This is?"

    Xu Tang had a charming smile. "Our little angel Li is back. Annie, you already know Lu Meili. She is after all so famous that the whole world knows her. Meili, this is Annie Lan."

    Annie Lan stretched out her hand. "Hello, it''s a pleasure to finally meet you in person. I''m Xu Tang''s girlfriend, the future Mrs. Xu."

    "Annie, don''t mess around."

    "You cannot be sure of the future you know." Annie Lan laughed.

    Lu Meili noticed the defiance in her tone. She sounded like she had achieved something inexplicably great. She simply laughed it off. Although she had said that she was the future Mrs. Xu, Xu Tang had not confirmed their relationship. She chuckled. "Miss Annie is right. No one can predict the future. In fact, perhaps you are not even close to being considered Xu Tang''s wife."

    Annie Lan did not want to ruin her image in Xu Tang''s eyes. She could only bite her lip and feel wronged.

    "Annie, wait for me. I''ll have a word with Meili first."

    As soon as Annie left, Lu Meili looked happier.

    "You don''t like her?" Xu Tang had long noticed her displeasure regarding Annie''s presence.

    "I wouldn''t like her." Was there anyone who would like their love rival, especially one who deliberately rubbed in the fact that she was close to him?

    "Tangtang, what happened while I was filming in Country J? Look at you, you already found yourself a girlfriend?"

    Xu Tang chuckled. "Blame it on me for being very handsome. Women just can''t help throwing themselves at me."

    Lu Meili jabbed him. "I''m being serious over here."

    "I''m being serious too. While you,  you don''t look in good shape. Did something happen?"

    "Not exactly. Tangtang, let''s go somewhere, okay?"

    Xu Tang helplessly let her drag him into her car. "Little Li, I''m already a grown man. You should stop calling me Tangtang. It sounds so childish."

    Lu Meili chuckled and stuffed him into the passenger seat, using the space above him to get into the driver''s seat like a wild kitten.  "I want to call you Tangtang and so I will. What can you do about it? Bite me."

    She clutched her ear in the next instant and glared at him. "Hey! Are you a dog?"

    Xu Tang looked at her like he did nothing wrong. "You asked me to bite you, so I did. What, Did I do something wrong?"

    Lu Meili humphed. Who said Xu Tang was a mature young man? He was still as childish as he was twenty years ago.

    But she liked him this way regardless. To other people, he was truly mature. It was only in her presence that he was so playful that there was no trace of the serious businessman he was.

    "May I know where my Little Angel Li is taking me?" He asked when she drove for a while without saying a word.

    "You think I would sell you off? It''s not like I would gain any profit from it."

    "How are you not gaining any profit, huh? I''m so handsome."

    "You and your looks. If I wanted to gain profit, I would sell myself instead. I''m the nation''s little beauty after all."

    Xu Tang widened his eyes and flicked her forehead. "Lu Meili, how can a woman say such things?"

    Lu Meili rubbed the spot he had flicked in annoyance. "How many times must I tell you? Don''t hit my head!"

    "You are speaking nonsense. Of course I will hit your head."

    "You are the one who started it. Just because I''m a woman, I cannot retaliate?"

    Xu Tang shook his head. It is not wrong to retaliate. That is unless you are going to say things like selling oneself when you are a woman. This woman was quite...

    Similarly, Lu Meili was only sweet towards everyone else. With Xu Tang, however, she would reveal her true self.

    ___

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 Chapter 517 - Dont ask me silly questions

    After driving for a while under Xu Tang''s curious gaze, they finally reached their destination.

    "We''re here." She said after stopping the car.

    Xu Tang looked around. Why were they at an open field? "Here?"

    Lu Meili opened the car door from his side and unfastened his seat belt. He jumped out before she could push him out. Knowing her wild personality, that was exactly what she was going to do. "You are a bad person." He complained.

    Lu Meili got out and grabbed his hand. "But you still call me your little angel. Are angels bad?"

    "What angel? You are obviously a devil straight out of hell." He humphed. "It''s so strange."

    "What''s strange?"

    "Do you have dual personality disorder? If not, how is it possible that such a beautiful and nice woman is actually a demon queen? You are quite sweet you know."

    Lu Meili blinked and looked straight ahead. He thought she was sweet?

    They had arrived at the spot she wanted.

    Xu Tang recognized this place. "You brought me here after your eighteenth birthday. Why are we here again?"

    Lu Meili held his hand and pointed at a spot. "When we were kids, we played in this field quite often."

    "I know. You said that a million times already."

    She looked at his face seriously. "Years ago, something happened here."

    "What?"

    In the next second, she pushed him and pulled him back before he fell down the cliff.

    "Hey! I know you''re swift. But you don''t have to risk people''s lives to prove it!"

    Lu Meili rolled her eyes. "Such a coward. How are you even able to tell people that you''re a man?"

    "I am. Do you want me to prove it?" He narrowed his eyes and lowered his head to meet her gaze.

    She pushed him off. "No thank you. I''m talking about serious matters here."

    Xu Tang looked at her and waited for her to talk about her serious matters.

    "Tangtang, nineteen years ago, you came here and saw something that frightened you. What was it?"

    Xu Tang was annoyed. "Why are you asking me this question again? I told you already. I don''t remember ever coming here as a child. Why do you insist on asking this over and over?"

    "I''m asking because what you saw scared you. You suffered from post traumatic depression for years and when you finally overcame it, you changed. You''re no longer the Tangtang you used to be when we were kids."

    He shrugged her hand of. "That''s because I grew up. How can you expect me to be a child forever?"

    Lu Meili forcefully grabbed that hand again. "That''s not what I mean. You used to be very friendly and kind. After that incident, you wouldn''t let anyone get within two steps of your radius. I was the only one who was able to be your friend because I forcibly stuck onto you.

    I think what happened is something quite significant. You really don''t remember?"

    Xu Tang glared at her fiercely. Why was this woman so stubborn? "You know better than anyone why I suffered from post traumatic depression."

    "Yes! And it''s not because of the reason you think." She went on her tiptoes and covered his eyes using her soft hands. "Try to remember."

    Xu Tang took her hand off his face and twisted it so hard that she yelped in pain. "Listen, there''s nothing to remember. You better not bring me here and ask me such silly questions again."

    She pulled her hand away. She was only trying to help him. Why did he have to be so mean?

    She humphed and walked off.

    He held her arm as she walked past him. "Meili wait! I''m sorry. I didn''t mean to be rude. I.."

    But she wasn''t willing to listen to him. She pulled her arm off his grip. "I will not bring you here again. Neither will I ask you such silly questions." With that, she walked to her car.

    Xu Tang watched her get in and expected her to drive off. He took out his phone preparing to call his chauffeur to pick him up.

    The passenger door of Lu Meili''s car opened. "I thought you disliked this place. What? Now you want to remain here?" The sharp tongued Lu Meili was at it again.

    Xu Tang was pleasantly surprised. She didn''t dump him here? "Did you take the wrong medicine today? You are too kind."

    "You are the one who took the wrong medicine. Get in right now or I''ll really dump you here."

    He zipped his mouth and entered the car, looking like a scared cat.

    Lu Meili couldn''t stop herself from laughing. "Why do you look so scared? Do you think I''d eat you up?"

    Xu Tang fastened his seatbelt cautiously. I don''t just think you would eat me up. I know you will.

    Lu Meili put a hand over his shoulder, making one shocked at how fast her mood changed. Wasn''t she angry just a second ago?

    She smiled sweetly. "I wouldn''t hurt the people I love."

    Xu Tang felt an explosion in his brain for a moment. He laughed her off. "Can you not make it sound that way? Those who don''t know might think you are in love with me."

    Lu Meili chuckled and tore her gaze from him, scared to look into his eyes. "You''re wrong. Those who don''t know would think we are just friends. But those who know will know that I''m in love with you."

    "What?!" Her words struck him like lighting. What did she just say?

    Lu Meili sighed. She didn''t expect that she would suddenly reveal her feelings to him. However, it was already done. She couldn''t turn back.

    "That''s right. Xu Tang, I''m in love with you. I have... I have loved you for many years."

    ___

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 Chapter 518 - She really meant it

    Xu Tang gazed at her for a while before he burst into laughter.

    "You know, I almost thought you were serious about it. You shouldn''t joke about such things too much."

    Lu Meili was displeased. Why did he think everything she said was a joke? "But I''m serious. I love you very much."

    Xu Tang turned to meet her gaze and saw nothing but seriousness in her eyes. Her expression was quite armorous.

    He gulped. She really.... meant it?

    But on the other hand, she was an actress. The nation''s best actress at that. It shouldn''t be hard for her to prank someone.

    Lu Meili saw his change in expressions and could tell what he was thinking. She placed a hand on his neck and caressed it. "How do you want me to prove that this is not a prank?" She gazed at his lips, that pair of lips that she had long wanted to kiss. "By doing something bold?"

    Xu Tang was startled. She was really telling the truth. But...

    For some reason, he felt it would have been better if she was playing a prank.

    He took a deep breath and took her hand from the back of his neck. He felt as though his throat was stuffed. "Meili, we are best friends."

    "Yes. And we would make the best couple on earth. We understand each other the most and..."

    "Can we remain that way?" Xu Tang cut her short.

    Lu Meili frowned. What in the world? "Are you scared we would break up if we became a couple? You don''t have to worry about that. As long as we love each other..."

    "But I don''t."

    Lu Meili''s heart skipped a beat. "What?"

    Xu Tang didn''t dare to look into her eyes, afraid he would be tempted to make the wrong decision. "Lu Meili, I''ve always treated you as my best friend and younger sister. I didn''t ever have that kind of feelings for you. If..." he paused and looked at her, hoping she was not too hurt by his words. "If I chose to be with you just because the truth would be unbearable, that would be irresponsible of me and both of us might end up getting hurt."

    "After all, love is what matters the most in a relationship, right?"

    Lu Meili stubbornly didn''t want to believe his words. "Who do you have feelings for, then? Annie Lan?"

    Xu Tang thought he may as well tell her the truth. "I don''t know for sure. All I know is, I find her quite cute. But nothing is set  in stone yet."

    Lu Meili smiled bitterly. So he really had someone in his mind. No wonder when the rumors broke out about Annie Lan being in a relationship with the CEO of Xu Corporation, he neither said anything to deny it nor pulled the news down.

    No wonder he was with Annie Lan when she saw him. So it was because of this. He liked her.

    ...

    Until she dropped him off at Xu Corporation, they were silent the entire ride.

    "Meili..."

    Lu Meili stopped him with a smile. "Don''t worry. I understand. We can still remain friends."

    Xu Tang wasn''t sure whether her smile was real or fake but he didn''t pester her. She would be fine. It was better to tell her the truth than be with her simply because he was unable to reject her.

    ...

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    ...

    Lu Meili literally stumbled into Southside Villa. It would be a lie if she claimed to be alright. The man she had loved for years actually had someone else in his mind...

    "Watch out. Are you alright?" Unknowingly, she had bumped into her father. If he didn''t stabilize her in time, she would have rolled down the stairs.

    She swallowed hard and looked up at him. "Dad I... I still wasn''t able to find out what happened with my signature."

    Contrary to her expectation, he patted her head. "That''s not what''s bothering you. Did someone bully you?"

    With that question, her eyes almost welled up. Since she insisted on being an actress, Lu Aotian had been a little distant. He didn''t seem to accept the fact that she had chosen this path for her future. But he couldn''t possibly cut off his relationship with his daughter because of the decisions she made, so their relationship was a little awkward. Such a thing as a pat was novel.

    However, now that she looked sad, he was still ready to help her out?

    Without thinking much, she fell into his embrace. "Dadd, can I go on a blind date?"

    Lu Aotian was taken aback. Lu Meili wanted to go on a blind date?

    One had to know that his daughter already had someone that she was madly in love with. How could she want to go on a blind date? "That''s quite interesting."

    In the living room, someone overheard their conversation. "Isn''t that obvious? She must have been rejected by her Tangtang."

    Lu Meili turned and glared at her sister. "Lu Xian Li, watch your tongue. I''m your elder sister and you should respect me."

    Lu Xian Li smiled and flopped onto a sofa. She had just returned from school. "Did I say something wrong? I''m not lying. You have been in love with him for years. For you to want to go on a blind date suddenly, of course it''s because he rejected you. Or is it because of that girl... Annie Lan?"

    She continued under Lu Meili''s fierce glare. "Are you giving up your love because of a little girl who doesn''t even deserve to be mentioned in the same frame as you?"

    "Lu Xian Li, keep your mouth shut. This is your sister''s personal matter." Lu Aotian said sternly.

    What was up with these two?

 Chapter 519 - The hateful younger sister who ruins her sisters life

    Although his daughters loved each other, they had never truly got along. They would bicker all day and make one wonder what exactly they thought of each other.

    If either of them got in trouble, however, their love for each other would be evident. They were actually ready to give up their lives for one another but on the surface, they were like a cat and mouse.

    Lu Meili was furious. "Lu Xian Li, you better stay out of this. What does a teenager know about love?

    And why must you stick your nose where it doesn''t belong? If this was a novel, you would be the hateful younger sister who ruins her elder sister''s life."

    "Daddy, I''m only trying to help her out, but she''s  scolding me. How can she say such things?" Lu Xian Li bit her lip, feeling extremely wronged.

    "Perhaps you mean well, but that doesn''t give you the right to meddle in her affairs. Keep your mouth shut." Lu Aotian ignored her after saying this. Of the two, Lu Xian Li was younger and more stubborn.

    Lu Meili smiled when he took her side. "Thanks daddy. I''ll go upstairs now."

    Lu Xian Li humphed. Of course there was no blind date that would be successful for her elder sister. She would always love Xu Tang.

    Anyway, it wouldn''t hurt to sit back and watch them fight out their love story.

    ...

    Later, Wan Jia knocked on Lu Meili''s door.

    "Mommy, is something the matter?" Lu Meili didn''t want to see anyone at the moment.

    "I brought you a glass of warm milk. It will help you fall asleep faster."

    Lu Meili took it with both hands. "Thanks mom."

    Wan Jia sat on her bed and pulled her beside her. "Why do you want to go on a blind date?"

    Lu Meili took a sip of the milk. She really wanted someone to talk to about this and her mother was the best option. "Mom, all these years, I had already made up my mind that the only man who can be my husband in this lifetime is Xu Tang. But now, he likes someone else. Why else should I wait? It wouldn''t matter who I marry now."

    Wan Jia pulled back a lock of hair out of Lu Meili''s face. If she was anyone else, she would have been fooled by her words. But she knew her too well.

    "Are you only saying this because you are angry that he doesn''t want to be with you?"

    Lu Meili put the glass at the night stand and threw herself into her mother''s embrace. "Mom, I made such a fool out of myself. How will ever be able to face Tangtang again?"

    Her own words kept ringing in her mind.

    "That''s right. Xu Tang, I''m in love with you. I have... I have loved you for many years."

    "Yes. And we would make the best couple on earth. We understand each other the most."

    "Are you scared we would break up if we became a couple? You don''t have to worry about that. As long as we love each other..."

    She had actually said such words to a man...

    And she had still been rejected.

    How humiliating.

    "Mom, I''m so embarassed."

    Wan Jia patted her back. "At least he didn''t make fun of you. Can I be honest?"

    "Uh huh."

    "I thought what you felt for Xu Tang was just childhood affection. I didn''t expect you to truly fall in love with him."

    "Actually Little Li, you were too young when you fell in love. For someone who has suffered from post traumatic depression as severe as Xu Tang''s, he is not going to fall in love as fast as you did. You should be patient with him."

    Lu Meili didn''t think so. "If that was the case, he shouldn''t have fallen in love with Annie Lan either."

    Wan Jia could only keep tousling her hair to comfort her. "If that is what''s happening, then you really should not be hung up on him. Sorry honey."

    "I know mom."

    "Go to sleep early, mmh?"

    Lu Meili left her mother''s embrace and found a comfortable position to sleep. Wan Jia covered her and kissed her forehead before leaving her room.

    Right outside, Lu Xian Li was leaning against the wall.

    Wan Jia squinted her eyes quizzically. "What are you doing here? Listening in on your sister''s conversations?"

    The young woman shook her head. "Please mother, the soundproofing of this house wouldn''t let me hear a thing even if I wanted to. I was waiting for you."

    "What do you need me for?"

    Lu Xian Li took her hand. "I''ll show you something."

    Wan Jia followed her to her room. After locking the door from the inside, Lu Xian Li took out a folder from her bookshelf. "Mother, take a look at this."

    Wan Jia opened it and was astonished. "Lili, you''re a designer?"

    The girl took a lock of her hair shyly. "Not exactly. Someone gave this to me."

    She closed the folder in Wan Jia''s hands. "That doesn''t matter, right? They are quite in line with MAX''s quality. That''s why I''m giving it to you."

    Wan Jia pushed it back to her. "Lili, give this back to whoever gave it to you. I don''t need the help of outsiders."

    "That''s not what I meant mother. It''s not you who needs their help. It''s this designer who needs yours."

    Wan Jia stood up and gave her a stern look. "Let them come and look for me. Next time, focus on your studies and don''t involve yourself in matters that are too much for you to handle. It may just affect your studies."

    Lu Xian Li looked down. "Understood mother.

    But..."

    "What else?"

    "Mother, you have always said no to me. Can you say yes to me this once?"

    "What absurd thing do you want this time?" Wan Jia asked. If she wanted something unreasonable, of course she was going to say no.

 Chapter 520 - Sis Katy would never lie to me

    Wan Jia grew impatient when the girl didn''t speak for a long time. She still had to check on her son before going to bed. "What is it that you want?"

    Lu Xian Li played with her fingers. "Nothing. I mean... forget it. You are obviously going to say no to me. It won''t be the first time anyway."

    She changed her mind when she saw that Wan Jia was leaving. "But I still want to try. Mother, can I go to study overseas?"

    "Forget about me. Even your dad would say no."

    "Hm. See?"

    Wan Jia did not feel guilty about it. It was her daughter who always asked for the impossible. How could Lu Aotian let her stay far from home?

    ___

    The next day, Lu Meili finally recieved news regarding her forged signature.

    "That director had connections with someone from your family. They have been close for quite some time. I have already sent the photos to your phone. This is the woman who forged your signature with the intention of tarnishing your reputation."

    "Thanks Neil." Lu Meili thanked him and checked her phone.

    Before she checked the photos, the breaking news flashed before her eyes.

    [The cast of upcoming film ''Master'' revealed. The nation''s sweet beauty, Lu Meili, is the female lead.]

    As expected, her fans were struck with shock.

    [Lu Meili?]

    [That must be a lie! my little angel cannot star in such a film.]

    [I refuse to believe it.]

    [Why are Lu Meili''s fans so petty? It''s just a movie. What''s wrong with it?]

    [The comentator above, shut up if you don''t understand. Don''t you know who the director for this movie is? His reputation is too dirty and the movie itself... I heard it''s too shameless to be called a movie. Our Meili cannot star in that.]

    Lu Meili smiled bitterly. So whoever it is signed this contract so she would have to film this kind of movie and sully her reputation; and if she couldn''t, she would have to pay an exorbitant compensation fee?

    She went ahead to check the photos.

    As soon as her gaze lay on the first photo, she looked like she had been struck by lightning. Why was this back so familiar....

    She looked at the second, then the third.

    Her eyes finally widened in shock. Katy Blanc?

    There was no denying it. It was really Katy. She was holding the arm of that director with a terrible reputation.

    The main point was, how could Katy get close to such a disgusting man?

    No, no. The main point was, why would she do this?

    ...

    Late in the afternoon, she went to the villa opposite.

    Henry Blanc smiled when he saw her. "Look who''s here."

    Lu Meili bowed to greet her uncle. "Hello uncle."

    Lin Lihua had just got downstairs. "The nation''s beauty finally has time to visit small fries like us." Although she was scolding Lu Meili, her heart was filled with love.

    "Aunty, please don''t say that. You''re already the biggest shot there is in the entertainment industry. And you''re very beautiful. Who would dare to call such a beautiful woman a small fry?" Actually, she was going to say hi to Lin Lihua in HL Entertainment as soon as she landed from Country J but after going home, she forgot all about it.

    Lin Lihua felt happy when Little Jia called her young and beautiful. She had taken such good care of herself that at her age, she still looked like a woman in her thirties.

    "Auntie, is Sis Katy home?" Lu Meili asked politely.

    "She''s in her room."

    Lu Meili went upstairs to Katy Blanc''s room and knocked on the door.

    "Meili, you are here. Hello." Katy was getting ready to attend a banquet in the evening. There were many gowns on her bed; she was trying to select the best of them. When she saw Lu Meili, she went to hug her.

    Lu Meili looked at her and wondered just why she was putting on an act. "Sis Katy, why did you do this?" She went straight to the point.

    Katy Blanc stopped in her tracks. Why did she do what? "Huh? Meili, what did I do?"

    Lu Meili narrowed her eyes. "You forged my signature and signed that contract for me. You know that if I acted in such a movie, my reputation would go down the drain and if I don''t, the compensation fees is extremely expensive. Why would you do this to me?"

    Katy Blanc was entirely shocked. "I don''t know what you are talking about. Meili, have you misunderstood something?"

    Lu Meili felt riled up. If she did this, why was she denying it? "You really didn''t? If not, what''s the implication of this?" She showed Katy the photos she had carried with her.

    Katy Blanc looked at them. "This man... I don''t know him."

    Lu Meili laughed sarcastically. "You have been having meals together and you even gave him money, yet you don''t know him?"

    Katy''s silence annoyed her. Why exactly was she acting?

    She put a hand on her forehead with a defeated expression. "Actually, I''m not here to start a feud with you. We are cousins after all and I understand that you might have done it to prank me. Can you please get this guy to clarify things? Please. That''s all I ask."

    Katy Blanc''s expression was even more defeated. "Meili, I really didn''t do it. I wouldn''t pull such a prank on you. If you want, I''ll help you investigate it."

    Lu Meili was more disappointed. If she admitted her fault now, she would find a way to end this matter without having to hold it against her. But Katy...

    Lu Meili turned on her heel and left.

    "Wait, Meili!"

    Lin Lihua was curious when she saw Lu Meili''s sad expression and pulled her close to herself. "My dear, what happened?"

    Henry Blanc was curious too.

    Lu Meili didn''t want to hide things from her aunt. "Aunty, regarding the matter of that disrespectful movie, my signature was forged. My current investigation led it to Sis Katy. However, Sis Katy denied it. I''m no longer sure about it."

 Chapter 521 - They didnt understand her

    Lin Lihua studied her niece''s expression. Was she disapointed that Katy had wronged her, or was she in denial?

    "She really didn''t? Why would you think that she did anyway?"

    Katy Blanc had just left her room, intending to follow Lu Meili. She overhead Lin Lihua''s words just as she arrived.

    "Aunt, I really didn''t. Meili must have misunderstood something." Although what Lu Meili said did not accuse her of anything, she knew that the girl didn''t actually trust her. Is she did, qhe wouldn''t have looked at her with that hateful expression.

    Lu Meili knew that if she produced the evidence she had in their presence, Henry Blanc and Lin Lihua would definitely punish Katy.

    If she had indeed framed her, she would have deserved it. However, she was not entirely sure about it herself. What if it was really a misunderstanding? It would be best if they sorted it out personally.

    "Aunty, it''s just a speculation. Someone could be trying to frame Sis Katy and drive us apart."

    Lin Lihua thought it made sense. "Don''t worry too much about it. I will help you investigate it.  But, I don''t think Katy is capable of doing that sort of thing."

    Although that was what she said, she still gave Katy Blanc a stern gaze. If she did anything to wrong Lu Meili, she wouldn''t be very friendly.

    ...

    If you are reading this book outside w ebnovel, what you are reading is pirated content. Please support the original author by reading from the official site. Go to w ebnovel, search my beautiful love.

    ...

    As soon as Lu Meili left, Katy looked at Lin Lihua nervously. "Aunt, you really trust me?"

    "No." Lin Lihua''s answer was as heartless as could be.

    Katy''s heart shattered. "Oh..."

    Lin Lihua continued. "However, I will not refute logic simply because I don''t trust you."

    Lately, Katy had been framed very many times. She was under the impression that this was just one of those times.

    Katy went back to her room. It was all her fault that her aunt would never trust her.

    ...

    By the time Lu Meili reached Villa number 4, she was no longer sad. That was the nature of her temper. She was just like a clueless little child- her anger only lasted a moment. The next moment, she would be smiling about like nothing happened.

    "Meili, do you have any plans tonight?" Lu Aotian asked from the sofa in the living room. He was reading a magazine and only needed to hear footsteps to know who had come in.

    Lu Meili walked over to him. "I don''t have any particular plans."

    He glanced at her and picked a box from beside him, giving it to her. "This evening, I want you to accompany me to a banquet."

    Lu Meili understood what he meant. The box probably contained the gown he wanted her to wear to the banquet.

    She took it, wondering just what he was planning. She was an actress. Didn''t he know that if she ever appeared anywhere with him, her background would be revealed?

    It was already too much of a coincidence that she looked so much like Wan Jia. Since she decided to hide her background, there was no past news of her. Everything that the public knew about her when she was a child had been long forgotten by now. If she went to any banquet with either Wan Jia or Lu Aotian, even a fool with no brain would guess that she was Wan Jia''s daughter.

    As though reading her mind, Lu Aotian peeked at her. "Don''t worry. None of my friends would dare to say anything that would make your whereabouts known to the outside world."

    "Yes daddy." Lu Meili thanked him for the gown and went to her room. Her father was so considerate.

    As soon as Lu Meili left, Lu Aotian looked at his second daughter who was holding a business magazine some distance from him. "What do you want?"

    Lu Xian Li looked at him from above the magazine. "Daddy, are you speaking to me? I''m simply reading my magazine and don''t need anything."

    The corner of Lu Aotian''s lips twitched. "I didn''t know you have the ability to read magazines upside down and at the same time gawk at your father the whole time."

    Lu Xian Li felt embarassed. She had been discovered? Did her father have an extra pair of eyes on his head? It was quite strange that he had seen her sneaking peeks at him. Actually, she had come to the living room to check out his mood.

    Now that she had been found out and since Lu Aotian seemed to be in a good mood, she braved it. "Daddy, I want to go to Country G to further my studies. Can I?"

    Lu Aotian was taken aback. But compared to Lu Xian Li''s other requests, this was almost nothing in comparison. "Xian Li, you know that I would never agree to that."

    Lu Xian Li rushed to his side. "I know. But can you at least try?"

    "No. If you want to further your studies, do it in this city. There are many reputable universities here."

    "Daddy, if you really care for my happiness..."

    "This discussion is over." Lu Aotian dismissed her heartlessly.

    To be exact, he was not being heartless. Xian Li had been born with a weak heart. Although nothing major had happened to her all these years, how could he bring himself to let her go so far away from home? The fact that she probably wanted to leave for two or three years did not make it any better. What if something happened to her while she was away from home?

    Lu Xian Li felt disheartened. She picked her business magazine and left the living room. Her parents would never let her do as she pleased. They were her parents, but they never understood her. The worst thing is that... they never tried.

 Chapter 522 - The past version of my wife

    In the evening, Lu Aotian had finished dressing up. He knocked on Lu Meili''s door. "Princess, are you done?"

    The door opened and out of the room stepped a diamond shoe, followed by another. Lu Meili was wearing an ankle-length pink gown that hugged her body. Her long hair was in an updo and her make up was light.

    "I''m looking at the past version of my wife." Lu Aotian exclaimed with pride. His daughter was so beautiful. Truthfully, any man who wished to marry her would have to be handsome and extremely hardworking. His background will have to be clean with no trace of unnecessary scandals. If not, they wouldn''t deserve to even take a glance at his princess. Most importantly, he would have to gain full approval from his princess.

    "Daddy, I''m ready." Lu Meili said.

    "Let''s go."

    Lu Meili held his arm with both hands respectfully. The last time she attended a banquet wuth her father, she was a child. She felt exultant.

    ...

    Lu Meili only knew that Katy Blanc was preparing to go somewhere, but she didn''t expect that she was attending the same banquet to accompany Henry Blanc.

    She took one look and wondered why Lin Lihua wasn''t accompanying Henry Blanc instead.

    In her case, she was going with her father probably because Wan Jia was too busy, paired with the fact that the two of them had not been spending much time together thanks to her busy filming schedule.

    Her eyes briefly skimmed through the other guests. Her face went pale. "Daddy, these are all partners of Lu Enterprises."

    Lu Aotian snuck a glance at her. He had felt her hand stiffen. "I''m glad a certain someone did their homework and knows their future partners. You will get to interact with many of them tonight. This is a Lu Enterprises banquet."

    Lu Meili felt uneasy. Was she really supposed to be here?

    Lu Aotian chuckled. "Can you not look like a scared kitten? Those who didn''t know would think I''m marrying off my daughter to a stranger."

    Lu Meili was no longer too happy about accompanying him. "Daddy, if you only want me to get to know them, I will. But can you not make me take over the company?"

    Lu Aotian: "Heh... who is forcing you to take over the company? Are daughters of the Lu family so scaredy nowadays?"

    Lu Meili smiled faintly. It was not as she thought?

    Soon, several people gained the courage to approach Lu Aotian and speak to him.

    A renown businessman even audaciously asked, "President Lu, the lady beside you is too young to be Mrs. Lu, but looks so much like her. Is she Miss Lu?"

    Lu Aotian was not too unfriendly. "My eldest daughter."

    The businessman was awed. "Miss Lu is very beautiful. As expected of the nation''s top family.

    Erm... President Lu, can I say something audacious?"

    "Go on."

    "My second son should be just a few years older than Miss Lu. He completed his studies in Country A and is currently holding an important position in the family business. He is single and has never had any entanglement with girls."

    Although he didn''t completely state what he was trying to bring up, his intention was obvious. He was putting in a few good words for his son. If Lu Aotian was impressed, his son might get lucky enough to marry the eldest miss of the Lu family.

    However, Lu Aotian turned him down. "The issue of marriage will be decided solely by my daughter."

    Seeing that Lu Meili didn''t look interested, he retreated. Later, he would ask his son about it and if the brat liked Lu Meili, it would be up to him to go after her before other men did.

    As soon as he left, another appeared. "President Lu, my eldest son is much better than old Gu''s. He took over the family business when he was just a young teenager and has led the company to drastic improvement. He..."

    "President Lu, my youngest brother..."

    "President Lu, my grandson..."

    "President Lu..."

    Lu Meili was already tired of these proposals. Did someone ask them to go and propose to her?

    "That''s enough. My daughter is not interested." He shooed them off.

    In the silence that followed, Lu Meili noticed someone else and her eyes went wide. What in the world was Xu Tang doing here?

    The young man went over to them with a smile. "Good evening Uncle Lu."

    Lu Aotian nodded in greeting and said to the girl beside him, "Have you said hi to Katy yet? She''s here with Henry."

    Lu Meili knew that he was trying to send her off so he could have a word with Xu Tang privately. "I haven''t yet, but..."

    "Are you scared that I''ll make things difficult for your future husband?"

    Lu Meili felt embarassed that she had been exposed too easily. "Of course not. You are not that kind of person."

    Lu Aotian smirked. But your eyes are begging me to not bully him.

    Of course, this conversation was only between the two of them. Xu Tang did not hear a word.

    As soon as Lu Meili left, Lu Aotian''s gaze turned extremely stern.

    It made Xu Tang slightly nervous. When he was young, Lu Aotian was especially fond of him and would let him stay in Southside Villa and play with Lu Meili.

    He didn''t know why it changed, but Lu Aotian started being extremely strict with him at some point. He was no longer welcoming and would act as though he was snatching something that belonged to the former, or he had wronged him terribly.

    Right now, for example, what was that fierce gaze for?

    If he remembered correctly, he was still a clueless child when Lu Aotian''s temperament changed against him. There was no way he could have done something wrong.

    Lu Aotian glared at him coldly. "If you are going to hurt my daughter, stay far away from her."

 Chapter 523 - Helped a blind man

    Lu Meili walked around and was about to pick a glass of wine.

    "Meili?" She heard a familiar voice behind her.

    She turned to see Katy trying to hide her nervousness.

    "You... never mind." She picked a glass of wine and left.

    Katy Blanc shrugged her shoulders. She wouldn''t give her just a minute?

    Actually, she remembered the man from the photo Lu Meili had shown her. While shopping around a week ago, she had seen a man feeling around  with a rod and trying to cross the road. His eyes were lifeless and unfocused. He was all alone and was having too much trouble.

    Seeing that the blind man was too helpless, she helped him cross the road.

    She had forgotten all about this matter because she didn''t find it significant.

    Who would have thought that the ''blind man'' was a fake and the whole situation was all a stupid lie?

    When Lu Meili left after claiming that she had a close relationship with this director to tarnish her reputation, she remembered that incident later.

    Now that she thought about it, it wouldn''t be difficult for a film director to put on an act.

    She cursed whoever did such a thing. How could they take advantage of her kind heart to slander her?

    And why her? Why was she attracting so much slander lately?

    Before she could look for Lu Meili and explain this, Henry Blanc called her to go back home.

    ___

    If you  are reading this book outside w ebnovel, what you are reading is pirated content. Please support the original author by reading from the official site. Go to w ebnovel, search my beautiful love.

    ...

    Southside Villas, villa number two.

    As soon as Henry Blanc arrived with Katy Blanc, Lin Lihua who was in the living room left and went to her room.

    Katy Blanc looked at Henry Blanc guiltily. "Daddy, it''s all my fault."

    Henry Blanc patted her head. "Katy, don''t blame yourself. Your aunt is angry with me; not you. She has never held anything against you."

    Katy nodded, though she knew better than anyone that he was only saying this to make her feel better.

    Henry Blanc went upstairs and right into Lin Lihua''s room. "Lihua, since when do married couples live separately?"

    Lin Lihua was sitting on her bed with a laptop on her lap, typing away. She didn''t look up. "They do now."

    "But we have been married for years. Why are you still..."

    Lin Lihua was not in the mood to bicker with him and cut him off. "As long as you dislike Ruoxi, I will never stop hating you."

    In truth, she had already sued him for a divorce. However, he was not willing to divorce her so the court had decided to make them stay together for six months in attempt to save their relationship. This was the fourth month.

    Henry Blanc didn''t know what to do about her. He pinched his nose bridge in defeat. "Lihua, she hurt Katy. She knocked Katy''s head with the butt of a gun. If I didn''t reach the scene in time, Katy would be long dead. How do you expect me to like her, huh?"

    Lin Lihua''s attention was finally piqued. "Henry Blanc, how old were they, huh? Are you trying to say that a fourteen year old girl would have the motive to kill?"

    "She had a gun in her hand, Lihua. Why don''t you ever consider this fact?"

    "Because that was your gun which you left lying around carelessly and was picked up by Katy, who went out to play with it."

    Henry Blanc found it laughable. "You only believe that because Ruoxi said it. Do you think I would leave a gun lying around carelessly? Luckily it was not loaded. Katy wouldn''t still be alive now."

    "Are you trying to say that Ruoxi stole it? She stole your gun and went out to play with it, then deliberately started a fight with Katy so she would have an excuse to kill her?"

    Henry Blanc swallowed and remined silent.

    "Henry Blanc, please leave. I do not want to speak to people who made up stories to slander my daughter."

    Henry Blanc couldn''t stand anyone speaking ill of Katy. Not even if that person was his wife. "I know Katy would never lie about such a thing. We share the same blood!"

    Lin Lihua harrumphed. "There you go. It has always been a matter of blood being thicker for you."

    "Lihua, that''s not what I meant."

    "Please leave."

    Henry Blanc did not want to leave. Their relationship was getting worse. She was the type of woman who didn''t care much about saving a broken relationship. But he cared about it. She was his Lihua, he loved her and even at his age, he still found it hard to live without her.

    Actually, their relationship had started breaking many years ago. It was all because of the girls.

    No, that was wrong. It was all because of him. He liked Katy more than Ruoxi and it became obvious with time.

    It was not sure when it started, but Ruoxi hated Katy very much.

    That afternoon when the girls were only fourteen, he had returned home earlier than usual. He didn''t know why at the time, but his heart had been unsettled the whole day.

    The girls were playing in the backyard. He hd brought presents for both of them but when he went to find them, the scene he saw was horrific.

    Ruoxi was holding Katy''s head in her hands and bowling her eyes out. Katy''s brown curly hair was all soaked in blood. She was unconcious.

    When Ruoxi saw him, she looked up at him tearfully. "Father, we were just playing and I accidentally... Father,  I didn''t mean to hurt her. I really didn''t."

    Henry Blanc didn''t think at the moment and rushed Katy to hospital. However, later, Ruoxi claimed that it was Katy who brought the gun to play with.

 Chapter 524 - I will be your girlfriend

    Her voice chocked as she spoke of it. Her explanation was plausible except, she said that Katy brought it out to play with.

    However, he checked later and only Katy''s faint fingerprints were on the gun. Since they both touched it, shouldn''t both their fingerprints be present?

    Or was she trying to claim that she didn''t have fingerprints at all?

    It was obvious that her own fingerprints had been wiped off before Katy''s appeared which went to say, Ruoxi had altered it then placed it in Katy''s hands.

    He still wouldn''t be so sure if he didn''t see the handkerchief next to Katy''s head when he carried her.

    The thought of it made his heart tremble. Ruoxi was young but dangerous.

    At this age, he wondered what exactly she was capable of doing.

    However, his Lihua just wouldn''t believe him.

    "Lihua, I''m leaving. But can I say something?"

    Lin Lihua remained silent, neither agreeing nor refusing.

    So he went ahead. "Your parents adopted you, and you were kind hearted and loving. However, not everyone is like you. Some people are not grateful for your kindness and will turn against you and stab you right in the back."

    "Ruoxi is not that type of person. I have been staying close to her for nineteen years."

    "That''s because she had always put a cute act in front of you."

    Seeing that unlike other days, Lin Lihua did not explode when he brought up the topic of Ruoxi, he dared to go on. "My wife, could you watch her carefully for a while? Just a few days and you will see through her act."

    Lin Lihua did not answer this either. She was busy thinking about his words.

    Years ago, he had said; "I am only not suing Ruoxi because you love her too much and because nothing actually happened to Katy. However, if she ever tries to do anything that would hurt Katy again, I will strangle her with my own hands."

    Lin Lihua no longer spoke to him. She didn''t know who to believe anymore. Henry looked like what he was saying was true. Although it didn''t make any sense, she knew deep down that she should trust him because he was an honest man with nothing fishy to hide.

    On the other hand, Ruoxi was quite a good girl. Aside from being a little jealous of Katy when she was younger, she wouldn''t even hurt a fly.

    While Katy... it was even hard to say. That little girl had disliked her for years. How, then, would she trust her?

    How was she expected to believe that her Ruoxi deliberately hurt Katy?

    ___

    ___

    When he was done speaking to Xu Tang, Lu Aotian exchanged a few words with other businessmen before going to find his daughter.

    But the scene he witnessed made him remain at a distance and watch leisurely.

    Some people had their eyes glued onto a certain young man.

    The young man was on one knee, with a bouquet of roses in his hands. He was probably proposing.

    There was nothing strange about that, except the fact that the woman being proposed to was his Lu Meili.

    "Meili, can we be friends?"

    Lu Meili: "..."

    Lu Aotian, who was watching from a distance: "..."

    The onlookers: "..."

    Was there anyone who bought a huge bouquet of roses so big that his face was hidden behind it, just to propose friendship?

    However, those who had put the pieces together and understood Lu Meili''s identity could understand how he felt.

    Lu Meili was the nation''s best actress. Her fame was beyond what any other person in the entertainment industy could dream of. Her fans were fond of joking about starting a huge continent of people with one thing in common- their love for their little beauty Li.

    Aside from her position and all her fame in the entertainment industry, another identity of hers had been revealed tonight. She was the eldest miss of the nation''s top family, as well as the heiress of Lu Enterprises. Could it get any better?

    Of course, there was no man on earth who wouldn''t want to be the husband of such a woman. She was basically the young woman every young man wanted to marry.

    The man before her right now was just one head among the bunch.

    To have the courage to go before such a woman as Lu Meili, he must have undergone remarkable training to boost his bravery. Heaven knew that if Lu Meili was displeased by this gutsy action of his, he might lose his head.

    Lu Meili used her good eyesight to her advantage and skimmed through the crowd speedily. When she was done, she flashed a smile at the young man before her. The man was so nervous that he was almost wetting his pants.

    She gracefully picked a small package that she had noticed among the roses.

    It was a box of chocolates, her favorite brand at that. She wondered how it was possible that he knew.

    If this man was not a stalker of sorts, then this was a rare co?ncidence that was worth mentioning again.

    The roses were also just the type she loved- red. That was a common preference so it wasn''t as significant as the chocolates.

    When the young man saw that she took the chocolates without exploding, his heart was slightly at ease.

    Under the gaze of everyone, Lu Meili scrutinized the chocolates and beamed. "Just the type of chocolate I love. Why do you want to be my friend?"

    She lowered her voice and mumbled, "It''s such a waste."

    Althiugh her voice was lowered, her words were still audible thanks to the silence.

    She pulled her hair away from her face and continued, "Since you want to be friends, that''s alright. I''ll be your little friend1."

    Somewhere in the room, a pair of eyes narrowed as soon as those words left Lu Meili''s lips.

    Little friend?

    ___

    1: Word play. The other party thought Lu Meili meant ''girlfriend''

 Chapter 525 - Are you jealous already?

    Lu Meili wanted to be the girlfriend of a man she had just met? Had she gone insane?

    Lu Aotian was shocked too. Had his daughter''s heart been crushed so hard that her brain was broken in the process?

    Luckily, this was only a word play that Lu Meili did when she was young. Only few people understood her.

    The originator of the shock, Lu Meili, glanced at a spot in the crowd and smiled. What''s with the displeased expression, Tangtang? Are you jealous already?

    That was right. She had said that only to make Xu Tang jealous. The man looked furious! It filled her heart with satisfaction. If he was jealous of seeing her with another man, he might start having feelings from her.

    Or, perhaps he already had those feelings deeply rooted in his heart and was only mistaking them for friendly affection.

    Lu Aotian had already left the scene. If he watched any longer, he wouldn''t be able to resist the urge to kill someone''s son. He trusted his daughter and knew that she wouldn''t get herself into avoidable trouble. If she was pleased by this man and wanted to marry him, he wouldn''t possibly say no to them.

    Xu Tang watched on, while everyone else was now able to watch freely since Lu Aotian had left. Of course, Lu Meili had not noticed her father''s presence. She wouldn''t act so boldly if she had.

    Under Xu Tang''s ferocious stare, Lu Meili held the box of chocolates and made to open it.

    In the next second, the box disappeared from her hand and appeared in Xu Tang''s.

    He took her hand and pulled her away, leaving the kneeling man dumbfounded. "Lu Meili, are you crazy?"

    "You are the crazy one! Why did you pull me?" Lu Meili snapped at him.

    "You are accepting chocolates from a stranger and you even want to eat it?" With that, he threw the box of chocolates right into the trashcan at the side.

    "Hey... my chocolates..." her expression changed in a second, and she looked so pitiful that she looked like a child who had been denied chocolate. Well, she had been denied chocolate to begin with.

    Xu Tang took out a card and stuffed it into her hands. "Go buy yourself chocolates. You can buy a whole room of them if you like; you already know the pin." Lu Meili knew everything about him, and that included the pins of his bank cards and the passcode to the safe where he kept the most important things.

    However, the little woman looked at his card and frowned, then tossed it to the floor.

    Xu Tang laughed. "Little angel Li, what''s wrong?"

    "This is not your card." She said, her eyes accusing him of lying to her.

    Xu Tang giggled. "Have you taken a good look at it? It''s mine. And I''m giving it to you so you can buy chocolate."

    She was acting a bit strange, so he could only be patient and explain to her.

    However, the ''little angel'' was no longer listening. She swung her fist at him. If he didn''t hold her hand in time, he would lose his eye. "Xu Tang! What do you take me for? Are you trying to buy me off with some lousy money?"

    Xu Tang pinned both of her hands at her sides. It was just lucky that they were at a spot with few people and no one was looking at them. "Lu Meili, what the heck has gotten into your head? Are you drunk?"

    She looked at him blankly with her beautiful eyes, her innocent gaze answering him. She was really drunk. No wonder she was doing crazy things.

    "I''ll take you home, okay?" He said to her and took her hand carefully. This woman was too skilled in fighting. Earlier he was able to grab her hand before it reached his face simply because it was weak. But if this woman decided to beat him up in her drunken stupor... he wouldn''t only become blind.

    While thinking about this, he found it too shameful to say but he had to admit that a small, adorable woman was fiercer than him.

    Not to mention, she was Lu Aotian''s daughter as well. If she did anything wrong and displeased that man, he couldn''t guarantee that he would keep his life.

    After taming the drunk beauty, Xu Tang brought her out of the building.

    The first thing he saw was Lu Aotian leaning on his car and speaking to someone on phone. As soon as he saw the duo, he narrowed his gaze and directed it at Xu Tang ferociously.

    Xu Tang felt chills all over his body and really wanted to let go of Lu Meili. Was Lu Aotian angry with him because he was holding Lu Meili''s arm? But the girl was drunk. She would do crazy things if let off.

    "She''s drunk." He said softly.

    The man didn''t spare him a word and simply looked at his daughter who didn''t look drunk at all but acted the part.

    As soon as Lu Meili saw her father, she rushed to him. "Daddy, Tangtang is being rude. How can he simply..."

    "Shut up. Get into the car." Lu Aotian cut her short. They were at a Lu Enterprises banquet. How could she drink a lot of wine? Had she not been to a banquet before? It was so stupid of her to drink beyond her alcohol limit.

    Dealing with a drunk daughter... why did it feel so awkward?

    The girl was disheartened by her father''s heartless reply. She looked at Xu Tang sadly and entered the car silently.

    Lu Aotian went into the driver''s seat. His little princess was now a grown up woman... it was hard to believe.

    ....

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 Chapter 526 - Who would watch their princess suffer?

    As soon as they got home, Wan Jia must have expected her daughter to be drunk. She had prepared a bowl of sobering soup.

    "Come, honey. Drink this sobering soup, we''ll have a word later."

    Lu Meili obediently took the bowl and drank the soup. When she was done, she looked at her mother.

    Wan Jia took her hand and led her to her study. After making Lu Meili sit down, she brought out a file from a shelf and gave to her.

    Lu Meili took it and opened it curiously. "What''s inside?"

    After seeing the printed bank checks, she was now completely sober.

    Wan Jia sat beside her. "This whole matter is a fight between Ruoxi and Katy. You are only the pawn used by Ruoxi to frame Katy."

    "What?" Lu Meili was dismayed. How could Ruoxi possibly do such a thing? For a woman like her, it was nothing significant for her to give away that amount of money for compensation fees. However, the fact that she was made to do this by her cousin was quite heartbreaking.

    "Mom, Sis Ruoxi really did this?"

    Wan Jia nodded. "Actually, it was hard for me to believe as well. I always thought Ruoxi was a nice girl."

    "You couldn''t be wrong about it?" Lu Meili was still not able to believe it. How could Neil get anything wrong?

    Wan Jia of course understood why she was finding it hard to believe. She took out her phone and showed Lu Meili a photo. "This is Neil, right?"

    Lu Meili was stunned. It was really him. What was he doing, holding hands with Ruoxi?

    "Do you believe it now?"

    "Yes." She bit her lip. She didn''t want to believe that the friend she trusted so much and the cousin she loved were both traitors. How could they do this to Katy?

    Lu Meili threw herself into her mother''s embrace, a small habit she had learnt to do when she was sad or confused. "I was very rude to Sis Katy tonight. I thought she had betrayed me."

    Wan Jia patted her back. "That''s alright. Apologize to her tomorrow. If she understands your reason and forgives you, you will be friends again."

    "What if she''s angry and doesn''t listen to me?"

    "Then apologize again."

    Lu Meili felt better after learning the truth. Though it broke her heart so much that the friend she tresured had teamed up with someone else to lie to her. How could he do this?

    "Mom, I''ll go to sleep now." She said after calming herself down.

    "Go ahead. Goodnight honey."

    "Goodnight mom." Lu Meili kissed her mother''s cheek, then she opened the door to leave.

    ....

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    ...

    At this moment, Lu Aotian walked right in. Lu Meili felt her body go tense as soon as she saw him.

    Lu Aotian walked past her to Wan Jia. "Did you tell her?"

    Wan Jia did not intend to deny it. "I did."

    Lu Aotian cast a glance at his daughter, who knew to leave the both of them alone.

    "Why did you do it?"

    Wan Jia didn''t know why he looked so mad at her. "I cannot know the truth and keep it from my daughter. I don''t want people to bully her."

    Lu Aotian''s lips twitched. "She is an adult. So what if she''s bullied? Can''t she deal with it on her own? Lu Meili swore to never ask for help from the Lu family. Are you a member of the Lu family or not?"

    Wan Jia crossed her arms at her chest and looked right at him. "She didn''t ask for help. I told her the truth out of my own will."

    She closed her eyes to his annoyance. "Besides, my surname is not Lu."

    "But you are Mrs. Lu. You are still a member of the Lu family and shouldn''t help her no matter what."

    Wan Jia felt wronged. "Aotian, how old was Little Li when she made that decision? She did swear that she will never ask for our help, but she was just a clueless little girl in her teens. How can you take the words of a teenager to heart?"

    "Just because a girl is young, she can rattle off such decisions as she pleases?"

    "I didn''t say that." She put a hand on his shoulder. "I know what you want. You want her to suffer in the entertainment industry and have no choice but ask you for help, then she will have to take over the company."

    Lu Aotian neither agreed to her claim nor denied it, proving her right.

    "Aotian, I care about the company as much as you do; and just like you, I know that Little Li would be the best option to take it over. She is  the most capable among our children after all. However, have you taken her happiness into consideration?"

    "You know better than anyone..."

    Wan Jia placed a finger on his lips, shutting him up. "Although it breaks your heart and you want to punish Neil and Ruoxi,  you are willing to let her suffer if it means forcing her into Lu enterprises?

    You are a good husband, the most perfect one there is. But I cannot say the same about the kind of father you are being right now."

    Aotian, I find your actions too immature of you."

    Lu Aotian held her waist in a swish, looking into her eyes dangerously. "What did you just say?"

    Wan Jia tried to get away. Even after so many years, she still blushed when he was this overbearing to her.

    "You''re being immature? But you really are."

    "Not that."

    "What I said about you not being a perfect father? You really are not. Who would watch their most beloved princess suffer like you do?"

 Chapter 527 - Can you not hate me?

    Lu Aotian was struck by her words. It was true that he had been trying his best to resist the urge to snap the neck right out of Ruoxi''s head. However, his daughter had insisted that she was able to take good care of herself and that she would never need his help. He was still adamant about wanting to prove her wrong. How capable could she possibly be?

    "I''ll go to sleep now. Think about what I said." She said after starting a storm in his heart.

    "Can you not make it sound like we don''t sleep together?"

    Wan Jia felt embarassed. "You are already so old. Can you mind your tongue a little?"

    Lu Aotian shamelessly kissed her neck. "So what if I''m old? I will be as shameless as I want with you."

    "Get lost. We''re an old couple already."

    Lu Aotian continued placing soft kisses on her neck. "Who said we''re old? Who dares to say so? Do you think there is anyone who would think I''m lying if I said my wife is twenty five years old?"

    Wan Jia punched his shoulder. "You idiot. Let me off tonight, okay? I''m very tired from preparing for MAX''s fashion show."

    Lu Aotian thought about how busy she had been for the past few days and let her off. He placed a sweet kiss on her lips lightly. "Just this once."

    Wan Jia was even more embrassed. This man really had no shame.

    ___

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    ...

    As soon as Lu Meili got to her room, she forgot about her father and gave Katy Blanc a call.

    "Sis Katy, can we meet up tomorrow and talk?"

    Katy was about to fall asleep and did not expect to recieve a call from Lu Meili. Especially not after the girl ignored her and walked off tonight.

    Caught off guard, she stammered. "I... well... I ... have something to do tomorrow. Maybe another time?"

    Lu Meili felt all her hope fade off in an instant. Even her voice sounded sad and lone. "Sis Katy, are you so mad at me that you wouldn''t want to talk to me? The truth is, I found out the truth and it made me ashamed of my actions earlier. I''m really sorry for being rude to you. Can you forgive me? Can you... can you not hate me?"

    Katy Blanc fent her heart melt. In that instant, it was as though they had returned to their childhood. Back then, Lu Meili was so cute that no matter what she did, she simply had to blink her big bright eyes to earn everyone''s forgiveness. Her sincerity when admitting her faults and apologizing could win back even the hardest of hearts. At that moment, she could practically picture Lu Meili''s expression while she spoke.

    She didn''t even know the right words to say. "Oh Meili, I have never been mad at you. You have always been like a little sister to me, as well as one of my most important friends. In actual fact, I was scared that we would fall apart for good."

    Lu Meili felt as though she had been relieved of a death sentence. "Really? You don''t hate me?"

    Katy Blanc found her too cute. She could be innocent like a little child sometimes. "I really don''t hate you. In fact, I still love you very much. Meili, I really have a lot going on tomorrow. You know, it''s the day I officially start working in Le Blanc Group. I will only have time in the evening. How about go out for dinner together?"

    Lu Meili didn''t want to rush their meeting. She had wanted to meet up with Katy Blanc so she could apologize for her rude behaviour. Now that she had anready apologized and was in fact forgiven so fast, she shouldn''t make Katy sacrifice so much for her. What mattered the most was the fact that Katy Blanc had forgiven her. "Sis Katy, you don''t have to put so much pressure on yourself. Tomorrow will be such an important day for you and you will be very tired. We should meet on another day."

    Katy knew this as well, but she didn''t want to miss out on an opportunity to meet the only member of the Lin family who still wanted to speak to her. "Don''t wory about it. Meeting with you after a tiring day will be quite refreshing."

    Lu Meili was happy. "Alright. I''ll send the venue."

    Katy Blanc hung up with a smile across her lips. She felt as though a burden had been lifted off her shoulders.

    When she was young, her childish extreme fear of Lin Lihua had made her miss out on many things. Because that fear developed into dislike over time and it became pretty obvious. Although she neither tried to bully Lin Lihua nor acted rudely towards her, it was not hard to tell that she deliberately avoided her like a plague.

    Of course, if she didn''t like Lin Lihua, there was no way she would like her family. Just like that, Wan Jia as well as Xia Rou and Lin Zhou all disliked her.

    It was only Lu Meili who still insisted on playing with her regardless. Actually, it was also Lu Meili who had made her realize just what a kind woman Lin Lihua was. Alas, that was only two years ago, when it was already too late to repent. Lin Lihua would never like her. It had all faded along with the years.

    "Never mind. I will make sure aunty likes me again, and although there''s only two months left, I will make her make up with daddy and not go ahead with the divorce. It''s such a pity if such a couple were to be separated..." she mumbled audibly.

 Chapter 528 - Biting the hand that fed her

    What she didn''t know, sadly, was that there was a sound-tapping device in her room.

    In the room on the side of the wall, a woman sneered with her blood-red lips. The brand of her lipstic was top-notch, but the color did not suit her. It managed to look quite appaling on her.

    Since the woman didn''t know that, she carried herself around with arrogance. She had spent a lot of effort to find out the brand of make up that Katy Blanc used. In the end, why would Katy be the only one who looked beautiful? She had copied the brand and used it as she pleased.

    She gritted her teeth. "Dream on Katy Blanc. Lin Lihua must divorce Henry Blanc. If she doesn''t, it wouldn''t be easy for me to take over Le Blanc Group, thanks to her hardwork. I heard she saved Lin Industries from near bankruptcy very many years ago. I will not let her do the same thing for Le Blanc Group.

    She stared at a photo of Katy Blanc, flicked a lighter and placed it at the top left corner of the photo. "I have worked very hard. Katy Blanc, I will not let you ruin my plans."

    ___

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    ...

    The next day, Lu Meili did not have a lot to do, so she woke up later than usual. She freshened up and went downstairs, but the scene she met made her narrow her eyes. What the hell was Ruoxi doing in the house?

    "Meili, you are finally here. I was waiting for you." Ruoxi smiled sweetly.

    However, her sweet smile only brought chills onto Lu Meili''s spine. If it was before, she would have been decieved by that fake smile but after learning the truth, she was terrified of her.

    She had been adopted by Lin Lihua during her most helpless time. Lu Meili could even remember how when they were little kids, Ruoxi was scared of everyone thanks to her horrifying experience in the orphanage. Even a little girl like she was back then could scare her into thinking that Lin Lihua could possibly abandon her.

    Lin Lihua loved her and took care of her like she would her biological child. Although Henry Blanc didn''t love her more than he loved Katy, he treated her well enough for one to think that she was his biological daughter as well.  How did it change?

    How did it get to Ruoxi becoming such an ungrateful ingrate, biting the very hand that fed her?

    The very hand that embraced her when she was lonely and coaxed her when she was sad. How did she get the courage to chop it off?

    And, what exactly would she gain from framing Katy? Was she trying to break the Blanc family apart?

    Lu Meili clenched her fists at her sides. Despite being the nation''s best actress, she could hide every other type of feeling except hatred. If she hated anyone, it would be obvious as day. That was because she couldn''t bother to hide her dislike for anyone. That would only tempt her to stab them right through their heart.

    "Meili, why are you glaring at me so fiercely? You are not happy to see me?" Ruoxi retreated and asked innocently. Jeez! Lu Meili''s glare was too scary! It did not pale in comparison to Lu Aotian''s.

    Lu Meili was about to speak but sometithing crossed her mind. Her motherkhad found out the truth about Ruoxi''s real character and logically, so had her father. Why then did they let her into their villa to look for her? They must have a good reason for that.

    She felt that she should not her claws yet.

    She brought out the best of her acting skills and beamed a warm smile. "I''m not feeling well. I drank a little too much last night."

    Ruoxi put on a caring act and held Lu Meili by the elbow. "You didn''t drink any hangover soup? It''s not too late, you can drink some now and you will feel much better."

    Lu Meili walked across the room and flopped her body into a sofa, curling into a ball. She looked truly unwell. Even her face had become a little pale...

    As expected of the nation''s best actress. "Actually, my mom gave me sobering soup as soon as Iarrived. However, I still feel horrible. I only took two glases of wine!"

    While Lu Meili looked like she was just casually complaining, it was not just that. She was trying to lay a trap just for the sake of confirming Ruoxi''s true intention.

    Ruoxi sat beside her and like a caring elder cousin, embraced Lu Meili. The girl felt like she had been struck like lighting and wanted to shove this pretentious woman. She remembered in time that she was ''feeling unwell'' and ''had not discovered Ruoxi''s true colors''. Feeling extremely helpless, she could only continue acting like a pitiful little kitten.

    Ruoxi patted her head. "How could that be? You only drank two glasses and got drunk? Is your alcohol tolerance level that low?

    However, it''s not entirely shocking. I heard Aunty Wan Jia''s alcohol tolerance is also pitifully low. She cannot even handle more than one glass."

    Lu Meili held her head. Of course, that was Wan Jia. But was alcohol tolerance hereditary? She really wanted to roll her big eyes. She still continued acting pitiful, though. "It has never been this low. To be exact, I only drank one glass and a half. I have attended many banquets before and I didn''t get drunk even after several of them."

    Ruoxi curled her lips into a smile. Before Lu Meili caught sight of it, she bit onto them, acting like she was restless. "Meili, I don''t know if I should tell you."

 Chapter 529 - Die a horrible death

    Lu Meili acted along. "Tell me what? Sis Ruoxi, you can tell me anything. Don''t be scared of anyone."

    Ruoxi looked even more at crossroads. "I don''t know... perhaps if I do, I will wrong Katy. Maybe you really shouldn''t know."

    Lu Meili sneered in her heart. But on the surface, she acted as though her curiosity had just been piqued. . "Sis Katy, come on, please tell me. It''s not like I would tell Sis Katy something that''s between us."

    Ruoxi stammered. "Actually... the... the thing is, erm... Katy was in that banquet too, right?"

    "Yes. What about it?"

    "I accidentally overheard Katy say... that she doesn''t actually like you. Who is to say, that if you attend the same banquet, she wouldn''t want to drug your wine?"

    Lu Meili looked so shocked that her face grew paler. "Sis Ruoxi, what are you saying? Sis Katy could do such a thing?"

    Ruoxi looked like she couldn''t believe it either. "Actually, it''s something she has done before."

    "She drugged you?"

    Ruoxi''s expression changed, and she looked like she was so angry that she wanted to chop off Katy Blanc''s head. "Not me. She drugged my mother. I will never forgive her."

    Lu Meili raised her eyebrows and looked at Ruoxi with her bright pair of big eyes. "She drugged Aunty Lihua?"

    Ruoxi ''fought back her anger and tears''. "Yes. Mom was pregnant at the time. Katy drugged her water and just like that, mom lost her baby. It was so painful to bear. Meili, I don''t want you to suffer like my mother did."

    Lu Meili changed the subject of their discussion abruptly. "Sis Ruoxi, are you familiar with Neil? You know, that exchange student from the same class as you in Junior High who was also my friend?"

    Ruoxi''s heart felt as though it had been struck by lighting the moment Neil was mentioned. How could she not know him? He was Lu Meili''s friend alright, but she had seduced him into being her boyfriend and betraying Lu Meili. Why would she mention him? Had she found out?

    "I... don''t remember him."

    Lu Meili shrugged. "Oh... I thought you did."

    "I don''t. Oh! Look at me being all silly. I should be preparing hangover soup for you."

    Before Lu Meili could say a thing, she disappeared into the kitchen. Because they had all been friends since they were young, Katy and Ruoxi could enter and leave Wan Jia''s kitchen as they pleased. They treated the place as their home. Similarly, Lu Meili treated Villa number two like it was her home.

    The girl sneered coldly. Who was it that said that she was the nation''s best actress? That title obviously belonged to Ruoxi. What a good actress.

    Her motive was really as Lu Meili thought. She was trying to turn people against Katy Blanc and make them hate her. It was not sure what she would gain from that but with time, Lu Meili would find out.

    Also, since when did Lin Lihua ever get pregnant? One should have a limit to their slander.

    When Ruoxi came back, Lu Meili hid away her glare and put on her innocent facade. "Sis Ruoxi, you don''t have to go to work today?"

    Ruoxi suddenly looked wronged. "I lost my job just a few days ago. I just can''t do anything right, sigh. My heart has never been into any of those jobs I''ve been doing. Perhaps that''s why I can''t do anything right."

    "Why is your heart not into it?" Lu Meili gave a side glance at the bowl of soup. It would be a surprise if Ruoxi did not add something harmful into that soup. She would be a complete idiot with no trace of a brain if she drank it.

    "I''ve always wanted to work in Le Blanc Group. I worked very hard and qualified for it. But daddy...

    On the bright side, Katy managed to get a major position. I''m very happy for her."

    She didn''t need to complete her first statement for one to know what she was trying to bring up.

    Was she trying to say that although she qualified to work in Le Blanc Group and despite all her effort, Henry Blanc wouldn''t let her?

    Or was she trying to say that Katy took advantage of her and made her lose her jobs one after another so she wouldn''t look capable enough, and in the end  she took the position that Ruoxi herself deserved?

    Lu Meili scolded herself in her heart millions of times. Had she been this blind for all these years? What a stupid fool she had been!

    "Sis Ruoxi, don''t worry about it. Every person who does evil deeds will be punished for it. Have you heard of it? People who live by slandering others and taking away the results of their hard work..." she paused to make sure Ruoxi was listening. "They all die horrible deaths."

    She leaned in as though trying to whisper. "Like being struck by lightning, being dismembered or being attacked by wild animals."

    "Oh, after that, their souls become wild and are barred from ever reincarnating."

    Ruoxi frowned. Why did it sound like Lu Meili was cursing her? She had the urge to rain insults on her and slap her right across her beautiful face. However, she knew that Lu Meili thought Katy was the evil one, so she just laughed it off.

    ...

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    ...

    "Your soup will get cold if you don''t drink it." Ruoxi said and took some on a spoon, bringing it close to Lu Meili''s mouth.

    Lu Meili dodged the spoon like a small child unwilling to eat her food. "Wait. Sis Ruoxi, I don''t like drinking soup when it''s too hot. Let''s wait a little and let it cool slightly."

 Chapter 530 - Did she find her life too long and boring?

    She had not thought that Ruoxi would try to pressure her into drinking the soup. On another note, it made her sure that there was indeed something wrong with it.

    "Sis Ruoxi, how about to help me check if it''s gotten cooler?" She said with an innocent smile after some time.

    Ruoxi stammered. "It... it should be alright now. I wouldn''t let anything scald you, now would I?"

    Lu Meili looked past her innocently. Not only would you let it scald me, you would poison me as well and blame it on Sis Katy.

    "Then can you give it a taste?"

    As expected, Ruoxi looked like she had been struck by thunder. It only confirmed Lu Meili''s guess. She had a motive for coming to Villa number four, and it was not something good.

    Though she admired her guts. How brave was she to be able to do such a thing to Lu Aotian''s daughter and in Lu Aotian''s house? Did she find her life too long and boring?

    Ruoxi knew that if she refused to drink this soup right now, Lu Meili would realize that there was something wrong with it. She had come too far. She couldn''t let anyone find out anything negative about her.

    What she had put into the soup was a slow working poison. She knew already that Lu Meili would have dinner with Katy tonight.

    Knowing that they would denifinitely not turn each other down, she found a way to frame Katy.

    Counting the hours, the poison would start reacting tonight. If she got poisoned after having a meal with Katy Blanc, who would the blame befall?

    The plan had gone this far. Was it going to be ruined in the last minute?

    She looked at Lu Meili. The girl was looking at her with her innocent eyes in anticipation, as though actually waiting for her answer.

    She took the bowl in both hands and squeezed her eyes shut, bringing it to her lips. She would find the antidote within a few hours. If she couldn''t find it then... what was she thinking? Neil would do anything for her. He would obviously find it for her.

    "Pfft..." Lu Meili burst into laughter. She didn''t actually want to hurt Ruoxi. It was not yet time for that.

    "Sis Ruoxi, I know you don''t like any soup, but do you have to look like a lamb awaiting slaughter? Let it be."

    Ruoxi heaved a sigh of relief secretly. She wouldn''t have to risk her life after all.

    "I think I heard my mother calling me." Lu Meili said and disappeared up the stairs in a flash.

    Wan Jia was indeed calling her and she glared at her. "You already know what kind of person she is by now. What are you doing, risking your life like that?"

    Lu Meili laughed. "Mom, you worry too much. Of course I wouldn''t eat or drink anything that she gives me."

    "You better not. I''ll send her out of here. I don''t know what the hell your father is up to by letting ungrateful dogs that bite their master into this house. What''s even worse, she had the courage to bully my baby.

    It''s a shame to all dogs to even call her a dog. Is Lu Aotian crazy?"

    Lu Meili remained silent. She was not the person who hated Ruoxi the most. Everyone knew that Lu Meili was the person Wan Jia loved the most on earth.

    It had nothing to do with preference, perhaps it was because among the three children, Lu Meili had spent the most amount of time with her. Besides, they were almost identical to each other. How could they not be each other''s favorite?

    Of course, Wan Jia treated all three of her children equally. It was just that she had an extra soft spot for her Little Li.

    Yet, an unthankful idiot had the audacity to bully this Little Li, and even tried to poison her?

    "I''m going to sue her. I will use all my influence and that of the Lu and Lin families to make sure she rots in prison forever."

    Lu Meili held her back when she saw that Wan Jia was really going downstairs angrily. "Mom, wait."

    "What is it? You''re not going to tell me to let off that fool, are you? If you are, I will not listen to a word you say."

    Lu Meili laughed, but she felt warm in her heart. Her mother loved her too much. "Mom, I''m not asking you to let her off. In fact, I also want to see her in prison as well as let the Blanc family know just what kind of person she really is. Especially Aunty Lihua. But..."

    Wan Jia narrowed her eyes.

    "Can you let me deal with her on my own? I will feel better that way. I bet, it''s the same reason why daddy acted like he didn''t know a thing."

    Wan Jia thought about it and retreated. Fine. Since her daughter wanted to be the one exposing that fool and punishing her, she would let her. But if Lu Meili let her off too easily, of course she wouldn''t accept that kind of outcome. She would step in then and do something more significant.

    ...

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    ...

    Lu Meili took out her phone soon after seeing Ruoxi out.

    She called Neil. The man was no longer as excited as he used to be when he recieved calls from Lu Meili. Thanks to Ruoxi''s meddling, he now found Lu Meili too childish and annoying. Not only that, he realized just how much Lu Meili looked down on him due to his status which was not a tenth as great as hers.

    "What is it?" His tone was full of annoyance and ridicule.

 Chapter 531 - Explore your rendez-vous in the open

    Lu Meili pretended to not notice it and coughed. "I invited my cousin for a meal. Do you want to join us?"

    She deliberately gave him half information. As a result, Neil assumed that the cousin she was talking about was Ruoxi.

    Just because his Ruoxi would be present, he agreed. He had very few opportunities to see her. He wouldn''t waste one just because the person inviting him was Lu Meili. "Send me the adress and time. I''ll be there."

    "Sure." Lu Meili hung up and smiled. Since you both have a private relationship, why don''t I let you explore your rendez-vous in the open? It will save you both the time and money to find a hotel room.

    She slyly sent Ruoxi a text. [Sis Ruoxi, I forgot to invite you for a meal. There are things we can''t talk about in my house; the walls have ears. Please come, okay?] She attatched a cute emoticon with puppy dog eyes at the end. Ruoxi would definitely think she wanted to ask something important.

    Remembering that she had not told her the place where they would meet, she composed a new text message. [Emerald Grand Hotel at 6pm. I''ll be waiting.]

    Satisfied, she sent a similar message to Neil, but the time was 5.30 pm.

    When she was done, she went to Lu Xian Yu''s room. The young lad had not gone to school today.

    ...

    As soon as he heard footsteps nearing the door to his room, he knew instantly who it was.

    "Eldest sis, can you please not kiss my face today? I''m busy."

    Lu Meili was so shocked that she almost passed out. Was that long sentence from Lu Xian Yu? How many words were those?

    Too bad, he only spoke so much because he didn''t want a kiss from her.

    "I don''t want to kiss your face. I only need your help with something." She said, not at all ashamed that she was asking for help from her younger brother. The young lad was after all a terrifying genius. It would be shocking if no one ever needed his help.

    The young lad kept silent for a long while, giving Lu Meili time to look around his bedroom.

    How was this even a bedroom? It was so filled with advanced technology that as soon as one went in, it felt as though this was entirely a different world.

    In fact, few people could enter this room. Lu Meili was among the few. As for his second sister Lu Xian Li, she had once destroyed one of the young lad''s devices, so she was restricted from going in. If she did, a robot that Lu Aotian had gifted the young lad would grip her hand and drag her all the way to Lu Xian Yu for punishment.

    "I wish dad would give you an office to do all these things. This no longer looks like a bedroom. Literally everything here can be moved and made to work with the help of remote controls. Even the bed no longer looks like one. Poor bed." Actually, Lu Aotian had given him a whole building to fill with whatever he wanted to invent, but he still liked doing it in his own room.

    "What?"

    Lu Meili jolted. "Huh? What''s ''what''?"

    She understood a second later that the young lad must have felt irritated by her blabbering and was asking what exactly she wanted.

    Little one, can''t we communicate like normal humans?

    Urgh, right. He was probably not a normal human.

    Because she needed his help, she could only explain. "I set people up for dinner and I want to watch them."

    Lu Xian Yu looked at her. This was too easy and anyone could do it. Why did she have to find him?

    Nonetheless, he took a necklace from his collection and gave to her.

    Lu Meili took it slowly. "You are giving it to me? Should I wear it or..."

    The young lad''s eyes scolded her as an idiot. "The woman."

    It took fourteen years of living with this little punk to understand him. He meant for her to give this necklace to the woman she had set up, and she would be able to watch them. "What if I''m unable to give it to her?" She interrupted him before he spoke. "Can you please answer in a full statement? At least three words."

    "Anywhere can do."

    Lu Meili: "..."

    Fine. I asked for three words, and three words I got.

    "Thank you."

    The young lad nodded. He looked like she was wasting his time.

    "No!" He said sternly and glared at Lu Meili when he saw her taking steps towards him.

    Lu Meili got close to him regardless. Despite his annoyance, she placed a kiss on his soft cheek. Only then was she satisfied. "Are you on your period? You look so grumpy."

    Before he could get angry and send a robot to kick her out, she ran right out. That little thing. Did he think everyone had a sister who loved them like she loved him?

    ...

    ...

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    ...

    Lu Meili checked the necklace she had bee given by her younger brother. No matter how she checked, she couldn''t understand just how it worked. Wasn''t it just a normal necklace?

    However, she knew that Lu Xian Yu wouldn''t tell her something he was not sure about. She only needed to give the necklace to Ruoxi.

    Though she wondered, why would he have such a thing? Was he suspecting that his girlfriend was cheating.

    She shook her head, blushing furiously. He was still just a kid. He couldn''t have a girlfriend at his age. If he thought he liked anyone right now, it could at most only be childhood affection.

    She went to dress up for the meeting.

 Chapter 532 - So beautiful she was almost self-conscious.

    When it was time, Lu Meili left the house. She had already sent the adress to Katy Blanc.

    "First miss." The new chauffeur bowed and greeted her respectfully when he saw her.

    Lu Meili smiled. She was in quite a good mood. "You don''t have to be so polite with me. Can I trouble you to drive me to Emerald Grand Hotel?"

    The chauffeur was thunderstruck. Why was the eldest miss being so polite? "First miss, it''s no trouble."

    Lu Aotian was watching her get into the car from the balcony. He took his phone and called Small Xing, the bodyguard who had taught Wan Jia to fight many years ago. He was already in his late thirties, but he still possessed a small physique accompanied by martial strength that made one speechless.

    "Take three more men with you and follow my daughter. If anyone tries to hurt her, hurt them tenfold."

    "Yes master."

    Though Small Xing wondered, just who between him and Lu Meili needed protection? His chances of being bullied were much higher than hers.

    Despite this fact, he still took three of the strongest men in his team and followed Lu Meili closely.

    ...

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    ...

    About twenty minutes later, Lu Meili arrived in Emerald Grand Hotel. She was earlier than both Neil and Ruoxi.

    She went to the restaurant on the tenth floor and booked a private room. When she was done, she carefully placed the necklace given to her by Lu Xian Yu among the flowers on the flower pot atop the table. She didn''t find a perfect excuse to give it to Ruoxi earlier. If she simply gave it to her, Ruoxi would suspect it if something happened. In fact, she might pretty well figure out that something is amiss as soon as she set her eyes on Neil. It would be too much of a co?ncidence.

    Her phone rang. It was already 5.30 pm. As expected, Neil was quite on time.

    She recieved it with a sweet facade.

    "I''m already at Emerald Grand Hotel. They won''t let me in." His tone was rather impatient. How could Lu Meili simply send her to such a place as Emerald Grand Hotel considering his status? Was she trying to humiliate him?

    "Hello Neil, I got caught up doing something else. I might be a little late. Just use my name to get in. I told them about you already."

    Of course, she would never humiliate anyone using her status. Not even if that person betrayed their friendship and teamed up with the enemy. She knew better than anyone that even if Emerald Grand Hotel wasn''t owned by Lu Enterprises, her status would still see her in without any issues. However, that couldn''t be said about Neil. She had already informed the manager beforehand.

    Although she was in the building, she had to leave. She couldn''t let them meet her.

    ___

    At the entrance.

    "I''m telling you, let me in right now. The eldest miss of the Lu family is my friend and the first heiress of the Blanc family is my girlfriend. You will not be let off."

    The security guards exchanged looks and laughed to themselves.

    It was alright to claim that Ruoxi Blanc was his girlfriend. That one had many friends, so it was half believable. But to have the audacity to claim friendship with the eldest miss of the Lu family? Who would believe such a lie? How many people had seen Miss Lu to begin with?

    After having to wait for a while amid all the humiliation, the manager finally came out. "You must be Mr. Neil. Miss Lu asked me to pick you up."

    "I am." He said between gritted teeth. Lu Meili would pay for this.

    ...

    "A-cho! Who is cursing me?" Lu Meili sneezed in the elevator.

    "It''s really you!" A girl in the same elevator exclaimed. Lu Meili was shocked. "Who are you?"

    The girl looked awkward. "I must have scared you, I apologize. I''m a journalist. You are Little Angel Meili, right? I wouldn''t get it wrong."

    Lu Meili smiled. It was hard to disguise herself. But due to her unique voice, people would recognize her, especially fans and journalists.

    The little journalist felt her heart melt from Lu Meili''s smile. How could a girl be so beautiful?

    Meanwhile, Lu Meili was also studying the young journalist. She had long hair that fell all the way to her waist. Her set of well-sculptured teeth looked even whiter between her pink lips.

    She was wearing a simple dress and didn''t seem to have any make up on. However, it still outlined her figure as one of the best there could be.

    Even as the nation''s little beauty, she had to admit that the girl before her right now was very beautiful. So beautiful she was almost self-conscious.

    They reached the ground floor as she studied the sweet beauty. "Sorry, I have to rush out now."

    ...

    Lu Meili checked to ensure that Neil had got into the hotel and Ruoxi was yet to arrive before she left Emerald Grand Hotel.

    "Sis Katy, are you done? Meet me at East End Bar."

    Katy Blanc was shocked witless when she heard this venue. "Bar?" She had already said to meet in Emerald Grand Hotel. Why did it change to a bar now? Most importantly, "I''m already on my way to Emerald Grand Hotel. You do know that they are on opposite sides of the city, right?"

    Lu Meili chuckled. "Why not a bar? We have a good show to watch. Besides, when was the last time we just drunk and relaxed? It''s been practically ages. If I told you that we were meeting at a bar too early, someone might have found out."

    Katy could no longer refute this little girl''s logic.

 Chapter 533 - Ruoxi can do wrong things but we cant?

    She turned back and went to East End bar. Lu Meili arrived a few minutes later.

    "Little Jia, you are here at last. I almost grew gray hair just waiting for you."

    Lu Meili almost tripped and fell. What did Katy just call her? She sat beside her. "Can you not call me ''Little Jia''? That''s my mother''s name."

    Katy once again couldn''t understand the logic of her words. Hadn''t that been Lu Meili''s nickname for many years? All she knew was that as some point, Lu Meili no longer found it logical to be called as the little version of her mother, so she had everyone stop calling her ''Little Jia''.

    ...

    The girls ordered one of the best types of wine.

    "Sis Katy, how was your first day in Le Blanc Group? Are you alright?"

    Katy Blanc lifted her glass of wine to her lips and took a small sip. "It was much easier than I thought. Initially, I didn''t think that daddy would let me work in the family company. I always thought he would be too strict with me."

    Lu Meili didn''t understand why she would think that way. "Uncle Henry loves you very much. If you are qualified for a position, of course he will not stop you."

    Katy knew that Lu Meili might not necessarily understand the matters of the Blanc family. She was one girl who prefered to mind her own business after all. "The thing is, aunty Lihua''s biggest reason for wanting to divorce is Ruoxi and I. We never get along and of course daddy will take my side. It made aunty think we both hate Ruoxi and don''t treat her as part of our family.

    Actually, I liked Ruoxi until I found out she was a schemer with bad intentions, against daddy and aunty."

    Lu Meili already knew most of this from what she had put together. The only thing that shocked her was, Lin Lihua was divorcing Henry Blanc? But they looked like they were in good terms the last time she was in the Blanc villa.

    She recalled something and wanted to scold herself. Lin Lihua was an actress. Even if she retired decades ago, it was still deeply rooted in her blood. If she didn''t want to air her dirty laundry in public, it wouldn''t be hard for her to put on an act.

    Of course, Katy didn''t say everything in detail. Lu Meili would still need time to pin all the pieces together.

    But she really wanted to know something. "When was aunty Lihua pregnant?"

    Katy Blanc chocked on her wine and coughed in a fit. "You are dreaming, right? Aunty has never been pregnant; or at least I never heard of it."

    Lu Meili was now half settled. Earlier when Ruoxi said that Lin Lihua had been made to lose her baby, she was worried. At some point, she even thought that it might have been true. If Katy had never heard of it, the possibility was much lower.

    ...

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    ...

    Lu Meili checked the time. It was 6.25 pm. Ruoxi would go to Emerald Grand Hotel at 6.30. If she was late, Neil would have to wait much longer. "Can we not talk about sad topics anymore? We have an interesting show to watch."

    "What show?" Katy did not understand.

    Lu Meili smiled and switched on a function on her phone. She didn''t know exactly what she was doing; Lu Xian Yu had simply told her to do this.

    Sure enough, her screen filled with the image of a private room in Emerald Grand Hotel. It was the very room she had booked a placed the necklace among the flowers.

    At the table, a man played with his phone a little, turned it off and shoved it into his pocket violently. Impatience was written all over his face.

    "Isn''t that Neil?" Katy exclaimed.

    "Your memory is quite good. He teamed up with Ruoxi. I set them up to meet on their own. Is that the best show ever or what?"

    "Meili, what are you talking about? Wait, whatever it is, it is not right to intrude people''s privacy. Turn it off."

    Lu Meili was angered nearly to death. "Are you out of your mind? What, Ruoxi can do wrong things but we can''t?"

    Katy had no way to retaliate. Ruoxi had done very many evil things and not left any evidence behind. Perhaps this was a good chance...

    ___

    Emerald Grand Hotel.

    After waiting for so long that he was about to leave in a fit of rage, he finally saw Ruoxi appear.

    He smiled as soon as he saw her. At least Lu Meili didn''t trick him.

    However, that was not the same reaction as that of the woman who just came in. She was shocked, then she looked left and right then behind her, as though making sure there was no one else in the vicinity.

    "Neil? What in the world are you doing here? Why are you stalking me?"

    Neil''s happy expression dulled down. Was that what she thought of him? A stalker?

    "That little b*tch called me here." He said expressionlessly.

    Ruoxi knew without a doubt who he was referring to. She sneered. Hmph! Lu Meili should know just what the friend she trusted so much had called her.

    Though she cursed Lu Meili in her heart. How could she call her and Neil together?

    "She will be here any minute now. Remember, we don''t know each other. Don''t shame me."

    Neil dropped the phone he was playing with. "Is that what you think? That I''m a shame to you?"

    Ruoxi realized what she had just said and bit her tongue. "Honey, don''t get me wrong. I don''t want Lu Meili to know of our relationship just yet."

 Chapter 534 - We will not leave until we are drunk

    How could she be so stupid? It must be because she was anxious about this meeting that she spoke without thinking.

    Of course she looked down on Neil. How were they of the same status? She was not like Lu Meili who could tolerate and even befriend people of a much lower status than her.

    Neil had only managed to be in the same school as her because he had won a cholarship after being the best student in his country in an examination. His background was nothing worth mentioning. As if she would like such a man.

    She only closed her eyes to his background because he was Lu Meili''s friend and she needed his help at the time. Also, he was a very important chess piece. She would never like him even if there were no other men on earth.

    She was in fact considering creating a ''misunderstanding'' for them to break up.

    However, she could only pretend and act cute at the moment.

    "I''m scared that if Meili finds out about our relationship, she might want to turn us against each other. She might even..." she looked so scared that she hiccupped. "What if she says bad things about you to my parents? They will not let us get married when that time comes."

    Of course, Neil caught her main point. She had taken effort to emphasize it.

    He stupidly felt elated. She was considering getting married in future? So she wasn''t ashamed of his status after all.

    Luckily, he was working very hard. Soon, he would be able to provide a nice home and life of comfort for his wife. He only needed to be more persistent.

    "Ruoxi, you don''t have to worry about her. How can you allow yourself to be bullied by a girl younger than you?" He pulled her into a hug. "Don''t worry. I will protect you. I will not let anyone hurt you."

    Ruoxi felt so dusgusted she could throw up. How could this man touch her with his filthy hands? "We should keep our distance. That trash will be here any moment."

    Neil let go of her. Though he wondered, Lu Meili was very nice when they were younger, or so he thought.

    Was it that she suddenly changed, or was she acting all along and just showed her true face when he least expected it?

    Whatever it was, he wouldn''t let her hurt his Ruoxi.

    ___

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    ...

    Meanwhile, Katy Blanc was not shocked as she watched the duo. As expected of Ruoxi. She had a terrifying ability to twist the facts and weave traps for people to fall into and fall apart. She was trying to take control over everyone by breaking them apart and making them weaker.

    Lu Meili, on the other hand, felt even more hurt. She had yet to accept the fact that Neil had changed this much over just a few weeks. Was it even weeks?

    Feeling sad, she sent over a message, telling them separately that something came up and she wouldn''t be able to make it; they would talk later.

    Katy Blanc could tell why she was so broken. "Both of them are so ungrateful. Especially Neil. In the last year of junior high, he made a mistake in school and lost his scholarship. Then anonymously, someone paid up his school fees just when he was about to be forcefully dropped out. I heard it was a family. That was the Lu family, right? And it was because you spoke to Uncle Lu about it, right?"

    Lu Meili remained silent, confirming her guess. "I always thought so. That afternoon, you even told Uncle Lu that if he cared for your happiness, he should not let it happen. You were referring to Neil''s education being terminated, right?"

    Lu Meili put down the wineglass. "Sis Katy, it doesn''t matter." That was in the past. She wasn''t expecting Neil to repay her for that favor anyway. And if there was anyone to be repaid, it had to be Lu Aotian, not her.

    Katy Blanc twirled her glass leisurely. "I only ever heard of people stabbing their saviors in the backs in movies and novels. I finally saw it in real life, not once but twice. It''s really an eye-opener.

    Hey! That''s enough. Don''t drink too much."

    She snatched the wineglass from Lu Meili. Was that the fifth? Or was it the sixth? This Lu Meili must be crazy.

    The girl was not yet drunk. The effect was yet to kick in. "I saved this video to my phone."

    Katy was elated. "Then I''ll have to thank you and trouble you at the same time. If I show it to aunty Lihua, she will know what type of person Ruoxi is."

    Lu Meili rolled her eyes at her. "Do you really have a brain? Everything is worded so vaguely. It''s not enough to accuse her of anything. Besides, just who do you think aunty Lihua will believe between the two of you?"

    Katy Blanc remained silent. Although it was blunt, Lu Meili was right. She needed to gather enough evidence before finding the most suitable person to give it to Lin Lihua as well as sue Ruoxi. She would never believe for even one second that the incident with the gun when they were fourteen was an accident.

    Even if she believed it before, she no longer did. That had to be deliberate.

    Sighing, she downed the content of the wineglass and took another, which she downed as well.

    Lu Meili looked at her wide eyed.

    In the next second, she ordered another bottle.

    "Let''s drink away our sorrows tonight. We will not leave unless we are drunk."

    Katy snatched the bottle. "Meili, you can''t drink too much." Or else, Uncle Lu will have my head.

 Chapter 535 - Beat you into a pulp

    Lu Meili snatched it back. "How old do you think I am? Daddy wouldn''t restrict me from drinking. Besides, I''m not driving."

    Katy was also worried about this. She had driven here herself. "Who will drive if we both get drunk? Are you going to get Xu Tang to drop us off? That would distract his work."

    "My chauffeur is here." Lu Meili said, though her mind quickly filled with a name. Xu Tang...

    Tangtang...

    "Who the hell does he think he is? He promised to call me at 8.00pm. It''s already 8.01."

    "Erm... Meili, if you are that kind of wife, no one will want to marry you."

    Lu Meili held her chin in her hand. "Who cares? The one I love doesn''t want me anyway. Might as well die a maiden."

    Katy looked at her eyes that were starting to lose focus. Well, she was drunk. Now the blabbering made sense. "We should go home now. Or else, we will make fools out of ourselves here."

    The little rationality remaining in Lu Meili''s brain convinced her that Katy was right.

    However, they were yet to stand when a trio of young men found their way to their table.

    Lu Meili stole a glance at Katy. Was there any one time that girls could drink without getting bothered by men?

    "Hello beauties, would you like to dance?" The one who looked like the leader of the two spoke up first. He had especially taken a liking to Lu Meili. She was so beautiful that as soon as he set his eyes on her, his heart was stolen.

    Lu Meili shook her head. "Not interested."

    However, the man didn''t want to give up. "Beauty, don''t be too introverted. Though for a reason, you look extremely familiar. It''s as though I have seen you somewhere before."

    Katy Blanc scolded the man in her heart. Of course you have seen our Meili before. She is so famous that you are an imp if you don''t know her.

    She could understand, however, that thanks to Lu Meili''s make up and way of dressing tonight, it was not easy to recognize her. Even Wan Jia might question her a little, much less outsiders.

    "Beauty..."

    "Do you know what happens to men who just won''t leave girls alone?" Lu Meili''s sweet voice rang out in annoyance. "I will beat you into a pulp."

    "Pfft..."

    "Bahahahahah"

    "This is too funny."

    The men all burst into laughter.

    Beat them into a pulp? This little beauty was quite interesting.

    Lu Meili felt wronged. Why wouldn''t they believe her? She could really beat them up, okay?

    "Beauty, it''s just a dance. You really don''t want to...?"

    "Not only will I beat you into a pulp, I will also make you beg to call me great grandfather." Lu Meili interrupted.

    "Hahahaha."

    The men burst into peals of laughter once again.

    "Eh, this beauty is quite interesting."

    The man thought Lu Meili was only blabbering her drunken nonsense. How dangerous could a sweet little beauty like her be? He stuck out a hand to hold her.

    Lu Meili could tolerate people joking around at a distance, but she couldn''t stand being touched by a man who wasn''t Xu Tang!

    She didn''t know when it happened herself. Following a gush of wind, the man was on the floor. Blood dripped from his nose and mouth.

    The glass in Katy''s hand dropped and shattered.

    The two remaining men held onto each other in shock. What had just happened?

    "Monster!"

    "How is this a beauty, she... she''s a witch!"

    One of them remembered to check on their leader after a while. "Captain!" He looked at the other. "Mate, captain is not breathing. Murder!"

    The word jolted Lu Meili, and she became half sober in a flash. Murder?

    She looked at the man lying lifeless on the floor.

    "Oh no..." she mumbled and looked at her hand which was unharmed even after hitting a man to that extent. "What have I done..."

    At this time, Small Xing rushed in from his hiding place and took the man''s wrist. "He''s still alive. Rush him to hospital. Inform master of this."

    Lu Meili didn''t notice what was going on around her anymore. She shouldn''t fight. She had known this for years.

    Why did she raise a fist? What had she done? What the hell had she done?

    ___

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    ...

    Southside Villas, villa number four.

    "Daddy..."

    Lu Aotian was expressionless. "Do you now understand why I don''t like it when you drink too much? Drunk people are easily provoked and they cannot control their temper."

    Lu Meili had nothing to say in her defense. She was in the wrong here. That man was currently recieving intensive care.

    Lu Aotian left the study and took out his phone. "Come over to Southside right away."

    As soon as the call ended, he felt the presence of a pair of hands on his waist. Doubtlessly, it was Wan Jia. "She''s already in a lot of distress. Scolding her won''t help in any way and  besides, it was that guy who provoked her first. How can he simply touch a woman when she is not willing?"

    Lu Aotian turned around. "I know. But still.... if that family is not settled, Lu Meili could be sued. This couldn''t possibly pass off as self-defence. Especially since Lu Meili threatened him before she actually hit him."

    "What will we do... I don''t want my baby to be sued. I know she really didn''t mean to hurt anyone." Wan Jia felt distressed.

    "I can settle that." Lu Aotian answered her as he held her in his arms. He didn''t want her to be worried about anything.

    Wan Jia suddenly jolted. "You are not going to pick on Meili at such a time, right?"

 Chapter 536 - Your mother is dead

    Lu Aotian tapped her nose. "Do you think I''m that type of person?"

    Wan Jia averted her gaze. Luckily, he didn''t take advantage of this sort of situation to force Lu Meili to quit the entertainment industry. That would be too heartless of him.

    "Go to sleep. I will talk to that family. In actual fact, Lu Meili cannot possibly be sued. She was drunk while the man... he tried to take advantage of a drunk woman. I should be the one suing him."

    Wan Jia hugged him. "Okay. Thank you."

    "You don''t need to thank me. Meili is my daughter too." He wouldn''t let them file a suit against her either.

    ___

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    ...

    As soon as they left East End bar, Katy had accompanied Lu Meili home, afraid that she would stess herself out too much if left on her own. At the same time, it was so that she would explain to Wan Jia and Lu Aotian what exactly had occured. It would be clearer if she said it since she was closer to Lu Meili when everything happened.

    When she was done explaining the matter to the Lu couple, she rushed to the Blanc villa.

    As soon as she got in, she saw Lin Lihua watching television in the living room. Tonight, Lu Meili had told her what to do if she wanted to ever get along with Lin Lihua.

    Hiding her nervousness, she went right to Lin Lihua''s side and sat her backside next to her. "Hello mother, sorry I''m late. I was having a drink with Meili and lost track of time."

    Lin Lihua turned her head and looked at her. Was she so sleepy that she was starting to have weird dreams, or was Katy so drunk that she was acting weird? What did she just call her?

    Just as Lu Meili predicted, Lin Lihua wasn''t used to being called ''mother'' by her. She looked shocked.

    Katy Blanc stood up. "I''ll go to sleep now. Goodnight mother."

    Lin Lihua finally had a reaction. "Who are you calling ''mother''? Did you have too much to drink?"

    Katy Blanc turned around with an innocent smile. "I''m your daughter. Of cause I will call you mother. What, you adopted me, and now you want to disown me?"

    Lin Lihua continued watching the television drama she was watching, unwilling to look at Katy.

    There was nothing wrong with what Katy was saying. When Amy died, Henry Blanc decided to adopt his niece and make her his legal daughter. However, a married man couldn''t possibly adopt a child on his own. Paired with the fact that she still liked Katy back then, she had signed the adoption documents along with him.

    Katy seemed to be using this to get under her skin now.

    The ''innocent'' Katy smiled and took a few steps foward, then turned back. "Mother, you shouldn''t go to bed too late. It is not good for your health and your skin."

    Lin Lihua remained silent, but someone else spoke. "She is not your mother."

    Ruoxi had arrived much earlier, terribly angry after being stood up by Lu Meili.

    She walked right to Katy Blanc. "She is not your mother. She never will be. Your mother is dead."

    "You..." Katy clenched her fists.

    "Ruoxi!" A voice scolded. "How dare you?! You... you have crossed the line."

    Any normal person would have such a reaction. Everyone knew how painful Amy''s death had been to Katy, especially since she was murdered so brutally. How could Ruoxi say such a thing?

    Henry Blanc would have kept quiet about anything else, but how dare this girl say such a thing to Katy? He glared at Ruoxi furiously.

    Realization downed on Ruoxi. Because she had seen Katy trying to suck up to Lin Lihua, she was in panic. She had said this to infuriate Katy and make the latter fight her, but she forgot all about Lin Lihua''s presence.

    She only remembered this belatedly. In panic, she rushed to her, crying pitifully. "Mom, I didn''t mean to say such a thing. I was just scared when she was so close to you. Who knows what her intention is? Mom, I really didn''t mean to."

    Katy Blanc was the one who panicked this time. Oh no... if Lin Lihua listened to Ruoxi, Lin Lihua would dislike her even more. She clenched her fists.

    Henry Blanc felt helpless too. To Lin Lihua, Ruoxi was everything. How could she possibly listen to him and Katy?

    Under the anticipating gaze of Ruoxi and the nervous gazes of Katy and Henry Blanc, Lin Lihua stood up. "What Ruoxi said is true."

    Katy Blanc bit her lip to stop terrible words from leaving her mouth.

    Lin Lihua looked at Ruoxi. She looked angry. "However, you still don''t have a right to bring up the painful past of anyone. Not even if you think that person has evil intentions."

    Katy was shocked speechless. She was reprimanding Ruoxi?

    Ruoxi grabbed her hand and looked like she was trying to find security at her side. "I will not do it again."

    Lin Lihua patted her head. "Don''t you have something to say to Katy? Go on."

    Katy was even more shocked. She exchanged a glance with the equally dumbfounded Henry Blanc. She was making Ruoxi apologize?

    Ruoxi really wanted to die. She would never apologize to that b*tch! No way! "Mom..."

    Katy grabbed this chance. "Mo... aunty, don''t stress too much about it. Sister didn''t mean it. She must have just spoken thoughtlessly. Right Sis?"

    Although this was what she said, her eyes looked moist. She clenched her lips into a tight line and left the living room. Her little frame emitted a lonely and pitiful aura.

    Henry Blanc glanced at Lin Lihua and followed Katy upstairs.

 Chapter 537 - Saving your marriage

    Lin Lihua looked at Henry''s back. Her eyes were filled with the image of Katy when she left.

    "Poor thing." She unconciously mumbled.

    Ruoxi clenched her fists. She would not let Lin Lihua feel pity for Katy, that b*tch. That kind of feeling could easily transform into love.

    "Mom, are you still mad at me?" She asked, looking scared and pitiful.

    Lin Lihua who had her feelings mixed up a moment ago smiled. "How could I bear to be mad at you? Go to sleep, alright?"

    Ruoxi looked at her, feigning innocence. As expected, Lin Lihua still loves me the most.

    That little b*tch only called her ''mother'' once. How can she compare to me?

    ___

    Upstairs, Katy sat on the balcony, gazing at the stars.

    "Katy."

    She turned with a smile on her face. "Daddy?"

    Henry Blanc stepped foward and hugged her. "I''m sorry. You were hurt because I was selfish. Just because I couldn''t bear to part with my wife, you bore the consequences for so many years. This time Ruoxi even opened up your old wounds."

    Katy felt something bad coming out of this. "Daddy, what are you saying?"

    "Katy, I have decided to let go. These remaining two months may not make Lihua change her mind and see through that idiot. It will only make you get hurt more and more. I..." He looked like he was using all his strength to say this. "I will go through with the divorce earlier. After that, I''ll take better care of you."

    Katy Blanc widened her eyes. What was he saying? Just when she had deviced a plan to make Lin Lihua change her mind, he was giving up?

    "No, daddy, you cannot give up."

    Henry Blanc felt broken on her behalf. "I know how you feel. You want me to be happy, right? But I cannot sacrifice your happiness any longer. I have already done that selfishly for more than a decade. Isn''t it too much already?"

    "It''s not. I have a plan. Aunty will..." Katy saw something from a distance behind Henry Blanc and burried her head into his arms. "All I wanted was to feel a little loved. Did I ask for too much? Sob... why does sister have to be so mean to me?"

    Henry Blanc was stunned. What was with the sudden change of topic? "Katy..."

    The girl pinched him. Slowly, he heard footsteps. They were so familiar to him that he would recognize them anywhere but they stopped at a distance. He finally understood. Katy was putting on an act for Lin Lihua? Wait, Lin Lihua was behind him?

    "Why does sister hate me so much? We obviously used to be friends. If I didn''t fight with her over toys when we were kids, would she still hate me this much?"

    Lin Lihua who was a short distance away felt her heart ache. Ruoxi''s words had hurt Katy more than she thought...

    She couldn''t bear to watch them any longer. No matter what, this girl clearly hated her. Not only that, she had also schemed severally to get Ruoxi thrown out of the Blanc family. She should not feel an ounce of pity for her.

    Once Lin Lihua left, Katy lifted her head.

    "You... I didn''t know acting skills could be transmitted through the air. I was almost fooled by you." Henry Blanc pinched her nose. What was she up to?

    Katy Blanc laughed slyly. "When I was a kid, I wanted to be an actress, remember? Besides, I''ve been living under the same roof with two talented actresses. Wouldn''t it be strange if I didn''t learn a thing from them?"

    Henry Blanc laughed slightly. "You little brat. What are you planning to do?"

    "To save your marriage."

    Henry Blanc was stunned. To do what?

    "Can you not look at me like that? You''re not the only one gaining from this. If this mission is a success, I lose a scheming ''sister'' and gain a mother. I still need one even after so many years."

    "Fine. What''s your plan?"

    Katy looked at him cheekily. "Can you stand beeing a little childish?"

    Henry Blanc raised an eyebrow. Childish? He was obviously waiting to be a grandpa. Wasn''t it too late for that?

    Eer... whatever. It would never be too late to save his marriage.

    Katy sighed. If she wasn''t so timid before, she would have done this ages ago. It wouldn''t have reached this point.

    "I''ll go to bed now. Don''t disappoint me daddy." Katy skipped away.

    Henry Blanc felt awkward. That little brat was quite silly. However, if it would make his Lihua stay, he wouldn''t mind being silly once in a while.

    ___

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    ...

    "Mommy, can you please come back?" A voice filled Lin Lihua''s head. It was the voice of a little girl.

    The girl was kneeling on the ground, a toy fallen by her side. She was staring at the lake with her face soaked in tears. Some strands of her brown curly hair were stuck onto her little face.

    As though recalling something, she grabbed the plush doll. "It''s my favorite toy that I love very much. If I give it to you, will you come back?"

    There was no one before her. Only the vast lake.

    "Then... will you come back if I give you all my toys?"

    Lin Lihua tossed. "Katy..."

    She woke up. So it was just a dream. Why would she suddenly dream of something that happened so many years ago?

    ...

    That wasn''t the main point right now. Did this bed... have a special feature... warm breath, a pair of hands...!

    "HENRY BLANC! What the hell are you doing in my bed?!"

    The man shamelessly held her waist tighter. "Honey, I only just fell asleep. Can you please be quiet?"

 Chapter 538 - The shameless man on her bed

    Lin Lihua pulled his hands off her waist violently. "I''m not your honey! Get lost. We are divorced."

    Henry Blanc remained static. "Not yet."

    Lin Lihua really wanted to beat the life out of him. "Can you not infuriate me in the middle of the night?"

    Henry Blanc smiled childishly. He really hoped this will work. "About that, can we talk? When we are really divorced, everyone will definitely find out, right? We cannot hide the truth from them forever. Especially... espacially not from mother-in-law. Since that''s the case, why don''t we tell her the truth earlier?"

    Lin Lihua switched on the bedside lamp and got out of bed, glaring at him threateningly. "DON''T! YOU! DARE! Henry Blanc, are you trying to kill my mother?"

    Xia Rou''s health condition wasn''t especially nice. Her organs had grown weaker over the years. She was practically struggling to breath in a few more puffs of air. That was why although they were getting a divorce, she had made sure no one knew about it. If the news reached Xia Rou''s ears, it was no guaratee that she would survive the shock.

    Of course Henry Blanc knew about this. He didn''t intend to be so shameless as to use Xia Rou as a threat, but he needed something to tie Lin Lihua down. He hoped the heavens would forgive him for this. "But... when we divorce, we can no longer live in the same house, right? Your sister will find out soon, especially since Ruoxi and Katy are her daughter''s friends. Once Lu Meili finds out, everyone surely will."

    Lin Lihua pulled the covers from him. "What''s your point? You can say it while standing. Get out of my bed."

    Henry Blanc shamelessly grabbed the covers from her, curling himself in. "Wife, are you trying to use the cold to kill me? I could sue you for that, you know. I''m sure mother-in-law will get justice for me."

    "I really want to slap you to death." It was not sure what happened to Henry Blanc today. Had he drank too much along with Katy?

    "Since you like my bed so much, go ahead and sleep on it." She harruphed and sauntered away.

    However, she would never expect the door to be locked. Not only that, the key was missing too.

    "Idiot, where''s the key?"

    Henry Blanc turned leisurely, as though this bed belonged to him. "How am I supposed to know? This is not my room. Honey, it''s already very late. I really want to play with you but I''m too sleepy. Can we play tomorrow?"

    "You..." It was so late or night. What kind of game was this? Was he a little boy?

    "Honey, I don''t want you to catch a cold. Come here, let''s sleep. I promise I won''t kiss you all night."

    Lin Lihua glared at him. How did he manage to say such things? How shameless!

    Not only that, he was even acting as though she was the one who had invaded his room, and he was being lenient by letting her sleep together.

    "Can you not look so furious? You will soon become an old hag if you keep glaring at people murderously." The shameless man on her bed was at it again.

    At this moment, she regretted not having a sofa in her room. She had thought that it was kot necessary. Now she knew just how necessary it was.

    With no other choice, she took pillows and used them to separate Henry from her space of the bed.

    However, as soon as she placed the fourth pillow on the bed, the third one was already on the floor and so was the first and second.

    "Hey!" How dare he?

    She picked them up again. Like a stubborn child, Henry Blanc pulled them off again.

    Lin Lihua was tired. She flopped down on her side, close to the edge of the bed and tried as much as possible to ignore him.

    Henry Blanc chuckled slightly. Katy was right. He had kept his distance and waited for her to change her mind for too long. If he was this stubborn in the past, she wouldn''t have the chance to sue him for divorce.

    ___

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    ...

    That was the longest night for Lin Lihua. The next morning, she had faint dark circles under her eyes.

    Luckily, that idiot Henry Blanc had already left by the time she woke up. She could catch up on some sleep.

    Someone knocked on her door.

    Katy walked in as soon as she opened it. "Good morning mother, I brought you breakfast."

    She looked at her dark circles. "Mother, you didn''t have a good night''s sleep? I told you to not stay up too late."

    Lin Lihua glared at the girl who was putting on an innocent act. "What are you and your father up to?"

    Katy Blanc placed the tray of breakfast on Lin Lihua''s night stand. "Nothing much. We don''t want you to leave." She looked extremely sad. "If you leave, I will miss daddy too much."

    "Excuse me?" What did her leaving have to do with her missing Henry Blanc?

    "If I were a minor, the court would decide my custody. However, I''m an adult so I will personally choose who to live with. Of course I want to go with you, mother. At the same time, I will miss daddy too much. I''m at a loss just like daddy is."

    Lin Lihua touched her forehead. "What weird meds are you on?"

    Katy flashed a smile. "I knew you cared about me. You''re concerned about my health, right?"

    Lin Lihua was helpless. What was this Blanc duo up to?

    "Mother, I''m leaving. Remember to eat your breakfast before it gets too cold." Katy said and left Lin Lihua''s room.

 Chapter 539 - Do I look that terrible?

    Meanwhile, Lu Aotian had already has someone speak to the family of the man Lu Meili unintentionally hurt. They were preparing to blow the matter up and make the girl''s family pay a huge sum, but once they saw Lu Aotian''s lawyer, they were shocked. The said woman was from the Lu family?

    Everyone knew that Lawyer Shen was exclusive to the Lu family. He would not appear if it was not an important matter regarding the Lu family.

    In the end, Lu Aotian was only lenient enough to pay the hospital bills. That was the limit of his kindness. Once that man was out of hospital, he would pursue the matter further. He wouldn''t just sit back and let men off for bullying his daughter.

    It was considered crossing his limits as long as Lu Meili didn''t like it, even if all he did was touch her. Most importantly, his wife was offended by this matter. Of course, this was the only reason he was not letting this issue go.

    ...

    Lu Meili ran to speak to Lu Aotian before he could leave for work. "Daddy, about last night, thank you."

    Lu Aotian patted her head. "This time, it was only because your mother would be worried. Take better care of yourself the next time."

    "Got it dad."

    Lu Meili went back to her room.

    Her manager gave her a call just as she entered her room. "Lu Meili, the auditions for ''Dancer of the year'' will be starting on Friday. Will you go? You still have seven days to prepare for it."

    It was easy for her to pass any auditions. Except this time, the female lead for ''Dancer of the year'' was a talented dancer.

    Her acting and singing skills were remarkable, but she wasn''t too confident about her dancing.  It was obvious that this movie''s director would not only focus on acting skills, but on dancing too.

    "I''m not too confident about that."

    The manager expected this reply. She had never seen Lu Meili dance after all. She had never acted in a movie or drama where she needed to dance either. However, "The company wants you to go. CEO Lin personally said that you must at least try." She explained, feeling envious of Lu Meili. Not only was she so popular, even a big shot CEO like Lin Lihua had time to pay attention to her.

    Lu Meili held her forehead. But Aunty Lihua knew that she couldn''t dance. "Got it."

    She hung up the call with her manager, then gave Lin Lihua a call.

    She didn''t pick it even after many rings. She knew Lin Lihua''s schedule by heart. She hadn''t gone to work today. Perhaps she had left her phone on silent? "Never mind. I will just rush to Uncle Henry''s." Aside from this matter, she also had to speak to Katy.

    There should be a limit to her act of sticking onto Lin Lihua. Or else, it would be too strange for someone who kept their distance to suddenly become too clingy.

    Thinking about this, she flew down the stairs.

    "Eldest miss, your food is ready." A maid said as soon as she saw her.

    "Thanks Momo. Please keep it warm; I''ll eat it when I come back."

    "..."

    But madam specifically said that Lu Meili shouldn''t leave the house before eating...

    ___

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    ...

    "Meili!" Katy Blanc was excited to see Lu Meili. It was just a coincidence that she needed to ask her something.

    "Hello Sis Katy. Is Aunty home?"

    "She must be freshening up. Meili, I think I messed up."

    Lu Meili felt all the happiness leave her body. "What?"

    "I acted too much. Aunty must have noticed it."

    Lu Meili thought hard about it. It wouldn''t be good if anything went wrong. Urgh... she must have been sick when she told Katy to do all this in one go.

    "Wait a second. There''s nothing wrong."

    "There''s not?" Katy looked relieved.

    Lu Meili put on a scheming face. "Be a ''loving daughter'' for as long as possible. It doesn''t matter if she finds out that you are deliberately acting it out. Trust me, no matter what, it''s a sure win."

    Katy Blanc looked at this little girl. "Are you sure? You may not know but you look terribly evil right now."

    Lu Meili laughed. "Of course I look evil. That''s not the main point. You should have already prepared food for your mother."

    Katy sighed. "She didn''t eat it."

    "Don''t worry. It might take some time."

    At this time, Lin Lihua came downstairs. The girls sat straight.

    "Aunty, I was looking for y... Jeez! Aunty, did you not sleep well enough? Sis Katy, how could you not take care of aunty?"

    Lin Lihua looked self-conscious. "Do I look that terrible?"

    Lu Meili looked aside shyly. "Not... at all. Aunty is the most beautiful woman after all."

    "You little brat. Close your eyes to my momentary beauty-fail. What do you need me for?"

    Lu Meili didn''t mind discussing business in such a casual manner. "About the auditions for ''Dancer of the year''. Aunty, I don''t think I''m good enough."

    "But I think you are." Lin Lihua''s tone was firm, not allowing any room for negotiation.

    However, Lu Meili wasn''t one to give up easily. "B-but... I can''t dance. The main highlight here is the dance, right?"

    Lin Lihua took a seat and looked at her, wondering what kind of tone this was. "There''s no such thing as ''I can''t do it'' in HL Entertainment. I don''t think you can find it in the Lu family either. Don''t you know that you are my niece?

    My standard for you is much higher, or it would be unfair to other artists. Obviously, I cannot give you a role you absolutely can''t do."

 Chapter 540 - Cupid everywhere I go

    Lu Meili gulped. So her aunt thought she could really do it?

    In actual fact, she had never expected that she would be able to be in HL Entertainment. It was currently the leading agency in the entertainment industry.

    Another reason why she hid her true identity was this. If anyone knew that she was Lin Lihua''s niece, they would think she had got into HL Entertainment through under the table connections.

    They would never believe how hard she had worked for it. From the start, Lin Lihua''s standard of her was always this sky-high. But thinking about it, she would never feel that Lin Lihua was being unfair. If she wasn''t this strict with her, her acting skills wouldn''t sky-rocket.

    "Aunty, I''ll try my best."

    Lin Lihua leaned back leisurely, feeling proud of her. "I would''ve taken some time to teach you. However, I am too tired today. Perhaps I could teach you some other time."

    Lu Meili was no longer listening. "Actually, I know who will. Thank you aunty, you should go back to rest."

    She kissed Lin Lihua''s face in a flurry. "Au revoir!" She ran out, blushing furiously.

    Lin Lihua chuckled. "Meili can be quite funny. Why would she blush after kissing my cheek?"

    Katy, who had been ignored all this while, was the one to answer that. "She is going to ask Xu Tang to teach her. She has been in love with him for years and finally found the best way to spend more time with him."

    Lin Lihua tousled her own hair. "Oh! There I go, being a cupid everywhere I go. It''s a good thing, don''t you think? I might become a grand aunt quite soon."

    Katy brightened up happily, her gloomy mood from being ignored fading. In many years, this was the first time they held a peaceful conversation. Although it was just a few words, it meant there was some improvement in Lin Lihua''s impression of her.

    In just one day?! How fast.

    Lin Lihua, who was unaware of why Katy was so happy, found it laughable. Why was she suddenly so happy? What did Lu Meili''s love story have to do with her?

    In the next second, she wondered just why she cared.

    Katy watched her expression change and smiled even more. Pfft! Who knew aunty could act so cute?

    ___

    Lu Meili rushed back home to eat before she hurried to Xu Corporation to find Xu Tang.

    He had already given an order that no matter what he was doing and what time it was, Lu Meili must never be denied entry to the company building.

    This time was no different. She went right to Xu Tang''s office. "Tangtang, are you very busy?"

    Xu Tang lifted his head from his documents and glared at her. "If my employees heard you call me that, I would lose face. Shut up if you cannot me Xu Tang."

    "Hmph! You only care about losing face." She looked at the mountain of documents on his left, he probably needed to go through all of them. The completed work on the right was just a handful.   "I see you are very busy. I only wanted to say hi; I will not overstay my welcome."

    Xu Tang grabbed the ''mountain'' by reflex, not understanding his own actions. Some of the files fell to the floor. Before Lu Meili could say anything, he picked them and stuffed them into a shelf.

    "Pfft... what was that all about?"

    Xu Tang showed her his empty hands. "How am I busy? I don''t have any work to do."

    Lu Meili looked at the files currently in the shelf, clearly accusing him of lying.

    Xu Tang laughed as he scratched his head. "Haha... that... I was so idle that I started re-reading the documents I had already approved."

    Lu Meili found it funny but believed him, while his assistant was dumbfounded. My dear CEO, can you not be such a shameless liar?

    How can you keep up a straight face while lying about the documents I brought just a moment ago?

    They still need your attention. Hey, don''t go!

    "How cute. I think CEO is in love with this Lu Meili. She is so beautiful that I''m not shocked." The secretary who was just entering Xu Tang''s office commented.

    However, the assitant didn''t think so. "They are at most friends. After all, Lu Meili is an actress. I don''t think she has the status to match up to our CEO Xu''s."

    The secretary was infuriated. "When will people stop considering status? The kind of woman she is is what matters the most. Why would you still want to look at her status? She has been an actress for many years and I haven''t heard any scandal about her."

    "That doesn''t mean there is none. Who knows why our CEO hasn''t fallen in love with her?"

    "I don''t care! They look perfect together."

    ...

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    ...

    The objects of the heated discussion, Lu Meili and Xu Tang, were both in Xu Tang''s car.

    "Where are we going?" Lu Meili asked.

    "Do you ever tell me where we are going when you stuff me into your car and drive off?"

    "I can''t believe you have the courage to say that. A woman can easily shove you into her car. Do you still have the audacity to call yourself a man?"

    "You are only able to push me because I willingly follow your lead. Do you think you are really stronger than me?" ''Dream on'' was written all over his eyes.

    "I could prove you wrong..."

    "But you can''t because you are weaker anyway."

    Lu Meili really wanted to beat him up. Couldn''t he let her win in an argument even once? "I heard weak people use their tongues to fight."

 Chapter 541 - YX Dance Academy

    Amid their childish banter, the two of them arrived at a building. To put it strictly, it looked more like a school.

    Xu Tang drove to the underground parking lot of the most outstanding building. All this while, Lu Meili was in awe. " Y X Dance Academy? How beautiful."

    Xu Tang got out of the car and helped her out like a gentleman. "We''re here."

    Lu Meili looked at the school buildings. YX... could that pseudonym mean... Yang Xu? So he really meant it when he vowed that he would own a dance school and name it after his parents. He had said it as a half joke when they were only little kids. How come he remembered this, yet forgot almost everything else about his childhood?

    Had he really....

    "Why are you in a daze? Let''s go in."

    Lu Meili followed his lead into the building. It looked enchating with its mainly blue theme.

    Through a glass wall on her left, she saw three ballerinas dancing with all their gracefulness and charm in their white ballet outfits.

    "How beautiful." She subconciously said.

    "That''s just an illusion. The real dancers are inside." He said and pushed a door open.

    The ballerinas here were quite many. They were so engrossed in their dance that they were not distracted by their entrace. They still continued spinning and splitting gracefully. It looked much prettier than the illusion.

    "Let''s not distract them." He whispered. "If you want to learn ballet, I will bring you here again. However, this time you will only learn a little of everything. When you pass the audition, I will train you much harder."

    "You are so confident in me? What would happen if I don''t pass?"

    Xu Tang led her to an empty classroom. "You are Lu Meili. As if there is anything you can''t do." Who was he kidding? For this audition, it was almost a hundred percent sure that the only one who could be chosen was Lu Meili. Of course, the fact that many actresses would give up once they found out that she was also going to audition made it even more likely.

    He put on a slow song, which just happened to be Lu Meili''s favorite song for many years.

    The girl blinked. "What made you choose this song?"

    He took off his coat. "Is there a specific reason? I''ll be honest with you; I don''t remember having a specific reason to like it. I just find it quite nice to listen to.

    Lu Meili smiled. You don''t know because it was my favorite song and I played it so many times that you had no choice but like it.

    "Come here." He beckoned at her.

    "Better than I thought." She mumbled under her breath.

    "What was that?"

    "Nothing!" She rushed over to him.

    He took her small hand and put an arm around her waist. "Let''s warm up a little."

    "Mmh."

    He could practically feel her heartbeat that was increasingly fast. "Don''t worry about the walls. They''re one way. No one can see us from the outside."

    "Mmh." He cared that she might be scared? What a gentleman.

    Though perhaps someone should have told this ''gentleman'' that his words sounded too misleading.

    "Follow my lead." He whispered in a warm breath into her ears.

    Lu Meili''s heart beat fast as she held onto his shoulders. Was this really part of training?

    Actually, she didn''t care. She just wanted to enjoy this moment with him.

    Even when the music stopped, she continued holding his shoulder, following his every move.

    "Oops! Sorry." She averted her gaze shyly. How could she step on him at such a moment?

    What was worse, she lost her balance and fell onto his chest, pinning him against the wall in the process.

    Xu Tang looked at the little woman who was trying to make herself invisible. Her pretty little face was flushed scarlet. A smile escaped his lips.

    How come he hadn''t realized before that this Lu Meili was... so cute? She was so cute that he wanted to pinch her cheeks.

    He gave in to the urge to touch her face, his breath quickening inevitably. He brushed the hair away from her face, bringing it close to his own. Her eyes rarely blinked. That innocent gaze lured him in like a vortex, tempting him to take one more step.

    However, his phone rang at this moment.

    Lu Meili pulled away from him awkwardly.

    She unconciously touched her face. If that stupid phone didn''t ring, was Xu Tang going to... kiss her?

    Did that mean he was starting to have feelings for her?

    ...

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    ...

    Xu Tang finished his phone call and stood in a daze. Earlier, what exactly was he doing?

    Just a moment ago, his face was so close to hers that their lips were about to touch. If anyone caught them in that position, no one would believe that they were merely friends.

    Something must have gone terribly wrong in his brain.

    "Something came up at work?" She asked when she saw his expression. Few things could make him look that concerned.

    "Meili, I''m sorry but I have to leave you on your own for a while. Something needs my immediate attention."

    Lu Meili studied his expression. Why did it seem to have something to do with Annie Lan?

    A woman''s intuition would never be wrong. If it was about work, he would only be serious. Not this worried.

    However, she didn''t want to be the clingy woman who annoyingly sticks onto a man.

    She flashed a smile. "Go ahead and do what you must. I''ll play around for a while."

    "Although you''re smiling, why do you look sad?" He tousled her hair. She looked like an abandoned puppy. "I''ll be back soon, okay?"

 Chapter 542 - You dont stand half a chance against her

    Lu Meili grabbed his hand that was on her head and shoved it away in disdain. "You ruined my hairstyle! I spent a lot of time making it. What do you take me for, a pet?"

    Xu Tang tapped her nose. "I wouldn''t mind. You''re so cute anyway, such a pet wouldn''t be half bad."

    "Go go. Or else, I will be tempted to kill you."

    Xu Tang left, leaving her to dance on her own.

    Though at some point she wondered, she only appeared in Xu Corporation and went to his office. How did Xu Tang know that she was going to audition for ''Dancer of the year''? And how did he know that she needed someone to help her? She didn''t tell him that.

    Thinking of a possibility, a smile crept onto her lips. Was he paying more attention to her?

    ___

    Xu Tang hurried to Xu Corporation. "What happened?" He asked his assistant with a sense of urgence. The man had only said that there was an emergency at the company and didn''t explain what exactly was going on. For some reason, he felt irritated by his assitant''s behavior.

    "C-CEO, Miss Lan came to your office and couldn''t find you. She..."

    Before he could finish his statement, the troublemaker Annie Lan rushed out to Xu Tang. "Xu, how could your assistant be so rude? I only asked when you would come back. How could he tell me that I''m a worthless sl*t trying to seduce you?"

    The assistant was shocked. "What? She''s lying!"

    Annie Lan looked like she had been wronged. "Forget about it. He must have been angry because I was too insistent."

    Xu Tang was momentarily lost in thought. Han had been his assitant for three years and he had learnt his character already. Although he would always speak his mind bluntly, he didn''t seem  capable of hurling such a humiliating insult at a woman. At the same time, Annie looked too innocent to lie.

    "Han, go back to work. Annie, follow me."

    Annie followed him to a private chamber. "Xu,"

    Xu Tang turned to look at her. "Annie, I hate it when people lie to me."

    Annie Lan understood the implication of his words. He had seen through her lie. She bit her lip, her eyes looking quite pitiful. "I''m sorry. He didn''t want to let me into your office to wait for you and had me stand in the lobby. I was only trying to teach him a lesson."

    Xu Tang''s expression eased when he saw how sad she looked. He couldn''t stand it. "Don''t do it again, okay? If I believed you just now, I would have fired him. That would be too unfair for such a hardworking man."

    "Mn. I won''t do it again."

    He brought her a glass of orange juice. "Alright. Why did you come to look for me?"

    Annie Lan took a small sip and looked at him timidly. "I''m going to audition for the female lead role of ''Dancer of the year''. However, I''m not too good in dancing. Can you please teach me?"

    Xu Tang found it funny. "If you think you can''t dance, why would you go to audition for such a role?"

    The girl looked like he was being heartless. "My agency wants me to go."

    Xu Tang creased his eyebrows. Why did these circumstances sound familiar?

    "Xu, you are very good in dancing. If you teach me a little, I will surely pass the auditions."

    Xu Tang sighed. "Even if I taught you twenty four hours every day for seven days, you wouldn''t pass."

    Annie Lan, whose hope had been shattered, widened her eyes. "Why would you say such a thing?"

    Xu Tang was honest with her. "Because Lu Meili is auditioning for the same role. You don''t stand half a chance against her."

    Although she knew this, Annie Lan still felt disheartened. "But all these years, I have never seen Lu Meili dance. Can she even twist her body?"

    "She''s only not confident, but she is very good. Her body is quite flexible."

    Annie Lan felt a wave of jealously fill her chest. What was so good about that Lu Meili? What did she have that other women didn''t? Also, how did he know about the flexibility of Lu Meili''s body?

    "Have you danced with her before?" She asked, her eyes not able to hide her jealousy.

    Xu Tang noticed it and his heart skipped a beat. Damn it! He had spoken too much about Lu Meili. Would Annie be mad at him?

    Before he could say a thing, the woman stood up and unceremoniously hugged him, placing her head on his chest. "Are the two of you very close?"

    Xu Tang clearly felt the sadness in her tone. "Well..."

    "Can you not be too close to her?"

    Xu Tang took a deep breath. "Okay." Although Lu Meili was his best friend, she was a woman and she was in love with him. It wouldn''t be nice if he spent too much time with her. Not only would Annie be unhappy about it, Lu Meili might also get the wrong impression.

    "I have to go somewhere right now. I''ll contact you later." He said after some time.

    Without a doubt, Annie Lan knew that he was going back to Lu Meili. "Can you take me with you?"

    "I can''t."

    Annie Lan didn''t throw a tantrum. He was probably going to tell Lu Meili to keep her distance.

    She gave a sly smile. Nation''s best actress of all time, huh?

    I''m afraid you won''t be holding onto that title for too long. So what if you''re beautiful? Soon, Xu Tang will be mine. As soon as he supports me, the title of best actress will be mine too.

    ___

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    ...

    "

 Chapter 543 - The person who knew him best

    He opened the door slowly. The little woman had her eyes covered using a blindfold so she didn''t see him come in. Nonetheless, he could tell that her senses were piqued. She must have heard someone come in because she smiled.

    How impressive. Did she know him so well that he only needed to walk in for her to know that the new comer was him, even when he didn''t make any sound?

    He had to admit, no one knew him better than Lu Meili did.

    Perhaps because of his presence, she became nervous and tripped on her own legs. She felt a sharp pain in her ankle and flopped onto the floor, clutching it tightly.

    Xu Tang rushed over in alarm. "Are you alright?"

    He pulled the blindfold off her eyes then took her ankle carefully, massaging it a little. "Does it hurt?"

    Lu Meili shook her head. He was holding her ankle in his arms like he would hold a delicate newborn. How could it hurt? Even if it hurt, she wouldn''t feel any pain.

    "How can you be so careless? If you are not careful, forget about the audition. You will not even be able to walk." He scolded.

    Although she was being scolded, her heart was brimming with happiness. When he left earlier, she thought he wouldn''t return. If Annie Lan knew he was going back to her, she obviously wouldn''t let him leave. It was a surprise that he was back. Not only that, he still cared about her.

    ...

    Although she didn''t want to, she still had to keep dancing. She therefore stood up and stretched.

    "Are you here to dance with me?" She jokingly asked.

    "Before that, I should tell you something."

    Lu Meili looked into his eyes. "What is it?"

    Xu Tang was going to tell her that because there was a lot going on at the company, he would not have time to dance with her anymore. However, as soon as her big bright eyes met his, he couldn''t bring himself to lie to her that way.

    He obviously liked Annie Lan. Why was it that he cared so much about Lu Meili''s feelings?

    "You were going to say something?" She prompted when he remained silent for too long.

    He shook his head. However the next moment, he thought about how terrible it would be if she remained hung up on him for long, only to end up with a broken heart. That would ruin all their years of friendship.

    "I want to confess to a girl, I don''t know how to do it."

    Lu Meili chuckled and stood on her tiptoes to pat his head. "Our dear Tangtang finally fell in love. Who is the lucky girl?"

    "An actress." Xu Tang answered vaguely. Although the person he had in mind was Annie Lan, Lu Meili smiled. Although she also knew that he could be having feelings for Annie Lan, why was she still happy?

    "If she is hard to please, spend some time together and confess when she has grown attatched to you. If she is easy to please, take her on a date and buy her a present.

    Keep in mind, you have to be sincere. Girls hate pretentious men. Also, most young ladies like warm colors like red and pink."

    "Annie likes blue."

    With those three words, her cheerful chatter ceased.

    "What?"

    "If I''m going to prepare a present that requires me to choose a color, I should go for the girl''s favorite color, right?"

    Lu Meili took in a deep breath. "Yes, that''s right."

    She took her bag unceremoniously. "If there''s nothing else, I will take my leave now. I just remembered that my mother asked me to drop by MAX."

    Xu Tang saw through her words. How fast had her mood changed? He rushed to grab her elbow. "What''s wrong? Are you mad at me?"

    Lu Meili couldn''t hold it anymore. "Let go of me Xu Tang. You did it deliberately, didn''t you?"

    "I do not understand."

    "You led me on and made me think you were starting to have feelings for me, then suddenly swept it all away in an instant. Isn''t that what you intended to do?"

    "Not at all. Meili, I naturally care about you. However, every time I show my concern, you easily mistake it for me being in love with you. That''s why... that''s why I..."

    Lu Meili shrugged his hand off. "That''s why you want me to keep my distance, or else it would ruin your relationship with the girl you like, right?"

    Xu Tang swallowed hard. He didn''t think she would see through him that easily. But then again, she was still the person who knew him best. That was indeed what was going on in his mind...

    "Meili, you''re such a nice girl. Eventually you will..."

    "Don''t give me that. And don''t worry about me; I won''t forcefully cling onto you." She left right after saying this.

    Xu Tang leaned against the wall. He obviously wanted her to leave, why did he feel like his heart had been broken along with hers?

    Though thinking about it, the method he had used to make her give up on him was rather cruel.

    However, it was for the best interest of both of them. There would be no obstacle between him and Annie Lan, and she would find someone who loves her. She deserved to be loved by all means.

    ___

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    ....

    Lu Meili didn''t know how she managed to leave YX Dance Academy.

    Xu Tang... how could he be so heartless?

    It would be a little fine if he outright told her that her presence made it difficult for him to be with Annie Lan.

    But... he just had to use such a humiliating method. How cruel.

 Chapter 544 - Im not your aunty

    She went to MAX as soon as she left YX Dance Academy.

    "What happened to my baby? You look upset." Wan Jia took her daughter''s hand and made her sit, then had Seventeen bring her a cup of coffee.

    "I''m... just nervous. I only have six days before the auditions."

    Wan Jia understood that the girl probably didn''t want to talk about it yet, so she let her be. "You should visit your grandparents soon. They miss you a lot."

    "Oh! It''s been long since I last saw grandma. Can I go over tomorrow?"

    Wan Jia glanced at her curiously. "Why can''t you go today? You have plans already?"

    Lu Meili cheered up instantly, as though she had taken an instant ''happiness'' shot. "If I''m going to the Lin residence, of course I''m taking my brother with me. He is after all the only grandson of the Lin family. Obviously, the main point is that grandma misses him too."

    Wan Jia chuckled at her suddenly cheerful daughter.

    Having a child who was this easy to pacify was every parent''s dream.

    "CEO, you have a meeting with all designers in thirty minutes." Seventeen reminded.

    Lu Meili wouldn''t ever stop being awed by her father''s brilliance. Seventeen was an even more capable assistant that the secretary Carla.

    "Mom, you should prepare for your meeting, right? I will go home and wait for Xian Yu."

    Wan Jia pulled her back. "You are always very busy. Don''t you want to spend some time with mommy?"

    Lu Meili shyly understood what her mother was worried about. "Mom, I''ll be fine. I cannot let a man make me depressed. No matter how much I love him, I cannot give him that ability."

    "As expected, you were upset because of Xu Tang." Although her tone revealed her worry, her eyes looked murderous. That Xu Tang! How dare he?

    Lu Meili played with her fingers. She didn''t expect her mother to read through her like an open book. "Mom, I''ll be fine really. Can''t you see? I''m not heartbroken."

    Wan Jia rolled a pen. "Yeah, I can see that very clearly." ''I will never fall in love again'' is written all over your face. How can I not see that?

    In the end, Lu Meili chose to stay with her mother. She felt safest beside her after all.

    ...

    In the evening, Wan Jia was finally done with all her work for the day. She had managed to perfectly balance her attention between her daughter and her work.

    "Little Li, I''ll let Carla drop you home first. I have somewhere to go first."

    After spending a whole afternoon chatting with her mother, she was indeed happier. "Yes mom."

    "Have dinner first, okay?"

    "Mmh."

    Once Lu Meili left, Wan Jia went to Xu Tang''s mansion. She wanted to see just what kind of man had the guts to hurt her daughter every time like a repeated offender.

    ___

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    ...

    "Aunty Wan Jia? Hello." Xu Tang was surprised to see her.

    "Shocked to see me?" Wan Jia walked right in, her displeasure visible all over her face.

    "Not... not shocked. Please take a seat. Shall I brew you a cup of coffee?"

    "I don''t like coffee. My daughter does."

    Xu Tang felt awkward. "Sorry, I forgot. What about... juice?"

    Wan Jia wasn''t in the mood to chatter around with him. "Young man, I''m not here so you can suck up to me. I''m here to give you my last warning."

    Xu Tang felt his heart tremble.

    "You were my daughter''s best friend as well as my best friend''s son. I never would have thought that you would one day become my worst enemy."

    Even if Xu Tang was an idiot, he would be able to know by now what Wan Jia was talking about. She had found out what he had done to Lu Meili today. "Aunty Wan Jia, what happened today..."

    "Firstly, I''m not your aunty. You have lost the right to call me that. Secondly, stay far away from my daughter. I do not want to see you within twenty meters of her radius. You have already been warned before, but you did not take heed. This is my final warning Xu Tang. Don''t blame me for what I''ll do to you if you do not listen to my words today." Wan Jia''s tone was rather grave. If Lu Aotian hurt Lu Meili, she wouldn''t have it too nice with him, much less an outsider of Xu Tang''s variety.

    Xu Tang didn''t know what to say. If he could no longer be Lu Meili''s friend, he only had himself to blame for being too rude to her.

    Wan Jia stood up just as intimidatingly as she had sat down. She glared at Xu Tang who was about to stand. "You don''t need to see me out, I know my way."

    Just on her way out, a young woman just a little older than her Xian Li and a little younger than her Meili came in. She jumped onto her for a hug. "Aunty Wan Jia, it''s been quite long. I missed you."

    Wan Jia rubbed her head. "Hello Xixi. I only came here to have a word with your brother. I''m leaving."

    Small Xixi looked a little disappointed. "Oh..."

    As soon as Wan Jia left, Small Xixi walked around her brother, sniffing in the air around him."

    "You''re making me dizzy. What are you doing?" Xu Tang was irritated.

    "I smell trouble." Small Xixi stopped going in circles and stood in front of him with her arms crossed. "You got into trouble with such a kind person as Aunty Wan Jia. Tell me, Is it related to Sis Meili? Did you bully her?"

    She took his silent for consent. "Brother, are you a fool?" She scolded

 Chapter 545 - Counterfeit auntie

    "You can bully anyone. Why do you have to bully Lu Meili, especially when you know fully well who she is."

    "Xu Lingxi, can you get lost? You''re annoying."

    Small Xixi twirled around him. "Of course I''m annoying. What are little sisters for?"

    Xu Tang wanted nothing more than to strangle her. He was in a foul mood. Couldn''t she see?

    "Brother, I''m telling you. If you let Sis Meili go, no woman will ever marry you."

    Xu Tang stood up and grabbed her by the back of her collar, dragging her to her room. "What nonsense are you spewing?"

    Small Xixi felt wronged. "How am I spewing nonsense? Sis Meili loves you the most. You should thank the heavens but instead... never mind. I''m wasting all my effort speaking to you."

    ...

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    ...

    At the same time, in Southside Villas.

    As soon as Lu Meili got home, she rushed to the second floor, to Lu Xian Yu''s room.

    "Little adorable darling Xian Yu, are you home?"

    The young lad was doing his school homework. "What?"

    Lu Meili habitually hugged him and left a whole rain of kisses on his face. The young lad was almost dizzy from them. "Heartbroken?"

    Lu Meili looked stunned. How did he know?

    Lu Xian Yu gave her a look that said, you are an idiot. ''I hate all men except daddy and my cute little brother'' is written all over your eyes. Wouldn''t I be a fool if I didn''t see it?

    Out of nowhere, he took a large heart pendant and gave it to her.

    She took it happily. "You... you''re giving it to me? It''s so beautiful."

    The young lad took it from her hand, put it around her neck and kissed her cheek. "I love you sis."

    Lu Meili''s heart melted into a mess. Her brother had never shown her so much love at once. She hugged him warmly "Oh Xian Yu, I love you more."

    "I''m going to see grandma tomorrow. Go with me?"

    Lu Xian Yu wanted to spend more time with his sister, so she wouldn''t be too sad. "Ok."

    ___

    The next day, Xu Tang was in a terrible mood. Assistant Han had to be careful around him.

    "CEO, Miss Lan is here to see you."

    "Tell her I don''t want to see her." Xu Tang said expressionlessly. He didn''t understand it himself.

    Assistant Han looked fearful. "C-CEO, she said it was urgent and that if you don''t go to see her, something will go wrong."

    Xu Tang was inexplicably irritated. "Let her in."

    Immediately, Annie Lan was let into his office.

    She went in cheerfully. "Xu, did I distract your work?"

    Xu Tang kept away the photo in his hands. It was a photo of Lu Meili when she was a teenager. She was wearing her school uniform and had a pair of very long pigtails on her head. She looked extremely adorable. He scolded himself. Why would he be staring at it?

    He looked at Annie Lan, who was wearing a short pale blue dress today. "What is it?"

    Annie Lan audaciously pushed his documents aside and sat on his desk. "Xu, I''m really scared. This audition means a lot to me. Can you teach me to dance, just a little?"

    Xu Tang looked at how she had sat on his desk. Lu Meili could do such a thing as sit on his desk, but not when he was this busy. She always took his work as a priority before herself.

    In the next second, he scolded himself again. Why would he compare his friend to his soon to be girlfriend?

    The woman grabbed his tie. "Pretty please..."

    It wasn''t sure whether it was because he couldn''t stand seeing her looking so pitiful, or because he was tired of her nagging, but he agreed.

    "Then, can we go now? We can go to Y X Dance Academy. It''s your property after all and no one will stop us."

    Xu Tang couldn''t hide his shock. How on earth did she know about YX Dance Academy? If he remembered correctly, only Lu Meili knew that he owned it. And that was only because he wanted to assure her that she wouldn''t get into any trouble if she used the classrooms despite being an outsider.

    But, the woman didn''t give him the chance to ask. She pulled him. "Let''s go, okay? Okay?"

    "Fine."

    ...

    Just like that, she had to take Annie Lan to YX Dance Academy. However, he couldn''t bring himself to take her to the same classroom that he brought Lu Meili. It inexplicably felt as though he would wrong her.

    Not only that, he wanted to ask an instructor to teach her. Thinking of dancing intimately with another woman, it suddenly felt like a mistake.

    "Hmph! This must be Annie Lan." A woman''s voice interrupted them.

    Xu Tang turned and glared at the newcomer. "Small Xixi, what are you doing here?"

    "Making sure you don''t make a mistake." Small Xixi sauntered over to Annie Lan and scrutinized her.

    Annie Lan felt uncomfortable. Who was this little girl? Was she also fighting for Xu Tang''s attention?

    She looked at Small Xixi intimidatingly and scrutinized her as well. "Small Xixi, right? That name suits you. You are quite small. Are you even legal yet?"

    Small Xixi crossed her arms against her chest. "I am. While you... face: so-so, nothing impressive at the bottom, nothing much at the top either. As for everything else, should I say this? You look like a fake version of Lu Meili. However, you cannot compare to a single strand of hair on her head, auntie."

    "Xu. Ling. Xi!" Xu Tang spat out through gritted teeth.

    "What about me?" Small Xixi didn''t think she did anything wrong. "I didn''t know before but now I know why you fell for this woman. Take a good look. She''s a cheap imitation of Sis Meili. She even made her hair straight and soft, and wore an adorable pale-blue dress. Don''t you think that''s Sis Meili''s style?"

    She turned and looked at her brother. "Brother, are you blind? You have the original next to you, but you fell for her counterfeit who looks like an auntie. Tch, there''s no limit to your blindness."

 Chapter 546 - Stupid lolita sister

    "Sigh. Everyone either has a doting elder brother or an adorable younger brother. Why does mine have to be like this? Not only is he a bully and a jerk, he also has a terrible eye for women. What''s so good about women who rely on their tiny resemblance to superstars to make their debut?"

    Annie Lan couldn''t control her temper anymore. "How dare you?!"

    She swung her hand to slap Small Xixi, but the girl not only dodged it, she also clung onto Xu Tang''s arm, pouting. "Brother, she is not even your girlfriend, but she is bullying me. If you marry a woman like her, wouldn''t I be bullied to death?"

    "Xixi, I wouldn''t let..."

    "Brother, she always puts on a cute and kind act before you. But do you see how fierce she is? She must be a terrible villain deep down. When she shouted at me just now, I thought she was a venomous snake."

    The ''venomous snake'' Annie Lan exploded in rage. "You bi...!"

    She stopped herself before the word got out, but Xu Lingxi was still overjoyed. Even if she didn''t really scold her, her mask was torn off before Xu Tang.

    As expected, the man looked angry. "Xixi, give us a moment, okay?"

    Small Xixi still wanted to watch the show, but she didn''t have to. She could predict the ending anyway.

    ...

    Annie Lan fell into deperation when she heard his tone. He was truly angry. She hurriedly hugged his arm. "Xu, just now, I didn''t mean to scold your sister. I didn''t even know she was your sister until I heard you call her ''Xu Lingxi''. I thought she was a girl who liked you and..."

    Xu Tang was even angrier. He pushed Annie Lan''s hands off him violently. "I dislike liars. But do you know who I hate the most? If you don''t, I will tell you now. I hate people who bully Xixi. My sister is the person I care about the most. If you bully her, I don''t care who you are. I will skin you alive." His eyes were murderous, the exact gaze of a brother who would truly slay anyone who wronged his sister.

    "I''m sorry.." she trembled.

    "Get out."

    Annie Lan moved her lips, not knowing what to say.

    "I said leave! I don''t want to see your face ever!"

    Silent and hopeless, Annie Lan grabbed her purse and literally fled.

    How could Xu Tang be so fierce to her? Just because she said a few words to that stupid lolita sister of his? Why couldn''t he consider the fact that the stupid lolita sister scolded her as well?

    Just as she thought about this, the ''stupid lolita sister'' appeared before her. "Having fun?"

    Annie Lan wanted to strangle her, but she knew that doing that would only make Xu Tang angrier.

    Small Xixi knew this fact and took advantage. "They say that if you want to get into a man''s heart, you should treat him well. However, today I will tell you the people to treat well if you want to get into Xu Tang''s heart."

    She lifted her small hand as though counting. "The first one is Lu Meili. My brother is muddled right now but he cares about her very much, tsk, tsk.

    The second one is me. Too bad you already lost this one and the first because I hate you and so does she."

    She waved her hand before Annie Lan mockingly. "Waiting for your last straw, huh? Don''t even think about it. It''s my grandpa but too bad, he wouldn''t say a word in your favor even if you showered him with love."

    "Are you done?" Annie Lan was tired of this endless chatter.

    Small Xixi held Annie Lan''s hand. "Of course not. One more thing, if you can act, then so can everyone else."

    "What do you mean?"

    In the next second, Small Xixi looked like she was in terrible pain. "Hey! Let go of my hand, it hurts!"

    "Annie Lan!" Xu Tang roared.

    "What? I didn''t do anything. She''s lying!" Annie Lan shrugged her hand off Small Xixi''s like she had been touched by something awfully slimy and disgusting.  She didn''t know when Xu Tang got here. How dare this little piece of trash set her up?

    "Why are you still here? Didn''t I make myself clear?"

    Annie Lan ran off, swearing to make Small Xixi pay for this.

    The little thing clung to her brother''s arm. "Brother..."

    "This is a dance academy, not a film school."

    "Aye aye brother!"

    ...

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    ...

    Meanwhile, another pair of brother and sister made their way to the Lin residence.

    "Where''s second Sis?" Lu Xian Yu had expected that they would all go to the Lin residence, including Lu Xian Li. He was surprised when it was just the two of them.

    Lu Meili shrugged. "I don''t know. Probably studying the stars or thinking of the next crazy favor to ask of mom and dad."

    Lu Xian Yu gave her a complex look, making Lu Meili''s heart skip a beat. How scary! How could a little boy''s gaze be so intimidating? "Why are you giving me that look? You know better than anyone that your second sister and I don''t get along. How would I know her whereabouts?"

    "Unreliable."

    "You think I''m unreliable? Why don''t you tell me where she is and why she''s not here since you''re the most reliable person on earth?"

    "Unreasonable."

    "Now you think I''m unreasonable because I bicker with my sister despite being older?"

    "Unfriendly."

    "Urgh. Why don''t you just go to hell? If you want to speak to me, then speak properly. If not, shut your mouth and remain silent."

    "Thanks."

    Lu Meili rolled her eyes. What was so good about his words?

 Chapter 547 - Withdraw his investment

    For the rest of their journey to the Lin residence, the pair of siblings each minded their own business.

    Lu Meili was jubilant when they arrived.

    "Grandma! Grandma, we''re here."

    Xia Rou gathered her little strength to rush over to her grandchildren. "Ah! My little baby darlings. Xian Yu is getting taller and more handsome by the day while you Little Li..."

    Lu Meili felt nervous. "What about me, grandma?"

    Xia Rou looked emotional. "It feels like I''m looking at the younger version of my Little Wan once again. You are a split resemblance of her. However, you are more beautiful."

    "Grandma, you flatter me."

    Lu Meili studied her grandmother. Who was it that said that Xia Rou was weak? Which part of her was weak? She was obviously still healthy, alright?"

    "Grandma, where is grandpa?" Lu Meili asked when she didn''t see any sign of Lin Zhou.

    "Hmph! Luckily, my little angel still likes me the most. If not, this old woman would keep silent forever and not tell me that my little angel came to visit." Lin Zhou harrumphed as he entered the living room.

    "Grandpa!" Lu Meili rushed to hug him, and so did Lu Xian Yu.

    "Good girl, Meili. Good boy Xian Yu. Where is Xian Li?"

    Lu Xian Yu had nothing to say, while his sister was fitful. "Grandpa, the first thing you did when you saw me is ask about my sister. It''s not fair."

    "That''s not true. It''s the third thing. Anyway, I still love you the most."

    Lu Meili''s eyes lit up. "Really, really?"

    "Hmph. Always stealing my darling grandchildren from me. Shameless old man." Xia Rou grumbled.

    "Pfft. The both of you still love each other so much. How cute."

    "Who loves this old man? I''m going to divorce him and own a harem of young men."

    Lu Meili chuckled. "Grandma, can you not say such things? Grandpa would be too lonely if you did that."

    "She has been talking about divorce since you guys were kids. She would never leave me because she loves me too much." Lin Zhou said smugly, sending Lu Meili into another round of laughter. Who said that elderly people couldn''t be romantic?

    Her grandparents were obviously the most loving elderly couple she had seen in this lifetime.

    Her parents would of course be the most loving couple even if she lived ten more lifetimes.

    However, her aunt...

    She hoped Katy would really manage to make her stay.

    "Little Li, what happened? Are you experiencing any difficulties?" Xia Rou was quick to notice her granddaughter''s sadness.

    Lu Meili jolted. No wonder her mother was so attentive. She had got it from her grandmother. "Grandma, I just miss aunty very much. Especially since it''s been long since I ate brownies made by her."

    Xia Rou pinched her cheeks. "Come on, grandma still has the strength to make as many brownies as you like. It''s a pity that Lihua won''t let you have them in the name of watching your weight."

    "If I eat only a little, no one will find out, right?"

    "You little girl."

    ...

    Since her grandchildren had come, Xia Rou insited on cooking for them.

    When they were done eating, Lu Xian Yu went to play GO with his grandfather. Lu Meili used this chance to ask her grandmother some questions.

    "Grandma, what do you think of Sis Katy?"

    Xia Rou didn''t look too pleased by this question. "What about her?"

    From that reaction alone, Lu Meili had her answer. Lin Lihua wasn''t the only one who had been turned against Katy. "What about Sis Ruoxi?"

    Xia Rou looked at her granddaugher. "If you mean to ask who is better between the two, that would obviously be Ruoxi. She is such a sensible child."

    Lu Meili''s heart broke. The damage that Ruoxi had caused was much more than she thought. Initially, Wan Jia must have also thought that Ruoxi was the kind one.

    If she was beeing honest, she had thought so too.

    She had remained friendly to Katy because she thought Katy was too pitiful. It was only with time that she found out that Katy was in fact a nice person. It didn''t make sense until she found out just what Ruoxi had been doing.

    Although this was logically none of her business, she couldn''t stand aside and do nothing when she could do something about this.

    "Grandma actually..."

    "What''s up my dear?" Xia Rou was all ears.

    "I think..." she searched for the best words to not shock Xia Rou. "I think there''s something wrong with Sis Ruoxi.  She... she''s not as friendly as she used to be. Perhaps... something happened to her?"

    "What could possibly happen?"

    "I don''t know. I just think something is wrong."

    Xia Rou rubbed her head. Lu Meili''s hair was so attractive that eveyone liked rubbing or tousling it. "Don''t worry about it. The next time I see her, I will find out if anything is wrong."

    "Thanks grandma."

    ...

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    ...

    Xu Tang was still bickering with his sister when he recieved a call.

    "Han, is there anything urgent?"

    "CEO, it''s not good. The screenwriter of ''Dancer of the year'' is here. He insists that you must withdraw your investment from the movie."

    "What? Why?" Xu Tang exclaimed. One had to know that this movie meant a lot to him. He couldn''t simply withdraw his investment.

    "He said that he has recieved a hundred million from another investor. It would be too much if he still kept you."

    Just like Han, Xu Tang didn''t think this explanation made any sense. "Stall him for a while. I''m on my way."

    "Also, something went wrong with the project we are preparing to bid for. Mr. Du suddenly said that we don''t need to waste our time."

 Chapter 548 - The daughter of a terrifying man

    "Understood. I''m coming." He hung up.

    "Brother, what happened?" Small Xixi was shocked when Xu Tang suddenly dragged her hurriedly and shoved her into the car.  "Something happened at the company, I need to go. Go back to school first."

    Small Xixi held a hand over her mouth. "Brother..."

    Xu Tang turned to look at her. "What?"

    Small Xixi shook her head. "Nothing. Hurry to the company."

    ...

    When Xu Tang arrived at the company, the screen writer for ''Dancer of the year'' was indeed impatient.

    Mr. Bai, what''s going on?" Xu Tang wasn''t going to believe that "too much investment'' crap. How could there be too much investment?

    The screenwriter, Mr. Bai, stood up looking extremely impatient. "CEO Xu, we are both busy people. I will not waste your precious time with endless chatter about trivial matters. I believe CEO Xu understands."

    He took out an envelope and gave to Assistant Han. "This is the contract cancellation fees. The money you gave to invest in this movie has already been sent to your bank account."

    Xu Tang pushed Han''s hand away so he wouldn''t reach for the envelope he was being offered. "Tell me, who is putting you up to this? Whoever it is, I will give you twice as much money as he gave you." This movie was of extreme importance to him. He didn''t want to simply give it up.

    However, the man wasn''t cooperative. "CEO Xu, I will place this here. Please don''t pester me." Who was he kidding? Although Xu Corporation was one of the top companies in the capital, it was a much better choice to not offend that man. Sorry CEO Xu, I didn''t want to do this either. However, I cannot reject such a huge opportunity for your sake.

    The man left, leaving Xu Tang speechless. Just what was going on?

    "CEO..."

    "Forget it. Let''s go to Mr. Du first." This was the only way to find out what exactly was going on.

    ...

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    ...

    Never in his lifetime would he expect that as soon as he arrived, a secretary would send him off coldly. "Mr. Du does not wish to see anyone. especially not people from Xu Corporation."

    Xu Tang was shocked, but he kept his composure. "Then tell your Mr. Du that I will  be back later to have a word with him."

    The secretary looked like she was struggling to say this. "Sir also said..."

    "What did he say?" Xu Tang halted in his steps.

    "That you must have offended the wrong person."

    Han looked confused. How could his CEO possibly offend anyone?

    Xu Tang finally realized what was going on. Mr. Du and Screenwriter Bai both treated him respectfully. There was no way either of them would terminate their deal unless they were being influenced to do so.

    "Let''s go." He said to Han and walked to his car.

    "CEO, did you offend anyone?" Han audaciously asked. If there was anything he could do to help his boss, he had to be prepared.

    Xu Tang massaged his temples. "Yeah. Someone I shouldn''t have." Before Han could ask who, he answered. "The daughter of a terrifying man."

    Han understood none of it. Who was the daughter of a terrifying man? Annie Lan? Although he knew that Xu Tang must have had a fight with Annie Lan thanks to the fuss she kicked up in the company, her background wasn''t what a man of Xu Tang''s status would call terrifying. Who then, did he offend?

    Nonetheless, Xu Tang said nothing more so he didn''t probe further. He wouldn''t be able to help anyway.

    Xu Tang went to his mansion, looking like he had escaped from a battlefield. If this was Lu Aotian''s doing, he didn''t have half a chance to retaliate.

    In actual fact, half a chance was an exaggeration. It was still correct to say that Lu Aotian pushing Xu Tang to hell was as easy as squashing an ant. He was among the richest men in the capital, but Xu Corporation would never compare to Lu Enterprises in this lifetime.

    ...

    Meanwhile, Small Xixi didn''t intend to go to school. She had overheard Xu Tang''s conversation with Assistant Han. She had a bad feeling about what was going on. It was quite possible that Lu Aotian was angry with Xu Tang for breaking Lu Meili''s heart. If that was the case, then the matter was more serious than it sounded on phone.

    "Go to Southside Villas." she said to the chauffeur who had already set off to go to Small Xixi''s school.

    "But, Second miss, master just said..."

    "Your master might be in trouble and only by going to Southside Villas can I help him. Could you take me there?"

    The chauffeur had no other choice. He had indeed seen how anxious Xu Tang looked.

    He drove Small Xixi to Southside, hoping Xu Tang wouldn''t be angry with him.

    As though reading his mind, Small Xixi stuck her hands together. "Don''t worry, I will not let you get into trouble with my brother. Wait for me."

    By the time her last word was out, she had already rushed into the villa anxiously "Uncle!"

    Lu Shaoting hurried downstairs. "Small Xixi, you scared me. Is everything alright?"

    Small Xixi, who had held her worry and anxiety all this while, couldn''t hide it anymore. "Uncle, you have to help us. My brother got on Uncle Aotian''s bad side and now Uncle Aotian is punishing him. Uncle, I''m scared. Is my brother''s company going to collapse?"

    Lu Shaoting was dizzy from the girl''s anxiety. "Slow down. Tell me what happened."

    Small Xixi was now on the verge of tears. "I don''t know the details but he fought with Sis Meili. I checked the news just now. Lu Enterprises has just blacklisted Xu Corporation. Anyone who collaborates with Xu Corporation will be going against Lu Enterprises."

 Chapter 549 - Blocked

    Lu Shaoting chuckled. Small Xixi was probably exaggerating. Even if Xu Tang bullied Lu Meili, Lu Aotian wouldn''t possibly blacklist Xu Corporation. How much sense would that make? Besides, if Lu Corporation made such a huge decision, he would be the first to find out.

    Lu Aotian was probably just messing with Xu Corporation a little to teach Xu Tang a lesson.

    He patted Small Xixi''s head. "Don''t worry about it. Xu Corporation will not possibly collapse. Why are you not in school?"

    Small Xixi finally recalled that she should be in school. "I''ll go right away. Uncle, you''re the best."

    The girl ran off after finding a sure way to help her brother. "The ''best little sister'' award must surely go to me this year!"

    ...

    At the same time, in Lu Enterprises.

    No one knew but Xu Tang had already gone to look for Lu Aotian.

    "What do you want?" Lu Aotian wasn''t so friendly.

    Xu Tang took a seat as though he wasn''t afraid at all. "Stop messing with my company. You know how hard I''ve worked to get it to this level."

    "What if I don''t?"

    Xu Tang made sure to not look at Lu Aotian. "I know why you are doing this. It''s not because of what happened between me and Meili. It''s because you hate me. You have been trying to find an excuse to push me down and now you did."

    Lu Aotian snickered. "Since you already know this, why are you still here?"

    "Because it''s disgusting. Do you realize that you just used your daughter?"

    Lu Aotian glared at the young man trying to show his confidence before him. "You are only here because my daughter loves you. If not, you would be in hell since many years ago."

    Xu Tang sighed. "I know. And I also know why you hate me." He didn''t wait for Lu Aotian''s reaction. "You are not scared of Aunty Wan Jia finding out anything because she already knows that side of you... but you are scared that if Meili found out how cruel you are, your image of the most gentle and loving daddy would be ruined before her."

    "Leave when you''re done."

    "I will. I don''t like being here either." Xu Tang stood. "I only came to let you know that you don''t have to worry about Lu Meili finding out anything. I forgot what happened that day. It somehow got erased from my memory after being sick for years. All I remember is your bodyguard''s murderous warning and your firece glare the next time you and I met.

    Though I don''t find it reasonable. If you were going to do something terrible, why would you do it in the open? Perhaps I''m not the only one who saw it, don''t you think?"

    Lu Aotian was getting impatient. "It''s none of your business."

    Also, if he was going to lie, why couldn''t he find a better way to do it? He saw what happened, but he forgot it, yet he remembered how his bodyguard had glared at him? Had this young man watched too many melodramatic television series?

    Wait, the main point here was that he was right. Xu Tang had seen it.

    The pen in his hand suddenly broke. "Why are you still here?"

    Xu Tang gathered all his courage to say this. "Stop messing with me and I will never tell Meili a word of it." Of course he wouldn''t. He knew that if he did, Lu Meili might be scared.

    Lu Aotian chuckled. "Are you striking a deal with me? Are you worthy?"

    "If not, I cannot guarantee how shut my lips will be."

    "I see. Young Master Xu thinks he is old enough to..."

    Xu Tang felt danger coming his way. He laughed it off. "Forget it. What I meant to say is, you don''t have to worry. I know you saw through my lie but I will never say a word of it to her. Of course, I don''t want her to feel insecure either."

    "Good."

    Xu Tang frowned. What was ''good''? Did that mean Xu Corporation was going to be let off?

    ___

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    ...

    When Lu Meili returned from the Lin residence, she still needed to prepare for her audition. She had spent three days in the Lin residence and only had three days remaining before her audition day.

    This time, she didn''t go to YX Dance Academy.

    Since having a fall out with Xu Tang, she didn''t want anything to do with him.

    She used one of HL Entertainment''s dance studios instead.

    Only heaven knew, however, just how much she wanted to be in YX Dance Academy. There was no special reason. Just because it was Xu Tang''s hard work, she loved it very much.

    She took a blindfold and covered her eyes, using it as a tool to hide her emotions.

    Halfway through her practice, her phone rang.

    No one needed to tell her who the caller was. She had set a specific special tone for that man''s calls.

    She pulled the blindfold off her eyes and took her phone. Without thinking twice, she hung up.

    As anyone would expect, the caller adamantly called again.

    Lu Meili angrily hung up and decisely blocked the caller.

    Xu Tang sent a text message instead. [Meili, can we talk? I''m near HL Entertainment.]

    But he would never expect that the message would not be sent. [The message could not be sent, you have been blocked.]

    He slapped his forehead. He had waited for all these days because he wanted her to calm down before he spoke to her. From the looks of things, she was still mad at him.

    But how could he enter HL Entertainment building? Wan Jia had warned him to stay away from Lu Meili.

 Chapter 550 - Little Angel Li, Im sorry

    Wan Jia did not work in HL Entertainment. However, Lin Lihua was her elder sister. She could easily ask Lin Lihua to not let him see her daughter. Considering her mood four days ago when she went to his mansion, the possibility of that hapening was rather high.

    He sighed. Well, he wouldn''t know if he didn''t try.

    At the entrance, no one denied him entry. His status as the founder and CEO of Xu Corporation was useful at last.

    "CEO Lin, the CEO of Xu Corporation is here to see you." Lin Lihua''s secretary reported.

    Lin Lihua swung her chair and stood up. "I''ll go to see him." I would like to see just how gutsy that man is to play with people''s hearts and still want to look for them. What did he take Lu Meili for, a joke?

    Xu Tang became nervous when he saw Lin Lihua. The only way for him to get into the building was through Lin Lihua. Now that she came, for some reason he felt as though his hope had already been shattered. Xixi was right. he shouldn''t have treated Lu Meili that way. It was very difficult to even speak to her.

    "You are here to see Meili, aren''t you? Why do you want to see her?" Lin Lihua didn''t bother greeting him. If her niece was going to end up more heartbroken, she may as well not see this man again. She had seen many young women give up their dreams, fall into depression or even worse, commit suicide, because of men. She couldn''t let her niece suffer such a fate.

    Xu Tang knew from her tone that she wouldn''t let him in so easily. "Aunty, it''s complicated. Can I have a word with her?"

    Lin Lihua looked at the hopeful young man. "That''s not difficult. However, you should think carefully. Both you and I know that if you rekindle your friendship with her, she might think that it''s because you like her. . If you are not going to be responsible for a woman, you better not give her false hope. I suggest you keep your distance.

    Xu Tang was aware of this. "Thanks for the suggestion but no, thank you. I only want to apologize to her. I shouldn''t have done what I did."

    Lin Lihua found it funny. Why were youngsters so na?ve? When would this young man realize that he didn''t just care about Lu Meili''s feelings? He loved her so much that it was visible in his eyes as he admitted his faults. Was he so blind to his own heart?

    On second thought, Lin Lihua knew that she didn''t have the right to criticize anyone for being blind to their feelings. Her own marriage was falling apart under her watch. She was probably the only woman who loved her husband but still wanted to divorce him because of a child''s recklessness.

    "Whatever. Meili is in Dance Studio 2 on the tenth floor."

    Xu Tang didn''t understand Lin Lihua''s sudden change of mind. All that mattered was that he was able to see Meili again.

    Lin Lihua watched him leave. If such a loving relationship was broken because of a minor mistake, you could as well say that evil triumphed over good.

    As for her own marriage, forget about it. That one was filled with too much darkness.

    ¡­.

    The second dance studio on the tenth floor.

    Lu Meili glanced at her phone angrily.

    "Why didn''t he call again?"

    "Right, I blocked him."

    "But any normal man''s first reaction should be to use another phone to call, right?"

    "Hmph! Whatever. Why would I care? It''s not like I still love him."

    She resumed her dance.

    "Why do you keep your blindfold on when dancing?" She heard a voice interrupt her.

    She hurriedly ripped off the blindfold. "Xu Tang, what are you doing here?"

    Most importantly, why did she not feel him come in? She must have been too engrossed into her dance. It was proof of her progress.

    Xu Tang walked up to her. "You shouldn''t just listen to the music. You should feel it with your heart. When you want to make a new move, imagine yourself doing it before you actually do it. That spin just now¡­"

    Lu Meili glared at him. "Why are you telling me? Who asked you?"

    Xu Tang changed the song. "I remember a certain someone asked me to teach her to dance. I''m only performing the role I was assigned."

    He took her small hand. "Little angel Li, I''m sorry. I was too rude that day."

    Lu Meili pulled her hand back and crossed her arms over her chest. "A certain someone said that my presence made it impossible to be with their girlfriend."

    Xu Tang pulled his ears. "That someone learnt his lesson. No matter who I like, no one will be as important as the people closest to me. Meili, you are not just my childhood playmate. You are the person closest to me and I care about you the most."

    Lu Meili watched him pull his ears in apology like they would do when they were kids.

    "Little angel Li, will you forgive me?"

    Pfft. Who are you calling ''Little angel''? You are obviously the little angel. If the employees of Xu Corporation saw how adorable their CEO looked right now, they would drop their mouths to the floor.

    "Hey! Stop pulling your ears so hard. They will become as long as a rabbit''s. I really want to whip out my phone and take photos of the great CEO Xu acting childish."

    Hearing her joke around, he knew that she was probably not mad at him anymore.

    "Little angel Li, do you forgive¡­"

    Lu Meili shut him up with a finger over his mouth. "If you stop saying misleading things, I will forgive you."

    Xu Tang let go of his ears. They hurt from being pulled so hard. "I promise. I will no longer say misleading things."

 Chapter 551 - Look like you want to take off

    Lu Meili glanced at the man before her. Although she had decided to not have anything to do with him, she had been defeated by him.

    Taking a deep breath, she decided that it didn''t matter. Forgiving him didn''t mean she was going to keep the torch burning for him. It might take some time, but she hoped that one day she would no longer love him. He belonged to someone else after all. Their relationship would, from this moment, be only that of friends and childhood playmates.

    If there was another layer of relationship, it would only be that of a master and his disciple. Even after passing the audition, she would still need his help. Her confidence couldn''t be built within three days after all.

    "Let''s work on your confidence. You are still lacking; you will lot perform well in the audition if you are still too nervous to dance in people''s presence."

    Lu Meili did not put on her blindfold this time. To be exact, she wanted to, but Xu Tang confiscated it.

    ¡­

    "That''s not how to do a jete. That''s how you break your legs."

    "You are dancing, not giving the mirror a hug."

    "What are you doing? You look like you are about to take off."

    Lu Meili stopped in her tracks. She grabbed his collar, looking at him viciously. "Who did you just say is taking off? You are taking off. You are giving the mirror a hug and breaking your legs."

    Xu Tang burst into laughter. Was she angry because she was embarrassed?

    Wait¡­

    The way she grabbed her collar just now¡­

    Why was it similar to what Annie Lan had done before?

    Wait, that wasn''t right. Lu Meili had been doing that to him for years. It was Annie who had done it only once.

    Did that mean¡­ Xixi was right about Annie Lan imitating Lu Meili?

    "Why are you staring at me? You look like you want to burn me to ashes using your gaze." Lu Meili complained.

    "I''m not staring at you. I was lost in thought."

    "Who zones out while teaching their disciple? You are the worst master ever."

    Xu Tang wanted to tell her that he had sent Annie away because she scolded Small Xixi. But he knew that she might possibly think too much about it so he remained silent about it. He would only tell her if she asked.

    "Hey!"

    "You bad woman. Why did you hit my head?"

    "You are zoning out. Of course I will knock some sense into your pea-sized brain."

    ____

    That night, Xu Tang dragged Small Xixi out of her room to lecture her.

    "Brother, let go of my ear!" Small Xixi complained. How could her brother pull her ears so hard? It hurt so much!

    "Xu Lingxi, since when do I need your help?"

    "Who would want to help you? You are so cruel."

    Xu Tang smirked. "Is that so? Then I wonder who it was that ran to Uncle Shaoting, begging for help on my behalf?"

    Small Xixi pouted. "But he still helped you. It''s alright to not thank me after all these days. But do you have to pull my ears?"

    "You think you helped me? I went to Lu Enterprises myself. That''s why Lu Aotian stopped messing with the company. While you, why do you stick your nose into matters that don''t concern you?"

    Small Xixi felt wronged. "I''m not speaking to you anymore. I''m going to leave you here alone and go sleep with Sis Meili."

    Xu Tang chuckled. Small Xixi was sure going to remain a baby forever. He had pampered her too much.

    True to her word, Small Xixi took her phone and called Lu Meili. "Sis Meili, boohoo¡­ my brother bullied me again."

    Lu Meili couldn''t help laughing. Who said she and Lu Xian Li fought every time? That statement obviously belonged to the Xu siblings. "What did that unreliable fool do this time?"

    The ''unreliable fool'' who was within earshot was speechless.

    "He pulled my ears because I was trying to help him. They hurt so much."

    "Why don''t you come over and spend the night at my house? Leave him all on his own so he will learn to treasure you the next time."

    Small Xixi was overjoyed. She was waiting for that. It wasn''t too late, so she drove herself to Southside Villas.

    ¡­

    Lu Meili was trying on the new clothes she had bought online when Small Xixi arrived.

    "Small Xixi, I''m glad you are here. I don''t know what to wear for my audition. Will you help me pick?"

    "I''d love to. Sis Meili, you are definitely going to get this role. I will cheer you on."

    Lu Meili couldn''t ever get enough of this little girl''s antics. "Let''s not get ahead of ourselves. I hear the competition is stiff."

    Small Xixi sat on Lu Meili''s bed. "So what? None of those actresses is half as good as my Sis Meili. Some of them even try to imitate you." She frowned, a thought crossing her mind. "Speaking of which, why is Annie Lan so similar to you? When I saw her, I realized that she even uses the same perfume and make up as you. I don''t think all this is a coincidence. Say, where did she come from?"

    Lu Meili gripped the dress in her hand tightly. She might not have noticed Annie Lan''s perfume because she was wearing it too. But¡­ Small Xixi was right about the make up.

    Forget about make up. Even the way that girl dressed made her feel for a second that she was looking at a half clone of hers. Annie Lan''s facial appearance looked slightly similar to hers, too.

    "I think I know where she came from."

    ___

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 Chapter 552 - Its all your fault if Sis Meili stops loving you

    "Where?" Small Xixi asked. If someone really sent Annie Lan to destroy Lu Meili, it would not be easy to deal with her.

    Lu Meili picked a red dress from the collection. "Why are you so worried? I will destroy her along with the orchestrator of this stupid drama. I''m going to try on this dress."

    Small Xixi widened her eyes. "Don''t you think it''s too much? Although you look pretty in everything, clothes with less color suit you better. Like white and pale pink." Lu Meili looked too seductive when she wore red clothes, especially showy ones like the one in her hand.

    If it was possible, she wanted Lu Meili to only wear them when meeting her brother. The color was associated with romantic love after all.

    But thinking about it, she was being too selfish. It was not like Lu Meili belonged to her brother. Well, her heart did, but her useless brother didn''t know how to appreciate it. She harrumphed. Well, brother, I tried to help you. It''s all your fault if Sis Meili stops loving you.

    After trying on various dresses, Lu Meili settled for a pale purple one. The main highlight was that she would manage to look beautiful but still dance comfortably.

    ___

    The days passed by very fast and in the blink of an eye, it was Thursday.

    Xu Tang was preparing for the very same project bid that Lu Aotian had messed with. He had worked hard to get back into the list of companies bidding for it. however, the end result still depended on fate as well as his capability in relation to that of other companies.

    Luckily, Lu Enterprises was not among them. No one dared to compete with Lu Enterprises over anything because they would lose anyway. Xu Corporation was not an exception.

    Being a young company that was only four years old, it was no surprise that it couldn''t possibly fight with the giants of the business world.

    When he quit dancing, Xu Tang didn''t take over his family business, Xu Real Estate, because it no longer existed. It would be a terrible waste of time to try and revive such a huge long-fallen company so he chose to start his own.

    "CEO, Miss Lan is here to see you."

    Xu Tang couldn''t be more irked. What was wrong with this Annie Lan? Had he not made himself clear? He had previously found her likeable and even wanted to confess to her, but he couldn''t stand her real character. She was too naggy and wanted everything done her way, with no regard to his own responsibilities in the company.

    Even worse, he found out that she was no sweet beauty. She had a villainous character deep inside her.

    "CEO, should I let her in?"

    Xu Tang knew that she was probably causing chaos from being denied entry. What a troublesome woman. "I''ll go to the lobby."

    Perhaps she hadn''t understood her point clearly. He needed to explain it again.

    ¡­

    "Annie Lan, I think I made myself clear. I do not want to see you again. The next time you come here, the security will not be as friendly."

    The woman didn''t let him turn to leave. She rushed to hug him. "Xu, are you really still mad at me? Let me explain myself at least."

    He pushed her off him. "Don''t come near me ever." How did he not know before that this Annie Lan was so disgusting? His brain must have been filled with nothing but emptiness before.

    ___

    The next day, Lu Meili was no longer as nervous as she was before.

    She freshened up quite early and dressed up.

    "Honey, are you done? I have something for you." Wan Jia knocked on her door.

    Lu Meili opened it and was awed. "A dress? It''s so beautiful."

    "It''s for your auditions. This is not just any dress; it''s a unique dance costume that I made myself."

    Lu Meili was conflicted. "Mom, I would love to, but it''s from MAX."

    "What''s wrong with MAX?" It was worth noting that in the whole family, Lu Meili was the only one who had never touched anything from her brand.

    "I already resemble you. If I wore clothes that you made, it would be easy to draw the relationship between us."

    "Then keep it as an emergency dress. You might need it."

    Lu Meili took it and kept it. It was really too beautiful and since it had been made by Wan Jia, extremely special. Even if she wouldn''t wear it today, she would wear it on another occasion.

    ¡­

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    ¡­

    Lu Meili rushed to the audition venue right after eating breakfast.

    "Why are there so many judges?" She was shocked when she saw the judges on the screen on the backstage. There were ten of them. For a mere audition?

    "Is it not obvious? You are here to audition for a role. Of course it''s a big deal."

    Her manager was right. Lu Meili had always been chosen without needing to audition for any role. She didn''t even audition for her first movie. The director had chosen her thanks to her good looks and she didn''t disappoint their expectations. However, ''Dancer of the year had sky-high expectations for the lead actress, or so she thought."

    "Lu Meili auditioning for this role is quite a big deal. Even if we don''t choose her in the end, this movie''s popularity will soar. Can you imagine, Lu Meili being rejected for a role?" The director said, probably unaware that Lu Meili was already in the backstage.

    At this moment, a judge who had his face down finally raised it and glared at the director. "Using a famous actress to boost your movie''s popularity? How shameless!"

    "Xu Tang?" Lu Meili mumbled.

 Chapter 553 - Driven to tears

    What was Xu Tang doing here?

    Now it all made sense. No wonder he knew that she was going to audition for this role before she told him about it. Turned out he was one of the judges. And the most important point was that he was probably the most important judge, considering his seat''s position.

    "Do you have any shame? Is this what you do for all your movies? I''m ashamed to be part of this." He stood up to leave. He would not be part of the people who were going to use his best friend. Neither was he going to allow her to be used.

    Although he loved this movie for its theme, Lu Meili could find another one with an honest crew.

    "CEO Xu, please don''t be agitated. What I said just now was a joke. I can''t possibly do that to Lu Meili. Wouldn''t I be scared that HL Entertainment will hunt me down and kill me?"

    Seeing that the director had realized that it was wrong, paired with the fact that Lu Meili really loved this movie, he sat back down. "We are all ready, right? The live broadcast may begin."

    That was right. This audition was going to be broadcasted live.

    Not only was the nation''s little beauty going to audition, the CEO of Xu Corporation, Xu Tang, was the most important judge. How could the organizers not broadcast this live? It would be such a waste of fame.

    In the backstage, the live broadcast had already begun an hour ago. They only put it on air when Xu Tang said the word.

    ¡­

    At the same time, in the backstage.

    After the live broadcast begun, the actresses were allowed to pick their positions.

    It was random and to ensure there was no cheating, they were also put on air as they picked the pieces of paper containing numbers.

    Lu Meili looked at hers. She was in last place.

    She heaved a sigh. Luckily, she was no longer a rookie. With a screen broadcasting everything going on on stage, she would become nervous if she saw others'' performance. She had been in this field for long enough to know better than to watch it. She whispered instructions to her manager and sat in a corner by herself, earplugs in her ears while reading a novel she had carried in case she got bored.

    Though it was such a pity. She really wanted to watch Xu Tang. However, that wasn''t a smart move either. It wouldn''t be too nice if someone noticed the infatuation in her eyes while looking at that man.

    In a few minutes, the first actress was called in.

    ¡­

    For the next one hour.

    "No."

    "Barely passable."

    "Zero emotion."

    "You are not just acting. You are dancing as well."

    "Only slightly good."

    "Do you even know what you are doing? Please explain what that is."

    Several actresses were driven to tears by Xu Tang.

    In the washroom, a little actress cried her eyes out. "That Xu Tang is handsome but his mouth is anything but."

    "Right. How can he tell me to go back to film school if I can''t act?"

    "You are quite lucky that he only said that. I heard him say to someone just now, that the movie''s name is ''Dancer of the year; not temptress of the year''."

    "Forget it. We can still audition for other roles. I just hope Xu Tang will not be a judge."

    "Except, I think he should. Although he is blunt with his remarks, he is much better than the other judges. High expectations mean this movie will be of perfect quality."

    ¡­

    Amid their tears, they went ahead to watch other performances. Some of these actresses were newbies, so they didn''t take failure to heart.

    The seventeenth actress was also a newbie.

    Xu Tang glanced at her for some time. "You are a good dancer but I cannot say the same about the acting. Why don''t you debut as a dancer instead?"

    This was Xu Tang''s best remark for today. Although it was half good and half bad, everyone was shocked. Xu Tang actually praised someone?

    The young woman couldn''t be happier. "Thank you CEO Xu."

    Xu Tang furrowed his eyebrows. Why was she thanking him?

    He would never expect that this young woman had been rejected in all dancing schools for lack of style. It was the first time anyone had acknowledged her. She felt as though her dreams had come true.

    "Next, Annie Lan."

    Xu Tang heard that name and wanted to sneer. Forget about dancing skills. Although she was an actress, even he had to admit that her acting wasn''t anything remarkable. Or perhaps he was close to perfect actresses (Lu Meili and Lin Lihua) so his standard was too high.

    As soon as the girl started acting out her part, Xu Tang frowned a little. Why was this¡­?

    ...

    In the backstage, Lu Meili''s manager tapped the shoulder of the oblivious girl. "Meili, look!"

    Lu Meili looked at the screen and ripped off her ear plugs in the next moment. Why were Annie Lan''s moves similar to hers? Even the routine was identical.

    The worst was yet to come.

    At the climax of her performance, Annie Lan ripped off the overcoat she was wearing, revealing a pale purple dress identical to Lu Meili''s.

    "What?!"

    Lu Meili exchanged a look with her manager. What was going on?

    The manager was focused on something else. "Meili, she is about to finish. You are next and¡­ what will we do?"

    Lu Meili swallowed hard. No wonder she had a bad feeling about being last. No wonder the order was not revealed beforehand. It was because she was going on stage right after Annie Lan.

    She clenched her fists. "It''s just a role. How many movies have I starred in?"

    Her manager sighed. "That''s true. However, it''s a sure win for that actress. If you go on stage, you will be called out for copying her. If you don''t, she will gain popularity for defeating you."

 Chapter 554 - How could he betray me?

    Lu Meili glared at the screen so hard it could almost blow up from her gaze. That woman not only plagiarized her moves, she also copied her costume.

    If she remembered correctly, no one came in contact with her routine or dress except¡­ she jolted, not daring to think about it. Except the Xu siblings, no one saw her practice or try out her costume. Could it be¡­

    No way. Xu Tang would never do such a thing. Small Xixi wouldn''t betray her either. They had been friends for so long that you could as well call Small Xixi Lu Meili''s younger sister.

    But no matter how much she thought about it, HL Entertainment''s studios were discreet. Not to mention, she was currently HL Entertainment''s top actress and had her own exclusive dance studio. No one was allowed entry.

    Aside from her manager, Xu Tang was the only one who had watched her dance. She held a hand over her forehead. "How could he betray me?" I thought we were best friends...

    Her manager tapped her shoulder again. "Meili, it''s not time to grieve. Annie Lan is done."

    True enough, Annie Lan had completed her performance and was awaiting remarks from the judges.

    "Excellent."

    "This is the best performance I have seen today."

    "This young actress is amazing."

    Annie Lan received all the praises smugly. Hmph! Lu Meili, watch me snatch your title from you.

    ...

    In the backstage, Lu Meili waited to hear Xu Tang''s comments. Did he leak her performance so his girlfriend could use it to win? But he was the best dancer the nation had ever had. Couldn''t he just teach her new moves? Was this his way of humiliating her again, in public? Was this why he had gone to look for her and apologize?

    On the screen, Xu Tang neither smiled nor frowned. His expression was indifferent. "I''m speechless."

    Lu Meili felt thunder strike her heart. He was speechless? Speechless because his girlfriend had copied her routine and danced it better than her?

    "I was thinking of letting it go but no. I must prove him wrong."

    "Huh? Prove who wrong?" The manager was finding it hard to understand Lu Meili.

    "Help me stall for time." Lu Meili said and rushed to the dressing room.

    The manager was left speechless. What was going on with her?

    Instantly, she hurriedly gave Lin Lihua''s assistant a call. "Lu Meili asked to stall for time. Her routine must have been leaked because that was what the actress just now performed." It was such a pity, but Annie Lan wasn''t even famous enough for her name to be known by Lu Meili''s manager. In fact, Lu Meili wouldn''t know her if she wasn''t associated with Xu Tang. "What should I do?"

    "I''ll inform CEO Lin."

    For the next five minutes, the manager was walking on egg shells.

    "If Lu Meili does not come on stage within thirty seconds, the organizers shall assume she has quit the role." The host announced irritably.

    The judges had seen terrible performances and were in a bad mood. Everyone knew that Annie Lan would definitely be the chosen one. It was just out of routine and giving HL Entertainment face that Lu Meili was still called to the stage. How could she waste everyone''s time?

    On the tenth second, someone appeared on stage.  But it was not Lu Meili.

    The judges were shocked. What was Lin Lihua doing here?

    Xu Tang heaved a sigh of relief. As a judge, it was difficult for him to do such a thing as stall for time on Lu Meili''s behalf. The preference would be too obvious. It was lucky that Lin Lihua came.

    On the live broadcast site, everyone''s attention was successfully diverted. Lin Lihua was here? Of course, many people only knew her as the CEO of HL Entertainment. Only a few of them knew her as the top actress from two decades ago.

    "How can you hold such important auditions without me? Do you look down on me so much?" She jokingly said to the director.

    "How can you say that, CEO Lin? I simply thought such a small role wasn''t deserving of your attention."

    "Oh. But it is. Can I be one of the judges?"

    Just like that, everyone started discussing Lin Lihua''s arrival and forgot about Lu Meili temporarily. The insults online had ceased too.

    ___

    Just as everyone started wondering what happened to Lu Meili, the girl finally appeared. She had actually worn Wan Jia''s red dance costume.

    [Whoa! Are my eyes playing tricks?]

    Comments filled the live broadcast site.

    [Meili is so beautiful.]

    [It was worth waiting for all that while. I''m no longer mad at her for making us wait.]

    [So beautiful I''m almost bent!]

    [I''m already bent into a maze. Meili, I''m a girl but will you marry me?]

    Lu Meili picked the microphone first. "I''m Lu Meili. Just now, something happened and I couldn''t make it to the stage on time. Could the organizers and judges please pardon my tardiness?

    Also, I''m unable to perform the scene given to me by the director. Can I please change it?"

    The director was so blinded by Lu Meili''s beauty that he was no longer angry. "Which scene do you want?"

    Lu Meili looked confident but her words were daring. "I do not know any of the scenes aside from the one you gave everyone a week ago. How about you pick one for me right now?"

    The director was shocked and so were the judges. This girl was full of surprises. What was this all about?

    But, since that was what she wanted, the director could only pick his script and check through it.

    After a short while, he finally showed her a page. "Scene 147"

    ¡­

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 Chapter 555 - Possessed by Arya

    "I will give you one minute to prepare for it."

    Lu Meili took it and took a look. For the sake of fairness, her scene was captured on camera. It looked quite easy to do it because there was no conversation. However, that was the most difficult part- she had to express her feelings without a single word. She could only do it by the most important part of this movie- dancing.

    She read it once and put the script aside.

    Then in the next second, her eyes lost focus. Slowly, she started dancing.

    She tripped in the second move but didn''t stop. Her ankle hurt from the twist. However, it was worth the pain if she was going to prove that traitor Xu Tang wrong.

    Somewhere in the backstage, Annie Lan gritted her teeth.  That scheming b*tch! How could she get herself a new scene?

    She harrumphed and sauntered over to someone in her high heels. As though naturally, she gave the person a stack of bills. "Help me do something. This is just the deposit."

    ¡­

    The live broadcast was filled with a new round of comments. [Is my Little angel''s foot hurt? She looks like she is sucking up the pain.]

    [Looks like it. She tripped terribly but didn''t give up.]

    [Meili, you don''t have to try too hard. It''s just a role, I will still be your fan even if you lose it.]

    [Me too.]

    [Me +1]

    On the stage, the music suddenly stopped. The song changed to a different one which was much faster.

    Obviously, Lu Meili fell out of beat. However, she didn''t stop dancing. Neither did she try to go with the new song''s beats.

    "Why isn''t she changing?!" Annie Lan gritted her teeth.

    She was preparing to play Lu Meili like a fool.

    But she couldn''t possibly do so¡­ because Lu Meili wasn''t listening.

    She wasn''t dancing to the music on stage but to the one in her heart.

    All of a sudden, she knocked her leg against the wall. She fell from the impact. However, she stood right up and continued, her eyes welling up but she couldn''t let her tears fall. Her eyes were devoid of any focus. Paired with the fall just now, those who didn''t know would think she was blind.

    All eleven of the judges had tears in their eyes.

    ¡­

    When the performance ended, silence overcame the stage. The girl who had tears in her eyes just now was suddenly cheerful, and she looked at the judges.

    Lin Lihua''s pen fell and brought the others back to reality.

    "You¡­" the first judge didn''t have the right words to explain his sentiments.

    The screenwriter was emotional. "Are you sure you were not possessed by Arya?"

    Arya was the character Lu Meili was auditioning for. She had started having problems with ehr eyesight as a teenager and by the time she discovered her extraordinary talent and passion to dance, she was already completely blind.

    All those actresses from earlier seemed to have forgotten this detail which was small, yet of extreme importance.

    "Not only did you remember that Arya is blind, you also put in mind that she was just starting to learn to dance in this scene."

    Now the lack of focus in her eyes made sense. The fall also made sense. If one was blind, they would obviously make some mistakes, especially when learning to dance.

    At that moment, no one needed words to agree that Lu Meili''s performance was the best.

    However, no one would anticipate the seventh judge to speak up. "Although your performance is outstanding, it doesn''t excuse the fact that you have been treated differently from everyone else. Everyone acted out scene 210. Who are you to act out a different one?"

    Following his words, many people''s opinions changed. That was right. Why was Lu Meili the only one who acted a different scene?

    Even the judges thought it made sense. It was rather unfair for this to happen.

    Lu Meili spoke up. "Allow me to explain this."

    The judges stopped discussing and looked at her.

    "If I acted scene 210, I would have been accused of plagiarism. Someone sneakily copied my routine and dress. Not only that, she also schemed to have me come on stage right after her. I only managed to appear in a different dress because I had carried one in case of an emergency."

    The seventh judge laughed. "Miss, aren''t you too audacious? Are you accusing Annie Lan of plagiarism? You should know that you could be sued for defamation."

    "I only spoke up because everyone needed an explanation. It''s the truth so I have nothing to be afraid of."

    The judge was on Annie Lan''s side, so he couldn''t let it go. "Who is to say that you didn''t come up with this and make arrangements with the screenwriter and director beforehand?"

    Lu Meili chuckled lightly. "Mister, are you saying that artists from HL Entertainment need to scheme?"

    The other judges burst into laughter, including Lin Lihua. Forget about being from HL Entertainment. She was the nation''s top actress and everyone had seen her performance just now. Did she still need to scheme?

    The seventh judge had nothing more to say. Sorry Annie, I tried my best.

    ___

    The live broadcast was still on.

    "For this role, Lu Meili has been chosen." Xu Tang announced.

    Earlier when he said he was speechless, he meant that he didn''t have the right words to describe the shamelessness of some people.

    How dare Annie Lan use Lu Meili''s performance to audition?

    How in the world was she even able to do that? If he remembered correctly, no one else saw Lu Meili dance. He had to pursue this before Lu Meili misunderstood him.

    He was oblivious to the fact that he had already been misunderstood.

    "Lu Meili has been chosen my ass! To think he has the audacity to say this so confidently." Lu Meili was on the verge of erupting like a volcano.

    He betrayed her, and now he effortlessly acts as though nothing happened?

 Chapter 556 - The power behind Annie Lan

    As soon as Xu Tang left the venue, he gave instructions to Han. "Help me investigate the power behind Annie Lan. I will not believe for a second that she did this on her own."

    Han took the car keys that Xu Tang had just flung to him. "Right away CEO."

    There was something more important Xu Tang needed to do. He had to check on Lu Meili. After Annie Lan did that to her, she was probably very sad. He needed to cheer her up.

    The live broadcast had already ended, so he went right to the backstage. "Meili, do you have a minute?"

    Lu Meili''s manager was more shocked than she was when she saw Lu Meili cursing at Xu Tang''s image on the screen earlier. Just what was the relationship between Lu Meili and the CEO of Xu Corporation?

    She took the costume that Lu Meili had just changed out of. "Meili, I have something to say to CEO Lin."

    Lu Meili grunted in agreement but glared at the man who had just appeared. "What do you want? Are you disappointed that your girlfriend didn''t win even after you helped her steal my routine? What were you trying to do, humiliate me in public? You didn''t have enough the last time because it was only the two of us?"

    Xu Tang ran his long fingers through his hair. Who would have thought that Lu Meili would misunderstand him this much? But come to think of it, her thoughts were logical. He was the only one who could have helped Annie Lan and indeed he had.

    It was only that it was not intentional. He was careless.

    On Thursday when Annie Lan caused a ruckus in his company, she had hugged him in tears, pleading with him to listen to her explanation.

    At the moment, he had thought that it was something a clingy woman like her was fond of doing. But logically, it was the only time she could have done something fishy. Who knows what she could have dropped in his breast pocket or some other place that he couldn''t have found strange?

    He only thought about this when he was certain that there was no other way Annie Lan could have seen Lu Meili''s routine. As for the costume, just how did she find out?

    What was important right now was to explain. "Meili, actually¡­ I did not deliberately betray you. This happened because I was too careless and put my guard down in Annie Lan''s presence. I didn''t think she could do something so despicable."

    Without needing to explain, Lu Meili understood what he was implying. Annie Lan bugged him.

    "How did she know we were going to meet up? What about the costume? Small Xixi is the only one who saw it. You didn''t even see it before."

    Xu Tang frowned. "She couldn''t have done anything mischievous. Although she is quite naughty, she loves you more than anyone else. She would never do anything that would hurt your feelings."

    Lu Meili turned her face away from him. "I know. However, she would listen to anything her brother says, which in this case is you."

    She didn''t believe him just yet. People did crazy things for love. She even knew of someone who pretended to be handicapped just to win their love''s heart.

    Forget about that. Her own father¡­ had done crazy things for her mother. Betraying a friend was nothing in comparison.

    "How will I make you believe me?" Xu Tang was helpless.

    "If you do not show me a video of Annie Lan bugging you, I will not believe you."

    Before he responded, she continued. "Not just any video. It has to be a surveillance video with the date and time as proof. Don''t think I don''t know what kind of tricks you might play." She had acted in enough movies to know that if he was colluding with Annie Lan to use her, they could act it out.

    Xu Tang felt his heart shatter. The woman who had believed everything he said before was now doubting him?

    In the past, he could as well point at a star and call it a flashlight but she wouldn''t question him. How did it get to this point? Could it be that she only believed him in the past because she loved him and now she was falling out of love?

    Why did that thought make his heart hurt even more?

    He tapped her armrest. "I will find evidence sooner than you imagine."

    ___

    Actually, perhaps he didn''t need to find it. Someone had already found out everything that was going on.

    After leaving the venue, she went straight home and sat in the living room, drinking a cup of terribly bitter coffee that only she herself could stomach.

    Could it be that her heart was so bitter that she couldn''t feel the bitterness of whatever she was drinking?

    She took out a tiny camera that had been retrieved from the second dance studio on the tenth floor of HL Entertainment''s building.

    "If there was no surveillance camera in that dance studio for safety, and if I didn''t retrieve Xu Corporation''s surveillance footage, I would think that Xu Tang deliberately planted this in that room."

    "Who then planted it, mother?"

    Lin Lihua looked at the young woman and took another sip. "Annie Lan. She put it on Xu Tang''s clothes but it accidentally fell when he was dancing with Meili."

    She took out a stack of photos. "This woman''s looks are only at most 20 percent similar to Lu Meili. However, she changed her style and started dressing and styling her hair like Meili does¡­ coincidentally one month before her debut."

    "Mother, are you thinking that she is deliberately using Meili to make herself popular?"

    "Yes and No. Someone put her up to this. Even using a photo, I know that she currently uses makeup from GX brand, just like Meili. From her background, she cannot afford a single lipstick from GX even with her lifetime savings. Don''t you find it strange, Ruoxi?"

 Chapter 557 - Venomous snake

    Ruoxi looked through the photos. "It''s indeed strange. Why would someone do such a thing? Unless she is trying to replace Meili?"

    Lin Lihua chuckled. "As if anyone can replace her. No one knows how much she has been through to get to this level. Why would they want to ruin all her hard work?"

    She took back those photos. "The most weird thing is that Small Xixi was the only one who saw Meili''s costume, and it was copied too."

    Ruoxi frowned. "She was bugged too?"

    "I don''t think anyone would be that idle. How would they know that Small Xixi would see Meili''s costume?"

    Lin Lihua took another sip of her terribly bitter coffee. "But if I remember correctly, Small Xixi would never leave Southside Villas without saying hi to our family and Lu Shaoting''s."

    Ruoxi jolted. "That''s right! Perhaps she mentioned Meili''s dress in passing and someone who didn''t want her to pass her audition gave the information to Annie Lan. Who could it be? Lu Shihan? Lu Shichen? That''s rather impossible. Why would boys do that?"

    Lu Shihan and Lu Shichen were Lu Shaoting''s twin sons. They were only two months younger than Lu Xian Li because the latter was born premature.

    Aside from the fact that they were Su Ling''s only children, there was nothing interesting about them.

    Presently, Lin Lihua definitely understood what Ruoxi was driving at. Coincidentally, Katy Blanc had just returned from Le Blanc Group and arrived at that moment.

    "Katy, come here." Lin Lihua called before she got past them.

    Katy wasn''t too happy about being called by Lin Lihua in Ruoxi''s presence. It obviously spelt trouble. But, she still went over. "Mother, is there anything I can do for you?"

    Lin Lihua ignored this "mother" address. She had long decided to turn a deaf ear to it. "Small Xixi was here last night."

    "And?"

    "What did you guys talk about?"

    Katy shrugged. "Nothing particulary. I''m too old to hold a discussion with a 21 year old." What would they talk about, stuffed toys and first crushes?

    Ruoxi interjected. "But I overheard¡­"

    "What?" both Lin Lihua and Katy asked.

    "Nothing¡­" Ruoxi held a hand over her mouth.

    Katy smiled bitterly. This Ruoxi was messing with her yet again. Hadn''t she had enough? "If there''s nothing else, I will go to sleep. I had a terribly long day today."

    When Katy left, Lin Lihua looked at Ruoxi. "Just now¡­"

    The girl hurriedly took Lin Lihua''s hand. Those who didn''t know would think she was distracting Lin Lihua to help Katy out. But in real sense, she was letting Lin Lihua know that there was something to hide. "Mother, do you remember Doherty? He used to visit us in school when we were kids."

    "What about him?"

    "One time, he jokingly told me that he was unmarried because he was in love with you. But now that I''m a grown woman, I finally found out that it was not a joke. He is still unmarried. Poor him."

    Lin Lihua chuckled. "You brat. Are you too idle lately?"

    Ruoxi laughed along. "Not exactly. I''m only thinking about our future. There''s only a few weeks left before you divorce Henry. It won''t be long before I want to get married. I don''t want you to be lonely. Actually, Doherty Isn''t half bad." Right after saying this, she scurried away.

    Katy Blanc was not too far. She had forgotten to say something to Lin Lihua and on her way back, she heard Ruoxi mention Doherty.

    It was no big deal.

    However, were her eyes and ears playing tricks on her?

    If she was not dreaming, as soon as Ruoxi left, Lin Lihua''s smile turned into a dangerous smirk, one that spelt doom.

    Not only that, she also clenched her fists and spat out two words bitterly. "Venomous snake."

    Katy''s eyes went wide with shock.

    What did Aunty Lihua mean? Was she scolding Ruoxi as a snake? Could it be...?

    No. That wasn''t possible. She loved Ruoxi beyond redemption. She couldn''t possibly scold her, much less using such a bitter pair of words. Her eyes and ears were probably playing tricks.

    Katy didn''t go downstairs anymore. She hurried to her room and locked herself in.

    ___

    Following the predicament that happened on the day of Lu Meili''s audition, she and Xu Tang didn''t see eye to eye for the next few days.

    Lin Lihua had already taken the only copy of the surveillance footage. Although Xu Corporation was his company, it was such a pity that he couldn''t get his hands on it.

    Lin Lihua had only promised Lu Meili that she would take care of Annie Lan. However, she did not remember to mention the fact that Annie Lan had sneakily bugged Xu Tang, and that Small Xixi had unknowingly helped the orchestrator.

    Too bad, Lin Lihua had probably forgotten that the star of this twist was not Lu Meili but Xu Tang. The poor man had been misunderstood to the point of not being spoken to. Every time he tried to speak to her, he would be heartlessly ignored or, if Lu Meili was in a bad mood, scolded.

    Small Xixi wasn''t spared a glance either.

    "I''m not going to speak to either of you. The Xu family is a cluster of traitors. The only good person from that family is Grandpa Yang." She once said when the Xu siblings both tried to speak to her.

    Xu Tang was irked. "Now we are all traitors, huh? And what''s the deal with that old man? He only needs to sit on his wheelchair and do nothing for him to get Meili''s love."

    Small Xixi blinked her eyes. "Is there anyone who speaks that way of his grandfather?"

    "Yup. There''s one right in front of you." Scolded best friend over here, can''t you see me?

    Small Xixi chuckled. Was that jealously she detected in her brother''s eyes? He was jealous of their maternal grandfather for being praised by Lu Meili? There was something good coming out of this after all."

 Chapter 558 - if a fish just wont catch the bait, why not try another?

    Small Xixi''s mood gradually dampened, making one wonder what had happened in the span of a few seconds.

    "What''s wrong?" Xu Tang was fast to notice.

    "Nothing. It''s just... my brithday is coming up soon."

    Xu Tang rubbed her head. "It''s good to grow up."

    "You know that''s not what I mean."

    "I know."

    ___

    The next time Lu Meili and Xu Tang met, a few more days had passed.

    This was because Lu Meili was spending practically all her time in HL Entertainment''s studios, reading her scenes and trying to act them out.

    Filming for ''Dancer of the year'' had already begun but due to the intensity of the female lead''s scenes, the director had decided to film all the scenes that didn''t need the female lead first, to give Lu Meili time to get into character.

    She spent so much time dancing and became so scarce that Xu Tang couldn''t see her no matter how hard he tried.

    Though he didn''t stop to ask himself why he wanted to see her so much.

    As soon as she seemed to have taken a break, she went to find her.

    However, the girl didn''t have time for him. "I''m sorry. I have a lot of work to do today. Maybe some other day."

    Xu Tang didn''t think too much into it. Sometimes, he would be too busy to eat. He totally understood her when she said that she didn''t have time for him today.

    She had not even spared him a glance.

    ...

    This was the scene Lin Lihua witnessed when she entered Lu Meili''s dance studio.

    She crossed paths with Xu Tang who was on his way out.

    "You have given up on him?" She asked the young woman whose gaze was fixed on the door.

    "Yes. It''s best to move on. Daddy already arranged a blind date for me."

    Lin Lihua shrugged. "Well, what can I say? Youngsters these days give up faster when it comes to love."

    Lu Meili''s face flushed a little. She coughed. "Well, that coming from you is quite... strange... don''t you think?" Was there anyone who had given up in love faster than Lin Lihua had? She literally didn''t budge no matter how she had been coaxed and still asked for a divorce anyway.

    Lin Lihua wasn''t angry with her for voicing her opinion. "You think I''m an evil woman, don''t you?"

    Lu Meili glanced at her. She was being asked a question, so don''t blame her for being too truthful. "If you are talking about how you have been treating Sis Katy despite her attempts to make it up to you, then I honestly find you evil."

    Lin Lihua smiled. The kind of smile that Lu Meili couldn''t understand. "I know. Henry thinks so too.

    But no one cares to ask why I hate her so much.

    I''m the senior here and I should be more patient with you kids... but I''m human. I''ll bleed and hurt if you stab me."

    "What did she do?" Lu Meili held her forehead. "Right. I get it. I found fault in you before asking so it doesn''t matter anymore."

    Lin Lihua patted her head. "Right. It doesn''t matter. But do you know, even if I didn''t pursue it, it doesn''t mean I''ll like her just because after many years, she started getting close to me and calling me mother. Especially when I know it''s fake."

    "When you''re done, come to my office. I''m no longer in the mood to discuss business."

    Lu Meili nodded. A thought flashed in her mind. Ruoxi had mentioned something weird before. Coincidentally, it was capable of making anyone in Lin Lihua''s shoes hate Katy forever. Who would forgive anyone for making them miscarry? Perhaps... Lin Lihua was actually pregnant in the past and before she told anyone,  Katy accidentally hurt her?

    "Aunty," She called Lin Lihua who was on her way out. Lin Lihua merely turned wordlessly. "You would never know. Perhaps whatever happened that made you hate Sis Katy, it could have been an accident or she could have been framed."

    Lin Lihua''s smile was obviously bitter this time. "How I wish she was being framed."

    Lu Meili was left totally in the dark. She was not being framed? Had she really investigated and found Katy guilty?

    Wait, was she even thinking about the same thing as Lin Lihua? Her imagination just now seemed too far-fetched to be real.

    "Aunty just made me more confused. I shouldn''t have probed."

    Forget it. She knew that she shouldn''t be too concerned about matters that were none of her business.

    ___

    At least one thing was for sure - Lu Meili''s blind date.

    Now, she was already certain that in this lifetime, she would never fall in love with another man.

    Despite that, she had her mind set on going for this blind date. It wouldn''t matter. Countless mariages were build out of blind dates and many of them thrived for long.

    In actual fact, few childhood friends ended up happy in marriage. Even if they did get married, most of those marriages would be filled with predicaments.

    She had only wanted to marry Xu Tang because she knew that there was no such thing as unsolvable disagreements between her and him. This time, she had only used filming as an excuse to stay away from him.

    But, if a fish just won''t catch the bait, why not try another?

    ...

    Lu Meili rushed to the kitchen where Wan Jia was cooking with a smile on her face. With that expression, the meal she was cooking was doubtlessly meant for Lu Aotian.

    She stopped at a distance, afraid of distracting her.

    "Ma, can you teach me to cook?"

    "You want to learn to cook? How sudden."

    Lu Meili''s face flushed. "I just have a lot of time in my hands before filming starts."

    Wan Jia maintained her infatuated expression. "Sure. You can join Xian Li."

    At the mention of Lu Xian Li, Lu Meili finally saw her chopping vegetables at the side.

    "I didn''t know my dear elder sister would finally have a passion for cooking." Lu Xian Li mocked.

    "I didn''t know my adorable younger sister found pleasure in sticking her long nose where it doesn''t belong."

    Wan Jia could already feel her head hurt. "Can the two of you get along once? Just this once. The food will be ruined if the atmosphere is filled with so much hatred."

    Was there any mother who had it more difficilt raising daughters than she did? These two just wouldn''t ever breath the same air peacefully.

 Chapter 559 - Can you not make it sound like youre not the one always picking fights?

    Lu Xian Li paused chopping her vegetables to laugh. "Mother, can you not look at me like I''m the one always picking fights?"

    Lu Meili looked at her younger sister and harrumphed. Can you not make it sound like you''re not the one always picking fights?

    With such a tense atmosphere, Wan Jia more or less managed to teach Lu Meili to cook a dish or two. Despite never having the interest to even set foot in the kitchen before, Lu Meili was fast in taking instructions. She didn''t have half as much trouble as Wan Jia thought she would.

    Of course, the girl on Wan Jia''s left wouldn''t be Lu Xian Li if she completely kept her mouth shut. "Sis, may I ask..."

    "No you may not. Can you mind your own business?"

    "If my business was even a tiny bit interesting, I wouldn''t be sticking my long nose into yours. I''m only curious. Are you learning to cook because of Xu Tang?" Wasn''t that weird? Xu Tang already knew that she had some sort of enmity towards the kitchen. Would it change anything?

    Wan Jia was curious about this too so she listened in.

    Lu Meili sighed. "No. It''s for my future husband. If I cannot even whip out a single dish, what will he think of me?"

    Lu Xian Li held her stomach, laughing. "He''ll be too busy laughing to think anything."

    Lu Meili glared at her sister and took a tray to arrange the dishes she had managed to cook after so long. Coincidentally, Lu Aotian was back.

    "Mom, why don''t you let me take care of daddy''s dinner today?"

    "Okay." Wan Jia mercilessly sold her own husband off to be a guinea pig.

    ...

    Lu Meili neatly arranged the dishes on the dining table before going to find Lu Aotian. "Daddy, your dinner is ready."

    Lu Aotian found it strange. What was this little girl up to this time? "Your mother cooked?"

    "No. I did." Her expression couldn''t conceal her pride. She had finally cooked and the first person to taste her dishes would be her father!

    However, Lu Aotian was not a cooperative guinea pig. "If it wasn''t cooked by my wife, it will taste bland no matter how delicious you think it is."

    Lu Meili fled out of Lu Aotian''s study.

    What the hell? You cannot do that to your own daughter!

    "Where''s the fire?" Lu Xian Li was waiting eagerly to see Lu Aotian eat food prepared by the kitchen rookie who probably didn''t even know to boil water before today.

    "Daddy is so mean! I invited him for dinner, but he stuffed me with dog food instead."

    Lu Xian Li didn''t look shocked. "You have seen the sun for five more years than me. Shouldn''t you know best that daddy will display his affection every time he mentions mother?"

    Lu Meili sighed. For the first time ever, she agreed with this little troublemaker. She had seen those two display their affections so many times that she should be used to it.

    "Since daddy doesn''t want to try out your dishes, why don''t I have a taste?" Lu Xian Li ignored her sister''s glare. Heaven knew how curious she was to know whether those dishes were as delicious as they looked. Could it be that just like Xia Rou and Wan Jia, Lu Meili had inherited the admirable culinary skills of the Xia family?

    ...

    After having a taste.

    "Urgh... I''m glad daddy didn''t eat this. Sis, are you sure you are learning to cook for your future husband and not your future enemy?"

    Lu Meili glared at her. "I''m learning to cook for you!"

    "No thank you. I take back what I thought about you inheriting good culinary skills from grandma."

    "And I take back what I thought about having something to agree on with a little brat like you."

    Wan Jia ignored them and took dishes to her husband''s study. When they were tired of fighting, they would stop.

    ...

    If you are reading this book outside w ebnovel, what you are reading is pirated content. Please support the original author by reading from the official site. Go to w ebnovel, search my beautiful love.

    ...

    After dinner, Lu Meili went to find Lu Aotian once again. "Dad, you have not told me anything about my date."

    Lu Aotian gave her a once-over. Was the person speaking still Lu Meili, the very Lu Meili who was madly in love with Xu Tang for all he remembered? "You are looking forward to meeting him? Don''t worry. He will not disappoint your expectations."

    He saw that she looked at him curiously. "He''s the son of my close friend. His upbringing is good enough. Despite being from an aristocratic family, he is neither proud nor arrogant. Regarding everything else, it''s up to you."

    Lu Meili only needed to know about his relationship with other people. As long as he was not arrogant, he was good enough to be considered by her. "Can we go on the date tomorrow? I will start filming ''Dancer of the year'' next week.

    Lu Aotian looked at her seriously. "No problem. However, I must warn you."

    "About what?"

    Lu Aotian stopped doing what he was doing, as though talking about a matter of utmost importance. "My wife blinks most of the nights away worrying about you. If you are serious about wanting to go on a blind date, then do so. However, if you are only doing this to evoke the jealously of your Xu childhood friend, then do not waste my time."

    Lu Meili didn''t feel offended by his words. Thanks to her speed of changing her mind, it was easy for one to misunderstand her intentions.

    "Dad, I am not doing this to make Xu Tang regret his decision. I''m serious about it. But¡­"

    "What?"

    "If I don''t like your friend''s son, I''m allowed to go on another blind date, right?"

    "That''s allowed."

    And so, Lu Meili''s date was decided.

 Chapter 560 - Date

    The next evening, Lu Meili wore a peach-colored dress and styled her long hair into curls.

    "Your new hairstyle is amazing." Wan Jia was the first to comment. She no longer looked like the cute little angel that she was. She looked more mature and elegant, with a kind of aura that made her a perfect aristocratic lady.

    "Thanks mom, I''ll leave now."

    "Don''t come back too late." She said.

    Lu Meili laughed it off. Why would she be back late from the first date with a man she had not met before?

    While Lu Xian Li interjected. "Mother, she''s going on a date. It''s alright if she comes back late as long as her future husband brings her home. Actually, it''s alright too if she doesn''t return at all."

    Lu Meili frowned. "Lu Xian Li, this is not a television drama." Wouldn''t that be progressing too fast? Besides, "I heard Lu Enterprises is facing a crisis. Lu Xian Li, don''t you think you are focusing on the wrong matters?"

    Lu Xian Li yawned smugly. "Why would Lu Enterprises face a crisis? It''s just that some shareholders don''t want to keep their noses to themselves and are questioning dad about the next heir. That''s nothing to worry about, right? Daddy has three kids anyway and Uncle has two. So many heirs to choose from. "

    Lu Meili wasn''t listening. Few things bored her and one of them was running a company. She had nothing against it; perhaps she might have to help Xu Tang out one day. It was just that after Lu Aotian tried using all means to make her go to business school so she would take over Lu Enterprises, she grew to dislike it. "Enough about Lu Enterprises. That''s not my turf. I should get going."

    Lu Xian Li glanced at her sister''s back. If this was a movie and she was the screenwriter, Lu Meili wouldn''t ever go out with another man.

    She didn''t believe even for one second that there was any man out there who could make Lu Meili as happy as she deserved to be. There was only one such man ¨C Xu Tang.

    Wait, why was she minding her sister''s business again? She had to prove to those shareholders that she was capable of handling such a huge multibillion company despite her pitiably young age.

    ___

    The venue they had agreed on was neither too far nor too close to Southside Villas.

    By the time Lu Meili arrived at Pearl hotel, her date had been waiting for quite some time. She had been caught up in traffic thanks to an accident that happened on the road when she was on her way.

    She went to the private room that had been booked in the name of her date. "You must be Young master Mu. Hello, sorry I''m late."

    Following the sweet voice that broke into his ears without warning, the man lifted his head. In the next second, he had to rub his eyes. What was he seeing?

    Lu Meili grew nervous from that piercing gaze. She couldn''t be totally sure that it held pure intentions. "Did I get the wrong person?"

    "No. My name is Mu Zhichen. You must be Lu Meili, right?" he originally didn''t dare to ask, but after scanning her for a while, he deduced that she was nothing like how Lu Xian Li was described. There could only be one possibility ¨C she was Lu Meili!

    Like a gentleman, he pulled a chair for her. Luckily, it wasn''t too late.

    Lu Meili ignored his weird behavior a while ago and sat down.

    Now the trouble began. The two of them couldn''t find any topic to talk about. It felt awkward. Especially since Lu Meili felt this man was acting rather weird.

    The man coughed. "What''s a beautiful woman like you doing on a blind date? Logically, men should be fawning all over you like ants on an anthill, right?"

    As soon as he said that, he realized that he should have kept his mouth shut. What would she think of him? Would she take him for a flirtatious man?

    He studied Lu Meili''s expression, which looked like she had indeed taken the wrong meaning to his words.

    He didn''t mean to flirt with her, okay? He only meant the literal meaning of his words.

    Lu Meili dropped the matter. The purpose of a blind date was to find a marriage partner, right? It should not be wrong for a man to say a few cheesy words to his potential future wife.

    Soon, they made their orders.

    "Why don''t we drink some wine first? The dishes will be served soon." Mu Zhichen suggested.

    Lu Meili took a glance at the unscrewed bottle of wine and the stem glasses at the side. Without thinking much, she stopped the beatiful waitress who was on her way out. "Could you bring me another stem glass?"

    The waitress was curious but didn''t ask. "Right away miss."

    Mu Zhichen''s hand that was reaching for the wine bottle trembled a little. No sense of trust at all? Did he look like the kind of man who would play tricks to get a woman drugged?

    But he could understand her reason...

    As soon as Lu Meili looked at Mu Zhichen again, she realized just what her action her implied. This couldn''t get any more awkward.

    "Young Master Mu, it''s not that I suspect you. I''m an actress and... " she didn''t know what else to say.

    Mu Zhichen laughed. "I know. That''s why I understand your action just now. I''ve heard a lot about the entertainment industry. There''s no such thing as too much caution in that field. It must have become part of you over the years."

    Lu Meili felt happy that he understood. When she was a newbie, someone had tried to drug her. Luckily she caught the person in action but since then, she would never let her guard down around anyone.

    Since she had already asked for a new glass, she could only use it. It would be more awkward if she used the ones previously on the table.

 Chapter 561 - Old uncle

    After the most awkward of meals, Mu Zhichen finally had the chance to ask a question he was most curious about. "You didn''t marry your Tangtang?"

    Lu Meili chocked on her wine. "What are you talking about?" How did he know about Xu Tang? Her first reaction was, "Have you investigated me?"

    Mu Zhichen scolded himself. Instead of eating a painfully awkward meal, he should have talked about this. "Actually, we have met before."

    "We have? I don''t remember." No matter how she racked her brains, she had not met him before. Was this a pick up line?

    "You wouldn''t remember. We were only kids."

    Lu Meili raised an eyebrow. This Mu Zhichen Zhichen didn''t look young enough to have been in the same class as her. "Were we in the same school perhaps?"

    "No. I was only one of the many little guests at your family''s island that day; it was your fourth birthday."

    Lu Meili finally smiled. "What a coincidence. But it was so long ago. To think someone would remember that." Actually, it wasn''t all that strange. On her fourth birthday, Lu Aotian''s friends had attended and those who had kids brought them along so they could play with her. She remembered that at the time, her only friend was Xu Tang. She had longed to play with kids her age so much that Lu Aotian made her wish come true on her fourth birthday. It was one of the best birthday presents ever.

    Mu Zhichen saw that Lu Meili didn''t seem to remember him. "There were so many kids in your party. You wouldn''t remember all of us."

    "You might only recognize the girls because you played with them for long. I remember asking to play with you. Do you know what your answer was?"

    Lu Meili suddenly remembered, with a chuckle, just who Mu Zhichen was. So it was him, that outstandingly tall boy who in fact looked older and more intimidating than all the others.  "I said I don''t play with old uncles¡­ I only play with kids my own age and the only boy I can play with is Tangtang?"

    It was Mu Zhichen''s turn to be shocked. "You remember something that happened when you were four, and even so clearly?"

    Lu Meili raised an eyebrow. "Is it¡­ strange?"

    "Not at all. I just want to ask, I was only nine at the time. How was I an old uncle?"

    Lu Meili laughed at his grieved expression. "You were so tall. Wait, don''t tell me you remembered me for all these years just because of that?"

    In fact, she was only playing along. She knew that Mu Zhichen had deliberately changed the topic. But she didn''t like leaving stones unturned. "Many people say my memory is strange. I rarely forget anything. Even if I do forget them, I will remember them as soon as someone mentions a word about them."

    She chuckled. "Once, a doctor thought it was a mental disorder."

    "Which doctor said it''s a disorder? He must be a swindler. It''s a rare gift and all my life, I haven''t met anyone with such a good memory. You must have had good grades all your life, right?"

    The conversation had already turned warm. "Is that not obvious?" In fact, she didn''t ever have to study. As long as she read something once, she would remember it.

    Her grades were so good that when she chose to go to a film school after senior high, Lu Aotian''s heartbreak couldn''t be described. It was such a perfect quality for being a booming businesswoman. Why did her dreams just have to be different?

    "You didn''t attend my birthday parties again?" Lu Meili asked, making the man look regretful.

    "After being called an old uncle, do you think I wanted to ever breathe the same air as you? I hated you for half my life."

    Lu Meili chuckled. Was she that rude as a child?

    No wonder Lu Aotian became so strict with her at some point.

    ...

    By the time they left the restaurant, the beautiful waitress from earlier was speechless. Were they having a couples squabble? They looked so awkward earlier and now, were conversing like they were finally getting along.

    "I''ll drop you home."

    Lu Meili didn''t reject it. Perhaps because Wan Jia had done something naughty behind her back, her chauffeur was nowhere to be seen and so was the car. His phone wouldn''t get through either.

    In the car, they only exchanged a few words but they were filled with warmth. Within just a few hours, their friendship seemed to have started developing.

    "Thank you. I''ll go home now." Lu Meili said when they arrived.

    "Sure. Eer¡­"

    "Is there something else?"

    Mu Zhichen couldn''t allow himself to lose such a perfect chance. "Can we go out again?"

    Lu Meili thought about it a little. She had found this man a bit weird at first, it must have been because he found their meeting a coincidence, right? Besides, they had started getting along. This should be a fairly good candidate for marriage. "Sure."

    "Then, can we exchange contacts? Just let me know when you are free. I don''t have much to do myself."

    Lu Meili took out her phone and took down his contact then gave him hers.

    ¡­

    As soon as she entered the house.

    "Tut. Tut. My lovely Little Li is back. How was your date?" Of course, Wan Jia would be waiting to blast her with questions.

    "It was alright. We got along a little."

    Wan Jia checked her all over, as though looking for something. She sighed in relief when she saw that they had not taken it too fast. "I saw that. He even dropped you off and you remained in his car for a while. Couldn''t bear to part with him?"

    Lu Meili slapped her forehead. "We just met, okay?"

    Well, they had met once as kids. But this could technically be considered their first meeting, right?

 Chapter 562 - About to be a grandma

    Wan Jia chuckled. Of course they had just met. That was why she was not asking when their engagement party or wedding would be.

    From the looks of it, that young man wasn''t bad. After all, Lu Meili didn''t come back home hurling insults and cursing him like many women would do after meeting hooligans on their blind dates.

    She felt happy. If there was a man good enough to replace Xu Tang in her daughter''s heart, she would not be against it. Instead of sticking onto a man who didn''t love her and getting heartbroken, it would be better if she married another man.

    But most importantly, "honey, don''t be in a hurry, okay? I don''t want you to regret your decisions."

    "I know mum."

    ___

    Ruoxi paced in the study. Time was running out. She had not yet managed to get into Le Blanc Group. How then, would she take it over?

    "What''s wrong?" Lin Lihua asked when she entered the study and saw her looking restless.

    Ruoxi smiled and rushed to her. "It''s nothing mother. I''m just worried."

    "What''s getting you so worked up?"

    Ruoxi didn''t dare to meet Lin Lihua''s eyes. She stuck her fingertips together. "I... I missed my period. I think I could be pregnant."

    Lin Lihua couldn''t be more shocked, but she didn''t let it show. "That''s good news. Why don''t you look happy?"

    Ruoxi looked at her quizzically. "You''re not angry that I''m pregnant when I''m not even married yet?"

    "Why would I be mad? You are already a grown up woman. Do you want to wait until you''re thirty before you think about it?"

    "Of course not. Mother, thank you. I will go to take a detailed test in hospital."

    "Why don''t we go right now?" Lin Lihua suggested.

    "Now mother? Isn''t it too late?"

    Lin Lihua grabbed her hand. "Of course not. I''m going to become a grandma. How can it be too late? Let''s go."

    Ruoxi had nothing more to say. She followed Lin Lihua''s lead out.

    "Wait a second, I''ll grab my purse." Lin Lihua rushed to her room first.

    Ruoxi played with her red fingernails. "The effect of this is gonna be better than I thought. Sorry baby, mama had to use you like this." She had truly missed her period, but her pregnancy wasn''t confirmed yet. She hoped she was really pregnant. If she wasn''t¡­. well, Lin Lihua would still believe that she was.

    Lin Lihua picked her phone, car keys and purse and returned really quickly. "Let''s go. I''m driving."

    ¡­

    In the house.

    "Interesting." Henry Blanc whose presence had been overlooked all this while mumbled.

    "What is up with them?" Katy was as curious as a cat.

    "I don''t know. But Lihua seems¡­ quite strange."

    Katy raised an eyebrow. She had also found Lin Lihua a little strange lately. To be exact, she had been strange for a long time but it was getting weirder lately. It was as though she was suppressing something. Aunty, what''s going on?

    ¡­

    In the hospital, Lin Lihua let Ruoxi take the test as she went to make a call. "Aunty Qiao, could I trouble you?"

    ___

    The next time Lu Meili met Mu Zhichen, not many days had passed. She had in fact begun filming and when she was given a two-day break, she gave Mu Zhichen a call.

    This time, Mu Zhichen didn''t want to meet in a restaurant. "Why don''t we watch a movie together? Coincidentally, I know a really nice movie whose sequel is being released today.

    Lu Meili didn''t particularly enjoy watching movies because she knew too much about special effects and illusions. However, she really wanted to leave the house so she agreed to it.

    That evening, she wore a pair of shorts and a white t-shirt. It was quite a breath of fresh air from the gowns and dresses she wore every day. Her fans wouldn''t recognize her today because she was wearing a wig and had make up that made her look different.

    "You are going out with Mu Zhichen?" Lu Aotian was doing what he always did when sitting in te living room ¨C reading a magazine ¨C when he saw Lu Meili walk past him.

    "Yes. We are going to the movies."

    "Why don''t you bring him home for your mother to see?"

    Lu Meili''s head almost exploded. "What? Isn''t it too early for that?"

    Lu Aotian put aside his business magazine. "There''s no such thing as ''too early'' in a blind date marriage. Are you trying to imply that you should take it slow with Zhichen, date for years and when you realize that you are not truly compatible, break up and go on another blind date?"

    Lu Meili had no word to retaliate. He did make sense. If she was going to take it slow, she should have looked for a friend instead, not a blind date. "I''ll bring him home then."

    "Good. When you are ready, you should pay a visit to your Uncle Mu."

    Lu Meili didn''t find it unpleasant. This was normal, right? The last time, Mu Zhichen had casually said that he was on a blind date because he was under immense pressure to get married. It was no surprise that she was being half-rushed too.

    Lu Aotian didn''t tell her that he wished for her to be engaged soon. Although that was what he wanted, it was already enough pressure that he was sending her to the Mu residence to pay a visit to her future in-laws.

    __

    Pushing everything to the back of her mind, Lu Meili left the house.

    "You are here to pick me up?" She was surprised when she saw Mu Zhichen''s car pull to a stop and the man step out.

    He gave a rose stalk to her. "It''s been long since I last saw Uncle Lu. I thought I could say hi to him and pick you up in the process."

    Lu Meili knew it was an excuse but didn''t expose him.

 Chapter 563 - I love you

    After exchanging a few words with Lu Aotian as a formality, Mu Zhichen finally helped Lu Meili into his car.

    "Why are you staring at me?" Lu Meili felt a bit awkward when the man kept stealing glances at her. With time, it turned into staring.

    "You look beautiful." Mu Zhichen made up an excuse right away.

    He was just in disbelief. He couldn''t dare to believe that not only did he go on a blind date with Lu Meili, she had a good impression of him too. In fact, his father had said that if all went well, it wouldn''t be too long before they got engaged since Lu Aotian approved him already.

    He would never tell anyone that he had fallen in love with Lu Meili a long time ago. Even he didn''t know when it happened.

    That time they met when she was turning four, he hated her for scolding him as an uncle. However, as the years passed and he started seeing her in movies, his hatred for her gradually turned into love. Even he couldn''t understand how it happened.

    However, he couldn''t possibly have the courage to go after her. Those many years ago, he had said, "Little Jia is very beautiful. When I grow up, I won''t marry unless my wife is just as beautiful."

    The little girl had heard him and retorted, "My mommy said that a man can only have one wife, and a woman can only have one husband. My husband is Tangtang."

    At that point, he didn''t know whether she was just blabbering some of her childish nonsense or being real. Of course, a four year old couldn''t possibly understand what marriage was. She was probably just blabbering nonsense.  But when he realized his love for her and asked his father about her, his father mercilessly told him that Lu Meili''s marriage seemed to have already been decided.

    When his father told him about a blind date with Lu Aotian''s daughter, his first impression was that he was talking about Lu Xian Li. He had been quite shocked by Lu Aotian''s and his father''s train of thought. When he first met Lu Meili, she didn''t have a sister. Then, wasn''t Lu Xian Li still too young? It was very likely that she wasn''t even twenty yet.

    Never would he have expected that his date was not Lu Xian Li but the Lu Meili who seemed far from his reach. Was this fate?

    Lu Meili didn''t understand why the man on the driver''s seat kept smiling to himself and even almost blushing. Men could be quite strange sometimes.

    ¡­

    "Any farther and we will crash." She said when she saw that the man was getting more and more lost in thought.

    Mu Zhichen jerked from his thoughts. "We''re here. How fast."

    Lu Meili chuckled as he hurriedly got down to open the car door for her. Although she knew that she couldn''t easily fall in love with him, she had to admit that he was quite cute. In terms of background, he could be considered slightly better off than Xu Tang. His looks didn''t pale in comparison either.

    "Wait for me here, okay? I''ll go and buy tickets."

    "Then I''ll get snacks."

    "Sure."

    ...

    Lu Meili didn''t expect that while buying snacks, she would meet the man she had been avoiding for many days. What was worse, he saw her too.

    "Meili, it''s really you. Why are you here?"

    Lu Meili couldn''t feel any more awkward. How was this different from meeting an ex while on a date? "I''m here to watch a movie." Wasn''t it obvious?

    Unexpectedly, Xu Tang took her arm. "I''m here with Small Xixi and she went to buy tickets. Can we talk? I have something to tell you."

    Lu Meili pulled her arm away. "No!"

    She was on a date with her potential husband. It wouldn''t be nice if she kept talking to another man. Especially not one she had once had romantic feelings for. Not to mention, he had a girlfriend already. Being the third part wasn''t something to be proud of.

    Xu Tang didn''t understand why she was being strange lately. "I won''t take up much of your time. Just a minute, okay?"

    "Xu Tang, you¡­"

    Xu Tang took a look at what she had just bought. Popcorn and coke for two. "Who are you here with?"

    "What''s going on?"

    Mu Zhichen was back. Seeing that Lu Meili wasn''t back from buying snacks yet, he went to check on her. Why was a man pestering her?

    Lu Meili acted as though nothing had happened. "Nothing. Let''s go."

    Xu Tang couldn''t be any more shocked. He glared at Mu Zhichen like he was a murderer. "Who the hell are you?"

    Mu Zhichen stopped in his tracks. "I should be asking you that. You are pestering another man''s future wife. Do you know that I could sue you for sexual harassment?"

    Lu Meili was embarrassed. Please don''t start arguing¡­

    "Meili, what nonsense is this man spewing? Who is he?"

    Mu Zhichen facepalmed. He had thought that this man was just a random guy trying to hit on a girl. They knew each other?

    Lu Meili knew that if she didn''t explain this, it would be troublesome.

    "Wait for me a little, okay?" She said to Mu Zhichen.

    ¡­

    At this moment, Xu Tang looked like an ex boyfriend who was trying to get back together with his girlfriend after being caught cheating.

    Lu Meili sighed. "The reason why I don''t want to speak to you is because I have already decided to move on. Mu Zhichen is my fianc¨¦."

    It sounded too soon to call him that but he would be soon so she didn''t mind.

    Xu Tang was the shocked one. His hand loosened, dropping the snacks he had bought. "You.. are engaged?"

    "Whether I''m engaged or not, it''s no longer your business. The point is, I''ll be married soon."

    Xu Tang was desperate. "How¡­ how can that be? Then what about me? But I love you!"

    "What?" Lu Meili didn''t think she heard right.

    Xu Tang knew that if she left right now, he wouldn''t be able to win her back. "I don''t know when I fell in love with you. I thought I only cared about you because you were my friend. But recently I just realized... that I have been blind to my own feelings."

 Chapter 564 - The confession that came too late

    Lu Meili''s eyes bulged in astonishment. In the next second, she burst into laugher. "I almost believed you. You should know that we are no longer little kids to keep pulling pranks on each other."

    "How am I pulling a prank?

    Meili, I''ve been in love with you for a long time. I didn''t realize it until recently."

    "My little angel, can we... can we be together?"

    Lu Meili looked into his eyes. He really meant it.

    Xu Tang really confessed to her... this was something she had dreamt of for many years. Now that it had finally happened, why did it not feel like she had imagined?

    She was not half as elated as she thought she would be. Instead, she felt conflicted. Her mind was a blur for a moment and she merely stood there, looking at him. It was only after a while that she came to her senses. Decisively, she spoke what was on her mind.

    "Oh Xu Tang... it doesn''t matter anymore. It''s too late already. I don''t blame you for for being blind for so long but a woman can''t wait forever, okay? You cannot expect me to love you, wait around and when I finally give up and move on, waltz back into my life and expect me to accept your love.  Xu Tang, I''m a woman. Not your pet."

    The words sliced into Xu Tang''s heart like a sharp dagger. He clutched his chest. It was all his fault.

    If only he had accepted his feelings sooner, Lu Meili wouldn''t fall for another man.

    Wait. Fall in love? Of course not.

    Clinging to his last straw, he grabbed her hand. "Meili, look at me. Look into my eyes and tell me you do not love me. Only then will I believe you."

    She wouldn''t do it. Of course she wouldn''t. Because the only man she loved in this lifetime was him.

    However, his fantasy was shattered before it was a second old. "Xu Tang, you should find yourself a wife instead of spending your time asking me to do childish things. Aunty Kara and Uncle Liaowen would love to become grandparents, don''t you think?"

    Before he could say anything else, she turned to leave.

    "I can''t believe she just said that."

    "Of course you can''t believe it. How many times did I keep telling you that you are in love with her? Yet you said I''m not old enough to understand. You just made my perfect sister-in-law leave. Hmph!" Small Xixi had overheard the last part of their conversation.

    "Where are you going?"

    "Home." Xu Tang was no longer in the mood to watch a movie. He had lost in love, just like that?

    Not only had he lost the woman he loved, he had lost his best friend too.

    ___

    Mu Zhichen waited for quite some time before he finally saw Lu Meili. "There you are. I was starting to think you had decided to run off with another man." He said half-jokingly.

    Lu Meili laughed. "Young master Mu, I..."

    "Call me by my name." Mu Zhichen corrected. He had realized that when she wanted to say something, she would just say it. She had never called his name in his presence before.

    "Mu Zhichen, I don''t feel like watching a movie anymore. Can we go somewhere else?"

    Mu Zhichen didn''t hurriedly ask for explanations regarding what had just transpired. Although he had bought tickets, he didn''t feel annoyed. That small bit of money didn''t matter in comparison to spending time with Lu Meili. He would just leave the tickets for other people to use. "Where do you want to go?"

    "I don''t know. Perhaps we can just drive around then go for dinner?"

    "Good idea."

    He audaciously reached for her hand. "Meili, can I hold your hand?"

    Lu Meili blushed. Outside filming, only the men from her family and Xu Tang had held her hand before. It sounded kind of strange to hold hands with this man she had met only twice.

    But this was her future husband. No need to worry about it, right?

    Slowly, she held out her hand and put it in his.

    As soon as that tiny palm stuck onto his, Mu Zhichen felt his heart race as a rush of scarlet crept up his ears. Was he really holding Lu Meili''s hand?

    "That looks like a new couple. They are both blushing from holding each other''s hand. How cute!" A few onlookers had their eyes on them. Although Lu Meili was not dressed like the noble young miss she was, and Mu Zhichen was dressed in simple casual clothes too, they were still quite outstanding.

    "A handsome man and a girl with heavenly beautiful looks. They are such a perfect match."

    "I wish them a hundred years together!"

    Adults were not the only ones who noticed this. A little boy selling ribbons and bracelets approached him. "Uncle, could you buy a bracelet? I promise they are really beautiful."

    Mu Zhichen chuckled and bought two. He didn''t need them - he just didn''t have the heart to reject the boy. He gave him two a hundred dollar bills.

    "Uncle, you gave me too much money."

    Mu Zhichen tapped his nose. "Take that as your reward for working hard."

    The boy was elated. "My dad says that if people are kind to me, I should be kind to them in return." He took out a red ribbon from his collection. "Here. If you give this to elder sister, She will be very happy. Elder sister is very beautiful and will look prettier with it."

    Lu Meili felt her heart melt. How could such a little boy be so cute? "Thank you little brother. You are too cute yourself."

    The boy was even more pleased, while Mu Zhichen''s face turned dark. Uncle again? When Lu Meili was an elder sister?!

    Lu Meili was happily chatting away with the boy. She crouched and let him clumsily help her put a ribbon on her hair. "Very beautiful." He said.

    "How about I buy all your ribbons? I will give some to my mother and sister. We can wear a different one every day."

    The boy happily gave her all of them. This pair was very kind. "Uncle, you must take good care of beautiful sister. If not, someone will take her away from you."

    Mu Zhichen rubbed his head. "Of course, I will not let anyone take her away."

    Xu Tang, the someone was still watching them with the intention of trying to take Lu Meili away, felt another pang of heartache.

 Chapter 565 - I hope one day your heart will be mine

    Why was Lu Meili getting along with that guy? Considering the timeline, they shouldn''t have known each other for long. He didn''t believe that he didn''t have a chance. If he didn''t, he would create one.

    Up ahead, Mu Zhichen broke into a smile of satisfaction. "Meili,"

    "What is it?" Lu Meili was busy fixing a ribbon on her hair. Mu Zhichen leaned towards her face and ran his fingers at the back of her neck.

    Lu Meili''s eyes shot wide open.

    "There was something on your neck." He explained.

    "Oh." Lu Meili didn''t pursue it, though she wondered, just to get something off her neck, was that position necessary?

    Meanwhile, Xu Tang cursed. "That bastard! How dare he take advantage of Meili like that? He even dares to kiss her in public?"

    That was right, Mu Zhichen''s position earlier was deliberate. From Xu Tang''s angle, one would think he had just kissed her.

    The fact that Lu Meili didn''t react negatively to his ''kiss'' made Xu Tang even more hopeless. Did this mean she was really determined to marry that man? But he didn''t like him.

    Logically, of course he would not like his own romantic rival.

    ¡­

    When they entered the car, Lu Meili used the chance to explain her relationship with Xu Tang to him. As her future husband, he had every right to know.

    "Xu Tang is my childhood friend. I fell in love with him years ago but he didn''t feel the same way so I gave up on him." She explained it all briefly.

    Mu Zhichen turned to look at her. Xu Tang? That had to be Tangtang, right? No wonder he hated him from the moment he saw him. Turns out he was the romantic rival he was most curious about

    Though he found it laughable. He did not reciprocate Lu Meili''s feelings? There was actually someone blind enough to reject Lu Meili?

    Since he was here, pestering her, he comprehended that he must have realized that he loved her and was trying to get her back.

    "It''s all in the past, right?"

    "Yes."

    Mu Zhichen studied her expression. "If you are not decided and still have feelings for him, you should get back together with him while you still have the time. Once we are engaged, I will not like it if my fianc¨¦e still fantasizes over another man."

    "I know. I wouldn''t dishonor my husband by seeing another man." That would bring such huge shame to the Lu family. It would be a huge slap in Lu Aotian''s and Wan Jia''s faces for not bringing their daughter up properly.

    "Since he''s in the past, let''s not talk about him." Mu Zhichen said.

    "Right, I forgot to give you this." He took out a necklace.

    It was an exquisite blue necklace, the deep color of the deepest part of the ocean.

    Lu Meili was awed. "It''s beautiful. How did you know that I like blue?"

    "I didn''t know. I only got this necklace because I thought it suits you."

    While in real sense¡­

    A piece of memory from years ago flashed his mind.

    "Little Jia, why are you staring at the ocean?"

    "Because I''m sad. Mommy is too busy entertaining the guests and won''t play with me."

    The little boy Tangtang put a hand on her shoulder to coax her. "Don''t be sad. Am I not here? I will play with you as much as you like. Anyway, why do you always stare at the ocean when you are sad?"

    "I like its color very much. When I grow up, I will ask daddy to redecorate my room and make it blue. When I''m old enough, I will buy an island so I can see the ocean as much as I want."

    ¡­

    That was the only thing he had in common with her. He remembered that when he overheard Lu Meili''s conversation, he childishly hated all seas, oceans and water in general. It was in fact for this reason that he couldn''t forget her favorite color no matter what.

    "You were so cute as a child." He chuckled. How I wish we have a daughter so she can be as cute as you.

    Lu Meili merely smiled. Everyone kept saying that as a child, she was the prettiest baby they had ever seen. She had won so many hearts that her parents always had to be careful fearing that someone might simply steal her away.

    On their way home, Mu Zhichen kept stealing glances for the umpteenth time.

    Lu Meili chuckled. "If you have something to say, just say it."

    Mu Zhichen really had something to say. She was not wearing the necklace he had just given to her although she found it pretty. She probably had not accepted him completely yet. "I hope that one day, I will not only have the title of your husband, I will have your heart as well."

    The underlying meaning was clear. He hoped she would fall in love with him one day.

    Lu Meili didn''t know what to say to this. She couldn''t expect to fall in love so easily and couldn''t make a promise she was not sure of either so she laughed it out. "I don''t know. That would depend on how much you will love me. Would you still want me if I contracted an incurable disease?"

    He neither said yes or no, but joked it out too. "A beauty contracting an incurable disease... that would be such a waste of beauty."

    "Pfft. You are too funny."

    ___

    Mini theatre.

    Mu Zhichen: Meili is now mine. Don''t even think of fighting with me over her. She will become my fianc¨¦ soon.

    Xu Tang: You think too much. Meili and I must have fallen in love with each other while still in our mothers'' wombs. She can only be my wife.

    Mu Zhichen: I will invite you to our engagement banquet.

    Xu Tang: Sure thing, I will be there (To elope with the bride)

 Chapter 566 - Meeting the in-laws

    "Erm¡­ Mu Zhichen, my mom must have returned from the company. Do you want to say hi to her? We can eat dinner at home instead of eating out." Lu Meili asked with little confidence. Would he think she was rushing things and jumping from one relationship to another thoughtlessly?

    On the contrary, Mu Zhichen was so happy he could fly to the sky. "Of course. I can''t wait."

    Just like that, they arrived at Southside Villas in tow. Lu Meili felt her cheeks heat up. Who knew she would one day bring a man home to introduce him as her future husband? How time flies.

    Mu Zhichen was multiple times more excited. He was in Lu Aotian''s villa.  And as the son-in-law to be? Aaah! Please don''t wake him up. He would kill anyone who woke him up from this sweet dream.

    His ears couldn''t believe it the moment he heard Lu Meili say, "Mom, you have already heard about Mu Zhichen before. He is now my soon-to-be fianc¨¦."

    Wan Jia nodded routinely.

    As the successor of his family''s business, he had interacted with Lu Aotian many times before so he was not scared. But as no one would expect, he froze before Wan Jia. Why didn''t Wan Jia look too pleased?

    "Meili, show Zhichen around. Dinner will be ready soon." Lu Aotian broke the awkwardness.

    "Alright daddy. Mu Zhichen, let''s go. I''ll show you my beautiful flowers."

    ...

    As soon as they were out, Lu Aotian hugged his wife. "Honey, you don''t like him?"

    Wan Jia looked a little sad. "He''s a nice young man and I can tell he really cares about our Little Li. I''m only jealous because he''s taking my baby away."

    Lu Aotian felt emotional too. "This was bound to happen one day. Our kids are growing up. We, parents, are powerless." As though knowing that she might be worried, he reassured. "His father is my good friend. You don''t have to worry about Meili getting bullied by her in-laws."

    "I know. As long as my baby is happy."

    ___

    In the garden.

    Lu Meili happily showed Mu Zhichen her flower garden. She had spent many years taking care of this garden ¨C since she was just a little girl ¨C and even if the flowers withered, she would grow new ones.

    If one were to see how happy she was showing them off, they would think they had known each other for many years. They were getting along quite fast.

    "Heh.."

    "Why are you laughing?"

    Mu Zhichen plucked a flower. "When I first met you, you were not even as tall as these flowers. Who knew you would grow tall so fast? Although you are a head shorter than me, you are still considered tall compared to that time."

    Lu Meili was embarrassed. "You! How dare you shame my past height? I was a little girl, okay? While you, old uncle, were too tall for your age. The next time I see you, I will call you Uncle Zhichen."

    Mu Zhichen didn''t mind the word anymore. In fact, it made him happy. Lu Meili was no longer so reserved in his presence. Even if he didn''t manage to win her heart in the end, interacting with her in such a friendly manner was enough.

    But he still retaliated. "I''m only turning thirty. How am I an uncle?"

    "You are one if I say you are."

    "Then that makes you an auntie."

    "Take that back."

    "Why? What do you call your uncle''s wife?"

    ___

    "Is there any mother who spies on her children like you do?" Lu Aotian was rendered speechless by his wife''s shamelessness. Wan Jia was blatantly spying on the duo that went to the garden and trying to read their lips.

    "What''s wrong with spying? I only want to know if they are really getting along. You know that our Meili is an actress and can put on a happy act before us."

    Lu Aotian lost to her logic. Well, she was right in a way.

    "At this rate, it won''t be long before I become a grandma."

    Lu Aotian: "¡­" I take that back.

    ___

    In the backyard, the duo spent a long time as there was a lot to see.

    "This is where my dad and I used to play when I was a child."

    "This is my favorite spot. Xian Li and I fought over it repeatedly."

    "This was my best hiding place when we played hide and seek with my cousins. No one could ever find me here."

    Taking advantage of the moment, she led him out of Southside villas using an inconspicuous gate.

    Mu Zhichen followed on like a good tourist.

    "This¡­ eh? Did you hear that?" Lu Meili cocked her head, trying to listen closely.

    "I heard it. I think it was a purr."

    Lu Meili curiously checked trough the bushes.

    "Careful. I''ll check it out, stay behind me." Mu Zhichen didn''t want any accidents happening.

    In the next second, Lu Meili''s mouth widened and so did her eyes. "Oh¡­ how cute! How am I so lucky today? I met two cute things in a row."

    Mu Zhichen took the little cat out. "It''s a stray cat?"

    "It doesn''t look stray to me. Perhaps it got hurt and couldn''t get home. " She took it into her embrace. "Hey little buddy, are you lost?"

    She checked its neck to see a note attached to the collar.

    [Hello kind mister or miss,

    Whitey is a nice and obedient cat but my new mommy hates little animals so I cannot keep him. Could you please help me take it to that place where pets are kept?]

    It looked like a little girl''s handwriting and she must have written it over a long time. There was even a teardrop on it. Lu Meili felt her heart ache for that little owner. Couldn''t her new mommy help her give it up for adoption?

    Letting a child leave a pet like this, it could have gotten into an accident.

    "It''s a coincidence. I really love cats, I will keep him."

    Mu Zhichen saw how happy she looked and didn''t retaliate. "But you should vaccinate it first."

    "Sure sure. Urgh¡­"

    "What happened?"

    "My sister is super allergic to cats. Rashes will break out all over her body if a single wisp of fur gets in contact with her. I can''t keep him."

    Mu Zhichen didn''t know what to say. She was giving up just like that? But he could tell how much she already liked the cat. "I don''t have anything against pets. I can help you raise it temporarily."

    "Temporarily...?"

    "Of course. When you become my owner, it will naturally become yours again." Mu Zhichen didn''t mind making it sound like he was a pet. In fact, he looked like he was really looking foward to that.

 Chapter 567 - Love wasnt always what mattered.

    "Pfft. Can you not make it sound like you''re a pet?" Lu Meili laughed. Though she actually... wouldn''t mind taking him in.

    She laughed at her own imagination. When did she become so perverted?

    She suddenly remembered that they should go back home for dinner. "Oh, look at the time. We should head back."

    "Sure."

    "Eer... what will I do with this guy for now? He absolutely can''t enter our house....

    Wait, I know what to do. I''ll ask my nanny to drop him off at your home... if that''s okay with you."

    Mu Zhichen found her too cute. She was no different from a little girl right now. "That''s alright. I''ll have someone recieve him."

    After sending off the cat, they rushed back home. Lu Meili knew that Wan Jia didn''t call them back for fear of distracting them, but she was really hungry after walking around. Mu Zhichen must be hungry too.

    ___

    As soon they got home, the awkwardness begun.

    Earlier, Mu Zhichen had held that cat too. If he didn''t take a bath, it wouldn''t be a guarantee that the duo who were allergic to cats, Lu Aotian and Lu Xian Li, wouldn''t be affected. They might shake hands later.

    They had already lnstructed the nanny to bring back a change of clothes from the Mu residence.

    But... How to let him take a shower without making people''s imagination run wild? That was not too difficult to handle but...

    ...

    Later when they appeared at the dining table in different clothes, Wan Jia coughed in a fit.

    No need to ask. They had obviously misunderstood.

    Lu Aotian took a glance at her then in the next second, he glared at Mu Zhichen murderously. How dare he take advantage of his daughter right under his roof? Although they were going to be married, a man should restrain himself a little more. Wasn''t this only their second meeting?

    Wan Jia held the hand of her husband who was about to erupt and whispered laughingly. "Honey, they are adults."

    Lu Meili couldn''t be any more embarassed.

    She scratched her head. "Mom, earlier while we were taking a walk, we rescued a little cat. It''s seriously so cute."

    Wan Jia tittered. "Is that so?" Obviously, she didn''t believe a word of it. Even a young boy like Xian Yu wouldn''t buy it, okay? In fact, it only seemed to confirm her suspicion and she looked happier.

    Lu Meili slapped her forehead. What kind of weird situation was this?

    ...

    Luckily, Lu Xian Li finally arrived at the dining table. Mu Zhichen was on Lu Meili''s right. She said hi to him and sat on Lu Meili''s left.

    A few seconds later.

    "Sis, what crazy animal did you bring home this time?"

    Lu Meili was still feeling happy from adopting a cat. She was not in the mood to bicker with this troublemaker. "None."

    "Really? But my skin is suddenly itchy. I only sat beside you for a few seconds."

    "I did hold a cat, but I took a bath. I don''t expect you to still get an allergic reaction."

    Lu Xian Li stood up. "Was this deliberate?"

    Lu Meili was annoyed "If it was deliberate, why did I not bring the kitty home? Besides, there were very many seats. Did you have to sit next to me?"

    "Do you have to be so mean every time I speak to you?"

    "You think I''m mean?"

    "Both of you shut up." Lu Aotian couldn''t stand this pair anymore. "Xian Li, you should be looking for medicine instead of picking fights with your sister.

    You, Meili, how old are you? I can''t believe you still want to fight with a teenager over literally nothing."

    Mu Zhichen felt the most awkward. He was the outsider here.

    Lu Meili could sense his tension. "We cannot waste a lively atmosphere, right? Let''s dig in."

    Although she was the one who said to dig in, she was also the one who didn''t have any apetite. She stopped eating after a few bites.

    Lu Xian Li didn''t return to the table and asked a nanny to bring her food to her room instead.

    ___

    "I''m sorry. Your first time meeting my family wasn''t so nice." She said to Mu Zhichen as she walked him out after dinner.

    Mu Zhichen stroked her hair. "What are you saying? They will be my family soon and - the main point is this - we had a nice walk and even adopted a pet."

    Lu Meili''s smile returned. How can a man be so considerate? She had to admit that her mother was right. Sometimes, love wasn''t what mattered in a relationship. She would be happy as long as the man was kind to her.

    "You don''t have a good relationship with your sister?" Mu Zhichen asked curiously.

    Lu Meili looked like she had swallowed a bitter pill and let it all out. "She will always find fault in me. No matter how much I dote on her, she still thinks I don''t like her. I don''t know what to do with her. Can''t we just be like mom and aunty?"

    Mu Zhichen chuckled. "That''s a thing with younger siblings."

    "It is?"

    "Yeah. Sometimes they can make you wish to throw them away.

    Some even get jealous because you were born before them and were doted on by your parents for a few more years than them and they could never make up for it.

    But for your sister, I noticed she is in her rebellious stage. She must have been too serious for her age as a child so her rebellious stage is now."

    Lu Meili held her chin in her hand. "That''s true. I used to think she is too mature and she really does think everything she does is right.

    Mu Zhichen, you''re amazing. I almost thought she had something against me." When Lu Aotian made it look like she was at fault, she was extremely angry. Why did parents always think that the older sibling had to be responsible for every argument?

    But when Mu Zhichen explained it, she thought it made sense. It would be a waste of breath to argue with a girl who is being rebellious.

    Gee, why did it suddenly feel better to be with Mu Zhichen?

    ...

    "I''ll go back to filming the day after tomorrow and will only be back when I''m done." She said when they reached his car.

    "Alright. You should go back to the house now."

 Chapter 568 - I didnt mean to hurt you

    "Okay."

    But just after she took her first step, he pulled her back.

    "Did something happen?"

    Mu Zhichen thought about the meetings he had scheduled for the next day. Whatever. He would postpone some of them.

    "Since you will be back to filming the day after tomorrow, can we spend some time together tomorrow? You can come over to pet your little kitty." He threw in the new pet to help him out with the persuasion.

    As expected, Lu Meili was finding it hard to reject him. "Eer... will your parents be there? I don''t think I''m ready to meet them yet."

    "No. The cat was sent to my own house." Recalling any woman''s concern, he added. "There are many servants in the house." His point was that they wouldn''t be totally alone.

    Lu Meili who was just starting to worry about being alone with a man in his house was knocked down again. Did this man have to be this nice? At this rate, she was afraid her heart might get stolen soon.

    The potential heart-thief smiled in satisfaction. It wasn''t  easy getting to this point. Meili, once we are married, I will make you the queen you are. I will dote on you like a princess and protect you like a treasure.

    ___

    In another villa in Southside.

    Ruoxi was sitting leisurely in the living room, ordering maids around and putting on airs.

    She was pregnant. Of course that made her a queen. Everyone had to bow down to her.

    And that included Katy and Henry Blanc who were just back from the company.

    "Katy, can you come over?"

    Katy folded her arms across her chest. "What do you want?"

    "I''m very thirsty. Get me a glass of water."

    Katy had never heard anything so ridiculous. "Are you sure you want a glass of water from me? Aren''t you scared I''ll poison you or kill that illegitimate b*stard you are carrying?"

    "You..." Ruoxi saw Lin Lihua come downstairs. She stood up, weeping. "Mother, I only told Katy to bring me a glass of water, but she insulted me and called my baby illegitimate."

    Lin Lihua ignored her and went straight to Henry Blanc. "Let''s have a word."

    Ruoxi smirked. Although Katy didn''t get a scolding this time, this was even better. They were probably finalizing their divorce.

    Of course, she would forcefully remain in the Blanc household using her baby as an excuse. Her surname was still Blanc, right? Lin Lihua would no longer be a distraction once she left.

    But, Lin Lihua''s next words gave her an unexpected wave of satisfaction. "One person has to leave this house. Either me..." she glanced at Katy. "Or her."

    Katy bit her lip. This....

    The shock on Henry Blanc''s face couldn''t be described in words. "Lihua you..."

    Lin Lihua crossed her arms. "What? You can''t do it? Here I was thinking you wanted me to stay. I can''t even compare to a little girl?"

    Henry Blanc really wanted her to stay but this...

    "On second thought, I''ll let her stay. But as my servant. What do you think?"

    Katy had her fists clenched. Without warning, she shrugged her shoulders. "I''ll do it."

    "What?" Henry Blanc was even more shocked.

    Ruoxi felt smug. This is just the beginning Katy Blanc. I will reduce you to an ant.

    Katy had made up her mind. "Isn''t it just being a servant?" It was nothing compared to the accident she had caused before.

    Henry Blanc knew nothing about it and pulled Lin Lihua away. "I''ll have a word with your aunt in private."

    In the study, Henry Blanc was quick to take the upper hand. "Don''t even think about it. I''m not signing those papers and you are not leaving. Don''t think that I will relent if you make things difficult for Katy and I."

    Lin Lihua looked at him disdainfully. "Who is leaving? Who wants you to sign papers?"

    "Eh? Haven''t you always wanted..."

    "What, so eager to divorce me now?" Lin Lihua ignored his confused face. "I''m not a fool. What if you really tell my mother about it? She still needs to cradle her great grandchildren."

    "Oh." So it was merely because of Xia Rou.

    Lin Lihua took a pen to play with. "However, I want you to change the deputy CEO of Le Blanc Group. The new deputy CEO will be Ruoxi."

    Henry Blanc''s face went pale. "You are crazy."

    "Just do it, will you? Ruoxi mentioned to me before that she feels a lot of distress lately and if she did some work in the company, she would be at ease."

    Henry Blanc noticed that her tone held a hint of scheming. "You are planning something, aren''t you?"

    He became overjoyed. "I knew you would realize it one day. You finally saw Ruoxi''s true colors, right? Since you did, why don''t you admit it?"

    Lin Lihua remained silent.

    "Since you are too proud to admit it, I will make things easier for you. Honey, I will not pursue the unpleasant past. Let''s start over, okay?"

    Lin Lihua glared at him. "Idiot. Let me be." She did regret some of the things she did in the past. But of what use was regret? She couldn''t make up for how mean she had been to Katy, and Katy couldn''t make up for what she had done either. This was the only thing she could do for this father-daughter duo.

    Henry Blanc was happy despite being ignored. "Since my Lihua wants it, I will make Ruoxi the deputy CEO tomorrow. I just... won''t give her any shares. Is that okay?"

    Lin Lihua harrumphed. Ruoxi was probably going to be the world''s first deputy CEO who had neither the right qualifications nor shares in the company. The entertainment had just begun.

    ...

    As soon as she went downstairs the next morning, Katy was in a maid''s outfit, holding a tray of food. "Mother, you are here. I made you breakfast."

    Lin Lihua narrowed her eyes. "What are you doing? There are enough servants in this villa. I don''t need more." She took a seat. "Besides, are you really confident that I will eat food you cooked?"

    Katy felt her head ache. "Mother, I already explained many times. That water from years ago was meant for Ruoxi. I''m sorry that I made a mistake and you ended up drinking it but I  didn''t mean to hurt you. I really didn''t."

    Lin Lihua''s lips curled. "So you intended to hurt Ruoxi?"

    "No! It was a truth serum."

 Chapter 569 - This is just the beginning

    Lin Lihua held a hand over her mouth and laughed coldly. "Katy Blanc, how old do you think I am, huh? Forget about your business with Ruoxi. If it wasn''t meant for me, how did it end up in my stomach?"

    "She¡­" Katy Blanc had never had the chance to say this because Lin Lihua wouldn''t listen to her.

    Now that she finally did, it was not sure whether she should be happy or sad. Would she even believe a word of it?

    "I had been framed too many times. In the final year of middle school, I was accused of cheating in a test. Exam papers were found in my locker. I didn''t put them there; I know who did.

    In the same year, Ruoxi hit me with a gun and claimed that it was an accident when it was not.

    In the first year of senior high, I was accused of the most humiliating thing ¨C being in a sexual relationship with a teacher. For this too, I know she was the one who did it.

    In the second year of senior high, someone photo shopped my pictures and posted them in the school forum. They were¡­ too revealing. You saw them mother. You know how humiliating that was. I never had a single day of peace in school. Everyone would scold me and shame me for being a sl*t with loose morals.

    I told my friend about it and they recommended that I should make her spill the truth by making her take a truth serum. So I put it in her water.

    I didn''t expect her to bribe a maid to give it to you instead. She knew you were pregnant and such strong drugs would definitely hurt you. By the time I realized that something was wrong, it was already too late. I''m so sorry."

    "Heh¡­" Lin Lihua laughed. "Are you done? You still take me for a fool, don''t you? If it is as you say it, why did you wait until Henry went for a long business trip? And why did you not tell him what happened when he came back? Do you think I''ll believe you simply because you shed some drops of crocodile tears?"

    Katy looked helpless and depressing. "If I told daddy before I did it, he obviously wouldn''t approve it. Later when that accident happened, I knew daddy would definitely hate me. Everyone hated me already. I didn''t want him to hate me too. I was selfish¡­"

    She had in fact been so selfish that she made sure no one knew about this matter, for fear that Henry Blanc would find out.

    Lin Lihua did not respond to this. This was the very reason why she didn''t tell Henry Blanc either. She chose to be the one to bear the pain of child loss on her own. She already hated Katy very much but subconsciously, she found her too pitiful. Henry Blanc would definitely kill her if he learnt that she had caused the death of his unborn child. It was better to have one corpse than two.

    Lin Lihua smiled with all the bitterness in her soul. "I was going to give Henry a surprise. I know he has always wanted a child of his own.

    He could have been just a few years younger than Xian Yu right now."

    She realized that she had lost control of her emotions and stopped. "Leave. I don''t want to hear you call me your mother again. The one who should call me that¡­ was indirectly killed by you."

    Katy dropped to her knees. "It was all my fault. I hope that one day you will forgive me."

    Lin Lihua stood and ignored her.

    Katy was at a loss. Should she tell Henry Blanc? Actually, all these years she was not just afraid of being hated by him and facing his wrath. Henry Blanc had already lost his sister to a brutal murder and disowned his mother. If he learnt that he had lost an unborn child too, wouldn''t he die of heartache?

    "What was spoken here today, remains here." Lin Lihua suddenly said. "Do you understand?"

    "Yes. I will keep my mouth shut."

    "I''m not doing it to cover up for you. I just don''t want him to be hurt." After saying this, she went back to her room.

    ___

    Some time later, in HL Entertainment.

    Lin Lihua had summoned a huge group of reporters. There was a whole crowd of them. None of them belonged to HL Entertainment. Of course, she couldn''t make such a dumb move. Some were from other media houses while a large number of them were not even reporters.

    "You all know what to do. I don''t want anything to go wrong."

    "Yes ma''am. We will do our job well."

    She didn''t care about her identity being disclosed. So what if it got disclosed? She didn''t care about such things anymore.

    ¡­

    As soon as Ruoxi exited Le Blanc Group Building, she was surrounded by a swarm of reporters. They shoved her back and forth and pushed microphones to her face.

    "Miss Ruoxi, are you really the new deputy CEO?"

    Ruoxi felt proud hearing this question. Thanks mother. She smugly answered with an obvious hint of arrogance. "Yes."

    "But you did not qualify. What is Mr. Blanc thinking?"

    "Miss Ruoxi, is it true that you cheated your foster father out of shares?"

    "Miss Ruoxi, your sister Katy is not here today. Is it because you suppressed her and stole her shares?"

    "What? I¡­" Ruoxi finally realized something wrong. What was this all about?

    "Miss Ruoxi, it is said that you have a terrible relationship with your father so you threatened him to become the deputy CEO. Is it true?"

    The questions became nastier.

    "The Blanc family has adopted and raised you. But you turned around and stabbed them in the backs. Is this how you show your gratitude?"

    "Eh, Mr. Blanc is here." Someone saw Henry Blanc exit the building.

    "Mr. Blanc, please tell us why you made a rookie with zero experience the deputy CEO of the company. Is it because she threatened you?"

    Henry Blanc wondered just what Lin Lihua was up to. But he played along. "I have nothing to say."

    By saying this and walking away, he only confirmed their words. She had used unfair means.

    Ruoxi couldn''t control herself anymore. "Henry Blanc, you a**hole!"

    ___

    She stormed back home and rushed to Lin Lihua who was in the living room. "Mother, I was bullied today. It''s all Henry''s fault."

    Lin Lihua stroked her hair. "Don''t be angry. It''s not good for the baby. I''ll pour you a glass of water."

    "Mmh." Henry Blanc, just you wait and see. Lin Lihua will obviously side with me and take the whole of Le Blanc Group from you to give to me.

    She drank the water in huge gulps.

    ¡­

    Just a few minutes later, Ruoxi felt a pain in her abdomen and clutched her stomach. "What''s wrong with me¡­it hurts."

    Lin Lihua didn''t spare her a glance. "Go and rest."

    Ruoxi stood to go but she was suddenly weak and fell to the floor. In the next moment¡­

    "Huh?!... This is...

    Blood!

    Mother! I think I''m having a miscarriage!" she exclaimed in alarm.

    Lin Lihua turned leisurely to look at her evilly. "Oh, Is that so?"

 Chapter 570 - Ruoxi

    Ruoxi couldn''t understand her tone. Did she think it was an act?

    "Mother, I''m not acting it out. It must be.... Henry did this. Those reporters shoved me hard. Mother, you must... get justice for me." Her voice was getting weaker.

    Lin Lihua stood up and looked down at her comically. "I can''t believe that even at this point, you want to drag people into your retribution. You want to use that illegitimate child one last time, huh?"

    Ruoxi was scared. "Mother... what... what do you mean?"

    "Nothing. That''s what I mean." Lin Lihua took out a bottle from the pocket of her jacket. "This is the poison I gave you. You will have the same fate as me - lose your child and never give birth."

    Ruoxi was shocked. She had found out?

    "However, I''m not that ruthless. I''ll give you a chance to tell me something. Just so you know, I have the antidote."

    Although Ruoxi was weak now, she knew what this meant. Lin Lihua had found out the truth and was exorting the details out of her. She didn''t want to... but she couldn''t lose her baby!

    As any desperate mother, she looked up helplessly. "What?"

    Lin Lihua didn''t feel an ounce of pity looking at her in this state. "You are too young to have done all those things you did. Ruoxi, who are you working for?"

    Ruoxi didn''t have time to think. This was an emergency. "My uncle! He taught me to be rude if an average family wants to adopt me and if it''s a rich family, I should be very polite and earn their pity."

    ___

    The truth was that as soon as Ruoxi''s parents died, her uncle didn''t truly like her.

    He would make her do chores despite her age simply because he didn''t want ''useless people'' in his house.

    Then one day he had a heartless idea. His own business was not thriving. He wanted Ruoxi to be adopted by a rich family so he would gain more money. So he sent her to the orphanage.

    "Ruoxi, you must remember that if the people who want to adopt you are wearing simple clothes, they are not rich. Don''t bother being polite with them. Make them hate you.

    If they are wearing expensive clothes and accessories like those rich people you see on the television, only then can you be polite. Show them how obedient you are." He had said this severally.

    "If a rich family adopts you, you will become an admirable girl and everyone will worship you."

    "If you get adopted by a poor family or fail to get adopted, I will strangle you with my own hands."

    At the time,  she shivered and nodded her head. "Yes uncle."

    ...

    For a while, everyone thought her background story was too pitiful but once she scolded a woman for being ''too poor to raise her'', the teachers in the orphanage disliked her. That was where their dislike came from.

    With time, they started using her as an example and telling the other kids that they should not be rude children like Ruoxi. Soon, the kids disliked and evaded her too. She had no one to play with.

    ...

    She had heard about Lin Lihua from the older children in the orphanage. From their description, Lin Lihua had to be extremely rich and elegant.

    The first time they met, Ruoxi was so lonely that she was sitting in a corner, crying by herself.

    Lin Lihua had approached her carefully to give her a candy. "Little girl, why are you crying? Did someone bully you?"

    The girl rubbed her eyes with her fists. "I don''t have a mommy and everyone hates me so much. If my mommy didn''t die, people wouldn''t have to hate me."

    At that point, she was only telling the truth. Obviously, her uncle wouldn''t be so mean to her if her parents were still alive.

    But, coincidentally, it worked the exact kind of charm that her uncle wanted. Lin Lihua''s heart ached for her. It was not sure what happened but all she knew was that the next time the other kids saw her, they bullied her for putting on an act before Lin Lihua.

    Until she was adopted by Lin Lihua, until she was brought home to the Blanc family and introduced as Katy''s elder cousin, she couldn''t believe what was happening.

    In fact, she was so happy in the Blanc family that she forgot all about that evil man.

    However, how could that man forget about her?

    He went to find her in school.

    "How is your new home?" He asked as though he cared.

    "Very good. Mommy and daddy love me very much."

    The uncle sneered. "Little b*tch, have you forgotten your roots?"

    That day, he forced her to give him all the money she had access to.

    Since they were young, the nannies would be the ones to take care of all their monetary needs. That day, she went to the mall with her uncle''s instructions and bought a load of clothes, none of which she ever wore because she snuck them away to give to her uncle. He would sell them and get the money.

    "If you ever tell a word of this to your parents, you can forget about living. Not only that, I will throw away your parents'' ashes."

    Which time had she ever truly been peaceful? She was afraid of buying her own things because she would give them away anyway. She could only fight over Katy''s.

    When she was a little older, she asked to be allowed to handle her own allowances. As indulging as Lin Lihua could be, she gave her everything she needed and still gave her money whenever she asked for some.

    But at one point, Lin Lihua called her out for spending too much.

    Afraid that her secret would be discovered, she explained the situation to her uncle.

    She thought the man would understand. Little did she know...

 Chapter 571 - You have yourself to blame

    That man was a huge beast. He allowed her to give him less money alright, but he set his eyes on something else- her shares in Le Blanc Group.

    One had to know that she didn''t have any shares yet. She could only suck up to Lin Lihua in hope that one day, she would recieve them.

    At the same time, she had to make Katy the bad girl so she would be the good girl. That way, it would be a guarantee that in the next years when Lin Lihua and Henry Blanc decided to hand over Le Blanc Group and HL Entertainment, they would be hers.

    Of course, no scheming plan goes perfectly well. Henry Blanc discovered that she was up to something.

    Luckily, she had always been cute and obedient in Lin Lihua''s and everyone else''s presence. So she didn''t believe it when Henry told her that Ruoxi was up to something.

    Most importantly, how old was she? How many people would believe it if they were told that a teenager was a schemer?

    Her fake age was sure useful.

    That was right. Her uncle had taken advantage of her short height to fake her age. She was not a few months older than Katy. She was in fact three years older.

    By the time Katy was fourteen, she was seventeen. She knew exactly what she was doing. She schemed to have Katy tarnish the Blanc family''s reputation each time there was a chance. As an older girl, of course a child like Katy couldn''t outwit her no matter what.

    That was why that day when she realized that Katy had sent a maid to give her water, and that water was drugged, she diverted it to Lin Lihua.

    This not only made Katy take the blame and lose Lin Lihua''s remaining affection, it also eliminated the possibility of having another person fighting her over Le Blanc Group.

    Who would she be kidding? Of course the biological child would be the most beloved.

    To ensure Katy was never forgiven by Lin Lihua, she didn''t stop at that. Because she had grown to hate Katy and at the same time, and because her uncle wouldn''t let her stop.

    In fact, she wouldn''t stop even if her uncle let her. What right did Katy have to enjoy a peaceful life? They were both adopted.

    In fact, it should be enough that Katy shared a blood relationship with Henry Blanc.

    ___

    Ruoxi narrated all this in a few sentences because she didn''t have the time to go through all her life once again.

    "Mother..."

    Lin Lihua glared at her. "Don''t call me that. It''s disgusting."

    Ruoxi didn''t care much about this. "Haven''t I told you the truth? Save my child now."

    Lin Lihua laughed. "Save your child? If I save your child, who will save mine? My poor innocent baby was denied the right to live, and so will yours."

    "But... but you promised." Her stomach hurt so much that she was sweating.

    Lin Lihua didn''t relent no matter how pitiful she looked. "I said I have the antidote. When did I say I would give it to you?

    On a side note, you could have chosen to tell me everything when you were still young. Since you chose this path, you only have yourself to blame.

    It was such a pity that her uncle used a child to do those evil deeds. However, it didn''t mean the child was excused either. After all, some of those things were not only done because she was being forced. It was because she was hateful.

    "What''s going on?" Henry Blanc was back. Why was Ruoxi sprawled on the floor and.. urgh how disgusting. "Couldn''t you have sent her to hospital?"

    Lin Lihua glanced at him for a second. What wrong timing! Wasn''t he discussing business with the Lu brothers? "Since you want to save her child so much, why don''t you send her?"

    Henry Blanc looked at his wife disbelievingly. Since when... did Lin Lihua hate Ruoxi so much?

    He called an ambulance. "Never mind. I don''t  know what happened here but if she were to die, the blame would befall our family."

    Lin Lihua acted as though it was unrelated to her. "Clean up." She said to a maid.

    ...

    "Daddy, you''re back." Katy had been watching this scene fearfully from upstairs. If she had anything to say, Ruoxi totally deserved this ending.

    She ran downstairs and stopped at Lin Lihua''s side first.

    "What now?" Lin Lihua felt creeped out by this move.

    "I''ll let you ladies catch up." Henry Blanc left them alone.

    ...

    "What do you want?" Lin Lihua asked.

    Katy unceremoniously hugged her arm. "Mother, can you let me call you mother just for today?"

    "And why would I?"

    "I know you didn''t find out what Ruoxi has been doing recently. You have known it for a while now. You were conflicted because she was your only child, right?" This was Lu Meili''s deduction and as expected, Lin Lihua stiffened.

    Katy rubbed herself against her like a happy kitten. "Mommy..."

    "Katy Blanc, I''ll pluck your head."

    "Then hug me once, okay? If not, I will cling onto you forever."

    Lin Lihua really wanted to get her away. She wasn''t in the mood to play with adults who still wanted to act cute. "Fine. Just for tonight. When you wake up, I''m not your mother."

    "Okay."

    But a few seconds later, Katy Blanc was no longer so happy. She was nervous.

    She wanted to get to hug Lin Lihua for the last time because she knew that in a few minutes, she might not have a father either.

    She had decided to do this. No matter what, she could not back down. Ruoxi had already paid for her fault in this using her child''s life. As for her, the guilt would haunt her forever.

    Like a robot following instructions, she went to Henry Blanc''s room and knocked.

    "Daddy, I need to tell you something that I''ve been hiding for years."

 Chapter 572 - Do I look happy?

    "Come in." Henry Blanc led her in. Why was she acting all strange?

    "Daddy, aunty has always hated me because¡­"

    ...

    By the time she was done, Katy looked like she was on the verge of collapsing. It was a surprise that she hadn''t fainted yet.

    Henry Blanc remained silent for an agonizing amount of time.

    Katy didn''t know whether to say something, remain silent, leave or stay.

    "I''m sorry." Although she said this, she knew that no matter how many ''sorry''s she said, it would never make up for what happened. Her brother would never be back.

    "I want to be alone." The man said hoarsely. He was trying to keep his anger in check. If she remained within his vicinity, he was not sure what he would do.

    ¡­

    Minutes after Katy left, Lin Lihua suddenly found her strange. When she left, why did she look helpless? Could it be¡­

    She rushed upstairs to Henry Blanc''s room and when she saw that cold scene, she knew that she was too late.

    "Didn''t I tell you to not tell him?"

    Katy didn''t look at her. "If I didn''t, I would be guilty forever. I will handle whatever punishment both of you decide on. I''m sorry mother."

    Lin Lihua watched her leave before walking up to him. "Henry¡­"

    "Why didn''t you tell me?"

    "You would be sad. I didn''t want that."

    "Now that you both kept it to yourselves for years, do you think I''m happy? Lihua, do I look happy to you?"

    Lin Lihua put her hand on his shoulder with a sigh. "It''s in the past. The past is gone too. Besides, I just did the same thing to her."

    Henry Blanc''s fists were clenched. "That''s not enough. I''ll make her pay for every single thing she did to us."

    __

    In hospital, Ruoxi spent all her time crying and cursing. "Lin Lihua, that b*tch! How could she do this to me?"

    The attending nurse had an interesting expression. Wasn''t this the eldest miss of the Blanc family?

    "Miss, why would you curse your foster mother that bitterly? She brought you up."

    Ruoxi burst into hysterical cries. "Brought me up? That b*tch caused my baby''s death. I hate her! I hate her with all my life. How could she poison my water to make me have a miscarriage? She is a murderer! That''s what she is."

    She had called Neil earlier and told him that she had lost the baby. For some reason, however, Neil didn''t spare her any time. He simply hung up and didn''t speak to her again.

    What was happening? Why was everything turning against her?

    ___

    The next morning, Lin Lihua woke up to a weird piece of news.

    [Lin Lihua causes foster daughter''s miscarriage and abandons her.] Crazy details popped up about how she had wanted to use Ruoxi for her own advantage and when she didn''t get what she wanted, she tried to kill Ruoxi.

    "Of course she would try to use public opinion against me." She harrumphed.

    As expected, reporters were waiting at the entrance of HL Entertainment to question her.

    "CEO Lin, what do you have to say about your foster daughter''s accusation?"

    "CEO Lin, is it true that you caused her miscarriage?"

    They stormed her with questions as soon as they saw her.

    Seeing that she was silent, their words turned nasty. "Does your silence mean yes?"

    She was finally irked. "Why do I have to answer you?"

    "This is our job. We are here to fight for justice and you are obliged to answer the questions we ask."

    "Adopted children are quite pitiful."

    "Women like you will put on acts and go to orphanages in the name of adopting children and helping the government raise them. But as soon as they are yours, you use them for your own benefit. They are truly pitiful." A reporter condemned.

    Lin Lihua wasn''t fazed. She was used to this. "You want me to say something, don''t you? What I have to say is that you lot are stupid."

    "Huh?" The reporters were taken aback. Did she dare to insult them?

    "Only a stupid person would report news that has not been verified. Aren''t you scared that when my innocence is proven, I will sue you for defamation?"

    This shut them up. They had only found a voice recording or Ruoxi cursing online and used its content to question her. There was still a chance that it was lie.

    She wasn''t done yet. "Someone has the audacity to insult the woman who raised her, yet you have the audacity to appear before me in the name of fighting for justice? What kind of justice are you fighting for?

    You say that adopted children are pitiful? On what grounds do you say that? Do you have any evidence to prove that I have bullied Ruoxi and caused her miscarriage?"

    She took her phone and posted two videos. "Check your phones. After this, tell me if you still find her pitiful."

    The first one was a collection of many short videos of her and Ruoxi hugging, playing together, cooking or shopping. In fact, most of them were of the whole family. One could clearly tell that she was being treated quite nicely.

    In the second video, Ruoxi was on a phone call. Her voice was quite clear. "Kill Katy? Probably not. That b*tch is still useful for now¡­ who else will take the blame once I ruin the Blanc family?"

    It was only a tiny part. However, it made it obvious that while the Blanc family had treated Ruoxi as their own, she harbored malice towards them.

    The reporters were all speechless.

    Lin Lihua glowered at them. "You are a shame to all reporters."

    She walked into the building gracefully. She was not yet started, and Ruoxi was giving up already? Ruoxi should be prepared to have a fate worse than she could ever imagine.

    ....

    Meanwhile, Katy was the most nervous person in the Blanc family. As soon as she saw Henry Blanc heading out, she was at a loss. Normally, they would go to work together since they worked in the same company. Would he give her a ride today too, or should she drive herself?

 Chapter 573 - Endless love

    She took a glance at the expressionless Henry Blanc and took her own car keys. Perhaps he didn''t want to see her right now, let alone give her a ride to work.

    "Come here." Henry Blanc suddenly said.

    She looked around to make sure he was really speaking to her before she went ahead nervously. It was time for her punishment?

    In the next moment, Henry Blanc''s hand approached.

    She closed her eyes tightly awaiting the slap or punch, or whatever was coming her way.

    She didn''t expect that it would be... him patting her head? He even did it the exact same way he would do when she was just a little girl clinging onto him to get his attention.  He looked so loving.

    "Katy, even if I found fault in you, it wouldn''t reverse what has already happened. And, if I denounced you just because someone took advantage of your foolishness to make the fault befall you, Amy would be unhappy in heaven.

    Most importantly, our family has been broken for too long. It''s time to piece it together. Souring our relationships with each other will only make it worse than it is."

    Katy heaved a sigh in relief. "You forgive me? I thought you would hate me and not want me anymore."

    "How can I hate my own little girl?"

    She flung herself into his arms. "Daddy..."

    "Good girl. Don''t cry, you will ruin your make up."

    With the disbelieving Katy in his passenger seat, Henry Blanc drove to Le Blanc Group.

    However, he left her handle the matters at the company while he went to HL Entertainment. He had some matters to seek clarification about.

    ...

    HL Entertainment.

    It had been quite long since he last set foot here. It felt quite unfamiliar.

    "CEO, Mr. Blanc is here." Her assistant reported.

    Lin Lihua wasn''t expecting him so early. "Let him in."

    As soon as he was in, she didn''t know what to say to him. She looked at him awkwardly. "Why are you here?"

    "I''m not welcome?"

    "I wasn''t expecting you."

    "I know. I came to get the divorce papers."

    Lin Lihua was shocked. He came to get what?

    But she didn''t want him to sign them anymore. Actually, she could bear to live with Katy under the same roof. She didn''t mind it as much as she used to. As long as Katy didn''t create any trouble, she wouldn''t be mad either.

    Last night when he asked about the divorce papers, she had said that they were in her office.

    She didn''t expect him to really come and get them here.

    Besides, hadn''t they talked about this already?

    With a slightly trembling hand, she opened a drawer and took them out.

    As soon as Henry Blanc got what he had come for, he didn''t leave but instead, went for the shredder.

    Before Lin Lihua could process what he was doing, all of them were in shreds.

    "You...?"

    Henry Blanc gave a satisfied grin. "I should have done this five months ago. If you get new ones from the court, I will shred them as well. I''m idle enough to do that. At most, your office will be filled with shredded paper."

    "I will not get new ones." She said after some time. "It would be such a waste of my time if you will only use them to overwork my shredder."

    For the first time in a long time, that charming smile reappeared on Henry Blanc''s face. "That''s the most ridiculous excuse I''ve heard in my life. Just admit you don''t want to divorce me anymore." With his wife''s pride, it was good enough that she bothered to speak to him.

    ___

    Meanwhile in Lu Enterprises, Wan Jia watched the videos that Lin Lihua had uploaded.

    "Ruoxi will not be let off. By accusing my sister of such a thing, she has gone too far."

    Lu Aotian looked at her, wondering whether she thought her sister was a saint or she was just na?ve. Of course Lin Lihua did it. However, he wouldn''t say a word against her because he knew that she was not one to do such a huge thing without an appropriate reason. "Whatever will be done to that girl, she totally deserves it."

    "I just think it''s a pity. If my sister had adopted a nicer child, she would have no regret in life but now..." perhaps it was too late for Lin Lihua to ever have a child.

    But logically she still had one, right? Katy Blanc was still her legal daughter.

    "Let''s not mind other people''s business. We have something to deal with ourselves."

    Wan Jia snapped back to her own world. "That''s right. Does this new series of rings ''endless love'' have to be launched in Spring?"

    "It''s the best timing."

    Lu Enterprises was launching a series of engagement and wedding rings that had already gained fame even before the world saw the actual product. However, it was troublesome to find the perfect pair of models to endorse them.

    Lu Aotian didn''t just want to publish pictures of them. He wanted to make it real.

    Wan Jia looked at the best pair with obvious astonishment in her eyes. How pretty. "Why not ask Little Li for this favor? She''s an actress. This will be just like any other endorsement she chan do."

    "She is so beautiful that finding a male model who wouldn''t be overshadowed by her is a hard task. But that''s the least of our concerns.

    Would she agree to do anything related to Lu Enterprises?"

    "I can convince her." She rubbed her chin. "Otherwise, is it not strange to spend so much time looking for suitable models when your own daughter is getting engaged soon? Why don''t you use this opportunity?

    Not only will you achieve the effect you want, it will also make her wedding gain more attention. Our Little Li has always wanted a grand wedding. That will help her a little, don''t you think?"

 Chapter 574 - starting to fall in love?

    Lu Aotian thought she made sense. Indeed, since she was a child with no exact idea about marriage, she had always said that she would have one of the grandest most enchanting weddings.

    She wouldn''t mind endorsing these rings and using the commercial to bring attention to her own marriage. But this could only have that kind of effect if her engagement party was held in spring too, around the same time as the release of the rings.

    Of course, he would also take Mu Zhichen''s thoughts into consideration. If they were both of the same opinion, it would be a double-win.

    ...

    "I would love to. After all I have never done anything for the company as a daughter of the Lu family. But would Zhichen agree?" Lu Meili asked when her mother explained the situation.

    "Why wouldn''t he? You are the actress here. Logically, you are the one who should be afraid of publicizing your wedding but if you don''t mind, neither would he."

    "It''s not about the commercial. We don''t have to be a couple to film that. I''m just worried... you said the rings will be released in the beginning of spring. There''s only less than two weeks remaining before then. Wouldn''t that be too rushed for Mu Zhichen? Don''t forget, he''s neither a model nor an actress. He may need time to prepare for it."

    Wan Jia totally missed her main points. "My little baby''s concern is rushing her fianc¨¦ and tiring him out? Are you starting to fall in love with him?"

    Lu Meili was caught off guard by this question. Was she starting to fall in love with Mu Zhichen?

    "I don''t know. All I know is that I don''t hate him and I don''t have anything against marrying him."

    Wan Jia raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? If I were to say that once you marry, you can never divorce each other and will have to stick together for a lifetime, would you still marry him?"

    "I''m sure that he is a nice person because daddy would never introduce his daughter to a bad man. Since that''s the case, I don''t mind being his wife for a lifetime."

    She had answered without hesitation so Wan Jia knew that it was really what she was thinking.

    "Hey, you totally missed the point. You know that we shouldn''t rush things, right? I haven''t even met my in-laws yet." Lu Meili reminded.

    Wan Jia chuckled. "People from the Mu family have watched you grow up. There is nothing they don''t know about you. Since you have already agreed to marry their son, there is no harm if you met them on your engagement party."

    Wan Jia recalled something. "Speaking of which, I have something for you." She fished out some cards from her bag and gave to her. "These are  the invitations for your engagement party. It will be held in the Mu residence."

    Lu Meili took the cards in disbelief. "The engagement party has been arranged already yet the bride wasn''t told a word of it?"

    "The bride was busy filming. In actual fact, it was arranged a long time ago. All that was left was a bride and the date." Lu Meili squinted her eyes and Wan Jia continued. "If you didn''t go on a blind date with Zhichen that day, he would be with another woman now. His family was going to choose a random girl for him because they have never seen him bring a girl close to him."

    Lu Meili tapped a finger on her cheek. Such a man was going to be forced into marriage with a random girl?

    In actual sense, she was also a random girl. It was just out of luck that they got along.

    If anyone were to ask her to compare Mu Zhichen to Xu Tang right now, she would say that Mu Zhichen would make a better husband. She didn''t regret leaving Xu Tang and meeting Mu Zhichen.

    That was right. She didn''t ever think it would come to such a point one day but that''s just how fate twisted it.

    After speaking to her mother, she took the invitation cards and went to her room, closed the door and gave Mu Zhichen a call.

    "Yo, Uncle Zhichen. How can you not tell me something as important as our engagement party being organized?"

    Mu Zhichen burst into laughter.

    "Why are you laughing?"

    "You really meant it when you said you would call me ''uncle''. I didn''t tell you about the party because I wanted to give you a surprise. I forgot to tell Uncle and Aunty Lu to keep it a secret for now."

    "You..."

    "Is that Meili? Let me speak to her." An enthusiastic voice was heard on the other side.

    "Mother, calm down. Don''t scare Meili away. You will meet soon." Mu Zhichen''s voice was restrained, as though afraid she would hear.

    However, Mu Zhichen''s mother sounded even more aggrieved. "You punk! You won''t let me say hi to my daughter-in-law. Are you picking on me because you think I''m weak?"

    Lu Meili tittered. She had expected Mu Zhichen''s family to be a huddle of serious people. Such playfulness was unexpected. "Mu Zhichen, it''s your mother? Let me say hi to her."

    Mu Zhichen helplessly gave the phone to the middle-aged woman throwing a tantrum.

    She was so happy she could melt. "Meili, my dear, hello."

    Lu Meili was pleased by the friendly greeting. "Hello aunty."

    "Good girl. It''s only a few days before you have to stop calling me ''aunty'' and start calling me ''mother''."

    Aside from this and a few more words, the women didn''t know what to talk about. So Mrs. Mu changed the topic. "Meili, your betrothal gifts will be brought to your home tomorrow. I hope you will be free to recieve them." She spoke in the gentlest manner possible, afraid of scaring her daughter-in-law away.

    Lu Meili appreciated her kindness. "I will stay at home tomorrow."

 Chapter 575 - Threw away a pearl and picked a stone

    After exchanging a few more words, Mu Zhichen took back his phone. "You didn''t only call to ask me about the engagement party, right?"

    "Right. When are you free to talk? There''s something I need your help with." Obviously, she wasn''t going to do an endorsement with another man. It would only have the effect Lu Aotian wanted if it was the man she would marry.

    "Just tell me when you want to talk. I''ll be available." The man spoke.

    He couldn''t be any sweeter. "Alright. Can it be tomorrow? The sooner you get ready for it the better."

    "Sure. Coincidentally, I''ll accompany mother to bring the gifts."

    "Okay. If there''s nothing else, I''ll hang up now."

    "Mmh. Goodnight." In the next second, Lu Meili heard a soft smack sound from the other end.

    Her ears turned scarlet. Did that man just blow her a kiss?

    No one told her young master Mu was so playful...

    ___

    The next day, Lu Meili sent the invitation cards. She didn''t have many friends so she only sent them to Lu Shaoting''s family, the Blanc family and Lu Aotian''s friends. If he and Wan Jia wanted to invite other people, they would send the invitations themselves.

    There were three people remaining from her side - Small Xixi, her childhood friend Shen Yue and Xu Tang.

    Shen Yue was overseas studying so she probably wouldn''t attend it. As for Xu Tang and Small Xixi...

    This was the hardest part. They were her friends and had to be invited for such an event. However, Xu Tang was also the man who just didn''t want to give up on her. Would they attend?

    After thinking for a while, she decided that there was only one way to find out.

    There was still a few hours before the Mus came, so she rushed to Small Xixi''s school.

    ___

    "Sis Meili, it''s really you! I thought I would never see you again." Small Xixi flung herself into Lu Meili''s arms as soon as she saw her.

    "Xixi, I missed you. Why would you think that you will never see me again?"

    "Isn''t it because of that good-for-nothing brother I have? He threw away a pearl and picked a stone."

    Small Xixi''s angry face was too comical. She looked like she would slay her own brother for this. "I''m glad Sis Meili understands him the most. Are the two of you back together? I''ll ignore him for weeks for not telling me something this important."

    Lu Meili started feeling awkward. "Actually Xixi, Xu Tang and I... will never be together."

    The girl''s excitement faded in a flash. "What? But why not?"

    Lu Meili took out an invitation card clumsily. "I''m getting married soon. I came here to give you an invitation card for my engagement party."

    Small Xixi''s eyes bulged. "What? But what about my brother, then?"

    "I have nothing to say about him." She said. "I was conflicted about sending you this invitation because you are his sister. But, you are my best friend too. How can I not invite you to such an important part of my life? If you cannot attend it, I will understand."

    The girl looked even sadder. "I''m going! Don''t forget the pact we made about me being the maid of honor at your wedding."

    "Yeah..."

    "But I wanted you to be my sister-in-law. Boohoo... Sis Meili, can''t you change your mind?"

    Lu Meili rubbed this spoiled girl''s head. "Xixi, be good. Things don''t always go the way we thought they would. Besides, Mu Zhichen is a nice guy. Shouldn''t you be happy for me?"

    "I''m only taking this invitation card because you gave it to me. However, I still believe you love my brother. You are only momentarily enchanted by that Mu guy."

    Lu Meili was helpless. This little girl was so pampered that she thought everything must go her way.

    ___

    Southside Villas.

    In the afternoon, Old matriach Mu, her son and grandson made their way to Lu Aotian''s villa, led by servants carrying loads of gifts. Mrs. Mu was unable to make it since something came up in the last minute.

    As soon as they arrived, Matriach Mu''s eyes caught sight of a young woman approaching them. She delightedly approached the woman. "Meili, you are here. You waited for us as promised. Come here, grandma has a gift for you."

    Wan Jia coughed. "Ahem.... it has truly been so long since we last met."

    Matruach Mu was shocked. "You are... Wan Jia?!"

    "Meili went out for a second. Why don''t we catch up a bit?"

    Matriach Mu was still dazed. She scrutinized Wan Jia from head to toe. "Wait, you''ve got to stop kidding. What''s the difference between you right now and what you looked like twenty years ago? Are you sure you''re really not Meili?"

    Mu Zhichen at the side was speechless. Although she still looks very young and beautiful, you cannot simply mistake her for her own daughter, okay?

    Matruach Mu rarely met her son''s friends. She had only met Wan Jia once at a banquet and that was probably a very long time ago. Last night when he showed her a photo of Lu Meili, she had said that the girl took after her mother. And now she was mistaking the mother for the daughter?! What kind of weirdness was this?

    "Mom, I''m back." A soft voice filled the air, followed by footsteps.

    Matriach Mu turned. Indeed, that was more like the girl from the photo.

    When her gaze landed on that beautiful girl, she finally saw the difference. "Indeed, Meili looks much younger. You have to tell me how you took such good care of yourself."

    Leaving Wan Jia aside, Matriach. Mu rushed to Lu Meili like she would disappear. "My good granddaughter, grandma is finally here. Did I make you wait too long?"

    Lu Meili was still catching her breath from rushing over too fast. "No, no. On the contrary, I made you wait for me."

    "How can you say that? Come here. Grandma has a gift for you."

 Chapter 576 - Marrying my wife off

    Under Wan Jia''s and Mu Zhichen''s gazes, Lu Meili went over to her future grandmother-in-law. She looked like she had something to say.

    However, she said nothing new and only beamed. "I have sent the invitations on my side."

    "That''s good." Matriach Mu took a bracelet off her wrist. "Meili, this bracelet belongs to the Mu family. I want you to have it."

    "Eer¡­"

    "Grandma, it''s too soon. You can give it to her on our wedding day." Mu Zhichen eased the situation. He could see how unwilling Lu Meili was to take it.

    "Is that so? Then I''ll wait."

    "Zhichen''s grandmother and I will go to the kitchen. Meili, why don''t the two of you walk around?" Wan Jia knew that there was perhaps something on her mind and that she could only say it to Mu Zhichen. Lu Aotian and Mr. Mu were already catching up, probably over a game.

    As soon as the women left, Lu Meili couldn''t face Mu Zhichen.

    "Is anything the matter?" Mu Zhichen was nervous. Had she decided to call off the engagement? Just who did she meet today? If it happened to be Xu Tang, nothing good could possibly come out of it.

    "Will your parents still put you under pressure if you are engaged?"

    "What''s that about?" He didn''t answer her question and asked his own instead.

    Don''t you think it''s too rushed? One day I''m an unattached woman, the next day I''m going to be engaged and within three months, I''ll be married as well? It doesn''t make any sense to me.

    Perhaps since my parents met because of a marriage agreement, got married in a flash and fell in love within a few days, they expect it to be the same for me."

    Mu Zhichen sighed in relief. So it was only this. "What do you suggest?"

    "How about we only get engaged and hold our wedding next year in spring?"

    "If it''s only this, I''ll speak to my parents. I don''t want you to be uncomfortable about anything." In their excitement, he must have totally forgotten the fact that he was in love with Lu Meili, but she didn''t have the same feelings for him yet. She still needed time to let her feelings build up.

    "Last night, you had something to tell me?"

    "Yes. Well,¡­"

    __

    In the kitchen, matriach Mu looked remorseful.

    "Did I make her uncomfortable?"

    Wan Jia was chopping vegetables at a remarkable speed. "Don''t  think too much. The kids will solve their problems on their own."

    Just like her grandson, matriach Mu was walking on needles. What if Lu Meili had been offended by them and was going to cancel the engagement?

    She had to admit, she was previously irked by Mu Zhichen''s lack of interest in women. When she was finally informed that not only was he bringing a woman home, that woman was also a daughter of the Lu family, she had been overjoyed.

    What if it was all a dream?

    Wan Jia was not worried. She knew that if Lu Meili didn''t want to marry, she would have said so before sending out the invitation cards.

    ...

    At the dining table, matriach Mu snuck glances at her grandson, trying to detect if he was heartbroken.

    But then she instead saw him pick dishes for Lu Meili. What a display of affection!

    Wan Jia was shocked. "Eer..."

    Although Lu Meili couldn''t be considered a neat freak, she couldn''t eat food from someone else''s cutlery. She could only accept such actions from Lu Xian Yu.

    Just when she expected Lu Meili to stop eating, she actually ate it.

    She sighed inwardly. This was great. Even if it was only because she didn''t want to embarass Mu Zhichen, it meant that in her conscience, Mu Zhichen was already accepted as her future husband.

    ...

    "What''s the meaning of this?! Why won''t you let me in?" The peace was interrupted by a furious voice. "Get out of my way!"

    Lu Meili chocked. Xu Tang? What in the world was he doing here?

    Mu Zhichen noticed her uneasiness and clenched his fist. Great. Just when he was starting to think that she would one day like or even love him, Xu Tang was here. Not only that, his effect on her was obvious.

    Lu Aotian had already gone out to check the situation. "What do you want?"

    Xu Tang was fuming with rage. He took out the invitation card he had taken from Small Xixi. "What''s this all about?"

    "My daughter is getting engaged. Does she need to seek permission from you, young master Xu?"

    "She''s my wife! You are forcing my wife to get married to another man when the one she loves is me. Aren''t you being too shameless?"

    Lu Aotian''s lips twitched. "For the sake of the friendship between my brother and your father, I''ll give you a chance to leave on your own."

    "Why would I leave? So you can force Meili and I apart? You are Lu Aotian, but I''m not afraid of you."

    No one would remain in the house with such a ruckus going on outside. They all came to see what was going on.

    As soon as Xu Tang saw Lu Meili, he tried to go past Lu Aotian. "Little angel, don''t let them force you into anything. I''ll protect you."

    Wan Jia was the angriest. "How shameless! Xu Tang, I thought you were a respectable man. How could you come to cause a ruckus here? Didn''t you reject my daughter before? What do you want?"

    "I was wrong in rejecting her, but we still love each other, and this has nothing to do with any of you. I want to speak to Lu Meili."

    Lu Aotian glared at him. "My daughter doesn''t have the time."

    "She doesn''t, really? Then I''ll say whatever I have to say right here."

    Lu Aotian was trying his best to resist the urge to send this young lad to his grave with a kick.

    Lu Meili went foward from Mu Zhichen''s side. "Xu Tang..."

 Chapter 577 - Lure her into his heart

    When Xu Tang heard Lu Meili call his name, he was blissful. Only a word from her could prove their love and get her family to stop being against them. A smile appeared on his lips, while Mu Zhichen clenched his fist.

    Lu Meili had agreed to marry him. He was not about to let another man charm her away. It would still be half fine if the man was a reasonable man who loved her. But why did it have to be him? He would rather lose Lu Meili to anyone than him. He tried to stop her. "Meili¡­"

    Lu Meili did not stop.

    He held his breath when he saw her walk to Xu Tang as everyone else did. She was not going to make up with him, right?

    In those few seconds, several thoughts crossed Mu Zhichen''s mind. Should he call for fair competition between him and Xu Tang?

    But what if he lost? Actually, what if Lu Meili would feel offended by that kind of thing?

    As she passed by Lu Aotian, he held her hand. "Meili, you can marry anyone but him. He already has no respect left. Today, he is only disrespecting your parents. Tomorrow, you might become the subject of his violence if things don''t go his way." Lu Aotian looked like he was willing to let her be with another man or remain unmarried if she didn''t like Mu Zhichen. But the girl shrugged her arm off his grip. "Dad, let me."

    Hearing this, Mu Zhichen''s heart shattered, just like his father''s and grandmother''s. It was very hard to find a girl who was beautiful, polite and did not have any motive for harboring malicious intentions towards their family. Not to mention, she was even the girl their Zhichen loved. Was she going to be taken away just like that?

    Lu Aotian watched Lu Meili approach Xu Tang. Even if their relationship soured once again, he would not let his daughter marry a man who would potentially hurt her. It was already obvious that he was too selfish to care about her feelings. He only cared that he wanted to be with her right now. If a man selflessly loved a woman, he wouldn''t insult her parents no matter what.

    ''Should I ground her until she calms down?'' he thought, preparing to pull her away and drag her back to the house if she did anything stupid.

    "Xu Tang¡­"

    Xu Tang''s heart raced as he saw her get closer and closer. "Little angel, you are coming with me, right? I knew you¡­"

    With a swing of her right hand, a loud slap rang in the air.

    The color drained out of Xu Tang''s face rapidly, leaving behind a glaring hand print. He held onto his left cheek that was stinging with the pain.

    Everyone was shocked. What happened?

    Not a single person had expected such a move from her. Even Lu Aotian did not see it coming.

    Did Lu Meili just¡­

    "You¡­ you hit me?" Xu Tang was the most thunderstruck.

    "And I will again if you do not show some manners." The glare in Lu Meili''s eyes could make anyone cower in fear. At this moment, no one would believe that the man before her was her childhood best friend as well as the man she had loved for years.

    "Xu Tang. I have already told you that I moved on. Which part of that don''t you understand?

    Leave right now before I kick you to your death."

    Xu Tang wiped the blood off the corner of his mouth. "Heh¡­ If that''s what you want, then I will leave (temporarily). Find me when your momentary obsession fades." He turned to leave; his head was a bit dizzy from the slap.

    "Wait." Lu Meili suddenly said.

    "Changed your mind already? I knew you..." Xu Tang turned around.

    Slap!

    "That''s for calling my father shameless. In this world, no one dares to insult my father. Not even his own wife, my mother. Who do you think you are?"

    She turned to the guards who were trying to hold back Xu Tang earlier. "From this moment, there are two species of creatures not allowed in this villa ¨C dogs and Xu Tang. Do you understand?"

    "Yes first miss." They said in unison and took Xu Tang to kick him out. He was too dizzy to walk on his own anyway. Even in that state, however, he didn''t concede defeat. "Just you wait. I will attend your wedding. I will come to elope with the bride."

    As though that howling man had nothing to do with her, she walked back to Mu Zhichen and held his hand, smiling like a sweet angel. "It''s a happy occasion. Why are we still standing outside?"

    Everyone let out the breath they had been holding. Mu Zhichen was so overwhelmed that he hugged her.

    "You¡­" Lu Meili obviously wasn''t expecting that.

    "I''m sorry. I got too excited. I thought you were going to be charmed away by that man. " He had just been relieved of a death sentence. Who, in his shoes, wouldn''t act that way?

    Lu Meili rolled her eyes. "Please. Even if I were to be charmed away, the other party would have to be at least as handsome and reasonable as you."

    Mu Zhichen did not miss the main point. He just got a compliment from her! Not only that, according to that statement, she found him more handsome than Xu Tang. Was this real? Moreover... he took a glance at their intertwinned hands. Was she holding his hand to let Xu Tang see or was it because she wanted to?

    It would be wonderful if it was the second reason but even if it was just for show, it wasn''t bad either. He brought her hand to his eyes to see if it was hurt.

    ...

    Matriarch Mu was about to burst into tears from her joy. "I thought you were going to leave my Zhichen. My poor boy has only ever had eyes for you all his life."

    "What?" What did she mean ''all his life''?

    Mu Zhichen glared at his grandmother. Hold your tongue! Lu Meili didn''t know that he had been in love with her for years. If she found out right now, she might think this was all a scheme for him to get to her.

    Seeing her grandson''s glare, matriarch Mu coughed. "My grandson has never got along with a girl before. The two of you were totally meant for each other."

    "Oh¡­ Grandma, your good mood was ruined. How about we go somewhere and have fun tomorrow ¨C just the two of us?"

    Matriarch Mu was excited. "Of course! I would love to spend time with you. How about we go sight-seeing?"

    Lu Meili hugged her arm fondly. She inexplicably liked elders and would make them her friends whenever she met one. "Sure. Let''s¡­"

    ¡­

    "Meili is so good with the elders. Just like mother, father and father-in-law, matriarch Mu''s heart has successfully been harvested by her." Wan Jia couldn''t help feeling envious.

    Lu Xian Yu, who had been silent all along, was jealous too. Did his sister have to get married? This marriage business had made her so scarce lately. Can you imagine - she had even forgotten to kiss him today!

    The most jealous was Mu Zhichen. Grandma only came to tag along. How is it that she has already stolen my wife away?

    Just like that, Lu Meili hit it off with Matriarch Mu and chatted for more than an hour without sparing the others a glance.

    "Meili, you should come to the Mu residence some time. I''ll show you Zhichen''s childhood photos."

    "I will. But I''m more interested in yours. You are one of the most beautiful grandmas there is. You must have been breathtaking when you were younger."

    "That is one sweet tongue." Martriach Mu was so happy from the praise that she was on the verge of flying to the skies.

    When he finally saw that her grandson was dying of jealousy and probably plotting against him, she let Lu Meili go.

    The man gave her an ''I will not forgive you just because you got along'' look.

    "Sweetie, I may need some help taking care of Whitey, especially washing him. I don''t have any experience in raising pets."

    Lu Meili was shocked yet again. What did he just call her?"

    Mu Zhichen had an innocent look, as though there was nothing wrong. He was her future husband. There wasn''t anything wrong with calling her ''sweetie'', was there?

    Lu Meili decided to overlook it. Though she teased, "Are you trying to find excuses to get me into your house?"

    Mu Zhichen laughed. Of course he was trying to find excuses to lure her into his house. Not only would he lure her into his house, he would lure her into his heart too.

    ___

    Dear readers, the word count just changed. I''m sorry for not informing you before.

    The new word count will be 1500-1550 words per chapter. I will release two chapters per day. Release time remains the same.

 Chapter 578 - Meili, I was wrong

    "If I said yes, would you go with me?"

    "Why not? When we get married, I will have to go to your house. It''s only a matter of going earlier or later." When she was done speaking without thinking, she blushed. What kind of words was she saying to a man? "Erm..."

    Mu Zhichen chuckled. Has she always been this cute? "When should we film the commercial?" He tactfully changed the topic.

    "Daddy hasn''t told me yet but it''s at least a few days before the engagement party. That means we should be prepared to shoot it at any moment."

    In the end, Lu Meili really went over to Mu Zhichen''s mansion to help out with washing the cat.

    ___

    On the same day, in the Xu mansion.

    Xu Tang was so angry from being kicked out of the Lu residence that he went to his bedroom as soon as he got home.

    "Bro?" Small Xixi was curious about the red prints on his face. Had he fought with a bear?

    "Xixi, I''m not in the mood. Go play on your own." He dismissed her.

    Small Xixi left his room, looking worried. Were things alright? The last thing he did was take her invitation card and leave the house. He couldn''t have gone to cause trouble, right?

    Sighing, she took a photo of Kara Yang and hugged it. "Ma, I don''t know what happened to brother. He is so strange and if you ask me, quite unreasonable too. He is too impulsive lately. Even I am getting scared of him..."

    She put the photo aside. "This won''t do. I have to speak to Sis Meili. I have a nagging feeling that he''s done something regrettable."

    She took her phone and rang Lu Meili. "Not answering? I''ll just rush over to Southside."

    ...

    At the same time, Xu Tang took out a stack of photos and started looking through them. The girl in the photos was the teenage Lu Meili while the boy was the teenage him.

    Of course, the only reason why Small Xixi was missing from these photos was because she was the one who kept taking them with her camera. One had to know that Small Xixi was crazy about photograpy and the two of them always gave her inspiration.

    They looked very happy walking from school, eating together, swimming, painting or doing their homework. There were even some from when Lu Meili was still just a small five year old girl, before she became concious of the fact that she was a girl and should play with other girls.

    In fact, it seemed like she never did. That, or she did get concious but only avoided other boys. From these photos, she didn''t look restrained towards him at all.

    In the eyes of everyone else, they were simply a pair of students getting along, or even siblings. But those who shipped them would see just how perfect they looked together. They were obviously a match made in heaven.

    "He caressed her face from one of the photos. The girl had her eyes welled up, looking like she would cry in the next moment. If he remembered correctly, that was the day she had had a fall out with Lu Aotian.

    It was the only time he had seen her cry. Of course, those times she cried as a toddler or kindergarten student were not included.

    He took yet another stack. This was from the later years, when Lu Meili was about to graduate from high school. As he looked at them, he realized something he had not seen before.

    In the previous photos, her gaze seemed pure, like that of a sister hanging out with her brother.

    In the second stack, however, she had a little flush on her face in every one of them. She also seemed to keep her distance a little, like a girl who had a crush would do.

    Wait. So, Lu Meili had started liking him in the final year of senior high?

    That was about six years ago...

    Such a long time. How could he have messed it up?

    No wonder she was so mad at him. After loving someone for at least six years and getting rejected by them, who wouldn''t be upset?

    "Tsk, perhaps I''l the only man who needs the help of photos to know that a woman loves me." He cursed.

    That wasn''t important, though. He would talk to Meili first.

    The call went through but no one picked.

    "She''s still angry? I''ll call again."

    He had caused such a ruckus at the Lu residence today. It would be a surprise if she wasn''t angry.

    The third time he dialled, the call finally connected.

    "Meili, I was wrong. I shouldn''t have been so impolite today. Will you forgive me?" He rattled off before she could hang up.

    "Heh." A cold voice chuckled. "It''s great that young master Xu has realized his mistake but it''s too late, don''t you think?"

    Xu Tang''s eyes constricted from the unfamiliar voice. "Who are you? Why do you have Meili''s phone?"

    The young lad snickered. "You want to marry someone, but you don''t know her family?"

    Xu Tang was in disbelief. "Lu... Lu Xian Yu?" That boy had spoken and even so much at once?

    Wasn''t he a dull little boy who rarely said a word and was even once thought to be autistic?

    Wait, that wasn''t the main point. This was Lu Meili''s most beloved person. If he got on his good side then...

    He was still midway through his thought when he heard that unfriendly voice again.

    The boy didn''t want to waste his time. "How much?"

    "How much what?"

    "How much money do you want for you to stay away from my sister?"

    "You!"

    "What''s wrong with me? You don''t think I can afford it?"

    "Lu Meili wouldn''t be happy if she knew that her spoilt little brother is being rude to her man."

    Lu Xian Yu chuckled. "Who would she believe, huh? Her adorable little brother who rarely speaks, or the man who keeps doing unreasonable things and apologizing?"

    He hung up after that and deleted Xu Tang''s call from the call log. He didn''t like talking because he felt that it was a waste of his time. However, he wouldn''t let people play with his sister''s heart. It would be better if that Xu Tang never came back.

    Tsk, and to think he had once thought of Xu Tang as an idol.

    Speaking of his sister, just where was she? She had left her phone in her room. Had she gone far? He had to speak to her.

    He was about to use Lu Meili''s phone to call Mu Zhichen and ask him about it when he heard someone say that miss Xu was here.

    He narrowed his eyes and went to take a look. Xu Lingxi?

    Small Xixi looked like she had seen a ray of hope when she saw Lu Xian Yu. "Xian Yu, is sis Meili home? I would like to apologize to her on my brother''s behalf."

    Lu Xian Yu saw that she looked sincere and gave Lu Meili''s phone to her.

    Small Xixi took it curiously. "Sis Meili''s phone? You want me to give it to her when I meet her?"

    Lu Xian Yu nodded and left.

    "Why is it so hard to find Sis Meili?" Small Xixi lamented.

    ___

    A while later, in Mu Zhichen''s villa.

    As soon as Lu Meili got in and sat on the sofa, she felt something jump onto her.

    "Oh, Whitey. Did you miss me too?"

    "Meow... meow!" The cat jumped all around her cheerfully.

    "You sure know your real owner."

    Meow?

    "Huh? There''s another?" Lu Meili looked around when she heard a purr that wasn''t from Whitey.

    Sure enough, a cat about the same size as Whitey came out slowly, probably looking for its playmate.

    Mu Zhichen picked it up and sat next to her. "If there''s such a thing as friendship between cats, then this would be considered Whitey''s friend. When I took Whitey for vaccination, he stuck together with her and refused to go home. So I just brought back both of them. I named her Brownie."

    "Brownie..." Lu Meili was dazed.

    "You don''t like the name?"

    "I do. My childhood pet was called Brownie, too."

    Mu Zhichen could fill in the blanks. "Don''t worry. In this house, you can keep a whole room of pets if you want to."

    "Mmh. Let''s give these guys a bath." She took the two cats in her arms with ease.

    "You''re so good with pets." Mu Zhichen had to admit when he saw that neither of them struggled while being bathed.

    As for him...

    Never mind. It was a traumatic experience. The scratches on his chest were solid proof.

    ...

    Only after a long time did Lu Meili realize that she had not taken her phone with her.

    "Mu Zhichen, I need to give my mother a call but I forgot to bring my phone. Can I use yours?"

    "Alright."

 Chapter 579 - Too late once again

    Mu Zhichen gave his phone to her.

    "Hello mom."

    "Honey, where did you run off to?" As expected, Wan Jia was looking for her too.

    "Mom, you don''t have to worry. Help me tell Xian Yu that I''ll look for him when I get back. I''m at Mu Zhichen''s."

    Wan Jia coughed on the other side. "Oh... ahem... then you don''t have to worry about us. Please continue with what you were doing." She hung up right after saying this.

    Lu Meili was speechles. Mom, people would easily misunderstand such words. As an elder, what example are you setting for me?

    Ignoring her dirty-minded mother, she returned the phone to Mu Zhichen.

    However, something caught her eye as soon as she gave it back.

    She had called Wan Jia just now. But the entry before that...

    ''Cute Little Wife''?!

    Her expression changed. This Mu Zhichen...

    "Is anything wrong?" Mu Zhichen''s heart skipped a beat when he saw the weird look in her eyes.

    "No. Nothing''s wrong. I''ll feed the cats. They must be hungry."

    Mu Zhichen held her hand. "Meili, you are a grown up woman so I''m sure you know this; if a husband and wife keep hiding things from each other, the small mole hills build into mountains. Relationships can break apart because of tiny misunderstandings, you know."

    Lu Meili looked at him blankly. She wasn''t intending to probe into his personal affairs. It was just a contact number. Perhaps that was his friend and that name didn''t matter. Or perhaps he was yet to get used to the fact that he would be engaged soon. It wasn''t a big deal...

    But if he put it this way, he did have a point. Although she would never admit it, she was displeased. "Mu Zhichen, although we are not engaged yet, our purpose of being together is marriage."

    "Yes."

    Lu Meili glared at him. What in the world was ''yes''?

    "Anyway, your ''Cute Little Wife called earlier. You must have missed her call."

    Mu Zhichen burst into laughter.

    Just now, he had thought that she was displeased by his phone wallpaper - a photo of her from years ago. She was wearing a deep red gown that was too seductive.

    So she was not upset because of this, but because of that contact name?

    "What''s so funny?"

    "You are funny. Tell me, are you jealous?"

    "Why would I be jealous? Anyway, there''s no woman who would like it if her future husband kept calling other women his wives, is there?"

    Mu Zhichen''s heart beat faster. "Well... what if... what if that ''cute little wife'' is the woman herself?

    "Is that supposed to mean something?"

    He took her hand and placed the phone on her palm, displaying the full contact.

    Lu Meili took a look and had the urge to giggle. This man was full of surprises. Since when was she a cute little wife?

    Though she had to reluctantly admit, that name did make her feel a little happy... just a little.

    "Speaking of which, you gave me a call ten minutes ago? But we were together at the time." Not only that, she had left her phone at home too.

    Lu Meili remained silent for a while. "Perhaps my brother tried to reach me by calling you."

    "You miss him?" Mu Zhichen noticed that she suddenly looked out of place.

    "No. I just... suddenly have a bad feeling." Lu Xian Yu tried to reach her using her phone? If it was an urgent matter, he would have asked to speak to her when she called Wan Jia just now. She was sure that they were both home.

    Or perhaps it was important but he didn''t want to bother her? Why...

    Why was heart suddenly beating so fast?

    "Mu Zhichen, something doesn''t feel right. I want to go back home."

    Mu Zhichen couldn''t make head or tail of what was going on but he agreed. She would only feel at ease if she went home right now.

    ___

    Lu Meili''s instinct was right. Something had indeed gone wrong.

    As they approached Southside, she saw that a small crowd had gathered at the roadside on the opposite side. They seemed to be taking photos and fiming videos of something.

    Upon closer inspection, a car had crashed into the rails of the bridge and broken them. What was worse, it was on the verge of falling into the lake. Any careless movement and it would fall off the bridge.

    Lu Meili''s heart almost stopped beating. "That...

    That is Xixi''s car!"

    Mu Zhichen was taken aback. Someone she knew? "The car is crashed beyond recognition. Perhaps you saw it wrongly."

    "No. It''s really Xixi''s car. No wonder I kept having a bad feeling. Stop right here."

    Mu Zhichen pulled up. He couldn''t waste time or Lu Meili would lose rationality.

    "I can''t believe that instead of calling an ambulance or the police, they are busy taking photos and filming videos with their phones." Lu Meili was on the verge of tears.

    Mu Zhichen had already taken out his phone to make a call.

    If it were a normal accident, he would go up there but it would only make it riskier. This required professionals.

    "Three..."

    "I called my friend who is in the military. He will be here soon.

    "Two..."

    "Huh? What are you counting?"

    "One!"

    "Hey!"

    When he was least expecting it, the little woman suddenly dashed for the bridge.

    "It''s dangerous, Meili!"

    Before he finished shouting her name, she was close to Small Xixi''s car already.

    Mu Zhichen followed her. How could a woman be so fast?

    It was already dangerous for one person to be there and more dangerous for two. If he went over too, they would likely all die.

    A couple of meters away, he tried to talk her out of it. "Meili, my friend will be here in a minute. You have to calm down. If you do anything reckless, that car might fall into the lake along with you and your friend."

    The girl wasn''t listening. She was once again counting.

    Mu Zhichen''s friend from the military did come. However, he arrived just as Lu Meili pulled Small Xixi out of the car after forcing the door open.

    The car fell off the bridge, exploding on its way down.

    Lu Meili tumbled from Small Xixi''s weight and missed a step.

    Screams filled the air. The onlookers closed their eyes, not wanting to see her fall right into the same spot that car had fallen.

    Luckily, Mu Zhichen held her hand. His other hand was holding a rail tightly. Heaven knew if it would hold all that weight until his friend reached the spot.

    "When did you get here?"

    "Even on the verge of death, you still have time to ask questions?" It was hard to understand women.

    "She''s my best friend. That car was about to explode. I couldn''t let her die. If... even if she has to die, we will die together."

    "The same goes for me. I cannot let my wife die in such a situation and live myself."

    ___

    In hospital, Lu Meili was beside herself. "Doctor, is Xixi alright?"

    The doctor answered her for the twentieth time. "The surgery is still on. We will know when it is over."

    Lu Meili sat on the bench, next to Mu Zhichen. He held her in his arms. "It''s okay. She will be fine."

    "She will?"

    "No friend would see their friend risk her life for them and still leave her. She knows how sad you would be if that happened."

    Lu Meili felt reassured.

    "Where''s my sister?" Xu Tang was finally here.

    Lu Meili took one glance and looked aside.

    When she opened the car door to pull Small Xixi out, she had seen her own phone next to the girl. She ddin''t know why Small Xixi had her phone but she must have been the one who used it to call Mu Zhichen. Perhaps when she knew that she was in danger, she thought of contacting her best friend first.

    That was not the main point here. Was this man so unreliable that when such a thing happened to his sister, she didn''t use her own phone to call him, but chose to unlock her best friend''s phone to call for help?

    Yet, he was audacious enough to come here, demanding to see his sister like he owned the ability to perform surgery?

    She remembered how everyone was filming videos instead of trying to help.

    If they were a little late, wouldn''t Small Xixi be dead already?

    The shameless man approached Lu Meili when he saw her. "Meili, how is my sister? Is she badly injured?"

    Lu Meili didn''t bother to answer him.

    Mu Zhichen lifted his head to glower at Xu Tang . "My fianc¨¦e is still traumatized. I would highly appreciate it if you didn''t bother her." As though it was too itchy to keep it in, Mu Zhichen harrumphed. "You are always late, don''t you think? First it was Meili. You didn''t love her while she was into you and when you finally did, she was gone; and now, what would become of your sister if she had waited for you to save her?"

 Chapter 580 - Am I bad sister?

    Xu Tang was enraged. Nothing was more humiliating than being reprimanded by one''s love rival, especially when it was something that only concerned him. "You dare to admonish me? Who the hell do you think you are?"

    "Do you think you deserved to be admonished by me? I''m only speaking because I think your little sister is too pitiful."

    What riled up Mu Zhichen the most was that Lu Meili had to risk her life to that extent. No matter how one looked at it, Lu Meili couldn''t be blamed for being rash. Even if that car wouldn''t fall off, it would have exploded before Small Xixi got rescued. In fact, she should be praised from being brave.

    However, none of this could change the fact that she was his beloved. It would still be slightly fine if it was someone else. But just what right did the Xu family have to get her to love them so much? She valued them more than her life but did they ever appreciate it?

    It made the whole situation sound like she owed the Xu family in her previous lifetime and was currently repaying it in this lifetime.

    Xu Tang narrowed his eyes coldly at Mu Zhichen. Everyone saw it ¨C Mu Zhichen was the one picking a fight with him. He shouldn''t be blamed if he retaliated. He didn''t know that it was deliberately meant for him to keep losing his temper in Lu Meili''s presence.

    "Young master Mu, are you so proud of yourself? I wouldn''t be if I were you. You understand -- just like everyone else does ¨C that Lu Meili doesn''t love you. You are just an option she picked up because she was heartbroken. A substitute. That''s what you are."

    Mu Zhichen''s hands itched for violence. This man was quite something. How could one person afford to be so idiotic? Are you sure he had not gathered up everyone''s lifetime supply of idiocity and pumped it into his brain? Wait, did he even have a brain to begin with?

    "So noisy¡­" Lu Meili mumbled. Her mind was still fuzzy.

    Mu Zhichen forgot about that idiot. "Sweetie, I''ll send him away right now. We can go home after your friend gets out of danger, okay?"

    Lu Meili didn''t say anything against it.

    She was tired too, and still scared.

    It was not everyday she risked her own life like that. That moment when she thought she and Small Xixi were going to die, right before Mu Zhichen appeared out of thin air and grabbed her hand, she was terrified.

    A normal man couldn''t handle such a scare, let alone a young woman like herself.

    "Are your hands okay?" She suddenly asked Mu Zhichen. Holding two women up against gravity must have hurt. It was shocking that his bones were not dislocated.

    When Mu Zhichen saw the trace of worry in her eyes, he showed her his arm. It didn''t hurt. When saving a loved one, pain was a stranger.

    Even so, he looked pitiable and even winced when she touched it. "It hurts... it hurts very much."

    "You should have it checked."

    Mu Zhichen smiled in satisfaction when he successfully gained her sympathy. "It''s alright. If you blow on it a little, it will no longer be painful."

    Her mind was still in a daze. Lu Meili didn''t think much of it and pursed her lips to blow onto his arm.

    "Tsk. My sister is in this situation yet someone has the guts to flirt here. Why don''t you take your affection to your bedroom?" Xu Tang was fuming with both rage and jealousy. Were women so easily persuaded?

    One day, she was in love with him and the next day, she was snuggled in his arms and blowing on his arm like a kitten owned by him?

    Truly, it was better to believe in the existence of vampires than believe that a woman was in love. These creatures were all fake.

    The more he acted this way, the happier Mu Zhichen was.

    That guy was only ruining his own image in Lu Meili''s eyes. It was even more guaranteed that Lu Meili would never get back together with him.

    ___

    Small Xixi only woke up the next day. There was nothing wrong with her except a few injuries. She had passed out because of the trauma.

    "Sis Meili, I owe you too many lives already. Boohoo." Small Xixi was obviously looking so cute that Lu Meili couldn''t help hugging her.

    "Xixi, It doesn''t matter. We are friends, aren''t we? Or were you really expecting me to let my maid of honor die?"

    "You''re right. I''m your maid of honor. How can I die even before the engagement party?

    Right. Sis Meili, when I woke up at some point, I saw you sprain your leg terribly. Is it alright?"

    "It''s fine Xixi. When we got here, Mu Zhichen had me get a full body check up as soon as you went into surgery.

    I''m telling you, he was so cool yesterday. If he didn''t appear in a flash like a superhero, we would both be six feet underground." Lu Meili''s eyes were as bright as the sun rays seeping in through the curtains. "He was so cool! All that was missing was a superhero suit."

    Small Xixi touched her forhead to check for a fever. "Eer... I''m the one who had an accident. How did you end up being the one to knock your head?"

    "Do you think I''m crazy? You will not believe it because you did not see. All I heard was a rush of wind and... And I will shut the hell up now because you''re looking at me like I''m a lunatic."

    Small Xixi giggled. "That''s not it. Don''t be mad, my sweet angel. I''m just wondering what weird meds you''ve been taking lately. Are you even describing a human being? He sounds to me like one of those superhero-like characters from that movie you starred in last year."

    Lu Meili was successfully annoyed by this little thing. "Whatever it is, we should thank him."

    Small Xixi was still interested. "Where is he right now?"

    He went to his office this morning. He will pick me up later."

    Small Xixi''s cheeks reddened. "Oh dear, I''ve been shipping you with my brother for years but I don''t know if the ship will withhold this storm anymore."

    "What''s that about?"

    Small Xixi looked mockingly scared. "The way you described that man just now. I thought he was a god. Ah! I think I''m shipping my sister-in-law with my brother''s love rival. I''m not being a bad sister, right?"

    Lu Meili laughed at this girl''s antics.

    Speaking of being bad siblings, it would never make sense unless she heard it from Small Xixi. "Xixi, was your phone switched off yesterday? Otherwise, why would you use mine to call for help?"

    Small Xixi suddenly looked sad and traumatized. "I did use mine. You know that the only person I could have called is my brother, right?"

    "He didn''t answer the call?"

    "When I realized the brakes had likely failed, I hurriedly tapped the first contact on my phone. Unfortunately, I got distracted and that was why I crashed into the rails of the bridge.

    Do you know, that guy did pick my call, but when I called for help, he reprimanded me for being a drama queen and faking things. He didn''t trust me at all. I could only use your phone."

    Lu Meili hugged the girl tightly. "Don''t think about it anymore."

    Though she wondered, "That guy has no sense of trust at all. He often thinks everyone is lying and denies even his own thoughts and feelings. Do you think it''s an after effect of being traumatized for years?"

    Small Xixi was annoyed. "Seriously. There''s no such thing. He has not been like this in the past."

    Lu Meili was not concerned about him as she would be in the past. She only cared about her friend.

    And, where was he right now? He was obviously Small Xixi''s only brother. Why was it that Wan Jia and Su Ling had to stay in hospital keeping her company at night?

    He could be in the temple praying for her... she hoped.

    ...

    "Small Xixi, you''re finally awake. I brought breakfast." Wan Jia came in carrying food flasks.

    "Mom, did you even sleep a wink? You only went home two hours ago."

    "Don''t worry. I will rest more once Small Xixi is discharged." Wan Jia opened one of the flasks.

    "Oatmeal porridge?" Small Xixi didn''t look pleased.

    "I''ll cook you more delicacies when you get better. I''ll feed you, mmh?"

    Lu Meili took the bowl from Wan Jia. "I''ll feed her. Mom, if you don''t rest, your head will hurt." Wan Jia had probably done nothing except worrying all night.

    Lu Meili, on the other hand, had to rest a little at night because her ankle was too painful the previous night.

    Wan Jia let her feed Small Xixi. The girls must have a lot to talk about. "You should have breakfast too. It''s right here."

 Chapter 581 - Force-fed dog food

    Lu Meili fed Small Xixi since the latter couldn''t move about too much. Her body still hurt.

    When she was done, she went to the table to take her own breakfast. It was at this moment that Small Xixi noticed that Lu Meili''s movements were unusual. She looked like she was struggling to move her left foot. Upon closer inspection, that left ankle was in fact swollen.

    Guilt filled her little heart. "Sis Meili, you said that you were not hurt at all. Why would you lie to your best friend?"

    Lu Meili realized that it was noticeable. When Mu Zhichen was around, it was not that painful. She could still move around normally while sucking up the slight pain. However, it must be hurting right now because she had been sitting in the same posture for too long. It hurt so much...

    But she put on a smile. "Xixi, what are you saying? When did I lie to you?"

    "Your ankle hurts, right? Why did you not let the doctor check it out? I know you are only lying about being alright so I won''t feel guilty."

    Lu Meili chuckled. Small Xixi looked like she was on the verge of tears. "It''s not that. If I let the doctor check it, I will be given medication. You know how much I hate that, right?"

    Small Xixi finally understood the situation and glared at her. "You said just now that Mu Zhichen had you get a full body check up. You must have been given medicine but you stubbonly didn''t take it, right?"

    "Ah... not so loud. It tastes awful!"

    "Would you rather lose your leg?" Small Xixi was speechless. How old was Lu Meili? She still acted childish when it came to medication.

    "Who would rather lose her leg?" Mu Zhichen was back. He had overhead Small Xixi''s reprimanding voice.

    He had brought fruits for both of them.

    Small Xixi quickly threw her friend under the bus. It was for her own good anyway. "Sis Meili refuses to take medicine. Now her foot hurts so much that she can''t walk properly."

    Mu Zhichen placed the fruit basket on the table and went over to Lu Meili. Without giving any sort of warning, he lifted her off the floor and sat on the chair, placing her on his lap. He took her leg to inspect her ankle before she could react.

    Small Xixi could only agree to be force-fed the sudden dog food.

    "Mu Zhichen, what are you doing?" Lu Meili finally reacted. How could he simply carry her?

    "It''s too swollen. It must hurt a lot. You''re getting it checked again or you may not be able to walk properly in future."

    "I don''t wanna."

    "What was that? Are you going to throw a tantrum and yell like a little baby?" Mu Zhichen had learnt a lot from his playboy friends about dealing with women. If she was afraid of something, it was better to coax her than use forceful methods.

    She tried to struggle off his lap.

    He held her tightly. "Sweetie, be good. You don''t want to lose your leg, right?"

    Small Xixi who was secretly taking photos using the phone Lu Meili had brought her today coughed.

    How could Lu Meili possibly struggle off someone''s arms and not be able to? Unless Mu Zhichen was too strong with seemed rather far fetched.

    There could only be one possibility- she actually wanted to be on his lap.

    Small Xixi was right. Lu Meili had never sat on a man''s lap before. She had only been friends with Xu Tang before so she handn''t sat on his either.

    She suddenly found that she was not uncomfortable at all. In fact, she didn''t want to leave and neither did she have any intention of doing so.

    Mu Zhichen felt a certain reaction and realized that in his worry, he had actually sat her on his lap. Even worse, her backside was extremely close to a certain part of his body.

    It wouldn''t matter if they were on their own. But Small Xixi was here!

    Lu Meili wasn''t a na?ve innocent girl. She unmistakenly felt something poke at her slightly and blushed in embarassment. This Mu Zhichen was too unrestrained!

    Small Xixi had long stopped looking at them.

    This couldn''t get any more awkward.

    Tactfully, he stood up, carrying her like a bride. "I''ll take you to the doctor."

    This was the scene Xu Tang witnessed when he came in to see his sister.

    He frowned in displeasure. These two really did not have any sense of shame. How could they do such things in Small Xixi''s presence?

    He ignored them and went to Small Xixi''s side. "Xixi, I brought you breakfast."

    "Aunty Wan Jia already brought me some." Her tone was indifferent. Xu Tang obviously noticed this.

    He waited for the pair of shameless people to leave before taking her hand. "Xixi, I''m sorry. Brother doesn''t hate you. I only thought you were playing a prank on me."

    Small Xixi was still indifferent. "Can you count the number of times you have apologized within the last two months?" She looked at his blank face. "I can''t count them either."

    "Brother, good people apologize when they make mistakes. But if you keep making mistakes, people will dislike you no matter how remorseful you are."

    Xu Tang remained silent. She was right but what could he do about it? He couldn''t change the kind of impression people had of him, could he?

    He didn''t care about anyone else. He only hoped for Lu Meili and Small Xixi to change their impression of him. However, it was too late for both of them.

    ___

    Outside, Lu Meili wanted to get down from Mu Zhichen''s arms. "I have to say something to Xu Tang."

    Mu Zhichen didn''t want to let her. What was there to say to a man she had already decided to leave? However, he let her go for fear that she would be angry.

    Lu Meili opened the door to Small Xixi''s room and broke the silence between the siblings. "There are things you have been keeping in your heart for a long time. I know it''s no longer part of my business but perhaps that''s what is troubling you so much. You shouldn''t keep them in forever." She left before anyone could react to her words.

    "Let''s go." She said to Mu Zhichen.

    The man didn''t understand her either. "If he has been keeping a secret, why would you say that in his sister''s presence?"

    "To push him into telling her the truth."

    Is this revenge?"

    "I''m only saving the relationship between siblings. She doesn''t understand him as much as she thinks she does."

    Lu Meili was right. Xu Tang had always doted on his sister. He had never let her see his weaknesses. Her impression of him was that despite what happened to him years ago, he was still a loving elder brother.

    Lu Meili had known that he was hiding things for a long time.

    She had never tried to force him into talking about them. However, Small Xixi may not be able to realize that.

    "You still care about him?" Mu Zhichen asked, a clear hint of jealousy in his tone.

    "I don''t. I only care about Xixi''s happiness. If she were to have a fall out with her brother, she would be sad. It is better to make them reconcile now when it''s still not too late."

    "What''s your point?"

    Lu Meili held onto Mu Zhichen''s arm for support, looking like she was battling with herself. Would he misunderstand it? But it had alreayd reached this point. "When we were friends, he would casually ask me what I would do if XianYu kept major secrets from me.

    I think he''s keeping something form Xixi and It''s become unbearable, making him start to lose rationality."

    Mu Zhichen remained silent for the entire time while Lu Meili ran tests and had her anke taken care of.  When they wer done, they got into his car to drop her home. Only when they were in the car did he cautiously ask. "Meili, are you sure you don''t love him anymore?"

    He became more cautious when she gave him an unhappy glance. "I mean, if you still love him and want to be with him, it will be unfair to me if you keep leading me on only to leave me later."

    Lu Meili sighed. "I''m not just leading you on. Earlier I was only speculating Xu Tang''s Xu Tang''s situation. It doesn''t mean a thing; I told you it''s only because I care about Xixi." She added after some seconds, "I''m just like my father. When I like someone, I like them whole heartedly. But when I stop liking them, nothing will make me like them again.  You don''t have to worry about me getting back together with him."

    Mu Zhichen felt better. His mood was now thoroughly uplifted.

 Chapter 582 - Reuniting

    He held her chin suddenly. "Why don''t you convince me?"

    Lu Meili was taken aback. "Con¡­ convince you? How do I do that?"

    Mu Zhichen was looking right into her eyes. "Earlier you sat on my lap. You''re the first woman who has ever done that. Shouldn''t you take responsibility for me? That would convince me."

    "What?"

    Lu Meili was speechless.

    Wasn''t the man supposed to take responsibility for the woman? Besides, who was it that suddenly carried her and placed her on his lap?

    The man looked innocent like he was being taken advantage of. "You¡­ are you so heartless? Are you simply going to toss me aside after taking advantage of my body?"

    Lu Meili''s eyes widened. "Can you not make it sound like I''m a heartless jerk?"

    "That''s what you are being right now."

    "Fine. How do you want me to take responsibility for you?"

    Without any warning, Mu Zhichen pressed his lips against hers in a light peck then quickly retreated.

    Lu Meili''s eyes shot open as she placed a finger on her lips. "My first kiss¡­"

    Mu Zhichen couldn''t be any more pleased. So she hadn''t kissed anyone before. But thinking about it, she had never been in an actual relationship before. It shouldn''t be strange that she had never kissed. So he was her first!

    Lu Meili glared at him. "What are you smiling about, you hooligan! You just took advantage of me. You have to be responsible for me."

    Mu Zhichen''s smile broadened. He hugged her. "I will."

    "Eer¡­"

    Did she just fall into her own trap?

    Fine. He was going to be her husband anyway. Nothing to sweat about.

    ___

    In the hospital room.

    Small Xixi was still processing Lu Meili''s words.

    "Brother, what Sis Meili said just now about you keeping things to yourself, what was she talking about?"

    It had already reached this level.

    Xu Tang squeezed her hand. "Xixi, to protect your feelings, there are things brother lied to you about."

    "I don''t care what the thing is. Why did you lie?"

    "Because you were still too young and the truth would hurt you too much. Then when you grew up, it''s because I don''t know how to tell you this. Xixi, you can blame me if you want, but even if time were to turn back, I wouldn''t tell you the truth back then. "

    Small Xixi was getting enough of his weirdness. "What is it?"

    "When you recover fully, I''ll take you somewhere."

    "Okay."

    ___

    Two days later, Lu Meili was supposed to complete filming her few remaining scenes, unfortunately, her ankle still hurt.

    It would be better if it was another kind of movie. But one requiring a lot of movement was harder to do. She needed to put in more effort to dance well to begin with. Now with this kind of circumstance, she would only get hurt if she tried too hard.

    "What should we do, should we wait for her?" The director asked in worry. It would only get worse if they forced Lu Meili to film in this state.

    "Why must we wait for her? We don''t know when she will be fine. Switch her out. I think Annie Lan isn''t half bad." An investor spoke. He didn''t care that Lu Meili was within earshot. In fact, he quite wanted her to witness the process of getting switched out.

    Annie Lan had become a supporting actress in ''Dancer of the year''. But since he knew how much Annie Lan had been eyeing Lu Meili''s role and since he was in a relationship with the former, he wouldn''t waste a chance to make his little girl''s wish come true.

    "You cannot compare Annie Lan to Lu Meili even in a thousand years. How can you switch out the nation''s best for a half-baked product?" The screenwriter was enraged. Lu Meili was the only person who could bring to light the image of Arya so perfectly. He had sold his right to the copyright of this movie but this didn''t mean he couldn''t voice his opinion.

    The investor was enraged. Of course, he knew about the copyright being sold. It had only happened this morning but the news had spread fast. He would brainwash the new owner and make them switch Lu Meili out. "In actual fact, I think Lu Meili is too terrible. Her act is not natural at all. We did not invest in this movie so our money could go to waste."

    "Speak for yourself. I have invested in this movie to waste money. Anything wrong with that?" A cold voice filled the air.

    Lu Meili touched her ears to make sure they were functioning. "Daddy?"

    She peeped and indeed, Lu Aotian was really here.

    Her manager who was about to explode in rage took a glance and was shocked. "Lu Meili, that is Lu Aotian, the president of Lu Enterprises. What did you just call him? D- daddy?"

    Lu Meili realized belatedly that she had reacted too carelessly. "That¡­"

    The manager looked like she had discovered a thousand century secret. "No wonder.

    No wonder despite not having a background, you have always possessed the aura of a noble young miss. It''s because you are one to begin with. No wonder you look so much like the famous designer Wan Jia. You are her daughter! No wonder CEO Lin treats you so well ¨C you are her niece! No wonder you saved Xu Lingxi. I heard the Xu and Lu families are close. No wonder Katy Blanc keeps visiting you at work."

    There were so many no wonders that Lu Meili''s manager thought she knew nothing at all. "That day when you were having a video chat with a little boy and you hung up immediately when you saw me, I though the little boy looked familiar. He was young master Lu, right?"

    Lu Meili felt a huge headache. "That was my brother. But can you continue keeping my identity a secret? I don''t want to publicize it yet."

    The manager looked like she had been forced to keep a billion dollar secret. "I understand. You are already so beautiful. Your identity would surely cause chaos."

    Lu Meili sighed in relief. There was no one else around. It would have been troublesome if someone overheard them.

    But before her heart could truly settle, she heard Lu Aotian conversing with the other investor. "I have bought the copyright of this movie and my investment is currently the biggest. I have the right to make such a small decision, don''t I?"

    Lu Meili couldn''t be any more shocked. He did that? When did he even¡­!

    "You will be required to film the parts without the female lead for now. When Lu Meili''s is completely fine, you will continue filming. It doesn''t matter even if it takes a year."

    The investor who was on Annie Lan''s side had nothing to say against it. "Could it be that President Lu has taken a fancy to that actress? I wouldn''t blame you. She''s quite pretty but she rejected me before so¡­"

    Lu Aotian squeezed the phone in his hand. "Watch your tongue!"

    He looked at the director before he could lose his temper and kill someone. "Where''s Lu Meili?"

    The director rushed to the make up room. "Lu Meili, President Lu wants to have a word with you. Hurry over. Eer¡­" Why did that pair of names sound weird?

    ...

    Lu Meili looked unhappy. What she was fearing would happen really happened. Was Lu Aotian trying to disclose her identity?

    She went over with leisurely steps. "President Lu."

    Lu Aotian''s eyes narrowed. "What did you just call me?"

    Lu Meili looked even more wronged. What was this? "D-dad. Why are you here?"

    Lu Aotian made her sit and crouched to examine her foot. "Can you not look so sad? People would think I''m bullying my little princess."

    Lu Meili''s feeling changed from sadness to being emotional. When was the last time Lu Aotian called her that?

    "I know how much this movie means to you. That''s why I won''t let anyone take it away from you. I will not let anyone bully you either."

    Lu Meili forgot all about the presence of other people and threw herself into his arms. "Daddy, you still care about me. I thought you didn''t love me anymore."

    Lu Aotian rubbed her back. "Silly girl. I''ve always cared about you."

    "It doesn''t matter that I became an actress?"

    "You have been able to take good care of yourself for the most part. So daddy won''t limit you to anything."

    "Thanks daddy."

    The onlookers were crying their eyes out.

    "A father and daughter reuniting. How cute."

    "They love each other so much."

    "You guys seem to be overlooking the main point. Lu Meili is Lu Aotian''s daughter?!"

    "And you will not tell anyone about it unless you hate your tongue." Lu Aotian said sternly.

    Whoever was speaking shut his mouth, while Lu Meili laughed. "Daddy, can you not scare people like that? I may think you are capable of chopping tongues off."

 Chapter 583 - The most adorable CEO

    Lu Aotian did not say a word about it. Not only was he capable of chopping tongues off, he had done it before.

    He took Lu Meili''s hand. "We are going home. I will not leave you here to strain your body for a movie. Don''t you know that your health is more important? How old are you?"

    Lu Meili looked happy although she was being scolded. "No matter how old I am, I''m still your little girl. So you have to take good care of me."

    Lu Aotian had never been this happy.

    The father and daughter duo left the filming location chatting cheerfully.

    "Eer... you just gave us the shock of the century. How can you simply leave?" The screenwriter gawked at their backs.

    "I think it makes sense. No wonder every time I saw Lu Meili, I would see designer Wan Jia through her." The director commented.

    "I think so too. Besides, these youngsters will never know. But we who have seen the sun for much longer can tell; many years ago, there was news about Lu Aotian''s daughter having leukemia. Now that I think about it, that daughter simply disappeared after some years. She must be Lu Meili." The investor who was about to earn a beating from Lu Aotian a while ago said.

    "You''re right. Also, that young woman from the Lu family has always been adressed as ''second miss''. It kept me wondering who she was second to. Haiz... luckily I have never made things difficult for Lu Meili."

    "Do you hate your ears so much? I heard nothing. I don''t know Lu Meili''s identity."

    "Neither do I."

    ...

    Annie Lan clenched her fists. She was in another make up room all this while. No wonder she couldn''t bring Lu Meili down no matter what.

    Two weeks ago, she had even gone to the greatest lengths.

    She had looked for Wan Jia and showed her a photo of Lu Meili, accusing the latter of using Wan Jia''s image to make it in the entertainment industry.

    However, Wan Jia had only said two words in response. "Great photo."

    At the time, she only thought that noble women of Wan Jia''s variety didn''t have time to waste pursuing trivial matters.

    But now that the truth was coincidentally this, wasn''t she in great trouble? Wan Jia wouldn''t have told on her, right?

    ___

    Lu Meili didn''t return to the filming location. After visiting small Xixi and spending some time with her, she went to Mu Zhichen''s to play with the cats.

    The next day, a new piece of news broke out.

    Lu Enterprises had finally announced its next successor.

    There was a broadcast of Lu Aotian online.

    "I am pleased to hand over the family company to my eldest nephew, Lu Shihan. The next Vice CEO will be Lu Xian Yu."

    This was shocking to everyone. The new CEO was not Lu Xian Li?

    If that was not the case, then it should have been his own son, right? Why would he make his nephew the CEO and his own son the Vice CEO?

    Lu Shaoting wasn''t any less shocked than anyone else. That was why he went to his brother''s as soon as he saw the broadcast. "Bro, why did you make this arrangement?"

    Lu Aotian looked like a load had been taken off his shoulder. "We both know that you should have been the CEO of Lu Enterprises. After all you were eldest uncle''s son. Our grandfather gave it to me only because I''m older. All this time, I knew that you wouldn''t accept it if I gave it back to you. That''s why I gave it to your son."

    It had been so long that Lu Shaoting had forgotten about this. Lu Aotian had never treated him unfairly so it never mattered. "I understand your reason but Shihan is still too young. You can''t simply make him the CEO."

    "If I remember correctly, I was eighteen when I took over the company. Why can''t he?

    Besides, he''s a genius. I''ve been discussing with him a lot and I know that he is great in handling business. He is much more capable than my Xian Yu."

    "No wonder Shihan''s been very busy lately. So it''s because he was discussing with you. However, I don''t think he is that impressive. He is better than Xian Yu only because Xian Yu is still a child. How can you compare a fourteen-year-old to someone who will be twenty in a few months?"

    Lu Aotian laughed heartily. "You are doubting your son so much. Are you still his father?"

    ...

    Lu Meili was overjoyed from this news too. This meant that she would no longer be forced to take over the company. She was relieved.

    She quickly went to congratulate her cousin. "Congratulations CEO Lu. When are you reporting to work?"

    Lu Shihan was still so young that many girls found him cute and adorable. He was probably the most adorable CEO in the history of Lu Enterprises. "Cousin, don''t tease me. You should tease my younger brother instead. He is so happy that he must have grown a tiny pair of wings."

    Lu Meili didn''t understand. "Why would he be happy? He is not taking over the company..."

    "My brother loves travelling. He was scared father would make him take over the company to pin him down."

    Lu Meili chuckled. "You two are the cutest pair of twins I have ever seen. Your looks and character are identical. How is it that your interests are as different as East from West?"

    ___

    However, not everyone was happy.

    The same evening, Lu Shaoting dragged a suitcase in one hand and Lu Xian Li''s arm in another as he entered Lu Aotian''s villa. The girl looked extremely enraged.

    Lu Meili was in the living room. She put her phone aside. "What''s going on?"

    "I just brought her back from the airport. She had booked a one way ticket to Country A and was about to board. I had to drag her all the way here."

    "Xian Li?" Lu Meili didn''t know what to say. She was trying to escape?

    "I am an adult and I have the right to go anywehere I want. Why do you all keep restraining me?" Lu Xian Li glared right at her sister.

    "I can''t believe you''re asking this. You know why daddy won''t let you go. Your health is too weak and the doctors say you shouldn''t be left on your own. Which part of this don''t you understand?"

    "Meili, you cannot scold her. It will only increase her desire to leave." Lu Shaoting said, still holding Lu Xian Li''s hand.

    "You''re right. She will only think I hate her."

    "Why is everyone so cheerful?" Lu Aotian descended the stairs.

    "Daddy, Xian Li is trying to run away." Lu Meili reported desperately. She would rather have a sour relationship with her sister than let her endager her life.

    Lu Aotian didn''t look shocked. He leisurely walked to a sofa and sat on it. "Shaoting brought her back. You should have let her go."

    "What?" Lu Meili and Lu Shaoting exclaimed in unison. Lu Xian Li remained silent but she was shocked.

    Lu Aotian gazed at them calmly. "What? Doesn''t she want to go so desperately? She should be allowed to leave. Isn''t she an independent adult who knows what''s best for herself? If anything happened to her, she would be able to protect herself. Why shouldn''t she leave?"

    They all detected the sarcasm in his words, but Lu Xian Li took it as her chance. She grabbed her suitcase and started dragging it out.

    "Lu Xian Li, if you step out of that door, you will no longer be part of the Lu family."

    "Dad!" Lu Meili couldn''t remain silent anymore. "It''s just leaving the country a little. How can you disown her because of this? Xian Li is still young."

    "Do I have to fight with my children every time they want to make huge decisions on their own?"

    Lu Meili felt guilty. She had been in such a situation before. However, hers was different. At least she was not doing anything that would keep her away from the family.

    "I would have let her go, but my dear second daughter wants to change her nationality. Not only that, she has also signed medical documents agreeing to donate her kidney. Doesn''t that mean she doesn''t want to be part of the Lu family?"

    Lu Meili looked at her sister in disbelief. So much had happened but she knew nothing about it? Wait, the main point here was, how could she be so silly? Donating an organ with a condition like hers, wasn''t this equivalent to suicide?

    Lu Aotian spoke again after a long spell of silence. "Go and punish yourself. You are grounded for three months. Either that, or set foot out of that door and never come back."

    Lu Shaoting blocked her path when he saw her make for the door. "It''s just being grounded. Xian Li, if you are being wronged or forced, you should tell us. Aren''t we your family?"

    Lu Xian Li was on the verge of tears. "Family? Since when was I ever needed here?"

 Chapter 584 - Why do you all hate me?

    Lu Shaoting looked at the girl carefully. "I understand that you really want to go overseas to study. However, what''s up with the part about changing your nationality? Why do you make it seem like you don''t want to ever come back?"

    "Because I don''t. I have already decided that I don''t want to be a part of this family anymore. Uncle, let me go."

    Lu Shaoting didn''t know what to say anymore. No matter what, this was between his brother and his niece. He couldn''t meddle too much.

    However, Lu Aotian''s look was too terrifying. One would this had nothing to do with him.

    He stood up. "I''m giving you a last chance. I''ll give you two days to think about it. Go back to your room."

    "I don''t need it. I have already made up my mind!" Lu Xian Li was adamant.

    "Then you leave me with no other choice."

    "Daddy, wait." Lu Meili knew from that look that he might just lock Lu Xian Li up. It wouldn''t end well if it reached that point. "I''ll speak to her."

    Before Lu Aotian could say anything, Lu Meili took the young lady''s hand and dragged her away.

    "Sis, let go of me!" Lu Xian Li protested.

    "I won''t let you go. Bite me." Lu Meili pulled her upstairs.

    Lu Xian Li wouldn''t be stronger than her sister, so her shouts ans struggle were all for nothing.

    Lu Meili pulled her to her room and locked the door, securing the key in her own pocket.

    "What do you want?" Lu Xian Li was so angry she was about to burst into tears.

    Lu Meili sat on her bed as though the person who had just forcefully dragged her sister here was not her. "How interesting. The day daddy announced his successor, my little sister tried to run away from home. Is this a coincidence... or does it have something to do with his decision?"

    "It''s none of your business."

    Lu Meili guffawed. "Don''t think too much of yourself. I''m not trying to understand you. I''m just making sure daddy doesn''t vent his anger on us because of you. Why else would I care about your business?"

    "You¡­"

    "Weren''t you so lively a moment ago? Cat got your tongue?" Lu Meili taunted. "Lu Xian Li, it''s alright to want freedom since you have never been given enough of that. But do you have to donate an organ? Even you know that your body can''t take it."

    She looked into the girl''s eyes. "Aren''t you doing this to infuriate daddy? You him to think I''ve been a bad sister and vent his fury on me, don''t you?"

    Lu Xian Li was on the verge of exploding from anger. "You are twisting facts!"

    "Am I? You are still very young but all you have ever cared for is taking over the company. It''s all to satisfy your greed. Did I lie about this?"

    Lu Xian Li felt wronged. "Is that what you have always thought of me?"

    "Yes." Lu Meili unlocked the door. "I don''t want to breath the same air with scheming people. Leave."

    Lu Xian Li stood up. "I don''t want to be here either."

    Lu Meili tittered. "I was wondering how to get rid of you. Luckily you did it yourself. I don''t need to use any effort."

    Tears welled up in Lu Xian Li''s eyes. "Why do you hate me? Sis why¡­ why do you all hate me?"

    Lu Meili gripped her phone. As expected, that worked. But... hate her?

    "You all think I shouldn''t have existed, right?"

    "Why do you say that?" She probed.

    "Because it''s true. I know everything. I know that when mother was expecting me, you all thought I would be a boy. You were displeased when I turned out to be a girl, right? That''s why everyone loves and pampers Xian Yu but no one cares about me. In fact, the first time you saw me, you cried and threw a tantrum because you wanted a brother.

    Actually, I wouldn''t have been born if you didn''t fall sick, would I?"

    Lu Meili''s face went pale. Who told her that? The whole family had agreed that no one should ever mention it. She gripped her phone tightly.

    Lu Xian Li chuckled. "Hah. From your reaction, it must be true. The only reason I was born is to save you and that''s it. Thinking about it, you and Xian Yu make quite a loving pair of siblings. I''m obviously the outsider."

    "Is that why you dislike me?" Lu Meili cautiously asked.

    "Why else? I''m not a real member of this family. No matter how I try, I''ll never be like you. Daddy will never love me half as much as he loves you even if I worked my head off.

    What''s the point? It was better to be the bad child who does nothing but cause trouble. At least they would have time to think about me.

    Since this doesn''t work either, why do you still want to keep me?"

    Lu Meili was still in shock. How could such a young child hold that amount of hatred?

    Who in the world told her that her parents didn''t care about her? And she¡­

    "Xian Li¡­"

    "What? Why are you coming towards me?"

    "I don''t hate you. In fact, I love you very much."

    "You are lying." Lu Xian Li''s tears finally fell, making Lu Meili feel guilty.

    "You have always kept your distance from everyone. You have always been so busy that the only person you spend time with is dad and that is only when you have official business to discuss with him. As for me, you were always either trying to pick arguments with me or avoiding me. Tell me how I was supposed to deal with¡­"

    "That''s because I was jealous." Lu Xian Li blurted out.

    "What?" Lu Meili stopped mid-sentence. "Stop kidding. You have everything I have and even more. Why would you be jealous of me?"

    "I wasn''t jealous of you. I was jealous because of you. Everything you had was so dear to you. Your toys, your flowers, friends¡­. And when you became famous, your fans were more important than everything else. But no matter what I destroyed to get your attention, you would still ignore me.  Am I that deplorable?"

    Lu Meili looked at the girl and suddenly burst into laughter.

    "Are you laughing at me?"

    "I guess you''re no longer sad. You are even telling me such things." She pulled the girl to sit back on the bed. "Do you know why I didn''t pay attention to you? I thought you liked ruining my things when you were upset. You looked so happy after doing it that I didn''t have the heart to scold you."

    "Are you¡­ telling the truth? It''s not because you were so angry that if you spoke to me, you would beat me up?" Lu Xian Li wiped her tears away.

    "Of course not. Why would I beat you up? Though I must admit you are the worst troublemaker on earth. Sometimes I really wished I could give you a generous beating but that''s it. That''s not considered as me hating you, right?"

    Lu Xian Li felt like she was the most stupid fool. "And here I was thinking that you wouldn''t spare me a glance because I wasn''t worth it."

    "Seriously, you are so dumb. Couldn''t you have asked me? We fought for years just because of this?"

    "You never made effort to ask me either so we''re even."

    "Fine. I guess we will never stop arguing even if the air around us is cleared."

    "Heh¡­"

    "Speaking of which, who were you going to give your kidney to?"

    Lu Xian Li looked sad like she didn''t want to remember it. "A friend I met in middle school. Her kidneys have been failing for a long time and her family won''t make any effort to find her a donor. She might not live for long if she doesn''t get one soon."

    Lu Meili really wanted to knock her head. "That doesn''t make it right for you to risk your own life. What''s so good about ruining your own health for her?"

    "What should I do, let her die? I love her very much."

    Lu Meili massaged her temples. "Who gave you an IQ test? You must have bribed them. Are you trying to say that there is no one else on earth whose kidneys are compatible with hers?

    By the way, the doctor who let you sign that organ transplant document has to be sued."

    "No. Don''t cause trouble for anyone. I''m the one who insisted on it but I will find her another donor."

    Lu Meili smiled. This was settled. And now for the biggest question... "Xian Li, I''m curious. How did you know about the past? How did you know that I was sick and what made you think it''s the only reason why you were born?"

 Chapter 585 - Getting along for the first time

    Lu Xian Li was surprised that she was being asked this."Before I tell you how I knew, answer me one question."

    Lu Meili knew it couldn''t be anything good. "Go ahead."

    "Does daddy really hate me because I almost caused mother''s death?"

    Lu Meili felt as though she had been electrocuted. "Huh? What kind of far-fetched nonsense is that?"

    "It''s not true?"

    Lu Meili touched her forehead. "Whatever it is, you have to tell me who it is that has been filling your head with nonsense."

    Lu Xian Li smiled slightly. So her father didn''t hate her either. Then what was the meaning of everything she had believed for years? Was it all a lie?

    Lu Meili knew what the young lady was thinking. "Xian Li, It''s true that I was sick and our parents had to have another child to save me. However, that doesn''t mean they wouldn''t value you like their child. They love you.

    Actually, mom was at a loss when you were born. She knew that if she made it obvious that she loved you more, I would feel unloved. So she made sure to love us equally."

    "I know that mother cares about me. But what about daddy? He wouldn''t care if I left. He would even disown me." Obviously, this fact had hurt her the most.

    Lu Meili looked at the girl sternly. "Why were you leaving, was it because you really want to study overseas, or is it because you want your family to worry about you?"

    "Well..."

    "You hesitated. That means you only wanted us to worry about you, right?"

    Lu Xian Li stuck her fingertips together. "I wanted to know if he would follow me. Specifically him."

    Lu Meili sighed. "Now I get why he was ready to ground you for so long . He must have taken it as one of your absurd rebellious spells."

    Lu Xian Li didn''t look too disheartened. "At least something good came out of it. I finally got along with my sister."

    Lu Meili chuckled. "You silly thing. You still have a bone to pick with daddy."

    "I know. But Sis, can I sleep with you tonight?"

    Normally younger sisters would want to stick to their elder sisters. Her sister had missed out on that for too long. "Sure. But first, let''s go speak to daddy. Mom must be home too."

    "Okay."

    ___

    In Lu Aotian''s study.

    Lu Aotian still looked unhappy when Wan Jia arrived.

    "What happened? You look like you will explode any second."

    Lu Aotian explained what had happened word by word.

    "I don''t know what to say about you anymore." Wan Jia sighed. "It was Meili years ago and now It''s Xian Li.  Next time when Xian Yu wants to do something different from what you expect of him, will you use that threat on him too?"

    Lu Aotian was even more upset. "Xian Yu and I have already talked before he chose to go to business school. I really don''t want to fight with them over anything.

    But Xian Li is different. She doesn''t want to follow any dream. She simply wants to rid herself of her original identity for no good reason. Would you let that happen?"

    "Of course not. But I wouldn''t ground her for three months either.

    What would you do if Meili suddenly decided to reconcile with Xu Tang? Would you fight with her again?"

    Lu Aotian didn''t want to even think about it. "If she must, Xu Tang would have to prove that he is the right man for her."

    Wan Jia was speechless. Although he loved his daughters and it was more or less justified, he still thought of them as porcelain vases that could shatter at the slightest touch. He must still think that they were as delicate as they were when they were tiny girls.

    She was about to speak when they heard a knock.

    She shot Lu Aotian a look. If It''s Xian Li, don''t be impulsive.

    "Come in."

    In the next second, their daughters who had never spent a peaceful minute in the same room walked in, hand in hand and with smiles on their faces.

    Wan Jia looked at their hands and her mind went blank. "Eer..."

    "Mom, you''re back." Lu Xian Li spoke first.

    Wan Jia looked at her daughter like she was an impostor. "You are smiling at me?"

    One had to know that although Lu Xian Li didn''t hate her mother, she had never smiled at her. She rarely smiled to begin with, unless she was sarcastically picking fights with her elder sister.

    Wan Jia looked at Lu Xian Li carefully, as though trying to find a flaw that would give her away as an impostor.

    Lu Meili found the whole scene comical. Wan Jia looked like she had been transmigrated to her next life. "Mom, let''s go and chat for a while. Xian Li has some matters to talk to daddy about."

    Wan Jia looked even more confused. "Is this your new way of fighting? It''s much more scary than the usual."

    Lu Meili dragged her mother away, laughing at her terrified antics.

    ...

    In Lu Meili''s room, twenty minutes later.

    "So That''s what she has been thinking all this while. No wonder she has never been truly happy. But she never told your dad and I anything whenever we asked about it. My poor baby. It has been hard on her."

    "At least she spoke it out in the end." Lu Meili had a slight smile on her face. Sometimes, the past didn''t matter. Even if one kept it in their minds, there was nothing that could possibly be done about it. This was one of them. No matter what they did, they would never change the fact that Lu Xian Li ahd felt unloved all her life. Instead of pursuing it, they should instead use that time making her feel more comfortable and loved.

    Though... she strongly believed someone had told Lu Xian Li all these things when she was still a clueless child. Children would never forget the things that made them feel worthless even if decades passesed.

    "Your engagement party is in a few days now. Are you nervous?" Wan Jia changed the topic of discussion.

    "Not exactly. But I haven''t picked the right gown to wear to my engagement party yet."

    "Don''t worry. Leave that to mommy. I am currently making you a really beautiful gown. You can wear it if you will like it."

    Lu Meili hugged her mother. "I will like it. As long as mommy made it, it will be the most beautiful engagement gown in history."

    Wan Jia rubbed her head. "Okay baby. I will make it as beautiful as possible."

    "Then can you make one for Xian Li in the same series too?"

    Wan Jia was really not used to this. But of course, it was every mother''s wish for her children to love each other so she was pleased. "As you wish."

    ____

    That night, Lu Xian Li brought a pillow from her room and went to her elder sister''s.

    Lu Meili had just taken a bath and was about to start drying her hair. It was so long that it was tangled. She had trouble drying it and was considering cutting it a few inches shorter.

    "Sis, you are so beautiful even without make up. No wonder you have hundreds of millions of fans." Weren''t women supposed to look less beautiful with damp hair and no make up? How come her sister looked even more beautiful?

    Lu Meili blushed. This was the first time Lu Xian Li ever complimented her. "You are very beautiful too."

    "You think so?" Lu Xian Li was blushing too.

    "Yeah. How did it go with dad?"

    Lu Xian Li giggled. "He''s no longer angry but you know how mad he can pretend to be."

    "Let''s forget about him for a while. I have some pictures of you." Lu Meili took out a box she had been keeping since she was a child.

    Lu Xian Li took the pictures curiously.

    "Sis! You are so mean!"

    How could she take such embarassing photos? They were of Lu Xian Li ripping stuffed toys, plucking flowers and destroying a bicycle. The tiny girl looked too naughty.

    Lu Meili held her tummy and laughed. "Sometimes when I feel moody, I will look at them and laugh my heart out."

    In embarassment, Lu Xian Li grabbed a pillow and smashed her sister with it.

    Lu Meili caught it and threw it back.

    ___

    The master bedroom.

    Boom!

    Smack!

    Clang!

    "What are they breaking?" Lu Aotian didn''t know what to say about his daughters anymore. Why did it sound like they were fighting the walls? "Do they secretly work for a demolition company?"

    Wan Jia closed the door to the master bedroom to lock out the sound. "I guess that''s what happens when your kids don''t get along as children and instead start playing together when they are all grown up."

    ___

    Good news coming up in the next chapter.

 Chapter 586 - Engagement banquet

    Time flew by quite fast. In the blink of an eye, it was Lu Meili''s engagement day.

    "I''m nervous." The girl said, standing in front of the mirror. She was only in her dresisng gown, ready to dress up for the engagement banquet.

    "Don''t be nervous. Just pretend it''s a banquet like any other."

    "But this is different. Just a few hours from now, I will officially be an engaged woman. The thought of it makes me feel complicated. It''s so unreal!" Lu Meili touched her blushing cheeks.

    Soon, her name will be added to another family''s household register.

    Wan Jia held her shoulders. "You''re blushing. It''s a good thing. If you were not, I would think you don''t want to be engaged anymore."

    "How''s that possible? Mu Zhichen is a nice guy and his grandma is my friend. I wouldn''t want to miss them."

    Wan Jia placed the new gown on Lu Meili''s bed. "I''ll deal with other matters first."

    Lu Meili saw the vibrant red gown on the bed. "How beautiful! It''s really so beautiful. Thanks mom."

    "Mmh. "

    ___

    Wan Jia took out her phone and checked on the fifteen-second commercial that had been uploaded this morning. It had already been viewed a few million times and had hundreds of thousands of comments.

    Young men who wanted to propose to their girlfriends all wanted to get a pair of the new rings.

    The sound of phones chiming in Lu Enterprises and Elite Fashion World was deafening. In just a few hours, it was the talk of the nation.

    Lu Meili''s fans finally realized the main point.

    [Who is the man in the commercial? I haven''t seen him before.]

    [Is he a new model? He''s so handsome my heart is stolen]

    [Isn''t that the young master from the Mu family?] Perhaps that commentator felt it was impossible for the young master from the Mu family to shoot a commercial. [They simply look similar.]

    [Why Isn''t anyone getting the main point? They look like a real couple!]

    [You''re right! I also thought it was the latest news about our Meili being engaged. Too bad It''s only a commercial.]

    [They look good together. Especially the part when our Little angel Li rested her head on his shoulder. I could swear I saw love in his eyes.]

    Wan Jia tittered. They are a real couple. Of course they will look good together. Wait till you see the news about her real engagement tonight.

    ___

    Later, at the Mu mansion.

    Lu Xian Li kept looking at her sister.

    "What''s wrong with you? Do I look like an alien?" Lu Meili felt shy from being looked at too intensely.

    "What alien? You look incredibly beautiful. I''m sure young master Mu will not keep his eyes off you for a second."

    Lu Meili smiled slightly. "Really? But I still feel nervous."

    "Come on. Are women always nervous on their engagement banquets?" Lu Xian Li taunted. If she was going to be half as nervous as Lu Meili was right now, she didn''t want to be engaged.

    "I don''t know how to describe it. I''m not just nervous. It''s more like unease. I feel something huge is going to happen tonight."

    Lu Xian Li raised her eyebrows. "Your instinct is always right. Can you not scare me? What do you feel, a premonition of doom?"

    "Get lost. You''re crazy. Don''t you try to jinx my engagement party." Why would she feel such a horrible thing tonight?

    Lu Xian Li laughed. "Alright. I will get lost. I''m going to check on Xian Yu. Have you seen him yet? He looks so handsome. I could swear he looks like one of those handsome but cold and tyrannical CEOs from Webnovels."

    Lu Meili giggled. "You would be in trouble if he heard you say that. Though I think he does look like a tyrannical CEO. The only difference is that he is a vice CEO and a young teenager to begin with."

    Lu Xian Li waved a hand. "Wait for brother-in-law here. I''m going to greet the guests."

    Lu Meili grunted in response and took a wineglass. She was in a guest room upstairs, waiting for Mu Zhichen to arrive before the banquet could start.

    The latter was late thanks to a meeting he had to attend in the afternoon.

    Lu Meili sipped on the wine delicately. Since he was almost here, she would just drink a tiny bit. She wouldn''t get drunk unless she wanted to anyway.

    "Having a good time?" The haunting voice reached her ears.

    Lu Meili turned, her heart bearing awfully fast. "Xu Tang, what are you doing here?"

    The man walked towards her confidently, as though he was strolling in his own garden. "Can it be any more obvious? I''m here to attend your engagement party."

    Lu Meili calmed herself down. "Oh. CEO Xu, the guests are downstairs. Please show yourself out."

    "But..." Xu Tang took more steps towards her. "I don''t want to. I''m here for more exciting matters." He smiled wickedly. "Eloping with the bride. I did promise Mu Zhichen this."

    Lu Meili was terrified. "If you come any closer, I''ll yell."

    Xu Tang didn''t halt. "Why don''t you go ahead? Let everyone know that on your engagement night, you were with another man in the guest room."

    Lu Meili felt her head ache. If anyone were to see him here, it would be an embarassment to the Mu family. No one would believe that there was nothing going on between them considering their past relationship. "Xu Tang, whatever I owe you from our past life, could you cut me some slack? Don''t ruin my engagement party."

    "Heh..." Xu Tang laughed. "Is that what you think I''m here to do?"

    "If you were only here to attend the banquet, you would be downstairs. I don''t mind tarnishing my own name. I''ll really scream if you don''t leave."

    Xu Tang clenched his fist. She hated him that much? "Pfft. You actually fell for it? It was a prank."

    "What?" Lu Meili looked relieved. If worst came to worst, she was going to knock him out and have someone send him back to his home. But she really didn''t want to have to do that.

    Now he was saying that it was a prank?

    "Sweetie, did you wait for too long?" Mu Zhichen was back.

    Xu Tang faced the man who had just walked in. "What are you doing here?"

    Mu Zhichen crossed his arms. "That''s my line."

    "I''m here to elope with the bride. What can you do about it?" Xu Tang provoked.

    Mu Zhichen''s lips curved into a smile. "Oh, are you?"

    Lu Meili was more nervous than ever. Didn''t he say it was a prank? No wonder she kept feeling something huge was going to happen tonight.

    Mu Zhichen took a glance at her after thinking for a long while. "Sweetie, do you want to leave with him?"

    "I..."

    Xu Tang shot her a look. In his hand was a small storage device. He held it in an angle that only she could see. "Honey, are you sure you don''t want to leave with me? I will make you happy."

    Lu Meili was alarmed. You dare to threaten me on my engagement day, aren''t you too shameless?

    She knew what could possibly be in that storage device. They were pictures of them together.

    Although she knew that they had never done anything beyond the boundaries of normal friendship, they looked closer to each other than other friends would be.

    If he presented these photos as evidence of her cheating, everyone would believe it.

    That was the reality of life.

    People would see what they had been made to believe.

    And the worst part was that she knew that even if she snatched that storage device from him, he would still have other copies of them.

    Was she ready to be humiliated?

    Or was she ready to humiliate Mu Zhichen by standing him up on their engagement day?

    In the next moment, Lu Meili guffawed. "Why don''t you go ahead? Let''s see if you gain anything. At most, you will manage to ruin my engagement. But do you think that will make me agree to be with you? You may try."

    Mu Zhichen furrowed his eyebrows. "What are you ralking about?"

    Lu Meili suddenly looked sad like she had been bullied and ran to him, tugging his sleeve. "Hubby, he is threatening me. You have to protect me."

    Mu Zhichen''s anger all faded into a warm smile. Although he knew that Lu Meili obviously didn''t need anyone''s protection, the fact that she ran to him was enough to give him years of joy. And... did she just call him ''hubby''?

    "Mr. Xu, you heard the girl. She doesn''t want to go with you. Will you leave on your own, or do you need my guards to help you out?"

    Xu Tang was furious. "Lu Meili, this is your last chance. I will not look for you again."

    "I don''t need it. Zhichen, the guests have been waiting for a while. Let''s go and start the banquet."

    ___

    Mini theatre.

    Mu Zhichen: So annoying. Why isn''t author kicking this guy out already?

    Lu Meili: I don''t know either. Doesn''t she care about our feelings?

 Chapter 587 - All men are perverts

    Xu Tang wished nothing more than to stab Mu Zhichen.

    On the other hand, Mu Zhichen had never been half as happy as he was right now.

    Not only did Lu Meili call him ''hubby'', she had refused to leave with Xu Tang.

    A moment ago, he thought that she was really going to elope with him. After all, she would no longer be able to do that after today.

    He had thought that her feelings for him would be awakened once again because he had come to take her with him on such a day.

    Never in his dreams would he have expected that she would reject Xu Tang and stick to him. This had to be her final decision, right?

    It gave him all the confidence in the world.

    Xu Tang wanted to tie Lu Meili up and drag her away if he must. But he wouldn''t manage to. He could only leave, gritting his teeth.

    As soon as he was out, Lu Meili snuck a glance at Mu Zhichen. "Is there a man who asks his fianc¨¦e if she wants to leave with another man? You are truly one of a kind."

    Mu Zhichen held her small hand tightly. "I had to know what you want."

    "What if I wanted to leave with him?" She teased.

    "Then I would use better tactics. Perhaps I would lock you up..."

    "Are you kidding? You would do that?"

    "Meili, if the man you were leaving with was someone reasonable, I might admit defeat. But if It''s Xu Tang, I would rather lock you up."

    Lu Meili burst into laughter. "Now you''re starting to sound like daddy.

    Speaking of which, I heard that girls who are pampered by their fathers always end up with bad men."

    Mu Zhichen flicked a finger on her forehead. "What nonsense have you been listening to?"

    "Then... you will not bully me when we are married?" Lu Meili asked shyly.

    Mu Zhichen unceremoniously held her waist. "Of course I will bully you." He leaned in close to her ear. "In bed. I will not bully you anywhere else."

    Lu Meili''s face went red. "Pervert! Sis Katy was right. All men are perverts."

    Mu Zhichen laughed. "I don''t  know about other men, but I will only show my perverted side to you. Only to you."

    "Meili, I will teach you to forget about Xu Tang and fall in love with me. It doesn''t matter how long it takes.

    In future, you can only love me."

    Lu Meili looked right into his eyes unblinkingly. His words were a bit overbearing, but they didn''t make her uncomfortable at all. She was willing to fall in love again. Although it might still take some time, she wanted to only love her husband. She didn''t want to be the kind of woman to still lust after another man after her marriage.

    Mu Zhichen was drawn into her gaze. He lifted her chin using a finger, lowering his head inch by inch. Until they could feel each other''s breath. Their lips were only a centimeter apart.

    "There you are. Do you not know who the hosts are.... oops! Sorry for interrupting you but this is really important. You can continue after the banquet." Katy closed her eyes tightly. "The guests are waiting."

    Lu Meili retracted her hands from Mu Zhichen''s chest. Even she didn''t know how they got there. "We''ll be right there."

    She tried not to think about this. If Katy didn''t interrupt them a moment ago, was he going to... kiss her?

    Why was her heart racing at the thought of it?

    Mu Zhichen took her hand and put it around his arm. "Let''s go. We can continue tonight."

    Lu Meili''s eyes shot open. "Can you not say such things?" When did this man get so brazen?

    Though she had to admit she liked this brazen side of him more. It proved that he was no longer too reserved towards her.

    As they descended the staircase, a thought rushed to her mind and she blushed.

    Mu Zhichen stole a glance and his lips curled upwards. ''Is she thinking about the kiss that didn''t happen?''

    "Ah! They are finally here." Mrs. Mu was relieved when she saw the pair and rushed to them. "What took you so long?"

    "We had something to take care of." Mu Zhichen explained.

    In that instant, Lu Meili recalled what had happened with Xu Tang. He wouldn''t come back to cause trouble, right?

    "Relax. I will not let him trouble us again." Mu Zhichen whispered in her ear.

    This gesture passed off as a sign of their love for each other and made the guests awed.

    This was one of the biggest banquets the Mu family had ever held. Several big shots had attended, including the Lu and Blanc families. Even Lu Tongyan who was rarely heard of was here tonight. Not only that, he was so lively that he looked a few years younger.

    Lu Meili skimmed through the guests and spotted her aunt Lin Lihua, looking loving and harmonious with Henry Blanc. ''Pfft. I guess time did make them realize they still love each other.''

    The spotlight focused on Mu Zhichen and Lu Meili. With her hand still holding his arm, Mu Zhichen spoke. "Thank you all for attending this banquet..."

    After his speech, Mu Zhichen wrapped his arm around her waist to start the opening dance.

    Lu Meili''s had one hand on his shoulder and the other in his.

    Her heart raced. ''We are so close to each other. How come no one told me that he is this handsome up close?''

    "What are you thinking about?" Mu Zhichen probed.

    Lu Meili would never admit that she was thinking about him! "I... I''m already tired. Mom made me wear these extremely high-heeled shoes."

    "You look beautiful in them. But you can take them off if you don''t like them."

    "I can handle it."

    Lu Meili managed to complete the dance, but not without stepping on him a few times. She was so nervous that she kept missing her step.

    But not only was the man not embarassed, he was even happier.

    "You two are really compatible. Even your dance is so beautiful." Mrs. Mu complimented when they were done.

    "Thank you aunty."

    "You child. You are still so polite with me." Although she was complaining, Mrs. Mu was very happy. "I''ll introduce you to my friends."

    Once again, Mu Zhichen was left alone after his wife got snatched away.

    "..."

    Fine. As long as she had fun.

    And she really did. She saw Matriarch Mu from the corner of her eye and her eyes lit up. "Grandma!"

    Matriarch Mu was overjoyed. "My dear, I thought you would forget about me."

    "How could I? I missed you very much. I''ve been looking foward to seeing you again."

    "Matriarch Mu, your granddaughter-in-law is such a darling." An old friend of hers complimented.

    "Isn''t she? Our Mu family must have gathered good luck from eight lifetimes to deserve her."

    "Girl, come here. Let me take a look at you." The woman said to Lu Meili.

    Lu Meili went over nervously. There was something weird about this woman...

    She held Lu Meili''s wrist for a while. "Good. Very good. You, my dear, are in perfect health. If you have children soon, they will be healthy."

    Lu Meili smiled. So it was only this. "Thank you grandma. I will go to greet the other guests too."

    Matriarch Mu gave her a red packet. "Go ahead. If you have time later, come and chat with me."

    "Okay grandma." Lu Meili went ahead to greet the other guests.

    ...

    Of course, no banquet would be complete without a surprise guest, right?

    When the banquet was over and most of the guests had dispersed, a new guest arrived. At least they didn''t come halfway through the banquet and cause a commotion.

    Lu Meili was stunned. "Xixi! I thought you wouldn''t come."

    "What nonsense. I have been discharged so why wouldn''t I come? Actually Sis Meili, I''m sorry. I forgot what day it is and only remembered when it is too late. I brought you a present."

    Lu Meili didn''t kick up a fuss. The girl was still muddled from the accident. "You don''t have to worry about it. It''s great that you came."

    Small Xixi looked undeniably beautiful in her silk gown. She hugged Lu Meili slightly. "Sis Meili I was late for another reason. I didn''t come alone. I brought someone with me."

    Lu Meili drooped her eyes, looking like she would faint from dispair. Little goddess, for the sake of our friendship, can you not bring back your brother? Although the banquet is over, It''s still troublesome.

    She heard footsteps, then a pair of golden sandals appeared in her field of view. A woman?

    She raised her head slowly and her gaze fell on the woman.

    "Aunt Kara?"

    She looked at the woman cautiously. "Aunt Kara, how come you are here?"

 Chapter 588 - The return of Kara

    The following chapter is a brief story about the Xu family''s past. You may skip it if you don''t like it.

    ___

    The woman remained silent.

    Lu Meili took a step back and looked at Small Xixi. "Xixi, why is she not speaking? Is she really Aunt Kara?"

    "My best friend''s daughter is getting engaged. Of course I will pay my respects." Kara Yang finally spoke.

    Lu Meili was even more alarmed. She studied the woman carefully. Then, like a child curious about something harmful, she stuck out a finger and stretched her hand to poke Kara Yang''s hand.

    It was really her. "You know what I''m talking about. Aren''t you..." Aren''t you dead?

    "Little Li, did you just say Kara?" Wan Jia overheard them and came to take a look.

    "Kara! It''s really you..."

    Just like earlier, she looked at Wan Jia for a while before finally hugging her.

    Lu Meili shot a curious glance in Small Xixi''s direction. What was up with her?

    "Mother''s brain is slower than it should be. She will take some time to process who she is speaking to and what they said."

    "Oh. But can you tell me what in the world is going on?"

    "Sure. Let''s go somewhere else."

    On the balcony, Small Xixi didn''t know where to start with her explanation. "When I got discharged, my brother took me to City H and explained everything. I think you should know everything from the start."

    ___

    Twenty years ago, in Lu Aotian''s villa.

    Because Wan Jia was pregnant, Lu Aotian had invited everyone over for a meal.

    At some point that night, Kara had gone to the bathroom and didn''t return even after a long while.

    Xu Laiowen went to check on her and the scene that met his eyes was shocking! His wife had coughed out blood.

    "We are going to hospital." He declared.

    Kara Yang pushed his hand off her waist. "I ate too much spicy food just now. I''m alright."

    Xu Laiowen knitted his eyebrows. How could one eat so much spicy food that they coughed out blood? Was she trying to die?

    Without listen to any explanation from her, he dragged her to hospital.

    That night, the doctors ran a full body check on her but all they came up with was the explanation that her veins had constricted as a result of the spiciness and that she would be alright as long as she didn''t eat any spicy food for the following two weeks.

    He had believed them.

    ...

    For the following few months, however, Kara Yang acted strange.

    In the first month, she worked harder than usual and secured many projects for Xu Real Estate. Her explanation was that she had a lot of time in her hands and wanted to use it to help her husband out. Of course, no husband would be unappreciative when his wife worked hard for him. He appreciated her effort and took better care of her. He would remind her to have her meals and rest. As a result, he was also motivated to work even harder.

    A few months later, she transferred all the assets she had recieved from the Yang family and those she had achieved through her hard work to Xu Tang''s and Xu Lingxi''s names. She even put all her valuable jewelry in a box and gave them to Xixi. Any random necklace or bracelet of hers would cost millions, but she gave them all without second thoughts.

    Of course, Xu Liaowen found her actions strange. "Why did you transfer everything you own to our children?" He asked.

    With an innocent smile, she had answered with her head on his chest. "I just want to make sure that even if something happened and the company went bankrupt, our children wouldn''t have to suffer."

    "That is quite thoughtful of you. However, all my hard work is for you and our children. I will not let you suffer."

    She only nodded in response.

    ...

    The next time, she did something more significant. They had both agreed to send Xu Tang to business school so he would take over the company in future. However, she suddenly decided to enroll him to a dance school and termed it as letting her children follow their dreams.

    That day, Xu Liaowen finally realized that something was wrong with her.

    Her actions meant nothing when viewed separately. However, why was it that when he pinned them together, it looked like she was preparing to leave?

    "Kara, what are you hiding from me?" He asked.

    "Nothing. What''s wrong with indulging my kids a little?"

    Although that''s what she said, she hid a hint of guilt beneath her eyes.

    Xu Liaowen realized just how stupid he had been. How could he not have realized?

    "You have been trying to match make Tangtang with Little Jia. You even repeatedly suggested an engagement with the Lu family.

    At the same time, you told Little Jia that in future, she should take care of Xixi.

    Let''s not talk about how you suddenly transferred all your property in Tangang''s and Xixi''s names. All your actions point towards the same direction - you are creating a predefined future for our children.

    Kara, are you planning to leave?"

    "No."

    That was the least confident answer he had ever heard from her. He would never forget how dim her eyes looked.

    ...

    For the sake of his family, he decided to stalk her.

    She must have expected him to do so because for a whole week, he didn''t see any strange move from her.

    On the eigth day, however, he saw her sneakily enter an apartment and the person who recieved her was a man.

    Xu Laiowen was furious. How could she?

    Was she doing all these things because she wanted to divorce him and move on with that man?

    Decisively, he confronted that man secretly. He would never have expected that the man was not a lover but a doctor, and Kara Yang was his patient.

    Now it all made sense. For her to do all these things paired with the fact that she had lost some weight, she must be sick. Perhaps she was.... terminally ill?

    But why didn''t she tell him?

    "Kara, why didn''t you tell me that you''re sick?" He asked that night.

    "I didn''t want to worry you."

    "Didn''t want to worry me? I''m more worried since you didn''t tell me!"

    "Liaowen, there''s nothing you can do about it. I only have less than one month left. All treatment methods failed. You should spend more of your time handling more serious business than wasting it on a dying woman."

    "Who said you''re a dying woman? You are not allowed to say that. You are not allowed to leave me, okay?" Xu Liaowen retrieved the medical documents he had got from hospital. "Then why is it that all your medical documents state that you are alright? You are obviously far from that."

    That night she had cried so heartbreakingly that the sudden emotional instability made her weaker. "On the day I had Xixi, I was poisoned. It takes months for the poison to develop and by the time I realized it, it was too late. It''s already deeply rooted in my organs."

    Xu Laiowen was devastated. "How could you keep such a thing from me?"

    "I thought there was hope. I wanted to find a cure on my own but... I''m sorry. Take good care of the kids while I''m gone, okay? You... you can remarry, but she has to be kind and not bully Tangtang and Xixi."

    "Kara Yang, what nonsense are you spewing?"

    Not caring that it was night, he took her in his arms and headed out.

    "Where are you taking me?"

    "To find the antidote."

    "But the kids..."

    "They are asleep at the moment. Let the nannies take care of them. If we will not be back tomorrow, I will call my mother and ask her to take care of the kids temporarily."

    Who knew that they wouldn''t be back any soon?

    Kara''s condition worsened significantly in just a few hours and she was losing her sanity.  Her brain was the first to be affected by the poison.

    As hard as he expected, every doctor dismissed them - her condition was too complex. They were lucky that he managed to get in touch with a certain young genius doctor. He was willing to study the effects of the poison and create an antidote. However, it would take a few days to develop it, and the treatment might take years.

    While they did get the antidote in a few days, she needed someone to take care of her all round the clock. Her feelings couldn''t be agitated even for a bit or she would lose her sanity forever.

    To be exact, it was too late for the antidote to clear the poison off her body. It could only decrease its effect. That was why it would take a long time.

    Because he had to take care of her until she got well and since he didn''t want to scare the children, he had told them that he and their mother were on a business trip and would be back soon.

    But her condition was unexpectedly much worse than it seemed to be.

 Chapter 589 - Perfect husband - terrible father

    Sometimes, her body would randomly go cold and her temperature wouldn''t rise. It would take great effort for the doctor to resuscicate her.

    At other times, she would literally lose her sanity and do crazy things. One time, she would have stabbed herself if he didn''t find out on time.

    He was so scared that he couldn''t leave her side for a minute.

    It was no easy process.

    No one would have expected that the poison which took one day to plant would take many years, delicate care and a young genius doctor  to cure.

    In fact, it was such a huge turn of expectations that she came out of it alive.

    What was worse, the poison affected her brain before she told him who did it.

    ...

    Small Xixi''s little face was filled with sadness. "Back then, I was still too young. My parents were not home when I woke up and grandma came to pick us up.

    They said that mom and dad had gone on a long business trip and would be back soon.

    All I know is that daddy would give us a video call every evening. However, as time passed by, the video calls became far between. Until one day he stopped calling.

    My brother and I would stare at the phone and wait all evening.

    Until grandma suddenly started hating us. She would especially pick on me. At the time, I didn''t know what was going on.

    The company slowly went bankrupt. My brother was too young and grandma didn''t care about it. The worst part is that outsiders couldn''t interfere with it.

    Our life changed in a flash. When I asked grandma about it, she said that our parents had died in an accident. She kept blaming mother for father''s death. Those were my saddest days.

    I didn''t know until recently when brother told me what he had been hiding.

    Actually a short while after our parents went missing, he accidentally overheard grandma tell someone that she would kill me just like she killed mother; and this time, she would be careful to not accidentally kill brother as well. That''s why brother brought me to stay with our maternal grandpa."

    Lu Meili widened her eyes. "Wait. Young lady, can you not pour shocking news all over me at once? Such a twist. What''s up with the accident?"

    "It was fake. Grandma had poisoned mother. Turns out mother and father left to find her an antidote. But because mother''s condition worsened, they couldn''t come back soon."

    Lu Meili didn''t look convinced at all. "They searched for it for eighteen years and didn''t ever contact anyone? What antidote was it exactly? Did they not care about you? Did they not know how much the two of you suffered in their absence?"

    "They did contact my brother when mother was doing better. But he kept me in the dark because all these years I thought they were dead. He thought it would be too much for me to handle.

    "Sorry. I still think It''s irresponsible." Lu Meili was still upset. Xu Laiowen only cared about taking care of his wife when she was sick. What about his children? Did they not deserve his care at all? Why was it that some men were good husbands but ended up as terrible fathers?

    The poor siblings had lacked parental love all their lives. If it were up to her, she would have let them know that their mother was unwell. Who knows? Perhaps if she had her children caring for her alongside her husband, she might have recovered sooner.

    "Where is your dad right now?"

    "He must have gone to Uncle Shaoting. I brought mother here because she wanted to speak to Aunty Wan Jia."

    Lu Meili was so sad on Small Xixi''s behalf. "He ought to have a good explanation. Unless there was some sort of enemy seeking you and your brother and he kept away to protect you, I will never respect him."

    Small Xixi threw herself into her best friend''s arms, sobbing. "Sis Meili, I''m conflicted. I''m mad at them for leaving us for so long but I missed them so much that I want to hug them and make up for the years we missed."

    Lu Meili really wanted to knock her head. Shouldn''t you seek explanations from your father? Kara could be excused because she was sick for all these years. What about him?

    ''Hmph! He is the most hateful character in this novel. I hope he never appears again.''

    "Sis Meili, you should look at it from his point of view. His wife had been poisoned and was in such a condition. He was afraid that if anyone knew she was alive, they would come and finsih her off.

    At the same time, he couldn''t leave her side because her condition might spiral out of control in his absence, or people might hurt her."

    "Mhmm. Xixi, you are too kind. You always try to see the best of everyone. I will not blame you."

    ...

    Meanwhile, Wan Jia was also listening to the same story.

    "Jia, do you blame us for abandoning our kids?"

    Wan Jia hugged her. "I don''t blame you at all. You must not let your mother-in-law get away with what she did." What an evil woman. How could she poison her son''s wife simply because she gave birth to a girl? If she was so much against women then what was she?

    Luckily her Little Li was marrying into the Mu family. They wouldn''t bully her baby.

    Kara responded after a few seconds. "When we came back to the country and stayed in City H, Liaowen used the chance to take care of her."

    "I''m sorry. Aotian and I couldn''t save your company."

    Kara couldn''t possibly blame her for this. It was already good enough that the Lu family ensured Xu Tang''s and Small Xixi''s safety. Besides, Xu Real Estate had rules. Outsiders couldn''t interfere with the company''s matters no matter what.

    ___

    While the two pairs of friends caught up on the past, one woman was uneasy.

    "Zhichen, come here."

    Mu Zhichen went over with a questioning look. "Mother, why are you anxious?"

    Mrs. Mu knocked her son''s head. "You have the guts to ask? That woman who just came is Mrs. Xu. I haven''t seen her for a long while and rumor had it that she died but I''m sure It''s her."

    "What about it?"

    "Are you stupid? I heard  her son likes Meili and they have been close for years. Not only is she speaking to your future mother-in-law so intimately, her daughter is emotionally speaking to Meili. Who is to say that they are not trying to steal Meili away?"

    Mu Zhichen found it comical. His mother managed to make it sound like she was the one who was going to marry Lu Meili. "Mother, don''t think too much about it. No one''s stealing your daughter-in-law away."

    "That better be so." Mrs. Mu said, though she was still unsettled and cautious when Wan Jia led Kara to their direction.

    "This is Mrs. Mu. Do you remember her? She is Meili''s future mother-in-law." Wan Jia introduced cheerfully. "This young man is Meili''s fianc¨¦. Zhichen, this is Mrs. Xu. "

    "Hello aunt." Mu Zhichen was modest.

    "So you are the one who became the lucky guy in the end." Kara''s tone was regretful. She had chosen a good wife for that punk but he messed it up. He would never find a wife half as good as Lu Meil.

    ...

    Seeing that the Mus were wary of her, Kara took Small Xixi to leave.

    "Mother, shouldn''t you have convinced Sis Meili to give brother a last chance? He wasn''t in his right mind before. She would listen to you."

    "Xixi, life only gives you one chance. If you don''t grab it, It''s over. Even if you were given a secind chance, it wouldn''t change the fact that you messed up.

    The most important thing is Meili''s happiness. That young man seems to love her a lot." Kara said.

    At least there was a happy ending for Small Xixi.  Although she had lost the potential sister-in-law she loved very much, her parents were back.

    And who said her friendship with Lu Meili was over? They were bound to be best friends forever.

    ___

    "Sigh. That was one long banquet. It''s time to go home." Lu Meili was exhausted.

    "Are you taking your dad''s limo back?" Mu Zhichen asked. If she wasn''t, he would drop her off.

    "Yes. They must be waiting for me. Bye."

    She waved and hurried out.

    Wan Jia was still outside the car but as soon as she saw Lu Meili, she blocked the path. "Where do you think you''re going?"

    Lu Meili was taken aback. "Huh? We are going home. Weren''t you waiting for me?"

    Wan Jia grinned evilly. "What do I have to do with an engaged woman? Stay with my son-in-law." She entered the car and they really drove off.

    Lu Meili''s eyes went wide. "Hey! How can you leave me? Am I still your daughter?"

    Most importantly, she was just engaged! What was the meaning of this??

 Chapter 590 - Lu Meilis evil mother

    Lu Meili didn''t know what to say about her mother. She shouldn''t be serious, right? Perhaps she was only joking around and would be back after a few meters?

    Mu Zhichen heard Lu Meili''s loud shout and rushed to check on her.

    He was puzzled when he saw her standing there, looking dejected. Lu Aotian''s car disappeared into the distance.

    ''Interesting.'' He thought.

    "What happened?" He asked her.

    Lu Meili looked extremely wronged. "Mommy simply drove off and left me here. Does she not care about me anymore? I cannot hail a cab here."

    A smile slowly creeped onto Mu Zhichen''s lips. His mother-in-law was helping him out. No, to be exact, she was helping herself become a grandmother sooner.

    He would be an idiot if he didn''t utilize this opportunity. "If you follow her home, she might just lock you out. You are aleady very tired. Why don''t you sleep in my house tonight?"

    Lu Meili tilted her head to ensure she had heard him right. "How can you be so shameless? You want to take advantage of me although we are only engaged?" .

    Mu Zhichen had an innocent expression. "What are you thinking about? It''s just sleeping. You can sleep in a different room. If you are still uncomfortable about that, I can spend the night elsewhere."

    Lu Meili realized she had overreacted. She awkwardly shook her head. "You don''t need to. Sorry, I thought too much just now." He wouldn''t blame her, right? After all, one could only think of one thing if a man invited a woman to spend the night at his house.

    "Don''t worry about it." Mu Zhichen smiled.

    ___

    Later, Lu Meili took a bath in Mu Zhichen''s house.

    Wan Jia had sent over a change of clothes.

    How evil.

    Only the last bit of humanity left in Wan Jia made her choose a conservative night wear.

    Heaven knew she could have sent over a nightdress that wouldn''t even have the right to be called that.

    Heaven also knew that the conservative wear was bound to make Mu Zhichen more restless.

    The girl went downstairs when she was done.

    "Whitey! Brownie? I got something yummy for you."

    As though waiting for her to call for them, the cats dashed towards her and jumped onto her playfully.

    Lu Meili caressed their fur lovingly and carried them to their playroom, pouring some cat food onto their bowls.

    "Yummy, right?"

    The cats ate to their fill before jumping onto her to play.

    Lu Meili''s mood was lifted. She went to the living room with the pair in her arms, petting them fondly. Nothing was more fun than playing with pets. She was intending to let them sleep beside her tonight.

    Mu Zhichen watched the cute trio with a gentle expression. She looked so happy.

    Before he met her, this was nothing different from a cold mansion. But after adopting two cats and making their owner his fianc¨¦e, it suddenly had the warm feeling of a home.

    "Are you having fun?" He came over and sat beside her.

    "Mmh." Lu Meili cast a glance at him, becoming concious of the fact that she was spending the night at a man''s house.

    "You were wearing high-heeled shoes tonight. That means your ankle is alright now so are you going to resume filming?"

    "Yeah. There''s only a few parts remaining."

    Her heart was beating fast. Without needing anyone to tell her, she knew that her face must be scarlet.

    It was already a huge deal that she was spending the night in this man''s home. Did he also have to be so damn handsome?

    In that moment, the official Mu Zhichen was replaced by a seductive man . He was wearing a set of blue pajamas that exposed his neck, collarbone and a sliver of his chest.

    It was more taunting than if he left his whole chest bare.

    His hair looked slightly damp - he wanted it to dry on its own.  His eyes were especially alluring, that deep gaze making her want to move closer to him.

    He was so sexy there was no cure of it.

    Like any other woman, she was drawn to his charm, almost unable to resist it.

    "I.. I''ll go to bed now." She stood to flee.

    But she wouldn''t expect Whitey to suddenly jump at her feet at that moment. She lifted her leg to avoid stepping on it but from the sudden impact, she landed right smack on the space next to her - Mu Zhichen''s lap.

    This...

    She stood up, but because she had not steadied herself, she fell right back onto him.

    Erm... Cupid, can we have a chat? What are you doing?

    This time, she was not the only one who blushed. His ears were red too.

    Not only that, a certain part of his body seemed to have fun rousing itself every time she was this close.

    The girl stood up and dashed for her room.

    ...

    Mu Zhichen was quite thoughtful. He had prepared a room next to his own and changed the bedsheets. He must have secretly asked Lu Xian Yu about her preferance because the room was styled in warm tones, just the way she liked it.

    Actually, this didn''t look like something he had simply come up with when Wan Jia made her stay in his house tonight. He must have already done it beforehand, preparing for the day she would stay here.

    Although it was a foreign room, she adjusted to it suite fast and fell asleep.

    ...

    The next morning, Mu Zhichen took the morning hours off work.

    Lu Meili had been exhausted the previous night so she woke up later than usual

    As soon as she left her room, the enticing aroma from the kitchen wafted into her nose. She slowly went over to peer.

    As though it had made a prior arrangement with him, her stomach grumbled.

    Lu Meili blushed in embarassment. It was actually loud enough for him to hear.

    "You''re awake. Breakfast will be ready soon." Said Mu Zhichen, who had an apron draped on him.

    He resumed cooking, as though nothing in the world would distract him from it. He treated the food he was cooking the same way he treated his business - fast, accurate and efficient.

    Every movement of his exuded of elegance and charm.

    She couldn''t manage to deny it, he looked extremely handsome right now. Gazing at his back like this brought her more satisfaction than any food could.

    Of course, her stomach grumbled to prove her wrong. Food was still important.

    Mu Zhichen finished up quickly and served her breakfast.

    "I didn''t know Young Master Mu can actually cook." Her awe was written all over her face.

    "Growing up, I was a picky eater. I had to learn to cook since no one could match up to the standards I wanted."

    Lu Meili took a steamed bun and put it in her mouth. "You have the right to be a picky eater."

    How could a simple steamed bun be this delicious? No wonder no one could match up to his standards.

    Mu Zhichen sighed in relief. As the young miss of the Lu family, what delicacies had she not tasted?

    He was afraid the meal he cooked for her would be too tasteless in comparison. He was glad that she liked it.

    He didn''t know that Lu Meili was currently thinking about that one time she had cooked - the day her sister berated her cooking skills. On second thought, they couldn''t have identical takents, right?

    ...

    When she was done eating, he finally broke the news cautiously. "Someone posted news about you this morning. More strictly, It''s about us."

    Lu Meili felt a headache coming on. What was it about this time?

    In the entertainment industry, everyone knew that she was the precious gem of HL Entertainment. No one had the courage to create any scandals about her.

    From Mu Zhichen''s tone, however, it had to be a scandal.

    Who was it that hated their life so much as to create a scandal about her?

    She took her phone quietly and searched her own name. Then she took a look at the headline.

    [The nation''s little beauty, Lu Meili, is actually a promiscuous woman who plays around with two men at the same time. Is this the meaning of a national angel?]

    Added, were horrible insults about how unfaithful she was, a person of loose morals and that she should stick to one man or she would be no different from those women who used their bodies to make it in the entertainment industry.

    Someone had even posted an insult. [What do you mean she will be no different from those women who use their bodies to make it in the enntertainment industry? She is obviously one of them, alright? A sl*t like her only knows to decieve men with her innocent face and scam them into giving ehr resources and boosting her fame.]

    Anyone with a little knowledge would know that this was Annie Lan in disguise. She was taking advantage of this to push Lu Meili deeper into the ditch. Turns out, idiots don''t learn their lessons too easily.

 Chapter 591 - Stay far away from it

    Luckily, Lu Meili''s fans were not easily swayed. Loveable fan of Li [Let''s wait and hear the truth from our little angel Li. Before then, no one is allowed to say anything against my Little beauty]

    Love Meili the most [That''s right. I believe my goddess has a good reason for everything she does. If anyone dares to slander her, I will have their head.]

    Meili is my first love [How long have you guys been following the news in the entertainment industry? Many artists have been forced to early retirement because of baseless rumors tsk tsk. Some of them have similarly been pushed to their deaths by netizens'' unreasonable attacks.  I cannot believe you all think everything is true just because a stupid article said so. Who wrote that article? Come out and support your words with evidence. If not, I will track your ip adress and follow you to your home to beat you up]

    Lu Meili sighed. Her fans were so nice. It must be because all these years, she had never done anything that tarnished her own name. No matter how many times people tried to defame her, HL entertainment would make sure their slander didn''t even reach the public eye. It was a shock that someone managed to do it this time.

    Scrolling down, she finally found the ''evidence of her moving from one rich man to another''

    It was a video of her in a car. The person beside her was none other than xu Tang.

    "Xu Tang, I love you. I have loved you for very many years." That was the scene where she confessed her feelings to Xu Tang.

    Following, the person had explained how despite confessing her feelings to Xu Tang, she had quickly gotten engaged to another man.

    Photos and a short video of her enaggement party the previous night supported these words.

    Lu Meili scoffed. "There''s only one man who has the motive to do this. Just when I thought he had come back to his senses."

    Mu Zhichen was unhappy too. Was Xu Tang the type of man who would rather destroy something than let someone else have it?

    Lu Meili was non longer as happy as she was from the delicious breakfast. "I will deal with him."

    Mu Zhichen didn''t say anything against it. He had told her because she would find out anyway, and the person who would deal with this kind of news in the best way was her.

    "I will drop you off to HL entertainment. I wanted to spend some time with you today. Unfortunately, this happened."

    Lu Meili was regretful too. "I will handle this issue as soon as I can. We can spend time together tomorrow.

    ...

    Mu Zhichen dropped Lu Meili off at HL Entertainment.

    She had expected to be swarmed by reporters at her arrival, but she didn''t expect them to be this many.

    She regarded them with a cold glare and walked right through them to HL entertainment''s building.

    "How can you simply walk off? We are here to ask you questions." A reporer suddenly snapped back to her senses. Why did she unconciously cower off just now? Was it because Lu Meili glared at her?

    The girl turned around leisurely. "What''s your business got to do with me?"

    The reporters couldn''t understand why they were suddenly intimidated by Lu Meili''s aura. Why did she look so scary today?

    Of course, none of these reporters were bound to be friendly to her. One look and she could tell that they were either sent over by the rival entertainment agencies or Annie Lan. Why then would she be friendly to them? "Do you have an appointment?"

    "What?" The reporters were taken aback. They needed an appointment? What kind of nonsense was that?

    "Sorry. I will only accept interviews if you have an appointment. I''m a busy woman. If you''ll excuse me, I still have a movie to shoot today." She sauntered away just like that, leaving them even more furious. How dare she look down on trhem?

    Lu Meili didn''t regret being a bit harsh. She wouldn''t let these people trample on her. Which eye of theirs saw her being unsettled and having affairs with multiple men? They ought to show a little more seriousness when speaking to actresses.

    She took an elevator to the thirtieth floor and walked to the CEO''s office.

    "Aunt."

    Lin Lihua was looking through the portfolios of new artistes that she wanted to recruit. She only raised her head slightly to speak to Lu Meili.  "How are you going to resolve it?" She asked, referring to the scandal.

    "I will deal with it this evening." She took a deep breath decisively. "I will tell everyone the truth."

    Lin Lihua regarded the girl before her. She was so confident. Ever since HL Entertainment came to existence, Lu Meili was the first actress to ever be so open about her relationship matters.

    "That will mean you also have to announce your engaged status and pull Mu Zhichen into the mix. Are you sure?"

    Lu Meili already knew this. This was the only downside of being a superstar - one''s whole life was a broadcast. It was lucky that her future husband and his family understood and didn''t mind being pulled into the limelight along with her.

    "Aunt, there are no issues. I will go ahead and complete my work for today."

    ¡­

    Leaving Lin Lihua''s office, she glared at the reporters outside HL Entertainment building and took the nanny van assigned to her by the company to the filming location.

    Just like the weird reporters from earlier, the other crew members kept casting her curious looks.

    "If you have something to ask, go ahead. I hate it when people sneak up to me to take a look." She said to a supporting actress who wouldn''t keep her eyes off Lu Meili. She looked sneaky and if there was another word to describe her actions, creepy.

    The little girl looked flustered. "I was wondering if.. you could teach me how to seduce men."

    Lu Meili clenched her fist and bit her lip hard, then she took several deep breaths.

    When the wave of anger that had suddenly surged into her heart calmed down, she flashed a smile. "What a coincidence, I also want to take lessons about how to be an idiot. Will you teach me?"

    "Are you calling me an idiot?" The girl was angered.

    "Aren''t you?" Lu Meili continued reading through her script, not willing to keep on wasting her time with idle idiots.

    "The rumors are true. You are just a shameless slut. So what if you have been an actress for many years? It doesn''t change the fact that you are still slutty. How many men have been with you already?"

    Lu Meili ignored her, and the girl''s words turned nastier. "Tsk. So what if you are engaged to a young master from a rich family? It must be because you shamelessly seduced him and faked pregnancy to pin him down."

    Lu Meili raised her hand. Just as it was about to land, she caught a flicker of light from the corner of her eye. It downed on her. This girl was here to agitate her. If she hit her, it would ruin her reputation.

    A debate suddenly appeared in her mind. A photo had already been taken. Should she just slap the girl since her hand was mid-air already? But what if she accidentally sent the girl to the morgue?

    She couldn''t help laughing though. Just how much did this girl hate herself? She was actually willing to recieve a beating from her just to soil her reputatipn? Wasn''t she scared that Lu Meili would be unable to control her strength and she would end up six feet underground?

    "Scram!" She spat out through gritted teeth.

    The tiny girl scurried away like a scared rabbit.

    The girl was terrified just now when she saw Lu Meili raise her fist. Rumor had it that Lu Meili had once sent someone to hospital by a mere slap.

    She was only here because she was being threatened. If not, she wouldn''t dare to provoke this overlord.

    Lu Meili harrumphed. Her day couldn''t be ruined by a little girl, now could it?

    ...

    As promised, Lu Meili did clear up her own name.

    To be exact, she didn''t need to make a move. Xu Tang made one himself.

    He held a press conference and showed the video from the car to the reporters.

    "I only uploaded this video out of whim. The actual truth is that, I love Meili but I lost her. I didn''t know that a video I uploaded emotionally would be used by someone to cause such an uproar. I will deal with them later. I apoligize for all the trouble this video caused. As for Lu Meili''s private life, I believe she owes no one an explanation because that''s exactly what it is - her private life."

    Lu Meili watched the conference on her phone. "Since you know it is private. You should stay far away from it."

    ...

    Well, he did stay away from it. At least he didn''t cause any more trouble. That press conference was in fact his last public appearance.

 Chapter 592 - Wedding 1

    I kept skipping weddings because I don''t really like writing them but is there anyone who wouldn''t want to ''see'' what Lu Meili''s wedding would look like? I would love to as well, so here goes. I hope you will like it ?

    ___

    For the following one year, many things happened.

    ''Dancer of the year'' completed filming. After that, Lu Meili did not accept any new movies. She temporarily retreated from the entertainment industry to learn as many things as she could about Mu Enterprise.

    Of course, this was necessary. She would be the CEO''s wife soon. It would be weird if she couldn''t make head or tail of what was going on in her own family business.

    Aside from that, she spent most of her time with Mu Zhichen.

    Looking at how harmonious they became in those few months, it was all worth it.

    "Where has time gone? I''m already a year older than I was when I got engaged." Lu Meili sat in front of the mirror, wearing a shy smile. Lu Xian Li held a beautiful blue hairbrush in one hand, gently brushing through Lu Meili''s voluminous hair.

    She had cut it into half its length a year ago, it had already grown back to an inch or two below her waist. Lu Xian Li was fond of helping her brush it.

    Speaking of which, the relationship between the sisters had improved significantly within a year. It was as though they never had a sour relationship to begin with. It made the rest of the family speechless.

    "It''s not fair." Lu Xian Li stopped what she was doing and lamented.

    "What''s wrong?"

    "You are getting married in two days, while I haven''t even had my first crush."

    "Pfft." Lu Meili held a hand over her mouth and giggled. Girl, you are only twenty. What''s the rush all about?"

    While they were still speaking, a loud voice rang out. "Meili, get your ass out here."

    Lu Meili and Lu Xian Li exchanged looks and went to take a look.

    "Sis Katy, what''s the fuss all about?"

    Katy made a hand sign towards the door and someone walked in. "Surprise!"

    Lu Meili''s eyes widened. "Yue!"

    Shen Yue dashed foward, and so did Lu Meili. The girls jumped into each other''s embrace.

    "Meili, It''s been so long. You are even getting married."

    Lu Meili was elated. "It would be such a shame if you didn''t attend my wedding."

    "How could I miss it?"

    "Eer... are you sure It''s time to catch up?" Katy simply had to interrupt their moment.

    Shen Yue remembered the main agenda. "Right. Meili, I heard you''re not having a bachelorette party."

    Lu Meili shook her head with an extremely unintrested expression. "No, thank you. Zhichen and I mutually decided to skip that. He''s not having a bachelor''s party either."

    "They are absolutely boring." Katy added disdainfully. She was so looking foward to it.

    Lu Meili rolled her eyes. "When you get married, I will hold the grandest bachelorette party for you and hire the nation''s best male strippers to dance with you. Not only that, I will make sure your husband enjoys a similar party."

    "You meanie!" Katy had to admit she wouldn''t like it.

    "No one said you couldn''t have a normal girls'' party, right?" Shen Yue played with a lock of her brown hair.

    "That... seems right." Lu Xian Li was the one who spoke first.

    "What are we waiting for?" Katy grabbed Lu Meili''s hand and dragged her out. They had already made arrangements and Small Xixi was waiting for them.

    "Hello... I didn''t agree." Lu Meili protested.

    "Who cares? Your body did."

    Lu Meili was speechless. Katy brought them to the limousine that was already waiting.

    "We didn''t tell mom that we''re leaving. Wouldn''t she be worried?" Lu Meili was the first to think about this.

    "I bet she''s too excited about becoming a mother-in-law to worry about us." Lu Xian Li said.

    Well, she was right. Wan Jia was the happiest mother on earth. While Lu Meili spent the past one year getting along with Mu Zhichen, she had spent it creating the perfect drafts for the bridal and bridesmaid dresses.

    This was her daughter''s wedding; of course no one could possibly make a better design than hers.

    She had put all of Lu Meili''s likes in consideration and made a gown that would not only look beautiful on her, she would love it too.

    "Honey, you need to rest. You have been going on and on about the preparation for a whole year." Lu Aotian scooped her off the the study chair and carried her towards the master bedroom.

    "What are you up to?" Wan Jia was still a little startled when the man put her on the bed and came hovering over her.

    "What do you think I''m doing?" He pressed his lips against hers.

    ___

    Meanwhile, Katy took a blindfold. "We will be there in a few minutes."

    Lu Meili jolted from the sudden darkness. "Yeah. What''s that got to do with you blindfolding me?"

    "It''s a surprise!" Katy grinned. Of course, Lu Meili didn''t see that grin because she was blindfolded but she imagined Katy''s evil expression.

    "If the surprise has nothing to do with naked men,..."

    "Ew! Who wants to gift you naked men?" Shen Yue found the thought of it deplorable.

    "We wouldn''t want to ruin your marriage before it begins." Katy added. Mu Zhichen would kill her otherwise.

    Lu Meili''s heart settled. If they tried anything funny, she would have their heads.

    "We are here." The car stopped and the girls got off, helping the blindfolded Lu Meili out.

    "Those who didn''t know would think you are kidnapping me." Lu Meili mumbled.

    "Those who know will be certain that you cannot be kidnapped."

    Lu Meili stopped trying to reason with these weird women. She blindly felt them lead her into an elevator. When the elevator arrived, they led her through a corridor. If she was not wrong, this felt like a hotel. Hotel! What were they doing?

    Katy swiped the room card and opened the door.

    Then she took the blindfold off Lu Meili''s face.

    "Surprise!"

    Lu Meili kept her eyes closed and opened them a tiny bit. When she didn''t see any lewd scene, she opened her eyes fully. "Wow."

    It was a huge presidential suite with two huge beds.

    There were many bottles of wine on the table with lots of snacks beside them. Away from the beds, the floor was covered with colorful cushions.

    "Erm, what''s this all about?" A sleep over would have been best at home, right?

    "Having fun away from home! Tonight, we will go partying and spend the night here. Tomorrow, we will have more fun before going back home." Katy was enthusiastic.

    "You guys are here. I just had everything settled." Small Xixi had just arrived.

    "Xixi, you''re here too." Lu Meili was just starting to wonder why she wasn''t.

    "I''m the maid of honor. Of course I would engage in every fun activity the bride is up to before the wedding."

    "I can''t drink a lot." Lu Meili considered caution first. It wouldn''t be nice if she got into trouble two days before her wedding.

    And so that night, the girls went to a night club.

 Chapter 593 - Wedding 2

    Their destination was a huge bar called Rose KTV.

    "Yay! Why didn''t you girls tell me we were going to a Karaoke bar?" Lu Meili''s eyes were full of stars when she saw the name written using neon lights.

    "Where would be the surprise then?" Katy mocked once again.

    "You sure know how to please my sister." Lu Xian Li remarked. Everyone who knew Lu Meili even a tiny bit knew that her love for music was boundless.

    "Will we get to hear the famous superstar''s voice tonight?" Small Xixi was especially energetic today.

    Lu Meili held her chin between her thumb and index finger. "Why not? But you have to pay to hear a syllable of music from me." Her tone was smug. Was there such a thing as free lunch? There was no such thing as free music either.

    Small Xixi snapped her fingers like it would cost nothing. The following words were written all over her face in bold: Since when was money a problem? And for you, Sis Meili, to desire money so much, are you still a member of the Lu family? She sighed. "I''m paying for that. How much per hour?" .

    Lu Meili''s red lips curled into an evil smirk. She unceremoniously grabbed Small Xixi''s hand and pulled the offguard girl towards her, holding her by the waist. "How about you repay me with your body?"

    Katy: "...!!!!"

    Shen Yue: "Eh??!"

    Lu Xian Li: "What?"

    Small Xixi, whose waist was now secured in Lu Meili''s arms and whose breath had been stolen away, was flabbergasted. Her pulse quicked, her face red like the neon lights right ahead. "Sis... sis Meili, what are you talking about?"

    Lu Meili held the girl''s chin, directing her deep gaze into her eyes. "Will you...?"

    The girl''s brain went blank. "Sis Meili, I... I..."

    "Pfft." Lu Meili burst into laughter.

    The girls were still in shock and didn''t understand why she was laughing.

    "That''s for being mean to me."

    Shen Yue slapped her forehead.

    Lu Xian Li pretended she was not part of this roller coaster.

    Katy was speechless.

    Small Xixi pouted pitifully. "Sis Meili, how can you do this to me? Just now, my little heart was almost stolen by you. You are so mean."

    Lu Meili giggled. "Xixi, be good."

    "No, don''t touch my head. I''m scared I will really fall in love with you."

    Lu Meili retracted her hand that was going to pat Small Xixi''s head. "That wouldn''t be good."

    Well, it was no exaggeration. Lu Meili looked too beautiful tonight.

    She was wearing a slightly sparkly black dress and a pair of high-heeled boots.

    Her voluminous hair tumbled down to her waist in large waves. It covered her back that was exposed by the backless dress, making it more attractive to look at.

    She had a thin layer of make up with red lipstick.

    She looked different from her usual cute and sweet appearance. Tonight, she was quite sexy.

    Let alone Small Xixi who she had just teased. It wouldn''t be surprising if all the women in the city fell in love with her along with the men.

    ...

    After the mini heart attack, the group of five entered the KTV bar.

    The first thing they heard was a woman heartbrokenly singing her heart into the microphone.

    She must have been heartbroken, because she was singing in rather high notes and had tears streaming from her eyes in pools.

    "Ergh...She''s totally off tune. Somebody please make her stop singing!"

    "Xixi!" Lu Meili scolded. "You are too mean."

    "Let''s book a private KTV room." Lu Xian Li suggested.

    "I kind of knew we will bump into people with Van Gogh''s ear for music so I already booked one." Small Xixi said with a wink.

    Lu Meili glanced at the girl speechlessly. She just had to be mean, right?

    Fine, she wouldn''t spoil the fun.

    In the new KTV room, the girls ordered drinks.

    "Eh? We get free entertainment from girls?" Shen Yue looked at the two girls who were preparing to perform. Wasn''t there something wrong with this arrangement? Since they were ladies, shouldn''t they be entertained by men?

    But perhaps, it was this way because Lu Meili. wanted absolutely nothing to do with other men. She only had her fianc¨¦ in her eyes now.

    Sensual lyrics filled the air.

    "Wait. Did they really choose such an erotic song?"

    "Ignore them. No one goes home unless we are all drunk!"

    "Woohoo!"

    "Whoa, slow down. Wait." Shen Yue suddenly had a serious expression.

    "What is it?"

    "Are you guys sure you are not going to get into trouble? Is Xian Li legal yet? President Lu would kill us if we got his little baby drunk." Shen Yue said, snatching back the bottle from which Lu Xian Li was about to pour herself wine.

    "Hey!" Lu Xian Li protested. "I''m twenty, alright?"

    Everyone burst into laughter. Lu Xian Li was really the youngest among them.

    They all made jokes at her expense for a while. Of course, they meant no harm.

    "She''s still so young. I bet she''s never held hands with a man before."

    Lu Xian Li sneered. "So what? It''s not a bad thing." She gulped down a swig of wine followed by another.

    Shen Yue held her cheek in her hand, watching the drinking girl. " If I didn''t know better, I would think she is heartbroken."

    Lu Xian Li downed the remnants of her glass. "I''m not speaking to you guys anymore."

    Shen Yue laughed at her pained expression. "It''s not a bad thing to be inexperienced in love. After all, not everyone is like Meili who fell in love as a teenager. And the main point is that she didn''t end up with her first love so it doesn''t matter, does it?"

    "It really doesn''t." Lu Meili was the one to answer this.

    Her answer was honest. Unlike the first time she met Mu Zhichen, she no longer felt her heart sting every time someone mentioned Xu Tang. She had long forgotten about him. To be exact, she forgot about her feelings for him. She didn''t love him anymore, but she didn''t hate him either. Her heart was numb to him.

    "It''s such a loss on his part. Luckily our Meili didn''t rush back into his arms when he confessed. He is such a jerk." Katy couldn''t ever hate him more.

    "You know, his sister is right here." Small Xixi complained although she didn''t feel hurt. There was nothing wrong about what they were saying. She just didn''t like the idea of talking about people behind their backs.

    "Let''s not talk about him anymore. How about you guys talk about your first crushes and love experiences? It might teach me a thing or two in future." Lu Xian Li sipped on her umpteenth glass of wine.

    "You still remember your first love? I only remember my first time." Katy blurted.

    "Ah?"

    "Pfft!" Lu Meili chocked on her wine and coughed in a fit.

    "Is there something wrong with what I said?" Katy innocently asked.

    The way she made it sound....

    Fine. She was getting drunk. It was understandable.

    "What about you, Xixi?" Lu Xian Li asked. The person she was most curious about was her sister''s best friend. Did she know anything else aside from acting wronged and being a spoilt baby?

    Small Xixi had drunk quite a bit too. She was trying to catch up with Lu Xian Li, or even compete. Her eyes looked slightly dazed. "What''s there to tell? My first crush was my professor."

    "Pfft!" Lu Xian Li was the one to choke this time.

    Shen Yue coughed.

    Lu Meili was speechless. Wasn''t there anyone with a normal love story here?

    "What happened with the professor?" Katy was curious despite being a bit drunk.

    "Well, I wrote him a love letter but he disciplined me instead. Such a bore! I expected something more entertaining from him. I could have sworn he had feelings for me."

    Lu Meili was speechless. "Well, I don''t think teacher-student relationships are a right thing to do. Both of you would have landed in trouble.  Perhaps if you confess to him after your graduation, the outcome might be different."

    Small Xixi''s eyes lit up. "You are right! I never thought about this and only blamed him for punishing me. My graduation will be quite soon. I will confess to him again then."

    Lu Xian Li was finding it more interesting. "How about you, Yue?"

    Shen Yue downed another glass. "Nothing to tell. Never fell in love, never will."

    ...

    A few rounds later, Lu Meili had the urge to sing.

    "I have been waiting for so long already." Small Xixi was even more excited. She shooed away the two beautiful girls who had been hired to entertain them by singing.

    "Will you stop shooing people away?" Lu Meili laughed. "Beauty, come here." She called one of the pretty girls.

    Shen Yue: "..."

    Lu Xian Li : "..."

    Small Xixi: "..."

    Katy: "She''s not starting to bend, right?"

 Chapter 594 - Wedding 3

    The girl walked over shyly, her face blushing furiously. This pretty lady hadn''t taken a fancy to her, right?

    But she was seriously so beautiful. The girl would be willing to be taken away by her although she was straight.

    "Meili didn''t want anything to do with men tonight. It can''t be because she''s starting to like women, right?"

    Lu Meili ignored her friends'' weird minds and spoke to the pretty girl. "You girls not only look very young, you don''t look willing to be here."

    The girl suddenly looked sad like she had been jabbed. "The two of us are sisters. We came here to earn money to pay off our mother''s hospital fees."

    Lu Meili felt her heart ache. "I knew you had a hidden reason. She took out a card from her purse and gave to them. "This is not a place for unwilling young girls to work. I will help you pay your mother''s hospital fees if you go back home. In return, you can be my assistants." This was a temporary arrangement. Actually, Lu Meili felt their beautiful voices belonged to the entertainment industry. She would later recommend them to Lin Lihua.

    The two girls were overjoyed, thanking Lu Meili over and over.

    Once they left, Lu Meili''s companions looked at her. "You are so kind even at such a time... I swear I didn''t realize anything wrong with them."

    Lu Meili was modest. "I simply hate seeing girls struggle too much."

    "And selfless too." Shen Yue added. "Many young heiresses from rich family are mean and proud. They would never help anyone. In fact, they would kick them away."

    Katy had to admit that she had been taught a lesson by her younger cousin. "If they do help anyone, they would put it in a way that looks like charity. Meili even offered them a job."

    Lu Meili didn''t expect to recieve such exaggerated praise. "I''m going to pick a song. Share a live broadcast with my husband-to-be." She winked.

    "I have done nothing wrong. Why does Young master Mu''s fianc¨¦ have to spray me with dog food?" Shen Yue whined, earning laughter from everyone.

    The intro to the song started playing.

    "Shush." Small Xixi said to Shen Yue.

    Lu Meili picked a microphone and started singing.

    "One look, and I knew you are the one I''ve been waiting for."

    That beautiful, sweet voice sent those drunk women right back to soberness. Lu Xian Li was lost in the moment before she remembered to share it with Mu Zhichen. ."

    "When I was lost, you knew where I was going

    ''cause every road leads back to you

    And your heart is where I belong

    And this is why

    Baby I wanna love you tonight

    I wanna hold you tight

    I want no one else, just you and I tonight

    And not just for tonight; I wanna make you mine forever

    ...

    "Eh?... I didn''t think I would ever hear my cousin sing such a mushy song... and to Mu Zhichen?" Katy was genuinely shocked this time.

    ___

    Mu Zhichen''s mansion.

    The man was quite surprised when he saw Lu Xian Li send a video call request.

    He had already been informed that the troublemakers had gone to spend time in City D on their own. He didn''t expect one of them contact her and it was even Lu Xian Li... did something happen to Meili?

    Was she so anxious that she accidentally tapped the video call function? He hastily accepted the request before words rattled off his mouth. "Xian Li, did something hap..."

    In the next second, Lu Xian Li turned the phone''s screen to face the girl.

    She was holding the microphone in both hands and had her eyes closed. Love was written all over her face and the lryics that left her lips made him gulp. Had she..... fallen in love with him?

    "It''s right to believe

    That nothing can separate us

    For I''m what makes your heart complete

    And you are mine

    Let''s tread this road together

    Even if it leads us to hell, that''s where my happiness will be

    Because you''re there with me

    Babe, let me keep you.

    I will make you happy, I promise"

    Lu Xian Li: "..."

    Shen Yue : "..."

    Katy: "..."

    Small Xixi: "..."

    Mu Zhichen: "Keep me. I belong to you forever."

    Lu Xian Li who was holding the phone was speechless.

    ___

    Anyone would have guessed this: Mu Zhichen summoned his chauffeur and asked Lu Xian Li to share their location.

    He hopped into the backseat, still watching Lu Meili sing.

    Lu Meili was aware that she was being watched by Mu Zhichen. She switched to the next song, which was a little fast paced.

    Unexpectedly, she broke into dance, swinging her waist and hips to the rythm of her own music. In that short dress, she looked quite seductive dancing such provocative moves.

    Mu Zhichen in the back seat coughed. There wasn''t any other man on Lu Meili''s side, right? If there was, he would gorge their eyes out. No one was allowed to watch his beauty dance.

    A few songs and the fastest car ride for Mu Zhichen later, Lu Meili was tired.

    She sat back down amid her friends'' cheers and exclamations of adoration, pouring a glass of wine. She was sober after singing for such a long time. To be exact, Lu Xian Li was the only one who had drunk a lot of wine. She was getting drowsy.

    "We should go to our hotel room now." She said, before tapping Lu Xian Li.

    At this moment, the door opened.

    Mu Zhichen walked in, panting from having rushed too much. His hair was sligfhtly messy and so were his clothes.

    Lu Meili turned to look at him with her eyebrows raised. "Mu Zhichen, why are you here?"

    Mu Zhichen walked to her side with a wide grin. "You were not expecting me?"

    Lu Meili scratched her headnervously. "I kind of... thought you would come. Doesn''t that always happen in dramas?"

    Mu Zhichen laughed. "Clever."

    The girls pretty much guessed his next move so they remained silent.

    Lu Meili looked at them and sighed. "You came at the right time. We cannot drive in this state."

    Mu Zhichen tugged her hand. "Don''t worry. I will have someone drop them off at your hotel. Let''s go somewhere else."

    "But tonight, we were going to spend the night together." Lu Meili hesitated.

    "No no. Forget about us." Shen Yue said, earning approval from the other two.

    His coaxing tone and their insistence made it impossible for Lu Meili to say no. She simply agreed to go.

    ...

    A few minutes later, Lu Meili blinked and looked at her sorrounding. Her heart was racing. "You brought me to a hotel room?"

    Mu Zhichen cupped her small worried face. "I know what you are thinking. We will only stay here but we won''t share a room."

    Lu Meili''s tension relaxed.

    "Sweetie, I want a live performance." Mu Zhichen suddenly demanded, looking into her eyes. He had a fitful expression, like a child throwing a tantrum.

    "Pfft.So you came here for this." She was just starting to wonder what exactly brought him all the way to City D.

    "What''s wrong with it? I can''t follow my wife?"

    "There''s nothing wrong with that. Except... I''m really tired right now so a live perfomance is impossible at the moment."

    Mu Zhichen looked slightly disappoined. He had only seen her dance on screens. He wanted to see it live.

    Seeing his face that looked like that of an abandoned puppy, Lu Meili stretched her hand to barely pat his head. "I''ll dance for you on our wedding night."

    Mu Zhichen gazed at her. "Wouldn''t you be tired?"

    "No matter how tired I am, I will owe you."

    Mu Zhichen''s lips curled into an evil smile. "A strip dance?"

    Lu Meili''s eyes shot wide open. She grabbed a pillow on the bed and smashed his face. "You dirty thug! I want to go to my room now."

    Mu Zhichen feigned innocence. "There were no rooms left, so I booked one."

    "But you just said that we would not share a room!" They were going to be married in just one day and a few hours. Was he so impatient?

    Knowing what she was thinking, he grabbed his coat. "I booked this room for you. I will go back to the capital."

    "Huh? It''s already so late."

    "Then I''ll find another hotel."

    Lu Meili knew that there were very few hotels in this city. She also knew that the hotel Small Xixi had booked for them was far away. She really didn''t want to move an inch. She shrugged her shoulders. "Never mind. Just stay here. You are my fianc¨¦ anyway. However, keep your distance."

    Mu Zhichen nodded like an obedient child. It was already good enough to be able to stay in the same room... and on the same bed.

    _

    The next day, it was afternoon when Lu Meili finally rubbed her eyes open.

    Mu Zhichen was still in the room. "You''re awake. Wash up and we''ll go out for lunch. Your friends arewaiting for you."

    "Mmh."

    ...

    Later, they went to the amusement park before going back to the capital in the evening.

 Chapter 595 - Finally, wedding

    The next day was the 5th of June, 2xxx - the day of Lu Meili''s and Mu Zhichen''s wedding.

    Since Lu Meili loved the sea vey much, their wedding was being held on an island. It was a late afternoon wedding, and the rays from the setting sun shone against the sea, making it a more fabulous scenery. The waves of water stretched onto the land from time to time, rendering the venue dream-like.

    There were many guests, and since her fans all wanted to witness Lu Meili''s wedding, there were several reporters from the nation''s top media houses, and the wedding would be broadcast live.

    In her room, Lu Meili sat in front of the mirror as Small Xixi put on her make up. Since it would look better with her dress and the wedding decorations, she chose nude make up.

    Her eyes were thinly lined, letting her naturally long lashes stand out against her big eyes.

    Her long hair was in soft waves and was arranged neatly to fall to her back before a  diamond tiara was put on her head. Against her hair, it looked like several diamond star fish joined together into a beautiful curve.

    When the girls were done helping her dress up and put on make up, Small Xixi pulled the chair and Lu Meili stood up slowly.

    "Oh my god! Whose bride is this? She''s so beautiful!"

    "Mine, of course." Small Xixi said, and they burst into laughter.

    "You look so beautiful." Shen Yue was on the verge of tears.

    Small Xixi guided Lu Meili to the full length mirror. She stared at the bride behind the mirror. Was this really her?

    Her bridal gown had been personally designed by her mother, of course it would look beautiful on her. It was off shoulder and had tiny roses at the chest area. The A-line skirt had a long train that made her feel like she was in a fairytale.

    Her lips curled into a smile, her eyes quickly gathering moisture.

    "It''s a happy day, no tears, okay?" Katy dabbed on her eyes with a handkerchief.

    "Mum sure knows your figure best. This is the best wedding gown I''ve ever seen, and it looks even more beautiful on you." Lu Xian Li commented.

    "Sis." A young lad walked in through the door.

    "My cute, adorable little brother is here." Lu Meili happily hugged the young lad. He had grown taller in the past year.

    She pursed her lips and placed a soft kiss on his cheeks. "You look so handsome. You will surely charm all the girls in the city when you grow up"

    Lu Xian Yu ignored the second part. "Thanks sis, you look gorgeous."

    Lu Meili''s heart melted. Not only had he become more handsome, his tongue was sweeter as well.

    The young lad looked at Lu Xian Li. "Second sis, you look pretty."

    "Eh?!" The latter''s first reaction was to be shocked. This little devil had literally never spoken to her. Since she was not half as persisternt as Lu Meili when it came to him, she didn''t manage to get a complete sentence out of his mouth. Forget about a sentence. Even a word was rare.

    This wedding was a happier occassion than she thought.

    "It''s time." Lu Xian Yu reminded.

    "I guess this is the last time I''m hugging you as a maiden." Shen Yue hugged Lu Meili tightly. Katy, Lu Xian Li and Lu Xian Yu joined in the hug for a moment before Small Xixi took the bride''s hand.

    "Eh... wait a second." Lu Meili suddenly said.

    Small Xixi was shocked and so was everyone else. What happened?

    Lu Meili held the necklace hanging from her neck. "The diamond necklace that mom gave me. I should wear it today. How could I have forgotten?"

    Small Xixi blinked. "It only takes a few seconds to change a necklace. Where''s the one you want to wear, then?"

    "In my purse."

    Small Xixi rushed to look for it.

    "Is it this?" She held up a diamond necklace with a heart as its ornament.

    Lu Meili nodded, happier now. "Help me put it on."

    "Eer... what''s the difference, wasn''t it given to you by your mother, too?" Shen Yue couldn''t understand this bride''s train of thought.

    Lu Meili looked more confident after changing the necklace. "It''s different. She bought the first one, while this was personally made by my great grandmother. It''s my lucky charm."

    Shen Yue finally understood. It was so beautiful. Her great grandmother must have been an excellent designer for such an old necklace to still look this beautiful.

    "Okay. Mu Zhichen will get worried if his bride is too late. Let''s go."

    However, Lu Meili blanked out. Her heart raced.

    "What happened?" Small Xixi asked coaxingly. Everyone else was curious too.

    "I don''t know. I''m suddenly nervous."

    "Eer..."

    Small Xixi was at a loss. Drinking water would just worsen her nerves. She was still thinking of a way to deal with it when Katy spoke.

    "You only have to worry about becoming Mrs. Mu. The girls and I will handle everything else. We will not let anything go wrong on your big day."

    "It''s not that." Lu Meili frowned. She had envisioned this day and she knew that no matter what went wrong, it would not ruin her mood. She also knew that she didn''t mind about what would happen to her career once she got married: a large percentage of her fans were teenagers and may not like the idea of their idol getting married. But if she lost them, she would still gain more adult fans.

    However, the feeling right now was foreign. Once she set foot out of that door, she will quickly lose her maiden status and become Mrs. Mu in a flash. She would have something new in her life - a husband and a new family.

    This was not similar to being engaged. It was not similar to those wedding scenes she acted in movies and television dramas either.

    She had already made this decision long ago and she didn''t regret it.

    But it was such a huge transition and it was happening in a span of only two hours or even less. How could she not feel nervous?

    "Deep breaths..." Lu Meili breathed in and out repeatedly until she calmed her nerves, making everyone heave a sigh of relief.

    Small Xixi finally led her out the room.

    Before the actual venue, there was a huge  gate decorated in roses and leaves.

    Lu Meili pushed it open and the first thing that entered her line of sight, or the first thing she wanted so see, was her groom. He had his charming eyes glued towards the huge gate, awaiting her arrival. When he finally saw her, she could have sworn that his eyes were clouded with tears.

    The cats, Whitey and Brownie, which were dressed up as a pet bride and groom, were let to enter right after Small Xixi and the best man. They had small tags labelled ''best cat'' and ''cat of honor'' respectively hanging from their necks.

    When it was her turn, Lu Aotian was waiting for her at the entrance, so she held his arm.

    Lu Aotian almost couldn''t believe this day was here- the day he would walk his daughter down the aisle and hand her over to her groom.

    The handsomely dressed Mu Zhichen felt like he was in a dream. She was finally here, the most beautiful bride he had ever seen, and she was going to be his wife.

    Lu Meili''s face was covered with a long veil that surpassed the length of her hair.

    "I''m sorry I made you wait." She whispered when she finally linked hands with Mu Zhichen.

    "It was worth it." The man couldn''t be any happier. It was Lu Meili, the love of his life. It wouldn''t hurt even if he had to wait for a lifetime.

    The two of them walked towards the officiant hand in hand an stood before him.

    Lu Meili kept her eyes glued onto Mu Zhichen the whole time. It was not because she was nervous, it was because she just couldn''t tear her gaze away from him. He was so handsome in his creamy-white suit today and, if she was being honest to her heart, she had fallen in love with him after spending all those days together. He was kind and patient with her. Who wouldn''t fall in love with such a nice man?

    Before she knew it, it was time to exchange rings.

    Mu Zhichen took the small ring from the pair on the red pillow, held Lu Meili''s hand and slid the ring onto her left ring finger.

    Taking the other ring, Lu Meili slowly put it on his left ring finger too.

    This would be their most memorable moment of this wedding.

    "By the authority granted to me by the state, I declare you man and wife." The officiant said, earing a roar of cheers from all the guest present.

    "You may now kiss the bride."

    As soon as he said this, Lu Meili felt a flush creep onto her face.

    Mu Zhichen slowly lifted her veil. Her face looked even more beautiful when she was unveiled.

    He held her waist and, whispering how beautiful she looked, placed a soft kiss on her lips.

 Chapter 596 - Wedding night

    When the wedding ended, the guests started to leave.

    However, Lu Meili''s friends had drunk quite a bit and wanted to have more fun. As the groom wanted to enter the bridal room, the bunch of girls blocked his path.

    "I''m sorry young master Mu. If you want to enter this room, you will have to hand us red packets and pass our test." Lu Xian Li spoke, her expression proud like she had an invaluable treasure in her possession.

    "That''s right." Small Xixi went along. It''s not going to be easy to take my Sis Meili away.

    "Agreed." Katy was here too.

    Mu Zhichen took a look at the bunch of girls, including Lu Xian Li, Shen Yue, Small Xixi, Katy and a few of their friends.

    He understood what they were playing at, but accomodated them because it was his big day.

    He called his assistant and asked him to bring red packets for all the girls.

    The girls were amazed by the generous amounts and grinned happily.

    "Before the test, you have to do a task first." Shen Yue said. "We cannot skip this."

    "Okay. What''s the task?"

    "Do ten push ups... shirtless."

    "Eh?!"

    Let alone Mu Zhichen, even the girls were shocked. She was asking the groom to strip and do push ups?

    Mu Zhichen racked his brains. He couldn''t possibly do that. But thinking about it, it was exactly why Shen Yue gave such a task.

    In the next moment, he grabbed one of the groomsmen who was just passing by and minding his own business.

    "What is it?"

    "Take off your shirt and do ten push ups." Mu Zhichen said, his tone allowing no room for negotiation.

    The poor groomsman was confused. What was this all about?

    "I''ll owe you." Mu Zhichen said, making the man quickly strip of his shirt and do push ups.

    They were on an island. No one would mind him anyway.

    As he did his push ups, he thought he felt a particular scorching gaze on him or to be exact, on his chest.

    He looked up just in time to see a pair of eyes look away quickly. He laughed and went on.

    Only when he was done did Shen Yue snap from her daze. "Hey! I said do ten push ups shirtless, not drag a friend to do them."

    Mu Zhichen smiled slyly. "You only said to do push ups. You didn''t say they were exclusive for me."

    He was forcing logic, but Shen Yue couldn''t do anything about it.

    Besides, the girls felt it was candy to their eyes and didn''t want to waste the groomsman''s  effort.

    "Fine. You pass."

    And now for the test.

    Mu Zhichen knew that this kind of test wouldn''t possibly be won by him on his own so he dragged more of his friends to help him out.

    Lu Xian Li coughed when she saw the new group of men. "Ahem... each of us is going to ask you a question. If you pass, you go to the next. If you fail any question, the test starts all over."

    "What?"

    "You''re kidding, right?" Mu Zhichen''s friends couldn''t believe they had been dragged into this. It was going to be impossible to win against girls!

    Small Xixi rolled her eyes at their shock. "What''s wrong? The woman inside that room is the nation''s little beauty and you want to have her to yourself. Do you think it''s supposed to be easy?"

    The men were speechless.

    Fine, she made sense.

    "Bring it on."

    Katy was first. "If you didn''t marry Lu Meili today, who would you marry?"

    Mu Zhichen was rendered speechless. What was the difference between this and asking him to strip and do push ups?

    Katy predicted an answer and crossed her arms. "I will not take ''no one'' for an answer. I don''t believe you would remain single forever."

    Mu Zhichen didn''t need to think too much about this. "Meili and I got married, there is no such thing as ''if''. We are destined to be together and that''s it. Even in our next lifetime, we can only belong to each other."

    Katy was speechless. Couldn''t you answer that without force-feeding us dog food?

    The other girls proceeded to ask questions, but because they didn''t know Lu Meili that well, their questions were easy to find answers to.

    "Who is Meili''s closest cousin?" Small Xixi asked. "You have to get this one right on the first try."

    Of course if it wasn''t restricted, he could simply guess the names of everyone in the Lu and Lin families.

    "Lu Shihan."

    Mu Zhichen wasn''t the one who answered, Lu Xian Yu did. He had just joined the group for fun and didn''t expect to be of use.

    His action earned a glare from his second sister. "Xian Yu, shouldn''t you be on our side?"

    He shrugged his shoudlers. He was on his eldest sister''s side, and his eldest sister wanted to have fun with the groom.

    "At what age did Lu Meili debut?"

    "Fifteen."

    "Ninth question. Which birthday present does my sister treasure the most, who gave it to her and how old was she?"

    Mu Zhichen didn''t think too hard. "The ruby necklace that father-in-law gave to her on her sixteenth birthday."

    Lu Xian Li was prepared to say ''wrong'' but she was stunned. She had told him this? Then it meant their relationship was very good.

    "The final question..." everyone looked at Small Xixi.

    "On Sis Meili''s ninth birthday, which dress was she wearing and where did she get it? You have to get it right on the first try."

    Mu Zhichen was speechless.

    Forget about Mu Zhichen. Even Lu Xian Li couldn''t remember this. Not even Katy who was older at the time could recall it. She was surprised that Small Xixi asked this.

    Mu Zhichen instinctively looked at Lu Xian Yu.

    The boy looked at him innocently. "I wasn''t born."

    Urgh... right. Lu Meili was turning nine. He was born when she was ten.

    "Can''t get it, huh?" Small Xixi and the girls looked proud like they had won.

    "Countdown to five and you lose."

    The girls started counting in chorus. "Five...

    Four

    Three

    Two"

    "A lacy white dress designed by Xia Rou." A voice filled the air.

    Everyone looked at the person who spoke. This guy...

    Those who didn''t know thought it was luck, those who knew remained silent.

    "We will take our leave now." Katy said and dragged the girls away with her. If they continued lurking here, Mu Zhichen would get angry and consequently, they wouldn''t hear the end of it from Lu Meili.

    ___

    After ''Fighting a deadly battle'' with those girls, Mu Zhichen finally set foot into the bridal room.

    Sitting on the bed was his little wife, still clad in her wedding gown. Apparently, she needed help unhooking the veil and unzipping the gown.

    The floor was covered in a layer of red rose petals, with burning candles arranged to form a path to the bed.

    The beddings were pure white and there was a huge heart shape at the center, made of rose petals.

    The red, white, and the yellowish color of the flames from the candles mixed perfectly, emmiting a warm and romantic atmosphere.

    The woman on the bed, however, was evidently nervous.

    She became even more nervous when he walked over and sat beside her on the bed.

    Mu Zhichen was not an innocent little boy. He would be an idiot if he didn''t figure out why she was nervous.

    He raised a hand to unhook the veil off her head. "If you are not ready, we can postpone our wedding night ''business'' to when you are comfortable." He said patiently.

    Lu Meili turned and hugged him. "Thank you."

    He was really too understanding.

    When Small Xixi was helping her dress up, she showed her the almost invisible hooks on the waist of her gown which she could unhook a few layers of the skirt off, along with the long train. What would remain would look like a normal gown. Wan Jia sure was thoughtful.

    She took them off and got rid of the tiara as well. She was now more comfortable. Although she liked her bridal gown, it was tiresome to stay in those layers of cloth for such a long time.

    "Are you going to take a bath first?" Mu Zhichen asked, his eyes unintentionally darting towards the bathroom door.

    Lu Meili followed his line of sight and could see everything inside in a flash. "Uhm..."

    This was wedding suite. There was nothing strange about a transparent bathroom door, but why did it make her feel awkward?

    "You... you go first. I will not look at you." She stammered, her face scarlet. She didn''t dare to look him in the eye.

    She would find a way to handle this once he was out.

    Mu Zhichen chuckled at his blushing wife, smacked a kiss on her face and left for the bathroom.

    ...

    Seconds later, Lu Meili heard the sound of running water.

    She gulped. He was using the shower?

    Unintentionally, she pictured his silhouette behind that door, standing straight and water pouring down his skin from the showerhead. She had the insatiable urge to take a look.

    He was so handsome. He must be even more handsome without clothes on, right?

    "Damn it Lu Meili! Since when were you such a pervert?" She admonished herself, but her eyes were still under strong waves of temptation.

    No. She promised to not look. He might feel his privacy has been invaded.

    Minutes later, her heart was racing wildly.

    Er... If she took just a quick tiny peek, he wouldn''t notice, right?

 Chapter 597 - We are husband and wife now

    While thinking about this, she realized with self mockery that he would be done any moment now.

    It would be such a waste of a perfect chance.

    With a swish, she turned her head and flashed a quick glance over, then turned back in fear of being found out.

    "What was that? I didn''t even see anything." She mumbled.

    She turned her head again, luckily he had his head facing away from her.

    Her eyes landed on his wide shoulders and she swallowed hard.

    ''I didn''t expect him to look more muscular with clothes off.'' She thought, her gaze lowering to his well sculptured back.

    He let go of the shower head. His hair was all wet, and water kept dripping down back from it.

    How seductive...

    A tiny sneak peek gradually turned into a lustful scorching gaze, and Mu Zhichen turned his head.

    She turned just in time. ''That was close.''

    Although it was a shame that she couldn''t watch him any longer, at least she didn''t completely waste this opportunity.

    Mu Zhichen finally left the bathroom after a long time, in a bathrobe.

    The upper part of his chest was visible through it.

    Lu Meili bit her lip when she saw him. Those had to be at least six pack abs... or maybe eight.

    "I ran you a bath."

    "You''re done. I''ll take a bath now." She literally fled to the bathroom.

    Mu Zhichen glanced at her disappearing back, letting out a restrained chortle.

    He knew that she was waiting for him to turn his back before she could undress.

    Meanwhile, Lu Meili had long set her mind to use the tub. But as soon as she entered the bathroom, she felt a little cold. Glancing in the direction of the shower, there was no steam.

    Wait, he took a cold shower?

    No wonder when he left the bathroom just now, she thought he looked like he was cold.

    As for why a man would take a cold shower at such a time, she wasn''t too innocent to know.

    But, he was married!

    She stepped into the bathtub.

    The warm water relaxed her senses and she couldn''t help thinking about him.

    All while, he had been accommodating all her wishes. He tolerated her very stupor...

    But she realized just now that it was one-sided.

    While he was patient with her, she never took his feelings into consideration.

    She closed her eyes and relaxed, but opened them with a start a moment later. Why did it feel as though she was being looked at?

    The man was currently sitting on the bed after changing into pajamas.

    He was reading a book he got from heaven knows where, trying not to look in the direction of the bathroom.

    Of course he wouldn''t dare. He knew that it would only make him uncomfortable. It had taken quite a long while to calm his discomfort.

    However, the woman still felt paranoid although each time she looked over at him, he was minding his own business.

    Perhaps this was her retribution for peeking at a bathing man.

    ...

    When she was done taking a bath, she dried her hair and changed into a showy red lacy nightdress that was quite showy. It left her full breasts half exposed and only covered her thighs halfway. It accentuated her slim waist and since she was still a little flushed from the hot bath, she looked even more attractive. The underwear beneath the nightdress was so provocative that she would have been better off not wearing it.

    Don''t get her wrong- she was not trying to seduce anyone. That was just the most decent piece of clothing around.

    Earlier she had asked Small Xixi to prepare some clothes for her to change to and have them delivered in the suite. Who knew that the perverted girl''s taste would be so ''exciting''?

    The other nightdresses were even worse, and the clothes she ordered online would be delivered in the morning.

    She could only make do with this for now.

    Sighing, she took her phone and played a romantic song.

    Mu Zhichen had no words to describe this situation. After changing into such clothes, she was playing such a torturous song. Was this an invitation of sorts?

    "I owe you a dance from two nights ago." Lu Meili said timidly and took his hand.

    Mu Zhichen let her pull him from the bed. "I thought you would be too tired after the day''s activities."

    The girl placed her hands on his shoulders. "I''m refreshed from the bath."

    Mu Zhichen tried to look away from her chest.

    Was she overestimating his self-control?

    "The wedding was much better than I ever dreamed off." She said, smiling so much that her eyes were like crescents.

    "It was all thanks to you." She added.

    "It was little effort on my part." Mu Zhichen was modest, although his tail would be wagging up a typhoon if he had one.

    The dance continued slowly and in silence...

    Until Lu Meili lost her footing and fell against his chest.

    He was steady and didn''t topple over, but he clearly felt her body press against him.

    "Enough dancing. We should go to sleep." He used up his remaining sense or rationality to say this.

    If she provoked him one more time, she would only have herself to blame if something dangerous happened to her.

    Lu Meili nodded and hurriedly climbed onto the bed. Just now, she felt a bump on his lower body when she fell onto him. He was...

    Amid her blushing, she saw him head for the bathroom again.

    ''Another cold shower?'' She thought.

    This wouldn''t do. They were sharing a bed and they were married now. This fact alone was enough to trigger any man''s desires.

    Would he have to spend the night in cold water?

    In a swoosh, she rushed over to him and hugged his back.

    Mu Zhichen jolted when he unmistakably felt that pair of bumps on his back. His breathing spiraled out of control. "What are you doing?"

    Lu Meili went round and stood in front of him, hugging his neck. "Zhichen, we are husband and wife now."

    _

    Edited by Essy

 Chapter 598 - Im in love with you

    [Warning: Do not read this chapter at work or in school. Hide in a secluded corner or in your room]

    ___

    She didn''t complete her statement but Mu Zhichen understood the implication of her words. Was she ready to...

    "Are you sure? You don''t have to pressure yourself into it."

    His hoarse voice made her forget all about her conservativeness and the fear that had been clouding her senses all this while. "I will not regret it. After all..."

    She looked into his eyes that were clouded with a thick layer of raging passion. "I don''t know when it happened but I fell in love with you. I''m not forcing myself into it. I want to be your woman tonight."

    He wad still listening, but her last statement wiped all his remaining rationality away.

    He held her neck and pressed his lips against hers, taking them in for a kiss.

    Lu Meili was  caught off guard and was dazed for a moment. When she realized just how provocative her words had sounded at such a time, she wrapped her arms around his neck and reciprocated his kiss.

    Seeing that the girl was comfortable and willing, he cupped her face between his hands and deepened the kiss slightly.

    Although he was feeling hot and impatient, he tried his best to keep things slow so she wouldn''t get uncomfortable.

    His gentle actions sent shivers down Lu Meili''s spine, and her legs slowly got weak at the knees. She leaned in his embrace for support.

    Mu Zhichen realized this and embraced her tightly, holding her against the wall closest to them.

    She ran her fingers through his hair on his scalp and then ran them all the way down the back of his neck. The touch of her soft fingertips melted him into a puddle.

    He broke the kiss and went for her ear, whispering in it; "I''ve been waiting to kiss you all day."

    His hot breath lingered on her earlobe, making it go scarlet.

    Without waiting for her reply, he invaded her mouth again, touching his tongue with his own gently.

    Her heartbeat was faster than ever. She slowly curled her tongue angainst his, sweeping it around his in smooth, circular motions.

    Mu Zhichen wrapped her arms firmly but gently around her and rubbed up and down her back. A soft moan escaped her mouth.

    He ran his hands even lower, grabbing her butt.

    His fingers slithered down to her fair thighs, until he felt the hem of her nightdress.

    Looking into her eyes as though seeking permission, he slowly slid it upwards.

    Lu Meili gasped when his fingers brushed against her skin.

    She looked up and met his gaze as he rid her nighdress.

    In the next moment, she felt the rush of air against her now bare breasts.

    Her first instinct was to cover them with her hands.

    He held the little hands, tugging them away gently. "Honey, let me."

    He then cupped her breasts one at a time, stroking them lovingly. Her body submitted to his completely. In the soft setting of his kisses, he stopped and carried her to the bed, laying her gently.

    He pealed off his own  clothes and, pressing her onto the bed, he slid himself between her thighs. She closed her eyes in embarassment..

    She played to the rythm of his caress as she ran out of breath.

    When she was ready, he gently entered her body, earning a gasp of pain from her.

    He paused and kissed her face lovingly, letting her get used to his size before gradually starting to move.

    As he treated her tenderly, the initial discomfort gradually disappeared and her senses were overcome by another unfamiliar feeling - the feeling of pleasure.

    ...

    The next morning,

    The warm rays from the sun peered into the bridal room

    The pair of newlyweds was still in slumber.

    Their bodies that were entangled on the king-sized bridal bed were like two pieces of a living jigsaw, gaplessly slotted together.

    Mu Zhichen was the first to wake up.

    He glanced at the little thing snuggled up against his bare chest. Her legs were sticking out of the blanket carelessly.

    Their owner had a peaceful expression on her beautiful face. She was even smiling slightly. She must be having sweet dreams...

    While he was not dreaming at all. She was really his wife now.

    He gently pulled away and let her head rest on a pillow and swung his legs to the side of the bed, climbing off. He grabbed a towel from the drawer beside the bead and wrapped it around his waist.

    He covered her legs before proceeding to the bathroom.

    Lu Meili rubbed her eyes shortly after he left her side.

    Her vision was still blurry. Mu Zhichen was no longer on the bed but she heard some movement emanating from the bathroom. So he was in the bathroom...

    Her mind couldn''t help thinking about the words he had whispered in her ear the night before, right before she fell asleep. Turned out he loved her, and he had loved her for such a long time.... her heart fluttered with happiness.

    She tried to get up but she slumped right back onto bed.

    She felt like she had slept for half a decade. Her body hurt all over.

    The pain between her thighs served as irrefutable evidence that she was no longer a virgin.

    Her face flushed in embarassment. The fact that she was wearing nothing at all made her all the more embarassed.

    "You''re awake." Mu Zhichen was back, a white towel draped loosely around his waist.

    The infamous abs entered her line of sight. She gawked at them, forgetting she was naked.

    Mu Zhichen didn''t want to make her feel awkward anymore. "Do you want to bath together?"

    Lu Meili shook her head like a rattle. "You... go first."

    Mu Zhichen leaned over teasingly. "This is your chance to see me clearly. Don''t you want to grab it?"

    Lu Meili squinted her eyes before she inderstood his words. So he did catch her staring at him the night before? How embarassing!

    She curled into the blanket and covered her head.

    With a laugh, Mu Zhichen uncovered her. He knew from her actions that she wanted to bath with him, so he simply carried her off the bed to the bathroom.

    Soon, the two figures were entangled in the bathtub, soaping each other''s body.

    His back suddenly went cold at a certain thought.

    "What is it?" Lu Meili questioned.

    "Sweetie, I didn''t take precaution last night. It slipped my mind."

    Lu Meili chuckled. "That''s alright. It''s safe. Besides, I wouldn''t mind having a tiny Zhichen in my stomach."

    Mu Zhichen held her bare waist and kissed her. "It''s not time for that yet. I have to dote on you for at least a few years before we can have kids."

    "And how are you going to dote on me?"

    "For starters, giving you a perfect honeymoon."

    Lu Meili smiled in satisfaction. "Then let''s travel the world. Let''s have our sweet moments plastered across the globe."

    "Okay, where do we start?"

    "How about... Country A?"

    "Your wish is my command, my wife."

    ___

    The Lu family felt a sudden emptiness.

    The eldest daughter had just married. Of course it would feel empty.

    The Xu family felt sad for they had lost such a gem in a flash.

    While for the Mu family, their most joyous days had just began.

    As for the pair of lovebirds who wanted to fly to all the ends of the earth, the adventure had just began.

    ____

    THE END

 Chapter 599 - Is this how you take care of a child?

    For years, Yun Xuan felt she possessed the worst luck ever.

    First, her biological mother simply vanished.

    She got adopted by the Yun family, but what she felt was hatred from her eldest and third foster brothers.

    The only people who liked her were her second brother and her father.

    Just when she had grown so attached to them that she couldn''t bear to part, she realized that they were not what she had always thought them to be.

    They actually turned out to be a pair of wanted criminals with countless records of unforgivable sins...

    As for her luck in romance, it wasn''t any better.

    Her first love, the childhood sweetheart she had loved so much, betrayed her.

    When he found out about her father''s crimes, he intended to kill her.

    That was where her second love came in. It was all a plot for him to ''save'' her from the flames, meet by chance later and fall in love. She naively thought that they were truly in love. She had loved him more than anyone.

    Little did she know that he was only with her for a reason...

    And that reason was revenge.

    With a broken heart and a wounded soul, she left the country to start over on her own.

    She was initially all on her own,

    But at least something good came out of it.

    No, to be exact, a little devil came out of it.

    "Yun Feng!"

    "Baby, I''m home."

    Yun Xuan was in the nursery,  trying to find her son. She had gone to have a word with her boss today and left the little devil in the nanny''s care.

    Every time she left him at home, she would find him sprawled on the carpet, sleeping or cruising his toy cars around the house like they were actual cars. If not, he would be watching kids shows with the nanny she had hired for him in the living room.

    But today, he was doing neither of that.

    "Perhaps they are watching the stars on the balcony?"

    She put aside the new toys and candies she had bought him and opened the door leading to the balcony.

    "Baby..."

    They were not here either.

    "Coletta?"

    *Coletta was the nanny she had hired to take care of Yun Feng.

    "Miss, you called for me." The girl ran over, bowing her head.

    Yun Xuan frowned when she didn''t see the little boy in her arms. "Where is the little master?"

    "Little master..." Coletta looked over at the little boy''s bed and was shocked when she didn''t see any sign of him. "He was asleep when I left him."

    Yun Xuan''s heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean you left him? Didn''t I say you can''t leave him on his own?"

    Heaven knew how naughty that tiny boy was. He would stir up trouble if left unattended.

    "Miss... sorry, I..."

    Yun Xuan didn''t have the patience to listen to her right now.

    She ran out of the room, opening the door to every room and searching anxiously.

    How could a one year old disappear?

    "Feng, there you are!" Yun Xuan finally saw the little devil that had made her heart race. He was in the kitchen, cruising his favorite blue toy car on the floor. A tiny superhero figurine lay on the floor, he must have brought it to play with.

    He sneezed, rubbed his eyes and continued making engine sounds, nothing affecting his little world.

    He was surprised when his mother suddenly scooped him up, hugging him frantically.

    He frowned and stirred in her arms, his eyes quickly welling up. Mommy let go of me. I want to play! He looked so furious he could throw a fit.

    Yun Xuan rubbed his back gently. "Let''s go play in my room."

    When the boy calmed down, Yun Xuan shot Coletta a fierce glare.

    "I hired you to take care of my son. Is this how you take care of a baby? By letting him walk down the stairs on his own and go to such dangerous places as the kitchen?

    What if he played with a knife? What if something spilled on him? What if he caught a cold by sitting on the icy floor?"

    The thought of him going downstairs on his own made her heart go cold in fear. He was still too young! His walking was not even stable yet. How could he possibly walk down the stairs without falling?

    Thinking about it, she anxiously checked him all over, afraid there were hidden injuries on his small body.

    Coletta trembled as she explained nervously. "Miss, I brought little master downstairs with me. I left him in the living room and went to do his laundry."

    Yun Xuan was successfully pissed off.

    "Earlier you said you had left him in the nursery and now it''s in the living room? You don''t even know where exactly you left him?"

    She didn''t wait for any other explanation. "You are fired."

    "Miss..."

    "Coletta, don''t make me lose my temper."

    The girl turned to leave after taking one last glance at the little devil.

    Yun Xuan glanced at her son who was looking at her curiously. He must have been frightened by her anxious actions.

    "Baby, mommy was worried about you."

    His response was a sneeze.

    Just great.

    He had only recently recovered from a flu. Now he was sneezing again?

    She went to her room, placed the boy on her bed and took her phone to call the nurse over.

    He hugged the tiny little devil, patting his back to calm her nerves. "Baby, I''m sorry. Mommy wasn''t able to take good care of you."

    It was only because it would be troublesome for both of them. She would have brought him along to meet her boss, Lin Lihua.

    However, she still had to drop by the hospital afterwards. That kind of atmosphere wouldn''t be good for babies.

    After settling things with Lin Lihua, she had gone over today to pay Lin Ye a visit.

    Speaking of Lin Ye, that was the former top designer of YX Brand, currently one of MAX Brand''s precious gems. If meeting a few casual times could be considered friendship, they were friends.

    Two months ago, he had an accident and fell into a coma. He had no one to take care of him.

    ___

    Edited by Essy

 Chapter 600 - Has your desire for a grandchild clouded your judgement?

    She had asked Lin Lihua before and learnt that his family was too complicated.

    No one cared whether he was dead or alive so he was basically on his own.

    The most pitiable thing was that he didn''t seem to have any friends either.

    Turned out there was someone who led a more lonely life than she did.

    Due to the doctor''s advice about staying by his side, Yun Xuan would drop by often.

    ...

    While she was still deep in thought, the nurse arrived.

    Yun Xuan carried her naughty little darling and handed him over. As expected, the unfriendly little thing burst into screams when he felt the unfamiliar presence.

    The nurse didn''t mind his wails and did a check on him. When she was done, she explained the situation before feeding the little boy medicine. Although he disliked it, he was probably scared of this woman who looked unfriendly and had a weird cap on her head so he didn''t spit it out.

    "It''s nothing serious. I''ll give you medicine and you have to make him take it after twelve hours."

    "Got it." Yun Xuan took back the little devil and patted his back gently, trying to coax him to sleep.

    "You have to be careful and make sure he is warm. Don''t let him play with water. It is not serious this time but it''s not a good thing for children to keep taking medicine."

    "I understand."

    Yun Xuan sighed. She didn''t think she could trust nannies with her son anymore.

    Perhaps she should go back to working online and take care of him herself.

    Once the nurse left, Yun Xuan went back to her room. The little boy was yet to sleep.

    "Why don''t you sleep in mommy''s room tonight? I''ll sing you a lullaby."

    Of course, the little boy wouldn''t say anything in response to what she said. But when he saw her tuck him in her bed and sleep beside him, he blabbered happily. He was even happier when Yun Xuan patted his small body, singing a lullaby out of habit. He fell asleep in a few seconds.

    ¡­

    The next morning, Yun Xuan wanted to speak to Lin Lihua once again. She had just insisted on going back to work the previous day but now, she wanted to ask to work online.

    "Haiz¡­ this is the only thing I can do for now. I hope boss doesn''t get irritated."

    After freshening both of them up and feeding her son, she hailed a cab and went to the Yun mansion.

    She didn''t want to do this, but she had no other choice at the moment.

    ...

    "Xuanxuan, you are here. It''s been long since I last saw you." Madam Yun was pleasantly surprised.

    "Hello mother."

    She had already made arrangements with Lin Lihua so she could only go straight to the point. "Mother, I have something to do today and cannot bring my son with me. Could you help me look after him for a while? I will pick him up on my way back."

    Madam Yun took the tiny boy fondly. "Xuanxuan, what nonsense are you spouting? Feng is my grandson. I would take care of him even if you didn''t ask."

    Actually, it was Yun Xuan herself who had insisted that she didn''t want any help from the Yun family. Madam Yun had wanted to send over a group of servants to her apartment, to help her out in such matters.

    Heaven knew that her current financial constraint didn''t allow her to afford the highly qualified nannies.

    Yun Xuan felt regretful. "Mother, I owe the Yun family too much. I don''t want to owe you any more."

    At this moment, an intimidating figure with a pair of unfriendly eyes entered the living room. "What kind of deplorable b*stard did you adopt this time, mother?"

    The newcomer was Yun Feiwen, Yun Xuan''s third foster brother. The two of them were like heaven and hell; they had never gotten along for a second.

    Yun Xuan stood from her seat, fuming. "Yun Feiwen, watch your tongue! I will allow you to bully and insult me as you please, but I will not be friendly if you insult my son!"

    "Hoho. Turns out it''s your son. Tsk¡­ no wonder. Where''s the father? Did he jilt you because he can''t stand your pretentious nature?"

    "That''s none of your damn business." Yun Xuan clenched her fists.

    "That''s enough. Feiwen, this is your nephew. You shouldn''t say such unfriendly things."

    The man sneered coldly. "Nephew? How many strands of DNA do we share? Your Xuanxuan will never be acknowledged as my sister, and her son will never be my nephew."

    Yun Xuan''s chest heaved. She had no words to refute his statement. He was being mean, but it was true. He had never acknowledged her as his sister. He spent his whole life picking on her. What would be so different about this time?

    Madam Yun glared at her son before looking at Yun Xuan with her habitual doting expression. "Xuanxuan, forget about him. You go do your business; I will take care of Little Feng."

    "Yes mother." Yun Xuan took in a deep breath, caressed her son''s face a little before walking out.

    But she wasn''t even five steps away when she heard a pitiful yell.

    Her heart clenched and she turned right back. "Baby, stay with grandma a little, okay? Mommy will be back before you know it."

    The little boy flailed his arms towards her, crying louder. Yun Xuan took out a candy from her purse and stuffed it in his tiny hands. Like every other child who liked sweet things, he knew what that was from a look. However, he slapped it away, throwing a fit.

    "Can that little thing shut up?!" Yun Feiwen growled.

    Yun Xuan took a glance at him and chose to keep her peace. "Mother, I will bring him with me."

    "But you will be tired¡­"

    "No. How can I be tired?"

    In actual fact, being tiresome wasn''t the only reason for her to leave him at home most of the time.

    But she didn''t care for now.

    "Mother, goodbye." She turned to leave, coaxing her son.

    Madam Yun felt her heart fill with pain when she saw her leave. "Yun Feiwen!"

    "What about me, mother?" Yun Feiwen didn''t feel remorseful about what he had just done. "Is your desire for a grandchild clouding your judgement?"

 Chapter 601 - Bbad things only happen to kind people

    "That woman was very close to father and Yun Jifeng. Not only that, she simply disappeared without a trace for eight months and suddenly reappeared. Who knows what she was up to?"

    Madam Yun massaged her head. Forget it. It wouldn''t take a short while for her sons to completely accept their sister, but it wouldn''t take forever either. Wasn''t Yun Shan in good terms with Yun Xuan now?

    Although they were not exactly close siblings like other brothers and their sisters, at least they could breath in the same air peacefully.

    ¡­

    Yun Xuan was cautious of her surroundings. Once she left the cab, she hurriedly entered the coffee shop where she was meeting Lin Lihua.

    The woman had already arrived. She was on a phone call, which she hung up as soon as she saw Yun Xuan. She didn''t look impatient. However, Yun Xuan felt she had committed a crime deserving of being fired. She had made her boss wait for her!

    "I''m sorry I''m late." She apologized before taking a seat opposite Lin Lihua.

    "Don''t sweat it. I see you brought my little sweetheart along." Lin Lihua grinned, reaching over to tease Yun Feng.

    The tiny boy looked up with his blue eyes, an unpleasant expression written all over his face.

    "You will make me completely friendless." Yun Xuan laughed.

    After some small talk, they ordered their drinks.

    "You didn''t just call me out to catch up on the past, right?"

    Yun Xuan looked uneasy. Lin Lihua had only suggested meeting in a coffee shop so she could get away from her office for a while. She must have a lot of work to do. So Yun Xuan went straight to the point. "Boss, can I work online?"

    Lin Lihua smiled brightly. So it''s only this. "Why not? Since we are friends, I will help you handle the procedure. You can start as soon as you want."

    "Thank you."

    "There''s no such thing as ''thank you'' between friends."

    Both women sighed.

    Lin Lihua was the one to break the silence. "I will drop by the hospital later." It''s been a while since I last paid Lin Ye a visit.

    "I will drop by too."

    She felt responsible for him.

    It was not because she was guilty, it was simply because she had taken up this responsibility from the start. She couldn''t just abandon him midway.

    Actually, she could have done it for anyone.

    Besides, she understood why Wan Jia and Lin Lihua couldn''t stay with him for too long. They were both married women. Although Wan Jia was Lin Ye''s employer and Lin Lihua was his god sister, their husbands might still be displeased if they spent too much time looking after an unmarried man.

    She was unattached so it didn''t matter for her.

    So, the women set off for the hospital together.

    In the end, Yun Xuan had decided to bring her son along. It was only going to be this once and she wouldn''t stay for too long.

    They were only a few meters from the hospital when Lin Lihua received a phone call. She looked worried when she hung up.

    "Is something wrong?" Yun Xuan asked cautiously.

    "It''s my mother. Xuanxuan, I''ll catch up with you some other time, okay? I have to rush home now."

    "Go ahead. Drive carefully, I''ll hail a taxi up ahead."

    "I will." Lin Lihua pulled over at a spot where it was easier to find taxis and dropped her off. Then she speedily drove back to the Lin residence.

    Meanwhile, Yun Xuan found the doctor who took care of Lin Ye.

    "Doctor, how is Mr. Lin''s health today?"

    The female doctor looked slightly tired. "The same as yesterday."

    "Oh..." for some reason, Yun Xuan was disappointed.

    Actually, Lin Ye''s condition couldn''t get any worse. If there had to be a change, he could only get better and wake up.

    "About the hospitalisation fees, can you give me a few more days?"

    The hospitalisation fees was accumulating quite fast... too fast for her to handle. She didn''t earn that much to begin with, not to mention she had a baby to take care of. The previous month, it had in fact been taken care of by Lin Lihua.

    If the doctor gave her more days, she could take a loan and repay it later.

    The doctor didn''t look displeased by her request. In fact, she was amused. "Didn''t it get paid already?"

    "Paid?..." her heart gradually filled with warmth. "His family dropped by?"

    "A woman surnamed Lin deposited a sum of money. She must be his sister."

    Yun Xuan was slightly disappointed. That had to be Lin Lihua, yet again.

    How could his family not care about him? Were they even humans?

    Though at such a time, she should have wondered why she cared so much.

    "I''ll go to see Mr. Lin. Can I take him with me?" She asked, referring to Yun Feng who was currently darting his curious eyes around.

    The doctor finally realized there was a little one. She had been too tired to notice him. "You can, as long as you don''t let him play around. I will give him a protective mask too."

    "Thank you."

    "Is this your son? He is too cute."

    Yun Xuan''s heart was filled with pride. "Yeah. I will go in now."

    She entered the room slowly like a cat sneaking in. The child in her arms seemed to find the mask irritating and was trying to pull it off. She wouldn''t stay for too long.

    "Baby, do you remember this uncle? He came to our house once." She said, although she was sure Yun Feng wouldn''t say anything anyway.

    He only blabbered some sounds in response.

    "When he wakes up, we will invite him over to play with us, right? He is very kind. It''s so unfortunate that bad things only happen to kind people.... you ... you will try to be more friendly... wait!"

    Yun Xuan took a long, careful look at the man on the bed.

    "Were my eyes playing tricks? I thought I saw his eyebrows twitch."

 Chapter 602 - Why was she so happy?

    Yun Xuan looked at Lin Ye once again, afraid she would miss something. Just when she gave up and was about to turn and leave the ward, she saw his hand move slightly.

    "He really moved!" This time, she was sure that she was not seeing things. She had clearly seen it. She couldn''t be wrong twice.

    Not only did he move, his pulse rate and blood pressure changed slightly. She didn''t notice this because she was looking at his hand to see if he would move his fingers again.

    She quickly pressed the button to summon the doctor, her strange actions earning a curious glance form Yun Feng. What is mommy up to?

    The doctor thought there was an emergency so she rushed in. "What happened?"

    Yun Xuan was overjoyed. "He moved! Does that mean he is going to wake up?"

    "Please excuse me. I will check his condition."

    "Okay, okay!" Yun Xuan rushed out to give the doctor room to perform her magic.

    A while later, she came out. Yun Xuan looked at her face, trying to  search for a tell tale sign.

    "It''s good news. The patient might wake up soon."

    "I knew it! Thank you doctor. But how soon is ''soon'' exactly?"

    "According to the tests, two to four weeks. It might be more or less."

    "Two¡­ two to four?" It sounded much longer than she had expected.

    "But at least there''s hope now compared to last month." The smile returned to her face.

    Leaving the hospital, she kissed her son''s face in a flurry. "You are a lucky charm. Lin Ye showed signs of waking up just when I brought you to see him. Will he be better soon if I take you to see him again?"

    Yun Xuan blabbered on, not knowing if she made any sense to begin with. How could Yun feng possibly affect Lin Ye''s health? They had only met twice and were not even close to each other. Unless Lin Ye liked children so much, it shouldn''t make any sense.

    Meanwhile, the female doctor in the hospital was all smiles. She didn''t like butting into people''s affairs but this couple was too cute.

    The man was so much in love with this woman that the screensaver of his phone was a picture of her. While the woman didn''t seem to know it and only cared about him like a distant friend would.

    But would all distant friends be like that? She was so overjoyed from the news of Mr. Lin waking up that she could fly! Not to mention, she had been asking about his condition so many times that it was more than just caring.

    Perhaps the hospital stay had warmed her heart up a bit?

    One had to know, she would drop by the hospital every day, bringing flowers to Mr. Lin''s room.

    Sometimes she would look indifferent as though she was just following a routine of sorts, while at other times she would look like a devoted wife awaiting her husband''s recovery.

    There were two other women who would also drop by once in a while; one of them had introduced herself as his employer while the other must be his sister ¨C but neither of them was as caring as Miss Yun was.

    Even as an outsider, she would realy be happy if these two ended up together.

    ¡­

    Yun Xuan was so happy that she bought ingredients to cook a delicious meal. Even she didn''t know what she was so elated about.

    She brought a bowl of oatmeal porridge to the table, carried her son and sat him on the customized children''s chair at the dining table. It was just the two of them today. Madam Yun was busy lately and didn''t come to spend time with her like she did before.

    "I''m going to drink wine later But you can''t have it because you are a baby. Just make do with your milk, sorry!" She teased the little boy, who in turn looked fitful.

    "Ma-!"

    Yun Xuan chuckled, teasing him. "When you can say "mama" clearly, mommy will buy you toys for older children. For now, you only have to speak babies'' language. Mommy understands you anyway.

    Like other prematurely born children, Yun Feng''s development was slightly slower. He had managed to sit up at the same age as other children would, crawled at the right time and noticed things around him quite earlier than usual. In the earlier months, she would see him touch everything he thought was new and put them in his mouth ¨C and that included his own feet ¨C but when it came to talking, he was slower to this.

    One of her friends from Country G had a son slightly younger than Yun Feng but he could already pronounce a few words - though inaudibly.

    If the doctor hadn''t assured her that children learn to speak at different times and that he might be slower because he was a premie, she would be worried about it.

    ...

    On a side note, Yun Xuan thought she should inform Lin Ye''s family about his health progress.

    Perhaps they didn''t go to see him because they were unwilling to spend money on his medical fees. But they were still his family nonetheless so they had a right to know about how he was holding up, right?

    "Should I pay them a visit¡­ or perhaps I should ask Lin Lihua to tell them?" She thought aloud.

    "No. I can''t bother my boss anymore. I should just tell them. Maybe I should just send an email. Feng, what do you think?"

    Yun Feng, who had been dragged into this unjustifiably, had nothing to say. His little expression seemed to say, you were simply speaking to the air and not caring about me. You even teased me for not being able to speak.  Now you want me to tell you my opinion?

    Yun Xuan looked at his defeated expression and laughed. "How cute. If I didn''t know better, I would think babies understood what adults say.

    When she was done feeding the little boy, she carried him to his cradle.

    ''We should go to sleep now."

 Chapter 603 - We are not bearing a basketball team!

    The next day, Yun Xuan carried floor pillows and arranged them at a corner in the study room, where she could see easily.

    She also brought some of Yun Feng''s favorite toys.

    When she was done arranging his little zone, she fed and bathed him before placing the boy on the carpeted floor and starting to do her work.

    The best thing about Yun Feng was that although he was rather unfriendly and naughty, he could be quite calm at times.

    As long as he was well fed, had his toys and could see his mother in his vicinity, he wouldn''t cause too much trouble.

    As though by reflex, he sat down, playing with a tiny robot as he let his mother work.

    She would check on him each time she took a short break and play with him for a few minutes.

    He only cried after a long time..

    Yun Xuan got up and scooped him in her arms. "Who knew you could be such a good boy, huh?"

    The little boy looked up at her pitifully, sucking his tiny thumb.

    So he was crying because he was hungry.

    Yun Xuan brought a milk bottle she had already prepared and placed it against his mouth.

    When he had drank to his fill, he yawned and fell asleep against his mother''s chest.

    Yun Xuan stood up and went to the nursery, tucking him in into the cradle.

    "Being a single mother isn''t that hard after all." She smiled. What had she been so scared of in the past? She had thought it would be impossible. But wasn''t she doing it just right?

    ___

    The following day, Yun Xuan had made up her mind to inform the Lin family that their son''s health was much better and he would be awake soon. If they chose to ignore the news and take it as none of their business, her hands would be clean.

    While at it, she also wanted to drop by the Lin residence and check on Xia Rou.

    Lin Lihua had received a piece of news about her and rushed home. She hadn''t said a word about it since then.

    After bathing her son and changing him into low-key clothes, she wore a simple dress herself and darpped a scarf on to cover her face slightly.

    Luckily, her son didn''t take after his father. It wouldn''t be fatal even if he bumped into that man. However for her, he would recognize her whether in her former or current appearance. It would be much safer to disguise herself.

    "Ma-!"

    The boy in her arms must have wondered just what it was that his mother was trying to do with that weird piece of clothing covering her face. But he wouldn''t understand it even if she explained so he might as well just stare at it.

    ...

    In the Lin residence.

    "Mom, don''t you know to take care of your own health? You scared me." Lin Lihua admonished.

    The previous day, Xia Rou had suddenly fainted. It was one of the most frightening things that Lin Lihua could ever hear of.

    However, the woman was currently sipping on the herbal soup Lin Lihua had prepared as though nothing had happened. "If you worry so much about me, you should have kids sooner. My grandchildren will take good care of me and I won''t have to take care of my own health anymore."

    Lin Lihua slapped her forehead. "Don''t you have four grandchildren already? Little Wan and I are not trying to bear a basketball team, okay?"

    "But I want more. What should I do?"

    "I will bring Katy and Ruoxi over to play with you. I will also ask Little Wan to bring over Little Jia and Xian Li. How about that?"

    "Little Wan is very busy. Don''t bother her about such trivial matters."

    Lin Lihua raised her eyebrows, she had just discovered the cause of Xia Rou''s sudden fainting. "Little Wan has to take care of Lin Ye''s matters, and she is also still nursing so you have been overworking, right?"

    Xia Rou looked guilty. "Lihua, what are you saying? I know my limits."

    Lin Lihua was even sadder. "But you still went beyond them. You are forbidden from going to work for the next one month. Stay at home and focus on your health."

    "But what about MAX Brand? They still need me."

    "I will have a word with Little Wan. We will figure out a way to handle all this." Lin Lihua had a mashup of complicated feelings.

    Things had taken such a turn at the wrong time.

    Her sister was busy with her brand and her baby while she was busy with her new entertainment agency as well as helping her husband settle down. Le Blanc Group was such a huge company. It would obviously take a while for its headquarters to stabilize in another country.

    As for his family, they were better off forgotten.

    ...

    At this moment, the servants announced Yun Xuan''s arrival.

    "Eh? You brought my little sweetie along." Lin Lihua excitedly stood up to pinch the little boy''s cheeks.

    However in the next moment, she retracted her hand as those blue eyes shot a glare at her like a pair of icy daggers.

    "I forgot he doesn''t like me."

    Of course, a baby''s glare couldn''t be that scary. It was just too fierce for a child his age.

    "Did I offend this little devil in my previous lifetime?" Lin Lihua held onto her broken heart.

    Xia Rou had just finished drinking her soup. "Scram. How dare you call my little Feng a devil?"

    As soon as he heard Xia Rou''s familiar voice, the boy''s eyes lit up and he flashed a smile, revealing a mouth of empty gum with only two tiny white teeth in the vicinity.

    In the next moment, he tried to jump off his mother''s embrace.

    Yun Xuan had expected such a move and held him tightly. He would be too excited whenever he saw Xia Rou.

    She put him down carefully, making sure he didn''t hurt Xia Rou who was probably still sick.

    ...

    Edited by Essy

 Chapter 604 - Why dont you hate me?

    Xia Rou wasn''t as weak as Yun Xuan imagined her to be. She picked up the little cutie and kissed his cheeks. "My Little Feng missed me as well."

    The boy was happy from the kisses. He imitated Xia Rou and ''kissed'' her cheek, but he bit her instead because he didn''t know how to do it.

    Xia Rou''s heart melted into a puddle. "How can you be so cute? Grandma will cook you something delicious."

    "Aunty doesn''t have eyes for me anymore. She only cares about her Little Feng." Yun Xuan said, jealous but proud that her son was able to steal a heart.

    The boy pursed his lips, looking at Xia Rou happily. "A¡­a¡­" He couldn''t pronounce aunty clearly, so he kept blabbering ah-ah-ah sounds."

    "How cute. He''s trying to imitate his mother." Lin Lihua couldn''t keep her eyes off the little cutie.

    Well, whenever he was near Xia Rou, he would be so cute that it made one wonder whether he was still the little troubleshooter he usually was.

    "Aunty, I brought you some tonics." Yun Xuan gave the plastic bag she had to Lin Lihua.

    "You don''t have to trouble yourself. It was just a little weakness and I''m alright now."

    Although this was what Xia Rou said, she was in fact very happy that Yun Xuan cared about her.

    "It''s no trouble. As long as you''re healthy. Aunty, you should be more careful."

    "See? Even Xuanxuan thinks so. I think I should just lock you up." Lin Lihua went along.

    "Can you girls not attack me like this?"

    "Of course we will." The new voice didn''t come from within. The women both looked over towards the entrance. Even the little cutie playing in Xia Rou''s arms looked over curiously with his bright eyes.

    The newcomer was Wan Jia.

    "Wanwan, don''t you have to attend a meeting?" Xia Rou asked when she saw that her daughter had come over too.

    "If I attended that meeting, I wouldn''t know about you fainting." Wan Jia said hi to the three of them before shooting Lin Lihua a displeased look. "Sis, how could you not tell me that mother was unwell?"

    Lin Lihua didn''t bat an eyelid. "I was afraid you would leave your work and rush over immediately. It was nothing to worry too much about in the end, so don''t be too angry with me."

    She stuck out her hands to touch the little baby in Wan Jia''s arms. She was smaller than most kids of her age.

    When Xia Rou set her eyes on her youngest granddaughter, she carefully put Yun Feng down. "Let me hold her a little."

    Wan Jia passed Lu Xian Li over.

    Xia Rou''s face revealed an even happier smile. "My granddaughter is getting more beautiful by the day."

    "Waaaah!" A scream suddenly filled the air, startling the tiny girl in Xia Rou''s arms.

    When Yun Feng saw his Grandma Xia put him down to hug another baby, he was fitful. A fountain of tears soaked his little face quickly.

    The women burst into laughter. "What a jealous little thing."

    "Boo hoo¡­" Yun Feng continued to cry, his tiny arms reaching out to grab onto Xia Rou''s clothes. He wouldn''t calm down even when his mother held him.

    "If he didn''t look so much like me, I would think he is your son instead." Yun Xuan laughed. What did this little devil see in Xia Rou exactly?

    In the end, Xia Rou had to give Lu Xian Li back to Wan Jia and coax the little boy.

    Happy now, he stuck out his tongue, making faces at Lu Xian Li.

    The adults once again burst into laughter. Did he really think Lu Xian Li would understand what he was up to?

    ¡­

    Yun Xuan felt awkward in Wan Jia''s presence. She always had. "I''ll get going now. I have something to tend to right now." She took the little devil from Xia Rou''s arms, earning a scream from him.

    "Eer¡­"

    He didn''t want his mother now?

    Xia Rou looked even happier. She liked spending time with the little boy. "Why don''t you leave him here? You can pick him up on your way back. "

    "Well¡­" Yun Xuan felt conflicted, stealing a glance at Wan Jia.

    "You don''t have to worry about me. I''m leaving soon." Wan Jia of course understood what Yun Xuan must be thinking about.

    "Little Wan doesn''t mind." Xia Rou added. "Actually, it must be hard to walk around with him all day. If you want to go somewhere and can''t go with him, you can bring him here to play."

    "Or you could simply move in. Little Wan and I are both married and mother must be very lonely. Since she loves you and Yun Feng, and you live on your own too, you could stay together and keep each other company." Lin Lihua understood that Yun Xuan couldn''t move back to the Yun mansion because of her brothers, and because she was afraid Tyler would find her whereabouts easily.

    "Shouldn''t you all hate me? Why do you treat me and my son so well?" Yun Xuan looked down guiltily. Wasn''t Xia Rou once Madam Yun''s rival? Most importantly, "The Yun family wronged you guys so much and¡­ I also wronged you.  Why don''t you hate me?"

    Lin Lihua''s heart ached for this pitiful woman. "Xuanxuan, everything the Yuns did has nothing to do with you. As for the misunderstandings between you and Little Wan, surely you have paid enough for that."

    She had suffered so much that if there was anything she had done wrong the past, it should be forgotten already.

    "Prisons exist to make sure criminals become better people once they are set free. You have already become a better person and are so selfless. Why else should we blame you?" Wan Jia went along, shocking Yun Xuan to the core.

    "You think so?"

    "Yes. I hold nothing against you for the record." Of course, the main point was that she was the woman Lin Ye liked. Would she start hating him for liking the woman she had once bickered with?

    "Then¡­can we be friends again?" Yun Xuan asked, nervously taking a mile after being given an inch.

 Chapter 605 - The most blind person on earth

    Wan Jia smiled slightly. "We cannot be enemies forever, can we?"

    "I guess not."

    Not wanting to waste more time, Yun Xuan decided to go to Lin Ye''s home. She knew the address because Lin Lihua had given it to her before.

    In truth, it was not the first time she wanted to go over and give them a piece of her mind. One time she had really decided to do it, and only gave up because her son had a fever.

    This time, she would really go.

    Because that little troublemaker liked Xia Rou and the latter wanted to stay with him a little longer, she left him in the Lin residence.

    ___

    Just like she thought, the reception at Lin Ye''s home wasn''t that friendly.

    To be exact, she was almost kicked out like a stray dog.

    "Who are you?" Bellowed the middle aged man when he saw her. He was tall and had a frowning face with a few wrinkles on his forehead, Yun Xuan thought he would look scary even if he smiled.

    "My surname is Yun. I''m only here to tell you that your son might wake up soon." She deliberately emphasized the word ''son'', directly reminding him of the role he had irresponsibly abandoned - that of a father.

    However, the man looked displeased or even disgusted by what she had just said. "How is that my business? That brat should have died in that accident."

    "I told you we should have pulled the life support right off his face when we went to that damn hospital." An equally intimidating figure walked in, emmiting a murderous aura. His eyes gazed at Yun Xuan as though he wanted to drill a hole right through her.

    This was Lin Ye''s brother.

    Yun Xuan had to admit they were truly father and son. The son didn''t look capable of smiling either.

    "Woman, you look awfully familiar."

    Yun Xuan trembled. Had he recognized her as Yun Wei''s daughter?

    "Right. I saw you at the hospital before. If you come here again, you will have to leave a leg behind as a souvenir."

    Yun Xuan''s mouth twitched. Very well. At least she had accomplished her part. They would regret not caring about him, but that was none of her business.

    Although this is what she said to make herself feel less wronged, she still had a stomach full of anger when she left Lin Ye''s home.

    ...

    "Did you really only see her at the hospital? We only went to see that b*stard once and didn''t bump into anyone."

    The son''s fingers balled into fists, a mixture of fury and jealousy vivid on his face. "That has to be Yun Xuan. How can I not know her?

    That''s the woman he loves. He had a whole box full of her photos when we were slightly younger. Heh..."

    How about killing both of them together when the time comes? Wouldn''t that be awfully romantic?

    They would be a reincarnation of Romeo and Julliet, the only difference being that they would need someone to kill them.

    ___

    Oblivious to a certain devil''s thoughts, Yun Xuan went about her own business, taking her son from the Lin residence and dropping by the hospital.

    She actually half-believed in the nonsense she had made up in her own brain - about Yun Feng affecting Lin Ye''s recovery positively.

    True enough, people would try anything they heard of or what they once believed in when the circumstances were dire.

    As she left the hospital, she ran into Lin Lihua who she hadn''t seen at the Lin residence earlier.

    Coincidentally, a question popped up in her head. "Lihua, can I ask you about something? You have to answer me this time."

    "Sure," Lin Lihua said. "Just give me a few minutes."

    ...

    Lin Lihua did not make her wait for too long. Soon, they left the hospital together.

    "What do you want to ask?"

    Yun Xuan suggested going to a restaurant. The little boy had fallen asleep against her shoulder.

    "What''s the deal with Lin Ye''s family? It doesn''t make any sense. Why do they hate him so much?"

    "Because he''s an illegitimate child."

    "What?" Yun Xuan was taken aback, not sure whether the shock was from this big foreign piece of news or from Lin Lihua''s reaction. She had answered her way too bluntly.

    "His mother was the mistress and she died on the day Lin Ye was born. Initially, the Lin family welcomed him and loved him as one of their own."

    "Then what happened?"

    Lin Lihua didn''t think she needed to hide it from her. She would know it one day anyway and besides, they were friends. "He refused to take over the family business and became a designer.

    That was still alright... but after years of persuasion, he agreed to take it over.

    However, he dumped it and went right back to the fashion industry. One has to know that the Lin family looks down on designers as a cluster of time-wasters who gain nothing but fame from it. I wonder why they wear clothes."

    Yun Xuan still didn''t think it was enough reason for them to hate him half as much as they did.

    She was about to ask when Lin Lihua cut her off. "Do you know why he kept hopping into the fashion design industry?"

    "Because it was his dream?" Yun Xuan guessed.

    "No." ''Because of you''... Lin Lihua wanted to blurt this out, but felt it would be better if Lin Ye did it himself. "Because of a woman. He has loved her for so many years and can''t give up on her. Not even when that woman got married....

    Too bad she never noticed him."

    Yun Xuan didn''t know why Lin Lihua''s words sounded weird.

    "Poor thing... he is so nice. Any woman would be blind to reject him."

    Lin Lihua tittered. ''Aren''t you the most blind person on earth then, my dear Xuanxuan?''

    "Wait, is this the only reason for their hatred?" Yun Xuan didn''t forget to ask.

    "No. When he grew up, he found out some facts and started asking about them. For example, his birth mother''s death. He believes his own father killed her."

 Chapter 606 - Lin Ye woke up

    Yun Xuan wasn''t too shocked by this piece. If they accepted him as one of their own after his mother''s death, it could only mean that they hated his mother and not him.

    For them to start hating him, it wasn''t surprising that it had something to do with his late mother.

    Also, his mother died immediately after his birth. It wasn''t that hard to guess that his father orchestrated it.

    "He is too pitiful. And why doesn''t he have friends?" She probed.

    Lin Lihua looked at her like she was an idiot. "What do you mean he doesn''t have friends? He has me. He also has Wanwan and everyone in MAX."

    "Oh¡­" Yun Xuan felt awkward. Lin Lihua made it sound as though all his friends revolved around work. It made his circumstances sound even more pitiful.

    Lin Lihua watched Yun Xuan''s facial expressions change, a faint smile appearing at the corner of her lips.

    There were two ways to sneak into a woman''s heart; either being the good and kind gentleman who always play the hero that saves the belle, or making her feel sympathy. Since the first card was all up to him and he was still in coma, she could at least help him play the second card.

    Of course, pity would slowly develop into love and before she realizes it, she would have fallen too deep to get up.

    She couldn''t do much for her god brother; she should at least help him settle down. He was too lonely.

    "We should go home now. My daughters will be bored on their own if I don''t keep them company. "

    "I should put my baby to sleep too."

    The two women stood up and left the restaurant.

    ¡­

    The next day, Yun Xuan once again prepared a play space for her son and started doing her work online.

    Halfway through, she received a phone call from the hospital.

    She trembled. Did something happen to Lin Ye?

    She didn''t know why her heart was beating so fast. With quivering hands, she answered the call. "Doctor Xin?"

    "Miss Yun, I called to inform you that Mr. Lin woke up."

    "Huh?"

    Yun Xuan''s brain exploded in shock. "He''s awake? You''re not joking, right?"

    The doctor was patient with her. After all in such circumstances, this news seemed too good to be true. "You should come to see him later. I''m going to run tests on him now."

    Yun Xuan hung up the call, happier than ever.

    She emotionally hugged the only person in the room - Yun Feng. She kissed his face so much that if she had lipstick on, his face would be painted by now.

    "I should go to see him now that he woke up. Should I take you with me?"

    After thinking about it, she decided to take him along.

    But first, she kept in mind that he was no longer the unmoving man in coma.

    He had woken up... he would probably be hungry.

    Perhaps the food provided at the hospital would be too tasteless for him.

    However, since he could only eat light food at the moment, she would make some of that.

    She rushed to the supermarket and bought a bunch of ingredients. She kept some of them in the refrigerator; she would use them to cook for him later.

    A few happy songs later, Yun Xuan had managed to fill up a food flask.

    The aroma was quite enticing. Even she had to admit that she had never cooked with much passion. She wondered whether it was because she was in a good mood.

    She had bought fresh fruits along with the groceries, so she arranged some of them in a bag along with the food flask.

    Carrying her son in one arm and the bag in another, she left for the hospital.

    ...

    She was all smiles by the time she arrived.

    "Doctor, are you done running tests; can I go to see him now?"

    "Erm... yeah you can."

    Yun Xuan realized the doctor looked exhausted and perhaps unhappy... but she didn''t think too much about it.

    She stood by the door to Lin Ye''s room for a while, trying to gather the right words to say to him once she went in.

    Would he be happy that someone came to visit?

    She exhaled a huge puff of air, pushed the door open and walked in nervously.

    A smile escaped her lips. "Lin Ye."

    The man had his back facing her as he looked out of the window. He didn''t react to her calling his name.

    Yun Xuan thought he must be engrossed in the scenery outside the window. The blooming flowers looked vibrant with the sun rays shining upon them. A few butterflies could be seen playing around once in a while, with a child or two chasing after them. It was quite pleasing to the eye.

    "Lin Ye." She called again.

    The man didn''t respond this time either, making her start to get spooked.

    Why was he silent?

    Wait, why hadn''t he moved an inch since she came in?

    His silence was starting to get eerie.

    Yun Xuan put the bag on the table at the side, put Yun Feng on the seat beside the table and made sure he wouldn''t topple over. Then she slowly lead her way to the bed.

    "Lin Ye, can you hear me?"

    Only when she paid attention to his head did she notice the white piece of clothing that looked out of place.

    The knot was at the back of his head and when she followed its trail, it was covering his eyes.

    She nervously covered the remaining distance between her and the bed. She leaned over to touch the knot, vaguely seeing the tiny hairs behind his ear rise.

    "Why do you have a piece of cloth covering your eyes?"

    The man suddenly grabbed her hand violently without turning to face her "What are you doing?"

    Yun Xuan''s heart almost stopped beating from his sudden move. She pulled her hand out of his grip like it had been scalded. "I... I was just curious. I''m sorry.

    Look, I''m here to visit you. I brought food."

    "Get out."

    "What? Why are you suddenly...?"

    "Yun Xuan, get the f*ck out!"

    ...

    Edited by Essy

 Chapter 607 - A womans heart is tender

    Yun Xuan widened her eyes. How strange...

    Although they were not close to begin with, he was at least friendly to her. Such a sharp reaction was uncalled for.

    However, he had just woken up from coma and might need time to adjust to his sorroundings, so she didn''t think too much about it.

    She retreated and took her curious son from the sofa, hugging him.

    After thinking for a while, she spoke again. "There''s a food flask and fruits in the bag. You should..."

    "Take it away." He interrupted before she completed her statement.

    "What?"

    "Do I need to repeat my words?"

    Yun Xuan wasn''t so shocked a while ago but now she was. "What''s wrong with you?"

    "Why are you suddenly so rude?"

    "Heh." A cold chuckle filled the room. The man didn''t turn even once.

    "I didn''t know Miss Yun was capable of pestering people. What do you want from me?"

    Yun Xuan was getting more shocked by the second. Had his head been knocked a little too hard? "Nothing. I don''t want anything from you."

    "Then why the hell are you still here, huh? " He sounded so rude that if the voice wasn''t the same one she was familiar with, she would have sworn that he was an impostor.

    Yun Xuan didn''t want to hear his weird words anymore. She turned to leave.

    At the door, she ran into Lin Lihua. However, she didn''t stop to say hi. She was so upset that she regarded Lin Lihua as part of the air and sauntered away.

    Lin Lihua looked at her retreating back and raised an eyebrow curiously before entering the hospital room.

    "Xuanxuan doesn''t look happy."

    She placed the fruits and flowers that she had brought onto the table and walked over to him. "Did you say something mean to her?"

    Lin Ye finally shifted his position, struggling to turn around and sit on the bed properly. He couldn''t move his knees downwards, so he pinned his hands onto his sides and used their support to swing.

    "I couldn''t move her heart when I was handsome. How can she even look at me now?" Bitterness was apparent in his tone. "I would rather keep her away than watch her look down on me now."

    Lin Lihua stopped in her tracks. This man...

    Is that why he sent Yun Xuan away?

    In actual fact, the doctors had already explained that his legs had been affected from the accident.  They had stated that it would take time to recover but if he maintained the treatment plan, he would not be permanently disabled.

    As for his eyes, they only knew that his optical nerves may have experienced trauma, but it would be too dangerous to do a surgery for the sake of finding out. The only safe way to be sure was to let him wake up. Contrary to what they all hoped for, he was really blind.

    "Lin Ye, the doctor said it''s temporary. Your legs may recover soon and so will your eyes."

    "Or they may not recover at all." Lin Ye interrupted.

    Lin Lihua was almost rendered speechless. Logically he was right, but... "Haven''t you always been positive about everything? Why are you so pessimistic this time?

    Sigh, forget it. I don''t know what to say about you. You have loved a woman for many years and tried all your means to get close to her and just when she''s starting to care about you, you push her away? Do you know who has taken care of you these two months? Do you know that she would be here every day, talking to you? One time, I found her kneeling beside your bed, singing and caressing your hand. It was quite heartbreaking to watch. Do you have to be so mean to her?"

    "Do I need to repeat my own words?"

    "Fine I get it. You are scared she will look down on you. But what if she doesn''t?"

    Lin Lihua really wanted to knock some sense into his head. "She knew that you might not be able to walk again. She also knew that you might be blind. However, she didn''t stop coming to check on you every day. Your action was really unfair."

    The man listened as Lin Lihua rattled on.

    "Lin Ye, a woman''s heart is tender. She might fall in love with you no matter what you think of yourself. Actually, she has been happing on about how kind and gentle you are, and how you don''t deserve such an ordeal. I think you stand a chance."

    In the end, he let out a sigh. "Even if she will not look down on me, she deserves a complete man.

    A man like me doesn''t have the right to get close to her."

    "Lin Ye, do you want to be beaten up so badly?" Lin Lihua was defeated.

    "Fine. I will let you sink into your own darkness. Don''t blame the heavens for not giving you a chance."

    Although he couldn''t see her, he knew that she had turned to leave. Perhaps his other senses had become more accurate since he couldn''t see. "Lihua, help me apologize to her."

    Lin Lihua stopped in her tracks, a tiny smile almost surfacing. "Help you? Dream on. I will call her here and you will apologize on your own. But I cannot guarantee that she will be willing to come after being treated so rudely."

    Lin Ye gritted his teeth. "Fine."

    ___

    Yun Xuan had left the bag of food and fruits in the hospital room. He had asked her to take it away but what if he was hungry later?

    Urgh, fine. That was just an excuse.

    She knew that she had put all her heart into cooking for him. It would be such a shame if he didn''t even have a taste of it. Ultimately, she was simply being selfish.

    No matter how much she thought about it, Yun Xuan couldn''t comprehend just why he had acted the way he did.

    Was he so displeased by her presence? Was it because the first thing she did was probe into his privacy?

    Most importantly, why did she feel so sad?

 Chapter 608 - Please dont be mad at me

    She had not even settled down at home when her phone rang. The caller was Lin Lihua and if anyone were to ask, she wasn''t happy about it.

    But she couldn''t possibly reject her boss'' call, could she?

    Lin Lihua sounded very troubled. "Xuanxuan, I have something really urgent to do and Lin Ye is on his own. Could you check on him?"

    Just when Yun Xuan was about to say no, Lin Lihua continued. "He can''t eat on his own. If no one takes care of him, I''m afraid he will starve to death."

    Yun Xuan didn''t waver so easily. "Aren''t there nurses in the hospital? Why should I feed him?"

    Lin Lihua hadn''t thought about this and was caught off guard.

    "Well... Xuanxuan, he won''t let people he is not familiar with get within two meters of his radius. He''s blind and must be scared, you know...that someone might hurt him." She made up the closest nonsense she could come up with.

    Yun Xuan gripped her phone tightly. "Blind?"

    Now that piece of cloth made sense...

    Wait, that wasn''t the main point. "Even if that''s the case, it doesn''t mean I''m the right person to take care of him. Earlier he..."

    "Ah, Xuanxuan, I have to go now. I count on you!" Lin Lihua hung up without giving her a chance to say no.

    Yun Xuan truly didn''t know whether to laugh or cry.  What was Lin Lihua playing at?

    Never mind. She would simply go over. If that weirdly temperamental guy flared up on her again, she would never set foot anywhere close to him.

    ...

    Just like that, she made her way back to the hospital and into the very ward she had been sent away earlier.

    She walked in cautiously and stood at the door, wondering whether she should just remain silent and feed him anonymously. If he lost his temper again¡­

    "Yun Xuan." The man called out, his back turned towards the door again.

    His voice startled her. How exactly did he know that it was her? She had not made a single peep and neither had the little boy in her arms.

    Although the woman didn''t respond, Lin Ye knew that it was her. Her scent was one of a kind and he had liked it for ages. How could he not recognize it?

    Like he did earlier, he swung to face her. Of course, he couldn''t see. He could only guess that she could now see his face clearly.

    Yun Xuan couldn''t bear to see him struggle to do such a basic thing. She carefully put the boy on the sofa and stuffed a robot figurine into his hands.

    She then took the food flask she had brought before she was kicked out. It was only an hour ago, the food should still taste fresh.

    She served some of the food onto a bowl she had prepared earlier. "I only came to feed you. Lihua said you couldn''t do it on your own."

    Lin Ye remained silent, rendering her helpless. Should she proceed¡­ or would he detonate?

    The man took in a deep breath as the alluring aroma wafted into his nose. He had never had a taste of Yun Xuan''s cooking but his intuition made him believe she had cooked this for him.

    Seconds later, he heard faint footsteps as the woman got closer to him.

    "I''m sorry about earlier."

    "Uh?" Yun Xuan didn''t expect the sudden apology and was taken aback.

    "I was quite upset and treated you rudely. I''m sorry¡­ please don''t be mad at me?"

    "Um¡­" Yun Xuan didn''t know how to react. She was undeniably angry. But seeing him apologize ¨C paired with the fact that his emotions were still unstable ¨C the anger evaporated in a puff. "I will not be mad this time."

    "Mmh. No next time."

    The man''s lips curled slightly, pleasantly surprised that Yun Xuan didn''t hold it against him. Lin Lihua was right ¨C she didn''t look down on him like he had expected. If she did, she wouldn''t be here right now.

    Yun Xuan scooped congee on a spoon and brought it near his mouth, feeling awkward that she was feeding a grown man. "Eat."

    A scarlet color crept onto Lin Ye''s ears and he felt his face burn up as he opened his mouth to receive the contents of Yun Xuan''s spoon.

    "Uwaaa¡­" A sniffle of displeasure cut into the awkward atmosphere.

    Yun Xuan glanced at her son. He had put the robot figurine aside and was reaching his tiny arms towards her. Drops of tears glistened at the corner of his eyes.

    Why is mommy feeding other people?!

    Yun Xuan chuckled. Was there anyone more jealous than her son?

    Lin Ye wasn''t surprised that there was a little boy in the room. He had heard him blabber while playing.

    Yun Xuan didn''t pay much heed to her fitful little devil and proceeded to feed Lin Ye another spoonful.

    At that moment, the robot figurine was sent flying across the room making Yun Xuan glare at the little devil ¨C he would always throw things around when he was displeased.

    She tried to remain calm and not scare him. Putting the bowl aside, she stood up and took the toy from the floor, keeping it away from him.

    Her action earned a scream from him, which she ignored completely. He should learn that throwing things around was wrong. If he was a little stronger, that toy robot would have hit someone or destroyed something.

    Lin Ye chuckled under his breath. He could not watch what was happening but he could hear it. "It must be hard on you."

    Yun Xuan sat back down to continue feeding him. "Not exactly. He''s just a little naughtier than other kids."

    Of course, he was throwing a tantrum now because he didn''t like Lin Ye. She understood this, but perhaps it was the right time to teach him to keep a good relationship with everyone.

    ...

    Lin Ye had been asleep for quite a long time so he didn''t eat much ¨C his stomach was not used to it. He was full after a few spoonfuls.

    By this time, the little devil had cried himself to sleep.

    "I will go home now."

    "Xuanxuan¡­"

 Chapter 609 - Help me lie down

    Yun Xuan was surprised by his form of adressing her and so was he. He had always wanted to call her ''Xuanxuan'' and had done so severally in his dreams. Just now when he felt her stand to leave, it had unconciously slipped his lips.

    Luckily, Yun Xuan wasn''t unhappy about it.... or at least she didn''t do or say anything that she would have done if she was unhappy.

    She looked at his hand that was trying to grab hers but because she stood up suddenly, it had missed and grabbed onto the air. Despite that, he still made another attempt.

    She felt a wave of guilt for making things difficult for him.

    "What is it?"

    Lin Ye bit the walls of his mouth. He wanted to ask her to put Yun Feng to sleep on his bed and spend some time with him. However, he remembered that Yun Feng was still a baby and might catch infections if he stayed in the ward for too long. He changed his words with a hint of longing. "Take care."

    Yun Xuan''s gaze lingered on him.

    In the end, she couldn''t figure out what it was that the man might have wanted to tell her so she let it be.

    "Sure. You should rest a little more. I will ask the doctor when you can be discharged."

    "Mmh." He agreed, though he didn''t wish to be discharged soon. It wasn''t because he liked being in a hospital.

    It was simply because of what Lin Lihua had said: if she was busy for the most part, Yun Xuan would automatically take care of him.

    She had only stayed for a few minutes and he was very happy about it. He greedily and selfishly wanted to get more of her care. It didn''t matter even if it was in a hospital. Would the heavens forgive him for being selfish and asking for too much?

    ¡­

    Contrary to his hope, the doctor informed Yun Xuan that Lin Ye could be discharged in two days.

    He was pretty much better and could recuperate at home. Regarding his eyes and legs, he would only need to go back to the hospital every month.

    This kind of news was a relief to most patients, but not for Lin Ye. When the doctor informed him about it and told him that she had already told the good news to Miss Yun, he was not happy.

    He was awfully disappointed.

    Weird, I know.

    Even he didn''t expect that he would one day hate being discharged so much.

    ¡­

    In the evening, Yun Xuan dropped her little troublemaker at the Lin residence to play with Xia Rou before she went to help Lin Ye with dinner. She had cooked it herself once again.

    "Why do you look unhappy?" Yun Xuan probed, setting the empty bowl aside. She couldn''t see his eyes but she could tell from his mannerisms that he was not happy. At least not as happy as he looked earlier when she fed him lunch.

    "I''m alright." Lin Ye dismissed, before Lin Lihua''s words rung in his head once again. He should grab every opportunity to get emotionally closer to her.

    He let out a sigh. He wanted her to keep checking on him even after being discharged, but he was afraid to bother her. He had troubled her enough already. However, he still felt the urge to ask her for this last favor.

    His mind was in turmoil.

    "I cannot go back to work. I must have caused my boss a lot of trouble..." In the end, he couldn''t bring himself to say that he would be lonely in his villa once he left the hospital and wanted her to accompany him.

    Yun Xuan didn''t know this and only responded to his words. "Wanwan is quite a caring boss. She made sure that your fame as a designer was not lost. Actually, she used some of your drafts for MAX Brand''s spring designs and brought attention to your winter drafts. Since there is still some months before winter and she already made it sound so mysterious, everyone will be eager to see them. I know this might make the public have higher expectations but she is confident that you will not disappoint them.

    Not only that, you are still MAX Brand''s top designer and precious gem. No matter when you go back, you will still be the famous designer Lin. I admit I wouldn''t have thought of doing this if I was still your boss.

    Lin Ye smiled faintly. Although his eyes were still covered, one could imagine how brightly they would have beamed. "My little god sister does care about me."

    A second later, her last statement sunk in and he chuckled. "Actually, I miss being your employee. Those were the best days of my life."

    "Huh?"

    Lin Ye realized that he had spoken too much and coughed. "YX Brand was the first fashion company I worked for and you were my first employer in the fashion industry. Of course I feel attached."

    "Oh¡­" His first statement had sounded rather weird¡­ If he didn''t clarify, she would have thought too much about it.

    Lin Ye sunk into thought. Sure enough, his heart would always race out of control whenever Yun Xuan was near him. The filter on his mouth ceased to function as well.

    If this went on, he was afraid he wouldn''t control his words anymore.

    He knew that her heart had been broken twice. She may not welcome the idea of love any soon. If his words slipped up and gave him away, she might flee.

    In the silence that followed, Yun Xuan realized how awkward it would be if she stayed too long in an unattached man''s ward. She now understood why Wan Jia and Lin Lihua couldn''t; such an environment was very likely to cause a misunderstanding.

    "You should go to sleep early. I''m sorry but I can''t stay here with you, my son won''t sleep comfortably in my absence. I will let the nurses take care of you at night."

    "Mmh." Lin Ye understood this, suddenly thinking that being discharged wasn''t such a bad thing after all. At least in his villa, he could persuade her to stay.

    For now, he could only suck it up. "Help me lie down."

    "Eh? Eer..." Yun Xuan''s mind filled with awkwardness.

 Chapter 610 - Its disgusting

    Yun Xuan bit her lip awkwardly.

    This was a normal request considering his condition. Of course, he would be afraid of bumping into something while trying to lie down since he didn''t know his exact position. However, why did it sound so strange coming out of his mouth? It was almost as though he was doing it on purpose.

    ''Just take it as putting Little Feng to sleep''. She thought. This way, it would be less awkward.

    With gritted teeth, she pressed on his shoulders and made him lie down. Luckily he couldn''t see her right now.

    When he was in a comfortable sleeping position, she pulled the covers over him.

    Lin Ye clearly felt her scent as she tucked him in. It gave him the urge to grab onto her. Actually, he felt that urge from the moment he felt her soft hands press him down. He really wanted to hug her...

    Resisting this temptation, he tried to catch some sleep.

    "I''m leaving now." Yun Xuan said after what felt like a battle.

    "Take care." Lin Ye said when he felt her move away.

    Yun Xuan responded with a "hmm" and left the hospital room.

    By the time Yun Xuan left the hospital, she realized that she had spent a lot of time off work. She did not regret spending time with Lin Ye ¨C it was just that henceforth she would have to discipline herself regarding the time spent away from working.

    This was the downside of working online ¨C one could as well forget about what they needed to do or procrastinate it and end up being under a lot of constraint later.

    She would surely have a lot to do this evening.

    ---

    Meanwhile, in the hospital.

    Five minutes after Yun Xuan left.

    "Tut. Tut. A certain someone finally learnt to use their brain to charm women."

    "Lin Lihua, what are you doing here?" Lin Ye was in the middle of thinking about his beautiful goddess when he was interrupted by Lin Lihua''s teasing voice.

    What was up with her? Was she spying on them?

    "I see. Since a certain someone managed to bring back their beloved, useless cupids like me have become worthless." Lin Lihua placed the fruits she had brought onto the table.

    "Don''t mind me. I only brought fruits. Your boss will be here to see you tomorrow."

    When she was done delivering the message, she turned to leave.

    "Wait, Lin Lihua." The man spoke when he heard her footsteps go further away.

    "What, you want to ask for love advice? I''m telling you, you will not afford it."

    Lin Ye clenched his jaw disdainfully. Who wants to ask for love advice? "Did Xuanxuan bring any fruits?"

    "She did."

    "Peel me some."

    Lin Lihua was speechless. Since her rank as a cupid had been lost, she had now reduced to a nanny? Not only that, he was not asking for her fruits but for Yun Xuan... don''t tell her Yun Xuan''s fruits tasted better?

    Nonetheless, she took an apple from the basket of Yun Xuan''s fruits and went to wash and peel it.

    When she was done, however, the man adamantly refused to be fed by her. He preferred to feel around and eat it on his own.

    Lin Lihua had nothing to say.

    "Don''t you have work to do?" Lin Ye asked when he still felt her presence after a while.

    "It''s night." Lin Lihua was not shocked that he was asking this. His world was immersed in darkness. He could not tell day from night and must have thought that it was still working hours.

    "Then, don''t you have a family to take care of?"

    "You ungrateful brat. I was worried you would feel lonely and was even considering calling a friend over so we could stay here with you but turns out you don''t need me. I''ll be on my way now."

    Lin Ye chuckled. Of course he didn''t need her. He only needed one woman.

    ¡­

    When Lin Lihua left the hospital, she drove to Southside Villas. She still had a family matter to take care of.

    ___

    The next day, Yun Xuan was early. She had once again cooked breakfast.

    She made her way into the hospital with her basket of fresh fruits and a food flask.

    "Miss Yun, you are here." The doctor in charge of Lin Ye greeted.

    "Hello doctor. How is Mr. Lin?"

    The doctor had a happy smile plastered across her face. "Different from what I expected.

    Most patients who wake up to such darkness become so sad that some of them end up depressed. There are even a few suicidal cases. However, Mr. Lin is quite positive about his current circumstances. It is much easier to get better if his mood is that good."

    Yun Xuan listened on with interest. She had also been scared that Lin Ye might not be able to accept his condition and might be too depressed about it. Hearing that he was in a good mood, she was happier.

    Of course, he was only happy because she was taking of him but she didn''t know this.

    ...

    When she entered his room, he was sitting in the same posture as the previous day. Yun Xuan wondered whether it was automatic reflex.

    "Yun Xuan, you are here. I was waiting for you." His voice was filled with obvious joy.

    "How exactly did you know that it''s me?" Yun Xuan asked the question she had been wondering about since the previous day.

    "Instinct." He answered in one word.

    Yun Xuan had no words to refute his answer. She couldn''t come up with any other possibility anyway.

    "You didn''t bring Little Feng today?" He questioned when he didn''t hear any child sounds.

    "He''s with aunt Xia."

    The previous night, she had invited Xia Rou over for dinner and after spending time giving Yun Xuan tips about work, it was late so she spent the night in Yun Xuan''s apartment.

    Of course, Yun Feng was especially happy about this.

    She had left the two of them to play for a while.

    Lin Ye was happy about the news. He might get to spend some alone time with her.

    However, there was a larger problem at the moment. "Erm... Yun Xuan, I haven''t washed yet. I feel sweaty. It''s so disgusting."

 Chapter 611 - Bathe a grown man?

    Hadn''t washed?

    Yun Xuan paused in her tracks, trying to comprehend what he meant.

    He didn''t speak again for a while so she probed. "What about it?"

    "I don''t want those weird nurses to come close to me. Could you..."

    Lin Ye paused mid-statement. If he straight up asked her to help him clean up, it might sound lewd. Not only that, his body would definitely bertray his feelings for her if he felt her touch his skin. In actual fact, just the thought of it was able to rile his senses. What would happen if she actually did it?

    Yun Xuan waited for him to complete his statement. He was not going to ask her to bathe him, right?

    Even if it was because he was a patient and she was taking care of him, it was way beyond reasonable boundaries.

    Although she was not an innocent little girl and it wouldn''t be her first time seeing or touching a man''s body, it was still inappropriate if the man was not in any relationship with her.

    "Could you help me contact my butler?" He finally spoke again.

    "You have a butler?" Wait, he had a butler? Why didn''t he ever look for his master all this while? This didn''t make any sense. Of course he would have at least tried to find his whereabouts. How come nobody told her?

    Yun Xuan suddenly felt cheated.

    Lin Ye didn''t think too much of her surprise and went on. "Yes. That female doctor said that she made sure my phone didn''t ever run out of juice in case someone contacted me. I''ll tell you the password and you will help me contact my butler."

    "Didn''t he ever try to contact you?" Yun Xuan couldn''t help asking.

    Lin Ye suddenly realized that this might have been one of Lin Lihua''s trick. She must have told the servants at his villa to not try to contact him. He could only go along and make up the following nonsense to avoid causing a war: "They cannot call me. Only I can call them and it doesn''t matter why they want to contact me. It''s a rule in the villa."

    "Oh." Yun Xuan wasn''t shocked about it. In the Yun mansion, only the butler could contact Madam Yun. If the others had anything urgent to say, they had to let the butler pass their message. It was also limited to one call in a day to avoid distracting her if she was at work.

    However, "You shouldn''t have such a rule. What if something really urgent happened?" Her tone was full of disapproval.

    "I will retract that." Of course, such a rule didn''t exist to begin with.

    "Where''s the phone?"

    It suddenly downed on Lin Ye that the screensaver of his phone was quite ''interesting''.

    If she saw that...

    His stomach chose to growl at this time, saving him from the storm that would have started brewing.

    "You should eat first. I will call your butler later."

    When she was done feeding him, Lin Ye had come up with a better idea. "How about I  get discharged earlier? I''m okay anyway."

    Yun Xuan didn''t read too much into it. It was expected that he would be uncomfortable about letting someone else access his phone. It was meant to be private after all.

    "I will help you with the discharge procedure. You can rest for a while."

    Lin Ye lay back down obediently and waited for her.

    On his own now, a strange feeling started to creep in. He felt useless. Why was it that he needed help with such a basic thing as bathing? He was now relying on Yun Xuan like a baby would. That wasn''t accurate. Even Yun Feng could clumsily pick pieces of fruit on his own and eat them.

    He was worse off than a one-year-old. Was he still a man?

    ''Stop thinking about it!'' He scolded himself. He could not let himself get depressed over this.

    At that moment, he heard footsteps that were not Yun Xuan''s. He listened to them carefully for a while.

    "Boss?"

    Wan Jia was startled. Lin Lihua was right about him being able to recognize people''s footsteps or scents.

    "Do you feel better?"

    "Mmh. I''m being discharged. Xuanxuan has gone to get the discharge forms."

    Yun Xuan returned at this time, and the man on the bed gave a small smile, "Oh, she''s back."

    Wan Jia couldn''t help raising her eyebrows. Was it that obvious?

    "The doctor said you can leave when you are ready to." Yun Xuan reported, before saying hi to Wan Jia.

    She had brought a wheelchair with her. Since Wan Jia was here, Yun Xuan no longer felt awkward. They helped him onto the wheelchair.

    Yun Xuan tugged at the white piece of cloth around his eyes. "I''m going to take this off, okay?"

    Lin Ye nodded. His world filled with light when Yun Xuan untied the knot.

    At that moment, his heart was filled with a sudden ray of hope. He smiled slightly.

    However, his vision was full of white light and that was it. He didn''t see the colors  he had expected he would see.

    No hospital equipment, no Wan Jia and no Yun Xuan. Just white light.

    His hope was shattered once again.

    When Wan Jia saw his eyes, she could swear that they were alright. Only after taking a closer look did she realize that they didn''t look like they were focused on anything. It was as though they were lost in some blank world.

    "I drove here. I could drop you off at your house." Wan Jia offered to ease the tension.

    "Mmh." Lin Ye was still sad from his disappointment just now but he agreed nonetheless.

    "However, I have a meeting to attend within one hour so I will only drop you off. Xuanxuan will help you settle in." Just like Lin Lihua, she didn''t forget to drag Yun Xuan into spending more time with him.

    Yun Xuan, who had not been asked for her opinion in this, was speechless.

    If she didn''t know better, she would think the Lin sisters were trying to match make her with Lin Ye.

 Chapter 612 - The strange women from the Lin family.

    Lin Ye''s villa.

    Once Wan Jia left, the butler gave Lin Ye a sponge bath. It would be hard for him to use the shower or tub at the moment so he could only make do with this.

    Of course, Yun Xuan didn''t want to be part of it. She was busy studying the expressions on the servants'' faces. After scrutinizing them for ages, she found that none of them showed any signs of curiosity.

    They only kept asking her if she wanted fruit or juice or water, but that was it. They didn''t seem to be curious about her identity. Most importantly, none of them asked what had happened to their boss.

    Was it because they had been trained to keep their thoughts hidden, or was it because they were not shocked that their boss who had been missing for two months suddenly appeared on a wheelchair, blind and with a woman?

    For a moment, it felt like they were well informed. Why did it feel that something wasn''t right?

    Dismissing it as none of her business, she took out her phone to play with. There were a few missed calls, some from her mother and one from Xia Rou.

    She realized with a start that she had been away from home for quite some time. How could she be so impolite as to leave a guest on her own and for such a long time?

    She guiltily returned Xia Rou''s call.

    On the other end, Yun Feng could be heard chuckling. He must have been playing with Xia Rou, who sounded cheerful as well. "Xuanxuan, how is Lin Ye?"

    Yun Xuan let out a breath of relief. She had been worried that something happened to Xia Rou or Yun Feng when she saw that missed call. So she was just calling to check on Lin Ye. "Lin Ye got discharged. Since he is alright now, I''ll be on my way back."

    "No, no. You should spend a little more time with him. That kid has always been on his own. You should accompany him a little more; you don''t have to worry about Little Feng, I will take care of him."

    If Yun Xuan hadn''t realized anything strange before, she would be dumb if she didn''t realzie it now. These Lins...

    Why was it that all of them sounded strange whenever they talked about Lin Ye?

    When the call ended, she proceeded to check on a few other notifications. She wasn''t going to return Madam Yun''s call for now.

    ...

    Keeping her phone back in her pocket, she saw that the butler had finished changing Lin Ye into a fresh set of clothes and was now wheeling him into the living room.

    The man had a displeased expression on his face.

    Yun Xuan chuckled under her breath, pretty much guessing the cause of his displeasure.

    Still, he had to rant when the servants retreated.

    "I hate that. How could the butler bathe me? It was so embarassing! He even got to see parts of my body that are not meant for his eyes. Including... that."

    Yun Xuan was going to comfort him but she became embarassed by his second statement.

    How could he simply say that? "Lin Ye!"

    "Anything wrong?"

    Yun Xuan coughed. Perhaps he was not a reserved person and could talk about such things freely.

    Lin Ye wanted to disperse the awkwardness, and at the same time test the waters. "Xuanxuan..."

    Yun Xuan was once again stunned. Such an intimate form of adress... It was not the first time he called her this but she didn''t know how to react.

    "I want to eat apples. Could you peal me some?"

    "Well..." Yun Xuan was yet to react to the nickname that left his mouth when he spoke again. It took a few seconds for her brain to adjust to it. "Okay! I brought some this morning. I''ll go to peel some for you."

    "En."

    When he heard Yun Xuan''s retreating footsteps, he nervously pushed his luck a little further. "I like it when my apples are cut into hearts."

    Yun Xuan giggled with a hand over her mouth. Pfft. Such a childish preferance for a grown up man.

    Without answering, she rushed away.

    Seconds later, Lin Ye heard her stop the butler and ask him for the direction to the kitchen.

    With a wide smile rapidly forming in his lips, he balled a fist and suddenly punched into the air, making the servants exchange curious looks.

    ...

    In the kitchen, Yun Xuan took an apple from the basket and washed it.

    After being told all the details by the butler, she found the cutlery with ease from which she chose a small fruit knife.

    Peeling an apple was a piece of cake: she did it swiftly and put it on the chopping board.

    After delibetating for some seconds, she chose to do what that grown up childish man prefered. So she took a heart-shaped cookie cutter from the cutlery - though she wondered what such an item was doing in a man''s kitchen. It couldn''t be that he liked eating heart-shaped cookies and fruits, right?

    With a giggle, she sliced the apple before using the cookie cutter to shape it into small hearts.

    "Pfft. Those who didn''t know would think I made this for my Feng."

    ...

    "Your apple is ready." She announced when she got back to the living room.

    Lin Ye was currently trying to feel around. He was overjoyed when he heard her voice.

    However, he sounded helpless. "Feed me."

    Yun Xuan sat opposite him on the sofa and pulled his wheelchair closer: just an inch more and their knees would touch. She stabbed the fork into one of the apple hearts and put it near his mouth. He was already used to being fed by her so he naturally took the piece in his mouth and chewed it with satisfaction.

    "Are apples so sweet nowadays?" He remaeked afer swallowing. How come they were not this sweet when Lin Lihua peeled them for him the previous night?

    ...

    Lin Lihua: "A-cho! Is someone haboring ill intentions against me?"

    ...

    "Xuanxuan, it''s seriously very sweet." Feeling around in the space in front of him, he touched the plate in Yun Xuan''s hands.

    "You want to eat on your own?" Yun Xuan stabbed a piece and put the fork in his hand, trying to make it easier for him.

    "You should have a taste." Lin Ye held the fork and guided it to where he thought her mouth should be.

    However, he had put it right smack on her chest.

 Chapter 613 - I need that

    Yun Xuan was shocked by the sudden cold sensation on her chest. If he could see, this would have been extremely awkaward.

    Taking back the fork from him, she laughed it off. "Just be obedient and let me feed you."

    Lin Ye gave a tiny smile. Where did that apple piece end up earlier?

    How he wished she didn''t dispose it and gave it to him instead. It would be an indirect kiss of sorts.

    ...

    A while later, Yun Xuan felt she had really overstayed her welcome.

    Her son needed her attention too and so did her work.

    "Get the chauffeur to send you home." Lin Ye said when she really had to go.

    However, she rejected it politely. "Don''t worry about it; It''s not that far away. I''ll just hail a cab."

    Not wanting to force her into anything, Lin Ye let her go.

    ...

    Yun Xuan didn''t expect that she would regret her decision within a few minutes.

    She had forgotten that this was a private property. It was not going to be easy to find a cab. The bus station was very far away from here too. If she walked all that distance, she couldn''t guarantee that her legs wouldn''t be sore for days.

    She looked back towards the villa, wondering if it was too late to go back and ask the chauffeur to drop her off.

    But after considering the facts, she thought it wouldn''t be bad to take a walk. She was certain that if she walked a few meters ahead, she would be able to find one.

    Minutes later, she was out of breath for walking too fast.

    The good news was that she was able to see a taxi.

    "Phew! Sooner than I thought." She sighed and hurriedly walked towards the taxi before it got hitched by another passenger.

    "Sir, take me to Phoenix Apartments, thank you."

    The driver stole a glance at Yun Xuan and drove off.

    Tired from the walk, Yun Xuan lay her head against the backrest, trying not to fall asleep.

    She had been handling three things at a time for the past two months - her job, her son and Lin Ye. If one knew how long she managed to catch sleep every day, one would find that she was very pitiful.

    Let alone a human being, surely even a robot would be tired.

    Her knitted eyebrows eased a little as she massaged her temples. Since Lin Ye was alright now, she wouldn''t need to spend too much time with him. She could now comfortably take care of two things like she did when she was in Country G.

    When her eyes landed at the scenery outside  however, she froze.

    From the bridge they had just passed, there was no alternative route to Phoenix Apartments.

    Why was it that the driver had taken a detour?

    She gulped when she sneaked a glance at the driver''s expression. He didn''t seem oblivious to what he was doing. He instead looked slightly nervous, like he was haboring some sort of malice and was afraid of being found out.

    Yun Xuan''s eyes went wide, reality slowly sinking into her brain. This was a familiar scene.

    It was just like one of those scenes from movies and television dramas where cab drivers would be hired to kidnap people.

    Her pulse accelerated.

    She knew that if this was one of those scenes, she absolutely shouldn''t try to remind the driver that he was going the wrong way. Screaming was out of question too.

    "Um... sir, I remembered that my aunt wants me to get something from the convenience store on my way back. Could you drop me off at the one up ahead?"

    If she managed to get off this car, she would be safe. She wouldn''t leave that convenience store on her own. She would ask for help from Xia Rou or Lin Lihua and buy time in the convenience store until they arrived.

    However, her expectation was way different from her reality.

    The driver glanced at her through the rear view mirror and guffawed.

    "You do have some brains, woman. Sadly, they are only enough to outsmart an elementary school kid."

    With that, he accelerated towards an unfamiliar road.

    Yun Xuan gasped. Where were they going? The road was getting less busy by the second.

    Clutching onto her purse, she clung onto her last straw. "Listen, did someone pay you to kidnap me? How much did they pay you? I can give you double of that."

    "Hmph! Can you afford it?"

    The words sliced into Yun Xuan''s heart. Did she look that poor?

    Wait, no. It wasn''t time to think about that.

    "How will you know if you don''t try? I could oay you tripple. That''s the farthest I can go."

    "Heh... although It''s tempting, we are already here." The driver slyly announced.

    "What?" Yun Xuan looked outside. Indeed. There were more cars a few meters away and they seemed to be waiting for them, or for her.

    No... she couldn''t go. If anything happened to her, who would take care of her son? He was only one year old. He still needed his mother by his side.

    She looked around for a weapon desperately. This was a gangster in disguise of a driver. He must at least have some weapons in case she put up a fight. She didn''t believe that he was unarmed.

    But, of course he wouldn''t display his weapons in the open.

    She was running out of time...

    "Stop! I''ll go over on my own. I wonder who has the balls to summon me in such a disrespectful manner."

    The driver turned to glance at Yun Xuan, wondering what was up with that tone. Why did she make it sound like she was some sort of queen?

    He stopped unconciously.

    At this moment, Yun Xuan pulled her belt off - she had already unbuckled it when she thought of this. She tightened it around the man''s neck and pulled it - all in four seconds. "Turn around and drive!"

    The man''s first reaction was to reach for his gun, and Yun Xuan pulled it off his grip. "Thank you, I needed that."

 Chapter 614 - Murder

    Yun Xuan held the gun against the man''s temple. It was a much more reliable weapon than her belt.

    However, she still kept her eye of caution open. This move saved her life.

    The man didn''t just have a gun as his only weapon. He had a knife too, which he took out swiftly.

    Yun Xuan fired the gun out of reflex. The driver''s head fell onto the steering wheel, making the car sway violently.

    Yun Xuan pushed it off the steering wheel and steadied the car, driving farther away from the group of hooligans.

    However, she was bound to get tired soon. It was not easy to drive while leaning on the driver''s seat from behind. Not only that, the man''s foot that was stepping on the accelerator weakened and let go. The car slowed down to a stop. It would be too troublesome to push that man off the driver''s seat, so she chose this moment to jump off the car and run into a street with a lot of human traffic.

    Phoenix Apartments wasn''t far away. When she was sure that the ruffians definitely wouldn''t follow her thanks to the human traffic, she ran all the way to her unit. Thank goodness she was not wearing high heeled shoes.

    She entered her house, panting and gasping.

    "Xuanxuan, what happened to you?" Xia Rou was startled when she saw her rush in.

    Yun Xuan leaned against the wall, trying to catch her breath. Luckily Yun Feng had fallen asleep or he would be frightened seeing her like this.

    The events that just happened started to sink in. Did she just kill that driver?

    ''I killed someone'' she mumbled.

    Xia Rou was worried when she saw how pale she looked. There was even a large stain of fresh blood on her arm.  "Are you alright?"

    In the next second, she threw herself into Xia Rou''s arms, tears suddenly gushing out of her eyes. "Aunty¡­ I think I killed someone."

    "What?" Xia Rou was shocked.

    She calmed down her senses and held Yun Xuan''s shoulders, leading her to the sofa. "Xuanxuan tell me, what happened?"

    Yun Xuan''s shoulders shook as sob after sob left her mouth. "He¡­he tried to kidnap me and¡­ and¡­"

    Xia Rou patted her back. She was hiccupping from crying a lot. "Calm down first. I''ll pour you a glass of water."

    Yun Xuan drunk all the water in huge swigs and gave the glass back to Xia Rou.

    She was a bit calm now, so she explained what had happened.

    "We should call the police." Xia Rou said when she had recalled the whole thing.

    "No! Aunty, please don''t call the police. I will go to jail. If I go to jail, what will happen to my baby?"

    Xia Rou patted her back. "Relax¡­ you will not go to jail. It was all for self-defense and it''s still early so the police can retrieve the evidence to clear your name. However if we don''t report it early enough, you might get into trouble."

    Seeing that she was still unwilling, Xia Rou coaxed her gently. "I can guarantee that you will not go to jail. If that happens, I will take responsibility."

    "Thank you aunty." Yun Xuan hugged Xia Rou, happy that she did not think it was her fault.

    After making sure that Yun Xuan had completely calmed down, Xia Rou called her husband and explained the matter.

    "Why are you helping that child? I thought you hated people from the Yun family?" Lin Zhou was as curious as anyone could be.

    "Because I like her. Why can''t I help her?"

    Unable to refute her logic, Lin Zhou called someone from the police department.

    ...

    Meanwhile, Yun Xuan was deep in thought. Those hooligans definitely didn''t intend to kill her.

    If they did, she would be dead by now. She was driving while standing and that would give them such a perfect opportunity to shoot her right in the spine.

    When she got off the car, they had a perfect chance to kill her but they instead chased after her like lunatics as she dashed onto a busy street where they couldn''t do anything. Not to mention, she had killed one of them. It didn''t make sense that they they spared her.

    There was only one possibility: their boss specifically wanted her alive and unharmed. It was obviously not for a ransom because she was not that valuable to begin with.

    The mastermind had to be someone who had been spying on her long enough to know that she had gone to Lin Ye''s villa and happened to need a ride back. Perhaps their people had been following her and reporting her every move.

    But who could they be?

    It was weird to think about this at such a moment but could it be Tyler?

    Yun Xuan dropped the thought as soon as it surfaced. Tyler was a shameless man alright, but he wouldn''t stoop to such a level for a woman.

    Actually, the fact that she wasn''t harmed didnt mean the mastermind didn''t mean any harm. Her body shuddered when she thought about this. What if they wanted her to be brought to them unharmed so they could use more agonizing methods to kill her?

    That reminded her. Madam Yun had tried to call her very many times. What was it that she wanted to say so urgently?

    That was right. She didn''t seem to have any other enemies aside from the Yun family. Yun Feiwen was unfriendly to her the last time they met. Could he have resorted to using such means to eliminate her?

    Could it be that Madam Yun had found out her son''s intention and was trying to warn her earlier?

    "Xuanxuan, what are you thinking about?" Xia Rou had finished speaking to her husband and was back.

    Yun Xuan felt indebted to her. "Aunty, thank you for helping me. I think I know the person that tried to kidnap me."

    "Good girl. Don''t be scared anymore. You may need to go to the police station later to explain what happened. Just tell the truth and don''t be scared, okay?"

 Chapter 615 - The murderers psycho daughter

    Later that day.

    Since the Lin family had stepped into the matter, they were able to find the surveillance footage before it got deleted by the evil people. The police were just in time to retrieve it.

    Not everything was shown in the surveillance footage since the car was at a blind spot for a while. However, the information they received was double-sided.

    It was likely that the woman was running away because she was being followed by the ruffians. However, it was also possible that they were following her because she killed the driver.

    After all, it was clear that she was the first to attack the driver by trying to strangle him with a belt.

    For this matter, they needed to ask her a few questions.

    Yun Xuan was too scared to leave the house after what happened.

    Xia Rou brought over bodyguards from the Lin residence. Only then did she feel safe and agree to go to the police station.

    "Miss, could you state everything that happened in detail?"

    Yun Xuan was displeased that she had to speak of it again but she did for the sake of investigation.

    "I only hailed the taxi to go back to my apartment but the driver suddenly took a wrong turn. I found it suspicious but when I asked to get off the car, he refused to let me get off and accelerated towards an unknown place."

    "Have you met this driver before?" The police officer asked.

    "No."

    "If you are meeting for the first time, why would he have a motive to hurt you? How were you so sure that he meant evil?"

    "She''s the victim here." Another police officer reminded.

    "That is yet to be determined. I say she could have deliberately murdered the taxi driver and reported it earlier so she could play the victim."

    Yun Xuan frowned. "Excuse me, I don''t know him. Why would I want to murder a stranger? Besides, you saw it from the footage that I snatched the gun from him. He was the one who was armed. Do taxi drivers walk around with knives and guns nowadays?"

    "I didn''t see any of that." The first police officer said sternly.

    "What? But the footage..."

    "It was taken by the security cameras along the road. It wouldn''t capture clearly what exactly happened." He said, almost making Yun Xuan sigh in relief before he continued, "Which is why I think this is organized crime. You must have known this and used it against him, since you know that everyone will easily think of you as the weak victim."

    "What? You are accusing me of something I didn''t do. This is against the law." Yun Xuan was confused. What was this man talking about? Weren''t they supposed to get justice for her?

    Her body trembled as she glared daggers at the police officer.

    "Heh. You want to teach me law, huh?"

    Yun Xuan almost couldn''t control her temper anymore. "I told you the truth based on what happened and you have no right to slander me. I didn''t have any motive of murder to start with."

    The police officer gave her a once-over.

    "You have no motive, you say? But aren''t you a murderer''s daughter? Perhaps you are a psycho and want to kill everyone you come into contact with."

    "You!" Yun Xuan almost exploded in anger.

    However, she saw the man''s smug look on time. She realized with a start that this man was trying to rile her up.

    Was he tying to anger her into attacking him?

    If she attacked him, she would be detained. Wait. Why did it feel strange? Was he trying to forcefully arrest her for physically assaulting the police? Why would he do that?

    She glanced at him in shock. How scary...

    What happened to the police protecting her?

    How did it turn into them provoking her instead?

    After this realization downed on her, she refused to speak. She was ready to remain silent even if they resorted to torture.

    Luckily everything she had said just now was exactly what happened. She didn''t twist any facts. There wouldn''t be any loophole.

    "I want to ask this. Since you attacked someone for self defense as you put it, why did you run back to your apartment? Was it to hide away?"

    Yun Xuan bit her tongue and remained silent.

    This was getting scarier by the minute. She was afraid she might lose her temper.

    After a round of agonizing questions, it was not sure what happened but she was suddenly let off.

    ...

    She dashed into Xia Rou''s arms as soon as she was out. "Aunty, they think I''m guilty. I have to gather more evidence to prove my innocence."

    Xia Rou patted her back. "Good child. It''s over already.

    That police officer just now has recieved a bribe. He was going to use your own words or actions to forcefully get you into prison. Luckily, Old Zhou found out and reported him. No one will bother you any more."

    Yun Xuan didn''t know what to say. Just now she was scared. Scared that she was going to have a murder charge against her name and might be prosecuted for it.

    She was just starting to think of a way to obtain evidence but the Lin family had done it already, and that fast?

    "Aunty, I owe the Lin family too much. I don''t know how to repay you."

    Xia Rou continued patting her back like she used to do to Lin Lihua when she was a child. "If you feel so indebted to us, why don''t you let me take you in?"

    "Eh?" Yun Xuan was caught off guard by this.

    "I like you and little Feng very much. Besides, your apartment is no longer safe. I think that person followed you and that''s how they knew that you had gone to the police station.

    If you move into the Lin residence, I can guarantee your safety. No one will be able to hurt you or little Feng again."

 Chapter 616 - Who is the kid?

    Yun Xuan didn''t want to owe anyone anything. Especially not the Lin family who had been very kind to her. She really didn''t want to freeload on them.

    However, her apartment was truly not safe. Although the security was passable when she moved in, it was now far from that.

    Someone had managed to stalk her. This meant there were many loopholes in the security.

    For the sake of her baby, it would be safer to stay somewhere with guaranteed security.

    She looked at Xia Rou, wondering what she would do for the Lin family to repay their kindness.

    "Aunty, then I will have to trouble you for a while."

    Xia Rou smiled. How she wished she could adopt Yun Xuan as her foster daughter.

    After all, her foster mother couldn''t protect her. She was being controlled by her sons and according to Lin Zhou''s investigation, those sons of the Yun family must have been the ones who tried to kidnap Yun Xuan.

    Unfortunately, that would be crossing her boundaries and Madam Yun would have something to say.

    But this was good too. She could simply take it as having a friend from the younger generation.

    "Then let''s go home now. I''ll have someone move your things later. I suggest you don''t move everything at the moment."

    "Mmh." Yun Xuan understood this. It would be safer if it wasn''t obvious that she was moving out.

    Xia Rou saw that Yun Xuan had knitted her brows and was thinking about something.

    She chuckled. "Don''t worry. Little Feng is with old Zhou. He''s in safe hands."

    Yun Xuan felt embarassed. "Am I such an open book?"

    ...

    In the Lin residence, Yun Xuan indeed felt safe. She was no longer afraid of being ambushed or of someone finding out about her baby.

    Xia Rou had had the servants specifically prepare Yun Xuan''s bedroom in the same colors and theme as those of her house. The room next to hers was also decorated with things that little boys liked.

    Yun Feng''s favorite toys were brought over too, along with some clothes.

    As for his new cradle, Xia Rou had paid special attention to it. She had made sure that there was nothing that the little boy could possibly step on if he wanted to get out on his own. Yun Xuan was awed by her thoughtfulness. She had been considering buying a new one herself but once again, Xia Rou had done it for her.

    ...

    Thanks to the Lin family''s rules, the servants knew that they should respect any guest brought into the house.

    Yun Xuan had expected the melodramatic twist of events of the servants  bullying her in Xia Rou''s absence. However, they gave her the same amount of respect that they would give Lin Lihua and Wan Jia. Those who didn''t know would think that Xia Rou was welcoming a long lost daughter.

    The wheel of fortune had finally stopped in her favor.

    ...

    That night, Yun Xuan carried her son to her new room

    She was worried that he would be unable to sleep in the new environment so she slept with him on her bed.

    In the end, she had been worried about nothing. When he woke up late at night, he didn''t cry as usual. Instead, he could be heard giggling into the night as he played with his mother''s hair.

    Yun Xuan, whose blonde hair had been turned into a field by the little boy, was too tired to feel anything. She was in deep slumber.

    ...

    The next morning, she glanced at the calender she had kept since Yun Feng was born. Today, he would have another immunization shot.

    With a proud smile, she checked on the tiny boy on her bed. He was still sleeping peacefully, his long lashes looking cute over his flushed cheeks. Her face revealed a smile. Her son was seriously too cute. It was not sure just how many girls would fall for his charm once he grew up.

    Even in his sleep, he was sucking his tiny thumb. Yun Xuan reached over and gently took it out of his mouth. He must be hungry. She would feed him once he woke up.

    Getting out of bed, she freshened up and checked that the boy was still sleeping before she left the room and went to cook breakfast.

    ...

    Xia Rou was already in the kitchen.

    She smiled when she saw Yun Xuan walk in. "Morning Xuanxuan, are you hungry? Just wait a little longer. Breakfast will be ready soon."

    Yun Xuan swept a glance at the dishes Xia Rou had already prepared. "I was going to cook breakfast. Aunty, let me take over. You should go and rest."

    "Cooking is my hobby. Just play around and let me finish, okay?"

    Her tone did not allow any room for negotiation.

    Yun Xuan understood that Xia Rou did not want to tire her out.

    Well, she was right. Xia Rou didn''t let her do any chores either.

    After eating breakfast, aside from taking care of her son, she only had her own work to do.

    After feeding the little boy and working on a few things, it was time to go to hospital. She had already made an appointment with a doctor.

    "Aunty, are you going somewhere too?" Yun Xuan asked when she saw Xia Rou descend the stairs, dressed up and with a bag slung on her shoulder.

    "Mmh. I''m going for a routine check up. Since you are going to the hospital too, we can go together. I will go to the cardiology department while you go to the pediatric unit. We can come back together too." She was bubbling over with joy.

    Yun Xuan wasn''t sure whether she really wanted to go to hospital or she was simply finding an excuse to accompany her.

    Either way, she was happy about it.

    When they arrived at the hospital, Xia Rou got off the car before Yun Xuan did.

    ...

    Some distance away, a man held a pair of binoculars, spying.

    "That''s Xia Rou, right? Who''s the kid?"

 Chapter 617 - Havent eaten a grain of rice all day

    The man raised his eyebrows in contemplation.

    "Wan Jia''s second child is way younger than that. Lin Lihua cannot have a baby that old even if she got pregnant on the first day of her marriage. Just whose child is that?"

    The woman next to that man smacked his head. "We are here to investigate someone else. It''s not time to start looking at people who are not our targets and butting into their lives."

    The man didn''t think he had done anything wrong. "Can''t I be curious? Aren''t you curious that Xia Rou is holding a baby, too?"

    "That''s none of my damn business. Now, back to work."

    "I wish I was able to see that baby''s face. I have a strange feeling about it."

    "Piss off." The woman roles her eyes.

    At this moment, a burly man dressed in black appeared at their hiding spot.

    "What are you doing here?"

    The pair froze. The woman glared at the man. It was all his fault. They wouldn''t have been caught if he didn''t waste time looking at some kid.

    "We are waiting for someone." She replied calmly.

    The bodyguard took the binoculars out of the man''s hands, as well as the woman''s. "I don''t think you need this to wait for someone. Just so you know, I will not be this kind if I still catch you spying on our madam." He left after glaring at the pair intimidatingly.

    ...

    A few minutes later, in the parking lot.

    "Xuanxuan, you can get out now."

    Yun Xuan left the car nervously and looked around. "Who was it?"

    "I don''t know yet. Number five will find out since he went to take a look."

    Just now when they arrived, Xia Rou suddenly told her to remain in the car for a while. Apparently, suspicious people had been noticed spying around.

    She couldn''t make head or tail of what was going on but she followed the instructions out of her trust for Xia Rou.

    At that moment, Xia Rou''s lips had curled into a sneer.

    She knew that there were people that Yun Xuan didn''t want to meet again in this lifetime. One of them just happened to be near the hospital, doing what he was best at - butting his nose where it least belonged.

    Although it was purely a coincidence, how could she let him see Yun Xuan?

    Luckily Yun Feng was wearing a cap. When she got off the car, he had buried his head against her chest so his face wasn''t seen either. It would have been troublesome for Yun Xuan.

    ...

    After that interlude, Yun Xuan carried her baby into the pediatric unit.

    Vaccinating a baby didn''t take that long. They were done in a few minutes.

    Like any other pair of mother and baby, Yun Feng''s face was flooded in tears and she was coaxing him. But the boy in his arms just wouldn''t stop crying.

    He felt betrayed! How could mommy do this to him?

    That bad man was piercing his hands but not only did she not stop him, she also held out his arm to let that man pierce it? How could she?

    ...

    Xia Rou''s routine check didn''t take that long either. To be exact, she was only going to accompany Yun Xuan. The so called routine check was simply an excuse. Was there anyone who didn''t know that the only doctor she ever went to was her friend Doctor Qiao?

    As soon as they got back to the car, Yun Feng no longer wanted to be in his mother''s embrace. Mommy was very bad!

    Once in Xia Rou''s safe embrace, a fresh bout of tears gushed out of his eyes. He stuck out his tiny arm to show her the small wound that had appeared after his fair arm was pricked. He looked up at her pitifully. It was as though he was saying, "Granny, look. It hurts very much."

    Xia Rou took his tiny arm and kissed it. "Be good. It won''t hurt anymore. Didn''t grandma kiss it?"

    The boy blinked his blue eyes, leaned against Xia Rou''s chest and drifted off to sleep.

    Yun Xuan sighed in relief.

    At this moment, her phone rang.

    The caller was Lin Ye, and she frowned. She had almost forgotten about this man''s existence.

    If she glanced at Xia Rou''s face at this moment, she would have noticed the smile on her face. But she didn''t.

    She swiped the screen of her phone to pick the call. "Lin Ye?"

    "Hello." A husky voice reached her ears. "Xuanxuan, are you too busy?"

    Yun Xuan thought about what she had to do when she got back to the Lin residence. "Erm... not exactly. Do you need something?"

    "Could you keep me company for a while? All the servants suddenly resigned. I''m all on my own." The man on the other side sounded as though he had suffered a great deal of injustice.

    Yun Xuan felt as though her heart had been pricked by needles. He only had servants for company? "If you are on your own, how did you manage to give me a call?"

    After asking this question, she realized that perhaps it would have been better if she didn''t ask. It might just remind him of his difficulties.

    Sure enough, the answer that left his mouth in a pitiful tone was quite heartbreaking. "I knew exactly where my phone was so I felt my way around and found it. I used my voice to read out my password and unlock it, find your contact number among my saved contacts and call you. The voice assistant was quite helpful.

    But Xuanxuan, unfortunately those voice assistants cannot cook for me. I''m very hungry. I haven''t eaten a grain of rice since last night."

    The more he spoke, the more Yun Xuan''s heart broke. In the end, she couldn''t listen any more. "Stop. Don''t speak any more. I''m coming over to keep you company, okay?"

    "No no. If it''s a bother, don''t come."

    "Lin Ye, are you stupid? You haven''t eaten all day and you don''t want me to cook for you?" Her tone turned unusually gentle. "Just wait for me, okay? Don''t move about."

    ...

    On the other side, Lin Ye waited to hear the disconnection tone before taking the phone off his ear.

    He spoke to the servants that were within the living room. He knew they must be flabbergasted. "All of you, scram!"

 Chapter 618 - Stay a little longer?

    The butler and the maids at the side were speechless. Did their master just lie about them resigning and leaving him on his own?

    "What are you still doing here? Are you waiting for her?" Lin Ye knew they had not left since he didn''t hear any footsteps.

    The maids scurried away.

    Only the butler gathered his courage to shakingly ask, "Master, should we scram until miss Yun leaves or should we disappear forever?"

    "If I don''t call you back, don''t even set foot near the entrance. Take it as a paid leave for all of you." His tone was impatient, as though they were wasting his time.

    The butler was overjoyed. So their master still cared about them.

    After all, it would be difficult to find jobs if they were suddenly fired.

    "Are you still here?"

    The butler scurried away, too.

    ....

    On the other side, Yun Xuan hung up the call guiltily. She had been so engrossed in her own matters that she forgot about the man she had decided to take care of.

    How could she leave him all alone?

    She glanced at her baby that was in deep slumber against Xia Rou''s chest then glanced at Xia Rou.

    "Aunty, will you mind if I leave for a bit? I''m going to cook for Lin Ye. He hasn''t eaten a thing all day."

    Xia Rou had a feeling that this was one of Lin Ye''s antics of sneaking into Yun Xuan''s heart - she knew about this because Lin Lihua had been jabbering about it beside her ear- but she didn''t expose the young man because she knew that he was a nice man deserving of a girl like Yun Xuan.

    Of course, the main point was that she thought Yun Xuan would find it hard taking care of a son on her own. She would really like it if she remarried, but she wouldn''t be this open to that option if the man they were talking about was not Lin Ye.

    So, she looked like she found him too pitiable. "Poor thing. You know, that child rarely ever complains about anything. If he speaks up, it means he couldn''t bear with it anymore. I''m starting to think he has been hungry for much longer than he claims. He might have.... sigh. He might have even tried to cook something on his own but couldn''t switch on any kitchen appliance, much less prepare anything."

    Yun Xuan''s heart ached even more. So much that she didn''t stop to wonder why Xia Rou was not taking care of him despite knowing that he wouldn''t complain no matter how much he suffered.

    "Aunty, please help me take care of this little devil. I''ll be back once Lin Ye has eaten and is asleep."

    "Okay. Why don''t we drop you off at Lin Ye''s first? Later when you are ready to come back, I''ll send a chauffeur to pick you up."

    If this was before, Yun Xuan would have politely rejected the idea and taken a cab to Lin Ye''s villa instead.

    But after what happened the last time she refused to be dropped off, she couldn''t take chances again, so she agreed.

    ...

    When they arrived at Lin Ye''s villa, Xia Rou did not leave the car because she didn''t want to disturb the little boy''s sleep by moving around too much.

    Yun Xuan didn''t think much about it. She didn''t have time to think to start with.

    She literally hopped off the car and dashed into the villa.

    The bodyguards who were hiding exchanged puzzled looks. They couldn''t understand what was going on no matter how hard they thought about it.

    A few minutes ago, the maids had been seen running away like scared rabbits, with their belongings. And now a woman just dashed into the villa.

    If the master had not assured them beforehand that he was alright, they would have thought he was in danger.

    "Lin Ye!" Yun Xuan called out as soon as she was in the villa.

    She saw the man tried go push the wheelchair after looking around. He looked like he was trying to get somewhere.

    She ran over to him. "I told you to not move about. Where are you trying to go?"

    Lin Ye''s expression softened, a smile taking over his face. Was she worried about him?

    Yun Xuan held his hands unconciously. "Do you need something?"

    "I''m bored." He answered, his expression much innocent compared to how he looked when he was sending the servants away.

    "Let me play you some music. When I''m done cooking, I''ll keep you company and chat with you for a few minutes."

    "Okay."

    "What do you want to eat?"

    "Anything you cook is delicious." He looked so innocent saying this that Yun Xuan didn''t suspect him of flirting.

    After all, she was quite a good cook. Although she initially wasn''t that good in the kitchen, she had been cooking for herself since Yun Feng was born. Of course she would be able to cook delicious food.

    She chose to cook something that wouldn''t take up too much time since he was very hungry at the moment.

    Unfortunately, there were very few ingredients at the moment. She could only cook white rice and a few side dishes.

    She made a mental note to go and buy more groceries and ingredients later, before starting to cook.

    When she was done, she brought it to the dining table.

    Then she wheeled Lin Ye who was taking in the sweet aroma into the dining room and started feeding him.

    While it may sound like she was only performing some sort of duty, her actions were laced with an ounce of care.

    She fed him like she would feed her son.

    When he had eaten to his fill and knew that she might be leaving soon, he suddenly grabbed her hand.

    "What is it?"

    "Xuanxuan..."

    Yun Xuan felt her mind blow off. There he went again, with the cute tone. Was anything else wrong?

    "Xuanxuan, can you stay a little longer? Can you go back home tomorrow? I''ll be very loney once you leave."

    "This..." Yun Xuan was at a loss.

 Chapter 619 - Her willingness to be in a relationship.

    She was initially planning to stay for a short while. But staying until the next day, wasn''t that too much?

    That would mean spending the night in a man''s house, wouldn''t it?

    Would this be appropriate?

    When he didn''t hear her say anything for a long time, he knew that she was considering saying no.

    "Sometimes, I will feel cold at night and adjust the AC. I don''t know what to do if that happens since I''m now..." he did not complete his statement, letting Yun Xuan fill it in her own.

    "Besides, what if I felt hungry again? I don''t want to bother you to run back and forth to cook for me."

    Yun Xuan''s heart was successfully tugged. " Even if I stayed here tonight, that is only a temporary solution. How about I hire someone to take care of you? I will drop by a few times but they will..."

    Lin Ye tugged at her clothes. Forget about the future."Xuanxuan, I don''t want you to hire anyone. I don''t trust them. What if they did something to me, taking advantage of the fact that I won''t see? Just stay here tonight and we''ll think of a permanent solution later, okay?"

    Yun Xuan was speechless. You don''t trust caregivers but you trust me? How many times had they met?

    Fine. They did have a professional relationship before. It should not be shocking that he trusted her.

    "But what about my son? I can''t just leave him on his own."

    Lin Ye rememberd that she had once mentioned that Yun Feng couldn''t go to sleep in her absence. Luckily he had thought about this. "You can bring him along and let him sleep next to you. He will feel safe, right?"

    Yun Xuan felt this idea dismissed both of her worries.

    Nothing could go wrong in the presence of a baby, or could it?

    ...

    Just like that, Yun Xuan agreed to stay. She rushed to the Lin residence to get a change of clothes for her and her son. In her bag, she didn''t forget to include Yun Feng''s favourite toy car and the little robot figurine that he loved very much.

    On her way back, she bought more ingredients, remembering that there was nothing in Lin Ye''s fridge.

    ...

    "You''re back." Lin Ye sounded like he had been waiting for ages.

    "Mmh. Do you want to go for a walk? You must want to get some fresh air after staying in the house for all this while. Don''t worry, we will only go to your backyard."

    Her words startled Lin Ye.

    There was nothing wrong with what she said. However, it reminded him of a conversation he had overheard while in the college of fashion  design.

    While studying fashion design, he had been classmates with a pretty girl.

    She was the prettiest girl in the campus and all the men in school wanted to date her.

    That girl had sat behind him for a whole semester and she would often talk with her friend while in class. One time, she complained about her husband getting into an accident and his legs had to be amputated. His hands had sustained some damage as well.

    Her exact words were, "That man still expects me to be with him?

    He''s already a cripple. Of what use is he? He cannot work and that means he will no longer be wealthy. Why would I want to be with him?"

    Her friend had asked, "You cannot be with a man because he lost his ability to work?"

    The pretty girl had sneered loud enough for half the class to hear. "He''s already become so useless yet he has the audacity to ask me to wheel him around ''cause he wants to get some fresh air and enjoy the sun rays. What is he, a dog? Hmph! Are you kidding me? What would people think of me if they saw me wheel a cripple around?"

    "They would think you are a very good and loving wife." The friend had said.

    However, the beauty almost exploded. "I''m too beautiful to stick with a man who will not benefit me just for some lousy ''loving wife''s title."

    ...

    Lin Ye had always thought that the girl back then was too unkind, but be wouldn''t judge her because it was none of his business.

    Never would he have thought that one day, he might land in the same circumstances as that girl''s husband. The only difference was that while that girl was not willing to be seen together with her husband, Yun Xuan did not seem to mind retaining their friendship. His body trembled slightly.

    "Are you okay? If you don''t want to go out, we can postpone that. I only brought it up because I thought you might be very bored."

    Lin Ye was thinking about something else. "Xuanxuan, if your husband got disfigured, would you still want him?"

    Yun Xuan was taken aback. "Why are you suddenly asking this?"

    She thought of a possibility and figured out his thoughts. Lin Lihua had mentioned that he had a woman he had liked for many years. "Are you worried that the girl you like might reject you?"

    He silently admitted it, making Yun Xuan pat his shoulder. "People are different. Some women may find it troublesome, while others will think love is what matters the most. My opinion might not be of help."

    Lin Ye knew deep down that her opinion would matter a lot. "But, would you mind? Would you leave him?"

    Yun Xuan fell into deep thought and gave her answer after a while. "When people decide to be together and get married, it means they are ready to celebrate their happiness together and face their difficulties together too. If I agreed to marry someone, I wouldn''t leave them for such a reason."

    He already half-guessed this answer because she was still his friend. However, marriage was a different matter altogether so he had to get her opinion out of her mouth if he were to believe it.

    Since she had said this, he was now fully sure that if he confessed to her, the only thing that would affect his success would be her willingness to be in a relationship.

    Perhaps it was time to test out how willing she was.

 Chapter 620 - Third time is a charm.

    Late in the afternoon, Yun Xuan made sure Lin Ye and Yun Feng both had everything they needed before she finished up all the work she had to do.

    There was not much to do and she was done in one hour. She took a glance at the two people in the living room.

    The little boy was driving his toy cars around Lin Ye while the man listened to him play.

    It was harmonious. For the first time, the little boy did not throw a tantrum because of Lin Ye''s presence.

    In fact, he stood up once in a while and held onto Lin Ye''s hands, and the latter carried him onto his lap.

    Yun Xuan couldn''t resist a smile. Why was it that, although the two of them were unrelated, watching their little interactions somehow felt like watching a father and son?

    Yun Xuan shook the thought out of her head. Since Yun Feng was born, he had never spent this much time with any man. It must be normal that he would gradually warm up to him. It was also normal that she would think they looked like a father and son.

    Lin Ye felt her get closer to him and his body tensed up.

    "Are the two of you hungry? I''ll get you fruits."

    Lin Ye knew that little children felt hungry earlier because their bodies were growing up rapidly and they played a lot.

    "I''m not hungry.  I can still wait until it''s time for dinner. But Yun Feng must be after playing a lot just now."

    Yun Xuan swiftly prepared pineapple pieces and scooped the little boy in her arms to feed him.

    He was learning to eat on his own- once in a while, he would clumsily reach to take a piece on his own and bring it to his mouth. Luckily, Yun Xuan would always sanitize his little hands before starting to feed him in case he touched the food.

    Lin Ye  took this chance to ask. "Xuanxuan, what kind of man would you want to marry?"

    Yun Xuan frowned and her actions slowed down. "Why are you asking me this?"

    "I thought that after knowing each other for a while, we could be considered friends... so I wanted to know a little more about my friend. But if you think it invades your privacy then you don''t have to answer me."

    Yun Xuan was silent for a while after his voice fell. She looked at her son who was clumsily trying to eat on his own.

    "I don''t know. Perhaps one that has kids already but is unmarried would do the trick?"

    Lin Ye was shocked by her question. "A divorcee or a widower?" What kind of preference was this?

    "Is it because you believe that men who are fathers are more responsible because they can take care of a child and can therefore take care of you?"

    "Not exactly."

    As soon as she said this, something fell into his thought.

    Tyler Willows...

    Since the last time he beat up that man, he had investigated him a little. That man had a son and ex wife.

    Why was it that he so oddly matched her criterion?

    That stung his heart. Was she still hung up on him after so long?

    "There''s no man who wouldn''t want to have an heir of his own, right? Everyone would want to continue their own bloodline." Yun Xuan continued. Unbeknownst to her, she had unconsciously started to trust Lin Ye.

    She didn''t think that she would ever let someone know about this but she did. "I cannot have another child. It would be best if the man had a child already so he wouldn''t be disappointed about only taking care of a step son."

    Lin Ye didn''t miss the slight disappointment in her own tone.

    It made him wonder whether it was because she didn''t want to have other kids or she couldn''t.

    Either way, it did not make a difference to him. In fact, it relieved him. Just now he had been feeling depressed that Yun Xuan still liked her ex husband. Fortunately, it was only because she would not have other kids that she wanted to marry a man with a child.

    "Xuanxuan, Yun Feng is such an adorable child. Any man who gets the chance to be his father would be the luckiest man on earth."

    Yun Xuan was surprised that there was someone who would refer to Yun Feng as a good child. Of course, he was the best child in her eyes since she was his mother and she loved him. However, he was so unfriendly to most people that she didn''t expect anyone aside from Xia Rou to find him loveable. Her lips curled up into a smile.

    "You think so?"

    "Yes. And I''m not saying this just because he''s your son. I would like him even if he was someone else''s child. So Xuanxuan, your future husband doesn''t have to be a father for him to accept Yun Feng as your only child. Even an unmarried man with no past relationship would accept him. Actually..."

    He was going to say that if he was given that chance, he would be the happiest man on earth. But he thought it was a bit too early and such words might give him away so he changed his words. "Actually, past relationships don''t matter when it comes to this. Perhaps men with kids might be worse. They might spend all their time making things difficult for your son in the name of not wanting to make their own kids uncomfortable. What would happen to little Feng then?"

    Yun Xuan felt his words made sense.

    "However, I don''t think my marriage would be based on love. My heart is already numb to love after being broken twice."

    Lin Ye already knew this and he was happy that she told him so freely. It proved that she was not that unwilling to be with another man. She was just scared.

    "Have you heard of this saying?"

    "What saying?"

    "Third time''s a charm. It works for everything. Who knows? Your third love might heal up all your heart''s wounds and never break it again. You just have to give him a chance."

    Yun Xuan frowned and looked at the man a short distance from her. "Why do your words sound so strange?"

 Chapter 621 - Too much of a coincidence?

    Lin Ye''s  heart raced. It had already reached this point. Should he bluff his way out or should he just confess?

    He weighed the options in his mind.

    At this point, he already knew what she thought. Which went to say that even if she couldn''t possibly like him yet, she might consider giving him a chance.

    But then again, he only knew that she thought of him as a friend. If he told her that he was in love with her, how would she react?

    After going through a mental battle for a while, he concluded that there was only one way to find out.

    "Xuanxuan,"

    At this moment, a stifled cry filled the air.

    Lin Ye was interrupted by the little boy in Yun Xuan''s arms. As expected, Yun Xuan''s attention was disrupted and she could be heard coaxing her baby. "Baby, what''s wrong?"

    The little boy grabbed a handful of her blouse and leaned against her chest, mumbling.

    Yun Xuan patted his back gently before turning to Lin Ye to say softly, "I''ll put him to sleep first. Erm... I don''t know which room I should go to."

    "The first room on your left, on the second floor."

    Yun Xuan hummed in approval and went to the second floor.

    There were only three rooms on this floor and Yun Xuan guessed that one of them must be the master bedroom. The other one was probably a study and the one she was going to... a guest room maybe?

    Putting her curiosity aside, she opened the door and a beautiful room fell into her view.

    She didn''t know whether it was just her illusion but this room seemed to have been decorated in the styles and colors she liked.

    A second later, she brushed the thought off her brain. Why would Lin Ye know about her preferences?

    She had heard of men preparing specific rooms in their houses for the women they loved, in case the woman moved in before their marriage.

    In fact, Wan Jia had such a room in Lu Aotian''s house before. It wouldn''t be something new.

    Perhaps this was simply one such case and this room was initially meant for Lin Ye''s flame.

    Though she wondered, why would he let someone else spend the night in the room meant for the woman he loved?

    But then again, maybe it was just a room meant for female guests and the style just happened to be what she liked.

    Pushing all these unrelated thoughts aside, she put the little boy to sleep.

    Then she glanced at her blouse that had been dirtied by the little boy and decided to change into something clean and more comfortable.

    While at it, she thought she was a little sweaty so she might as well take a shower altogether.

    In the bathroom lay a bigger surprise.

    She stood in the bathroom and looked around in shock. "How?"

    A room being decorated in a pale purple color might be a coincidence. After all such bright colors as purple were popular among women.

    But what was going on... why was it that all the beauty and skin care products in the bathroom were of the brand she liked using? And... they looked like they had been here for a day or two since they were unpacked.

    Wasn''t this too much of a coincidence?

    ...

    Downstairs.

    Lin Ye was unhappy that his confession had been interrupted.

    However thinking about it, it was not all that bad.

    Yun Xuan was going to that room. She must think it strange that the theme was what she liked.

    As for how he knew her preference, he was a designer. It was not hard to know what colors and styles would suit a woman just by taking a look at her.

    As a former boss in the fashion world and a current stylist, wouldn''t it be strange if she hadn''t figured out what suit her, and if she didn''t like it?

    Besides, just how long had he been her employee? He would be dumb if he couldn''t tell such a basic thing about her.

    The brand of beauty products she liked had been kept in his mind for years; ever since he overheard her conversation with female employees one time when she was in a good mood. It was just his second month in YX Brand but he couldn''t forget it.

    A petite employee had asked, "Boss, you are very beautiful and your skin is so youthful. Not to mention how long and gorgeous your blonde hair is. Jeez... no one would doubt me if I said that my boss is a teenager. What kind of beauty products do you use?"

    Yun Xuan had smiled from the praises and answered, "Every beauty product I use, from shampoo to body cream, are all from ST Beauty. Even the make up I use is from the same brand. You should try it out too."

    Her words had been etched in his mind for all these years and when he asked his butler to prepare her room with the intention of finding an excuse to convince her to stay together, he naturally specified that everything related to beauty and the skin should be bought from ST Beauty.

    ...

    The main point was, once she found out that he knew her preferences too much, she would definitely question him.

    He was still trying to calm his nerves when he heard footsteps from the stairs. He knew that she was back.

    She had taken quite some time - perhaps she took a bath.

    His speculation was proven right by the sweet and fresh scent that wafted into his nostrils as soon as she was close to him.

    Yun Xuan thought about how to bring this up.

    She sat opposite him. "Lin Ye...

    How do you know the things I like?"

    She thought of another possibility but wasn''t quite sure. "Did Wanwan tell you?... I mean she was my substitute before and must have seen everything in my room but... that''s so long ago that I would have forgotten all about it if I were her..."

    Once he heard this, Lin Ye considered saying that Wan Jia rememberd it and told her, but thought twice about it.

    Lin Ye, this is your best chance.

    There wasn''t easy to muster his courage and there wouldn''t be any other opportunity that would present itself on a silver platter like this. If he missed it, it might be too late when he regained his courage.

    He took a deep breath and felt around to take her hands. She unconsciously held his hand when she knew that she was looking for hers.

    The man finally spoke out what he had been holding for years. "You said it before and I never forgot it.

    Xuanxuan, it''s not just about your preferences. I would never forget anything you said, even if you spoke casually.

    Because.... Xuanxuan, I..."

    A fresh bout of  nervousness filled his core and held her hands a bit too tightly. He huffed another puff of air and continued under her questioning gaze. "I love you. Xuanxuan, I''m in love with you."

 Chapter 622 - No wonder

    Yun Xuan was flabbergasted. What did he just say?

    He was in love with her?

    "I''ve been in love with you for a long time." He added, afraid she might think he was being insincere.

    ...

    Lin Ye anxiously waited for her response.

    She was taking too long to respond. Was she going to reject him?

    He gradually loosened his grip on her hand.

    Yun Xuan was still shocked so she took a while to react to his words.

    "Lin Ye, it''s not surprising that you feel that way, especially since I''ve been spending a lot of time by your side lately. Men tend to develop feelings for the women closest to them."

    Lin Ye felt something bad coming.

    "However..."

    ''Here comes my heartbreak.'' Lin Ye thought.

    "...it''s often temporary since it''s just a feeling that developed over a short period.

    Ultimately, you have a woman you have loved for years. I believe that''s the woman you truly love. Don''t allow yourself to be fazed over a momentary obsession, alright? Unless... unless you have decided to give up on her because she is married..."

    Lin Ye was still in the mood to chuckle at such a time. He was not shocked that she knew about his secret flame. He would have Lin Lihua to thank for that. At this moment, however, she sounded much like a mother giving relationship advice to her son.

    But he really wanted to flick some brains into her head. "You weren''t listening to me just now, were you?"

    "...huh?"

    Yun Xuan replayed their conversation just now.

    He said that she had mentioned her preference before and he wouldn''t forget it. He also said that he had loved her for a long time.

    Now that she thought about it, something didn''t feel right.

    After her return from Country G, the number of times they had met was too few for them to have such a personal discussion.

    The only plausible possibility was that... she said it when he was still in YX Brand...

    Wait, why did that make sense?

    But the woman he loved for years...

    Suddenly, that made sense too.

    Lin Lihua had said that he didn''t stop loving that woman even when she got married. She did get married in the past.

    He had entered the fashion industry for her...

    Although Lin Lihua didn''t say how that woman was related to the fashion industry exactly, his intention must have been to get close to that woman.

    Assuming the woman was her, it would only be natural that he went to YX Brand.

    Eh? What was she thinking? It wasn''t possible that they knew each other before his interview.

    Her head hurt. Just when she was about to dismiss the thought, she suddenly recalled something.

    That time when he resigned, he had spoken a mouthful of bitter words about not wanting to work with a selfish boss anymore.

    Now that she thought back to it, why did his words sound more like heartbreak instead of disappointment?

    By this time, Lin Ye''s heart had raced itself tired.

    "I..."

    "The woman you liked for many years... is it..." is it me?

    He was about to tell her to forget about it when he was caught off guard by her incomplete question.

    He anxiously replied, "I fell in love with you the first time I saw you. At first, I thought it was simply like taking a fancy to any pretty girl. However, time proved me wrong.

    I wanted to be close to you no matter how hard it was. I would be willing to exchange anything for a single smile of yours.

    "I..." Lin Ye paused. She was probably wondering why he never said a thing if he loved her so much.

    "But I always felt you were out of my reach. I wasn''t good enough to wipe your shoes for you...." She was the young miss of such a rich family and although her father was a psychopath, her status was still that of an untouchable socialite at the time.

    Before he finally felt confident in his status, she was taken.

    However at this moment, it was clear as day that he would once again be too late if he kept slacking.

    All this while, Yun Xuan was silent.

    This twist was so dramatic she almost couldn''t follow.

    How did it turn into Lin Ye having feelings for her?

    This wasn''t some crazy prank, right?

    Considering his personality, he wouldn''t joke around with such matters.

    No wonder.

    At this point, she felt she had been blind for may years. It felt like her eyes had just been opened.

    No wonder he would always find excuses to pop into her office at YX Brand. Sometimes he wouldn''t have anything to say and would claim to have forgotten. Now the reason was clear.

    No wonder he wouldn''t fail to compliment her beauty every time they met. She had naively thought that it was similar to how the female employees would keep praising her.

    No wonder sometimes he would jokingly say that the greatest inspiration for his designs was his boss.

    No wonder Lin Lihua wouldn''t stop nagging her to take care of Lin Ye.

    No wonder even Xia Rou was doing the same thing.

    Now that she thought about it, even Wan Jia seemed to be creating opportunities for the two of them.

    No wonder when Tyler tried to harass her, Lin Ye beat him up so viciously. At the time she thought they looked like they held a deadly grudge against each other. Now it made sense.

    There were so many things that had missed her scrutiny. So many no wonders filled her brain that she wanted to laugh.

    When Lin Ye had waited for her answer for so long that his heart had almost given up hope, she finally spoke.

    "I need time to process all of this." She mumbled. It was too much information for her to take in. "Give me time to process all of this, okay?"

 Chapter 623 - The honeyed water

    Lin Ye didn''t know whether to be happy or sad. However, it was good enough that she didn''t scold him for taking advantage of her and scurry away.

    He could finally heave a sigh of relief.

    If she only wanted time to think it through, it meant he had half a chance, right?

    It also meant he could use that time to prove his love to her. Perhaps that would make her feel safe and agree to be with him.

    "Xuanxuan, I''m thirsty. Could you pour me a glass of water?" Lin Ye swiftly changed the topic of discussion.

    Yun Xuan shot a glance at him.

    Why was it that his tone sounded so... sweet?

    Don''t get her wrong. She was not enchanted by his tone or voice.

    He just sounded like a spoilt husband waiting to be doted on.

    The way he dragged the syllables of her name was especially pleasant to the ear.

    She had to admit that the Lin Ye at this moment was somehow cute.

    Yun Xuan slapped her forehead. Would she ever look at him the same way?

    Because his feelings had already been revealed, Lin Ye didn''t bother hiding them anymore. He called out her name exactly how he had always wanted to.

    It was such a heartwarming moment. Such a pity that he couldn''t see her expressions. He could only imagine them.

    ...

    Yun Xuan rushed to the kitchen and returned with a glass of water which she placed carefully in his hands. He drank it in tiny sips, savouring the taste like it was from some precious source.

    "Xuanxuan, did you add honey to the water?"

    Yun Xuan was amused. "No."

    "Really? But it''s too sweet. Much sweeter than any other water I''ve ever drank."

    Although he was talking about water, it oddly sounded as though he was talking about something else.

    Yun Xuan stared at him. Since when did water have a taste?

    Just when she was finding a new topic to talk about, the man held out the empty glass towards her.

    Once she took it away, he spoke in a pitiable tone. "Xuanxuan, I feel sweaty."

    Yun Xuan finally couldn''t take his teasing anymore. "Don''t even think about it. I''m not going to bathe you. What''s your butler''s contact number? I''ll call him back right away."

    Lin Ye chuckled - a guilty chuckle from being found out.

    He was hoping she could bathe him but since she couldn''t, this was good too.

    Another surprise lay in his phone.

    There was no need hiding this either. In fact, it would be better if she saw it sooner because he might need her help later, and she would have to use his phone to help him.

    Thus he took out his phone from his pocket innocently, "the password is Yun Feng''s birthday."

    "Huh?" Yun Xuan was caught off guard while still waiting for his instructions.

    What did he just say the password was?

    Yun Feng''s birthday?

    Forget about how strange it was that he knew when her son''s birthday was. He even had it as his phone''s password?

    Nonetheless, she took the phone from his outstretched hand and keyed in the little devil''s birthday.

    "It actually worked." She was still in disbelief.

    Her face revealed even more shock when she saw the beautiful photo on the screensaver.

    It was actually a photo of her... and that too when she was much younger.

    She was wearing simple pants and a white cotton top, her blond hair tied up into a cute ponytail.

    Although this was different from her usual style, she looked cheerful and pretty; her smile could warm up the most frozen hearts.

    If she remembered correctly, the only times she dressed this way was when she went hiking with her former friends.

    It was unbelievable that he managed to lay his hands on such a photo and even kept it to use as his phone''s screensaver.

    Heaven knew that no matter how many times he got a new phone, he would only use this photo.

    One had to admit that she was cute, though. It was a breath of fresh air from those elegant dresses and gowns that she always wore in the past.

    She looked beautiful in them, but they would get monotonous with time.

    "Have you found the butler''s contact number?" Lin Ye probed.

    Yun Xuan came back to her senses and did what she was supposed to do.

    She called the butler and after talking him into returning, she hung up and returned the phone to Lin Ye. She did not date to look at it again.

    ...

    In the morning, Yun Xuan diligently cooked breakfast - she felt self-conscious, as though she looked exactly like a wife preparing breakfast for her husband and son.

    Once she had fed the pair, she asked to leave.

    "I just moved in with Aunt Xia. Wouldn''t it be strange if I simply hopped off to move in with a man?" This was what she said when Lin Ye tried to convince her to move in with him.

    However, he knew that she was simply conscious of the fact that they didn''t have any relationship yet. In fact, he was simply trying to push his luck.

    But there was a slight problem in his heart.

    Since the previous night, she had significantly kept a safer distance from him.

    She had asked for time to think about his confession... but why was she distancing herself? Don''t tell him she was actually scared and was finding ways to get away?

    ...

    Once Yun Xuan left Lin Ye''s villa, she sighed deeply.

    Lin Ye was an excellent man.

    It was undeniable. In fact, she had always thought that the woman in his heart was lucky.

    But why was it that since she found out that he loved her, she felt sad instead?

    She was not just sad. She was worried too...

    What was up with these negative emotions? Shouldn''t she be happy that there was someone who cared about her?

    Shouldn''t she gladly agree to be with him?

 Chapter 624 - Almost died from the shock

    Although Yun Xuan knew that Lin Ye''s butler was back, she still wasn''t completely at ease.

    For the next few days, she would drop by randomly to check on him.

    The Lin residence wasn''t far from Lin Ye''s villa so it was convenient.

    On Monday, it was no different. She bought his favorite fruits and made her way to his villa.

    As usual, he was excited when she arrived. Aside from the first day after he confessed to her, their interaction lately was slightly more harmonious.

    He couldn''t do anything to hurt her or force her to do things she didn''t like anyway. It was pointless to be scared of him. At least this was what convinced Yun Xuan to slowly let down her guard against him.

    They didn''t talk much. She went to the kitchen like it was her own and washed an apple for him. Once she had peeled it, she didn''t forget to cut it into the hearts he liked he liked so much.

    Actually, she was in an unusually good mood today so she suggested baking cookies for him.

    Lin Ye was taken aback. This was the first time she actively took the initiative to do such a thing.

    He couldn''t possibly reject it even though he didn''t particularly have a sweet tooth.

    Hence, Yun Xuan prepared ingredients for baking cookies.

    Lin Ye, who didn''t want to stay in the living room on his own was wheeled along into the kitchen. Yun Xuan kept him at a safe distance from what she was doing and asked him to not move around.

    Although she didn''t talk much because she was baking, he didn''t mind. It was enough to have her within his radius.

    When the cookie dough was ready, she put it in the freezer to chill for a few minutes.

    She shut the fridge door and turned just in time to see Lin Ye whose legs were always intact on his wheelchair, trying to stand. His legs were placed firmly on the floor.

    Unfortunately, the wheel chair he was holding onto for support couldn''t stand his weight and rolled backwards!

    Yun Xuan''s heart stopped beating.

    Even she didn''t know when she reached his side to support him. It was only when she successfully held him that she felt her heart beating again.

    She pulled back the wheelchair and made him sit on it before glaring at him, her breathing heavey and her pulse accelerated.  "Are you crazy?"

    Her hands were still shaking. "Do you know how dangerous that was?"

    Lin Ye who was being scolded remained silent. He didn''t know why he tried to stand either. Perhaps he somehow thought that his legs would be fine overnight.

    Her nervous tone, however, brought a slight smile to his face. "Are you worried about me?"

    Yun Xuan really wanted to beat some sense into his head. She looked aside and let out a puff of air.

    "I was not just worried, alright? I almost died from the shock. Don''t do this again... at least not on your own."

    Wait, why did it suddenly feel like she fell into a trap he had weaved?

    ...

    Following, Lin Ye was shooed out of the kitchen as punishment. The butler was called over to watch over him strictly.

    The man remained in a good mood despite this. Yun Xuan was worried about him! His Xuanxuan was worried about him!

    Not only that, she had held him as well. She actually held his waist.... he was so not taking a bath today.

    ...

    Lin Ye remained in the living room obediently for almost an hour before he finally felt the aroma of fresh cookies wafting in.

    Yun Xuan still needed time to calm her nerves before continuing to bake thanks to the scare given to her by Lin Ye.

    When she was finally done, she brought the heart shaped cookies on a tray. Small red LYs could be seen on the heart shaped cookies. She had written them purely for fun.

    But those who didn''t know would think she had done this because she was gifting them to a lover.

    ...

    After Lin Ye''s long wait, he finally had the opportunity to taste cookies made by Yun Xuan.

    They were just as sweet as he imagined they would be.

    Yun Xuan watched him munch like a happy squirrel and her heart warmed up. Were they really that sweet?

    "Will you bring some home for little Feng?" Lin Ye asked before continuing to inhale the cookies like his life depended on them.

    Yun Xuan found that she enjoyed seeing this side of him. She even tittered lightly. "I''m sure he would love them.... but his two teeth can''t possibly chew them." In fact, the tiny third and fourth teeth were starting to peer out of his gums but those wouldn''t help either.

    Of course, the most important thing was that she didn''t want him to eat too much sweet food at his young age.

    Lin Ye laughed at his own stupidity.

    The cookies must be so sweet that he forgot how old Yun Feng was.

    "Xuanxuan, they are sweet." He said to ease his awkwardness.

    Yun Xuan couldn''t help smiling. He had said that ten seconds ago. She didn''t tear her gaze away from him until he wolfed everything down and grinned in satisfaction.

    It was only at this moment that she realized that she had ignored the butler at the side.

    "Butler An, there are more in the kitchen. You and the maids can have them."

    As soon as she said this, the man opposite her held her hand in displeasure. "Xuanxuan..."

    Yun Xuan chuckled. What was he, a little boy? "They''re not that many. Let them eat them. After all too many of them will be harmful to your stomach."

    Seeing that he still looked unhappy, she couldn''t resist patting his head. "The next time, I''ll cook you a super delicious meal. Just for you."

    ....

    Happy Valentines everyone. ??

    I hope you enjoyed your day.

 Chapter 625 - The day we first met

    Like a little boy, Lin Ye was pacified by her words. She said that she would cook a delicious meal exclusively for him! How could he not be happy?

    Yun Xuan had finished all her work before leaving the Lin residence so she stayed to chat with him for a while.

    Her phone rang. It was a reminder she had set.

    "You should go back to hospital next week to have your eyes checked. Shall I make an appointment?"

    Lin Ye''s ears turned scarlet. He had heard her phone ring then she said this. Had she set a reminder on her phone regarding the day he should go to hospital?

    Yun Xuan took a look at him and seemed to understand his sudden smile.

    She felt embarrassed. "I have always kept a calendar  and set reminders for my Feng''s immunization schedule; I didn''t want to forget it so...." her voice trailed off. What was she explaining?

    While her words were meant to clear a misunderstanding, they in fact deepened it.

    She made it sound like his health was as important to her as her son''s was.

    Lin Ye''s heart was filled with a kind of happiness he had never experienced before. He knew that this could be considered an illusion he was creating in his mind but he wanted to enjoy it while it lasted. In fact, he didn''t want her to explain the meaning of her actions.

    "Will you accompany me to the hospital?" He asked in his signature pleading tone that was just too irresistible.

    Yun Xuan couldn''t bring herself to say no. "Okay, I will clear my schedule. How does Monday sound?"

    "Okay." He didn''t have anything to do anyway.

    Yun Xuan made a note to call the hospital later. "Then, if there''s nothing else..."

    "Xuanxuan, I need your help with something."

    "What is it?"

    "Could you help me send some drafts to my boss? They are in my safe." As though he knew that she would be surprised, he proceeded to explain. "They are past drafts that I made out of boredom but are still relevant."

    Yun Xuan nodded in understanding. "But your safe... you want me to take something from your safe?" Wasn''t his level of trust too dangerous?

    "There''s nothing important in there." Lin Ye explained, though the most important things were in that very safe. He just trusted her too much.

    "It''s in my room; on the wall on the left side of the bed. You will see it as soon as you get in. The passcode is 0315."

    "Okay." Yun Xuan rushed up the stairs.

    0315....

    Why was she slightly disappointed?

    Men would usually have their loved ones'' birthdays as their passcodes, right? At least that was what she had seen in movies and novels.

    Strangely, she had expected his passcode to be her birthday. After all, his phone''s password was Yun Feng''s birthday.

    In the next moment, she thought of a possibility. Perhaps it was because if he had her birthday for a passcode, guessing it would be easy as pie. No one would want such an obvious password, right?

    "Yun Xuan, don''t be silly." She scolded herself.

    She was being childish right now. Why would she care about such a thing?

    ...

    Meanwhile, Lin Ye held a hand over his chest and his lips curled into a silly smile.

    He always felt this way every time he locked or unlocked his safe.

    The passcode was the date they met officially.  How could he not feel this way?

    Before that, he had only seen her from a distance and asked about her.

    But the day he could consider their first meeting was the 15th of March, when he had his interview in YX Brand.

    He couldn''t help recalling how on the 14th of March, he had been so overjoyed about seeing her the next day that he hadn''t slept a wink.

    He had gone to the interview with his eye bags so heavy and dark that the interviewers were startled when they lay their eyes on him.

    Actually, he was going to be rejected for that interview because he was sloppy after staying up all night.

    Just when he stood to leave with a heart full of disappointment, the blond-haired woman who had been silent the whole time suddenly spoke up in a voice sweeter than the blossoming flowers in spring, her beautiful blue eyes as bright as the sun rays seeping in through the window. "Wait, I think he has potential."

    ...

    Lin Ye laughed at his past self. He had been so overjoyed by that one statement that he dashed to his car, shouting like a lunatic.

    He was even pulled over by the cops who mistakenly thought that he was driving while drunk.

    __

    By this time, Yun Xuan had reached the second floor.

    She had not been told which room was the master bedroom so she had to check.

    It was the room next to hers.

    Wait! Did she just think of it as her room? Her brain must be fried. She was thinking too much today.

    Pushing those crazy thoughts out of her brain, she walked into the huge bedroom.

    Unlike what she had imagined, it was not a dull-themed room typical of most men.

    Instead, everything was in purple and white with a hint of gold.

    The three colors blended into each other perfectly, nothing looking out of place. It neither looked too manly nor too girlish; just a perfect balance of both.

    Even she who had grown up in a luxurious mansion was awed. "As expected of a top designer."

    But.... something didn''t feel right about the theme of this room. She just couldn''t figure out what it was and didn''t want to because it was none of her business.

    As she looked around for the safe, her gaze fell on something near the window.

    Upon closer inspection, it was a white toy Lamborghini big enough for a toddler to fit in. It was still in its transparent case.

    "How...gorgeous." she murmured.

    Then she realized the writing on a sticker stuck onto the case. [Happy 1st birthday, Yun Feng.]

    Her eyes went wide. Huh? What did she see? For Yun Feng?

    Wait, that wasn''t the main point here.

    Yun Feng''s birthday had already passed two months ago. Did this mean he had intended to gift this to him?

 Chapter 626 - Not wanting to be a light bulb

    As she stared at that white toy, she finally understood why she had been worried about Lin Ye''s confession.

    She had been worried because according to what he said, he had fallen in love with her long before she got married. Considering the timeline, it was likely to be when she had a boyfriend: Qin Zhifan.

    He might not mind that but what about the fact that she didn''t even marry Qin Zhifan in the end but his cousin,Tyler instead?

    Would he mind that she had a son, and that he carried the blood of the Qins in him?

    She had been worried that he might not be able to accept her son.

    But now, she seemed to have been anxious for nothing. This man not only cared about her, he also cared about Yun Feng.

    She did not believe him when he said all those things about Yun Feng''s future step-father being a lucky man, taking it as one of his ways of flirting.

    Had she been wrong about his thoughts all along?

    Perhaps... the only way to find out was to give him a chance?

    The smile that was beginning to surface on her face disappeared in a flash and was replaced with helplessness. There were still things she was yet to handle. How troublesome.

    She proceeded to get the drafts from the safe and went back downstairs.

    "Should I send all of them to Wanwan?" She probed. There were at least ten of them and they were all exquisite. Was this the so called fooling around?

    "Yes. Boss will know how to handle them."

    Yun Xuan hummed in approval before she suddenly held his hand, her back slowly getting tense. "Lin Ye, about what you said that day..."

    "Master, Mrs. Lu is here." The butler announced, cutting off Yun Xuan''s statement.

    Lin Ye''s back unconsciously straightened, he didn''t expect his boss to pay him such an abrupt visit. "Boss, welcome. Please have a seat."

    Wan Jia took a seat a short distance from the pair. "Don''t be so courteous. You can simply call me Wan Jia out of the office."

    "I''ll get you a drink." Yun Xuan dashed off to the kitchen, making Wan Jia laugh. "Your relationship must have improved."

    "Just slightly." Although this was what he said, his tail would be wagging to the skies if he had one.

    ...

    Since Wan Jia was here, they simply gave her he drafts. Yun Xuan wouldn''t have to send it to MAX anymore. However, Wan Jia shot him a look of disapproval. "You should focus on staying at home and taking care of your health. Forget about work for now, okay?"

    "I know... but I hate the fact that I can only stay at home, growing mould in my brain. If there was a way I would work even if it''s for fun, I would feel much better." Lin Ye said, making Wan Jia make a mental note.

    She didn''t stay for long. "I was going home and decided to drop by and pay you a visit. But..." she snuck a glance at Yun Xuan. "I will not overstay my welcome."

    Yun Xuan''s face flushed. Why did she make it sound like she was leaving because she did not want to be a light bulb? There was obviously nothing going on between her and Lin Ye, alright?

    But that couldn''t be said about what she was about to tell him before Wan Jia came in.

    "Before my boss came in a while ago, what were you going to tell me?" Lin Ye probed as soon as Wan Jia left.

    Yun Xuan clenched her lips so tightly they formed a straight line. She was going to tell him that they could try being in a relationship.

    As expected, it would have been best if she wasn''t interrupted. All her confidence flew out the window.

    Not only that, she reconsidered making such a decision on a whim.

    Logically, she was still a married woman.

    One had to know that before she left the country back then, that idiot Qin Zhan had refused to divorce her.

    She had not cared about it back then since she had decided to not ever remarry. But now that she was considering being with Lin Ye, what would happen? She was sure that idiot would not let her go so easily.

    Now that she thought about it, no wonder he had been calm and had not caused any more trouble all this while.

    He knew that she couldn''t possibly marry with her name still tied to his in marriage.

    Sigh, if only polyandry was legal.

    "Well..."

    After considering the options, she chose to talk about it. If he knew nothing, it would be more troublesome if Qin Zhan suddenly popped out of nowhere to cause trouble.

    "My divorce wasn''t finalized yet." She said everything in one breath."

    Lin Ye was startled. This...

    He was not expecting her to say this. Was he thinking too much? He actually thought she was going to confess or something of the sort. It took a while to process her words.

    "Xuanxuan, that bastard lied to you. He deceived you and married you when he already had a family. In fact, he lied about his own identity. Don''t you think the court would be on your side if you sued him?"

    Yun Xuan looked troubled. "I didn''t want to involve the court in my marital matters but if it comes to that, I will not care about how revealing his identity might put his life in danger."

    "If you need any help, I''ll be there to help."

    Yun Xuan blinked. Contrary to his usual spoiled-husband tone, he sounded much more mature and caring this time. It gave her a sense of protection.

    When her heart was finally settled regarding this matter, they stayed together a bit more, mainly because every time she wanted to leave, Lin Ye would find excuses to make her stay a little longer.

    Before they knew it, it was night already.

    "I really have to go now. It''s already so late: my baby must miss me. Damn it... what sort of mother am I?"

    At that moment, the lights suddenly flickered and went off.

    ___

    Mini theatre.

    Yun Xuan: Eer... why do you think Author Avalorian switched off the lights?

    Lin Ye: Why else? She knows that I can''t wait to act mature scenes with you.

 Chapter 627 - Finish him off.

    "Power outage? How''s that possible?" Yun Xuan expressed her shock.

    "I don''t know what happened either." Lin Ye sighed. "You''re not afraid of the dark, are you?"

    "Pfft... that would be crazy."

    Lin Ye chuckled, hiding his disappointment. If she was scared of the dark, he would take it as a heaven sent opportunity for the hero to save the belle. Who knows, he might even get to hug her."

    What was scary was that his brain started thinking up things he shouldn''t be thinking about..

    Despite the darkness, Yun Xuan really had to leave.

    If she didn''t leave soon, the atmosphere would become increasingly awkward.

    On her way out, she frowned, finding it strange. Why was it that only Lin Ye''s villa was shrouded in darkness? The city was well lit up.

    ....

    As soon as she left, a bodyguard came rushing in.

    "Master, I found the culprit."

    He was talking about the incident of Yun Xuan''s kidnapping. Despite being unable to move around freely and find the culprit himself, he sent his men to do it. He had even spent a whole hour convincing Xia Rou to leave this matter to him.

    Sure enough, his bodyguards were still as capable as ever. "Who is he?"

    It''s Yun Feiwen. He wanted Miss Yun dead."

    When the kidnapping failed, he had quickly deviced another plan to get Yun Xuan into jail. As soon as she got in there, she would not leave. He would find people to create a little ''accident'' and finish her off right on the first day.

    Since he failed, he had not given up completely. He was waiting for a better chance to strike.

    When the bodyguard reported this, Lin Ye''s face contorted in anger. "Do what''s necessary."

    "Master you mean... I should get rid of him..?!"

    "What, you thought I would sue him? He will not be charged with anything considering he was clever enough to not leave any trails. That''ll only waste time and alert the enemy."

    Considering Lin Ye''s solemn tone, the bodyguard was speechless. He had never heard such words leave his master''s mouth, much less in such a murderous tone. All this for a woman?

    "Do a clean job." Lin Ye warned.

    "Y-yes."

    ....

    News of Yun Feiwen''s disappearance broke out in the next few days.

    The Yun family intended to keep the news under wraps but when they couldn''t contact him on the fourth day, they were filled with panic.

    Madam Yun was beside herself with anxiety. Her maternal instincts kept warning her that her son had encountered some danger.

    "Mother, calm down already. Feiwen is not a baby. It''s not like he would get lost or anything; perhaps he simply wants to take some time away from everything and cool off. He will surely be back." Yun Shan said to his mother who had paced the living room so much that he was getting dizzy just looking at her.

    "That is what I want to believe. However, since when does Feiwen want to distance himself from anything? He''s obviously not that type of person, okay?"

    The woman looked like she had aged overnight. The wrinkles above her eyebrows when she frowned served as concrete evidence for that.

    Her usually bright and cheerful face was now haggard. She had even grown some strands of gray hair all in two days.

    Just when she was about to pull all the hair off her head, her cell phone rang.

    "Hello, have you found any news of him?" Her first thought was that one of the people she had contacted to help with the search had found him.

    "Madam, you may want to come over to my office." The man replied.

    His tone sounded ominous, making Madam Yun''s heart tremble. Had something happened to her son?

    Without caring about her image, she dashed out of the house, the startled Yun Shan following her in panic.

    ...

    "Where''s my son? What happened to him?" Madam Yun fired off questions as soon as she arrived.

    Then she saw something strange. The private investigator had company... and the man accompanying him was a doctor. Why was it getting scarier by the second?

    "You... my son..."

    "Madam, please calm down. This is what we found."

    The doctor passed over a phone and a specimen bag. The bag had a shirt which they had no choice but bring back to her.

    As expected, she looked terrified when she saw the two items. "These... this is Feiwen''s. Where''s he?"

    "We only found these. I have done a DNA test and the blood on the shirt is Yun Feiwen''s. Aside from that, only his fingerprints are on the phone. He must have dropped it while trying to call for help. We found nothing else, I''m sorry."

    The woman stared into space for some seconds before she broke down into sobs. How could this be?

    Her son wasn''t dead, right? He was coming back. He must be coming back...

    "How''s the investigation going?" Asked Yun Shan who had arrived a while ago and was silent since his arrival.

    The private investigator knew that he was referring to the fact that this was obviously a murder. They had to investigate what happened. However... "I''m sorry. We couldn''t find any evidence in the crime scene and there are no witnesses either. We have reached a dead end."

    ___

    In the living room of the Yun mansion sat a mother and son pair. One was crying her eyes out while the other racked his brains.

    "If I find out who did this to my younger brother, I will not let them off. Damn it! He''s just an innocent young man. Who did he offend?"

    The moment that last word left his mouth, the woman on the sofa widened her eyes that were red and swollen.

    "Not possible!"

    "Huh? Mom what are you muttering? What''s not possible?"

    Her voice shook as did her hands. "He did offend someone recently. But how could it be?

    How could she be so cruel?" She broke into a fresh bout of sobs.

    "Mom, what are you talking about?"

    Madam Yun was no longer listening to her son. "I''m going to ask her about it."

 Chapter 629 - The one behind it

    Madam Yun slumped into the closest seat, laughing.

    Yun Xuan stared at her. For some reason, this kind of laughter felt dangerous.

    "I only said I would kill him... but... look how worked up you are... haha! You almost tore me into pieces like a lion.

    But I''m not allowed to be sad over my son''s death.... what a joke.... what a joke..."

    Yun Xuan relaxed her clenched fists. Her emotions were complicated. "Mother..."

    Xia Rou held her shoulder. "You cannot talk logic to her."

    She was not in her right mind.

    Xia Rou was familiar with this kind of pain. She knew what Madam Yun must be feeling, so she didn''t begrudge her for attacking Yun Xuan. "Go to your room, get an ice pack for your face while at it. I''ll speak to her."

    Yun Xuan nodded and went to her room. Her presence here would do more harm than good.

    "Is this the outcome you really want?" She heard Xia Rou ask in the living room.

    ...

    In her room, Yun Xuan let out sigh after sigh.

    All these years, her mother had treated her well. They had been so close that sometimes she would forget that they were not related by blood.

    Yet because of Yun Feiwen, their relationship shattered like a frail glass... had their love been so delicate all these years?

    She didn''t have anything to say about whatever happened to him... she was half happy that he was no longer able to hurt her; but she would be lying if she said that she wasn''t upset with her mother.

    She didn''t even ask anything... the first thing she did when she got into the Lin residence was to deliver a slap. The worst part was that despite knowing that her son was in the wrong, she still endlessly blamed Yun Xuan. How could Yun Xuan not be upset? Not to mention, she was innocent in this matter.

    Regarding the insults that had been hurled towards her out of thin air, Yun Xuan had no comment.

    What would she expect?

    Actually, she didn''t think she had a right to blame her. If she was in Madam Yun''s shoes and her son did something wrong, she would punish him alright but she wouldn''t stand it if anyone else hurt him.

    ...

    After pressing an ice pack against her face and staying in her room until it was no longer swollen, Yun Xuan decided to take a walk and calm her nerves. Her baby was asleep. If she simply strolled for a short distance, she would return before he woke up.

    Madam Yun had already left the house. Yun Xuan oddly didn''t ask about her. She didn''t want to know how that talk with Xia Rou ended.

    "Xuanxuan, are you going somewhere? Remember to take a bodyguard with you." Xia Rou reminded.

    "I''m just going for a stroll." Yun Xuan sounded weaker than usual, making Xia Rou''s heart ache for her.

    Anyone would be sad if their mother treated them the way Madam Yun just did. She was grieving her son, but that was not an excuse to bully her foster daughter.

    Hence Xia Rou thought Yun Xuan going for a walk was a good idea. She asked Yun Xuan to wait and brought a golden credit card from her room. "If you see anything you like, you can buy it. You can also buy more clothes for yourself and  Little Feng; shopping relaxes the mind."

    "Um...  Aunty I can''t accept this." Yun Xuan rejected the card modestly. It was already parasitic enough to live in the Lin residence for free. Wouldn''t it be too much if she took money from Xia Rou as well?

    Xia Rou took her cold hand and squeezed the card into her palm. "Just take it; you might need it."

    She saw the sparkle in Xia Rou''s eyes and was unable to reject it. "Then, thank you aunty."

    Of course, she knew that rejecting it would be no use. Even if she didn''t use Xia Rou''s money to buy clothes, Xia Rou would simply buy them once she had the time. She wouldn''t be able to reject them then. .

    Because she was simply going for a walk, Yun Xuan was wearing a comfortable white dress and a pair of flat shoes.

    She didn''t want to walk around with bodyguards so they kept their distance. After all she wanted to be alone for a while.

    ...

    After of walking aimlessly for a long time with her thoughts wandering off, Yun Xuan saw that she had reached a familiar building and looked up.

    Eh?!

    How the heck did she get here? Teleporting?

    No wonder her feet hurt slightly.

    She could swear that she was not intending to come to Lin Ye''s villa even in her imagination. It must be a coincidence.

    Well, since she was here, she might as well say hi to Lin Ye.

    The man was, as usual, in the living room.

    Since the servants were already used to seeing her around, they simply greeted her and scurried off to mind their own business.

    As soon as they were alone, all the sadness overwhelmed her and she suddenly pounced into his arms.

    Lin Ye was taken aback. Where am I, what is my name?

    "I feel so wronged...." Yun Xuan tightened her arms around him, not in the least trying to fight the urge to let it out.

    "What happened?" Lin Ye calmly asked, surprised that she was taking the initiative to talk about something that bothered her.

    Yun Xuan explained everything that had happened in detail.

    "Alas, not everyone is as true as Aunt Xia. I mean, she wouldn''t hate her children because they did something wrong.

    ....not to mention I really didn''t do anything. I admit I hated Yun Feiwen for bullying me all my life but I didn''t kill him... he''s the one who had something against me. Why does she blame me?"

    Lin Ye patted her back. "She will come around."

    "You think so? I think history is repeating itself. Haiz... I should have kept away from that family forever since I had already decided to cut ties."

    Lin Ye remained silent.

    She was so upset.... if she knew that he was the one behind it, would she hate him?

 Chapter 628 - Is this how you repay me?

    Without giving her son a chance to stop her, Madam Yun rushed to Yun Xuan''s apartment.

    Alas, Yun Xuan was not there. No one opened the door even after she rung the doorbell incessantly for half an hour.

    She had left in a hurry and forgotten to bring her phone with her.

    She leaned against the wall at the side. Yun Xuan would usually spend most of her time indoors and would not leave the house unless she really had to. She couldn''t have gone far away.

    Decisively, she continued leaning against the wall and blinked the minutes away.

    Half an hour passed, then an hour.

    It was only then that she heard a door open. However, it was not Yun Xuan''s.

    An extremely cute lolita walked out of the unit next to Yun Xuan''s and was surprised when she saw a middle aged woman leaning against the wall, looking like she would faint if a gush of wind blew by.

    "Aunty, are you looking for the sister who lives in this unit? She is not here."

    Madam Yun was lost in thought and took a while to process her words. "Not here? What do you mean not here?"

    "I don''t know when she left but about a  week ago, I saw two men carrying boxes out of her unit. Perhaps she moved out. You should give her a call." The lolita left after filling her in.

    "Great... just great." Madam Yun chuckled, her tone filled with bitterness. "She moved out a week ago and a few days later, something happened to my son. What a coincidence!"

    If she didn''t do anything, why would she run away? It was obviously because she knew that if she ran away after killing him, it would be obvious. So she left before doing it.

    How could she?

    She had to find her... she had to make her pay!

    She slid her body against the wall and slumped to the floor, waiting until the cute lolita from before passed by again. "Do you know anything about where she could have gone? Anyone she was with before she left?"

    The lolita fell into thought. She didn''t want to divulge private information about other people. However, this middle aged woman looked too pitiful.

    Besides, if her memory was correct, she had seen this woman here before. Perhaps she wasn''t a bad person. "The last time I saw her, she was with a middle-aged woman who''s a bit famous in the fashion industry... erm... I don''t know what her name is." She scratched her head, trying to remember.

    That hint was more than enough. Famous woman in the fashion industry...

    She knew all of Yun Xuan''s friends and now that she had fewer of them, it was even easier to guess. There were very few people from the fashion industry who were on familiar terms with Yun Xuan.

    Since it was a middle aged woman, it couldn''t possibly be Wan Jia. Was it Xia Rou then?

    "Could you lend me your phone?" Madam Yun asked the lolita who instinctively took out her pink phone and gave to her.

    Madam Yun made a quick search. "Does this woman resemble the one you saw?"

    "Right!" The lolita exclaimed when she saw the woman on the screen then narrowed her eyes. "Not exactly. They look alike but this one is much younger."

    Madam Yun left without saying anything else.

    ___

    "What do you mean Yun Feiwen is dead?"

    In the Lin residence, Yun Xuan was not just shocked. She was confused as well.

    No one told her if her suspicions about that man were right. Nonetheless, she strongly believed in her own instincts.

    If Yun Feiwen was really the person who tried to kidnap her... wasn''t this timing too weird?

    Xia Rou sat beside the shocked Yun Xuan, holding the little devil on her lap with one hand supporting his back and the other holding a milk bottle, feeding it to him. "Why do you sound like you''re worried about him? You should be happy that he will not bother you anymore."

    Yun Xuan played with her own fingers. "I wouldn''t be worried about a murderer. It''s just... I don''t know if mother will be able to take it. I have an ominous premonition about this."

    And she did not finish her explanation before someone charged in.

    Even though she was shocked, she kept her calm and stood to greet her. "Mother, you..."

    Pa!

    Before Yun Xuan could say anything, a tight slap resounded in the air. Yun Xuan held her chin that had rapidly turned red.

    "You little bastard! I brought you up! Is this how you repay me?"

    Yun Xuan rubbed her cheek gently but kept her calm. "Mother, what are you talking about? What have I done wrong?"

    Her words triggered aggression. Madam Yun grabbed her hair. "Are you still trying to pretend? You killed my son! You b*tch! You''re the only one who could have done it!"

    She loved Yun Xuan alright, since she had brought her up after all. However, she wouldn''t stand it if she killed her son. All the love she had for Yun Xuan evaporated in a puff. She had no right to kill her Feiwen! Who gave her the right?!

    Xia Rou was taken aback by the sudden attack. She gave the little boy over to a maid so he would be taken away from this scene before facing the fuming haggard woman. "I understand how you feel right now but will you calm down?"

    "Who are you telling to calm down? Who do you think you are?! I will tear this b*tch into pieces today!"

    Yun Xuan had been shoved to a sofa, her face now swollen and red. She raised her eyebrows when her mind registered what was going on.

    The only way Madam Yun would think she had killed Yun Feiwen was if she knew that her son had tried to kill her.

    She stared at the fuming woman. "....!!!"

    She was right. Madam Yun knew what Yun Feiwen tried to do. But so what? He was still her beloved son even if he plotted to murder someone. Yun Xuan should have brought the matter to court if she wanted to.

    In this moment, rationality had flown far away from Madam Yun''s mind. She caught a glimpse of Yun Feng who was being brought away.

    "Bring that kid here! I wanna kill him for revenge."

    The calm Yun Xuan flared in an instant. She bolted from the sofa and rushed to shield the maid, growling like an awakened devil "Come at me all you want. DON''T YOU DARE LAY A FINGER ON MY SON."

 Chapter 630 - Enemies on a narrow road

    Patting her back, Lin Ye was worried about what her reaction would be once she found out the truth.

    "What are you going to do now, find the real culprit and sue them?" He asked as though he was just casually wondering what her next step would be.

    Yun Xuan furrowed her eyebrows. "Are you kidding me? Maybe I should find them and invite them for a meal." She paused thinking that she probably sounded strange. "I know it sounds heartless of me to say such a thing but seriously, that man had me hold my heart in my hands. I was always in fear. As long as he''s gone, I don''t care how he left. As for my mother, I''ll leave everything to fate. I''m not going to beg her to believe me."

    Hearing this, Lin Ye secretly sighed in relief. He could tell from her tone that she was not just saying this because she was angry.

    This meant she may not be mad at him if she ever found out.

    Although she was no longer feeling as sad as she was when she came to Lin Ye''s villa, Yun Xuan continued resting her head on Lin Ye''s shoulder with no intention of leaving.

    It was so comfortable and felt so safe that she didn''t seem to mind that she might make him misunderstand.

    What was there to misunderstand anyway?

    Lin Ye didn''t say anything for her to sit up either. On the contrary, his hand snaked around her back and held her waist. He was nervous at first, but when she didn''t push his hand away or say anything against it, he gradually relaxed and pulled her to cover the tiny distance left between them.

    Yun Xuan''s hand was now misplaced, and as if by instinct, she naturally wrapped it around his waist too.

    Lin Ye tensed up instantly but soon got used to it. His heart filled with the kind of happiness he had never thought he would feel in this lifetime.

    In that moment, they looked exactly like a couple in love; with their eyes filled with nothing but each other.

    They both wanted that moment to last forever.

    Sadly, it couldn''t...

    Because Yun Xuan eventually had to go back home or Xia Rou would be worried about her.

    On her way home, Yun Xuan couldn''t help pondering.

    Why was she so happy to hug Lin Ye and lean against him?

    She couldn''t be...

    Developing feelings for him, right?

    Of course, she was not a rookie in love. She knew exactly what she was feeling. She just didn''t dare to believe it.

    ...

    On Monday, Yun Xuan didn''t forget to pick Lin Ye up and accompany him to hospital for his check up.

    On the long corridor, Yun Xuan wheeled him towards the doctor''s office.

    Her mind was filled with everything that had happened since Lin Ye woke up from coma and she wasn''t fully attention.

    She almost bumped into someone on the corridor, luckily she dodged them on time. But she still apologized politely before checking on Lin Ye.

    "Heh. I was wondering who it was that didn''t have eyes on their heads. Turns out it is  you ."

    The awfully familiar voice jolted Yun Xuan and she took a good look.

    Tyler?! Why was it him?

    Not only that, his son was also with him. He must have brought the boy to hospital.

    Not wanting to waste her breath on unimportant people, she held onto Lin Ye''s wheelchair and started wheeling away.

    "Tsk. I thought you had left me for a reasonable man. Turns out you ended up with a blind cripple."

    She knew that he was doing it on purpose, but his words stung her heart. "I dare you to say that again!"

    The man huffed smugly, his lips curling into a sinister smirk. "Why, of course. I thought you had left me for a reasonable man. Turns out you ended up with a blind cripple. "

    He enunciated every syllable clearly, purposefully emphasizing the last two words.

    He was even happier when he saw how angry Yun Xuan looked. "What''s up, huh? Is it a lie? You look like you could detonate."

    Yun Xuan had a stomachful of anger but in the end, her gaze landed on the little boy who was sizing her up curiously. "I''m not angry. I''m just sympathetic." She sized up the young lad. "He''s too pitiful to have a father like you."

    She wanted to say more, but Lin Ye reached to hold her hand and her anger dissipated.

    At this moment...

    The young lad next to Tyler finally spoke up. "Papa, why does this aunty feel so familiar? Especially her eyes..."

    Yun Xuan didn''t think much of his question. Children often had a strong intuition, and she once almost became his mother. Wrong. She actually became his mother but they just didn''t get to meet. He was looking forward to meeting her and had seen many photos of her, so she didn''t think it strange that he found her eyes familiar.

    Tyler''s response, however, was something else.

    "She is your little brother''s mother. Of course you would find her familiar."

    Yun Xuan''s hands that were holding the handles on Lin Ye''s wheelchair froze. Her back went cold and she stopped in her tracks. He knew? How did he know?

    Tyler harrumphed when he saw her like this. "Did you think you hid it too well?

    You are too naive Yun Xuan. You can hide a pregnant belly but you cannot hide a child forever."

    "Excuse me miss, mister, you are in the way. Please go somewhere else if you have something to discuss." A nurse came up to interrupt them.

    "An An, let''s go for now. Don''t worry; I will definitely bring your little brother, Qin Feng, home." He deliberately said the name Qin louder, reminding Yun Xuan that her son was actually a Qin.

    The man who had been silent all along spoke up, his voice laced with coldness. "You mean LIN Feng, don''t you?"

    He totally disregarded the nurse''s words. "I didn''t know Mr. Qin had a hidden hobby of trying to take other people''s sons. Get this clearly. I will definitely not spare you if you lay a finger on my son."

    Yun Xuan was stunned.

    My son...

    Did he just call Yun Feng his son? He even called him Lin Feng?

 Chapter 631 - I want to leave

    Let alone Yun Xuan, even Tyler was shocked. What did this blind cripple just call his son?

    "Although your eyes have no purpose but decoration, your brain should be working fine, right? How can you simply call another man''s son your own?"

    Yun Xuan narrowed her eyes.

    The nurse at the side: "Did you guys hear what I said?"

    Yun Xuan was afraid they would be kicked out. If that happened, they would be the ones to lose out since Tyler was on his way out. "Let''s go. Lunatics of his sort are not worth our time."

    On that depressing note, Yun Xuan made her way to the doctor''s office.

    As one would expect, she was lost in her own world the whole time. She only reacted when the doctor finished checking on Lin Ye and reported that his condition was nothing different from what it was a month ago.

    She was shocked. "What? What do you mean not different? It has not improved in the slightest?"

    The doctor looked regretful. "While there is some improvement, it is too little to determine anything."

    Yun Xuan racked her brains. Logically, she hadn''t been doing anything significant and neither had he. How was his health supposed to improve then? "I see. Is there anything that can be done to make him get better soon?"

    "Indeed there is. I have prescribed a diet plan for him. If you make sure that he follows it strictly and takes his medication on time, his muscles will be strengthened with time and he might be able to stand again."

    "What about the eyes?" Of course. This was important too.

    The doctor didn''t look optimistic about this. "I cannot promise anything; you should see a specialized optician about this."

    "I see." Despite her disappointment, she clung onto this last shred of hope.

    As for Lin Ye who heard what the doctor said about not being sure that he would ever use his legs again, he was not upset. Oddly, it made him touched or even happy to some degree.

    Especially when he heard just how concerned Yun Xuan was, who in his shoes wouldn''t be happy?

    ¡­

    Once back home, Yun Xuan went through the diet plan. With the help of the maids, she stocked the fridge with the necessary ingredients.

    In the end, Lin Ye gave her a credit card. "Use this next time."

    Yun Xuan knew he was talking about buying ingredients for his meals. She shook her hands in embarrassment. "It''s nothing. Groceries aren''t that expensive anyway."

    "You should really take it, otherwise I wouldn''t be able to live with the guilt of living off a woman."

    Yun Xuan laughed at his antics. Living off a woman? Can he not make it sound so weird?

    Still, she took it and kept it safely in her purse, along with his diet plan. She had taken it upon herself to be in charge of his meals.

    When everything was settled, she took his hands, absent minded playing with his fingers.

    "What''s on your mind?"

    "Thank you for helping me out today."

    Although all he did was announce that Yun Feng was his son, it was enough to plant a seed of suspicion in Tyler''s heart. He believed that Yun Feng was his son simply because he was Yun Xuan''s. But if another man claimed him so openly, he would have doubts about it. Moreover Yun Feng took after his mother almost entirely and it might be difficult to find any traces of resemblance to his father.

    Men were sensitive to such matters and Tyler was no exception.

    Lin Ye knew this, and that was the exact logic he used.

    "It''s nothing." He said, before holding her small cold hands. "I''m sorry. In the heat of the moment, I blurted out such words." He was referring to how he altered Yun Feng''s name to Lin Feng.

    In the next moment, Yun Xuan pulled her hands from his, a flicker of disappointment flashing in her eyes. "You just said it¡­ in the heat of the moment?" You didn''t actually mean it?

    She couldn''t bring herself to ask the second part.

    Lin Ye was preparing himself for a scolding from her but was dazed instead. Her tone¡­ why did she sound disappointed?

    Not concealing his joy, he let out a cough. "Not exactly. I''ve always wanted to earn the right to call Little Feng my son and change his surname to Lin."

    "Really¡­ you have?" Yun Xuan''s heart that had just shattered pieced itself back.

    "Every single day. I thought you would be mad at me for calling him that without your permission."

    Yun Xuan pounced into his arms when she heard that. She had become fond of hugging him lately. Lin Ye felt giddy from the sudden attack and held her in a tight embrace.

    In just a few short days, she seemed to be more accepting of him. At this rate, his confidence was starting to build up. Even if she married him simply for the sake of giving her son a surname, he knew that she would truly fall in love with him one day. Perhaps that day was not too far off.

    "Lin Ye, I want to go back to Country G." She suddenly looked up from his shoulder and said.

    "What?" Lin Ye was shocked.

    "Although I felt the place was unfamiliar the first time I went to Country G, it''s really not a bad place. I got used to the environment and I like it. It would be great if I went back¡­ I wouldn''t have to worry that Tyler will one day be able to prove that Yun Feng is his son and take him away. Moreover, Yun Feng was born there; he will get used to it quickly."

    Lin Ye listened to her go in circles with her words and didn''t know what to say to her. "Are you listening to yourself?"

    "Yes. I want to go back. I¡­"

    She paused and looked at him. His head was tilted to face her, but his eyes were empty.

    "Come with us."

    "What did you say?"

    Yun Xuan''s voice lost all the confidence it previously held. "I want to take you back with us. Will you¡­ do you wanna come along?"

    Lin Ye was obviously not expecting such a request from her. He was taken aback. She wanted to emigrate together with him?

    "I would love to." He finally said.

    "Really? Great. Then I will prepare the travel documents. We can leave as soon as possible."

    "But I''m not going."

    "Huh?"

    "Neither are you, Xuanxuan."

 Chapter 632 - Pull out the big guns

    "You are only worried that he might come back and take Little Feng away from you, right?"

    "Yes." Yun Xuan did not deny it.

    Knowing that perverted man, he might forcefully take Yun Feng away hoping that he would make Yun Xuan change his mind and obediently go back to him.

    That sounded like a romantic ending of sorts to some couples, but not for her. She hated that man to the core and would absolutely never want to have anything to do with him.

    Her best resolve now was to take her son away and go far away from all this. It would be even better if she took Lin Ye along; he had proved his love for her. They would find their happiness together even if they couldn''t get married yet.

    "What if I can guarantee that he will never have his way?" His voice brought her back from her thoughts. "I can guarantee that not only will he willingly divorce you, he will also not want to have anything to do with you or Little Feng in this lifetime."

    "You can do that?" She was obviously surprised. She didn''t think he could possibly achieve such a feat.

    "You just have to trust me. I will not let anyone take the two of you away from me."

    Hearing this, an inexplicable sense of trust filled her heart. "Okay. I will trust you in this."

    ¡­

    Yun Xuan would never have expected that his so called method of making Tyler give up was waiting for him to sue her for Yun Feng''s custody.

    "Are you sure about this? That man has weird influence."

    "Tsk, influence?" Lin Ye obviously thought of him as an ant he could squish without using any effort.

    "Don''t underestimate him. If he didn''t have backing behind him, he would be dead years ago." Yun Xuan was naturally worried. Who was he kidding? Tyler worked for the Intelligence

    Unit and no one had managed to lay a finger on him. Sometimes she even thought that all that crap he used to tell her about his life being in danger was fabricated. Wasn''t he using both of his identities now since he was taking care of his son so freely?

    Lin Ye seemed to read her mind. "Do you think such an organization as the Intelligence Unit would care about his personal matters? They would only protect him against work-related danger. In fact, they cannot protect him entirely. He would be in danger if he ruffled the wrong shoulders even with the IU backing him. "

    Yun Xuan couldn''t refute his logic. He seemed to be right¡­

    Hence, Tyler was smugly brought the matter to court after failing to settle it amicably.

    "You''ve got to be kidding me! How can I fight with a cripple? This is utter humiliation." The man bellowed outside the courtroom, glaring at Lin Ye.

    "You know, the way you keep calling Lin Ye that is dumb. Aren''t you scared that your tongue will twist once he gets better?" Yun Xuan mocked.

    "Why are you taking his side? Don''t tell me you have really fallen in love with him?" As expected, he couldn''t stand this thought.

    "Of course I have. Xiao Ye-Ye is such a nice man. He is so handsome, ridiculously rich and dotes on me like a delicate little treasure. Wouldn''t I be a fool if I didn''t fall head over heels for him?"

    "You bastard! What did you do to my wife?" He bellowed, swinging his fist to hit Lin Ye.

    The man didn''t dodge. Just before his fist reached Lin Ye''s handsome face, Tyler felt an iron-like grip on his wrist.

    "Where did this freaking bodyguard come from?"

    Yun Xuan''s lips twitched.  She put her phone back into her purse. "Let''s go in."

    Lin Ye withheld his laughter. What on earth was Xiao Ye-Ye?

    Ten minutes later, in the small courtroom.

    Since this was a private matter, only close family were present. Yun Feng had been left at home in case someone lost control and did something crazy.

    "Your honor, Mr. Qin here had repeatedly harassed my client and his girlfriend. Not only that, he even went so far as to threaten their son''s safety. My client and his girlfriend can no longer have a comfortable life; they are in constant fear of running into Mr. Qin. I''m afraid their son might be traumatized by this." Lin Ye''s lawyer spoke up.

    "What?! You are lying! That little boy is my son and Yun Xuan is my wife. How could I harass them?"

    "Your wife? Sure. Why can''t you explain to the court, then, why your ''wife'' is not in your home but living with another man instead?"

    "That doesn''t¡­"

    Tyler''s lawyer glared at him. Did this man not know the importance of a lawyer? He was going to ruin things thanks to his own bad temper; and he would start blaming the wrong people if that happened. "Your honor, my client had an argument with his wife and she left his home for a while. Surely marital conflicts are common.

    Initially he thought that Mrs. Qin would change her mind and go back home once she calmed down but she ended up with another man; that is why my client sought Miss Yun Xuan to seek the custody of his son." He explained Tyler''s thoughts in detail.

    Tyler shifted in his seat. Fine. Even if he couldn''t get Yun Xuan yet, it would be fine if he got his son.

    "I''m afraid Mr. Qin is mistaken. The boy Lin Feng is not your son. You cannot fight for the custody of someone else''s child when both his parents are still alive."

    "You should say that to your dumb client. Has he been blind for so long that he started dreaming that my son was his?" Tyler spoke up again before anyone could stop him.

    "Your honor, you have seen what a temperamental man he is. I''m afraid that even if Lin Feng was actually his son, he would be tortured to death by him."

    "Objection. My client was provoked."

    "Objection overruled." The stern judge said.

    Yun Xuan''s accelerating heart slowly wheeled back to normal. For the first time, she liked Tyler''s impulsive nature. Even  if he managed to prove that he was Yun Feng''s biological father, the court would never grant him his custody. He had already passed off as a violent man who could potentially harm a child. Them, on the other side, had left a leeway for themselves.

    Not to mention, they had videos of Tyler acting like an enraged tiger. She didn''t know where on earth Lin Ye got them but they would be a perfect backup plan.

    "This is dragging. Pull out the big guns." Lin Ye whispered to Yun Xuan.

 Chapter 633 - Still trying to fight with your grandfather?

    Initially, Yun Xuan had suggested faking a DNA test report and pass off Yun Feng as Lin Ye''s biological son. If she sucked up to the right people, that would be easy as pie. She would also make all the hospitals fake the results if someone else tried to take the test. After all, it wouldn''t be easy for anyone to get a DNA sample of her son unless she was aware of it.

    However, Lin Ye thought this wouldn''t solve the root of the problem. It was no different from running away ¨C she would still have to face the reality some day. Not only that, it would tarnish her reputation as well ¨C she would be known as the woman who had a child out of wedlock and Yun Feng might have to carry the title of an illegitimate child all his life.

    As someone who had had that title before, he obviously wouldn''t want someone else to go through that sort of torture.

    So Yun Xuan balled her hands into fists to calm herself down and spoke up. "I would like to say something."

    Lin Ye''s lawyer suspiciously looked over. If she lost control and threw a tantrum at this point, all their efforts would go to waste.

    Lin Ye gave him a reassuring look. No matter what, telling the truth was always the best option.

    When Yun Xuan was granted permission to speak, she shot a glance at Tyler before speaking up.

    "Your honor, when I got married, my marriage was fake. I didn''t know such a basic thing as my husband''s identity. To put it plainly, he lied to me. I only found out later when his ex-wife confronted me."

    In just a few statements, she had pointed out where the hugest problem lay. Lying about one''s identity wasn''t a trivial matter.

    As expected, Tyler''s face contorted.

    Yun Xuan ignored him and continued. "The most important thing in marriage is trust. But if I don''t even know what my husband''s surname is, how am I supposed to trust him? What if his alias is a criminal?"

    "You cannot spout nonsense without evidence."

    As soon as his lawyer said this, Tyler knew it was over. If she had that marriage certificate¡­

    However, she didn''t make any move to produce any.

    Tyler''s tension eased but just as he was about to sigh in relief¡­

    "I''ll show the court all the evidence I have when I''m done speaking.

    Not only does he have multiple identities, he was unfaithful too. He kept hooking up with his ex wife despite being my husband, not to mention the other women he had his eyes on. I''m afraid¡­ my son''s life would be shrouded in darkness if he lived with him. My baby is still so young¡­"

    "May I interrupt? According to your son''s age, you must have been expecting him when you left. Were you?"

    Yun Xuan didn''t know why she was being asked this but she nodded anyway.

    "Miss Yun said just now that your son''s father is Mr. Lin. According to what you are saying now, are you admitting that you lied about his identity and that his biological father is actually Mr. Qin?"

    Yun Xuan paused what she was saying momentarily. "My son''s biological father is indeed Mr. Qin."

    "Then you were lying in court. How can we be so sure that you are not lying right now?"

    Yun Xuan looked straight at the trouble making lawyer who was trying to weave a trap. "I did say that my son''s father is Lin Ye; but when did I say that they were biologically related? Which ear of yours heard me say that?"

    "Lin Ye agreed to take my son as his own. Legally, this is allowed. "

    The lawyer frowned. These two had made sure to not leave any holes in their statements. Mr. Qin couldn''t possibly win.

    Yun XUan was not done. I''m also scared that¡­ if my baby was brought up by a man with a character as violent and temperamental as Mr. Willows, he will grow up to be the same as him. As a mother, that would be the worst thing that would ever happen to me.

    Nevermind that he refused to divorce me when I found out the truth; I can live with that. But what would happen to my son? What identity would he assume exactly?"

    It was said that a woman''s sadness could move a heart of stone. Although this didn''t usually work in court, these were not trivial matters. Yun Xuan''s pitiful tone made it sound even worse. It was as though she had suffered huge grievances.

    When she was done, she presented the evidence to the judge.

    Indeed. She had a marriage certificate with the name Tyler Willows imprinted on it; while the complainant''s name was obviously Qin Zhan. Not only that, there were videos of Tyler throwing a fit, including one where he insulted Lin Ye and tried to beat him up outside the courtroom. The most important piece of evidence was what the judge had witnessed himself ¨C this man had cursed several times in the last half an hour. He obviously had a temperamental nature.

    Seeing that the situation was turning in Yun Xuan''s favor, Tyler couldn''t take it. "I want to speak to Yun Xuan in private."

    "Objection; Mr. Qin might influence my client or force her to withdraw her accusations." Lin Ye''s lawyer was quick to react.

    "Objection sustained."

    Tyler''s face was filled with black lines. His fists clenched tightly.

    In the end, not only did he not get the custody of Yun Feng, he was also forced by the court to agree to sign the divorce papers. The issue of his identity was another matter and since he had not used his alias to commit any reported crime, no one truly bothered about it.

    ¡­

    That sailed smoother than I expected." Yun Xuan was full of joy when they left the courtroom.

    "You are now a free woman. Are you happy?"

    "Bastard! Don''t be so cocky yet ¨C I''m definitely not going to give up." A howl interrupted their celebration. No need to ask. That was Tyler.

    "Tch. You already have a shiny green hat on your head¡­ no, you have a huge plain on your head ¨C huge enough for a nation to inhabit ¨C yet you are still trying to fight with your grandfather (me)?"

    ...

    Edited by Essy

 Chapter 634 - You will regret this

    Tyler''s eyes darkened. How dare this man say such a thing to him?!

    Lin Ye continued provoking him, making Tyler want to explode in a fit.

    But strictly speaking, Lin Ye was not wrong. He did wear a glistening green hat on his head. While still married to him, Yun Xuan did get involved with another man.

    And he had to admit that putting Lin Ye''s current circumstances aside, he was formidable.

    Whether it was in terms of looks or wealth or power, Tyler couldn''t compare to him.

    How could a man accept such an outcome?

    "Hmph! You will both regret this." He cursed and left in a huff.

    "Thank you." Yun Xuan said once the sore thumb had left.

    "Why are you thanking me?"

    "You helped me get rid of him. If not, perhaps I would spend my whole life trying to run away from him."

    "You don''t really need to thank me. I only opened your eyes; everything else was done by your own effort."

    ...

    Later, in Lin Ye''s villa.

    Yun Xuan was in the mood to celebrate so she brought her son over and went ahead to prepare Lin Ye''s and the little boy''s favorite dishes.

    It was such a pity that Lin Ye shouldn''t drink wine at the moment and Yun Feng was a baby. A nice bottle of wine would be a perfect mood lifter at such a moment.

    Throughout the meal, Lin Ye kept considering whether he would be moving too fast if he suggested that they make their relationship official since they had gotten rid of the bug by their side.

    In the end, he couldn''t sum up enough courage. She might think that he was using the fact that he had helped her a tiny bit to pressure her into marrying him. Even though she had shown some willingness towards marrying him, it would still leave a bad impression if he forced her into it.

    That night, Yun Xuan once again spent the night in Lin Ye''s villa along with her son.

    In the bedroom next to Lin Ye''s, she hugged the boy, patting him gently to coax him to sleep. "Baby, you might be having a daddy soon. Are you happy?"

    The little boy obviously didn''t say anything.

    "Of course you don''t know what I mean for now. But Lin Ye actually likes you, and he is willing to be your daddy. Our family will finally be complete."

    That night, she had a beautiful dream. She couldn''t remember what the dream was all about when she woke up, but all she knew was that there were many flowers in it.

    ___

    The next morning, Yun Xuan prepared breakfast.

    Since she, Lin Ye and Yun Feng were all on different kinds of diet, she had to cook three types of meals.

    There were servants to do this kind of work but she simply found pleasure in being the one to cook for Lin Ye. It made one wonder why exactly her heart was so attached to it.

    As soon as she was done feeding the pair and making sure Lin Ye took his medicine, she did the dishes.

    "I''m going out to meet Lin Lihua. I''ll be back later to cook your dinner." She said when she was done doing the dishes. She didn''t know but her tone sounded like that of a wife reporting her whereabouts to her husband.

    An hour later, Lin Lihua sat on Yun Xuan''s bed in the Lin residence, next to her.

    She had spent the night at home and since Yun Xuan would have to go back anyway, they thought they might as well talk at home.

    "So what''s the big news?" Lin Lihua inquired when she saw how bright Yun Xuan looked.

    "I finally got that idiot to divorce me."

    "Really, you did?" Lin Lihua expressed her astonishment. According to what Yun Xuan had said before, that man was akin to the strongest kind of glue; he could stick onto something for ages if he wanted to.

    The only way to get him to let go was perhaps... to kill him.

    The thought of it was quite scary.

    But now that he had agreed to leave, it was all good.

    "Shouldn''t we celebrate? You should treat me to a meal and wine."

    "Of course..." Yun Xuan nodded hesitantly. Lin Lihua was her boss. How could she afford to treat her to a meal? She was probably joking, right?

    "You look sad." She finally realized something off about Lin Lihua.

    "It''s because the weather changed so rapidly my body hasn''t caught up yet." Lin Lihua dismissed.

    Yun Xuan wasn''t born the previous night. Not only was this an excuse, it was also ridiculous.

    "If you don''t want to talk about it, it''s alright. Just... if you ever want to let it out, I''ll be right here."

    Lin Lihua scrutinised the woman beside her.

    Indeed, she was different from her younger sister.

    While Wan Jia would probably get overwhelmed if she told her too much about her personal matters, Yun Xuan was different. She had seen the sun earlier than Wan Jia and was consequently more mature. Besides, she had been through this before.

    Knowing that it wouldn''t do her any good to keep her thoughts clustered in her brain, she chose to speak it out in the end.

    "I don''t know if by marrying Henry I made the right choice."

    "What? How could you say that?" Yun Xuan didn''t expect Lin Lihua to simply blurt that out.

    The woman smiled, but her eyes were far from happy. "Although we claim to love each other, we have not had a single day of peace ever since we got married. First it was his sister then his mother got banished then his father somehow fell sick and now, I don''t really think there''s anything about us that proves we are a couple. It''s like... it all flew out of the window."

    "I would have expected that." Yun Xuan said. "You guys have had a lot to deal with since the very day you got married; you are bound to think that way. But why are you so worried? It''s just a phase."

    ...

    Edited by Essy

 Chapter 635 - Make you beg to come back

    Lin Lihua looked back at Yun Xuan, obviously not believing a word she said.

    But thinking about it, it did sound logical. If one had to deal with so many problems one after another, they would obviously become irritated. It wouldn''t be shocking if it affected their relationship with other people.

    ...

    At the same time, in another household.

    Things were not what you would call peaceful.

    The master bedroom had been turned upside down and so had the study.

    Files were strewn all over the floor as sheets of paper suffered the same fate.

    The large study table was literally flipped and there were innumerable shards of glass on the floor, the remnants of the glass of water that had been brought over for him.

    Ruolin carefully opened the door to the study where Tyler was currently taking out his temper. She walked in trying to avoid stepping on a sheet of paper that would get damaged, or on the shards of glass or the patch of water that had soaked through some of the documents.

    She shook her head helplessly. How careless. That was a classified document from the IU. "You should forget about that woman. She doesn''t know what''s good for her and obviously doesn''t deserve you. Why do you strive to be with her? Why are you losing your mind over a woman who doesn''t want you, huh?"

    The next moment, a pair of ferocious eyes stared at her. "Wang Ruolin, who let you in?!"

    Despite his flare, the woman carefully closed in on him. "If you forget about her and marry me again, I will forget everything that happened while she was around."

    She stopped an inch in front of him and met his gaze. "After all, we are so much alike; pretentious, evil in the same way and we have gone through so much together. Don''t you think we are the perfect match?"

    "Piss off!" She earned another roar, making her involuntarily retreat.

    "Alright. I''ll leave for now. If you change your mind, you know where to find me." She scurried  away, obviously frightened despite putting on an unaffected act.

    The light bang of the door closing was followed by a loud crash. The jade flower vase that had been the only ''survivor'' met its end.

    "Yun Xuan, just you wait. I will make you beg to return to my side."

    ...

    While the delusional man kept dreaming, Yun Xuan chatted with Lin Lihua a little more.

    The latter didn''t want to talk too much about her marriage so she cast it aside after receiving the type of encouragement she needed to hold on.

    "I heard about what happened with your mother..." Lin Lihua carefully brought up, intending to offer her help if Yun Xuan needed any.

    Alas, the woman sighed, her eyes gradually filled with what Lin Lihua thought to be sorrow.

    "Forget about her. Actually, that reminds me that I have something to do in the Yun family."

    Lin Lihua could more or less guess what she was driving at.

    She could only clench her lips. Indeed, life was not a straight line. It was as twisted and unpredictable as could be.

    For years, Yun had been quite the pampered princess but it all shattered overnight. Not only that, her mother''s love also recently crumbled.

    Not to mention her relationships that were so unlucky that one might think they were cursed.  Even as an outsider, Lin Lihua felt that it was quite pitiful.

    If the heavens were fair to her, then her relationship with Lin Ye would flourish without any issues.

    ...

    That being said, Yun Xuan really left for the Yun mansion.

    Although she primarily didn''t want to set her foot into this place again, there were things that couldn''t be solved from a faraway distance.

    She still had to come back.

    It was notable that as soon as the servants saw her again, they gave her weird glances. Obviously they had heard some things they probably shouldn''t have heard and their opinion of Yun Xuan had changed too.

    She didn''t give a care about them and waltzed her way to the living room.

    "Xuanxuan, are you here to pay your respects to your brother?" Madam Yun came over and spoke, as though the woman who had yelled at Yun Xuan and slapped her not too long ago was not her.

    Yun Xuan wasn''t in the least bit moved by her lovey actions. Her voice was emotionless and cold. "No."

    "I see. Are you here to pay mother a visit, then? Actually, the police are still doing their search. Feiwen''s body still hasn''t been found." Madam Yun explained quickly, not sure whether it was to find a topic of discussion or to stir up some sort of feelings in her.

    Yun Xuan frowned. It had not been found?

    Wait, what did that have to do with her?

    "Hm." She said passively.

    Madam Yun felt awkward before trying to take Yun Xuan''s hands. "About what happened in Xia Rou''s house..."

    "Forget about it; that''s in the past." Yun Xuan interrupted.

    Before she could rejoice, Madam Yun heard Yun Xuan''s voice again. "I''m here to officially cut ties with the Yun family.

    I''m thankful that you brought me up; I could never be able to repay you for that. But I realized that I''m no longer needed here so it''s better if we part ways completely."

    Madam Yun was perplexed. It was not the first time she was hearing such words from Yun Xuan, but it was the first them she was being official about it.

    She understood the implication of her words quite clearly; she didn''t just want to leave like she did before, she wanted to cancel her name out of the Yun family''s household register as well.

    "Xuanxuan, how can you say this? Mommy was wrong. Mommy is aware. I''m sorry..."

    If this was before, Yun Xuan would have relented before the first word was out.

    However, she wouldn''t be so easy going. "You are?

    Both you and I know that the reason I didn''t do this before was because of how much I loved you.

    But how can our mother-daughter relationship remain intact if your bias is so obvious and nauseating?"

 Chapter 636 - Retribution?

    She knew that her words were hurtful, but she didn''t stop. "You knew clearly that Yun Feiwen was after my life... but not only did you not try to stop him, you also blamed me for it. With this kind of sore spot between us, how can we continue to pretentiously call each other a loving pair of mother and daughter?"

    Her words sliced through Madam Yun''s heart, but they were true. There was nothing she could say to refute it. Even if Yun Feiwen was her biological child and Yun Xuan wasn''t, it was still wrong of her. In fact, this was the kind of nauseating bias that Yun Xuan was referring to.

    "Xuanxuan..." she gulped.

    Yun Xuan stood up. "I hope we can end this amicably. If there is anything I can do for us to be evened out, please let me know."

    "The only thing that can even our pur relationship if remaining filial forever. Since you insist on leaving then... we will never be even." The middle aged woman said through her gritted teeth.

    "We will." Someone interrupted the conversation. In the next second, Yun Xuan saw the man she had not seen for quite a while... Yun Shan, her eldest brother.

    He looked thinner than he was the last time they saw; with a pale complexion and it was obvious that his skin had not got to see the sun for a while. Even so, he still looked and sounded authoritative as he spoke, his words addressed to both her and Madam Yun.

    "The Yun family is lacking. We could not protect her well enough. Not only did she suffer in the outside world, she was made to suffer by us as well."

    "You..." Yun Xuan was surprised.

    The man closed in the distance between them and stood right in front of Yun  Xuan, his eyes holding a significant amount of guilt and remorse.

    "I heard everything. I thought my brother had been wronged. I didn''t expected..." his gaze swept over his mother. "Turns out it was I who was blind. He wronged you and in the process, so did we.

    Xuanxuan, we did not protect you well enough, but you abandoned the family too, so we are even. The Yun family does not owe you and neither do you owe us. If you find it best to leave, no one will object."

    Yun Xuan didn''t know what to say.

    He sent her off too easily...

    Should she be happy or sad?

    In the end, she rushed over and hugged him. "Thank you brother."

    Yun Shan''s lips twitched. What brother? He had been stripped of that title. His brother had been murdered, his body rotting somewhere while his sister just cut ties with the family. How was he still a brother?

    Luckily he had overheard this conversation and found out the truth before doing something rash. He was intending to investigate and kill whoever it was that murdered his brother and it wouldn''t  matter but if he plotted against Yun Xuan before,  there was a chance that he did the same thing for someone else and merely paid for it. He would have to find out everything there was to know.

    Wait, now that he thought about it, the Yun family had been wiped out almost completely.

    First it was their father, then Yun Jifeng who went missing, then Yun Feiwen and now Yun Xuan.

    Was this retribution for all the evil deeds their father committed?

    At the gate, Yun Xuan looked back at the huge mansion. She would not come back to this place....

    This was the place that held most of her childhood memories.

    Taking a last glance, she walked out the gate, never to return.

    ...

    In the Lin residence, Xia Rou was quick to know what had happened because Yun Xuan had previously told her about this intention. When she heard that Yun Xuan had gone over to the Yun mansion, she could guess the reason.

    She snuck a glance at Yun Xuan who was playing with her baby right after returning. If she could adopt her, how nice that would be...

    It was just that it would be quite strange to suddenly adopt a woman who was almost thirty and was already a mother.

    Also, would she become the second miss or third miss?

    If she suddenly took over Wan Jia''s position as the second miss, Wan Jia might be understanding but it might still cause awkwardness between them.

    Besides, that Old man Lin Zhou didn''t seem to like other children that much.

    It had taken him quite some time to accept Wan Jia who was her own biological daughter. If she brought in another daughter, she couldn''t guarantee that he wouldn''t get angry.

    "Aunty, is anything wrong? Yun Xuan''s voice brought her back to reality. She had been staring over at her for quite a long time.

    Xia Rou flashed a smile over without saying a word.

    Never mind. Their current relationship was perfect too. She was no different from a godmother.

    ___

    After all that had happened, Yun Xuan was now truly free.

    She had expected to feel sad about it but she wasn''t. On the contrary, she felt happy and finally at peace.

    Although she was tired from using up her mental energy all day, Yun Xuan made a call to Lin Ye''s butler to remind him to make sure Lin Ye took his medicine.

    Lin Ye wasn''t a child who couldn''t do such basic things without being reminded; she simply found pleasure in taking care of every single detail about him.

    Such was life. She had lost one family and gained another... no, two of them. After all Xia Rou treated her like she would treat her own daughter. This time, Yun Xuan strived to keep it intact.

    After rattling on instructions and chatting with Lin Ye about basically nothing, she threw her phone onto the nightstand and slumped back to bed, falling into a deep slumber as soon as she shut her eyes.

    ...

    Edited by Essy

 Chapter 637 - The draft

    For a while, Yun Xuan was uneasy about everything going too smoothly. She would always think that nothing came too easily and that one day, something might go wrong.

    Tyler might cause trouble again, he might straight up kidnap her son since he couldn''t get him using fair means or she might just wake up and find that this was all a dream and everything that had happened was an illusion that happened in her brain.

    But as the hours and days flew by, her routine remained normal and everything remained peaceful. Only then did she let her guard down and dare to believe that she was living a reality.

    Just like any of the many days before, the first thing Yun Xuan thought of doing after finishing her work for the day was go to Lin Ye''s.

    She changed into a blue dress and was about to bring her son with her but the boy didn''t want to be away from his favorite grandma, so Yun Xuan went on her own.

    "I''m here. Did you have your lunch?" She asked the man on the living room sofa as soon as she arrived.

    "Yup. And I also took my medicine." He routinely replied.

    Yun Xuan felt slightly awkward. She had been quite naggy lately ¨C not like he minded it in the least bit, in fact, he was happy that she cared about him.

    The moment Yun Xuan was a step away from him, Lin Ye frowned.

    "Is something wrong?"Yun Xuan took notice of his change in expression.

    "Nothing." He decided to not think too much about it.

    But he couldn''t keep it in for too long so he asked, half hopeful. "Xuanxuan, what''s the color of the clothes you are wearing today?"

    Afraid that she might find it weird or even perverted, he explained, "I just want to have a clearer imagination of you."

    "Um¡­" Yun Xuan didn''t know how to react to this. It had been so long, wasn''t it time he got his eyesight back already? She couldn''t stand the thought of how much he must be struggling.

    "Blue." She answered after a long pause. "It''s a blue dress."

    As soon as she said that, Lin Ye''s face almost went pale with shock. He thought he had seen a blurry flash of color a moment ago and if he was not wrong, it was blue. He was just trying his luck by trying to find out if it was from her clothes.

    The realization made his heart beat fater¡­

    But he stopped the words from leaving his mouth.

    It was just a small blurry flash of color. He had not seen anything before that and could only see the signature blank light after that. ;

    Perhaps it was just a coincidence ¨C it was not worth getting his hopes high over.

    ...

    Because he had stayed indoors for too long, Yun Xuan helped him out so they could stay in the backyard and talk.

    Their current relationship was simply like that; they would be carefree and talk about everything there was to tell and if they ran out of topics to talk about, they would just stay quietly by each other''s side.

    Late in the afternoon, it got a little chilly but Lin Ye did not want to go back to the house yet, so Yun Xuan went to bring him a jacket. She had not expected such a change in weather herself and hadn''t carried any coat over so she could only make do with one of his jackets ¨C she was happy to do so.

    Actually if she checked her room, there were various female clothes, but he didn''t tell her that, obviously also wanting her to wear his clothes.

    She rushed to his room and picked the two jackets she found most pleasing to the eye. Just when she was about to leave, something caught her eye.

    The laptop that was on the bed was on. Taking a closer look, she saw that there was a picture on the screen ¨C a drawing to be exact, and it was incomplete. It was a draft for a dress.

    Her first reaction was that it would look pretty once completed. Her second reaction was "¡­!"

    How the hell did Lin Ye manage to draw a draft?

    She knew for sure that it was not one of his past works. He had let her see all of those, and they had given them all to Wan Jia.

    In fact, she couldn''t forget how any one of them looked because they were so beautiful that they were etched in her mind. Whatever it was, this was definitely new.

    Was there a piece of good news that she didn''t know yet?

    After saving the draft and switching the laptop off, she went back to the backyard and helped him put on the blue jacket while she put on the white one herself. She had to admit that Lin Ye''s sense of style was top notch.

    She was wearing a men''s jacket that was obviously too big and long for her but she didn''t look strange in it at all. She giggled as she looked at the arms of the jacket that made her hands look like thin twigs in comparison.

    Looking at the man whose hair was being blown at slightly by the breeze, she had the urge to ask about the draft she had just seen.

    For a while, she didn''t ask. No matter what was happening, he was not trying to hide it from her.

    Obviously that was not the case because he had let her have access to everything including the passcodes to everything that had passcodes and he had left that laptop on and on the bed, or was it not?

    Although that was what she fed her brain, she still waited for him to talk about it. To tell her that he could finally see and he had turned on his laptop and tried to make a draft. This was the only plausible explanation.

    In the end, she couldn''t help asking. "When I went to your room, I saw that your laptop was on."

    "I forgot to switch it off." He said, not explaining what she wanted to know.

 Chapter 638 - Partner

    "I switched it off for you." Yun Xuan clenched her lips. That wasn''t the main point, okay?

    She originally wanted to let it go since he wasn''t willing to tell her anything but knowing that every little thing mattered in a relationship and that the slightest misunderstanding could evolve into a million more misunderstandings and cause a break up, she asked in the end.

    "Can you see?"

    "No." His answer wasn''t hesitant.

    "Then what''s with the design draft?"

    "Oh that." Lin Ye looked like he had just remembered something. "I forgot to mention it."

    "Xuanxuan, do you know that it''s possible to verbally describe a design? As long as the description is as precise as possible, someone else can draw the design draft you want."

    "What''s your point?" Yun Xuan obviously didn''t believe him.

    "It''s just like how clothes are described in novels. You can picture them in your mind, right? It''s also just like how someone can describe the features of a criminal and then someone else will draw them according to the description.

    You can also do that for drafts, and as long as the other party is talented and the description is clear enough, the end result will be satisfactory even if it''s not 100% identical to what I would have drawn myself."

    He paused and continued, "When my boss was still expectant, she actually used that method a few times when she was too tired to draw."

    Yun Xuan''s face cringed. "Are you trying to say that Wanwan drew it for you?"

    "That was an option too. However, the difference this time is that I wouldn''t be able to see what she has drawn and the end result wouldn''t truly belong to me. So my boss installed a software in my ??ptop. It must have been made specifically for me by President Lu. I simply have to use my brain and my voice.

    When I''m done, I will send the drafts to my boss and she can do the final polishing."

    Of course she knew how difficult it was to describe a criminal in detail. It wasn''t a feat everyone could accomplish.

    Not to mention, this was on a whole different level. He was describing something he had in his mind purely from imagination and that too, to a lifeless machine. He wouldn''t even have the chance to check whether it made any sense. It would require a hectic level of concentration.

    For a moment, she resented Wan Jia for making him do this.

    "Then why don''t you let me check your completed drafts? I can polish them for you."

    "You can?" Lin Ye obviously didn''t expect her to make such a proposal.

    "Why not? Are you doubting my talent?"

    Now that she mentioned it, she could really do that.

    In YX Brand, although her job was not being a designer, she would sometimes make the rookies'' designs better using their own foundation and her ideas. It was always satisfactory when she did it.

    "That''s great. Then I will not have to bother my boss to correct my mistakes and make sense out of my nonsense. She spent hours trying to talk me out of this; saying I should spend my time resting and whatnot. She nagged me to not overwork myself before she finally sent me the software."

    Yun Xuan blinked. It wasn''t Wan Jia who was forcing him to work despite his condition but him, who didn''t want to stay idly at home?

    She was relieved. "That''s great. Then when do we start working, designer Lin?"

    "How about right now, partner?"

    Yun Xuan caught the double meaning of the word partner and revealed a slight smile. He meant work partner as well as life partner.

    ....

    So Yun Xuan''s role evolved from merely taking taking care of him to spending time with him and now, to working with him.

    She had expected it to be harder than he had made it sound but unexpectedly, it was easier than it sounded.

    All Lin Ye would do was describe what he had in mind and Yun Xuan would sit beside him, her eyebrows lifting from time to time because the image slowly forming on the screen made so much sense that if she was not watching it happen, she would think she was being deceived.

    Lin Ye''s brilliance paid a great role in making it easy, of course.

    She rarely ever had anything to correct and if she did, it would be because of small misplaced details and mistakes such as the waistline looking too tight or too lose, the sleeves being too long or too short; or the skirt having an awkward length. Of course if there was anything she could add or subtract to make it better, she had the liberty to do so.

    She had to select the color or patterns if needed and when she was done, it did look at least 80% like Lin Ye''s style of design.

    The only downside was that it took longer to design one complete outfit than it would take him to doodle a whole series before his accident.

    But who cared about that?

    As long he had something to do and it was constructive, keeping him away from all the boredom and making him look forward to seeing.

    In his perspective, it didn''t matter if he was slow. He was being deliberately slow to start with. All he needed was something that would make her spend a little more time with him and he had got one.

    At the end of the week, Yun Xuan glanced through their week''s worth of work and she smiled in satisfaction.

    "I''m currently in charge of the styles of two artists from HL Entertainment. If it''s possible, I would like to give two of these dresses to them for an upcoming event."

    "Of course. We did it for fun anyway. You can use them as you please." He had no objections.

    "Of course not!" Yun Xuan admonished. "You have an ongoing contract with MAX Brand and although Wanwan didn''t say you couldn''t do private designs, it''s still only fair that these belong to the company. I''ll later use the name of HL Entertainment to buy then from MAX.

    Lin Ye: "As you wish."

    Yun Xuan: "..." Why do you sound like a hen pecked husband?

 Chapter 639 - Make it official

    Since they had come to an agreement, Yun Xuan sent the design drafts to Wan Jia. Before that, she kept  copies of each of them; Lin Ye would be glad to see the results of his hard work once he recovered his eyesight.

    "What did my boss say?" Lin Ye asked once Yun Xuan returned. She flopped onto the sofa beside him. "The usual. You shouldn''t work too hard and the company won''t incur any losses if you don''t work at all so you should rest and take care of your health¡­. I shouldn''t let you stress yourself out - name it. Though you should have seen the look on her face while she said those things." "How was her face?" He probed.

    "She was so happy that she almost leapt in joy. It was obvious she liked the drafts."

    This was the part Lin Ye cared most about. Although Wan Jia didn''t mind if he did nothing, that didn''t mean he didn''t mind. He minded a lot. It would be so disheartening if after a whole week of work, the end result was appalling and she ended up not liking it.

    "So what do you plan to do next?" He asked after a while.

    "Nothing. I''ve already done everything I had to do." She was especially cheerful today, and she leaned in his embrace habitually. Lin Ye hugged her shoulders, warmth sweeping into his heart. This was a dream come true for him. He ran his fingers through her shoulder-length hair. It was growing back quite fast; she had cut it into a short bob not too long ago. "Xuanxuan, I need to tell you something." He started.

    Yun Xuan''s attention was piqued. "What is it?"

    "Actually I¡­"

    At this moment, her phone rang.

    "It''s Aunt Xia. I''ll pick it first."

    Lin Ye frowned slightly. Why was it that every time he wanted to say something important to Yun Xuan, something else had to come up and interrupt them? Yun Xuan was quite anxious when she picked the call. Xia Rou rarely ever called her and it would be something important every time she did."Hello Aunt?"

    "Xuanxuan, are you too busy?" Xia Rou sounded anxious and Yun Xuan thought she could hear her baby crying in the background.

    "I''m not busy. Did something happen to little Feng?" She tried to sound calm but her voice shakingly betrayed her and so did her heart that was thumping against her ?h?st so loud she could hear it.

    Xia Rou didn''t want to make Yun Xuan worry, but she had to tell her about this. "Please come back home. Little Feng is sick."

    "Huh?" Wasn''t he fine this morning? How could he suddenly be sick? All of Yun Xuan''s questions translated into fear.

    "Lin Ye, I have to hurry back home. My son is sick." By the time she finished speaking, she was at the door.

    It was common for kids to get sick easily because they were still delicate and perhaps it was just a flu. Although she knew this, it couldn''t calm her heart.

    Her phone rang again and  she stopped running and received the call, gasping for air. "Aunty?"

    "I''ve sent someone to pick you up. Don''t run around carelessly and don''t worry yourself too much- the doctor has arrived and is checking on Little Feng."

    When she heard that the doctor had arrived, she calmed down slightly. "Okay, I''ll wait."

    Thinking that it would waste time to run back to the villa and leave again when the chauffeur arrived, she simply waited outside.At this moment, a bodyguard was running after her and finally caught up. "Miss, master asked me to drop you off to your destination. Please wait a moment; I''ll get the car."

    "You don''t need to. Aunty Xia already sent someone to pick me up."

    Since it was this way, he didn''t push any further. Yun Xuan smiled even at such a time. How thoughtful. He had seen that she had dashed out of the house and sent someone to drop her off...

    ...

    As soon as she arrived at the Lin residence, she hopped off the car immediately when it stopped and ran all the way into the nursery.

    "Baby!"

    The little boy had stopped crying but as soon as he saw his mother, he let out a scream all over again. His eyes were red and swollen from all the crying. Yun Xuan rushed over and picked him up, then she looked at the doctor while rubbing his back. "What happened to him?"

    "It was a headache caused by fever. I gave him medicine. Let him rest more and he''ll be fine."

    "Okay. Thank you doc."

    "Sigh. Why does he get fevers and flus so easily?" Yun Xuan remarked when the doctor left. Both she and Xia Rou had been taking good care of him. It was definitely nothing to do with being careless.

    "His immunity is still low. Don''t worry too much, it will be stronger as time goes."

    If it was anyone else speaking, Yun Xuan would believe a word of it but since it was Xia Rou, her tensed up heart started to relax. She glanced at the little boy clutching her dress tightly like it was a lifesaver. For the first time, he threw a tantrum in Xia Rou''s presence and preferred to be with her.

    ¡­

    Once he was asleep, Xia Rou brought Yun Xuan to the living room to ask about those kind of things that nearly no young woman wanted to talk about. "Xuanxuan, how are things between you and Lin Ye?"

    Most women didn''t want to talk about this, but Yun Xuan actually did. She knew what Xia Rou was trying to find out. "We''re quite harmonious."

    "Just harmonious?" Xia Rou was obviously disappointed. She expected much more if they were going to ever settle down.

    "He did say he liked me¡­"

    "And?"

    "And I was waiting to settle things on my side which I already have...and you''re right. We should have made things official long ago."

 Chapter 640 - promoted

    Once Xia Rou heard her say that, she was even happier. She wouldn''t be lonely anymore.

    And since her husband was going to be Lin Ye, she wouldn''t have to worry about ending up in a broken marriage again.

    "I''m glad you thought things through."

    Yun Xuan revealed a slight smile. Thinking about Lin Ye, she had nothing to complain about. After all, all she wanted from a husband was a complete family for her baby. This was the only criteria she had since he was born.

    And not only did Lin Ye care about Yun Feng, he loved her too. It was even better.

    They had not been spending time together for too long but she had taken this time to study him, just in case his care for her son was a facade. She was only satisfied when she realized that he wasn''t faking affection and his love was natural.

    She had even told him that she couldn''t conceive again and he didn''t mind. Most men wouldn''t want to have step children as their successors but he was ready for that. In fact, it was as though he looked foward to it.

    She couldn''t help wondering, though, if he would propose to her soon.

    Xia Rou looked at Yun Xuan who was unknowingly smiling while lost in thought and got infected by the smile too.

    When Yun Feng got better, Yun Xuan didn''t leave him behind that much anymore.

    Xia Rou got back to her work and would spend the day at her office, only having time to play with the boy in the evenings.

    He didn''t distract her work, and it even helped to improve his relationship with his future father.

    ___

    On a certain afternoon, in Lin Ye''s villa.

    "Did you get any news from that side?"

    "No news yet, master. They don''t seem to care anymore."

    Lin Ye sunk into thought. Didn''t seem to care? That could be the case, or they could only think that he was no longer a threat. They would definitely attack if they felt threatened by him. "Do not let your guard down. Keep a close eye on them."

    "Got it, master."

    ...

    Later that afternoon, Yun Xuan came over. She had promised to have barbecue with him.

    "That took you long. I missed you." Lin Ye said as soon as she hugged him.

    She let go of Yun Feng who was trying to get into Lin Ye''s embrace. "I ran into Lin Lihua and chatted for a bit. Speaking of which, I have good news!" She exclaimed in excitement.

    "You won a jackpot?"

    "More like a huge jackpot! I''m going to get promoted. I will be the new head stylist of HL Entertainment. "

    "That''s good news. Congratulations." He held the little boy and touched her face with the other, then placed a peck on her cheek.

    Yun Xuan was even happier from the special form of congratulations. But she looked down in the next second. "But why... why do I think I didn''t deserve it? It''s as though Lin Lihua is deliberately making things easier for me because of our friendship." Although she wanted to be promoted, it didn''t feel that nice if it was not a result of her hard work.

    Lin Ye''s hand was still on her face, his thumb ??r?ssing her cheek fondly. "I think you deserve it."

    "You do?"

    "Yes. Lin Lihua might do things that pass off as being biased towards you, but you have to earn it. Especially since we are talking about the position of head stylist here. It''s a very important position and she wouldn''t dare give it to people who might disappoint the company."

    Because of this position, she would not be able to work online anymore and would need to actually make appearances.

    However, it wasn''t troublesome. There were enough nannies to take care of him in the Lin residence and if she didn''t like that option, there were nannies in Lin Ye''s villa as well.

    Basically, she and her son were being pampered on both sides.

    "Uh... this might mean working with you less often." She sounded troubled as she liked their current coordination of making design drafts together.

    "It''s alright. Your work is more important. You can look through our drafts when you are free."

    Yun Xuan didn''t refute this either. He would spend time with him when she was free.

    Actually, he was getting better at doing everything on his own. Unfortunately, the last two tests had come out identical to the first; there wasn''t any improvement in his vision or the strength of his leg muscles. He might remain blind and handicapped forever.

    She was starting to accept this fact...

    "Let''s go outside now. It''s the best time to start barbecue."

    "Sure."

    Yun Xuan took the both of them to the backyard. The servants had already helped her set up everything. All she needed was to start the grill.

    "Both of you stay here. I''ll prepare everything- you are in charge of having fun."

    She was excited, and she hopped over to start.

    Lin Ye remained calm, anticipating the delicacies.

    A maid came over. "Master, I''ll help you take take of Little master."

    "It''s okay. I''ll play with him." Lin Ye dismissed, wondering why no one thought he was capable of taking care of a child.

    "Um... he needs to get changed." The little maid said nervously.

    Since this was the case, Lin Ye handed the boy over.

    The maid took him and walked off. It''s as only when the maid didn''t seem to be walking into the house that Lin Ye felt something was wrong.

    The maid tossed Yun Feng right into the swimming pool before running off!

    "Yun Feng!" Yun Xuan tossed the grill brush in her hands and bolted over.

    Something else gave her an even bigger shock.

    Lin Ye who was supposed to be on the wheelchair was no longer there. All she saw was a huge wave of water splashing into the air as his silhouette disappeared into the pool.

    She froze in her tracks. Did Lin Ye just...!

 Chapter 641 - Personally handed him over to the murderer

    If this was any other time, Yun Xuan would be dazed for at least a whole minute.

    However, her son''s life was on the line this time. Her first reaction was to call an ambulance.Just as rapidly as he jumped into the pool, Lin came out, holding the little boy. He had passed out, probably because water got into his airway and because of shock.

    Lin Ye lay him on his back and pressed down on his ?h?st with his fingers.Rescuing a toddler from drowning was much harder than if it was an ?du?t. He had to go to hospital even if Lin Ye gave him CPR, and that was why Yun Xuan''s whole body was shaking.

    "Why is the ambulance not here yet?"

    While in Country G, she had heard many stories about accidental deaths when children fell into swimming pools, ponds and fountains. It could take as little as a minute¡­

    Luckily, the hospital wasn''t far away or Yun Xuan would have passed out from anxiety. The ambulance arrived quickly.

    "Don''t let that woman get away!" Lin Ye shouted to a bodyguard, referring to the maid who had thrown Yun Feng into the swimming pool. Before the bodyguard could say anything, the ambulance had sped off, Lin Ye and Yun Xuan tagging along.

    ¡­

    Outside the emergency room, Yun Xuan couldn''t calm herself no matter how she tried.

    Lin Ye swept her into his arms. "Calm down. He will be alright. Aren''t the doctors taking care of him now?"

    Yun Xuan buried her face in his ?h?st. "It''s my fault. It''s all my fault. I shouldn''t have left him out of my sight."

    "It''s not your fault¡­ don''t blame yourself." Lin Ye coaxed. If they really had to play the blame game, it would be his fault. He had personally handed him over to the murderer.¡­

    The door to the emergency room opened.

    Yun Xuan shot towards the doctor. "How is he?"

    The doctor closed the door behind him and faced the anxious pair. "He is out of danger; you will be able to see him in a few minutes. But let''s have a word in my office."

    "Y-y-es." All Yun Xuan needed to hear was that her son was fine.The doctor went to his office and Yun Xuan stumbled after, Lin Ye holding her before she missed a step.

    In the office, the doctor looked extremely angry. "You are careless parents. How can you have a swimming pool in your home when your child is this young? It''s okay to have a swimming pool. But do you not know that you should exercise more caution in this case? You are lucky that the boy was saved on time. His brain would have been damaged if you were a second late or even worse."

    Yun Xuan didn''t want to hear the other possibility. It didn''t happen but it still gave her chills down her spine. "We will take note." She said and dragged Lin Ye out of the office.

    At this moment, a series of rushed footsteps was heard on the corridor.

    "Xuanxuan, are you okay? I heard what happened." Xia Rou asked and checked Yun Xuan all over.

    Lin Lihua who had followed Xia Rou looked worried too. "Xuanxuan, what happened?"

    Yun Xuan didn''t understand why they were checking her over and over.

    "It''s okay. Lin Ye rescued him on time. I''ll be able to see him in a few minutes."

    Lin Lihua finally understood the situation. "It''s little Feng that is hurt?"

    She was talking about business at home with Xia Rou when one of the bodyguards in charge of Yun Xuan''s safety called and said that they had seen an ambulance rush in and out of Lin Ye''s villa. Their first impression was that something happened to Yun Xuan. They didn''t even wait for the bodyguard to check what exactly was going on before they rushed all the way to the hospital.

    At this time, Lin Lihua didn''t want to bother Yun Xuan with too many questions. She must still be anxious if something had happened to her son. So she simply hugged Yun Xuan.

    ¡­.

    Yun Xuan''s heart clenched as she went over to the side of the bed and took his tiny arm in her hand. Why would anyone want to murder a baby? If she had offended anyone, why couldn''t they come for her?

    But she didn''t remember having anything to do with that maid at all. Just why did she do that?

    Speaking of that maid, Lin Ye jolted. "Xuanxuan, I''m going to handle something first. I''ll be back as soon as possible."

    Yun Xuan turned to look at him then she didn''t say anything.

    Lin Lihua''s eyebrows arched upwards as she watched his disappearing back. She looked back at Yun Xuan who was expressionless. "Since when can Lin Ye walk? And from what I saw just now, he didn''t feel around or knock into anything. He can see as well?"

    Yun Xuan let out a sigh and smiled slightly. Her expression was What looked like a mashup of disbelief and shock. "Who am I to ask? I thought he was blind until I saw him dive into the pool."

    When Lin Lihua heard her response, she didn''t know what to say about it. From how Yun Xuan sounded, there could only be two possibilities.

    Either Lin Ye had regained his eyesight and ability to walk and hadn''t mentioned it, or he suddenly regained both when Yun Feng was in danger.

    The second possibility sounded like something straight out of a crazy fantasy, so Lin Lihua chose to believe the first.

 Chapter 642 - Untitled

    The first thing Lin Ye did when he reached his villa was arrange for people to fence the swimming pool. He couldn''t believe that such an important thing had slipped his mind.

    Even if that maid didn''t throw Yun Feng into the pool, it was still dangerous as the kid might just walk right into the water out of curiosity when they were not watching. When this was settled, he gloomily summoned his bodyguards. "Where is she?" He asked furiously, referring to the maid.

    "Master, we locked her up to interrogate her." Of course they would lock her up. Even before Lin Ye ordered them to make sure she didn''t get away, some of the bodyguards had already started chasing after her. How could they let anyone get away with harming Yun Feng? From the past few weeks, they had figured out that the little boy would soon become their little master. It was their duty to protect him.

    Lin Ye rapped his armrest a few times and stood up. "Let''s go."

    The bodyguards followed, curiously exchanging looks but remaining silent since they wanted to remain alive.

    In the dark room, Lin Ye almost strangled the damn maid as soon as he saw her. But that wouldn''t do any good. There was no way she would have chosen to do such a dangerous thing on her own. He wanted nothing more than to kill her, but he would have to kill whoever sent her as well.

    As soon as the little maid saw him, she was first shocked then she fell to her knees. She had bruises all over her body, thanks to the torture the bodyguards had put her through in attempt to make her speak. "M... master, I didn''t mean to do it. I was forced!"

    Lin Ye glared at her. "I''m not here to play charades with you. Who sent you?"

    The girl''s face was soaked in tears but no one knew how real they were. At this moment, Lin Ye only got angrier watching her put on a pitiful show. Who was she acting for?

    "I... I can''t say. They said that... they would kill my whole family if... if I said something I shouldn''t."

    Lin Ye''s expression darkened. "Since she doesn''t want to talk, make it so she can''t talk ever."

    The meaning behind his words was clear; kill her.

    Two bodyguards strode forward.

    "No! Please don''t! I''ll tell you everything!" She yelled.

    "I don''t want to hear it anymore." Lin Ye stood to leave.

    "I don''t know his identity but I can describe him." The maid still continued to speak. "He had brown curly hair and emerald eyes. His ears..."

    When Lin Ye heard this description from the door, he paused his tracks before walking out without saying a word.

    Why did that description match Yun Xuan''s ex husband word for word?

    No one would be so heartless as to want their own child dead, right?

    Besides... how did that maid know to describe him so precisely? Normally, no one would reveal their face when going to hire someone to do dirty deeds. Why would Tyler reveal his true appearance for her to see and cram?

    After thinking for a while, he concluded that whoever had sent her had probably also taught her to describe Tyler as a precaution in case she was caught and forced to confess.

    But then again, no one would anticipate getting caught when planning a murder so it was possible that Tyler really was behind this. It could be that he was just too arrogant and didn''t think anyone would figure it out.

    Although the first possibility sounded more plausible, the second possibility lingered in his mind, too.

    A bodyguard ran in after a while. "Master, how should we kill her?"

    Lin Ye thought about it for a bit. "Drowning or burning, which can be more torturous?"

    The bodyguard felt a chill down his back. "Burning is more painful."

    "You know what to do." Lin Ye said.

    "Yes." The bodyguard left the room with lots of ideas in his head.

    Perhaps burning a finger or toe at a time before actually burning her whole would be satisfactory?

    No. What about enclosing her in a warehouse? Teing her hands loosely to the roof would be a better idea. They would only need to light a fire on the floor to make things more exciting.

    Even though she would be hopeful of surviving because the ropes would be loosely tied, that would only land her in the fire.

    And even if she couldn''t rescue herself from the ropes, the flame would grow big enough to devour her.

    Of course, they would watch over and make sure she didn''t survive. Not only that, it would be great if they also found measures to make sure she didn''t pass out from the pain. The master would like it if she experienced the worst possible kind of pain.

    Now that he thought about it, Lin Ye didn''t say anything about them torturing her. Wouldn''t it be more fun if they tortured the hell out of her first?

    After coming up with a satisfactory solution, he rushed off to find his fellow bodyguards.

    ___

    Once Lin Ye had handled the matter with the maid and saw to it that the new fence around the swimming  pool would be child-proof, he went back to the hospital. It was already night, they must be hungry so he bought food on his way.

    Alas, Yun Feng had already been discharged.

    "She didn''t tell me?" He thought aloud in disappointment.

    There was only one place she could be; the Lin residence, so he went over.

    Xia Rou was watching an interview on television and she didn''t look as ecstatic as she would usually be when she saw him.

    She merely cast a glance over. "Are you looking for Xuanxuan? She is in her room. She should be resting now." She sounded disappointed about something but couldn''t say it because she didn''t want to meddle too much in the youngsters'' affairs.

    Lin Ye felt embarrassed from her cold attitude. "Hello aunty. Can I have a word with her?" He knew why she was giving him the cold shoulder and it must be why Xia Rou was cold too. He had to explain some matters to her.

    Edited by Essy

 Chapter 643 - Tempted to lie

    Even though Lin Ye had grown up close to Lin Lihua and the Lin residence could be considered a second home to him, he couldn''t simply waltz into Yun Xuan''s room uninvited.

    No one said anything to let him go up to her room so he continued standing and feeling more awkward by the second.

    Xia Rou finally relented and invited him to sit before asking a maid to call Yun Xuan.

    Soon, Yun Xuan came downstairs holding the little boy in her arms. He was scared after what happened earlier and would cry if Yun Xuan left the room. She could only bring him along.

    As soon as her gaze landed on Lin Ye, her displeasure was apparent and she didn''t have any intention of speaking to him.

    Xia Rou stood up. "He''s not asleep yet? I''ll boil a cup of milk for him. It will help him sleep sooner."

    Yun Xuan bit the inner side of her lower lip. That was something a maid could do. Xia Rou''s intention was obvious; she was giving them space to talk.

    The little boy tried to wriggle out of his mother''s embrace to follow Xia Rou when he saw her stand. Xia Rou picked him up and went to the kitchen.

    Yun Xuan took the remote control and tried to find something interesting to watch but she couldn''t find any so she turned off the television.

    Now it was just the two of them.

    "Xuanxuan..."

    Lin Ye felt his heart beat faster in anxiety. "I''m sorry I deceived you..."

    In that instant, none of those long speeches he had managed to come up with surfaced in his brain. It was blank like a sheet of paper.

    There was no one else in the vicinity; Lin Lihua had returned to her marital home and Lin Zhou was in the study. Xia Rou must have instructed the maids to keep off the living room.

    With that kind of silence, one could clearly hear the clock tick away the seconds.

    "I can explain." Lin Ye finally broke the silence.

    Yun Xuan merely cast him a side glance, not at all interested in listening to whatever excuse he was going to brew. "Did you have fun making a fool out of me?"

    She didn''t know what else to say to him. Although the truth was right before her eyes, it was hard to believe that Lin Ye was capable of making up such a lie and act it out so brilliantly.

    The worst part was that Lin Ye had saved her son despite lying to her. It was hard to know what kind of attitude she should use to face him.

    The man put a hand over hers lightly. "Can you at least let me explain?"

    Yun Xuan remained silent, which he took as consent. "Soon after you got custody of little Feng, I realized I could feel my legs. So I tried to stand and this time I didn''t need support."

    Yun Xuan narrowed her eyes. So it happened that long ago? And why the hell was he telling her that? What she needed to know was why he hid the truth; not how he recovered.

    He continued despite the displeasure written all over her face. "I haven''t been seeing for that long. Just a few weeks. I wanted to tell you."

    Yun Xuan shot over a displeased glare. Just a few weeks? That wasn''t long?

    "Then why didn''t you tell me?"

    "I didn''t find the right opportunity." He continued, making Yun Xuan cringe from the almost clich¨¦ excuse that she was not hearing for the first time. Were men addicted to this excuse?

    "Soon after I left the hospital, I found out that my father and brother were looking for an opportunity to strike me down once and for all. When they found out about my condition, they changed their minds. After all, according to them, living was much more painful than dying in that state."

    Yun Xuan blinked and looked at him.

    "That''s why when I recovered, I still put on an act while weaving a trap. I also want to get rid of them once and for all."

    Yun Xuan studied his expression and minutes passed before she finally withdrew her piercing gaze. She didn''t find anything false about his words. It was just her instinct to believe his words this time because of the level of trust he had shown her. It made it difficult for her to not reciprocate his trust.

    She seemed to remember that they didn''t have a good relationship. It did seem possible that they would want to kill him...

    She still felt he should have told her but she couldn''t dwell on this forever. "What are you going to do now?"

    The corners of Lin Ye''s lips raised a little. He looked like he had been relieved of a death sentence. "It would be safe if no one saw me walk but since I cannot be sure of how many people saw me, I can only adjust my plans."

    Yun Xuan went silent once more. Just when he was racking his brains on how to break the silence, he heard her voice again. "What about the medical test reports? They all stated that there was no improvement in your condition."

    "I made a deal with the doctor."

    She had guessed as much but it still displeased her hearing it from his mouth. "About that design software... did you really need it?"

    Lin Ye''s heart almost stopped beating for a moment. In truth, he didn''t really need it. He could already see by then.

    But if he brazenly admitted that even that had been a lie, that all the work she had been doing to help him out had been for nothing, wouldn''t she be too angry?

    For the first time ever, he was tempted to lie to her.

 Chapter 644 - Mommy

    Seeing that he had remained silent, paired with the guilt evident in his gaze, a wave of disappointment washed into Yun Xuan''s heart. Great.

    Just when she started thinking that ''third time is a charm''. Those were his own words but they mocked her at the moment.

    Lin Ye knew that he was in deep trouble once he saw that kind of expression on her face.

    He didn''t lie... he indeed didn''t want to tell anyone about his recovery because he was hatching a plan. Of course, that was one reason and perhaps the main. But how could he admit that he had started getting scared that once she found out he no longer needed his help, she might leave his side?

    Considering the current situation, their relationship would only sour if he strived to keep his pride. So he gently asked, "Xuanxuan, be honest with me. If I didn''t get injured, would you stay by my side?"

    Yun Xuan didn''t know why he was asking and didn''t think about her answer. "No."

    Lin Ye clutched his ?h?st. "Did you hear that?"

    "What?"

    "My heart just broke."

    Yun Xuan rolled her eyes disdainfully. Wasn''t it he who had asked her to be honest? The truth was that if his accident happened at another time, she wouldn''t have cared half as much.

    It was only because it had happened when he was on his way to see her that she had felt guilty about it.

    Even if she started developing some intimate feelings towards him, it couldn''t change the fact that she initially only stayed with him because she felt indebted.

    Yun Xuan yawned slightly. She was so tired that her vision was starting to get blurry from sleepiness.

    Lin Ye was about to say something else but he sighed instead. "I''ll let you go to sleep then."

    Yun Xuan stood up without saying anything else and went upstairs, leaving behind a heartbroken Lin Ye. He didn''t say it in the end.

    He also wanted to talk about how there were only two suspects for what happened to Yun Feng earlier, his father and Tyler, but he knew that it wasn''t the right time to talk about that kind of matter with her.

    He also knew that although many women would become more upset if their boyfriends stayed away after a disagreement, Yun Xuan was the exact opposite. She was the type who would prefer to have her personal space for a while and forcing her to spend time together might only make things worse. He could only bite his tongue and wait.

    Since the little boy was currently scaredy, she picked him up from Xia Rou who was playing with him and slept with him on her bed.

    ...

    The next day, the warm sun rays seeped into the room through the thin curtains and awakened Yun Xuan.

    She stretched her limbs and got out of bed. The little boy was still asleep so she took the opportunity and freshened up then went downstairs to make breakfast.

    In truth, she didn''t need to do anything. The maids had already cooked for her and the little boy. Xia Rou had gone to work and so had Lin Zhou.

    When she went back upstairs, the boy had woken up and was playing on the bed. She bathed him and fed him breakfast then let him play by her side as she read through her work appointments for the day. She realized that she only had two of then today and they were both scheduled late in the afternoon.

    She wondered whether there was anything she could do to pass time.

    Well, she could watch a few shows on television, read books, listen to music or simply just play with Yun Feng. It was just that everything seemed to be boring.

    Could she really say everything was boring, or was it simply because a certain person was not in her vicinity?

    Yun Xuan slapped her forhead at the thought. She knew he must be waiting for her to go over, as she usually did when she was not busy.

    She also knew that he must have investigated and found out the reason behind that psycho maid''s behaviour. She really wanted to know.

    However, she just couldn''t bring herself to go over.

    Meanwhile, Lin Ye stared at his innumerable messages that had gone unreplied.

    He initially wanted to let her calm down on her own but knowing her personality, how could he not be anxious?

    She might come around in one hour, one day or a few days, but she might also never forgive him.

    With a sigh, he took his car keys and drove towards the Lin residence. It would be great if he got to see her and speak to her. But if she sent him off, he wouldn''t know what else to do.

    ...

    Yun Xuan decided to pass time in the garden, watching Yun Feng who was trying his best to run on his short legs that were slightly chubby.

    Although he could fairly keep his balance when walking, that couldn''t be said about his running.

    When he made those minute ''quick steps'', he looked too funny and cute. Yun Xuan didn''t forget to capture that moment on video.

    As expected, he tumbled over and fell a few steps later. Luckily ever since they moved in, the garden had been strictly taken care of so there wasn''t anything that could cause harm. The ground was also covered with a layer of artificial grass.

    In fact, that fall looked rather cute and Yun Xuan couldn''t help laughing.

    The boy chuckled cutely too, then stood up on his own using a lot of effort, before looking up at Yun Xuan with his bright eyes. "Ma-ma!"

    Yun Xuan''s mind went blank.

    What did he just say?

    Seeing that his mother was in a daze and was not reaching to pick him up, the boy called out once more before sticking his arms out.

    Yun Xuan swept him into a hug, almost on the verge of tears. "You spoke! You finally spoke." And it wasn''t just part of his blabbering. He actually meant "mother" when he said "mama". She held the suddenly curious boy against her ?h?st. "I was starting to worry that you would have problems with speech or even..." she didn''t want to say those words. She would overthink it sometimes, that it was of autism, despite being reassured by the pediatrician.

    This was the scene Lin Ye witnessed when he arrived.

 Chapter 645 - That brat should have died!

    As soon as Yun Xuan saw the man approach, her expression changed slightly before it went back to that of indifference.

    "Why are you here?"

    She was sitting on a bench that was quite long and there were several toys beside her.

    Lin Ye walked over and pushed the toys to the other end like it was the most natural thing to do, and sat next to her. He placed his hand on the backrest behind her back.

    Yun Xuan sat still, ignoring his actions of snuggling up to her. She sat the little boy onto a matt at the side and gave him a toy.

    A long spell of silence followed, punctuated with Yun Feng''s incomprehensible chatter and his giggles once in a while.

    "I''m sorry." Lin Ye finally said.

    He knew that no reason would be good enough to excuse his actions. He was at fault here: he had just been too unreasonable.

    "That should be the hundredth time you are saying that."

    Actually, her phone had been ?ssaulted by endless voice recordings and messages hhat went along the same lines. She almost didn''t know what to do with him. "You know, you''re the only person I don''t want to speak to."

    "Please leave." Yun Xuan didn''t dare to look him in the eye. Her hands were tightly clenched and there must be a layer of cold sweat covering her back. It was obvious just how much she had struggled to say this.

    Lin Ye really wanted to call her out for it. She obviously wanted to be with him and maybe, just maybe, liked him. Why was she sending him away even though her heart wanted him to stay?

    Still, perhaps it would be best to let her figure it out herself. He stood up without any protest.

    He was going to say that he would be nearby if she wanted to see him when he heard a stifled cry full of sorrow.

    The origin was the tiny boy who had been playing on his own and didn''t pay any attention to him. He didn''t seem to be bothered by his presence.

    But when he saw that Lin Ye was about to leave, he stood up, tripping back into a sitting position because he had been roo rushed. He tried again and stood, then darted towards Lin Ye and clung on his leg.

    Lin Ye felt his frozen heart start to melt. In the past, this little boy wouldn''t spare him a glance. In fact, he would be using that chance to throw a tantrum for him to leave.

    Lately, however, they had spent quite a lot of time playing together. The little boy had started to acknowledge him and even like him.

    He bent low and took him into his arms for a hug before putting him back on the matt. He would have loved to grab this chance to stay, as he knew that the little boy wanted to play together, but that would only be if he received permission from Yun Xuan.

    Actually, she was rethinking her choices. She no longer wanted her son to get too close to Lin Ye. What if she had made yet another wrong choice?

    Compared to seeing the boy have his heart broken later, she would rather not let him have any attachment.

    The problem was that it was too late to think about the latter.

    "Then I''ll get going now."

    As soon as he turned, a scream pierced through the air.

    Yun Xuan had to cover her ears tightly with both hands but it was useless. She massaged her temples that had started to throb and tried to pick him up, only for the little one to cry harder.

    Yun Xuan was helpless. Out of everything her dear son could have inherited from that man, he just had to inherit his awful temper!

    As soon as that thought registered itself, Yun Xuan felt something wasn''t right and froze.

    "Isn''t the timing too coincidental?"

    The man quickly took a toy and stuffed into the wailing little boy''s hands then sat on the matt with him. He only looked at Yun Xuan after pacifying the little one, "What is it?"

    "The fact that Tyler found out about Yun Feng, tried to get custody of him and lost, then weeks later, such an absurd thing as attempted murder happens. Is it possible that..." she trailed off, not daring to believe that such a beastly father existed on earth.

    Lin Ye understood her hypothesis as he had thought about it too. "Do you think he would kill his own son because he couldn''t get him?"

    Yun Xuan waved her hands in the air. "Logically no father would be able to do this, right? But then again, Tyler is the type of man who would rather destroy something than let his opponent have it.

    It sounds rather far fetched even when I put it that way but... but is there any other person who still has grudges against me? I cleared up the air with everyone else!" And of course, Yun Feng was still too young to earn himself any enemies.

    Lin Ye considered her words seriously, shocked that he only found it far fetched but not entirely impossible."

    ___

    At the same time in the Lin family''s home, the house where Lin Ye grew up and called a home for many years of his childhood.

    A duo glared at each other across the living room, neither admitting that the turn of events was their fault.

    "What lousy maid did you hire?! That b*tch almost killed my son! Yet you have the balls to blame me for not following the plan to the end??"

    Lin Ye''s elder brother wanted nothing more than to strangle this man. "You have the guts to come here after letting her get caught?"

    "You expected me to save my own son''s murderer?!"

    "You fool! That little brat should have died to teach you a lesson! What kind of father offers his son as a pawn in such a dirty plot?"

 Chapter 646 - Make them pay a thousand fold

    Tyler couldn''t say anything in his defense. He was really a bad father to be able to let someone drown his son.

    But that was not what he wanted either, alright? In fact, Lin Ye''s elder brother, Lin Hancheng, had been the one to seek him out. After a lengthy discussion, they had agreed to break Yun Xuan and Lin Ye apart.

    Initially Tyler had planned to have Ruolin disguise as a maid and get into Lin Ye''s villa. She would definitely have done a perfect job. However, it didn''t sound too possible. There were high chances that Ruolin would refuse to go or even mess up the whole plan considering her lingering feelings for him. Was there any woman who would help her love rival get together with the man she wanted?

    Also, this plan of his would take ages since Lin Ye wouldn''t possibly let her into his house without investigating her background.

    They would need some time to create an identity for Ruolin.

    So when Lin Ye''s brother came up with a better idea, he readily agreed. The so called better idea was to use a maid that was already working in Lin Ye''s villa. She and Lin Hancheng shared some complex secrets and he could use them to coerce her into agreeing if she refused to do so. .

    The plan was quite exciting.

    They had worked out a perfect time for the maid to hold the little boy near the pool, threatening to toss him in. She would also curse and yell at Yun Xuan at the same time to intensify the hatred. They had even directed the whole play together.

    The plan was that before anyone else managed to stop her and save the little boy, Tyler would rush out from his spot and snatch the boy from her.

    Logically, everyone would be worried silly and as long as he was in the perfect position, no one would manage to stop him. The hero saving the beauty''s son¡­ the possible result was well imaginable.

    Yun Xuan would obviously leave Lin Ye, scared that her son would be in more danger if they stayed together. He would get back his Xuanxuan while the Lins would have managed to weaken Lin Ye by making him lose the only thing he cared about: Yun Xuan.

    They would use the chance to do whatever it was that they wanted to do with him.

    However, who would have imagined that after planning for all those days, the maid would turn out to have real grudges against Yun Xuan? She made the act real and actually threw the boy into the pool! This development shocked him too and before he knew it, his love rival had gained the upper hand and saved the little boy.

    Tyler thought about something and shot daggers at Lin Hancheng using his eyes. "Is your dumb brother not a cripple?"

    The man''s expression darkened. "I underestimated that punk. I don''t know what he wanted to achieve by faking such a thing as being blind and crippled but I really believed he was."

    "That''s it. I''m out. It''s just a woman¡­ I can get as many women as I want and have sons with them."

    Tyler walked out after saying this, though he sneered in his heart. He was going to effortlessly get that woman back. He did not believe that Lin Hancheng wouldn''t do anything. Since it had come to this, it was more thrilling to watch them fight and leisurely reap the benefits.

    Yun Xuan hated places where she wouldn''t be peaceful. Once she felt threatened, she would run back to him for safety.

    ¡­

    Yun Xuan sneezed several times in a row.

    "Are you cold?" You should go back to the house. Lin Ye asked with a tone full of concern.

    "Cold? It''s quite warm outside. Perhaps it''s just an allergic reaction."

    Lin Ye nodded as he helped Yun Feng arrange a few building blocks into a short tower.

    "Xuanxuan, I will get to the bottom of this," he declared. "I will find out the mastermind and make him suffer a hundred fold."

    "Ok." Naturally, she would be happy if that person paid for their crime. She was not too angry anymore and she really wanted Lin Ye to stay a little longer so she didnt send him off.

    There were many building blocks and the two men managed to merge them into mini towers of Yun Feng''s height. Of course, Lin He did all the building. Yun Feng''s biggest contribution was toppling them over with his toy cars. What took Lin Ye some minutes to merge would go down in two seconds.

    After destroying all his hard work, he would look at Lin Ye with his big eyes and flash a cute smile, his expression literally begging Lin Ye to continue building.  It made one wonder what was so enjoyable about demolishing towers.

    Despite being made into a playmate, Lin Ye dotingly built more at his request.

    He neither looked tired nor impatient, he even started teaching the boy to do it himself.

    After building towers, they ''drove'' toy cars, instructed toy robots, ran, rolled in the grass together and when they finally stopped rolling, their heads and clothes were full of grass. Yun Xuan burst into laughter. There were snowmen, sandmen and then there was them - grassmen.

    Lin Ye took off the green blades of grass in the little boy''s hair. When he realized what Lin Ye was doing, he also climbed onto Lin Ye''s ??p and used the new height to remove grass from his head, mimicking Lin Ye''s actions.

    Yun Xuan watched them with smiles filling her beautiful face. Of course, her camera was at work too. She took several photos and videos of them.

    Later at night when she started looking though them, her heart warmed up.

    Who said being a father was all about DNA? Love was all that mattered and if you asked her, Lin Ye''s eyes were filled with a lot of that as he played with her baby.

    No matter who you asked, they would say that Lin Ye was the real father. Their interaction was filled with so much happiness that even she, as the mother, almost questioned her ability to interact with her son.

    Compared to that mouthful of pride and temper, even an idiot would know who to choose.

    "What are you thinking about?" Xia Rou asked after calling Yun Xuan a few times and not getting any response.

    Then she saw a picture on Yun Xuan''s camera. "Oh my god! Is that really my little Feng? He looks so cute! So he can be this active!"

    Yun Xuan was even happier and gave the camera to Xia Rou.  "I took many of them. He played a lot today."

    Xia Rou''s face was filled with satisfaction. "Just as I thought, Lin Ye is the best man for you and the best father my Little Feng could ever have. When are you thinking of sealing the deal anyway?"

    Just like Yun Xuan, all of Xia Rou''s previous dissatisfaction faded when she saw how happy her little Feng was.

    Yun Xuan looked a tiny bit embarrassed to be discussing this with Xia Rou. "I don''t know. When is that idiot going to propose? I cannot propose to a man, now can I?"

 Chapter 647 - Give the punk a few hints

    Xia Rou continued looking at her, her gaze clearly implying that there was nothing wrong with proposing to a man.

    Although it was not very common for women to propose, Xia Rou didn''t think anything was wrong with that.

    When Yun Xuan understood the look in her eyes, she felt even more embarrassed. "Aunty, can you not give me that kind of look? I don''t know how I would bring myself to do that." Her expression clearly screamed that she would die first before making that move.

    Xia Rou chuckled lightly, resorting to giving that punk a few hints. If he was not a fool, they would be married quite soon. "No problem. He will propose sooner or later."

    Meanwhile, she started thinking of important things like helping them find a wedding planner. She would wait until they were ready and find the best professional to help them plan their wedding. She was obviously taking the role of a mother and mother-in-law at the same time.

    Now that she thought about it, Yun Xuan didn''t have a family and neither did Lin Ye. They had both cut ties with their families. It seemed like they would only have the Lin family and Xia Rou was happy to be there for them.

    If anyone were to ask her, she couldn''t explain why she liked Yun Xuan so much and why she cared about her happiness either.

    Perhaps it was because the little boy Yun Feng was just too loveable and she had grown fond of the mother because of the son?

    Whatever it was, it didn''t really matter. Yun Xuan was after all a good girl and from the look of things, their close friendship would not change after her marriage.

    True to her thoughts, Xia Rou found an opportunity and exchanged a few words with Lin Ye, dropping in a few words that obviously hinted towards settling down soon.

    Lin Ye was not a little boy and he instantly understood her meaning. However, he wasn''t too confident himself. "When the time is right, I will naturally propose."

    As for how to determine ''the right time'', it was all up to Yun Xuan.

    His intuition made him believe that she liked him. However, she had neither admitted that she did nor agreed to be his girlfriend. He couldn''t blindly move to the next step until she did.

    At the moment, he was at least 90% sure that she would agree to his proposal. He had been sure of it ever since he confessed his feelings to her. Her main reason was not love and that slightly disappointed him.

    He couldn''t blame her for being slow, but he didn''t only want to be a father. He wanted to be a normal couple with her- share love and all that.

    Xia Rou had seen the sun much earlier than them and she pretty much understood his train of thought. So she teased him, "Do you think you will get her to accept her feelings by sitting at home and doing your work? Don''t be such a bore! Ask her out and go have fun. You can even take some time to go and play for a few days, just the two of you.

    I will take care of my little Feng."

    Lin Ye thought about it and admitted that it was a good idea.

    ...

    As soon as Xia Rou left, Lin Ye checked through some footage he had obtained by bugging people.

    His plan was going on quite well and he had planned to sneak attack. But since he was exposed, he could only be direct with his moves.

    That evening, Yun Xuan dropped by to check on the progress of his investigation.

    "There''s nothing to prove that Qin Zhan was involved in the plan but one thing is for sure. My brother played a huge role."

    Yun Xuan looked at the footage and frowned. "Why would he want to do such a thing anyway? If it''s just because of your identity and the fact that you rejected the company, it wouldn''t be enough for then to hold such a level of animosity."

    Lin Ye looked nonchalant as though there was nothing serious about it. "Indeed. Aren''t you curious why you have never heard anything about my stepmother, my father''s legitimate wife?"

    "I have been truly curious about... wait. Don''t tell me you..."

    Lin Ye was worried he would scare her so he clarified, "I didn''t kill her. I only made it so they will never see her again. But they know I have something to do with her disappearance and think I killed her."

    Yun Xuan couldn''t blame him. He deserved to take revenge. How could he accept it when he thought that he had a family, only to find out that the so called family was actually behind his mother''s death? Who would accept it? In fact it was generous of him to keep his stepmother alive. It was probably because the stepmother wasn''t involved in killing his mother so he didn''t find any valid reason to kill her.

    She pursed her lips into a sneer. She hated people who schemed against others, but the people she hated the most were those who wouldn''t accept retribution for their crimes. They had shamelessly killed his mother. Why couldn''t they accept it if their own mother was killed?

    "Xuanxuan, you don''t have to worry. I will not let them hurt you." He covered her hand with his.

    Yun Xuan moved closer to hug his arm and put her head on his shoulder. "I''m not worried about that."

    Seeing her little head nestled comfortably on his shoulder, a smile appeared on his handsome face. So she really did forgive him.

    He turned to hold her shoulders and look into her blue eyes. Caught unawares, she stared back at him, her eyes a little dazed.

    She had to widen her eyes as she saw the man hold her chin. His gaze was full of passion, his lips slightly parted as though in silent invitation. He slowly lowered his head...

 Chapter 648 - Willingly seeking death

    Yun Xuan blinked. What was he doing? He was not going to kiss her, right?

    Lin Ye looked into her eyes and then at her lips. She was biting on them slightly, and she didn''t seem to have any resistance against him. He lowered his head and planted his lips on hers.

    Yun Xuan''s heart raced wildly. It didn''t even race this hard when she had her first kiss.

    The man didnt do anything else, he simply let his lips stay on hers and this was practically a tease. The effect was much more than if he deeply kissed her.

    He wrapped his hand around her waist, pulled her body so close to his own that they were almost moulded together. Then he gently parted her lips using his own and kissed her.

    Right at this moment, a commotion broke out outside.

    A bodyguard rushed in and reported, "master... outside!"

    "What''s outside? Don''t you know how to speak?!" Lin Ye was irritated from being interrupted.

    "I fight broke out. I don''t know who the intruders are. The whole team has been deployed to fight them off; only I came back to report."

    Yun Xuan glanced at Lin Ye whose expression had turned ghastly. "Do you think it''s related to your bother?"

    "I was afraid he wouldn''t ever attack." Lin Ye clenched his fists so hard that his knuckles cracked. When he looked at Yun Xuan, the murderous intent in his eyes was long gone and replaced with a gentle gaze. "Xuanxuan, stay in the house. I''ll go and deal with them."

    Yun Xuan clung onto his arm in protest. "I''ll go with you." Afraid that he would think she was just being stubborn, she looked up at him and said, "When I was in Germany, I learnt to fight so I could defend my son if need arose. I could only protect him myself so I learnt a lot in a short time."

    Lin Ye didnt doubt her. However, she was pregnant when she went to Country G and when the little boy was born, she couldn''t immediately do such strenuous exercise. She could only have done it between the time she completely recovered and the time she returned to Country C, which was just a few months.

    The intruders obviously had to be some strong team if they were able to make his bodyguard deploy the whole team and still look panicked.

    In comparison, Yun Xuan would probably look like a little ant.

    He rubbed her head. "Be good. This won''t take long."

    Lin Ye had probably read her mind. He took her hand and led her upstairs, into the master bedroom. He pressed a few bu??ons somewhere and a section of the wall rolled open, revealing a secret room. "Go on." He said to her.

    Yun Xuan stared at him. No wonder after going to this master bedroom many times, she felt it was slightly smaller that she would imagine. So it was because there was a hidden room.

    Thinking that she was shocked by the appearance of another room, Lin Ye explained, "This room has always been here in case of an emergency like an ?ssassination. It won''t open unless I open it myself. Even if the enemy knew that you are here, they wouldn''t manage to get you.

    "I don''t want to go in." She said stubbornly.

    The sound of things banging against each other grew clearer. Lin Ye cursed. This wasn''t going to be good. "Be good."

    Seeing that he was helpless, she relented but it was only halfway. "I can''t willingly let you lock me in. Just go and I''ll stay in this room. If I sense any danger, I''ll enter the secret room on my own."

    Lin Ye was about to insist but he recalled the story he had heard from a reliable source... about Yun Xuan''s ex boyfriend trying to burn her to death after tying her up.

    He scolded himself in his heart. What was he thinking? That experience must have triggered claustrophobia in her. How could he want to lock her in a room?

    Yun Xuan did indeed develop claustrophobia. But it only lasted a short while after that incident. The reason she didn''t want to be locked away right now was that she was worried Lin Ye would be hurt on his own.

    "Stay right here, okay?" He said and turned to leave.

    In that instant, Yun Xuan''s mind was filled with the image of him in hospital after his accident, all bandaged up and in moving, filled with the doctor''s words about his life or death being uncertain...

    That time he had almost lost his life. If they hurt him this time he would really...

    She suddenly hugged his waist and said in a shaky voice, "I don''t want you to go! What if they only want you to go out so they can kill you? Don''t go, let your bodyguards handle it, okay?"

    This was a foreign tone that Lin Ye had never heard from her before. She sounded exactly like a wife worried that her husband would die in battle. He stared blankly into space before turning to look at her. "Xuanxuan, are you worried about me?"

    He was elated, and his d?s?r? to finish those people off soared higher. "Just wait for me. I promise to come back without a single hair missing."

    "You are not allowed to lose a single drop of blood."

    "Mmh. I will not."

    When he left the room, Yun Xuan paced nervously.

    What she had not mentioned just now was that aside from learning to fight in Country G, she had been trained since she was young. although she couldn''t measure up to those extraordinary experts of Lu Aotian''s variety, her skill was quite decent. She might not help much but a large number was advantageous at such a time.

    She paused and snapped. What nonsense was she thinking? She should be finding a way to increase the numbers. What could one person like her do?

    Meanwhile, Lin Ye''s mouth twitched. He didn''t know that there were people who would go seek their death willingly.

 Chapter 649 - Your life is about to become miserable

    Yun Xuan looked out through the window so she could see the people below and estimate their power. But then she was something that made all her worries dissipate.

    What was happening below wasn''t as scary as it looked, it was more like a face off. Somewhere in the distance, several bodyguards gathered and each one of them looked like they could wipe off the earth if they wanted to.

    Yun Xuan gasped. There were more formidable bodyguards than the ones she usually saw? This meant that no matter what, Lin Ye''s safety was guaranteed.

    Her line of sight landed on a woman among the opponents. Her gaze narrowed. What was that woman doing here?

    Outside.

    Lin Ye wasn''t afraid. He knew that with his brother''s power, he couldn''t possibly hire extraordinary experts. The people he sent were at most of the same level as his regular team bodyguards.

    He strode forward and faced the man who instructed the intruders. "Elder brother, long time no see."

    The man saw how nonchalant Lin Ye looked. It was as though they had ambushed him to play a game of chess and not to kill him. Definitely, he was irked. But unexpectedly, he made his gang retreat to the side. Instantly, Lin Ye''s bodyguards retreated too.

    "Let''s leave our battle for last. It''s going to be the most interesting anyway. Where is that woman?"

    Lin Ye scratched his chin as though in thought, his eyes full of a never seen level of arrogance. "What woman, your mother?"

    "You!" Lin Hancheng exploded. This was his sore spot. How dare this punk rub it?!

    "I''m giving you a last chance. If you don''t get that woman out here..."

    "What will you do, die of anger?" Lin Ye provoked.

    Ruolin couldn''t watch anymore. This Lin Hanchen was quite reliable in other circumstances but whenever it was related to Lin Ye, be would turn incredibly stupid. If she didn''t know better, she would think Lin Ye had cast a stupidity spell on him, and it would act up whenever they faced each other.

    She walked foward and cast a glance at Lin Ye. "I''m here for Yun Xuan. Mr. Lin must be a wise man and you know that you shouldn''t interfere in other people''s business, right?"

    "Looking for me?" A voice rang in the air.

    Lin Ye froze. What was Yun Xuan doing here? Didn''t she promise to be good and stay in his room?

    The woman walked right to his side and held his hand then looked at Ruolin. "I wonder why the great Mrs. Qin is looking for me?"

    Ruolin couldn''t hold her anger anymore, seeing that the woman between her and Tyler was actually acting coy with another man. She was losing out to another man''s mistress? How could she not be humiliated? "I just want to kill you. Let''s make it quick and painless, okay?"

    Yun Xuan chuckled. "What a coincidence, I want to kill you too."

    Seeing that Lin Hancheng and Ruolin had appeared together, Yun Xuan could guess what was going on. Lin Hancheng obviously hated Lin Ye, but Ruolin''s animosity could only be directed towards her.

    Now it all made sense. "The two of you are together, aren''t you?"

    Yun Xuan was right. The two of them formed a plan together and double crossed Tyler. While Tyler only wanted Yun Feng''s life to be threatened, Ruolin wanted him dead.

    Her reason was obvious. As long as Yun Xuan and that little bastard Yun Feng were alive, she would never truly get back together with Tyler and her son would never receive all the love he deserved from his father.

    Yun Xuan didn''t care about any of that. She let go of Lin Ye''s hand and strode foward then stopped before Ruolin. "If you keep your dear husband away from my son and I, I will never appear in your lives either. We will both be happy. What do you think?"

    Ruolin glared at the woman before her. How dare she act all high and mighty?

    In truth, Yun Xuan couldn''t afford to physically go against Ruolin in the past. But with her current skills, she was quite confident.

    "Miss Wang, I would really like to kill you but that would only make your husband more ardent. That wouldn''t be of any benefit to me. Just take it as an alliance, okay?"

    At the side, Lin Hancheng scoffed. Women were rather stupid in their way of handling hatred.

    He took out his dagger that he had been hiding and threw it at Yun Xuan. It was aimed for her ?h?st...

    Yun Xuan looked at her in surprise. She might have managed to dodge it but the fact that Ruolin made that move shocked her.

    Ruolin rolled her eyes disdainfully. "I''m not trying to save you. If you died, your little imp would have to grow up in my home. Do you think I want that?"

    At the side, Lin Ye was angered to the max. He kicked Lin Hancheng in the guts without warning. "How dare you try to attack my wife?!"

    The man staggered several steps and coughed out a mouthful of blood. He didn''t give up and glared at Lin Ye. "You can keep your arrogance as long as you want. You won''t be getting back into your villa anyway." He would leave this place to go to the mortuary.

    Lin Ye raised an eyebrow slightly at the provocation. "Oh? Then you will not leave this place on your legs. Do you believe me?"

    "Bastard! You''re dead!" Lin Hancheng charged foward with rage. He raised his left leg and brought it back down rapidly.

    But just as it was going to hit Lin Ye''s head and knock him out, he felt himself lose balance.

    Lin Ye actually grabbed his leg like it was a twig!

    Before he could use his other leg to attack, Lin Ye grabbed it too.

    A thud resounded as Lin Hancheng''s body hit the ground. He rained several punches and kicks on the man before his anger slightly calmed down.

    The man couldn''t move much no matter how he tried. His spine must be broken along with his limbs. He hissed in pain. This bastard did it on purpose!

    "Tsk. I said you wouldn''t leave on your legs but you tried to flaunt them to me. Haiz... there is no cure for idiocity."

    He didn''t attack anymore. He leaned over and grabbed the man by the collar. "Do you know why I''m leaving you alive? Do you know why I will not kill you no matter how angry I am?

    Wanna know?

    It''s because there''s no satisfaction on squashing an ant."

    Lin Ye straightened his clothes, his dark eyes glaring at the unmoving man. "Besides, your life is just about to become more miserable than your death!"

 Chapter 650 - Thats the role of a wife

    "Since you are like this, who will instruct your gang now, huh?"

    Although his men saw that he had been hurt, they didn''t dare to act without being instructed to do so. The two men had after all agreed to face each other on their own. Not to mention, if they really broke into a fight, it would be suicidal. Who was to say that there weren''t any hidden guards waiting to attack?

    Ruolin speechlessly took in the current development. How was this possible?

    Lin Ye had been in an accident not too long ago. Shouldn''t he be a weakling now?

    She wasn''t a fool. She couldn''t possibly beat him. Her first reaction was, "Run!"

    "Not so fast!" Yun Xuan yelled when the whole bunch suddenly scurried away.

    "Forget it." Lin Ye held her hand. "The main headache is down anyway."

    "What are you going to do with him?"

    Lin Ye called a bodyguard. "Call a doctor over."

    Yun Xuan looked at him in surprise, and he tousled her hair. "I''m not that kind. It''s just too soon for him to die."

    Back in the house.

    Yun Xuan took Lin Ye''s hand and examined him like she was conducting an extremely important scientific experiment.

    "What''s up?" Lin Ye chuckled at her antics.

    "I''m examining you."

    Lin Ye''s features softened. She really meant it when she made him promise to not shed a drop of blood.

    "Should I take my clothes off so you can examine every inch of my body?" He teased.

    Yun Xuan pursed her lips. It was not a bad idea..  actually. "Don''t fool around!" She scolded.

    Soon, she saw that his hands had some skin scraped off and frowned in displeasure.

    Lin Ye saw what she was looking at and retracted his hand, like a kid caught red handed. "I just scraped some skin. No drop of blood dripped out of it so I didn''t break my promise, did I?"

    "Don''t try to worm your way out of it!" Yun Xuan scolded with a serious expression.

    Lin Ye smiled gently at her and said, "Fine. Then I''ll leave it to you to punish me as you wish, my love."

    Yun Xuan paled in surprise. He had directly switched his way of addressing her from Xuanxuan to ''my love''. This man!

    "No next time." She finally said, letting him off this once.

    "Mmh. Then, darling, it''s my turn to punish you."

    "Huh? Hey!" Yun Xuan exclaimed when he unceremoniously pushed her against the wall.

    The man looked into her eyes dangerously, his gaze fiery and tempting. "You promised to stay in the house and be good but walked right out when it was most dangerous. Tell me, how should I punish you?"

    Before she could respond, his lips covered hers.

    ...

    In the end, Lin Ye really made his brother''s life so miserable that he wished to die.

    Not only could he not ever sit or stand due to his broken spine, he was also informed that his mother was still alive. The despair of not being able to see someone even though they were alive was worse than if the person were dead.

    Forget about the fact that he was now just a puppet and his former loyal bodyguards had been hired to play with him as they pleased and torture him as much as  they wanted.

    He also watched Lin Ye do the only thing that he had dreaded.

    The man bought over the company shares from Lin Hancheng and a few major shareholders, and took over the company.

    ...

    That morning, there were several suits on Lin Ye''s bed.

    He glanced at Yun Xuan who was beside him. "Head Stylist Xuanxuan, I''m going to attend a business meeting later. Please help me select the most suitable clothes to wear?"

    Yun Xuan glanced back at him, obviously not feeling awkward that she was in a man''s room so early in the morning, and that the man only had a bathrobe on with probably nothing beneath. Perhaps it was because she trusted him so much that she almost forgot he was a man. Either that or she didn''t mind being taken advantage of by him.

    She looked through the suits on the bed then frowned. "Why should I help you? Isn''t that the role of a wife?"

    Lin Ye gave her a mischievous look. "Honey, that''s the point."

    Yun Xuan was speechless. This guy had changed his tactics. In the past, he would simply want to have her by his side and do nothing.

    He had become much bold lately and even kissing and seduction was being used.

    Not like she minded it...

    She quickly chose a sapphire suit and quickly bolted out. If she didn''t, that man would simply start dressing up in her presence.

    ...

    Yun Xuan had a business meeting too. As soon as she left his room, she freshened up and dressed up too. They each went their ways.

    As soon as the meeting was over,  she checked her phone for news.

    Skimming through the headlines, she was stunned speechless.

    Lin Ye took over the Lin family company, but be only did it so he would sell it at an extremely cheap price! It was almost a hundredth of the company''s value. That company wouldn''t have been bought at such a low price even if it went bankrupt.

    Worst of all, as soon as the transaction was done, he directly sent all the money to a charity organisation.

    When his father got the news, he suffered a heart attack. This was probably what Lin Ye wanted: for him to watch his hard work of many years get sold off at a humiliating price.

    "So savage..." Yun Xuan mumbled.

    More news was yet to come.

    Yun Xuan understood the situation within seconds and smiled. Ruolin had neither been punished too severely nor let off too easily.

    Her enemies would torture the hell out of her. And since she had almost always worked together with Tyler, she wouldn''t definitely drag him down with her.

    Her phone rang.

 Chapter 651 - Rebirth of YX

    "Hello?"

    "Is your meeting done?" The man''s charming voice filled her ears.

    "Yeah. I''m just about to leave HL."

    "I''m waiting for you in the parking lot."

    Yun Xuan hung up and rushed over. The man was leaning against his car with a bouquet of roses, one of the largest she had ever seen.

    "For you." He presented in a gentlemanly manner.

    "Thank you."

    He opened the car door for her, making Yun Xuan wonder what he was planning by acting all gentlemanly.

    "I want to take you somewhere." He said as he started to drive.

    "Okay... not like I have a choice..."

    Lin Ye glanced at her and chuckled. "You can just say, ''Lin Ye, honey, I will accompany you wherever you want to go''. You don''t have to feel embarrassed."

    Yun Xuan kept her eyes on the road. What crazy meds had he been taking lately? He had rapidly transformed into a charmer!

    Of course, she would never know that he only got so much confidence after being ?ssured by Xia Rou that she had definitely fallen in love with him.

    In just a few minutes, he brought her to a building that was quite familiar.

    "This is?" She didn''t know the right words to speak.

    "YX Brand." The man replied monotonously.

    "Of course I know it''s YX Brand. But why are we here?"

    Lin Ye was amused by her surprised face. He got off the car and helped her down. "I bought it over."

    Yun Xuan raised an eyebrow. Back then, she had simply abandoned this company and heaven knew what happened to it. She had only heard later, in passing, that it had been bought over as a subsidiary of another powerful company. All the staff had changed and there was no trace of her. Now Lin Ye was saying that he had bought it over? And he even made it sound like he had simply bought a candy...

    She was caught in between happiness and helplessness. She was happy that she could see her former brand but then again, she had abandoned everything when she didn''t want to have anything to do with the Yun family. If she were to come back, why did she leave back then?

    Knowing what she was thinking about, Lin Ye took her hands. "Xuanxuan, this brand is no longer what it used to be called. Aside from buying it, I also changed its name."

    Yun Xuan looked at the entrance of the building and saw the huge YX then looked back at him as though asking what he meant.

    "You named it YX to mean Yun Xuan... but it''s no longer that. It is now Ye-Xuan."

    "Xuanxuan, this is the place where we first met. Our most important memories are also here. I couldn''t lose it forever.

    Not only that, Xuanxuan, the most important days of my life days are the days when I was your employee. I would give everything to turn back time and be your employee once again. But since that cannot be done, I hope I can relive those moments, every single one of them, under these circumstances.

    So, boss, please take me in?

    Yun Xuan laughed with her eyes that had turned red and watery. "You idiot."

    Lin Ye smiled and took her hand. "Boss, shall we?"

    Yun Xuan followed behind him with her hand held in his.

    Until today, she didn''t know that she held such deep feelings for this place.

    This man actually understood her more than she understood herself.

    ....

    As soon as the elevator doors slid open, she stepped out cautiously as though walking into the emperor''s court.

    The tenth floor was suddenly filled with cheer.

    "The Boss is here!"

    "Boss, you are finally back!"

    "Boss, we missed you!"

    Yun Xuan stared in shock. "You... you guys..."

    "Most of the staff were fired but many of the designers were retained." Lin Ye explained.

    Yun Xuan went over to hug the employees she had not seen in ages. Even the new ones cheered, you would think they had known each other for ages.

    "I missed you too."

    "I didn''t believe it when Top Designer Lin said it! He really managed to bring boss back!" An emotional designer sobbed.

    Yun Xuan patted her head. It seemed like they had not been treated quite well since she left.

    "Boss, you are so beautiful!"

    "Yeah. Much more matching of the boss we once knew."

    "Am I the only one focusing on the way our boss is looking at Top Designer Lin?" A gossipy employee said.

    Her statement opened a huge topic of discussion.

    "No way! Are they together?"

    "Are you kidding? Designer Lin actually managed to crawl into the boss'' heart??"

    Back then, Lin Ye had been Yun Xuan''s top admirer and everyone in the company knew it. They just didn''t dare to mention it aloud. But what kind of twist was this? They actually got together?

    "I think it makes sense. None of us knew where she was but Designer Lin brought her right back when he said he would!"

    "I say, how romantic! He conquered the kingdom for her!"

    "I liked the boss very much back then, but I have to admit they are a perfect match."

    Yun Xuan glanced at them and laughed. She had missed their gossipy ways. "You do know that I''m still here, right?"

    They were all in a good mood so they teased her endlessly.

    "I suggest we throw a party to welcome her back." Someone suggested.

    Lin Ye glared at them for trying to hog onto his wife and pulled her to him protectively. "Your banquet can wait. I''m taking my Xuanxuan away tonight."

    "Jeez..." they booed. Did he have to shove a whole ton of dog food at them?

    Yun Xuan was slightly embarrassed that he was acting all affectionate in the presence of her former subordinates.

    She pulled him away, "Let''s check out the CEO''s office."

    As soon as she entered her former office, she really had to give it to him. The theme and decor must have been changed by the new CEO, but he had changed it back.

    "So, CEO, you decided to decorate your office so you wouldn''t miss me?" She teased.

    Lin Ye made her seat behind the desk. "Who are you calling ''CEO''? You are obviously the CEO, alright?"

    "What?"

    Yun Xuan had thought that she would at most be a head stylist since this was now his company. She had thought that all the employees calling her ''boss'' was simply something he had arranged to relive the moments. But this... "If I''m the CEO, what are you?"

    Lin Ye looked at her like she was asking the obvious. "Obviously, the top designer."

    He inched closer to teasingly say, "If you want to reverse roles once in a while, that''s alright too. You would be a normal stylist and as the top designer, I would be your superior."

    Yun Xuan was speechless. "What about our current jobs?"

    "Lihua wouldn''t mind it if you came back to YX. My boss won''t lose out if I left MAX. There are other reputable designers and besides, MAX and HL Entertainment will both be our business allies."

    Yun Xuan had nothing to complain about. This guy had covered all the loopholes.

    Of course, he didn''t mention how Lin Lihua had chewed him out for poaching her head stylist.

    The man''s gaze remained fixated on her.

    Yun Xuan sensed the burning stare and looked up at him. "Why are you giving me that look?"

    "I''m taking in your beauty." He cleared his throat, then said the one thing he had wanted to say all day. "Xuanxuan, let''s go on a vacation. We can take little Feng to play and let him see the world."

    Yun Xuan thought it was a good idea. The little boy had mostly stayed indoors as a baby and according to Xia Rou and the pediatrician, letting him out might improve his immunity.

    "Okay, where do you want to go?"

    "Rio? Paris? Bali? Honey, how about you decide this time?"

 Chapter 652 - Will you accept me?

    After deciding the best place to have their vacation, the pair agreed to set off the next day.

    They wanted to bring the child along. Although Xia Rou had expected them to go on their own and use this time to improve their relationship, she didn''t mind them.

    She only hoped that they wouldn''t turn her little darling into a third wheel.

    There were many places they wanted to go and they couldn''t possibly travel to all of them. They could only go for five days since they still had to stabilize YX Brand and officially start business. Yun Xuan''s welcome banquet would be postponed to when they got back.

    In the end, they decided to go to Country A.

    On the first day, they went to the zoo. Because they were bringing a child along, they could only go to places that were child friendly.

    It was still fun nonetheless. The little boy was quite active all day, curiously trying to see and touch everything he could. Lin Ye''s height was quite helpful.

    As for the ?du?ts, the main point wasn''t what they were doing but how they felt. Yun Xuan couldn''t help stealing a few glances at him. It wasn''t sure why but he looked more handsome than ever today.

    They were quite a unique trio and everyone''s attention was on them.

    "Whoa. Look at the family over there, how beautiful!" A female tourist said to her companion.

    "A handsome man, a beautiful woman and a cute child. Oh, I''m so jealous!"

    Everyone showered them with complements, and a certain photographer even shyly walked over and asked to take photos of them.

    He wouldn''t charge a penny and would take as many photos as they liked, as long as they agreed to let him keep a few.

    There was no harm in it so they agreed. What surprised them was that the little fella made cute poses too!

    Yun Xuan had to chuckle. He must have gotten used to the camera thanks to her.

    "The otters show is starting!" Someone exclaimed.

    "Ah... the otters show! I don''t want to miss a second of it!" Yun Xuan was excited. She had never seen one before.

    And so they went.

    Yun Xuan had initially thought that five days was such a long time but it passed by quite fast.

    All the beautiful moments remained etched in their brains: screaming their lungs out on the world''s scariest roller coaster, him stuffing popcorn into her dress at the movies and her reciprocating the action into his shirt, surfing in the ocean, going to the villages to check out their culture, buying souvenirs, him stealing a few kisses when Yun Feng wasn''t watching... of course, they wouldn''t bring the little boy when going to child unfriendly places like the world''s scariest roller coaster, the haunted mansion and the falling tower. They had hired a temporary nanny for those few times.

    When the little boy fell asleep, they watched a short movie before he brought her to the top floor of the hotel. This hotel was among the tallest buildings and they could clearly see most of the city from the top floor.

    "I didn''t know N City looked this beautiful at night." She gushed.

    "It''s very beautiful." Lin Ye stole a glance at her happy face. "But it could be even more beautiful."

    As soon as he said that, a whistle was heard as a small arrow shot into the sky. In the next moment, it exploded into several hearts.

    Several more fireworks followed, forming a succession of hearts in the night sky.

    Just when she thought they were over, a huge heart exploded with the words "Happy birthday, Xuanxuan."

    Yun Xuan stared at the sky then back at him. "It''s my birthday!"

    She had totally forgotten about it.

    Lin Ye took out a palm sized velvet box from his pocket. "Happy birthday."

    Yun Xuan was emotional. She couldn''t remember the last time she celebrated her birthday. "Thank you Lin Ye."

    "You haven''t even opened it."

    She took the box carefully and opened it to reveal the most gorgeous necklace she had ever seen. It even had matching earrings and a bracelet. "This... I can''t accept it. It''s too expensive."

    Lin Ye took the necklace and directly put it around her fair neck. "It''s not expensive. It''s handmade."

    "You made this?" Yun Xuan looked at the necklace dangling on her neck in disbelief. No wonder it was so beautiful.

    She turned around to hug him. "Thank you... it''s so beautiful."

    Lin Ye smiled in satisfaction. "I still have one more present to offer."

    Yun Xuan didn''t know what to say. Hadn''t he given her too much already?

    He held her chin and continued, "Myself."

    "Ah...?"

    "I''m offering myself as a special birthday present for you. Will you accept me? Will you be my wife?"

    The second part was meant to be a mumble but it just left his lips. He was shocked himself, but he couldn''t  possibly take back such serious words... especially not when he had wanted to say then for ages.

    Seeing that she remained silent, he was about to change the topic when she spoke, "Yes."

    It was Lin Ye''s turn to be shocked.

    His shock intensified when the woman went on her tiptoes and planted a kiss on his lips.

    He was stunned for a moment before he held her waist and deepened the kiss. He only broke the kiss when they were both out of breath.

    ___

    The next day, they went back home. How they wished they could have stayed for a few more days!

    Lin Ye clearly saw that the woman beside him had the same wish as him. With a light kiss on her cheek, he whispered, "We can go back when we are not too busy."

    "Sure."

    Yun Xuan was basking in joy. She would have loved to spend more time with him. The next time, they would definitely leave the little boy behind. Of course there were things he shouldn''t be able to witness.

    If the little lad knew what his mother was thinking...

    They were both tired but they had a banquet to attend tonight.

    "Head Stylist Xuanxuan, could you help me choose an outfit for tonight?" Came the familiar line.

    Yun Xuan glanced at the serious-faced man. "No can do." She checked that Yun Feng was asleep and planted a small kiss on the corner of his lips. "If I choose your outfit, you will be too handsome for your own good."

    Lin Ye took advantage of the little boy''s slumber to hold her neck and deepen the kiss. He broke the kiss and said, "Then I will choose a dress for you and you will be beautiful too. Wouldn''t we look perfect?"

    Yun Xuan looked at him gently. "You and your antics."

 Chapter 653 - Exciting activities before the shower

    Since she had accepted his proposal, Lin Ye wanted to start organizing their wedding soon and so did she.

    The members of the Lin family all stepped in to help in the preparations.

    Lin Lihua and Xia Rou were busy settling the venue decoration and the guests.

    Since the couple both preferred a small wedding, they were not too fussy. The guest list was one of shortest guests lists one could ever come up with.

    In the living room of the Lin residence, Wan Jia held a few fashion magazines. They were all filled with wedding gowns and bridal jewelry.

    After a few rounds of checking through, Yun Xuan selected a few gowns that could go well with her body, but she still didn''t truly like any of them.

    Wan Jia brought out her phone and showed her many more gowns online.

    A wedding was a woman''s most special day. It should be satisfactory in every aspect.

    After looking for eternity, Yun Xuan still didn''t find anything particularly pleasant to the eyes.

    "I''ll go with this one." She finally said, pointing at a very beautiful floral bridal gown.

    Wan Jia flipped closed the magazine and looked at Yun Xuan. "You don''t like it, do you? You don''t have to choose something you don''t like just to avoid wasting time."

    Yun Xuan skimmed her eyes through the fashion magazines on the coffee table and sighed. "Indeed, I don''t like any of them. They pale in comparison to the gown I have in mind."

    "You have a gown in mind? You should have said so." Laughed Lin Lihua who had just arrived.

    "My sister is right. The pictures are only meant for you to get the type of design you want. If you don''t like any of them, there are many designers who can make a custom one for you."

    Yun Xuan looked slightly nervous. "Actually, the gown I really like is from MAX."

    Wan Jia was surprised. Her brand? There were very few wedding gowns from MAX so she had not expected such a reply.

    "Yeah. The first wedding gown produced by MAX Brand several months ago... it was named ''YL''. It''s very beautiful but unfortunately, it''s too expensive to even rent it.

    Wan Jia broke into a cough. You know, that''s a huge display of affection.

    At that time, Lin Ye had just arrived... in time to hear his wife say that the only wedding gown she wanted was the one he had designed for her months ago.

    Wan Jia recovered from coughing and glanced at Lin Ye, then Yun Xuan. "The reason that gown is so expensive is to prevent people from buying it. But it''s different for you... you can simply have a word with the designer and it will be yours."

    Yun Xuan''s eyes lit up. "Really? ... um... wait. The designer is...?"

    "Yup. It''s your dear husband."

    Yun Xuan''s cheeks flushed. The gown she had liked for so long was designed by him?

    Wait something didn''t seem right. Those initials. Don''t tell her they were their names too?

    "I believe my work here is done." Wan Jia slipped away. She didn''t want to watch their displays of affection anymore! Not only was Yun Xuan wearing the gown designed by Lin Ye, she was also wearing the jewelry made by him!

    ...

    Yun Xuan and Lin Ye held a simple wedding in a garden.

    There were quite a few guests, majorly from the Lin family and the new YX Brand.

    In place of their families, Xia Rou, Lin Zhou and Lin Lihua were on the bride''s side while Wan Jia, Lu Aotian and Henry Blanc were on the groom''s side.

    The matron of honor was naturally Lin Lihua, thanks to her close friendship with Yun Xuan for the past many months.

    This was one of the simplest weddings, but also one of the most blissful ones.

    With such a loving man by her side, Yun Xuan had nothing more to ask for. Lin Ye was still full of disbelief. The woman he had loved for years was finally his!

    The star of the day was Yun Feng. The little fella was dressed in a tiny suit identical to Lin Ye''s. It had been custom made for the two of them. He didn''t know anything that was going on in the wedding but the way he mimicked the ?du?ts sent everyone into peals of laughter.

    Even though they had very few guests, the couple received numerous presents.

    The first thing they did before setting off for their honeymoon was officially change Yun Feng''s surname.

    In the end, not only did they change his surname to Lin, they also added a ''Xiao'' character to his name.

    Thus Yun Feng became Lin Feng Xiao. When they tried calling him using his new name, the little boy was obviously happy and his parents were relieved.

    ...

    The honeymoon lasted a fortnight and since they were not bringing the little boy along, it was easier for them to freely enjoy each other''s company.

    As soon as they entered the wedding suite, Lin Ye hugged his wife from the back. "Xuanxuan, it still feels like a dream."

    Yun Xuan reached a hand behind her and punched his th??h.

    Lin Ye hissed in the sharp pain. "What kind of woman pinches her husband on their wedding night?"

    Yun Xuan looked smug like she had done nothing wrong. "You were in a dream. I only wanted to wake you up."

    Lin Ye had his head on her shoulder as he breathed in her alluring scent. "How about we take a shower? That will surely wake me up."

    Yun Xuan chuckled, reading right through him. "You just want to take a shower with me, don''t you?"

    "What if I do?"

    Yun Xuan turned abruptly and covered his lips with hers. "Why not?" She bit his lip slightly, prying his mouth open and deepening the kiss.

    Lin Ye held her against his body, reaching behind her back to undo the tiny hooks at the back of her gown.

    Soon, the mass of white slipped off her body, bringing into view her attractive figure.

    Lin Ye directly carried her to the bed, following her down. "Why don''t we..." he whispered next to her ear, "..do some exciting activities before the shower?"

    Yun Xuan pulled down his head and started an intense round of kisses.

    ...

    ...

 Chapter 654 - Extra 1

    "Mommy, Lin Feng Xiao pulled my hair!" A cute girl dragged her school bag and complained to her mother.

    "Papa, I don''t want to go to school today. I''m scared of being bullied." another girl cried to her father.

    "Who will bully you?" The father rubbed his daughter''s head and asked gently.

    "That blondie from my school!"

    "My doll... I can''t believe he ripped it." Yet another wail filled the house elsewhere.

    "Daddy! Boohoo... Lin Feng Xiao poured glue all over my head. I can''t brush my hair anymore."

    "Teacher, Lin Feng Xiao poured paint all over my book!"

    "Teacher! Lin Feng Xiao poured chalk dust in my bento. My mommy spent a lot of time preparing it!"

    ...

    "Lin Fengxiao!" Yun Xuan massaged her temples as she glared at the boy before her.

    The complaints she had received from her son''s school were innumerable. Just how much trouble did he plan on causing?

    The girls in his class were the most affected. They either had paint on their school uniforms, insects in their hair, sand or small rocks in their socks and generally, all of them would leave school with tears in their eyes. It was all thanks to the little prankster Lin Feng Xiao.

    At this rate, it wouldn''t be long before the school decided to expel him.

    "Mommy, it''s not my fault. The girls in my class are just too much of cry babies. I can''t help but want to tease them."

    "I already told you. Playing pranks on your classmates is wrong."

    Who was he trying to fool? The boys were not safe either. In fact, they had resorted to trying to make him their friend so he wouldn''t pull pranks on them.

    Nevermind that he had made every little kid in his school cry. This little punk had even gone so far as to pull Lu Xian Li''s hair the last time they went to the Lin residence.

    Just the thought of it made Yun Xuan shiver. Didn''t he know that that was Lu Aotian''s beloved daughter? That man treasured his daughters more than his life. It was surprising that he had not immediately punished the little devil.

    After that incident, the little devil had promised to behave himself following an earful of scolding from Lin Ye. Yet he was at it again...

    Yun Xuan couldn''t believe that this was the same little boy who was so dull as a baby that she almost thought he had signs of mild autism.

    "You will not escape punishment this time." She said decisively.

    The boy broke into one of those cute, irresistible smiles, his charming blue eyes blinking so beautifully that even the hardest of hearts would melt. "Mommy, the girls in my class say I''m very handsome. Is it true? It must be true considering how beautiful my mommy is.

    Actually, my mommy is the most beautiful mommy in school. My classmates are all so jealous of me."

    Yun Xuan''s gaze remained stern, making the little boy nervous.

    Seeing that his pacifying tricks didn''t seem to work any longer, he scratched his head.

    "Get back here, little boy!" she said to the little devil who was trying to sneak his way out of the living room.

    Lin Ye walked in at that moment. "I see the two of you are getting along, as usual."

    "I''ll surely die from the headaches he gives me."

    Lin Ye sat next to her. "How can you say that? Fengxiao is a little angel, just like his daddy. Actually, he takes after his mom."

    Yun Xuan: "Hey!"

    "Aren''t you stubborn too? It''s hard to talk you out of anything."

    "Fine. You do seem to have a point..."

    Lin Ye kissed the forehead of the woman beside him and pulled her into his arms. "Do you know what I''ve learnt from this lifetime?"

    Yun Xuan nestled in his embrace comfortably. "I don''t."

    "If two people were meant to be, it doesn''t matter how long they have to wait for each other. If it''s true love, they will end up together even if they only do so in their old age. And when they finally get together, they will find that all the wait and struggle was worth it." He looked into her eyes that were gazing back at him. "Xuanxuan, you were worth waiting for."

    Yun Xuan''s hand reached to hug his neck as he looked into the depth of his eyes. "In this lifetime, I learnt that all that nonsense about a person only being able to fall in love once is fake. If that were the case, my heart would be stuck with a jerk. But since I met you, you''re the only one I will love for the rest of my life."

    "Did you just say what I think you said?" Lin Ye couldn''t believe his ears. Yun Xuan had never directly said anything about having feelings for him.  She had agreed to be his girlfriend, agreed to marry him but up till now, she had never said anything similar to what she had just said.

    "Yes. I love you Lin Ye."

    Lin Ye''s heart fluttered, and he had to use all his restraint to prevent himself from jumping to the rooftop and breaking into a dance. "I love you too Yun Xuan, I love you more each day."

    Yun Xuan pulled his neck and kissed his lips.

    Lin Fengxiao: "Did they forget about me?"

    No need to ask. He was totally forgotten.

    ===

    Lin Ye only remembered his existence later and called him to the study.

    "Do you know what kind of boy is not handsome? The type of boy who keeps bullying girls. They are so fragile and weak. What do you even gain from making them cry?"

    Lin Fengxiao held his chin between his thumb and index figure, deep in thought before he finally said, "Dad, you are right. There''s no thrill in bullying weaklings at all. I should only bully boys."

    Lin Ye was speechless at this twisted logic. He coughed. "Except, bullying boys is not all that good either. No one will ever respect you and most importantly, no one will ever love you. You will not have friends."

    "But I have very many friends!"

    "You think those are your friends? They only stay close to you to keep you from pranking them but they secretly hate you. None of them likes you."

    The little boy blinked his eyes. "Is love important?"

    "Very important." Seeing that he didn''t convince the boy yet, he continued, "Real men don''t use dirty tricks. Do you want to remain an immature boy forever?"

    "No way! I want to be a man, just like you, daddy!"

    Lin Ye was speechless. This imp finally understood

 Chapter 655 - Extra 2

    On an island owned by the Lu family. The waves stretched onto the land and back into the sea, creating a dreamlike picture that every photographer would want to capture. The woman sitting some distance away looked even more beautiful than the dreamy scene.

    Wan Jia sat on the sand with her legs pulled under her. It had been long since they went out on vacation and she was not going to waste this chance.

    Her skin, now slightly tanned by the sun, looked even more youthful and pleasing to the eye. The breeze lightly blew past her, flattering her hair to reveal her delicate little face.

    Despite all the years, her beauty had remained intact and time didn''t seem to have the same effect on her as it had on other people. She was still very beautiful without a single wrinkle on her face. Her figure had been kept slim and gorgeous by her training routine.

    Lu Aotian came out of the mansion carrying two glasses of wine on a tray.

    He was only wearing a pair of loose fitting pants.

    Wan Jia took a look at his well maintained, firm abs that were exposed to the sun. "Can''t you wear more decent clothes? So shameless."

    Lu Aotian grinned, as mischievous as ever. "Is that really what you want to say?"

    Wan Jia took a glass of wine from the tray, amused that he had chosen wine instead of cold juice. She shoved him away. "You are not a young man anymore. Have some decency, will you?"

    "I''m on the island. What does my wife expect me to wear?"

    Wan Jia knew that talking sense to him would only waste her breath. Obviously, time had done nothing to decrease his level of shamelessness.

    Lu Aotian sat down next to her, peering at her lips as she sipped her wine delicately. "Honey, can I have a taste of your wine?"

    Wan Jia couldn''t be bothered by his antics. She took a sip and passed the wineglass to him.

    However, the man held her chin and, without warning, pressed his lips against hers.

    Wan Jia''s eyes shot open. "You!"

    "I was talking about the wine in your mouth." He licked his lips. "Tasty."

    Wan Jia glared at him. "You old pervert."

    Lu Aotian looked into her eyes. "Who did you just call old? Say that again?"

    "You didn''t deny the part about being a pervert,  though. So you do know you are one?"

    Lu Aotian pressed down her shoulders.

    "What are you doing?"

    "Proving some matters to you. Regarding my strength." he took her lips into his, the taste of wine still lingering between them.

    Wan Jia: Who the heck talked about his strength?

    As soon as he left her lips, Wan Jia spoke, "Aotian, what are you doing? We are out in the open and it''s daytime."

    Lu Aotian kissed her neck. "So what? There are only two people on this island and that is you and me. No one will see us." With that, he pinned her down under him and took her lips, kissing them deeply.

    Although she was protesting just a moment ago, Wan Jia couldn''t bring herself to reject his kisses. Not when they tasted this sweet. She hugged his neck and kissed him back, her heart racing as he rhythmically stroked her skin. She was totally lost to love.

    She paused and looked into his eyes. "Are you really serious about m?k?n? ??v? right here?"

    "Of course." as soon as the words left his mouth, he thrust into her.

    "... be gentler..."

    ...

    The couple lay in the sand, tangled together closely as they reminisced their past.

    "Do you know what''s the best thing that has ever happened to me?" Lu Aotian asked, breathing warm air close to her ear.

    "What?" Wan Jia played along.

    "Meeting you."

    Wan Jia flipped him and propped her head, using her elbows as support. "Do you know what''s the best thing that has ever happened to me?"

    "What?"

    "Spending all these years with you."

    "You just beat me to it." Lu Aotian could not admit defeat.

    "Does it matter?" Wan Jia saw something from the corner of her eye and bolted up. "Look, the sun is setting! How beautiful, let''s go watch it!"

    Lu Aotian let her drag him away. Indeed, nothing had changed.

    Wan Jia gazed at the orange rays that looked like fiery flames as the sun slowly disappeared into the horizon. People said that the sea looked most beautiful at sunset. It was quite true. Wan Jia couldn''t tear her gaze away for a second.

    She was almost hypnotized by the beauty of nature. "For most people, love is like the sun. It will rise, reach its peak at midday and in the evening, it will slowly set, leaving behind beautiful memories and allowing the moon to take over. But our love is not like that. It will remain at its peak forever and never set."

    Lu Aotian looked into the distance along with her. "Our love is stronger than any ray of the sun. Even the sun must be jealous of us."

    "You''re right. How beautiful. This just gave me a major inspiration for my next theme."

    Lu Aotian looked at her gently. She was still the infamous Designer Wan. Even after starting her own studio, winning many awards and becoming the most sought after designer, her passion for design still raged like it did years ago. It was amazing how one could love the same thing for so long.

    Wan Jia suddenly thought of something and frowned, her face flushing.

    "What''s wrong?" Lu Aotian questioned.

    "I can''t believe we actually did it until sunset."

    Lu Aotian had a wicked smile on his face. He leaned in and placed a gentle kiss on her lips. "I can''t believe it either. We should have done it until sunrise. Don''t worry, we still have time to we can simply resume it at any time."

    Wan Jia glared at him. "Can you be any more shameless?"

 Chapter 656 - Extra 3

    "My name is Lu Meili. I am the female lead of this novel."

    "Then what is mother-in-law, huh?" Mu Zhichen hugged his wife from behind. Her cooking skills had improved a little after living with him for so long so she was preparing breakfast while blabbering her nonsense.

    "Fine, I''m the female lead''s daughter. But don''t you think our love story is more exciting? I should be considered the female lead instead. Besides, my life has been filled with more adventure than hers was."

    Mu Zhichen turned off the cooker and turned the little woman around, hugging her tightly. "Life is not a television series. Do you think that if this was fictional, we would have ended up together?"

    "No? What would happen, then?" Lu Meili curiously asked as she felt his heartbeat that seemed to always accelerate each time they hugged.

    "In television series, female leads always end up with their first love. You should know this better than I do, shouldn''t you?."

    Lu Meili raised her head and looked into his eyes, then kissed the corner of his lips. "I''m glad I ended up with you."

    ...

    In the living room

    "Brother, are mommy and daddy doing weird things again?" A tiny girl asked her brother, her little head ???ked to the side with curiosity.

    "I don''t know either. Perhaps they are making a little brother for us. Ariana, let''s go play on our own. We should let them be."

    "You''re right. I''m going to show grapa the heart I painted." Little Ariana said, her eyes blinking innocently.

    "It''s not grapa. It''s grandpa. And I''m going to show grandma the car I painted." Little Adrian replied and dragged his sister along.

    ___

    "Grandpa, look! I painted a heart. It''s for you." The tiny girl stuck out her hands to show Lu Aotian a painting she had spent days completing. Although it was just a simple heart, she was still little so it took a lot of effort.

    Lu Aotian took the painting with a smile. "Good girl, Ariana. Where is your brother?"

    The tiny girl sulked, her little heart breaking. "Grandpa is not fair at all. You always ask about my brother every time. Does grandpa not love me anymore?"

    Lu Aotian picked up the little girl, whose way of acting cute was just like her mother''s when she was young. "How could that be? Grandpa loves Ariana very much."

    "Really, really?" The little girl was overjoyed. "Then will I get a kiss from grandpa?"

    Lu Aotian kissed her soft flushed cheeks, and the girl exploded in happiness, before skipping off to play.

    Glancing at the tiny girl as she played around, he couldn''t help chuckling.

    That tiny girl was a split resemblance of what he remembered his mother to be. Even their way of laughing was identical.

    If he didn''t know better, he would have thought that his mother had reincarnated into Ariana Mu, his granddaughter.

    ...

    "Grandma, is this how I draw a car?" Ariana''s brother, Adrian, asked his grandmother.

    Wan Jia looked at the painting that was too good for a little boy. "Well done, Adrian. It''s very beautiful. Just like you."

    "Thank you grandma." the little boy took his painting to go and show off to his parents.

    "He is just like his dad." Mu Zhichen''s mother remarked.

    "It''s every parent''s dream for their children to take after them." Wan Jia said proudly.

    ===

    Extra 4

    ...

    "Congratulations."

    "Sis Katy, your baby is so handsome." Lu Meili was awed, looking at the little cutie in Katy''s arms. He was only two days old.

    "Aren''t you going to congratulate Katy?" Henry Blanc asked Lin Lihua, who was peeking at the people surrounding Katy to take a glimpse of the newborn.

    "I already did." Lin Lihua said passively.

    "Then aren''t you going to hold him a little? He''s our grandson after all."

    "Are you kidding me?"

    Henry Blanc chuckled. "You do want to hold him, though."

    "No no. Of course not. Who said I..." Lin Lihua realized she sounded silly. "Fine. I will hold him once."

    She walked up to Katy Blanc. "Um, congratulations."

    "Thank you aunt. You already said that."

    "Ahem..." she coughed. "Let me hold him once?"

    Katy looked surprised, but she handed the bundle of cuteness to Lin Lihua.

    Although she had only said she would hold him once, her heart melted as soon as she felt the baby in her arms. The baby rubbed his eyes with his tiny fist then blinked his eyes at her.

    "How cute! Fine, I admit. Grandma wants to hold you a little longer."

    Katy''s friends burst into laughter.

    "Your baby was able to achieve a feat you couldn''t achieve for years."

    "He stole Aunt Lihua''s heart just like that."

    Lin Lihua glared at them. "So what if my heart is stolen. With a cutie like this, it''s totally worth it."

    ....

    At the side, Katy''s friends fell into discussion.

    "Yo, Xixi, who are you chatting with? Your handsome professor that swept you off your feet?"

    Small Xixi rolled her eyes. "What professor? He''s my future boyfriend, okay?"

    Katy joined in and laughed. "I hope you end up together."

    Katy''s husband was a famous businessman from Country F; his company was currently one of the top companies in the country. He and Katy had met on one of their business trips and it was love at first sight. They had met again several times  while trying to negotiate for the same projects and before they knew it, they had fallen in love with each other.

    Well, after years of avoiding the topic of marriage, Katy finally found her true love and got married.

    ...

    That evening, they went to the Lin residence. Xia Rou and Lin Zhou were yet to meet their great grandson.

    When they arrived, they realized that they were not the only ones in the Lin residence.

    Yun Xuan was there too, with her husband and son, and so were Wan Jia and Lu Aotian. Lu Meili and her younger sister were trying to catch up with their grandfather Lin Zhou, while the little pair of twins, Adrian Mu and Ariana Mu, entertained everyone else with their funny jokes.

    When Katy arrived with her husband, Lin Lihua and Henry Blanc beside her, Wan Jia gasped. "I was just saying that if the Blancs came tonight, the family would be complete and they really came!"

    Xia Rou emotionally rushed over to meet her great grandson. The twins hadn''t had the chance to see him either, so they went over to take a peek. Ariana took a glance at the baby and was shocked so she pulled her brother to the side.

    "Brother, why is little cousin so tiny?" Ariana knew the identity of the tiny baby so she asked.

    Adrian looked over with big eyes then looked back at his sister. "Babies are usually so small."

    "Really? Were we that small too?"

    "No. I overheard grandma say that twins are usually smaller. We must have been smaller than him."

    The little girl frowned when she imagined anything smaller than that baby. She shook her head. "Brother, I suddenly don''t want a little sister."

    "Why not?" Little Adrian asked curiously

    "If she is so tiny then we can''t play together..."

    "Look what we have here. What are the two of you whispering about?"

 Chapter 657 - Extra 5

    The twins turned to look at the incomer. It was a handsome young man with a charming pair of eyes that had been labelled the nation''s most beautiful eyes. His blonde hair was slightly messy, emitting a vibe that was a little dangerous but also irresistible. It was not easy to count the girls that had been charmed silly by him. ;

    Adrian was not that fazed, but Ariana was overjoyed and she jumped onto him. "Uncle Fengxiao!" ;

    Lin Fengxiao picked up the little girl. "Little beauty, did you miss me?" ;

    "Uh-huh. I missed Uncle Fengxiao very much." ;

    "Really? You missed him more than you missed me?" A cool voice interrupted. Only then did the little girl notice the young lad behind Lin Fengxiao. "Third Uncle!" ;

    After hugging her third uncle Lu Xian Yu, the little girl fell into deep thought. She really wanted to play with her third uncle, but Uncle Fengxiao was really too handsome and she wanted to play with him too. And these two didn''t get along that much. Who should she choose? ;

    As for why Lin Fengxiao and Lu Xian Yu didn''t get along, could there possibly be any other reason? ;

    This punk, Lin Fengxiao, was trying to get close to his sister. Getting close to his sister wasn''t a crime but the girls that this man had fooled around with could fence the entire city twice. How could he stand it? ;

    Of course, Lin Fengxiao believed in his own charm. ;

    ...

    Soon, Lu Meili was speaking with Katy and the twins were playing with their great grandfather. The other men were discussing whatever it was that men discussed when gathered together. Seeing that everyone was occupied, Lin Fengxiao grabbed the opportunity to go over to Lu Xian Li who was out for a breather. ;

    The young woman was wearing a long champagne colored gown that was backless. Her long straight hair fell down her waist, slightly revealing slivers of her back when the wind blew on it. ;

    She exuded elegance from head to toe, and her beauty was sure enough to send any man into a craze. Lin Fengxiao was no different. He walked over slowly and revealed one of those irresistible smiles. ;

    "Hello, Xian Li. It''s been long since we last saw." ;

    Lu Xian Li turned around and faced the young man. "Hello, cousin." ;

    Lin Fengxiao felt a stab in his heart. C-c-cousin? ;

    "Do you need something, cousin?" Lu Xian Li asked, deliberately emphasizing the last word. ;

    She was a grown up woman. How could she not tell this young man''s intentions? He obviously treated her as a girl he could flirt with. ;

    Not only did she not want to have anything to do with a flirtatious man like him, he had bullied her a great deal when they were kids. ;

    "I''ll go back then. My sister must be looking for me." She said and sauntered away. ;

    "Little Feng." A voice called out when he was about to follow her. ;

    Lin Fengxiao turned and looked at the newcomer. "Grandma." ;

    Lin Fengxiao had grown up loving Xia Rou more than anyone else. Although he knew that Xia Rou was not his grandmother and Lin Zhou was not his grandfather, the two of them had doted on him all his life. It was hard to not consider them his real family. ;

    Xia Rou took the young man''s hand and examined him. "You youngsters! What''s so good about losing weight? Look how skinny you are. Do you want to break grandma''s heart?" ;

    Lin Fengxiao immediately pacified the old lady. "How can that be? If grandma wants me to mot lose weight, I will eat a little more." ;

    Xia Rou finally smiled at how obedient he was. If she said to go east, he would go east. And if she said to go west, he would go west without questioning her. ;

    "Grandma, please smile more. You are so beautiful when you smile." ;

    "You punk. You know that you have done something wrong, don''t you?" Xia Rou admonished, though her eyes were full of love. ;

    "Huh, grandma? What could I possibly do?" ;

    "Little Feng, listen to grandma, okay? Xian Li is my granddaughter and therefore your cousin. You cannot play with her. Do you understand?" ;

    The young man looked like he had lost a life. "Grandma, I understand." ;

    Xia Rou patted his shoulder. "Of course, if you seriously like her to the point that you no longer play around with other women, if you love her deeply enough to want to marry her, I will not have any objections since you are not biologically related." ;

    "Thank you grandma!" The young man hugged her tightly and ran off to find Lu Xian Li. ;

    "Haiz... the children have all grown up." Xia Rou revealed a smile.

    She had no more regrets. She found back her Little Wan, her Lihua got married, Xuanxuan got married too and now, she was thinking about her grandchildren. Well, that was pretty much settled too. ;

    Meili had a lovely pair of twins and a husband who loved her to the heavens, Xian Yu was doing well in the business field and Katy had a son now. As for Xian Li and Fengxiao, that was not for her to discuss. Fate would take its course. ;

    ____

    Hello darlings, our long ride, My Beautiful Love, has finally reached its destination. ;

    I loved writing this book and enjoyed all your comments ? but all good things must come to an end! ;

    Thanks to all my readers, I wouldn''t have written if no one was reading.... thanks for supporting this book and thanks to all my fans for sending gifts and voting. Thanks to my editors (Essy, Cereus 17 and La Meilleure) ;

    ...

    Well, the book is over, but we can still play a few games. ;

    1. Which couple did you love most/ which couple would you like to be? ;

    2. Which couple or character would you like to see cameo in other books? ;

    Reply in the comments. I hope everyone will reply to this one... just this once to give a happy ending????

    I''ll go first. ;

    1. My best couple: Mu Zhichen and Lu Meili. My best kids are definitely Little Ariana Mu and her brother Adrian Mu. Maybe I''ll name my kids that when I have them.. hehe ;

    2. I don''t know who to cameo coz I love all my characters... such a hard choice but if I really have to chose, I might want to make Wan Jia a designer in one of my other books. ;

    What about you? ;

    (If you don''t have a favorite couple, you can also ship any two characters. You can also drag some from the second book, the overnight chosen wife) ;

    ____

    Erm, now this is getting quite long or boring and I''m glad you''re still reading it... ;

    Check out my next books

    ??

    2. ;

    An accident that almost took away her life wiped off her memory instead. ;

    And what about the guy she met only once but is using every method to get close to her and make her his wife? Is he crazy?

    This is a romance, revenge, double female lead novel: [The overnight chosen wife: darling, kiss me deeper... in writing.] ;

    3. ;

    Systems are known to help people get stronger and get revenge or get back what belongs to them.

    But can a villainous system turn a villainess, an inhuman lordess of the underworld, ; into a virtuous woman?

    Romance, antagonist, system: [Villainess 101: The president''s wife is a vengeful devil....Starting soon.]

    If you are still reading, thank you for loving me and my books. There are more to come. ;

    4. ;

    The man I have loved for years is suddenly my brother? Are you kidding me? ;

    [Forbidden Love: Brother, please behave yourself.] Coming soon!