Xia Corporation, Chairman's Office.
Xia Minghui sat slumped in his black leather chair, eyes tightly shut, hands crossed over his stomach, his entire body limp against the backrest. Xia Siyue's sudden dash to Lu Group to find Xia Yan had completely derailed all his carefully laid plans. He had gone to great lengths to avoid a direct confrontation with Lu Zhengting at this time, never expecting things to turn out like this.
He had no idea how much of the past Lu Zhengting had uncovered, nor how many leverage points he held. Xia Siyue's situation felt to him like Lu Zhengting was applying pressure, or perhaps issuing a warning.
Ye Yunchen arrived outside the office, rapping his knuckles on the door. Everyone in the company knew that Ye Yunchen was favored by Xia Minghui, often consulted on major corporate decisions.
"Come in." Xia Minghui still hadn't opened his eyes, but spoke wearily to the person outside upon hearing the sound.
Ye Yunchen entered as summoned, catching sight of Xia Minghui's turned back. He narrowed his eyes slightly, walked calmly to the desk, and asked flatly, "Chairman Xia, what did you call me in for?"
"Yunchen, what's your take on Yueyue's situation?"
"Miss Xia's situation?"
Xia Minghui nodded. When Xia Siyue was taken away by the police at Lu Group that day, it wasn't done discreetly—Lu Zhengting had made it public, so everyone knew, though the reason wasn't disclosed.
Ye Yunchen paused for a few seconds. Xia Minghui had put him in charge of handling Xia Siyue's matter, but over half a month had passed, and the police not only refused bail but seemed intent on suppressing the case. This left him unable to figure out what Lu Zhengting was really after.
"Yunchen?" Not hearing Ye Yunchen speak, Xia Minghui prompted again.
Ye Yunchen frowned, his voice low. "I can't guess Lu Zhengting's intentions, but through Miss Xia's situation, I feel this time he's targeting the Xia family."
Hearing this, Xia Minghui's expression shifted. He abruptly opened his eyes but didn't turn around, staring out the window, lost in thought. Then, deciding not to continue the discussion, he simply dismissed Ye Yunchen.
Back in his office, Ye Yunchen's mind replayed the moment when Xia Minghui heard him say Lu Zhengting seemed to be coming after the Xia family—he'd clearly sensed Xia Minghui's unease. He narrowed his eyes, tapping his right fingers on the desk a few times.
"Ring, ring, ring..."
Ye Yunchen answered the phone casually. "Did you get results on what I asked you to investigate?"
"You said this involves too many people. During my investigation, I found two other groups looking into it too. Ye Yunchen, I'm afraid I can't handle this. Find someone else."
"Hey..." Ye Yunchen listened to the dial tone, nearly throwing his phone in frustration. Two other groups investigating the same thing? It seemed plenty of people were interested in the Xia and Lu families.
He opened his computer, and a breaking news headline popped up. He glanced at it, about to close the page, when his hand on the mouse froze. The headline read: "Lu Group President Lu Zhengting Secretly Planning Wedding." Planning a wedding? How infuriating!
All day, those words—"planning a wedding"—echoed in Ye Yunchen's mind. When he left the office that afternoon, his secretary saw his grim expression and didn't dare greet him, pretending not to notice.
Ye Yunchen drove to the parking lot and sped all the way back to his villa. The sprawling house was empty of servants. He went straight to the study. Lin Xujia, hearing noise from her room, came out to check. Passing the study, she saw Ye Yunchen standing there, doing something.
Just as she thought to knock and enter, she caught sight of Ye Yunchen grabbing something from the desk and heading for the door. She instinctively ducked into the adjacent bedroom, waiting until his footsteps faded before stepping out. Standing in the hallway, she watched his hurried retreat, lost in thought for a long time.
******
Ye Yunchen had only one thought now: stop Xia Yan from marrying Lu Zhengting.
Relying on his memory, he arrived at Yang Jinkuan's villa gate. He gave his name to the guard blocking his way, and the guard led him inside without a word.
Yang Jinkuan was in the study, as if expecting Ye Yunchen's visit. He showed no surprise when Ye Yunchen appeared.
Ye Yunchen stood before the desk, staring intently at Yang Jinkuan. "You know why I'm here?"
"Why?" Yang Jinkuan put on airs, glancing at Ye Yunchen nonchalantly.
"I want you to investigate something for me."
"Want my help? What makes you think you're qualified?"
"President Yang, let's put it differently—I'm here to propose a partnership. I once saw a document in Xia Minghui's safe. I believe its contents will interest you."
"Is that a threat?"
"President Yang, I'm sincerely looking to strike a deal. If you don't see this as good faith, I'll go to Miss Ke instead. She might be interested."
"Stop. Ye Yunchen, I can work with you, but I want something in return."
"What?"
"Lin Xujia."
"Fine. I'll send her over tomorrow."
Hearing this, Yang Jinkuan smiled and clapped. "You're really willing to part with her?"
"There's nothing I can't part with."
"Tell me, what do you want me to do?"
"I want to know about the Xia and Lu families. I trust with your methods, you won't disappoint me."
"Since President Ye is so straightforward, I won't let you down. I'll notify you as soon as I have results."
Yang Jinkuan glanced at Ye Yunchen casually, then, as he picked up his teacup, added slowly, "I hear Xia Yan is pregnant."
Ye Yunchen's hand trembled, nearly dropping the cup. He pretended nothing was wrong, looking at Yang Jinkuan. "Is that so?"
"Of course. You can choose not to believe it. But it won't be long before we can drink at their wedding, don't you think?"
Ye Yunchen didn't confirm or deny. He raised the cup to his lips, took a sip, and frowned slightly. "I guess I'm still not used to tea."
"Tea drinking has its nuances."
"Indeed." Ye Yunchen paused, then shifted gears. "President Yang, I have things to attend to. I'll take my leave, but I hope to see results soon."
"Don't worry. I won't let you down."
Ye Yunchen nodded, set down the cup, and left. The guard outside returned to the study as soon as he was gone, awaiting Yang Jinkuan's orders.
Yang Jinkuan twisted the thumb ring on his hand, pondering Ye Yunchen's words. How did he know about his relationship with Xiaoya? After a moment, he ordered an investigation into Xia Minghui's recent activities. "Jin Ye, are you really going to cooperate with Ye Yunchen?"
"You already know that."
"Are we really going to look into the Xia and Lu families?"
"Ye Yunchen is just suspicious because of that document. Coming to me now is partly a test, partly because Lu Zhengting has him cornered. Since he wants to know, I'll let him know."
"But what about what happened back then..."
"Hmm?" Yang Jinkuan raised an eyebrow, glancing at the guard's hesitant expression. He slowly set down his teacup, stood up from his chair, and gazed out at the night. Ye Yunchen reminded him of himself back then—familiar yet strange.
The city lights flickered on as night fell. Ye Yunchen drove aimlessly, the radio playing a host's gentle voice and soft laughter, discussing the latest entertainment news: Lu Group's president secretly planning a wedding, good news on the horizon. When he heard Xia Yan's name, he froze.
He pulled over by the river, rolled down the window, and let the cold wind blow in. Many people were strolling along the riverbank, as it was still early. He sat in the car, leaning back, silently watching the passersby. Picking up his phone from the passenger seat, he dialed Ke Yaru's number.
"When are you going to act?"
"None of your business. Worry about yourself first!" Ke Yaru hung up after that. Lu Zhengting still hadn't returned to the villa, meaning he must be at the apartment with Xia Yan. She needed to hear him admit it herself, or she wouldn't believe it.
At ten in the evening, the sound of a car engine finally echoed outside the villa. Ke Yaru, sitting on the sofa, craned her neck toward the door. Seconds later, Lu Zhengting appeared.
Lu Zhengting clutched his keys, looking at Jiang Mingxiu waiting on the sofa. He frowned, then walked expressionlessly toward the stairs.
"Stop!" Jiang Mingxiu barked.
Luckily, it was late, and the servants had retired. Lu Zhengting halted, turning to face Jiang Mingxiu. "What is it?"
"Don't you have anything to tell me and Yaru?"
"No."
"Outrageous! I'm asking you—are those entertainment reports true or false?" Jiang Mingxiu pointed at the newspapers on the coffee table.
"True."
"Zhengting, have you forgotten? I said the Lu family will never allow someone like Xia Yan in! Are you deaf to my words?"
"I told you, my wife can only be Xia Yan."
Hearing this, Jiang Mingxiu was so furious she nearly choked. She glared at Lu Zhengting, speechless for a long moment. Ke Yaru quickly steadied her. "Auntie, are you okay?"
"I, I..." Jiang Mingxiu pointed at Lu Zhengting. "You unfilial son, you won't be satisfied until you drive me to death! I will never, ever let Xia Yan marry into the Lu family."
"Whether you agree or not, I will marry Xia Yan."
"Infuriating! Infuriating!" Jiang Mingxiu repeated, watching Lu Zhengting's retreating figure up the stairs.
"Zhengting, Auntie hasn't fully recovered. Don't talk to her like that. She's just worried about you..."
As Ke Yaru finished speaking, Lu Zhengting stopped, glanced at her, his meaning clear without words, startling her.