Shen Xiaoxing's murder in New Zealand had key evidence in hand. Additionally, he collaborated with Tang Beiqiu to pursue legal action, and within a few days, word of it reached the old master's ears.
Since ancient times, powerful families have never been without schemes and betrayals, even fratricidal tragedies. Shen Xiaoxing's plane crash was no accident—he knew full well who was behind it, but due to the victim being an illegitimate son, he couldn't easily avenge him.
He never expected that as soon as his eyesight recovered, the second branch's people would be so impatient to strike again.
The butler pushed open the door and entered, bowing respectfully: "Master, Officer Tang is outside, saying he's here to arrest the second young master by law."
The old master leaned back in his executive chair, his expression unreadable as he closed his eyes briefly. When he opened them again, a stern glint shone through: "Don't let anyone stop them. Let the police take him away and teach that fool a lesson!"
The most qualified heir among the younger generation of the Shen family was undoubtedly Shen Tingfeng. As the legitimate son, he had been doted on since birth.
But as he grew up, he became increasingly useless. Meanwhile, the most outstanding and brilliant eldest son harbored an unshakable obsession, agreeing to bring back Shen Xiaoxing, the illegitimate child, only after striking a deal.
Setting aside his illegitimate status, Shen Xiaoxing had cunning, skill in power plays, ambition, and the same ruthless edge the old master once possessed—a rare business prodigy.
He even surpassed his father, Shen Ye, which solidified the old master's determination to make him the heir.
At Ming Garden.
Tang Beiqiu led his men straight into the courtyard. The bodyguards blocking the way froze when he flashed his police badge, not daring to act rashly.
The butler scrambled in to report: "Young master, Officer Tang has brought people to enforce the law. He says he's taking you to the station..."
Shen Tingfeng lounged leisurely with his legs crossed, three or four maids feeding him fruit and massaging his shoulders and back. He was living in pure comfort.
Hearing this, he lifted his eyes lazily and waved the butler away.
Tang Beiqiu, in full police uniform, strode into the living room and saw his leisurely demeanor. A faint smirk tugged at his lips as he let out a silent scoff: "Second Young Master Shen, First Young Master Shen was attacked by criminals at Senyu Park on Rui'er Street in New Zealand. Someone reported that you ordered it. Please come with us."
Shen Tingfeng bit into a fruit fed by a maid, the deep red of the cherry staining his lips, making him look even more sinister and seductive: "Officer Tang, is it? You need evidence to speak. Do you know who I am? Barging in here like this—aren't you afraid you won't make it out the door?"
"I wouldn't come to you without evidence." Tang Beiqiu snorted coldly. "The esteemed Second Young Master of the Shen family—hardly anyone in all of Shencheng doesn't know you, right?"
"Since you know who I am, you're still reckless enough to arrest me?"
"If I feared death, I wouldn't have chosen this line of work." Tang Beiqiu had no time for his games. With a wave of his hand, he said, "Invite Second Young Master Shen to the station for some tea. Cooperate nicely, and it'll be better for all of us."
Shen Tingfeng swept his arm, knocking over the fruit platter the maid beside him was holding, and glared fiercely at him: "Tang, I think you've lived too long. In Shencheng, not even a minor officer like you—let alone the gods themselves—would dare touch me!"
"We wouldn't dare touch you, but this time, Old Master Shen himself gave the go-ahead for us to enter the Shen residence and take you in."
These words hit Shen Tingfeng like a club, striking the arrogant, lawless man dumbfounded. He couldn't believe it: "My grandfather let you in?"
Tang Beiqiu smiled and nodded: "That's right."
The Shen family answered to the old master. If he had given the green light for the police to come in and make an arrest, who would dare stop them?
Shen Tingfeng couldn't believe the old master had sided with Shen Xiaoxing this time. He was just a bastard! From childhood, his grandfather had doted on him—him!
While he was stunned, Tang Beiqiu signaled his men. A junior officer stepped forward, quickly snapping handcuffs around the man's wrists.
Just then, Fang Yingxue came downstairs. Seeing the room full of police, she approached with confusion: "What are you doing?"
"Second Madam, we are acting on orders from above to take Second Young Master Shen to the station for investigation."
Fang Yingxue immediately flared up: "Without evidence, what crime has my son committed?"
"He is connected to a premeditated murder case. We must arrest him. I hope you'll understand, Second Madam. Obstructing police work carries legal consequences."
"This is the Shen residence! You break in to arrest the second young master—aren't you afraid of a lawsuit?"
Like mother, like son—their lines were identical.
Tang Beiqiu sneered coldly: "Police carrying out their duties aren't afraid of lawsuits."
His face turned icy in an instant: "Take him away!"
Fang Yingxue's face drained of color as she shouted, "Who dares!"
But the police paid her no mind. The bodyguards stood frozen, not daring to intervene. The butler bowed his head and reported to her: "Second Madam, please calm down. They dared to barge in and make an arrest only because they had the old master's orders."
Fang Yingxue nearly stumbled: "You mean the old master ordered them to take Tingfeng away?"
"Second Madam, you need to find a way to get the young master out quickly. He's been used to a life of luxury since childhood; being inside will be torture..."
"I know!" Fang Yingxue was the most worried. Of course she cared about her own son, but what could she do to free him now?
The old master was determined this time to make Shen Tingfeng suffer and learn his lesson. No amount of pleading would help—even Shen Yu had been turned away.
...
After returning for a few days, Shen Xiaoxing wouldn't let An Ruo go out to work, afraid she might have an accident or mishap outside. She hadn't told anyone about her pregnancy yet, especially since the villa had too many people around who might overhear and leak it.
But with nothing to do but eat and sleep all day, An Ruo felt she had gained weight. She spent her time watching movies, scrolling through Weibo, or chatting with Chen Keqiao.
Recently, her department organized a spring outing, with students paying their own way. Chen Keqiao kept telling her about the scenery and local customs, making An Ruo's heart itch with envy.
When the man came home that evening, she clamored to go back to school and return to work. He said it was dangerous, and this suggestion was also flatly rejected.
"Why?"
"Your pregnancy isn't stable yet. You need to rest at home."
"But I have nothing to do here. If this keeps up, I'm afraid I'll get emo!"
The man raised an eyebrow, smiling at her: "Emo?"
"Bored and depressed, you know."
"Just let me go back to school for classes. I promise I can protect myself." An Ruo tugged at his sleeve, pouting and acting cute—a new skill she'd developed from being spoiled lately.
It worked every time when she wanted something to eat or something else!
Except for this matter. Shen Xiaoxing was unmovable, no matter how she begged or acted cute.
Seeing he was still indifferent, she suddenly dropped his hand, pouted, and walked to the side, making her anger obvious.
The man wheeled over to her: "Are you mad?"
She turned her head away. He moved to the other side, but she stubbornly dodged again, defiantly opposing him.
Shen Xiaoxing let out a soft sigh, placing his large hand on her head and ruffling her hair: "It's not that I won't let you go out. It's that I'm busy these two days and can't look after you. If you go out rashly now and something happens, what then?"
"I can protect myself..."
By the end, even she lacked confidence.
She glanced at him: "How about you assign bodyguards to stick with me 24/7?"