Hidden Marriage

1701-1730

Chapter 1701: I'm Afraid They're Already…

"Where are they?"

The small leader shivered as he said, "Uncle Qiao got people to deal with them directly… I'm afraid they're already…"

Before he could finish, he was knocked out with a kick.

Lu Tingxiao, Yun Shen, and Tang Lang swiftly ran in.

They had just stepped into the ruins of the building when Yun Shen, who was taking big strides ahead, seemed to have thought of something. He suddenly stopped mid-step as his trembling fingers balled into tight fists.

Lu Tingxiao did not stay. He just walked past him and pressed forward. While he had already walked far ahead, Yun Shen remained there unmoved.

Tang Lang turned to look pensively at the man behind him. He seemed to have noticed vaguely that there was a flash of emotions of fear and helplessness in his usually careless eyes.

Was he… afraid?



Afraid that he might see… Little Junior's body?

Previously, when Yun Shen had just immediately given Lu Tingxiao the address, Tang Lang was very shocked, but now he seemed to have realized that Yun Shen might not have known about Little Treasure and Ning Xi's kidnapping at all.

Even though there was the possibility that Qiao Yi had done all of this behind his back, how did Lu Tingxiao know it for sure, and was even certain that Yun Shen would help them?

He had known this man for a long time, yet he did not dare say he completely understood him, or was sure of what he would or would not do.

…

Finally, they reached the ruins seen in the video. The air was filled with a mix of gunpowder and blood.

When they reached the place, everyone was stunned.

The ruined city was extremely quiet. Apart from the sound of the wind hurtling by, there was no superfluous noise.

What was even weirder was that on the way, they saw that some of the guards and mercenaries had fallen to the ground disorderly.

Tang Lang went closer to inspect and was dumbstruck.

"All these people are dead…"



Initially, they thought that they had just passed out since there were no wounds or traces of blood on them. However, after closer inspection, they noticed that all of them had stopped breathing.

Not only that, these people had all died the same way. They had all suffered severe internal injuries. Their insides were destroyed to pieces and they had died on the spot.

At this moment, Lu Tingxiao ran swiftly to the pile of rubble.

Beside the rubble also lay two bodies of mercenaries. Their guns were lying on the ground, and there was still a large area of dark red bloodstains that had yet to dry up.

"What's going on?" Tang Lang vigilantly looked around.

At this moment, Yun Shen caught up too. He stared at the bloodstains on that rubble, then glanced at those mercenaries' bodies. His expression turned even more dreary.

He hinted at his subordinate, then someone immediately brought the small leader over.

"Where did they go?" Yun Shen asked with a darkened expression.

The leader peered around, then looked at the dead mercenaries strewn around. In shock, he remarked, "Earlier, they were still… How did this happen? Uncle Qiao had even especially ordered them to bring the body back after they were done…"

The leader sneaked a look at Lu Tingxiao. "Send the body to the Lu residence…"

"Did someone enter earlier?" Lu Tingxiao asked.

The leader looked at Lu Tingxiao and did not answer. He felt that he could not answer the rival's questions truthfully in front of his boss, yet in the next second his own boss gave him a boot in the shins. "He's asking you a question! Apart from us, did anyone else enter?"

The leader quickly answered, "No! Apart from you guys, no one else has entered! And no one else has left either! Our people are guarding in a radius of dozens of miles. If anyone has gone out, I'd definitely know!"

Chapter 1702: Unknown Whereabouts

\Although there were people guarding all around, no one had noticed that someone had entered and left?

When they heard this, Lu Tingxiao, Yun Shen, and Tang Lang's expressions changed.

"From the traces here and the way that all these mercenaries had died, the other party is acting solo. This person actually evaded so many guards and even killed all of these mercenaries hush-hush without anyone noticing?"

As Tang Lang stated his observation, he frowned. "LIttle Junior Sister and Little Treasure have most likely been taken away by him… but is the other person friend or foe? Why did they take them away?"

"There's no such person that I remember…" Yun Shen muttered to himself.

Tang Lang solemnly said, "That's why I'm curious as to where he suddenly appeared from. Even if Tang Ye and I worked together, we wouldn't be able to come and go without a trace with such tight security, and also take two people away!"

"These mercenaries haven't died for long. They must be still within the borders of Country F. Let's search separately. We can conduct an inch-by-inch search," Lu Tingxiao immediately ordered the subordinates he brought with him.



"Gather everyone. Search the entire city for me inside and out!" Yun Shen's had also ordered with a determined fury.

"Pass," Lu Tingxiao looked at the silver-haired man and said coldly.

If they did not have a pass and they met Yun Shen's people in the process of their search, the two parties would definitely get into conflict and waste time.

Yun Shen looked at the leader. "Give them a pass!"

The leader did not dare to disobey. He quickly gave all of Lu Tingxiao's people a pass though he was now utterly confused. Were these two not rivals? Why was the Boss obeying Lu Tingxiao's words?

Forget this little leader. Even Tang Lang could not help but feel the space between his eyebrows twitch at this odd scene.

After they received the passes, Lu Tingxiao did not delay another moment longer. He led his people and quickly left.

The two teams of manpower had very quickly filled up every corner of the city.

…

At the Lu family's old residence in China.



At that moment, Lu Chongshan was lying weakly on the bed with an intravenous drip to his hand.

Xing Wu rushed in through the door. "Master…"

"Does Tingxiao have news?" Lu Chongshan sat up with difficulty.

"Master, the doctor says you can't get up!" Xing Wu quickly went over to help him.

"Enough crap. Quickly tell me how's it now?" Lu Chongshan pressed.

Xing Wu seemed like he did not know how to report to him as he hesitated.

As Lu Chongshan watched Xing Wu's expression, he felt a chill in his heart and his body started to tremble vigorously. "Are they… Are they already…"

When Xing Wu saw that Lu Chongshan had misunderstood, he quickly explained, "No, Little Master and Miss Xiao Xi seemed to have gone missing…"

"Miss… missing? How could they have gone missing!?"

"I'm not quite sure about the concrete situation either. That's the news from them. They said that Master has found the location where Little Master and Miss Xiao Xi were kidnapped, but when they rushed over, they didn't find them. Now, they're looking for them in Country F…" Xing Wu shared.

Xing Wu then quickly comforted, "Actually, it's considered positive news that they can't find them. At least… at least, there's a huge possibility that they might still be alive! Master, don't worry anymore. Otherwise, if anything happens on your end, Master will be distracted from the other end."

"Where's Little Treasure?! Where's Little Treasure?! Is Little Treasure back yet? Has Little Treasure been rescued yet?" Xing Wu was speaking to Lu Chongshan when Yan Ruyi, who had just regained consciousness, pushed the door to enter as she demanded urgently.

Chapter 1703: My Little Treasure Is Dead

Xing Wu suddenly felt a headache coming on when he saw who it was. They were screwed!

"Madam…"

"Xing Wu, Chongshan… Where's Little Treasure? Where is he? Didn't you guys already get Little Treasure back?" Yan Ruyi seized Xing Wu and looked to Lu Chongshan who lay on the bed. There was suddenly immense horror across her face. "Did something happen to Little Treasure? Tell me! Did something happen to Little Treasure?!"

Otherwise, why would Chongshan have fallen ill?

Lu Chongshan's face was full of fatigue as he quickly tried to console her, "Ruyi, calm down! Nothing has happened to Little Treasure… Tingxiao has already gone to save them…"

Then, he looked at Xing Wu on the side.



Xing Wu understood Lu Chongshan's reminding gaze and quickly followed up, "That's right, Madam. Master has already gone to save him! Very soon, we'll be able to bring them back!"

"Really?" Yan Ruyi was pacified a little, then she reached her hand out to her chest. "Then, why… Why do I feel like I still can't be at ease? This is exactly what I felt the last time Little Treasure was kidnapped. Can Tingxiao save Little Treasure? Little Treasure will be okay, won't he?"

"Of course, he'll be okay! Since the other party has stated their conditions for an exchange, as long as we fulfill their requests, the Little Master will definitely be okay! Madam, please wait patiently! Don't you trust Master?" Xing Wu's tone held a degree of certainty.

"Okay, okay… I'll go recite some chants… I'll go pray for the Buddha to protect our Little Treasure… and that girl…" Yan Ruyi nodded, then she left the room in a daze.

Xing Wu and Lu Chongshan let out a sigh of relief.

After Yan Ruyi left, Lu Chongshan picked up the phone and played the video again. He was trying to see if he could find any clues he might have missed out on previously. Unfortunately, he still came up with nothing.

A while later, Yan Ruyi knocked on the door and entered again. She held a cup of ginseng tea in her hands. "Chongshan, drink some ginseng tea."

Lu Chongshan quickly put the phone down. "Okay, don't busy yourself. Rest more!"

"I'm fine… I can't stay idle…" Yan Ruyi still looked panic-stricken as she answered Lu Chongshan. "Chongshan, do you still remember? Master Xuan Jing said that the girl would bring good luck. She could turn misfortunes into blessings! That girl has gone along too! Her good fortune will shade our Little Treasure! So, this time, our Little Treasure will definitely be okay, right? Don't dismiss all of this. Sometimes it really works!"



Lu Chongshan agreed with her, "Yes, he'll definitely be okay! I didn't dismiss it! I do believe in it!"

Probably because she had some spiritual support, Yan Ruyi felt slightly better. She walked out with Lu Chongshan's empty cup in her hands.

Lu Chongshan did not notice that when Yan Ruyi left with the cup, she had silently taken his handphone…

It was too late when Lu Chongshan realized his phone had gone missing.

At that second, his wife's frightened shriek was heard outside the door, then bam! There was no further sound.

Lu Chongshan quickly pulled out the drip and staggered out, then he saw that his wife had fainted with the phone still playing the video recording in her hand.

Yan Ruyi had not believed them after all. It was probably because she saw that he was looking at his phone that she sneaked it away for a look…

"Madam! Madam, wake up!' Xing Wu nipped Yan Ruyi's philtrum .

Yan Ruyi gradually regained consciousness and she sat blankly on the cold floor. Her jet black eyes were filled with a coldness that sent chills up one's spine. "Little Treasure is dead… My Little Treasure is dead,isn't he?"

Chapter 1704: I Want To Kill You

"No, no, Madam… It's not like what you saw. Even though… We can't say that they're definitely… dead…" Xing Wu could not continue anymore.

Anyone knew that in such a horrible situation as that, there was a very low likelihood of the two of them surviving, especially the girl.

"My Little Treasure is dead… My good grandson… Little Treasure is dead…" Yan Ruyi stared blankly, muttering this over and over again until her panic-stricken helplessness reached its peak.

"My fault… It's my fault… I killed Little Treasure! Why did I take Little Treasure from Ning Xi? If it had been Ning Xi who carried Little Treasure, then he definitely wouldn't have been snatched away… I didn't carry Little Treasure tightly… I let him get taken away… I killed Little Treasure… I killed my grandson… It was me… Ahhhh!!!"



Yan Ruyi broke down and wailed out loud as she kept hitting her own chest. She almost could not catch her breath from choking on her sobs. "Grandmother killed you… It was Grandmother who killed you, my Little Treasure…"

Lu Chongshan pulled his collapsing wife into his arms. "Ruyi! Ruyi! It's not your fault! It's not your fault, you hear me? It's me… Everything started because of me… If someone's to be at fault, it would be me… I'm sorry… Sorry… I've let all of you down… let Little Treasure down…"

"Uncle Lu, Aunty Lu… What's wrong?" At the door came Guan Ziyao's voice and behind her was Father Guan, Mother Guan, and Guan Ziyao's older brother, Guan Zihao.

When Yan Ruyi saw Guan Ziyao, there was suddenly an immense hatred that exploded out of her. She ran to Guan Ziyao all of a sudden and slapped her hard on the face. She yanked her hair and pushed her to the floor.

"You evil woman! Give me back Little Treasure! Give me back Little Treasure! Ning Xi already rescued Little Treasure, then passed him to you! Why didn't you start driving to get Little Treasure away? Why didn't you save Little Treasure? Why did you hand my grandson over to those gangsters?! Why did you kill my Little Treasure?!"

"No, Aunty Lu, I didn't… I was just too frightened to respond then. It really wasn't intentional… Aunty, you have to believe me…"

"I want to kill you… Kill you!"



Yan Ruyi's grace and grandeur had vanished at this point. She was like a mad woman, pulling on Guan Ziyao and not letting go.

It was a while before everyone else returned to their senses from the sudden turn of events. They quickly consoled her and it was terribly chaotic.

"Doctor! Quickly call the doctor over! Inject Madam with a tranquilizer!" Lu Chongshan shouted.

The torment went on for a long time before Yan Ruyi was finally pulled away. She was held down for the doctor to inject her with a tranquilizer, then all became quiet again.

Guan Ziyao's cheeks were swollen and her hair messy. There were bloody scratches on her skin where it was exposed. Mother Guan supported her up as she stood there in a daze. "I'm sorry, Uncle Lu… I'm sorry… It really wasn't intentional… It's all my fault…"

Lu Chongshan had no energy to comfort Guan Ziyao. He looked weary as he said, "Something's happened to Little Treasure, so Ruyi is emotionally very stirred up."

Guan Rui's eyes shifted and he quickly went up to ask, "Earlier, she said that Little Treasure has been killed. What did she mean? Could Little Treasure already be…"

Chapter 1705: Wait To Become The Lady of The Lu House

Could Little Treasure be dead?!

When they heard this, Guan Ziyao, Guan Zihao, and Mother Guan all looked at Lu Chongshan.

Lu Chongshan seemed horrible as he vaguely answered, "Little Treasure's current situation is still unclear. Tingxiao has already gone to look for them."

Still unclear?

That included… whether life or death was unpredictable, and everything pointed to disaster?



Something flashed in Guan Rui's eyes and he said with a sorrowful expression, "It's all because our Ziyao is a girl, and a timid one at that. She couldn't help then, so she's been blaming herself for a long time since she returned home. She's been really worried that's why she came over to check on this. We're really sorry!"

Guan Zihao comforted, "Uncle Lu, we're very sad about Little Treasure's mishap too. Please take care of yourself. The entire Lu family and company is still counting on you! If there's anything you need our help with, feel free to let us know, Uncle Lu. We'll definitely do all we can if it's something we can help with!"

"Thank you, but we don't need it for now. Our apologies that we're unable to tend to guests today. Please return home first," Lu Chongshan simply said, indicating for them to leave.

…

Outside the Lu residence.

When they got into the car, Mother Guan's expression immediately changed. Her heart ached as she checked the injuries on Guan Ziyao. "Damn it! Isn't that Yan Ruyi an heiress from a prestigious family? How is she a dame? She's practically a shrew! Look at how she hit our Ziyao! She was so vicious with the hits!"

"Forget it. Their only beloved grandson has died. It's normal to become a little crazy," said Guan Rui, sounding like he was in a very good mood.

"Didn't they say it was still unclear? How do you know he's dead?" Mother Guan asked.



"Don't you know Lu Chongshan by now? He must've delayed and hidden it from Lu Tingxiao to protect the company. Then, he compelled the other end until they killed the hostage. Otherwise, why do you think Yan Ruyi was so stirred up? Something must've happened, and everything points to disaster!" Guan Rui analyzed.

"Then… what about Ning Xi?" Guan Ziyao's expression was gloomy as she touched her swollen cheeks to ask.

On the side, Guan Ziyao said, "The little prince has died. She's just an unimportant person. Do you think she'd live? Obviously, she would have died sooner!"

"But that woman's pretty skilled… Wouldn't she ruin their plans?" Guan Ziyao asked worriedly.

Guan Zihao raised his brows. "Are you kidding? As skilled as that woman may be, she's just a woman. What could she possibly do facing the group of kidnappers? You should just wait to become the lady of the Lu house!"

"Sadly, this incident has caused Aunty Lu to misunderstand me…" Guan Ziyao was concerned.

Mother Guan said without being concerned in the least, "Silly girl, she's just grieving right now from losing her grandson. Wait till you give birth to another one for her. Then, how could she not like you? She'll still cup you in her hands like a treasure! A mother's honor increases with her son. These words will work anywhere!

"That was why I said that Lu Tingxiao's illegitimate child must not be kept! The Lu family values this child so much that they'd leave all their family property to him in the future. Then, wouldn't our marriage connection with the Lu family be a huge loss? Even if nothing happens to the child this time, we must think of ways to get rid of him in the future. This time, we managed to save ourselves the trouble. In fact, we killed two birds with one stone -- even that woman has been disposed of!"

Guan Zihao laughed, "Mother is right, Sister! Don't worry too much. Let's go home and celebrate tonight! Tomorrow, we should be able to hear the 'good news' about that little child!"

Chapter 1706: Do You Deserve The Surname Yun As Well?

In Country F.

With Lu Tingxiao and Yun Shen's combined forces, they sealed Country F and turned the country upside down, yet they still could not find Ning Xi and Little Treasure.

Rationally, the other person had a woman and child with him, so the target was relatively huge. There was no way they could disappear so quietly.

Time passed by the second. With every second of delay, Ning Xi and the child would be in more danger.

Another half an hour passed. Lu Tingxiao and Yun Shen gathered in the city. The two of them exchanged a glance and knew that the other had not found them.

Instantly, the atmosphere stagnated to a tensed peak.

Country F was very small and was not as big as certain cities in China. Such a long amount of time was enough for them to search the entire country and look through each area a few times, yet there were no traces at all as if they had vanished into thin air.



Annie had already been summoned by Yun Shen. At this moment, she followed closely behind him in order to treat Ning Xi and Little Treasure immediately after they found them.

Lu Tingxiao looked at Annie. "How much longer can they hold on for?"

Annie's expression turned solemn when she heard this. "Bro Xi embraced Little Treasure. I couldn't see how injured he was, so I have no way of judging. As for Bro Xi, her calf, arm, abdomen, and many other parts had been shot. The most fatal one was the last attack. I speculate that… her internal organs are definitely severely harmed… I'm afraid that she sustained some terrible head injuries too…"

When she said this, Annie almost could not continue, "Even if she got lucky and didn't die on the spot, if she wasn't immediately treated in time… she definitely… won't be able to hold on for long…"

Annie did not answer Lu Tingxiao how long she could last because based on Ning Xi's severe injuries, with so much time delayed… she might have already…

After Annie finished, there was a deathly stillness in the air. The two men looked ghastly as well.

After a moment of tormenting silence later, Lu Tingxiao suddenly said, "Return to the place earlier."

Something flashed in Yun Shen's eyes. "The place earlier? You mean?"

Tang Lang suddenly cried out, "Right! We couldn't find them after searching for so long. Could it be that they hadn't even left that place?"

Thus, the group rushed towards the place that Ning Xi and Little Treasure had gone missing. They started to comb every inch of the abandoned building and its ruins…



"Ah Shen!"

Just as Lu Tingxiao, Yun Shen, and everyone else was racing against time to search for them, there was suddenly an angry voice behind them.

When he heard this voice, Yun Shen's eyes squinted as he turned around and his gaze chilled them to the bone.

Qiao Yi was furious as he walked right up to the man. "Ah Shen! Are you crazy? How are you not keeping watch in the company?! Why did you come here? This is complete nonsense!"

"Uncle Qiao, don't you know the reason why I've come?" The man asked in a distant tone.

"Ah Shen! I didn't tell you about this because I didn't want to affect you. Everything I do is for your own good! And you're now ruining all of our plans! I'm ordering you to immediately return to the company right now!" Qiao Yi rebuked angrily.

Yun Shen laughed under his breath, "Huh, ordering me? Qiao Yi… who do you think you are? My uncle? Do you deserve to? Do you even deserve the surname Yun as well?"

"Yun Shen!" Qiao Yi's expression changed drastically as he flew into a rage.

When both Tang Lang, who was beside Yun Shen, and Tang Ye, who was beside Qiao Yi, heard their conversation, they had incredibly flabbergasted expressions on their faces.

What?

Qiao Yi was… Yun Shen's uncle?

Chapter 1706: Do You Deserve The Surname Yun As Well?

In Country F.

With Lu Tingxiao and Yun Shen's combined forces, they sealed Country F and turned the country upside down, yet they still could not find Ning Xi and Little Treasure.

Rationally, the other person had a woman and child with him, so the target was relatively huge. There was no way they could disappear so quietly.

Time passed by the second. With every second of delay, Ning Xi and the child would be in more danger.

Another half an hour passed. Lu Tingxiao and Yun Shen gathered in the city. The two of them exchanged a glance and knew that the other had not found them.

Instantly, the atmosphere stagnated to a tensed peak.

Country F was very small and was not as big as certain cities in China. Such a long amount of time was enough for them to search the entire country and look through each area a few times, yet there were no traces at all as if they had vanished into thin air.



Annie had already been summoned by Yun Shen. At this moment, she followed closely behind him in order to treat Ning Xi and Little Treasure immediately after they found them.

Lu Tingxiao looked at Annie. "How much longer can they hold on for?"

Annie's expression turned solemn when she heard this. "Bro Xi embraced Little Treasure. I couldn't see how injured he was, so I have no way of judging. As for Bro Xi, her calf, arm, abdomen, and many other parts had been shot. The most fatal one was the last attack. I speculate that… her internal organs are definitely severely harmed… I'm afraid that she sustained some terrible head injuries too…"

When she said this, Annie almost could not continue, "Even if she got lucky and didn't die on the spot, if she wasn't immediately treated in time… she definitely… won't be able to hold on for long…"

Annie did not answer Lu Tingxiao how long she could last because based on Ning Xi's severe injuries, with so much time delayed… she might have already…

After Annie finished, there was a deathly stillness in the air. The two men looked ghastly as well.

After a moment of tormenting silence later, Lu Tingxiao suddenly said, "Return to the place earlier."

Something flashed in Yun Shen's eyes. "The place earlier? You mean?"

Tang Lang suddenly cried out, "Right! We couldn't find them after searching for so long. Could it be that they hadn't even left that place?"

Thus, the group rushed towards the place that Ning Xi and Little Treasure had gone missing. They started to comb every inch of the abandoned building and its ruins…



"Ah Shen!"

Just as Lu Tingxiao, Yun Shen, and everyone else was racing against time to search for them, there was suddenly an angry voice behind them.

When he heard this voice, Yun Shen's eyes squinted as he turned around and his gaze chilled them to the bone.

Qiao Yi was furious as he walked right up to the man. "Ah Shen! Are you crazy? How are you not keeping watch in the company?! Why did you come here? This is complete nonsense!"

"Uncle Qiao, don't you know the reason why I've come?" The man asked in a distant tone.

"Ah Shen! I didn't tell you about this because I didn't want to affect you. Everything I do is for your own good! And you're now ruining all of our plans! I'm ordering you to immediately return to the company right now!" Qiao Yi rebuked angrily.

Yun Shen laughed under his breath, "Huh, ordering me? Qiao Yi… who do you think you are? My uncle? Do you deserve to? Do you even deserve the surname Yun as well?"

"Yun Shen!" Qiao Yi's expression changed drastically as he flew into a rage.

When both Tang Lang, who was beside Yun Shen, and Tang Ye, who was beside Qiao Yi, heard their conversation, they had incredibly flabbergasted expressions on their faces.

What?

Qiao Yi was… Yun Shen's uncle?

Chapter 1707: I'd Like To See Who Dares To Touch Him

Qiao Yi used the name Tang Yi in public. Only their own people knew that his real name was Qiao Yi.

However, now as they listened to their conversation, they were shocked to find out that Qiao Yi actually had another name, another layer of identity!

He and Yun Shen actually shared this shocking layer of identity…

Qiao Yi did not look too happy either. His expression was incredibly gloomy. "Yun Shen! Just for a woman, you actually speak to me like this! Just for a woman, you want to just look on as our years of efforts fall through! Did you forget how your mother died? Do you not want her to rest in peace!?"

Opposite them, Tang Lang was picking at his ears and internally mocking him.

Tsk, this line again! He had heard it so many times that there were calluses on his ears. Could he not say something different?



When Yun Shen heard Qiao Yi's words, he laughed, "Right… That's right… All for a woman…"

He suddenly stopped smiling, and his usually indifferent eyes were covered in ruthlessness and tyranny. "I already warned you long ago not to touch her!"

As Qiao Yi watched the expression on Yun Shen's face, he felt a thud in his heart. Actually, he had already regretted it.

He knew Yun Shen too well. It was hard for anyone to get to his heart, but once someone did, he would completely integrate them to his limits, and would not allow anyone else to touch them even for a second.

This time, he had really gone too far. However, whenever he remembered the incident back then, whenever he saw Lu Chongshan's face, he really could not hold back. He had even disposed of that girl who had turned on them.

He did not expect Yun Shen's reaction to be even more intense than he imagined. This time, even his mother could not constrain him.

"Yun Shen, it's just a woman. You can have as many as you want in the future! A traitor isn't even worth what you're doing for her! Return with me right now… We…"

Qiao Yi was speaking halfway when Lu Tingxiao had just walked out after completing a search of the building.

Qiao Yi's expression instantly changed. He immediately ordered all his subordinates, "Capture Lu Tingxiao!"



Lu Tingxiao's expression did not change at all as he walked right up to Qiao Yi and stopped in front of him.

Qiao Yi sneered, "CEO Lu, you're pretty gutsy! You don't want to take the road to heaven, but you barge into hell where there isn't a door !"

In between speaking, Lu Tingxiao and his subordinates were already surrounded by Qiao Yi's people.

Damn it! Since he could not move Yun Shen, he would just get rid of Lu Tingxiao. Get it over once and for all!

At this moment, Yun Shen took two unhurried steps towards Lu Tingxiao. He skimmed the crowd lazily and said, "I'd like to see who dares to touch him!"

"You! Yun Shen! Have you really gone mad?! Do you know what you're doing?" When he saw the two of them stand together before him, Qiao Yi was in disbelief.

Why the heck would Yun Shen actually be helping Lu Tingxiao!?

Now that Lu Tingxiao had stepped on his turf, he did not want to let go of such an extremely rare opportunity. Qiao Yi had no time to think, so he immediately commanded, "Everyone, go!"

All around, the subordinates looked at each other. Suddenly, no one dared to move.

"How dare you people not follow my orders!?" Qiao Yi roared.

The people he had brought over were all his trusted aides. Even Country F was controlled by him, yet now all of these people were not following his orders!

Chapter 1708: Who The Mysterious Person Was

Qiao Yi's chest was heaving, and his face was covered in incredulity.

To prevent such an uncontrollable situation like how Yun Shen was acting today, he had secretly controlled the most important batch of forces. While Yun Shen looked like he could not care less about these things usually, he never had any objections on this and had exhibited extreme trust towards him, leaving everything for him to handle.

He thought that he had gained control of everything all these years. Unfortunately, it was only now that he realized he had really underestimated this person in front of him.

Yun Shen fixed his sleeves. There was an impatience in his eyes as he said faintly, "Send Uncle Qiao back to rest. He's old. It's not good to be staying up so late at night!"

When he saw Qiao Yi being forcefully taken away, Feng Jin lowered his head and kept quiet, trying his best to remain as low profile as possible. He was one of Qiao Yi's most important confidants. If Qiao Yi and Yun Shen fell out, the first person whom Yun Shen would go after was him.

Even though Tang Ye wanted to say something, he knew that the current situation could not be reversed by him alone. Saying too much would infuriate Yun Shen instead, so he just remained silent.

At this moment, the man before them had torn apart that layer of the harmless and carefree facade he wore. His inner ruthless, blood-thirsty, and morbid side was all out to wreak havoc akin to a time bomb that could explode anytime…



"Continue searching! Within three minutes, if we still don't find them, all of you will die with me!"

Three minutes?

They had looked for so long and still could not find any traces. How could they find anything in three minutes?

The place was suddenly depressing…

As they looked at the tyrant before them, all those who had joined this kidnapping mission started to regret it horribly, but they just followed orders…

Just as everyone was overcast by the shadow of death, Lu Tingxiao, who was rapidly working on a laptop, had said to the man, "Come over."

"Do you think you're calling a dog?" A certain tyrant's eyes flashed with ire, but he still walked over.

"What's the password?" Lu Tingxiao asked.

Yun Shen looked at Lu Tingxiao's screen, and a shock crossed his face. "You even managed to find this…"

City F was more or less an abandoned city. The surveillance systems in the city had been destroyed to close to nothing, but Lu Tingxiao had found the only monitoring node in this city of ruins. When they had first taken over Country F, Yun Shen had reset the node password.



"Password!" Lu Tingxiao urged impatiently.

Yun Shen pouted. "The girl's birthday."

Lu Tingxiao was speechless.

So were Tang Lang and Tang Ye.

Such an important password, yet he had used such simple digits such as a birthday?

Wait, no… That was not the point…

The point was that this guy had actually used Little Junior Sister's birthday as the password!

"Pfft! I really couldn't tell that this pervert would have such boyish moments!" Tang Lang crossed his arms and muttered into Tang Ye's ears to taunt.

Lu Tingxiao had just paused for a moment, then he very quickly entered Ning Xi's birthday and obtained the historical surveillance footage.

Compared to the fuzzy video in Lu Chongshan's phone, this surveillance camera overlooked the entire abandoned city below. The facility was quite high-end too, so it was still a very clear shot at night. The effect was clearly much better than the video, and even their expressions could be seen clearly.

Lu Tingxiao immediately fast-forwarded the surveillance to when those people were about to deal with Ning Xi to see what had happened, and who that mysterious person who had suddenly appeared was…

Chapter 1709: Is She Going To Run Off?

In the footage, Ning Xi was dragged out from under the rubble by two mercenaries.

The girl was beaten black and blue, and drenched in blood. You could not tell if she was dead or alive. Little Treasure, who was in her embrace, had his face covered in blood too. No one could not tell if it was his or Ning Xi's blood.

One of the mercenaries kicked Ning Xi and cursed, "Slut! You caused two of our bros to die!"

Beside him, the other mercenary said impatiently, "Enough crap! The higher-ups have ordered us to cut her up into pieces! Quickly do it! Avoid any undue delay that may bring trouble!"

"Tsk, tsk! The most interesting part about cutting them up is when they wake up… when it's still happening, and to let them watch helplessly as their flesh gets sliced piece by piece until only the bone is left… until they die. Now, it's really boring… but what do you think Lu Chongshan's reaction will be when he sees his grandson become a pile of ground meat?"

These atrocious mercenaries were mostly mentally morbid. They were crazy and blood-thirsty. Torturing people for fun was a sport to them. At this moment, they looked very excited.

"Sadly, this one's a beauty. With her skills, if she had left this child behind, she would've had a chance to escape. Tsk, tsk… Ladies first, we'll start with you first…" The mercenary held a knife that flashed in the cool light and smiled grimly as he moved closer to the girl.



Lu Tingxiao and Yun Shen, who were staring at the screen, suddenly changed in expression when they saw this scene. They could not hear the sound from the surveillance footages, but once they zoomed into the footage, they could roughly understand their conversation by reading their lips.

The mercenary inched closer to Ning Xi and revealed a sinister and elated expression. He casually slit Ning Xi's arm with a knife and blood instantly gushed out.

As he was about to continue, he suddenly thought of something and temporarily stopped what he was doing. Then, he took out an item from his pocket.

It was a silver whistle the size of a thumb, and it had a simple design carved on it.

He had found this whistle on the woman previously, and because he recognized this design bore weight of some important connections, he had secretly kept it.

The mercenary looked at the totem, then at the woman. He hesitated.

Why would this woman have such an item? Could she be… related to that legendary family?

But this was not possible…

Then, how would this thing have appeared on her then?

There were extremely few people who knew the symbol of this totem. It would not have randomly appeared on a whistle. Also, what was it used for?



The mercenary became more and more curious. He tried to hold the whistle up and lightly blow it. It seemed to be made like a whistle that was solid instead, yet there was no sound at all.

Then, he fumbled with the whistle and continued to carefully examine it…

"Hey! What are you dilly-dallying for?!"

It was only when someone urged him that the mercenary put the whistle back into his pocket. "Pfft! What's the rush? Like seriously! Is she going to run off?!"

Forget it! Whatever background this girl had or whichever family she was related to, she had to die that day! Besides, that family only existed in the myth. How could it be real?

After the brief interlude, the mercenary picked up his knife again and closed in on the girl…

Right at that moment, the eyes of the mercenary with the bloody-thirsty smile suddenly widened before he fell forward with glazed eyes.

"Who is it?!"

"What's happening?!"

All around, the other mercenaries started to hold up their weapons at this weird phenomenon. They looked around vigilantly, yet before they could even get a proper look at the figure, they had quietly fallen one after another. Soon, the entire abandoned city was dead silent…

Chapter 1710: Which One of You Is This Girl's Man?

Then, a person appeared on the screen.

There was a man with long, black hair, who looked as beautiful as a demon.

The man took out the whistle from one of the mercenaries' pocket, then walked up to Ning Xi. His thin lips started to mouth, "You lucky devil…"

Then, he bent over and carried the girl, disappearing after a few leaps.

The instant they saw this person, Tang Lang and Tang Ye cried out at the same time—

"What the hell?! How is it this guy?!"

"It's him!"

…

"You know him?" Yun Shen asked.



Lu Tingxiao frowned too. He had seen that whistle with Ning Xi before. Ning Xi had told him that a skilled master had given it to her because he owed her a favor. Whenever she blew it, the master would come to save her. However, it looked like something had happened, and Ning Xi did not remember the whistle in time to blow it for help before it was taken away by those mercenaries.

It was only at the very last moment when that mercenary had curiously blown it by coincidence, and that master was probably just nearby, that he could have rushed over so quickly.

No wonder that person would say something like "you lucky devil".

Lu Tingxiao was already extremely disturbed as he imagined this.

The master Ning Xi had mentioned back then was probably this man who appeared on the screen, and since the other person owed Ning Xi a favor, he must be a friend and not a foe.

Tang Lang spoke emotionally, "That guy was the one who disrupted my fight with Tang Lang, and had even…"

Beaten us up till we were scared witless…

"Back then, even with Tang Ye and I combining forces, we couldn't get close to him. He's a monster! Why did this dude appear here and save Little Junior Sister, and how do they know each other?"

"This isn't the main point. He seemed to have walked towards the cemetery," said Tang Ye.

"The cemetery?"

…

They did not have time to think further. Immediately, they brought everyone to rush towards the cemetery.



They were very close to the cemetery and their people had already patrolled that area, yet they did not find any traces at all!

The group finally made it to the cemetery and walked the grounds one more time. Unfortunately, they still came up with nothing.

Right at that moment, in the eerie cemetery, there were suddenly creaking sounds that made one's blood run cold.

Everyone felt their backs tense up as they looked to see where the sound was coming from.

It sounded like Hell's door was being opened. There was suddenly a man's faint voice in the cemetery. "Hey, you people, which of you is this girl's man?"

Lu Tingxiao, Yun Shen, Tang Lang, Tang Ye, and the group of subordinates all rushed to the man. When they got closer, they realized that he was indeed the man from the surveillance camera.

When he heard the man's question, Yun Shen frowned. "That would be me. Who are you? Where's Tang Xi?"

The man's brows knitted, then he said in all seriousness, "I hate being lied to."

Yun Shen looked like he was about to choke. On what basis did this dude claim that he was lying?

The man did not care about Yun Shen's terrible expression. His eagle eyes gazed at Lu Tingxiao. "It's you, isn't it? You look exactly the same as that little guy."

"It is I." Lu Tingxiao could not care how Yun Shen felt. He walked quickly towards the man.

At that moment, an underground palace of an old tomb suddenly appeared behind the man. Both sides were lit up with oil lamps, and it was so deep that no bottom could be seen.

"Follow me." The long-haired man started to walk down.

Lu Tingxiao followed him and that door immediately shut seamlessly. Buried in the grass, there was not a single trace that there had once been an entrance.

Chapter 1711: You Said Little Treasure Is Alright?

After they passed through a long corridor, they reached a hidden room.

There were two people on the stone bed inside the hidden room. It was Ning Xi and Little Treasure.

After searching for so long, he had finally found them…

"They… How are they?" Lu Tingxiao's voice trembled as he got closer to them. He wanted to touch her, but he was afraid he might affect the girl's wounds.

Ning Xi's wounds seem to have been treated, but he could not feel her breathing at all. As for Little Treasure, he could see his chest undulating evenly.

The man replied, "The little guy is alright. I'm not very good with children, so I made him fall asleep for now. As for the big one…"

"What about the big one?"

The man looked at the girl on the stone bed, then he sighed and spoke with a complicated expression, "My expertise is with external wounds and it can only help this much. Bring her to a hospital now, but I can't guarantee her survival."

The man's words brewed an extremely uneasy feeling in Lu Tingxiao. "Okay! Thank you!"

…



At the Imperial Hospital in China.

After a night of tough tracking, Lu Tingxiao had finally found Ning Xi and Little Treasure, then he brought them back.

Yun Shen did not go to the hospital, but he let Annie accompany them.

Yan Ruyi and Lu Chongshan rushed to the hospital from home immediately, while Lu Jingli went there from the office.

"Tingxiao! Where's Little Treasure?! Where's my Little Treasure?! Where's Little Treasure?!" Yan Ruyi's face looked pale as she grabbed onto Lu Tingxiao's clothes tightly. Her reddened eyes looked everywhere frantically in fear.

Lu Chongshan was panting and he barely managed to walk with a crutch. "How's Little Treasure?"

Lu Jingli's tears fell as he saw Lu Tingxiao staring blankly outside the operating room. "Bro, is Little Treasure…"

After a while, Lu Tingxiao finally spoke up, "Little Treasure is alright."

Yan Ruyi, Lu Chongshan, and Lu Jingli were stunned when they heard Lu Tingxiao.

"What? Tingxiao what did you just say?"

"Bro, did you say Little Treasure is alright?"

"Tingxiao, don't try to lie and comfort me! How's Little Treasure? As long as he's alive, I'm not hoping for much…"

…



The impatient Tang Lang looked at the anxious Lu family. "Stop pestering him. Didn't he say Little Treasure is alright? He's in the room upstairs. Go and look at him yourself!"

After Lu Chongshan and Yan Ruyi heard him, they hurried upstairs with the help of Lu Jingli.

As the three of them arrived at the door of the ward, a doctor in a white robe came out of the room.

"Doctor! Doctor! How's Little Treasure?"

The person who treated Little Treasure was the deputy head of the hospital. He replied to them, "Elder Mister Lu, Elder Madam Lu, rest assured. Your grandchild is alright. He only has some external wounds. While he was still unconscious earlier, he should be up soon."

Yan Ruyi was stunned when she heard the doctor. She could not believe her ears. "Doctor! What did you say? Little Treasure is alright? Did you say Little Treasure is okay?"

"Yes, you may go in and take a look at him now," he told her.

"Okay… I'll go now!"

The three of them went in and saw the little guy sleeping on the bed.

Yan Ruyi grabbed the little guy's warm hand. She also touched his beating heart and felt his rhythmic breathing. Then only did she finally believe he was alive…

"Little Treasure is alive… My Little Treasure is still alive… Thank God… Thank God…" Yan Ruyi could not hold it in anymore. She sobbed as she held onto Little Treasure's hand.

Lu Chongshan had tears in his eyes too. He thought that Little Treasure would become a sacrifice this time and did not expect Little Treasure to return safely to them.

Lu Jingli's expression became worse after he saw his relieved parents and the safe and sound Little Treasure. "Father, Mother, I'll go down and take a look at Sister-in-law. I wonder what happened to her…"

Chapter 1712: We’ve Tried Our Best

"Right, that girl…" Yan Ruyi suddenly remembered her.

"You take care of Little Treasure. I'll go down and take a look." Lu Chongshan looked at Little Treasure dearly, then he touched the little guy's warm face before leaving with Lu Jingli.

Yan Ruyi was worried as she saw them both out.

…

The red lightbulb of the operating room was still lit up when Lu Chongshan and Lu Jingli went downstairs. Ning Xi was still in the middle of her surgery.

"How's the girl?" Lu Chongshan asked.

Lu Tingxiao had been sitting on the cold bench since just now. He looked downcast without moving an inch. Despite having heard his father, he did not react at all.



Tang Lang replied coldly, "She was shot in her arm, her torso, both her calves, her scapula sustained a fracture. She's also got three broken ribs, and her head received…"

Lu Chongshan's face turned paler and paler as Tang Lang said more. He witnessed what had happened to the girl in the video, so of course he knew.

Lu Jingli did not know what to say. He went up to Lu Tingxiao and put his hands on his brother's shoulders. "Sister-in-law is blessed. She'll be alright!"

Lu Tingxiao still did not respond.

Lu Jingli knew he would not listen to anything no, so he stayed quiet after a few words of comfort.

His brother was not talking, while Tang Lang looked like he was about to explode anytime soon. Lu Jingli felt really anxious. Then, he suddenly saw a savior. Annie was standing by the corner and he went up to her. "Hey, you're my sister-in-law's friend. You're the really talented doctor named Annie, aren't you?!"

Annie nodded. She was staring blankly into the distance and was not really focused.

"My sister-in-law… How is she? She'll be alright since you're here, won't she?" Lu Jingli asked.

Annie looked at him in the eye and answered plainly, "I wasn't able to help much."

No matter how good she was, she could not be better than the most advanced modern healthcare system. Moreover, the mysterious man had handled Bro Xi's wounds perfectly. Even she had to admit that she would not be able to do as well a job. If that person had not been there, Bro Xi would not have made it to the hospital in time.



The girl did not say anything else afterwards and just stared at the direction of the operating theatre.

Lu Jingli studied Annie's eyes. He felt an uneasy feeling in the depth of her eyes…

…

Time passed by slowly…

The surgery went on from midnight until sunrise.

At 6 o'clock sharp in the morning, the red light was turned of. The door of the operating theatre opened from the inside.

Two operation assistants came out, followed by the main surgeon.

The surgeon was drenched in sweat. The surgeon's gown clung onto his sticky skin. He took off his mask and had an unpleasant expression on his face.

Everyone's hearts sank when they saw the doctor's expression.

Yan Ruyi came over as well. She had been praying with her hands clasped together as she chanted Buddhist scriptures. Nervously, she went up to ask as the doctor came out, "Doctor, how did the operation go? How's the child?"

The doctor phrased carefully as he studied their gazes, "I'm sorry. We've tried our best. Although the operation was successful, the patient received too much damage, and she can't wake up now. The patient is unable to breathe on her own. Her brain stem reaction and brain waves can't be detected…"

Chapter 1713: Xiao Xi, Forgive Me For Being Selfish

When they heard the doctor's answer, everyone stood there stunned. They froze for a long time.

After a while, Lu Jingli asked emotionally, "What do you mean 'unable to breathe on her own'? What 'missing brain stem reaction and brain waves'… These damned descriptions… Aren't they all just a way of describing a dead person? Doctor, can you please be clearer?"

The main surgeon was the President of the hospital himself, and he knew how important this operation was. However, at that moment, he could only be honest. "The patient has now entered into a deep coma. Currently, we can only use a breathing machine and medication to sustain the patient's sign of life. Once life support is pulled off, the patient will immediately be dead."

With the doctor's words, the entire corridor fell into a deathly stillness.

Yan Ruyi turned pale as she slumped onto the bench. "How could this be… How could this be?"

Lu Tingxiao was like a statue as he stood there without moving at all.

The doctor paused and looked at Lu Tingxiao. "My condolences to the family members. I apologize that right now I still have to formally ask if… you want to continue to keep the patient on life support or… remove it… and let the patient pass away in ease…"



A while later, the tension in the air was at its peak. No one said anything. In the end, it was still Tang Lang who asked with a tremble in his voice, "What will happen if we continue to keep the life support?"

"If you continue to keep the support… then she'll be in what we commonly know as being in a vegetative state. She might lie on the bed forever. Usually, even if we use machines and medication to sustain them, they'll only be able to hold on for slightly over ten years because when the time passes, the patient's living functions will gradually degenerate," answered the doctor with a sigh. Even though this was considered living, it was actually just living to suffer.

Every word that the doctor said chilled everyone's hearts even more.

"Of course, we'll keep her! Even if she's in a vegetative state, there might be a day when she wakes up!" Lu Jingli quickly said.

The doctor nodded. "That's right. Even though the chances are very minimal, there have been many previous successful cases."

"Is that still a question then? Of course, we'll maintain life support!" Lu Jingli immediately decided.

The doctor looked a little unsure. At last, he still turned to Lu Tingxiao and asked, "CEO Lu, do you want to…"

When Lu Jingli saw that the doctor was still asking his brother, he became very anxious. Asking his brother this question was practically the same as using a knife to stab his heart!

Some seconds passed before the empty corridor was filled with the man's raspy voice, "Continue the life support."

"Okay, understood," the doctor sighed and left.



…

In the best ward of the hospital.

At that moment, that girl, who was always so reckless and at ease as the wind, now lay quietly on the bed. She had been beaten black and blue, and had lost all consciousness. She could only rely on the breathing machine to preserve her life.

Lu Tingxiao sat in front of the sick bed without any expression on his face. He carefully held the girl's hand, which was filled with little cuts, and gently lowered his head to plant a kiss on it as if he was afraid that he would disturb her even though he knew that she might never wake up ever again.

Xiao Xi… I'm sorry…

Forgive me for being selfish…

I can't let you go…

I am sorry…

Outside the door, Yan Ruyi and Lu Chongshan did not enter because they blamed themselves. They looked through the window into the ward with solemn expressions on their faces.

They saw their stern and apathetic eldest son, who usually remained calm even if he met with the most insurmountable challenges, currently holding a girl's hands with his head buried, shoulders trembling as he broke down in tears…

Chapter 1714: Gift You As Dowry

All this time, they had misunderstood the girl, been suspicious of her, and denied everything that she had done for Little Treasure. They thought that she would definitely hurt Little Treasure.

However, in the end, when Little Treasure was in the most danger, only she had gone forward to protect Little Treasure regardless of everything.

In that situation, as she faced all those vile people, she had protected Little Treasure and ensured that he was not hurt the slightest. In the meantime, she had been wounded to this extent and might never wake up ever again…

In Yan Ruyi's head, the image of a girl flashed. Even if she had been shot, she still carried Little Treasure and ran quickly. Her mind flashed to the moment right before the bomb, and the girl's first reaction had still been to protect Little Treasure tightly under her. The guilt and regret wrenched Yan Ruyi's heart.

How much of pain and torture had the girl suffered just to make sure Little Treasure was safe and sound?

Even if she did not understand it, she could tell that the girl was skilled. With her talents, if she had not taken Little Treasure with her, she could have escaped herself. Besides, all of these disasters were unrelated to her, yet she had done all she could to this extent for Little Treasure.

She truly liked Little Treasure, loved Little Treasure…



A love like this was no less than a mother's love for their child!

As a mother, how could she hurt her own child?

As Yan Ruyi looked at the girl in the ward who was covered in bruises, she was overcome with regret. "It's all my fault… I shouldn't have misunderstood that girl… Someone that Tingxiao trusted so much… Someone that Little Treasure liked so much… Why didn't I try to get to know her better back then?

"If I had trusted Tingxiao and Little Treasure… trusted that girl… all of this wouldn't have happened…

"Now, this girl is like this… How can I face Tingxiao? When Little Treasure wakes up, how can I explain this to him?"

As he listened to his wife choke with sobs, Lu Chongshan stood there blankly. He did not say anything. All of his hair had turned white overnight as if he had aged ten years.

His grandson was safe…

Yet, as he looked at the girl in the ward…

The Lu family owed this girl too much, far too much. He was afraid that even if they did everything, they would not be able to repay her…

One mistake led to the other. Because of his stubbornness and bigotry, he had almost lost his grandson. In the end, had let an innocent person suffer all the consequences.



If he could, he would much rather that it was him suffering all of this, but now nothing he said could reverse the situation.

…

At the end of the quiet corridor.

Annie stood there for a long time in a daze. Finally, she picked up her phone and made a call. "Hey…"

"How's she?" From the other end of the phone came a man's low and hoarse voice.

Annie kept silent for a long time. While the person kept silent on the other end of the phone, he did not rush her.

A long while later, the girl took a deep breath and said, "The operation just ended. Even though it was very successful, Bro Xi is severely injured. She can't wake up just yet. Currently, they can only preserve her life through a breathing machine. If she's lucky, maybe she'll wake up some day. There's also a possibility… that she might never wake up forever…"

As the girl finished, the other end of the phone remained silent. There was no response for a long time.

"Bro Shen?" Annie asked with a concerned tone.

"Nothing. Stay there. If you can help with anything, help them," the man said before he hung up.

In the darkness, the man stared at the complicated stock charts on his flickering computer screen and muttered softly to himself, "Huh, these toys… I'll consider it your dowry then… If you don't wake up, they'll benefit another woman…"

Chapter 1715: Little Treasure Woke Up

The sun rose, and the bright radiance shone upon the whole city.

The Lu family's large-scale fight for power between the eldest son and the illegimate child, as well as the the Lu Corporation and the Yi Lan Innovative Investment Group's war had ended with the Lu Corporation emerging as victor.

Because Yi Lan's many important investments and shares suffered a steep fall and huge losses in addition to the large penalty from their trading partner, they had no choice but to toss out the Lu Corporation's shares in large quantities to repay their debts. In just one night, they had completely withdrawn from the Lu Corporation's board of directors.

However, this incident still wavered the Lu Corporation's roots. After all, there was still much left to deal with, and the other party might come back from their defeat anytime.

It was as if Lu Jingli had matured overnight. From being a frivolous heir without high ambitions, he had silently assumed all responsibilities, this scattered family, and this company with all the chaos breaking out everywhere…

Ever since the start of Ning Xi's surgery, Lu Tingxiao had not left her side at all.



Lu Jingli turned away. He covered his teary eyes and then turned to look at the man by the sickbed. He said seriously, "Bro, don't worry. You have me at the company. I'll take care of Father and Mother too. You… just have to accompany Sister-in-law… You don't have to think about anything else…"

He understood too well. Understood how much pain and remorse he must be feeling right now.

Until now, he still remembered the moment before the grievous news was broken. Lu Tingxiao had suddenly told him to pick Ning Xi up and put her within his line of sight.

He had probably sensed the danger then.

Lu Tingxiao held the girl's hands tightly. There was agony curling at the corner of his mouth.

Huh, accompany her right now? What was the use anymore?

Even though he did not want to admit it, he knew clearly that those pictures and his jealousy for that man had made him lose rationality and judgement in this incidente. In his absorption to resolve all of this, he had neglected the most important thing.

He had made her wait… Wait for everything to get sorted out…

And now, she could not even see the results.



If only he had considered things more thoroughly, maybe all of this would not have happened…

When he thought of this, the huge lump of hopelessness and remorse that surfaced almost swallowed him whole.

He thought that if he had considered things more thoroughly, if he could have been calmer and less extreme, if he had not teased her right from the start… If he had not forcefully brought her into his world…

She had been so wanton and at ease, so free, so enthusiastic. The person she liked was just like her too…

Yet, she had slowly put away her ridged corners and folded her wings for him. She had slowly changed herself, wronged herself, and even put her life at stake…

"Maybe I've been wrong right from the start… I shouldn't have forced her to be with me…" At that moment, the man's tone had lost all its usual arrogance and reclusiveness. His tone was weak as if it could be broken with a touch.

Lu Jingli had never seen someone as proud as Lu Tingxiao look this frail and dispirited. His heart throbbed with pain. "Bro, what nonsense are you saying!? Xiao Xi Xi truly likes you!"

Lu Jingli anxiously wanted to comfort him further when his phone suddenly rang. It was Yan Ruyi.

"Hello, Mother. What happened?"

"Hello, Jingli. Quickly come over. It's best for your brother to rush over too. Little Treasure has woken up…" From the other end of the phone came Yan Ruyi's panicked voice.

Lu Jingli's expression tensed up. "Little Treasure is awake? Okay, I'll be there right away!"

Chapter 1716: That Was His Mother

Downstairs, inside the VIP ward.

"Little Treasure, you're up! Are you hungry? What do you want to eat? Grandmother will get someone to make whatever you like for you!"

"Little Treasure, are you feeling uncomfortable anywhere? Tell Grandfather!"

…

Yan Ruyi and Lu Chongshan helped Little Treasure up carefully, then they stood by the bed and anxiously bombarded Little Treasure with questions.

On the bed, the little guy was sitting there quietly with his clean clothes. There was a plaster on the back of his hand, and he had no expression on his pale little face as he stared blankly at Yan Ruyi and Lu Chongshan who kept talking to him.

That was the scene Lu Jingli and Lu Tingxiao saw when they arrived.



The two elders were speaking to the child worriedly while Little Treasure just sat on the bed quietly, devoid of expression. His eyes were like a puddle of stagnant water. There was no light in his eyes at all as if he was only a shell.

"Jingli, Tingxiao… Look at Little Treasure! What's happened to him? He's been like this ever since he woke up. He has no reaction at all! He's not replying to anything we're asking!" Yan Ruyi panicked.

Lu Jingli went over and gave the little guy a hug, then he patted him on the shoulder. "Don't be afraid, Little Treasure. It's alright now and you're safe. No bad guys will hurt you again! Look, Grandfather, Grandmother, and everyone are here! Everyone will protect you!"

At this moment, the door opened and Xing Wu came in with a few boxes of food. "Madam, the meals are ready!"

"Good, bring it over quickly!" Yan Ruyi took the boxes and said, "Little Treasure, you must be hungry after so long. Eat something, alright?"

"Yeah… Eat something!"

The few of them tried to get the boy to eat or say something, but no matter what they said or did, the little guy on the bed did not react at all.

Yan Ruyi's hands were trembling. She then started crying, "What should we do?"

Lu Chongshan closed his eyes, frustrated.

In the end, he had made Little Treasure suffer…



Little Treasure had recovered and become a smart and cheerful kid under the girl's patient care. However, now he had turned into a state that was worse than before…

Lu Jingli closed his eyes. "Little Treasure must've known that Xiao Xi Xi… If he didn't wake up, then he wouldn't have to face all of this…"

The atmosphere in the room was heavy.

After some time, the quiet Lu Tingxiao went to the bedside and looked at his son who was staring blankly. "I'll bring you to her."

Yan Ruyi sounded afraid. "How can you do that!?"

Lu Chongshan frowned as well. "Little Treasure is in shock and it's already bad enough. If he saw the condition the girl is in now…"

Lu Tingxiao bent over and carried his son up from the bed. "He'll have to face it one day."

"But… It's too cruel…" While Yan Ruyi knew they could not hide it forever, she still could not bear the agony her grandson would have to go through.

Lu Tingxiao brought his son to the room Ning Xi was in.

He then put his son down when they arrived at the door. The little guy stood by the door and looked at the bed in the middle of the room.

There was a woman on it. Her face looked drained and there were bandages all over her. She was hooked up to a breathing machine. With the countless complicated tubes and wires connected to her, she looked scary.

His breath hitched when he realized that the unnerving person who was lying in the bed was his mother.

Chapter 1717: Mommy Needs You

Lu Chongshan, Yan Ruyi, and Lu Jingli looked at Little Treasure anxiously. They were afraid that he would lose control when he saw his mother. They even had the doctor stand by in case anything happened.

What awaited them was something far worse than him losing control.

The little guy still had no reaction at all even after he saw Ning Xi. His dull expression did not change one bit from before.

What they worried about the most had still happened…

The child had witnessed Ning Xi being shot. In addition to that, Ning Xi had knocked him out while his extreme fear was at its peak. He might have even woken up for a little when Ning Xi had been covered in blood…

In his sub-conscience, Ning Xi might have died.

So, he had followed his mother and locked himself in that world.



Yan Ruyi and Lu Chongshan looked at their unresponsive grandchild, who behaved as if he was a wooden puppet without any emotions, in despair.

Because of Ning Xi, Little Treasure was able to walk steadily on the path of recovery.

However, this time, Ning Xi would not be around. Who else could help Little Treasure come out of his trauma for the second time?

Lu Jingli was impatient. He held Little Treasure's hand and walked towards the bed, then he placed Little Treasure down beside Ning Xi and led his little hand to touch Ning Xi's cheek gently. "Baby look, it's your mother!"

The little guy was like a doll being controlled, like a machine…

Lu Jingli's heart sank and he hugged the little guy. "Little Treasure, please wake up…"

Lu Tingxiao's cold voice echoed in the room, "Her arms, her torso, and her feet were shot. She also had a scapula fracture plus three broken ribs…"

Yan Ruyi and Lu Chongshan were apprehensive when they heard Lu Tingxiao's words. They did not understand why their son would say these words to trigger Little Treasure, and they tried to stop him.

Still, Lu Tingxiao continued without hesitation, "She's in a PVS state now, which means she'll remain in a vegetative state. Because she was injured too severely, she might not wake up forever even if her life isn't in danger anymore."

Lu Tingxiao looked at his son whose back was tense. He knew his words were heard. "Of course, she might suddenly wake up one day. She'll then need someone who cares and loves her to be by her side, calling her, and taking care of her.



"Your mother did her very best to protect you. If you want her to stay like that forever, if you're willing to let her sacrifice to go to waste, then you can continue to be like this."

Lu Tingxiao paused, then continued in a voice that broke everyone's hearts, "Little Treasure, Mommy needs you."

The little guy's blank eyes finally changed after he heard Lu Tingxiao. His little hand on Ning Xi's cheek fidgeted a little.

Yan Ruyi quickly went over when she saw Little Treasure looking at the food she was holding. "Little Treasure, do you want to eat?"

Little Treasure stared blankly at the food Yan Ruyi had and nodded slowly.

Yan Ruyi was overjoyed when Little Treasure reacted. Lu Chongshan and Lu Jingli were relieved as well.

"Come, Little Treasure, let's have some porridge! This porridge smells really nice!"

Little Treasure took the bowl and slurped the porridge down quickly as if he was really hungry.

"Take your time. There's still a lot…"

Little Treasure only stopped after finishing two bowls. He turned around and went beside Ning Xi, taking his mother's hands and putting them on his round tummy.

Mommy, look! Little Treasure is doing well. Little Treasure is good…

Chapter 1718: Things Might Go Wrong

At the Guan residence.

"How is it? Did you find out anything? What's the situation?" Mother Guan asked nervously when she saw her son return.

Guan Ziyao looked over tensely. "Brother, how're Little Treasure and that woman?"

Mother Guan rolled her eyes. "How fortunate of them to come back alive from that situation!"



Guan Rui sat there, relaxed. "Why are you so impatient? Listen to Zihao carefully!"

Guan Zihao took off his coat and drank some tea, then he said, "Mother, Ziyao, don't worry. While they did rescue them, the results aren't really that different. The two of them don't pose a threat to us anymore!"

"No? You mean… They've broken down? I heard that those people are especially good at torture!" Mother Guan commented.

"It's way worse. The vixen is in a coma. As for Lu Tingxiao's child, I asked around and heard that he stopped talking and eating because of the shock. He's now like a wooden puppet and it's much more severe than before. Basically, he's useless now!" Guan Zihao explained to them in detail.

His parents looked gleeful when they heard the news. "Are you sure? Is your source reliable?"

"Of course! You guys can start preparing for a visit soon!" Guan Zihao said with certainty.

Guan Ziyao's expression softened, but she was still slightly worried. "If she's in a coma, it means there's still a chance for her to wake up, right?"



Mother Guan fretted, "That's right! What if the woman wakes up? That witch isn't simple to handle. If she wakes up and makes Little Treasure well again, then our efforts will go to waste!"

Guan Zihao said in a carefree tone, "It's not so easy for a person in a coma to wake up! And that woman suffered grave injuries! It'll probably take her 8 or even 10 years if she's lucky. Lu Tingxiao isn't an idiot. He wouldn't waste so much time waiting for a person in a vegetative state! Even if he wanted to, Lu Chongshan and Yan Ruyi wouldn't allow it!"

"I'm just afraid… things might go wrong if we leave it be for too long…" Guan Rui mumbled, then he looked at his wife and Guan Ziyao. "Ziyao, pay a visit to the hospital now with your mother. Take a better look at the situation and get an idea of what they're thinking about!"

Guan Ziyao instinctively touched the scars on her skin with a darkened expression. She did not seem very willing to go. "Now? But Aunty Lu was so unhappy with me. The last time, she even…"

Mother Guan held her hands tried to convince her, "Didn't I tell you last time? It's just temporary. Wait until you give them a cute little grandchild, then everything will be fine! Be patient for now. No matter what Yan Ruyi thinks, we have to let them know that it was an accident and that you feel very guilty about it. Don't let her think that you're trying to hurt Little Treasure on purpose…"

Mother Guan knew that hurting the little guy was the biggest taboo of the Lu family. If they crossed the line, then there would be no chance left for them.

Guan Rui nodded. "Your mother's right. Go now, Ziyao. Be patient and our plans will prevail!"

Guan Zhichen suddenly came out of his room. "I want to go too! Has that dumb kid turned back into an idiot again? I want to see!"

"Stop messing around. You're just going to trigger him if you go!"

Chapter 1719: I'm Setting My Mind On This Daughter-In-Law

At Imperial Hotel.

Mother Guan and Guan Ziyao had just walked out of the elevator when they saw someone standing at the end of the hallway and wiping away their tears. It was Yan Ruyi.

"Sis! Are you okay?" When Mother Guan saw her, she quickly went over, full of concern.

Guan Ziyao did not dare to go to near. Instead, she stood behind Mother Guan and her pale face was covered with guilt. "Aunty Lu, how's Little Treasure?"



Yan Ruyi quickly wiped away her tears and returned to normal. She looked at the two of them and replied, "Little Treasure is awake. Thankfully, he wasn't really hurt, just still slightly shocked."

At this moment, Yan Ruyi was an entirely different person from the unkempt shrew that she had been last night. She had returned to being the noble and elegant lady of the wealthy family that she was.

Mother Guan and Guan Ziyao exchanged a glance, slightly shocked. Indeed…

"As long as he's fine, then that's good…" Mother Guan looked allayed as she patted her chest, then she tugged at Guan Ziyao to apologize once again, "Sis, we really let you down this time. It's right for you and Bro Lu to blame her. Ziyao has been feeling horrible about it too. In fact, she's been feeling so bad that she hasn't had any appetite. She hasn't even drank a drop of water!"

As she looked at Guan Ziyao's pale and frail demeanor, Yan Ruyi sighed, "I should be the one saying sorry. I was too impulsive last night. Ziyao, does it stilll hurt?"

When she saw that Yan Ruyi had changed her attitude, Guan Ziyao's eyes secretly lit up. "Aunty! I'm fine! As long as you'll forgive me, I'll do anything! I can even help to take care of Little Treasure!"

Yan Ruyi tactfully rejected her, "I'm very thankful that you offered, but there's no need. There are already people taking care of Little Treasure."



When they heard Yan Ruyi's evading reply, Mother Guan and Guan Ziyao already confirmed what her brother had found out.

Mother Guan gently comforted Yan Ruyi a while more. When she saw that Yan Ruyi had softened, she tried to probe, "Sis, as they say, those who survive a great disaster are destined for good fortune after that. Now that the company is alright, and Little Treasure is saved, extreme sorrows will definitely turn into joy later on! But with so many things having happened, there'll still be some bad luck. You need to have some happy occasions to rinse it away. What say you?"

When Yan Ruyi heard this, she paused, immediately understanding Mother Guan's intentions.

Initially, she wanted to find a suitable opportunity to talk about this later on, but since she had brought it up, she did not want to drag it on either.

Thus, after Yan Ruyi contemplated momentarily, she turned to Mother Guan and said, "Sis, the reason I don't blame Ziyao is that she's still unrelated to us in any way. I don't have the right to ask her to do anything for our Little Treasure. At that time, in that sort of situation, if Ziyao had done anything, she would have most likely been implicated too, so I don't blame her."

When they heard Yan Ruyi pretty much drawing a line between their relationship, Mother Guan's face instantly soured and Guan Ziyao frowned.

Yan Ruyi continued, "While that girl Ning Xi… One could say… that this time… our Little Treasure's life was saved by her! She exchanged his life for her own!"

As Yan Ruyi said this, tears could not help but well up in her eyes. She slowly started to continue, "We must conduct ourselves with a conscience. Based on the fact that she's done so much to this extent, if I still continue to misunderstand her and stop her from getting together with Tingxiao, wouldn't that be too frightening?!"

Aware of the change in expressions of Mother Guan and Guan Ziyao, Yan Ruyi summed up,"So, no matter how the girl is going to be, and whether she'll wake up again, I'm setting my mind on this daughter-in-law!"

Chapter 1720: Sometimes I Want To Listen To My Heart Too

When Yan Ruyi finished, Mother Guan and Guan Ziyao stood there stunned. They were in disbelief as if they had not expected Yan Ruyi to say such things.

"I won't hide it from you. That girl's severely injured and she might never wake up forever…"

Wouldn't she be stabbing her own son's heart if she forced him to marry another woman right now? How could she bear to do such a thing?

Even if it were not for her son, she would not have done it for the sake of Little Treasure!

Mother Guan did not think that Yan Ruyi's attitude would have changed so drastically. She took a long while to calm down before she said, "Sis, I understand what you're thinking, but… but you can't just let Tingxiao marry a person in a vegetative state because you feel guilty, and in turn, make a decision that could harm the child forever!"



Yan Ruyi let out a bitter laugh. "If I force him to marry someone he doesn't like right now, that would really be harming him forever…"

As Yan Ruyi said this, she gave them an apologetic look. "Sis, you know I've always liked Ziyao very much. I thought that Ziyao could cultivate some feelings within Tingxiao… yet, in the end, it was still… I'm very regretful… Tingxiao's heart and eyes are only filled with the girl right now. In these circumstances, to force Tingxiao and Ziyao together would be irresponsible to Ziyao too!"

Yan Ruyi looked at Guan Ziyao and sighed, "Ziyao, you're a wonderful young lady. It's us Lu family that's not blessed!"

Guan Ziyao looked even paler than before. She bit her lips and did not say a single word.

Yan Ruyi would rather have Tingxiao marry a person in a vegetative state than let him marry her?

Ning Xi had already become like this… and she had still lost to her?

Just because that woman had saved Little Treasure?

Since Yan Ruyi had already put it that way, Mother Guan was obviously uneasy. "Sis, there are some things I think you can't just rashly come to a conclusion about. How do you know that Little Treasure was definitely saved by that woman? What could she do as a woman herself? It'd be good enough if she didn't become a hindrance after she forcefully followed them!"



When she heard Mother Guan's doubts, Yan Ruyi's gentle expression suddenly hardened. "Sis, you can be very assured that I've obviously investigated this matter clearly!"

When Yan Ruyi finished, she laughed at herself on the inside. Right now, she was unhappy with other people's doubts about Ning Xi, yet back then, the person who had been dubious all along was herself…

Mother Guan suddenly could not find any else to refute. She only frowned and said, "Sis, I think it's best if you consider this matter properly! After all, this is related to the children's lifetime happiness! The child's headstrong, but you can be headstrong with him too!"

Yan Ruyi laughed, "I've been rational my whole life, sometimes I want to listen to my heart too. Sis, Ziyao, thank you for coming over with concerns, I still have to go and take care of Little Treasure, I won't accompany you longer then."

It was only when Yan Ruyi had tactfully asked them to leave did Mother Guan unwillingly bring Guan Ziyao out of the hospital unhappily.

After she sent Mother Guan and Guan Ziyao off, she turned around and saw Lu Chongshan standing not too far away from her.

Yan Ruyi was startled. "Did you hear everything?"

Lu Chongshan did not say anything, implying that he did.

Yan Ruyi's expression suddenly turned cold. She glared at him defensively. "Why? Want to criticize me?"

Lu Chongshan looked at his wife's rare fierce stance even though she was soft on the inside, and sighed, "Am I really that unreasonable in your eyes?"

Chapter 1721: Did Not Want To Be Wrong A Second Time

"Ruyi, you and I are the same. We only didn't trust this girl back then because of her identity as an actress. We were worried that she would be just like that woman from years ago, that everything she did for Little Treasure would be a fake pretense and acting."

As Lu Chongshan said this, he shooked his head and laughed bitterly, "I've lived for so long, yet I still can't see through people as well as Tingxiao. That child was right. In the end, the person who hurt Little Treasure was no one but I who was overprotective of Little Treasure in the name of love. The old man who kept living in the shadow of the past and couldn't walk out of it…"

Yan Ruyi closed her eyes. How was she any different?

"Then, you… agree to the two children…?" Yan Ruyi asked.

Lu Chongshan kept quiet and did not answer immediately.

Yan Ruyi looked like she expected this. She straightforwardly said, "I don't care what you think. Whatever you need to consider or however much you need to worry, this time, I only want to stand on my son's side as his mother."



Lu Chongshan stared blankly at the direction of the ward, a pained expression crossing his face.

For his entire life, he had been the heir, the director, the head of the family. He had always done things for the bigger picture, for the company, for all of the family members, yet he had never done anything for him.

Until he had helplessly watched Little Treasure "die" in the video before him did he realize how many things he had missed out on in his life.

This was his inherent mission. Even if he was given another chance, he could only make the same choices.

Still, he was wrong for being too conceited, too stubborn, and too confident in his own judgments.

He had already been wrong once. He did not want to be wrong a second time.

This time, he chose to believe his own son.

It was not sure how long had passed before Lu Chongshan finally said in a lowered voice, "I'm afraid it won't be easy to explain to the Guans. I'll try my best to come up with a way that satisfies both sides. After all, we're in the wrong too. If that really can't do, we'll just offer them some compensation…"

When she fathomed Lu Chongshan's words, Yan Ruyi could not help but look surprised.



Who would have thought that this man, who had been stubborn his whole life, would see the day that he gave in and compromised?

…

At the Guan residence.

"What did you say?" When he finished listening to his wife explaining the whole scenario, Guan Rui slammed the table and stood up.

On the sofa, Guan Ziyao looked incredibly gloomy. "Who does he think we Guans are? They want us to always be at their beck and call! Don't forget that it was them who came knocking on our door first! Now that the company is fine, they're just going to abandon us upon achieving their goals? Nothing's that good!"

Mother Guan was furious. "Exactly! When I heard Yan Ruyi, I almost couldn't hold back and scolded her! What does she mean now? My perfect daughter can't even compare to an actress that's lying on the sickbed and handicapped? The Lu family is such a bully! No matter what, I want justice! Old Guan, say something!"

Guan Rui said coldly, "Obviously we can't just let this go, but it hasn't reached that stage yet. Don't get into a mess just yet! Now, it's just Yan Ruyi's one-sided statement. It's normal for women to be short-sighted and credulous. Besides, her words won't take much effect. We still need to see Lu Chongshan's opinion about this!"

Guan Ziyao frowned. "I think this time, the incident affected Uncle and Aunty Lu a lot. Just in case Uncle Lu is also…"

Guan Rui immediately picked up his phone and made a call. "I'll give Lu Chongshan a call now and invite both families out for a talk! I'd like to ask Lu Chongshan the meaning of all of this myself!"

Chapter 1722: A Proper Explanation

At Imperial Hospital.

Lu Tingxiao finally walked out of the ward.

Yan Ruyi felt her heart ache when she saw her son looking so haggard. "Don't be too sad, Tingxiao. Weren't you the one who convinced Little Treasure before? You have to be well on your own! The modern healthcare system is really advanced now. There's still a big chance Xiao Xi will wake up! As for your father and I… we know that it's too late… I know we've been wrong… We misunderstood this child…"



Yan Ruyi feared that he might not believe her, so she continued, "The Guan family came by just now, and I've already told them about it. Your father shares the same thoughts as mine too. While we have been doing a lot of things behind your back all these years and given Ziyao much false hope, it's our fault, but you don't have to care about this. Your father and I will take care of it and try to not affect the relationship between our families…"

Lu Chongshan understood that his son would never accept any other woman with that girl in this condition. Even if time could heal him and he might one day open his heart again, it would take a ridiculous amount of time…

It was regretful that they were not able to become in-laws with the Guans, but under such circumstances, he could not just let them be and had to give them a proper response.

"We shouldn't become enemies even if we can't become in-laws…" Lu Chongshan sighed. As he was about to say something again, his phone rang.

Lu Chongshan frowned when he saw who was calling. "It's the Guans."

"Speak nicely, please," Yan Ruyi reminded him.



Lu Chongshan nodded and answered the call, "Brother Guan…"

There was a muted anger beneath Guan Rui's voice, "Brother Lu, I understand that the Lu family has suffered a great disaster this time. I, too, sympathize with that girl's condition, but there're a lot of ways to make up to a person. You can't sacrifice the happiness of the two children!"

By the "two children", Guan Rui apparently meant Lu Tingxiao and Guan Ziyao.

Lu Chongshan already expected Guan Rui to call him. He explained helplessly, "Listen to me, Brother Guan. We Lus owe the girl. We can't have Tingxiao marry someone else when the girl has become like this. It's too much of an act of betrayal. We can't do this. Moreover, Tingxiao won't give up on her… and we don't want to waste any more of Ziyao's time…"

Guan Rui did not expect Lu Chongshan to behave this way. His wrath grew stronger. "Waste Ziyao's time? You've already wasted lots! Brother Lu, you told me that Tingxiao was just fooling around with that woman and nothing would affect Ziyao. You were the one who wanted them to get closer too!

"So many outstanding guys came over and proposed after we returned to the country, yet we rejected all of them because you promised me. Then, what happened? We waited and waited, and now you're telling me that you're breaking the promise because of some lowly peasant woman!

"Brother Lu, Ziyao is my precious daughter. I've been taking care of her dearly since she was born. Because of her love towards Tingxiao and our families' relationship, we've been lenient about the matter of Tingxiao with that woman. We even treated Little Treasure as our own grandchild!

"But what about your family? What does the Lu family take us for? Something you can just manipulate at your will? You have to give us a proper explanation!"

Chapter 1723: Wait And See

Lu Chongshan knew he was in the wrong. He said in a lowered tone, "Brother Guan, it's inappropriate of the Lu family to handle it this way, but it's not related to Tingxiao at all. It's my fault as a father. I'll bear all the consequences and am willing to make up…"

Lu Chongshan was suddenly interrupted by his son behind him.

"Let me speak to Chairman Guan," Lu Tingxiao said.

Lu Chongshan hesitated, but he still passed the phone over to his son.

Lu Tingxiao took the phone and addressed coldly, "Chairman Guan."



Guan Rui chuckled when he heard Lu Tingxiao's voice and that distant title. "Tingxiao, what an obedient child. You're not even calling me 'Uncle' anymore?"

Lu Tingxiao's expression did not change even when Guan Rui was ridiculing him. "Meet me at the guest room on the top floor of the Imperial Hospital. I'll give you a proper explanation there, Chairman Guan."

Guan Rui sneered, "How sincere of you! You're going to give me an explanation and you're not coming to me. Instead, you want this old man to visit you at the hospital! Sure, I'll go. I'll see what explanation the Lu family is going to give me!"

Yan Ruyi went over worriedly after the phone call ended. "Tingxiao, what are you going to do?"

Lu Jingli came out of the room and patted his mother's shoulders. "Mother, don't worry! You have two handsome and intelligent sons. Would you really have to worry? Just wait and see later!"

Yan Ruyi pouted at him. "What do you mean wait and see? Don't mess around!"

"Since when did I mess around before!? Even if you don't trust me, have some faith in my brother! Both of you don't have to do anything. Just be there!" Lu Jingli said with certainty.

Yan Ruyi and Lu Chongshan looked at each other. They had no idea what the two of them had prepared.



However, they were relieved that Tingxiao was not overly depressed and had offered to handle matters.

…

Little Treasure stayed right in the room with Ning Xi while Annie looked after them.

Lu Chongshan, Yan Ruyi, Lu Tingxiao, and Lu Jingli were preparing for the meeting with the Guan family.

After half an hour, the Guan family arrived.

"Uncle Lu, Aunty Lu, Jingli…" Guan Ziyao greeted them one by one, then she looked hesitantly at the man she had not seen for some time. "Tingxiao…"

Mother Guan was upset by Lu Tingxiao's cool reaction. "That's enough, Ziyao. So what if you treat him well? Someone got seduced by some woman outside and has no idea what he's doing now after being tricked!"

Mother Guan felt the vibe around the distant and cold man change suddenly. While it was not obvious, she could feel an unseen pressure surrounding her and suffocating her.

Mother Guan coughed lightly and changed her tone, "Tingxiao, take my word of advice. Aunty has lived much longer than you and has seen more than you, which is why I can see things from a clearer perspective. Look at that woman, and then look at Ziyao. Ziyao is our princess and there are no flaws in her personality and talents. She's pure and kind, and your parents have been known her since she was a child. They understand…"

Putting Mother Guan's comments about Ning Xi aside, Yan Ruyi and Lu Chongshan were really satisfied with Guan Ziyao. At the moment, they could not hide the guilt on their faces.

Chapter 1724: Being Used

Guan Rui retorted when he saw the guilty expressions on Lu Chongshan and Yan Ruyi, "That woman saved Little Treasure by coincidence. I understand that you'd like to make up to her, which is why I said over the phone just now that there are a lot of ways to make up to someone, but for Tingxiao to marry someone like her…

"And by someone like her, I don't mean the girl for being in a vegetative state now. I mean that she has a very bad reputation… Like the scandal last time, the videos were spread everywhere on the Net. It's such a shameful thing! How can the head lady of the Lu family be a woman like her?"

Yan Ruyi frowned. "I searched online a little on that matter. Things were clarified afterward. The girl was being framed. Another celebrity had gone under the knife to look the same as her…"



Guan Zihao also spoke up, "Aunty Lu, there's no smoke without fire. That woman must have had some issues of her own. You might not always notice news about the entertainment industry, but this woman always had a very bad reputation. A scandal occurred every few days, and she has haters everywhere!

"For men with an important status like us, sure, we can have some fun with women like her, but it's inappropriate to marry someone like her. You're lucky if you just receive some criticisms here and there. Worst case is that the company stocks might be affected severely!"

Lu Chongshan and Yan Ruyi looked solemn. Although Guan Zihao's words were unpleasant and mostly true, Ning Xi had saved Little Treasure, so they were prepared to bear the consequences.

Mother Guan was very pleased with Yan Ruyi and Lu Chongshan's reactions. She went on, "Our Ziyao really loves and respects Tingxiao, which is why she doesn't mind even if he has an illegitimate child. In fact, she cares a lot about the child!

"Do you really think she learned all about psychology and early childhood education out of interest? It was all for Little Treasure! But how did Tingxiao treat her? He trampled all her efforts and humiliated her by being with a small-time actress! What is he going to do with Ziyao and the relationship between us two families?

"And now even both you and Brother Lu want to hurt us… I'm really…"



As Mother Guan was running her mouth and declaring how hurt she was, and how they were being betrayed, Lu Jingli picked his ear with a ridiculing expression.

Lu Tingxiao did not interrupt anyone from the Guan family since the start, but now he said expressionlessly, "Are you done?"

Guan Rui remarked rudely, "What now? Is there anything we said that's wrong? Our whole family is here now. Where's your explanation?"

Lu Tingxiao made a phone call. He simply said two words over the phone, "Come in."

The next second, two stony bodyguards came in and threw a man in.

The Guan family saw and recognized who it was. It was the cook of the Lu family.

"Elder Master, Elder Madam, First Master… I know I'm wrong! I really do! I was being used!"

The cook was crying and sobbing as he knelt before Lu Tingxiao. "Please forgive me, First Master! Please forgive me. Little Master isn't really hurt this time! They asked me to put double the dosage, but I didn't! I only put a dab on the food container. I really didn't plan to hurt Little Master…"

Chapter 1725: Couldn't Resist Temptation

Based on the cook's words, he was referring to the last time Little Treasure had food poisoning.

Yan Ruyi and Lu Chongshan's expressions suddenly changed. They had always thought that it was Ning Xi. They would never have thought that the issue was from their end!

It was none other than the cook who had put poison on Little Treasure's dedicated food box!

Guan Rui drank his tea unhurriedly, then he commented, "So, it was the cook who did something the last time Little Treasure was poisoned!"

Guan Zihao squinted. "Now, we're talking about matters between our families. Why did you pull this person out for?"

Lu Jingli smiled as he said, "Master Guan, what are you rushing for? Just watch!"

Yan Ruyi glared at the cook and was suddenly so furious that she trembled. "Master Chen! You've been working for our Lu family for more than ten years now. We have treated you with nothing but kindness. Who was it that gave you whatever advantages that made you do something as cruel as this?! You know that Little Treasure is my life!"



"Elder Madam… I'm sorry, I'm sorry… I let you down… I'm sorry, Elder Master… I… was possessed! It was that Ning Xi… That Ning Xi… She slept with me for a night and gave me a huge sum of money. She coaxed me to do all of this. She said no one will definitely find out that it was me. I… I couldn't resist the temptation, that's why I took the risk…"

"What are you saying?!" Yan Ruyi's expression suddenly changed.

Lu Chongshan looked grim too, but he did not react much. He just sat there quietly. Since Tingxiao had especially gotten Master Chen over, then the matter must not be as simple as this.

"Elder Madam, Elder Master, and First Master, I'm telling the absolute truth. I daren't lie! It really was that Ning Xi who told me to do this! If I lie, then I will be struck by lightning! Even if you give me a hundred guts, I wouldn't dare lie anymore!" Master Chen made a solemn vow.

When Mother Guan heard him, she instantly shook her head mockingly. "Forget the fact that to achieve her goals, she wouldn't spare hurting a child. She actually even slept with a cook… This is really…"

Right at that moment, the door was flung open once again.

A woman walked in.

"Is that her?" Lu Tingxiao asked.

The cook stared at the woman at the door and immediately nodded. "Yes, it's her! The celebritiy, Ning Xi!"

When they saw who the woman at the door was, Yan Ruyi and Lu Chongshan looked shocked. Ning Xi? How could this be?



Ning Xi was clearly still in a coma and lying on the sick bed!

Then, this woman was…

Yan Ruyi recalled, "Is this… Is this woman who had plastic surgery to look like Ning Xi, Su Yimo?"

"That's right, it's her." Lu Jingli nodded.

Now, Yan Ruyi patted her chest in fright. "No wonder I felt like this woman's gaze is odd…"

"Mother, you have discerning eyes!" Lu Jingli praised.

"Don't be garrulous! So, you're saying, the person who directed this cook to put the poison was actually Su Yimo?" Yan Ruyi clarified.

At this moment, Guan Ziyao said faintly, "You can't be sure! Since the two look exactly the same, who could differentiate who it was? Who knows if CEO Lu didn't frame this woman to clear Ning Xi's name?"

Mother Guan agreed, "With one call, you asked us over, and you didn't talk about the main things, letting us watch all this nonsense instead! What is the meaning of this?"

Lu Tingxiao looked at Lu Jingli, and when Lu Jingli received his brother's hint, he picked up his phone and clicked on a voice recording.

"The following recording might not be suitable for children… but thankfully, we aren't adults yet…"

Chapter 1726: It Is All Over

The instant Lu Jingli clicked on the recording, the room was filled with the heavy breathing sounds of a man and woman as their bodies collided with each other.

Even if it was just audio, everyone present was adults, and they could immediately tell what the two people were doing.

"You damned child, why are you playing this?!" Yan Ruyi shot Lu Jingli an angry look.

Opposite them, Guan Zihao was still listening like it was a farce, yet after a while, his expression suddenly changed as he shot a cold looked towards Su Yimo who had cowered in a corner.

Just as Yan Ruyi was about to stop Lu Jingli from continuing the recording, there was suddenly a familiar voice from the phone.

"Tsk, so distracted… Why? You don't care about dealing with me now that you've hooked onto Lu Tingxiao? Let's make this clear. You're a counterfeit, do you really think you can replace the original? Just in the state you're in, apart from your face, you really don't deserve to even help Ning Xi hold her shoes!"



"I've already done all the things you want me to do. I framed Ning Xi, I've slept with so many people, I even had to sleep with the gross cook. Why won't you let me go? I don't want to do things for you anymore!"

"Wow! Lu Tingxiao was just slightly nicer to you and let you go this time without killing you. Do you really think you can make it up there with this face of yours? Can't wait to kick me away? I'll tell you! Don't even think about it! I've spent so much money on you to fix your entire face! Want to run off so easily?"

"Now, Lu Tingxiao has already found out about my existence. Everyone knows that I've gotten plastic surgery to look like Ning Xi. I've been exposed! I can't help you do anything anymore! You'd better not keep coming to look for me. If I get discovered by Lu Tingxiao, don't blame me for not warning you…"

…

Then, came the sound of a man and woman panting again, but at this point, they had heard enough.

The voice in the recording was obviously Guan Zihao's.

Deathly stillness stagnated in the room.

It was very obvious that such a private and intimate recording could only be recorded by the people involved.

"B*tch! How dare you!?" Guan Zihao burst with rage as he blurted out and stared at Su Yimo. Then, he suddenly clammed up. His eyes were alarmed as he realized he had just exposed himself.



Lu Chongshan and Yan Ruyi would never have thought that everything from Ning Xi being framed and set up, to Little Treasure getting poisoned, had all unexpectedly been Guan Zihao's work. The two of them stared at the handsome and talented youth, then at the Guan family. They were in a dumbfounded daze for a long while…

Guan Ziyao twisted her fingers nervously as she was losing her head out of fear. At the same time, she looked at her brother in disbelief.

She had repeatedly urged him to handle this thing properly, but he had done it like this? All the way onto Su Yimo's bed? And had even left such information that was used against him!

Just because Su Yimo had a beautiful face now?

Even her own brother could not resist the temptation!

Suddenly, Guan Ziyao's face turned extremely morose…

Over… It was all over…

Lu Jingli raised his brows. "Master Guan, do you have anything else you want to say right now?"

Lu Chongshan's fingers were shaking. "Zihao! You actually…"

Before Lu Chongshan could say anything more, Guan Rui suddenly pushed his chair and stood up. He landed a slap on Guan Zihao's face. "Bastard! How can you do such a thing!?"

After Guan Rui slapped Guan Zihao, he immediately turned to Lu Chongshan and Yan Ruyi sharply. "Bro Lu, Sis, his mother and I were unaware about this. Ziyao knew nothing at all! I didn't think that he would do such things behind our backs! Zihao is full of youthful vigor, after all. He just saw Ziyao wronged and went to such an extent because he was angry and could not bear it. He even harmed Little Treasure, but his real intentions were definitely not that…"

Chapter 1727: Said They Want To Take Miss Xiao Xi Away

Lu Jingli thought this was funny. "He especially told him to double the dosage. Was that not his real intentions?"

The matter had already progressed to this stage, yet Lu Tingxiao did not say anything. He stood up and left to return to Ning Xi's ward, not wanting to waste any time on anything else.

While Lu Jingli chuckled as he picked up his phone, playing another recording. "Stop acting. I think you guys can go fight for an Oscar!"

The voice from the recording was Mother Guan's.

"Damn it! Isn't that Yan Ruyi an heiress from a prestigious family? How is she a dame? She's practically a shrew! Look at how she hit our Ziyao! She was so vicious with the blows!"

"Forget it, their only beloved grandson has died. It's normal to become a little crazy." Then came Guan Rui's voice.



When they heard these words, Mother Guan and Guan Rui suddenly turned as white as a sheet.

What made them even more fearful were the upcoming words…

"Silly girl, she's just grieving right now from losing her grandson. Wait till you give birth to another one for her… That was why I said that Lu Tingxiao's illegitimate child must not be kept! The Lu family values this child so much that they'd leave all their family property to him in the future. Then, wouldn't our marriage connection with the Lu family be a huge loss? Even if nothing happens to the child this time, we must think of ways to get rid of him in the future…"

"Mother is right, Sister! Don't worry too much. Let's go home and celebrate tonight! Tomorrow, we should be able to hear the 'good news' about that little child!"

…

Yan Ruyi could not believe that the whole family she had been treating as kin had such sinister intentions. The entire family, all of them were malicious!

"Guan Rui! You… All these years, I've been helping you and treating you as a bro… You actually…" Lu Chongshan grasped his chest that was vexing with pain from an old illness, and he could not say anything more.

Thankfully, they were in the hospital. Lu Tingxiao seemed to have been well prepared. Immediately, a doctor came in to treat the emergency and stabilized Lu Chongshan's condition.

Someone that he had always treated as a good brother and close friend, the considerate daughter-in-law he had always fancied… He had persistently thought that the Guan family shared a profound kinship with them, that they knew their roots, and most importantly, they would not hurt Little Treasure. Besides, he had just heard them say for themselves how much they loved Little Treasure and treated him like their own grandson…



But privately!

Despite not even having married into the family, they were already thinking about how to kill Little Treasure and how to seize their assets!

Yan Ruyi was aghast as she thought of whether Guan Ziyao had really been stunned back then, or was it intentional? Thinking about this made her blood run cold!

The truth had proven that they were wrong, extremely wrong. It was them who did not see through people, and it was them who really almost killed Little Treasure.

They were practically pushing Little Treasure into a living hell!

Fancy that they were feeling guilty about how this marriage did not happen! They were thinking about how to make it up to them, yet they were thinking about how to celebrate when a great tragedy had fallen upon their family…

When Guan Rui saw that everything had fallen through and was exposed, there was indignation in his eyes as he said coldly, "Bro Lu, don't blame me. If you want to point fingers, blame your son for being blind. He doesn't want my excellent daughter. He fancied a lowly actor!

"Ask yourself honestly, if the two of our families are combined by marriage, how perfect would that be? As for Little Treasure, as long as you make Ziyao's child the heir, we obviously wouldn't make life difficult over a child! It's not too late for you to regret now!"

"You… You shut up…" Lu Chongshan panted as he angrily rebuked. Suddenly, Xing Wu's frantic voice came from outside.

"Elder Master, Elder Madam, Second Master! Quickly go outside and take a look! Not good! Not good! A lot of people suddenly came and they're wearing military uniforms. They said they want to take Miss Xiao Xi away!"

Chapter 1728: Here To Retrieve Our Ms. Ning Xi

"What did you say? Take Xiao Xi away?" Yan Ruyi was shocked.

"Who are these people!? How dare they take people away from us Lus?!" Lu Chongshan's expression darkened suddenly.

Lu Chongshan and Yan Ruyi ignored the Guans and took a look at what was happening outside.

The Guan family looked at each other, then followed them out in silence.

Lu Jingli frowned. "Military uniform? Could it be…"

Damn it… If it was people from that side, it would be bad…

They saw two rows of grave-looking soldiers when they came out of the room. The President and the Vice President of the hospital were right beside the door to Ning Xi's room, seeming really nervous with sweat on their foreheads.



"Mr. Lu, Madam Lu… Look at this… These people just suddenly rushed in… They even said they have orders to take Ms. Ning away… I can't stop them…" The President looked at the people in fear.

They had experience seeing people like these, and of course, they realized that these were not regular people, or people someone should make enemies with.

"Who are you people? On whose orders did you come?" Lu Chongshan glared at them coldly and asked with a stern tone.

The young leading officer went up to Lu Chongshan and Yan Ruyi and spoke without any expression on his face, "I'm here on Chief Zhuang's orders to retrieve our Ms. Ning Xi!"

Lu Chongshan and Yan Ruyi were stunned by the young officer's words.

"Chief Zhuang…?" Yan Ruyi looked at her husband, confused.

Lu Chongshan's expression turned complicated. So, he was right. They were people sent by the Zhuang family after all…

Only people from the Zhuang family…

Who else would make such a scene and was daring enough to take people from the Lu family with an army of soldiers?

Lu Jingli stomped his foot and cursed.



Damn it, it's all over! They're really people from the Zhuang family…

In a corner, the Guan family were shocked as they hid behind the guest room door.

"Chief Zhuang? Which Chief Zhuang?" Mother Guan asked quietly.

"Who else could it be aside from Zhuang Liaoyuan?" Guan Rui's face darkened.

Guan Ziyao frowned. "What did the officer mean? Did he say to take back their Ms. Ning Xi? Does he mean Ning Xi? How is Ning Xi related to the Zhuangs? Father, didn't you investigate that Ning Xi's real identity is the daughter of the Ning family, the daughter of Ning Yaohua?"

"Yes, I did, there's no mistake about it! Wasn't that matter made public soon after?" Guan Rui grimaced as well.

Guan Zihao had a twisted expression. "How is that cheap woman related to the Zhuang family? Tsk, maybe she's in a dirty relationship with Zhuang Liaoyuan…"

Mother Guan nodded firmly. "That must be it! What else could it be? Or maybe she violated the law!"

…

After Lu Chongshan listened to the officer's reply and realized it was people from the Zhuang family, he pleaded, "Officer, please send a word to Chief Zhuang for me. The Lu family will take full responsibility for Ms. Ning Xi!"

Suddenly, there was an old but strong voice from the back.

"Hmph! You Lu family will take full responsibility? Who are you Lus, and on what grounds are you going to be responsible for my granddaughter? Zhuang Zongren's granddaughter!"

Chapter 1729: Top Family

A old man full of white hair came hobbling from the end of the corridor. He ambled over with the help of his clutch and Zhuang Liaoyuan.

There was also another tall young man beside him who stared at the Lu family in ire with his bright eyes.

Not only Zhuang Liaoyuan, even the Elder Chief Zhuang Zongren was there. Lu Chongshan kept his stern and impatient expression in check., "Elder Chief Zhuang, why are you here?"

At this moment, the few people from the Guan family were all frozen when they heard Zhuang Zongren say "granddaughter".

"Granddaughter… What granddaughter? Ning Xi… is Zhuang Zongren's granddaughter?!" Mother Guan was mumbling unbelievably.



Guan Ziyao's face went pale. "Impossible! How could Ning Xi be Zhuang Zongren's…"

She was suddenly reminded of something. She paused for a bit, then turned to her father. "Father, in the information you found before… Ning Xi's mother… What's her name? Is it… Is her surname…"

Guan Rui was horrified. "That's right, her surname is Zhuang! Zhuang Lingyu!"

Guan Zihao's jaw dropped. He came back to his senses after a long while. "Ning Yaohua's wife is the daughter of the Zhuang family? Impossible! I've never heard about it before!"

Guan Rui pinched the space between his eyebrows. "We've been away for a long time, after all, and we're not sure about a lot of things. I didn't really further investigate when I found out Ning Xi's father is Ning Yaohua. I might've been careless… Zhuang Lingyu's identity isn't so straightforward…"

Elder Chief Zhuang was here to address Ning Xi as his granddaughter personally. There was no mistake at all!

Guan Ziyao stared blankly when she heard her father. Despair filled her eyes as she froze and just stared at what was happening in front of her.

Impossible…



This was impossible…

She still felt hopeful moments ago. Since Ning Xi had fallen into a vegetative state, no matter how sorry the Lu family felt for her, and no matter how much Lu Tingxiao loved her, they would not really wait for her forever. Furthermore, that child was just in a temporary slump right now and he could probably recover soon. Because the Lu family was not in danger anymore, the Guan family still stood a chance.

She thought that one day, he would realize she was the one for her, and the Lu family would one day turn back to her for the benefits they could reap…

However, she had never expected Ning Xi's grandfather to be Zhuang Zongren!

The Zhuang family had been in political power for generations. As the top family in Imperial, they were definitely not people to mess with, considering their history and achievements. Even the Lu family was beneath them.

"If I were not here, my granddaughter might even lose her life!"

Lu Chongshan did not dare to say anything to Zhuang Zongren's reprimand. He knew he was in the wrong, so he explained with a soft tone, "Elder Chief Zhuang, Ms. Ning Xi's injured this time because of us Lus. Because she rescued Little Treasure, our whole family is really indebted to her. We've hired the best specialists and will give it our all to save Ms. Ning Xi! Please rest assured that we'll take full responsibility of her!"

Before Zhuang Zongren could say anything, Zhuang Rongguang could not wait and started scolding angrily…

Chapter 1730: No One From The Lu Family Is Good

Rage filled the young man's eyes, his tone fluctuating due to his anger. "Get lost! My cousin's in this state because of your family! And you guys still don't want to let her go! Do you think my cousin was ever alone and had no one to rely on? Let me tell you, we're surely taking her away today! Who knows what else could happen to her if she keeps on staying here?! No one from the Lu family is good!"

His team had gone out shopping that day, so Zhuang Rongguang had grabbed the chance to sneak back home. Coincidentally, he overheard his father and grandfather, and found out that something major had happened to Sis Xi. He then also found out Sis Xi was really his cousin!

That was it! No wonder Sis Xi was so awesome! They were a family after all!

So, he decided to forcefully tag along with his father and grandfather to the hospital.



His sister and mother were waiting for their news back at home. He would get Sis Xi out of this mess no matter what happened!

Since there was something his grandfather could not say due to his position, then he would say it! He had the image of a delinquent after all. Without Bro Xi, he would have still been wandering around somewhere aimlessly!

Zhuang Liaoyuan only shot his son a cold stare after the outburst, but there was no intention of stopping him. Apparently, he was very dissatisfied with the Lu family as well.

Lu Chongshan's expression looked terrible after he was criticized, but he could only take them head-on. He continued with a humble attitude, "I've had a lot of misunderstandings towards Miss Ning. It's my fault and I apologize! Miss Ning saved Little Treasure this time and she's our savior. I'll give it my all to make up to her. Why would I harm her? Please, Elder Chief Zhuang and Chief Zhuang, believe me that we're going to make amends!"

"We'll never know what you really think!" Zhuang Rongguang scoffed.

The quiet Zhuang Liaoyuan finally spoke up, "President Lu, you don't have to. Xiao Xi has always been kind and I believe she willingly wanted to save the child. It's not related to anyone and we don't need anything. As Xiao Xi's family, we just want to get her back and we don't need outsiders to take care of her. I believe there shouldn't be any problems with this request."

Zhuang Liaoyuan's words caused Lu Chongshan to feel at a loss.



They did not need anything and just wanted to take Ning Xi back as her family. Of course, there was no issue at all.

Lu Chongshan and Yan Ruyi looked at each other, not knowing what to do.

With the Zhuang family's current attitude, it was obvious that they would forbid anyone from the Lu family to be in contact with Ning Xi after they took her.

Lu Tingxiao had totally fallen for this girl and Little Treasure could never leave her side. If they really took Ning Xi away, what would happen?

"Who are these people who are being so sneaky!? Come out!" Zhuang Rongguang picked up the subtle movement with his sharp eyes. He leaped and dragged one of them out of the guest room.

"Ah! Stop… Let go! Let go!" Guan Zihao groaned in pain. His parents and Guan Ziyao came out and tried to tug him back.

Lu Chongshan's expression turned worse when he realized that the Guan family was still around and that the Zhuangs had discovered their presence.

The Zhuang family was already upset with them. It seemed that this was going to deepen the misunderstanding.

As expected, Zhuang Liaoyuan's eyes looked angrier when he saw those people. "Xiao Xi is in a coma right now, and you guys brought these people here. How sincere…"