Hidden Marriage

1731-1760

Chapter 1731: Off The Charts

Zhuang Rongguang twisted Guan Zihao around and kicked him to the ground. His lungs were about to explode from anger. "You talk about thanking her! About sincerely making amends! All that is bullsh*t! My cousin isn't dead yet! You're already rushing to find another one for your son! Later on, are you going to also have the wedding ceremony in front of her ward!?"

"Ah!" Guan Zihao's wrist was about to break from getting twisted. He shouted painfully, "No! It's got nothing to do with us! The Lu family has betrayed us and called our entire family over to get rid of the wedding contract!"

What?

Get rid of the wedding contract?

Not just the Zhuangs, even Lu Chongshan and Yan Ruyi were stunned to hear this.



Guan Rui intentionally looked at the Zhuang family and revealed a disappointed expression. He said mockingly, "I was just saying why did Bro Lu suddenly act so heartlessly… It turns out…"

Mother Guan took advantage of the situation and started to shout with her shrill voice, "Well, Lu Chongshan, I'm saying you initially swore and everything was going well. Why did you suddenly want to cancel the wedding contract with our family?! It turns out you've climbed on a taller branch! Imperial's Zhuang family's granddaughter! Of course, it's not something our family of a lower status can compare to! Lu Chongshan, you've really calculated well!"

When she saw that the Guan family was blurting without thinking and inverting right and wrong, Guan Ziyao stood there with a hurt expression as if the Lu family had really been heartless. Lu Chongshan was so infuriated that his illness was almost provoked again. At that moment, he had really seen this family through and through.

Yan Ruyi had immediately stood out and slapped Mother Guan on the face. "This slap is on behalf of my Little Treasure!"

When she finished, another slap came. "This slap is on behalf of the girl! Chongshan and I have been treating you Guans as longtime friends of the family in vain. We believed in your family's moral character and upbringing. We didn't even care that Tingxiao already had someone he liked and repeatedly wanted to matchmake Tingxiao with your daughter!

"Yet, you people… Until today, until Tingxiao brought out the evidence and exposed everything I didn't know all these years! The people Chongshan and I had trusted and treated as family was a pack of ravenous wolves!

"You keep saying that you're pure and good, yet behind our backs, you have done everything dirty and vile from framing Xiao Xi, hurting Little Treasure, and even scheming how to steal our assets before even marrying into the family. Now, you're still trying to slander us by saying that we have a wedding contract with you Guans?

"At that time, the Lu family met with trouble, and indeed I hoped that the two families could be combined through marriage as soon as possible. Not only did I try to offer Tingxiao all kinds of girls behind his back, I even knocked on your door to probe your family's intentions, yet now, what kind of attitude are you having? When you saw that the Lu family's circumstances weren't positive, you then kept making excuses!



"Now that the company's matters have been settled, and Xiao Xi has even sacrificed her life to save Little Treasure, you guys were really thinking about reaping where you haven't sown? You really think our Lu family is a family of fools?

"I'm telling you! Forget about that girl being in a coma right now! Even if she doesn't wake up forever, I, Yan Ruyi will acknowledge only her as my daughter-in-law!"

Yan Ruyi's words echoed in the corridor… They echoed for a long time…

On the side, Lu Jingli was flabbergasted. He even gasped in amazement.

Whoa! My mother is off the charts today!

One must know that his mother cared most about image. Her personality was delicate and gentle. Usually, she would not speak loudly much, but now she was unexpectedly so ferocious…

Indeed, it complied with that saying: while women are vulnerable, the mother is strong.

"Do you still want me to play your family's filthy evidence in front of Chief Zhuang and Elder Chief Zhuang?" Yan Ruyi shouted coldly, then she looked to her younger son.

"Jingli!"

Chapter 1731: Off The Charts

Zhuang Rongguang twisted Guan Zihao around and kicked him to the ground. His lungs were about to explode from anger. "You talk about thanking her! About sincerely making amends! All that is bullsh*t! My cousin isn't dead yet! You're already rushing to find another one for your son! Later on, are you going to also have the wedding ceremony in front of her ward!?"

"Ah!" Guan Zihao's wrist was about to break from getting twisted. He shouted painfully, "No! It's got nothing to do with us! The Lu family has betrayed us and called our entire family over to get rid of the wedding contract!"

What?

Get rid of the wedding contract?

Not just the Zhuangs, even Lu Chongshan and Yan Ruyi were stunned to hear this.



Guan Rui intentionally looked at the Zhuang family and revealed a disappointed expression. He said mockingly, "I was just saying why did Bro Lu suddenly act so heartlessly… It turns out…"

Mother Guan took advantage of the situation and started to shout with her shrill voice, "Well, Lu Chongshan, I'm saying you initially swore and everything was going well. Why did you suddenly want to cancel the wedding contract with our family?! It turns out you've climbed on a taller branch! Imperial's Zhuang family's granddaughter! Of course, it's not something our family of a lower status can compare to! Lu Chongshan, you've really calculated well!"

When she saw that the Guan family was blurting without thinking and inverting right and wrong, Guan Ziyao stood there with a hurt expression as if the Lu family had really been heartless. Lu Chongshan was so infuriated that his illness was almost provoked again. At that moment, he had really seen this family through and through.

Yan Ruyi had immediately stood out and slapped Mother Guan on the face. "This slap is on behalf of my Little Treasure!"

When she finished, another slap came. "This slap is on behalf of the girl! Chongshan and I have been treating you Guans as longtime friends of the family in vain. We believed in your family's moral character and upbringing. We didn't even care that Tingxiao already had someone he liked and repeatedly wanted to matchmake Tingxiao with your daughter!

"Yet, you people… Until today, until Tingxiao brought out the evidence and exposed everything I didn't know all these years! The people Chongshan and I had trusted and treated as family was a pack of ravenous wolves!

"You keep saying that you're pure and good, yet behind our backs, you have done everything dirty and vile from framing Xiao Xi, hurting Little Treasure, and even scheming how to steal our assets before even marrying into the family. Now, you're still trying to slander us by saying that we have a wedding contract with you Guans?

"At that time, the Lu family met with trouble, and indeed I hoped that the two families could be combined through marriage as soon as possible. Not only did I try to offer Tingxiao all kinds of girls behind his back, I even knocked on your door to probe your family's intentions, yet now, what kind of attitude are you having? When you saw that the Lu family's circumstances weren't positive, you then kept making excuses!



"Now that the company's matters have been settled, and Xiao Xi has even sacrificed her life to save Little Treasure, you guys were really thinking about reaping where you haven't sown? You really think our Lu family is a family of fools?

"I'm telling you! Forget about that girl being in a coma right now! Even if she doesn't wake up forever, I, Yan Ruyi will acknowledge only her as my daughter-in-law!"

Yan Ruyi's words echoed in the corridor… They echoed for a long time…

On the side, Lu Jingli was flabbergasted. He even gasped in amazement.

Whoa! My mother is off the charts today!

One must know that his mother cared most about image. Her personality was delicate and gentle. Usually, she would not speak loudly much, but now she was unexpectedly so ferocious…

Indeed, it complied with that saying: while women are vulnerable, the mother is strong.

"Do you still want me to play your family's filthy evidence in front of Chief Zhuang and Elder Chief Zhuang?" Yan Ruyi shouted coldly, then she looked to her younger son.

"Jingli!"

Chapter 1732: Only One With Better Judgment

Lu Jingli acknowledged the order and immediately clicked on the recording.

Once the recording played, the Guan family's expressions immediately changed. Before the Zhuangs could react, they quickly pulled Guan Zihao away from Zhuang Rongguang and ran off swiftly without even daring to fart.

When Zhuang Rongguang heard the contents of the recording, he instantly erupted, "These pieces of sheet!"

They were the ones behind the incident that had gotten Sis Xi framed previously?

Zhuang Rongguang was about to chase after them when he remembered that he had something more important to do that day, so he temporarily held himself back.



Forget it! There's no rush! Later on, I'll have time to deal with them!

"Huh, now you know who's right and wrong! You should have known earlier!" Zhuang Rongguang muttered coldly, "I think of all you people from the Lu family… only that guy my cousin likes has better judgment…"

Lu Jingli quickly raised his brows and pointed at himself. "Here, here, here! There's still one more person with good judgment! I've always supported my brother and my sister-in-law! Please call me 'godly assist number two'!"

After the misunderstanding was clarified, Zhuang Liaoyuan's expression softened.

As for what the Guan family had said about the Lu family wanting to climb the social ladder, Zhuang Liaoyuan himself knew that this was impossible.

Previously, his father still could not resolve the matter with Lingyu, so he had only been keeping watch of Xiao Xi in private, but he did not officially recognize the child. On the other hand, due to his own prejudice towards Lu Tingxiao, he did not want Xiao Xi to be with that fellow, so even when he clearly knew about the Lu family's situation and knew that Xiao Xi was faced with a difficult situation, he did not step in. Indeed, he had hoped she would back out from the awkward situation herself. In the end, this was the consequence.

They played a huge responsibility in this matter too…

That child Xiao Xi had helped them so many times, yet they could not do anything for her.



After the Guan family ran off, Yan Ruyi walked up to Zhuang Liaoyuan and Zhuang Zongren. With a sincere attitude, she said, "Elder Chief Zhuang, General Zhuang, as parents, we were the ones in the wrong. It was us who did not see the true colors of people, and we kept misunderstanding Xiao Xi. We repeatedly stopped Tingxiao from being with that girl! But our Tingxiao is true to Xiao Xi!

"This child is stubborn. One glance and he had his eyes set on that girl. No matter how much we advised him, his feelings towards Xiao Xi never wavered. No matter if it was the blind date banquet previously, or the intentions for marriage with the Guan family, they were all his father and my personal decisions against his will…"

Lu Chongshan closed his eyes and sighed, "At the start, I was determined about objecting to their relationship. I told Tingxiao that as the company leader and the entire family head, his choice for a wife wasn't his matter alone. Then, Tingxiao said something to me… He said apart from me and his mother, no one else can affect his decision…"

When he heard this, something in Zhuang Liaoyuan's eyes shifted. Zhuang Zongren's solemn expression looked deeply moved too.

Actually, now that they recalled it calmly, they had met Lu Tingxiao a few times. He even had dinner at their house, and seeing the way he interacted with Xiao Xi, they could tell that the child was genuine about Xiao Xi.

Zhuang Liaoyuan's prejudice towards him had mainly come from the way his family had wronged Xiao Xi…

As Lu Chongshan spoke, tears flooded his eyes and his voice trembled slightly. "Tingxiao is a very filial son. He's always been searching for a way to please both sides. Actually, his mother and I did waver previously and were prepared to go with the flow, but who would've thought that such a turmoil would befall the Lu family?

"Just seven days ago, Tingxiao told me that they could solve everything and had set a seven-day pact with me, but… I didn't believe him… It was my fault…"



Chapter 1733: Today We Must Take Her Away

After Zhuang Liaoyuan contemplated to himself, he exchanged a glance with his father beside him, then chose his words carefully as he said, "We're not interested in getting involved with the Lu family's disputes. The main point is now that the matter has developed to this, whatever you say won't change the fact that Xiao Xi is in a coma. We just want to take Xiao Xi home now."

"Lin Jian, retrieve the lady." Without waiting for Lu Chongshan and Yan Ruyi to say anything, Zhuang Liaoyuan had already raised his hand to command the people. Obviously, they were determined to take her away that very day.

"Understood!"

After the young officer from earlier accepted the order, he immediately brought a team of people, including a professional medical personnel, to walk straight towards the ward entrance. Beside them, the doctor and nurses were intimidated by the hostility of the militants. All of them cowered on the side. No one dared to step up and stop them.

That young officer named Lin Jian took huge strides towards the ward entrance and was about to push the door when suddenly, the door was opened from the inside.



A towering man in a black suit with a reserved air stood at the entrance. He gazed around from the corner of his eye. That powerful presence of a person who always found himself in top positions and the murderous aura that could only be exuded by someone who had experienced thousands of battles suddenly oozed right out.

Lin Jian, who had long endured battlegrounds, had his sharp senses heightened towards danger. His hand suddenly felt for the weapon by his waist in alarm and he paused in his steps, not daring to continue moving forward.

When Zhuang Liaoyuan saw Lu Tingxiao appear, the air around him suddenly dropped a few degrees too.

The two men stood opposite each other, their presence equally matched. Suddenly, the atmosphere turned extremely tense.

Zhuang Liaoyuan's thin lips tightened into a straight line. His voice was extremely cool as he said, "Lu Tingxiao, before this I was already against the two of you getting together because I know very well that Xiao Xi is too innocent. Families like yours aren't suitable for her. And this has been proven. All of this has come true. In such a situation, once there's a first, there might be a second.

"I only hate myself for not stopping it in time back then and letting something like this happen today. I watched helplessly as she became the way she is today. So, I'm sorry! Today, we must take her away! In the future, whether Xiao Xi is doing well or not will have nothing to do with you Lus!"

On the side, Zhuang Rongguang nodded in agreement. "That's right! I already thought you didn't match my cousin. She's so beautiful and wonderful. She could've married anyone. Why would she marry someone with a child from their previous marriage?! Now, my cousin has almost lost her life from rescuing your son! Isn't this enough?"

Zhuang Zongren stood on the side without saying anything, but clearly, he agreed with Zhuang Liaoyuan. It was evident that they had set their mind to it. They were ready to take their granddaughter far, far away from the Lu family.



Lu Tingxiao did not respond to Zhuang Liaoyuan and Zhuang Rongguang. Instead, his eyes fell onto Zhuang Zongren. "Chief Zhuang, may I speak with you privately?"

Zhuang Rongguang became anxious when he heard this request. "What for?! What more is there to say? You should just bring your son to find some family's heiress to be his stepmother! Don't come to hurt my cousin anymore!"

Zhuang Zongren stared solemnly at the young man opposite him. There was no shift in his eyes at all as he stared right back.

Moments later, Zhuang Zongren said, "Okay."

"Grandfather…"

Zhuang Zongren raised his hand to tell his grandson to keep quiet, then he walked to the end of the corridor to speak alone with Lu Tingxiao.

Zhuang Rongguang was worried about them. "Father! Why didn't you stop them earlier?! What if that guy's glib tongue bewitches Grandfather?"

Zhuang Liaoyuan shot his son a sidelong look. "Do you think it's so easy to bewitch your grandfather?"

Zhuang Rongguang scratched his head. "Well, you're right…"

Chapter 1734: Do Not Be Nice, Slam Him!

Zhuang Rongguang was muttering to himself and rolling up his sleeves ready for battle.

Grandfather, do not be nice! Slam him!

Lu Chongshan and Yan Ruiyi exchanged a glance, their hearts filled with unease.

The Zhuang family was very determined. Could Tingxiao really have a way to persuade the Elder Chief?

What if he failed? What would they do?

What about Little Treasure?



At the end of the corridor.

Zhuang Zongren's expression was cold as if there was frost on his face. He was very determined. "What do you want to say? Say it now. But I must state in advance. No matter what you have to say, I'll definitely bring the Xi girl away today. I was already wrong once because of my hesitation. I'll definitely not let Xi girl be hurt once more. Even though Rongguang's words were harsh earlier, his rationale was not wrong. Xi girl doesn't need you people to make anything up to her. She doesn't need your meaningless guilt. You can take the child away and start your new beginnings, while Xi girl…"

"Little Treasure is Ning Xi's and my own flesh and blood," interrupted Lu Tingxiao.

Zhuang Zongren's remaining words were stuck in his throat. He stared in bewilderment at the young man before him. "You… What did you just say?"

"Ning Xi and I are parents to Little Treasure," repeated Lu Tingxiao.

Despite his raging temperament, Zhuang Zongren was currently flabbergasted for a long time before he reacted, "You're saying… You're saying Little Treasure is Xi girl's biological child?!"

"Yes. Little Treasure is Ning Xi's biological son, and your great-grandchild," answered Lu Tingxiao truthfully.

Most of the Zhuang family's generation up to Ning Xi, Zhuang Keer, and Zhuang Rongguang had not gotten married yet. Those who did get married had been so busy with work and careers that they did not have any children yet, so Zhuang Zongren did not have any great-grandchildren. He felt very regretful about this and was wondering if he would be able to cradle the Zhuang family's fourth generation of children before he passed…

Now, Lu Tingxiao suddenly told him that he had a great-grandson…



How was this not a shock to him?

Apart from being shocked, there was a stir of emotions that could not be suppressed.

"Young boy, are you telling the truth? Are you swindling me?" Zhuang Zongren asked seriously.

Lu Tingxiao's expression did not stir. "I privately did a DNA test at Imperial's military hospital for Little Treasure and Ning Xi. If you don't believe me, you can go ask Dr. Zheng from the hospital. You have an amicable personal friendship with him, so I'm sure you'll believe his words. Taking a step back, even if there wasn't any test, just based on your judgment, do you really think that Little Treasure isn't a part of your Zhuang family?"

The old chief immediately replied without even thinking, "This child has excellent marksmanship at such a young age. He's even more talented than Rongguang! Would it be strange if he's a part of our Zhuang family?"

When Zhuang Zongren finished, he realized that he seemed to have fallen into Lu Tingxiao's trap, but he could not care less. He recalled the short encounter he had with Little Treasure back then and was even more fearful as he thought about it. "Similar… Too similar… No wonder I thought that Little Treasure seemed to have a remarkable resemblance to Xi girl…"

Zhuang Zongren then paused. "No, wait… You just said that you only knew about this after doing the DNA test. Could it be that Xi girl doesn't even know about this herself?"

Lu Tingxiao's cast turned grave and he nodded. "Yes, currently Xiao Xi still doesn't know this. This matter is very complicated. On one hand, it's due to my selfishness. On the other hand, there have been too many doubtful points that I've yet to clarify. I daren't act rashly so as to not alert anyone else.

"This isn't the place to talk about this. Later on, I'll explain the whole situation in detail, but before I get to the bottom of things, I hope that you can temporarily keep this matter a secret."

Zhuang Zongren nodded his head heavily and said, "Naturally, I will act accordingly."

Then, he looked somewhat eagerly as he asked, "Where's Little Treasure now?"

Chapter 1735: Exactly What He Wanted

"Little Treasure is with Xiao Xi in the ward."

Lu Tingxiao then continued, "The incident this time has caused a massive trauma to the child because he's feeling overly guilty. He can't face the fact that Xiao Xi might've died to save him. After he woke up, he couldn't hear anyone. He didn't eat, didn't drink, and didn't say anything."

Zhuang Zongren's face instantly tensed up. "How did that happen? How's the child now then?"

"Later on, I told him that Xiao Xi's in a coma right now and that his mother needs him. Then, he started to slowly recover and he's been guarding closely by her side. Little Treasure can't leave his mother right now, and I believe that with the joined hearts of mother and son, Little Treasure is the person who could most possibly awaken Xiao Xi."

Zhuang Zongren, who had treated Lu Tingxiao with disdain earlier, was now nodding at everything he was saying. "That's right, you make a lot of sense! We definitely can't separate Little Treasure and Xi girl now!"

Zhuang Zongren turned to Lu Tingxiao and asked, "What do you think?"

Lu Tingxiao paused before he suggested, "With Elder Zhuang's connections, you can obviously get better medical treatments than me, so I support you taking Xiao Xi away."



When Zhuang Zongren heard Lu Tingxiao's opinion was not like his parents who had wanted to blindly keep Xiao Xi, the remaining anger in his heart dissipated and he revealed a satisfied expression. "At least, you know what's good and what's bad."

"But Little Treasure definitely can't be separated from Xiao Xi, so how about we let Little Treasure go with you?"

When Zhuang Zongren heard this, he was overjoyed as that was exactly what he wanted. "Let Little Treasure come with me? That would obviously be the best! But are you sure you can make the decision about this?"

Lu Tingxiao nodded. "My parents would agree. Don't you worry."

Zhuang Zongren immediately clapped his hands in delight. "That's fantastic. Let's decide on that then!"

…

Not too far away, when Zhuang Rongguang saw that his grandfather was still talking to the man for such a long time, he could not help but start to worry.

The two of them had their backs facing them, so they could neither hear anything nor see their expressions. They did not know what they were talking about for so long.

As he was considering whether he should secretly sneak over to eavesdrop, the two people finally returned from the end of the corridor.

"Grandfather! Grandfather, you're back! You definitely didn't listen to this guy's cheating wheedling, did you?" Zhuang Rongguang quickly walked right up to his grandfather with an anticipating expression.



Zhuang Zongren shot his grandson a look. "What nonsense are you spewing?"

Zhuang Rongguang quickly massaged his shoulders to curry favor with him. "I knew that Grandfather definitely wouldn't! Now, we can take Cousin away, can't we?"

Zhuang Zongren responded, "Mmm, naturally we need to take her."

Zhuang Rongguang's was instantly thrilled, while Lu Chongshan and Yan Ruyi revealed anxious expressions opposite them.

"Lin Jian…"

Zhuang Liaoyuan was about to order his people to go in and retrieve her when Zhuang Zongren unhappily interrupted him, "Hold on, don't move! Everyone, back away. There are so many of you. What if you frighten them? I'll go myself!"

Zhuang Liaoyuan frowned. Zhuang Rongguang was confused.

Frightened? Sis Xi is in a coma! Who is going to be frightened?

Zhuang Zongren personally walked over and naturally, no one dared to stop him.

Thus, the crowd could only watch as Zhuang Zongren walked towards Ning Xi's ward with a grave expression.

After he entered, he saw a tender little guy lying by Ning Xi's bed. His little hand was in his mother's palm as he stared at her without blinking as if afraid she would disappear, as if in his eyes, there was only him and his mother in this entire world…

Zhuang Zongren was moved when he saw this. tears started to well up in his eyes. He tried his best to speak with a gentle tone as if afraid of startling the little guy, "Little Treasure… Hey, Little Treasure! Come to Great… Cough, cough… Come to Grandfather Zhuang…"

Chapter 1736: Who Are You Calling Kiddo?

The little guy seemed to have noticed that an outsider had invaded his reclusive world. His initially clingy expression when looking at his mother suddenly changed. His cute little face suddenly froze and his gaze sharply shot towards the other person in the ward.

Like a little beast that suddenly revealed its claws, even though he was young and tender, his vigor was not weak at all.

Clunk, clunk! Suddenly, there was a weird sound like metal chafing. A row of robots suddenly appeared inside the suite. The robots' bodies reflected ice-cold brightness as the metal arms' pitch-dark ports all pointed towards the "invader".

"Oh my God! When did Little Treasure bring these toys over?" Lu Jingli was so frightened he almost fled ignominiously. He quickly found something to block them to avoid any accidental injuries later on that would bring him to his death.

When they saw those uniformed robots which were clearly controlled by someone, the people in the Zhuang family including the officers outside were all shocked.

Zhuang Rongguang's eyes were about to fall out of his sockets. "So cool! These… these robots can't possibly be controlled by this kiddo, can they?"

When he took a better look, there was indeed a black object that looked like a control device in Little Treasure's hand.



"Little bunny kiddo! Who are you calling a kiddo?!" Zhuang Rongguang had just finished when his head was smacked hard by Zhuang Zongren.

Zhuang Rongguang instantly wailed and clutched his head, seeming stupid from getting beaten. "Grandfather, why did you hit me!?"

Zhuang Zongren shot him a look. His eyes were full of praise as he looked at the little guy who was sternly protecting Ning Xi. His tone was even gentler and more loving now. "Little Treasure, don't be nervous. Don't be afraid. We won't hurt her… We're here to help her…"

Little Treasure's expression did not change at all. He was on high alert as he used his little body to block Ning Xi from the front. Those robots of his remained in their standby mode too.

Zhuang Zongren revealed a helpless expression.

At this moment, Lu Tingxiao walked past the robots and right up to Little Treasure. He squatted down and said to him, "Want to let Mommy get better sooner?"

The little guy's attention was immediately attracted by this sentence and he looked hopefully at Lu Tingxiao.

Lu Tingxiao continued, "You've met Grandfather Zhuang before. Mommy was there too, do you remember?"

When he heard "Mommy", the little bun started to consider seriously, then he nodded.

After Zhuang Zongren saw that the little guy still remembered him, he seemed instantly gratified.



"Grandfather Zhuang is Mommy's friend. He can send Mommy to a better hospital," said Lu Tingxiao.

When the little guy heard this, even though he had relaxed a little, he still did not have any intentions of yielding.

"You stay with Mommy. Go with Grandfather Zhuang, okay?"

It was only when Lu Tingxiao said this did Little Treasure completely relax and he nodded.

At the same, the robots that had blocked the sickbed all put away the weapons on their arms and retreated in two rows, making a pathway.

When Lu Jingli saw this, he patted his chest and walked out from behind the door in confusion.

What was going on? His brother was not only letting the Zhuang family take Xiao Xi Xi away. He even let them take Little Treasure too?

Was this not giving away his bride and losing his son too?

At this moment, Zhuang Zongren took a deep breath and tried to probe again, "Little Treasure, come. Come to Grandfather Zhuang?"

Little Treasure hesitated, then he finally walked towards Zhuang Zongren.

As Zhuang Zongren watched the way the little child pledged his life to protect his mother and the way the child walked towards him while he kept looking back, his heart ached for him. He carefully picked the little guy up in his arms.

After he consoled Little Treasure, Zhuang Zongren then ordered the entourage of medical personnel to transfer the patient out.

Chapter 1737: So Aggrieved That He Almost Threw A Tantrum

Zhuang Zongren carried the tender little guy in his arms and coaxed him extremely patiently, "Little Treasure, don't be scared. Follow Grandfather home. Grandfather will take good care of your mother. Grandfather will also ensure that no one is allowed to separate Little Treasure and Mommy. Little Treasure can continue to stay by Mommy's side!"

As the little bun watched this warm old man before him, his vigilant little face softened and he nodded obediently.

When he saw that the little guy had reacted to his words and had even nodded, Zhuang Zongren could not contain his joy. "Good, good, good… Let's go home right now!"

Zhuang Zongren was very strict with his children and the younger generation. Furthermore, since he had been in top positions for most of his life, he usually conducted himself more seriously and rigidly. A smile in front of the younger ones was rare, yet now he was unbelievably gentle to Little Treasure.

When Zhuang Rongguang saw his own grandfather fondly carrying the little bun, he was dumbfounded. He quickly walked up to Zhuang Zongren. "Grandfather, what's up with you? It's enough to take Cousin away! Why're we even bringing this kiddo… this little brat along?"



What happened to drawing the line with the Lu family? What was up with this little bun!?

Zhuang Zongren gently patted Little Treasure's back to persuade him as he unhappily shot Zhuang Rongguang a look. "Do I need your approval to do things? Don't blindly cause a ruckus here. Now that you're here, quickly return to the unit!"

"Huh! You want to take this little brat home, yet chase me away! Am I still your true grandson?!" Zhuang Rongguang was so aggrieved that he was about to throw a tantrum. "Father, are you even going to care!?"

Zhuang Liaoyuan's thin lips pursed and he did not say anything. He glanced dully towards Lu Tingxiao's direction, not looking satisfied at all.

He did not know what the fellow had said to his father, so much so that he could make his father insist on bringing the child along.

The point was not about bringing the child along; it was that after they did so, they definitely could not pull away from the Lu family.

Damn it, he had still underestimated him!

"I will transfer Xi girl to the Beijing suburban military sanatorium. As for Little Treasure, I'm sad that he's so young and has a close relationship with Xi girl, so he can't leave her now. I'll bring him along. Do you guys have any objections?" Zhuang Zongren turned to Lu Chongshan and Yan Ruyi.



Even though Zhuang Zongren had used an inquiring tone, he still held on to Little Treasure without letting go. Clearly, he was set on his decision.

Lu Chongshan and Yan Ruyi looked at each other. They did not expect that the final outcome would be like this. They suddenly fell into a dilemma.

It was great that Little Treasure and Ning Xi were not separated, but to let the Zhuang family take Little Treasure away too… This…

"Why? Still worried that our Zhuang family will conspire to murder your grandson?" Zhuang Zongren suddenly said in a stiff tone.

Lu Chongshan looked at his son on the side. He knew that this was probably the best outcome that his son could have fought for. Since Tingxiao had done so, he must have had his reasons.

Besides, since people like the Zhuang family were going to fetch Little Treasure over, they would definitely take good care of him, so their worries were unnecessary.

Thus, after Lu Chongshan's short hesitation, he said, "Elder Zhuang, you've nothing to be skeptical about. We're just worried that Little Treasure will trouble you too much!"

"It's no trouble." Zhuang Zongren immediately decided upon hearing this. "Since there're no opinions, it's decided then."

"Damn… Who said there aren't any opinions?" Zhuang Rongguang had been completely ignored.

Chapter 1737: So Aggrieved That He Almost Threw A Tantrum

Zhuang Zongren carried the tender little guy in his arms and coaxed him extremely patiently, "Little Treasure, don't be scared. Follow Grandfather home. Grandfather will take good care of your mother. Grandfather will also ensure that no one is allowed to separate Little Treasure and Mommy. Little Treasure can continue to stay by Mommy's side!"

As the little bun watched this warm old man before him, his vigilant little face softened and he nodded obediently.

When he saw that the little guy had reacted to his words and had even nodded, Zhuang Zongren could not contain his joy. "Good, good, good… Let's go home right now!"

Zhuang Zongren was very strict with his children and the younger generation. Furthermore, since he had been in top positions for most of his life, he usually conducted himself more seriously and rigidly. A smile in front of the younger ones was rare, yet now he was unbelievably gentle to Little Treasure.

When Zhuang Rongguang saw his own grandfather fondly carrying the little bun, he was dumbfounded. He quickly walked up to Zhuang Zongren. "Grandfather, what's up with you? It's enough to take Cousin away! Why're we even bringing this kiddo… this little brat along?"



What happened to drawing the line with the Lu family? What was up with this little bun!?

Zhuang Zongren gently patted Little Treasure's back to persuade him as he unhappily shot Zhuang Rongguang a look. "Do I need your approval to do things? Don't blindly cause a ruckus here. Now that you're here, quickly return to the unit!"

"Huh! You want to take this little brat home, yet chase me away! Am I still your true grandson?!" Zhuang Rongguang was so aggrieved that he was about to throw a tantrum. "Father, are you even going to care!?"

Zhuang Liaoyuan's thin lips pursed and he did not say anything. He glanced dully towards Lu Tingxiao's direction, not looking satisfied at all.

He did not know what the fellow had said to his father, so much so that he could make his father insist on bringing the child along.

The point was not about bringing the child along; it was that after they did so, they definitely could not pull away from the Lu family.

Damn it, he had still underestimated him!

"I will transfer Xi girl to the Beijing suburban military sanatorium. As for Little Treasure, I'm sad that he's so young and has a close relationship with Xi girl, so he can't leave her now. I'll bring him along. Do you guys have any objections?" Zhuang Zongren turned to Lu Chongshan and Yan Ruyi.



Even though Zhuang Zongren had used an inquiring tone, he still held on to Little Treasure without letting go. Clearly, he was set on his decision.

Lu Chongshan and Yan Ruyi looked at each other. They did not expect that the final outcome would be like this. They suddenly fell into a dilemma.

It was great that Little Treasure and Ning Xi were not separated, but to let the Zhuang family take Little Treasure away too… This…

"Why? Still worried that our Zhuang family will conspire to murder your grandson?" Zhuang Zongren suddenly said in a stiff tone.

Lu Chongshan looked at his son on the side. He knew that this was probably the best outcome that his son could have fought for. Since Tingxiao had done so, he must have had his reasons.

Besides, since people like the Zhuang family were going to fetch Little Treasure over, they would definitely take good care of him, so their worries were unnecessary.

Thus, after Lu Chongshan's short hesitation, he said, "Elder Zhuang, you've nothing to be skeptical about. We're just worried that Little Treasure will trouble you too much!"

"It's no trouble." Zhuang Zongren immediately decided upon hearing this. "Since there're no opinions, it's decided then."

"Damn… Who said there aren't any opinions?" Zhuang Rongguang had been completely ignored.

Chapter 1738: Don't Want Father To Leave

Lu Tingxiao personally sent them to the Beijing suburban military sanatorium.

Only the country's top leaders or their family members could access the sanatorium. All of the medical facilities were top-notch. Most importantly, there were elite troops stationed all around, so it was definitely safe and secured.

Lu Tingxiao bent over to plant a kiss on the girl's forehead. He looked at her for a long time before he got up, then he said to his son, "Little Treasure, stay with Mommy. Listen to Uncle Zhuang and Grandfather Zhuang. Understand?"

Little Treasure stood there, with his head lowered, and did not say anything.

"I'm leaving."

Little Treasure still did not move. There was no reaction at all.



Lu Tingxiao sighed faintly. His wide palm patted the little guy's head gently before he turned around to leave.

He had just walked a few steps away when there was suddenly a soft bump on one of his legs.

Lu Tingxiao looked down and saw that his son was hugging him tightly. He looked up at him and did not say anything, yet his little face was already covered in tears.

Yes, he hated Father. He had always hated him, but he did not want Father to leave…

When he saw his son's little tearful face, Lu Tingxiao heart felt as if it was gnawed on by greenflies. It was a pang of pain right to his heart. He quickly squatted down and pulled his son's little body into his embrace. He had picked up the way Ning Xi usually comforted Little Treasure as he gently patted him in a flurry. "Don't cry. What's wrong?"

Zhuang Zongren, who stood at the entrance, felt tears well up in his eyes. He quickly walked over to console, "Little Treasure, don't cry, don't cry! Daddy's not leaving and not coming back forever. Your father can come over to see you and your mother anytime! Grandfather guarantees it!"

Sigh, he was still a child, after all, and he had just experienced such a shock too. The mother he was closest to might never wake up again for saving him, and now his father was going to leave too. Suddenly, he had to be left in a completely foreign environment. How could he not panic!?

When he saw the little guy cry without a word, Zhuang Zongren's heart ached and he was at a loss. He blurted out, "Ahh, well… Tingxiao, how about you stay here for the night? This suite is huge. It's enough for you two to stay in. You accompany Little Treasure, then we'll decide again when he adapts to the environment. Don't rush to leave! What's more important than your child? Do you hear me?"

Lu Tingxiao was still comforting Little Treasure as he did not know what to do. He sub-consciously nodded when he heard the old man. "Got it."



It was one thing to bring the child along. Now, he had even allowed Lu Tingxiao to visit as he wished, and even let him stay for the night?

At the entrance, Zhuang Liaoyuan could not interrupt at all. Before he could stop the old man, he watched helplessly as things progressed to this stage, seeming rather unhappy and helpless as he sighed to himself.

…

Lu Tingxiao left the next morning.

When he reached Platinum Palace, there were already five lean men all in black uniforms, waiting in the study room. One man stood out away from the five of them. Tang Lang wore something multi-colored like a color palette. He had disheveled, curly hair as he casually laid on the sofa, appearing a little dispirited.

At the desk, the man said with an icy expression, "The operation this time will have Tang Lang as the main commander. Do you have any objections?"

The five people all answered "no" together.

Tang Lang raised his hand and his mouth twitched as he grumbled, "Me? Main commander?"

Lu Tingxiao shot him a side look. "Do you have a problem?"

"No… No problem at all! Boss, you're exceptional at mobilizing people!" Tang Lang's dispirited expression was swept clean and there was a flash in his eyes. "I absolutely won't disgrace your order!"

Chapter 1739: Someone Who Can Definitely Get In Touch

At Ling Zhizhi's office in Glory World Entertainment.

Xiao Tao panted as she knocked to enter. "Sis Zhizhi! Bro Xi's house… and all of the places that Bro Xi might have gone… I've searched them all… but I still can't find her…"

"She's not at any of those places?" Ling Zhizhi's expression sunk when she heard her.

In this period of time, Ning Xi's filming had gone on one after another. She almost had not taken any rest, so after "Thunderbolt Secret Service Squad" finished shooting, she had given Ning Xi a long break to let her rest well.

Even though she was on break, in case there was an emergency, as usual, she had especially urged Ning Xi that communicating via the phone would still be necessary.

In this aspect, Ning Xi had always acted accordingly. Basically, she would not worry her, but who would have thought that this time, there would be a problem?

Tonight was the premiere of "Nine Realms". Initially, she had asked Xiao Tao to call Ning Xi to post on Weibo to promote and interact with her fans and drive up the ratings. However, Ning Xi's handphone and home landline could not be contacted. Xiao Tao was worried and went to Ning Xi's house to look for her, but she did not find her. After that, she had even gone to the places she frequented, yet she was nowhere to be found.



Xiao Tao wiped the sweat on her brow. "Yes, I've looked everywhere! What do we do now, Sis Zhizhi? Something couldn't have happened to Bro Xi, could it?"

"Don't be nonsensical."

"Okay…" Xiao Tao quickly kept quiet, then her eyes lit up. She suggested, "Sis Zhizhi, there's someone who can definitely get in touch with Bro Xi!"

"Who?"

"Big Boss!" Xiao Tao blurted out, "How about we call the Big Boss to ask?"

Ling Zhizhi thought hard about it. That person's identity was rather special, and she was just a mere manager, so directly calling to ask for Ning Xi's whereabouts was probably inappropriate.

After Ling Zhizhi considered it over and over again, she made the call.

It had probably rung seven or eight times before the call got through. A sleepy voice picked up. "Manager Ling… If you don't have a good reason for waking me up…"

"Ning Xi is missing. Do you have any way of getting in touch with her?" Ling Zhizhi asked frankly.

The other end of the phone was quiet for two seconds, then the man's voice was clearly much more awake. "Ning Xi is missing? What do you mean?"



"Tonight is the premiere of "Nine Realm". I initially wanted to ask her to post on Weibo, but we can't get through to her phone. We've looked for her at home and the places she usually frequents, but we couldn't find her," Ling Zhizhi quickly explained the situation.

"Tsk, this fella… Is she hiding somewhere to drink again? Can't believe she didn't call me for a drink!" muttered Jiang Muye.

"Ning Xi isn't someone who'd act inappropriately," insisted Ling Zhizhi.

"Please! Did you forget about the last time she went crazy at the bar and almost caused a fan rebellion?" Jiang Muye immediately dug up an old story.

"I'm just worried something's happened to her…"

"You're thinking too much! Even if something happened. It would happen to someone else, ok?" Jiang Muye mocked. However, when he considered Ling Zhizhi's anxious tone, he kindly said, "Fine, I'll help you look for her!"

"Okay, and may I trouble you to help me check if she's with CEO Lu?"

"Oh…" Jiang Muye was suddenly astonished in the next second. "Bloody heck! You… How do you know about her and my uncle?"

"This isn't the main point."

"How is it not the main point? Gosh! I'm still counting on using this against that girl! She was afraid of you finding out! Now, there's no more fun," Jiang Muye said with a pained tone.

Ling Zhizhi fell into a speechless silence.

Chapter 1740: I’m Here For Ning Xiao Xi

After Jiang Muye hung up on the call with Ling Zhizhi, he went outside in just his pajamas.

Where else could the girl be? Apart from filming, she would just be showering her affection all over her man…

When he arrived at the door to Lu Tingxiao's villa, a person suddenly rushed over and they both clashed.

"Oh! Second Uncle… What are you doing? Why are you in such a hurry?!"

Lu Jingli picked up the documents from the floor one by one and quickly asked, "I'm here for my brother. Why are you here?"

"I'm here for Ning Xiao Xi! Ling Zhizhi called me and said that she couldn't get in touch with her!" Jiang Muye replied.

Lu Jingli's expression changed and he froze when he heard Ning Xi's name.



Jiang Muye frowned when he saw the change in Lu Jingli's expression. "What happened?"

Lu Jingli pinched the space between his eyebrows. He was not sure where he should begin.

Too many things had happened lately and the whole Lu family was in a mess right now. Everyone was at a loss about what to do. They were just done with the Zhuang family. A lot of other things still had to be handled.

Handling Ning Xi's career would be extremely difficult…

No one knew when Ning Xi would wake up, so what could they do with her career? How should they tell the media and her fans?

Jiang Muye had never seen such a serious expression on Lu Jingli's face before. He became nervous and he asked, "Second Uncle, what's wrong? Could it be… that she wants to break up with Uncle?"

Lu Jingli took a deep breath and said, "Xiao Xi Xi… Something happened to her… Little Treasure was kidnapped… She was injured gravely from rescuing Little Treasure… She's still unconscious after the surgery…"

Jiang Muye's face went blank. He did not expect that something bad would have really happened to Ning Xi.

"What… What do you mean she's still unconscious?" Jiang Muye's voice trembled.

"She's in a coma, a vegetative state. She needs to rely on a breathing machine to survive at the moment…"



"How could it be? How could it be like this?! When did this happen?" Jiang Muye still could not believe it.

"We brought her back the night before yesterday. The surgery was completed yesterday morning, and she's now being sent to the military sanatorium in the suburbs…"

Jiang Muye was stunned. His jaw went slack, but no words came out.

The Lu family had locked down the news, so nothing had leaked out despite it being such a severe matter. Therefore, he only found out about it now!

"Bro!" Lu Jingli saw Lu Tingxiao come out of the house.

Lu Tingxiao took the documents from Lu Jingli. At the same time, a black car stopped by the door. Lu Tingxiao boarded it swiftly and left a message. "Go and get Ling Zhizhi and Xiao Tao. Send them to the sanatorium. I'll be there soon."

Jiang Muye then offered, "Uncle, let me get them!"

Lu Tingxiao contemplated his offer.

Lu Jingli gave Jiang Muye a pat on the shoulder. "Thank you then, Muye. Remember to keep this a secret! We have to discuss how to work this out from now on. We're trying not to affect Xiao Xi Xi's career…"

Jiang Muye nodded.

After the car left, Jiang Muye stood there for some time before he called Ling Zhizhi. "Hello, Zhizhi… Where are you and Xiao Tao? I'll go and get you guys!"

Chapter 1741: I Can’t Keep The Pretense Up For Very Long

At the military sanatorium in the suburbs of Beijing.

A black Maybach and a silver Ferrari came to a stop near the entrance at the same time.

"Uncle, I got them here!"

"CEO Lu!"

"Boss!"

After they greeted one another, everyone went towards the sanatorium.

Xiao Tao's eyes flew wide open when she saw the place in front of her. There were armed soldiers guarding the entrance and a tall sentry box with guards.

Was this not the legendary military sanatorium? It was said that only important officers or family members could stay here!

Why was Bro Xi here?



Could CEO Lu have arranged it?

As they arrived at the entrance, Lu Tingxiao made a call. "I've brought a few people, hoping to see Xiao Xi. They are Xiao Xi's manager and assistant. We have to handle Xiao Xi's career carefully, so they need to know about this."

Soon, someone came out from the inside.

It was a young officer.

The guard by the door saluted the officer. "Colonel Lin!"

"Mmm, open the door and let them in."

"Yes."

"Please, CEO Lu." Lin Qian brought the group into the care center.

On the first floor, they walked for about ten minutes and went past several sentry posts, before finally reaching a small, red-bricked building hidden within a forest. If not for Lin Qian's guide, regular people would not make it there.

It was not advisable for too many people to go in at once, so Ling Zhizhi's group stood outside and looked in through the glass window.

"Once upon a time, there was a beautiful girl who was liked by everyone. The person who liked her the most was her grandmother. She would give her everything she wanted. Once, the grandmother gave the girl a small red hat made of velvet. It fit just right on the girl's head. Ever since…"

The soft and gentle voice echoed in the room.



Lu Tingxiao's expression softened as he looked at Little Treasure and the girl in silence.

Lu Jingli was touched as well. "Little Treasure spoke…"

Under the warm sunlight, the little boy was sitting by the bed with a book in his hand. He was reading the book with his gentle voice like an angel.

The girl beside him was lying on the bed quietly. Bandages were all over her with complex-looking machines beside her and numerous tubes were hooked up to her body.

Jiang Muye could not stand it anymore. After just a glance, he covered his eyes in denial and rushed out.

Ling Zhizhi looked on in pain. Jiang Muye had only told her about the situation vaguely in the car, but she did not expect it to be this terrible after she saw it for herself.

Xiao Tao stood beside Ling Zhizhi with a pale face. Her body started shaking. "Bro Xi…"

"Ms. Ling, how long can you delay the news?" Lu Tingxiao asked straightforwardly.

Ling Zhizhi took a deep breath to calm herself down, then she replied, "To be honest, I'm not sure. It would depend on the reaction of her fans.

"The three projects Ning Xi was involved in will be airing soon: "Nine Realms", "Mother", and "Thunderbolt Secret Service Squad". Ning Xi's popularity will reach its peak, and at this period of time, it should be her most active period. She would have to attend all the promotional events since she's part of the main cast.

"It would still be alright if Ning Xi doesn't show up once or twice, but people will start to be suspicious if the frequency of her not appearing grows."

Ling Zhizhi then said with a troubled expression, "I'm afraid… I can't keep the pretense up for very long…"

Chapter 1742: I’m Sorry, It’s My Fault

The atmosphere became heavy after Ling Zhizhi's reply. Everyone looked tense.

They understood how much Ning Xi loved her career and how much effort she had invested in it. They would try their best to protect what she held dear.

Lu Tingxiao quietly observed the girl behind the glass window. After a short moment of silence, he grimly said, "If Xiao Xi is still unconscious after three months, announce her actual situation."

Ling Zhizhi nodded. The deadline Lu Tingxiao had given was somewhat similar to the estimation of the tenure she could handle.

"During this period of time, I'll manage Ning Xi's social media accounts and try my best to drag on in order to maintain Ning Xi's popularity. It'd be best if Ning Xi wakes up, but… if things go out of control, I'll hold a press conference and prepare a suitable explanation to tell Ning Xi's fans."



Ling Zhizhi understood that the chances of Ning Xi's recovery were low, but she wanted to try as long as there was hope.

Fortunately, Ning Xi was staying in the military sanatorium. There was nowhere else that could offer more privacy, so they could avoid any news from leaking.

However, just what had happened for Ning Xi to be injured this badly?

Ling Zhizhi could sense that there was a lot of secrets within the Lu family involved, so she did not pry into it. She was Ning Xi's manager. All she had to know was that she would give her all to protect Ning Xi's career.

"Mmm." Lu Tingxiao nodded and agreed to Ling Zhizhi's plan. He then gave Ling Zhizhi his personal number. "Call me directly if there's anything about Xiao Xi."

"Okay." Ling Zhizhi nodded.

Now, she understood why Ning Xi, the freedom-loving girl, would choose this man in front of her.

With Lu Tingxiao's position and identity, he could have built a wall around her, given her everything she wanted and made her follow his will.



Ning Xi had been in a relationship with Lu Tingxiao behind her back and she had never noticed it. Ning Xi had even told her that Ke Mingyu was Lu Tingxiao.

This man loved her, yet he had never forced her to do anything. He stayed by her side, respected her, and protected her everything.

As Ling Zhizhi was discussing the details with Lu Tingxiao, Xiao Tao was staring at Ning Xi behind the glass window with a pale face.

"Bro Xi… Is there any chance of her waking up? When will she wake up? In three months?" Xiao Tao asked desperately.

Lu Jingli replied with an awkward tone, "Not sure. Even the doctors don't know when she'll wake up. She might… never wake up…"

"You mean Bro Xi might stay like this her whole life?" Xiao Tao's trembling got even worse.

Lu Jingli put on a bitter smile. "It's not impossible…"

Lu Jingli's words flipped a switch inside her. Xiao Tao seemed to break down. She covered her face and cried, kneeling on the floor and wailing loudly, "Bro Xi… I'm sorry… It's my fault… It's all my fault! I'm sorry… sorry…"

Ling Zhizhi was taken aback when she saw Xiao Tao crying out loud on the ground. She turned around to ask, "Xiao Tao, what's wrong?"

Chapter 1742: I’m Sorry, It’s My Fault

The atmosphere became heavy after Ling Zhizhi's reply. Everyone looked tense.

They understood how much Ning Xi loved her career and how much effort she had invested in it. They would try their best to protect what she held dear.

Lu Tingxiao quietly observed the girl behind the glass window. After a short moment of silence, he grimly said, "If Xiao Xi is still unconscious after three months, announce her actual situation."

Ling Zhizhi nodded. The deadline Lu Tingxiao had given was somewhat similar to the estimation of the tenure she could handle.

"During this period of time, I'll manage Ning Xi's social media accounts and try my best to drag on in order to maintain Ning Xi's popularity. It'd be best if Ning Xi wakes up, but… if things go out of control, I'll hold a press conference and prepare a suitable explanation to tell Ning Xi's fans."



Ling Zhizhi understood that the chances of Ning Xi's recovery were low, but she wanted to try as long as there was hope.

Fortunately, Ning Xi was staying in the military sanatorium. There was nowhere else that could offer more privacy, so they could avoid any news from leaking.

However, just what had happened for Ning Xi to be injured this badly?

Ling Zhizhi could sense that there was a lot of secrets within the Lu family involved, so she did not pry into it. She was Ning Xi's manager. All she had to know was that she would give her all to protect Ning Xi's career.

"Mmm." Lu Tingxiao nodded and agreed to Ling Zhizhi's plan. He then gave Ling Zhizhi his personal number. "Call me directly if there's anything about Xiao Xi."

"Okay." Ling Zhizhi nodded.

Now, she understood why Ning Xi, the freedom-loving girl, would choose this man in front of her.

With Lu Tingxiao's position and identity, he could have built a wall around her, given her everything she wanted and made her follow his will.



Ning Xi had been in a relationship with Lu Tingxiao behind her back and she had never noticed it. Ning Xi had even told her that Ke Mingyu was Lu Tingxiao.

This man loved her, yet he had never forced her to do anything. He stayed by her side, respected her, and protected her everything.

As Ling Zhizhi was discussing the details with Lu Tingxiao, Xiao Tao was staring at Ning Xi behind the glass window with a pale face.

"Bro Xi… Is there any chance of her waking up? When will she wake up? In three months?" Xiao Tao asked desperately.

Lu Jingli replied with an awkward tone, "Not sure. Even the doctors don't know when she'll wake up. She might… never wake up…"

"You mean Bro Xi might stay like this her whole life?" Xiao Tao's trembling got even worse.

Lu Jingli put on a bitter smile. "It's not impossible…"

Lu Jingli's words flipped a switch inside her. Xiao Tao seemed to break down. She covered her face and cried, kneeling on the floor and wailing loudly, "Bro Xi… I'm sorry… It's my fault… It's all my fault! I'm sorry… sorry…"

Ling Zhizhi was taken aback when she saw Xiao Tao crying out loud on the ground. She turned around to ask, "Xiao Tao, what's wrong?"

Chapter 1743: Betrayal

When they saw Xiao Tao's reaction, Lu Jingli exchanged a look with Lu Tingxiao. They did not say anything. Their gazes were calm as if they had predicted this.

"Xiao Tao, please get up first!"

Xiao Tao shook her head hard and pushed Ling Zhizhi away. She insisted on kneeling. "No! Sis Zhizhi! I'm not getting up! It's I… It's I who hurt Bro Xi… It's I who caused Bro Xi to become like this… Bro Xi has been so good to me, yet I made her this way…"

"Xiao Tao, please calm down. What's going on?" Ling Zhizhi's expression was even more solemn now.

Xiao Tao remained very emotional and she kept repeating, "It's all my fault!". Ling Zhizhi consoled her for a very long time before Xiao Tao finally calmed down slightly and knelt there blankly. She said in a shaky voice, "I knew… I already knew… that someone wanted to hurt Bro Xi in secret… They wanted to kill Bro Xi… They wanted Bro Xi's life…"



"What? Someone wants to hurt Ning Xi? How do you know?" Ling Zhizhi quickly asked.

Xiao Tao choked on her sobs as she admitted, "Because those people already came looking for me! When we were filming in Sichuan City, that gun… I switched the gun! It was I who switched the fake gun for a real one!"

"What did you say?" When she heard Xiao Tao's words, Ling Zhizhi stood there stunned. She would never have thought that the culprit they had not discovered up till now… was actually Xiao Tao!

Lu Jingli looked at Xiao Tao who kneeled on the ground and sighed softly.

Previously, they had been trying to investigate who had switched the gun, but they could not get to the bottom of it. It seemed like that gun had been switched in thin air.

But how was such a thing possible?

Then… maybe there was only one possibility left…

This had been done by someone beside Ning Xi who was closest to her, and whom she trusted the most. That was the only way the gun could have been mysteriously switched without leaving any traces.



The person who was beside Ning Xi then, and had such a chance was most likely Xiao Tao.

"The last time, I already almost killed Bro Xi! Thankfully, Bro Xi was alright because she's skilled! I was glad she got lucky. I thought that after those people failed to succeed then, they definitely wouldn't risk it again, so I didn't say anything! I didn't warn Bro Xi! I didn't think I would've hurt Bro Xi and she'd become like this… Sis Zhizhi, I'm sorry… CEO Lu, I'm sorry… It's all my fault… CEO Lu, please lock me up…" Xiao Tao lay on the ground and when she gazed at Ning Xi who was in the bed and covered in bruises, she cried even harder.

Lu Tingxiao looked gravely at the girl on the bed. When he had found out it was Xiao Tao, he was worried that Ning Xi would not be able to accept it, so he had temporarily kept it from her. Instead, he had ordered people to secretly spy on Xiao Tao's movements.

One thing he could be sure of was that the person who ordered Xiao Tao to take Ning Xi's life was definitely not the same group of people from Qiao Yi's end.

Xiao Tao did not understand the whole situation. She thought that Ning Xi's getting harmed this time was also by the same people who had ordered her from before, so when she saw Ning Xi like this, she suddenly broke down and felt that she had hurt her. Under the pressure of extreme self-blame, she confessed everything.

Today, he intentionally got Xiao Tao to come over too. More or less, he had hopes that she would come clean herself.

"Xiao Tao, why would you do that? Who made you do that?" Ling Zhizhi interrogated urgently.

Xiao Tao looked frightened. "Sis Zhizhi, you know I have a younger brother who's studying in an American university right now. Those people captured my brother and threatened me. They said that if I don't follow their orders, they'd kill him… I didn't know who they were either… I just know that they spoke English… They had a translator beside them… They're probably not Chinese…"

Chapter 1744: Did Not Trust Anyone

"Did those people look for you again after that?" Lu Jingli asked from the side.

"Not anymore after that, but they said that they might have tasks for me to do anytime… Probably waiting for a chance to attack… They even threatened me not to tell anyone… Otherwise, my brother will be in danger…"

The reason Xiao Tao would say all of these today, on one hand, was that after she saw Ning Xi in that condition, she broke down out of guilt.

On the other hand, she knew that this place was definitely safe, so she had completely relaxed all her defenses and admitted all of this.



When she thought about Ning Xi, Xiao Tao started to break down in tears again. "Bro Xi was so good to me. She trusted me so much… She never suspected me at all… Other artistes would always order their assistants around. When they're in a bad mood, they would even beat and scold them at every turn, but Bro Xi has always been so gentle to me. he would always think of me whenever there was something yummy or fun. I was clearly the assistant, yet she was always worried that I'd be tired. She wouldn't let me do all the dirty and tiring work…

"This period when I worked alongside Bro Xi was some of my happiest days. If I could… I really wish I could accompany Bro Xi for the rest of her journey…"

Sadly, there was probably no chance of that anymore.

As she listened to Xiao Tao, Ling Zhizhi did not know what to say. Even though she could not believe that the person who betrayed Ning Xi was the person she trusted the most, she could not find much fault with Xiao Tao's situation.

Xiao Tao took a deep breath. She stopped crying and begged Lu Tingxiao, "CEO Lu, I've let Bro Xi down with her care and trust towards me. I've let the company down. You can punish me as you wish! But I'm afraid that after those people find out about my confession here, they'll fly into a rage and something might happen to my brother… I know that you're a resourceful person. You can punish me any way you want, but could you… could you help my brother?"

In an instant, everyone looked at Lu Tingxiao.

Lu Tingxiao said, "I won't punish you. You're Xiao Xi's person. Even if there's punishment, it should be decided by her. As for your brother, if you trust me, I'll guarantee his safety, but I'll state beforehand, you must comply with all my arrangements."



On the side, Lu Jingli explained, "He means just pretend that today didn't happen. Continue to keep in touch with their end and be our spy. If they have any movements, you must tell us right away!"

Xiao Tao was ready to expect the worst, yet she would never have thought that such an outcome awaited her.

She knew that Lu Tingxiao had given her a chance for Ning Xi's sake. Xiao Tao's tears started to fall again and she nodded profusely, "I can cooperate with everything you guys want! As long as I can make up for my past mistakes!"

"About your brother, if other people can touch him, so can I," Lu Tingxiao added with an ice-cold expression.

Clearly, he did not trust anyone.

Xiao Tao suddenly felt her spine shiver. Her body trembled like a sift chaff. "I understand, I understand…"

She knew that she had betrayed Ning Xi once and that she was not deemed trustworthy anymore. She could completely understand CEO Lu's actions.

Instead of being on edge every day, she might as well trust CEO Lu. Even if she was exploited by CEO Lu, it would be better than being threatened by those people.

Ling Zhizhi looked at the way Lu Tingxiao handled things and let out a breath of relief. It seemed like the best course of action. Ning Xi was currently in an unusual phase. If they suddenly changed the assistant that had worked by her side for so long, this would alert the enemy. If they got another person, forget about not being able to explain the situation to the new person, she would not feel at ease using them either…

Chapter 1745: Mother-Protecting Dragon Little Treasure

When he saw that the atmosphere had taken such a terrifying turn, Lu Jingli cleared his throat and tried to smooth things over. "Okay, okay, now that everything is out, we'll decide that then. Bro, you shouldn't keep putting on a poker face. Do you know that even I'm frightened by the way you look until I'm about to pee my pants? You're so near to Sis-in-law. Your aura will affect her!"

When he heard the last sentence, Lu Tingxiao's expression softened.

After they left the ward, they walked to the courtyard and saw that Jiang Muye was squatting underneath a huge tree. His eyes were bloodshot and he looked like he had just cried.

When he saw them come out, Jiang Muye stood up and walked over. He stood in front of Lu Tingxiao grimly. "May I talk to her alone for a while?"

Behind them, Lu Jingli's mouth twitch. Impossible…

"You can't."

Indeed, just as he thought, Lu Jingli heard his brother's answer.

Jiang Muye clenched his fists at the same time.

Right after that, Lu Tingxiao added, "Little Treasure is there."

When Jiang Muye heard this, he saw an opening, so he quickly said, "It's fine if Little Treasure is there!"



Lu Tingxiao did not say anything. He walked away instead, indicating a tacit acceptance.

Jiang Muye then rushed in.

"Pfft… Jiang Muye, this idiot…" When Lu Jingli saw this scene, he did not whether to laugh or cry as he shook his head.

How could it be fine with Little Treasure there?

This guy was probably going to express his feelings to Ning Xi!

In front of LIttle Treasure!

Thinking about that scene made one feel refreshed…

As Ling Zhizhi watched the back of Jiang Muye running at lightning speed, there was an expression of clear understanding on her face.

He regrets now, does he not?

Many times, people had to lose something before they regretted… Before they loathed themselves and questioned why had they not said some things, why had they not done some things…

…

In Ning Xi's ward.

Little Treasure had just finished reading the story of "Little Red Riding Hood" to Ning Xi when he realized someone had suddenly come in to disturb them. Instantly, he frowned unhappily.



Jiang Muye quickly explained, "I just want to say a few words to her. Your father agreed…"

Little Treasure did not say anything. He did not respond to him either. He just continued sitting there quietly.

Jiang Muye cleared his throat and probed, "So, Little Master, could you temporarily step aside a little and let me say a few words to her in private?"

When he heard this, Little Treasure's initial indifferent expression suddenly turned cold. The temperature in the entire ward fell by a few degrees.

Jiang Muye was suddenly embarrassed. He finally knew why Lu Tingxiao had particularly mentioned that Little Treasure was there. "Okay, okay, okay, don't step aside then! You don't have to step aside…"

He thought that since he was just a child, he would not know anything. Jiang Muye did not care about him anymore as he dragged a chair and sat down by Ning Xi's bedside.

Up close, the injuries on the girl looked even more terrifying. Her entire body showed no signs of vitality at all as if all of her life had been sucked out of her.

Jiang Muye wiped his face and stared at the unmoving girl on the bed. "Bastard… Didn't we agree to be reckless beyond horizons?"

After he said this, he buried his head in his hands.

A long while later, Jiang Muye muttered under his breath in an agonizing tone, "If I knew… If I knew, I wouldn't care so much… Why was I so worried about? I don't care what you think of me. I don't care who you like. To hell with dignity! Bastard… I… I like…"

Before Jiang Muye could finish, a breeze whizzed past and locked onto him substantially.

His emotions had just been stirred up when he saw that there was a white and tender little bun by the bedside, staring at him as if he was guarding his precious giant dragon.

That little gaze… was fierce…

Chapter 1746: Lure Him Out

No wonder a certain someone allowed him to see Ning Xi so easily…

There was someone else waiting for him!

In the end, Jiang Muye could not utter those words under the intense glare of the little T-Rex. He just sat there dejectedly and mumbled to himself, "Damn it! Did I mess with the matchmaking temple in my past life?"

What a terrible fate of romance!

…

Late at night, at the border of Country F.

Tang Lang picked a leaf from somewhere and chewed on it. He turned around and told the person beside him, "The guard around the target is at its weakest now. You only have to be mindful of a guy with glasses. I'll seduce that guy… No, I mean, lure him out!"

The person in the black suit was speechless. Was there any difference between seducing and luring? He asked in a doubtful tone, "Are you sure we have enough people? I think we're taking a big risk! They are arms dealers, after all. If they have…"

"Rest assured, Boss said that they definitely won't do anything about it. Don't chicken out and just go for it!" Tang Lang reaffirmed.

He had been pretty worried himself at first, but since Lu Tingxiao said it would be alright, then he had no issues with it.



He was not just blindly trusting Lu Tingxiao… He was just like a miracle!

The last time, no one expected Lu Tingxiao to call Satan at such a crucial time. Then, Satan had actually told him the exact location and listened to him…

He totally believed in Lu Tingxiao's understanding of Satan.

Tang Lang slowly took out his phone and sent a text to Tang Ye: [I'm in the forest 800m away in your 10 o'clock. I can tell you the answer to your question last time. Want to come over?]

Tang Ye replied to him almost immediately after he sent the text: [Ok]

The trap was laid. When he saw a familiar silhouette came out of the house, Tang Lang flashed the person behind him an OK sign. "Done, do it!"

A group of people closed in on the building slowly through the night…

In the forest.

Tang Lang was sitting on a thick tree branch when Tang Ye came over.

He leaped down when he saw Tang Ye. "Hey, that was fast!"

"Answer!" Tang Ye looked at the man expressionlessly.

Tang Lang shrugged. "Tsk, you already know it. Why do you want to ask me again?"

"I want to hear you say it!" Tang Ye gazed at him sharply.



"Fine, fine, I can do that! But let's fight! I'll tell you after you win!" Tang Lang then took the offense.

Tang Lang's expression did not change. He shifted slightly and avoided the first attack. They then clashed with each other.

After ten blows, Tang Lang looked at his opponent's gold-framed glasses and a fire lit up in his eyes. "Are you going to leave your glasses on? Looking down on me now?"

He then started unleashing even more fervent attacks!

After about a hundred exchanges, Tang Lang yelled, "Damn it! Tang Ye, you madman!"

Tang Ye had the odd and crazy ability to get stronger when he met a stronger opponent. They fought neck to neck even when he still had his glasses on and he had not gone berserk…

Tang Ye would not be distracted if he went into battle mode. He would not realize what was happening around him.

It was precisely what Tang Lang wanted.

After some time, Tang Lang relaxed a little when he saw the signal of the operation having gone successfully.

At that very moment, Tang Ye grabbed his vein.

Tang Lang suddenly closed in, but he did not attack. Astonishingly, he hugged his opponent and muttered, "Senior Brother, I'm sorry…"

Tang Ye suddenly snapped out of his battle mode. He looked at the building nearby in terror. "Tang Lang! You…"

Tang Lang said in a cold voice when he saw Tang Ye was about to rush over, "You don't have to go, we've already taken him. Don't blame me for this, Senior Brother. I said before that I don't want to make you my enemy. This is the only way I can think of."

Chapter 1747: Do Whatever You Want

In a villa on the outskirts of Beijing.

Feng Jin covered the gunshot wound on his body and went inside a dark room. "Satan! Uncle Qiao has been kidnapped by Lu Tingxiao's people! Hurry… Quickly send some people to get him! If not, it'll be too late if he falls into Lu Tingxiao's hands…"

On the large sandalwood chair was the silver-haired man. He did not seem bothered at all. He tilted his head and took a sip from his teacup. Then, he looked up coldly. "What does that have to do with me?"

Feng Jin's expression froze and he seemed in despair. "Satan! I know it's Uncle Qiao's fault that he did that behind your back, but everything he did was for your sake! No matter how angry you are, you can't just let him die! He's your…"

Feng Jin's face went pale when the man glared at him with his striking cold gaze. Feng Jin omitted the second half of what he wanted to say. "Master, please remember that he stayed by your side all this year, after all. He invested a lot of effort…"



"Are you trying to gain my sympathy now? Why didn't you think of me as your master when you ignored my orders?"

Feng Jin felt guilty when he remembered what he had done in the past, but he could only continue begging despite the anger directed at him. "Please, think about your mother…"

Yun Shen's expression became even colder when Feng Jin mentioned his mother. "What makes you think that I'm a nice person? That I'd give chances to people who keep on ignoring my orders?"

Feng Jin was anxious when he realized Yun Shen was serious about leaving Qiao Yi behind. "Uncle Qiao has a lot of information on our important matters. It'll be disastrous if Lu Tingxiao gets ahold of him! Hei Long was the best example!"

They thought Hei Long really had not said anything, but he had leaked all their underground secrets, which caused them to suffer a great loss.

Yun Shen was starting to get impatient. "Your so-called important matters? I already gave orders to stop them a year ago, but what did you guys do behind my back? You think I really don't know anything?"

"If we had really stopped the businesses, we'd have lost an arm. How can we fight the Lu family then? Please don't fall into the trap of the Lu family! If Uncle Qiao really gives in, can you imagine the impact to our organization? After Uncle Qiao, Lu Tingxiao's next target will be you!"

"Really? I'm looking forward to it."



…

Feng Jin went out defeated after he failed to convince Yun Shen.

Feng Xiaoxiao leaned against the wall, expecting Feng Jin's defeated expression. "I told you it's futile! You think he's still the doll controlled by Uncle Qiao?"

"But Uncle Qiao did everything for him! How can he be so ungrateful!?"

Feng Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes. "Nonsense! That guy is mad about this, alright? If it weren't for you guys kidnapping Little Treasure, we'd still stand a chance to win! He was looking forward to defeating Lu Tingxiao, and it was all destroyed by you guys. Of course, he'd be angry! Great! Now since you guys are so smart, you guys can do whatever you want!"

Feng Jin felt very sorry for himself. He had been hesitant when Qiao Yi wanted to harm Ning Xi, but he thought Satan would just be angry for a while and then let it go. He did not expect him to abandon Qiao Yi!

"The problem now is how to convince Master…"

"Don't be so naive! You stepped onto his death zone. It's useless whatever you say. Give up!"

Chapter 1747: Do Whatever You Want

In a villa on the outskirts of Beijing.

Feng Jin covered the gunshot wound on his body and went inside a dark room. "Satan! Uncle Qiao has been kidnapped by Lu Tingxiao's people! Hurry… Quickly send some people to get him! If not, it'll be too late if he falls into Lu Tingxiao's hands…"

On the large sandalwood chair was the silver-haired man. He did not seem bothered at all. He tilted his head and took a sip from his teacup. Then, he looked up coldly. "What does that have to do with me?"

Feng Jin's expression froze and he seemed in despair. "Satan! I know it's Uncle Qiao's fault that he did that behind your back, but everything he did was for your sake! No matter how angry you are, you can't just let him die! He's your…"

Feng Jin's face went pale when the man glared at him with his striking cold gaze. Feng Jin omitted the second half of what he wanted to say. "Master, please remember that he stayed by your side all this year, after all. He invested a lot of effort…"



"Are you trying to gain my sympathy now? Why didn't you think of me as your master when you ignored my orders?"

Feng Jin felt guilty when he remembered what he had done in the past, but he could only continue begging despite the anger directed at him. "Please, think about your mother…"

Yun Shen's expression became even colder when Feng Jin mentioned his mother. "What makes you think that I'm a nice person? That I'd give chances to people who keep on ignoring my orders?"

Feng Jin was anxious when he realized Yun Shen was serious about leaving Qiao Yi behind. "Uncle Qiao has a lot of information on our important matters. It'll be disastrous if Lu Tingxiao gets ahold of him! Hei Long was the best example!"

They thought Hei Long really had not said anything, but he had leaked all their underground secrets, which caused them to suffer a great loss.

Yun Shen was starting to get impatient. "Your so-called important matters? I already gave orders to stop them a year ago, but what did you guys do behind my back? You think I really don't know anything?"

"If we had really stopped the businesses, we'd have lost an arm. How can we fight the Lu family then? Please don't fall into the trap of the Lu family! If Uncle Qiao really gives in, can you imagine the impact to our organization? After Uncle Qiao, Lu Tingxiao's next target will be you!"

"Really? I'm looking forward to it."



…

Feng Jin went out defeated after he failed to convince Yun Shen.

Feng Xiaoxiao leaned against the wall, expecting Feng Jin's defeated expression. "I told you it's futile! You think he's still the doll controlled by Uncle Qiao?"

"But Uncle Qiao did everything for him! How can he be so ungrateful!?"

Feng Xiaoxiao rolled her eyes. "Nonsense! That guy is mad about this, alright? If it weren't for you guys kidnapping Little Treasure, we'd still stand a chance to win! He was looking forward to defeating Lu Tingxiao, and it was all destroyed by you guys. Of course, he'd be angry! Great! Now since you guys are so smart, you guys can do whatever you want!"

Feng Jin felt very sorry for himself. He had been hesitant when Qiao Yi wanted to harm Ning Xi, but he thought Satan would just be angry for a while and then let it go. He did not expect him to abandon Qiao Yi!

"The problem now is how to convince Master…"

"Don't be so naive! You stepped onto his death zone. It's useless whatever you say. Give up!"

Chapter 1748: You Want It?

"Just look at Tang Ye. He's much smarter than you. He knew that it's impossible and never thought about looking for him regarding it!"

Feng Jin saw hope when Tang Ye was mentioned. "Maybe Tang Ye would have an idea…"

Feng Xiaoxiao sighed, "What can he do? We couldn't even rescue Hei Long last time. Do you think we can get Uncle Qiao out this time? Moreover, they have Tang Lang with them this round…"

"Don't mention that traitor!"

…

In an underground winery under the Lu Corporation.

"Aaah!"

An eerie howl echoed behind a thick soundproof wall.

"I'll tell… I'll tell you everything…"

Lu Jingli's mouth twitched. "Really? So quick? Your Hei Long withstood three days!"

Lu Tingxiao was sitting on the sofa without any expression.



Qiao Yi's kneecap was scraped off his leg along with the flesh around it. He was sprawled down on the floor helplessly and stared at the man on the sofa. The man looked so noble and prestigious, yet his means were way worse than a devil's. Qiao Yi looked on in fear.

He had thought Hei Long could actually endure this.

He also thought Lu Tingxiao was just another businessman, he never expected the means he used to be way worse than people like them!

Under such extreme torture, even God would not be able to stand it…

The Lu family were all hypocrites after all!

He could not die. He definitely could not die! The Lu family had not been annihilated yet! How could he die here, and die within the hands of these people!?

If he could leave this place alive, he would never let these people go!

And that ungrateful brat had really left him to die…

The man on the sofa did not show any change of expression when Qiao Yi said he was going to start talking. "Continue."

Lu Jingli scratched his head. "Huh? But he said he's going to start talking! Hmm, okay, he's probably lying since he's giving up this early! Let's continue…"

…

It was almost dawn.

The man walked out of the room in his usual black suit as if he had just left a glamorous wine reception except a vicious bloodlust lingered around him.

Lu Jingli looked at his brother. Not only did he not feel scared, he felt a sense of warmth instead.



He liked his brother better this way.

The real him and even the scary him, not the inhumanly perfect him or the him that hid all his darkness behind.

Tang Lang turned around from the bar when he heard footsteps. "Done?"

Lu Jingli waved the recording chip in his hand. "Done! Enough to get him a death sentence!"

Tang Lang raised his eyebrows and mumbled, "Why the trouble? Just put him down now!"

Lu Tingxiao looked at him. "It's legal."

Lu Jingli went over and got himself a glass of wine. He took a sip and explained to Tang Lang, "My brother means that we're law-abiding citizens. Of course, we'll go through the proper legal procedures and work following the law!"

Tang Lang's mouth twitched.

Yeah, sure, you guys sure were law-abiding. Prison looks like heaven compared to you guys…

"You want it?" Lu Tingxiao asked him suddenly.

"Huh? What do I want?" Tang Lang missed the point.

A certain koi brand-translating machine continued his work. "My brother is asking if you want his life. We plan to hand him over to the Black Cat , but if you want, we can give it to you! It's thanks to you that we caught this guy after all!"

Tang Lang was taken aback. After a short moment of silence, he shrugged and replied, "It's okay. You guys are right. Let's be law-abiding citizens!"

Just let it be…

If he killed the man with his own hands, Tang Lang would hunt him down for his whole life…

Chapter 1749: Am I Your Most Beloved Younger Brother

They left the underground winery.

The early morning wind was slightly cool, dispersing the air on them that reeked of blood.

After working for an entire day, Lu Jingli stretched while being heavy-lidded. He could not help but mock, "Bro, don't you think that guy is weird?! He's told us so many classified information… but when we ask who that Yun Lan woman is, he wouldn't say anything… Our father is just the same. He won't tell us anything!

"Actually, I'm quite puzzled by this. Based on that old guy's personality that values the family and clan ideology, even if he met a woman he liked and couldn't help himself, he definitely wouldn't think of marrying her! But the words carved on the memorial tablet was his handwriting… I'm so curious! Do we want to investigate a little more?"

Lu Tingxiao replied, "There's no need."

Qiao Yi wanted to live, so he had confessed everything quickly, but to him, there were things even more important than his life.

However, the ins and outs of this dispute were not important to him.

Lu Tingxiao watched the color of the sky's horizon gradually lighten for a very long time. A while later, he looked at Lu Jingli with a slightly gentle expression. "Go back and rest."



Lu Jingli rubbed his eyes that could not stay open much longer and nodded. "Oh, what about you?"

"I have some things to handle."

When Lu Jingli heard this, his eyes widened and he quickly said, "Still?! Even if it's an extremely important task, you should at least have a nap first! Since the day we went to save Sis-in-law and Little Treasure, I haven't seen you sleep!"

"I'm fine."

"How could you be fine? You…"

At that moment, Lu Tingxiao's phone rang, so he raised his hand to interrupt Lu Jingli and picked up the call. "Hello? Mmm. Today. Book the latest flight. Okay."

Lu Jingli was in disbelief. "Where're you flying to? You're really trying to die! If something happens to you, what about Sis-in-law and Little Treasure!"

"I know what to do."

"You know what to do, my ass! You've already forgotten that you're still human! No, you must go and sleep today! Immediately, right away! Otherwise, don't even think about going anywhere…"

Before he could finish, Lu Jingli suddenly felt a pain at the back of his neck and then he blacked out. He slowly lost consciousness and could vaguely feel like he was being carried into the car by huge arms.

"Bro…"



"Be good."

Lu Jingli unwillingly shut his eyes and fell into a deep sleep.

Jeez! He had actually knocked him out without saying anything. Knocked him out, knocked him out!

Am I still your most beloved younger brother!?

What he worried most about had still happened. He knew without Xiao Xi Xi around… no one could stop him…

…

At the same time.

All of the media were crazily reporting the most anticipated ultra-fantasy series of the year, "Nine Realms". This show had $ 500 million in investment and the super luxurious line-up of a double-award winning actress. On the first day of its launch, the ratings rocketed to the number one spot. The number of replays online easily surpassed hundreds of millions too. The new couple Jiang Muye and Meng Shiyi had very quickly become a hot topic.

Because Ning Xi's screentime was limited in the first few episodes, not much attention was paid to her yet.

Ling Zhizhi was relieved. Then, she laughed bitterly. Now, she was actually not worried about Ning Xi being unpopular. Instead, she was worried that Ning Xi would be too popular…

She logged on to Ning Xi's Weibo account and imitated Ning Xi's tone to post a Weibo promotional post. Jiang Muye had then very coordinatedly shared it too. Currently, all was going well with the fans and no one had noticed anything out of the ordinary.

Chapter 1750: Better Watch Out!

When Lu Jingli woke up, it was already dark outside.

The first thing he wanted to do was to find his brother. He had just stepped out the door when his phone rang. The screen showed that it was Mo Lingtian calling.

Why was this guy calling him right now?

Lu Jingli suspiciously picked up the call. "Hey, Bro Tian! What's up?"

Mo Lingtian's tone sounded very serious. "Jingli, what's up with your brother? Why have you suddenly fallen out with the Guan family?"

"Ah? Fallen out? Yes, we did! We've long fallen out with each other! But how did you find out?" Lu Jingli asked suspiciously.



"How did I find out? Right now, everyone in the entire circle knows! Recently, the Guan family's huge deal with the government has been exposed for huge amounts of bribery and unlawful competition. Guan Rui has already been taken away for investigation, while the Guan family's listed company abroad is on the verge of bankruptcy overnight. Now, the Guans are running all over to get help through connections, but your brother just released word to the circle that if anyone helps them, it'll mean they're going against him!" Mo Lingtian quickly explained.

Lu Jingli was flabbergasted. "Crap! I only fell asleep and just woke up… He's already bankrupted the Guans?"

"Now, I'm calling your brother, but I can't get through, so I can only come looking for you. What actually happened?" Mo Lingtian asked in a lowered tone.

Lu Jingli pouted. "Tsk, did Guan Ziyao ask you for help? Bro Tian, don't say that I didn't warn you. It's best that you don't get involved with this. Otherwise, we'll end up not being friends!"

"I have to at least know the reason!"

Lu Jingli taunted, "Before I tell you the reason, I'd quite like to know what Guan Ziyao said to you."

"She said that your brother did this for Ning Xi. This reason… is logical, but doesn't make total sense. If nothing particular hadn't happened, he wouldn't have done things to this extent."

When he heard that Mo Lingtian was rational at least, Lu Jingli's attitude eased. "Good thing you came looking me. Had you looked for my brother, based on his personality, he definitely wouldn't care to explain. Later on, you'll fall into the honey trap. She'll simply cry a little. You might even be fooled! Wait! Let me send you two very entertaining voice recordings. You listen for yourself!"

Lu Jingli finished, then he sighed, "Bro Tian, I really admire you for being dead set on liking someone and even liked her for so many years. I respect your persistence, but I'm afraid some people aren't what they seem. You'd better watch out!"



After Mo Lingtian hung up, he fell into a deep thought.

Very quickly, there was a notification of a new e-mail in his inbox.

Mo Lingtian lit up a cigarette. He hesitated momentarily before he clicked on it. Listening to the sound of the voices, his expression looked worse and worse…

It was not sure how long had passed before Mo Lingtian finally returned to the private room.

Inside the room, when Guan Ziyao saw him she quickly asked nervously, "Lingtian, what did Tingxiao say?"

Mo Lingtian looked at her with mixed emotions, then he said, "I couldn't get through to Tingxiao. I called Lu Jingli. He sent me two recordings."

When Guan Ziyao heard the words "recordings", she instantly turned pale.

Mo Lingtian stared lifelessly at this woman before him. "Ziyao, is there something you're hiding from me?"

Guan Ziyao collapsed onto the chair behind her. She knew she could not cover it up anymore, so she smiled bitterly as she said, "Yes… My father, mother, and brother have done some silly things, but they did it all for me… just so I can get my happiness. I can pay the price for my stubbornness, but they're innocent…"

Chapter 1751: Chase Away All The Gloom of This World

"Innocent? Ziyao, you really think… that they're innocent?" Mo Lingtian clicked on the second recording right away. The Guan family's blatant words all poured into the sealed private room.

After the recording ended, there was a dead silence in the room.

"Lingtian…"

Before Guan Ziyao could justify herself, Mo Lingtian continued to say, "Back then, at my father's birthday banquet when Ning Xi was pushed into the water and almost drowned, that was all arranged by you guys, wasn't it? Huh, I actually believed you up till now that that was just an accident…"

Guan Ziyao broke down as she stared at him. "No matter what they did, they are my father and my brother! What was I supposed to do? Watch helplessly as the Guan family's everything be destroyed and not care?"

Mo Lingtian felt his back stiffen. His eyes watered. There was disappointment and hostility that she had never seen before. "Ziyao, all the things your family did… You knew about all of it, didn't you? But you never stopped them!"



"Huh…" As she faced by Mo Lingtian's interrogation, Guan Ziyao suddenly laughed grimly under her breath. She looked up and stared at him as she said word for word, "Why would I stop them? That woman doesn't even suit Tingxiao! If Tingxiao hadn't been deceived and bewitched by that woman, our two families would have long been combined through marriage. Based on our Guan family's capabilities, if our two families combined forces, that illegitimate son would've been nothing to fear about. All of this wouldn't have happened, and Little Treasure wouldn't have been kidnapped! But now Tingxiao wouldn't spare both sides the suffering just to defeat the Guan family! All of this is caused by that woman!"

Mo Lingtian stared at the woman in front of him. There was suddenly a strong sense of powerlessness in him.

He loathed Guan Ziyao's stubbornness extremely, yet he could not say a word to her because… was he not like that to her too?

He knew clearly that it was impossible. He knew that she liked someone else, yet he still could not let go…

In the past, no matter what happened or what he faced, as long as he could see her, as long as he could hear her speak, he would be incredibly contented. He was willing to do everything for her.

Especially after she returned to the country, he felt that his entire being was reborn. No matter what he did, he was filled with drive. He thought of countless ways to make her happy. Even if it was not reciprocated, he was glad to endure it.

However, now, every time they met, there was only a stifling sensation that made it hard for him to breath…

That girl in his memories who had made him palpitate with an eagerness to do things was moving further and further away from him. She was becoming more and more blurry, and he had almost forgotten how the girl he liked was. Was it the same person as this one before him?

Mo Lingtian's heart started to ache tremendously.



At this moment, his phone buzzed slightly. It was an overseas number sending him a picture.

On a quiet lane, the girl wore a light green floral dress as she squatted by the roadside and was teasing a tubby little orange kitten. The expression on her was so gentle as if it could chase away all the gloom of this world. Even the suffocating sensation that nagged him at this moment had suddenly faded away…

Tianxin…

Tianxin…

When he realized that this name suddenly flashed across his mind repeatedly, Mo Lingtian's expression suddenly changed and he hurriedly put his phone away.

He liked Ziyao. He loved Ziyao. He swore that he would only like this woman in his entire life, but now, what was he doing!?

This feeling as if he had betrayed himself made him suffer even more…

"Lingtian, we're indeed wrong in this. No matter what my brother did, he shouldn't have touched Little Treasure, but at least he never thought of hurting Little Treasure. Little Treasure was alright then, and that woman had always had Tingxiao protecting her. We didn't do any damage to her, did we? The fact that she's now hurt has nothing to do with us Guans! Tingxiao's trying to take his anger out on us has gone rather excessive! Lingtian…"

Mo Lingtian took a deep breath and interrupted her, "Ziyao, for your father, I can help you find someone to lighten the sentence as much as possible, but about the company… I'm sorry, I can't get involved."

Chapter 1752: I'm Done As Well

Guan Ziyao could not believe it when Mo Lingtian said he could not get involved.

This man was always willing to do anything for her. Moreover, she was in a critical period now.

"Lingtian, since Tingxiao released those words, I can only ask you of this. Only you can help me to speak a few words to him for me. I'd never come and trouble you if I had other choices left…"

Mo Lingtian numbly said, "Ziyao, the three of us grew up together. You're my friend. Tingxiao is my brother. The Guan family is at fault this time, and this is as far as I can help you. It's also… the last time I'm doing anything for you."

Moreover, Ning Xi was not just Tingxiao's lover. She was also… Tianxin's cousin…

Guan Ziyao clenched her fists. "What do you mean?"



Mo Lingtian closed his eyes and told her, "Ziyao, I understand how strongly you feel for Tingxiao because it's the same for me towards you."

"Lingtian, I just know that you'd understand me…"

Mo Lingtian ignored her words and interrupted her, "But, Ziyao, I love you. I make advances properly and have never hurt you or anyone beside you. I've also never forced you to do anything. As for you and Tingxiao, it's not love anymore. Loving someone doesn't mean you have to be with them or even use underhanded tactics! Do you understand?"

Mo Lingtian was not sure if he was saying those words to Guan Ziyao or to himself.

Still, he felt somewhat relieved after saying those words.

He remembered what Lu Jingli told him. Some people were not who they seemed to be…

He thought the person he loved was the most special one, that she was different from all the other girls, shining ever so brightly. He trusted that she could really let it go…

He thought that she was the one he had in mind. He kept on living in his memory, submerging himself in his own fantasy…

He should have realized it a long time ago. She always said that she would let it go, but she would grab onto any chance to be near Tingxiao. The whole time, his only value to her was being Lu Tingxiao's buddy. She probably did not even see him as a friend.



However, he did not want to see the girl he loved in such a negative light. He also did not want to believe that the girl he liked for so long had become someone he hated…

After Mo Lingtian was done, he stood up and left.

Guan Ziyao sat there in shock. She looked at the direction the man was leaving. At that moment, she realized that she had lost something.

The next moment, she stood up quickly and chased Mo Lingtian. She held onto his arm and said in a trembling voice, "Lingtian, I'm sorry… I know I've disappointed you. I know I've lied to you. I've never given up on him, but I don't have a choice… I can't help it… I love him…

"I really can't let the Guan family to get destroyed in my hands. Please, just one more time… okay? I'm really done this time. I won't bother him anymore…"

Mo Lingtian looked at the girl's hand without saying anything.

After a short while, he shook the girl's hand off his arm. "Ziyao, I'm done as well."

Guan Ziyao's face went pale.

"I've made too many mistakes for you. I've also hurt a lot of people. So, I'm sorry."

Chapter 1753: Might Have Went To Look For Tianxin

A week later.

There were blisters all over Lu Jingli's mouth all because he had been talking his brother out of it, but nothing worked.

He really missed the times when Xiao Xi Xi was around. He would do anything as long as she said it…

He was on the verge of crying just remembering it.

As Lu Jingli was sighing, his phone rang. He took a glance and noticed it was from the Mo family.

"Helly, Aunty Mo?"

Kang Shuhui's anxious voice came through the moment the call connected. "Jingli, have you seen Lingtian for the past few days?"



"Bro Tian? Nope! What's wrong?"

"We haven't seen Lingtian for a week! We can get through to his phone but no one's picking up. I've been asking around, but no one knows where he is! I'm worried sick!"

"What? Gone?" Lu Jingli's expression changed.

A week ago…

Was it not the day he told Bro Tian the truth?

"Could something have happened to him?" Lu Jingli mumbled mindlessly.

Kang Shuhui almost went crazy. "Jingli! What did you say? What happened? Do you know something? You have to tell Aunty about it! Lingtian… Ever since the incident with Tianxin last time, he has been very obedient. He comes back on time, but now he's disappeared for such a long time…"

Lu Jingli was worried something had happened, so he told her the truth. "A week ago, Bro Tian came to ask me about what happened between my brother and the Guan family…"

"Then? I knew it'd be related to that woman again! He'd only behave this way whenever she's involved! People from the Guan family came over and begged Lingtian's father, but we didn't do anything since we're not sure what happened!"

"Then, I just told him the truth, mainly about how the Guans have been playing dirty tricks behind our backs and have been trying to harm my brother's girlfriend. They even almost harmed Little Treasure… I think Bro Tian wasn't really involved this time. He probably just needed some time to accept it…"



Lu Jingli then comforted her, "Don't worry, Aunty. He won't be in trouble so easily. He probably just felt depressed and wanted to be alone. I'm always like this when I'm not happy myself!"

"Really?"

"Really, don't worry. I'll help you look for him as well!"

"Okay, okay… Thank you, Jingli…"

…

Kang Shuhui told Mo Jianzhang about it after she hung up.

Mo Jianzhang then said, "Just let him cool down for a few days. Why are you so anxious?"

"How can I not be!? You know just how crazy your son is towards that woman! What if he can't take the shock? It's been seven days! We've lost our grandchild. Do you want to lose your son too?"

Mo Jianzhang realized his wife was getting overly worried. "We've already sent people to look for him! Be patient, alright? I wonder where that brat went to. Even I can't find him!"

Suddenly, Kang Shuhui thought of something. "Do you think… Lingtian might have gone to look for Tianxin?"

"Tianxin?" Mo Jianzhang's expression froze. "Isn't Tianxin overseas right now?"

Chapter 1754: Relieved

Kang Shuhui thought that it was possible. "I've been looking actually. Lingtian isn't as heartless as he thought towards Tianxin. It's just that he didn't realize it himself. Didn't you notice that he's not really himself after Tianxin left? In addition to the shock from the incident of Guan family this time, he might have really gone to look for Tianxin!?"

Mo Jianzhang started to waver as well. "What if he didn't? It's inappropriate for you to just look for her out of a sudden!"

Kang Shuhui hesitated. "I don't want to bother Tianxin as well. I'm too embarrassed to call her… Fine, we'll wait until tomorrow and see if there's news…"

…

A night passed.

Mo Lingtian was still nowhere to be found.

Kang Shuhui finally broke down. She could not care about anything else anymore. She punched in Tianxin's number with her trembling fingers.

"Hello?"



Kang Shuhui could not hold it in anymore when she heard that gentle voice. She sobbed, "Tianxin… I… I am Lingtian's mother…"

"Madam Mo?" She sounded surprised.

"Am I bothering you resting?" Kang Shuhui was apologetic.

"No, it's afternoon around here, but you… It's really early… What's happened?"

Kang Shuhui felt even guiltier after she heard the girl's gentle and polite words. She felt a heat sear across her face. She would understand even if Tianxin hung up on her call right now, but this girl was just as kind as ever even after going through so much.

"Tianxin, I'm really sorry to bother you. I'll state my matter quickly. Did Lingtian look for you in the past few days?" Kang Shuhui asked anxiously.

There was a short silence when Mo Lingtian's name was mentioned. "No."

"No?" Kang Shuhui's expression froze when her last glimmer of hope faded. Her heart sank.

When she heard sobbing, the girl quickly asked, "Madam Mo, are you alright?

"I'm okay… It's Lingtian… He suddenly went missing. I'm worried that something might've happened to him. We can get through to his phone, but no one's picking up… If possible, can I ask you to give him a call, or even just a text message? Ask him where is he. Maybe he'd reply if it's you…" Kang Shuhui begged as she cried.

"Well…"



"I understand that I'm imposing this on you, but I've run out of all options. If it's too much trouble, it's alright…"

"I'll try, but I think… it won't be of much help…"

"Really? That's great! Thank you! Thank you, Tianxin! Thank you very much!"

…

In Los Angeles, America.

Ning Tianxin sat on the bench in her campus quietly after she hung up. She stared blankly at the sky.

She had agreed just now because Kang Shuhui was crying.

However, after she calmed down, she realized that it was ridiculous for her to get involved.

After some thoughts ran through her mind, she gave Ning Xi a call.

"Hello, Xiao Xi…"

"Hello, I'm Ning Xi's manager, Ling Zhizhi. Are you Ning Xi's cousin?" The voice from the other side of the phone was not Ning Xi.

"Yes."

"I'm sorry. She's in the midst of working right now and isn't really available to take calls at the moment. Can I have her reply to your messages later?"

Chapter 1755: Go With The Heart and Instincts As Long As The Conscience Is Clear

"Ah… There's no need. It's not an emergency. Don't disturb her."

When she heard that Ning Xi was busy, Ning Tianxin hung up. She fell silent for a while before she started to shake her head gently, and found the whole situation rather absurd.

They were already unrelated anyway, so why should she care about what he would think. Why should she care about whether she was acting ridiculously?

Go along with the heart and natural instincts as long as my conscience is clear.

Ning Tianxin felt relieved, then she opened her Wechat and very quickly sent a message over. She picked up her book and continued towards the direction of her class.

…

On an island in City S.

The small island was all alone in the middle of the sea. On the island was a villa with a unique design. It was cut off from the rest of the world, making the beautiful scenery even more exclusive and exotic.

However, at this moment, it was a total mess in the wine cellar.

The thick curtains had completely blocked out all sunlight. The entire wine cellar was practically hollowed out. The floor was strewn with empty wine bottles, and the place was filled with the pungent smell of alcohol.

The man lay in the middle of the wine bottles and fragments of glass, his body emaciated and his stubble-covered face sunken in. There was not a glimpse of light in his defeated eyes. He was like an animal nearing death…



The phone beside him was in silent mode and only lit up occasionally, lighting up the dim space.

It was not sure how long had passed before the man robotically got up. He simply took another bottle of wine from the wine rack that was already emptied by half.

He tripped over something and he clumsily fell to the ground all of a sudden.

The man did not care either and just lay there in despair.

At that moment, the phone beside him lit up again.

The man could barely see anything. He did not even so much as glance at it, but he did seem to be annoyed by the glare right beside his eyes. It was too irksome, so he finally found that bit of energy…

The instant his fingers clicked on the power button, the man's numb and defeated eyes suddenly burst open as if there were raging flames that sparked in them. His entire body suddenly sat right up and he looked in disbelief at the name on the screen.

Tianxin…?

Because the main screen only displayed the sender and not the content of the message, Mo Lingtian instantly attempted to unlock his phone with trembling fingers.

However, it was right at that moment that his phone automatically shut down because it was out of battery.

"Damn it!"

For seven whole days, the wine cellar was devoid of any human contact, but now the man's furious curses rattled away under his breath.

He turned the entire villa upside down, but he could not find the charger.

The man immediately ran out of the door and raced his yacht away from the small island.



The nearest shore to the small island was a fishing village. He tore at a flying speed towards the local grocery store.

"Boss… Charger… Do you have?"

When the shopkeeper suddenly saw this shabby man with messy hair and a smudged face, he was frightened. "You…"

Before the shopkeeper could say anything, Mo Lingtian slammed a hundred bucks onto the table.

"We do! We've got it! We have whichever type you want!"

"Can I charge it here?"

"Can. Look beside your foot. Yes, there's a power socket!"

Mo Lingtian took the charger that was offered and sat right down on the floor, then he inserted the charger into the socket.

One second… Five seconds… Ten seconds…

"Why's it so slow?"

"Hehe, it's a counterfeit. How could it be fast? Just wait for a while more!" The old man curiously examined him. "Young man, were you duped into those multi-level marketing things? Do you need me to help you call the police?"

"No." Mo Lingtian's eyes did not blink for a second as he stared at the red progress bar on the phone.

He waited for three whole minutes before the phone could finally be switched on.

Mo Lingtian was about to click into his WeChat app, but he suddenly paused. His fingers clenched then relaxed again repeatedly before he finally opened the app and read the message.

Chapter 1756: The Only Thing I Can Do For You

[Tianxin: Where are you? Your mother's very worried about you. If you see this, please call her back.]

When Mo Lingtian read her message, the blood rush and the turbulent emotions in him instantly quieted down.

It was not an illusion…

It turned out not to be an illusion…

The old vendor was humming songs and arranging his stocks. From the corner of his eye, he saw the young man, who was squatting at his door to charge his phone, suddenly stiffen his back as his fists tightened into balls. He was staring at his phone. Moments later, water droplets fell onto his handphone screen…

"Hey! Young man, what's wrong? Are you sure you don't need help?" The old man ran over to ask a little worriedly.

The man did not look up. "Give me a packet of cigarettes."

"What kind do you want? I don't have any good ones here. In fact, I'm worried you won't be used to them…"

"Anyone. It's fine."



The old man sized him up as he hesitantly grabbed a pack of cigarettes for him from the stock rack, and passed him a lighter.

Mo Lingtian lit up the cigarette, took a drag, and suddenly coughed profusely from the nose-piercing stench of tobacco.

The old man guffawed. "Strong, isn't it?! Our cigarettes are powerful enough, eh?!"

This place went with the folkways and was simple. The old man was probably worried that he was burdened by problems, so he kept talking to him. His words were long-winded and rang by his ear. Nearby, on the surface of the sea, the sky turned brighter, and the sea breeze that came with a salty humidity caressed his face…

Mo Lingtian read the message on his phone quietly over and over again.

It felt as if something in his body had suddenly been filled with a huge amount of power. All of sudden, this power broke through from underneath the soil that had been dark and lonely without any daylight.

Time passed quietly…

The man did not move as he stared at the message. His finger fell onto the reply button, yet in the end, he still did not do anything.

When his phone had a little more juice, Mo Lingtian pulled up his contact list and called home.

"Hello, Mother…"

"Lingtian… Lingtian! It really is you! You brat! Where've you gone? Do you know that you've really frightened your mother to death?! What's wrong with your voice? Are you sick? Where are you ill? Where are you now? Where've you gone these past few days?" Kang Shuhui suddenly fired a whole barrage of questions.

"Mother, I'm sorry. I'll be going home right away. I won't make you worry anymore."



"Child…" When she heard her son's raspy and frail voice, Kang Shuhui felt her heart ache.

"Mother, please call Tianxin back and just tell her I'm fine," said the man.

When Kang Shuhui heard this on the other end of the phone, she was stunned. "Tianxin contacted you? Why don't you tell her yourself? Lingtian, tell me honestly. Do you feel something towards Tianxin?"

"Mother, no." The man's voice held no hesitation, then he added, "Please help me reply her. My phone is running out of battery."

Kang Shuhui did not doubt him. Plus, she wanted to see her son sooner, so she quickly replied, "Oh, oh, okay… Then quickly come home, alright?"

"Mmm."

…

After he finished the cigarette, the man slowly stood up. "Thanks, the cigarette's pretty good."

The old man chuckled. "Isn't it? Those who've tried my cigarettes say they're good indeed! Young man, have you… run into some problems?"

The man gazed quietly at the sea not too far away. "I just suddenly understood some things."

He finally understood and was willing to admit that in those long years and companionship, he had fallen for another girl.

Only, when he finally realized this, it was already impossible between them.

The only thing I can do for you is one thing.

To not disturb you…

Chapter 1757: Call Xiao Xi Too

At the Ning Residence.

"Madam, the lady is home!"

When she heard the servant's announcement, Zhuang Lingyu, who was on the sofa, was instantly overjoyed as she got up to receive her daughter.

Ning Xueluo passed all her bags to the servant and sweetly called out, "Mother!"

"Hey, quickly come in! Look at you all sweating! You must've been so busy the whole day! You have to run to our company and prepare to list your own company on the stock market. You're already so busy. Why have you come running to me!?"

"Mother, I missed you! I especially got someone to help me get some collagen and bird's nest for you. Their quality is really good. You should eat more of these daily to supplement your health!"

"You should keep these for your mother-in-law!"



"I did give some to her too."

Zhuang Lingyu pulled on her hand with concern. "How's it? Has it been good at the Su residence? How's Zheng Minjun's attitude towards you?"

Ning Xueluo forced a smile. "Even though it still can't compare to before… It's already much better…"

As she looked at her daughter's reaction, she knew that she must have been mistreated at the Su residence. Zhuang Lingyu could not help but look unhappy.

Ning Xueluo quickly comforted, "Mother, don't worry about me. I'll definitely work hard and not let anyone crush me. I'll let everyone know that you've raised a good daughter!"

Ning Xueluo's words completely hit Zhuang Lingyu in the right spot. She was instantly calmer and she praised, "Good, Xueluo you're already amazing. It's just those self-interested ones who can't see things clearly!"

Ning Xueluo was about to say something when she saw Ning Zhiyuan walk in from a distance with a walking stick. She quickly stood up and greeted, "Grandfather!"

"Mmm." Ning Zhiyuan nodded slightly and did not say much. He was about to continue to his room when he suddenly thought of something. He paused in his steps and said, "Tomorrow night, Wenno is returning to the country. The whole family should get together. Call Xiao Xi to come over too."

Zhuang Lingyu's expression sank. "Father, you know that girl. Did you forget what she said before? She doesn't even care about having any relationship with us Nings! Why do we still have to show warm feelings and be met with cold rebuke !"

At this moment, Ning Yaohua walked over and cleared his throat. "Lingyu, the child was just speaking out of anger. There are some things that we haven't done right either. She'd feel wronged. It's best if the whole family is harmonious. Why should you stoop to the child's level!? I think tomorrow night we should call Xiao Xi to come as well!"



Ning Zhiyuan nodded with satisfaction, but he seemed not to believe him. He just stood there and challenged, "Then, make the call right now."

Ning Yaohua shook his head helplessly. "Father, do you still not believe me? I'll call her right now!"

Zhuang Lingyu was anxious by this and she kept trying to hint Ning Yaohua.

Ning Yaohua lowered his voice to say, "Father's health hasn't been great. Don't anger him because of this. It's just a meal. Besides, even if we don't invite her, Qiutong will definitely call Xiao Xi. Why should we keep letting her be the good guy, and drive a wedge in our family?"

On the side, when Ning Xueluo heard Ning Yaohua say "our family", gloom flashed in her eyes.

In front of the elder, Zhuang Lingyu could not say much and Ning Yaohua was quite determined too, so she could only let him make the call.

"Hello, Xiao Xi… Tomorrow night…"

When Ning Yaohua got through to Ning Xi's handphone, he was about to act like a loving father when he was disrupted by the formal robotic voice on the other end.

"Hello, may I know who's this? I'm Ning Xi's manager. She's currently working and can't come to the phone right now."

Ning Yaohua was stunned for a moment, then he said arrogantly, "I'm her father. Tell her that she will pick up."

Chapter 1758: Tempted

"Are you her foster father, Mr. Tang Shan?"

"Foster father? I'm her biological father!"

"Sir, as far as I know, Ning Xi has broken off contact with her biological parents."

Ning Yaohua stormed away and spoke quietly, "You're her manager. How can you listen to that nonsense? Get Xiao Xi on the phone right now!"

"I'm sorry, Sir, everyone around her knows that Ning Xi won't take private calls when she's working."

…



Ning Yaohua was enraged when the line went dead.

Ning Xueluo saw a light of hope when she noticed the darkened expression on Ning Yaohua. "Father, what's wrong?"

"Nothing…" Ning Yaohua would never reveal how a little manager had just talked back to him over the phone. He changed the topic quickly. "Xiao Xi's not free to pick up my call right now."

Ning Xueluo acted like she understood. "Sister's really popular now. It's not odd that she's busy. It'd probably be difficult for her to join us…"

Zhuang Lingyu let out a cold laugh. "She's acting all high and mighty after starring in just a few movies. She was still a nobody when Xueluo was famous! Now, she's forced you out of the industry and taken over all your resources. How dare she do this to us?"

Ning Zhiyuan stared at them unhappily. "It's fine. Just let it be if Xiao Xi's busy. Why the fuss?

"If you lot told everyone about Xueluo's matter from the very beginning instead of lying, Xueluo wouldn't have ended up this way! Things would've turned out vastly different if you guys had nurtured the relationship with the Tang family properly. What a shame to the Ning family!

"You lot brought these consequences upon yourself. Don't blame everything on Xiao Xi!"

Ning Yaohua comforted him, "Please don't be angry, Father. We won't mention the past again. As for the family gathering tomorrow… I think she won't be coming because of some tiny misunderstanding, but I also think that she might come along together with Qiutong and Wenbo."



Zhuang Lingyu was already upset that the elder was on Ning Xi's side, and she got even angrier when Ning Yaohua was speaking for Ning Xi as well.

She knew what was happening. Ning Yaohua was not concerned about the elder's health at all. He was thinking that he might be able to get something good out of Ning Xi since she was affiliated with the Zhuang family now and his greed tempted him.

The Zhuang family was terribly selfish. They were willing to abandon their own child out of reputation. How could they pick up that girl?

Even if the Zhuang family really took her in, that girl would have told the whole world about it already instead of keeping quiet all this time.

…

The next night.

In the banquet room, Ning Yaohua, Ning Yaobang, and Ning Qiutong were present. Beside Ning Qiutong was her husband Guo Wenbo, who had just come back from abroad. Ning Xueluo and Su Yan were there as well.

When they were about to start, Ning Xueluo asked with a concerned tone, acting natural, "Are we not waiting for Xiao Xi?"

Su Yan was taken aback when he heard Ning Xueluo's question. He unconsciously looked over at the door. Except on TV and newspaper, he had not seen her since the Golden Film Award.

Ning Qiutong replied, "Xiao Xi's busy today. She won't be coming."

Chapter 1759: Who Else Is An Outsider?

"Oh…" Ning Xueluo put on a surprised expression. "Father called her, but her manager said she's busy, I thought if Aunt called, she would surely come…"

Zhuang Lingyu smiled. "That girl's busy crawling her way up. She'll forget about the Ning family very soon!"

Ning Qiutong looked at her coldly. "I'm happy that Xiao Xi is doing well on her own. Who wouldn't tell me that my niece is pretty and capable wherever I go? Every day, so many people come to me and ask for her autograph, or even to visit her at work!"

Ning Xueluo's expression tightened as her fingernails dug deep into her palm. Zhuang Lingyu hid her anger. Ning Qiutong had been on her toes, and every time she aimed, it hit wherever it hurt the most.

She knew that Xueluo had left the entertainment industry and she was saying all these to trigger her!



"Alright, let's eat!" The elder coughed lightly and the heavy atmosphere dissipated forcefully.

"Wenbo, how long are you going to stay for this time?" The elder made some small talk.

Guo Wenbo put his chopsticks down and replied gently, "Not for long. I'm mainly here to meet a client and to settle some matters for Qiutong."

Settle some matters?

Ning Yaohua squinted his eyes sensitively.

As expected, Ning Qiutong spoke up, "Isn't Chen from the financial department going to retire soon? We'll need a person to fill in the CFO role. I've asked Wenbo to help hire a person from abroad!"

Before Ning Yaohua could say anything, Zhuang Lingyu could not hold it in anymore. "Hire? You're just putting your people inside, aren't you?! Yaohua has already left the position of CFO to Xueluo. She can fill the position after a short probation period, so you don't have to worry too much!"

Ning Qiutong replied, "I'm worrying too much? Don't you forget, Sister-in-law, while I don't have a position in the company, I'm the largest stakeholder of the company."



Ning Xueluo had not gotten any shares. Even after Ning Yaohua transferred all his shares over to her, she only held 15% of shares.

As for Ning Qiutong, she had 10% on her own, and with the addition of the 10% Ning Xi had given her, she had 20% of shares in total, making her the largest stakeholder of the company at the moment.

Zhuang Lingyu was antsy. "You don't have that authority to make that decision on your own! You don't get to put your people into such an important position of the company!"

Ning Qiutong raised her eyebrows. "Oh? So, you do have someone?"

Zhuang Lingyu replied in disdain, "Xueluo's not an outsider!"

She meant to imply that Ning Qiutong was just an outsider.

Ning Qiutong laughed out loud. "Ha… Sister-in-law, are you joking? Who else is an outsider here except for her?"

"Ning Qiutong! That's too much!"

Ning Yaohua's expression darkened. "Qiutong, you've overstepped your boundaries. Yes, you have the most shares, but I'm the President. You don't get to decide the human resources in the company!"

Ning Qiutong sternly retorted, "I see, President. What a fancy title! A president without any shares? Let me tell you, I have the right to put Ning Xi in that position if she's willing to! Try me if you don't believe me!"

Chapter 1760: Fair Competition

She had to take up the responsibility since Xiao Xi had transferred the shares to her. She would never allow these people to mess up the company.

"You…" Ning Yaohua fumed.

Ning Yaobang was watching the show happily as he enjoyed the alcohol.

Su Yan felt a little awkward, but he was here today for some other reason anyway. He was obviously not focused the whole time.

Su Yan would usually back her up under circumstances like this, but the man beside her did not say anything at all. Ning Xueluo bit her lips aggrievedly, but he did not even notice it.



For quite some time, he had been giving less and less attention to her.

Of course, she realized what Su Yan was thinking about. It was that witch who seduced him…

Thud—! Ning Zhiyuan hit the ground loudly with his walking stick. "Enough, shut up! Do you guys want to destroy the home before I die?"

There was silence across the room.

Ning Zhiyuan was panting. After a while, he took a deep breath and started talking, "Xueluo's still inexperienced. It is indeed inappropriate for her to take on this role. It'd be difficult for the other employees to obey her too. Qiutong, no matter how amazing the person you hire is, it'd be useless if that person doesn't understand the status of Ning International!"

"So, what do you mean, Father?" Ning Yaobang asked as he gleefully hoped for more chaos to ensue.

The elder glared at Ning Yaobang, then he continued, "Qiutong, it's okay for the person you hire to join the company, but he has to start from the bottom like Xueluo. They'd then have a fair chance at competing. After judging their performance, we'll hold a poll in the next stakeholder meeting."

While both parties were unhappy about the decision, they could not do anything about it. Ning Yaohua and Ning Qiutong did not say any thing, and agreed tacitly to the elder's idea.



The dinner was finally over.

Zhuang Lingyu was still grumbling on the way back, "Fair competition? Father was obviously biased towards Ning Qiutong. Not only does she have more shares than us, she also has Wenbo to help her! How can Xueluo fight against her? It's all that damned brat's fault for giivng Ning Qiutong all the shares out of her hatred towards us! We wouldn't be in such an awkward state otherwise!"

Ning Xueluo comforted, "Don't get angry, Mother. Bro Yan will be helping me, right, Bro Yan?"

Su Yan finally nodded and said something after a whole night of keeping mum, "Of course."

Zhuang Lingyu's expression softened. She put both their hands together. "You are both great. It'd be better if you guys have a child soon. Then, the elder will focus on you guys more!"

"What are you talking about, Mother?" Ning Xueluo looked embarrassed.

Zhuang Lingyu urged her, "It's an important matter. Listen to me, the both of you! Su Yan, isn't your mother longing for a grandchild?"

Su Yan coughed lightly, "My mother is alright. She's respecting our wishes."

His mother was actually longing for a grandchild way before his marriage to Xueluo, but after they got married, his mother suddenly stopped looking forward to it and did not really say anything about it afterward…