Chapter 451 The Second Mission
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Xie Limo's expression softened at Yun Bixue's cheerful face. He stopped teasing her and wrapped her in his arms. Lowering his head, he stared straight into her eyes and asked again, "Tell me, do I control you too much?"
She shook her head, wiping her dirty hands on his body.
Xie Limo grabbed her hand and placed it on his lips, kissing it. He said tenderly, "Cheeky."
Yun Bixue stuck out her tongue. However, she felt sweetness bursting in her heart—she knew that Xie Limo would still indulge in her no matter what she did.
The two of them took a shower after eating, and they changed into their sleepwear. Yun Bixue sat on the couch, sipping on her tea while calling Yun Dong. She instructed Yun Dong to attempt to get closer to Xu Miaodan and win over her trust. By constantly staying by her side, she would surely have a chance to get some information on the woman hidden in Xu Miaodan's shadows.
After listening to Yun Bixue's instructions, Yun Dong asked excitedly, "Miss Yun, is this my second mission?"
Yun Bixue giggled. "Yes, I guess."
Yun Dong's whoop and elated voice sounded from the phone. "I assure you that this mission will be a success."
"Don't underestimate the enemy and always be on your guard. That Xu Miaodan is not an easy feat. It never hurts to be too careful." With such a cold aura, it would be hard to win Xu Miaodan trust.
"Don't worry, Miss Yun. I will complete the mission, no matter how tough it is."
"Okay."
Before sleeping, Yun Bixue finally replied to Su Lenghan's text. She arranged to meet him the next day.
...
Su Lenghan stayed in his office and didn't go home. In the past, he would look forward to going home after work. His parents would be waiting for him after preparing a meal back then. Regardless of how late it was, they would always leave the lights on, warming up his heart.
When he had just started his relationship with Meng Xinyan, he had also anticipated getting off work earlier to meet her. He would take her out on dates, and they would eat dinner at a restaurant.
Nowadays, once he thought about going back to the Su family's villa, his heart would feel repulsed. Every time he went home, Meng Xinyan would either be throwing a tantrum or creating a ruckus. He didn't even have time to catch his breath. Because of this, he spent most of his time sleeping in his office.
He had been holding his cell phone for an entire day, but he had yet to receive Yun Bixue's reply. He laughed mockingly at himself. When she had been desperate back then, he didn't even fork out that insignificant sum of six hundred thousand dollars. Now, the tables had turned, and not only that but what he was asking was an exorbitant amount of money. Why would she help him?
Su Lenghan was about to give up and abandon any hope in his heart when he heard his phone's notification sound. When he saw the words 'Yun Bixue,' his heavy heart became lighter, and he could distinctly feel how his heartbeat was accelerating.
When he saw the contents of her reply, waves of emotions crashed over him. When everyone had refused to help the Su family, it was Yun Bixue who was willing to lend a helping hand.
The words 'thank you' would probably not be enough at this time.
Clutching his phone tightly, Su Lenghan bent down and rested his head on the table. No one must see his expression now.
...
That night, the news reported the Meng family's recent updates. Chen Pei's ugly acts had become known to everyone in Ning An City. It could be said that no matter where Chen Pei brought her son, the two of them would be despised.
Chen Pei's son, in particular, had stolen a woman's wallet on the streets today and was caught by the police. The boy did not show any remorse and even claimed that he was capable enough to steal it from her.
During the interview, the reporters asked him, "Why do you think that way?"
"My mother said before that as long as I have the capability, I can snatch anything for myself."
These words stunned the reporters. Once again, Chen Pei became the hot topic of the day with everyone looking down on her.
In the hospital, Mother Su regained her consciousness and was slapping her leg several times. She cried out, "What happened to our Su family? How on earth did we bring in this Meng Xinyan? Lenghan, Lenghan, you don't want her anymore, right? I support your decision, okay?"
Chapter 452 Chasing Her Away
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
This time, Mother Su truly regretted her actions. She didn't even care about her image anymore. Bawling pitifully, she pulled her son closer, convincing him to abandon Meng Xinyan.
Su Lenghan looked at his mother's aged appearance and felt miserable deep down. However, with the Su family's current circumstances, they couldn't afford to cause any more trouble. Even if he were to abandon Meng Xinyan, he wouldn't feel comfortable shirking off his responsibility. On top of that, he had wronged Yun Bixue in the past. He couldn't leave Meng Xinyan in the lurch just because she was no longer the daughter of the Meng family. What would the people of Ning An City think of him?
They would crush the Su family with their criticisms. They would think they were ungrateful, greedy, and only thought of their own interests.
They wouldn't be able to withstand such blows, that was why he still had to live with Meng Xinyan despite how painful and exhausting it was.
Su Lenghan supported Mother Su as he laid her down gently. "Mother, calm down. You just woke up. Don't overthink, alright?"
Mother Su peeled off the hospital's blanket and grabbed Su Lenghan's hands tightly. "Lenghan, you're my son. How can I not understand you? Don't let yourself suffer. Our Su family isn't afraid of what everyone else thinks. We're not afraid of anything. As long as you're living a happy life, let the naysayers talk. Look at how thin and tired you are now. My heart aches for you."
Su Lenghan endured the stinging sensation in his eyes and soothed her. "Mother, rest well. When you wake up, everything will be fine."
"Lenghan, don't lie to me. No household would ever accept Meng Xinyan and her mother. I got your back, so chase her away. Our Su family cannot afford to have someone like her. She's the reason why our Su family became like this. Chase her away, throw her out of the family—"
"Mother, don't forget that we still have the Su family's business." Since a long time ago, only a handful of men from royal families managed to marry the woman they loved. He would simply pretend that he had never experienced love.
Suddenly, a crash came from the door as though something had dropped on the floor. The sound was followed by a familiar voice.
"Mother, I've been so filial to you. I came to give you some chicken soup despite being heavily pregnant, yet you're telling Su Lenghan to treat me that way? I'll make sure everyone will hear about this!"
Su Lenghan was enraged. He said furiously, "Meng Xinyan, stop it. This is the hospital. You can behave in any way you like at home, but not in a public place."
"Lenghan, don't bother with her anymore. How could someone like her be our daughter-in-law? Our Su family can't afford to keep her. Lenghan, don't worry. You're so outstanding, and there's plenty of women out there. Mother will find a virtuous woman for you."
Meng Xinyan covered her stomach with one hand while pointing her finger at Mother Su. With a trembling hand, she said viciously, "You old witch, you old monster! I'll give birth to a son for the Su family, but you're saying such things to me."
"You're not the only one who can give birth. Other women can give our Su family a son." She had long had enough of Meng Xinyan. For the sake of the Su family and her son, she endured it over and over. Now, the proverbial camel's back had been broken, and she couldn't contain it anymore—she was on the brink of exploding.
Meng Xinyan laughed haughtily. "You still think that your Su family has its former glory? The Su Family Organization is facing a financial shortage and is about to go bankrupt. Let's see if there's a woman who will still want him!"
Su Lenghan's face paled, and his head throbbed. After requesting the doctor to give his mother a sedative, he instructed his subordinates to take Meng Xinyan back home.
After a while, he stepped out of the hospital and walked aimlessly.
Meng Xinyan's words spread across the entire Ning An City like wildfire. In an instant, everyone frantically sold their shares. The Su Family Organization's stocks couldn't fall anymore—they were on the verge of bankruptcy.
Su Lenghan looked at the urgent message that his secretary, Zhao Wei, had sent—it was a call for help. He didn't know how things had landed in this state. Lifting his head, he closed his eyes, allowing the merciless rays of the sun to shine on him. When he opened his eyes, his vision gradually blacked out, and he collapsed on the ground as his consciousness faded away.
Chapter 453 He Wishes To Become An Ordinary Person
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Su Lenghan's unconscious body was seen by a doctor who was passing by, and he was immediately sent to the emergency room. When he woke up, he was already in a hospital room, and a doctor was setting up an IV drip for him.
The doctor heaved a sigh of relief. "You're finally awake. Your stomach's unwell and your body has malnutrition from overworking. If you continue to work beyond your limits and neglect your health, you will compromise your body's immune system and will fall sick easily. You already have strands of white hair." The doctor was also a man with a family, so he sympathized a lot with Su Lenghan. Thinking about his virtuous wife at home, he felt blessed.
Naturally, Su Lenghan noticed the pity in the doctor's eyes. He laughed self-deprecatingly and asked, "Do you find me pathetic?" He knew that this was all his own doing.
The doctor quickly shook his head. He was only a chief physician and couldn't afford to offend the noble families. After all, a starving camel was still bigger than a horse, so he did not dare to offend Young Master Su.
"It's okay. Feel free to say what's on your mind."
The doctor coughed. "Young Master Su, frankly speaking, I used to be envious of you because you're a young master from a noble family, but now that I think about it, we commoners have our perks as well. My wife is virtuous and understanding, and she's filial towards my parents. Whenever I return home from work, I get to eat a warm meal, and she always asks me about my day and if I'm tired. I didn't think much about it, but when I look at Young Master Su, I started appreciating my wife more."
Su Lenghan's expression changed. He wished to become an ordinary person and experience a quiet and peaceful life, but there was no turning back now. From the day he abandoned Yun Bixue, he lost any choice he had.
After a while, Su Lenghan sighed. "Cherish your wife. Don't be like me, regretting it only after I've lost her."
The doctor initially thought that Su Lenghan would get angry, so he was a little overwhelmed when he received an earnest reply. He said, "Young Master Su, you have to take good care of yourself too. You will eventually live your life on your own terms."
Su Lenghan didn't reply. He looked at the sky outside the window and sat up abruptly before asking, "What time is it?"
"It's past four in the afternoon."
Su Lenghan's expression changed as he thought about his meeting with Yun Bixue later. He got off the bed at once and headed towards the door.
"Young Master Su, you shouldn't move. The IV drip is still attached!"
Gritting his teeth, Su Lenghan tugged the IV catheter out of his hand and ran out. No matter what the doctor said behind him, he ignored it and continued running.
After Su Lenghan left the hospital building, he rushed towards his car at the parking lot and drove off. When he reached home, he brushed himself up so he wouldn't look frail. Remembering the doctor's words about his strands of white hair, he looked carefully in the mirror and plucked them out.
Su Lenghan had never fixed himself up this seriously—he thought of every detail. He did not prepare so meticulously even when he first chased after Meng Xinyan. Facing the mirror, he made sure that he was flawless.
When he was finally satisfied with his appearance, he grabbed his bag and left for the coffee shop.
...
At the coffee shop, Yun Bixue was already waiting for Su Lenghan. With a cup of coffee in her hand, she stared calmly at the scenery outside without any signs of anxiety. This was the place where she used to meet Su Lenghan. During those times, she was also the one waiting for him. If it was a long wait, she would feel anxious, but once Su Lenghan arrived, she would just smile and understand him, never questioning why he was late.
Now that her feelings had changed, it no longer bothered her that he was late.
Chapter 454 When Both Love And Hate Fades
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
When Su Lenghan entered the coffee shop's private room, he looked at Yun Bixue who was staring out of the window. With a light pink dress and hair tied up in a loose ponytail, her entire body exuded a confident and elegant aura.
He couldn't help but feel his heart stir. Ever since she left him, she became more and more beautiful, but he knew that her beauty was not for him to admire.
Hearing his footsteps, Yun Bixue turned her head and stood up, smiling elegantly. "You came. Please take a seat." Her words felt distant and polite, as though she was meeting a client.
Even if he felt slightly uncomfortable inside, he had no choice. Su Lenghan nodded his head and sat down.
Yun Bixue looked at him. He had lost so much weight that he was almost unrecognizable. Seeing his poor complexion, she asked, "Why are you so pale?"
"I'm fine. Probably didn't get enough sleep." If he were to lose his tight rein on his emotions, just a single word of concern from Yun Bixue would be enough to make him cry. Even his wife wasn't as attentive to his complexion. Instead, it was Yun Bixue who noticed it. She was still as attentive and thoughtful as she was before.
Yun Bixue nodded and said, "Don't mind the media too much. After all, you're about to become a father. You need to take care of yourself, so you can, in turn, take care of your child. Since I promised to help you, there shouldn't be too much of a problem."
Hearing Yun Bixue's words, Su Lenghan felt increasingly guilty. Comparing how he treated her back then to how she was treating him now, he felt really shameful of himself.
After speaking, Yun Bixue realized that Su Lenghan kept his head lowered. She asked, "What's wrong?"
Su Lenghan took a deep breath to compose himself before raising his head. He looked at her in the eye and said, "Thank you." At that moment, it was as if he had regained his noble and gentle poise.
Yun Bixue looked at Su Lenghan, who seemed no different from his past self, and smiled. "There's no need to thank me. I'm helping you because I believe in your capabilities. Besides, I'm not helping you for free since I want ten percent of the stocks."
"That's no problem." He didn't think it would be this easy.
"Su Lenghan, why are you so calm about this? Aren't you worried that I might take over Su Family Organization's business?"
A gentle glint flashed across his eyes as he smiled delicately. He knew deep inside that he would be willing, even if he had to give half of Su Family Organization to her.
"Yun Bixue, even though I'm like this right now, I've recently started to see the past clearly. If I still didn't trust you, then there's something wrong with me."
Yun Bixue chuckled. "Thank you for trusting me. I will send someone over to your company tomorrow. He will help you, but you have to cooperate."
"Okay!"
When they reached an agreement, it was as if the past events had faded into smoke.
Although they used to be engaged, both of them had their own partners now. Even if they had unhappy memories, now that they have met again, there was still a sort of intimacy and familiarity between them.
Yun Bixue felt that the love and hatred she had for Su Lenghan had both faded, that was why she could smile at him so easily.
After both of them signed the contract, Yun Bixue said her farewells. Su Lenghan offered to send her off, but Yun Bixue refused. They no longer had any relationship, so she didn't want to be misunderstood by others.
Su Lenghan's elegant eyes looked at Yun Bixue's retreating figure and felt a sting in his heart. The feeling of losing something was clearly conveyed to his heart, causing it to ache painfully.
...
When Yun Bixue left the coffee shop, she passed by Star's Fate Jewelry shop and was attracted by a diamond ring inside the display window. Seeing its sparkle, she couldn't help but enter the shop.
Chapter 455 Diamond Ring
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
When Yun Bixue entered the jewelry shop, the saleslady at the front desk came up to greet her warmly, "Welcome to Star's Fate Jewelry!"
Yun Bixue nodded her head towards the two salespeople.
"Miss, may I know what you're looking for?"
"Don't worry. I'm just looking around." Looking at the displays full of diamond rings, something stirred within Yun Bixue's heart.
Generally speaking, which girl did not like diamond rings? It signified a beautiful relationship, and Star's Fate Jewelry was a good store that had branches all over the country with jewelry designed by famous designers.
"Miss, you have a good taste. The ring you're looking at is our latest design called 'Love of the Star's Fate.' It's a specially released design by our owner, and there's only a few of them. Once it's sold out, there won't be any more left."
Yun Bixue liked the simple yet elegant design and was moved by the ring. She pointed at it and said, "I'd like to take a closer look at it."
The saleslady took out the ring, and Yun Bixue smiled as she looked at it. If Xie Limo held a wedding ceremony for the both of them, would he buy a diamond ring that she liked?
"Miss, how is it? Do you like it? The price is very reasonable."
"How much is it?"
"It costs nine million nine hundred and ninety thousand dollars to signify longevity."
After hearing the price, Yun Bixue's smile faltered, and she placed the ring down. Although the price was nothing to her, spending so much on a ring was too expensive. It could be their living expenses for a long time.
Once the saleslady saw the change on Yun Bixue's face, she thought that she couldn't afford it. "Miss, if you don't want to buy it, you can't try it on." As she said this, she reached for the ring and was about to put it back in the display cabinet.
At that moment, a woman dressed in black walked down from the elevator. She glanced at Yun Bixue and smiled secretively before saying to the saleslady, "What's wrong with you? You're new here, right? That's why you don't recognize Miss Yun of Ning An City, the wife of Young Master Xie. You even thought she can't afford it."
"Miss Yun, I'm sorry."
"You're working here yet you don't recognize famous people. If you offended Miss Yun, you can pack your things and leave."
Yun Bixue stared at the woman in black. She seemed to be around twenty years old and carried herself with an air of arrogant superiority. Who was this person? She had never seen her before, so why was it that her words were all slyly targeting her?
"If you're the owner of this place, then there's no need to be so harsh. It's true that I don't intend to buy it yet, so you don't have to blame her."
"Miss Yun is so kind, but Miss Yun is together with Young Master Xie, right? So why haven't the both of you bought rings? That's not right. At Star's Fate, we've seen many couples who have bought rings even before their marriage. Diamond rings are a symbol of love, a promise of life. Could it be that Miss Yun's relationship is not one of those?"
The lady in black feigned confusion with her cunning words. Something tightened in Yun Bixue's heart, making her uncomfortable as she smiled. "You misunderstood. Love is not based solely on material things and rings, isn't it?" Although she felt uncomfortable, she didn't want others to notice.
Furthermore, Xie Limo treated her well, so she was contented with what she had. She wouldn't demand the ring from him since feelings were more important than material things.
The woman in black raised her eyebrows and eyed Yun Bixue. She pretended to be nonchalant as she said, "Actually, thoughtful men will always give rings to their wives. Perhaps it's because we bystanders don't know as much so Miss Yun might be laughing at us. Xiao Nan, Miss Yun doesn't need the ring so you can put it back now. When Young Master Xie brings Miss Yun to pick a ring in the future, you must recognize her."
Chapter 456 Just To Vent Her Anger
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
The woman's words seemed to be targeted at Yun Bixue.
Yun Bixue looked at her and frowned slightly. She couldn't recognize the person, but it felt like her words were filled with jealousy and malicious intent.
In Ning An City, there was no need to pick a fight with someone just because of a few words.
Yun Bixue replied calmly, "Since you're the boss of Star's Fate Jewelry, you know so much about this. I guess your husband has given you a ring. Is that why you have this sentiment? I wonder what your ring's design is? Maybe I can use it as a reference."
Hearing Yun Bixue's rebuttal, the woman's expression changed. She forced a smile and said stiffly, "That is of no concern to Miss Yun. After all, you're the customer, while I'm the boss. I just have to serve you well. I look forward to your next visit."
Yun Bixue noticed the stiff expression on the woman's face and her eyes narrowed slightly, emitting a dangerous look. Without a word, she turned and left.
As soon as she stepped outside, the salesladies erupted into chatter.
"Was that really Miss Yun, Young Master Xie's wife? She didn't look like it. Wasn't it said that she was adored? Why doesn't she have a ring?"
"You can't just trust those rumors. She's not wearing a ring and came to look at them herself without Young Master Xie's company. What does that say?"
"That Young Master Xie is just playing with her and that others have a chance as well?"
"We can't just say that, but without a marriage and a ring, not even a ceremony, it feels like she's not treasured."
"You have a point. What is the Yun family in front of Young Master Xie's eyes? Those things, like she was a treasure in Young Master Xie's eyes, were probably just staged press releases."
"Boss Jiang, take it easy. From what I can see, Young Master Xie is trying to protect his political image. He might not really adore his wife."
...
Yun Bixue just stepped out of the jewelry shop and was standing near the entrance, so she could hear the conversation inside very clearly. Even though she told herself not to mind it, she still felt fury rising within her.
She couldn't stand it when others badmouth Xie Limo. No matter how he treated her, they had no right to question him.
Furthermore, from the conversation, the woman in black's surname was Jiang. Was she from the Jiang family in Tian Jing City? The Jiang family was the backer of the Xu family, so why were its members here at Ning An City?
She had a string of questions she wanted to ask, but she didn't have answers to them, so she simply lowered her head and looked at her empty ring finger. After a moment, she quickly shook her head and walked away.
...
Jiang Jingshan stared at Yun Bixue's departing figure and sank into deep thought. Somehow, just by looking at her, disgust would well up within her. It felt as though she had forgotten about something, but even when she thought about it carefully, she couldn't remember anything.
She had never met Young Master Xie before, but she felt that Yun Bixue was not that fantastic. With the power Young Master Xie held, how could he fall in love with such a woman?
Jiang Jingshan was overconfident. Perhaps it was her overconfidence that caused the demise of the Jiang family.
"You can come out now. She left already."
The moment she finished speaking, Xu Miaodan walked out from the side door. She removed her sunglasses and nodded respectfully towards Jiang Jingshan. "Thank you, Boss Jiang."
"There's no need to be so polite. The Xu family is under the protection of the Jiang family, and that includes you. What is there about this Yun Bixue that makes you waste so much of your effort?"
Xu Miaodan's beautiful lips tilted up into a smirk and said, "It's not that I want to waste my effort. Someone has something against her, so I'm just using her to vent my anger."
Jiang Jingshan furrowed her brows and adjusted her earring. "I won't ask too much about your personal matters, but you need to make sure that it won't hurt the Xu family's reputation, especially the Jiang family."
Chapter 457 Everyone Cares About The Diamond Ring
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Xu Miaodan's expression stiffened slightly after hearing Jiang Jingshan's words. "Rest assured that the Xu family will prioritize the Jiang family over everything. This is just a small personal matter." She saw Yun Bixue's reaction earlier. Yun Bixue appeared unaffected and calm, but she was absolutely certain that it must have bothered her deep inside.
Rings were something every woman liked. It was not simply for show. It represented the love a man had for a woman and a promise of commitment.
No matter what people said about how much Young Master Xie adored Yun Bixue, she would still become a laughing stock if she didn't have a ring.
Yun Bixue pretended not to care, but after what happened today, she would definitely chew on it. She was a woman after all. If she didn't like the diamond ring, she wouldn't have gone inside the shop to take a closer look.
She tailed after her for a long time and observed from the car before she found an excellent opportunity. It just so happened that Jiang Jingshan was also there, giving her the chance to set up such a scene conveniently.
Xu Miaodan turned to the saleslady who performed well and praised her, "That was very good. You'll get a bonus for the month."
The saleslady was slightly overwhelmed by the praise. "Thank you, Miss Xu."
Xu Miaodan saw the happy expression on the saleslady's face and raised an eyebrow. "Oh? Did you really not recognize Yun Bixue? Aren't you worried that she would get back at you?"
The saleslady squeaked, "They all say that Miss Yun is a kind person."
Xu Miaodan laughed coldly. It was true that the kinder the person, the more easily they were taken advantage of. "So, what you're trying to say is that because I'm more shrewd, you don't dare to offend me, so you can only offend Yun Bixue?"
The saleslady paled considerably and quickly waved her hands in front of her. "No, that's not what I meant. Please don't misunderstand, Miss Xu."
Jiang Jingshan disliked Xu Miaodan's arrogant aura and the way she twisted people's words. The Jiang family was used to dealing with things from the shadows, so if Xu Miaodan had something against Yun Bixue, it would be best to deal with it stealthily and finish it off.
"Okay, that's it for today. I still have things to do." After saying this, Jiang Jingshan turned to leave.
Xu Miaodan put her sunglasses on and spoke at Jiang Jingshan's back. "My parents know that you're here, and they're inviting you over for a meal."
"Maybe some other time. I have something else to do today."
When Xu Miaodan left Star's Fate Jewelry, she dialed a private number. Once the call got picked up, she said, "Hey, Yun Bixue looked like she didn't mind, but her expression seemed forced."
A voice came through the cell phone. "There's no woman who doesn't care about diamond rings. She may feel that the guy cares a lot about her, but it might not be the case. You've done well."
Xu Miaodan replied indifferently, "You're doing all these just to spite her. If you really hate her, why don't you just kill her?"
"It's not hatred, and I don't want to kill her either. Whatever it is, you just have to keep an eye on her."
"How injured were you for you to not have recovered yet?"
The cold voice replied, "That's none of your business. You just have to do your part, and you will receive your payment."
After ending the call, Xu Miaodan scanned her surroundings furtively before leaving.
What she didn't notice was Li Xu, who was on a car not too far away. He saw everything that had happened.
...
Yun Bixue shook her head vigorously to remove the confusing thoughts from her mind. After a while, she arranged for Zhou Zinan to help Su Lenghan.
She called Su Lenghan after that and said, "I've already sent the person to Su Family Organization and sent the funds as well. You can rest assured now."
After a long pause, Su Lenghan replied, "I know about what happened at Star Fate's Jewelry." His voice carried a hint of heartache.
Chapter 458 The Heart Which Lost Its Direction
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Hearing Su Lenghan's words, Yun Bixue tilted her head and looked at her phone in shock, "You know about what happened?"
"Yes."
"Thank you for not showing up. It would have been awkward if you did."
"There's no need to thank me. It was me who have done you wrong in the past. Yun Bixue, you need to love yourself more. Don't let yourself suffer from such grievances."
Yun Bixue's eyebrows twitched as something snapped inside her. She replied plainly, "Su Lenghan, I'm doing well, and Xie Limo treats me well too. You know that I've never chased after material things. Besides, what he has done for me has long surpassed all these. Others won't understand."
Su Lenghan remained silent for a while before replying, "But it's a fact that he didn't give you a marriage ceremony and a ring."
With a faint smile, Yun Bixue said bluntly, "Su Lenghan, you didn't give much to me as well. Even though you didn't give me something to look forward to, I insisted on being together with you. Compared to that, Xie Limo has given me far too much, so I'm very contented. He has his difficulties as well, and as his wife, I'm supposed to provide him with warmth and not be demanding."
Yun Bixue's words almost made Su Lenghan lose his grip on his cell phone. His heart trembled because he knew that these were words from Yun Bixue's heart. She was right—he did too little for her in the past. Yun Bixue was a person who only knew about giving and providing warmth for others.
Xie Limo treated her much better than he did.
When he thought of Meng Xinyan, he couldn't blame her as well. He was similar to her after all—giving too little and wanting too much.
He sighed. "I'm sorry, I—"
"Su Lenghan, you don't have to apologize. Really, you don't have to. Saying it will only make things between us more complicated. I'm doing well compared before, and I'm contented with this."
Against those words, Su Lenghan didn't know how to reply. "I wish the best for you. If you need any help, I will do my best to help you." The moment these words left his mouth, he felt guilty all over again. When she was at her wit's end asking for his help, he didn't even offer those six hundred thousand dollars.
At the same time, Yun Bixue thought about the past. Her expression froze as she replied, "I don't need any help right now. I just hope that Su Family Organization won't betray my expectations."
After hanging up the call with Su Lenghan, Yun Bixue laid her head on her office desk and switched off her phone to calm herself.
...
When it was already dark, and Yun Bixue had yet to return home, Xie Limo, who had just prepared dinner, felt a little anxious. He immediately called her cell phone only to realize that it was switched off.
Xie Limo froze. Yun Bixue didn't usually switch off her phone.
Xie Liu was about to arrange for people to search for her when Xie Limo waved his hand at him. Picking up his coat, he said, "I will look for her personally."
At that moment, a roaring thunder foreshadowed the incoming rain. A summer day's rain really came as it pleased.
...
Yun Bixue fell asleep on her office desk. When she woke up, the sky was already dark, and it was raining outside. Groggily, she closed the windows and left the building carrying her bag.
She held her umbrella as she walked. Even though she was walking towards home, she couldn't help but feel that her heart suddenly felt like it had lost its direction.
At that moment, a luxurious car pulled over beside her. A white-haired old man, who was wearing oriental clothing, got off from the car. He eyed Yun Bixue, giving her a once-over, and said in a displeased voice, "You are Yun Bixue?"
Chapter 459 A Strange Old Man
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Yun Bixue stopped and looked at the old man through a curtain of rain. He appeared in good health, and with his pair of sharp and stern eyes, he sized her up as though she was just some merchandise in a store.
Yun Bixue furrowed her brows. She disliked the judgemental and appraising look that was being sent her way, but despite this, her voice was calm as she said, "Yes, I'm Yun Bixue. May I know who you are?"
"Indeed, there's nothing special about you. Very plain."
"Grandfather, if you have nothing else to say to me, I shall take my leave. I'm in a hurry to go home and eat dinner. My husband has prepared a meal and is waiting for me!"
The old man's impassive face scrunched up after hearing her words. His eyes widened as he sneered at her. "You, what did you just say? Your husband cooked for you and is waiting for you at home?"
A glint flashed across Yun Bixue's eyes. Nodding her head, she said, "That's right, grandfather. Is there something wrong with that?"
The old man's walking cane roughly scratched the pavement as it stamped on it aggressively. "Of course it's wrong. It's extremely wrong. How could you ask your husband to cook for you? How could you..." His mustache even curled up as it twitched, showing his extreme displeasure.
Yun Bixue blinked her eyes innocently. "Grandfather, could it be that you know who my husband is?"
The old man showed his contempt for her without speaking. Under Yun Bixue's gaze, his eyes appeared flustered. "Yun Bixue, you dare to talk to me in this tone?"
"Grandfather, I have no idea who you are. At most, we are strangers?" Yun Bixue thought that this old man was weird. Did he know anyone she knew? The most likely person he knew was probably Xie Limo.
Was he someone from the Xie family, or was he from somewhere else?
Hearing her words, the old man straightened his back and glared at her.
Without flinching, Yun Bixue met his stern gaze. Her expression remained indifferent as she calmly looked at him without a trace of fear.
Seeing Yun Bixue's unshakable demeanor, a glint flashed across the old man's eye. They remained this way for a moment, staring hard at each other.
At that moment, a loud voice sounded out from the office building. "Yun Bixue, Yun Bixue! Where are you?" The shouts carried a familiar voice's anxiousness and worry.
Yun Bixue was elated—it was Xie Limo! Without any regard for the old man's presence, she turned around and saw Xie Limo searching frantically in the rain, calling out for her.
She dashed forward and waved her hands, "Limo, Limo! Hubby, I'm here!" The moment she saw him, joy and surprise burst within her heart, and all the unhappiness and confusion were swept away.
Yun Bixue dropped the umbrella she was holding and ran towards Xie Limo. She had never felt this energized before. Even though she was wearing high heels, she still ran with full speed.
Xie Limo turned his head towards Yun Bixue and let out a relieved breath. Once he was assured that she was safe, he rushed over to her with his heart in his throat. "Careful there. Why didn't you use an umbrella? Look at you. You're drenched." After saying this, he removed his coat and draped it over her.
Yun Bixue wiped the rainwater off her face, and her heart ached when she saw that Xie Limo was completely drenched. "You don't have an umbrella either. You're drenched all over. Why did you come to find me in this downpour?"
Xie Limo grabbed Yun Bixue's hand and ran towards the building before speaking in a resigned voice, "I called you over ten times but couldn't get through. How could I not come to find you?" After speaking, he used his hands to wipe her and smoothed her wet hair away from her face.
Chapter 460 Don't Turn Off Your Phone Next Time
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Yun Bixue froze after hearing Xie Limo's words. She tried to check his missed calls, but she couldn't find her cell phone. She rummaged through her bag and pockets, and even searched around her, but it was nowhere to be found.
"What's wrong?"
Yun Bixue blinked. "I don't know where my cell phone is. Could I have lost it?" After speaking, she was about to kneel on the floor and upend the contents of her bag.
A glint flashed across Xie Limo's eyes. He grabbed Yun Bixue's arm to interrupt her and said, "Don't panic. Think about it carefully. When was the last time you used your cell phone and where did you put it? Why was it turned off? You probably didn't drop it. Did you leave it somewhere?" He understood his wife well enough to know that she wasn't someone who just left her things everywhere.
Yun Bixue slapped her forehead and thought about her previous actions before this. "I remember now. I think I left it in the office."
After she finished speaking, Xie Limo grabbed Yun Bixue's arm and walked into the elevator to go to her office.
At that time, only a handful of people were working overtime, so the whole building was quiet.
As soon as they stepped inside the office, they saw that the cell phone was indeed left on her desk. Yun Bixue picked it up and saw that the phone was fine. When she turned it on, a notification for several missed calls appeared at once.
She sneaked a glance at Xie Limo and stuck her tongue out playfully behind his back.
Xie Limo hung his coat by the side and slid a hand into his pocket. He walked towards Yun Bixue and took her phone. "Don't turn off your cell phone next time."
Yun Bixue nodded meekly. She turned off her cell phone earlier because she was distressed. It was impossible for a person to be in a good mood all the time—even she had some moments where she felt stressed.
Xie Limo lowered his head and carefully observed her expression. After a while, he asked, "Did anything happen today?"
"Nothing." Yun Bixue shook her head, but she suddenly recalled the old man earlier. "Oh, there was this old man with a walking cane just now. He's about this height, and he's wearing deep red oriental clothes. He was bossy and kept sizing me up. He even said things like how could I let my husband cook for me... Anyway, it was very weird. Do you know him?"
While she was saying this, she ran towards the window and looked down. Other than the pouring rain, neither the car nor the old man was there.
"Oh, where did he go? He was just there."
Xie Limo walked to Yun Bixue's side and looked out as well, trying to find the person she had just described before saying, "Just ignore him if you see him again."
Yun Bixue tilted her head and asked in a suspicious voice, "Does he know you? He's not your grandfather?"
A dangerous glint flashed across Xie Limo's elegant eyes. "He's not, and you don't have to bother with him."
"Okay." Yun Bixue didn't ask him any further because she knew that if Xie Limo wanted to tell her, he would've told her. If he didn't want to say it, she wouldn't ask as well.
Nonetheless, she guessed that the old man had something to do with the Xie family.
It was a good thing that there were fresh towels in the bedroom beside the office. After drying themselves up, both of them packed up and drove back home.
As soon as they arrived home, Yun Bixue took a shower and laid on the bed. Her thoughts ran wild as she fiddled with the blanket in her hands.
Xie Limo came out in a bathrobe and saw Yun Bixue lost in her thoughts. He got on the bed and wrapped her in his embrace. He kissed her and asked, "What are you thinking about that got you so distracted?"
"Limo, since Snow Cloud Group entered the entertainment industry, and the drama's shooting has recently wrapped up, I want to go to Zi Bei City and set up a press conference. Zi Bei City has always been the go-to place for promoting dramas." Aside from this, she wanted to take this opportunity to reflect and take a breather as well. Being in a dazed state for a long time was bad for her relationship with Xie Limo anyway.