The air conditioner was set to a comfortable 26 degrees, but Wen Yunzhi suddenly felt chilly, even though it should have been the ideal temperature for the human body. However, her heart was burning with emotion.
She felt trapped between warmth and chill, a sensation suffocating her, while eagerness, anxiety, and the fear of disappointment… all contributed to her restlessness.
The information burned in her hands, and Wen Yunzhi lowered her eyes, but the words on it seemed to blur as if soaked in water.
She took a deep breath, stopped fighting her feelings, and gazed at Xue Wenxuan with teary eyes.
“Mom,” Xue Wenxuan handed her a tissue.
Wen Yunzhi lowered her head and wiped her eyes, attempting to maintain a steady tone. “Tell me, my child, what challenges has he faced in all these years?”
Xue Wenxuan paused for a moment, trying to be delicate with his words.
“Maybe you aren’t aware,” he began softly, “but I’ve actually seen Xia Wan before.”
“You’ve seen him?” Wen Yunzhi asked in a hushed tone. “When?”
“It was a few months ago,” Xue Wenxuan explained. “Remember the opening event for Zhang’s new company?”
Wen Yunzhi nodded. The Zhang family had actually extended the invitation to both Wen Yunzhi and Xue Chong, but Xue Wenxuan attended on behalf of their parents. However, he only made a brief appearance before leaving.
As he was leaving, he happened to cross paths with Huo Lin as he was entering the venue, with Xia Wan following behind him.
“It was just a quick glimpse,” Xue Wenxuan added.
Wen Yunzhi suddenly recalled the altercation between the two Huo brothers over Xia Wan. “He was with Huo Lin at that time?”
“Yes,” Xue Wenxuan confirmed.
Wen Yunzhi wasn’t one to indulge in gossip. Despite hearing rumors about a feud between two younger members of the Huo family over a boy, she simply shrugged it off with a laugh.
Later on, when she visited the Huo family and witnessed Huo Peixue’s desire to marry Huo Yu. Although it felt unfair, and she was unhappy with it. Ultimately it was their family affair and she was no one to say anything.
But now, after she realized that this ‘child’ was most likely her long-lost youngest son she has been searching for 18 years.
“I did see the three of them together at the Huo residence before,” Wen Yunzhi recalled, “And it seemed like Wan Wan had some sort of issue with Huo Lin. Can you tell me what happened between them?”
Xue Wenxuan replied, “It’s a complicated story,” giving a concise summary.
“When Huo Lin got engaged to Qiu Qi, he was actually in a relationship with Xia Wan. They held the engagement ceremony without Xia Wan’s knowledge,” Xue Wenxuan revealed.
Wen Yunzhi listened in silence, a sardonic smile playing on the corner of her lips. “So, he was also trying to hide this from Qiu Qi, right?”
Xue Wenxuan nodded.
“But there’s more to it,” he added. “Xia Wan was called over and was subjected to humiliation by them. Fortunately, Huo Yu was present, and he came to his rescue.”
Wen Yunzhi’s anger was simmering, making it hard for her to sit still. She took a deep breath and tried to control her emotions.
Despite her years of experience in the business world, when it came to her children, she could only be an ordinary mother. She felt the panic, the confusion, the distress, and the anger that any mother would feel.
She lowered her head in thought and then came up with a question, “How did Xia Wan and Huo Lin even meet? Their social circles shouldn’t naturally cross paths.”
Xue Wenxuan sighed, a bitter smile on his face. “You’re right.”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Wen Yunzhi had a suspicion that someone had orchestrated this. She asked in a cold tone, “Who’s behind all of this?”
“Wlj Jtfcuhtjcu tjv j vlrajca ecmif ktb gecr jc jgmtlafmaegji vfrluc mbwqjcs tfgf. Lf’r jirb yffc lcnbinfv lc atf yelivlcu wjafgljir yerlcfrr bnfg atf sfjgr,” Wef Qfczejc fzqijlcfv klat j abemt bo mbivcfrr. “Ktf Wlj ojwlis kjcafv ab mbwqfaf klat atf Leb ojwlis, rb atfs qertfv Wlj Qjc lcab atf rqbailuta jr atflg qjkc.”
Wen Yunzhi was well aware of the complexities of the situation, but her expression changed when she heard this.
“Don’t worry, Xia Wan didn’t suffer any losses,” Xue Wenxuan reassured her. “But upon further investigation, we found something interesting about the Xia family’s current company.”
“What do you mean?” Wen Yunzhi inquired.
“In the early days, this company was founded by Xia Chengzhang,” Xue Wenxuan revealed. “Xia Chengzhang was the initial founder, and then his friends Zhang Ruicheng and Xia Chenglin joined subsequently. However, he left the company due to depression after the accident. Then, Xia Chenglin kicked Zhang Ruicheng out, and now we have the ‘Xia Family’ company.”
Wen Yunzhi didn’t particularly want to delve into Xia Chengzhang’s past, but she understood that Xue Wenxuan had a reason for bringing it up.
As expected, Xue Wenxuan went on to explain, “It was during that period that Xia Chengzhang couldn’t cope with the emotional turmoil of losing his health and career and had the idea of returning to his hometown.”
“And he returned on the very day Ake disappeared?” Wen Yunzhi inquired further.
Xue Wenxuan nodded.
During those days, the nationwide transportation system wasn’t as interconnected and convenient as it is now. So Xue Wenxuan had put in considerable effort to piece together these details.
Wen Yunzhi lowered her gaze, her brow furrowing with a growing sense of concern.
At that moment, Wen Yunzhi felt her emotions boiling over like a runaway train. It all seemed far too coincidental. Her hands clenched into fists, crumpling several pages of information in her palm.
“Why?” Her voice quivered with a surge of hatred. “Why did he take my child?”
Wen Yunzhi stood abruptly, declaring, “No, I have to see Wanwan.”
“Mom,” Xue Wenxuan also rose and gently held Wen Yunzhi’s wrist, saying, “While it’s highly likely, it’s not confirmed yet.”
Tears welled up at the corners of Wen Yunzhi’s eyes as she met her son’s gaze.
It had been an incredibly challenging journey for her all these years—the never-ending yearning and guilt for her child, glimpses of hope followed by recurring disappointments, the family’s unforgiveness, and the void left by the loss of her youngest son.
“It’s been eighteen years; surely, we can wait a bit longer,” Xue Wenxuan comforted his mother, holding her in his arms. “Don’t worry about it right now.”
“It’s because I’ve waited for eighteen years,” Wen Yunzhi choked up, “I don’t want to waste another minute or second.”
“Tangtang,” Wen Yunzhi said, pushing Xue Wenxuan away momentarily before turning to grab her mobile phone. “Let Tangtang discreetly collect some samples, and we’ll arrange for a paternity test.”
“Mom,” Xue Wenxuan halted Wen Yunzhi’s movements, “Even if you want to collect samples, it’s not easy to obtain hair follicles. And you should also respect Xia Wan.”
Wen Yunzhi’s eyelashes trembled slightly, and she remained silent for a moment.
“I’ve also discussed this with Grandpa and Dad,” Xue Wenxuan continued. “Dad will be back tomorrow night, and Grandpa is also excited and anxious to meet Xia Wan. Maybe we should wait until the weekend when Tangtang brings him over as a guest at our house. We can make plans then.”
“Mom,” Xue Wenxuan said softly, “This isn’t just a big deal for us, but also for Xia Wan. He needs time to mentally prepare and adjust. There’s no need to rush things.”
Wen Yunzhi remained silent, her lips pressed together.
Finally, she lifted her eyes to Xue Wenxuan and pleaded, “I still want to see him.”
Xue Wenxuan, unable to ignore his mother’s heartfelt request, gave in with a soft agreement. “I’ll go with you.”
Wen Yunzhi nodded and immediately dialed a number.
Su Tang answered promptly, his voice sounding a bit drowsy. “Aunt?”
“Tangtang,” Wen Yunzhi made an effort to sound natural, “Have you had your meal?”
“I just finished,” Su Tang replied, rubbing his stomach while lying on his bed. “I was about to take a nap.”
“Sleeping right after eating?” Wen Yunzhi teased, “Be careful not to gain weight.”
Su Tang chuckled, “I’m so beautiful; I’m not afraid of getting fat. Did you eat yet, Aunt?”
“Not yet,” Wen Yunzhi replied with a hint of sadness in her voice. “I called to see if you’d like to have dinner together.”
“Are you close to our school?” Su Tang’s voice perked up, and he sat up.
“No,” Wen Yunzhi explained, “I’m at the company. It’s only a half-hour drive from there.”
“Not sincere!” Su Tang muttered under his breath, “I’ll starve to death while waiting for you.”
Wen Yunzhi suggested, “How about Auntie treating you to dinner tonight? You can invite your dormitory classmates; my treat.”
“Huh?” Su Tang detected something unusual in the offer. “Didn’t you want to keep a low profile before? Why the change today?”
Wen Yunzhi seemed to hear but chose not to acknowledge it.
Her thoughts were consumed by Xia Wan, and numerous questions surged through her mind, one after another, following the shocking revelation. It felt both urgent and less pressing at the same time.
Fortunately, Su Tang had a lively personality. After waiting for a moment without a response from Wen Yunzhi, he replied, “Okay, sure! My roommates love to eat, anyway.”
…
The emails kept pouring in, and Huo Yu’s fingers clicked away at his mouse, handling his business matters. When he finished his work, it was time for lunch.
Huo Yu glanced up and spotted Li Congmeng waiting at the door.
“Mr. Li,” Huo Yu stood up, “Were you waiting for me?”
“Shall we grab a meal together?” Li Congmeng suggested. “I have something to discuss with you.”
Li Congmeng was currently swamped with work, and mealtime was the only opportunity for him to catch up with Huo Yu.
They headed to Yan Yu Restaurant, known for its decent food, and found a corner to sit down.
“Are you enjoying the food, Mr. Li?” Huo Yu inquired.
“It’s delicious,” Li Congmeng replied with a smile. “After so many years abroad, the only thing I struggle with is adapting to the local cuisine.”
He quickly shifted the conversation away from personal matters. “The order has been placed, but Xinhua is facing some challenges in arranging production. It might be delivered in multiple batches.”
“Well, our orders for this year are being squeezed in, which is to be expected. Next year should be smoother,” Huo Yu replied with a chuckle. “Other factories are still out there. If we can make the first move, negotiations will be easier later on.”
“Then let’s go for some hunger marketing,” Huo Yu suggested, lifting his gaze with a confident expression. “When done right, hunger marketing can boost product popularity to the max.”
Li Congmeng had always focused solely on design and had little experience with other aspects of business. Given that Yan Yu was still in its early stages, he was particularly concerned about marketing.
Seeing Huo Yu’s confidence, Li Congmeng felt reassured. The two discussed the final details of their initial marketing strategy and sales channels before Li Congmeng hurried back to the office.
Huo Yu was in no hurry. He stood on the open-air balcony outside the restaurant, lit a cigarette, and gazed at the Xue family’s building sign in the distance. He pondered, calculating the likelihood of a successful cooperation with the Xue family.
Back in the day, his parents and the Xue family had some friendly ties, and he and Xue Wenxuan were of the same age, having played together for several years in their youth. However, Xue Wenxuan had matured quickly and taken over the company’s affairs long ago. Moreover, Huo Yu had spent many years abroad, making him unfamiliar with the current situation.
Now, the Xue family was thriving, while he felt like a distant star in the night sky. They were worlds apart.
He lowered his gaze, reminiscing about the night when Xia Wan had handed over the design draft to him. The speculations that had arisen when he stood in the corridor waiting for Xia Wan, the vague unease and anticipation as Xia Wan handed him the manuscript paper—all of it had created a tense atmosphere, as a delicate string stretched between them, threatening to snap at any moment.
Huo Yu took a deep breath, and at that moment, an unwavering determination settled in his heart. Regardless of the means, even if he had to break down the doors, he would find a way to secure a place within the Xue family. It was for the sake of Yan Yu, his mother, and… Xia Wan.
As his phone rang in his pocket, Huo Yu withdrew the cigarette and answered it slowly.
“What’s up, Shen Yan?” He inquired casually.
“Can we have dinner together tonight?” Shen Yan’s voice carried a subtle excitement, though Huo Yu could still discern it.
“Any particular reason?” Huo Yu asked with a smile.
“Huo’s stocks took quite a hit today, isn’t it worth celebrating?” Shen Yan replied.
“Ohh damn,” Huo Yu muttered softly, “Isn’t this something I was already aware of?”
“If you want to party, then just party. No need to act all civilized,” Shen Yan asked, “Will you make it?”
“I won’t make it,” Huo Yu replied after a pause. “I have something to attend to tonight.”
“Besides spending time with little sister-in-law, what else could be more important?” Shen Yan grumbled.
“Xia Wan’s father is in the hospital,” Huo Yu explained, “I’ll visit them tonight.”
“Oh,” Shen Yan responded, his tone shifting slightly.
“Is there anything else you need to discuss over the phone?” Huo Yu asked.
“I’ve completed the task you assigned to me,” Shen Yan replied after a brief pause, momentarily losing his earlier annoyance and becoming excited again.
Huo Yu, who had assigned Shen Yan various tasks, wasn’t sure which one he was referring to. He inquired, “Which one you are talking about?”
Shen Yan replied with a hint of excitement, “Weren’t you looking for someone resembling a little sister-in-law? Well, I’ve found one at the film school. He’s a solid seven or eight points, especially after seeing sister-in-law’s photo. He can mimic his mannerisms and actions perfectly. I guarantee that Huo Lin will take the bait this time.”
Huo Yu pursed his lips and forcefully extinguished the cigarette on the railing. After a brief silence, he spoke solemnly, “Forget it.”
“Forget it?” Shen Yan was momentarily taken aback.
Huo Yu confirmed, “Yes, forget it.”
“Why?” Shen Yan was puzzled. “We crafted such a solid plan, and thoroughly calculated everything. How can you just say ‘forget it’?”
This plan had been Huo Yu’s idea from the start. It aimed to exploit Huo Lin’s obsession with Xia Wan, luring him into a trap and subsequently trapping the entire Huo family.
Back then, Huo Yu had meticulously laid out the plan, devoid of any emotions.
But now…
When Huo Yu imagined Huo Lin pinning down the boy who bore an uncanny resemblance to Xia Wan, he couldn’t help but feel a surge of anger. He knew that in Huo Lin’s mind, he would likely envision Xia Wan’s face and whisper Xia Wan’s name.
Huo Yu closed his eyes, and when he reopened them, his gaze burned with anger.
It would be uncomfortable for everyone
Thank you for your translation ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Thank You for the new chapter (⸝⸝⍢⸝⸝) ෆ
I love this hehe