IJLHTW - 44

Xu Siyang froze for a moment, then laughed. “What do you mean by that?”

Huo Ci stared at him, her mind still reeling. How could there be such a coincidence in the world? Xu Siyang, who was always traveling the globe, had returned to the country just in time, happened to be at Yi Zhecheng’s house, and even showed the live footage of her causing trouble to Yi Zhecheng’s mother.

“I’m really grateful to your whole family,” Huo Ci said dryly, no longer wanting to engage with this clueless fool.

Xu Siyang tilted his head proudly and said cheerfully, “No need to thank me. I’ve always thought that despite your bad temper, you’re incredibly loyal to your friends.”

Huo Ci’s mind buzzed, and she looked straight at Xu Siyang, asking, “You didn’t tell my sister-in-law all these things, did you?”

“Of course I did. My sister said you look impressive and won’t let anyone bully you. I also told her about what you did in Africa—how you single-handedly took on two African men without backing down.”

Seeing his cheerful expression, Huo Ci inwardly scoffed.

Xu Siyang’s father was a prominent figure in the country, frequently featured in major business magazines. Although he had stepped back from the front lines due to age, how could such a formidable father raise a son like this naive and foolish idiot?

Xu Siyang seemed particularly happy. “I called my nephew to find out you were staying here. Huo Ci, when will your injury heal?”

“What do you want?” Huo Ci eyed him. She knew this naive idiot couldn’t be trusted to have good intentions.

Xu Siyang chuckled. “Aren’t you a photographer?”

Huo Ci remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

He continued, “I know someone who’s really into your field.”

“Our field?” Huo Ci smiled and asked, “Do they like taking photos or being photographed?”

Even Huo Ci wasn’t sure which circle she belonged to. If she said she was part of the photography circle, people would think she was too commercial. If she said she was part of the fashion circle, she was essentially just a photographer. Despite having taken numerous photos over the years, she was still fundamentally a photographer.

“They probably like being photographed,” Xu Siyang pondered.

Huo Ci looked at him. “Then why are you asking me? Just fund a movie for her and she’ll rise to fame instantly. The fashion industry is already crowded with people trying to break into the entertainment industry.”

The modeling industry was notorious for being short-lived. No one understood this better than Huo Ci. A top model during last year’s fashion week might disappear the next year. Very few could endure on the runway, and even those who did eventually sought opportunities in the entertainment industry—filming movies and participating in variety shows.

Xu Siyang scratched his head, looking troubled, and whispered, “She doesn’t even know who I am. Besides, we don’t have much of a relationship. I was just casually helping her ask.”

Huo Ci coldly watched him, realizing that Xu the Young Master was conducting a covert visit.

However, this matter wasn’t difficult for her. Since Bai Yu had some resources, it didn’t matter who she helped. Since Xu Siyang brought it up, Huo Ci casually agreed to assist.

Seeing how agreeable she was, Xu Siyang immediately brightened up. Only then did he remember to ask with a grin, “So, how are things going between you and my nephew?”

Huo Ci had almost forgotten about this topic until he brought it up again, prompting her to respond sharply, “Thank you for meddling so much.”

“What meddling? I sincerely hope you two end up together. If you really become my nephew’s wife, my sister will be so….” Xu Siyang’s voice gradually trailed off as he spoke.

Huo Ci sneered at him. “Now you understand why I thanked your entire family, right?”

Xu Siyang had gone abroad for high school and stayed overseas ever since. His English was fluent, but he didn’t understand contemporary slang.

Only now did he realize that Huo Ci’s earlier thanks to his family wasn’t meant as a compliment.

“How dare you talk to me like that? Do you still want to be my nephew’s fiancée?” Xu Siyang glared at her.

Huo Ci gasped for breath, the pain in her waist intensifying as her wound, which had nearly healed, reopened again. Every movement sent sharp stabs of pain through her body.

She glared at him, the word “idiot” hovering on her lips, yet she refrained from saying it.

As if sensing her restraint, Xu Siyang proudly declared, “You want to scold me but don’t dare, right? Wait till my nephew comes…”

As soon as he finished speaking, Yi Zhecheng walked in and asked, “What are you waiting for me to do?”

Xu Siyang, intending to use Yi Zhecheng’s authority to intimidate her, suddenly found himself face-to-face with him. He quickly changed the subject, “Why aren’t you at the office? It’s only five o’clock. Are you done with work already as a CEO?”

Yi Zhecheng hadn’t had a moment’s rest all day. He had rushed through the morning meeting to pick up Huo Ci at the hotel. After calming her down at noon, he hurried back to the company to attend two urgent international meetings. He had Yang Ming bring all the documents that needed reviewing to the hospital.

Originally, Huo Ci only needed to stay in the hospital for a few more days before going home to recuperate.

Now, because her wound had reopened, she had to stay an additional week.

“Idle hands like yours have no right to ask such questions,” Yi Zhecheng said coolly, casting a glance at him.

Xu Siyang immediately shut up.

He had graduated with a master’s degree last year but wanted to become a race car driver—a dream opposed by everyone from his sister to his grandfather. When he went to Senegal to participate in a rally race, he shamelessly begged Yi Zhecheng for money.

Upon returning, his grandfather had intended to place him in the company, but he disliked it.

These days, he was constantly scolded at home, so today he fled to his sister’s house.

“Are you done?” Yi Zhecheng asked coldly. Xu Siyang felt a bit wronged, but before he could express it, Yi Zhecheng said, “If you’re done, leave. Huo Ci needs to rest.”

“Why should I leave? I still have things to discuss with Huo Ci,” Xu Siyang retorted stubbornly.

“Besides, your presence here is disturbing her rest.”

Yi Zhecheng didn’t bother arguing further. Xu Siyang, needing to ask him something, insisted on being escorted to the door. Yi Zhecheng coldly accompanied him.

At the door, Xu Siyang pulled him aside and whispered, “How are things between you and Huo Ci?”

It turned out he couldn’t keep a secret either. In one breath, he recounted how he excitedly shared the live footage of Huo Ci disrupting the wedding with Xu Di after seeing it at home. He even happily told Xu Di that both he and Yi Zhecheng knew the girl.

After finishing, Yi Zhecheng stared at him, his shocked expression rivaling Huo Ci’s earlier reaction.

After a long pause, he angrily asked, “Are you an idiot?”

Then, he sighed helplessly, “Yes, you are.”

Xu Siyang, thoroughly scolded, conceded guilt and pitifully asked, “But she’s really going to be my niece-in-law, right?”

“Hmph,” Yi Zhecheng let out a cold laugh from deep in his throat.

He was utterly defeated by Xu Siyang’s lack of brainpower.

________________________________________

Liu Ruhuan lay at home all afternoon. Early that morning, she had gotten up, washed, dressed, and prepared herself. Shen Fangtang knew she was happy because Huo Ci was coming to take her to a wedding. It was rare for Huo Ci to initiate closeness, and even Shen Fangtang was delighted for her.

The outfit was a carefully selected Chanel suit paired with a vibrant coat. Though she was in her forties, Liu Ruhuan maintained a curvaceous figure. Even walking alongside Huo Ci, few would mistake them for mother and daughter. However, they rarely had the chance to be together.

She reflected on their last meeting—it was when she fainted at home, and Huo Ci visited her in the hospital.

Before that, it was when she went to Huo Ci’s studio while she was photographing someone.

Liu Ruhuan stood quietly by, watching for two hours. While working, Huo Ci was calm and professional, continuously shooting with her camera. The model must have been a newcomer; though Huo Ci appeared aloof, she occasionally offered tips on posing.

Over the years, unless Liu Ruhuan actively sought her out, Huo Ci wouldn’t come to see her.

Liu Ruhuan knew her daughter harbored resentment, but she only had this one child. Regardless of how much resentment Huo Ci held, Liu Ruhuan still yearned to connect with her daughter.

She meticulously applied makeup, and even Shen Fangtang praised her beauty as he left.

She waited until eleven, then twelve o’clock, but Huo Ci never came to pick her up.

When Shen Fangtang returned home to find it eerily quiet, he frowned. Aunt Liu came out to greet him and took his briefcase. His secretary had dropped him off and left. He asked, “Where’s Madam Liu?”

Aunt Liu lowered her voice, “Madam Liu has been asleep since this afternoon and hasn’t woken up.”

Shen Fangtang was puzzled. “Didn’t she go to the wedding with Xiaoci?”

“Huo Ci didn’t come. Madam Liu sat on the sofa until twelve, then went upstairs to rest,” Aunt Liu said sympathetically.

That day, when Huo Ci mentioned accompanying her to the wedding, even Aunt Liu noticed how genuinely happy Liu Ruhuan was.

She had gone to the spa for maintenance, styled her hair, and eagerly awaited this outing.

Shen Fangtang sighed softly, removed his black coat, and went upstairs to check on Liu Ruhuan.

The room was dark, and the sky outside was dim. He didn’t turn on the light, feeling his way in the darkness until he reached the bed. He sat down and gently patted the person lying there, asking softly, “Are you upset?”

There was no response. Shen Fangtang chuckled lightly. “Still acting like a child? Should I go to the hospital and give Huo Ci a scolding?”

As he moved to get up, his clothes were tugged.

“Forget it. Xiaoci must have had something come up. She wouldn’t intentionally miss this. She’s not that kind of child,” Liu Ruhuan said in a muffled voice, her tone hoarse and heart-wrenching.

Shen Fangtang knew Huo Ci wasn’t that kind of person. If she were truly angry, she would simply ignore you. Liu Ruhuan’s expectations were too high, leading to greater disappointment.

“You haven’t eaten all day. If you don’t get up now, I’ll call and scold Huo Ci,” Shen Fangtang teased.

Liu Ruhuan knew he was doing this on purpose but obediently got up anyway. Huo Ci hadn’t come, and she was worried. She wanted Shen Fangtang to call Huo Ci. This child had always been prideful, speaking coldly to her but treating others politely.

By the time they went downstairs, siblings Shen Sui’an and Shen Qian had also returned.

Shen Qian was visibly upset, talking loudly to Shen Sui’an. Turning around, she saw her father holding Liu Ruhuan’s hand as they descended the stairs.

She became angrier, raising her voice further. “I think that woman is disgusting. Wrecking someone else’s wedding. But she got what she deserved, being carried out covered in blood. Or do you think the police would let her off easily?”

Shen Fangtang frowned and scolded her. “Shen Qian, you’re a girl. Don’t speak so rudely.”

“Dad, do you think I’m speaking rudely?” Shen Qian sneered, glaring at Liu Ruhuan. “Don’t you favor Huo Ci? Today, she disrupted Lu Lu’s wedding, acting like a madwoman. The embarrassment is all over the internet. Headlines everywhere feature famous photographer Huo Ci, who’s even more popular now.”

Shen Fangtang was startled and looked at Liu Ruhuan.

Unexpectedly, Liu Ruhuan was even more confused and immediately asked anxiously, “What happened to Xiaoci? Is she okay?”

“What do you mean, what happened? Lu Lu was driven to the verge of suicide by her. If I had been there today, I would have made her pay,” Shen Qian had flown back from Hong Kong, but her flight was delayed, and by the time she arrived at the wedding scene, chaos reigned.

Shen Fangtang rebuked her. “Shen Qian, watch your words.”

“Dad, you always defend Huo Ci, thinking she’s more accomplished than me. Now she’s even more accomplished, with millions watching her tantrums online. Why don’t you go and teach her a lesson?” Shen Qian was upset that Shen Fangtang always sided with Huo Ci.

Liu Ruhuan was frightened and wanted to call Huo Ci. Shen Qian, not satisfied, mocked, “But don’t be too happy. Though she ruined someone else’s event, she ended up injured and covered in blood herself, being carried out.”

If Shen Fangtang hadn’t been there to support her, Liu Ruhuan might have fainted.

Shen Sui’an saw her escalating remarks and pulled her upstairs. “Come with me.”

“Brother, are you going to discipline me for her sake?” Shen Qian angrily resisted, refusing to go upstairs.

They struggled, but Shen Sui’an eventually dragged her upstairs.

Liu Ruhuan, regaining composure, said, “I need to go to the hospital.”

Shen Fangtang didn’t dissuade her. He instructed Aunt Liu to call the driver and prepare the car, accompanying her there.

________________________________________

In the evening, Yi Zhecheng was in the hospital, so the bodyguards at the door were withdrawn.

Huo Ci still tried to persuade him, suggesting the bodyguards shouldn’t come tomorrow either. But the person sitting in front of the computer said without hesitation, “No.”

A sound of pounding on the bed came from behind. Without turning his head, Yi Zhecheng said calmly, “Huo Ci, if you hit the bed once more, I’ll come over and deal with you.”

“Go ahead, I’m not afraid of you,” Huo Ci laughed angrily.

As soon as she finished speaking, Yi Zhecheng stood up. Huo Ci, alarmed, quickly said, “Don’t you still have a lot of work to do?”

Yi Zhecheng looked at her. “It’s fine. There’s enough time to deal with you.”

“Don’t come over, or I’ll call for help,” Huo Ci warned, threatening him.

Yi Zhecheng smirked faintly. As he approached, Huo Ci scared him by saying, “My mom has been visiting me these past few days. Be careful; she might come and see you bullying me.”

Unexpectedly, the man leaned down and sealed her lips with a kiss.

Too much talking.

It was better to silence her with a kiss.

An intimate atmosphere filled the ward, and after an unknown amount of time, when he finally released her, Huo Ci’s dark eyes shimmered with a soft glow, and she obediently resembled a kitten.

Indeed, she was more docile after being kissed.

Yi Zhecheng felt unusually relaxed and even playfully pinched her cheek, laughing lightly. “Rest assured. With such a handsome son-in-law, your mom will be thrilled to see me.”

He had never understood why his childhood friends loved teasing girls so much.

But when he met the girl he admired, he realized that teasing her gave him such a sense of accomplishment.

Childish. Even Yi Zhecheng himself chuckled inwardly.

Then he heard the girl in front of him call out, “Mom.”

Just as he was about to laugh, the clear sound of the door opening came from behind.

Turning his head, he saw a pair of extremely elegant middle-aged couples standing at the door. The youthful and beautiful middle-aged woman gazed steadily at him, then blinked.

She looked incredibly similar to Huo Ci.