The Jian family.

After He Ran made that phone call, Jian Yanqing didn’t return immediately. In fact, his voice on the phone was very calm, without a trace of agitation.

After finishing his official duties, Jian Yanqing returned home.

When he entered the house, he carried the dust of the road on one shoulder.

Jian Xi quickly went up to greet him, “Dad.”

Jian Yanqing raised his hand, signaling her to stop, then asked, “Where’s Mengmeng?”

He Ran: “She’s asleep, the nanny is watching her for now.” He Ran nudged Jian Xi, “Go get Dad some water.”

Jian Xi nodded and turned to go into the kitchen.

Jian Yanqing had been in meetings all day and looked somewhat tired. “I’ve already explained it on the phone; don’t worry, Xiaoxi’s mom will be back soon.”

He rolled up his sleeves and checked the time, “It should be about time.”

As he spoke, there was a sound at the door lock, a faint click, and sure enough, it was Tao Xihong.

She entered with a start, “Oh, what’s going on here? Are you all standing by the door ready to play mahjong?”

Still able to joke, her expression seemed quite self-assured.

He Ran gave a quick glance and came to a judgment, feeling slightly relieved.

Hearing the sound, Jian Xi rushed out of the kitchen, “Mom.”

“Slow down, slow down, the tea has spilled.” After saying this, Tao Xihong bent over to change her shoes and placed her handbag on the shoe cabinet.

Jian Yanqing took the teacup from Jian Xi’s hand, his face unchanged, and said, “Be careful, it’s hot.”

A few drops splashed onto Jian Xi’s hand. She hadn’t noticed in her hurry. Tao Xihong came over, grabbed her hand, and looked at it, “It’s red from the burn, go get some aloe cream to apply.”

“Mom.” Jian Xi pulled her hand back, worry creasing her brow.

Tao Xihong smiled, “Nothing serious, the tax bureau conducts quarterly spot checks every year. I went last year too.”

Jian Xi wasn’t entirely convinced, her mind rapidly recalling whether this had happened “last year.” Tao Xihong pointed to the top of the shoe cabinet, “I passed by a bakery on my way back and bought some pastries for a late-night snack. Go eat.”

The pastries were still warm, their temperature comforting. Jian Xi’s heart finally relaxed a bit.

The family interacted as usual. Jian Yanqing even ate a piece of pastry and chatted briefly with He Ran before going upstairs with Tao Xihong.

“You should rest early too, it’s late. You can leave tomorrow,” Tao Xihong instructed.

Jian Xi cleaned up the dishes and passed by her parents’ door on her way back to the bedroom. A faint light spilled out from inside, from Jian Yanqing’s bedside lamp. It was his habit to read before bed.

Everything was peaceful as usual. Jian Xi felt reassured and went to sleep soundly.

Past midnight, the Jian household turned off the lights and went to sleep.

By the light from outside the window, both Jian Yanqing and Tao Xihong were still awake.

One leaned against the headboard, the other lay on their side. Jian Yanqing sighed softly, “This matter was kept so secret that even I only found out when it happened.”

Tao Xihong rested her cheek on one hand, “That evidence was very convincing. I don’t remember much about that invoice, but the stamp and signature were indeed handled by relevant department leaders.”

Jian Yanqing: “Let’s have an honest talk, Xihong. We’ve come this far together. Give me a bottom line—does the company have any issues? If so, how big are they?”

Tao Xihong quickly replied, “At least, everything I handled was within bounds.”

Jian Yanqing understood. Hidden arrows were hard to guard against. Behind Tao Xihong’s back, someone might have spent years probing and preparing, seizing a loophole not caused by her, exaggerating it, and presenting it as misleading evidence.

Tao Xihong had been lying down for a long time and now sat up, leaning shoulder-to-shoulder with Jian Yanqing against the headboard.

Her voice was soft, “Old Jian, behind this matter, we both know. They’re starting with me, tearing into the flesh. At the end, it’s you.”

Jian Yanqing knew well enough.

Tao Xihong saw things clearly, unraveling the possibilities layer by layer. She continued, “I don’t inquire about your work matters, but I know that the vacancy for the second-in-command of the provincial leadership is open, and you are the most likely candidate.”

Jian Yanqing was a typical man of action, rising from grassroots level, step by step, with outstanding political achievements and excellent reputation. Still in his prime, his future was promising.

“Let’s not talk about this.” Jian Yanqing’s voice was low, slightly hoarse in the tranquil air, sounding profound.

He slowly said, “Not to mention, I don’t have the stains they want. Even if I did, the network of connections I’ve built over the years—it’s unclear who would win or lose.”

“If things really reach an irreparable point,” Jian Yanqing raised his eyes and said, “For you and our family, I can make concessions.”

Tao Xihong was shocked, “Old Jian.”

“That’s enough, don’t think too much. Rest now.” Jian Yanqing patted the back of her hand, lay flat, and closed his eyes.

________________________________________

In the following days, Tao Xihong fully cooperated with the inspection team’s investigation.

Answering every question and resolving every doubt, her iron-lady demeanor was on full display in this confrontation.

Jierui Daily Chemicals had been established for a long time and had a large volume of business, so there were many small details where loopholes were exploited. Ultimately, three construction projects in the old Yufeng Garden project were advanced in material final settlements, leading to inflated costs and reduced profits, resulting in disciplinary actions.

Tao Xihong knew well that such nitpicking attitudes must have powerful backing.

The relevant penalty documents were swiftly delivered to the corporate headquarters and publicly announced on the official website.

For a while, public opinion was in an uproar.

Jierui Daily Chemicals topped the search headlines. The public was always harsh and sensitive about such official-business affairs. With solid evidence, criticism poured like a flood.

Despite Jierui Daily Chemicals issuing a prompt public relations response—a lengthy apology to the public, acknowledging mistakes, and attaching proof of paid taxes and fines—the netizens weren’t buying it.

[Boycott Jierui Daily Chemicals!]

[No more using Jierui shampoo!]

[I use shower gel to clean the toilet!]

These days, Jian Xi almost vomited blood scrolling through online comments.

Tao Xinglai, promoting his movie out of town and unable to return, vented in a video call, “Damn, what nonsense! Five thousand yuan in tax evasion, such a bizarre conclusion—it’s shameless!”

Jian Xi was also troubled, “Mom hasn’t been home this week; something must have happened at the company.”

He Ran remained relatively calm. Many things Jian Yanqing couldn’t handle personally, so he had to hold the fort for the family.

He Ran was rational, reviewing the entire situation and concluding, “There are no shortages of exposed corporate misconducts; those more serious are everywhere. Why, when Mom’s company issue arises, does it hit the headlines?”

Tao Xinglai was fired up, “Paid trolls! Someone hired trolls! Such low tactics!”

Jian Xi’s heart sank as she looked at He Ran.

He Ran furrowed his brows, pulling a cigarette from the pack and holding it unlit in his mouth.

Tao Xinglai was burning with anger, “I’ll find Li Xiaoqiang right now; he knows all sorts of shady tricks. I’ll hire trolls too. I have money to burn; let the enemy drown!”

Jian Xi quickly dissuaded him, “Enough, don’t add to the chaos. Don’t you know who you are? You’re a celebrity now. If this gets out, do you still want to act?”

Tao Xinglai stood tall tonight, “If I don’t act, I’ll still be the prettiest flower behind the scenes on TV!”

He Ran held the cigarette, picked up a lighter, and walked to the window. In the end, he lit the cigarette. The first puff of smoke dispersed with the wind. He squinted his eyes, piecing everything together once more.

People with experience in these circles could easily see that it was all a setup, with influential forces behind it. Whoever had the guts and means must be seasoned players.

Commercial enemies wouldn’t meddle in politics. Thus, the only possible target was the political arena.

The target was Jian Yanqing.

What He Ran feared was that this was just the beginning.

Sure enough, Tao Xihong’s company encountered trouble. Due to the ongoing negative reviews, several major investors requested withdrawals. A major project initiated by Jierui Daily Chemicals at the beginning of the year was halfway done, and the broken capital chain equaled its premature demise.

Because of this, Tao Xihong grew a layer of white hair from worry.

Jian Xi was heartbroken. She took two days off to stay home and look after her, “Mom, don’t be too anxious; we’ll solve it eventually.”

Words had limited power, but at this moment, besides comforting her, Jian Xi didn’t know what else she could do.

“Silly child.” Tao Xihong forced a smile, hiding her fatigue, “You focus on work and take good care of Mengmeng. Mom can still hold on.”

Jian Xi’s eyes were red, gripping Tao Xihong’s hand tightly.

Tao Xihong asked, “Where’s He Ran?”

“He went out.”

These days, he hadn’t been idle either, moving around outside.

“Ah.” Tao Xihong sighed deeply, earnestly saying, “Tell him to rest a bit. When things truly come, they can’t be stopped. Xiaoxi, your father reaching this position wasn’t easy.”

Jian Xi understood immediately. The family motto, since childhood, had been to downplay her father’s identity. Neither she nor Tao Xinglai ever flaunted it.

“Sometimes, the limelight gained from integrity and clean governance is seen as standing out, inviting more than one gun.” Tao Xihong smiled, her tone self-deprecating and helpless.

Jian Xi’s tears fell, “Mom.”

Tao Xihong reached out, wiping the tears from the corners of her eyes with her fingertips, “You’re a mother now, yet you cry like a daughter. Xiaoxi, Mom is sorry. Back then, I was stubborn in opposing you and He Ran.”

“I know you meant well.” Jian Xi’s voice was hoarse.

“Fate is predestined. With your persistence, you’ve earned yourself a good marriage. Having He Ran take care of you, Mom feels reassured.”

“Don’t talk like that; let’s not say these things.” Jian Xi shook her head continuously, unable to bear any hint of a farewell tone.

The precious time for mother-daughter chats became rare as the company called again. Tao Xihong gathered her spirits, answering the call while getting dressed, “Alright, I’m coming.”

He Ran and Lu Hanxiao were also actively investigating, basically confirming He Ran’s suspicions—it was indeed targeted at Jian Yanqing. Power struggles have never ceased throughout history; his rise would make a group of forces uneasy.

“My old man found out and leaked some information,” Lu Hanxiao said, “They are a group, backed by someone higher up, fearless of trouble.”

He Ran smoked irritably, one cigarette after another, emptying two packs.

Lu Hanxiao was very serious, “At this point, there are only two solutions. First, Uncle Jian takes a stance and gives up the competition. Second, find someone more powerful to suppress them.”

He Ran didn’t speak, squinting his eyes amidst the rising smoke.

“Also, Tao Xinglai’s identity might soon be uncovered.” Lu Hanxiao frowned deeply, “One by one, they’re ruthless. By the way, Mengmeng shouldn’t go out either.”

He Ran violently stubbed out his cigarette, “Fuck!”

He saw the situation clearly. What Lu Hanxiao said was all hard truth. He Ran didn’t delay and the next day, he sent Mengmeng to her grandmother’s place. Her grandmother was a Buddhist and took the little one to stay at the Dongshan Ancient Temple several kilometers away.

Tao Xinglai was quite skeptical, “Do temples serve vegetarian food? My Mengmeng won’t have meat to eat. Will she agree?”

He was video calling with Jian Xi while scrolling through Weibo. Suddenly, he exclaimed, “No way?!”

Jian Xi was on edge, “What happened? Another issue?”

Tao Xinglai immediately chuckled, “Nothing, some fans praised me for being more handsome than Tony Leung.”

Jian Xi sighed in relief; her heart had almost jumped out of her chest.

After ending the call, Tao Xinglai didn’t dare say that comments like “Aren’t you the son of Tao from Jierui Chemicals?” and “Tax evaders should get lost” had already appeared on his Weibo.

Although there were only a few such comments, they were quickly upvoted to the top-rated comments at an alarming rate.

Li Xiaoqiang’s call came soon after, “Tao’er, what’s going on? You can’t afford to run into trouble at this time. Several big brands are negotiating your endorsements!”

Tao Xinglai got angry upon hearing this, “That’s my mom! I’m her biological son!”

Li Xiaoqiang was also furious, “You have contracts and are in the movie promotion period. If there is any serious negative impact, you will be liable for breach of contract and owe money!”

Tao Xinglai: “Qiang’er, you don’t need to come to work tomorrow. I’ll tell you, I’m about to post a tweet to counterattack!”

After hanging up, Tao Xinglai furiously typed on the keyboard.

Before he could finish the first sentence, an entertainment news push notification popped up.

Tao Xinglai was stunned when he saw the headline:

[Shadow Empress Qiao Shu fiercely supports Tao Xinglai, directly denouncing the rumor mongers.]

It turned out that two minutes ago, Qiao Shu, with her 60 million followers on Weibo, directly retweeted a comment that insulted Tao Xinglai, which had the highest number of likes.

And she coldly wrote three words:

[Fuck off!]

Within a minute, fan comments on this Weibo post exceeded ten thousand.

Tao Xinglai trembled as he picked up his phone and dialed Qiao Shu’s number.

Qiao Shu quickly answered, “Oh, it’s rare. The first time you’ve ever called me voluntarily.”

“Are you crazy, Qiao Shu!” Tao Xinglai shouted angrily, “Why are you sticking your neck out for this matter! Don’t you care about your mature image anymore! Do you know how bad this will affect you!!”

The other end was quiet, with shallow breathing.

After a few seconds, Qiao Shu softly said, “You’re concerned about me.”

“Concerned my ass!” Tao Xinglai was livid, “Delete it right now, hear me! Where is your PR team, dead?!”

Qiao Shu burst into laughter, “Yeah, dead.”

Tao Xinglai: “...” Insane.

After laughing enough, Qiao Shu cleared her throat. It sounded like she was close to Tao Xinglai’s ear, her tone becoming warm and steamy.

She said, “I really like you. Anytime, I fight for you.”

Tao Xinglai’s eyes went blank, his brain fried by these sweet words.

________________________________________

The situation even rocked the entertainment circle, playing too big.

However, troublesome matters never cease. That noon, the disciplinary inspection team arrived and found Jian Yanqing. Their attitude was gentle, their wording tactful, but the mention of the whistleblower letter confirmed He Ran’s suspicions.

His worst fear had come true.

“Mayor Jian, please understand, we mean no harm. This is just routine procedure, and it will be absolutely confidential externally.”

Hearing this, Jian Yanqing wasn’t surprised. “Alright, but I need five minutes.”

When the others retreated outside to wait, Jian Yanqing turned to He Ran and said, “Don’t look for people recklessly, don’t listen to rumors blindly.”

He Ran nodded solemnly. He knew that any olive branch in a predicament might be sugar-coated arsenic.

Jian Yanqing’s expression slightly relaxed. After two seconds of silence, he raised his eyes to look at He Ran and said, “Xiaoxi and Xinglai, I leave them in your care.”

He Ran didn’t say a word, but his gaze was strong, silently promising.

Jian Yanqing’s departure marked the climax of this ordeal.

Upon learning the news, Jian Xi nearly broke down in tears.

He Ran held her tightly in his arms, “Don’t be afraid, I’m here.”

Jian Xi clutched his clothes, tears soaking the fabric, sobbing incoherently, “Will Dad be alright?”

He Ran’s hand rhythmically patted her back.

Then he gave her a reassuring promise, each word resolute:

“He will.”

The Jian family was now in chaos. The opponent was too powerful, from evidence to design, every link was meticulously planned to drive someone to death. He Ran recalled what Lu Hanxiao had said—

“Find someone higher up, someone extraordinary, use strength to suppress the matter.”

Thus, on the afternoon of Jian Yanqing’s incident, without hesitation, He Ran drove southbound towards Yao Province.

________________________________________

The night turned ominous, heavy rain approaching.

In the Yao Province He residence, lights illuminated the entire house.

In the darkness, He Ran stood alone outside, motionless, staring at the gate.

At the third hour, the door finally opened, widening from a narrow crack, and the indoor light rushed out eagerly.

He Zheng’an wore a Zhongshan suit made of cotton and linen, hands behind his back, walking slowly forward.

He Ran swallowed and called out, “Dad.”

He Zheng’an showed no emotion, his features stern, his demeanor sharp.

Standing for too long, He Ran’s back ached. Ignoring the pain, he succinctly recounted the whole event.

After listening, He Zheng’an laughed sarcastically after a long pause, “Aren’t you very capable? Not even heaven or gods can control you. So why are you begging me now?”

He Ran took a deep breath, “Father, I’ve come to beg you. Beat me, scold me, I’ll take it. For Mengmeng and Jian Xi’s sake, please step in.”

“On what grounds?” He Zheng’an’s tone was disdainful, “What kind of thing are you?”

He Ran opened his mouth, words swirling on his tongue, then swallowed them back down.

Years of father-son discord left He Zheng’an with unresolved grievances. Venting made him feel somewhat better, but not fully satisfied, so he said, “If you’re asking for help, act like it. Look at yourself, reluctant and unwilling, what kind of talk is that!”

As soon as those words landed with an exclamation mark, He Ran bent his knees, “Plop,” kneeling on the ground.

The sky was overcast, clouds hiding the moon. He Ran’s eyes were tired yet determined—

“Dad, please.”