WHM 24

Chapter 24


In the following days, the sisters-in-law went shopping at several places including Secoo and Landmark Plaza. Liu Hanyue wanted to go to other places as well. She was also planning to buy a car.

Wang Yaning stopped her: "You've already bought quite a lot these past few days, tens of millions spent, right? This is revenge spending. I remember you have three cars in your garage. It's unnecessary."

These past few days, she had followed behind her, watching her frenzied shopping, and was truly astonished.

Second Younger Sister-in-law was clearly mad and her words were impulsive and reckless. To prevent her from regretting it later, she could only offer a word of advice.

Like Luo Zhengzheng, who also spent a lot of money on this trip to Hong Kong. But from her expression, it was clear that she was peaceful and happy while shopping. This was truly enjoying life.

But as a woman, she could understand second younger sister-in-law. Putting aside the fact that she was from a wealthy family and had been spoiled by her parents since childhood until being unable to tolerate the slightest disrespect, no woman could tolerate her husband's infidelity.

Gu Xian's actions had clearly infuriated her, so Liu Hanyue, to get revenge, spent all his money.

This act, clearly driven by spite, seemed irrational and irrational actions were often regretted.

Liu Hanyue said sheepishly, "It's all Gu Xian's fault for being so extravagant. He's only saved so little money after all these years. Can't even shop to satisfaction."

Actually, she had never shopped so freely before. Towards the end, she felt a little guilty, and then she wondered why she felt guilty. Shouldn't Gu Xian be the one feeling guilty? She was willing to spend his money and not make a scene, which was giving him face. He should be grateful.

Luo Zhengzheng suggested, "You could buy some real estate."

Once one had a certain amount of luxury goods, they became less unusual. Even when venting one’s anger, one could still leave oneself some room for maneuver. Second Sister-in-law has brothers and when she married Gu Xian, the Liu Family gave her a considerable dowry. Presumably, the Liu Family wouldn't give her much more in the future.

Gu Xian could still go out and cause trouble now. Who could guarantee he'll settle down with Second Sister-in-law in the future? Although they didn't divorce in their previous life and even had children, how could others know how a couple was truly living well unless they were the ones involved?

It was better to acquire more assets that could appreciate in value, giving oneself more security.

Liu Hanyue's gaze shifted to Wang Yaning, seeking her opinion. After her shopping spree and looking at the piles of things, a sense of loss involuntarily arose after the momentarily satisfaction.

Wang Yaning looked at her and said sincerely, "I think what Fourth Sister-in-law said is quite good. It's good to acquire some fixed assets. Or invest in some business. If you feel you can't rely on men, it's better to increase your own financial security."

What was financial security? Naturally, it was money. Money gives people courage. With money, what kind of life couldn't you live?

Wang Yaning added, "You and Gu Xian don't have children. If Gu Xian has other ideas, you might not get much."

What she didn't say was that as long as it didn't involve shares, her father-in-law might give Liu Hanyue some subsidies out of consideration for their family's past friendship, but not much.

Logically, given her status, she shouldn't be saying these things to Liu Hanyue, but as a woman herself, she couldn't help but say a few more words.

Liu Hanyue's eyes reddened slightly. She tossed her hair and listened to their advice: "We still have tens of millions left. Forget about doing business. I don't know anything about that. Let's just buy some real estate."

After saying that, she looked at the two women and asked, "We've been in Hong Kong for a few days now. Shall we go home tomorrow?"

Luo Zhengzheng and Wang Yaning readily agreed.

That evening, Gu Shi came home from work and saw Luo Can sitting on the sofa watching TV. He paused and asked, "How did the exam go? Why didn't you tell me so someone could pick you up?"

"I came with my classmates. It's the same transportation." Not seeing Elder Sister and Jiajia, Luo Can smilingly asked, "Where's my elder sister?"

Gu Shi changed into slippers and came in. "She went shopping in Hong Kong. Didn't you call her?"

Hearing this, Luo Can slumped onto the sofa and looked disgruntled. "My elder sister doesn't care about my college entrance exam at all. She knows the results will be out in a few days, but she didn't even call to ask. Instead, she went shopping. I was planning to surprise her, so I didn't tell you guys when I came."

Gu Shi poured himself a glass of warm water. Hearing his words, he thought to himself, "Your sister doesn't just not care about you, she also doesn't care about me? Did I say anything?"

Thinking this, he tried to soothe the fuming younger brother-in-law in a good mood: "You have to understand, some people don't think about anything else when they're buying things, even if you're their younger brother. Try to understand."

Luo Can didn't want to understand at all. He harrumphed a few times and said stubbornly, "She doesn't care about me, so I don't care about her either."

After saying that, he suddenly looked at Gu Shi and asked gloatingly, "Has my elder sister forgotten about you too? Is that why you have a deep understanding about it?"

Without such a deep understanding, one couldn't say something like that.

Gu Shi paused in his drinking. So, younger brothers-in-law were always a nuisance. What was frustrating was that one couldn't do anything about it.

Looking at his expression, Luo Can didn't feel any sympathy. Instead, he felt a bit gloating. He thought to himself, "So what if you're a rich young master, the president of the Ye Group? With my elder sister, you're still just like me, forgotten by her."

Gu Shi put down his water glass, sat on the sofa, and said calmly, "The SUV that Assistant Guo ordered has arrived. I originally planned to give it to you regardless of how you did on your exams, as a coming-of-age gift. But in the time it takes to drink a glass of water, I completely forgot where the car keys are."

Luo Can: "..."

He thought since Elder Brother-in-law had given him a watch, he wouldn't give him a car. Unexpectedly, there was. And in the time it took to drink a glass of water, Elder Brother-in-law told him he'd forgotten where the car keys were. Surely he wasn't suffering from dementia at such a young age?

Luo Can sat up straight, looking at Gu Shi with disdain: "You really forgot where you put the car keys?"

Was he kidding him?

Gu Shi saw the disdain on his face, raised an eyebrow, and said seriously, "I really forgot."

Luo Can scrutinized him and scoffed, "You're only twenty-eight, not even thirty yet, how could you have such an illness? It shouldn't be like this."

Gu Shi's brow twitched. He asked, "What do you mean?"

Luo Can continued, "My elder sister is only twenty-four. She's so young and beautiful. Although you're rich and good-looking, your brain isn't up to par..."

"Shut up!" Gu Shi snapped, pulling the car keys from his pocket and shoving them into Luo Can's hand. "Here."

Luo Can looked at the car keys in his hand, glancing at Gu Shi's expressionless face, and said with a smile, "Elder Brother-in-law, one moment you have amnesia, one moment you recover your memory. The ninety-one-year-old grandma next door in our village was like that. Do you really not need to go to the hospital for a checkup? After all, you're so young?"

But inwardly, he thought, even though he'd taken Elder Brother-in-law's car keys, Elder Sister might not agree. He should at least ask her opinion.

Now that Elder Brother-in-law has given him the car keys and if he kept refusing, wouldn't Elder Brother-in-law, being a company manager, feel looked down upon? Would he feel inferior or embarrassed?

Although he wasn’t old, he believed he was quite considerate and wouldn't want to embarrass him directly and could only accept the keys. He was quite satisfied with himself.

Gu Shi glanced at him sideways: "How about I have your elder sister come back and take me for a checkup, and we can talk about what happened after you got drunk that night?"

Luo Can rolled his eyes inwardly. So stingy. He put his car keys in his pocket, looked at Gu Shi, changed his expression, and said ingratiatingly, "Elder Brother-in-law, you're my biological elder brother-in-law, you can't harm me! If my elder sister finds out about this, will I even survive tomorrow?"

Gu Shi's tone was light: "Now I’m the biological elder brother-in-law."

Luo Can got up, poured him a glass of water, and handed it to him: "Elder Brother-in-law, you must be tired from work, have some water!"

Gu Shi glanced at the glass in his hand, unmoved: "I just drank some, I'm not thirsty."

Luo Can put the glass on the coffee table, his eyes flickered slightly, and he said through gritted teeth, "At worst, I'll put in a good word for you with my elder sister."

Gu Shi's expression softened slightly, and he looked at him with a smile: "I'll remember those words."

Luo Can: "......"

The phrase ‘Old ginger was spicier was certainly true.

After sorting out his younger brother-in-law, who had been wanting a good scolding, Gu Shi asked him with a satisfied expression, "How did your college entrance exam go?"

When Luo Can heard him ask about the college entrance exam, he perked up: "Anyway, my score is high enough to get into my dream university?"

Gu Shi: "Tsinghua?"

Luo Can looked astonished: "How did you know?"

Gu Shi: "What can you possibly hide with that mouth of yours?"

Luo Can felt guilty. Gu Shi continued asking, "What major did you apply for?"

Luo Can honestly replied, "Computer Information Engineering, Elder brother-in-law, what do you think of this major?"

"It's not bad, as long as you like it," Gu Shi said.

Younger brother-in-law was still young, so he had to give him some carrots. He praised, "You did really well on the exam. The car is deserved."

Luo Can smiled smugly, touching the car keys in his pocket, and asked excitedly, "Elder Brother-in-law, what kind of car is it?"

What if elder sister agreed to let him accept the car?

Gu Shi then asked him, "Quite wild. You don't have a driver's license yet, do you?"

Luo Can let out a soft "Ah," and then deflated: "No."

But then he got excited again, because elder brother-in-law understood him and knew his preferences.

Gu Shi glanced at him and said, "I'll find you a driving instructor so you can learn to drive first, and then get your driver's license. Don't go do a summer job anymore."

Luo Can frowned: "I made an appointment with my classmate to hand out flyers."

Gu Shi glanced at him and said directly, "The company needs two employees to do odd jobs and run errands. You and your classmate can go to the company and work as employees for a few days. You'll learn something better than handing out flyers outside."

Lest that Zhengzheng always feel heart ache for younger brother.

Luo Can stared at him: "Learning to drive?"

Whether one owned a car or not, getting a driver's license was always a good idea.

Gu Shi said, "You will learn to drive in the morning and work at the company in the afternoon."

Luo Can was quite satisfied. Getting carried away, he started rambling on and on: "Elder Brother-in-law, you're wonderful! I'm so lucky to have an elder brother-in-law like you. It's like a thousand Buddhas have appeared in the world..."

Gu Shi quickly interrupted him, knowing that if he continued, all the gods and Buddhas in the heavens would descend to earth: "Your greatest fortune is having a good elder sister."

Luo Can thought about it and realized it made sense. If it weren't for elder sister's sake, would elder brother-in-law even know who he was?

He said with a smile, "Elder Brother-in-law, please don't tell my sister my college entrance exam results. I want to give her a surprise."

Gu Shi nodded in agreement with a twinkle in his eyes.

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RHTB 36

Chapter 36


After obtaining the ginseng, the two exchanged contact information and Wen Guhua hurriedly left. After all, having fun wasn't his ultimate goal.

When Tang Yao returned to the small garden, everyone was still discussing the flowers and plants, with many taking photos with their phones or cameras.

It was as lively as a New Year's celebration.

It wasn't until Xiao Li prepared several tables of delicious food that they finally turned their gaze away from the small garden.

Considering that this group of guests was mostly elderly, Xiao Li prepared relatively light but delicious dishes.

While enjoying the delicious and nutritious meals surrounded by greenery, everyone instantly felt all their fatigue disappear.

However, being elderly, they went back to their rooms for a nap after the meal.

Tang Yao breathed a sigh of relief.

Almost everyone wanted her to sell them the flowers and plants from the guesthouse and were exceptionally enthusiastic towards her, with a few even offering to introduce her to their grandchildren.

Tang Yao was one step away from fleeing.

Back in her small building, she said weakly to Xiao Yue trio, "I'm going to rest for a while. Don't call me unless it's absolutely necessary. If I don't come out for dinner, please bring it to me."

Xiao Yue nodded, but didn't leave immediately. Instead, she placed her hand on Tang Yao's forehead: "36.2 degrees Celsius. No fever. Are you feeling unwell?"

Her hand was the most accurate thermometer.

Xiao Yue's concerned tone warmed Tang Yao's heart.

"It's nothing, I just sometimes want to be alone," Tang Yao smiled.

Xiao Yue was relieved and turned to leave.

Tang Yao took a nap, waking up at three in the afternoon.

Her room door was very soundproof. Her parents had deliberately changed it during her senior year of high school to prevent guests at the guesthouse from disturbing her studies.

Tang Yao went to the rooftop, made herself a cup of tea, and then lazily nestled into a recliner.

She could see a number of people strolling leisurely in the garden not far away, all commenting on the flowers and plants.

The sounds of voices reached her ears, the recliner swayed gently, a light breeze caressed her face, the sunlight softly shone on her body, and the aroma of tea slowly wafted into her nostrils.

In this atmosphere, Tang Yao squinted her eyes, enjoying this rare moment of tranquility.

Before she knew it, she had fallen asleep again.

When she woke up, she found herself covered with a blanket. Just as she got up Xiao Yue brought up a steaming bowl of food.

Xiao Yue trio could freely enter and leave Tang Yao's small building. Tang Yao trusted them so much entirely because of the robots' programming.

The evolution of robot intelligence was nothing new in that interstellar world. There had even been instances of robots fighting humans. Therefore, they were more cautious about making modern robots. Whether for military or domestic use, if they showed even the slightest sign of disloyalty, their self-destruct program would be activated.

However, her three robots were far too gentle, seemingly completely unrelated to the interstellar people's worries.

Xiao Yue placed the food on the rooftop table, setting out the bowls and chopsticks before beckoning Tang Yao over.

"Xiao Li made Buddha Jumps Over the Wall today. She said you'd definitely like it," Xiao Yue said softly.

Upon hearing "Buddha Jumps Over the Wall," Tang Yao's mind conjured up images of thick, fragrant broth. She immediately propped up from her recliner.

The lid of the clay pot was lifted and white steam instantly rose, along with a burst of aroma.

Tang Yao first scooped a bowl of thick, golden soup. One sip and the savory aroma filled her mouth, leaving a lingering, delightful aftertaste.

The warmth spread from her mouth all the way to her stomach.

The ingredients were stewed to perfection, tender and delicious.

Tang Yao felt utterly blissful.

She finished an entire pot of Buddha Jumps Over the Wall soup by herself and was so full that she had to stand up and walk around a few times to aid digestion.

If Xiao Yue trio could eat human food, she would have loved to share this heavenly delicacy with them.

After staying for a few days, the first group of guests had to leave the guesthouse because their purchased stay had expired.

Upon leaving, their sons, grandsons, or their dedicated bodyguard teams all gathered at the guesthouse entrance.

After waiting and waiting, they didn't see their loved ones. Looking inside, they saw everyone surrounding a pretty young girl.

Unable to resist the pleas of the group of elderly people, Tang Yao could only agree to a limit of one pot for each person.

Everyone cheered and went to choose their favorites.

An elderly man remained, looking at Tang Yao with eager eyes: "Tang girl, I want to buy a piece of wood, the kind you use for the table in the dining room. That kind of old wood is very hard to find. The price is negotiable, or you can sell me the table itself."

Tang Yao sighed, "There's another piece of wood in the backyard, I'll sell it to you. Don't even think about my table."

The old man immediately beamed.

Their children and grandchildren were surprised to find that these usually decisive and meticulous elders in the business world were smiling like children. What was the charm of this guesthouse?

After everyone had chosen their desired items, Tang Yao's account instantly received eight figures, along with small gifts from the elderly.

Everyone held her hands, reluctant to part. Besides the valuable flowers, plants, and wood, Tang Yao's good looks and gentle, sweet demeanor truly made everyone like her.

One by one, the elderly left. Those waiting outside noticed that their parents or grandparents, who looked the same before arriving at the guesthouse, were completely different upon leaving.

They seemed to have better complexions and even looked younger.

When the question was asked and only got an eye roll from their elders.

"Yao Yao takes good care of us every day, feeding us well and chatting with us when she has time. Naturally, I'm healthier. Unlike you, my unfilial son, when have you ever spent time with me like Yao Yao?"

The man could only helplessly rub his nose, feeling guilty.

Zhou Yunliang's entire complexion had undergone a dramatic change. The hidden injuries he had sustained from his past time in the army didn't hurt at all at the guesthouse.

His son was delighted: "I'll take you to get checked out when we get back to the capital."

"I feel perfectly healthy now, I can even hit some little ghosts!" Zhou Yunliang patted his thigh, which had been aching for years but now felt no pain, and said happily.

Tang Yao was unaware that once these people returned home, the news of the guesthouse's health benefits would spread throughout the community.

After the guests left, Tang Yao didn't relax, as the next group of guests was about to arrive and the glass restaurant was booked.

Netizens complained on the guesthouse's Weibo account that rooms were booked too quickly and even the glass restaurant was sold out. They clamored for Tang Yao to offer a delivery service.

Seeing the growing number of complaints, Tang Yao simply posted an announcement: "Due to limited staff, the guesthouse will not offer a delivery service. Everyone is welcome to dine in the restaurant."

This announcement elicited many cries of despair, but those who watched the variety show knew that the guesthouse only had three employees.

While browsing online, Li Yuanyuan stumbled upon the hot and trendy guesthouse, The Garden Within The Memories. Looking at the beautiful pictures and remembering the therapist's advice to travel more, she clicked the link and snagged a 188 yuan single room for a week later.

Today was the day.

Li Yuanyuan didn't want to go. Her depression had relapsed and every moment felt like torture.

At this time, the door opened. Her mother, Zhang Ru, peeked in. Her voice was gentle. "Yuanyuan, didn't you book a trip to that guesthouse today? I've already called a car and the luggage is packed."

"I don't want to go. Let someone else have it," a muffled voice came from under the covers.

"Why? I saw the pictures online. I think it's really beautiful there. Maybe going there will make you feel better. How about I go with you?"

Li Yuanyuan peeked out from under the covers and looked at the starry wallpaper her parents had specially changed for her on the ceiling.

Perhaps she could try going out and seeing the world, instead of always staying in one place, confining herself.

Seeing Li Yuanyuan move, Zhang Ru was overjoyed and secretly wiped away a tear.

The mother and daughter packed their things and went downstairs, where the driver punctually arrived.

Seeing her disheveled appearance and dark circles under her eyes in the rearview mirror, Li Yuanyuan couldn't help but wipe her face.

She was only twenty-three, but looked like she was almost thirty.

Beside her, Zhang Ru tightly gripped her right hand. That arm was covered with numerous knife marks.

She knew she was causing her mother a lot of trouble, but she simply couldn't control herself.

The car smoothly drove to the station. The mother and daughter collected their tickets and boarded a bus.

Their small city was only a three- or four-hour drive from Wanhua Town.

Soon, the bus stopped at a station filled with flowers.

As soon as they got off the bus, a woman wearing a uniform with the words "Wanhua Town Tourism Bureau" on it approached and handed them a small bouquet of flowers in various colors.

"Welcome to Wanhua Town. We hope you have a pleasant journey."

"Thank you," Zhang Ru hurriedly spoke.

Looking at the small bouquet in her hand, Li Yuanyuan pursed her lips.

"This town is so beautiful and the pace of life is so leisurely. It's perfect for relaxing," Zhang Ru said to Li Yuanyuan after they exited the station.

Li Yuanyuan's eyes darted around. Everywhere was a riot of flowers. Even the scooters were decorated with pretty blossoms.

The air was filled with the fragrance of flowers and the aroma of food.

Vendors were everywhere, and the restaurants were bustling with activity at midday.

"Should we wander around a bit more, or go check out the guesthouse first? I saw pictures online. The guesthouses have a beautiful glass-enclosed restaurant," Zhang Ru asked softly.

"Let's go to the guesthouse," Li Yuanyuan said, feeling a little uncomfortable with the hustle and bustle.

Zhang Ru nodded, hailed a small flower cart, and they got in together.

Before either of them could speak, the driver asked, "To the Garden Within The Memories?"

"Yes, sir, how do you know?" Zhang Ru asked, somewhat surprised.

"The guesthouse is really popular lately. Most of the people taking the flower carts are going there. Ordinary tourists prefer to walk," the flower cart driver said knowingly.

The driver spoke as he drove the flower cart slowly towards the guesthouse.

Soon, the cart arrived at the guesthouse.

Zhang Ru and Li Yuanyuan noticed that there were many people there. Some were buying pretty fruit baskets from the small shop across from the guesthouse, some were taking photos at the entrance, and some were going straight inside.

Li Yuanyuan instinctively wanted to back out, but Zhang Ru held her hand tightly.

"Come on, it's just a few steps. If you're not feeling well, you'll be fine once we get to the room," Zhang Ru urged her daughter with her eyes pleading.

Li Yuanyuan's heart softened instantly. She followed her mother into the guesthouse with her head down.

In contrast to the outside, the guesthouse was not noisy at all. It was quite quiet. Everyone seemed to be speaking softly.

The only clear sounds were the chirping of insects, birds, and the wind.

After entering the guesthouse, Li Yuanyuan's unease and anxiety inexplicably subsided somewhat.

At that moment, a guesthouse staff member came out to verify their names and ID cards and helped them check in.

They stayed on the second floor, with windows offering views of a quiet bamboo grove behind and a small garden in front.

The room was very soundproof. Once inside, almost no outside noise could be heard.

Although it was a single room, the bed was large enough that the mother and daughter wouldn't feel too cramped.

Xiao Yue left after showing them the way. In this private space, Li Yuanyuan finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Standing by the window, taking in the bamboo leaves rustling in the wind, and listening to the gentle whisper, she sighed, "This place seems really nice."

"Then let's stay a couple more days. Yuanyuan, are you hungry? Would you like to eat at the restaurant or have the staff bring it up?" Zhang Ru looked around the room, quite satisfied.

"I... I'll eat here." Thinking about all the people in the restaurant, Li Yuanyuan hesitated. "Okay, what would you like to eat?" Menus were placed in the room. These were new additions for the reopening.

"You decide, I don't have much of an appetite."

Li Yuanyuan showed little interest in food and rarely ate, which worried Zhang Ru.

Zhang Ru looked at the menu and chose a few light dishes.

She called the front desk and listed the names of the dishes. It was Xiao Ling who answered the phone and wrote them down before passing them to Xiao Li in the kitchen.

About twenty minutes later, Xiao Ling brought the food up.

It was served on a tray. When uncovering, steam burst out.

There was sweet and sour pork ribs, asparagus with scrambled eggs and shrimp, and a large bowl of thick, white fish head soup.

These were all Li Yuanyuan's favorite dishes.

The aroma of the food wafted into her nostrils, even attracting the attention of Li Yuanyuan, who had little appetite.

Although they only ordered three dishes, the portions were quite generous.

"Come on, Yuanyuan, these sweet and sour pork ribs smell amazing!" Zhang Ru called to her daughter after setting the table.

Li Yuanyuan went over and sat down. As soon as she did, her stomach started growling.

She hadn't felt hungry in ages.

Li Yuanyuan was stunned.

Zhang Ru happily placed an egg and a piece of pork rib on her plate: "Eat more if you're hungry. A full stomach gives you energy."

Li Yuanyuan lowered her head and took a bite of the rib. The sweet and sour tender meat almost melted in her mouth.

After eating one, she couldn't resist eating another. It was one bite after another. Zhang Ru happily ate half a bowl of rice more than usual.

As long as she was eating, it meant everything was getting better.

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ATCOTB 27

Chapter 27

Yun Juan narrowed her eyes and asked, "Are you saying I'm uncultured?"

Yang Qingshu thought about it seriously for a moment and nodded, admitting without any hesitation, "You can understand it that way." "

Actually, in his eyes, Yun Shu was also an uncultured little fool, but Yun Shu was his good friend, and he wouldn't say it so bluntly to avoid hurting his friend's self-esteem.

But to him, Yun Juan was just his good friend's older brother. He could just say whatever he wanted without needing to think too much.

Yun Juan clenched his fist, which was as big as a red bean bun. If mommy hadn't told him that hitting was the worst method, he really wanted to beat up Yang Qingshu. Da Pang clearly didn't dare mess with him, yet he always acted pitiful in front of little Shu. He must have thought Little Shu was easy to fool!

Not only that, he was mocking him for being uncultured!

Yun Juan said angrily, "Although I haven't started kindergarten yet, I study regularly. How dare you say I'm uncultured!"

Mommy had already started teaching them to read!

Yun Shu completely sided with her elder brother. She nodded and said, "Yes, Qing Qing, you're wrong to say that. Elder brother is very smart and knows a lot." "

Yang Qingshu felt a little wronged after hearing her say that. He was telling the truth, so why was she saying he was wrong?

He touched his chest; why did it feel a little sore? How strange.

But he didn't think too much about it. He jumped off the sofa and slowly walked over to Yun Chuman, who was watching the scene unfold, and politely said, "Auntie, could I have a piece of paper and a pen?"

Yun Chuman glanced at the bewildered Yun Juan and Yun Shu and was also curious about what Yang Qingshu wanted, so she smiled and said, "Sure, I'll go find them for you."

She turned and went back to the bedroom, tore a piece of paper from her sketchbook, grabbed a pencil, and went out.

Yang Qingshu took the pencil, thanked her, and returned to the coffee table to write something. Yun Chuman noticed his very proper grip on the pencil.

“This 2B pencil is quite soft and has a dark color, so write lightly,” Yun Juan subconsciously reminded him.

Yun Chuman’s eyes lit up, and she nodded with satisfaction.

Different art pencils have different hardness and shades of color. She hadn’t systematically taught him these things. She had only mentioned it casually after Yun Juan asked and she hadn’t expected him to remember it!

“Aren’t they all pencils?” Yang Qingshu looked at the pencil in his hand with a puzzled expression.

Yun Juan raised an eyebrow but didn’t speak.

Yang Qingshu didn’t pay attention, but as soon as he put pen to paper, he noticed something unusual: the black marks on the white paper were very noticeable.

Sweeping a quick glance to Yun Juan, he lightened his grip, scribbled a few lines on the paper, and expressionlessly pushed it in front of him: "If you're really as good as little Shu says, then solve this equation."

"Equation?" Yun Juan and Yun Shu tilted their heads simultaneously, looking bewildered.

Yun Chuman was startled and reached her head out to peer at the paper. It really was an equation, a linear equation in one variable.

But do kindergarten children learn these things now?!

In her previous life, she hadn't attended school, receiving tutoring at home from elder brother or private tutors. Even so, she knew that equations were something children learned in elementary school.

She frowned in confusion. Was this really necessary? Or was Yang Qingshu too advanced?

Yun Juan stared blankly at the string of numbers and letters on the paper. He recognized each one individually, but why couldn't he understand them when they were put together?

He looked up, suspiciously asking, "You made this up, didn't you..."

Looking into Yang Qingshu's honest gaze, he felt increasingly unsure of himself.

Yang Qingshu sighed and snatched the paper from his hand. "Just because you haven't seen it doesn't mean it doesn't exist. Little Juan, look carefully, this is how you solve it."

Yun Juan pursed his lips, reluctantly but still watching intently.

Yun Shu was also very curious, so she rested her chin on her hands on the coffee table, watching Yang Qingshu solve the problem intently.

Yang Qingshu glanced at her, patiently explaining each step meticulously.

Yun Juan and Yun Shu were both intelligent. Although they still didn't quite understand, they vaguely felt that what he said made sense.

"In the end, x equals three."

Yang Qingshu gently placed the pen on the table. He noticed Yun Juan's unwilling expression and, after a moment's thought, comforted him, "Little Juan, don't be too sad. These problems are still difficult, but as long as you study hard, you'll definitely be able to learn them."

They were indeed difficult. They were at least problems to be learned after entering elementary school. He had simply started learning ahead of time with his father.

Yun Juan seemed not to hear him. His head bowed, staring intently at the equation on the paper as his tightly pursed lips turned slightly pale.

"Wow," Yun Shu was less troubled. She exclaimed and admiringly said, "Qingqing, you're so amazing!"

Yang Qingshu chuckled shyly, "Little Shu, you're so smart. Once you start school, you'll definitely learn them quickly."

Yun Shu became interested, clapping her hands, "Okay, okay! I'll ask Mommy later if elder brother and I can go to school!"

Getting a satisfactory answer, Yang Qingshu was immediately pleased.

He glanced at the time, remembering his homework: "Little Shu, it's getting late, I'll go home now. I'll come find you again after school tomorrow!"

Yun Shu followed behind him, seeing him to the door and waving with a smile: "See you tomorrow, Qingqing!"

Three kids made a drama.

Yun Chuman was practically just short of melon seeds. She couldn't help but slap her forehead at the sight of Yun Shu's silly and sweet expression. Little Shu, look at your elder brother's face. It's as black as the bottom of a pot!

With a bang, Yun Shu closed the door.

She ran to Yun Chuman, tilting her head back and asked with some bounce, "Mommy, Mommy, when can elder brother and I go to kindergarten? I want to be as brilliant as Qingqing!"

Yun Chuman didn't dare answer, secretly glancing at Yun Juan. She saw the little boy slightly tighten his grip, instantly crumpling the white paper in his hand.

He silently placed the paper on the table, abruptly turned around, and ran to the corner of the room with his short legs. He skillfully took something from the toolbox, ran to the bedroom with a huff, and slammed the door shut.

Yun Shu was startled by his sudden action. The excitement on her face gradually faded.

She stared blankly at the closed door and asked in confusion, "Why is elder brother angry all of a sudden?"

Yun Chuman sighed and patted her little head. "Elder Brother isn't angry. He's depressed."

"Depressed?" Frowning, Yun Shu pondered for a moment and glanced at the paper on the table. "Is it because elder brother couldn't solve the problem?"

"It's not just that," Yun Chuman squatted down to look at her. "What makes elder brother even sadder is that little Shu praised Qingqing. He probably feels that in your heart he can’t compare to Qingqing."

In short, he was a little lemon spirit. Yun Shu praising Yang Qingshu was a much bigger blow than not being able to solve the problem.

"No, no, I don't think Qingqing is more brilliant," Yun Shu stamped her foot anxiously. "In my heart, elder brother is the most brilliant! Qingqing can't compare to elder brother!"

"Okay, okay, I understand," Yun Chuman smiled and pinched her little cheek. "In that case, little Shu, come with me to find elder brother and tell him these things in person, okay?"

Yun Shu nodded seriously, pounding her little chest with her fist: "I will definitely tell elder brother!"

Yun Chuman led her by the hand to the bedroom door. She knocked first and after waiting a while without hearing Yun Juan's response, she tentatively pushed the door open.

With a little force, the door opened.

Yun Chuman was a little surprised. When she was little, she always locked the door when she threw a tantrum. Seeing this, she couldn't help but think that Yun Juan was really a worry-free child. Even when he threw a tantrum, he wouldn't do anything to cause concern.

The neatly tidied bedroom was empty. Yun Juan was nowhere to be seen.

"Little Juan?" Yun Chuman called softly, but there was still no answer.

She scratched her head, wanting to check under the bed.

Yun Shu tugged at her sleeve.

Yun Chuman looked down and saw the little girl pointing her chubby finger furtively at the wardrobe and whispering to her, "Mommy, elder brother is in there."

Yun Chuman looked at the wardrobe. Oh, that was a good hiding place too. Much cleaner than under the bed.

"Let's go take a look," Influenced by Yun Shu, she automatically lowered her voice.

The two of them tiptoed over, carefully opening the wardrobe door little by little.

Yun Chuman peeked inside and almost burst out laughing at the inopportune moment.

Yun Juan was curled up in the corner of the wardrobe, hugging his legs and his little face scrunched up in a pitiful expression.

He looked pitiful, but what was funny was that there was a flashlight next to him, its beam illuminating the entire wardrobe. Yun Juan's face was very close to the light, making him look particularly comical.

Yun Chuman guessed that the child was afraid of the dark but liked to hide in the wardrobe, hence his actions.

Yun Shu was probably used to it by now.

She nimbly climbed into the wardrobe, opened her short, chubby arms, and tried to hug Yun Juan tightly, saying guiltily, "Elder Brother, I've never thought Qingqing is better than you. Elder Brother will always be the best in my heart! Don't be sad, okay?"

Her voice choked up a little towards the end.

Hearing younger sister's comforting words, Yun Juan's pent-up grievances instantly burst forth. He sniffled his stinging nose and felt a little happy. Sure enough, in little Shu's heart, he was much better than Yang Qingshu!

Yun Shu hugged him and swagged a bit. Her little eyebrows drooped and her puppy-dog eyes were full of tears.

Yun Juan glanced at her and his heart softened. He turned and hugged her back. Red eyes, he murmured an "En."

Yun Chuman watched the two children, sobbing uncontrollably, and felt both amused and exasperated. The wardrobe wasn't very spacious, and she couldn't go in to comfort them. She could only sit on the floor and watch them vent their emotions.

Yun Juan and Yun Shu were so well-behaved that even when they cried, they wouldn't scream. They cried silently, wiping each other's tears with their chubby little hands.

After what seemed like an eternity, their tears finally stopped, and the flashlight batteries were gone.

Yun Chuman reached out and smiled, "Come out."

Yun Juan and Yun Shu were still hugging each other, cheek to cheek, staring at her with wide eyes, motionless.

Yun Chuman asked, puzzled, "What's wrong? Do you want to sleep in the closet?"

The two children's cheeks slowly flushed, their tear-streaked eyelashes trembled, and they whispered, "Mommy, our legs are numb."

Yun Chuman subconsciously looked at their short legs and at this time, the two children's chubby little feet twitched. She burst out laughing.

Yun Juan and Yun Shu's cheeks turned even redder, and they looked at her with a somewhat resentful gaze: "Mommy..."

Clutching her stomach, Yun Chuman laughed for a long time before finally reaching out to pick them up one by one.

The bedroom floor was covered with insulating foam boards.

Yun Juan and Yun Shu sat on them and their short legs naturally stretched out.

Yun Chuman sat behind them, holding them in her arms, gently massaging their numb legs. The two children grimaced in discomfort.

"Let's see if you dare to put on a melodramatic show in the closet next time," Yun Chuman said, playfully flicking their noses.

The two children's cheeks flushed even more.

Yun Juan buried his face in her arms, wishing he could hide himself.

Yun Shu scratched her head, sticking out her tongue with a grin.

Yun Shu looked at elder brother and cautiously asked, "Elder Brother, are you still depressed?"

Yun Juan looked at her and slowly shook his head. Then his eyelids drooped and he nodded again.

He gripped Yun Chuman's clothes tightly with his little hands, and after a long while, he stammered, "Mommy, am I very stupid?"

Before Yun Chuman could react, Yun Shu stood up with agitation. Waving her little arms, she said, "Elder Brother isn't stupid at all! Elder Brother is super smart!"

Yun Juan smiled at her.

Yun Chuman patted her little head and helped her sit down before asking Yun Juan, "Why do you think you're stupid, Little Juan?"

"That question... I don't know how to do it." Yun Juan lowered his head with a gloom. Not only did he feel not only helpless but also ignorant, thinking Yang Qingshu was lying to him.

Yun Shu had never seen elder brother like this before. Feeling so bad, she almost cried. She opened her mouth but found that besides telling him he was the best, she didn't know how to comfort him.

She raised her little face, her eyebrows drooping as she looked at Yun Chuman pleadingly.

Yun Chuman winked at her comfortingly and then looked down at Yun Juan, "Little Juan, do you know what 'each industry has their specialist' means?"

Yun Juan looked up at her, shaking his head sadly. He was so stupid, he didn't understand anything.

Yun Chuman smiled and said, "To put it simply, everyone has their strengths and weaknesses. Little Juan, don't you think Qingqing is very smart?"

Yun Juan reluctantly nodded.

"But he doesn't know how to act or draw, he doesn't even know that a 2B pencil is softer and darker than a regular pencil, while you, Little Juan, know all these things perfectly. In this situation, would you think he's stupid?"

Yun Juan thought for a moment and slowly shook his head: "He hasn't studied these things."

"Similarly, Little Juan, you haven't studied math either, while Qingqing has, so why do you think you're stupid?" Yun Chuman patiently explained, "And you and Little Shu can cook, but Mom can't. Does that mean I'm stupid?"

Yun Juan hesitated. In his eyes, Mommy was indeed a little stupid, but very cute.

However, he instinctively felt that saying this would upset Mommy: "Mom isn't stupid."

Yun Chuman proudly said, "Of course I'm not stupid."

It was just that she didn't have the talent for cooking.

Yun Juan lowered his head guiltily, carefully considering Yun Chuman's words. Then his eyes lit up: "Mom, I think I understand what those words means. Does it mean that Yang Qingshu and I have learned different things and know different things, so we can't compare?"

He paused and added, "I'm not stupid either!"

"Little Juan is great."

Yun Chuman encouraged him. Although her goal had been achieved, she felt this was a good teaching opportunity. "Each industry has their specialist has another meaning. Take cooking, for example. Although Little Juan and Little Shu are young, you are both really good at it. As an elder, Mommy is willing to learn from you and treat you as my teachers."

Yun Shu blinked, tentatively asking, "Does that mean if someone is very good at something, regardless of their age, we should respect them?"

"That's right!"

Yun Chuman patted the two children's heads approvingly. "Little Juan and Little Shu are so smart! I only gave two examples, and you both understood that. How could you be little fools?"

Yun Juan laughed, "Mommy, when are Little Shu and I going to kindergarten?"

He wanted to learn math and beat Yang Qingshu!

Yun Shu, who was already interested in kindergarten, happily exclaimed, "Mommy, Mommy, I want to go to kindergarten too!"

Yun Chuman had just been thinking about this, but filming a variety show would definitely interfere with the regular classes.

Besides, she had no experience in this area and was even planning to ask Yang Qingshu's father, Yang Fengnian, for experience one of these days.

Just as she was about to mention her plans, her phone rang.

Yun Chuman glanced at the caller ID. It was an unknown number. She said to the two children, "I'll take this call first, shh~"

Yun Juan and Yun Shu obediently nodded, covering their mouths with their hands.

Yun Chuman pressed the answer button: "Hello."

A pleasant female voice came from the other end: "Hello, are you Ms. Yun Chuman, the creator of 'Cloud'?"

Yun Chuman wasn't surprised that someone knew her real identity; after all, Yun Shu was too easy to recognize.

However, she was somewhat surprised that someone could find her by phone. Normally, her contact information was confidential.

She became slightly more wary: "May I ask who you are...?"

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WHM 23

Chapter 23

That evening, the group gathered at Zhou Chen's restaurant, Huixi Restaurant.

After Wang Maoxiu arrived, he looked at Chen Ze and said, "Shameless! You invited us to dinner, but you came to Zhou Chen's restaurant. Will Zhou Chen charge us, or not?"

Chen Ze leaned back in his chair, a cigarette dangling from his mouth. "He can charge me if he wants, or not if he doesn't. If he does, I think I forgot my card. I'll have Zhou Chen put it on the tab."

Wang Maoxiu looked at Gu Shi and laughed angrily. "No wonder you're in the entertainment industry. Your skin was thick."

Gu Shi sat down and glanced at the group. "Serve the food. I'm hungry."

Wang Maoxiu sat down and asked Gu Shi, "What are your thoughts on my project?"

Chen Ze immediately sat up straight. "What project?"

There's no need to hide this matter. Wang Maoxiu said. "I plan to build a large amusement park, like Disneyland overseas..."

Before he could finish, Chen Ze scoffed and interrupted him: "What large amusement park? Disneyland, my foot! Disneyland was famous because it has Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Cinderella, and Snow White—all things children love. You want to imitate Disneyland overseas? What's the theme? You have nothing. How can you imitate it? The idea is good, but without a story, without world-famous fairytale characters, it's very difficult to imitate."

Wang Maoxiu's shoulders slumped: "Even you say so. It seems there's little hope." He then turned to Gu Shi.

Gu Shi poured himself a cup of tea and glanced at the two of them. "The other project looks pretty good."

Chen Ze asked him, "What project?"

Gu Shi said softly, "Logistics."

Wang Maoxiu perked up. "You also think logistics is a good business?"

Gu Shi thought of Luo Zhengzheng's words and couldn't help but smile. He simply said, "My family’s Ms. Luo, says online shopping will become the norm for people in the future."

Chen Ze wanted to roll his eyes again. Your wife was your wife, but 'Ms. Luo'? How sour.

Thinking this way, Chen Ze pondered it carefully, and considering the recent news he'd seen, Luo Zhengzheng's words might not be without merit. He slammed his hand on the table: "Don't underestimate Luo Zhengzheng just because she's a country girl. She's got some knowledge. No wonder she's a graduate of a prestigious university."

Gu Shi glanced at him: "Her education level is higher than yours."

Chen Ze: "..."

Wang Maoxiu glared at him: "Keep it down, you're going to break the table! Gu Shi's right, Luo Zhengzheng at least graduated from a prestigious university, and you? You only graduated from high school."

Chen Ze: " "..."

Who did he offend?

Chen Ze retorted, "I didn't go to university, because I joined the army."

Zhou Chen walked in, heard his words, and said, "Whether you join the army or not has nothing to do with going to university. Weren't you forced to join the army by Aunt and Uncle because you weren't good at studying?"

Wang Maoxiu said, "Exactly! You joined the army, but you didn't achieve anything. Look at Elder Brother Chen, he's a regimental commander now. And you? You're in the entertainment industry."

Besieged by the three of them, Chen Ze could only admit defeat. He said, "I just mentioned Luo Zhengzheng once, was it really that big of a deal? I'm a big shot in the entertainment industry, a well-known figure."

Wang Maoxiu, thinking of his fiancée's good relationship with Luo Zhengzheng, said in her defense, "Don't look down on Luo Zhengzheng, thinking she only married Gu Shi because of her looks. Actually, she's quite nice."

Zhou Chen added, "Even Aunt Ye likes Luo Zhengzheng, which shows she's a good person."

Chen Ze felt wronged and protested, "I didn't say anything about Luo Zhengzheng! She's learning to film TV dramas at my company, and I've always treated her like royalty, serving her tea and water. Even my mother wasn't treated like that. It's one thing for Gu Shi to disapprove of me talking about Luo Zhengzheng, but what do you mean by that?"

Gu Shi chuckled lightly, "That just means my family’s Ms. Luo is well-liked."

Chen Ze waved his hand, not wanting to say anything more, and looked at Zhou Chen: "Hurry up and serve the food. Hurry up and serve the food."

The waiters brought the dishes to the table one after another. Chen Ze looked at the three of them: "Want a drink?"

Gu Shi said, "You guys drink, I've had a cold these past few days."

He generally didn't like drinking outside unless it was a business dinner.

Zhou Chen shook his head, "My Xingyue smelled the alcohol and wouldn't let me hug her, so I'm not drinking either."

Wang Maoxiu laughed, "If neither of you was drinking, what's the point of us two drinking here?"

He mainly wanted to talk to Gu Shi about business. How could they talk if they were drunk?

Chen Ze frowned, "A group of grown men eating together, not drinking? Then let's eat."

While they were eating, the hotel manager came in and whispered a few words in Zhou Chen's ear.

Zhou Chen put down his chopsticks, glanced at Gu Shi, and said to the manager, "Arrange another private room for them."

At this time, Su Zhilan walked in smiling. She glanced at Gu Shi first before saying to Zhou Chen, "Elder Brother Chen, there's no need to arrange another private room. Isn't this room quite big?"

Zhou Chen looked at Gu Shi, who sat there without moving.

At this time, a young man entered. He was Su Zhilan's older brother, Su Chenyang. He glanced around the private room and said with a smile, "Everyone's here. It's been a long time since we ate together. Since we've run into each other, let's eat together."

Since they had already said that, Zhou Chen could only instruct the waiter to bring them bowls and chopsticks.

Su Chenyang looked at the table: "Why isn't anyone drinking? Bring a bottle of wine."

Zhou Chen immediately instructed the waiter: "Bring us the best wine in our restaurant."

The waiter opened the wine and placed it on the table. As wine was poured for everyone and when it came to Gu Shi, he looked up and said calmly, "I have a cold, I can't drink."

Su Chenyang looked over: "Is Gu Shi not giving face to elder brother?"

Gu Shi leaned back in his chair, about to speak, when Zhou Chen quickly said, "He really does have a cold. Chen Ze just wanted to drink, but he refused. Otherwise, how could we, a group of grown men, just eat food?"

Since they all said so, Su Chenyang tactfully said, "Alright, then we'll drink."

Wang Maoxiu suddenly stood up and said, "You guys drink, I've finished eating, I'll take my leave."

Su Chenyang looked at him, his eyes slightly cold, and remained seated.

Su Zhilan stepped in to smooth things over: "Elder Brother Xiu, why don't you sit a little longer?"

Wang Maoxiu looked at her, scoffed, and said to Zhou Chen, "I'll take my leave."

He then strode away.

Gu Shi glanced at his watch, stood up, and said gently, "I have a phone appointment with Ms. Luo, so I'll be leaving now."

He then strode away.

Su Zhilan's face darkened as she watched Gu Shi leave.

Su Chenyang sat quietly in his chair. His eyes lowered, radiating a chilling aura. After a few seconds, he smiled and said, "Let's drink."

Chen Ze glanced at Zhou Chen, picked up his glass, and said, "Elder Brother Su, a toast to you." He then downed his drink.

Seeing him down it in one gulp, Su Chenyang also downed his glass in one go.

Zhou Chen also picked up his glass: "Elder Brother Su, I'll toast you too." He then downed his drink in one gulp.

Su Chenyang glanced at him and downed his glass in one go.

Chen Ze refilled his glass and looked at Su Chenyang: "Elder Brother Su, let's drink again."

Su Chenyang sneered inwardly and continued drinking.

Seeing them drinking like that, Su Zhilan looked at her brother worriedly, wanting to stop them, but remembering his competitive nature, she gave up.

Thinking of the photos she had just taken and then of Gu Shi's indifferent face, she bit her lip and sent the photos to Liu Hanyue.

In the Peninsula Hotel in Hong Kong, Liu Hanyue laid on the bed, applying a face mask and watching TV. Her phone beeped with a message. She picked it up, puzzled. Why was Su Zhilan texting her?

Opening the message, she saw a photo of a few men having dinner together. She recognized Gu Shi in it.

Looking at the others, they were all Gu Shi's childhood friends. Wasn't it normal for them to be eating together?

What was there that warranted Su Zhilan sending her a photo?

What was she trying to say?

Then Liu Hanyue received another photo. This time, Gu Shi and Wang Maoxiu were gone, replaced by Su Zhilan and her elder brother, Su Chenyang. Her eyes widened. What was Su Zhilan trying to say? It was obvious.

She had dinner with Gu Shi and the others that evening.

Dinner was fine, but the problem was she sent her a photo. Wasn't she just trying to get her to tell Luo Zhengzheng? To make Luo Zhengzheng angry and cause a scene with Gu Shi?

She now held extreme contempt for people who wanted to be a third party. Regardless of their past relationship, they broke up, didn't they? After a breakup, one should stay far away from their ex. Constantly causing trouble was disgusting.

Now the question was whether or not to tell Luo Zhengzheng. If she didn't, Gu Shi and Su Zhilan were having dinner together and what if Luo Zhengzheng found out from others? Wouldn't she be even more jealous? If she did tell, wouldn't she be playing into Su Zhilan's hands?

She simply tossed her phone on the bed and ignored it, continuing to do her face mask and watch TV.

After finishing her face mask, she thought for a moment and knocked on Luo Zhengzheng's door.

Luo Zhengzheng was also applying a face mask in her room when she heard a knock on the door. "Who is it?" she asked.

"It's me. Your second elder sister-in-law."

Luo Zhengzheng opened the door upon hearing her voice.

Liu Hanyue glanced at her and looked around the room. She saw little Chengjia sitting in Nanny Wang's lap, video chatting with Mother-in-law on a laptop. She went over and greeted her. She quietly pulled Luo Zhengzheng aside and showed her Su Zhilan's text message.

Luo Zhengzheng opened it, read it, and then returned the phone to Liu Hanyue.

Liu Hanyue stared at her, noticing her expressionless face, devoid of any emotion. She cautiously asked, "Are you alright?"

Luo Zhengzheng looked at her and chuckled, "What could possibly be wrong? It's just a meal with so many people, not like they were on a bed."

Liu Hanyue patted her shoulder blankly, "Younger Sister-in-law, you're the one who's clear-headed."

At this time, Luo Zhengzheng's phone rang. She picked it up and saw it was Gu Shi calling. She looked at Liu Hanyue and whispered, "It's Gu Shi."

Liu Hanyue uttered "Oh" twice and quickly pulled her into her room. A burning curiosity ignited within her. She wanted to know what had happened.

Seeing her actions, Luo Zhengzheng shook her head. Just as she was about to answer the phone, Liu Hanyue hurriedly said, "Put it on speakerphone, put it on speakerphone."

Unsure of her intentions, Luo Zhengzheng answered the call and put it on speakerphone.

Liu Hanyue quickly picked up her phone and started recording a video of Luo Zhengzheng.

Gu Shi asked on the other end of the phone, "Have you eaten?"

Luo Zhengzheng replied, "Yes."

Luo Zhengzheng asked him, "What about you? Have you eaten?"

Gu Shi said, "We ate too. Zhou Chen, Chen Ze, and Wang Maoxiu had dinner together."

Luo Zhengzheng, thinking of the photo from earlier, asked, "Wasn't anyone else there?"

Oblivious to the deeper meaning in her words, Gu Shi smiled and replied, "Checking on your husband? When I ate, it was just the few of us. As for whether anyone else was there after we left, I don't know."

Liu Hanyue gave Luo Zhengzheng a meaningful look. Gu Shi usually seemed calm, composed, and sparing with words, but unexpectedly, he was talkative and flirtatious around Luo Zhengzheng. Appearances could be deceiving. Su Zhilan was clearly no match for Luo Zhengzheng.

With Liu Hanyue present, Luo Zhengzheng didn't say much to him, exchanging a few words before hanging up.

Luo Zhengzheng looked at her: "Why were you recording?"

Liu Hanyue raised an eyebrow and dialed Chen Ze's number.

Chen Ze was still drinking when he received Liu Hanyue's call. Slightly tipsy, he answered, "Second Sister-in-law, what's up?"

Liu Hanyue smiled and said, "I’ll send you a video file. Receive it later, open it, and let everyone in the room hear it. By the way, is Su Zhilan next to you?"

Chen Ze glanced at Su Zhilan, puzzled, and smiled, "Yes, she is!"

That was good.

After hanging up, Liu Hanyue sent the video to Chen Ze.

Chen Ze received the video and opened it immediately. Then, the sounds of Gu Shi and Luo Zhengzheng talking on the phone filled the room.

Everyone fell silent, exchanging bewildered glances.

Su Zhilan's face flushed red. She gritted her teeth. Liu Hanyue was ruthless. She would remember this.

Luo Zhengzheng looked at Liu Hanyue: "Why did you send that video to Chen Ze?"

Liu Hanyue explained softly, "Of course I couldn't send that video to Su Zhilan. What if she did something bad? Gu Shi is familiar with Chen Ze. We can get him to delete the video."

Luo Zhengzheng nudged her: "You're really something."

Liu Hanyue snorted: "Who am I doing this for? Gu Shi obviously didn't eat with Su Zhilan. She's already provoked us. How can I let her off the hook?"

Appreciative, Luo Zhengzheng smiled and said, "I'll give you a bag tomorrow."

Liu Hanyue didn't mince words: "Anyway, it’ll be on Gu Shi's card."

The two women exchanged a knowing smile.

After hanging up with Luo Zhengzheng, Gu Shi went to the bathroom to wash up. When he came out, he saw the video Chen Ze had sent him. He frowned and replied, "What does this mean?"

Chen Ze, naturally unaware of Liu Hanyue's intention in sending him the video and thought for a moment, "Could it be that elder sister-in-law wants to confess to you, but she's too shy, so she sent it to me through your second sister-in-law, who then forwarded it to you?"

Gu Shi said, "You're overthinking it."

Chen Ze felt his suspicions were correct.

Seeing that he couldn't figure it out, Gu Shi said, "Rest now, you're busy. Take it easy with your drinking."

Clearly, he knew that given Chen Ze's personality, he was still drinking.

Chen Ze looked at the message, smiled, and replied, "I know."

He closed his phone and continued drinking with Su Chenyang.

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RHTB 35

Chapter 35

Xu Wan turned around, her face mocking: "What, you want me to beg Young Master Wang for help? Give up. What happens to this family in the future has nothing to do with me. Although you raised me, my marriage to that scumbag from the Chen Family has brought you quite a few benefits. We're even."

After saying that, Xu Wan left the Xu Family, arm in arm with the man.

She had originally planned to marry into the Chen Family by any means necessary to secure her life, but unexpectedly, she saw Chen Yuxuan's phone. The contents were shocking. Playboy didn't even begin to describe him. His phone showed counts of hundreds of women whom he had seduced or were still flirting with, and even newly acquainted with.

Xu Wan's hands trembled as she looked at the phone. She then quickly and decisively left Chen Yuxuan, choosing this Young Master Wang instead.

This man used to be her devoted admirer and was someone she looked down upon before. But now her circumstances were different and she could only rely on him for the time being.

Xu Wan left without a backward glance, leaving behind the curses of Xu Anguo and Sun Yulan.

…

Cheng An was sitting in her dressing room and had just finished her makeup. In front of her was a vermilion wooden box, locked with a brass lock. Inside was the dress Tang Yao had given her.

“Elder Sister Cheng, are we really not going to wear the designer’s dress?” Cheng An’s assistant asked worriedly. “This event is quite important. We’re the finale.”

“No need, this is enough.”

At this moment, Huang Hui pushed open the door. Her face carried a faint smile. “Are you ready?”

“President Huang, can you persuade Elder Sister Cheng? We haven’t even seen the actual dress yet. What if there’s a problem?”

“What? Is there a problem with the dress? Why aren’t we wearing the dress designed by our own designer?” Huang Hui asked.

"President Huang, this is designed by one of our company's designers," Cheng An said with a mysterious smile. Her hand reached out to pat the box.

Huang Hui, seemingly lost in thought, smiled. "If it's her, then I'm really looking forward to it."

Ever since Tang Yao's double-sided embroidery made Huang Hui's finale dress a huge hit, Huang Hui had made Tang Yao a nominal designer for H Clothing.

She paid her a high monthly salary.

After refusing twice, Tang Yao finally let her be, as she sometimes felt the urge to design clothes herself.

Soon, it was time for the finale. Cheng An changed into her dress. Under the music and lights, she walked out from backstage.

The assistant was completely stunned, unable to recover for a long time.

Cheng An slowly walked onto the stage. Her dress was changing colors under the lights.

It was still double-sided embroidery. One side depicted a phoenix poised for flight, the other a soaring dragon. The trailing hem of her skirt formed the phoenix's tail and the dragon's tail, appearing alternately as Cheng An walked.

Cheng An held her head high, like a king on stage.

As she reached the front, the phoenix and dragon seemed to come alive in an instant, rushing towards the audience.

The audience gasped. In the blink of an eye, the spectacle vanished.

Not only the audience in the theater, but the viewers watching the live stream, all witnessed this wonder.

"Was that just my imagination?"

"I saw it too, they really flew!"

"My god, who designed this dress? It's amazing!"

"How skilled is the embroiderer? When did H Fashion have such a talented designer?"

...

Watching from the audience, Huang Hui was stunned, but quickly applauded. Her judgment was indeed correct. Tang Yao was truly a treasure.

The audience couldn't help but applaud, acknowledging the spectacular finale.

The unprecedented success of the fashion show propelled it to the top of trending searches again, reigniting interest in H clothing and causing online and offline stores across various cities to sell out.

Delighted, Huang Hui awarded Tang Yao a seven-figure bonus.

Photos of Cheng An, exuding regal arrogance, spread rapidly online.

The topic of "the king's return" was constantly brought up. Those who claimed Cheng An had lost his popularity after three years away were thoroughly refuted.

Tang Yao watched the live stream, but was still somewhat dissatisfied with the effect of the clothing display. Her former embroidery teacher had managed to make the illusion linger for a full minute.

…

However, the most important thing now was to reopen the guesthouse.

Tang Yao posted about the guesthouse reopening online and soon received numerous responses.

Netizens discovered that the rooms were sold out immediately upon reopening.

"Waited so long and they're finally open! Rushing to snatch a suite. I'm taking my parents there!"

"Waaah, I didn't get a room! I really want to go!"

"Hehe, got a family room for a week later."

"People who have to work weekends can only watch enviously. I'll definitely go during the May Day holiday!"

"What are you thinking? Won't it be even more crowded during May Day? It'll be even harder to get a room then."

"Didn't you guys consider booking the glass-enclosed restaurant now? It's a bit of a shame we can't stay at the guesthouse, but we can book to eat at the glass-enclosed restaurant!"

"Really! Boss Tang posted it on Weibo. Each person can only book once a day using their ID information."

"What's going on with this Weibo post? Are they paid trolls? They're hyping up a guesthouse like this."

"Yeah, yeah, we're all paid trolls, don't try to compete with us."

"Who's so fast?!"

Meanwhile, the first group of people who managed to snatch rooms were driving from the capital to Wanhua Town. Tang Yao sat on a recliner, basking in the sun, while Xiao Yue and the other two were busy inside and outside the guesthouse.

Xiao Yue passed by Tang Yao's building and called out from downstairs, "Yao Yao, the guests will be arriving this afternoon, you can't slack off!"

"Okay," Tang Yao replied. She was feeling lazy and reluctant to move, but the thought of being nagged by Xiao Yue made her get up anyway.

Xiao Yue's personality had become increasingly composed, displaying the demeanor of a guesthouse manager. In contrast, Xiao Ling and Xiao Li were more lively.

Sometimes, Tang Yao would genuinely forget that they were actually robots and treat them like her own sisters.

Tang Yao put on her shoes and went downstairs to help.

The rooms were already very clean, the plants had been trimmed, the fish in the pond had been fed, and all the necessary ingredients were prepared.

As soon as Tang Yao came down, Xiao Li shoved a bowl of her newly made dessert into her hands, asking Tang Yao to taste it.

So, Tang Yao went from lying down sunbathing to sitting and eating dessert.

Watching Xiao Yue trio hurrying by, Tang Yao couldn't help but sigh, "How leisurely!"

After a sumptuous lunch, the guesthouse finally welcomed its first guests after the variety show.

The sound of cars filled the air as several black sedans pulled up in front of the guesthouse. Familiar faces stepped out.

"Tang girl, we're here!"

"That old man, why is his voice so loud? Tang girl, I brought you a gift."

"Hmph, each and every one of them can’t tone it down. What to do if you scare the little girl?"

Tang Yao went out to greet them and found that the people who came were the elderly she had met at Ji Mingquan's birthday banquet.

And there was Zhou Yunliang, whom she hadn't seen in a long time. This time, he was still only accompanied by one bodyguard.

If it weren't for him last time, Ji Mingquan wouldn't have known that Tang Yao had so many famous beauties here.

Almost everyone knew each other, exchanging familiar greetings or playful banter.

"Old Zhou, what brings you here? I remember you don't like these things, right?"

"It's quite comfortable here. I stayed one night last time and my old ailment didn't flare up at all. I finally got a couple of days off, so I came," Zhou Yunliang said.

Tang Yao was surprised that they were among the first to book rooms online.

After a brief moment of surprise, she welcomed them into the guesthouse.

Upon entering, everyone's eyes lit up. Like Ji Mingquan, they all loved flowers and plants. This place was a paradise for them.

"Isn't that a Red Crown?"

"This...this is a Jade Orchid? My goodness, I thought this flower was no longer found in the country."

"Look, there's a Heavenly Qiong, it's growing so beautifully."

Before even putting down their luggage, everyone gathered around the small garden to admire it.

The once quiet guesthouse instantly became lively.

“Boss Tang, hello, I’m Wen Guhua.” A man suddenly approached Tang Yao. There was a hint of urgency on his face. Among the group of elderly people, he appeared to be the youngest, no more than thirty years old, and tall.

As soon as he got close to Tang Yao, Xiao Yue trio became wary.

However, he had no ulterior motives and simply stated his purpose.

“I saw on a variety show the other day that a guesthouse was feeding its poultry with substandard ginseng. I suspect Boss Tang might have some other ginseng, perhaps even a hundred-year-old variety?” Wen Guhua said. “My grandfather is seriously ill and urgently needs this medicine. The doctor said that if we can’t find it, he probably doesn’t have much time left, so I’ve taken the liberty of coming to inquire.”

As Wen Guhua spoke, his eyes reddened slightly.

Afraid that Tang Yao wouldn’t trust him, Wen Guhua took out his business card, which read “CEO of the Wen Group.”

Given the gravity of the situation, Tang Yao naturally wouldn’t hide anything and directly asked Wen Guhua to go with her to a less crowded area.

Xiao Yue stayed by her side, just in case the other person had any ill intentions.

Tang Yao returned to the small building, pretending to retrieve something, but actually took out an aged ginseng from her spatial storage and put it in a box.

"Does this suit?" Tang Yao asked.

Actually, she had learned to identify medicinal herbs from a renowned traditional medicine doctor in an ancient world. This ginseng was over 150 years old, even older than he had expected, but she didn't want to reveal too much.

Wen Guhua took a picture and sent it to someone else. He quickly received a reply.

After glancing at the reply, Wen Guhua became excited: "Yes, yes, that's it! The doctor said it's over 100 years old. Boss Tang, can you sell it to me?"

Afterward, he transferred money to Tang Yao in person, at a price higher than the market value.

For him, his grandfather's health was more important than anything else.

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WHM 22

Chapter 22

In the morning, Luo Zhengzheng received a call from Liu Hanyue, inviting her to go shopping in Hong Kong.

Luo Zhengzheng opened her wardrobe. It was mostly filled with dresses, but not many suitable for work. She definitely needed to buy some work clothes.

She didn't need to go to Wanhua Entertainment every day, so she agreed to the invitation.

Although she was going shopping, she brought her son along. She texted Gu Shi to let him know where she was going, and then began to put on makeup and change clothes.

After thinking for a moment, she called Chen Hui, asking her to help secure the film and television rights to the novel "Home and Country." There were many discerning people. She didn't want someone else to beat her to it.

Chen Hui readily agreed.

Just as she came downstairs, Wang Yaning arrived with Cheng Rui and Liu Hanyue. Luo Zhengzheng glanced around and asked, "Isn't Third Sister-in-law coming?"

Sitting on the sofa, Liu Hanyue replied, "Her morning sickness is quite severe."

Luo Zhengzheng nodded.

Upon arriving in Hong Kong, the group went directly to the Peninsula Hotel. Luo Zhengzheng looked around and remarked, "This hotel is quite nice."

The Gu Family also owned hotels in Hong Kong. Logically, they could have stayed at their own hotel, but Liu Hanyue deliberately avoided it. She gave Luo Zhengzheng a smug look and said, "Of course it's nice. I'll cover all your expenses for the next few days. You can all enjoy yourselves."

Wang Yaning glanced at her and said, "It's rare to see you so generous?"

This woman spent all her money on luxury goods. When it came to treating people to meals, she was stingy and unwilling to pay.

Liu Hanyue pulled out a card and slapped it on the bed, smiling broadly. "I got this from Gu Xian. This time I'll empty his entire savings."

Luo Zhengzheng and Wang Yaning looked at her in surprise. Gu Xian was actually willing to give money to Liu Hanyue?

Liu Hanyue leaned back lazily on the sofa and sneered, "Of course he wouldn't give me the money, but he's more afraid of Father-in-law. He's afraid I'll complain, so he has no choice but to give me the money. He wants to flirt with the younger girls, then the money is mine. I've finally figured it out. Even the deepest feelings can't withstand the temptations of the outside world. Since that's the case, why should I be polite to him? I should have understood sooner; have fun and buy whatever I want. My own enjoyment is the most important thing."

Men were all detestable. Let's see how detestable they could be if they don't have money in their pockets.

Thinking of this, she looked at Luo Zhengzheng and Wang Yaning and snorted, "You two are the same. Don't be fooled by how well-behaved our eldest brother and fourth younger brother seem now. Who knows what kind of scheming they might be up to? How could we women possibly know what men are doing outside? Especially fourth sister-in-law. Fourth brother is the president of Ye's Group. He's more powerful and charming than Gu Ming and Gu Xian. When those young girls see him, they would pounce on him like cats smelling fish. You have to be careful. If all else fails, we should acquire more assets and money. That way, even if they want a divorce, we'll still be in a strong position."

Wang Yaning was both amused and exasperated: "Is this all based on your experience?"

Liu Hanyue said self-deprecatingly, "I've seen this kind of thing countless times since I was a child. I thought Gu Xian and I were childhood sweethearts, that he wouldn't stray, but I was just being delusional."

Luo Zhengzheng said, "I think you're right. Women should think more about themselves."

Liu Hanyue seemed to have found a kindred spirit, stood up, and put her arm around Luo Zhengzheng's shoulder: "That's right! We should think like this: if we don't spend his money, he might just spend it on some little vixen, and we'll end up angry. It's better for us to spend it and feel good. Come on, let's go to Baili Avenue first.What can cure women’s unhappiness? Shopping, of course!"

The group arrived at Baili Avenue. Looking at the dazzling array of goods, Liu Hanyue checked her wallet. With money in her pocket, she felt confident. She said to her two sisters-in-law, "I've always dreamed of buying luxury goods like shopping in a supermarket—no need to look at brands or prices, just take whatever I like. Today, let's treat Baili Avenue like a supermarket."

Wang Yaning's eyes widened. She had to admit, Liu Hanyue's suggestion was tempting. Thinking about the money in her card, she cautiously said, “Better buy what we really need."

Liu Hanyue saw her hesitation and didn't try to dissuade her. She was going to shop to her heart's content today.

Liu Hanyue was true to her word. Watches, necklaces, earrings, clothes—she bought whatever she liked, spending over ten million in half a day.

Of course, it was considered less. Luo Zhengzheng bought much more, not only for herself, but also for her son, mother-in-law , and even her parents and younger brother. She didn't forget Gu Shi either, since she used his card, buying him several shirts, cufflinks, and a pair of glasses.

Nanny Wang and Xiao Zhang each received a handbag.

Wang Yaning bought less, a handbag, a bracelet, and a dress. The rest were for Cheng Rui.

Seeing that Luo Zhengzheng had also bought things for Gu Shi, Liu Hanyue said, "You're quite shrewd."

Luo Zhengzheng smiled: "I’m using his card after all."

Luo Zhengzheng also had a card. Gu Shi would deposit a sum of money into her card every month. There was a considerable amount in her card, but when shopping, she naturally used Gu Shi's card.

Liu Hanyue nodded: "That's true, after all, Fourth Younger Brother hasn't shown any abnormalities yet. Gu Xian is out of the question. He's better suited to instant noodles."

Chengjia chimed in from the side: "Instant noodles."

Liu Hanyue pulled him close, pinching his cheek: "Yes, let your Second Uncle eat instant noodles. Want a gift? Then slowly wait."

Wang Yaning chided: "Don't teach the child bad habits."

Liu Hanyue smiled: "He won’t turn. Little Jiajia must be hungry. Second Aunt will treat you to something yummy, okay?"

Chengjia was at the age where he was learning to talk. He hugged her neck: "something yum yum, A-Aunt, something yummy."

Liu Hanyue was captivated by his adorableness and couldn't resist kissing his rosy cheek, instantly leaving a lipstick mark on his face.

Liu Hanyue burst into laughter: "Is this Jiajia's first time getting a lipstick mark?"

Chengjia's little mouth twitched. On the verge of tears, he looked pleadingly at his mother for help. Aside from his parents and grandmother, he disliked being kissed by anyone. A kiss would make him cry.

Luo Zhengzheng, seeing her son's plea for help, held him up.

Gu Shi had been in meetings all morning. Only after the meetings ended and he returned to his office did he see Luo Zhengzheng's message.

At this time, Luo Zhengzheng had already arrived in Hong Kong and was shopping on Park Lane.

He glanced at the message and naturally saw a series of payment notifications. He chuckled. Had she gone shopping as soon as she arrived in Hong Kong? He closed his phone. To allow his wife to shop as she pleased, he had to work hard to earn money.

After shopping and eating, the group returned to the hotel.

Liu Hanyue kicked off her shoes and changed into hotel slippers: "Shopping is enjoyable, but tiring too."

Wang Yaning looked at her: "When are you going back?"

Liu Hanyue looked at her: "Going back so soon? Elder Sister-in-law, you're too family-oriented. Your son is here, what's the point of going back? To spend time with your husband? Forget it. Go back when you've had your fun."

Wang Yaning hesitated for a moment and then turned to Luo Zhengzheng: "Fourth Younger Sister-in-law, what do you think?"

Little Chengjia was asleep and Nanny Wang was with him. Luo Zhengzheng leaned against the headboard, resting, and said indifferently: "Whatever is fine for me."

She had bought almost everything she needed, but it was also fine to enjoy herself in Hong Kong. After all, she was already here.

At this time, Chen Hui called.

Luo Zhengzheng got out of bed, walked to the window, answered the phone, and said, "Elder Sister Hui?"

Chen Hui said, "Zhengzheng, where were you now? Can you come to the company? The copyright for that novel has been negotiated, five million."

At this time, the copyright fee wasn't as high as it would later be. Luo Zhengzheng directly uttered, "Buy it."

Chen Hui didn't expect her to be so decisive: "If you think it's too expensive, we can discuss it further."

Luo Zhengzheng said, "No need, but there's a condition: the author must participate in the adaptation."

No one knew their novel better than the author.

Chen Hui smiled and said, "That's acceptable. Right now, we can only buy the novel in our company's name."

Luo Zhengzheng thought for a moment and said, "Then let's sign an agreement!"

Chen Hui: "I'll have my assistant prepare the contract and send it to you." Then she asked, "Aren't you in the capital?"

Luo Zhengzheng replied, "Shopping in Hong Kong."

Chen Hui's eyes lit up: "Bring some things back for me. I'll send you the shopping list later."

Luo Zhengzheng: "Okay."

After hanging up, Liu Hanyue and Wang Yaning both looked at Luo Zhengzheng. Liu Hanyue asked, "What copyright do you want to buy?"

Luo Zhengzheng sat down: "I've got my eye on a novel and want to adapt it into a TV series. I need someone to buy the copyright first."

Liu Hanyue looked at her: "Are you serious?"

Luo Zhengzheng nodded, "Of course."

Wang Yaning frowned, "You don't understand this stuff, aren't you afraid of losing money?"

Luo Zhengzheng said, "I'm learning now. Besides, no industry is 100% profitable."

Wang Yaning glanced at her, "I don't think we need to go through all that trouble. If you really want to do something, how about opening a beauty salon? The investment is small, and even if you lose money, it won't be much."

Luo Zhengzheng didn't explain further, "I've already bought it."

After offering a few words of advice and seeing that she wouldn't listen, Wang Yaning didn't say anything more. After all, it wasn't her money.

Liu Hanyue said, "Anyway, Fourth Sister-in-law isn't short of money. Even if she loses money, isn’t there Fourth Brother?"

After saying that, she glanced at Wang Yaning. She had to admit, Elder Sister-in-law was sometimes too cautious. Luo Zhengzheng wore jewelry worth hundreds of millions. Why would she be afraid of losing tens of millions on a TV series?

However, Elder Sister-in-law couldn't be blamed. After all, her parents were educators and valued stability. It was normal for her not to approve of Luo Zhengzheng's investment in filmmaking.

Wang Yaning felt embarrassed and said, "I was being nosy."

However, she understood. Although Luo Zhengzheng was their sister-in-law, her husband gave her confidence. She wasn't making TV dramas for money, but simply because she was interested.

Luo Zhengzheng smiled, "Elder Sister-in-law, you're doing this for my own good."

Wang Yaning took the opportunity, saying, "We're all family, so it's natural for me to be concerned."

Liu Hanyue curled her lip, finding elder sister-in-law's words insincere.

Chen Hui's purchase of the novel's copyright for Luo Zhengzheng under the company's name naturally couldn't be hidden from Chen Ze.

Chen Ze immediately called Gu Shi.

Gu Shi saw his call and answered, "What's up?"

Chen Ze said directly, "Your wife just had Chen Hui help her buy the rights to a novel."

Gu Shi looked at the computer and calmly said, "So what if she bought it?"

Chen Ze rolled his eyes: "I knew you'd say that. Making a TV series costs a lot of money, and you just let her go through all that trouble?"

He had to admit, as a man, he was extremely envious of Luo Zhengzheng.

He wanted to make a movie, searching everywhere for investors. Luo Zhengzheng didn't have to do anything. People gave her money.

He also wanted to be a woman, marry a rich husband, and not have to worry about anything. Obviously, that was impossible in this life. He could only pray for the next.

Pen in one hand signing and phone in the other, Gu Shi said, "I've already invested two hundred million in you, how could my wife be short of money?"

Chen Ze thought about how he'd spent the last few years earning money, begging and pleading for investment, and how his TV series and movies had finally become hits, only to have to share the profits with investors. He sighed, saying enviously, "You're really good at making money. If you have any good projects, take me along. You can have the meat, I'll just have the soup."

Gu Shi's eyes lit up with amusement: "I just invested several billion in chip R&D, and there will be follow-up investments. Want to join me?"

Chen Ze shook his head vigorously: "Forget it, forget it. You're talking about several billion right off the bat. I barely have enough money to make a movie and have to beg you for investment. Let's not talk about this anymore. Let's have dinner together tonight. Shall we invite Wang Maoxiu and Zhou Chen? Your wife's in Hong Kong anyway."

Gu Shi agreed.

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