Chapter 1280: Chapter 1280: The Idea of Pretending to Be a Husband

Ye Fan felt more relaxed both mentally and physically, and he became at ease.

Mengyao noticed this keenly and smiled, saying, "Zhao Hai’s obsession was that he couldn’t be at ease about his family. Now that we promise to protect Jian Tao and her daughter, as well as Zhao Feipeng and his wife, I believe the obsession of Zhao Hai within you has diminished considerably. You can be at ease and not be influenced by Zhao Hai’s obsession anymore."

"Indeed, following Zhao Hai’s wishes and taking care of his unfinished concerns really can reduce the influence of Zhao Hai’s obsession on me," Ye Fan said reassuringly.

Simply blocking it won’t work. Sorting out Zhao Hai’s thoughts is a shortcut to eliminating Zhao Hai’s obsession.

The next period was quite peaceful, and nothing happened.

The surveillance on Zhao Zhongtian and Heipi didn’t relax, though not much was gained from it.

Now that they know who is behind the scenes, preparations must naturally be made to prevent unexpected events.

Dog Brother and his two companions were also under surveillance, but no arrests were made.

One day, Biyao found some leisure time and finally met Zhao Ruixi, who clung to Biyao and played tirelessly.

Ye Fan, Mengyao, and Jian Tao watched their daughter and Biyao playing in the yard and smiled sincerely.

"Biyao is really a treasure. It seems Xixi genuinely likes her, and Biyao tirelessly accompanies Xixi. I feel a bit embarrassed; we’re quite a bother to Biyao," Jian Tao said seriously.

Clearly, she was happy to see Xixi happy, and nobody was happier than her.

It’s not true that she didn’t feel the psychological burden. With Biyao being so busy yet dedicated to playing with her daughter, she was naturally very grateful.

"Don’t worry about her. If she could find time to be idle, that would be surprising," Mengyao said, "Didn’t you see she’s having fun too?"

"I really can’t figure out where she gets this patience and energy," Jian Tao said with a bitter smile. Clearly, Biyao really played with Xixi, not just coping casually, and this was what touched her the most.

"She’s still childlike and playful," Ye Fan said, giving an objective assessment of Biyao.

Jian Tao looked at Mengyao with gratitude, and then her gaze lingered on Ye Fan before returning to Mengyao. She hesitated for a while but ultimately didn’t voice her thoughts.

This had been the fourth day. Every day, she visited Ye Fan and Mengyao with her daughter.

After hesitating for a long time, she couldn’t bring herself to say what was on her mind.

So she reluctantly turned her gaze elsewhere.

"If there’s something you want to say, go ahead. I’ve seen you trying to speak these last few days but swallowing your words. Are you embarrassed, or do you have some difficulty?" Ye Fan said indifferently. "I don’t know if you’re anxious, but it’s making others watching you anxious."

Jian Tao glanced profoundly at Ye Fan, admiring his wise judgment and silently thinking: Since you know what I’m thinking, why not ask sooner instead of after I’ve struggled for several days?

She silently blamed Ye Fan and turned her gaze to Mengyao, as if seeking advice.

"Speak up. I’d like to hear what you have to say," Mengyao said with a smile. "Is it that you don’t want to owe someone a favor, or do you really have a request?"

"Here’s the thing." Since Mengyao and Ye Fan spoke so directly, Jian Tao couldn’t keep it hidden anymore and said, "Zhao Hai’s parents asked me to check if Ye Fan is free three days from now. They want to invite Ye Fan to a family dinner. Of course, if Mengyao, you have time, you can come too."

Jian Tao called Ye Fan and Mengyao by their names directly; over the past few days, their relationship had become much closer.

"If it’s just a meal and nothing important, I think I’d rather not go," Ye Fan said calmly.

He wasn’t interested in socializing with insincere people; there’s nothing to gain from interacting with them.

"Seeing your hesitation, this family dinner must be unusual. What kind of family dinner is it?" Mengyao asked.

"Zhao Hai’s grandfather has been in a nursing home; his health is deteriorating. According to the doctor’s diagnosis, he has less than three months to live, and that’s not the worst part. What’s truly saddening is that he has dementia."

"In three days, it’s Zhao Hai’s grandfather’s 80th birthday, and the family plans to hold a family dinner."

"They’re gathering the family together to have a meal, accompany the elderly, and celebrate the birthday."

"But you can imagine, due to the severe dementia, he occasionally remembers someone but most of the time doesn’t. To prevent old gentleman from wanting Zhao Hai when Zhao Hai’s absence can’t comfort him, the parents came up with an idea: see if Ye Fan could impersonate Zhao Hai. If the old gentleman can’t remember Zhao Hai, that’s fine. But if he does, Ye Fan can pretend and kindly deceive the old gentleman."

"Originally, they planned to ask a relative to pretend. Considering that Ye Fan and Zhao Hai are somewhat connected, the parents asked me to get your opinions."

Jian Tao voiced all her hesitations.

"You’re implying Ye Fan should impersonate your husband?" Mengyao understood.

"Not impersonate my husband, but impersonate Zhao Hai. If the old gentleman doesn’t remember Zhao Hai, it doesn’t matter and there’s no need to impersonate. In case he does remember, then Ye Fan will impersonate Zhao Hai." Jian Tao emphasized this clearly, separating impersonating Zhao Hai and impersonating a husband. She was unwilling to have any abnormal relations with Ye Fan, even if it was fake.

"Impersonating Zhao Hai is impersonating your husband, right? There’s no difference," Mengyao exclaimed in pretend surprise.

"There is a difference, definitely," Jian Tao was about to explain when Mengyao interrupted, "I thought it was something important. Just say it straight; there’s nothing to be embarrassed about."

"I’m worried Ye Fan might feel aggrieved," Jian Tao said. "The old gentleman is very nagging and troublesome. Without some grievances, it’s hard to cope."

She pressed her embarrassment down and made it all about the old gentleman.

"What’s your view?" Mengyao turned to Ye Fan.

"I’ll go. Even if it’s just to fulfill filial piety for Zhao Hai. After all, he’s a sympathetic old man, and I can’t refuse," Ye Fan said.

"Great, you’ll go then. I won’t join the excitement," Mengyao said with a smile.

"Thank you both," Jian Tao expressed her gratitude sincerely.

"No need to thank us; it’s the right thing to do," Mengyao said generously.

Jian Tao finally voiced the issue weighing on her mind, feeling relieved and free from the dilemma.

At the same time.

At Dongfang City Airport, a gambling legend from Macao disembarked the plane with his apprentice, eyes filled with concern.