The Tycoon's Mysterious Darling Wife-Chapter 464 - 466. The empty, lonely, and cold Brother Shen

In the car, Pei Yinong looked at the man sitting silently in the passenger seat and found a place to park.

"Doesn’t your hand hurt?" Pei Yinong grabbed Jiang Chenxi’s hand and asked. Jiang Chenxi furrowed his brows, his face still hadn’t relaxed, and he turned to look at Pei Yinong, "I just can’t get over it."

Pei Yinong smiled, "You should be happy, actually. He came back, and that gave me a chance to see his true face. It also made me realize how good you are."

"Yinong, I’m not joking with you."

"I’m not joking either, Chenxi. I know you’re worried about me, but really, there’s no need to fuss over such a person. I’m very grateful that I chose you. However, I regret that the person I fell in love with initially wasn’t you."

Jiang Chenxi looked straight into Pei Yinong’s eyes, her gaze gentle, "If you encounter him again, don’t get physical; you’ll only hurt your own hand."

"Yinong, if you’re upset, you can talk to me, or even cry."

Pei Yinong looked at him, her expression inexplicable, "Why would I be upset?" Then she suddenly grasped what Jiang Chenxi meant and couldn’t help but laugh, "Chenxi, I was serious about what I just said. I wasn’t trying to comfort you. Realizing he is such a despicable person makes me see how absurdly wrong I was before. Now, I know how happy I am, Chenxi. I’m not upset, really, not at all."

Jiang Chenxi hugged Pei Yinong, "Yinong, believe me, no matter what happens in the future, I’ll be by your side, and I won’t leave you."

"Me too. Unless you tell me you don’t want me, I will never break up with you," Pei Yinong said seriously, like a vow etched in her heart.

**********

Duan Ling didn’t go home; instead, he went to a bar. When Cui Zeyu received a call from a bartender, he was just about to call Duan Ling to ask when he would return. Learning that Duan Ling was already drunk unconscious, he resignedly went out to pick him up.

When Cui Zeyu arrived at the bar, Duan Ling was still clutching a bottle of alcohol, refusing to let go, "Enough, look at yourself, so drunk and still drinking. Are you planning to drink yourself to death?"

Duan Ling opened his eyes and glanced at the person in front of him, "Who are you? Do I know you to tell me what to do?"

Cui Zeyu’s face darkened, "Duan Ling, have you gotten stupid from drinking? Open your eyes and see clearly who I am!"

"I don’t care who you are, you’re blocking my drink." Saying so, he went to continue drinking, but Cui Zeyu grabbed the bottle from him, and looked at the bartender, "How much has he had?" Knowing Duan Ling’s capacity for alcohol, he wouldn’t be drunk unless it was a considerable amount.

The bartender pointed at some empty bottles to the side. Cui Zeyu looked and his face turned as dark as the bottom of a pot. "Are you trying to poison yourself with alcohol? Fine, if you want to die, but don’t call me, I really can’t handle you anymore."

Muttering to himself, Cui Zeyu helped Duan Ling up from the table, but couldn’t move him at once. A drunk person is as heavy as a rock, especially Duan Ling, who was a sturdy man to begin with.

"Hey, help me out here, help me get him to the car," Cui Zeyu asked the bartender for help.

The bartender looked troubled, "Sir, your friend hasn’t settled his bill yet."

"Am I going to short-change you on a few drinks?" Cui Zeyu pulled out a bank card from his wallet, "Here, take it."

The bartender took it, quickly returned, and handed the card back to Cui Zeyu with both hands. Cui Zeyu, with a stern face, said, "Can you help me get him to the car now?"

The bartender hurried to assist.

"Hey, isn’t that person Mr. Duan from Tianling International?" Gu Kai pointed in the direction of Cui Zeyu and Duan Ling, and Shen Junyu looked over, "Yes, indeed."

"What has happened to Mr. Duan, why has he been drinking like this?" Gu Kai asked.

Shen Junyu’s eyes were indifferent, "He must have experienced a breakup."

"Brother Shen, Mr. Duan is married."

"Oh, then he must be getting divorced," Shen Junyu corrected himself, while Shen Junze and Gu Kai looked on speechlessly.

"Big brother, it’s getting late. We should head home," Shen Junze said, checking the time. It was already ten at night.

"Why go home? I’m not going back," Shen Junyu was reluctant to leave.

Gu Kai glanced sideways, "Brother Shen, did you have a fight with sister-in-law?" Ever since getting married, Shen Junyu, Han Yi, and Fu Hengyi had been very domestic. They would rush home every evening, but what was happening today? He had actively called them out for drinks and was now reluctant to go home.

Shen Junyu wore a look of anguish, "If only it had been a fight."

Shen Junze and Gu Kai exchanged glances, and Shen Junze tentatively asked, "Did sister-in-law abandon you?"

Shen Junyu shot him a cold glance, "Drink your wine."

"Big brother, I have to work tomorrow. I can’t drink anymore," Shen Junze said.

Shen Junyu snorted coldly and took another sip of the wine on the table. He felt wronged in his heart. Wen Xiyao had been busy with work for the past month, sometimes even sleeping at the office. He felt completely sidelined by his wife, suspecting she might have even forgotten she had a husband.

"Big brother, what’s really going on between you and sister-in-law? Did you really have a fight?" Shen Junze saw that every mention of Wen Xiyao made Shen Junyu drink more. He wondered if his worst speculations might actually be true.

Shen Junyu snorted again, "You’re the one who had a fight."

Shen Junze chuckled, "If it’s not a fight, then let’s go home. I need to meet Sister Tong tomorrow to discuss a project, and I haven’t finished reviewing the materials yet. I really can’t keep drinking with you."

"Yes, Brother Shen, I have an important meeting tomorrow morning that I can’t miss. Look at the time—it’s getting late. Let’s call it a night," Gu Kai added. Since Gu Yang joined the military and Gu Bowen got back with Fu Jingtong, he’d been focusing most of his efforts on taking his wife traveling, leaving the company matters to his nephew Gu Kai.

Shen Junyu looked at these two unsympathetic friends and waved them off dismissively, "Just go, just go."

Gu Kai and Shen Junze looked at him, "You’re not leaving."

"You go ahead. I’ll leave when I feel like it." Shen Junyu shooed them away. What was he supposed to do if he went back now? It would only be him facing an empty house, devoid of any warmth—might as well stay here where it’s lively.

"Are you sure you’re okay?" Shen Junze was concerned.

"Just go."

Gu Kai and Shen Junze left, and Shen Junyu took a few more sips of his drink. Looking at the colorful lights and the bustling scene, he found it boring and thought it might be better to go home and face the emptiness there. With that thought, Shen Junyu stood up, ready to leave.

"Hey, handsome, are you alone?" Suddenly, a delicate hand landed on his shoulder, and a seductive voice sounded in his ear, the faint scent of perfume wafting to his nose.

Shen Junyu turned his head and saw a heavily made-up face. Despite the thick makeup, it was still clear that she was a beauty wearing a strapless form-fitting dress, revealing her fair skin and seductive collarbones, with a curvaceous figure that was truly a rare sight.

"Handsome, I’ve been watching you for a while," the woman said, batting her eyelashes flirtatiously, her breath as sweet as an orchid.

Junyu smiled. The woman’s eyes narrowed slightly as she moved closer to him, pressing her body against his. "Handsome, how about a drink together?"

Junyu extended his hand and waved it in front of the woman, "I am married."

The woman glanced at the wedding ring on Junyu’s hand, "What does that matter? I’m not asking to marry you, just trying to have a drink with you. Of course, if you’re willing, I wouldn’t mind having a short-lived affair with you." As she spoke, her hand had moved to Junyu’s chest, feeling the defined muscles beneath his shirt. Satisfaction flickered in her eyes.

She had indeed been watching Shen Junyu for a long time, who could blame her when the man looked so outstanding? Not only do men like to gaze at beautiful women, but handsome men also tend to attract a lot of attention from women.

Junyu, clearly, was among the ranks of handsome men, and an exceptional one at that.

The woman’s hand gently moved along Junyu’s chest. His eyes narrowed, a coldness flitting through them, and a slight smile appeared on his lips, carrying a hint of chill. He reached out and lightly grasped the woman’s hand, "I’m rather particular about cleanliness."

The woman’s face turned pale, "What kind of person are you? I thought I really liked you, but really..." She turned and walked away.

Yet, Junyu called over Charming Color’s manager and pointed to the woman now heading towards a booth, "That woman, put her on Charming Color’s blacklist. Never let her in again."

The manager nodded. Although Junyu was not a shareholder of Charming Color, the bar was owned by his friend Han Yi and his sister Shen Qinglan was a shareholder. He had some pull to get the woman escorted out.

The woman seemed reluctant, wanting to make a scene, but was dragged out by two security guards. Junyu watched dispassionately, amused by the entitlement of some people who thought they could use their bodies for easy gain. The woman, clad head to toe in what appeared to be branded attire, were actually high-quality knockoffs. She likely came here fishing for a rich husband. If Junyu had agreed to go to a hotel with her, she would have secured a wealthy patron and wouldn’t have to worry about her living expenses in the future, especially if her patron was generous and unfaithful—that would have made for a steady income.

Junyu didn’t want such a woman to diminish the style of Charming Color. He left the bar and saw the woman shouting angrily at the entrance, a far cry from her earlier flirtatious demeanor—she looked more like a shrew. When she saw Junyu look over, she straightened up and tossed her hair, batting her eyelashes at him.

Junyu didn’t even glance her way, simply got into his car and drove off, leaving the woman stamping her feet in frustration.

Junyu lowered his head and sniffed his jacket, detecting a hint of ladies’ perfume. Frowning, he took off the jacket and threw it on the back seat, then tore off his tie and tossed it aside.

When he got home, he didn’t even turn on the light but went straight to the bathroom. However, when he came out, he found the bedroom light on and Wen Xiyao entering, carrying a glass of water.

"Have this honey water once you’ve finished bathing." Wen Xiyao said, her tone calm but Junyu could still detect her anger.

"I only had a little. I intended to order a designated driver, but couldn’t get one after trying for half an hour. It got late, so I drove slowly myself," Junyu touched his nose and explained guiltily. This was his first time driving under influence, and although the traffic police hadn’t caught him, his wife knew.

He took the honey water Wen Xiyao prepared and downed it in one gulp, then inverted the empty glass to show her, "You see, I finished it."

Wen Xiyao’s face remained expressionless as she took the glass, turned around, and walked a few steps. She paused and said, "Oh, and the clothes you left in the car have been sent for dry cleaning. That perfume smelled quite nice; I might buy a bottle myself sometime."

Junyu paused in changing his clothes. By the time he turned around, Wen Xiyao had already left the room. He slapped his forehead, wondering how his luck could be so bad. Wen Xiyao had been working overtime often. He had waited at home like The Husband Stone, never seeing her come home early. On a rare night out, she returned home early. And now, how was he going to explain the perfume smell?

Taking the opportunity while Wen Xiyao was downstairs, Junyu grabbed his phone and called Shen Qinglan, "Lanlan, you have to help your brother."

Shen Qinglan was already asleep, having taken medicine for a cold and feeling unwell. She was groggily awakened by the ringing phone, struggling to press the answer button, perplexed by Junyu’s first words.

"What’s wrong?" Shen Qinglan’s voice was somewhat hoarse.

Shen Junyu briefly recounted the situation, "What should Brother do now? How do I explain this to your sister-in-law?"

Shen Qinglan’s mind cleared up a bit, and she was speechless about her own brother, "Just tell the truth. Sister-in-law is a reasonable woman. She won’t hassle you. Or maybe you can try acting coquettish. With that face of yours, she’d definitely forgive you right away."

Shen Junyu grimaced, "Lanlan, you want me to act coquettish?" The incredulity evident in his tone.

"Yeah, isn’t it said that a man who can act coquettish has the best life?" Shen Qinglan casually remarked, "Brother, I’m really sleepy, going to sleep now." The medication was taking effect, leaving her head heavy and extremely tired.

"Hey, Lanlan, how do I act coquettish? Lanlan?" Shen Junyu spoke into the phone, but the line had already been disconnected; staring at the words ’call ended,’ he felt a sense of frustration.

Seeing that Wen Xiyao had gone to place a cup but hadn’t come up for quite some time, Shen Junyu went out, checking downstairs but finding no one. He then went back upstairs, only to see that the light was still on in the study.

"Xi Yao." A knock was heard, followed by Shen Junyu’s gentle voice.

"Come in, the door is unlocked," Wen Xiyao said indifferently.

Pushing the door open, Shen Junyu saw Wen Xiyao sitting in front of the computer, working on something.

"Aren’t you planning to sleep yet, considering how late it is?" Shen Junyu walked behind Wen Xiyao and glanced at the computer screen, which seemed to display a tender document.

"You go and sleep first. I’ll go to bed after I finish this."

Shen Junyu’s hand rested on Wen Xiyao’s shoulder, gently massaging it, "Work is never-ending. Since it’s been a while since you came back this early, you should sleep early." His tone was very gentle, feeling that perhaps using his charm would be more effective than acting coquettish.

Wen Xiyao kept her eyes on her screen, "Yes, I rarely come back early, and just today, I happen upon someone meeting an intimate friend late at night."

Shen Junyu’s hand paused, "Wife, it’s a misunderstanding. I was with Gu Kai and Jun Ze today. The three of us were drinking at Charming Color and came back soon after. That perfume smell got on me by accident when a woman bumped into me on my way back. You have to believe me."

Wen Xiyao’s fingers tapped continuously on the keyboard, not even sparing a glance for Shen Junyu. A sudden dread filled him, realising his wife might truly be angry. Turning Wen Xiyao’s chair to face him, he said, "Xi Yao, I’m telling the truth, my heart only has you, I would never touch another woman."

Wen Xiyao kept a stern face, fixing Shen Junyu with a steady gaze that made his heart race.

"Haha." Wen Xiyao couldn’t hold back and laughed. She had planned to tease Shen Junyu a bit more, but seeing his anxious expression, she couldn’t continue. Even though there was another woman’s perfume scent on Shen Junyu’s clothes, Wen Xiyao never doubted Shen Junyu’s fidelity. It was her trust in Shen Junyu and her confidence in herself.

Shen Junyu let out a long breath, relieved that his wife wasn’t actually angry, "It’s good you aren’t angry, you scared me."

"That scared of me being angry?"

"Of course, it hurts me when you’re upset," Shen Junyu earnestly replied.

"Yet you still drink and drive, don’t you know I worry, I’m scared?" Wen Xiyao’s tone also turned serious, as drunk driving was a serious issue that needed to be addressed.

"Xi Yao, I honestly did it for the first time today and I promise it will be the last. I absolutely won’t drink and drive again," Shen Junyu pledged.

Wen Xiyao grasped his hand, "Alright, I remember this. If you dare lie to me, I’ll tell Qinglan about you drinking and driving."

Shen Junyu: "Wife, it’s getting late, shouldn’t you be heading to bed?"

Wen Xiyao turned her chair around, "You go ahead and sleep. I need to finish this tender document today so I can rest well once this project is over."

Shen Junyu gazed wistfully at Wen Xiyao’s back, "Wife, you’ve been working overtime for a month, I thought you came home early today to spend time with me." His tone was one of deep longing.

Wen Xiyao’s hand paused mid-air, wanting to continue with the tender document, but she couldn’t proceed; a sense of guilt washed over her. She had indeed focused most of her energy on her work this past month, neglecting her home and her husband. With this realization, Wen Xiyao turned around, "Alright, let’s go to sleep." As she spoke, she opened her arms in an inviting gesture.

Shen Junyu gave a slight smile and scooped her up in a princess carry, "Off we go, let’s go to sleep."

That night, as Wen Xiyao rarely took time off to pamper her husband, Shen Junyu naturally put in extra effort, which resulted in Wen Xiyao sleeping till noon the next day.

When she opened her eyes, Shen Junyu was smiling at her, "Good morning, wife." His mood was excellent after a satisfying night.

Wen Xiyao shifted slightly and immediately felt a soreness in her body as if a truck had run her over. Frowning, she rubbed her waist, "That repressed man is really too terrifying."

"Are you feeling all right?" Shen Junyu saw Wen Xiyao frowning and immediately grew anxious; he was aware of how wild the previous night had been.

Wen Xiyao shook her head, "I’m fine, what time is it now?"

"It’s already eleven o’clock. I called in sick for you, so it’s still okay to go in the afternoon," Shen Junyu replied.

Wen Xiyao nodded; the first phase of her work was done, and the upcoming second phase wouldn’t be as hectic. Taking half a day off wouldn’t matter much.

Wen Xiyao lay on the large bed and rolled over, "Ah, nothing beats the bed at home."

Shen Junyu massaged her waist, "Are you working overtime tonight?"

Wen Xiyao shook her head, "No need. I’ll be coming home on time the next few days. I haven’t had time to visit Grandpa and Mom because of my overtime lately."

"Good, I’ll follow your lead."

"Junyu, I’m sorry for neglecting you because of work," Wen Xiyao said, looking at Shen Junyu.

"Why bring this up suddenly? When we married, I already said I’d give you full freedom to do what you want and naturally, I support your work," Shen Junyu didn’t take it to heart; although he felt lonely with his wife immersed in her work, it wasn’t a cause for conflict.

Wen Xiyao was grateful for Shen Junyu’s understanding and support for her work. Thinking about her friends and colleagues, she really felt she was very fortunate.

Just yesterday, her secretary had resigned because her husband felt she was too absorbed in work and not fulfilling her duties as a wife, threatening either resignation or divorce.

Wen Xiyao didn’t make things difficult for her secretary and approved the resignation right away. Although it was a time when every staff member was essential, and finding a capable secretary was tough, someone’s family was also important, wasn’t it?

"Junyu, I’ll try to work overtime less and balance my job and family life better," Wen Xiyao said seriously.

Shen Junyu pinched her cheek, "Silly, it’s really okay. You’re still young, do whatever you want, and I’ll always be your strongest support."

Wen Xiyao rolled into Shen Junyu’s arms and hugged him, "Husband, thank you."

Shen Junyu’s body suddenly tensed up, "Wife, was I not energetic enough last night?" His voice was husky.

Wen Xiyao felt his body react and only then realized that they were both naked; she punched him lightly, "That’s enough." After speaking, she got up, picked up the pajamas off the floor, draped them on, and ran into the bathroom.

Shen Junyu shook his head with a laugh, his face full of indulgence.

After lunch, Shen Junyu drove Wen Xiyao to her company, then headed to the Fu Family’s home.

Shen Qinglan had just gotten out of bed; she was somewhat feverish, and the cold medicine from last night seemed to have had no effect, possibly making things worse. Anan had already been sent to the Shen Family.

"Lanlan, are you sick?" Shen Junyu frowned, noticing her flushed cheeks, he touched Shen Qinglan’s forehead, "It’s so hot."

Shen Qinglan waved her hand dismissively, "I’m fine. Grandpa has already had a doctor look at me. I just took some medicine."

"After taking medicine, why aren’t you lying in bed instead of getting up?" Shen Junyu was annoyed; his sister was always so careless with herself.

"Brother, I’ve been lying down all day. If I lie any longer, I’ll become useless." Her whole body ached, even from just lying in bed.

Shen Junyu helped Shen Qinglan sit down on the sofa and poured her a glass of water, "Drink more water. Look at you, you’re grown up and still don’t know how to take care of yourself."

"Brother, my head hurts, stop nagging like a monk."

"Alright, alright, I’ll stop." Shen Junyu felt pained; Shen Qinglan seldom got sick, but whenever she did, it exceptionally upset him. Even though Shen Qinglan was already a mother, his worry didn’t lessen.

Shen Qinglan leaned against the back of the sofa, "How are things with sister-in-law? Did you explain everything?"

"It’s all sorted now. Lanlan, let’s just go to the hospital to check this out. Keeping this fever might fry your brain."

Shen Qinglan swept a glance at her brother, "When did you become Anan’s age?"

"I’m worried about you, you heartless brat," Shen Junyu glared.

Shen Qinglan rested her head on Shen Junyu’s shoulder, "I know, but I really am fine. Grandpa called a military doctor over to the house. It’s just a common cold. I didn’t take care last night while sleeping and got a fever. The doctor already said it will come down today."

Shen Junyu stroked his sister’s head, "Does Hengyi know about this?"

"It’s just a small cold, why tell him?" Shen Qinglan was unconcerned.

Shen Junyu felt more pained, "I don’t know whether letting you marry him was right or wrong. Look at him, always at the military base, and when you’re sick, there’s no one by your side to care for you. You have to withstand everything alone." He knew the struggles of being a military wife; his own mother was one and having seen it firsthand growing up, no one understood it better than him.

Shen Qinglan smiled, "Brother, when did you become so sensitive and sentimental? Aren’t Grandpa and Aunt Zhao there? Aunt Liu is there too, and so is Mom, not to mention Sister-in-law Song, I have so many people taking care of me. Don’t talk as if I’m all alone."

"Stop talking nonsense. Okay, let’s not talk about Hengyi. When he comes back, I’ll have a serious talk with him about life and ideals."

"Brother, don’t tell him that I was sick; I don’t want him to worry about me," Shen Qinglan instructed.

"Lanlan, you can’t spoil a man like that. You have to let him know what you’ve sacrificed for him. Only then will he truly appreciate how hard it is for you and cherish you even more. Do you understand?"

"Brother, Hengyi isn’t just anyone. He treats me really well." Shen Qinglan didn’t want Hengyi to know about these sacrifices; he already felt guilty for not being able to spend more time at home with her. If Shen Junyu told him about this, Hengyi might just give up his beloved career and leave the military, something he had already sacrificed once for her and their child. Qinglan didn’t want Hengyi to give it up a second time. Hengyi was born for the military, and she didn’t want to be the stumbling block in his life path.

"Ah, Lanlan, seeing you like this breaks your brother’s heart," Shen Junyu said tenderly.

Shen Qinglan smiled faintly, "Brother, I’m really not suffering. On the contrary, I feel very fortunate. To have a loving husband, adorable children, and a caring family—I already have much more than I ever did in the past. I’m very content."

These words, meant to comfort Shen Junyu, only made him feel more distressed, "Lanlan, you could afford to be a bit more selfish."

"Brother, being too greedy would displease God," Shen Qinglan spoke softly, closing her eyes. She was tired.

Shen Junyu turned his head and saw that Shen Qinglan had already fallen asleep. He smiled helplessly, just as Aunt Zhao came out. He asked her to grab a blanket to cover Shen Qinglan.

"Why not let Qinglan lie down?" suggested Aunt Zhao gently. Leaning against Shen Junyu like this wasn’t comfortable for him either.

Shen Junyu shook his head, "It’s fine, Aunt Zhao. You go on with your tasks."

Aunt Zhao nodded and then brought Shen Junyu a cup of water. Shen Junyu pulled out his phone and took a picture.

When Shen Qinglan woke up, Shen Junyu’s arm had completely numbed from the shoulder down; he had lost all feeling. She sat up and started massaging his arm, "Brother, are you silly?"

Shen Junyu smiled warmly, "Isn’t it just lending my shoulder for you to lean on? Why make a big deal out of it? More importantly, are you feeling better?"

"Yes, much better."

Still concerned, Shen Junyu used his other hand to feel Shen Qinglan’s forehead and finding the fever had subsided, finally felt relieved.

"You won’t forget your medicine tonight. I’ll take Anan home with me for a few days to look after him. Let’s wait for you to get better before bringing him back."

Shen Qinglan nodded, "Okay, Anan likes to kick off his blankets at night. Remember to cover him."

She didn’t bother being formal with Shen Junyu; he was her own brother, after all.

Anan being at home would just make him want to stay with her, and it would be troublesome if her cold spread to him.

"I know, Anan’s my dear nephew. You think I wouldn’t take care of him?"

In this regard, Shen Qinglan had no worries at all. Truth be told, even Hengyi wasn’t as good with Anan as Shen Junyu was. Although Shen Junyu didn’t often look after Anan, he was quite natural at it, and Anan adored his uncle.

"Coming home for dinner tonight?"

"No, I’ll just have Aunt Zhao make me some porridge later." Shen Qinglan shook her head, as she didn’t feel like eating anything.

"Alright, tonight I’ll have Grandpa Fu come over for dinner. You and Aunt Zhao can stay at home."

"Mm, brother, I’m thirsty. Can you get me a glass of water?"

Shen Junyu stood up to fetch Shen Qinglan water. His phone rang, and Shen Qinglan glanced at it—it was Duan Ling calling. Raising her eyebrows, just as Shen Junyu came back and saw the caller ID, he too seemed surprised. Just as he was about to answer, the call ended.

"Brother, are you familiar with Duan Ling?" Shen Qinglan asked.

Shen Junyu shook his head. "Not familiar. I only met him once at a meeting, through Cui Zeyu, and I haven’t seen him since." He had completely forgotten that he had seen Duan Ling heavily drunk at Charming Color last night.

"Brother, if you see this man again, keep your distance."

"Hmm? What happened? Did he offend you?" His tone was slightly cold.

"No, he didn’t. I just don’t like him, and I think Cousin would also not want us to get too close to him."

"What does this have to do with Yining?" Shen Junyu was confused; he didn’t know that Haohao was Duan Ling’s son.

"He is Haohao’s biological father." Shen Qinglan dropped a bombshell that dumbfounded Shen Junyu.

"What did you say? Who is he?"

"He is Haohao’s biological father."

"Isn’t he married?" Shen Junyu asked instinctively, then realizing the implication, his face darkened. "Did he deceive Yining?" Yining was his cousin, whom he had grown up with, and they were close; naturally, he would not allow outsiders to bully his family.

"To be precise, he abandoned Cousin and married someone else. Now that he knows Cousin has Haohao, he wants to reconcile with her."

Shen Junyu’s face was icy. "This shameless scoundrel, and I thought he was truly affectionate."

"Brother, now that Cousin is with Jiang Chenxi, this man is irrelevant to us. If he ever looks for you, just keep your distance," said Shen Qinglan, not wanting to meddle in the affairs between Pei Yining and Duan Ling. After all, it was their personal matter, best left for them to resolve, which was also what Yining wanted.

She informed Shen Junyu about the relationship between Haohao and Duan Ling to prevent Shen Junyu from unwittingly helping Duan Ling and getting embroiled in their grievances, which would really complicate matters.

"Alright, I understand." Shen Junyu picked up his phone and immediately blocked Duan Ling’s number.

Duan Ling made a call to Shen Junyu, which went unanswered, and then he couldn’t get through at all when he tried calling a second time.

"A Ling, why are you looking for Shen Junyu?" Cui Zeyu asked, as Duan Ling had been silent since waking up from his drunken stupor. He had just asked for his phone, and Cui had thought he was going to call Pei Yining, but unexpectedly, it was Shen Junyu.

"I want him to help me," Duan Ling spoke, his voice hoarse from the hangover.

"A Ling, not to burst your bubble, but Shen Junyu is Pei Yining’s cousin and a good brother of Jiang Chenxi. Do you think he would help you?" Cui Zeyu felt that Duan Ling’s hopes were naive.

"Zeyu, although I regret the things I said to Haohao, what I said was true. I am Haohao’s biological father, and he is my only child. My love for him is absolute. Can Jiang Chenxi do what I do? Can he truly love Haohao like his own child as he claims?"

Cui Zeyu fell silent; truth be told, if it were him, he couldn’t manage to love a child with whom he shared no blood relation as if they were his own, even if the child belonged to the woman he loved the most. From that perspective, Duan Ling’s thought wasn’t wrong.

"Zeyu, I know I made terrible mistakes in the past. I have realized my wrongdoing and want to make amends. I’ve thought a lot these past few days. I truly still love Yining, and I want to win her back. Could you help me, please?" Duan Ling pleaded.

Cui Zeyu’s expression was conflicted. "A Ling, let me think about it."