When members of the Sheng family heard that Sixth Brother had found Seventh Sister and that she was at the hospital, all of them went to visit her in their free time.

  At first, Grandpa Sheng had arranged for having the whole family put on an act, coming together to take apart Mu Qiqi.

  Nonetheless, all of them were infuriated by what had befallen Seventh Sister.

  The Sheng family’s very own young mistress was tormented to the point that she was neither alive nor dead, defiled by men as they would in seedy motels and now ravaged by heavy illness.

  Acting was unnecessary—Third Uncle and Aunt of the Sheng family directly knelt before the old man, begging that he avenge their daughter.

  Usually, the couple never had the authority to control their children, but this time and thanks to Sixth Brother’s hint, the old man would definitely act in Seventh Sister’s stead.

  The woman who now sat on the sickbed was skinny, wasting away and incoherent. No one could have imagined her torment, and the very thought deepened everyone’s hatred against Mu Qiqi.

  “Father… This is what’s left of Seventh Sister… you have to act on our behalf.”


  The old man kept his hands clasped behind his back, feeling the same agony inside.

  “This matter concerns the relationship between our family and the Shen family. I have to do this carefully, and talk to Old Shen when Seventh Sister recovers.”


  There would be no turning back if the Shen family was informed on the matter.

  “Father, you mustn’t be fooled by Eighth Brother this time!”


  That being said, it was not like the old man would miss such a perfect opportunity.

  However, he was so preoccupied with pinning the blame on Mu Qiqi that he never think back to who it was who chased Seventh Sister out of his house—was it really Mu Qiqi?

  Since it already happened, all he had to do was blame others. Every fault belonged to everyone else.

  And that was the old man’s usual style of doing things.

  ***

  Mama Sheng naturally told Sheng Xiao about Seventh Sister, but she did not expect that the old man would use her as an excuse to cut ties with Mu Qiqi.

  Nonetheless, Sheng Xiao was different—having known the old man’s recent movements, he knew that Seventh Sister was the old man’s best excuse to a showdown against the Shen family, since Seventh Sister was truly hurt.

  “Mom… I’m afraid things would get busy in the family.”


  “What do you mean?”


  “Grandfather has his eye on the Gu family’s young daughter, and intend to replace Qi’er with her. And once news about Seventh Sister is leaked, do you think he would miss such a perfect chance to make a big fuss?”


  Mama Sheng felt an inward chill after hearing out his analysis. “No wonder your Third Uncle and Aunt were so agitatedly debating with the old man after they came home. Do you have a solution?”


  “Let the old man do what he wants.” Sheng Xiao replied. “If he wants to talk to Grandpa Shen and throw a fuss, let him. Why fight back when he wouldn’t care what I think?”


  “But are you going to just let him separate you and Xiao Qi?”


  “Whether he would acknowledge us, Qi’er is already my wife in my heart.” Sheng Xiao declared solemnly. “But if he really resorts to that, the price he would be pay would be rather costly.”


  “Does that mean you would…”


  “I won’t give up on Huang Yao as long as he doesn’t do anything to Qi’er. But if he oversteps boundaries, that’s all I could do… Sorry.” Sheng Xiao had already resolved himself. “What’s your decision, Mom?”


  “Your father and I have been married for years. He’s not much of a man more often than not and can’t protect his family, but I’m not going to leave him just like that. If you would really announce your departure from Huang Yao, I will go overseas to him.” Mama Sheng replied.

  Gripping his phone, Sheng Xiao’s tone softened. “I’m sorry, Mom…”


  “There’s nothing to be sorry about. I know your temper—cornered like this, you would fight back even without Qiqi.”


  “And you have given me a path, even though I chose something else.”


  “Whatever happens, think of your work with the Shen family. Leave the Sheng family to their own devices as much as you could.”


  “Thank you, Mom.”


  “Xiao Qi still doesn’t know anything. You have to make things clear for her so that she won’t misunderstand.”


  Sheng Xiao knew that very well.

  Now that things were getting tight, he absolutely must set his precautions in place.

  Hence, after hanging up, Sheng Xiao turned to Mu Qiqi who was writing a post-mortem report. “Pack your things. We’re going to the Shen family’s home.”


  “At this hour? What happened?” Mu Qiqi put down her laptop and stood up, watching as Sheng Xiao changed his clothes.

  “You would know soon.”


  ***

  It was late at night and in the winter.

  When Huang Yu found Sheng Xiao and Mu Qiqi coming, she immediately wrapped mufflers over them. “You must be freezing, coming so late. Anyway, your father and grandfather are waiting in the study—go on.”


  “Thanks, Second Aunt.” Mu Qiqi clenched on her muffler and followed Sheng Xiao.

  She could tell that something was out of place with the air between them.

  Meanwhile, since they had already given a call, both Shen Jianchuan and Grandpa Shen were waiting for them at the study.

  Once the men saw them show up, Grandpa Shen asked, “What is so urgent that we have to meet tonight?”


  Mu Qiqi was actually very curious as well, and when she saw the shared look between Sheng Xiao and Shen Jianchuan, she knew that there were many things being kept from them.

  “Seventh Sister was found—things didn’t end well for her. That is why the Sheng family is pinning the blame on Qi’er, and Grandpa Sheng is intent on blowing the matter out of proportion.” Sheng Xiao explained to the other three.

  “That’s a matter for the Sheng family. Why come to me?” Grandpa Shen snorted—after all, how could he be pleased when Sheng Xiao failed to put the Sheng family in their place?

  “If there are no surprises, the old man would come to you tomorrow, and use Seventh Sister and excuse to annul the engagement between me and Qi’er.”


  “What…”


  Grandpa Shen was promptly angered. “Does he think the Shen family is so easily bullied?”


  “Don’t get angry so soon, Grandpa. If the old man comes to you for a showdown tomorrow, you just have to throw aside all consideration for him.”


  “But that your engagement with Xiao Qi would be ruined…” The old man told Sheng Xiao while pointing a finger at Mu Qiqi.

  In turn, Sheng Xiao and Shen Jianchuan shared a look and grinned, with the latter speaking out, “Father. Has your grandson-in-law been one to take things lying down? Since the Sheng family wouldn’t accept Qiqi, you just have to show your benevolence and accept your grandson-in-law into your family.”


  Grandpa Shen was immediately astonished, and looked at Sheng Xiao with disbelief.

  “You… you would marry into our family?”


  Sheng Xiao grinned. “I will be with Qi’er anyway. I marry her, she marries me—what’s the difference?”


  “That’s not all,” Shen Jianchuan continued. “You are aware that I’ve founded Zhongteng Arms Company, right? Guess who is my partner…”


  The old man did a double take at that, before coming to a realization and pointed at Sheng Xiao. “You brat!”