The Xu family’s matter had been brought up to legal proceedings, with Xu Yihong and his father being accused by Papa Xu for fraud.

  Nonetheless, Jing Yun did not act against Xu Yihong before he entered lock-up, and merely sent someone to monitor and prevent the father and son from fleeing.

  Surprisingly, however, Xu Yihong didn’t actually want to escape.

  Perhaps he had nowhere to run.

  Nonetheless, when Xu Yihong was brought in for interrogation, he refused to answer any of the questions to police put to him unless he was allowed to meet Jing Yun.

  “There’s no telling what he has in mind, asking for you.” Sheng Minglan was rather worried.

  “It’s the police station—he can’t do a thing. Don’t worry, I’ll be right back” Jing Yun assured her.

  Sheng Minglan nodded but reminded him, “Be careful.”


  Jing Yun had assumed that Xu Yihong was intent on struggling because he still had the chance to do so, not to mention that he might flee even if he couldn’t win in a struggle.

  So why would he allow himself to be taken in willingly?

  Jing Yun had his doubts until he saw Xu Yihong in the lock-up.

  He was hanging his head and his hands cuffed, and chuckled when he saw Jing Yun show up. “It’s good to see you.”


  “Tell me the reason why you’re trying so hard to meet me.” Jing Yun cut to the point, unwilling to waste time with Xu Yihong.

  “I really shouldn’t have grown a conscience back then to only abandon you.” Xu Yihong continued chucking, only to break down to tears in the next moment. “If I’ve just weeded you out back then, this day would never have happened.”


  “If the reason you wanted me here so to tell me this, I’m leaving…” Jing Yun turned around.

  “Yao Yao is pregnant with my child. If you could save my child, I’ll willingly reveal everything I have done over the years.” Xu Yihong called out from his back. “I may have used Yao Yao all this while, but it’s now that I’m down and out that I know that the silly woman is really willing to sacrifice herself for me.”


  “She would bear my child, so I need your help.”


  “Help you raise your child and let him exact terrible vengeance upon me?” Jing Yun turned around to face Xu Yihong.

  “Don’t let him know that he has a father like me. I’m willing to pay for your real brother’s death, because my own mother had abused him to death.”


  Jing Yun had a hunch about that.

  “I’ll help your child, but don’t you forget your promise.”


  “You’ll get what you want as long as the child is born. And… tell the inspectors to come inside.”


  Jing Yun said nothing else—in the end, he didn’t want Xu Yihong to die, but for him to wish he was dead.

  Still, Jing Yun did not expect Xu Yihong to still have a shred of humanity in him. He might not take Xu Yihong’s words in face value and would certainly investigate repeatedly to ensure the truth.

  He could ensure that Xu Yihong’s child was born, but would never afford the child any advantage in life.

  ***

  Time flies, and soon Old Sheng’s birthday was at hand.

  To ensure that Sheng Xiao wouldn’t spring any surprises, the old man even called him to confirm it just two days before as a reminder. “You hadn’t forgotten what we agreed upon, have you? Have you put your affairs in order?”


  “Of course not.” Sheng Xiao answered.

  “Very well. I’ll be waiting for you.”


  Sheng Xiao said nothing and hung up.

  As a matter of fact, he was at a golf course with Secretary Ho, having agreed to play with him today.

  In fact, Secretary He was laughing at him after watching him take that private call. “I heard the day after tomorrow is an important day for the Sheng family. Shouldn’t an heir like you go back?”


  “So you’ve heard about it too, Secretary He.” Sheng Xiao smiled lightly and stood beside Secretary He.”


  “Sheng Xiao, you basically had half a foot inside our business now, and had learnt to be discreet in many matters. Since you’re the chief of Zhong Teng, well… why would you care about becoming Huang Yao’s heir? Am I right about that?”


  “You truly have foresight, Secretary He.”


  “Young man, how could I not understand what you are working so hard for? It is only natural that you hold your own life in your own hands, only then would your life not be a waste… So, settle the matter with the Sheng family well and don’t let it get too ugly.”


  Sheng Xiao smiled nonchalantly.

  Meanwhile, just a day before Old Sheng’s birthday, Gu Ziling suddenly suggested to the old man, “Grandpa Sheng, why not bring the Crown Prince home tonight since he would show up tomorrow anyway? That way, I could get to know him well so that things wouldn’t be too awkward on your birthday celebration.”


  Old Sheng found that Gu Ziling was right.

  He was coming back anyway—a day later or a day earlier, what’s the difference?

  “Grandfather, you seem to have forgotten that you’ve locked up Eighth Brother’s room.” Sixth Brother reminded the old man with impeccable timing, because he really didn’t want to see Sheng Xiao return.

  “Sixth Brother, how could Grandfather not remember that?” Third Brother shot back. “He has already restored Eighth Brother’s room. You worry too much.”


  “Good… since the family revolves around Eighth Brother, won’t we all suffer with him if he’s not happy when he comes home?”


  Those words sounded bitter the moment they left Sixth Brother’s lips.

  As such, Old Sheng completely ignored him and turned to Second Brother, “Go to the Shen’s residence with Third Brother and bring your Eighth Brother home.”


  “I can go alone, Grandfather. Second Brother is busy with something.” Third Brother said.

  “Very well.”


  “I’ll come with you.” Gu Ziling quickly turned to Third Brother.

  “It’s better if you didn’t, Miss Gu. No one could ever tell with Eighth Brother’s temper—I can’t explain myself if he sees you and suddenly decides that he’s not coming back.” Third Brother said ironically, before immediately striding out of the Sheng’s living room.

  Third Brother did not like Gu Ziling—in both appearance and in wording.

  Moreover, the reason he would intercept the task was because he was well aware that his Eighth Brother would not follow the old man’s wishes. Would Sheng Xiao listen to you just because you brought along a convoy of luxury cars?

  The servants of the Shen family quickly noticed Third Brother’s convoy outside and informed Huang Yu, who in turn went to Mu Qiqi’s room. “Sheng Xiao isn’t home yet?”


  “He’s golfing with Secretary He and is on the way home. What is it, Second Aunt?”


  “The Sheng family has sent people here to bring him home. There’s even a convoy outside—see for yourself and deal with it accordingly.” Huang Yi clapped Mu Qiqi on the shoulder, since tomorrow is an important day for the Sheng family.

  Even now, Sheng Xiao hadn’t told anyone about any of his plans.