Inside the Song family mansion…

Qiao Wangbei had a carving knife in his hand. The knife spun at the tip of his fingers and could create many different patterns. The light shone on the blade, and occasionally, a dazzling cold light shot out.

Yan Wangchuan had lived with the Qiao family for a few years and was very familiar with these carving tools. He knew that he wouldn’t hurt him either.

His expression was cold, as indifferent as the cold wind.

There was no fear at all.

Actually, they had not been on good terms since they met.

Logically speaking, Yan Wangchuan had started his apprenticeship late and entered the lineage later, so Qiao Wangbei should have called him senior brother. But his father insisted that Yan Wangchuan had called him master since he was young and that he was two years older than him, so he made Qiao Wangbei call Yan Wangchuan senior brother.

The Qiao and Yan families were old friends, their ages were about the same, they were both the only sons in their families, and their backgrounds were similar, so they would naturally compete secretly.

However, Yan Wangchuan only learned how to recognize jade and not how to carve, so they couldn’t compete.

Qiao Wangbei was very arrogant and had provoked him many times. But Yan Wangchuan ignored him. It was like having a punch land on cotton, unable to stir up the slightest bit of storm.

When he was thirteen or fourteen years old, they had a fight. He couldn’t remember the exact reason anymore.

He thought that Yan Wangchuan was scrawny and would definitely be easy to bully, but in the end, he was the one pressed to the ground.

Later on, he found out that Yan Wangchuan was diligent in exercising. Although he looked thin and weak, he was good at fighting.

From then on, Qiao Wangbei didn’t dare to provoke him anymore.

He was usually quiet and low-profile. That time, he was almost beaten to death. When Qiao Aiyun saw him beat up so badly, she was so frightened that she cried for half a night. His father even laughed and scolded that he deserved it.

Qiao Wangbei was the only son and had a few senior brothers above him. He was the youngest and was extremely talented in carving, so he was proud and arrogant. He had never been done in like this before. Since then, he was always slightly afraid of him.

Afterward, when they got closer, Qiao Wangbei asked him why he had hit him so hard that time.

Yan Wangchuan’s words almost killed him with annoyance. “Since I entered the lineage, you have provoked me forty-five times.”

He almost fainted from anger. He f*cking remembered everything.

Too scary.

“Mom said that you’re younger than me, and I live in your house too, so I must be more polite to you.”

“Then why did you still hit me? And so fiercely at that?”

“If I didn’t hit you, I would have had to keep enduring it. But since I made a move, I beat you until you are completely afraid of me.”

When Qiao Wangbei heard this, he felt a chill run down his spine. A teenager said that he would beat me up until I was scared of him? Is he a devil?

Ever since then, there was always a shadow in his heart.

…

The two of them were sitting in the living room, staring at each other in silence.

They just looked at each other like this without saying a word, as if they were competing secretly, neither of them willing to give in first.

In the end, Qiao Wangbei couldn’t hold it in anymore. He felt a little annoyed. He knew that the person in front of him was the best at holding back. Why did he have to fight with this taciturn guy? He had been confused from being angered by that bastard.

“Senior Brother, this time, I have to thank you for appearing in time and helping Aiyun.”

Diplomacy before violence. He still had to thank him when he should.

“I didn’t even know such a big thing happened. I came too late.

“Luckily, you appeared. Otherwise, who knows how arrogant that bastard Song Jingren might have been.”

…

Qiao Wangbei talked for a long time, but Yan Wangchuan didn’t utter a word at all. After a long time, he finally spoke.

“It’s not because of you. You don’t have to thank me.” Yan Wangchuan leaned against the sofa. When he spoke, he almost angered Qiao Wangbei to death.

Qiao Wangbei laughed in spite of this. He had never seen someone so arrogant. “Senior Brother, you want to woo my sister. Shouldn’t you be more polite to me?”

Yan Wangchuan raised his eyebrows. “Do you need me to serve you tea?”

Qiao Wangbei was stunned.

He really didn’t dare.

The Qiao family placed great importance on the succession of teachings from master to disciples and status. Since he addressed him as senior brother, he had to respect him.

“That’s not what I meant.”

“I was very polite to you in the past. But in the end, the result wasn’t very satisfactory.” Yan Wangchuan was naturally referring to the years when he studied at the Qiao family residence.

He meant that no matter how good he was to him, he couldn’t woo Qiao Aiyun in the end.

In summary, it was: There was no use trying to please him.

Qiao Wangbei was rendered speechless.

After a few minutes, he cleared his throat and said, “Senior Brother, I really didn’t expect you to appear this time…”

“I’ve been here several times. You just didn’t know.”

Qiao Wangbei was stunned.

“It’s been such a long time since the incident happened, yet you, as an elder brother, were unaware of it. You are truly incompetent.

“Even if you’re fascinated with carving, you still have to pay attention to your family, especially your loved ones. I saw that Xiyan was very afraid of you just now. You should treat your son better.”

Qiao Wangbei was flabbergasted. You aren’t married and have no son. How can you teach me how to be a good father?

I should be the one questioning him. What’s going on with this current situation?

“Let’s talk about Aiyun instead. Senior Brother, do you still really like her?” Qiao Wangbei still needed to confirm it.

Yan Wangchuan couldn’t bring himself to say things like being fond of someone or loving someone. He just kept staring at him…

… like he was looking at an idiot…

… asking the obvious.

Qiao Wangbei took a deep breath. “But in this current situation, a scumbag like Song Jingren might continue causing more trouble. It might also take some time for the divorce…”

“I’ll wait.” I’ve waited for more than twenty years. I don’t care about this little bit of time.

“I plan to stay in Yuncheng for a while until they get divorced. It will be inconvenient for you to appear personally after all. You should also take a step back when the situation calls for it…” Qiao Wangbei adjusted his tone and kept telling himself that Yan Wangchuan had a bad temper and he shouldn’t lower himself to his level.

Yan Wangchuan asked, “Where is it inconvenient?”

“You’re asking where it’s inconvenient?” Qiao Wangbei was so angry that he didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.

During the divorce, things were already very sensitive. If the two of them hadn’t gotten too close, the photo incident wouldn’t have happened, causing Qiao Aiyun to be scolded so badly online.

Does he really have no idea himself? And he still has the cheek to ask me where it’s inconvenient?

He rolled up his sleeves. Patience. Don’t stoop to his level.

“We are innocent,” Yan Wangchuan explained.

Qiao Wangbei smiled and explained, “I know. But at this time, you still need to avoid arousing suspicion. This is also taking into account the impact on you.”

“I don’t care.” If Yan Wangchuan cared about what others thought of him, he would have gotten married and had a child long ago. For so many years, many people had gossiped that he was impotent behind his back. Whenever he went to the hospital, everyone thought that he had kidney deficiency. In reality, it was just a routine checkup.

“Even if you don’t care, you still have to consider the impact on Aiyun, right? Do you want this kind of problem to happen again?” Qiao Wangbei was so angry that he slammed the table with his palm.

When it concerned Qiao Aiyun, Yan Wangchuan put on a solemn expression on his face. He nodded. “Then I’ll listen to you. I won’t appear.”

The corners of Qiao Wangbei’s mouth twitched. If you were my son, I would have beaten you up long ago.

You truly deserve a beating.

Yan Wangchuan didn’t care what he thought. “Tell me what you think.”

“The lawyer mentioned it just now. I plan to collect evidence first and strive to get him to leave this marriage without a single possession. He wants to take the money to raise that illegitimate daughter? No way.”

“Leaving someone with nothing, there’s no legal basis for that.” Yan Wangchuan had always been calm and objective.

“You don’t have to worry about this. I already have a solution. In the past, I thought that no matter what, he was Wanwan’s biological father, so it wasn’t good for me to mess with him. I only found out after watching the live broadcast earlier that he actually dared to hit her. Even a vicious tiger won’t hurt its own children. Is he still human?”

“Don’t you always smack Xiyan around?”

“My education is love. You don’t have children, so you don’t understand.” Qiao Wangbei waved his hand.

Yan Wangchuan’s brows creased. “I will treat Wanwan well in the future.”

Qiao Wangbei choked. Who asked you about this?

…

Qiao Aiyun was tidying up her room when she heard from Qiao Xiyan that the two of them were downstairs. She was afraid that something would happen and hurriedly ran downstairs.

The two of them were staring at each other. Who knew what they were competing over?

“The rooms are almost ready. Big Brother, yours is the one you stayed in before.”

“Okay.” Qiao Wangbei stood up. “Senior Brother, do you want to stay here tonight?”

He was partial toward Yan Wangchuan. He didn’t like Song Jingren to begin with and normally didn’t interact with him, let alone have any feelings for him.

He was well aware of how devoted Yan Wangchuan was to Qiao Aiyun. Naturally, he wanted to create an opportunity for them.

Unexpectedly, Yan Wangchuan directly said, “No need. I’m staying in a hotel. I’ve already booked a room.”

Qiao Wangbei coughed twice. “Then, Aiyun, see him off.”

“No need. It’s cold outside.”

Qiao Wangbei was stunned. Is this how you woo people?

Absolutely amazing.

Qiao Aiyun couldn’t hold back her smile when she saw her brother’s angry gaze.

“Senior Brother, let me send you out.” Qiao Wangbei pulled him out…

Just as the two of them walked out of the door, Qiao Aiyun heard their conversation.

“Can’t you see I’m creating an opportunity for you?”

“You just told me to keep my distance.”

“I…” Then she heard Qiao Wangbei scolding exasperatedly, “Yan Wangchuan, are you f*cking stupid! ”

Qiao Aiyun burst into laughter.

Why didn’t I realize before that Yan Wangchuan has such a cute side?

He is the first person to make Big Brother so angry.

***

Yuncheng, Fu family residence…

Fu Yuxiu anxiously poured a glass of tea for Fu Chen. He had something on his mind and felt guilty. He was still young and couldn’t hide anything. Fu Chen had seen through him at a glance.

He didn’t even notice the temperature of the tea and almost scalded his own hand.

Actually, Fu Chen hadn’t planned on coming here.

He originally intended to stay in a hotel, but Qiao Wangbei chasing those two people out of the house was not within his expectations.

His original plan was for Qiao Wangbei to be able to make it in time for the press conference. With Yan Wangchuan, there would be a clash of the century. If they could crush Song Jingren to death immediately, it would naturally be even more fun. Unfortunately, there were always some flaws in human calculations.

Furthermore, at this press conference, he just found out that Song Jingren actually hit his Wanwan?

Alas…

He’s probably tired of living.

Since Jiang Fengya was chased out, she would definitely seek help. The only person he could think of was Fu Yuxiu.

Naturally, he had to completely block off this escape route.

“Third Uncle, have some tea.” Fu Yuxiu passed him a cup of tea. His fingers were entirely red from being scalded.

“Mm,” Fu Chen replied indifferently, putting on an air of superiority.

Fu Yuxiu put down the teacup and glanced at the clock on the wall anxiously.

“Third Uncle, why did you come so late? Why didn’t you say anything in advance?” He smiled obsequiously. Coming in the middle of the night is too freaking scary.

“I felt like it.”

Fu Yuxiu smiled awkwardly. Whatever you say.

When Jiang Fengya called him, she had cried so hard that she was out of breath. Since she said that she only wore her pajamas out on such a cold day, how her body was numb from the cold, that Song Jingren was also in the hospital, and that she was very afraid, he truly couldn’t sit still.

Sitting on the sofa, Fu Chen was playing with his phone with his head lowered. He looked relaxed and ignored him.

“Third Uncle, when did you change your phone?” Fu Yuxiu tried chatting with him.

Fu Chen glanced at him. “Can’t I change my phone?”

“No, I just find it a little strange. Haven’t you always been unwilling to change to a smartphone?”

And what generation Apple is this? It doesn’t seem like the latest model either. He really couldn’t figure him out.

Fu Chen raised his eyebrows. “Do I have an obligation to tell you?”

The corners of Fu Yuxiu’s mouth twitched as he shook his head with a smile. How would he know that Fu Chen was currently fighting with Song Fengwan using emojis?

The corners of his mouth curled up into a slight smile. Little girl, you sure have a lot of emojis.

He had to find Duan Linbai and get some more emojis. There weren’t enough to send anymore.

Fu Yuxiu noticed that he seemed to be in a good mood, so he said timidly, “Third Uncle, I still feel a little hungry. I want to go out for a late night snack. Do you want to eat anything? I’ll bring some for you. There’s a pretty good mutton soup shop. It’s good to drink some in the winter.”

“Shi Fang said he’s hungry just now. You can bring him out.”

Shi Fang immediately grinned at him. “Young Master Yuxiu, I can be in charge of driving. Where do you want to go?”

Fu Yuxiu opened his mouth noiselessly. “Why don’t I go and buy it? What do you want to eat, Big Brother Shi Fang?”

“How can I let you go out and buy for me? Why don’t you tell me what you want to eat? I’ll go buy it.” Shi Fang’s smile was unusually gentle.

This immature and inexperienced brat is actually playing mind games with Third Master?

Third Master wants Song Jingren and Jiang Fengya to freeze to death on the streets tonight, so I’ll never let you go out alone tonight.

“I…” Fu Yuxiu had no proper reason to leave the house alone. He was slightly anxious, but he had no choice.

The two of them were in a deadlock in the living room. Around 11 p.m., Sun Qionghua returned. She seemed to be in a good mood, perhaps because she had won a few rounds.

“Third Brother, why are you here? Yuxiu, why didn’t you call me?” Sun Qionghua feigned anger.

“I forgot.” Fu Yuxiu was focused on thinking about how to escape, so how could he have had the mind to think about informing Sun Qionghua.

“Second Sister-in-law, I came too suddenly. Sorry for disturbing you.”

“We’re a family. Why are you being so polite with me?”

“On the way here, I heard that something happened to the Song family. Song Jingren was chased out of the house by the Qiao family,” Fu Chen said gently.

“When I was playing mahjong, I heard a bit of it. Song Jingren was chased out? I really didn’t know.” Sun Qionghua displayed slight surprise. She was very astute. Song Jingren had been chased out, not to mention Jiang Fengya.

She already had a plan.

“Father is siding with the Qiao family. Yuxiu, don’t do anything foolish,” Fu Chen said nonchalantly.

“How is that possible? Yuxiu and her have already broken up long ago.” Sun Qionghua smiled faintly.

“That’s good. When I saw you going out just now, I thought you wanted to go and help. If Father gets angry again, he might not just be hospitalized this time.” Fu Chen smiled in an extremely peaceful manner. “Second Sister-in-law, I’ll go to my room first then.”

“Sure.” Sun Qionghua smiled. But in the blink of an eye, she sized Fu Yuxiu up with a sharp gaze.

Although Fu Chen didn’t say it explicitly, she knew very well what he meant. Sun Qionghua used to think that Fu Chen was too indifferent, but she didn’t expect him to remind her this time.

He didn’t seem that cold and heartless. After all, Fu Yuxiu was his nephew. As his uncle, he still cared about him.

Sun Qionghua smiled, thinking that Fu Chen was a good person.

However, Fu Yuxiu almost vomited blood.

After the filiation banquet, his mother had monitored him from all directions. It was difficult for him to even call Jiang Fengya, let alone meet her. Recently, she had finally become more lenient with him. But now that his third uncle said this…

His mother would definitely reinforce her control over him more.

What hatred and enmity does Third Uncle have against me for him to set me up like this?

He’s toying with me to death.

Shi Fang chuckled secretly to himself while looking at Fu Yuxiu’s half-dead appearance.

He’s still too young.

Third Master can easily crush him.

Still, it’s better to borrow the hands of others after all. It was just a few words and didn’t take much to blow the matter up.

***

Fu Chen went to his room and immediately called Song Fengwan.

Song Fengwan just finished taking a shower after their emoji fight. The mansion had floor heating, so it was naturally more comfortable than turning on the air conditioning. She was currently holding a hairdryer and blowing her hair in front of the mirror. When she saw the caller ID, the corners of her lips curled up…

She ran outside and locked the door before answering the call. “Hello, Third Brother…”

Hearing her call him this, Fu Chen felt as if his heart had been ironed by something, feeling comfortable all over. “Mm, you’re not asleep yet?”

“I cleaned up the rooms a little and just showered.”

“Do you have anything to do these days?”

“I don’t think so.” She had just finished her exam, and something had happened at home. Qiao Aiyun told her to rest at home these days and not go to school to wait for the wind to blow over. The media reporters would definitely be waiting everywhere recently.

“Give me two days of your time.”

“I need to talk to my mom about this…”

“Okay, I want to spend New Year’s with you.”

Song Fengwan had been so busy with her exam that she had gotten confused. Only then did she realize that it was already the end of December.

“It’s a new year. I want to spend the first day with you.” Fu Chen paid great attention to the sense of ritual when he did things. He felt that getting a good start with her at the beginning of the new year was more important than anything else.

Naturally, New Year was not as important as Lunar New Year, but it was still considered an important day.

Song Fengwan’s heart was pounding as she answered in a muffled voice. Since it was for New Year’s, they would have to wait until midnight.

Before she even agreed to Fu Chen’s request, she had already started thinking about how she was going to discuss this with her mother to allow her not to return home at midnight.